Crimson Paladin

War Never Changes 2 : A Post Nuclear Nation Roleplay

Head Scribe Wainwright, Vault 0

A pre-war IFV bearing the Brotherhood of Steel insignia approached the heavily guarded entrance to Vault 0. After passing through the security checkpoints, it rolled to a stop at the vault's massive doors.

"We've arrived at our destination, sir," the driver spoke to his passengers, consisting of Head Scribe Wainwright, a power armored paladin, and two knights. While you're meeting with the High Elder, we'll be refilling our coolant tank for the return trip."

The ghoulified Head Scribe was grateful to be out of that cramped, uncomfortable vehicle. The trip had taken several hours, and Wainwright was a bit miffed at having been abruptly pulled from his duties at Buena Vista to come here in person.

Wainwright made his way into the vault, and was guided by a Paladin to the war room. Normally the High Elder would've just communicated with him over the radio, so whatever Renald wanted to talk about must be pretty important if he insisted on doing it face-to-face. Or in Wainwright's case, face-to-faceplate. Given the timing, the most likely subject of the meeting would be the alliance with Caesar's Legion, and it'd probably cover subject matter that Renald didn't want Legion spies to overhear.

"Good to see you made it without trouble, Head Scribe," Renald greeted the ghoul as he walked through the doorway. "Have a seat, there is much I wish to discuss with you."

Wainwright sat down at the table. He couldn't help but notice a large pile of papers and photographs lying in front of the High Elder.

"Might I ask what all this paperwork is about, High Elder?" he asked, curious.

"Inquisition reports about an ongoing inter-tribe conflict," Renald answered with a sigh. "Some of these Colorado tribes have feuds going back decades from before they became Brotherhood vassals, and this bad blood sometimes erupts to the surface. Two particular tribes have been going at it pretty badly, with tensions boiling over recently. Several injuries, a few deaths, and destruction of Brotherhood property. It's gotten so bad that I've decided to post an Inquisition squad in each tribe's land. If it doesn't deter them, we'll at least have someone on hand to root out the guilty parties in this mess."

"And once you identify the people responsible, what then?"

"It depends," the High Elder answered, picking up a black-and-white photograph. "If it's merely a few select troublemakers inciting this, we'll have them arrested and tried. The guilty are punished and the rest of them will be reminded that they follow the same laws as everyone else. If this is a more deeply rooted problem, if a significant proportion of the tribes are involved in this, I'll have no choice but to increase the conscription tithe on the offending tribe for the foreseeable future. There'll be fewer able-bodied men and women to cause trouble, and it'll send a message that conflict among Brotherhood subjects will not be tolerated."

"You could simply cut off their access to Brotherhood technology," Wainwright suggested. "As primitive as they are, their quality of life would drop without access to mundane technological amenities like tractors and antibiotics."

"I do not think that would be a good idea, Head Scribe," Renald rebuked his subordinate. "Tribals are proud, resilient people; if we cut them off, they will adapt to the lack of technology, shaking their dependence on us and giving them an incentive to break off their vassalage. The last thing we want is a tribe going independent or defecting to the Legion. But I didn't summon you here to discuss such minor matters of governance. What I actually want to discuss with you is the Legion, and the deal we have struck with them."

"Very well, High Elder," Wainwright spoke, leaning forward in his chair. "If I may ask, sir, how do you feel about this alliance that we've made with the Legion?"

The High Elder sat in silent contemplation for half a minute before giving his answer.

"I'm cautiously optimistic about it. They played up the threat of the NCR to us, but they're not lying that California is a force to be reckoned with. Compared to the Legion, the NCR is more populated, more technologically advanced, and has more infrastructure. Their military has extensive combat experience against both high-tech and low-tech foes, and I've heard rumors that they have access to captured Enclave aircraft. On the other hand, for all their vast resources and military experience, they've got one major limitation: the power of their subjects. They can only commit their forces in military campaigns so long as the citizenry enables it. I'm hoping that our Mojave expedition will be able to shed some light on the NCR's failed Mojave campaign, as well as the similarly ill-fated efforts of the Legion to annex that region."

"I wouldn't underestimate the ability of a republic to spur its citizens to support prolonged military operations," Wainwright advised. "The old United States was able to continue fighting wars on multiple fronts over a decade, and the NCR has shown its resolve in its war against the western Brotherhood. I must admit I'm a bit curious as to what motivates their citizens to push a war for so long."

"That is another question that I hope that the Mojave expedition will be able to produce a suitable answer to," Renald admitted. "If I had to wager a guess, however, I'd say spoils. If the Legion is telling the truth, the NCR has been winning its war with the western Brotherhood of Steel, which means that the conflict will have been yielding a steady influx of the technology that the western elders spent two centuries collecting and hoarding in their bunkers. As long as the war brings such spoils, the citizenry will continue to support it until the well dries up, so to speak."

"I have to ask, High Elder, do you trust the Legion?" the scribe asked. "They don't exactly have a sterling reputation for upholding their word."

The Elder paused for a few moments before answering. Wainwright wasn't sure if Renald was contemplating an answer or scrutinizing him for asking such a blunt question. After what seemed an eternity, Renald gave his reply.

"No. I do not trust them. At least not completely." he answered. "Our nations share many similarities- we both have a strong warrior spirit, we both conscript tribals to fill our ranks, we both utilize crucifixion to punish criminals and warn their fellows, but if they have any honor, it is nothing like the concept that the Brotherhood of Steel upholds. The Legion only honors its word so as long as there is to be more to gained by keeping it than by breaking it, and will commit any atrocity if it furthers their goals, including the destruction of the very tribes that they subjugate."

"From what I've heard over the years, the NCR isn't any different in that regard," replied the scribe. "If you have something they want, they take it by force, any previous promises be damned. Even if you can find an honest politician among them and secure a promise worth anything, their fellows will overrule it, and their successor will not be bound by it."

"That's true, Head Scribe. The NCR isn't known to keep its word, but their penchant for conscious treachery pales compared to what the Legion is capable of," spoke Renald. "In a way, it's like that flag of theirs: befriending one head won't stop the other head from devouring you, and both heads will be nourished by the meal. With the Legion, however, the same man who gives you his word will be drawing up possible plans to break it even as he shakes your hand."

Still," he continued, "The Legion isn't needlessly treacherous, and Caesar is no fool. As long as the NCR possesses the strength to stand against them, the Legion won't risk a two-front war. Our goal is the preservation of our brothers and sisters in the west, not fighting the Legion's war of conquest. As long as we stay true to that goal, we'll be able to stay true to the Brotherhood of Steel's mission. Speaking of which, I have an important assignment for you. We're concerned about the haywire pre-war facility that the Legion has uncovered in Denver, and I want the Brotherhood's best, most physically resilient scribe heading the efforts to ensure this threat is dealt with."

"I wouldn't be so bold as to say I was the most resilient," the scribe humbly spoke. "That honor most likely belongs to Scribe Percy."

"I suppose that argument could be advanced, but he's currently lending his expertise to the Commonwealth Expedition, and he has much less of a scribe's background than you do, so this honor will be yours," Renald stated.

"I am...honored," Wainwright spoke, apprehensive about this mission but unable to admit it. He was thankful that his facial expressions could not be seen behind his suit's faceplate.

"Excellent," the elder commended him. "Speak to the Paladin-Commander outside for your briefing. Dismissed. Oh, and scribe? I must admit I envy you, being able to take part in a conflict against a malfunctioning pre-war intelligence just as the Warrior and Barnaky once did."

Wainwright couldn't deny it was an honor by Brotherhood standards, but following in Barnaky's footsteps was not something he had any desire to do. As much trouble as his ghoulified, radiation-steeped body could be, he would very much prefer to keep his brain inside of it.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Novak

Novak pondered the situation. They mentioned they had made a deal with the Kyrnith, but had offered no details about it. The likely explanation is that the agreement had been broken in some way, and the Kyrnith wasn't happy about it, but how was the deal broken?

Nobunaga had offered to negotiate with the beast. Novak couldn't vouch for her negotiation abilities, but she certainly didn't seem like the type that'd make a claim without having the skills to back it up. Either way, her reasoning was sound- if the town made a deal with the Kyrnith before, another deal could potentially be made it.

Are they being evasive about it or do they not know? No, if they were lying to us, they wouldn't have told us about the deal at all, they'd have painted Kyrnith as an aggressor without presenting the possibility that it might have been wronged, he reasoned. Perhaps Misaki found something useful in those scrolls, and if not, they can always ask about it tomorrow. For now, Novak decided to focus on their offer of giving the trio a place to stay for the night. Between the cold weather and the angry fauna being spurred on by an elder beast, it was an offer they wouldn't want to refuse.

"That would be appreciated, yes," Novak replied. "We currently don't have anywhere to stay, so we'd be very grateful for accommodations."

Just then Novak remembered something, softly touching his still slightly pained chest. "Oh, and one more thing. That creature we fought, it's metallic hide looked quite protective. Could your town's craftsmen can make something useful out of it?"

It might have been a bit of a stretch, but if they were going to have to do any more fighting, it might be useful to look into obtaining some protective attire.

@Rune_Alchemist@PKMNB0Y@VitaVitaAR

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Novak

Enli noticed Misaki's interest in the scrolls and offered to let her look through them. Novak was a bit curious about them himself, but could he even read the script they were written in? The people of this new world seemed to speak his language- or was it he who gained the knowledge speak their language? Was his knowledge of the language of his previous, forgotten life lost and replaced with this world's language? If so, did it extend to comprehension of written text as well? He supposed that the only to know for sure would be to try and read some of the texts. He could do that later, however, because for now the more pressing issue was to respond to the man's offer to let them stay in the village.

"Thank you sir, we are grateful for your hospitality," Novak responded. "Like my companion said, we were very fortunate to have been brought here."

Akando suggested that they could help with the town's problems that both he and Enli had previously alluded to. The chief, however, shot the idea down, not wanting to involve the trio. Novak wasn't entirely sure it was out of distrust of outsiders or the notion that asking guests to risk their lives on the host town's behalf would constitute very poor hospitality. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

They mentioned the Kyrinth again. Was that thing we killed not the actual Kyrinth?

"If I may, sirs," Novak spoke up, "If that monster is any indication of the problems you're facing, then as long as we're here it's our problem too. The threat to your town is a threat to your guests, as well as anyone else in the region who might have the misfortune to catch this Kyrinth's attention."

Novak's motivation to help was indeed partially out of self-interest due to the fact that they would be affected by the local problems as long as they stayed here, but he also wanted to help these people. He wasn't sure how he could help, but perhaps he could learn how, and anything was better than cowering in a hut every time another monster came to terrorize the town.

@Rune_Alchemist@PKMNB0Y@VitaVitaAR

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Novak

Novak followed alongside his two companions, contemplating their current situation. Despite the peril they had faced so far, things seemed to be going pretty well. They had escaped that guardian, managed to find civilization before they could freeze to death, and had won some favor with the town by vanquishing a threat (admittedly, it was almost entirely Nobunaga's doing). According to Akando, however, things had been going poorly for the town, which no doubt meant that the local problems, whatever they were, were far from over.

Akando led them to the largest building, a longhouse of some sorts. The interior was pleasantly warm, heated by a fire pit in the center. Judging by the tables and chairs surrounding the fire pit, it was probably a place for dining or feasting. The back of the room, on the other hand, seemed to have a very different purpose. It was lined with bookshelves, and was probably either a valuable repository of knowledge or a boring archive of town records.

A robed man, probably Enli, was going through the records. The first thing Novak noticed about the man was the symbol on his robe, the same symbol as the one on Lazhira’s hand. Clearly, there must be some sort of connection.

Akando introduced the group to Enli, and mentioned how they had slain a monster attacking the village. Nobunaga was the first to reply, voicing her relief at having found civilization. Novak said nothing, considering Nobunaga's reply to be sufficient for the time being. He had many questions, but they could wait until after Nobunaga had broken the ice.

@PKMNB0Y@VitaVitaAR@Rune_Alchemist

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Fantasy Knight RP

Sorry to hear it. Take care of yourself, I hope you'll be ok.

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Novak

That could have gone better.

Novak's attack struck true, his sword stabbing into the creature's neck. It didn't slow the Kyrinth down, but it definitely drew its attention, and Novak found himself on the receiving end of a powerful headbutt which knocked him to the ground. Panic set in as he strained to breathe and simultaneously tried to pull himself to his feet through the considerable pain. Being unable to draw breath was harrowing enough, but his proximity to an enraged, man-eating beast was a much more pressing matter.

Fortunately, the Kyrinth never got a chance to follow up on its attack. Nobunaga struck a disemboweling blow on the creature's vulnerable underside while it was distracted, finally putting it down. The fight was over, and the beast was finally dead. From the look of it, they had gotten off pretty lightly. Novak's injuries didn't seem too serious, and Nobunaga didn't seemed to be slowed down by the blow she had suffered. The lead hunter approached to commend them on the feat, and gave out orders to the villagers. Novak, still winded from the Kyrinth's attack, wasn't exactly in a position to come up with or give a reply.

First chance I get I'm learning to dodge.

While everyone got to work, Lazhira dashed away, leaving the three of them to be addressed by the lead hunter. At this point, Novak was breathing semi-consistently again, and was once again able to think clearly. The hunter introduced himself as Akando, and invited the group to meet someone named Enli. Was that the chief that Lazhira had mentioned before running off? Either way, it didn't feel like they had much of a choice, since Lazhira and Akando were so far to be their only contacts in the town.

"Sure, we're not busy," Novak finally replied. "Who is Enli?"

@VitaVitaAR@Rune_Alchemist@PKMNB0Y

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Novak

Novak could feel his goddess-given ability working. His eyes caught every detail of Nobunaga's movement as she attacked the beast, and a feeling of comprehension and muscle memory from her movements began filling the vacated spaces of his mind. To have such understanding wash over him was a strange but enlightening sensation, and almost immediately Novak found himself almost unconsciously swinging his own sword in perfect imitation of Nobunaga's strike. His attention was so focused that he didn't hear anything that Lazhira was saying; hopefully it wasn't anything too important.

So this is how it feels. This is how it works. There was the small complication that Nobbu's strike had been done with a different type of sword. Fortunately his sword, with its straight, double-edged blade, seemed to be more suitable for the sort of thrusting attack that he had observed.

There was no time to revel in his first successful use of his power, however, because the Kyrnith was still rampaging. It had struck Nobunaga with one of its front legs, knocking her away and turning its ill intentions towards her. Without thinking, and most likely quite overconfident, Novak dashed past the hunters to his companion's side, standing just out of the path of its charge (he may not have seen it happen yet, but he knew that getting trampled would ruin his day very quickly). Replicating Nobunaga's strike, he thrust his arming sword at the charging beast's throat beneath its snout. An injury to its underside might not have stopped it, but perhaps a blow to its throat would change its mind.

Once his blow connected, Novak would need to withdraw out of range of the beast's front legs and jaws, lest he end up like Nobunaga, or worse, whatever poor soul that the Kyrnith had just finished devouring.

@VitaVitaAR@Rune_Alchemist@PKMNB0Y

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Fantasy Knight RP

Fleuri Jodeau

Fleuri's attack struck true, cleaving the vampire's head from his shoulders. The body fell where it stood, while the head was picked up by Tyaethe. It seemed he wouldn't be able to regenerate this time- he was no longer able to control the blood in his body, and his head didn't have enough to reconnect at this distance. It made sense, he supposed, that Tyaethe would know exactly the limits of a vampire's ability to pull himself together.

"... I see, so I should have taken you all more seriously. My my, I guess all that taunting didn't pay off, did it? You handsome gentlemen sure now how to reject someone..."

It seemed even without a body, Damon was still capable of talking. It'd be an impossible feat for a normal human, but Damon ceased to be constrained by the limitations of mortals. No doubt he wanted to give some final words before the death he had long evaded finally caught up to him.

Damon continued his final ramblings, expressing his disappointment at not getting a shot at fighting the Iron Roses' vampire and his regret at joining the conspiracy that resulted in his demise. They were fairly understandable final words, all things considered. Before finally fading, however, he gave a cryptic warning.

"You should best prepare, for not everything that is gone is dead." With that, he went silent. Their opponent had been felled.

It's finally over. Your long-overdue death has finally come, Damon Cal. It's a shame you chose to inflict even more shame and disgrace upon the Cal family.

"If that's all, we'd best get down to support the captain with whomever else is down there," Fleuri said, walking over to Damon's body. "But first, I think this might come in handy," he said as he eyed Damon's crossbow. He carefully picked the up the weapon with one hand, and patted down Damon's body looking for more quarrels with the other hand.

"I'm not much of a shooter, but I wonder if that Nem girl...Tili, I think, could use this?" he asked the others. "The conspirators owe her a new crossbow anyway." Technically, it should probably be handed over to the Cal family, but it seemed unlikely that they'd push for ownership of the weapon of another black mark on their family. If Tili couldn't use it, they could always just toss it into Damon's empty coffin.

There was a lot of other stuff Fleuri wanted to talk about. He wanted to discuss the fight with Jarde and Nicomede, he wanted to ask Tyaethe if she knew who Damon was, he wanted to discuss Damon Cal's dying words, and he wanted to complain about the bloodstains that had gotten on the sleeves of his white tunic during the fight. Now was not the time, however. The other knights had probably run into the others that Damon had mentioned, and would need support.

Carrying the crossbow and a few quarrels taken from Damon, Fleuri headed down the stairs. The battle was not over yet, not until all of the conspirators were dead and Tili's sister was safe.

@PaulHaynek@Raineh Daze@Krayzikk

War Never Changes 2 : A Post Nuclear Nation Roleplay

Brotherhood meeting with the Legion

It was a small but well endowed party. A few specimens of each branch of the Legion's armed forces were present, and all to guard a single RV. It was a spectacular one too with working air conditioning and bathroom, terminals, a radio station, and a great deal of armour. All this was for a very important person: an envoy. Many lesser realms when wishing to perform diplomacy simply showed up at their counterpart's border and demanded to speak to a leader, but Vulpes supposed himself too great for that.

Instead traders were spoken to for the Legion to learn how best to approach the leadership of the Brotherhood of Steel in the Midwest, and thus messengers sent them letters to explain a diplomat would arrive in a few days time to discuss very important matters.

When in core Brotherhood territory Tarsus lay on the roof of the vehicle enjoying the sun. He knew he was perfectly safe with his great entourage and thus why not relax before speaking to the Scribes and other political elite of the Brotherhood of Steel? Besides, as they got closer to the meeting place it would help identify the party such that they'd go through formalities faster. Yes, for now Tarsus would only have to wait sipping his pre-war spirit and gaze upon the scene.

Finally, the Legion arrived at the meeting place, a heavily fortified manufacturing plant. Those in the RV would notice an increasing amount of electronic interference, which only grew worse as they drew closer. Power armored paladins, laser turrets, and refurbished Calculator robots all seemed to stare at the new arrivals through unblinking optic sensors, cautiously watching their every movement.. The entourage came to a halt outside of the main gate, where a paladin approached them.

“Welcome to Buena Vista. We apologize if you are experiencing any electronic difficulties, the electromagnetic activity in the area causes heavy interference.” he spoke to the escorting Legionaries. “I am to take you to the meeting room within the plant.” He strode over to a terminal next to the gate and typed something onto the keyboard. A few seconds later, the complex’s fortified gate opened with a mighty rumble. The representatives of the Legion particular to the diplomatic mission followed, whilst the warriors guarding the envoys stayed back. Whatever they were doing that messed with the electronics about the place, Tarsus could only hope that it wouldn’t mess with his pip-boy and the other elements of presentation he brought along.

“Follow me,” the Paladin directed. After being searched for weapons, Tarsus was led into the complex and to a small room on the right. Within the room were a few chairs, a single paladin standing guard, and a figure in a red environmental suit sitting behind a metal desk. Floating to the right of the desk was a modified eyebot, brandishing a microphone in place of a laser gun.

“It is good to see you have arrived safely, Mr. Tarsus,” the man in the hazmat suit spoke. “I am Head Scribe Wainwright. Please forgive the suit, I have a medical condition that requires me to wear it in this environment.”

“And I am High Elder Renald. I apologize for being unable to attend in person,” sounded the eyebot, conveying the voice of the High Elder. “Am I coming in clear, Head Scribe?”

“As well as we can hope for, considering the plant’s interference.” the scribe replied, before turning back to the Legion representative. “I’m afraid the High Elder is a very busy man, but through a combination of Brotherhood ingenuity and the Calculator’s technology, he’ll be able to communicate with us through the eyebot. Now, Mr. Tarsus, what is it that the Legion wishes to discuss with the Brotherhood of Steel?”

After taking in the many introductions, Tarsus decided not to comment upon them but rather simply get to the point. “There are two main articles we wish to discuss, one more of interest to the Everlasting Realm of Caesar’s Legion, the other more to your palate. As honoured guests, we shall of course begin with the former. If you have media to play holotapes here I would be most grateful to have access to them, but if not then I shall continue regardless.”

With that several folders were placed on the desk, a similar one held in hand for the envoy. “The New California Republic. Long have they been a thorn in our side. We would like to enlist your aid in dealing with them, and we have a great many reasons to help convince you to agree to join us.”

At this point the emissary used several pictures of official reports, newspaper clippings, and other media to illustrate his point. “I do not know how well you keep contact with your Western comrades, but the Chapters of the Brotherhood of Steel that the NCR came upon have been utterly and ruthlessly wiped out, not room left for negotiation. You may of course argue that they have only war with your other Chapters, but no qualms with you, but alas we have reason to doubt this will be the case. In their national discourse you may read that there is made no difference between your Chapters even amongst the few who recognize such a thing exists. For all intents and purposes, the NCR believes it is your enemy and you are theirs regardless of whether or not you disagree.”

A smile graced the Ambassador’s lips. “Of course, cynically you might say that you have the Legion as a buffer, but alas this state of affairs is not eternal. We know that the New Californians are expanding fast, some say even to other continents that Americans haven’t seen since before the war. Yet their animosity towards our state has not left, and we know that given time and opportunity they will strike once more. Should the Legion collapse and they devour its remains, then the NCR will be the premiere force of the North American continent. You will in your inevitable conflict be incapable of stopping them, it will be too late. But we also aren’t fools or beggars, we are aware you have your own troubles; I do not presume to suggest you directly enter the war on our behalf. We would simply like to ask for assistance where it is possible. Technical advisors to create industry, trainers to help in drills of more… advanced tactics than what the Legion has previously used, aid in robotics, the procurement of some modern arms and armour, so on and so forth. Indeed, we believe some elements of such a joint military plan could even be beneficial to you; volunteers sent to fight alongside the Legion will gain priceless experience in fighting real armies rather than mere rabble of the wastes. Further, you will also gain better knowledge of Legionary doctrine should future animosity between our realms - no matter how unlikely - be a worry to you.” With his rather long speech finished Tarsus again smiled, awaiting the response from the motley crew before him.

“You must understand that the Brotherhood of Steel does not involve itself in foreign geopolitical conflicts,” the High Elder replied through the eyebot. “Until the NCR’s scientific advancement evolves into an existential threat for humanity, our only interest in them is their conflict with our brothers and sisters in the western Brotherhood of Steel.”

“And,” he, after taking a breath, “I don’t know how informed the Legion is on Brotherhood of Steel politics, so Head Scribe, could you get them up to speed?”

Wainwright nodded, forgetting for a moment that the High Elder couldn’t actually see anything at the meeting. “We originated as a schism in the Brotherhood over the direction our order should go. We believed that the Brotherhood should share its technology with the people of the wastes in exchange for tribute and recruits. Our founders told them that a cloistered, exclusive organization was not in our best interests, or in the spirit of the order’s founding. The greater part of the Brotherhood disagreed, and the dissidents were sent on an expedition east to track down a remnant of The Master’s army. Almost a century later, we have thrived despite everything the wasteland has thrown at us, while the once-majority Brotherhood has learned firsthand the folly of their ways.”

“Nevertheless,” Elder Renald spoke up again as soon as Wainwright had seemingly finished, “As misguided as they are, and as much as their current predicament is no doubt their own fault, they’re still our brothers and sisters. Now that they are in need, and we have the power to aid them, we cannot ignore their plight. Even so, we cannot commit to a conflict or a plan of action without first being properly informed and appraised of the situation. For now, however, I am willing to open up cooperation with Legion and provide you with technical assistance. Tell your leaders that if they desire specific Brotherhood expertise in training or technology, we will oblige them within reason. In exchange, I expect the Legion to allow Brotherhood observers and scouts to gather intel on the NCR on your side of the republic’s borders. Lastly, if you give us permission to fly our airships through Legion territory and allow us to send recovery teams if one goes down, we’ll provide the Legion with aerial reconnaissance photos of the Legion-NCR borders.”

Tarsus bowed deeply. "I thank you, Sir, this is a wise choice. Though I am not a scholar of your Order's history I know enough. I can only reiterate that though you are not the same organization as your cousin, the NCR doesn't care. Describing it as a foreign conflict I think is inaccurate, for should the Legion be devoured the NCR then the Republic will aim to crush your bunkers and take your technology for itself. All of what you proposed is acceptable to us, all that remains is to formalize the agreement."

Turning to the members of his entourage Tarsus exchanged short words, biting his lips momentarily before speaking again. "There is then, the other matter. Our men found… something in Denver. Machinery from before the war that still works. At first we only found elements that manufacture cyberdogs, but there was more. A facility dubbed The Box that made robotics and other high technologies. Our technicians believed that they had leashed it but alas they soon discovered their folly. There is apparently an artificial intelligence in control and it appears not to be fond of humans in the present day, the remnants of some law enforcement protocols at work. It killed many of our men. We repelled it for now back to its source but it will try again. I believe it falls under the purvey of your Order's purpose so I believed you may be interested in it, so we extend the invitation for you to send any observers you want should you feel this is important, and we are more than happy to provide you with everything we downloaded so far and on the future to review and safeguard."

“We will take you up on that offer, and send some of our people to observe,” Renald replied. “And if you can’t keep it contained, don’t hesitate to ask for our help, because if this AI manages to start scavenging raw materials and begin manufacturing robots, you could have a small-scale Calculator on your hands. Now, if that’s all, shall we ratify a formal agreement? The Head Scribe here has my blessing to sign in my name, if such is required.”

“Most excellent dear Brothers of Steel, the Emperor has given me the authority to create any agreements I see fit on behalf of the whole Legion and as such I believe we should get to it immediately. As a show of good faith, I have already brought along all the data we were able to unencrypt from The Box.”

The Epic of Beginnings - Fragments of a weathered scroll

Novak

The girl continued to describe the area, mentioning hunters and hunting festivals. Once again, Lazirha mentioned this Kyrinth. Novak had no idea what it was, other than that her description inferred it was a dangerous being of some sort, but not a direct threat to the town. It was definitely something that they should ask about prior to heading back out into the wilderness. Fortunately, if the town was as full of hunters as Lazirha seemed to infer, it shouldn't be difficult getting information on this Kyrinth and any other local beasts worth worrying about.

The village was roughly what Novak expected from the girl's description. However, it seemed a little odd that none of the others had a tattoo on their arm like Lazirha's. Did it mean something special in the village, or was it simply a meaningless adornment upon a bored girl? It shouldn't be hard to find out, although it might be wise to wait until a more appropriate time to pry about it.

Just as the girl was inviting the group back to her home, they were interrupted by a commotion. Several armed men were confronting a massive, somewhat mammalian armored beast. The creature was covered in what looked like metallic scales, and it was holding something in its mouth. The beast seemed to glare at Nobunaga, and it was only at this point that Novak realized that it had human remains in its maw.

Is this the Kyrinth that she was talking about?

Novak readied his sword, but there wasn't much he could do with it. He didn't know anything about using the sword, and he certainly didn't know anything about fighting an armored, man-eating monster. Of the three of them, only Nobunaga stepped forward to fight the beast, already barking suggestions to the village's spearmen. Lazirha seemed to be surprised and perhaps a bit confused at their inability to fight.

"It's a long story, miss Lazirha, but suffice to say, Misaki and I aren't fighters," Novak interjected. "Heck, I just picked up this sword to defend myself from birds. I'd say the only reason we're alive is because we haven't been doing this for very long, and most of that time has been spent simply trying to not die horribly."

Once again Novak was blurting things out that, had he been thinking clearly, would not have revealed to an outsider. Right now, however, the primary thing on his mind was not getting killed and eaten by this strange monster. It was an upsetting realization, that he was so unprepared for this world, and completely unable to fulfill the mission given by the goddess to protect these people. Perhaps now would be a good time to begin making use of his skill-seeking ability.

I could learn something quite useful from watching how the hunters move when fighting that monster, but I'd better first he sure that they know what they're doing.

@Rune_Alchemist@PKMNB0Y@VitaVitaAR