@Spanner@Rune_Alchemist

Immediately, Vander learned some valuable information. This was a great start to their first interaction with a citizen of this world in spite of the awful introduction. He wondered what form Tania would take if any. He had no doubt she could handle herself regardless.

He leaned back groggily and took in a few deep breaths, still trying to calm the adrenaline rush. "I'm Rath by the way."

Vander nodded in greeting. "I am the Watcher."

He had no problems with Whiteside being a cold place. A warm enough room would be plenty fine. He was battle-hardened enough that safe was not a huge concern. Battle-hardened? He had seen plenty of battles, yes. However, that was while he played YGGDRASIL. He barely saw any combat here, and that happened all at their entrance to this new world. Perhaps his hunch was actually correct. That would explain the sudden outburst of rage from Cain. It would explain the sudden talkativeness and expressiveness of Lena.

"Just a place to rest is fine," Vander stated. "We can take care of the rest. As far as your comment about not having a guide.
I am particularly skilled at wilderness survival in all types of terrain. I asked as we simply have found ourselves suddenly and mysteriously where we should not be."

It seemed that they had some options as to where they could go. He glanced to the others to observe their next actions and see what they wanted to do next. It was not his place to respond to the question of Rath.

@drewccapp@Spanner

---

"Hm...Tania here may have spooked him with one of her illusions." Lena replied with a small frown, glancing over to Cain, but said nothing. "Well, you're safe, that's what is important here, Rath. Our guide here has been more than helpful at navigating this place." Lena replied with a smile. "And thank you for your warning. Tania can handle herself." That said...Evil Fae? That was troubling. Very much so. "I'm more concerned about these evil fae you've mentioned - I have spent quite a bit of my life around the Fae and while they can be...mischievous and fickle, only a select few could be described as 'evil'."

Before she could question further though, Tania buzzed over, the now child size fairy looking oddly serious for once in her life. There was a small pile of snow on her head, but she didn't seem to notice or care.

"Waitwait a minute." The Fae Queen narrowed her eyes up at Rath. "Fae? Here? That is...well, completely silly. I mean, unless they're of the Unseelie Court? They like places like this." She was working on knowledge from their old world here, of course, and had no knowledge whether or not such a thing even existed here. Typically back on earth Fae were divided into two people. The Unseelie and Seelie Courts. With the Unseelie being fairly...domineering towards humans.

Which was funny because in traditional folklore Dullahan were Unseelie fey.

More importantly though, this was a great lead! They may be Unseelie fey but if she could find more fairies to possible interact with she could get some things done...maybe even insert herself as queen! Hah! Now that would be fun.

"Don't do anything to spook Rath, Tania." Lena gave her a pat on the head before walking over to Cain.

"E-eh? I'm not gonna eat him or something!" Tania pouted, before turning her head towards the man, grinning mischievously. "Well, maybe just a nibble. He looks tasty..." The fey turned serious again before continuing. "But seriously, Unseelie Fey are no joke. Well, unless they're being funny. They can be kinda funny sometimes. Really good at pranks, heh! Uh, anyways, what can you tell me about them? How do they typically take people?"

Meanwhile, Lena had walked over to Cain, giving the demon a somewhat harsh look.

"Are you alright, Cain?" The elf asked their traveling companion. Despite the serious look, her voice did hold some concern in it.

@13org@Thecrash20

As the duo traveled through the murky terrain, the cold mud trying to cling to their feet and the fog attempting to drown out their vision, their movement did not go unnoticed by the dark residents of the plains. The centuries of death that permeated the land had made the plains into an Undead breeding ground. If it had just been the undead warrior who was traveling through the undead would have paid no heed to the travelings, but the bursting vitality of the young beastwoman quickly tickled the life detection abilities of the monsters.

From without the depths of the mist the sounds of clanking metal and bones could be heard as undead from around the plains zeroed in on the strong life force. Skeletal warriors, zombies, and a few death hounds were the first to arrive on the scene. The skeletons marched on souless, making no sounds aside from the clanking of rusted armor and creaking bones. The zombies groaned and shambled at a slower pace behind the zombies, while the death hounds, nasty guard dogs of death and decay, growled and started to slowly circle around, the only enemies at the moment that seemed to have an ounce of intelligence while the rest just clanked onward with various weapons raised to attack.

From deeper within the mists, in the remains of a broken tower, a figure watched the scene with interest.



Danielle could not help but worry at the words that came out of the former NPC's mouth. This Lexus fellow was quite the religious fanatic who appeared to think he was destined to bring about the apocalypse, she certainly hoped he would follow his master's orders enough to not start attacking everyone. Thankfully, like her own servant who was currently fawning over her every whim, his loyalty appeared absolute to his creator.

Danielle felt the pat on her back and was greatful for December's encouragement. When she talked about transmuting her equipment she thought about it, but decided not to take up on her offer, she also wondered about the currency and how that would work out. "Thanks for the offer but at the moment, as loathe as I am to admit it, I might need this outfit for what's ahead."

Danielle pointed ahead where they could see progress had slowed down the closer they got closer to the capital, it was apparent that the city had a military checkpoint at it's entrance and the guards were doing checks on everyone. The reason was obviously the war going on, no doubt they were on the lookout for demi-human spies that might leak information to the encroaching beastmen.

"We've only heard little bits of information here and there, but these beastmen really have the people here on edge, plus we have no idea what they're on the look out for." While Danielle could easily pass as a human with her human disguise, Himitsu was obviously a demihuman so there would be no skirting around that. Really the only option they had was to see how the guards responded and what questions they asked to figure out what they needed to do to enter the city. Considering they were new to this world, getting on the bad side of the residents was probably not in their best interest.

---

The gatekeeper has having a hard time figuring out what this strange group of individuals was. They were so different from each other, appeared to be quite well off and even had an obvious demi-human with them. His first thought about spying the strange company was that they were some foreign adventurer group, but as she could see no metals on their persons that would not be the case, unless they were actually a group of workers. Needless to say as they were not adventurers with the guild he was very suspicious as they approached.

The gatekeeper was trying his best but he was having a hard time acting professional while a certain direction kept trying to grab his attention. They were still a few groups behind but soon he would have to face the group and figure out what they were doing at the capital. Already the many guards that were stationed around were tense as they saw a beastman approaching the gates, even one that appeared to be a priestess since for all they could know the beastmen had their own strange religions that she was a part of.

@BurningDaisies@Stern Algorithm@baraquiel

---

Cain silently listened the conversation from his position, crossing his arms as if to retain his body warmth - a fairly valid guess, for he was indeed shivering a little - as he tried to make sense of what was happening around him. Even if he could, from the corner of his mind, identify that the guy named Rath was talking something about dark fae and how dangerous this place was due to their presence - in despite of the fact that it apparently was his homeland, and Cain highly doubted that it would be as dangerous as he made it seem when such a weak person managed to survive there - as well as the fact that Tania and Lena were seemingly curious about this specific subject, but even that was mostly due to his ridiculously high INT stat, as he was still mostly concentrated in trying to make sense out of the weird impulses that were gradually taking over his mind - a perspective that was hardly attractive for someone who loved himself as much as Arthur Weiss.

He finally decided to forget about trying to make sense of it a few seconds later tough, as he decided that he should worry about their immediate future before trying to understand the psychological changes that came together with his new body, concentrating in undestanding what their "new friend" was talking about.Wait a second! Floor spots? There's not even a single respectable Inn there? The Devil couldn't help but scream internally. The perspective of passing a night without a comfortable bed was simply too much for him, a person accostumied to the luxuries of life, so the piece of information that came from Rath was simply terryfing - specially since he wasn't sure about wheter dimensional storages were widespread in this world, and thus couldn't really use it to take a bed for him in front of its inhabitants.

Ultimately, though, this internal conflict was quickly dismissed due to the sudden appearance of yet a new issue: Lena was walking towards him and she definitely didn't seem to be happy. "I-I'm not sure, to be honest." The Demon said, weakly smilling as he talked to the Elf - what clearly pointed how disturbed he was by what happened, since his attitude was normally pretty self-confident. "It's just... I've been having quite the violent impulses since coming to this world and, by what I see, they're specially strong when dealing with humans." He continued after a moment of silence, deciding to honestly voice his issue to the female as he felt the hint of worry in her voice.

---

@drewccapp @Rune_Alchemist

 

"Intercept"

Her Black Charger opened a maw that contained entirely too many teeth and leapt forward with the barest nudge of her heels as Kallahar drew her blade. A handful of blows struck home, somehow finding gaps in her armor. The damage was almost beneath her notice and the Death knight swung down with her blade.

"Deaths Blessing"

Her offhand glowed with a dark light and reached down to grasp a beastman around the face. The figure shriveled and fell lifelessly to the ground. Killing sentient beings, despite their being weaker than the beholder filled Kallahar with more zeal.

"Embrace yourself. If you accept your nature then you have no cause to care what others think. They think you an aberration, a mistake. But you are a goddess to them. Bend your will, your power, and prove them wrong."

Lady Lenore's words only made Revenmar curious. What did she have to get over? It continued to confuse him, but he said nothing else to Lenore. He was a patient fellow, if she needed him, he would be waiting. If not, well, she was a God after all. After Lord Carreau addressed his niece, the God turned to him and nodded. Revenmar was pleased with himself at that. Next the two of them continued on up ahead, to see this human village up close. How exciting! Revenmar wasn't openly emotional, but the prospect of finding the indigenous population was fascinating to him, he could remember the Creator telling him about the wonders of 'Japan' before he left him behind. If anything, his creator had endowed upon him a sense of longing, to find wonders with his own eyes and take in the new world. It was his will.

The walk forward wasn't anything overly exiting. Lord Carreau, it seemed, was a reserved God. Or perhaps he had his mind on other more important matters to talk. Either way, it didn't bother Revenmar. He just made sure to keep a close eye on the scarce undergrowth of the forest. Trees and trees and trees. That's all there really was, but at least they were somewhat interesting to look at. Full of life and splendor, not like the haunted forests of home. He was incredibly quiet throughout the walk, not just by voice but by body as well. One of the gifts that his creator had given him, was his cape. Blessed with an enchantment of silence, allowing him to walk as silently as a feather falls. Praise be to the creator.

He was beginning to think deeply about his place in the new world when a voice broke the air. He instantly unsheathed his massive sword and held it defensively. He took his place, standing next to Lord Carreau so that he could protect him in a moments notice, as if he needed protection, but it was his sword duty to protect. He followed his God's gaze to the man sitting on top the log. He would let Lord Carreau speak to the man, it was not his place to lead in such an endeavor. He was only a Paladin, not really suited for diplomacy but he would talk if necessary. Lord Carreau paused after introducing himself, and it was time for Revenmar to speak as well. Though he wanted to pronounce himself and Lord Carreau, now was not the time so he would play along. A question struck him though, why did Lord Carreau refer to himself as Emile? That was.. Strange to Revenmar but he pushed the though aside for now.

He spoke flatly and with little emotion, "Name's Revenmar, mercenary as well."

The conversation between 'Emile' and the man continued on for awhile and Revenmar began to feel any sort of hostility die down. He sheathed his sword when the two men came out of hiding in good faith. So, Lord Carreau and Revenmar were to be mercenaries looking for work. That profession wouldn't have been one that he would have went with, especially with their armor but it was over and done with now.

As the men invited them to the village for rest and food, Lord Carreau glanced as Revenmar as if waiting for him to say something. Should they accept the invitation? They did want to scout out the village anyways. The only problem was that Lord Carreau wasn't exactly human and if he took off that helmet there would be a lot of distrust, perhaps even conflict. Was it worth the risk?

"Might as well, Lo-" Revenmar quickly caught himself from saying Lord and coughed before continuing. "Sir. Could use some hot food right about now."

Hopefully his slight wasn't to obvious, it was difficult to refer to one of his God's in such a lowly term. He hoped he would be forgiven by the Creator.

As he stood and waited for Lord Carreau's answer, Revenmar quietly wondered what a "Vulp" actually was.

Yasha carefully studied the man's reactions after she spoke. It appeared that Selena's cheerful greeting and her words at least had some effect. The man still had his hand under his cloak, but he was obviously more relaxed. After a few seconds, he presented himself. His name was Lessig Rhoun. To make things even better, he said that he was in fact concerned with them, due to Yasha, Senna and Selena all being young (at least in appearance) women, travelling all by themselves.

"The name is Lessig. Lessig Rhoun. I'd be troubled to leave you girls all by your lonesome. I have daughter your age. Can't help worrying sometimes." He said, finally taking his hands off whatever weapon he had under his cloak.

That was a good start, at least he wasn't considering running away or attacking them. The last thing Yasha wanted now was innocent blood on her hands, after all, the man was just a simple merchant.

"You have the right of it Miss, there's plenty of room in the back, so you won't be fighting for space. It'd ease my mind, if you'd join me 'til we at least reach the fort at Wolf's Run. I'll wager you girls are heading to Arcos no?" Lessig said, nodding towards Yasha.

"Your kindness won't go unnoticed, Lessig Rhoun." Yasha said, with a formal bow.
"Yes, we are indeed heading towards Arcos. Its a long journey, and the road is dangerous. It will be much more safer after the fort. I'm grateful that we've found a good person that allowed us to accompany them." Yasha said, heading towards the back of the wagon.

Lessig was still a bit wary about them, as it was quite obvious by his glances, but he did seem to be looking much more towards Senna.
After a few seconds, he said something about Senna being a dragon-blessed, referring to her almost like she was some kind of holy being.
She was surprised how Lessig didn't suspected that Senna was a demon, especially due to her tail, but on the other hand, she was rather relieved by his ignorance. That would mean that they wouldn't have as many problems, that is, if Senna kept quiet and didn't tried anything funny, which had quite a good chance of her doing, taking in account the flirty way she talked to him and the giggle she gave before getting in the wagon.

Yasha got inside the wagon after Senna and Selena. Selena fell asleep as soon as she entered the wagon, sleeping in a rather... vulnerable position, especially to a woman. Thinking a little bit about her, it was easy for her to see that she wouldn't cause much trouble. She appeared to be a very innocent and kind girl. Senna, on the other hand, was another story. She had a certain... venom on her words that made her especially dangerous. Yasha would surely keep an eye on her.

Yasha was sitting down, with her legs crossed, looking to the magical screen she had just conjured. using the direction they were currently heading, and the aerial view of the area that she had displayed on the screen, she was able to pinpoint the fort Lessig was talking about.

"We are on your hands, Lessig. If you see or hear anything weird, things like bandits & etc. Please tell us right away. We will be glad to help you." Yasha said, with an almost noble like smile.
Selena was already sleeping, Senna was currently talking with Lessig, in a clearly overly familiar tone... Since it would take a while for them to get to the fort, she might as well do something useful, instead of only sitting there, doing nothing.

The first thing that passed through her head was all the magic energy she was feeling inside her. It was a very new sensation, and she was obviously not used to it. The best thing to do would be meditating, and trying to get used to all that magic energy inside her.

Closing her eyes in a calm and serene expression, Yasha started to concentrate on the flow of magic inside her. How it permeated her very being, the way it was liberated when she started casting a spell, the connection between the magic inside her and the new world that surrounded her.

@Rune_Alchemist @Hammerman @Lugubrious

While the Comet Chaser and Shield Lord set foot within the hidden village, the girl-turned-horror revelates herself in a rush of blood



An odd glance flew Revenmar's way following his near-slipup; resolved though it was, the split second mistake on the knight's part suggested some form of duplicity in Randall's eyes. All the same, the ridiculous-looking made said nothing. Mistakes happened, after all, and taking issue with one tiny error would cause needless strife now that the two newcomers were to be introduced to the town. If the pair's equipment was anything to go by, these warriors had grown rich thanks to what must certainly be great fighting ability—skill that could benefit the village beyond compare. All three of these hunters reasoned as much, but nevertheless they didn't take the chance to fawn over the duo or try to convince them. They either knew that such attempts at persuasion might cause more harm than good, that the best relationships formed naturally, or that they simply didn't care too much about the fate of wherever the five were headed. It could easily have been that they just didn't enjoy talking. Though pleasant enough, not one man of the three seemed overly social.

The forest continued to thicken as the party trekked on, and after a short time they came upon a veritable wall of trees. Effin made a left turn, leading the group, and they trudged through the thigh-high plants -to Oswalt's vocal displeasure- until they reached a giant, gray-brown boulder wedged in between the trunks. Without any sort of explanation nor a hint of hesitation, Effin walked straight into it, and instead of slamming into a solid surface he disappeared inside it. An illusion, Emile mused. No wonder there's a mage out in the middle of nowhere with normal people. The others followed suit, with Emile and Revanmar bringing up the rear.

Before he proceeded inside the magicked obstacle, the strigiforme turned to address his companion. ”Did you hear what he said about your armor? The stuff we've got on is way high-class for this area. So here's the deal: let's say we're wealthy mercenaries from, uh, the north. Good life, but we got bored and decided to travel far and wide to find adventure. I dunno if you're, um, curious 'bout this world or anythin', but if you find someone who looks like a talker, don't be afraid to ask questions. We gotta know where we ended up. And since we're supposed to be friends, just call me 'Emile'. That's my real name.” By now, Emile understood this fellow as not a fellow player, but an NPC like the Lena woman he'd spoken to last night, for whom everything -including the lofty status of the players- was absolute reality. He felt that though this might present difficulties, it might be better in the long run than another person. Players were unpredictable, after all, and now that they had the power to back up their whims they presented a true danger.

With that out of the way, Emile and Revenmar entered the hidden valley.

A few minutes later, and several meters down into the wide, bowl-shaped depression, Emile spotted a walled-in cluster of wooden buildings in the shadows of the towering trees, which were far older here than elsewhere in the forest. Effin glanced over his shoulder and noted the interest with which the strigiforme looked from structure to structure. “Welcome, mah friends, to Woodstop.”

They passed through the main gate, sparing a glance to the guards stationed both outside the open doors and on top of the walls. They regarded the newcomers with a guarded curiosity, and once inside Revenmar and Emile were treated to the less-restrained stares of the village's inhabitants all the way to the place's center. Along the way, they passed numerous workshops and uniform, multi-floored houses, all designed with very little regard to aesthetics. Indeed, the entire place had a no-nonsense atmosphere of almost frenetic industry, and even the people who watched the well-dressed foreigner and the opulent knight as they passed hurried off afterward rather than sticking around to learn more. Oswalt split off from the group almost immediately, giving a muttered farewell as he headed toward what appeared to be a bar, and soonafter Randy took a bow and excused himself, citing the need to present a report to the Corps. Before long the three people left stood before a squat central tower, one of the few edifices in Woodstop to be made of stone. “C'mon in with me. I reckon milords Ingvar n' Niklas might wanna greet ye two personal.”

Moments later the duo stood on the tower's third floor landing, face-to-face with two rugged-looking men in crisp noblemen's clothing beneath green armor. Both sported black hair and short beards, but one kept his slicked back while the other allowed it to cascade around his head. The latter remained behind his desk, sifting through papers, while the former came forward with a hand held up in greeting. “Still in one piece after your fox hunt, Effin? I could use some good news today.” He glanced at the furry tail tied at the side of the old man's belt, ignoring the newcomers for the time being. “...One tail? It was a hasty report, but I believe two were spotted fleeing through the Mirage.”

Effin grimaced. “Er, well, milord, Oswalt put an arrow in 'em, and we thought we'd take care of 'is friend then go back-!”

The man of authority waved his hand dismissively, and Effin fell silent. “Ah, I suppose we'll deal with that later. Shame. Who have you brought here?” He looked the new arrivals up and down, taking in every detail their appearances had to offer.

“Emile n' Revenmar, milord. Mercenaries from far away.”

“Not adventurers? My guess was off, then.” The Count extended a hand to both. “I am Sir Niklas Asgierr, commander of this town alongside my brother over there, Ingvar. Say hello, brother.” The seated nobleman gave a polite nod of his head before returning to his documents. “Gentlemen, you are a sight for sore eyes in this trying time. I can only pray that your services are up for hire, and not too impatient when it comes to receiving your wages. We are soon, I fear, to be in dire straits.” He expelled a short laugh. “Of course, I am being too forward. You have only just arrived. Perhaps I could have an answer by sundown? If there's anything we can offer, do not hesitate to let us know.”



In the brisk span of seconds, two of the foxmen lay dead, one cleft in twain with the other become as desiccated a corpse as one left to dry in desert heat for months. The shocking suddenness of their companions' demise awoke some of the remaining beastmen from their bloodlust, and despite wielding an advantageous weapon against cavalry one of the spear-wielding foxmen turned tail to sprint away. Another one, with an eyepatch, headband, and twin daggers, sped away in the opposite direction. Chances were any single pursuer couldn't get them both. That left four, three still compelled to attack but halted for the moment at a 'safe' distance and the rather more hesitant archer farther away, currently backing off one step at a time. None of this concerned Lenore in particular, who gawked at Kallahar as though octopi were squirming out of her plate mail.

“What? A-are you nuts? You're a player, right? What's this ravin' like a game character about 'true natures' and goddesses? Hh...have you even looked at me?” Lenore reached with her right hand to push up the leathery, crownlike coif that adorned her head, revealing her sunken eyes. They festered a pinkish red, like freshly-congealed blood, and they featured neither pupil nor iris. Looking within was equivocal to peering inside a kaleidoscope stuffed inside a cadaver. “Anyone who t-thinks I'm hideous is right...” With a small sob, Lenore crossed her arms across her chest and glanced toward the remaining foxmen.

While she spoke -unbeknownst to her- a trio of flesh tendrils extended from beneath the hem of her 'dress' and snaked across the ground toward the nearest fox body, moving with ravenous intent. They clasped around the corpse, using the teeth protruding from their outsides to help snag the bloody limbs, and began to pull it back. Distraught, Lenore only noticed when the tendrils yanked the body beneath her living vestment, but by then it was too late. She could only tremble in terrified revulsion as she inadvertently consumed the dead meat, a process as autonomous as blinking her eyes, and added the biomass to herself.

For a moment, there was complete silence. The foxes stood stock-still, flash-frozen by the horrific sight, before dropping their weapons as one and scattering in different directions. Abject terror gave them wings, making them run faster than might otherwise be possible, but if so inclined Kallahar could run them down before the paralysis of their panic initially wore off.

Lenore, meanwhile, sank down to the ground. Her dress spread out around her, and with her head in her hands she leaned forward until her head touched the ground. “This isn't me, this isn't me, this isn't me...” she whispered over and over, trying in vain to convince herself. Though the ghastly act of devouring a corpse had stunned her, it hadn't been nearly so bad as the nightmarish sensation of liking it.

The cool mist swirled and twisted around the archways and pillars. Little eddies spun themselves in and out of existence. Faint drumbeats and chimes rang throughout the ruins with a somber, yet uplifting sound. The lyrical, wordless aria stirred the air.

A precession of cloaked pilgrims, eight in a line, entered the glen. Each wore a painted white mask styled after a common beast. While it hid their face, it did nothing to hide their obviously inhuman features. Some had horns, either small pointed studs or curved like a ram's, while others had obvious tails and feline or canine ears.
Half of them sang in a delicate harmony, while the other half played an energizing melody through chimes, flutes, and drums. The music was strangely entrancing, like a siren's song, and seemed to awaken every living thing in the area. Even individual blades of grass swayed to their tune.

The precession slowly marched forward into the ruins, but stopped abruptly when the first of them spotted SilverCoffee. His visage juxtaposed against the intricate carving of the nameless, bull-headed god was a compelling sight to behold.
The music came to a disorganized end as each of them stopped to peer through the fog and discovered an enormous Minotaur standing before their altar. Their awed silence was suddenly broken when the leader of the precession dropped to her knees and bow reverently before SilverCoffee, the tips of her curled horns digging into the ground. The others quickly did the same.

"Our prayers are finally answered!" she proclaimed in a thin, wispy voice.

She slowly raised her head and removed her mask, revealing her youthful face and eyes brimming with so emotion, they had become wet with tears.

"A Lord of Tesarion has returned from the Lands of Fright!"

The others removed their masks and made similar comments exalting SilverCoffee. They were all obviously some form of demi-human possessing bestial features, but seemed much more human than the typical beastman tribes.

"M-Milord... I-I am Lethe, first servant of Tesarion" Her voice was quivering, but her expression was filled with excited anticipation as if she experiencing the happiest moment of her life. "If you have returned, does that mean the Neverborn are finally defeated? Will you lead our people once more?"

_{@13org@IceHeart}

Spooky didn't noticed the Undead at first, but could hear the groans of the Zombies and then the clattering of the tattered armor of the skeletons filled the air. He knew the what the hidden enemies that were approached, before he could see them. He also didn't feel as if they were a threat to him. Almost as if they were his allies...

Regardless, they probably weren't there for him. More like their interest lied with his much smaller friend. Spooky wasn't sure the combat prowess of his ally so he moved up first. Moving forward slowly, at a equal pace of the Zombies. Each step he took threw loose grass and dust around his Sabatons. His massive weight causing a loud thud that could be distinctly heard over all the sound that the Undead hoard was making.

It didn't take long for him to meet the first group of Zombies. With just a few feet between the behemoth and the rotting bodies, Spooky drew his sword. Unsurprisingly enough, it took forever. He expected the massive blade to take some time, but it was slower than he could had imagined. So slow the zombies had already closed in on him, several of them biting down on his armor to just break their jaw against his hard Unholy armor. Unmoved by their weak attacks, Spooky swung the blade horizontally. The blade glowing a bright gold as it separated the zombies torso from their legs.

As the bodies went flying, his blade dropped hard to the floor beneath him. Almost making Spooky trip forward on its weight. He turned back and looked at Nyna. His embarrassed smile hidden under his cloak and armor. Not paying any attention to the Undead hoard circling him.

@BurningDaisies @IceHeart

"While it is interesting to know their religion, I do believe there are much more important things that we have to discuss first, like a place we can sleep in and a place where we can eat 'cause I'm really, really hungry right now. If you really want to though, go ahead. Just please stay close to us so won't lose each other, yeah?", Himitsu says to Lexus.

Lexus Dominiel stared at Himitsu for a beat, its incomprehension hidden behind its helmet. It did not understand why the gods would be tired or hungry, but decided that it was all part of the ruse of acting mortal. "Of course, mistress. I will escort the three of you to the nearest accommodations, then I will seek out the place of worship. I will return to where you are staying when my investigation is complete," Lexus Dominiel said. As the line approached the gate, Lexus Dominiel saw the guards stealing furtive glances. Lexus Dominiel did not care.

Lexus Dominiel lifted its helmet to reveal its disguised 'human' face. Lexus Dominiel appeared androgynous with an otherworldly, almost arrogant beauty. Ageless and timeless, Lexus Dominiel had piercing, discerning, judging red eyes, and long straight streams of jet black hair. "Guards!" Lexus Dominiel called out, "We are but a humble band of travelers seeking accommodations; specifically room and board. I would also like to know where you place of worship is...so that I may pay my respects..." Though Lexus Dominiel had said this to maintain the ruse, it trembled at its ticking core for even daring to say something so blasphemous when December was right there.

@Stern Algorithm @BurningDaisies @IceHeart

"Guards!" Lexus Dominiel called out, "We are but a humble band of travelers seeking accommodations; specifically room and board. I would also like to know where you place of worship is...so that I may pay my respects..."

Crap. Just when we think we don't attract enough attention because of what I look like, Lexus here decided to be helpful and call the attention of the guards so they'll only be focused on us. Thanks, you dumb tin-can.

These guards sure look menacing. They seem to be cold towards the people coming into Brightwing and become enraged when someone doesn't present enough documents to go through. They're especially focused on the demi-humans, looking at them like they're trouble and will cause more harm than good.

There are several guards stationed at the entrance but two of them approached us. I'm going to name them Guard A and Guard B.

Guard A regards Lexus with a cold stare. "Bunch of weirdos like you aren't needed in Brightwing. You're just going to scare the citizens with all your religious antics. Besides, do you have your documents with you?", he says to us.

We all look at each other. We know we don't have any documents or forms of identification for this world yet we still tried to go in the city, hoping that they'll see us as harmless adventurers.

"Well, based from your look, I say you don't have any", Guard B said. "The rule is simple: no documents, no entry. But in your case", he paused as he eyes Danielle, "We could make an exception. Allow us one night with this pretty lady right here and we'll all let you in, hassle-free. Do we have a deal?"

I almost threw up. There is no way in hell we're letting them have their way. Already the other guards began to eye on Danielle too, eager to put their hands on her. We just started our journey, does this mean we'll face more obstacles like these and worse in the future?

I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and shout at the top of my lungs:"You insolent fools!"

All eyes are on me. I manage to take their attention off Danielle. Now, let's see if those three years in the drama club pays off.

"Yes, it is true that our group is religious. In fact, the reason we all look different is because we are all joined together for our love to the one true god. A god that is almighty and powerful yet humble and benevolent. That god's name is none other than..."

"BEYONCE!"

I spread my wings while I said it to produce a more dramatic effect. The guards and the ones before us look bewildered and some are in awe like I just sprouted wings(which I already have).

Guard A is the first to shake out of the trance. "B-Beyonce?"

"You heard me, noble guard, Beyonce! I know some or even all of you haven't heard of this god because She believes that true power is not the number of worshippers you have but the impact that you have made into their lives is what matters most."

Guard A says, "Nonsense! You're group is clearly just a bunch of lunatics. Leave a-"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk", I say while waving my wing. "It is so sad, really, that people would push something away just because it is different or alien to them. You both are missing out on the wonders that you might exoerience when you open up to new changes and possibilities! As a gesture of kindness, allow me to present to you the ancient dance ritual of the goddess Beyonce."

I immediately do the 'Single Ladies' dance, complete with the pouty lips, and dance as much as I can as a harpy. As much as I excel at studies, I suck in dancing, so it won't surprise me if I look like a chicken having spasms to them. Again, all eyes are on me. I'm trying my best to not freak out and cry in the spot because I do not like attracting attention at all.

Guard B asks me once more, his eyes wide in... amazement? "W-w-what are you doing, b-bird lady?"

I try my best to look regal as I dance like a chicken on drugs. "This is an ancient dance bestowed upon us by Beyonce herself. Doing this allows you to show your faith and gratitude to Her and it also comes with something else."

"Something else? W-what is it? Say it to us!", Guard B exclaims.

I stop dancing and look at them with my wings on my hips. "It incorporates in you the goddess's ultimate blessing! When doing the dance, Beyonce gradually blesses your soul with self-confidence and self-righteousness, making you become stronger to face your challenges and obstacles in life! It once even made a completely shut-in introvert become a social butterfly!"

All of them gasp in admiration. Even the two guards who regarded us like we're scum now look at us like we're the ones who can cure all sickness in the world. I'm not even sure if they know what an introvert means nor did they think you'll become an actual butterfly, but as long as they're bedazzled, why not?

"Such nonsense!", Guard A exclaims. "How can a simple dance have such an impact in oneself?! Surely you don't beli-"

He stopped because he saw his partner doing 'Single Ladies' even with the pouty lips. He turns around and sure enough, all the guards are doing it too. I also turn around to see most of the ones behind us are doing the dance as well.

"I-I can't believe it, it actually works!", Guard B says as he dances with eyes full of surprise and amazement. He says to his partner, "You must do it too! You'll be amazed by how incredible it is!"

"I won't do such nonsense! Never!", Guard A exclaims.

Guard B laughs. "Fine! It is your loss after all!"

Despite not wanting to do it, Guard A seems to be extremely jealous of everyone, until he finally gives up and does the dance as well. As soon as he started, he immediately smiles and laughs. "Incredible! So this is the power of the goddess Beyonce! Magnificent!"

Now everyone is doing the dance except me and company. Those who look crestfallen before now smile earnestly like this is the most fun they had in years. Even the guards who look like their hearts are made of stone now laugh wholeheartedly while dancing. Wow, I don't even realize the impact Beyonce can make in the lives of many. Once again, Queen B saves the day!

I ask the two guards who are totally in the zone. "So, uh, about our entrance-"

"We take it back! Your group is officially welcome to Brightwing! Enjoy your stay and thank you for the miracle you've shared to us!", Guard A says.

The gatekeeper salutes to us and opens the gate as we go pass the guards enjoying the dance.

I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank god I was able to pull that off, and also for Beyonce. I hope we can get a place to stay and eat in as soon as possible because this girl is really starving right now.

@baraquiel@Stern Algorithm@BurningDaisies


As the group approached and guards were ready to stop them, Lexus Dominiel was the first to speak up in an attempt to smooth the situation over that would arise. However, Danielle hardly thought shouting out "Guards!" as the first thing to come out of the NPC's mouth, was hardly a good start. The gaurds instantly became more weary of the rather handsome, yet androgenous, man who called out to them. Also, somehow the characteristic, humble, was not really something Danielle could see as a defining trait for any of them.

Two of the guards in the area came up and started asking questions, unfortunately they decided to focus their attention of Himitsu as she was obviously a demi-human. They also gave December a few cold stares when they noticed the horns on her head, though because of her mostly human features they were unsure if she was actually a demi-human as well. At the mention of documentation, Danielle knew things were about to become complicated, but decided to stay quiet for the moment to think about what best to say, if she could help it she wanted to avoid using her powers to get through.

Unfortunately it appeared some of the guards were a little perverted. Danielle tried her best not to blanch at the prospect but managed to keep a respectful smile on her face despite their advances. No doubt the only reason the guards were able to get away with such talk was because of the crisis at hand keeping the authorities' eyes on other issues. Still, the situation could easily be worked to their advantage as Danielle knew, from a little experimentation with other travelers, that her skills would easily work on most inhabitants of this world, but then Himitsu decided to intervene probably as a way keep their creepy eyes off her.

"You insolent fools! "Yes, it is true that our group is religious. In fact, the reason we all look different is because we are all joined together for our love to the one true god. A god that is almighty and powerful yet humble and benevolent. That god's name is none other than...BEYONCE!"

Danielle was downright flabbergasted at what Himitsu had just spouted, she wasn't sure about December but probably she was downright confused and had no idea how to diffuse the strange situation. What in the world was that bird-brain thinking? Here they were in an alternate reality, trying to enter a city that was on high alert, and the most suspicious member in the group was freely talking about religion while trying to pretend a singer from over a century ago was some sort of deity! Sure they should have no idea about the reference but what was she trying to do? Get them all arrested.

By now all the guards and even the gatekeeper were both puzzled, scared, and ready to bring down the law of the land on these strangers. Now completely panicked, Danielle was trying to remember all her spells and passives to see if there was someway to get out of this situation as it just got worse and worse as Himitsu started to dance of all things. She was dang lucky she was in those priestess clothes and had wings, otherwise the dance would have looked at whole lot worse, thankfully it just seemed more alien than anything else but Danielle could tell their goose would be cooked if she did not do something quickly.

Thankfully as a player who went down the seduction route, there were plenty of spells and passives that would help persuade npcs to be helpful and to easily give into suggestion. Also all of the guards were men so the effects would be considerably more effective. Under her breathe, Danielle started to activate quite a few skills, "Aura of Bafflement, Willpower Reduction, Gentle Suggestion, Foggy Mind, Seductive Compliance." Passives and spells slyly made their way into the surrounding guards minds and before they realized it they were already falling under the various effects powers.

The final spell she cast to complete the trend was mental suggestion, it made low level NPCs unknowingly easily give in to whatever information next came into their heads, of course in the game it could only be used on specific commands, like persuasion word options that could be used on NPCs in certain quest lines for bonuses, but in the real world it appeared to be a different beast entirely, it was a good thing these guards were obviously low enough level though as the spell was hardly useful against anything above say, level 30. The guards were so low level though, it made them actually think that the awful dancing was actually helping them, when they took the suggestion to try it out as well.

There was one guard that seemed to have exceptionally high willpower however, but with a little extract nudging from a hypnotizing eye spell to make him give in. As the last mental block fell, the guards eagerly let them inside. Danielle was frankly quite amazed she had been able to pull it off despite Himitsu's blundering, it just went to show that the effects of the spells really did change quite a bit when applied to 'real' world logic, and the fact that the guards were mostly low-willed simpletons, if there had been a mage or a female there though, it probably would not have worked.

Once inside, Himitsu tried to play it off with an innocent smile. Danielle had to work hard to not snap at her, thankfully as a teacher, he was used to things that tried to get on his nerves. "Please, just don't try something like that again, I nearly had a heart attack." Danielle was not sure, but she imagined December was looking pityingly on her as she probably picked up on what Danielle had done for the group.

---

Back at the gate, the guards were all shaking their heads and trying to figure out what exactly had just happened, everything from the past few minutes seemed a little muddled. "Hey, do you remember a group of weirdos a moment ago? I remember we were questioning them and then I felt...happy?"

The main gatekeeper had a baffled look on his face as he also tried to figure out exactly what had happened. "Yes, I...well there was that really gorgeous woman among them, I remember our eyes met and...huh, well nothing we can do about it now. If we let them in them they must have been alright...by the dragon lords that was a weird meeting."

Probably not wanting to admit they may have done something they should have, the guards shrugged off the incident and continued on with their day.

Deep down inside, Nyna knew things wouldn't be as smooth as she had planned. It was too easy, and there was something in the Katze Plains... All that mist, all that ominous atmosphere that freaked her out. Her suspicions weren't that distant from the truth, as she would soon discover.

Coming from inside the mist, a terrible sound echoed through the hazy plains. The sound of bones and metal clanking, almost in a rhythm, announced the arrival of some unwanted guests... Appearing from behind the mist, the undead came. Zombies, skeletons and death hounds were amongst the first to arrive. By the sound still echoing in the air, there were probably more on their way. To make things worse, the poor footing made it very hard for Nyna to fight properly. If she tried to run there, she would probably fall down. She would have to use some tricks to get out of that situation.

Nyna was almost attacking them, but she hesitated. She had forgotten that Spooky was also an undead... What would she do? It may sound a bit silly, but Nyna was still worried about saying or doing something offensive about the fact that he was an undead... Maybe that was still some reflexes of her old self speaking...
As Nyna looked to Spooky, uncertain if she should attack or not, she was somehow relieved to see that Spooky himself was drawing his massive sword to attack the undead. She watched amazed as Spooky swung the massive sword, sending some of the zombies' bodies flying, separating their torsos from their legs.

As the sword hit the ground behind him with an audible sound due to its weight, he looked to her.
"O-Oh! Right! I'm sorry, I was just... thinking about something." Nyna said, smiling awkwardly and trying to hide her real thoughts from him.

"All this mud makes it practically impossible for me to run freely and move properly... But I can still do some pretty interesting things! Watch this!" Nyna said with a mischievous smile.

Holding the Lunar Edge by passing her hands inside it, she put her hands together, fingers interlocked, the index and middle fingers raised and pressed together. As she did that, a strong current of air surrounded her, immediately being absorbed by her weapon. As she grabbed it, holding it in a throwing position, it was possible to see the air currents around the weapon, thanks to the mist in the area.

Holding the Lunar Edge with one hand, while raising her index and middle finger in a ninja signal, she used her entire body weight to throw the circular blade at the undead hoard, approaching Spooky as he looked to her. It was obvious that even if they attacked him, he wouldn't get hurt, thanks to his armor, but Nyna didn't want to stand there, doing nothing while Spooky did all the work for her...

The blade flew towards an undead, slicing him cleanly in two and making an impossibly sharp turn to hit another undead before stopping in front of Nyna again, floating in front of her, spinning with a terrible velocity.

"Pretty cool, right?" Nyna said, smiling to Spooky, proud of herself.

"This mud... Ugh! Its will take a while for me to take all this mud out of my claws when we get to the city... I hope it doesn't get stuck on my shin guards... It will be literally hell to clean it properly if it does..." Nyna said, with an annoyed expression as she sent her blade flying towards one of the death hounds that were approaching them, cutting its head straight off. While most of the other people would be shocked by the brutality of her attacks, Nyna herself showed an unusual lack of emotions while doing so.

@IceHeart @Thecrash20

"We are on your hands, Lessig. If you see or hear anything weird, things like bandits & etc. Please tell us right away. We will be glad to help you."

"I welcome the offer, Miss."

Once the trio had settled into the wagon, Lessig whipped the reigns, and the surly auroch began trudging forward at a sedate pace.

Each them seemed pleasant enough, but this dragon-blessed warrior somehow set him on edge in a way he could not fully describe. His instincts told him to stay on guard, but he was convinced that they were, at the very least, not bandits--perhaps even allies? He wouldn't mind having strong adventurer's as friends.

"So, Lessig...I can call you Lessig can't I?" She spoke in a seemingly friendly tone - definitely a bit overly familiar, perhaps. "So what do you do, hm? Rather dangerous to be traveling alone isn't it?"

The road was long and often lonely, so Lessig welcomed the company. He stifled the lingering sense of alarm through force of will and jovial laughter.

"Danger? Ha! Call me a fool, if you like, but I much prefer the danger." He wore a triumphant grin. "Working the fields was never the life for me. No~ I was a willful and petulant lad in my youth. 'Too much gumption' they said. Like every other boy, I wanted to be a hero one day." He let out a deep bellowing laugh, but his eyes seemed to twinkled distantly with the specter of crushed dreams.
"I'm but a humble merchant now. Heroes aren't cut from the same cloth as us common folk, but I've managed to earn generous share for my family. Beaten my fair share of bandits too!"

Lessig was a lively storyteller and an expert at weaving tiny embellishments into every story. He continued at length, regaling his guests about his numerous brushes with ruthless brigands and wily thieves, and his adventurous affair with the strong-willed daughter of Margrave Mernard.

In particular he recounted tales of a few dragon-blessed adventurers. Each possessed some gift of the Brightness Dragon Lord: enhanced strength, horns, special powers.

He spoke proudly of his daughter, Giselle, an intrepid explorer and fellow adventurer, who was in a group with a dragon-blessed folk hero known as Orinos. His son, Velan, had just started gaining recognition as a talented painter and bard in Arcos. He regretfully admitted he didn't believe Velan would ever become successful, and their relationship had been tense for a long time.

A few hours passed.

The forest thinned into sparse hills dotted with briar thickets and loose groves of young trees. The precipice of a stone tower rose above the horizon. A long silver banner flowed in the wind just above it.

As the carriage crested a hill, the road led down into the rocky flatlands of a basin. The fort had been built into a craggy hillside, which has been terraced to support more guard posts and shabby barracks, and a narrow gravel road appeared to be the only way in and out. A smattering of wagons, makeshift stalls, and shoddy abodes surrounded the fort's northern perimeter, and more than a hundred people bustled between them all.

"Ah. Wolf's Run... A fine trading post." Lessig played with the bristles of his moustache while he pondered his statement. "It may not look like much, but the shadow of the fort is enough to keep most bandits away. It'd almost be perfect if it didn't flood every summer."

The wagon lurched forward as the auroch took the steep sloping road into the basin.

"If you need a carriage to Arcos, you'll find it here. I'll let you off at the marketside, once we get closer."

Selena

---

Selena soon woke up on her own, just as the carriage was about to enter the trading post. She quickly realized what pose she had been sleeping in and instinctively closed her legs and pulled her skirt down with a blush.

H-hey, isn't this...

Selena just realized she just performed the cliched "cute girl getting all flustered and embarrassed after accidentally exposing her panties" routine. In real life, with her thirty year old body, it would be terribly unfitting for her to do something like this, and it would just end up with her being laughed at. But now, with her avatar's seventeen year old body, she could perform this routine perfectly as she simply had the cuteness to do it.

Selena smiled at this realization. She now could tease cute boys and she wouldn't get any weird looks for it.

Once the carriage stopped in the marketplace, she became the first to exit the wagon. She stretched for a little bit, muscle stiffness now existing in the game, before looking all around her. As she had expected from the loud bustling noise she heard earlier, the market was quite full of all sorts of people, trading and bartering their goods.

Ooh, this is so exciting! This is just like in my fantasy books!

Without a care in the world, Selena headed towards the nearest merchant, who seemed to be selling some sort of cooked lizard meat. Selena could feel her mouth watering just by the delicious smell.

Quickly, she went through her pockets, searching for any coins she might have. In the old game, coins were stored separately in their own number slot, so it didn't really count as items. Now, she didn't know where all the money she had went to.

His slight mistake got a stare, but that quickly left and Revenmar felt at ease once more. Without much else to say, the three men guided the two foreigners to their town. The trip was less then exciting. It was really much of the same forest only it went on forever and ever. It was beginning to dull on the Knight. He wanted to see something else for a change, but perhaps his prayers would be answered shortly. For not a moment later, the three men guiding them vanished into a rock.

Revenmar was slightly taken-aback by that, unsure of the trickery that it was. It took a long moment for Revenmar to realize that he was looking at an illusion. It did its works well, and he was about to continue on when Lord Carreau stopped him. Was it time for his judgment for his slight? It was quite the opposite actually.

Revenmar listened patiently before responding to Emile. "I shall do as you ask, 'Emile.' Though I feel a certain sort of... wrongness by not addressing you formally, I will try my best not to bring any unwanted attention onto you. This world, it feels different. I can't really explain it but, I'll poke around and see if I have any free time. We should probably go before they suspect something."

With that said, they went into the boulder and for a split second, Revenmar thought he would collide with the thing before walking through it with ease. Before them, after a short walk, was the town. An unwelcoming place called Woodstop. It was a fitting name to be sure, but it felt lacking somehow. They passed through the front gates and Revenmar looked at the guards stationed there. They looked poorly equipped, by his standards at least. Maybe their items were enchanted like his? Better to fool the enemy by getting them to think you weak and unprepared.

Eventually they made their way to a stone building, and met the Lords Ingvar and Niklas. He bowed to each brother, all the while wondering why they were in the hidden town of Woodstop. He would let Lord Carreau, or Emile, talk to these men. He could not trust his tongue just yet, especially around nobility of the land.

@Lugubrious

"I play the role that I have chosen for myself, and so should you."

She stuck her blade point first into the ground and crossed her own arms. The thought crossed her mind to give chase but it would be better to sit still and await their companions return.

"Being a game, none of what others think should matter. And if it does, what of Ravenmar who would worship you without a second thought?"

Kallahar dismounted and removed her helmet. She knelt down and lifted Lenore's head.

"No, it isn't you. But who you are on the inside is all that matters. I see a girl that cares deeply about others. No matter what you are on the outside, nothing can change that. You will always be who you are on the inside."

She stood again and looked off into the trees.

"Every creature under the sky acts according to it's nature. You can never truly be anything that you do not wish to be. Show the world that kindhearted girl."

@Lugubrious

@13org@Thecrash20



As beings purely working on instinct alone, the Undead were not smart enough to realize just how underwhelming they were despite their decent numbers. Any that attacked Spooky useless stabbed and clawed, their weapons not even scratching the powerful tank of a fighter. While they were cut down like wheat before a scythe the skeleton warrior was fairly slow in his attacks and so did not destroy all that many unless they were clumped together.

The low level undead were of course, focused on Nyna. The undead closest to Spooky attacked him of course, but the rest started to crowd around Nyna who's mobility was being hampered by the mud and of course was full of life. As one of the Death Hounds was promptly executed by flying blade, the nearby death hounds who still had some animal instincts, quickly became weary and bolted in all directions, attempting to get at her from multiple angles like a wolf pack.

For Spooky there were about 10 lesser zombies, 10 lesser skeletons, and one unsure Death Hound that wasn't finding his smell to be all that enticing, trying to swarm him. For Nyna 20 lesser zombies, 30 lesser skeletons, 5 greater skeletons who had some heavier equipment, and four death hounds who were planning to rush in as soon as they saw a chance. There was also one suicidal enemy called a plague rat that was basically a little pus filled bomb of diseases that liked to feast on rotting flesh. The plague rat was weak but would explode upon a hard enough blow and spread it's diseases over a small area. This creature wanting a fresh meal rocketed through the legs of the approaching skeletons to try and take a bite out of the beast girl.

A shadowy figure under the concealment spell, Greater Shroud, started walking from it's home in the ruins of an abandoned tower. It had been watching the two strangers for a while with interest and saw how the two were very easily managing the undead that were attacking them. Perhaps they were adventurers, like the ones that so often pillaged the plains as a way to make quick money. In any event they were no ordinary travelers and there was something about the tall one that peeked the figure's interest, an unholy power that enticed the darker senses.

Trying to keep to the rubble as much as possible, the figure made their approach stealthfully in order to get a better look at the travelers.

The inquirers to the frontier village are acquainted with its woes, oblivious to the peril that has encircled their left-behind compeers



While Emile got enough of an idea from how eager Niklas appeared to be from the speed with which he made his proposal, he saw nothing wrong with it. Making a commitment here meant sinking some time into this place, which struck him as far too remote to be a real experience with this new world, and he hadn’t planned to settle down the first place his group saw. Plus, half of his team –including his niece- remained far removed from Woodstop, and would more than likely never be able to set eyes on this place. However, the village offered a substantial opportunity to learn what this world was about nonetheless, everything from the lay of the land to the people that populated it to the politics that policed them. Getting on the good side of some noblemen also presented a potential fast-track to this region’s ruler, or at least high society. Emile needed connections, and with that in mind there was really only one option.

He did not intend, however, to treat earnestness with earnestness. ”If you’ve got good work and good company I don’t see a good reason to refuse.” Like lightning, Emile forgot what he was going to say. Thinking quickly, he covered it by glancing up in a theatrical manner, brushing his gloved fingers against the bottom of his helmet like a wise man strikes his beard. Niklas didn’t seem to think that anything was amiss, and taking Emile’s behavior as foreign eccentricity. After a brief moment, his thoughts returned. ”Before I can say anything conclusive, however, I need to know more about the situation. What are these ‘dire straits’? Why the hidden village?”

The young count glanced at his brother, whose eyes had risen from his deskwork. They shared a glance, and without even so much as a gesture, the pair came to a conclusion. “Effin, Leave us.” When Niklas faced the newcomers again, his fare bore marked seriousness. “Please understand that not just anyone is given this information. Most adventurers don’t care about the ‘why’, just the ‘how much’. The short story is that Woodstop is not just a frontier village, but a large-scale experiment on the part of queen Oriculus.”

Emile took special note of that name. Oriculus, the queen of this region, which must be a kingdom then. He regarded the reveal with curiosity, going so far as to give a slight incline of his head.

“It’s a test of human ability to build, fortify, and prosper, and also in an attempt to install a sort of trap in beastman territory as our foe sweeps ever onward. When the time is right, it’ll be the base of operations for a large-scale assault on the tribes’ back lines. With the leaders out of the picture, the rest will surely fall into disorganization and defeat. Will that suffice?”

Feeling pleased that he’d gotten as good of a look at the scenario as he did, Emile gave a nod. “Yes indeed! I believe, then, that the two of us will lend our blades to your cause. What would you have us do?”

Niklas’s shoulders practically sagged in relief. A closer look at the man, even with his poorly-concealed joy, revealed bags under his eyes and unkempt hair. Little time for sleep or grooming, Emile assumed. The count wasted no time replying. “I am overjoyed to hear it. First and foremost is the matter of Effin here,” Niklas shot a glare the old axefighter’s way. “A Vulp scout escaped. That is to say, a fox beastman, a crafty and vicious breed. They make up in training and tactics what they lack in comparison to other beastmen, see. Regardless, the fact of the matter is that our position might already be compromised. It escaped thanks to Effin's crew, but there can be only one explanation as to how a beastman pierced the mages’ defense in the first place: an insider. Someone in Woodstop has betrayed us to the enemy and led them to our doorstop. But that’s a matter for another day.”

Starting to pace up and down the floor, Niklas concluded his briefing. “By now they’ve reached the warband. I suspect an attack at dusk. We’re well-defended, but an entire Vulp warband will devastate our defenses and hand us on a silver platter to the next tribe that combs the area. That’s why Ingvar is currently reviewing our equipment and soldiers: to put together a diversionary force. This force will attempt to intercept the warband and stall it for long enough for the mages to collapse the current entrance, then set up another one complete with wards and illusions.” He ceased his pacing and clasped his hands together. “We’ll set out a half hour before sunset. If you were to join us, I feel as though we would be able to not just pull this off, but with minimal casualties. I count myself a good judge of men, and there is something about the two of you that fills me with resolve. Can we count on your presence?”

With a little excitement brimming in himself as well, Emile gave a nod. ”You may. Foxes won’t know what hit them.”

Three minutes later, Emile and Revenmar stood outside the drumlike guard tower, surrounded by townspeople. Among them were a good few soldiers and guards, but most appeared to be craftsmen or similar providers. Word of two striking outsiders had spread quickly. So many spoke at once that individual words were almost impossible to make out, so after a moment of just being baffled, Emile decided to give a short bow to his left and right before asking Revanmar, ”Mind moving ahead of me? Your frame is larger, and will part the crowd better.” Behind them, Effin following, looking a bit put out he didn’t get to shoulder through the people himself. The two navigated the crowd, ignoring the questions and brief touches, and with Effin’s guidance made their way to the Corpse Lodge. On the way, there was a slight noise and pressure on Revehmar’s waist, between the plates.

There, inside the deluxe-size log cabin, they found Randy waiting on a bench in a private side room. “Adventurers’ chamber,” he explained as he motioned them over, and around the dim fire pit they sat. Randy chose the floor rather than a stool, leaning against the wall to support his back. “Can I fetch you refreshments? The wine is boorish and the bread flavorless, but it surpasses the weevil-infested tack most villages dole out.” His gaze switched between the newcomers, and Emile shook his head. Randy shrugged. “Well, at least take off your helmets. Avail yourselves of what little comfort you have.”

Ugh. Not this already. Emile had already forgotten what excuse he was going to use, if he even thought of one yet. He held up his hand to signify no thanks and after a moment added, ”Don’t think so. If….uh, they thought I was ugly back home, I shudder to think what you lot might say. I like having it on, anyway.” He winced, knowing that he ended on a weak note.

However, the two adventurers nodded sagaciously. Effin even chuckled. “I hear ya. Ladies ‘round here don’t want nothin’ any of us’re sellin’. An old coot, a tall weirdo, an’ a baldin’ midget. Sometimes they call the three of us the Heartbreakers. Uuhuhuhuhuh…” He brushed off Randy’s withering look. “So what’d the bosses say?”

A short explanation later, Effin gave an impressed whistle. “Ain’t surprised ye two getting’ the luxury treatment. One look atcha’s all it takes. A whole Vulp warband on the outside and a traitor within, huh? God must be cranky today.” He narrowed his eyes. “Y’know, if someone in ‘ere’s tryin’ to sabotage the village, and suddenly two strong-looking strangers show up to save the day, I wouldn’t put it past ‘em to make an attempt on yer life. All of a sudden Banhhort and Gaile comin’ down with food poisonin’ when they eat with the rest of us makes too much sense.”

Randy snapped his fingers. “Yes, that would explain it.” He pointed at Revenmar’s abdomen. “I’ve been trying to figure out what that was for a few minutes now. Pull it out at your leisure, man of steel. I am ready with a healing magick.”

Protruding from between Revenmar’s incredible plate mail was the handle of a small, common dagger. It had dealt no damage, of course –the knight hadn’t even noticed it- but its presence said enough.



Under normal circumstances having a strange woman with a dark aura cup Lenore’s chin might have been uncomfortable, but since in the last half day her pre-established level of discomfort had been blown away, she did nothing but allow Kallahar to move her. A close, face-to-face moment might have been more impactful and less ominous had her face not been almost as eerie her helmet, but she did not ignore the Death Knight’s words. The sentiment Kallahar now communicated was that she should focus less on her appearance and more on the good person she was inside. After a moment of initial dismissal of this notion as cartoon nonsense, Lenore found herself thinking more and more about what the older woman said. Kallahar stared off into the woods, but Lenore watched her, looking for more advice perhaps. You can never truly be anything that you do not wish to be. Well, she was a Shoggoth, and she’d already devoured a corpse by accident, so she didn’t think that she could just put this new state of being aside.

Yet…I play the role I have chosen for myself, and so should you. That reminded her: the whole idea behind the character she’d become in the first place. Lenore XIII was a character with a hyper-evil appearance and power set, but such an incredibly benevolent and good-hearted character that her score had been in the top 20% of all positive alignments. All that was merely flavor for the fact that Lenore was a good person. If Lenore was real, Liana would have loved to meet her and go on adventures with her, and now she was, albeit in the strangest possible way. I can keep playing at being a good person. Maybe like this, I could be more of a hero than I ever could in real life. I just have to master this body…like learning to ride a bike. Eating dead things just happens sometimes… Lenore shivered a little as she rose, but she rose nonetheless. While she didn’t feel as though Kallahar had imparted any sort of life-changing revelation, she had helped Lenore remember that what she looked like wasn’t the end of her world, and didn’t need to define who she was. Once she got the little quirks like inadvertently grabbing corpsesnacks down, it would be smooth sailing.

As such, she began to practice as the two waited. Recalling her weapon of choice from Yggdrasil, Lenore quickly discovered that she could summon the Crucifix of Nag'shi Kraw, a twisted staff made from the deformed bones of the mutants created by its maker. She gave it a few experimental swings and proceeded to casting sprays of poison and toxic gas, not noticing the figures gathering behind the nearest hill.

About ten minutes after Lenore rose to her feet, the terrain seemingly produced an inordinate amount of foxmen. At least fifty of the beastmen surrounded the pair, covering every angle, though at a safe distance. After enough time to make it clear that the ladies had nowhere to run, the horde of foxes divulged three unique specimens.

One was a surly-looking Mercenary in highlander’s clothing, bearing a hefty zweihander. Opposite slunk what appeared to be a female fox Spellsword, thoroughly clad in light armor, wielding both casting catalyst and kukri. Between the two, astride a ragged-looking horse, was a drab-coated but nevertheless ornately-armored Cavalier, saber and trident in paw. The three foxes examined the two strange women in their way, and after a short time the knight barked, “Who is't stands in the way of the vulpuryun warband, so bold as to standeth idle aft'r slaught'ring our scouts? Art thee of the enshielf village?”

All around, the fox warriors flattened their ears and growled, creating a threatening atmosphere.