Paladin of Astaroth(Porne)

[Sallin_Kari]

As you leave you notice your connections with them aren't entirely gone, though quite frankly it's way too late to worry about that right now. You quickly make your way back home and flop onto the bed for some shut eye. Morning comes quickly... Too quickly.

[porne]

I find myself grumbling as I get up. I was hoping these days were behind me, but I suppose a lack of rest is always going to be a problem. Having charged my magic quite a bit, I have a few tasks for today. I need to start researching the possibilities on what a Beholder might want to look at, as well as how I could replace one of those bug monsters. Depending on time availability, I'll hopefully get a chance to work the armor I purchased a bit. The way Astaroths powers have been soaking into the world around me leads me to believe I should be able to enhance it more than a bit.

Since I'm planning to start researching what the Beholder may want first, I might need to find a scholar or something similar. I know a few people, and I figure I'll start asking about monster knowledge there. Probably Paul first, just because of how close he is.

[Sallin_Kari]

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Do note that she basically was sucking off guys until 2am and then woke up at 7, which is why she's a bit groggy still.

As you ask Paul he raises an eye at your comment, clearly questioning why you want information about monsters, but answers regardless, "Can't say I know anything about it myself... I might be able to find a book on it though."

[porne]

Lousy magical goddess. I stay up all night gathering her power, and she can't even prevent me from being tired the next day.

"Alright, I'll go looking first thing. Probably the helpful man from yesterday." I say to myself, moving out to go talk to the mayor.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

For some reason, I'm blanking on if it was the guard captain or the mayor. I do recall Paul having a rivalry with somebody above grunt in the guard, but seem to recall it being an LT or equivalent.

[Sallin_Kari]

[You can always use some of your power to negate that... I just thought you'd appreciate a body that won't provide a constant drain on your power reserves,] She retorts smugly.

"I'll see what I can find in the mean time, " He says with a nod.
'Roll 16
As luck would have it the mayor is not only around but free, so after a short period of time you manage to get an meeting with him. He looks over at you, "Back so soon? To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

It's the mayor, if you are talking about the 'helpful man'. The guard captain is the one who had a... one sided hatred of Paul, which is the reason Scarlet got on his radar in the first place, though you mostly defused that situation.

[porne]

I let it go. I should be better than getting grumpy with my magical benefactor because I'm low on sleep. Sleep is for old people and babies. I'm young and strong again, I'll just tough it out.

"I've been investigating the mine. A monster has taken up residence, and is one outside of my own strength level to force out. I did, however, get an offer to trade for the people that were captured there, but I need to figure out what the monster might want to trade for. We can also trade food for raw ore." I'm blunt this time. Could I try to extort more out of him? Yes, but I'm tired and cranky, and honestly, I'm tired of trying to manipulate people.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Yup, that's what happened. I couldn't quite recall if it was a mayor, governor, or guard captain that was helpful, but I do recall a member of guard leadership being weirdly hostile to Paul, which I'm assuming is part of his backstory.

[Sallin_Kari]

He looks over you and is clearly off put by the idea of you trading with a monster, but you can tell his experience as he pushes down his own displeasure when he hears about how he can save people, "Food is... in low supply... but ore is even lower..." He massages his brow, "As for figuring out what monsters like... There was only one person whom could be considered a monster scholar... Unfortunately he... died... saved a whole group of people with his death... but still a great loss... He does have next to kin. Don't think they share the expertise, but he kept notes and journals, so perhaps you could find something useful among those?"

[porne]

"I already got the first load of ore brought in, exchanged it for something I hunted out there. The thing is trading weight for weight, which is a nice turn around, but I can see about bringing my next hunting proceeds here instead." I offer, knowing exactly how it feels to be hemmed in like that. "And yes, I would like to talk to the next of kin, that seems like a good place to start."

[Sallin_Kari]

"That's a relief... still trading weight by weight is somewhat troublesome since food is far less dense then ore..." He comments "Well, good work at the very least." He gives you the address, so unless there is something else you want from the mayor you can head out whenever you wish.

[porne]

I could push for something like taking over the church, but it's best if I make a few more good deeds to my name before that. I take the address and seek out the location, planning to make a few inquiries.

[Sallin_Kari]

You find the location easy enough. Appears to be a bookstore of some kind but clearly neglected as you imagine not as many people are in the market for books. Entering the door you notice a bell attached to the door, but the clapper is missing so it only makes minimal noise, though you can't tell if that's intentional or just from the neglected nature of the store. Still you find someone easily enough. A young lady is sitting at a counter, immersed in a book, and clearly unaware of your entrance.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

[porne]

I approach but give her a few moments to either notice me or turn a page before I interrupt her. "Hello, I'm Scarlett, I'm hoping you can help me with something."

[Sallin_Kari]

As you call out to her, she recoils in shock, pulling the book to her chest. She recovers almost as quickly, "I.. Sorry, I tend to get absorbed in books... Not that we get many visitors now-a days... Um... How can I help you miss Scarlet?"

[porne]

"I have some issues that I need researched. I'm looking for information on Beholders and Umber Hulks as a secondary concern. Any other monsters common to the area would also be a nice addition." I supply so far. I could do the research myself I suppose, but I have so many other things I need to do.

[Sallin_Kari]

"Uhh. That's more... my dad's. . . specialty. . . . ." She admits, with longer and longer gaps, before finally speeding up once again, leaving only short pauses,"I... only read books... Like regular books... Maybe I could find a journal... of his? Uh, lke one of his monster journals... I wouldn't give you one of his private journals. That would be... weird... I'm just going to shut up now."

[porne]

Strange that she's hesitating this much, she must not be used to people. Many scholars are like that. "I suppose that will do. If you would go over his journals for me, I could also pay for that." I suggest to her. I look to see if I have any coinage on me, or if I just packed food stuffs for now. Food is at least worth as much as money for right now.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Crush?

[Sallin_Kari]

Unfortunately for you, since you didn't take gold as compensation for the ore, you're a bit short. Not broke but you won't be able to pay a lot. Of course you still have a few hundred pounds of rations, though they aren't exactly the best tasting either. As for her, in lieu of words, she just nods. Hesitantly at that. Her eyes drop to the counter as her fingers begin tapping on her thighs.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Socially awkward and reclusive. Scarlet is basically the first stranger she's talked to in like a year. Play your cards right and you can get her to crush on Scarlet pretty quickly though. Still, that might be easier done later. She loves reading, especially fictional stories, so show off like a big god damn hero in front of her, and she'll swoon pretty quickly.

[porne]

I hesitate before I continue. "Any idea on how long it will take? The faster I can get that information, the faster I can get back to rescuing people. Otherwise, I'll have to stick to hunting for now." I do drop off a few meals worth of rations, just in case. Scholars tend to forget things like 'eating' or 'keeping warm' if they get distracted. "Also, if you have a monster manual of some kind, I'd appreciate it for now. It's been a while since my academy days, and I've probably forgotten enough to get me killed if I'm not careful."

[Sallin_Kari]

"I... don't know... And... Uh... I don't know... if I have a... monster manual... I'll have to look around..." She stammers out, apparently not being able to help is stressing her out.

[porne]

"It's okay for now, I'll just make a few quick circuits to see if there's anything else I can do before I return and then get to work, here or out there." I tell her, hoping I'll put her at ease. Either way, I still need a good idea of what all this town has to offer. The knowledge would have been nice to have first thing, but it'll keep for now. Today will just have to be a 'local work' day instead of me going out and about. I think I'll start getting that first set of armor that's nearing completion done and work on something a bit more customized if I get the chance. For now though, I definitely need to get a wish list together. There should be a... what do you call it, an herbalist? The healing pills I got were rather pricey, and I'll likely need help identifying them. Best to get a book of common herbs as well if I can.