>Check abilities
>Anan's workshop

(( Time to explain MECHANICS, everyone! Bloodline Protector works on a Best Of Three d100 system. The DC in combat is based on opponent skill, condition, and environment. It goes as high as 95 and as low as 5 - there's no such thing as a sure thing, but you can get mighty close. In the combat of this system, there are three categories: Might, Mind, and Magic. Might is breaking things, tests of strength, power, Mind is defense, care, and caution, and Magic is anything to do with magic - breaking or casting it. You gain a perk in whatever category you are best in, based on the weapon you prefer. So a Might Perk with a spear leads to sweeping and knockdown abilities. These are your current stats:

>Mind: +20
>Might +10
>Magic: +30

>Weapons: Spear, Gauntlets
>Armor: Breastplate, Pauldrons, chain fauld

>Perks:
>Mind:
Defending Spear - Grants a flat +10 bonus against charges or approaches. This bonus ceases to apply when enemy is within reach.
Gauntlet Grasp - Allows for use of grappling with free hand against armed foes.
>Might:
Sweeping Spear - Allows you a bonus on sweeping motions and trip attacks.
>Magic:
Unweave - Given time, Annelin can deconstruct an enchantment spell without causing any harm.
Breaking Fist - Annelin can destroy barriers with a Gauntlet strike.
Redirect - Annelin can redirect projectile spells with her spear.

Questions on the system can be asked in the discussion thread here: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/85498.html ))

So you're pretty good against casters, decent in a strauightforward fight. Defensively strong, too, which you imagine is why you were picked. That and your skill with antimagic.

The chapel of Anan is a factory of sorts - but not for any specific sort of labor. People come here to work - and people buy labour from Anan at lower prices. Anan's workmen do all sorts of things - cleaning the city, small repair jobs, copying manuscripts, and so on. Many have to leave the place to get to the work, but just as many are seated at various workstations. Chatter rises from the benches, over clanging, banging, and swearing.

A young man leans against a pillar nearby, a tarantula on his shoulder.
"Welcome to the Workshop. I am Douglas, a mere priest of the Foreman." he says, extending his hand. You shake it. "You seem a little new to the city, but are you new to the ways of Anan?"

"No, not really. Father payed him homage."

"And what did he do?"

"He was a guardsman. Before that, an arena fighter. Moved into steadier work when mom got pregnant." you lean against a wall.

"Sounds like a good man, a strong man." he says.

"Thank you. He passed away smiling."

"Then he is part of the Web, now, supporting the world. Shall you too, join us?"

"...What does that entail?"

"Well... Once a week, you come here and commit to an hour of work. You are rewarded, but it's with whatever the client agrees to pay. Pennies or prizes, as the saying goes. So long as the work is done and is done well.Anan favours those who work without complaint, and moreso those who show skill and care." he says, nodding.

You scratch your chin and give it some thought.

"I'll think on it, Douglas." you say, looking up at him. He's an average fellow, shaved bald, strong from heavy work but not imposing. The spider rests on his pate lazily.

You leave the building and look around again. A guardsman is chasing some kids away from a burning pile of sticks and rope, waving his truncheon at the troublemakers who laugh and jeer at him from a distance. The Priestess of Raeve steers him off with some wise words, smiles at the fire, then returns to her own church.

Seems I'd either head to the inn if I want to prepare, or right to the castle to get settled in early. I have some spare cash, alternatively - I could troll around the market for a bit.

>Castle
>Inn
>Market
>Visit Raeve's church
>Visit Law's church

A weekly commitment might not be something you could keep, since a bodyguard doesn't set her own schedule. I wouldn't commit to anything, yet.

You visited the temple of your father, but what was your mother's faith? Might be appropriate to check in there, too.

I'd report for duty before hitting the market. We don't know what we'll be provided, yet. So we therefore don't know what we need.

>>595632
>Castle

>>595629
Raev

>>595632
> Raev
Time to visit scissor bird.

>>595632
>Visit Raeve's church

>>595632
>Market
Go shoppping, buy something exotic.

Writing update now. This post serves as the voting cutoff. Votes for the previous update will not be counted past this point.

Your father was a man of Anan, your mother, a follower of Raeve. Apparently it was something of a storybook romance.

You step into the hall, where young women are busying themselves with cleaning various parts of the temple. Young men carry books to and fro, a few actually reading as they walk. It is said that while Raeve is the goddess of fate, she is also - implicitly - the goddess of history and the past, for it is fate that there are cycles in the way of things. The woman who you had seen out front approaches.

"Greetings, Sister. I am Freth, the High Priestess. You are a new face here."

"I'm new to the city, but not the religion. My mother found her calling in black until she married." you explain, and the woman claps her hands with a smile.

"How wonderful." she says, and means it. "Are you here perhaps to..."

"No!" you say, a little too sharply. The Ladies In Black are known to be excellent holy prostitutes, the best on the continents. Though sex is not their only calling in this capacity. They are mentors as well for the young and uninitiated to the ways of love and courting - for both men and women, it is common among the nobles to have their young taught by a Lady to learn the ways of love. Many noble-born young men lose their virginity to such women, who are able to afford the best health care, and have some of the best-known bodyguards. It is a common chant among children - "Mistreat a lady in black, a matching dagger'll find your back!"

And, being the goddess of forbidden love as well, many of those young men have brief, strong actual romances with their 'teachers'. Your father had been a patron of these sorts of girls when he met your mother, and practically stole her from the order. "No, I... don't lean that way, is all. Only here to admire and see what the capital chapel is like."

"Ah, well. Every day I pray we have men able to join the same function, and yet..." she sighs. "She is infinitely wise, so there must be a reason. "Regardless of your alignment, I shall pray and offer for you. It is the least I could do for the daughter of a former sister." she turns to the candles near her, writing out a blessing and placing it in a bottle. She then lights a flame at the top, which slowly descends the length of the bottle, burning the parchment and charring the glass. She then places it on a shelf with several others. She bows shortly, then her eyes widen.

"Rikard, watch your-"

You turn just in time to catch a man about your age. The priestess catches the bundle of books he had accidentally hurled forth as a result of tripping over something on the floor.

He's not exactly scrawny - there's strength in his arms, the stringy solidness of a man who doesn't eat quite enough protien to bulk up but has a lot of work. His eyes are behind framed glasses, and like the rest of the brotherhood, he wears layers of black, semitransparent robes, such that his silhouette is blurred beneath them all.
"Thank you." he says to you, "And thank you, Miss Freth."

"I swear, Rikard, one of these days you're going to hurt someone. Be more careful!" she says, hands on her hips as she hands the books back. He takes them with good-natured laughter, looking up at you briefly. He gives you a big smile, before skittering off to some stairs.

That done, you give your goodbyes and head out. It's time to head to the castle.

It's a bit of a walk, but the scenery is nice - children play in the streets, which are kept spotlessly clean, vigilant guards prevent crime even in the many alleys that branch off the main road. Finally, you make your way to the castle, let in by the guards into the main hall. It's a huge castle, with high walls sitting on a huge plateau. You're guided to a side room, where a man, getting on in years, grins.

"Lady Karkinos! A fine day. We have been eagerly anticipating your arrival. The royal family was growing antsy. I will send along a note to the king that you've arrived - but before you meet him, I might as well explain your role. What would you like to know first?"


>I'd like to be reminded of the composition of the court and how succession works.
>First, what will be my compensation and where will my quarters be?
>What sort of enemies will the prince have?
>Any regulations I should know about, just in case?

>>595872

>I'd like to be reminded of the composition of the court and how succession works.

>>595872
>Any regulations I should know about, just in case?
Why not just ask all four, though?

>>595872
actually, I agree with 595878, we should probably ask all the questions.

This is about priority. All of them will be answered, the question is what's most important to you.

>>595887
alright, then, let's start with regulations

Regulations, first. We're all business, here.

Following that logic, asking about expected enemies would be the logical follow up for a bodyguard. (We can worry about petty politics and where we sleep after).

>>595872

>Any regulations I should know about, just in case?

>>595872
>What sort of enemies will the prince have?

>>595872
>Any regulations I should know about, just in case?

>>595905
>>595897
>>595893
>>595888
>>595878

"So, first of all - what are the regulations of my position?"

"You have the same legal authority of a city guard captain when it comes to the safety of the prince." he says, "Only to be over-ridden by the royal family itself, save for your charge and his younger brother. You are NOT to be romantically involved with him, for he is already betrothed to someone else. And even were that not the case, any discovery of such actions with the prince will eliminate you from the position and begin the process of finding a new guardian immediately." he says, "That being said, those regulations are only present for your charge." he says, "Finally, lethal force is your own prerogative, but we are free to question its use and bring you to trial for it if deemed unseemly." he says.

"Any enemies?"

"Well, primary among them are supporters of his younger brother, who are far and few between and in any case cowed by his statement of not wanting the throne anyway."

"He... doesn't?"

"No - he prefers to study in his tower. Law only knows why, he's a fit and handsome young man of eighteen." the old man grumbles. "At any rate, it's them and some critter activists - mostly Alvin. They are why we hired you. Despite our high walls, they have wings, and despite our magical wards, they are much stronger magi. Thus... An anti-magus." he indicates you. "Remember, you are primarily responsible for the well being of the prince - the rest of the family is fairly well-guarded. If need be, you may be called upon, but you must only heed this if the prince is secured." he says. "Focus on the job."

"Speaking of that - what will my compensation be?"

"Two gold pieces every two weeks." he says. "And every few months, a free enchantment of some peice of equipment." he rolls his shoulders. "You will be granted free replacement equipment of your own should yours break." he adds, "As well as free medical care from Carl in the apothecarium. He is, of course, fully qualified as a court apothecary." he nods, "Your room is here." he opens a door to an open area, with another door distant. He points a cane at that, distant door. "That is your quarters. This is your training grounds. Feel free to decorate it as you like, the space is yours." he shifts again.

"What's the composition of the court?"

"We have a king, Geralt Harle." he says, "His wife, Cassandra, is the queen." he continues, "The prince Micheal is the first son, at twenty one, and the First Son, at 17, is the second boy to be born to him. Should the king die, succession falls first to the Prince, then to the First Son. If the First Son passes, and there is no further children, that is, we continue as we stand, the Prince's wife would then be Queen Alone, which means until she marries, she is the one ruling. Once she marries, the crown moves to her husband's head instead. It's all quite complex." he sighs. "The noblemen all vie with their daughters to try and marry their family to the King's, and there are so many it would be an abject horror to list all of them. Albert and Onere are the ones you should likely worry on."

"Onere... His family build the Stadiums."

"Yes, indeed. His family runs the Arena and the surrounding events. Albert is the founder of the city guard. Monica, the one to marry the Prince, is the daughter of Perrin, who owns the docks. An advantageous marriage that allows us better capability when it comes to diplomacy with the Dra folk. And of course, Perrin gets to write his name into history." the old man chuckles.

"All this said, though, I think the king can wait a moment, if you'd like to freshen up, relax, and prepare yourself. He is quite... Interesting."

>No, thanks. I'll meet him now.
>I think I need a moment to relax and prepare, yes.
>I have this old arena wound to tend... Could Carl look at it for me?
>...What happens if the Prince's consort is murdered? Politically, I mean.
>Writein

Let's meet him now. Still in business mode, and you could do with interesting.

>>596467
>>No, thanks. I'll meet him now.

>>596467
>...What happens if the Prince's consort is murdered? Politically, I mean.
then ask if carl can tend to the wound.


Also, did you make an error? I see that you mention Michael as being a 18. and then later you say that he's 21.

>he's a fit and handsome young man of eighteen

>The prince Micheal is the first son, at twenty one, and the First Son, at 17, is the second boy to be born to him.

>>596475
That's obviously referring to the younger brother, who I will refer to simply as "not Michael" because he is not Michael.

>>596467
>No, thanks. I'll meet him now.

also, this bit is a little confusing
>The prince Micheal is the first son, at twenty one, and the First Son, at 17, is the second boy to be born to him
the prince is the first son, but not the First Son?

>>596467

>I think I need a moment to relax and prepare, yes.

>>596467
>Are there any other anti-magus protecting the royal family ? Who are they ?

EGO!b0vpMZLBb6 2014/09/30(Tue)13:53 No. 596536 ID: 265951
File 141211043805.jpg - (131.87KB , 787x786 , The King.jpg )

>>596487
>>596474
>>596472

"I'll see him now." you say, taking a deep breath. The clerk sighs.

"Very well." he says, rising to crick his back. "Come with me."

You are lead to the main hall, the audience room of the castle. It's not very deep in, and four thrones are there - A large one neighbored by a smaller one - then two even smaller ones on either side of the two. In the largest rests the King, bored out of his skull. He is old, but not elderly, and his form suggests a military past. His eyes are sharp, looking out beneath ashen hair. His gaze peirces you as he shifts, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, hands between his legs.

"Annelin Karkinos, Mistral Magebreaker. Daughter of Terrence and Katherine Karkinos." he says, "Resident of the northern reaches and champion of the arena circuit of that area, one of the Four Elite, possible holder of the Central Champion. Known magical scholar and lead of many antimagical theorems. And on top of all that, a beautiful young woman." he grins and leans back. "You are my clerk's selection for guardianship of Micheal. I've reviewed some footage of your fights, and had my son read some of your work from the Collegiate. Very impressive. A woman of many talents."

"S-sir..."

"That being said." he continues, "You must be made aware that I expect much of my bodyguards. Of the many we've had, half have been executed for high treason. So you must understand, that if I find you to be another Alvin with damned illusory magic, I will end you. The wards you might have noticed on the way in..."

"Anti-illusory wards?" you had noticed, but you never really paid it much attention.

"Are there because they have become necessary." he growls, leaning forward. A fresh scar becomes visible on his face. "The Alvin ambassador claims it to be from a fanatic, but the timing with the signing of the Western Forest annexation is no damned coincidence. We are nearly at war, Annelin. The clerk does not wish it, he pays for an Alvin whore, my wife fights to prevent it in her own way, and we work to prevent it with the Dra and trade. But the Alvin are prepared to descend on us, once they kill my boys and slaughter me. That will leave my wife, and..." he clenches his fists. "I've heard many things of what they happily do to women."

The Alvin...

Youthful winged humanoids. They live in the massive western forests, which are being made a part of the central empire in exchange for protection. Many Alvin stand against this. They are known for massive magical might, easily outstripping most human magicians. Rumors paint them as seducers of human women, masters of illusion... For this reason, you've enchanted your eyes with truesight. It's additionally helpful in the arena. They mostly prefer lances, bows, and other piercing weapons, with which many of them simply drop on their target, aiming for the spine. "I will have your word, Annelin, before me, in the holy hall made sacred by Law. Will you protect my son, to the best of your ability, with your very life?"

"...Yes."

"Fantastic. Your charge is currently out with his betrothed, at an opera. They are guarded by some of my praetorians, so you have the day to yourself."

>Thank the king, check the castle out for any imperfections or gaps in the wards.
>Thank the king and look for the Queen.
>Thank the king and look for the other son.
>Thank the king and seek out the medic.
>Thank the king and go do forms to test out your training area.
>writein

Great, our enemies are illuionists. Paranoia time.

Don't rely solely on truthsight. They may find ways around it (mind control someone who's supposed to be here? Or rely on a non-magical disguise). Be vigilant in your observations.

>what do
Thank King, test your training area. If it's inadequate in any way you want to find out early and get it corrected.

>>596536
>Thank the king, check the castle out for any imperfections or gaps in the wards.

Thank the king, ask for an immediate audience with whomever manages the castle wards and their staff, and ask for a guide or map to the castle itself.

>>596536

>Thank the king, check the castle out for any imperfections or gaps in the wards.

>>596536
>Thank the king and look for the Queen.

>>596536
>Thank the king, check the castle out for any imperfections or gaps in the wards.

>Check the wards!

You wander around the castle, checking its defenses magically and mundanely. Few windows, sheer walls and cliffs... And the windows that are there are too small and reinforced to be used as an entry point. The wards, as well, have no gaps that you can notice, and you're pleased with what you have to work with. You lean back from the wall you were touching to measure the potency of its wards, when someone speaks up right behind you.

"You're offered free time, and you spend it inspecting the castle." says the soft voice. You spin, looking into the eyes of a dragon.

At least, that's your initial impression. Those eyes hold enough determination to hold ground when limbs are missing. Her bearing is strong, and even in that huge red dress, you can feel her imposing strength. She is known as Central's Dragon, a woman who has engineered some of the most cutthroat trade agreements and treaties that the country has seen. A master of the court, like her husband is the master of the battlefield.

"M-milady!" you bow, then curtsey halfway through, then realize you're not wearing a dress.

"Relax." she says, smiling. "I'm impressed with your diligence. It befits the role you've been assigned that you would go to such incredible lengths to help my son." she says.

"I'm only doing the checking for these wards. That's all." you say, "It's important to be diligent in matters such as this."

"Indeed." she walks past you, and you finish your work. It seems that the work here is excellent. Certainly, nothing's perfect, but you weren't able to find places needing improvement.

You check next on the training area, which is lacking in a few ways. Easily fixed, though. You spend the rest of your time building sturdy training dummies, from wood and iron. Night falls, and you hear some commotion.

The Prince has arrived.

>Let's go meet him first thing.
>Let him get settled then meet him privately.
>Let him get settled and summon him.
>Send him a missive to meet in the morning.
>Writein.

>>597231
>Let's go meet him first thing.
If he's here, then we're on the clock, time to get to work.

>>597231
>Let's go meet him first thing.

He's going to need to divest himself of his opera companions, and if we're going to discus security arrangements with him, that should be done in private.

Although I suppose if he's here and away from the prior security arrangements we are on the clock, now. And if we bump into the fiance now, in public, maybe we avoid irrational jealousy when we need to be in private with him?

I guess see him now, but save security discussions for private.

>Let him get settled then meet him privately.

>>597267
>maybe we avoid irrational jealousy when we need to be in private with him?
Well seeing as Mike is offlimits as far as romance is concerned, I don't think that will be a problem.

>>597279
My thought process is that specific rules like that usually mean that it's needed. That someone broke it before. So the finance might be wary, anyways.

But no, it shouldn't be a problem. Just trying to pragmatic in how we present ourselves, especially around people who could make our job harder for us if we.

>>597231
>Let's go meet him first thing.

>>597500
>>597242
>>597233
You decide to meet the Prince right away. Making your way to the main hall, you prepare yourself for him, standing straight, trying to look at least somewhat intimidating. Deep breaths.

Micheal enters the room with his fiancee, a petite, thin woman with platinum blonde hair, and bright blue eyes. Micheal has golden hair, green eyes, and wears ornate clothing in white and gold. A sword sits on his hip. It's a thin blade, made for peircing armor, with little capability for slashing. Less useful against an unarmored opponent, who will be more manueverable, since all your attacks will be thrusting and thus easier to dodge, it's not really suited for handling assassins, unless they are disguised in royal armor, but then, royal armor shows the face, so that wouldn't be possible-

"Annelin." you're shocked from your reverie when micheal speaks up. "You appeared to be rather focused on my sword."

"Apologies, highness." you respond. "One's weapon choice says a lot about them."

"So it does." he responds. "I can't say I'm incredible at using this, but it's sorted its fair share of fools."

You nod. He must have some talent - a rapier like that, it takes a lot of skill to use properly in a street fight. "Thank you for coming so far from the mountains. I've heard some incredible things, Magebreaker."

"I assure you, I'm more than capable."

"No doubt." Micheal nods. The impression you get from him is one of him being a member of the court above all, polite but distant. He doesn't meet your eyes, nor his fiancee, who cursties to you. "I will be retiring to my room. My dear, can you see yourself home?" he asks, and she nods, leaving. You follow Micheal back to his room to post up for some time. A guardsman relieves you for the night.

---

The morning comes without remorse, waking you with beams of harsh light.

You doubt the royals are awake.

>Let's practice forms.
>Let's go to the castle library.
>Let's start in early.
>Writein.

>>598699
>Let's practice forms.

If you don't believe Michael will be up before you, now's a good time to warm up and practice forms. But be sure to be dressed and breakfasted and ready to go before he is, though.

>>598699
>Let's practice forms.

>>598699
>Let's go to the castle library.

bump?

EGO is gone forever apparently, so don't bump this.

>>613764
Except he's not gone forever, he's been pretty active recently if you look at his twitter.

>>614849
Tragically he is no longer running quests on tgchan as stated on said twitter rip in pease