《Chapter 3: Herr Klein's 'Properties' (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1919.0)
Chapter 5: Slave Owners Assets》 (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1929.0)
《Chapter 4: A Slaver's Deal》
《Summary》
A slave owner by the name of Sofia Leiningen visits. It was an attempted assassination attempt. However, she eventually left away on uncertain terms. Meanwhile, your conversation with her, triggered some knowledge, and you set about attempting to free the slaves yourself. Eventually succeeding, you also trained with Trudy, and met Klein's accountant, Minette.
Characters Met
Minette
Sofia Leiningen
Returning Characters
Trudy
Information
Birkensen Company
Klein's Assets
Developments
Finding out Klein's assets
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Living Room
Date: Day 2 - Time: Morning"He's here! But looks like he brought four guards with him this time." One of the soldiers with a collar came rushing in the front door. Immediately the other soldiers took their position, each going out. There was already a soldier at the gate, so the remaining began to meet with the new guests. Trudy took her place near the front door.
Looking out, you see a horse-drawn carriage, pulled by two horses on front. There was a driver for the coach, and there was one guard who sat at the back of the carriage in the open. Another two guards were mounted on horses behind the carriage. You noted that these guards didn't seem to have any uniform, though they wore padded armor, and what looked like sabers on their side.
The carriage stopped at the gate, where one of your slave-soldiers opened the gate to let them in. The slavers went at a relaxed pace, but eventually the carried stopped at the front entrance of Klein's estate.
QuoteYou can state how exactly you want the soldiers and you positioned. Check roll20.
Well I guess its do or die time now...
Though she wasn't wearing any uniform, Hanako clicked her heels together the way she had seen soldiers do on TV hundreds of times before, then called out in as clear a voice she could to her compatriots. "Attention!" she yelled, emphasizing the last syllable to make it seem like an authoritative command. Then she waited for Klein's contact to exit the carriage.
One of the guards of the carriage went over to its door, and opened it. A few more moments a figure appeared.
"Herr Klein's slaves are as disciplined as they say..."
(https://i.gyazo.com/7a446639cdea5ff51a1847fb35b70220.png)
The woman who had come out looked to be finely dressed. She had blonde hair like most of the people you've seen so far. She had a shapely figure, and her large breasts were form-fitting. The guards that had tended to her all had collars on, though you noted that theirs looked different from the one Klein had.
"Oh, what's this? A dark-haired beauty for Klein's slaves? Having you dress up as one of our ex-soldiers too..." The woman seemed to shake her head, but chose not to say more on the topic.
She turned towards the younger soldier who had opened the gate.
"Tell your master Frau Sofia Leiningen has arrived... Tell him I have a important business that would be worth his while." With that, the woman handed the soldier a small bag.
"As an offering, this is my first time meeting with him after all." She said as she winked at him.
She turned back towards the four of you at the door, along with the guards who started to flank her, they made their way towards you.
Dark-haired beauty huh, is that supposed to be me? Hanako thought.
"Thank you Frau Leiningen, for making the journey here. Please do come in and partake of our master's hospitality." she said bowing and gesturing as elegantly as possible to invite the woman and her cohorts inside. Then she turned to Trudy, "Please see that Herr Klein's guest is given our finest refreshments while I fetch our Master."
When she turned to open the door she shot Trudy a glance that said
"Be very careful not to cause them suspicion" and hoped it got through to her. Once the door was open she proceeded inside, hoping that the woman and her entourage would come in and allow her own companions to fold in behind them. She motioned to the young soldier to bring the "offering" to her.
She would allow the woman to get comfortable while she "fetched Klein". Then after a few minutes would explain away his absence. Based on her demeanor alone she didn't seem like the type that would be inclined to altruism, but perhaps she would be inclined to take bribes. Failing that, she hoped her compatriots would be able to handle a fight.
When possible Hanako is going to take a quick glance at the collars on Leiningen's slaves.
Knowledge, Slavery:
Rolled 1d20+11 : 9 + 11, total 20
Knowledge (slavery): 20
The collars on Leiningen's slaves were securely locked in place, however, unlike the collars that Klein owned, these ones you did not see the tell-tale glow of magic or mana on them at all. You weren't sure if there was any other effect or magic that might have suppressed that, but at least from your point of view, the collars Leiningen's slaves wore were not magical.
The young soldier who took the bag proceeded to quickly make his way towards you, then handed you the item. He saluted once, then proceeded to step away from the entrance to make way for the guests.
(https://i.gyazo.com/97d8be149092e0f95f9ebc6a09bd3a2b.png)
"Frau Sofia Leiningen, welcome to Herr Klein's estate. If the five of you will follow me, I'll lead you to a lounge while we wait for my master." Trudy said as she kept her gaze down.
"We have some pastries, and some imported tea from our neighboring country, Isikawa, that you might find a liking to." Trudy continued as she began to lead the way towards the north wing of the estate.
"Crackers and tea? Prepare some for my slaves as well." Sofia said curtly, but moved on to follow Trudy nonchalantly.
"Your slaves too?" Trudy looked a bit confused, but recovered shortly after.
"Very well, we'll prepare enough for the five of you."While you disappeared to fetch Klein, Trudy and the other four soldiers would be entertaining the guests primarily by providing Sofia snacks and tea.
Hanako headed upstairs to 'fetch' Klein. As she went up the stairs she overheard Leiningen was allowing her slaves to eat as well, which must have been a strange occurrence by Trudy's moment of confusion. She walked all the way to the doors of his room before she stopped and opened the bag carefully to see what was inside.
Now what do we have here?
The moment you opened it, you saw the glint of gold and platinum coins inside. At the same time, there was a burning smell to it. You immediately started to cough.
QuotePhysical Resist save requested
*Hack hack* "What the hell?!" *Hack hack*
Phys. Resist:
Rolled 1d20+7 : 17 + 7, total 24
If Hanako succeeds and doesn't pass out or whatever happens, shes gonna try and cinch the bag closed again.
Phys. Resist: 24
You manage to close the bag tightly, the burning sensation started to leave your nostrils, throat, and lungs.
An assassination attempt, on Klein? Hanako's mind was racing with possibilities. The thumb on her right hand tapped furiously against each of her other fingertips as thoughts wheeled around the inside of her skull.
Could it have been for me? No, why would it? Is there a spy here? Who is that woman really, and what the hell is in that bag?
She stormed down the hallway, back down the stairs and into the lounge where the Leiningen and her men were having tea and snacks while her own companions stood watching them. She tossed the bag down onto the table and looked the woman dead in the eye and in a measured tone she said "What the fuck is this?"
She waved a hand to Trudy and her companions that they should be ready to fight, but don't make the first move.
The moment you came storming in and threw the bag at the table, Sofia's guards hands immediately went to their side, withdrawing their weapons. Seeing that, your soldiers drew their blades out as well. You noted that their reaction time was quick, they had their weapons drawn just a few moments after Sofia's guards had theirs out.
Sofia, on the other hand, was calm about the entire situation, even making a show about calming her own guards with one of her hands. Her guards, however, didn't quite put their swords down.
"A welcoming present for Herr Klein of course. After all, this is our first negotiations. I would like..." She stared at you carefully.
"... To make good first impressions."
(https://i.gyazo.com/7746b3fdad361af39c16e6975f7ef24c.jpg)
Hanako was impressed by how quickly the soldiers had responded to the escalation and was thankful for it, she would make a point of thanking each of them personally if they managed to see the end of the day. To the woman she replied cooly, "Are you just a regular assassin or something more? Either way, Klein's been a pile of ashes out in the woods for over a day now. What's your game?"
She was mad, crazy mad, at the woman for nearly killing her with whatever was in the bag but more so at herself for not being careful enough to see it for the trap it was. On the other hand though, this turn of events might go better than expected. If this woman was already coming here to be helpful...
(https://i.gyazo.com/45f778d3aa2faaf78388beed79e112a4.png)
"He's... dead?" She narrowed her eyes suspiciously, but then relaxed and laughed.
"I don't see a reason for you to lie to me." She glanced at her four guards, then snapped her fingers.
"Put away your weapons." She commanded and her guards followed suite, each one obediently putting their blades back in their scabbards, then moving back to their previous positions, whether it was sitting at the table, or on the chairs aligned on the walls.
Frau Sofia Leiningen grabbed the bag of coins, placing it gently on one of her hands.
"Since I've been exposed, I suppose there's no harm in telling you... Word has it that Klein managed to find himself a summoning circle, along with a mage who knew the summoning ritual..." Her eyes moved from the bag, and into yours directly.
"Keeping someone that valuable in this day and age where demons publicly walk our roads, with a puppet of a government controlled by one of those bastards, is quite dangerous, you see?""So... I simply had to make sure everything here was fine." She paused as she stood up.
"A dark-haired foreign girl, wearing our military's uniform isn't a sight you see very often... And you know word has it too, that he had planned to summon the hero just yesterday as well...""So... unnamed soldier of Herr Klein, tell me, are things here fine?" She asked carefully, her eyes studying you.
What a twist. Hanako thought, before making an exaggerated shrugging motion towards Sofia. "I haven't seen any heroes around here. So I would say yes, things are fine."
She motioned in kind to her own compatriots to put away their swords before addressing Sofia again. "I presume, that as long as things around here are fine that there aren't any issues with Klein's sudden desire to stay out of the public eye."
This woman was dangerous, but her motives were understandable, it would indeed be troublesome for it to become public knowledge that she was here regardless of how much she doubted her own status as a hero.
(https://i.gyazo.com/45f778d3aa2faaf78388beed79e112a4.png)
"I see, it's a pity that Herr Klein suddenly wishes to keep to himself. Perhaps the government bullied our dear Herr Klein away from summoning a hero too then? It would have landed him in all sorts of trouble at the very least. Perhaps even that it was Sofia Leiningen who showed him the error of his ways." Sofia said gesturing to herself in an exaggerated manner.
"Dear dark-haired soldier, can you imagine what the demons would do, if they knew a hero was in their midst? What terrors they would have inflicted on the remnants of our people? They would tear half the city to find him..." You noticed her eyes glancing towards you again.
"Or her."Finally Sofia placed the bag of coins on the table, and along with it was a card with text written on it.
"Leave it aired out in the open for a day." Sofia said. A moment after that she bowed.
"It looks like my negotiations were a success then. Herr Klein himself chose not to summon the hero, and being reminded of the horror the demons would plague upon him, decided to shut himself away from the world... Refusing any and all guests that would happen to want his audience.""Since my business here is done, perhaps Klein's servants would show us the way out?"
"But of course" Hanako replied, "We hope your visit was a pleasant one." She motioned to the door, while simultaneously trying to read the text on the card.
The words were in a foreign language with unfamiliar characters, but you realized you can read it.
(https://i.gyazo.com/6d32cb4454a4439098ce97565fb3a767.png)
"Pleasant indeed." Sofia said simply as she began her way out the door to the room, the guards behind her followed suite. Trudy was back in the hall, standing at attention, waiting to escort the guests out.
As Hanako made her way to the door with Sofia she asked as politely as she could "As a businesswoman familiar with such things, do you happen to know the method for reassigning ownership for a certain type of lock that has a habit of exploding when opened by the wrong person?"
This was the entire reason they had attempted the ruse in the first place, and while at the very least Sofia wasn't openly hostile to them, the entire situation would have been pointless if she couldn't free the people in the basement. She hoped the woman would both have the answer, and be amenable.
(https://i.gyazo.com/45f778d3aa2faaf78388beed79e112a4.png)
"A slave lock that explodes? That sounds like the work of a particular dwarf that my company now owns. I am aware of such things of course, they used to be rare, but nowadays, not so much. Most slave owners wouldn't want exploding locks for fear of damaging their goods, you see, But these days, the only clients we've found that preferred them were for maximum security prisons that now house some of our ex-government officials. Some of our demonic customers too have been wanting them for their own purposes as well."The corners of Sofia's lips turned into a smile.
"A procedure for transferring a slave to another owner without the previous owner though? That would be hard, and usually..." Her eyes roamed over to you.
"Quite expensive."QuoteRequesting a Knowledge (slavery) roll, since you have new information about requiring parts of the previous owner + your use of magic.
Hanako shrugged. "The issue of ownership isn't a problem really. We do have a situation with some of those locks however. If it's going to cost something, please state your price."
Hanako expected any information to come at a price, now it was a matter of figuring out what that price was and if she would be able to pay it...
Requested roll
Knowledge, Slavery:
Rolled 1d20+11 : 15 + 11, total 26
(https://i.gyazo.com/45f778d3aa2faaf78388beed79e112a4.png)
"500 gold pieces for a transfer to another owner. It takes a variety of things, research on our part to find out where Klein made the original slave contracts, who the slaver he worked with to initiate the binding ritual, how it was done, examination of the locks themselves on site..."Knowledge (slavery): 26
You knew the ritual that Sofia mentioned for some reason. Combining that with the knowledge from the lock you talked to earlier that morning, you knew you had to have enough 'material' of the previous owner in order to successfully initiate the ritual. Liquid usually worked the best, blood was perhaps the easiest to acquire from living owners. When you had first thought about it earlier that morning, the concept of magic and mana was something foreign to you, now however, combined with the knowledge you had, it felt like you could recall the exact steps in order to do the ritual yourself. It required multiple things: parchment, a pen and ink, 'material' from the previous owner, something for the next owner as well, then the exact steps in order to initiate the binding.
There were other methods too, there was one that skipped the requirement of the original owner, but that process would have taken at least 2 days for each lock, rather than half an hour each.
Now that you had experienced magic first hand, you realized too that the method in your head for transfer the ownership seemed to work differently than the magic that Trudy had taught you earlier. There was no simple incantation, while pulling out mana. True, mana was still involved, but the steps to invoke the magic were more precise. More preparations were required. Even the use of mana had specific points in the process where a potential caster had to manipulate the mana in certain ways.
"The knowledge of slavery magic, dark magic as some call it, isn't a widely used profession either. True, my company has a few in its employ, but the extent that Klein did with his own slaves was simple one that too much money and no way to spend it could do.""I can't help but notice you failed to mention the collars too... If Herr Klein is having trouble with some of his locks, does not the collar pose the same problem?" Her eyes captured yours, as if studying you.
"I see, I see." Hanako replied. The sudden recollection of information that she wasn't aware she knew was jarring to say the least. Now that she seemed to actually know the methods one might take to deal with the problem it almost seemed laughably easy, to a degree...
Quote"If Herr Klein is having trouble with some of his locks, does not the collar pose the same problem?"
Sofia seemed suspicious, which was understandable but also odd considering she quite obviously knew that Hanako was in fact the "hero" that shouldn't exist. It wouldn't be a great idea to tip her hand and reveal the nature of her powers, but she needed to tell her something.
"Ah yeah the collars... Actually they're less of a problem than you might think. It seems that since Klein's decision to become a homebody they've sort of stopped functioning. And since we all have nothing but admiration for his generosity for taking care of us this is
fine.
Meanwhile in the back of her head Hanako was trying to work out exactly what the steps were to perform the more complex ritual to deal with the locks, considering that much of Klein's body was a pile of ashes somewhere.
Knowledge, Slavery:
Rolled 1d20+11 : 10 + 11, total 21
(https://i.gyazo.com/45f778d3aa2faaf78388beed79e112a4.png)
She narrowed her eyes slightly, as if trying to figure something out in her head.
"Simply stopped functioning you say?" Sofia's eyes ventured towards the collar on your own neck, though her face remained impassive, not betraying what she was thinking.
A moment later she smiled as she continued her way. Trudy who had been rapt in attention listening to the conversation noticed the movement, and began leading the way out to the front door.
"It was a rather enlightening trip to Herr Klein's estate. I do appreciate the delectable Isikawan tea. Please tell Herr Klein that he or any of his servants are welcome to visit Birkensen Trading Company. I, Sofia Leiningen, understand his plight, and would ensure it be... clandestine."With that, Sofia and her entourage left, making their way to their carriage.
Knowledge (slavery): 21
There are multiple ways to do the ritual of changing ownership without the use of the original creator's 'backdoor'.
Method that has both Original Owner's mana, and Original Owner's essence
-Creating Ink Solution-
1) Have something of Original Owner (essence of Original Owner). Blood is generally used, though, there is no other restrictions, as long as there is enough matter.
2) Have a liquid that can hold mana well. You know blood can be easily used for this purpose as well.
3) Combine both into one container. Blood solves both requirements.
4) Add Ink if solution does not stain. The infused solution is used for the Original Owner to sign.
5) Original Owner infuses solution with their mana. This steps takes time. Either they do it themselves, find a master Mana Manipulator, or have it extracted by a slaver mage.
6) Repeat steps 1-5 but with the New Owner, in their own separate container.
-Creating Contract-
7) Have parchment and ink pen ready.
8) Contract quickly written with the intent of changing ownership, stating what possession will be transferred, who the Original Owner was, and who the New Owner will be.
9) The contract needs to be infused with mana while it is being written, specifically with the intent of binding.
10) The binding object that is being transferred (collar or lock or anything else), needs to also be infused with mana.
11) While the mana-infused liquid, object, and contract have mana still in them. The contract is then signed using the mana-infused liquid from both parties created in steps 1-5 for both the Original Owner and New Owner.
Mechanically:
-Craft (slavery) check for the Contract work
-Spellcraft check for Original Owner's inkwell (can be done by Original Owner)
-Spellcraft check for New Owner's inkwell (can be done by New Owner)
-30 minutes of time (assuming both mana-ink solutions are created at the same time)
-Required materials
Shortcuts:
-If a single user is manipulating the mana, they need to only do one Spellcraft.
Method that does not have Original Owner's mana, but does have Original Owner's essence
Same as above but the steps that require Original Owner's mana, specifically the Original Owner's ink-solution
1) Have something that the original owner has some mana in. Potential:
-Items kept with owner may have naturally gained/infused some of his mana due to proximity.
-Item that the original owner may have infused their mana with.
-Item that may have extracted the original owner's mana.
2) Have a second container with an amount of mana-holding liquid (such as blood).
3) Put Item containing original owner's mana into the new liquid.
4) Infuse Item with mana, 'foreign mana'. This saturates the item with the mana, to help it leak out, into the pool.
5) Once saturated, the foreign mana needs to be removed, through mana manipulation, or expending the mana from through magic or spells. Once the foreign mana is gone, results in a pool with the original owner's mana.
6) That new liquid solution is mixed with ink (or used as is, if blood), then its used to sign the contract in place of the original owner.
Mechanically:
-Spellcraft check for the magic work (+4 DC increase, due to missing component: Original Owner's mana, and more difficulty in technique described above)
-30 minutes of time for New Owner's inkwell
-Required materials
Method that does not have the Original Owner;s mana, and does not have Original Owner's essence
Same as above but the Original Owner's essence need to be artificially created
1) Have any sort of bio organic material (a slab of meat for example)
2) Have items associated with Original Owner (Associated Items)
3) Have chalk/ink/blood to be able to draw a magic circle
4) Create magic circle for essence/spirit transferring
5) Place organic material at the center
6) Place Associated Items at the keypoints in the circle.
7) 24-hour spell ritual cast
Mechanically:
-Spellcraft check for the magic to work
-24 hours
-Materials required
"Our thanks." Hanako said, watching Sofia and the soldiers depart. When the woman was finally gone Hanako let out a long sigh, a mix of mental exhaustion and relief.
"Well that went better than I had hoped." she said to Trudy. "Something she said seems to have sort of dredged up a memory that I wasn't aware I had too, so I've got a way to get the folks out of the basement cells. Let's go down there and let them know, right after I get these collars off the rest of you."
Hanako will remove the collars from the others until she has 1 mp remaining so she can stay conscious. If there isn't enough she'll leave hers and Trudy's for later.
In the basement, Hanako explained to the people still imprisoned that she had found a way to get them out, but she would need time to repair and recuperate her mana. She thanked them for their patience and listened to anything they had to say to her before heading back upstairs.
Once back to the main floor, she dictated to Trudy the objects they needed to find to complete the circuitous ritual needed to unlock the cells. Specifically among the list of items she needed were some organic material and very personal items belonging to Klein. For the organic component she planned to use the highest quality meat available in the house, and for the personal items she assumed the rings and the locket (sans-hair) should be enough. She would use her own blood for the liquid components, since that seemed like the right thing to use in a magic ritual.
Provided that's enough info, whenever the gathering of items is complete Hanako would like to engage in training again with Trudy for using longswords (expedited training time). She will try to go to sleep at some point attempting to get about 10-11 hours of rest before getting up semi early in the morning.
Training check for the first session: (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18
Training check for second session:
Rolled 1d20+7 : 11 + 7, total 18
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Main Hall
Date: Day 2 - Time: MorningYou were able to unlock and disable the collars of 3 of your soldiers, but after that, you felt too tired to do much of anything else. In your status was 1 MP left exactly, each usage of both locking and unlocking them came to 1 MP.
It was hard to keep your eyes open, but you powered through.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Sleepy (mana)
Trudy: Slightly Injured, Refreshed
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 3
Hanako MP Used: 33
Trudy Dmg Taken: 6[/include]
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Dungeon
Date: Day 2 - Time: MorningThe slaves all thanked you once again. Like before, many of them had bowed and prostrated themselves to you. The majority were human. The one with long ears was an elf, and you found out that the people with animal ears and tails called themselves demi-humans. There was one of each of those of the different races.
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Living Room
Date: Day 2 - Time: MorningYou manage to gather the items. Cutting yourself and withdrawing blood was a bit painful, but you managed to get enough. You had the 3 rings and the locket as well. Finally Trudy brought out what looked to be a choice cut from some animal. You managed to find some small wells that could be used for the 'inkwell', along with the pen itself. Finally, the soldiers managed to find a stack of parchment paper from Klein's study.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Injured (non-lethal), Sleepy (mana)
Trudy: Slightly Injured, Refreshed
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 9
Hanako MP Used: 32
Trudy Dmg Taken: 6[/include]
Attempting to train for the next 4 hours, you sparred with Trudy. You tried to rush the training, taking steps to attempt to speed up and cover more topics that Trudy was teaching you, but the process ended up being too much, and you weren't able to gain any progress.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Injured (non-lethal), Sleepy (mana)
Trudy: Slightly Injured, Refreshed
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 9
Hanako MP Used: 28
Trudy Dmg Taken: 6[/include]
Eventually you made your way back to your room and slept for 10 hours.
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Your Room
Date: Day 2 - Time: Evening - 6 PMAgain you dreamt of the divine realm. Erato again. You weren't sure if it was willed or not, but you remember the dream being pleasant, though as you began to stir, you couldn't quite remember exactly how the dream went. Instead, you felt something brushing your face, or it was more like your hair. It was someone's hand, lightly and gently stroking your bangs. From your forehead to right above your ears. You realized someone was playing with your hair, brushing it back and forth.
When you opened your eyes, you saw it was Trudy seated on the same chair as the first time, though, it was moved up closer to the head of the bed. When she noticed you were awake, she immediately pulled her hand back as she started to blush.
"A-aah... U-um... Y-you were asleep, and I figured someone should be guarding you here just in case... a-and-"
(https://i.gyazo.com/e245007f18acac2e2102ef161e8d9816.jpg)
She looked downwards, not looking at anything in particular, trying vainly to stop her blushing.
"Oh uhhh... D-don't worry about it.." Hanako stammered, looking away and flushing a bit herself. So close... She really shouldn't have been as embarrassed as she was, but she had lived a reclusive life up to about two days ago and being so near someone else that was so... attractive... was almost panic inducing.
She wondered if she should just stay in bed a while longer before starting the ritual downstairs, and in the end decided not to get up immediately.
"So ahh... how are things?" she said, awkwardly.
(https://i.gyazo.com/3aca7f0d35337c036e4b026270e26da2.png)
"A-ah... w-well... L-let's see... Our shoulders- I mean soldiers! Our soldiers are in high hopes, the slaves in the basement have been happier too. Everyone's excited... that... you're here." Trudy looked up at you and met your gaze, she was still blushing.
She didn't realize the moment had stretched until a few long seconds after.
"Oh we're all glad that you're here with us..."
Hanako sat up and stretched. "Thats... good. I can't really say I have a lot of confidence in my status as a hero, but If people can breathe a little easier that's really good. Really though I think I was asking how you are. It's been a really busy two days so I haven't really got the chance to get to know you." She pulled the covers off her legs and swung around to face Trudy head on. "Tell me about yourself, if you don't mind..." she said with a smile.
(https://i.gyazo.com/3aca7f0d35337c036e4b026270e26da2.png)
"N-no, of course not. Myself? Y-you want to get to know about me?" Trudy still had a slight pink to her features, but she eventually spoke after she took a deep breathe.
"There isn't much... My family had always been a family of soldiers. My mother, my father, my grandfather before them. Both of my parents were soldiers in different divisions. My father was on the front lines, while my mother worked with logistics. As for me... I wanted to go into something completely different, before three years ago when we were sent here, tensions were already rising with a neighboring country, and a lot of people were expecting a war to break out.""But... I didn't really want to be a part of that. I didn't want to be a soldier. No... I wanted to paint, I had dreams of becoming a painter, you see? But then we found ourselves here. My father and mother were called up to arms... I stayed with a relative. We got the news that my father was killed in this war, and mother was devastated. I was too. I signed up for the military right after that. They needed more bodies, so it was easy to get in. I went through the training... About 5 months later, I too was deployed out.""We weren't doing very well, but it wasn't that bad either... At least until we were told that the remaining royal family had been murdered. And you know the rest... We were pulled back from the front, to take care of the mess that was brewing back at home. But instead the demons captured us. Then... We found the towns and cities in this state. Corruption everywhere.""There are some countries here in the new world that slavery is illegal, but in ours, it's been legal since the dawn of our country's birth. Maybe in the last decade there was some push to reduce it... Sofia called them servants sometimes, yes? That was the nicer way of calling them. But ever since our government was torn down, slavery's back to an all time high."Trudy sighed, her face somber.
"There are times I miss them... My father, and my mother. The house we had near the outskirts of a town not far from here. Friends from back then... I don't even know if my mother still lives... Everyone who supported the old government, or fought against the demons had been killed, or enslaved. It's only people like Klein or Sofia who either embrace them, or play dirty, that they can still be around publicly. For the people like me? We've been kept in the dark for over a year now, mistreated... Assaulted..." She tensed up as a flare of anger crossed her eyes, but she sighed again releasing the feelings.
"It's like this for many of us Hanako. And suddenly you appeared... And suddenly we have hope again. You have no idea what that means to all of us.""A-ah... I'm sorry... we're thrusting you in this position..."
Hanako felt like she should probably do something comforting. At the moment it seemed like reaching out to take Trudy's hand was the way to go, which a moment after she had done it she felt quite embarrassed by the act. She pushed that down though and replied in a gentle tone.
"It's okay. You've had a hard time of it. Your country has had a hard time of it. I can't even really imagine it to be honest. Slavery has been outlawed on my world for quite some time, but even then my country has had... a problematic past."
She thought a moment and then continued, giving Trudy's hand a squeeze, "If you'd like, when things have calmed down a bit here we could try going to that town and seeing if your mother is alright."
(https://i.gyazo.com/3aca7f0d35337c036e4b026270e26da2.png)
Trudy shook her head.
"Thank you..." Trudy said genuinely. She continued to blush when you took her hand, but Trudy didn't pull away. The soldier even squeezed your hand slightly in affection, but she couldn't meet your gaze as she did so. Still holding your hand, she continued.
"I appreciate it, I truly do... But... the journey to get there will take too much time. And there's still things that we need to do here.""Klein had a couple of different enterprises... Almost all of them consisted of heavily using slaves. The 25 soldiers here in his estate were his personal guards, and housekeepers. The 30 slaves in the basement... were mainly for... other purposes...""But he owns two mines in our country, along with a factory here in this city that refines the material. Slaver contacts came in daily mainly because the work in the mines are sometimes grueling, and from what I heard there were frequent casualties.""There are soldiers there too, all of them with collars like ours. Not every soldier or slave is owned by Klein though... I don't actually know the specifics, since I never helped with that. One of the soldiers here worked as Klein's accountant and assistant, so, she should know more."Trudy continued to hold your hand, she wasn't letting go, at least, not quite yet.
"Perhaps sometime then." Hanako said with a gentle smile. "You're right though, we have a lot that needs doing. Once I'm out of bed, lets get the collars that I couldn't take off yesterday out of the way, then I think we should finish preparations for the locks. It's a lengthy and complex process but we should be able to get it done properly. After that's taken care of I'd like to have a meeting with everyone in the house present, Ive got some things I want to address moving forward. Lastly, I guess we should speak with the soldier that did Klein's accounting."
She paused a moment before continuing "We'll have to come up with a plan to free the people in those mines, and perhaps find a way to use the properties and businesses that were Klein's to get some financial stability and perhaps make a base of power for moving forward. I'll have to think about it though..."
Things were getting more complicated by the day, but if she took it one step at a time it would be manageable. Probably.
"Oh! I nearly forgot!" Hanako said, fishing the locket from the little pile of things she had acquired since being summoned. "This locket that Klein had on him has a portrait in it and some hair... do you happen to know who this is a picture of?"
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Your Room
Date: Day 2 - Time: Evening - 6 PM(https://i.gyazo.com/3aca7f0d35337c036e4b026270e26da2.png)
"I don't... He's had that locket ever since I was bought. I've never seen him without it though." Trudy said finally letting go of your hand as she herself stood up as well.
"I'll ask around though. Maybe some of the other soldiers know, or even the slaves in the basement, since some of them have been here longer."The first thing you did was remove the remaining collars. Yours, Trudy's, and the last soldier who was with you during the meeting with Sofia. With that all the collars were removed, though there was still the locks to take care of.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Slightly Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 6
Hanako MP Used: 3
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Living Room
Date: Day 2 - Time: Evening - 6 PMTrudy had begun circulating the question you had earlier, asking each of the slaves and soldiers whether or not they knew who the person in the locket was, however, most of them didn't seem to know. They had all mentioned that Klein had the locket for years now. However, the elf woman, the same that had talked to you down in the dungeon, happened to be the one that lived with Klein for the longest, mentioned that the woman in the locket was Klein's wife. However, the elf didn't know whether or not his wife was still alive, but seemed to guess that she was probably dead.
You started the 24-hour ritual for converting the slab of meat into an essence of Klein himself. From what you knew of the ritual, it seemed like it was yet again a different kind of magic than the one used to bind slaves through a contract and slave collars. But your knowledge of slavery seemed to include this specific ritual as well. The magic for this ritual made use of binding an essence of the dead, or their spirit, into a corporeal and physical form. The usage of the items made that connection stronger, and thus making the spell easier to prepare. If Trudy's magic was a simple creation and manipulation of the elements. Slavery magic was more like binding magic, with contracts involved. While this particular magic seemed to be in a different category, dealing with the spirit and the dead.
With the items in place, the magic circle created, you begun the long 24-hour spell.
QuoteFirst part for Klein Meat:
Spellcraft check requested, I'll continue describing below, but success depends on this roll
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Living Room
Date: Day 3 - Time: Evening - 6 PMA full day had passed, you yourself had to continue the ritual providing it mana. Many of the soldiers didn't have the knowledge or know-how on how to help you at all with the actual casting of the spell, so they couldn't help at all with the casting. This meant that you had to do the burden of doing this on your own.
Throughout last night, into the early morning, the afternoon, and finally the evening, the soldiers took their turns keeping watch, and keeping you company. Not a lot of words were said, simply because the process was taxing, and the soldiers knew not to break your concentration at all during the entire process.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Slightly Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 6
Hanako MP Used: 3
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Requested roll
Spellcraft:
Rolled 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Living Room
Date: Day 3 - Time: Evening - 6 PMYou managed to successfully complete the ritual. The magic circle grew bright near the end, as the lights coalesced to each of the items you had inside the circle, then finally moving to the slab of meat at the center.
After that, the lights died down, but you knew it was a success.
The rest of the soldiers, knowing the ritual would take 24 hours, were watching you intently, unsure whether or not what they had just seen meant that the spell was a success or a failure.
(https://i.gyazo.com/97d8be149092e0f95f9ebc6a09bd3a2b.png)
"Did it work?"
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Dungeon
Date: Day 3 - Time: Evening - 6 PMYou started work on the next part: creating the magical inkwells from both you, and the now-deceased Klein. You brought with you the same items you had for the same ritual, including the slab of meat that represented Klein. Setting the items ready, as Trudy, and some of the other soldiers watched, you began your work.
QuoteRequesting 2 Spellcraft checks - one for each inkwell. The second spellcraft check is for Klein's inkwell, that has an extra +4 DC for success due to the more intricate mana manipulation usage.
After that I need 30 Craft (slavery) checks. Having you roll each one, since the cost is still 1 MP.
Hanako Okita
Spellcaster
Level 15
Condition: Uninjured, Slightly Tired
HP: 28/28
MP: 31/34
STR: 18
DEX: 22
CON: 18
INT: 22
WIS: 12
CHA: 10
MAG: 22
Blessings: Quick Learner, Mana Sensitivity, Translate All, Personal Status, Item Speaker, Slavemancer
Hanako wiped her brow. "As far as I know that's step one down!" she said cheerfully, then set about creating the inkwells for the next part of the ritual.
Hanako's inkwell
Spellcraft:
Rolled 1d20+8 : 5 + 8, total 13
Klein's inkwell
Spellcraft:
Rolled 1d20+8 : 7 + 8, total 15
Both attempts at creating the inkwell failed.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Slightly Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 6
Hanako MP Used: 6
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
"God damn it."
Hanako's inkwell try 2
Spellcraft:
Rolled 1d20+8 : 20 + 8, total 28
Klein's inkwell try 2
Spellcraft:
Rolled 1d20+8 : 9 + 8, total 17
You managed to make your inkwell, but Klein's you had trouble with.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 6
Hanako MP Used: 9
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Reeeeeeeeee~! This stupid thing! Hanako cracked her knuckles and tried to calm down, slow and steady wins the race or so they say...
Klein's inkwell try 3
Spellcraft:
Rolled 1d20+8 : 8 + 8, total 16
You failed again.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 6
Hanako MP Used: 11
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Okay this is it for sure.Klein's inkwell try 4
Spellcraft:
Rolled 1d20+8 : 14 + 8, total 22
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Dungeon
Date: Day 3 - Time: Evening - 9 PMIt took 3 hours, but you managed to create both inkwells. Finally, you were ready to start drafting the ownership change contracts.
QuoteNo need to roll Craft (slavery), your +11 is high enough to auto-succeed even on 1s for this type of contract.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 6
Hanako MP Used: 8
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Hanako Okita
Spellcaster
Level 15
Condition: Uninjured, Tired
HP: 28/28
MP: 26/34
STR: 18
DEX: 22
CON: 18
INT: 22
WIS: 12
CHA: 10
MAG: 22
Blessings: Quick Learner, Mana Sensitivity, Translate All, Personal Status, Item Speaker, Slavemancer
"Finally... Now let's get to work on those contracts." she said, rolling up her sleeves. She didn't actually know how to write in the language of the land, and wondered if it would still work in Japanese. Guess I'll find out... she thought and set to work.
You found that writing the contracts worked. One of the soldiers took particular interest in your writing. It was a demihuman with a very light-colored hair. You've heard her speak before, and you've exchange words, though you didn't really know her name.
"Your written language... it's pretty. Languages are fascinating..." The girl said mesmerized. "I'd like to learn it..."
(https://i.gyazo.com/41ec8f646963077d4c6722eb216c6ef0.jpg)
Eventually, you managed to unlock 25 of the locks. Each of them recognizing you as their new owner. There was still 5 more that needed to be opened though.
Hanako Okita
Spellcaster
Level 15
Condition: Uninjured, Slightly Tired
HP: 28/28
MP: 1/34
STR: 18
DEX: 22
CON: 18
INT: 22
WIS: 12
CHA: 10
MAG: 22
Blessings: Quick Learner, Mana Sensitivity, Translate All, Personal Status, Item Speaker, Slavemancer
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Sleepy (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 6
Hanako MP Used: 33
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Hanako finished the 25th contract and put the pen back in its inkwell. She was exhausted and took a second to rub her strained eyes when the pale haired soldier that had been hovering nearby spoke up.
Quote"Your written language... it's pretty. Languages are fascinating..." "I'd like to learn it..."
"Hmm? Oh, thank you. It's called Japanese, or the language is at least. The complicated looking characters are called 'kanji', these simpler ones that are sort of angular are 'katakana' and the ones that look kind of curvy are 'hiragana'. I'm not actually familiar with how your language is written so I don't know if you use an alphabet or syllabary but the hiragana are the latter. I'm told that it can be sort of overwhelming for foreigners but I can probably teach you if you're inter-..." Hanako replied, beginning to ramble the way she was prone when explaining something. She cut herself short however when she actually bothered to look over at the girl.
Melons.Then she looked down and saw a triangle of white cloth.
"I'm sorry, I know we've spoken before but I don't believe I caught your name. Also, where are your pants?"
(https://i.gyazo.com/41ec8f646963077d4c6722eb216c6ef0.jpg)
"Me...? I am Minette... Oh?" She looked down, and noticed her white panties.
"Oh... I'm not sure where they are." Minette admitted. There was a slight blush of pink on her cheeks, but she surprisingly didn't seem to be as bothered, even when there were some male soldiers around.
"They're probably somewhere around there... or here... you know?""But... Jahp-Ahneese..." Minette said pronouncing it strangely.
"And multiple kinds of writing? You... must teach me, yes..." She begged as she took your hands into hers, and pulled herself close.
(https://i.gyazo.com/97d8be149092e0f95f9ebc6a09bd3a2b.png)
"She's always like that... Don't worry about the pants-less or skirt-less thing, she does that often... We've all kind of gotten used to it already. But believe it or not, she has a sharp mind... Hanako, meet Klein's old accountant, Minette.""Yes. That's me..." She said in her relaxed speech.
"But will you teach me?"You felt Trudy place a hand on your shoulder.
"Hanako should probably sleep first... She's been up for over 24 hours now..."
Hanako flushed bright red as Minette clutched her hands and drew in way too close. Y-yes, I'll uhhh... Y-yeah I can teach you sometime." she stammered, trying to find a place to look. "N-nice to meet you though, you can call me Hanako. I uhh, look forward to working together..."
What is this development...!
To Trudy she gave a weak smile and said "Is that so..."
When Trudy placed a hand on her shoulder and mentioned how long she had been up, the fatigue came on like the truck that had slammed into her three days ago. "You're right. I need to rest some and then get the rest of these cages open. I need to speak to everyone in the house after we get them open as well, so if we could assemble somewhere that everyone can fit that would be great."
QuoteLet me know if there are other specific things you plan to do, but I'll go with:
1) Try to sleep for a few hours
2) Wake up to unlock
3) Have an all-hands meeting
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Dungeon
Date: Day 3 - Time: Evening - 9 PM(https://i.gyazo.com/41ec8f646963077d4c6722eb216c6ef0.jpg)
"I'm a fast learner... But I can go as slow or fast as you want me to be." Minette said, smiling innocently.
(https://i.gyazo.com/97d8be149092e0f95f9ebc6a09bd3a2b.png)
"I can't tell if you're trying to make a joke or not..." Trudy said, but Minette didn't really respond.
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Your Room
Date: Day 3 - Time: Evening - 9 PMYou went back to your room, hopped in bed, attempting to get some rest. After about 30 minutes or so, it was then that you heard a slight commotion outside the door. They were trying to be quiet, but they were whispering fiercely. Whatever gave you the knowledge about slavery, and your other abilities, must have increased your senses as well, as you were easily able to make it out.
"I'll be the one going in, Hanako needs a guard.""Yes... but just in case she wakes up in-time, she could teach me some things too... You are hogging the hero all to yourself... Save some for the rest of us...""I-I'm n-not hogging a-anything!" The first voice stuttered.
"It's not like that, I just want to be here, just in case something happens." "Well... the more of us guarding, the safer it is then... isn't it?""Y-yes... b-but...""Isn't... it?"There was no response, other than a long drawn out sigh. Shortly after the room to your door started to creak open.
QuoteIf you choose to ignore and try to keep sleeping anyways, I'll continue the scene, let me know.
Mmmh? Hanako thought she heard someone talking in the hall, and before long the door to her room cracked open. It was Trudy and Minette up to something, but largely unconcerned Hanako pretended to stay asleep.
(https://i.gyazo.com/97d8be149092e0f95f9ebc6a09bd3a2b.png)
"I'm glad she's still asleep..." Trudy said with a sigh of relief.
"Yes... You were being a bit loud, you see..." Minette replied back almost immediately.
"I wasn't!" Trudy whispered back fiercely.
"Shhh!" Minette responded. You had your eyes open just
barely, and you could feel the movement of the two as both tried to quietly creep on towards you. Like before, Trudy set up her chair, and proceeded to sit down. She positioned herself to your right, in the same place she was the last time, when you caught her playing with your hair.
"W-wait, what are you doing Minette?" Trudy whispered, alarm in her voice.
As for the light-haired Minette, you realized that she wasn't wearing her uniform like Trudy. She seemed to be wearing something comfortable.
(https://raikou2.donmai.us/60/af/__heidimarie_w_schnaufer_world_witches_series_and_etc_drawn_by_tilt_shift__60af2c35849016faee3e123c10b60293.jpg)
It wasn't her uniform at all. And it was
way too revealing. You were fairly certain she wasn't wearing her pants either. Minette didn't respond to Trudy, and instead, put weight on the bed, while lifting the covers she began climbing in with you.
"Minette!"
...what.
Hanako's face burned a violent shade of red, and awkward panic made her sweat just a little. The fight or flight response in her brain was jumping back and forth between both choices and couldn't seem to make up its mind.
What is this!? I knew Trudy was acting a little weird the other day but this is something entirely different! When did I set this flag!? Am... Am I in the holy land, is this the dream? If I say it will I jinx it? ...H-harem...?
She decided to continue to fake sleep, just for a little while longer... Just to see how this played out...
(https://raikou2.donmai.us/60/af/__heidimarie_w_schnaufer_world_witches_series_and_etc_drawn_by_tilt_shift__60af2c35849016faee3e123c10b60293.jpg)
"This way... you can keep watch while rest comfortably, you see?" Minette replied softly.
Trudy was quiet for a moment, her face blushing. She eventually stood up abruptly. Then without a word quietly walked out of the room. Minette on the other hand, made herself comfortable, and seemed to scoot in closer.
QuoteLet me know if you decide to keep quiet or not, and I'll continue the scene.
The urge to stay quiet and see what would happen was strong, but hearing Trudy walk out of the room was enough for her to realize that she should probably put a stop to this. Hnnnnnngh...
Hanako opened her eyes all the way and made a comical 'eeep!' of 'surprise' before rolling quickly away and out of the bed, when she hit the floor she continued to do a sort of backwards somersault to a standing position much like when she awoke next to Erato and gulped before saying just loudly enough for Trudy to hear from the hall "Wuh-What's going on?"
(https://raikou2.donmai.us/60/af/__heidimarie_w_schnaufer_world_witches_series_and_etc_drawn_by_tilt_shift__60af2c35849016faee3e123c10b60293.jpg)
"Trudy and I decided to be your night guards" Minette replied, while still in your bed, she stretched.
"But... she ran out for some reason..."
"I... see" Hanako answered to both statements, while doing so she walked to the door of the room and looked out into the hallway to see if Trudy was still around.
What a development. I wonder if shes still here.
When you looked out, you didn't see any signs of Trudy. However, there were two other guards posted at the door. The two of them looked like they were in the middle of a card game of some sort. When you appeared they turned towards you, stood up, and saluted.
"Ma'am!"
Trudy was gone, what that meant was up in the air really. Classic format would mean the next time they met she would probably be standoffish but this was real life.
Damn. Hanako thought, then re-entered the room.
"I uhh, I think I'll probably be okay to sleep on my own tonight the guards outside are probably enough..." she said to Minette. Truthfully she didn't really care if she was in the room, but it would have been difficult to sleep next to her knowing what little she had on.
Minette began to rise out of the bed, though there was a slight hint of sadness in her expression.
"If... that's what you wish..."
(https://i.gyazo.com/61c630c75f3fd9e1f33196439c05ef48.jpg)
Hanako quickly wiped away the small amount of blood that had begun to run under her nose. Why does that always happen? she wondered.
"L-look, its not like I don't want you in here I just don't know if I can get any sleep, I'm a light sleeper right? I uhh, do appreciate you coming by to watch over me. You and Trudy both. I promise I'll make it up to you by spending some time teaching you Japanese tomorrow night."
There was nowhere to look, and she was beginning to trip over her words a little. It wasn't truly a lie, she wouldn't have been able to sleep, but she still felt a little bad and the girls expression did make it worse. The primary concern though was maintaining the fragile balance of what was shaping up to be a harem of sorts. Equal time and equal treatment was the mantra...
It was at that moment the door behind you opened again.
Spoiler
(https://i.gyazo.com/thumb/1000/57e373f28b3f91ac58420664a76c49c7-png.jpg)
However, the moment Trudy realized you were awake she became beet red.
"A-ah... W-well I-I f-figured... M-Minette s-said... T-that is..." She was blushing crimson, and she covered her face with her hands.
Minette on the other hand, seeing Trudy at the door, seemed to grow a bit more somber, but she continued her way to the door. When she started to pass by you, she spoke.
"Lots... of lessons then..."
(https://i.gyazo.com/51ebc8598a1d63a6e0512eaeffd9561b.png)
If you listened very closely, you could hear the sound of Hanako's brain breaking. A look of placid acceptance, akin to a monk finally reaching their seat next to the Buddha in Nirvana, spread across her face. Before Minette reached the door she managed to speak "You know what. Let's just all go to bed." Then she motioned to the bed, resigned but secretly thankful. "And yes, I'll still teach you some tomorrow."
(https://i.gyazo.com/1eda22fda442350cfd83fadcdb9bb313.png)
Minette was confused at first, however, when you pointed at the bed, her eyes lighted up a bit. Trudy on the other hand hesitantly stepped into the room.
"I'm allowed too?" Minette asked.
Trudy paused for a second.
"U-um... is there something I missed?" Trudy asked hesitantly.
"Well, I woke up when you left the room earlier and I thought uhh, you would have wanted to uhhh, be... in... here." Hanako sputtered.
Mayday! Mayday! Pull up!
"But it didn't seem right to just have Minette in here alone and I didn't think you were coming back, and I'm a light sleeper, but you're here and uhh she's here so we might as well all just... go... to... sleep?" She was rambling, almost a little panic in her voice as the statement turned into a question.
At the peak moment of awkwardness she quickly bent into a comical bow and extended her hand, the way a salaryman does when he's meeting new clients. "What I'm saying is please continue to watch over me!"
Trudy immediately went up to you.
(https://i.gyazo.com/7ef9405cb472c722280bc34e8417de6c.png)
"You don't need to bow to us!" Trudy said quickly, flustered. You noticed that Trudy seemed to not have been wearing pants either, her sweater was just short enough that it took some stretching to actually hide her under garments.
The moment she reached to you, she had to stop pulling the sweater down. They were a pale light yellow.
Minette on the other hand, reached out for your hand, but instead of shaking it, she used it to pull herself in, then latch on to you with your other arm, though, she continued to have your hand held in hers. She seemed to be smiling brightly now.
"Yes... I'll watch over you..." Minette said in her slow way of speech.
"I will too!" Trudy said, clutching to your arm a bit tighter.
"I will watch her all night..." Minette said as she glanced towards Trudy.
Trudy didn't respond at first, unsure if what Minette said was actually an
okat thing to do.
"Then... I will to! Hanako! From now on I will be your night guard!" Trudy said resolutely.
"I will stay in b-b-bed w-with y-you so I can... g-guard comfortably!" Trudy said stuttering and feeling self conscious about her words.
"R-right! Well then... uhhhh... let's uh... get some rest..." Hanako stammered as the girls clung to her. She awkwardly sidled over to the bed arm in arm with the two of them and sort of motioned with her head. "A-after you..."
Am I even gonna be able to sleep like this...?
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Dungeon
Date: Day 3 - Time: Evening - 9 PMIt was at that point near the bed, that Minette pushed the group down to the bed.
QuoteYou can attempt an opposed DEX to save the fall, describe it how you wish if you do, DC:
Rolled 1d20+4 : 16 + 4, total 20
Afterwards, Minette would cling to you on one side, with Trudy on the other. Trudy seemed to be more reserved, but Minette would push herself just a bit more closer with you, which ended up having a bashful Trudy attempt the same.
"We're p-protecting y-you..." Trudy said stammering.
QuoteLet me know how many hours you plan to sleep
Hanako didn't bother trying to resist the gentle shove onto the bed, letting herself fall onto the mattress followed by Trudy and Minette. As they lay there, exhaustion took over and Hanako felt her eyelids begin to droop.
Quote"We're p-protecting y-you..."
"R-right..." she said before falling asleep.
Hanako will sleep for about 9 hours.
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Your Room
Date: Day 4 - Morning - 6 AMYou end up sleeping for 9 hours, when you woke up it was around 6 AM in the morning. Both Trudy and Minette were sleeping beside you.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Slightly Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 3
Hanako MP Used: 6
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Dungeon
Date: Day 4 - Morning - 6 AMYou began unlocking the final few locks. Many of the slaves had started to wear the regular clothing that the soldiers wore. And when the final lock was transferred to you, there was a shout of cheering from the others.
You have gained a Heroic Action Point
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 3
Hanako MP Used: 11
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Dungeon
Date: Day 4 - Morning - 7 AMYou called for a meeting then, and soon enough the soldiers along with slaves started to gather around. There were 30 slaves in total, with 25 soldiers as well. To fit the entire crowd, there was an auditorium at the third floor, and it was there that they all gathered in.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 3
Hanako MP Used: 10
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
Once everyone was assembled and had quieted down Hanako addressed the group, raising her voice so that everyone could hear.
"Thank you for coming everyone. Now that we're all here there are some things I'd like to discuss. First of all, let me introduce myself properly. I'm Hanako Okita and evidently I come from another world from your own. Ive been told more than a few times that I am a 'hero', whether this is true or not I suppose remains to be seen. Either way, I'm glad that I was able to help free you from the situation you were all in."
She paused, this was quite literally the first time she had to speak in front of a crowd since reading aloud in high school and it was making her nervous.
"The long and short of it is, that you are free. I mean this in the sense that you owe me no obligations or debts of gratitude. I am nobodies master. If you want to leave this place and seek refuge in a neighboring country where there is no slavery, please feel free to do so. This includes the soldiery. If you would like to stay, that is alright too. At the very least I plan to remain here for some time to get a better understanding of the situation in your country. Where I go from there I don't know. What I do know is that if you choose to leave I'll make sure that you are supplied for your journey, and if you choose to stay then we will do our best to keep each other safe. Provided that any of you choose to stay, you'll probably need to help out around the estate to make sure we keep up appearances and avoid attracting unwanted attention from the demons or nobles that collaborate with them."
She paused again for a breath before wrapping up.
"At any rate, I am aware that Klein was in possession of a variety of holdings and enterprises which also have people bound in forced labor. My plan going forward in the short term is to seek to have those people freed, and either sell off the assets or find a way to use them to make the estate self reliant as a sort of safe haven until a later time that we as a group may migrate to a safer locale. Thank you all for your time, I hope that you will be comfortable for the duration of your stay. If you plan on leaving we will have someone downstairs to dole out what assistance we can provide tomorrow morning."
She didn't know how many might end up staying, or if they may decide it was a better idea to run for the border. In the long run the choice was out of her hands and things would play out the way they would. She hadn't mentioned it in her speech, but there was a plan forming somewhere in the back of her brain. It tumbled and churned as she worked her way through the details, but what they would entail would remain to be seen.
After her speech, she made to leave the auditorium and find Trudy and Minette. She needed to make good on her promise to teach the latter some Japanese, and she needed to speak with the former about trying to learn how to swing a sword properly. Once those tasks were complete she would need to talk to Minette about Klein's holdings.
God I'm so busy all the sudden...
Once you finished your speech and left with Trudy and Minette. There was a lot of discussion and talk amongst both the slaves and soldiers. Already you can hear them talk about wanting to find loved ones, or even trying to escape to a different country. Then there were those that reminded them that there people on the streets who were simply take a slaves. 'Bandits' which were actual slavers would stalk the roads between towns waiting for prey. Leaving along the large protected groups, but going after individuals or smaller groups.
QuoteA Training session for Minette will be 4 hours, unless you decide to try to hurry her, and she'll be doing the +4 DC increase. Since you are a hero doing the teaching, you can do a Training Check, and if success, Minette will earn 2 of the required trainings, rather than just 1.
The free 8 hours of training doesn't stack with teaching hours. So you could effectively teach as long as you want, without giving up your 8 hours of free Training.
For your training with the longsword proficiency, decide if you are doing expedited, or regular, how many sessions you want, then roll away.
Hanako went off somewhere with Minette first to give her a solid four hours of study time, as promised. She did her best to carefully show her how to write and pronounce the hiragana, since that seemed like a good place to start.
Once her tutoring with Minette was finished, she met up with Trudy for another round of training, hoping this time some of it would stick.
Requested Charisma roll:
Rolled 1d20 : 17, total 17
Teaching Minette, Normal 4 hour session.
Rolled 1d20+7 : 8 + 7, total 15
Longsword training, Normal 4 hour session.
Rolled 1d20+7 : 4 + 7, total 11
As you were teaching Minette, Trudy reported that none of the soldiers decided to leave. Though, among the slaves, there 2 that decided to strike it out on their own. Both of them apparently had some loved ones that they wanted to check up on.
Trudy had taken care of packing things for them, along with giving them advice. She had even provided them some daggers that Klein had stored away.
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Minette's Study
Date: Day 4 - Morning - 10 AMEventually you finished teaching Minette. You managed to be a very good tutor, and it also surprised you how easily learning the language came to Minette. She had a very good memory, and it was rare that you had to explain things twice. You found that with the automatic translation firing off in your head, along with hers, it added some difficulty, but you managed to make it work by separating the phonetic syllables, and through that method, you were able to get around whatever magic was occuring to facilitate conversation between the two of you.
Minette's study seemed to be the room the Klein did most of his paperwork, along with business deals, and a lot of it was scattered around.
When that finished a notification appeared in your view.
You have gained a new title Teacher of Men
You gained +1 WIS
Location: Herr Klein's Estate - Your Room
Date: Day 4 - Morning - 2 PMYou began to spar with Trudy again, taking a short break for lunch in between the session. Trudy shared some stories with you about her life, how her parents met, what her favorite things were, things that were light and avoided the heavier topics. By the end of the session, you weren't sure if you were making some progress, but Trudy assured you that 'slow and steady wins the race'.
QuoteRough Status
Hanako: Uninjured (lethal), Slightly Injured (non-lethal), Tired (mana)
[include u=2]Hanako Dmg Taken: 0
Hanako Non-Lethal Dmg Taken: 3
Hanako MP Used: 2
Trudy Dmg Taken: 0[/include]
QuoteTrainings
Hanako Longsword Proficiency: 0/8
Minette Japanese Proficiency: 2/8
4 hours of free training left for the day
Let me know if you plan to do anything different with supplies or advice given to the 2 slaves who are decided to strike out on their own. And any other changes above.
Hanako was surprised at how quickly Minette had taken to her lessons, if it kept up it wouldn't be long before she was fluent. Once lessons were finished she promised that she would teach her some more over the next few days, and she would be back later today to discuss the financial situation of the estate and so forth.
Training was as brutally unrewarding as per usual, though during the break she was able to learn more about Trudy, which was nice. Ultimately though it seemed to be another wasted effort.
Before the two former slaves left the estate Hanako went down to meet them and make sure they had everything they needed. She wished them well, and said if needed, they could come back here if it seemed too dangerous to travel.
Once that was finished, she went once again with Trudy to try to learn literally anything about using a sword. Afterwards, she planned to have a quick dinner and meet with Minette again.
Training, Longsword, 4 hours:
Rolled 1d20+7 : 15 + 7, total 22
Once training is complete Hanako will meet with Minette and start getting basic info on what kind of financial holdings Klein had.
Both the slaves thanked you profusely, they had nothing to give you but their thanks, but they did promise to come back if travel seemed too dangerous, or if their loved ones did not make it.
You trained with Trudy again, and it was during this 4th session that you actually managed to start swinging with the correct form, and getting a better handle on the weapon itself.
QuoteTrainings
Hanako Longsword Proficiency: 1/8
Minette Japanese Proficiency: 2/8
Continue to Chapter 5: Slave Owner's Assets (http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/index.php?topic=1929.0)