Bay 12 Games Forum

Edmund watched the bandaging of his hand carefully to make sure it was correctly done.

: Ahem. What about our insurance that you will keep your end of the deal?

: "That is simple. My fiancee will be accompanying you along with Captain Porkins. The item I'm sending you to retrieve is in her family's vault.

"If that isn't sufficient, you are welcome to return to your holding cell and await dawn."

: "Not much more to say on what lies between here and this bank?"

: "Nothing concrete. Reports of remnant warbands abound, sometimes with bodies. Just last week we got word of a horde of undead as well, but the scouts have not caught up with it yet, if it exists."

Alright folks, you're gonna get equipped and you're gonna get equipped pretty well.

Each of you may choose from one of the following packages:

• Two weapons of your choice, 1 C-rank and 1 E-rank
• Two weapons of your choice, 1 D-rank and 1 E-rank, as well as one vulnerary

The weapons must be things that you can currently wield, and you may not get unique or class-specific items. Post what you would like here.

They could do this! They were so close!

(4,12) and perform for Esther!

: "Don't you try to minimize your crimes, you swine. You participated in the rape and murder of your own countrymen! I oughta--"

: "Enough, Captain." The general looked far from happy, but he spoke mildly. "Now then. What is your assessment? Can we count on them?"

: "Frankly sir, I wouldn't pay half a day's wages for the lot of them."

: "I'm afraid they're all we have."

: "Then I suppose I will make do." The captain sighed, while the general stepped back so he could face all of the prisoners at once.

: "Men and women, I am General Eastland. You have all been sentenced to death for crimes both numerous and terrible. Your executions are scheduled for the morning. Nothing can save you from your fate, except for a pardon, and I am the only man in a hundred miles that can grant such a pardon. Fortunately for you, I have a...sensitive matter than I need done, for the security of the Empire rests upon it. If you return successful, you will not only receive a full and complete pardon for your crimes but also a chest full of gold each.

"If you volunteer, step forward and hold out your left hand. Master Branwich will mark you in order to seal the contract." Master Branwich, it seemed, was the hooded man in the corner, by the lit brazier. He held one of the metal rods resting among the coals up. The glowing end of each rod was formed in the shape of a skull.

After a moment the red-haired man nodded, and the captain continued introducing his prisoners.

: "Yara of Palagonia. Part of a protection racket extorting goods and money from under-defended villages. When the Palagonian Guard finally caught up to them, she and her wyvern were captured."

: "So that's why a great lizard is currently tied up in my stables..."

: "Gawen Cawallader. She claims to be a 'Mountain Princess' of some sort, but no one has attempted to claim her so I think her story's bunk. She was arrested for trying to interfere with a lawful, unrelated arrest, using lethal force."

: "Next up calls himself Aaron Hawkright. Hails from Deros. Charged with setting a coal mine on fire - with fatal results - and unlicensed use of magic. That appears to be how he started the fire."

: "Hmph." The newcomer scowled at the prisoners in general and Aaron in particular.

: "Line up, damn your worthless--" But whatever the soldier had been about to say was cut off as the door to the dungeon swung open.

: "ATTENNNNNN-SHUN!" he bellowed before following his own orders, standing ramrod straight and saluting in the direction of the dungeon door.

As the newcomer strode into view of the prisoners, it became clear to all that he wore the same colors as the soldier who had led him here...or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the soldier wore the same colors as the newcomer. The new man, taller yet somewhat younger, gave each of the prisoners a piercing stare before speaking.

: "What have you got for me, Captain? You have read their files, correct?"

: "Of course, sir. What there was of them, anyway. If you'll allow me...?"

The redheaded man gave a single, sharp nod, and the Captain started with the first three in line...and the one that refused to actually get in line.

: "Ghamina al-Ghul, of the Khanate. Married Baron Gratis, then attempted to poison him in order to inherit his wealth. We have the confession of the man who sold her the poison." The general scowled at this story, but said nothing.

: "Alain Cromwell, originally from Blede. Brought in for unlicensed use of magic, as well as murder. Claims self-defense on the murder charge." The captain offered no commentary on how plausible the claim was, and the general didn't ask.

: "Miranda Solas of Heartland. Charged with theft and assassination. Pleads innocent but an eyewitness claims to have seen the killing itself." With a noncommittal shrug, the two men move on.

: "I'm afraid we don't have much on this one. Calls herself Stray Wolf, refuses to say where she's from. Apparently worked as a mercenary before snapping under pressure, attacking Imperial soldiers."

: "I'm sorry Captain, but did you say 'snapped'? Is she stable?"

: "Not really my area of expertise, sir."

The general stared hard at the first four, searching for something in their eyes.

: "You may be female, but you are no lady. I read your file."

good lord you people work fast

I'm actually almost sorry to break things up, buuuuuuut we really must get moving.