>>570734
You don't find him on the Sirocco. Instead you have to track him all the way to the deepest reaches of the Darklantern, below even the floor that Scarab stays on – under the hold into the old Quartermaster's room, near the vault where the altar is stored in a cage is where Topaz kept her old forge. He's there, honing his axe on a grindstone. He's peddling it furiously.
>>570735
Yes
>>570736
Asking Nopo
You don't find him on the Sirocco. Instead you have to track him all the way to the deepest reaches of the Darklantern, below even the floor that Scarab stays on – under the hold into the old Quartermaster's room, near the vault where the altar is stored in a cage is where Topaz kept her old forge. He's there, honing his axe on a grindstone. He's peddling it furiously.
>>570735
Yes
>>570736
Asking Nopo
>>570776
Wark sighs and puts down the axe. "I made this complicated. Ye were right ta turn me down at first… now I've complicated things more wit' Adel… Do ya just want tha two of us out of yer life?"
>>570778
"I'm feeling a bit under the weather, but you don't owe me anything."
>>570779
Is there someone in particular? Or looking for new faces?"
Wark sighs and puts down the axe. "I made this complicated. Ye were right ta turn me down at first… now I've complicated things more wit' Adel… Do ya just want tha two of us out of yer life?"
>>570778
"I'm feeling a bit under the weather, but you don't owe me anything."
>>570779
Is there someone in particular? Or looking for new faces?"
>>570896
Diplomacy.
"I'm concerned about the risk to our command structure if things go poorly. The same reason it took us so long to recover from the Battle of Roads was as a direct result of lacking centralized leadership. Certainly I did my share of raiding back in the day under Captain Thatch, but my present responsibilities to the fleet are as a leader, not a combatant."
Diplomacy.
"I'm concerned about the risk to our command structure if things go poorly. The same reason it took us so long to recover from the Battle of Roads was as a direct result of lacking centralized leadership. Certainly I did my share of raiding back in the day under Captain Thatch, but my present responsibilities to the fleet are as a leader, not a combatant."
>>570899
"Maybe. I would like to utilize diplomacy first."
>>570900
"I understand that, but without these portals the plan mister Tree proposed will not be possible. All you will need to do is open and close the necessary portal if the diplomatic approach fails. We will take care of the fighting ourselves."
Roll #1 7 = 7
"Maybe. I would like to utilize diplomacy first."
>>570900
"I understand that, but without these portals the plan mister Tree proposed will not be possible. All you will need to do is open and close the necessary portal if the diplomatic approach fails. We will take care of the fighting ourselves."
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>570904
"Very well. But we will have to deal with the other assassin eventually. Not just to obtain the weapon, but because as E. Watcher attests to in his work The Maw of Tartarus, there are naturally occurring exits out of Tartarus – typically these are guarded by a cerberus, but I am not convinced that one would be able to stop the assassins if they live up to expectations."
"Very well. But we will have to deal with the other assassin eventually. Not just to obtain the weapon, but because as E. Watcher attests to in his work The Maw of Tartarus, there are naturally occurring exits out of Tartarus – typically these are guarded by a cerberus, but I am not convinced that one would be able to stop the assassins if they live up to expectations."
>>570905
"Hmmm… that is problematic to hear. I was hoping to only deal with the other once the first one is neutralized. We shall be on a tight schedule then."
>>570903
>>570899
>>570906
"We move out now. Remember, we will try diplomacy first. If that fails, Tela will use her Teleportation spell to teleport the assassin to a portal and lock him or her up in Tartarus until his or her partner is dealt with."
"Hmmm… that is problematic to hear. I was hoping to only deal with the other once the first one is neutralized. We shall be on a tight schedule then."
>>570903
>>570899
>>570906
"We move out now. Remember, we will try diplomacy first. If that fails, Tela will use her Teleportation spell to teleport the assassin to a portal and lock him or her up in Tartarus until his or her partner is dealt with."
>>570907
"Without surveying, there is no certain way to know how close the nearest naturally occurring vent is. For all I know there could be on in all of Neighpon, or perhaps the nearest is underwater. The primary concern is not so much that we will be interrupted in two minutes as that Tartarus is not an effective prison."
"Without surveying, there is no certain way to know how close the nearest naturally occurring vent is. For all I know there could be on in all of Neighpon, or perhaps the nearest is underwater. The primary concern is not so much that we will be interrupted in two minutes as that Tartarus is not an effective prison."
>>570937
>>570938
"It probably won't work, and I actually feel kinda stupid for thinking of it, but… what if we offered them a position on the fleet? I mean sure, they probably have other obligations, but from their point of view, it might be preferable to getting sent to Tartarus.
…I know it probably won't work, but… I thought I should at least bring it up."
>>570938
"It probably won't work, and I actually feel kinda stupid for thinking of it, but… what if we offered them a position on the fleet? I mean sure, they probably have other obligations, but from their point of view, it might be preferable to getting sent to Tartarus.
…I know it probably won't work, but… I thought I should at least bring it up."
>>571037
"Indeed. But we won't need to. We are bearing no ill will for the Master."
Turn to Light Heart.
"The Elder says the room is too small.
The two of us are probably all what Reaching Spear is going to receive.
If worse comes to worse, I should be able to buy you enough time to regroup with the others."
"Indeed. But we won't need to. We are bearing no ill will for the Master."
Turn to Light Heart.
"The Elder says the room is too small.
The two of us are probably all what Reaching Spear is going to receive.
If worse comes to worse, I should be able to buy you enough time to regroup with the others."
>>571062
I nod.
"You understand we work for the Daimyo of Awa. You must also understand that said daimyo has informed us of the existence of a certain duo of assassins. Now, I am not a unreasonable mare. Battle is sometimes inevitable to solve conflicts, but my preferred method is diplomacy. In Ichi's case, this was unfortunately impossible."
I nod.
"You understand we work for the Daimyo of Awa. You must also understand that said daimyo has informed us of the existence of a certain duo of assassins. Now, I am not a unreasonable mare. Battle is sometimes inevitable to solve conflicts, but my preferred method is diplomacy. In Ichi's case, this was unfortunately impossible."
>>571086
Eh, I'll take them.
"War has claimed many lives during the course of history. We could truly end this one right here and now and avoid more deaths then there have to be. Our course of action in Shiba should show that we are willing to avoid as much bloodshed as possible."
Roll #1 8 = 8
Eh, I'll take them.
"War has claimed many lives during the course of history. We could truly end this one right here and now and avoid more deaths then there have to be. Our course of action in Shiba should show that we are willing to avoid as much bloodshed as possible."
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>571090
>>571090
"You don't understand what you're asking."
>REBUKE: "To the contrary. Many had to die that I could be here as well. Ichi fell."
>ACKNOWLEDGE: "You're right. As a foreigner, I don't know. Why the Daimyo of Awa? What happened?"
>REDIRECT: "Do you really want to continue serving Takikaga? You didn't seem interested in protecting the city."
>CHASTISE: "If you're so concerned about death, you have an opportunity to stop it now."
>PROSTRATE: "Your power is unmatchable. We've come to beg your compliance."
>THREATEN: "We have a powerful fleet and and army of talented warriors. It's best that you go peacefully and not endanger the school."
>OBLIGATE: "You're powerful. The responsibility of peace falls on the shoulders of the most capable."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
>>571090
"You don't understand what you're asking."
>REBUKE: "To the contrary. Many had to die that I could be here as well. Ichi fell."
>ACKNOWLEDGE: "You're right. As a foreigner, I don't know. Why the Daimyo of Awa? What happened?"
>REDIRECT: "Do you really want to continue serving Takikaga? You didn't seem interested in protecting the city."
>CHASTISE: "If you're so concerned about death, you have an opportunity to stop it now."
>PROSTRATE: "Your power is unmatchable. We've come to beg your compliance."
>THREATEN: "We have a powerful fleet and and army of talented warriors. It's best that you go peacefully and not endanger the school."
>OBLIGATE: "You're powerful. The responsibility of peace falls on the shoulders of the most capable."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
>>571106
"My fight has less than nothing to do with the Daimyo of Takikaga. I serve him no more than you serve Equestria."
>REFOCUS: "Takikaga aside, this is a question about Awa and how we can come to peace."
>CHARGE: "Regardless of your motivations, this affects more than just the Daimyo of Awa. Including Takikaga."
>DEMAND: "You have no reason to fight, then! Surrender your weapon."
>APOLOGIZE: "I'm sorry I misunderstood. What is it, then?"
>CHASTISE: "If you've chosen to become murderous independently, you can choose to become peaceful independently."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
"My fight has less than nothing to do with the Daimyo of Takikaga. I serve him no more than you serve Equestria."
>REFOCUS: "Takikaga aside, this is a question about Awa and how we can come to peace."
>CHARGE: "Regardless of your motivations, this affects more than just the Daimyo of Awa. Including Takikaga."
>DEMAND: "You have no reason to fight, then! Surrender your weapon."
>APOLOGIZE: "I'm sorry I misunderstood. What is it, then?"
>CHASTISE: "If you've chosen to become murderous independently, you can choose to become peaceful independently."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
>>571137
"I am a stallion of Takikaga. Is that not enough reason? It is the reason soldiers enlist."
>REFOCUS: "Your motivations in the past don't matter. What matters today is finding peace."
>INSIST: "I can tell there's something more."
>CHASTISE: "Reckless patriotism and jingoism only bring conflict."
>REDIRECT: "What about Serene Waterfall? Why do you suppose she fights?"
>THREATEN: "We killed Ocean. We can kill you too."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
"I am a stallion of Takikaga. Is that not enough reason? It is the reason soldiers enlist."
>REFOCUS: "Your motivations in the past don't matter. What matters today is finding peace."
>INSIST: "I can tell there's something more."
>CHASTISE: "Reckless patriotism and jingoism only bring conflict."
>REDIRECT: "What about Serene Waterfall? Why do you suppose she fights?"
>THREATEN: "We killed Ocean. We can kill you too."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
>>571147
"It seems to me that some of the soldiers around here are not very content with their lords. Others have turncoated as well today. I understand you wish to preserve your honor, but is that truly such a high price to pay for peace? Would it not be better for everypony in this building to choose that option?"
Roll #1 3 = 3
"It seems to me that some of the soldiers around here are not very content with their lords. Others have turncoated as well today. I understand you wish to preserve your honor, but is that truly such a high price to pay for peace? Would it not be better for everypony in this building to choose that option?"
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>571149
"Why don't you defect to Takikaga in the name of peace?"
>REFOCUS: "We're straying too far from the topic at hand."
>ASSERT: "Awa is in the right."
>ARGUE: "We've already made too much progress to turn back now."
>DEMAND: "These word games are tiring. Surrender immediately."
>THREATEN: "Because we can kill you if you don't stop."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
>>571150
"Soldiers enlist because they think it is the best thing they can do for their home."
"Why don't you defect to Takikaga in the name of peace?"
>REFOCUS: "We're straying too far from the topic at hand."
>ASSERT: "Awa is in the right."
>ARGUE: "We've already made too much progress to turn back now."
>DEMAND: "These word games are tiring. Surrender immediately."
>THREATEN: "Because we can kill you if you don't stop."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
>>571150
"Soldiers enlist because they think it is the best thing they can do for their home."
>>571166
"As I understand… you foreigners are in control of all three ports. If you defect, Takikaga will be winning the war. But even if you don't, there are supplies sufficient to keeping the war going for months if not years. That won't end the war at all."
>REFOCUS: "The war effort doesn't matter, this is about you."
>REDIRECT: "Why do you work with Serene Waterfall and not with Ocean?"
>ARGUE: "Maybe if you defect the war would end sooner."
>IDENTIFY: "You don't seem interested in helping Takikaga win the war."
>THREATEN: "You won't live to see the end of it if you don't surrender."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
"As I understand… you foreigners are in control of all three ports. If you defect, Takikaga will be winning the war. But even if you don't, there are supplies sufficient to keeping the war going for months if not years. That won't end the war at all."
>REFOCUS: "The war effort doesn't matter, this is about you."
>REDIRECT: "Why do you work with Serene Waterfall and not with Ocean?"
>ARGUE: "Maybe if you defect the war would end sooner."
>IDENTIFY: "You don't seem interested in helping Takikaga win the war."
>THREATEN: "You won't live to see the end of it if you don't surrender."
>BRIBE: "I want to buy your weapon."
>>571190
"If I defect, it will change nothing as I am not in charge of the fleet we are from. I would need to attempt to convince everypony on our fleet to do so first, which would be quite inefficient given how we can instead convince two ponies on the other side instead. Not to mention that regaining those ports will merely bring back Takikaga to its original standing, meaning the battle today will have been for naught. Will your defecting change the course of the war? I cannot say for certain, but I do believe it will save many lives nonetheless and at the very least make the war end sooner."
Roll #1 6 = 6
"If I defect, it will change nothing as I am not in charge of the fleet we are from. I would need to attempt to convince everypony on our fleet to do so first, which would be quite inefficient given how we can instead convince two ponies on the other side instead. Not to mention that regaining those ports will merely bring back Takikaga to its original standing, meaning the battle today will have been for naught. Will your defecting change the course of the war? I cannot say for certain, but I do believe it will save many lives nonetheless and at the very least make the war end sooner."
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>571211
"Then take this from me, this war will end soon. We cracked Ichi. Take fate in your own hooves and surrender your weapon so no more blood is shed here today. We will be on our way again once we do. We would even be willing to let the two of you join us. The choice lies with you and your partner. What shall it be? Blood or peace?"
Roll #1 6 = 6
"Then take this from me, this war will end soon. We cracked Ichi. Take fate in your own hooves and surrender your weapon so no more blood is shed here today. We will be on our way again once we do. We would even be willing to let the two of you join us. The choice lies with you and your partner. What shall it be? Blood or peace?"
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>571243
The party. My minions too.
>>571242
"Stealing their weapons would require a lot of skill… from mister Hircus. I doubt we will have much luck approaching Serene Waterfall. Killing them in a fair fight will be quite the challenge."
>>571245
"If you do not have anything intelligent to add to the conversation, I would prefer if you would just remain silent."
The party. My minions too.
>>571242
"Stealing their weapons would require a lot of skill… from mister Hircus. I doubt we will have much luck approaching Serene Waterfall. Killing them in a fair fight will be quite the challenge."
>>571245
"If you do not have anything intelligent to add to the conversation, I would prefer if you would just remain silent."
>>571252
"Fighting them together… my goodness, I will be honest when I say that our chances of survival are extremely slim at best. I will need everypony to be on board with this plan."
>>571254
"They knew we were here already. Perhaps if you had paid attention to the conversation you would have heard this. You may have noticed we are not exactly very subtle given how we are some of the few foreigners here in Neighpon."
"Fighting them together… my goodness, I will be honest when I say that our chances of survival are extremely slim at best. I will need everypony to be on board with this plan."
>>571254
"They knew we were here already. Perhaps if you had paid attention to the conversation you would have heard this. You may have noticed we are not exactly very subtle given how we are some of the few foreigners here in Neighpon."
>>571294
"I know you're not stupid, so you've already guessed the group I'm with. You've also probably guessed that I was eavesdropping on your conversation with my friends. I'm not here to try to convince you like they were… I just have some questions I need answered.
Well, one question really. Why?"
"I know you're not stupid, so you've already guessed the group I'm with. You've also probably guessed that I was eavesdropping on your conversation with my friends. I'm not here to try to convince you like they were… I just have some questions I need answered.
Well, one question really. Why?"
>>571295
"If you were eavesdropping, you already heard my answer."
>>571298
A revelation. This scroll doesn't contain any information about his fighting style, it contains his highest ideal!
In the first position, the warrior becomes one with the sword. He is deadly even with a blade of grass.
In the second position, the sword resides within the warrior's heart. Even without a weapon, he can slay any foe from a hundred paces.
In the third position, however, the sword disappears entirely. The warrior embraces the world around him. The desire to kill no longer exists.
"If you were eavesdropping, you already heard my answer."
>>571298
A revelation. This scroll doesn't contain any information about his fighting style, it contains his highest ideal!
In the first position, the warrior becomes one with the sword. He is deadly even with a blade of grass.
In the second position, the sword resides within the warrior's heart. Even without a weapon, he can slay any foe from a hundred paces.
In the third position, however, the sword disappears entirely. The warrior embraces the world around him. The desire to kill no longer exists.
>>571299
"Your answer to her, but she wasn't asking the right questions. You say you aren't fighting for the Daimyo, or out of revenge, so… who are you fighting for?
I… for the past five years, I was alone, betrayed by the only family I'd ever known. If I had faced you then, and you had struck me down, I honestly wouldn't have cared.
But in the past month, ever since I was hired by these mercenaries… I've found ponies and nonponies that I've come to care about. For the first time, I've found someone worth fighting for.
You can't be fighting for Serene Waterfall, because it would be safer for her if you didn't do this. You don't have any friends in positions of importance that I know of, and it sounds like Takikaga could burn for all you care about it as a nation.
Who are you fighting for? Why does killing the Daimyo of Awa benefit whoever it is you care about?"
"Your answer to her, but she wasn't asking the right questions. You say you aren't fighting for the Daimyo, or out of revenge, so… who are you fighting for?
I… for the past five years, I was alone, betrayed by the only family I'd ever known. If I had faced you then, and you had struck me down, I honestly wouldn't have cared.
But in the past month, ever since I was hired by these mercenaries… I've found ponies and nonponies that I've come to care about. For the first time, I've found someone worth fighting for.
You can't be fighting for Serene Waterfall, because it would be safer for her if you didn't do this. You don't have any friends in positions of importance that I know of, and it sounds like Takikaga could burn for all you care about it as a nation.
Who are you fighting for? Why does killing the Daimyo of Awa benefit whoever it is you care about?"
>>571306
"When I was young I wandered the countryside. I was a stallion with no land. It was Serene Waterfall who brought me back to Takikaga and gave me a purpose in life. Her father was a great general of Takikaga, but he was killed by troops from Awa. From that day… we trained together to kill the Daimyo of Awa. She promised me that some day when her father had been avenged, we could go away to another place… where there would be no daimyos or wars or soldiers, just two ponies. You're wrong. I fight to protect her, because she will never cease trying to avenge her father."
"When I was young I wandered the countryside. I was a stallion with no land. It was Serene Waterfall who brought me back to Takikaga and gave me a purpose in life. Her father was a great general of Takikaga, but he was killed by troops from Awa. From that day… we trained together to kill the Daimyo of Awa. She promised me that some day when her father had been avenged, we could go away to another place… where there would be no daimyos or wars or soldiers, just two ponies. You're wrong. I fight to protect her, because she will never cease trying to avenge her father."
>>571311
"So because her father was killed, the ruler of the nation he was fighting must die?"
I shake my head disbelievingly.
"I spent my whole life struggling to survive, abandoning honor, dignity, integrity, honesty, even my self-respect for handfuls of food, enough money to buy the means to keep starvation at bay for just a week longer…
But during that time, I came to understand that life is a precious thing, something that must be fought for and cherished, and above all respected. To think that your entire existence is devoted to the ending of life…
I can't believe that. I can't believe that you do this for the sole purpose of killing somepony you've never met. There has to be more."
"So because her father was killed, the ruler of the nation he was fighting must die?"
I shake my head disbelievingly.
"I spent my whole life struggling to survive, abandoning honor, dignity, integrity, honesty, even my self-respect for handfuls of food, enough money to buy the means to keep starvation at bay for just a week longer…
But during that time, I came to understand that life is a precious thing, something that must be fought for and cherished, and above all respected. To think that your entire existence is devoted to the ending of life…
I can't believe that. I can't believe that you do this for the sole purpose of killing somepony you've never met. There has to be more."
>>571315
Keep following him.
"I don't speak neighponese, but I know when I'm getting brushed off.
I've got someone special too, and there is no way in Tartarus I'd risk the opportunity to spend the rest of my life with them someplace quiet without a damn good reason.
Is she really so blind that she'd risk your life and hers for something as petty as revenge?"
Keep following him.
"I don't speak neighponese, but I know when I'm getting brushed off.
I've got someone special too, and there is no way in Tartarus I'd risk the opportunity to spend the rest of my life with them someplace quiet without a damn good reason.
Is she really so blind that she'd risk your life and hers for something as petty as revenge?"
>>571341
Sit down across from her with a serious expression.
"I believe you already know the group I am with. If so, you know the likely reason we are here."
I take out my blood dagger… and set it on the ground between us, with the blade pointed at me.
"That is not the reason why I am here. I come to you for my own purposes."
Sit down across from her with a serious expression.
"I believe you already know the group I am with. If so, you know the likely reason we are here."
I take out my blood dagger… and set it on the ground between us, with the blade pointed at me.
"That is not the reason why I am here. I come to you for my own purposes."
>>571352
>>571348
I look at the school house for some time before then looking at you.
"We really need that forcefield magic thing that they employ in those castle's you know, if we are able to somehow protect the fleet from incoming artillery before it hits the hull then it will save not only us repair men from repairing the ships but also lives of crew and menials."
>>571348
I look at the school house for some time before then looking at you.
"We really need that forcefield magic thing that they employ in those castle's you know, if we are able to somehow protect the fleet from incoming artillery before it hits the hull then it will save not only us repair men from repairing the ships but also lives of crew and menials."
>>571354
"Privateers… but yes. You and Abilio are right, as always." I nod before looking at the castle's direction.
"Everything can be digged up with enough work that is what my father told me, give me and the crew some time and we can get that statue or whatever the hell it is and bring it aboard. It will be a total waste not to exploit such kind of magic powers." I grin.
"Privateers… but yes. You and Abilio are right, as always." I nod before looking at the castle's direction.
"Everything can be digged up with enough work that is what my father told me, give me and the crew some time and we can get that statue or whatever the hell it is and bring it aboard. It will be a total waste not to exploit such kind of magic powers." I grin.
>>571355
"Listen to me! I would have died on the streets if not for the Taskmaster; he took me in, gave me purpose, taught me how to survive. He was my father, his band of thieves my family… up until five years ago, when he stabbed me in the back and left me to die.
For five years I lived alone, bitter and angry and swearing veangance with every waking breath. I would not be satisfied until the father who betrayed me lay dead at my feet, no matter the cost!
…And then a few months ago, I found the love of my life. They made me happy in ways I didn't know I could feel, sacrificed so much for me without asking for anything but that I be theirs…
I hate the Taskmaster, I still want him lying dead at my feet… But I will not seek him out, because I know that if I did, it would put the one I love in danger. Because I realized that even if he died, the hurt he put on my heart would not die with him. I could lose everything, and there would be no satisfaction because it would not matter! Killing him would not heal my heart; only finding love did that. Why are you so blind to the priceless treasure you hold? Take Spear and go, settle down on a farm, have children together, grow old together, live together! Please… don't waste something as precious on this on a corrupt official who would simply be replaced. Nopony would care, nothing would change.
Please. Spear will kill for you, he will die for you… but I think he just wants to love you. Kill me if you must, but please listen to me."
"Listen to me! I would have died on the streets if not for the Taskmaster; he took me in, gave me purpose, taught me how to survive. He was my father, his band of thieves my family… up until five years ago, when he stabbed me in the back and left me to die.
For five years I lived alone, bitter and angry and swearing veangance with every waking breath. I would not be satisfied until the father who betrayed me lay dead at my feet, no matter the cost!
…And then a few months ago, I found the love of my life. They made me happy in ways I didn't know I could feel, sacrificed so much for me without asking for anything but that I be theirs…
I hate the Taskmaster, I still want him lying dead at my feet… But I will not seek him out, because I know that if I did, it would put the one I love in danger. Because I realized that even if he died, the hurt he put on my heart would not die with him. I could lose everything, and there would be no satisfaction because it would not matter! Killing him would not heal my heart; only finding love did that. Why are you so blind to the priceless treasure you hold? Take Spear and go, settle down on a farm, have children together, grow old together, live together! Please… don't waste something as precious on this on a corrupt official who would simply be replaced. Nopony would care, nothing would change.
Please. Spear will kill for you, he will die for you… but I think he just wants to love you. Kill me if you must, but please listen to me."
>>571679
"Cutting to the chase then, very well. I want to ask you to relinquish your weaponry so that we may present it to the daimyo of Awa. There is a bounty on your heads and we are in need of funds. Doing so will mean confrontation between the two parties will not be necessary."
Roll #1 8 = 8
"Cutting to the chase then, very well. I want to ask you to relinquish your weaponry so that we may present it to the daimyo of Awa. There is a bounty on your heads and we are in need of funds. Doing so will mean confrontation between the two parties will not be necessary."
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>571680
"You're a foreigner and have known us for a few minutes at most. Your 'advice' is laughable."
>ARGUE: "My premise is universal. It applies in any situation."
>CONFRONT: "You're running from the discussion instead of engaging in it because you're afraid I'm right."
>INQUIRE: "Why exactly are you so consumed by hatred?"
>REDIRECT: "Your anger is misplaced."
>PROSTRATE: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend. If you are willing to show me mercy, that is the first step toward establishing good faith between us."
>SLEIGHT (DC10): "Look, a three-headed monkey!"
>>571681
#Serene Waterfall
Combat Specialty: Finisher
Passively kills helpless targets at end of every turn.
Psychological Profile: Extreme Alpha
Cold, curt, and without patience for flowery words or questions. Unlike her partner, asking too many questions will only try her patience. She is angry and bitter, and will not simply surrender. Attempting to change her mind will anger her. She seems consumed by hunger for revenge. Will respond better to redirection than direct confrontation.
>>571682
"The prospect of prostrating myself to my greatest foe is laughable. I hope for your sake you are armed."
>THREATEN: "We killed Ocean. We can kill you too."
>ARGUE: "It's not prostration. It's a way out."
>INQUIRE: "Can you tell me more about why you're after the Daimyo of Awa?"
>PLACATE: "I'm don't want to fight."
I would strongly advise pooling all your information to maximize the number of diplomatic options you can use before selecting a reply. Select your response carefully and consider choosing only one speaker to lower your chance of picking a response resulting in combat.
"You're a foreigner and have known us for a few minutes at most. Your 'advice' is laughable."
>ARGUE: "My premise is universal. It applies in any situation."
>CONFRONT: "You're running from the discussion instead of engaging in it because you're afraid I'm right."
>INQUIRE: "Why exactly are you so consumed by hatred?"
>REDIRECT: "Your anger is misplaced."
>PROSTRATE: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend. If you are willing to show me mercy, that is the first step toward establishing good faith between us."
>SLEIGHT (DC10): "Look, a three-headed monkey!"
>>571681
#Serene Waterfall
Combat Specialty: Finisher
Passively kills helpless targets at end of every turn.
Psychological Profile: Extreme Alpha
Cold, curt, and without patience for flowery words or questions. Unlike her partner, asking too many questions will only try her patience. She is angry and bitter, and will not simply surrender. Attempting to change her mind will anger her. She seems consumed by hunger for revenge. Will respond better to redirection than direct confrontation.
>>571682
"The prospect of prostrating myself to my greatest foe is laughable. I hope for your sake you are armed."
>THREATEN: "We killed Ocean. We can kill you too."
>ARGUE: "It's not prostration. It's a way out."
>INQUIRE: "Can you tell me more about why you're after the Daimyo of Awa?"
>PLACATE: "I'm don't want to fight."
I would strongly advise pooling all your information to maximize the number of diplomatic options you can use before selecting a reply. Select your response carefully and consider choosing only one speaker to lower your chance of picking a response resulting in combat.
>>571684
>>571685
>>571686
"The Daimyo is the state of Awa. He is the city of Awa. He is the dynasty of Awa. This is something a foreigner cannot comprehend."
>ARGUE: "I understand enough!"
>CONFRONT: "The Daimyo didn't kill your father."
>ACKNOWLEDGE: "You're right. A foreigner can't possibly understand the same way a native does. Help me understand."
>DELAY: "So you hold him responsible for the actions of his troops?"
>MOLLIFY: "Fair enough. We do have some common ground, though, do we not?"
>REFOCUS: "This is between you and me, Awa isn't important."
>>571685
>>571686
"The Daimyo is the state of Awa. He is the city of Awa. He is the dynasty of Awa. This is something a foreigner cannot comprehend."
>ARGUE: "I understand enough!"
>CONFRONT: "The Daimyo didn't kill your father."
>ACKNOWLEDGE: "You're right. A foreigner can't possibly understand the same way a native does. Help me understand."
>DELAY: "So you hold him responsible for the actions of his troops?"
>MOLLIFY: "Fair enough. We do have some common ground, though, do we not?"
>REFOCUS: "This is between you and me, Awa isn't important."
>>571691
>>571692
>>571694
"The subject is inextricable from Awa, but I will humor your premise. How so?"
INSIST: "We have the opportunity to end considerable bloodshed."
FLATTER: "One as wise as you is sure to be able to see the way the wind is blowing."
REDIRECT: "Because Reaching Spear hangs in the balance!"
CONFRONT: "Because if you don't surrender, I'll have to kill you."
TAUNT (Con Artist DC4): "Because I personally killed your father!"
DECEIVE (Con Artist DC6): "Because in our salvage of the castle we recovered these documents demonstrating that the Daimyo of Takikaga intentionally sent your father on a suicide mission to get rid of him as a political enemy. He is more to blame than the enemy troops."
>>571692
>>571694
"The subject is inextricable from Awa, but I will humor your premise. How so?"
INSIST: "We have the opportunity to end considerable bloodshed."
FLATTER: "One as wise as you is sure to be able to see the way the wind is blowing."
REDIRECT: "Because Reaching Spear hangs in the balance!"
CONFRONT: "Because if you don't surrender, I'll have to kill you."
TAUNT (Con Artist DC4): "Because I personally killed your father!"
DECEIVE (Con Artist DC6): "Because in our salvage of the castle we recovered these documents demonstrating that the Daimyo of Takikaga intentionally sent your father on a suicide mission to get rid of him as a political enemy. He is more to blame than the enemy troops."
>>571696
"How so? You are talking in circles."
>REFOCUS: "You're right. Reaching Spear is unimportant."
>APPEAL: "Isn't Reaching Spear more important to you than revenge?"
>INQUIRE: "What is your relationship with Reaching Spear?"
>DELAY: "Isn't it clear?"
>DECEIVE (Con Artist DC8): "Reaching Spear had an affair with Ocean!"
>THREATEN: "Because I'll kill him if you don't surrender!"
"How so? You are talking in circles."
>REFOCUS: "You're right. Reaching Spear is unimportant."
>APPEAL: "Isn't Reaching Spear more important to you than revenge?"
>INQUIRE: "What is your relationship with Reaching Spear?"
>DELAY: "Isn't it clear?"
>DECEIVE (Con Artist DC8): "Reaching Spear had an affair with Ocean!"
>THREATEN: "Because I'll kill him if you don't surrender!"
>>571698
"You know less than nothing. Reaching Spear willingly joined me from the start knowing we would risk our lives and for the purpose of revenge. Revenge brought us together. You are trying my patience at every turn."
>ACKNOWLEDGE: "I see. You're right, I didn't understand that. But there is another good reason besides that…"
>ARGUE: "You're abusing his love!"
>INQUIRE: "Tell me more about your past."
>IDENTIFY: "Reaching Spear has no reason to exact revenge on the Daimyo."
"You know less than nothing. Reaching Spear willingly joined me from the start knowing we would risk our lives and for the purpose of revenge. Revenge brought us together. You are trying my patience at every turn."
>ACKNOWLEDGE: "I see. You're right, I didn't understand that. But there is another good reason besides that…"
>ARGUE: "You're abusing his love!"
>INQUIRE: "Tell me more about your past."
>IDENTIFY: "Reaching Spear has no reason to exact revenge on the Daimyo."
>>571700
"Which is…?"
>REFOCUS: "This is a discussion between the two of us. Outside influences don't matter."
>REDIRECT: "The Daimyo of Awa is not culpable."
>DECEIVE (Con Artist DC6): "Because in our salvage of the castle we recovered these documents demonstrating that the Daimyo of Takikaga intentionally sent your father on a suicide mission to get rid of him as a political enemy. He is more to blame than the enemy troops."
"Which is…?"
>REFOCUS: "This is a discussion between the two of us. Outside influences don't matter."
>REDIRECT: "The Daimyo of Awa is not culpable."
>DECEIVE (Con Artist DC6): "Because in our salvage of the castle we recovered these documents demonstrating that the Daimyo of Takikaga intentionally sent your father on a suicide mission to get rid of him as a political enemy. He is more to blame than the enemy troops."
>>571701
"I ought to cease beating around the bush. I am sorry to inform you that during in our salvage of the castle we recovered these documents demonstrating that the Daimyo of Takikaga intentionally sent your father on a suicide mission to get rid of him as a political enemy. He is more to blame than the enemy troops."
Con artist.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
"I ought to cease beating around the bush. I am sorry to inform you that during in our salvage of the castle we recovered these documents demonstrating that the Daimyo of Takikaga intentionally sent your father on a suicide mission to get rid of him as a political enemy. He is more to blame than the enemy troops."
Con artist.
Roll #1 4 + 2 = 6
>>571702
Her face contorts in anger.
"I'd always suspected, but I never had proof. Thank you… I will no longer fight with a Takikaga blade."
She flings her sword away, and it rips through the wall – it may have cut through the entire building out into the city…
By the time you look back, she's vanished.
Her face contorts in anger.
"I'd always suspected, but I never had proof. Thank you… I will no longer fight with a Takikaga blade."
She flings her sword away, and it rips through the wall – it may have cut through the entire building out into the city…
By the time you look back, she's vanished.