A new day dawns in the capital. Today you were to report to the Inquisitorial Headquarters to report on your success in killing Rotunda. You can then explore the capital itself, but it would be polite to go meet the Inquisitors first. Bringing them some of the corrupted items you found in Diligence might also get a few favors.
>>507955 Which of the following would you like to take -Remains of Rotunda's Blighted Heart -Wand of Many Things, made out of Chairface -Mutated bones from the Abominations -Essence of Life from the Hand Creature -Meat Cleaver from the Chef
>>507964 #Mutated Bones Remains of badly mutated bones recovered from the ruins of the Experiment Tower. A skilled smith could probably make a weapon from these.
#Wand Of Many Things Catalyst made from the remains of Chairface. Can be invoked. If invoked, roll 1d3 and 1d11. You may then cast a spell that costs up to that many points from the class you rolled, provided one exists.
#Essence of Life The purest sample you could find from the remains of the Hand Creature. A skilled smith might make something interesting from it.
#Blighted Heart Remains Proof that Poxmother Rotunda is well and truly dead. Just holding it makes you feel ill. However, it also seems to have much stronger effects on those you turn it against. Bound: Cursed Seal, Corpse Explosion. -1 max Hit and Wound.
#Meat Cleaver A huge slab of metal made for food preparation, not combat -1 Great Weapon, crits on 8+
>>507984 Smiths can be found in the market district. The Inquisition deals in purification, restoration and safe disposal of corrupted materials. However, they also have extensive amounts of… less corrupted items they might be willing to give to those who have proved themselves reliable and responsible.
>>507987 You can keep the wand, and discuss the fate of the bones with the party
And so with the corrupted heart remains in tow, you head to the Inquisitorial HQ. An imposing building to say the least, built on a small hill on the west side of the capital. From there, it overlooks much of the city, being raised above most rooftops, much like the Castle itself on the north end of town. At the gates, several guards patrol the area. Their armor is a little more ornate than that of most town guards, and they wear black cloth with it rather than the usual blue.
>>508001 >>508002 >>508003 >>508004 >>508006 A few of the gate guards check you over "Welcome back Inquisitor Danner. We were informed you'd be arriving today. Your inquisitor lord awaits your news in the library. Then, you are to make a full report to the Witch Hunt Council."
>>508008 >>508009 >>508011 The inside of the structure is every bit as imposing as the exterior. Walls of harsh white with floors of polished black marble that give a sharp echo with every step you take. Darkly clad inquisitors moving around from room to room and floor to floor looking as they go about their daily work. The library should be on the second floor, if you want to head straight there.
As you don't take any detours, locating the library is easy enough. However, before you can get in, two of the guards stop you "Are you carrying any unauthorized items?" "Wet items, food, drinks, tinderboxes, matches, and so forth are not permitted in the library"
>>508035 >>508036 At least half the library seems to be labeled black. The floor is also carpeted here, and the walls are very thick, completely killing the noise from outside.
>>508038 >>508039 [Common Knowledge of Fringe Magics: Witches. VOL 1] >>508041 Volumes 2 through 49 are black label. >>508040 He is hard to miss. A stern looking man joined by a pegasus stallion, both sitting and reading in one of the reading booths.
>>508043 Probably not. There are even curtains on the reading booths if you want privacy. >>508044 The pegasus turns his head towards you "What do you want?"
>>508046 You take the first volume, and the Complete Series collection next to it, and sit down to read behind a curtain. [Witchspeak is based on a fairly simple cipher used in spellcrafting. It relies on rhymes and synonyms, and many witches use literal translation between two or more languages to mask the true meaning of words. The reader needs to know the languages the witch used in order to effectively find the meaning of each word in context. For instance, when translated, the witchword rake can actually mean castle. Because rake rhymes with cake, which in turn when translated directly to Finne can also mean prison, and castle is slang for prison, so when translated back, it becomes castle. Other cyphers try to obfuscate the meaning further still, but once a common key is found, it's easy to crack with the right knowledge. >>508047 "My master awaits important news."
>>508049 You find a separate list of known witchspeak cyphers. It looks like it was forgotten in the book by someone, and nobody will notice if you take it. >>508050 They salute and take the bag. Seems like Honeysweet found the Inquisitor Lord in one of the reading booths.
>>508052 As Danner arrives the Pegasus snaps to attention and stays silent. A second one joins him, after setting down a few books he was getting. They look like they could be brothers, or at least cousins. >>508053 The Inquisitor Lord closes his book and stands up. He is a tall man, even if the grey hairs are winning dominance over his head. Imposing and sharp-eyed, he lets his raven land on his shoulder "Indeed it had, Danner. I believe you have good news?" >>508054 Sounds like Danner met the Lord Inquisitor. It would be impolite to keep them waiting.
>>508057 "You refer to the Carnival? Some of our men found the Ringmaster later, and got a full report on that. However, you are the first to bring news from Privilege at all. I am interested in hearing how you and your procured allies handled the outbreak."
>>508062 >>508063 "Interesting… Diligence will require some heavy surveillance. But you did well in ending the immediate threat and securing her remains. They will prove vital in ensuring traditional necromancy will not be used to revive her. What became of the apprentices she had left?"
>>508064 >>508067 "We coerced them into leading us through the castle. Their faith in her was thankfully lax, but apparently they were at least schooled in fleshcrafting."
>>508070 "We offered them some form of clemency for working with us, and the inquisition. Their knowledge of Witchspeak was indispensable in manufacturing the cure."
>>508071 >>508072 "I will send for them, then. Presenting them to the Witch Hunt Council will be important. Unless you oppose to this for some very good reason?"
>>508073 "Unless you have inquisitors trained and versed in witchspeak, they are our best bet at learning it. Being able to read the witchs' playbooks will be able to tell us how to stop them."
>>508075 >>508076 >>508078 The Inquisitor Lord motions to one of the pegasi, who nods and leaves "They will be delivered to the Council then. You can speak on their behalf when we meet them. Now, was there anything you'd like to tell or ask before we move on?"
>>508085 "Privilege will be allowed to request imperial aid for rebuilding purposes if they need it. Diligence will be placed under extreme scrutiny, but if all remains peaceful, it may be accepted on official maps once again. I will request we direct some forces there as soon as possible." >>508083 >>508086 "If that was all, then lets head for the Council's meeting room. You are all to receive commendations for your actions, as well as the promised bounty for Rotunda's demise."
>>508088 >>508089 >>508090 The Inquisitor Lord gets up as his pegasus helper takes the books back. You leave the library, and as you return, you see someone walking away, and the door guards putting the heart back in its bag.
>>508100 He isn't dressed like an Inquisitor, that's for sure. His outfit featured purple, commonly associated with the Royal Guard. >>508101 Seems this person is headed to the Council Meeting Rooms.
>>508104 >>508108 You take the Heart and bag and head to the meeting.
The Witch Hunt Council is made up of five Inquisitor Lords, each joined by a few assistants. "We have heard you bring news of the demise of Rotunda" "Present your evidence"
>>508112 >>508114 There is am approving murmur among the Council "Impressive." "Most impressive." "This, coupled with other reports is proof enough for us" "You may claim the reward for the killing of Poxmother Rotunda." "It can be collected from the treasury with this." They present you with a sealed scroll
The purple-clad man stands off to the side of the room, taking notes.
>>508121 >>508124 >>508128 >>508129 "This was the first of it. Most hunters want the rewards up front." "If you wish for more work, we can gladly fill you in."
>>508139 "That is exactly what we were going to ask." "We have some information about the locations of Harrowld the Summoner, Ghaston the Timeless and Attrocia the Beastmistress."
>>508159 You turned in Rotunda's heart and got a voucher that can be exchanged for the bounty. You are about to be given new orders >>508156 "Harrowld was seen taking over the old weather research station on Stormtop - a mountain to the northeast that always seems to have curious weather patterns. It was researched for years before the project was dropped, concluding on it being the result of intersecting magical fields." "Ghaston may be hiding among the ruins of the Gilded Port, once a major, important city for commerce used to ferry cargo and people over a major river. At least until a bridge replaced it entirely." "Attrocia is somewhere in the deeper parts of Giant's Woods, but we have no better info since next to nobody can traverse that place."
>>508188 "A ranger might work. Or a sherpa. But we have not been able to enlist either." >>508185 "Harrowld is a remarkably skilled summoner and conjurer. His research into elementals was astonishing." "Ghaston was a fan of history and complained he was born too late. His research into chronomancy was deemed too dangerous and heretical, so he was branded a witch." "Attrocia is one who consorts with beasts. Her skills with them are almost as if she could speak and understand their language."
>>508199 >>508200 "You may engage any of them in any order. Indeed following the initial news of your victory over Rotunda, word has come from the castle asking about you. Bring proof of the deaths of these other witches, and the Emperor himself will grant you an audience."
>>508231 "It seems that we'll be picking our next target from between the three of those. The chronomancer might be the one, though it would probably come down to a vote."
>>508239 >>508240 Quietly whisper "Can I vote too? I'd like to go after t-the Elementalist.. Harrowld.. I-I can use elements so.. I'd be helpful there.."
>>508233 >>508235 >>508239 >>508240 "Very good. Pick up your reward from the treasury, and if you happen to run across any corrupted items, please deposit them at the purifiers in the third floor. We are always on the lookout for more potential tools to help us learn about, and counter the evil of witches." "If you need more information, our assistants have worked on dossiers on our enemies. They can be found in our dedicated witch hunt office on the second floor."
>>508258 Smile a bit and tentatively reply "Its nice to be traveling friends." >>508250 >>508255 follow Red to the treasury >>508260 "…." look down awkwardly
>>508253 Yes, you are still in the capital. And now that it's daytime, all the stores are open. >>508258 As you show the scroll, one of the treasury guards heads in to count your money.
#Please vote for the next witch
#Harrowld the Summoner #Ghaston the Timeless #Attrocia the Beastmistess
>>508264 With your lack of experience in big town commerce, you feel more than a little lost. You will need a partner… >>508266 Do you wish to read them now? >>508267 >>508268 >>508269 >>508270 Looks like your next destination is the Stormtop Research Station.
>>508276 [Harrowld the Summoner is one of the oldest living wizards of the empire, having taught for decades at various academies. He specialized in conjuration but was equally well known for his research into elementals. Though nobody can deny his brilliance, many questioned his mental fortitude, expressing concern over how he refused to cease his work or consider the safety of others in his pursuit for knowledge. This ultimately lead to him outright clashing with authorities as he seized dozens of forbidden texts, spreading them among his students and himself, stating knowledge must be free and never locked away. Finally, after repeatedly refusing to end his experiments seeking to summon a Titan, he was declared a Witch and chased out of the civilized world.] >>508277 Probably at the inn enjoying the soft bed.
>>508303 You have a room at the inn. Or you can just hang out on a rooftop or something. >>508300 Do you want to hide your considerable bag of gold you got for killing Rotunda first, or show it off?
>>508313 >>508314 "That's quite the sack you got there." >>508321 The market district is so big you could probably get lost there… Everything from full meals to rare spices is sold here >>508311 You are now alone
>>508329 Getting lost would be fairly bad. But then again, am I really ready to go after those other witches? Look for a stall that deals with dried/preserved foods. '1d10'
>>508331 The gist of it seems to be that the most important thing to do is move on. Find new things in life. New things to do and to look forward to. New goals, meanings and purposes. And to not let the past weigh you down. >>508333 "So you aren't too keen on just selling to the fence then?" >>508340 You find one that sells canned food, salted food, smoked food and sun-dried food.
>>508365 Well you have all the basic needs now. When you run across some Witchspeak documents you can put yourself to the test, and you can already pass on this basic knowledge to others. >>508362 You each got an equal share of gold. This was mandatory, to keep hunter groups from fighting over their shares on Inquisitorial premises. >>508369 Available at the market >>508367 The fruitiest there is. Even the vendor has a hat made from fruit.
>>508371 Fruity indeed. Pick up enough fruit for a week. Apples, oranges, that sort of stuff. Next on the list, lanterns, oil, and firestarters… >>508374 >>508377 "Oh, hello there."
>>508407 >>508408 I'll shrug. "It's likely not going to a simple matter. The chronomancer will be annoying, no doubt, and the summoner will be able to do what Starburst does, only with a more murderous intent."
>>508414 "Perhaps. That is a possibility I hadn't considered." >>508413 "Rotunda's magic seemed to be making strides in that direction. And just because something bleeds doesn't mean it can die due to it."
>>508382 "Careful there friend. Fruit is rarely good past three days." >>508364 "True, but I only know so many good buyers" >>508388 Apples, oranges, and plenty of other stuff >>508390 Lots of folks over at the fruit vendor >>508397 Just some priests
>>508438 An old gravedigger seems to be following you around… >>508439 You buy a delicious looking deep red apple and bite in. >>508441 Red is here, and so are Honey and Iron Dust
>>508442 That fucking…. Go sit in front of a grave and start talking to it. Just a random idiot visiting the grave of a loved one and crazy enough to talk to it. He's going to believe that right? No need to check on me '1d10'
>>508445 "Necromancer, huh? Got a permit slip on you?" >>508447 You can afford plenty now. >>508448 "I know an auctioneer who can sell stuff for us, or give us a client list."
>>508460 There are some fine-ass apples >>508456 "He lives in fairly close by. Unlike most, his shop is in the expensive part of the residential district, rather than in the market district."
>>508467 After the fifth one they start tasting a bit samey >>508468 There are several. A weaponsmith, a general-purpose blacksmith, a magical reagent and catalyst merchant… >>508466 After a short walk you reach a rather fancy house. The entrance leads to a spacious display hall that branches off into the actual auction room. A butler comes to inquire about your visit
>>508478 "Certainly. What kind of items?" >>508480 Roll to peel it neatly >>508481 He's right there at the fruit stall >>508485 "Ranged weapon fir for a pony, eh? Got any preference?"
>>508495 "Not really. Enchanting just tends to be easier if the material has meaning to the wielder." >>508496 Juicy. Tangy. Kinda makes you want something savory to balance out the sweetness.
>>508494 I'll move a little off to the side. "I was thinking of taking a separate path, Inquisitor. I'm not going to abandon you all, but I find that, in the general sense… I'm superfluous. Until I can hone my talents further, then I have no place fighting here." I'll hand off the supplies I got, the salted foods, dried vegetables, and sack of apples/oranges. "Until I feel I am strong enough to stand with you again, this is where we part."
>>508497 Smile a bit "Oh, okay. What range weapon is good for a pony then? It should work since Its something I am buying to defend my friends. And I never had friends before.." Looks a little shy. "Or is that not right?"
>>508500 "The challenges we're going to be facing are no doubt beyond my current power. I doubt we'll find another font of healing goo on the next witch."
>>508502 "Defending others is always a good reason to arm oneself. Have you considered a throwing weapon?" >>508503 Adrenaline does that. The salty shrimp soup and juicy fruits make for a lovely lunch.
>>508518 You buy a hammer and chain for maximum ranged bashing. The blacksmith smiles brightly as he counts his coins "Do come again!" >>508521 "An impressive array. Would you like them evaluated first or will you just leave them for auctioning?"