Putting the 'role' back in role-playing games since 2002.
Donate to Codex
Good Old Games
  • Welcome to rpgcodex.net, a site dedicated to discussing computer based role-playing games in a free and open fashion. We're less strict than other forums, but please refer to the rules.

    "This message is awaiting moderator approval": All new users must pass through our moderation queue before they will be able to post normally. Until your account has "passed" your posts will only be visible to yourself (and moderators) until they are approved. Give us a week to get around to approving / deleting / ignoring your mundane opinion on crap before hassling us about it. Once you have passed the moderation period (think of it as a test), you will be able to post normally, just like all the other retards.

Myth: A New Age CYOA

Kz3r0

Arcane
Joined
May 28, 2008
Messages
27,013
Ceannard by contrast could not be more relaxed, he reminds you of some great cat. No movement by him is wasted. Calmly he begins, "Ullr, what happened at our compound a few nights ago was unfortunate, but those responsible for that lapse in security have paid for it fully," Otto shutters slightly at the word paid, "As for who you are. I know exactly who you are. I know exactly who you work for. So ask yourself why am I not afraid? Perhaps that should concern you.

Be smart guys, he knows who we are, this charade is for us, not his former employer, this also means that probably he can contrast magic.
D) Negotiate - You are almost certain that Ceannard knows who you are. You drop the charade and hire his services to help smuggle Ullr out of the compound. You doubt he will come cheap though and he may want more than gold.
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Be smart guys, he knows who we are, this charade is for us, not his former employer, this also means that probably he can contrast magic.
Well, yes, he knows who we are, and yes, he probably can detect magic. We are not trying to trick him.

I will not enter the negotiations if Ullr is able to speak or act, though. Silence him by whatever means necessary, then see how the mercenaries will react. Chances are, they won't want to involve themselves without a guarantee that thel'll be paid.
 

Kz3r0

Arcane
Joined
May 28, 2008
Messages
27,013
Be smart guys, he knows who we are, this charade is for us, not his former employer, this also means that probably he can contrast magic.
Well, yes, he knows who we are, and yes, he probably can detect magic. We are not trying to trick him.

I will not enter the negotiations if Ullr is able to speak or act, though. Silence him by whatever means necessary, then see how the mercenaries will react. Chances are, they won't want to involve themselves without a guarantee that thel'll be paid.
He has gone to great lenghts for dropping his employer and practically he has openly asked us for a negotiate, I doubt he did it for squeezing more money from the dwarf.
However I am certain that a direct attack is unwise, and I think that even if we get our target without any interference from the Black Arrows we will regret not having negotiate now.
He bragged about who is behind him, someone more powerful than our target, and probably has a good idea for whom we are working, it doesn't end here, even if we succeed.
 
Joined
Feb 11, 2007
Messages
2,951
Heh, I may easily be reading this wrong, but I think that with C we could end up in a magical tug of war over the guy, with Ceannard and us both trying to influence him to our / his side. He just strikes me like that. And negotiating... yeah, that could work though I too would prefer if our target is in no condition to bid against us. Say, knock him out, then immediately ask for a contract with the mercs. Would they attack in this situation or would they at least negotiate first?
 

Kz3r0

Arcane
Joined
May 28, 2008
Messages
27,013
I think that the kind of negotiation he wants has nothing to do with his former employer.
In fact we can just ask if we can gag and restrain our target before negotiating with him.
 

GreyViper

Prophet
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
1,523
Location
Estonia
Going with D, I just don't see other options work out without casualties. Maybe someone would like to come up with something good with freeform?
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Going with D, I just don't see other options work out without casualties. Maybe someone would like to come up with something good with freeform?
G is freeform. Why would it result in casualties?

Basically, why do we need to be subtle with C if our cover is blown as far as the mercs are concerned?
 
Last edited:

Fangshi

Arcane
Joined
Jan 9, 2014
Messages
1,997
Nevill said:
Fangshi, what would be the suggestion that we are going to plant in Ullr's mind?

Derryth intends to start with something along the lines of 'they are wasting your time'/'trying to extort money from you' that sort of thing. Ullr is quick to anger, she want him angry at the Arrows and willing to storm off with his 'guards'.

asxetos said:
Fangshi, is it possible to inform Bari that the Black Arrows probably know who we are and that their boss might be a magic user before he desides?

Well you can't say it out loud without tipping off Ullr. You could send Bari a suggestion not to use violence but you can not guarantee he would listen to your advice. In F you are trusting his judgement, he will do what he thinks is most likely to succeed.

Jester said:
G drop Ullr with mental spell and gag him, if he cant negotiate he cant hire.

Sure I will add it as an option. G) Incapacitate Ullr and ask Caennard for his card. One question though, in this option do you still intend to hire the Arrows now or will you just try and leave with Ullr?

Current Tally:
Baltika9 F
Smashing Axe C>F
Zero Credibility C>G
asxetos F>G
Jester G
Nevill G
Kz3r0 D
GreyViper D>G
Grimgravy G>F
Azira C>F
Cassidy B>C


Pre Flop:
A)
B) 1 vote
C) 3 votes
D) 2 votes
E)
F) 2 votes
G) 3 votes

Post Flop:
A)
B)
C) 3 votes
D) 1 vote
E)
F) 1 vote
G) 6 votes
 
Last edited:

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Fangshi said:
Sure I will add it as an option. G) Incapacitate Ullr and ask Caennard for his card. One question though, in this option do you still intend to hire the Arrows now or will you just try and leave with Ullr?
I'd very much like to know what their reaction would be like, first.

I guess they would not really be keen on letting us go just like that, so hire would be a safer option. But who knows, maybe Ceannard wants to amuse himself?

I'd like to note that failure here will probably influence other tasks unfavorably. We still need to get the prisoners out, and get a look at the financial records, so I'd rather go with something that does not result in violence just yet.
 

Fangshi

Arcane
Joined
Jan 9, 2014
Messages
1,997
Nevill said:
I'd very much like to know what their reaction would be like, first.

Well there is only one way to find out. :lol:

Though there are plenty of hints as to the type of relationship Ullr and Ceannard have in the update itself.
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Though there are plenty of hints as to the type of relationship Ullr and Ceannard have in the update itself.
Well, it is clear that they don't care for Ullr unless he is paying, first. I am not worried that they will rush to his aid.

It is far less clear what type of relationship they have with us. If we don't hire them, what would really prevent them from alerting the guards just for lulz and as a bit of payback for our night visit?
 

asxetos

Augur
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
820
Location
Greece
I dont see how we can hire the Black Arrows. We are rich, yes, but nowhere as rich as the strongest family of the empire that hired them to get Melete (yet :)). The only one that could probably hire them is Bari, if he wanted to reveal his Master. I like G and it will probably work, as far as getting out with Ullr is concerned, but we can be sure that the BA will be after us sooner rather than later.
I flop to F > G.
Bari wouldnt have the position he has by being a bloodthirsty brute. I trust him to get us out of this situation.
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
It wasn't the Brannor family that hired them. It was the house Eberhardt. Hell, why do you think they were sitting in Ullr's office and how did he know that they let the girl be kidnapped? He did just cancel a deal with them.

The Eberhardt house is going down - I don't think the mercenaries will cross Pathfinders unless they are paid really, really well and upfront, - and Brannors are not here to hire them. These are the people that don't move a finger without a contract, and they basically offered us to make a bid.

What they will require of us, though, and if we can provide it, is up in the air.

If we make it out of here alive, we can ask for pretty much anything, so everything Bsri can get, we can get, too.
 
Last edited:

Grimgravy

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Sep 12, 2013
Messages
3,469
Codex 2016 - The Age of Grimoire
G>F

G confirms our ballsy, no nonsense, and non hostile impression. That should be good.
 

Jester

Arbiter
Joined
Mar 24, 2013
Messages
1,493
Sure I will add it as an option. G) Incapacitate Ullr and ask Caennard for his card. One question though, in this option do you still intend to hire the Arrows now or will you just try and leave with Ullr?
Emm if they will wish for money no problem we can hire, if they ask smt like give back inventor it becomes tricky. If its money we hire, if inventor politely inform them that her demise in current circumstances is not profitable etc etc.
 
Joined
Feb 11, 2007
Messages
2,951
Since knocking him out seems to be leading, what is the plan after that? I presume it is to hire these guys straight away, right? Even if they sit this one out (and that's an if), we would still have to carry him out of here and that just might raise some suspicions. Unless we take him hostage to ensure our exit.
 

Nevill

Arcane
Joined
Jun 6, 2009
Messages
11,211
Shadorwun: Hong Kong
Unless we take him hostage to ensure our exit.
I don't think it is going to work. He is not so important as to warrant letting us go with all the financial records and witnesses.

Yes, if they won't let us pass out of amusement (why would they want to get involved with Pathfinders?), let's hire them.

I'd assume they will state their terms in that case and we'll have to choose whether to agree or not.
 
Joined
Feb 11, 2007
Messages
2,951
Oh, I was talking about his own guards, not the mercs. He's the head honcho around here, why wouldn't his own guards let us go if we are holding a knife at his throat? I suppose they could try something stupid, but this guys doesn't strike me as someone that would inspire a lot of loyalty. Except with money, but dead men pay no salary.

That last point might even work with the mercs - if on one side they have our money and the king's gratitude and on the other side only a dead traitor, they might be more open for negotiations. Though I do worry about what they could be asking apart from simple gold (fuck gold).
 

Fangshi

Arcane
Joined
Jan 9, 2014
Messages
1,997
I will close the vote in about five hours on so. Update will be within 12 hrs of that.

Edit:

Alright vote closed. G takes it. The update should be out some time in the next 12 hrs.
 
Last edited:

Fangshi

Arcane
Joined
Jan 9, 2014
Messages
1,997
Chapter 12: Mind Games

"Milord do you really wish to trust these mercenaries with the location of the girl? If you desire more protection then the three of us can provide then simply give the order and I will rouse some of the men!" Bari is doing his best but he is not succeeding.

Ceannard takes another long sip from his drink. He scans the room with a disinterested eye, his gaze finds you, he stares at you as he speaks, "It is odd Ullr that you allow your subordinates to be so bold. Are you not worried that it might send the wrong message? Perhaps you should punish this dwarf... remind him who exactly is in charge here?"

Ullr squints for a moment then begins to nod, "Yes. Yes, you have to pay for your insolence!"

You are almost certain now that Ceannard is influencing Ullr; implanting suggestions within his mind. What bothers you is that you can not feel the man casting. You have no idea how he is doing it.

Ullr marches over to his desk. He practically rips one of the drawers out. Reaching inside he withdraws a knife and rounds the desk heading directly for Bari.

You feel someone casting.

Thaïs steps around behind you.

For a moment Ullr stops.

Thaïs has sent him a compulsion.

Ceannard looks past you at her, his thin smile grows.

Ullr shakes his head and continues to advance on Bari.

You think you understand what is going on here. For Ceannard this is a game. He is going to try and provoke a fight between the dwarves and he is daring you to try and stop him.

You could play his game and battle him for control of the dwarf, but you do not like being toyed with.

You decide to end this quickly.

Ullr is almost upon Bari now. The Pathfinder still projects a submissive air but his hand has been creeping towards his knife. If you do not act, he will.

You are not sure what will happen when you do this. You just hope your friends will be ready.

You focus on Ullr, his mind is already so heavily compromised that it should not be difficult to neutralize him.

You hit him with an assault spell. The dwarf's head rocks backward on his thick neck as he wobbles on his heels. For a split second he is balanced there, hardly touching the ground.

Then he falls.

He hits the floor with a dull thud.

Immediately you turn your attention to the Black Arrows.

Ceannard stares at you and you catch the slightest hint of surprise in his eyes. It is wonderfully satisfying.

Ceannard does not move, neither does the large guard with him.

Otto however is half way through notching an arrow.

Instinctively you lash out with another assault spell.

It seems Thaïs had the same idea as you feel her cast behind you.

The poor captain lets out a slight whine as you knock him off his feet.

"Well I must admit of all the moves you could have made, I did not expect that one," you had worried that Ceannard would react violently to your attack. Instead he seems thoroughly amused, "So now what? Are you going to try and carry Ullr unconscious back through the lower floors? Given how much he knows about the dealings of House Eberhardt they would likely kill you all rather than see him carried off."

Admittedly you had not thought that far ahead, though an idea does occur to you, "Perhaps we could hire your services to aid in our escape?"

Ceannard nods slowly, you have a feeling he is weighing his odds as you speak, "Perhaps you could. Perhaps you could."

You wait in silence for him to say more, but he seems content to sit in silence contemplating his drink. Finally you can take no more, "Well we have resources, we can pay... how much would you require for a job like this?"

Ceannard takes another long, slow sip of his drink. When he looks up at you some of his edge is gone, he seems warmer somehow, more inviting, "For a job like this I can not accept common coin," he winks at you, "Even from such a lovely hand as yours."

You feel a little weak in the knees. He is just so dashing...

Thaïs, sensing that you need a moment, steps up, "Well what would you require to fulfill such a contract?"

He stands, walks to the bar and tops up his drink. You watch every movement he makes, unable to take your eyes off him.

When he is once more seated he continues, "Well my dear lady," he smiles at her and you feel a little sick, "A client of mine has informed me that you have in your care a certain individual, I would require their presence."

He must mean Meletē... it seems like a fair trade... she has caused nothing but problems...

You manage to turn your head slightly in an attempt to gauge Thaïs' reaction to the idea.

What you see fills you with rage, the way she is looking at him... making eyes at him... you have a sudden urge to tear her eyes out. She notices you staring and gives you a look of complete contempt and hatred.

Instinctively you reach for your knife... she reaches for hers... this might not end well for either of you but you are simply too angry to stop now.

How dare she! How dare she come between you and...

and...

and a man you have known less than ten minutes?

Thaïs is your closest and dearest friend, Ceannard you hardly know. Yet you feel an almost overwhelming desire to attack her in 'defence' of your 'relationship' with him.

It is clear what is going on here.

Without the dwarf to play with he is toying with you instead. Thankfully you are made of stronger stuff even if his 'magics', whatever they may be, are very subtle.

You turn from her, though you keep her in your peripheral vision. If she is being influenced as well, and it is not all in your mind, she might still attack.

You smile sweetly at Ceannard.

He smiles back.

You wait until his drink is almost to his face.

Then you set it on fire.

Just to make a point.

He drops the drink and leaps out of his seat, stomping out the flames.

Immediately any 'feelings' you felt for this man disappear. You cast a quick glance at Thaïs, she shakes her head and frowns at the man. She catches you looking and smiles at you mouthing the words 'thank you'.

When he looks back up at you he is not smiling, "You could have killed me!"

You give him a slight smile, patterned on the exact grin he has been sporting all night, "Next time I will."

His grin reappears, "Well my employer spoke highly of you... I suppose he was right," he shrugs and stalks off to the bar, "At this point I may as well take the whole bottle. Not like Ullr is going to need it when you are done with him."

Gracefully he hops up on the bar and tips the bottle towards the unconscious dwarf, "He was a long time customer. Bit of a temper but he always paid on time and he was easy to influence... at times I could get him to pay triple the normal rate for a contract."

Thaïs, clearly still annoyed at the man, speaks up, "So you tried to help him out of a sense of loyalty?"

He shrugs, "No, I did it to see if I could. If you could not resist a little mind control you would hardly be worth my time. Congratulations, you both passed. Most people would have attacked immediately," he bows his head slightly, "My apologies to you both. It is not a test I like to administer but one I felt was necessary given the sort of job we are discussing."

"Well, congratulations to you as well," you cross you arms, "You have just lost a potential customer."

He tilts his head slightly, "Well there are always more opportunities. However it might be wise to hear me out."

You ignore the man, "Bari, can we throw Ullr in a sack or something?"

The Pathfinder snaps his fingers, "I know just the ploy to get him out of here. One second, I will be right back," he rushes to the door but stops before turning the handle, "You two will be fine till I get back?"

You both nod, Thaïs answers, "Yes Bari, we will be fine now. Just hurry back."

Ceannard does not seem too put off by your attempts to ignore him, in fact he continues speaking as if you were giving him your full attention. The man is confident if nothing else, "The individual whose presence I require is not your inventor friend. Frankly I do not care what happens to her now. No, I wish to meet another friend of yours... blonde... beautiful... about, oh, a head tall..."

The two of you give him your full attention after that, "What do you know about her?" you are suddenly keenly aware of Nine's presence. Nestled in the bottom of your pack sleeping her eternity away like usual.

He takes a swig from his bottle, "Well I don't know much about her at all. But my current employer has given me a brief description and he would very much like to meet her. So that is my price. If you want my expert help in slipping out of here then you will give her to me. Otherwise you are on your own."

Thaïs takes a couple hesitant steps towards the man, "Did your employer say she had to come alone? Can we go with her?"

He lifts his gaze to the roof in contemplation, "Clever. He did not actually say one way or the other. If you want to go with her I can see no reason to refuse your request," when he once more lowers his gaze it is directed at you, "Those are the terms then. I can get you out of here easily but in exchange you will either hand over your friend within two days or you may accompany her to see my employer. Should you break the terms of this contract you will have made an enemy of the Black Arrows and my employer... that is not something you want, trust me."

Bari slips back into the room and sets about stuffing Ullr into a large sack. When he finishes he joins the two of you, dragging Ullr in his sack behind him, "So ready to go Derryth? I figure we can steal a few servants' uniforms and sneak out through the back door with the 'dirty laundry'," he gives the bag a kick and chuckles to himself, "a classic ploy, works every time, well almost every time..." he trails off when he notices Ceannard gazing intently at you, "Something going on?"

The Pathfinder and the mercenary each stare at you waiting for an answer as Otto groans and slowly sits up.


A) You accept the deal and agree to give him Nine within two days.

B) You accept the deal and agree to go with Nine within two days. List who you want to take with you if you choose this option. The dwarves will be busy setting up the trial and the 'witnesses' so it will just be you, Thaïs, and the girls to choose from.

C) You accept the deal but intend to betray them.

D) Refuse the deal and simply leave, you want nothing to do with the Arrows or their current employer.

E) Refuse the deal and attack the Black Arrows, you do not trust them not to interfere. You will aim to incapacitate them and tie them up.

F) Refuse the deal and attack the Black Arrows, you do not trust them not to interfere. You will kill them if you can.

G) freeform
 
Last edited:

Smashing Axe

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Dec 29, 2011
Messages
2,835
Divinity: Original Sin
For some reason I think that their current employer is the guy behind the eagles. Again, I've no reason to think this beyond the fact that the eagles and the crows have been the only known observers of us during our journey here, and the Black Arrows don't seem like the Watcher's style.

If we agree to go with these guys, do we get to choose the destination, or do they? Do we get to set terms on how many of their side meet with us?

Also is it merely a meeting they want with Nine, or do they want to take her away for good?

I also think that they will not let us leave right now without the head, since that seems to be their main charge right now.

I'm not going to vote right now but I'm leaning towards either B or E
 

As an Amazon Associate, rpgcodex.net earns from qualifying purchases.
Back
Top Bottom