The golden petals of many sun kissed flowers coat the stone pathways stretching for miles towards the Kingdom of Glengarrow. Many watchtowers and warrior lodgings posted along the way and throughout the outer town bustle with activity, today is the day that King Theo 'The Vulture' Helmson and his wife welcome their child to the world. The much sought after land that inhabits and grounds this very kingdom has gone through decades of war with various kingdoms. It's only the past few years that peace had been established and the area was allowed to rebuild under the iron fist of King Theo's rule and the brutal tactics that brought his dynasty victory over the other houses.
Many vines dance and are spread across the protective walls surrounding the kingdom and it's bustling town. Inside the white, stony castle walls, the Queen pushes intensely and screams out in frustration. Stains of her own blood soak the royal bedsheets as the Kingdom's best doctors and scholars work away at ensuring the soon to be newborn's safe delivery.
"Gods be praised! My lord, your babe begins to crown!" One of the gathered helpers tells King Theo.
Urgently the king gets up from his seat, intently watching as you very slowly make your first appearance outside your mothers womb. Your father's long, black hair is slick with sweat, his brow is furrowed, the stress of this hours long delivery keeping him on the edge of his toes.
Slowly and safely as possible, the medical practitioners very cautiously handle your naked body as the final preparations are made in the background of the torchlit room for your birth.
With a high pitched scream you announce your newly borned presence to this world. King Theo, your father is the first one to hold your body, now wrapped in the soothing and comfortable silk garments provided by the esteemed academics who helped delivered you. Your father passes you to your mother, Queen Ilyana Helmson.
"Theo, my love... the babes eyes are as light and blue as our crest." She says, a smile cracking across her face and resting you on top of her bosom as she lays back.
"My lord, congratulations on the birth of your son," the doctor says, drawing a fist and holding it to their own chest. "As is the custom of these lands, and just as your father had done for you. It's time to name the boy." He finishes.
King Theo grasps and rubs at his own chiseled jawline in thought..
>What is your name?
>>6259469 (OP)>John "His name is John.." King Theo says.
The scholars all nod their heads collectively before they're dismissed from the room. You're tiny body is passed back from your mother to your dad, he holds you in a firm, secure grip.
"I don't envy you, boy. Sitting on the throne here is more of a target than the luxury common folk make it out to be." Your father tells you.
Your mother scoffs at the dark comment, "Theo please.. he is not even a day old and yet you already begin your dark rumblings." She says.
The king gives his head a shake, his dark hair waving and cooling some of the sweat slicked across his face.
>EIGHT YEARS LATERThe kingdom has remained relatively stable much to the surprise of the peasantry. Lasting peace between the many houses and Glengarrow had not yet been existent up to now, as you began getting older your responsibilities and lessons grew tenfold. Barely having any time to truly experience a traditional childhood, your father requested you be trained, learned, and ready by the time you become a man.
Ser Harrowbell, a renowned knight in your fathers army was tasked with fashioning and developing your combat abilities. Your first meeting with the man was a stiff one, though over some time the knight became less rigid with you. His short brown hair, and eyes as green as the grass would scan you harshly the moment you picked up a weapon and started swinging. His hand in teaching you the many different styles of dueling, and warfare was tough, but he never overworked or abused you.
When the eighth rotation of your life occurred, you very quickly began developing an understanding towards all of Ser Harrowbell's lessons. Much to his own approval, the king had given the OK for him to grant you a personal weapon crafted by the castle smithy himself. When you opened the coverings of the gift, you see your favored weapon during all your training..
>A short sword and a shield marked with your family's crest>A daggered with a jagged styled blade, and a pouch filled with various tools and equipment>A yellowish tome filled with magical inscriptions and spells>A bastard sword, the sheathe is colored and designed with your family's crest
>>6259837>A short sword and a shield marked with your family's crestA real man's weapon. Not a pansy wizard, a gaudy bastard sword, or a coward's daggers.
A strong shield and a reliable sword are what's needed for a lord.
>>6259837>A bastard sword, the sheathe is colored and designed with your family's cresttwo handed swords are best everyone knows this
>>6259837>A short sword and a shield marked with your family's crestSword and board
>>6259837>>A short sword and a shield marked with your family's crest
Will be updating later tonight.
>>6259837>A daggered with a jagged styled blade, and a pouch filled with various tools and equipment
>>6259837>A short sword and a shield marked with your family's crest
>A short sword and a shield marked with your family's crest
>PART 1/2
The telltale sign your face makes when you open the gift is all Ser Harrowbell needs to see. The sword is a masterwork, the blade straight as an arrow and sharpened expertly enough to rival the foreign swords from the Eastern lands. The shield is made from the finest wood and craftsmen this realm has to offer, it's durability coupled with the relatively lightweight a sure sign of the expert hands behind this piece.
"Well lad, have I done well then?" Harrowbell asks, his highland accent shining through.
You simply nod in response and give him a hug, much to his surprise, Harrowbell simply chuckles and pats you on the head.
"It be a gift o' prince to be but ya gotta be careful with that now you hear?" He tells you.
"I understand, ser.." you tell him.
Your father interrupts the ceremony explaining that there's more festivities to be had. Your mother shortly after makes an appearance with one of your friends, Prince Berothel. The young, tanned boy flashes a smile so bright it rivals the shine pouring in from the windows of the castle.
"Prince John!" He exclaims.
You both run into each other and collide into a friendly hug, the force of you two body slamming into each other looking like some sort of magnetic spell was conjured on you both.
Young Prince Berothel is in much a way like a brother, you were both born on the same day and it's because of the aid of his father, King Vitali Nivancii, that your own father managed to finally stop the very long war that previously plagued these lands. Often the young prince would come with his own knight training him, a rather mysterious and dark figured man. You both would and for the years to come as well occasionally spar with one another. Prince Berothel's tactics have always been strange to you, his knight seemingly trying to train him to fight like a thief with his daggers and tools than that of a proud knight.
Your own father calms down the rapturous commotion caused by the both of you, there's a celebration to be had in the grand hall, many more houses have come to celebrate your birthday. At this point from training with your fathers personal steward, you're wise enough to the fact this is some attempt by the other royal dynasties to patch together the mends of the war that had gone on between everybody.
Some time passes in the privacy of your smaller company before you all make way to the grand hall. When you arrive, much of the royal houses members stand in unison and applaud your appearance. A rather short, funny looking man with a high pitched voice announces your arrival, his clothes a sign of him being a hired jester.
"Ladies and gentlemen, your prince.. John Helmson!" The midget jester announces.
You take your seat next to your parents, Ser Harrowbell, and young Prince Berothel. It seems there's a rather gloomy atmosphere around the end of the incredibly long dining table, the crest of House Yerivel dawns the chairs the family sits on. Everyone over there looks pale as a ghost, the entire lineage (for what is left of it) sits gray and idle despite the excitement accumulating at the table around them.
Your father notices your staring at them, the young daughter and sole heiress to their throne looks down at her plate, a black eye adorned on her face as her father sternly watches her.
"Pay no mind to them boy. The war was not kind to them, a payment their line had well spilt in blood. Even our once enemies are welcome for a second chance at this table." Your father tells you.
The young princess looks over at you, her piercing violet eyes seem to analyze your very being, that is until she catches your father looking at her as well and begins to glare a hole through your body.
Prince Berothel notices this and lightly jabs your shoulder, "princesses are so entitled, you lost.. like, get over it right?" He chuckles as he tells you.
>Father, what exactly happened to their family during the war?
>Laugh at Berothel's cruel joke
>Straighten Berothel out, that's no way to address a royal house.
>Other (write in)
>>6260283>Straighten Berothel out, that's no way to address a royal house.
>>6260283>Father, what exactly happened to their family during the war?
>>6260283>Laugh at Berothel's cruel jokeBe grateful brat.
>>6260283>Father, what exactly happened to their family during the war?
>What exactly happened to their family?
You ignore Berothel for now, instead wondering just how was the war unkind to them specifically.
"What happened to them in the war?" You ask your father.
He sits there for a while in silence, unable to tell if he's trying to ignore you, or if he's thinking of how to respond.
"Many generations of their family fought in that war, my son." Your father starts. "They fought the hardest out of any of the houses in that war and they still lost. Their eldest boy and original heir to the throne was cut down by my own hand, it is now the girl's turn to inherit instead. They may sit at that table, and they may even start becoming more friendly.. but that boy was going to be a tyrant, and I'd kill him all over again." Your father spits on the floor after mentioning him.
You get the feeling there's much more history to it then that, but for now that pretty much explains why things feel so intense.
Your father puts his hand on your back and leans in closer, "you're coming of age aren't you, my son? What do you think of Queen's running a kingdom?" He asks you.
>The only things a women should be righted to are siring children and being silent.
>It depends on who they are as a person and how they run things.
>It's a disgusting mindset to think a woman cannot be just as capable as a man.
>>6260795>It depends on who they are as a person and how they run things
>>6260795>It depends on who they are as a person and how they run things.We’re male feminists. We don’t even force ourselves onto a lady.
>>6260795>It depends on who they are as a person and how they run things.
>It depend on them as a person
You can see your mom's growing interest in the conversation. She eyes you as if anticipating your answer, your father only sternly looks at you.
"It depend on what they're like.. I guess, queens running a kingdom isn't anything uncommon right father?" You reply back.
He only nods at your answer, and claps his hand on your back repeatedly.
Your mother looks at you with a warm smile, "that's a good answer, my child." She says to you.
>GAINED A MILESTONE TRAIT: Progressive Diplomat
>Gain a +1 to any charisma roll. If it's with a female gain a +2 bonus.
The party continues on, Barothel and yourself exchange jokes and boast about yourselves to one another, a juvenile attempt at measuring prowess in all areas. Things are peaceful, though the tension quickly develops once more as the new heir to House Yerivel makes her way to your part of the table. Your fathers jaw stiffens at her bold appearance, he gives you a cautious eye.
Up close.. the princess is quite fair looking. Her long black hair looking like a unstyled shadow taking over across her pale skin. She stops when she's looking right at you, taking a slight bow with her knees she pulls up a chair awkward facing you as she sits.
"Thank you for inviting us to your home, my liege," she says quickly glancing over at your dad.
"Despite our past, House Yerivel.. your family are still welcome here," your dad replies.
He turns his attention quickly aware from the girl, she rolls her eyes and squints at you her intense violet gaze conjuring a purple fire to burn right through you it would seem.
"Kayessa Yerivel.." she says quietly.
>Be friendly and introduce yourself
>Tell her to go away
>>6260879>Be friendly and introduce yoursel
>>6260879>Be friendly and introduce yourself
>>6260879>Be friendly and introduce yourself
>>6260879>>Be friendly and introduce yourself
>>6260879>Be friendly and introduce yourselfPlay it cool.
I'll write the update later tonight.
>>6260879>Be friendly and introduce yourself"It's nice to meet you, Kayessa," you say with a smile.
Kayessa simply smiles, this time it's a genuine one. She begins talking about grown up things for some reason almost immediately, things like matters of the court, how your studies are going, there must be a lot of strain on her to develop her skills and understanding.
The entire conversation is weirdly diplomatic, the urge to walk on eggshells with what you say around this girl constantly takes you over. It only serves to feed your curiosity about the previous war between all the major houses Glengarrow.
One of the guests your unfamiliar with comes up to directly speak with your parents, they're momentarily pulled away for more drink and conversation with the man.
"You know, I expected The Vulture's son to be a little more.. savage," Kayessa says to you.
Berothel seems like he's about to speak up on your behalf before you raise your hand and reject his action dismissively.
"What would cause you to think that of me?" You ask her in response.
She pulls back her long, black hair and reveals a better look at her darkened eye. "Your father murdered my brother, and in turn he forced me into a position I had no wish to be in." She stops & stares at you with a serious expression locked on her face. "My family will never forgive your dad, even if my brother had an authoritative hand, he did not deserve the cold death that was brought to him.. your dad is a monster," she finishes.
>War is cruel to everyone, all the houses at this celebration lost loved ones during the previous one.. not just yours. Requires a 1d20+2
DC 18
>I would never wish harm on any of your family. I'm sorry for the way your house has suffered from it.House Yerivel relations improve by 1
Kayessa Yerivel relationship improves by 2
>Your brother sounds like he was a monster and I'm happy he's gone.Requires a 1d20
DC 18
>>6261710>War is cruel to everyone, all the houses at this celebration lost loved ones during the previous one.. not just yours. I'm fine with risking the warm start to our relationship in order to stand up to her. Maybe our dad was cruel, maybe her brother wasn't a monster, but she could show some empathy and realise she isn't the only one that was hurt. If it doesn't work out, then we can be rivals.
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6261710>>War is cruel to everyone, all the houses at this celebration lost loved ones during the previous one.. not just yours.
>>6261710>>I would never wish harm on any of your family. I'm sorry for the way your house has suffered from it.
>>6261710>I would never wish harm on any of your family. I'm sorry for the way your house has suffered from it.
>>6261710We doing roll after vote, or no?
>>6261738Roll with your vote. If multiple people roll with the same vote I take the highest of 3
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6261739Gotcha.
>>6261710>Your brother sounds like he was a monster and I'm happy he's gone.I'm 8 years old
We are tied between standing up to Kayessa or apologizing to her.
>War is Cruel
This would fail 100% of the time IRL, women & children cannot separate their own feelings from empathy for others, it's one or the other.
Rolled 14 (1d20)
>>6261710>Your brother sounds like he was a monster and I'm happy he's gone.Fuck yo dead brudda. go get back
Rolled 3 (1d3)
We are tied in a 3 way now. I'm going to let the dice decide
>1 War is cruel
>2 We apologize for the consequences of the war
>3 Your brother was a monster
>>6261926>Your brother was a monster>Roll a 1d20>DC is 18>Best of 3
Rolled 3 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6261927
Rolled 11 (1d20)
>>6261927I'll show you how it's done
Rolled 19 (1d20)
>>6261927
Rolled 16 (1d20)
>>6261927I for one am please we’re no acting like generic 8 year old who always says the right things protag
Sometimes princes are little assholes
>>6261999Don't know if that roll counts because of
>>6261923>>6261949>>6261957That is already 3 rolls.
>>6262006It counts because the first roll accidently added a +2 bonus when it shouldn't have.
>>6261999This is awesomesauce, chat.
>Your brother was a monster
>Successful roll of 19
You can't help but roll your eyes at what Kayessa is saying to you. Even at your own young age you can tell she's being a tad melodramatic, you may not have the full picture but if even she's able to admit her brother was a hard ruler than your dad was probably right. The world is better off without people like that.
"That's funny, my dad just told me your brother was a horrible person and deserved to be put down like the monster he was," you tell Kayessa.
Your words cause her to freeze, you notice a twitch in her eye as she just stares at you, as if she's looking through your very being. The very air around you seems to grow colder, oddly enough you're not the only one who notices this either, Barothel is starting to shiver next to you.
"Damned witch!" You hear Harrowbell yell at the young princess.
Harrowbell plucks you out of your chair as if you weighed nothing. You're about to protest out of his grip when you notice a tome that Kayessa is holding in her hand under the table, was she about to attack you with something from her spellbook? There's not much time to think when you're dropped to the ground by the aged knight and he draws his sword.
"What's the meaning of this?!" A man yells.
You notice from the corner of your eye Kayessa's father is rising out of his seat and demanding answers from your knight. The tall, lanky, white haired man makes quick strides over to the table and draws a thin, pointy, foreign sword from a scabbard on his hip. It's with a nearly inhumane dexterity and speed that he gets the advantage over Ser Harrowbell and the tip of the strange blade is merely a couple inches from the knight's throat.
"Your damned brat was about to betray the peace treaty, that's what's been happening," Harrowbell coldly tells the man.
"My lord I-" Kayessa is cut off when her father delivers a powerful slap across the girls pale face, the red mark of his hand from the impact stays on her skin like a branding.
House Yerivel's leader is fuming, "one more word from you and I'll have one of your eyes plucked," he tells Kayessa.
The entire dining hall is silenced by the show going on in front of them. King Theo's very son was almost attacked not only right in front of all the other major house members, but by House Yerivel's future Queen no less. The other prominent knights and lords rise from their seat, their hands on their collective variety of personal arms.
"Stand down, Maveron. If you or your apostate babe touch my boy, I'll behead you both and add it to your family collection." Your father says as he stands in between you both, protecting you.
Maveron Yerivel takes a look around the room, it's true, he will surely die if he chooses to react similarly to his daughter. He roughly grabs Kayessa by her arm and they make a reluctant retreat from the dining hall and out of your domain.
>House Yerivel relations decrease by 3
>Kayessa Yerivel relationship decreased by 5
>>6262091>5 years passThe clashing of blades echoes around the dueling ring, the air around the swinging weaponry vibrates with the steel collides. You watch in awe, Ser Harrowbell and your father continue their demonstration of personal martial prowess. Though both men are beginning to get quite old now, they fight like two young men.
Ser Harrowbell manages to get an upper hand in the fight when he finds a weak spot in your fathers guard, Harrowbell immediately changes his footing for a forward swing. Taking one step forward and driving the blade down through the air, he knocks your fathers steel longsword out of his hands and manages to trip him on the ground.
"I yield, Harrowbell.. go easier on me next time in front of the boy, will you?" Your father asks.
Harrowbell simply laughs off the comment, "you've still got the spirit, my liege, I'll give you that much." Harrowbell tells your father.
They both look at you after they exchange their pleasantries, Ser Harrowbell makes way towards you and sits down next to where you are. His aged face showing far more wrinkles in the recent passing years, both men must be approaching their 50's by now.
"Your father and I have both made it this far in our lives by studying the enemy, by constant practical application of our skills, by always watching and learning before we act." Harrowbell says to you, he looks at your sternly. "Tell me, young prince.. what about our battle did you take most notice to?" He asks you.
>My father was too focused on pressing forward and he forgot about the holes in his own defences.Gain a +1 to any defensive roll while in combat
Gain the passive 'Defense Specialist', any successful defense rolls will cause your opponent to become more fatigued than they normally would from their attack, causing future attack rolls against them to become progressively easier.
>Your patience and ability to stay calm in battle is what contributed most to your victory, Ser HarrowbellGain the passive 'Tactician' causing you to gain a +2 to any roll when you form a creative strategy with a write-in
Rolling a 1 in combat will no longer cause fatal mistakes, but will still do great damage or leave you wide open
>Father, why do they call you 'The Vulture'? Gain the passive 'Any Means Necessary', you receive no negative impact to your rolls when using stolen or unfamiliar weaponry
Gain the ability 'Cheap Shot', allowing you to get one guaranteed hit on an enemy in combat with the damage scaling according the the rolled number
>Both of you are men to be inspired by in terms of combat prowessGain the passive 'Brother In Arms', causing all companions at your side to receive bonuses to their rolls in combat
Companions fighting with you will take your place against a fatal blow, killing them instead of you
>>6262112>>Your patience and ability to stay calm in battle is what contributed most to your victory, Ser Harrowbell
>>6262112>>My father was too focused on pressing forward and he forgot about the holes in his own defences.
>>6262112 >>Your patience and ability to stay calm in battle is what contributed most to your victory, Ser Harrowbell
Whelp, feud starto. As well, being able to keep ones head in battle is critical.
>>6262112>Your patience and ability to stay calm in battle is what contributed most to your victory, Ser HarrowbellI have faith in my write in abilities
>>6262091I knew this would happen.
>>6262112>Both of you are men to be inspired by in terms of combat prowess
>>6262112>Your patience and ability to stay calm in battle >Gained the passive 'Tactician'You look at Ser Harrowbell fondly, he shares a similar aura to that of your father. One that strikes enemies with fear in combat, and commands respect from his peers. Harrowbell is as knightly and organized as the ancient hero's you've heard sung about from the different bards over the course of your childhood.
"Ser Harrowbell, your patience and ability to stay calm in battle is perhaps one of your greatest skills," you tell him.
He stands tall and proud after you tell him that, instead of words he crosses a fist over his chest and lowers his head, bowing it to you.
"You flatter me, Prince John," Harrowbell says to you. "Oft times many skilled warriors lose their head figuratively and literally on the battlefield due to being reactionary. There's a time and a place and to feel things, that time and that place are not on the battlefield." He tells you.
You simply nod, your father and the knight begin packing up all the sparring equipment, making sure it's in tidy order for the militia to gather in the morning for their practice.
Many years have passed by you now, you're the ripe age of 13 and have just begun going through your growth spurts. Your face has become sharper and your jawline more defined, much like your father. Besides some more obvious developments to your body, your muscles have also been developing nicely. You're not nearly as big as Ser Harrowbell, but you're showing signs of great musculature.
You've also begun noticing many of the noble ladies of different houses have begun sending letters to you of romantic or questionably lewd intent, even the more daring of the commoner women remark about how much you've grown over the years.
Father walks up to you, "John, my boy. There is an annual tournament held by the many houses coming in the next three years. It is tradition that the upcoming heirs to their respective homes enter and test their prowess against one another, it is by that tradition that you will fight on behalf of House Helmson and the Kingdom of Glengarrow." He tells you.
Yeah, no pressure or anything. You also get the feeling that this isn't really an option you can simply just reject either, it's tradition to enter this tournament and by expressing disinterest would be to stain not only your house's reputation, but also your father's as a ruler.
"Have no worry, lad. I've been training you since you were just a whelp, there's still plenty of time to make you champion material." Harrowbell tells you.
Smiling at Ser Harrowbell, you nod in response. You believe in what he's telling you, not just because you basically have to, but also because Harrowbell has never led you or your dynasty strayed away from the path they seek.
>>6262227As the seasons cycle around the years that flow by and end just as fast as they began, you spend most of the remainder that is your free time training and honing every of yourself that you can. Mind, body, there are even times you invite the realm's priest to bolster you spiritually.
Occasionally Berothel and either his father or mother will come by to visit, like tradition through the generations demand it, Berothel will also be competing in the tournament. He seems to be very fired up, your friend is looking different as he's aged on as well. The once tanned and fair faced boy you grew up with is now a man who has looks that command attention from the ladies when you both go about the town. His sun kissed skin radiates with a great complexion that gives much detail to his lean musculature, Berothel is looking quite thinner these days and he's grown to have quite a trickster's personality. You seldom remember just a couple years ago when you caught him swindling a bard out in the town center.
Through the years that have blown past you the tournament remained heavily in your mind, shining it's reminder each day in the back of your head and with your fathers constant reminders to not skip your training. You found yourself mostly devoted to...
>Training with Ser Harrowbell and honing your bodyStrength is increased to 'Above average', you can wield and use heavier armors, weapons, and shields with ease now
Durability is increased to 'Above average', you're able to take an unusual amount of damage without the use of magic or rituals
Your swordsmanship is considered 'Skilled', you gain a bonus +1 to any offensive roll in combat (if a bonus already exists for combat situations this will stack)
>Learning about how to rule a kingdom with your fatherCharisma is increased to 'Above average', people are more likely to listen to you and you gain a +1 to any charisma roll (this stacks on top of any other bonuses)
Relations with all houses increase by 1
You grow closer to your father, the king. You gain a precious family heirloom.
>Giving attention to a higher powerThe Gods smile upon you and offer you a minor blessing of your choice
Wisdom is increased to 'Above average', your natural resistance to magic is heightened
>>6262238>>Giving attention to a higher power
>>6262238>Training with Ser Harrowbell and honing your bodyWe got a tournament coming up. Only seems right.
>>6262238>Giving attention to a higher power
>>6262238>Training with Ser Harrowbell and honing your body
>>6262238>Learning about how to rule a kingdom with your fatherGot to handle this shit.
>>6262238>Giving attention to a higher powerWe, uh, might need some magic resistance for some reason.
>>6262238>Giving attention to a higher power>Your wisdom is now considered 'Above average', your natural resistance to magic is heightenedThe priest of this realm was often invited to the castle during your training sessions. It's there in that moment where he would anoint you with the blessings of the gods, the priest spoke boldly about how your pious training with him should be one aspect above all.
"To serve the gods, is to serve and perform maintenance to that which is your soul," he would explain often to you.
The attention to detail and vigorous way in which you would practice and bolster your spirituality, and the wisdom of your mind had even drawn the attention of the deities themselves. You remember waking up in the middle of the night, the stars shone through the castle windows at a brightness you had not yet seen before. What the starts formed for your own eyes in that very night sky was unmistakably...
>The symbol of Purity A strangely crafted cross symbolizing a hero who ascended to godhood long ago who is still sung about by bards to this day.
Grants you a blessing of durability against all damage, making all manner of attacks against you hurt slightly less
You will lose this blessing by engaging in immoral acts including sex before marriage
>Filnestros' birdA giant falcon that dominates the sky and keeps watch over Filnestros' kingdom
Grants you a blessing of fellowship, an animal companion rather large for it's size decides to join you
This blessing is immediately fulfilled and will not work again if your companion dies
>The Symbol of The SerpentA long, sentient snake that rivaled the ancient hero of Purity
Grants you the blessing of the elements, your short sword is coated with an aura of fire, dealing extra damage in combat and your shields durability isn't damaged by magic or the elements anymore
You will lose this blessing by engaging in moral acts and helping those in need
>Sheik's EyeThe God of Time, conveniently only ever depicted in stories when humanity is backed into a corner
Grants you the ability to reroll a check 3 times per thread
Unlocks the 'Misfortune' stat, every time the blessing is used the misfortune stat increases slightly. When it's hit the hidden limit something very bad will happen each time
>>6262521>The symbol of Purity
>>6262521>Filnestros' birdI want an abnormally large animal companion. Preferably one we can ride.
>>6262521>Filnestros' birdHell yeah animal companion
>>6262521>>The symbol of Purity
>>6262521>The symbol of Purity
>>6262521>The symbol of purity>Your durability has been blessed by the Pure One, all damage you take will now be halved. The cross of the Pure One is painted by the stars shining bright over your eyes. The dark night sky and the black landscape around you is only utilized to serve the higher purpose of the lord, it's through the teachings of this realms priest that you had only begun to witness it's divine light personally. The radiance of it all paints your skin in a pure, nearly blinding light causing your body to feel more fortified, like you could be pierced by an arrow and still not feel it. You get down on your knees and pray to this divine symbol, the night passes by in a flash.
The seasons have passed by just as fast as they arrived. All your training and moments of preparation have led to this day, the tournament begins in only a handful of hours. Your father and Ser Harrowbell prepare your personal armaments for you, it's today that you mark your journey as a grown sixteen year old man, it's today you leave your first impressions as the future ruler of this realm.
Your father puts the finishing touches on your armor, for the tournament you're dressed in the finest steel suit, it covers your body from the bottom of your neck and all the way down to your toes. The plates leave no room for weak points and crunch in on themselves so as to still allow you some flexibility and ease of movement. The armor is fashioned in a blue and white robed garment that covers most of your upper body with the design of your family's crest.
"Today is the day, my boy. I pray for your swift victory over the other houses, no matter the outcome of your battles you carry your head held high above your shoulders. You're the son of The Vulture, you're my own boy and you always will be." Your father tells you, he pulls you in for a hug and pats you on your steel donned back.
Both knight Harrowbell and your father lead you out into the castle grounds where festivities are being held, the only people present in this area of Glengarrow are the noblewomen from each of the houses and a handful of the contestants. The women all gather near by each other and gossip on the potential victor of today's tourney. The competitors keep mostly to themselves, either training with their respective Knight Captain's or sitting and watching wistfully, plotting their path to victory.
There's still quite some time before the tournament is set to begin, you wonder how to spend these next couple hours.
>Talk to one of the noblewomen >Speak to your competition>See which bracket you fall under for the tournament and who you will be facing first
>>6263109>Talk to one of the noblewomen Might as well see who is on the market.
>>6263109>Speak to your competition
>>6263109>See which bracket you fall under for the tournament and who you will be facing first
>>6263109>>Talk to one of the noblewomen
>>6263109>See which bracket you fall under for the tournament and who you will be facing firstKnow thy enemy.
>>6263109>Speak to your competition
>>6263225>>6263330>>6263109Switching to
>Speak to your competition
>>6262238>Giving attention to a higher power.A shielded mind.
Op do you plan on hitting a AGE and going or is it time skips throughout?
>>6263520Time skips to establish little bits of character lore, history, and stat specialties. When the tournament is over there will be one last small time skip that'll take us to a period where we stay in the same year for a long while.
>Speak to your competition
The noblewomen can wait, there's a time and a place to look for a partner and right now it's time stand on business with the tournament competition.
Some of the princes are training quite hard, while few more others seem to be focused on something else entirely like strategizing, or just being disinterested.
Typically, standard tournaments where the royal houses get together to compete have a total of 6 brackets with each bracket containing a solo duel between the two houses contestants. Though there have been cases where the next heir to a throne is a princess, and even times where a Knight Captain fights for the family's stead, these instances are few and far between however.
Getting a closer look at some of the competitors training, you notice a few that immediately stick out to you.
>Berothel is training with his lanky Knight Captain, his daggers cut and he switches fighting styles with them often and nearly instantly. He appears quite skilled! It would seem he dedicated his time towards mastering his armaments.
>A competitor wearing extremely thick plated armor, their helmet covers their head and face entirely. They're swinging a massive two handed blade and they're easily the tallest out of all the competitors gathered here. You notice the crest his designed garments have over top his armor, you recognize it as the symbol of House Heluna
>A darked haired woman sits at a table around the designated training ground, her armor doesn't leave much to the imagination as it reveals the lower half of her torso and only covers the chest and back area, her lower body is simply just a pair of plain, black pants with leather boots and gloves. She's studying a tome and it's not until later you recognize her House's crest.. it's Kayessa.
>A fairly unremarkable looking young man swings his short sword at a training dummy, his Knight Captain shouts words of encouragement and praise as the seemingly average prince demonstrates exceptional accuracy with his blade, occasionally swapping his leading foot out for the less dominant one and delivery a powerful shield bash that does quite some damage to the dummy. You don't recognize the House that his dynasty hails from, weird.
>>6263766>A darked haired woman sits at a table around the designated training ground, her armor doesn't leave much to the imagination as it reveals the lower half of her torso and only covers the chest and back area, her lower body is simply just a pair of plain, black pants with leather boots and gloves. She's studying a tome and it's not until later you recognize her House's crest.. it's Kayessa.Of course I pick this one.
>>6263766>A fairly unremarkable looking young man swings his short sword at a training dummy, his Knight Captain shouts words of encouragement and praise as the seemingly average prince demonstrates exceptional accuracy with his blade, occasionally swapping his leading foot out for the less dominant one and delivery a powerful shield bash that does quite some damage to the dummy. You don't recognize the House that his dynasty hails from, weird.It’s always the seemingly normal ones.
>>6263766>>A fairly unremarkable looking young man swings his short sword at a training dummy, his Knight Captain shouts words of encouragement and praise as the seemingly average prince demonstrates exceptional accuracy with his blade, occasionally swapping his leading foot out for the less dominant one and delivery a powerful shield bash that does quite some damage to the dummy. You don't recognize the House that his dynasty hails from, weird.
>>6263766>A darked haired woman sits at a table around the designated training ground, her armor doesn't leave much to the imagination as it reveals the lower half of her torso and only covers the chest and back area, her lower body is simply just a pair of plain, black pants with leather boots and gloves. She's studying a tome and it's not until later you recognize her House's crest.. it's Kayessa.>A fairly unremarkable looking young man swings his short sword at a training dummy, his Knight Captain shouts words of encouragement and praise as the seemingly average prince demonstrates exceptional accuracy with his blade, occasionally swapping his leading foot out for the less dominant one and delivery a powerful shield bash that does quite some damage to the dummy. You don't recognize the House that his dynasty hails from, weird.
>>6263766>A fairly unremarkable looking young man swings his short sword at a training dummy, his Knight Captain shouts words of encouragement and praise as the seemingly average prince demonstrates exceptional accuracy with his blade, occasionally swapping his leading foot out for the less dominant one and delivery a powerful shield bash that does quite some damage to the dummy. You don't recognize the House that his dynasty hails from, weird.We should know what to expect from the other three.
>Sword & Board Guy
Although we should try to see if Kayessa has any weapons besides her tome.
>>6263766>A fairly unremarkable looking young man swings his short sword at a training dummy, his Knight Captain shouts words of encouragement and praise as the seemingly average prince demonstrates exceptional accuracy with his blade, occasionally swapping his leading foot out for the less dominant one and delivery a powerful shield bash that does quite some damage to the dummy. You don't recognize the House that his dynasty hails from, weird.Tempted to choose Kayessa because I think it would be funny since she absolutely hates us. But Sword and Board guy is our jam.
>>6263766>A fairly unremarkable looking young manThe supposed young lord continues his efforts at beating the dummy into submission. He delivers many sectional cuts to the wood and straw mannequin before landing a devastating bash with his shield, lifting it's post from out of the ground and causing it to fly out. It's suffice enough to say that this man is packing more strength than he seems to be, not only is his swordsmanship more refined than most of the competitors here, but he also shares a similar style in fighting to you.
You make your way to the young lord and his knight, when the man training him notices you he stops his cheers and applause for the lord.
"Hail, I'm Prince John of Glengarrow," you tell them. "I don't recognize your banner, yet you compete in the royal tourney.. what's your name?" You ask him.
The young man sheathes his sword and his knight helps attach the shield on the lords back. The lord wipes the sweat from his brow, just below his short and styled up brown hair, his blue eyes meet your gaze and he gives a puzzled expression to his trainer.
"Hail, and good tidings my lord!" He says, getting on one knee to respectfully greet you. "I'm er.. I'm Prince Jogurs, of uh.. House Valeria!" He exclaims. The coat of arms designed over his garment is rather plain looking, a red background with a leaf of some sort as it's symbol.
That's strange, you've not heard of any kind of house by that name in your history lessons growing up. Something about this guy doesn't seem quite right, he fidgets and pulls around at his garment over top his lighter armor and looks around nervously as you continue to silently judge him. His Knight Captain just stands still there, keeping a cool and calm expression. The Knight Captain is rather unremarkable himself, his sun tanned face and squinty expression is more akin to one peasant farmer than a battle worn protector.
>That's strange, I've never heard of your house before. Where do you hail from?>You seem rather.. nervous, is everything ok?>Address the silent knight accompanying the young noble>Other (write in)
>>6263982>That's strange, I've never heard of your house before. Where do you hail from?It's a dirty peasant
>>6263982>That's strange, I've never heard of your house before. Where do you hail from?Probably the wheat fields lmao
When will these peasants learn
>>6263982>That's strange, I've never heard of your house before. Where do you hail from?
>>6263982>That's strange, I've never heard of your house before. Where do you hail from?It is part of the many duties responsible of the king to keep order among the many different noble houses that claim stakes in the land of Glengarrow. Neither a House Valeria, or a Prince Jogurs sounds familiar to you.
"Strange, your house and name are not one that I'm familiar with in these lands. Where do you hail from?" You ask him.
The supposed prince shifts nervously, "W-well my lord-"
"The lands of Beluria, my liege." The knight chimes in, cutting off the young prince. "We are just a small coastal house in charge of an even smaller village," he finishes.
The prince straightens out after the knight answers on his behalf, they look at each other and exchange a quick nod.
While it does ring true that there lies Beluria, a small fishing village in the coastal regions of Glengarrow, you still find it odd that the name Valeria even as a minor faction has never been heard of from you. You give the two of them a doubting look, the knight and the prince give you a slightly pleading look, as if they both are wishing you do not pursue further questions.
"My liege, we mean no harm. I simply desire to compete among the other royalty at this tourney," the young man tells you.
>This is incredibly suspicious, poke further into it>Their intentions of only wanting to compete seem genuine, just leave them alone
>>6264078>Their intentions of only wanting to compete seem genuine, just leave them aloneWe have to worry about that dark-haired witch more anyways. Warn them about that devil House Yerivel.
>>6264078>This is incredibly suspicious, poke further into itThey could be assassins simple as
>>6264078>This is incredibly suspicious, poke further into itThere must be something nefarious planned if they are indeed lying about their identities.
>>6264078>This is incredibly suspicious, poke further into it>Warn them about House Yerival Roll a 1d20 to successfully pry into their business
DC is 16
Best of 3
Rolled 78 (1d100)
>>6264229this times the charm im sure of it
Rolled 103 (1d120)
>>6264266oops, lets try that again
Rolled 18 (1d20)
>>6264267>>6264266im so sorry op i have brain problems clearly
Rolled 14 (1d20)
>>6264229
>Successfully question the two!
>Watch out for Kayessa Yerival
You stay standing there, eyeing the both of them intently. The Kingdom of Glengarrow is your fathers domain, and your future inheritance. Standing your ground against the both of them it looks like the young prince may crack.
"Both of you, be true to me. We may stand on ceremony here but do not expect foul play to go unpunished." You tell them.
The man brushes back his short and styled brown hair, sweat starts to bead down his forehead. His Knight Captain, stands watching him closely.
"I'm sorry, Prince John!" The young man crumples before you on both his knees. "It's my dream to compete among the royals this is true! I have been training my swordsmanship all my life." He finishes, staying in a pleading stance.
You draw your sword and shield, the older man guarding the false prince draws just a very large shield. You look at him strangely, does he intend to fight solely with a board? It would appear so for now anyway.
"Who are you! Be straight with me, rat," you tell him.
"My name is Jogurys Valeria, I swear it my prince!" He defends himself quickly. "I am but a farmer's son from a coastal village, it's been my dream to show my skill among the leaders of the world. Haven't aspiring knights gone to more extreme lengths than I?"
You look straight faced at him, "It's a serious crime to not only break the tourney norms, but also sneaking into a noble event with no invitation." You tell him.
"Truly, Prince John.. I'm sorry," he seems to sincerely tell you.
You truly aren't sure what to say right now, this man's father eyes you intently with his huge shield still drawn. You raise a hand and sheathe your armaments once more, in exchange so does the older, tanned dad.
"If you somehow make it through look out for a competitor, Kayessa Yerival." You tell him.
He looks at you wide eyed, "she's here?" He looks all around the area before spotting her. When he does, his eyes seem to pop out of his head. "Gods, That's the Frozen Witch herself!" He exclaims, his father quickly goes to silence him.
"Stifle those yells, boy. We are already walking on thin ice," the man tells Jogurys.
That's a new one, you think to yourself. "Why do you call her that name?" You ask them.
"My liege, all of you here are simply still babes in my eyes here. Yet she already possesses an unparalleled level of talent with elemental magic." He tells you.
The Frozen Witch huh? You'll have to keep that in mind if you face her. You're still left with the question right now of what to do with the two of these guys though.
>You're breaking the law, leave this tournament or face punishment.
>Thank you for the new information, I'll be hoping you give everyone a good show.
>You're welcome here, but I will be watching you very closely.
>>6264283>You're breaking the law, leave this tournament or face punishment.If they want to spar with royalty, they can linger outside and challenge those willing, but this tourney is for royalty exclusively. If they seek fame, just attend a regular tourney.
>>6264283>You're welcome here, but I will be watching you very closely.
>>6264283>Thank you for the new information, I'll be hoping you give everyone a good show.or
>You're welcome here, but I will be watching you very closely.
>>6264296We are like 14 or somthing at this point? I would agree if we were an adult
>>6264443I'd just see it as us aping how we'd think a just ruler would act. Just mentally insert a reedier voice saying it.
>>6264283>Thank you for the new information, I'll be hoping you give everyone a good show.
>>6264283We are tied between being thankful and encouraging, or reluctantly allowing them to take part.
>>6264443Currently we are 16
>>6264283>Thank you for the new information, I'll be hoping you give everyone a good show.
>Thank you for the new information, I'll be hoping you give everyone a good show
>Jogurys Valeria relationship increased by 2
>Valeria faction relations increased by 1
Some time has passed since the both of them explained themselves to you. What was told to you by the two men is a serious crime, openly lying about nobility, and breaching the rules of the royal tourney are things you could put someone away for a long time in Glengarrow. The two men seem genuine in their intent however. You decide to let it slip and have the false prince compete.
"Very well, I will keep it a secret and I look watching you demonstrate your skill, Jogurys." You tell him.
Jogurys is simply ecstatic, he bends with one knee placed flat on the ground and bows humbly before you. "You've given me such a level of gratitude towards the crown, my lord." He tells you before he stands back up once more.
You simply nod and go about your way, the young man begins training once more and this time it's with a renewed vigor now that he doesn't have to conceal himself around you.
There's still time for one last thing before the first bracket of the tournament gets underway..
>Speak to one of the other competitors
>Speak to one of the noblewomen
>See which bracket you fall under for the tournament and who you will be facing
>>6264631>See which bracket you fall under for the tournament and who you will be facing
>>6264631>Speak to one of the other competitorsLet's chekcnin with our riyue bro, and see what rumors he's heard abiut The Frozen Witch while we're at it. Pure One knows she'll be gunning for us.
>>6264631>>Speak to one of the noblewomen
>Speak to one of the other competitors
Kayessa or Berothel for me
>>6264631>See which bracket you fall under for the tournament and who you will be facing
>>6264631>See which bracket you fall under for the tournament and who you will be facing
I'll update tomorrow morning
>>6264631>See which bracket you fall under and who you will be facingMeeting with one of the competitors here has swallowed up quite a large chunk of time. It's come to your realization that while you were chatting away with Jogurys, you don't have any real idea who your first opponent will be, nor what bracket of the tournament you fall under. You quickly make your way to the board that lies closer to the arena, it's here where all the fights are publicly displayed. The area here is much more crowded, still entirely with nobility (or so you're led to believe at this point).
When you get a good look at the matchups for the tourney you manage to quickly find your own spot. You're in the second bracket, and you'll be facing that huge knight with the two-handed sword from earlier. The competitor from House Heluna is simply massive in every meaning of the word, it seems your first match may truly test your skills.
The time for the tourney is drawing closer, you make your way to the gathering inside the arena where all the lords are getting together and waiting for their turn to come up and compete. The giant from House Heluna simply stands there, their massive blade sheathed.. if you hadn't known they were alive and practicing earlier it would be easy to mistake the unit for a big metal statue.
An announcer makes his way through all of you, giving each noble competitor of this tourney a pat on the back and wishing them luck. He hangs onto Berothel for a moment, grabbing him lightly by the arm and pulling him to one of two routed halls, both leading to separate entrances into the fighting grounds. Noticing you, Berothel turns his head quickly to flash you a quick wink.
"Don't worry, I got this!" He exclaims at you confidently.
When he disappears, no doubt continuing to make his way to the gated entrance of the arena, you see the announcer pulling another contestant. It's Kayessa, she passes near you and doesn't even give you a flash of attention. Her long black hair sways with each step, as well as her wide hips that move side to side in a hypnotizing display. Her mostly leather armor not granting much protection at all to some of the weapons the lords are wielding here, she doesn't seem too bothered by it.
It seems like Kayessa and Berothel will be competing against each other in the first bracket, do you root for either of them to win?
>Root for Berothel>Root for Kayessa>Remain impartial to either of them
>>6265040>Root for Berothel
>>6265040>Root for BerothelObviously.
Maybe she makes ice armour?
IMG_3266
md5: 17dc3106277f5424525491aaf74ae800
🔍
>>6265040>Remain impartial to either of them
>>6265040>Root for BerothelHe is our friend after all
>>6265040>Root for BerothelBros cheer for bros.
Rolled 11 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
Rolling for Berothel's chances against Kayessa
Gains a +1 for having our support
DC is 16
>>6265590Berothel...you talked all that shit as a child, only to get your ass smacked by the witch?! Pathetic.
>>6265594To be fair she is apparently a prodigy
Will write the update tonight, it's our turn after bros...
>>6265594We'll avenge him.
>>6265758I hope so. We're built for it. But first we have to beat the Heluna prince.
>>6265040>>6265590>Root for Berothel>Rolled 12. Berothel fails>Part 1The announcer comes out from the hidden view of the arena, in the seats spectating are many, if not all of the nobles in their respective houses present for this tourney.
"Lords and ladies! Welcome to the annual Royal Clash!" The short, balding man exclaims to the crowd, they all clap and cheer collectively. "Our first match is one for the history books already, not since Queen Herstrom 'The Valkyrie' Heluna, has a female competitor entered this ring. Well folks, we have not one.. but two female competitors for you today!" He finishes
Some of the lords scoff and boo at the remark, other nobles cheer and even chant the names of 'The Frozen Witch', or Heluna's competitor Illiold 'The Untamed' Heluna.
"Our first match today takes place between.. Prince Berothel of house Trenteller, and The Frozen Witch herself, Kayessa Yerivel!" The announcer yells to the crowd.
The crowd ruptures over itself, cheers and applause overwhelmingly taking over for Kayessa, were you in Berothel's shoes you would be highly discouraged. Though you know your friend is not so easily deterred and has once tipped the odds in his favor before.
Both competitors enter the ring. Berothel is equipped with medium set armor that's sure to shrug off some damaging blows and still maintain a semblance of his speed in the duel. His daggers are pointed and sharpened, the Trenteller steel reflecting the sunlight beaming off of it. Kayessa on the other hand is wearing very light, leather armor for the most part. The only actually well protected area is her chest with a small steel adornment, clearly she wants to remain as flexible and quick on the field as possible. She's also only brought her tome with her, no real weaponry to speak of.
House Trenteller sits proud and tall, watching their boy getting ready for his first display of combat prowess to a noble crowd. House Yerivel's member watch attentively, specifically Kayessa's father. Both competitors stand still, evaluating each other. Berothel smirks at his opponent and than out to the crowd until his eyes lock on you. You give him a thumbs up and clap when he notices you, he nods in return and prepares himself.
"Without further ado, let's begin!" The announcer yells.
Berothel dashes towards his still opponent, Kayessa. In response she chooses to stand there and flip open her tome.
>>6266190>Root for Berothel>Rolled 12. Berothel fails>Part 2The air around the arena grows colder, surely it must be the wind? That's what you think at first, until you begin to realize that it's not stopping. Progressively over the course of time the winds begin to whip around the audience rapidly, and a cold snap begins happening seemingly only inside the arena where the fight is taking place.
Berothel seldom has time to notice at first, he charges at Kayessa and tries to deliver a flurry of strikes. Most attempts miss their target, but the one that does simply slides off her and reveals a glint of something, is that mage armor? You hate to say it, but protection spells against physical objects and not other magic abilities are extremely hard to perfect, from what you hear that is. The blow doesn't seem to bother Kayessa at all. Berothel seems frustrated by this and begins delivery blow, after blow, after blow, only serving to increase the volume and rapidity of his strikes to Kayessa. It's all for nothing though, he's sweating, and now shivering from noticing the cold atmosphere. Kayessa bursts out laughing at his failed attempts.
"Confused, little prince? Don't worry I won't make a show out of you today. I'm here to finish this quickly." She tells Berothel.
Her wide hips sway to one side and her legs follow soon after, a dash out of the way from any future attempts at Berothel trying to strike her. She moves her hands in a strange way, and just like that the air grows even more frigid and freezing. It feels like the middle of an intense winter! The crowd is noticeably shaken and the tired Prince Berothel begins shivering also. Ice begins to form and cover his lower body, freezing any future movement from him. It's then that Kayessa delivers a shattering kick to his one leg, a snap audible escapes from the frozen limb and Berothel falls to the ground clutching a now broken leg, the bone popping out and revealing itself to everyone.
Berothel cries out in an intense pain, the doctors and scholars that were once previously hidden behind the arena now escape out onto the floor, carrying the prince to safety. It's not long after Kayessa is announced the winner and walks away that the freezing temperatures soon disappear.
The audience is quiet from her victory, stunned by Kayessa's skillset. House Trenteller is quiet and looks off in the distance collectively with one another. Shame has been brought to their name from the Yerivel's swift victory over them.
There's not much time to prepare, you're minutes away from competing yourself.
>Steel yourself and prepare for the battle ahead, you face the hulking Princess Illiold>Check on Berothel>Try to find Kayessa
>>6266199>Steel yourself and prepare for the battle ahead, you face the hulking Princess IllioldWe can comfort Berothel by beating the witch. We need to focus on winning before anything.
I'm a little worried about this matchup since while we're basically doing a defensive build, it's mostly focused towards magic. We'll need to abuse the +2 Tactician bonus with write-ins methinks.
>>6266199>Check on Berothel
>>6266199>Check on Berothel
>>6266199>Steel yourself and prepare for the battle ahead, you face the hulking Princess Illiold
We can follow up with him after our match.
>>6266199>>Steel yourself and prepare for the battle ahead, you face the hulking Princess Illiold
>You steel yourself and prepare for your match
The whole arena is silent, such a violent display has taken place and one of the first matches has already resulted in a Prince becoming seriously injured. The blow to House Trenteller is devestating, which is made even more apparent by their complete silence as the other noble spectators eventually burst out cheering Kayessa's name.
Seeing what happened unfold before you has left you shaken. Berothel was defeated so easily and with so much effort on his behalf as well, frankly it's probably one of the worst outcomes that could've happened during that match besides Berothel dying.
Princess Illiold makes her way to you, her giant stature both in height and muscle mass is more than impressive. Her heavy, thick, steel-plated armor slams on the ground with it's audible clangs. She takes off her helmet, it's the first time you've seen her face since your 8th birthday when your father invited all the other nobles.
Her deep, brown eyes look down into your own, her long flowing blonde hair falls out of the her heavy armor helmet and cascades down until it covers her shoulders entirely in it's length. It's hard to tell really what she looks like underneath all that heavy armor, it certainly leaves a lot to the imagination, though you can surely expect rippling muscles and a body honed from the purest form of discipline.
"I'm sorry Prince Berothel had fallen in such a way, I know he was your friend." She says to you, her voice surprisingly light and soft considering her size. Her facial expression changes into a frown, "My liege, I don't wish to upset the balance of things. My house is comfortable with its place in this realm and no matter the victor of our battle, but I just want you to know it's going to be me who wins," she finishes and winks at you.
Princess Illiold dons her helmet once more, taking a moment to bundle her hair all back inside. She walks off towards her own separate gated entrance into the arena and crosses a fist over her chest, a sign she's wishing towards you of luck and honor.
The only thing crossing your mind from the moment you make it to your separated entrance, is Kayessa and her treatment towards your friend. The memory of it greatly upsets and motivates you, causing you to..
>Practice your swordsmanship quickly
Gain a temporary offensive bonus of +1 to any roll where you attack your opponent
>Signal back to Illiold and wish her your respect and luck as well
Illiold 'The Unbreaking' Heluna's relationship increases by 1
Relations with House Heluna increase by 1
>Pray to the Pure One
Your shield and armor for this fight can withstand significantly more damage
>>6266591>Pray to the Pure OneI feel like we’ll be on the defensive for this.
>>6266591>Signal back to Illiold and wish her your respect and luck as wellAll part of the game.
Rolled 1 (1d2)
Split on this one, so
>D1 Signal
>D2 Pray
>>6266591>Pray to the Pure One
>>6266591>Pray to the Pure OneYour shield and armor for this fight can withstand significantly more damage
revenge for my friend is the only thing on my mind!
>>6266591>Signal back to Illiold and wish her your respect and luck as well
>>6266591>Signal back to Illiold and wish her your respect and luck as wellWe'll need friends, in days to come. The tournament matters less than our reign.
>>6266991I'm not sure we'll ever get to reign in this quest, given that it is called "Fallen Honor".
>>6267008Then having a god reputation and well-placed friends will be even more vital.
Writing the update in a couple hours
>Signal your respect to Illiold
>Relationship with Illiold 'The Unbreaking' Heluna has increased by 1
>Relations with House Heluna have increased by 1
>Part 1
Balling your hand into a fist, you cross it over your chest and nod towards Princess Illiold. She lifts the faceguard up from her helmet briefly and smiles at you before placing it back to cover her face once more.
House Heluna has had a very decorated history, their customs and mannerisms are very different from all the houses in this realm. This is primarily because they were not once part of these lands at all, they're a house from a foreign ruler up north that broke away from their former realm to join the more sophisticated lands of Glengarrow. From what you understand of your father's previous teachings of history and courtly rule over the years, House Heluna had originally remained neutral for quite a large portion of the great war all those years ago. It wasn't until long negotiations between House Trenteller and House Helmson took part together to convince House Heluna to join their cause.
One of the helpers for the tourney guides you forward to the gate leading to the arena, they're signaling to you that the match will begin shortly. When you're once again guided out into the arena, the crowd is silent and all are bowing before you. It appears you're making your appearance before Illiold's, every spectator present has one knee on the floor near where they're seated and are looking down towards the floor. A few moments pass and everyone returns to their seats and applauds you, the announcer finally speaks up after the moment of silence as well.
"Lords and ladies, I give you a man who needs no introduction! Fighting for House Helmson is none other than Prince John Helmson!" The announcer loudly declares.
You unsheathe your blade and shield and powerfully shoot both arms into the air as the crowd garnishes you with their applause and excitement. You bring them down shortly after as the announcer is about to allow your opponent to enter.
"The Prince and heir to the thrones opponent for this bracket is none other than The Unbreakable, Illiold Heluna!" The announcer yells.
Cheers from the audience happen once more, though they're more scattered in comparison to your entrance. Illiold comes dashing out as the gate is lifted, her movements are shockingly fast given the weight and density of the plated armor that covers her entire body. She lets out an uproarious scream towards the sky and unsheathes her massive, two-handed sword. Seems like she's serious about not playing around, and your superior royal title doesn't seem like it'll make her pull punches either.
>Part 2
Once the cheering and applause from the spectators ceases, the announcer quickly signals for the match to begin.
Illiold wastes no time and begins charging towards you, the blade held at her side cuts through the very air that's being guided towards it. Once some distance closes between the two of you, she hoists her massive weapon in the air with ease, it looks like she intends to finish this as quick as possible!
>Use your shield to defend yourself
Roll a 1d20 for the durability of your shield
Higher is better
Best of 3
>Try to dodge out of the way
Roll a 1d20
DC is 10
Best of 3
>See how fast you really are and try to parry Illiold
Roll a 1d20
DC is 15
Best of 3
Opens up the opportunity to score a free hit
>Other (write-in)
Roll a 1d20+2
DC is 12
Best of 3
Rolled 20 (1d20)
>>6267180>Try to dodge out of the wayLet’s let Illiold tire herself out. Maybe that’ll improve our chances of scoring some good hits.
IMG_4931
md5: efb1010557bd2412b9afd20a51e651fb
🔍
>>6267206We’re about to violate our opponent inshallah.
pre rolling dumb but what ever, my vote is to bandwagon the guy who got a 20
Rolled 9 (1d20)
>>6267206+1
Rolled 13 (1d20)
>>6267206H-hayai
>>6267180>>6267206>Dodging masterIlliold raises her sword and quickly slashes through the air, before she is able to realize it however you've already anticipated her attack and sidestepped out of the way. The sword makes impact with the ground and even cuts some of the way into the solid ground, the weight and sharpness of the sword parting the very Earth itself.
She removes the blade from the ground with ease and attacks again, and again, and again, you successfully maneuver around each of her blows. After a little while, you're able to notice signs of fatigue quickly taking hold of the princess. While she's large and very powerful, that sword is still massively heavy to swing around the way she has been, and her armor must take a lot of energy for her to move, in exchange of the protection it provides.
Her slowed down state has left her more open, vulnerable to attacks and more technical maneuvers, "damn you're a slippery one," she tells you as she huffs and tries to catch her breath. She drops her blade and changes her footing, it seems like she's switching up to defend herself now, though her defensive positioning looks very clumsy, another sign of her growing weariness. With no weapon she simply balls her fists and guards herself, is she mad? Does she intend to fight with her fists now.
>Take advantage of the moment and attack>Do nothing, something about this doesn't seem right>Other (write-in)
>>6267319>Try and feint to try out her counter, then block and counter her counter.She could have the 'cheap shot' ability', like we had the option of picking up. It'd be her one shot to get guaranteed damage in on us. Or she could just be trying to bait in aggression with her fatigue, to get us to over-commit.
>>6267319>Do nothing, something about this doesn't seem right
Let's not get decked by a giantess.
>Feint
>>6267319She is going to try and grab us and wrassssle
>Try and feint
Roll a 1d20+2
DC is 14
Best of 3
Rolled 11 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6267640
Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6267640
Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6267640
>Try and feint
>Failure
This woman is mad, surely she can't be seriously intending to fight you with her bare hands? With victory surely in your reach, you waste no time and prepare to feint whatever trick Illiold may be hiding for you. Her bold attempt to lower the tourney's standards into some typical tavern brawl is courageous, but surely she's lacking sense from her fatigue.
You close some distance just to get within reach of each other and fake a mid air slash towards her attempting to get her to jump, it doesn't work and she just stands there in her defensive position. You go for it again, you're in complete shock as it turns out that she manages to grab your arm wielding your blade, it's to an even bigger shock when she launches you in the air with both her arms, both disarming you from your blade, and throwing you over her shoulder landing you onto the ground, the impact twice as painful due to your armor weighing you down on the fall. You twist in pain on the ground and without any time to spare she plants herself on top of your upper torso delivering a brutal succession of blows to your head, the armor is holding up fine for the time being, you've no doubt it would be dinged up pretty badly without the blessings you've received by the Pure One.
The audience looks on at you being dominated by the giant woman in a show of ruthless aggression, Illiold doesn't stop wailing on you and eventually your helmet starts to cave in on one side from the brutal beating by her metal fists. The crowd begins chanting her name as she continues, you're dizzy, unarmed, you go to reach for your shield beside you but she simply grabs onto it, gets off of you and stands up, she attempts to break it over her leg through delivering a shattering strike with her knee, it doesn't work and she seems perplexed by why. Again she tries it once more, still nothing, though signs of wear and cracks are beginning to form over the shield's structure. Deciding that she's satisfied, Illiold tosses the shield aside and gives you a moment to get back up, once you do she waves her hand towards herself, taunting you to come at her.
Before you act, you take a moment to remove your helmet. The caving in on one side of it causing you issues seeing what's ahead of you. You're head is no longer protected! You make a mental note to take extra caution with protecting yourself.
>Try to run and catch your blade, fighting her unarmed will put you at a disadvantage
>Advance and fight her with your fists, accept her challenge
>Other (Write-in)
>>6267889>Run for the blade, try and bait her. If she is fooled, give her a vicious back kick as she rushes to receive it. If not, simply pick up our blade.We are the son of the vulture, fighting fair is for other houses, not us. Besides, she's not fighting with her fists for laughs or for honour. It is to her advantage, because of her fatigue. No reason not to similarly act to our own advantage.
>>6267889>Advance and fight her with your fists, accept her challengeFeel like she’ll tackle us if we go for the blade
>>6267889Throw out helmet at her to cover going for the blade
>>6267889Pfft, yeah, sure, add this too
>>6267966
>throw your helmet to distract her as we go for the blade
>give her a back kick if we can
Roll a 1d20+2
DC is 12
Rolled 8 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6268301
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6268301
You guys do realize we have the blessing of the pure, right? I don't think the QM is going to take it away for this, but we legitimately will lose it if we keep doing shit like this lmao.
>>6268375When we learn more specifics about the doctrine of the Pure One and learn 'dishonorable' tactics are explicitly off limits, then sure, we can stop. As is, there's no indication that the blessing considers chivalry to be moral. It's not like we're doing "le edgy pragmatism" like performing warcrimes for a combat edge or something.
Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6268301
>Run for the blade
>Vicious back kick
>Critical success!
Your helmet has been caved in on one side, no doubt testifying to the audience, and yourself of Princess Illiold's immeasurable body strength. Not all is lost though, you're the son of 'The Vulture', you're the son of the king. You'll be damned if you're going to be made a ragdoll in front of all your subjects in this realm.
The blade is in one of the furthers corners of the dueling ring, Illiold catches you glimpsing at it and makes haste for the blade before you have time to form a plan. Out of pure reactionary impulse you toss your helmet at Illiold to distract her, she quickly turns around to see just what it is you're doing and is met with a competent toss of the helmet right under her feet. It causes her to trip and in an attempt to catch her bearings, she tries to straighten herself out, that is until you run up behind her and deliver a powerful, albeit underhanded dropkick to her back that causes her to fall over with an even heavier landing due to her armor.
You waste no time when Illiold is grounded and collecting herself, you make way to catch your blade once more and fight on even ground. You run like a man possessed and grab hold of your sword once more, you must've made good timing because the princess is still reeling on the floor and clutching at her back from your cheap shot. You might have enough time to deliver a game changing blow.
>Run up to Illiold and deliver a defeating blow
>Run up to Illiold with your sword at her neck, make a demand that she yields
>Wait for the princess to get up, you want to finish the fair and square
>Other
>>6268458>Run up to Illiold with your sword at her neck, make a demand that she yieldsNothing clever this time. Just run in there and finish our business. I think asking for a yield may be more effect than hitting her, because of her armour. But I won't complain if people just want to hit her.
>>6268458>Run up to Illiold with your sword at her neck, make a demand that she yields
>>6268458>Run up to Illiold with your sword at her neck, make a demand that she yieldsAll's fair in love and war, and nothing we did was against the rules as far as I know. We're just a combat opportunist like dear old dad.
>>6268458>Run up to Illiold and deliver a defeating blow
>>6268458>Wait for the princess to get up, you want to finish the fair and square
>Demand Illiold yield
Roll a 1d20+2
+2 from Progressive Dipolmat trait
DC is 10
Rolled 4 (1d10)
*tips fedora*
yield melday (knight)
Rolled 17 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6268537
Rolled 17 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6268537
>Successfully convince Illiold
Part 1
The other nobility watch attentively as you begin to approach Illiold, some chant your name, others just watch in silence. Being the one in the middle of the dueling ring, fighting with a crowd watching is a very different perspective for you, sure there were times where you trained with Ser Harrowbell, but that was different. It doesn't take one sharp in the senses to notice this quickly becoming just a way for the established houses to flex their strength over the others.
You make it to Illiold, watching her writhe on the ground from your blow to her back you shake your head, "no more," you tell her. You point your blade at the armored woman, "I don't want us to end up like the first match. Please, Illiold.. I don't want to end up seriously hurting you," you finish saying.
She simply shakes her head and sighs, "not too far from the ilk like your father after all, eh?" Illiold tells you. She asks you to help stand her up, you take her hand with your sword still drawn just incase. When Illiold's massive frame is upright again, she lifts the visor of her helmet up and smiles, "good fight, John," she finishes telling you.
The sight of your victory excites various houses among the crowd, most noticeably from Berothel's own. House Lugan's own princess signals her joy over your victory, among the bystanding competition, a man armed with a spear watches your every reaction to her intently.
"Well there you have it everyone! The victor of bracket two, Prince John Helmson. House Helmson will now be entered in the next match against House Yerival!" The announcer finishes.
>Illiold 'The Unbreaking' Heluna's relationship has incrased by 2
>House Heluna feels supportive towards House Helmson now
>You've gained the trait 'Any Means Necessary'
Sometimes for truth and order to flourish, you have to hit below the belt. Just like your father, you receive no negative impact to your rolls when using unfamiliar weaponry.
Gain the ability 'Cheap Shot', allowing you to get one guaranteed hit on an enemy in combat with the damage scaling according the the rolled number
>>6268618>You've gained the trait 'Any Means Necessary' >Gain the ability 'Cheap Shot'Nice! I like our build. This isn't meant to be a voting chose, thoguh is it? Did we just gain all this stuff, or are we to choose one?
>>6268626It is Part 1, look at the 2nd line of the post.
>>6268628Oops, speed-reading got me again. Thanks, anon.
>>6268618>Part 2The crowd is cheering you more openly now, most houses applauding your victory as you leave once more to rest until your next match. When you get back to your quarters and sit down, the very own Princess of House Lugan who was cheering for you walks in. She eyes you intently, staying silent as the needlessly awkward air begins take over you both.
Your eyes remain settled on her, "I appreciate your support after my match, Elisia, you've always had my back since we met, and I wish that we could've met sooner too," you tell her.
Elisia stands there, short in stature, with her long reddish hair, realizing you're actually talking to her, she snaps out of her daze in a flustered manner. "Oh, that was excellent my liege!" She cheers for you, her lithe figure bounds up and down from excitement. It wasn't that long ago that you met her, she was too young at the time to attend many of your parties, but the young woman now stands not far from you into a growing woman.
>She's always been such a great friend to me even though we haven't known each other for longElisia Lugan's relationship with you increases by 2
House Lugan's house is in support of House Helmson
>Elisia.. I think we both feel pretty mutually about each otherElisia Lugan's relationship with you increases by 5
House Lugan's house is in high support of House Helmson
>This strange woman annoys me, I am only playing nice to support a working relationship with their houseElisia Lugan's relationship doesn't increase
House Lugan is neutral to House Helmson
Gain the trait 'Deceiving Alliance', allowing you to gain a +3 bonus to any roll where you lie or try to convince someone of something.
Lying is an immoral act! The Pure One will revoke your blessing, and may come down to smite you himself depending on how frequently you commit these actions!
>>6268626That wasn't a voting choice, but this one is.
>>6268633>She's always been such a great friend to me even though we haven't known each other for longI'm not ready to commit to a waifu entirely on the basis of her brother being pretty cool and her being a fangirl.
>>6268633>>She's always been such a great friend to me even though we haven't known each other for long
>>6268633>She's always been such a great friend to me even though we haven't known each other for longEasy fight. Here’s hoping we’re as lucky for the next one.
>>6268633>She's always been such a great friend to me even though we haven't known each other for long
>She's always been such a great friend to me
Elisia, she's a nice woman. She's seen you at some pretty low moments during your training, the hindrance of having to learn non-stop had grown heavily on you. She always provided moral support, if nothing else.
"You're too kind, Elisia," you tell her.
She frowns, "it looks like your fighting that frozen bitch next," she says sternly. "Give her a taste of what she did to Berothel." She finishes.
You nod in response, "thank you for your support again, I see you brother is in the tournament?" You ask her.
Elisia laughs, "he's all bark, I doubt he will make it past his fight in all honesty," she tells you.
Seems like House Laguna's prince is a bit of a pushover, or maybe she's trying to get you to underestimate her brother. You're sure that Elisia wouldn't do that though, right?
Some time passes and Elisia leaves your room, you finally take a seat and relax. Before you're able to get too comfortable though, you feel as if something is wrong, you think there's somebody behind you..
>Roll a 1d20
DC is 18
Rolled 12 (1d20)
>>6268676
Rolled 12 (1d20)
>>6268676
>Couldn't see them in time
For a fleeting moment you pick up faint steps from behind you, wait a minute.. there's a few of them now. You quickly turn around but a hand catches your face, "obscura," a feminine voice whispers in your ear. Your eyes roll into the back of your head, the world is spinning, visions of your family piked, naked, and held with a pole running through their bodies as the fire below burns away at them.
An hour has passed, at least that's what it feels like as you wake up from that nightmare and clutch your head, the pain from whatever knocked you out radiating through your skull.
"He's waking up!" A man calls. Some more footsteps soon follow near your body, your vision still only just coming back to you.
"Are you sure the spell will hold him?" A different man asks.
"Yes, now stop asking," the same woman from before answers back.
When your sight fully comes back to you and out of it's heavy, hazy state, you're confronted by three people standing above you. You try to prop yourself out of where you're seated, it's no use however as your whole body feels like there's a massive weight on it.
The woman it's.. who are these people? You wonder, but not for long as you see the two men grab a pair of daggers and walk up to you, the woman following behind them.
"Prince John, always a pleasure my lord," she tells you. "You don't have the luxury of knowing who we are at the moment, we have the luxury today, however, to heighten your senses," she finishes.
Both of the men roll their eyes, "let's get on with it, they paid us a very generous fee for this job," one of them says.
"It's simple, my liege.. you answer our questions about your family, their castles, any traps, you get it.. right?" She asks.
The men both begin stripping you down, eventually you're barren and completely naked before their eyes. Your extremely heavy body feels like it's rooted to the ground, you can't move an inch!
>Ok.. I get it
>Scream for help
>>6268690>Feign as if we're still so completely dazed that we can't talk. Try and buy time for the effect to wear off.Should we be a bit resistant to magic? May as well try and surprise them with how fast we get over it. Also, where the heck was our security? We're a damn prince!
>>6268690>>Scream for help
>>6268690>Feign as if we're still so completely dazed that we can't talk. Try and buy time for the effect to wear off.
+1 to the ploy
Alright, I officially fucking hate sorceresses in this setting. Witch Genocide best day of my life
>Feign and wait for your magic resistance to start catching up
Roll a 1d20+1
DC is 17
Rolled 6 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>6268732
Rolled 18 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>6268732Just one? Not the usual three?
Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)
>>6268732
>>6268764OP always says "roll a" instead of "roll 3"
>Feign and bide your time
>Successful
Gods above, your head is killing you! The humid air clouds itself over your heavy body, aiding the fuzzy feeling of your recent memories not coming back to you. You hear what these interrogators are asking you but you have the advantage here, whatever spell that binds itself to your flesh will surely go away in time.. right? There's surely no way they'd be in so deep they would permanently paralyze you.
"I'll ask again, boy.. your family's homesteads, their security at the castles, what can you tell us?" The woman asks you.
"It would seem the effects of the spell are a little much for the royal bugger, eh?" One of the men reply shortly after.
The three of them collectively look at each other in frustration, "Nbogdo, how're we looking out there?" The woman asks, trying her best to mask her frustration from the quickly complicating situation.
"All good! Scene is set and clear, whole ring is in a frenzy," a voice with a strange accent calls back from beyond the doorway leading out to the halls.
What the hell is going on out there? A frenzy.. you hope everyone is alright, it's hard to tell if the silence around you is an effect of the spell put over you, or some sort of physical effort and careful location choosing on your kidnappers. Some time passes, you feel the effects of the spell wearing off on you, though it's quite painful to move and you're still stripped naked. The group of kidnappers pace around anxiously, "Crow, we can't wait any longer.. scene is set sure, but this is the king's whelp. Nobility and their army will come crashing down at any point now," one of the men tells the sorceress.
Suddenly the woman delivers a brutal backfist across your cheek, it leaves a reddish mark as if you had just been struck by a whip, "Damn you, boy! You must be with it by now. Give us the answers we seek, or we will leave you with more permanent damage than we intended!" She yells at you.
>Comply
>Stay silent and continue the act
>Other
>>6268885>Stay silent and continue the actUnless they give me a reason to do anything else I guess
>Continue the Act
>Mumble Incoherently
>Lunge, Swing, & Scream as soon as we feel able to
>>6268885>Pretend we got knocked out by the backfistI don't think screaming is a good idea, and if we're just dazed it'll make it seem like we could talk at least a little bit. Let's just really commit to being a weakling.
>>6268885>Continue the actMaybe don’t stay silent though, ask where we are and who they are in a disoriented manner. Slurred speech, vacant eyes, inability to focus on their questions, etc
>>6268885>Stay silent and continue the actI'll support
>>6268997 or staying silent.
If we reveal that we can speak, then we screw ourselves and have to either comply or end up being maimed or tortured. But if the spell is "too much for us" or the woman knocks us out on top of incompetently gauging how much spell power to put into us, then it will drive a wedge between the group and distract them. Also, we should wait as long as possible, we want to both be able to scream and fight/run. The story post makes it seem like it is possible that they have some sort of noise gate spell that prevents people on each side of it from hearing each other. Screaming may not be enough even if that isn't the case.
>Continue the act
>Mumble and pretend the backfist made us worse
Roll a 1d20+2
DC is 19
Best of 3
Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6269072
>>6269075Wow. I guess RNGesus really doesn't want PLOT to happen.
>>6269075Rolls have been pretty exceptional during the thread so far..
>>6268885>>6268997 +1
Dad's may be The Vulture, but we're The Possum!
Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
>>6269075Kek. I was late, but we still got this.
>>6269072Rolling anyway.
>>6269102I... Should not have done that.
>>6269103No...no, you should not have. Still, I imagine they cancel each other out. So, we have a very slim chance of still beating the DC with a third roll. That is, assuming crit successes don't take precedence over crit failures?
Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)
Pure One guard us & our rolls
IMG_4526
md5: c6b0d9ff2cbee79447447655dc77d9f8
🔍
>>6269075“Sir, another perfect roll has hit the thread.”
>>6269105They cancel each other out here. Unfortunately you guys didn't pass the roll.
Writing the update now
>>6268885>Commit to the act>Failure Still trying to commit and play the role of a weakling, you still act dazed. That is until a tall, dark skinned man walks through the door and joins the rest of the group, this must be Nbodgo. He pulls down a dark hood revealing tight, curly black hair, his face is very scarred and he appears blind in his left eye.
"What is the meaning of this, why aren't you guys doing anything?" He asks the three of them, "do you not feel shame in the way you are falling for a cheap show?" He finishes.
The tall man takes a knife from one of the two men, and forcefully grabs hold of your wrist, "time to wake up, prince," he says, jamming the knife through your right hand.
The pain radiates intensely right away, as Nbodgo makes sure you will never be able to use that hand again. He stabs into it over, and over again, making sure to take a few fingers with him as a prize. You scream and your eyes shoot open, tears welling up just as quickly as the blood from your brutalized hand.
"There he is.. thanks for joining us!" He slaps you on the cheek lightly as he says this. He hands the knife back to the other man he had taken it from, "keep acting cute, and it'll be your cock next," he says all the while staring at you with a fierce intensity brimming from his eyes.
Shit.. you definitely can't feel that hand now, actually it's more likely you feel it too much, the only finger remaining is your index. Part of you grimly wishes they would've just taken them all, the sight of it will be hideous if you survive all this. Either way, everyone knows you're all awake now.
The woman comes back and positions herself once more right in front of you, "someone has such marvelous plans for this entire realm, the whole world even," she whispers closely into your one ear, "won't you help us make it happen? I'll heal your poor, mangled hand if you tell us everything," she finishes whispering to you.
Shit, you can barely concentrate from everything that's going on with you. If there's supposed to be help, you can't hear anything yet, how much time has passed anyway? The tourney must be long over by now.
>Comply>Fuck you>Other
>>6269129We fail by 1, lose a hand forever. Brutal. Sorry, anons, I fucked us.
>Other [pray to the Pure One]
>>6269129COMMIT COMMIT COMMIT COMMIT COMMIT
>Pretend to faint from pain over our lost hand
>>6269129Welp, too late for faking shit now.
>Ask for proof that she can heal our hand, and some measure of power, leverage, or autonomy, such that we can be assured they'll let us live and go free. In return we'll give them what we want to know.Basically what it says on the tin. We can tell dad some vague details on what to expect and he can tighten security, but we have to be assured we can make it to him. I'm guessing we aren't fucked for life, because if they have healing abilities, then surely the kingdoms must as well. Unless these are absurdly powerful people by the standards of the setting.
>>6269131It happens.
>>6269131+1, we're fucked
Also, try to FIGHT
>Pray to the Pure One
Part 1
The blood is pooling underneath your body, your hand is filleted and useless, there's seemingly no way out of this. You'll be damned though if you go down betraying your house.. betraying your family. Your vision is getting more faint as time passes on and you lay their, mouthing your prayers silently. The others who were interrogating you simply stand there and watch.
"Oi, Crow.. ya don't think we broke the boy do ya?" He asks the woman.
She frowns and leans closer to your face, your pupils shrink and your skin only grows more pale, you're dying. "He's praying to that Pure One," she says dismissively, "prayers won't do him any good now, oi Nbodgo, we're getting nothing out of him.. time to speed things up and you work your magic now," she tells him.
Nbodgo walks up to you, holding a branding iron with runic inscriptions covering the entire time. "I was hoping you'd be awake for this, Prince John, seems we pushed you a little too far," he says to your dying body. Wasting no more time, Crow uses fire magic to superheat the branding iron, the inscriptions glow once they're fused with the ethereal energy casted from the woman. Nbodgo than presses the magically superheated iron against your mangled hand, holding it there for quite some time. You're too gone at this point to even muster the energy to cry out from pain, the smell of cooking flesh nourishes the air as the group takes a deep smell of it all.
Nbodgo lifts the iron off your body, revealing a strange symbol forever burned onto your flesh. He leans down and makes himself eye level with your exhausted, and dismissive face, "Just a little gift for you, give it a couple years when the plan starts to take off than it'll start working." Nbodgo nods towards Crow, "ok bring him back," he tells her.
Everyone chips in helping bring your passed out, dying body onto the floor. Crow gets on her knees and starts working away, dark essence flows out of her hand as it patches up and restores what it can of your tortured body. Your hand no longer looks like chopped meat, it's still horrible scarred and gnarly looking, but at least the skin is there again, the branded symbol still remains on your nearly fingerless hand though. When she's done working her healing magic on you, your body lay there exhausted from all the effort it had gone through, the strangers disappear, visions flicker through your mind as the dying thoughts slowly restore themselves again.
>>6269188Part 2
Our Father, who created us in his light
Grant us stay at your eternal domain
So that we may all bathe in your glory
So it shall be.
You feel yourself floating, that's to say it's difficult to tell if you're really present at all. It's as if you can feel your own mind drifting in a dark sea. There's a glimmer of light far at the bottom of wherever you are resting, you feel if you try really hard you might be able to push yourself over there. When you give it a solid attempt, you feel the presence of something else nearby, unable to put a finger on it you feel a wave of anxiety wash over yourself.
A blinding flash of light envelops your surroundings, casting the environment around you into a momentarily, intensely lit place. You cover your eyes, only to realize you don't have any. Where are you.. what are you?
"Open your eyes my child," a calming voice rings through your head, the symphony of bells and a choir echo around you as if to enunciate every work the masculine voice says.
>Open them>What happened, where am I?
>>6269192>Open themOh shit, we're dead and/or having a profound religious experience.
>>6269192>What happened, where am I?
>Open your eyes
The reactionary instinct you get to close your senses from the blinding light is near instant. Upon receiving your instruction to open them, however, you do so with ease. The illumination casts a light so powerful and radiant your surroundings seem to be nothing but a pure white blur, ahead of you is the source of the light, an aura of white flame with the shaded portrait of a humanoid shape flickers within it.
"You have been through much, my son," the radiance calls out to you, "yet there's so much more you and your kind have yet to face." It finishes.
The branding on your hand pulses, it's such a foreign feeling, being surrounded by whatever this is. The marking on your hand shivers and gives you the perception that it's reacting somehow to all this, the radiance steps closer and your branding reacts far more strongly almost painfully so.
"What is happening, who are you?" You ask the flame.
"I am the good news, and this is my kingdom of peace," he says, "don't worry, my child for you are not gone from your shell as of yet." He tells you. The radiance slowly dims until eventually a pale man with long, brown hair and a thick beard emerge from within it. He wears white robes and carries a large, thick tome that looks almost as ethereal as the aura it gives off from a distance. The man open it, "be it that I, chosen of the Pure One, his everlasting son, bless you my child for you walk a path of irreversible darkness," he starts reading aloud from it. "Though you are forced into a conflict most fantastical, and will soon be brought back to a world everchanging from the Pure One's creation, I bless you and your deeds from the encroaching darkness," he finishes.
The Pure One takes your mangled and branded hand into both of his own, a white light engulfs your hand and soon you can feel the shivering and sentience from the branding gone, though the mark of it remains. Seems even divine intervention won't be healing your hand or removing whatever cursed mark perverts your flesh.
"A small token of gratitude, my child.. for you have chosen pain and shown willpower against the evil that has cursed you, know that no matter your struggle, I will be by your side and watching closely," he tells you.
Before you can add any input to what's happening around you, the radiant light overtakes the figure of the man once more, your senses to this plane dim and darkness overtakes your vision once more. Days have rotated to weeks, which have further turned into months of passing. In only what you can comprehend as seconds of sleep, you get the feeling of a damp rag painting itself across your forehead, you wake up and it's your mother caring for your previously comatose body.
Her eyes shoot open, "God's above, Theo! He's awake!" She yells and grabs hold of you tightly.
>What happened to me?
>Mom, I'm so glad to see you again
>Stay silent and adjust to being conscious once more
>Other
>"Where is that damned witch!?"
(righteous-fury maxxing)
Also,
>Recall the names of those responsible
>>6269384>What happened to me?They kidnapped us mid tournament, how did they pull it off?
>>6269384>What happened to me?>Try and recall what happened and the names and faces we can remember. Tell mom, or dad when he comes, about the kidnapper's plans.
>>6269396+1, we know exactly what happened. Well, almost. Someone debuffed us, kidnapped us, tortured and mutilated us... And we know names and faces!
>>6269384Also: Pure One says hi. :) And, uh, gave us an ominous warning.
>>6269384Look at your hand
I'll be writing the update later tonight
We likely need to amputate & get a hand like Han from Enter the Dragon.
