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Signs of Destiny (The Witcher SI)

Thread starterMassgamer Start dateJan 15, 2020

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Advance toward the Future

Jan 21, 2020

#176

I just foiled a goddamned Scooby-Doo plot!

In order to explain that statement in more detail I need to go over what I had discovered from questioning my prisoners while I sent a very upset Ivar back to Pont Vanis to inform Stig of events so he can arrest this bunch. I made sure to keep the mage, name of Anitor from what the bandits said, thoroughly knocked out so he couldn't pull any shit and kept his leg wound wrapped tight till he could be seen by a proper medic.

I of course asked the logical question of why this gang of bandits were playing dress up as ghosts and how the mage become a part of their crew. Seems like Anitor was a drop out from one of the magical schools on the continent, didn't say where, and had taken to a life of crime here in the northernmost kingdom known for its great wealth. He gathered some lowlifes under his banner due to being a mage in the first place and spent using a mix of their muscle and his illusionary magic to hit rich merchants.

"Boss always made knocking over the fat targets easy, making it so they didn't see us till we were right on top of them and then making sure no guards nor soldiers could find us later. He's real smart he is, even if he can't tussle at all." a tall fellow with a face that looked like he lost too many fights with a wall happily told me.

"Why are you answering this mutant's questions, Colten?!" one of his friends asked in equal parts anger and alarm.

"Because you all want to." I said with a smirk as I waved my hand in front of the tied up lot, going through the motions with the Axii Sign. I was basically using the Jedi Mind Trick and I was loving it!

"Cause… Cause we all want to. Anyhow, the lawmen figured out somehow we that the Boss was a sorcerer using magic so we had to law low. We came across this old house and set up shop. Figured we'd stay under till heat died down a bit and moved on. But the Boss got an even better idea! No one investigates hauntings unless they want to get themselves dead, so he used magic to make it seem so. We got ourselves a nice secret base to relax in and we could hit the local road any time we wanted, and the dumb locals would blame it on the spirits!" the bandit laughed quite easily at the fact he was apart of killing numerous people, something that did not amuse me.

Seems like they still had lots of stolen goods stashed in the manor itself from their countless raids over the years, only going out on occasion to sell stuff on the black market and getting supplies.

"And whenever nosy whoresons came by we'd make them pissed themselves in fear and watch as they ran off into the night! As for the braver ones… well we took care of them right quick. Even that sorceress, remember her lads? How cock sure she was when she saw through trick, till the Boss got up behind her and took her out with a club! We had real fun that night before we strung her up! HAHAH-" one bandit's laughing was cut off as someone kicked him hard in the face with their armored boot.

"Oops," was my unapologetic reply. I wasn't one who liked using violence to solve problems, but I will admit I was a hypocrite when it came to people who had no remorse for their actions at all.

As the bandit was busy swallowing his own teeth I got the rest of the story.

Apparently while in the city to sell off some stolen goods one of them overheard how the bounty on clearing manor has been picking up real quick recently. So Anitor decided they had played the game long enough and he was going to claim the bounty on their behalf as the mage who finally "exorcised" the ghosts away while all others had failed. He would be hailed as a hero who allowed the manor to be livable again and made the nearby road safe once more for travelers. Then they would use the reward to live like kings and move up in the local criminal underworld since Anitor apparently had bigger aspirations than just being a bandit leader.

And it would have worked too, if it weren't for that meddling Witcher and his little scholar friend too!

… My continued lack of access to the internet is causing me to make a bunch of pop culture references that no one in this universe will ever get. Might I be descending into madness?

Something to deal with later or at least lock away in mind, like a lot of my emotional issues.

After my questioning was over I was reduced to guarding the group. I made sure they were all tightly tied together by their wrists and ankles while using intimidation and liberal uses of Axii to keep them in line when not knocked out.

Man… not even a month in this world and I was getting too used to being a scary Witcher guy. Granted it was out of wanting to survive in a hostile world - but still!

Hours later I could hear and smell the horses riding up to manor before I saw them. About three dozen riders in total. I could recognize Ivar, Stig, and some of the city guard. But then there were the dozen riders in heavy armor that just screamed knights in my mind and made me wonder what the heck was going on.

I got up from my meditative kneeling position and walked over as most of the riders dismounted and made their way into the front yard.

Ivar met me first, marching towards me with purpose.

"I brought the authorities liked you asked Markus! And I made it very clear on the way here how these miscreants should be also charged for fraud on top of their other crimes for misrepresenting a spector! The nerve!" Ivar said with a loud scoff.

"Of course, wouldn't want to let it get out there that it is okay to pretend to be monsters and ruin their image by performing bad acts." I said sarcastically

"Exactly!" Ivar pointed to me with a serious nod.

"I worry about you sometimes, Ivar. I feel as though if I left you alone you would become a demon lord or something and lead the monsters to take over the earth."

"Bah! Ruling the world is overrated! I want to study the world! I want to rip off it's undergarments off and see all the dirty details so it will be exposed to all!" Ivar ranted while swinging his arms into the heavens.

It was only then that I realized what I was smelling alcohol vapors coming from his mouth.

"Don't mind him, he hit the bottle pretty hard when he came back and on the way here. Never seen a man so upset about not encountering a monster or other such thing." Stig stepped up to explain while Ivar had started angrily muttering to himself.

I'd only seen happy drunk Ivar, this angry one worried me.

"Thanks for looking after him, and for coming by to help but… who are the tin soldiers with you." I pointed to the approaching knights.

"Markus! Show some respect! You are in the presence of-!"

"At ease, captain. I can introduce myself, and it is natural for the Witcher to be suspicious of newcomers." the lead knight interrupted as he stepped forward before reaching up to remove his helmet.

Underneath the bucket-like helmet was a man in his mid to late 20s, dark eyes, black mane of hair and beard, and with chiseled features that would appear handsome to most women. I also suspected under all that armor the man was quite fit as well considering how easily he moved in a way that only came with lots of practice and physical exercise.

As he handed his helmet off to a knight to his side I was starting to think this was a very important man, more so than even his escort implied.

"My name is Prince Tankred Thyssen, son of king Esterad Thyssen and queen Zuleyka of Talgar, heir to the throne of Kovir and Poviss, many other titles there is no point going over and a man who is very thankful for the work you have done this day after a year of no progress. Tell me, how did you work out it was no wraiths but still living men who were behind all this? Even I was convinced that was the case or else I would have cleared them all out on day one myself." the fucking prince of the country I was in asked me.

What the fuck?! How did I get involved with fucking royalty so damn quickly! That was the last thing I wanted since Witchers are encouraged to remain neutral entities and Geralt dealt with so much shit when dragged into politics.

"Forgive my earlier rudeness, my prince, I wasn't made aware you were involved in this task at all and was surprised to see." I said as respectfully and calmly on the outside while I was internally screaming and figuring out escape plans.

I did not want to end up as some noble's pet Witcher, no matter how good a person they might be.

"Really? I could have sworn you should have been made aware that I was the one who posted the notice." Tankred turned to Stig with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry about that your majesty, Markus, after the first dozen blowhards came up to me asking if taking job could be used as an excuse to meet you I removed your name from it to keep casual idiots with no real desire to do work from coming around. I honestly forgot to share the details with you Markus, just got used to being vague I guess." Stig said with shoulder shrug.

I could only mentally face palm at that.

"No problem Stig… everyone has lapses of sense at times." I groaned out.

"Ha! That's what the wife says whenever I'm home!" was the cheerful response.

"Returning to your question, your majesty, it's like this…"

What followed was a detailed summary of the series of events following us accepting the job. From Ivar's and I research of manor, my discovery and defeat of the scammers, and finally my questioning the bandits. The prince remained surprisingly quiet throughout, only interrupting to ask clarifying questions. All the while Stig, his guards, and the prince's knights went about clamping the bandits in irons, or in the mage's case dimeritium (much to his obvious discomfort) and getting them prepared to march back to Pont Vanis to be placed in the dungeons, questioned thoroughly, and stand trial for their actions - assuming they weren't executed outright, anyway.

"On behalf of Pont Vanis, along with all of Kovir and Poviss, you have my thanks for not only completing this job but also bringing this band of brigands to justice. From the sounds of it they have terrorized and killed more than a few honest and hard working folk. I assure you their punishment will be equal to their crimes. You also have my personal thanks for solving this issue so swiftly after being hired; as you are aware, everyone else who tried either was run off or killed." the prince nodded at me with respect.

"I was just doing what Witchers are made to do, even if the monsters in this case were human rather than ghosts… if you don't mind me asking your highness, why is this old manor so important you posted such a large reward for it to be cleared out?"

"It isn't really, not in the grand scheme of things. To make a long story short, this manor already belonged to the Crown and was given to me as a test to see how well I can run a household and accompanying lands. I had a rather… let us say misguided youth and I have been working hard to regain my reputation as heir of the kingdom and among my family. My mother actually granted this test to me and I have no doubt she was entirely aware of the issues behind it, if not the full details, and wanted to see how I could handle it. Since it took so long to do so and in that time several peasants and those I hired died I think it is a fair opinion that I have failed quite badly thus far." he ended on a self-deprecating note.

"We all make mistakes, your majesty, and all things considered I feel you made reasonable ones. You had no idea how to handle a haunting so you tried to hire a Witcher to handle it, but sadly we are few in numbers these days and it took a while for one to show up. The others you hired weren't prepared for wraiths or those pretending to be them, and you couldn't send yourself or those sworn to you to die when you had no idea how to combat them. Was it the result ideal? No. But I think you did the best you could given what you knew." I said completely honestly.

The fact he was taking it so hard was a good sign that he was one of those few nobles who took their duties as stewards and leaders of people seriously, and I wanted to encourage that without being harsh.

"Your words are kind, Master Witcher, but sadly they don't change reality."

"... How about doing what you can to at least repair the damage then? I found more than a few piles of stolen goods in manor from merchants and travelers hit, make sure they are returned to groups and families they belonged to along with a note detailing what really happened. Give them comfort that the killers have been brought to justice and at least financially they have some kind of means to recover. Make sure you get a priest to tend to the dead since I am sure these lot didn't care much about that besides making sure they didn't attract ghouls. Make the trial a public and drawn out affair, make it clear what these men have done and how they will make up for it one way or another. Heck, the mage might be a right bastard but you could make him serve out his sentence by working for Crown, under tight supervision of course, and helping the people he worked so hard to hurt since magic users can be useful. From this event maybe crack down on bandit gangs and other that are harming common folk wherever you can, if you can get the support of masses it will go a long way to raising yourself and kingdom up… but I'm just a Witcher so take my advice with a grain of salt." I stopped myself when I realized how much I'd been talking.

Yup, there were eye-popping stares from the prince, Stig, Ivar, and more than a few of the guards and knights. From the way they were looking at me you could have sworn I had grown an extra head or something.

"Well then… that is certainly an insightful and moral way to go about things. You have given me a great deal to consider, Master Witcher. But enough of my own issues, I am sure you wish to be paid." the prince stated while he turned to a knight and held his hand out.

The knight proceeded to reach into a small bag at his side and pull out a piece of paper, which he then handed to his prince.

"In my authority as prince of the realm, master of my own finances, and poster of the notice I give to you this promissory note for six and a half thousand bizants to be redeemed at any bank in Kovir and Poviss at any time. You have certainly earned it." And with that he handed the paper to me.

I took it and looked it over. It wasn't overly long but it was full of flowery language that basically boiled down to 'give the Witcher Markus money, signed your prince.'

I will take it as a compliment that he had already signed my name and his own before he even got here, apparently having seen my completion of the job as a certainty.

"When I heard you had taken the job, Master Witcher, I must admit I read over intelligence reports of your work, nothing malicious I assure you, just seeing what kinda man had taken my request. While your actions against the royal griffing terrorizing Pont Vanis is well known, it is your less recognized work that interested me the most." the prince spoke up as I folded up the note and put it in my 'important papers' packet.

"Like…?" I intentionally left question hanging since I honestly had no idea what he was talking about.

"How you tend to work mostly in the most rural areas where the inhabitants are most likely to be plagued with monsters rather take higher paying work in larger settlements. How you go out of you way to not only help nonhumans but even find peace between peasants and the most reasonable monsters, such as that time you convinced a rock troll of all things to let travelers use it's cave as a shortcut through a rocky area in exchange for simple tolls to it to keep it clear of beasts, even convinced it to pay taxes to the Crown somehow. For all that your primary occupation is that of a monster-slayer you have become something of a folktale hero, not only going beyond simply slaying beasts, but also improving the lives of people whenever you can. This hasn't made you the most popular with those against nonhumans in general… but I personally see it as a strength myself. A good man doesn't do what is right because it is easy, but becomes it is right and usually hard to do. I have learned that lesson personally all too well." the prince explained, looking a little pained near the end.

I did not expect emotionally connecting this deeply with anyone today, let alone a prince.

"I… I just like doing what I feel is the best thing for everyone whenever I can." I said, and it was true. Even if I didn't have Markus' own thoughts or memories I liked to think that no matter what I would do the best I could for anyone and everyone who needed it.

I just had to keep true to those ideals and not let this dark ass world wear me down.

"Good words to live by, and let it be known as the man who helped reclaim this manor you'll always find it's doors open to you. Just allow me to fix it up first!" the prince said with the first bit of humor I heard since meeting him.

"Of course, your majesty." I said with a nod.

At that the prince nodded back and donned his helmet once more before turning around to rejoin the rest of his knightly escort and most of the guards to bring prisoners back to the city. I may want to avoid politics, but as a person the prince was an okay guy I wouldn't mind at least being friendly with.

"Well, that certainly happened. Good on you Markus! Not many can talk to royal types as well as that, though the prince is certainly the less uptight sort. Now come on! I helped get you job so that means first round is on you in the best damned tavern in Pont Vanis!" Stig said while punched my shoulder.

"I second that idea!" Ivar agreed, still slightly drunk himself.

Well… I can't complain about needing to save coin now I guess.

Last edited: Jan 21, 2020

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Advance toward the Future

Jan 22, 2020

#210

By the time we had all returned to Pont Vanis it was late into the evening with only torches, oil lamps, and other primitive lighting sources lighting up the city. You don't realize just how dark places can get without modern lighting illuminating everything till you were someplace without it.

Thankfully the night sky was clear and the moon was almost full, casting its own glow over the land, and as a Witcher I basically had constant low-light vision with the option to have darkvision whenever I drank some Cat. As someone who has always been low-key scared of the dark it was a nice change of pace. Now I only had to be afraid of what lived in it rather than the dark itself.

The prince and his party had taken the prisoners with them while Stig and the other guards came off duty for the rest of the night. Stig informed me that the prince was having him send some night shift guards to lock down manor, to make sure no new unsavory elements moved in, and to collect stolen goods I mentioned to be transported later.

But work was over and so I stopped thinking about it and focused more on my cider and meal at 'the greatest tavern in Pont Vanis' as Stig declared. Pretty sure he just liked the atmosphere since it was full of working everyday people, and since it was late at night tavern was in full swing with people blowing off steam after a long day working. Which included Stig, Ivar, and of course me.

"Won't the wife wonder where you are? I wouldn't want to keep you from her." I asked Stig as he chugged back some beer and Ivar nursed his quietly.

"Naw," he answered, "she knows I like to wind down after a long day's work here. So long as I'm home before the tenth bell, she's fine with it."

"Good to hear, and thanks for the job. While I'm not lazy enough to do nothing till I run through all my coin, it will make paying for things easier." I said earnestly. "I hope you didn't stick your neck out too far at all to do that just because I'm a friend."

"The prince gives me a lot of leeway when it comes to this sort of thing, I got to know him during his troubled youth a bit… but let's just say that if you hadn't come back, I would have been in a spot of trouble." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "The prince puts a good front up, but the whole issue with the manor had us all at our wit's end. Having would-be hunters wind up run off or dead wasn't helping matters none."

"Well glad I was able to help with that, and sorry you couldn't get a Witcher till now to handle it. There are sadly too few of us these days, doesn't help matters when mages dump a mountain on your keep and kill most of the guild after all." I pointed out.

"Well, 'all's well as ends better', as my mother, gods rest her soul, always said. Enough of that, I want to hear what you've been up to since I last saw you! That time, you'd just finished clearing out a siren infestation out past the harbor. That was almost two years ago - any adventures worth sharing since then?" He grinned and quaffed another mug of beer.

I actually grimaced at that before I finally sucked it up and bite the bullet.

"Actually… I have no idea. About a month ago I took on this job to kill a cyclops that was harassing this villages couple weeks north of here. While I killed the thing at some point during the fight I got hit hard in the head and when I dragged myself back I was nearly dead. Thankfully the ealdorman was a decent man and instead of looting me he paid to have the local herbalist heal and look after me till I woke up a week later. I'm in perfect health now… but I don't recall anything before then, not even you. I tried to keep it low-key so I'm sorry about not being totally honest, but since you are apparently my friend I need to be honest about it." I explained as I took look drink of my cider.

Stig made a sucking sound between his teeth. "Damn, Markus. You don't remember anything?"

"I know how to work, but I think that is mostly muscle memory at play. I know general things about world and such, but not a lot of details. Ivar has actually been helping me get up to speed a little since we met up. He said my memories might come back or I will just have to make new ones over time." I pointed over to the now passed out scholar snoring away on at bar counter.

Seems like he hit his limit alcohol-wise and emotionally. Best to let him sleep it off and I can offer White Honey for any hangovers later.

Stig shook his head, his eyes closed. "I thought something was different about you, but I couldn't put my finger on it. You're a lot chattier than you used to be, though. Was kinda hoping it was just because you'd been alone for a while and wanted to talk to people." He perked up. "Wait, does that include memories of debts?"

"No, you know what you owe me and not even a hit from a giant's smaller cousin will change that." I jested.

"What, me, owe you money? Noooo… ah, hell with it." He reached into his pocket and flicked me a couple of bizants. "There, we're even."

"I was kidding Stig, I realize it's hard to tell with Witchers and not even we believe it sometimes but we do have emotions. Besides, you got me a job so I can overlook a few bizants and buy you a few free meals. If anything you should put these bizants towards buying something nice for your wife, I recommend something practical she can use everyday and can't imagine her life without beforehand." I recommended.

"That would cost more than a couple of bizants. Besides, I really did owe you money - you whipped me at arm wrestling and I couldn't front the bet. You told me to pay you back later, and now I have." He shrugged and took another drink. "That said, if you want to lose them to me in a rematch…" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Very well, if you really feel that way. I should warn you if I didn't before Witchers are stronger than normal humans. Want to test that against your guard training?" I challenged good-naturedly.

"Ha! I'm not the one who took on over a dozen bandits single-handedly today. I think I might have the edge in energy levels." He scoffed, the twinkle in his eye belying the scornful confidence in his voice.

"I used magic to cheat there, we Griffin School Witchers are dirty cheats like that. If you win I will not only pay you back what you owe me double, but buy a round for this whole tavern. What do you say? You motivated enough now?"

"I'll drink a toast to your memory, Witcher." He grinned.

At that we got up and went up over to what was the unofficial arm wrestling table of the tavern, the local tough guys using it as a means to show off, have fun, and earn some extra coin. The table had a peg on either side for the wrestlers to grip for stability while the middle was dented from innumerable prior contestant's elbows.

"Clear out you lot! If you want to see and bet on a real show, watch your captain of the guard match his strength against the Witcher, Markus the Golden Griffin!" Stig declared.

At that announcement people got an excited look in their eyes and easily moved out of the way so me and Stig could sit in our spots. All around me I could see and hear patrons crowding around and even a betting pool getting started as word quickly got around who was arm wrestling who. From the sounds of it I was actually the favorite to win due to "crazy mutant strength, breed them with trolls don't you know."

Not sure whether to be insulted by that or not to be honest.

Stig set up across the table, his left hand gripping the peg and his right hand in the middle of the table. I sat down opposite him and mirrored his position. We planted our elbows into the dented wood and our hands grasped each other, and sky-blue eyes stared into yellow cat-eyes. To the side, a local held up a hand. "On three! One! Two! Three!"

I pushed against Stig's hand as hard as I could, the rotational strength in my shoulder and chest coming into play. Stig did the same, and our knuckles turned white from strain. It was an even struggle for a few moments as we tested the other's strength. From the way Stig's arm bulged under his sleeve, he was clearly much stronger than the average man - fortunately for me, 'stronger than average' didn't mean that much in comparison to the strength of a Witcher. I was confident in my victory, but that didn't mean Stig would make it easy for me.

We pushed against each other as hard as we could, and even with his exceptional strength, after about thirty seconds his arm moved past the midpoint and started moving towards the table. Ah, well, at least it'd be a good show for the crowd-

"Ack!" Something lukewarm and stinking of hops sloshed over my back, and I jerked with surprise. That was all the opening Stig needed, and with a roar of effort my arm was slammed against the table! Stig leapt to his feet and gave out a shout of triumph.

"Ha! Score one for the captain! Three cheers for Captain Stig!" Another man wearing a guard's gamberson shouted out.

Que the rest of the tavern bursting into drunken cheers. Even the ones who bet on me didn't seem too upset as they passed their coin to those who bet on Stig.

Stig reached out a hand to me and pulled me to my feet. "Nice one, Markus! I'm going to feel that in the morning. Right shame about getting distracted at the last moment, but you gotta learn to stay focused in contests like this." He gave a wink - not to me, but to someone just past my shoulder. I followed his line of sight, and saw the man who'd spilled the beer down my back.

He gave me a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Witcher. Guess I had one too many to drink tonight. Makes one a bit unsteady, it does."

All I could do was stare back at Stig with a raised eyebrow, lasting for about five seconds before laughing it off.

"Well, I suppose we are all gonna be like this tonight since I have to keep my promise. Barkeep, free round for all! I'm buying!" I shouted towards portly man running bar, who simply nodded to the cheering crowd.

"Just remember, Witcher - the true enemy isn't always the one in your face." Stig's face took a more somber expression. "Staying focused is good, but always mind your surroundings."

"Cryptic, is there a story behind that advice?" I couldn't help but ask due to shift in mood.

Stig shrugged. "Eh, just good general advice. Surely you can see the sense in it with your job and all. Last thing you need is to get the sun in your eyes or something to lead you astray."

"That is true, but enough about that. Work is over today so let's enjoy tonight." I suggested.

"Heh. Man like you out in the wilds like you are, I'm sure you'd have learned that lesson sooner or later. The same sun that lights your path can still kill you, after all." He gave me a pointed look that dissolved into mirth at my deadpan expression. "Awww, don't look so glum, Markus! Here, try the hard cider - they make it in the press out back, using the apples my wife grows. I'll even cover it for you, to show there's no hard feelings."

He passed me a coin for the bar. I accepted it without thinking, and went up to the bar. "One hard cider," I said, handing it to the bartender.

"A floren?" The bartender said, surprised. "We'll accept it, but I'm surprised you don't have any bizants." He handed me a mug of cider.

"Ehh, must have picked it around the docks. Traders going in and out all the time dropping their coin since they have so much of it weighing down their pockets. Guess I just wanted an excuse to get rid of it." Stig laughed it off.

I just raised an eyebrow at him as I took the cider, first the weird advice about not staring at the sun and now a floren which had the sun on it? What a weird… oh fuck me, he's trying to say something important relating to Nilfgaard isn't he?

I mean, I know the Empire was up to shady shit all the time in the Northern Kingdoms, but what does Stig have to do with it and what was he trying to say? Screw it, I have no plans to involve myself with them anyhow, Witcher neutrality all the way.

No point worrying about it when there are hundreds to thousands of plots happening all around the Continent, and me certainly not being the most important one at all.

You know what. This was my first real night to relax in the Witcherverse so I was gonna allow myself to get drunk on cider and not care what happens next.

I deserve this dammit! Screw the consequences!

--

… You know what, I totally deserve this.

I found myself waking up in an unfamiliar room, thankfully with all my possessions still with me or hanging on the side of the bed, while not far away Ivar was snoring away loudly on another one. The room itself was nice and well made, I would guess we were in an upper-middle income home most likely, if only because everything appeared to be in good construction and not super dirty.

We must be in a guest room or something considering how spartan it was.

I started a bit as the door on the opposite end opened up, thankful I didn't feel any serious hangover effects I was worried about, and was surprised to see a young woman step through. I will be honest, she was hot. Blonde hair, blue eyes, clean appearance, nice face and smile, slim but had large tracts of land… point is, she was a catch.

"Oh, glad to see you are up Master Witcher. Thanks for escorting my husband home last night after your drinking was over. You all looked like you were about to pass out so I let you sleep it off for the night. Stig has already left for his shift, but you are welcome to have breakfast with me and my little ones if you like. Just come on in whenever you feel like it, be sure to invite your friend as well when he wakes." she said with a smile before bowing slightly and closing the door behind her.

"Damn Stig, you scored." I couldn't help but admit to myself.

"And another thing!" Ivar suddenly shouted as he bolted upwards from his prone position, startling me a bit. He blinked and took in his surroundings before continuing, "Oh, this isn't the panel talking down all the scholars who called me a quack behind my back. That's a shame, I was only a third of the way done with the fourth one." Ivar said in disappointment.

"Get up, a very attractive lady has invited us to breakfast with her family. You can complain all you want about whoever later and I will agree with you." I offered.

"Markus, you are a gentleman and a scholar."

Last edited: Jan 22, 2020

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Advance toward the Future

Jan 22, 2020

#239

Breakfast was a cozy affair alongside Stig's wife, Vera, and two little girls, both not even two digits in age yet but still old enough to ask tons of questions. Ivar was happy to answer most, not showing a hit of how hungover he must have been, while I on occasion stepped in. Nothing inappropriate for minors of course, but I had to get creative to make sure Ivar didn't mention any gory details regarding monsters. It was fun to say with total honesty that true love really did exist and that it did have the power to break some curses, much to their disgust about how boys were gross and their mother giggling behind her hand.

Of course, now Ivar was determined to scientifically understand true love, its' effects in regards to curses that transformed humans into monsters, whether or not to qualify it as a type of magic, and a dozen other things.

If it wasn't for the possible Nilfgaardian plot Stig was likely mixed up in somehow I would think his life was pretty good.

"Momma, can we bring Witcher to meet our friends? They'd never believe that we met one unless we show it's true!" the youngest asked with her best puppy dog eyes that I most likely would have fallen to.

Mother's were made of sterner stuff it seemed and all Vera did was put her hands on her hips.

"I'm sure Markus and his friend have better things to do than show off for you troublemaking friends, not to mention you two have your lessons to do. So off with you!" she shooed them off gently.

I couldn't help but smile as the two of them ran off to their rooms. It was a good reminder that this world still had innocent and wonderful people in it worth protecting.

"Lessons? While I am all for the spreading of knowledge I must say having a teacher for them must cost more than a few bizants." Ivar noted.

"Having your husband be the captain of the guard comes with a few perks, in this case the pay for a tutor and connections to find one willingly to work pretty cheaply for us 'lowlies' rather than rich merchants or nobles. Last thing I want for my girls is them having to work in a tavern for years dealing with drunken gropers before settling down with some meathead. Not every girl is lucky enough to marry one of the few decent meatheads around who works hard for his family and doesn't sleep around with some tart. Stig has his flaws, all men do, but I wouldn't trade him for the richest man in Kovir and Poviss." Vera said with love and pride.

Uggh, right in the heart! Stig, whatever spy stuff you are up to better not hurt this family or I will hunt you down myself!

"Good to hear, when I become a professor and if they profess a desire to advance their learning I could always write a letter of recommendation to University of Lan Exeter. There are too few female scholars in my personal opinion, and the ones I do know are much better company than old men… not in that way mind you!" Ivar hastened to correct after realizing how sleezy that might have sounded.

"I got your meaning and promise to take you up on that if any of them end up smarter than either of their parents. Might not be too far off." Vera smiled at the thought.

"As heartwarming as this conversation is, we really should be going. Thank you for your hospitality and we hope to see you again before we have to least the city. We have matters to attend to and don't want to leave with any unfinished business." I said as I stood up from the table and strapped my swords to my back.

"I understand. Don't be strangers now, you hear?"

"Of course, ma'am/As you command Mis." Me and Ivar said at the same time before taking our leave.

The most important thing right now was cashing in promissory note, and since I couldn't carry all that coin with me all the time unlike in the game that meant I needed to make a bank account.

Thankfully I was aware of a few international banks in the Witcherverse that I had no doubt would be operating out of the capital of the richest nation in the north.

--

The business district of Pont Vanis certainly had what I was looking for, namely a number of banks that worked hard to be impressive looking. All of them were dwarven, interestingly enough - did humans just not like banking? Did the dwarves have a monopoly on the industry? Eh, not that I knew, and not that it mattered at this time. There were four main international banks on the Continent run by four dwarven families: Zammorto, Giancardi, Cianfanelli, and Vivaldi. All of them were in the same general district in the city, but not too close together. I suspected it had as much to do with avoiding direct competition as it did overcrowding. For me, it just meant that I had to walk that much further to actually reach the blasted places.

The first one Ivar and I visited was the one I was most familiar with, the Pont Vanis Vivaldi and Sons Bank branch. Identifiable due to their heraldry of five circles on red posted on front of building. It was three stories tall, built using white marble of all things and with a red-tiled roof. It reminded me of pictures of Greek ruins back home with the materials and color scheme. The top two floors had windows, but the bottom was built like a fortress. There was only one door, and it was built from wood sheathed in iron, protected by four guards with halberds and crossbows, and as Ivar and I walked in we could see a heavy steel crossbar that could be brought down on the inside. It was all quite impressive.

If all their branch banks were built like this, security-wise, I guess the only reason why the Scoia'tael could break into one in Vizma is because the plague and change in ownership messed with their security standards.

We walked up to the human teller, protected as they were behind some iron bars, who greeted us with a smile.

"Welcome to the Pont Vanis branch of Vivaldi and Sons Bank, how may I help you today?"

"I'm here to redeem a promissory note and possibly open up a bank account." I answered.

"Splendid! Can you please hand me the note so that I might see how much you are owned."

I pulled out folded note and did just that.

The teller took a minute to read it over… then another… he then pulled out a magnifying glass and really looked it over, most likely to make sure it wasn't a forgery or something. Then he finally turned picked his head up and looked at me slack-jawed .

"I… this is is a great deal of money you are owed, and forgive me for saying I am surprised this isn't fake. Could you wait a moment here while I inform my manager?" he asked very politely.

"Sure, I got nowhere to be." I nodded.

"Thank you sir, please feel free to sit in the waiting area and we shall get back to you as soon as possible." at that the teller closed his station and quickly powered walked off.

"Well… he was certainly surprised." Ivar noted as we sat down on a comfortable leather bench off to the side.

"I don't think they get many Witchers redeeming thousands of bizants from the prince of all things, not to mention one that might become a long-term customer. Witchers can live for over a century in good health if we survive after all." I explained.

"I see, how long do you suppose we have to wait?" Ivar questioned, and before I answered I heard heavy foot falls come our way and turned to see our answer.

The dwarf was certainly rich looking, wearing a custom made silk suit studded with golden buttons and the symbol of his family embroidered on it in red twist. His beard stretched down to his belt, and was a black so deep that it was almost blue. His eyes sparkled with intelligence - and more than a little avarice.

"Welcome, welcome Master Witcher! I am, Arabrot Vivaldi, general manager of this branch of my family's bank. I am here to personally streamline the redemption process of your promissory note and even set up a bank account should you be interested. I promise to answer all your questions about our policies and do hope you consider the opportunity to safeguard your wealth under a trusted source. Please, let us adjourn to my office, and of course your companion can join us if you so choose." Arabrot really laid down his sales pitch thick.

Nice to see some things never change across universes, bankers always wanted to hook rich client.

"I'll leave you to it. I need to get a few more funds from the account University gave me for my research. It should be over by the branch of Zammorto Bank not too far away." Ivar stated.

At that I could see Arabrot suddenly take on a very pained looking expression.

"What?" I couldn't help but notice.

"Nothing… that concerns you at least. Good luck scholar, you are gonna need it." Arabot said sincerely as Ivar got up with a look that was equal parts confused and worried.

"Should I be worried?" Ivar wondered.

"Not the way you think… but maybe you should pack a meal and take a long drink beforehand. That branch bank is infamous around here for the nearly impossible to navigate bureaucracy, even more so than usual. I'm certain it's because the youngster in charge doesn't have the head for it despite being a part of the family business." Arabot explained.

Oh dear, I think I remembered something like this from the games. I looked Ivar dead in the eye and held onto his shoulder gently.

"My prayers go out to you, my friend."

I pushed a very worried Ivar away towards what very well drive him into madness.

Better him than me.

--

After I sent Ivar on his way Arabot took me up to the top floor to his office and really started giving me the reasons why I should set up account with his bank.

… For the last thirty minutes.

"... as for our loan policies I promise you that-" Arabot turned the page in the tome long contract thing before I had enough.

"Look, I'm sure all of this is very important and if I was a merchant or noble I would certainly want to know all the details. But I'm just a Witcher, the vast majority of times the work I take on underpays me a great deal since most who need it aren't rich. The only reason I need an account is cause my most recent client was and really wanted his problem solved, and I can't reasonably carry all the coin promised with me all the time nor should I. All I want to know is if you can assure me that wherever my Path takes me on the Continent I can trust I can take my money out of your bank's branches and convert to local currency if needed." I simply stated.

"But of course! Vivaldi and Sons makes use of a number of means to make sure all banks are well informed about our customer list. We use a combination of regular messengers, messenger birds, and even hire many mages to run several telecommunications devices in our banks to make sure we are in constant communication with each other, though obviously other trade secrets as well to making our bank as efficient and reliable as possible. Wherever you go I promise as long as it is at Vivaldi and Sons you will always have access to the coin you entrust to us. As for exchanging local currency that is a natural service we provide, and as the richest realm in the North Kovir and Poviss bizants are worth more than most other currencies, though the florent is catching up." Arabot explained.

"Good enough for me. Who knows, maybe I will need a loan in the future and I can double check rules of that then, right?"

"Certainly, making sure our customers have easy access to bank policies is part of our assurity of quality our bank prides itself on." Arabot says with said pride.

"Then tell me where to sign." I stated.

A quick signing later in the contract, which I checked for fine print of course, and I officially had a bank account. I seem to be going up in the world.

"We look forward to many profitable years with you, Master Witcher." Arabot shook my hand in his strong and meaty grip. Just because he was a banker didn't mean he lacked the natural strength of his species after all.

"So do I… before I head off, you mind if I ask you a question out of curiosity? There a reason why I only see dwarf banks around?" I finally asked.

"Human stupidity, that's why." was Arabot's direct answer.

There was a pause.

"... Care to elaborate on that?" I pushed.

"Gladly. The simple fact is because most human religions, the Church of the Eternal Fire on top of them all, have declared the charging of interest for loans to be a mortal sin. They call it 'usury', and any human banks that charge a single coin for a loan see themselves going out of business faster than you can say 'heresy'. But us dwarves have nothing to do with that nonsense - why shouldn't we charge for our services? It helps that most monarchs and religious leaders have tremendous accounts and loans with us, which leaves us in the interesting position of being able to call them in if they attempt any nonsense. Not that we are immune to pogroms or casual specism - nobody likes the person to whom they owe money to after all." He shrugged his broad shoulders. "But that's why we build our buildings the way we do. Or did you think the guards were just for show?"

"To be perfectly honest, I thought it was a mix of showing off wealth and to discourage idiots who think they can rob a bank run by dwarfs." I stated honestly.

"That too." Arabot nodded. "Of course, that is mainly in the Northern Kingdoms. The Nilfgaardian Empire and their Cult of the Great Sun doesn't have a problem with charging interest. Not coincidentally, Emperor Emrys is one of our better customers among the nobility. The only reason Nilfgaardian banks haven't moved north is due to cultural and political differences that make setting up in the first place rather difficult."

Huh, say what you want about the Empire, but despite having its own variety of issues like Rome it was based on it was a bastion of progress compared to the kinda backwards Northern Kingdoms.

"Thank you for the explanation. If it means anything as a member of my own guild I appreciate the work bankers like you do so I don't have to carry all my money around myself or stash it under the floorboards of a house I don't have."

"And thank you for your kind words, interest, and business. Have a good day, Master Witcher." he said with a nod.

"Same to you, Master Arabot." I returned with a nod of my own.

--

I left the bank after depositing most of my physical coin into my new bank account, besides about 250 of it. Knowing that Ivar was likely not going to be done till the end of the day if he was lucky, I decided to return to my room back at the inn to do what I have been meaning to do for awhile but didn't have the coin or real downtime to do it.

Namely, playing around with my high level alchemical knowledge with what was basically the mini alchemist set I had. See how far I could take things with minimal equipment and hopefully really go crazy in full workshop at Kaer Morhen later.

Thanks to CYOA purchases I could already make the best Witcher potions much easier and with less overall resources than I imagine none but the most skilled alchemists could achieve. In a darker part of my mind, I was also aware of how to make use of mutagens and similar knowledge that goes into crafting Witchers or… less pleasant things like the mutants created by the Order of the Flaming Rose does in canon.

While that might be useful if I wanted to try and rebuild the Witchers, hopefully refining it more without the pile of dead children in the process, I would still need a skilled, friendly, and trust mage to help out as well. Basically, nothing to do on that for now.

Right now I wanted to attempt to basically make a watered down version of Swallow to see if I could make something a human can use and benefit from while not dying in the process. I remember from the game how it did work in healing the body of a peasant woman that was terribly injured… but rendered her basically a vegetable as it seriously damaged their brain. Needless to say, I wanted to make some that didn't do that and at least retained a bit of its' healing abilities, if not to the same extent.

After sitting on the floor of my rented room with my alchemy set and ingredients I got to work. My main goal was to make something potent enough to accelerate the healing of at least life threatening wounds while not being so toxic that it killed or rendered patient brain dead in the process. I would take them getting extremely sick during time of healing and then using some White Honey to remove toxicity quickly.

It would not be pleasant by any means, especially since afterwards any person would really have to piss, but it might just turn a death sentence into a survivable experience.

Last thing I wanted was Ivar or some other non-Witcher friend I knew dying in my arms while I had a pack full of healing potions that I knew would be worse than the actual injury. The ultimate of tragic ironies.

Actually watering down the basic Swallow potion wasn't hard, mainly reducing main ingredients while finding some less toxic replacements that still work well in providing healing effects when properly prepared and mixed together. All of which I was likely making sound easier than it actually was. I hoped I could teach to others later on. Maybe I would teach Ivar himself if I could swear him to secrecy.

Witcher secrets were, well, secrets for some very good reasons after all, and while I failed to see how actual health potions everyone could use would be a bad thing it didn't mean they weren't possibly there.

I worked on making White Honey itself easier to make than it already is, it mainly only requires proper preparation, and considered if I could get some metal syringes made. After all, technically speaking ingesting medicine was less efficient than simply introducing it to the bloodstream. Could help with quickly dealing with the toxicity of my newly made Lesser Swallow.

Before I could continue any more work a zombie burst into my room!

… Then I realized it was only Ivar who looked equal parts drained and emotionally empty as he ignored me and face planted onto his bed. I swear I could hear him talking about form numbers and signature amounts.

A look towards the nearby window made me realize I had been working on potions for hours since my meeting at a bank in the afternoon as it was already dark. The product of my experiments was many ingredients being gone and many failures I had drank to dispose of safely before purging myself through some time meditating and going over results.

Ivar's current state seemed liked a good ending point for the day so I got up, put my supplies away, and decided to head downstairs to get some food for myself and Ivar.

… Maybe the stiffest drink they had for him.

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Advance toward the Future

Jan 23, 2020

#269

"No, I am not going to use you to test any potions I have made. If I test it on anything that doesn't have enhanced biology it will be a pig or something, and only after several successful tests will I consider human testing. While potions are amazing things the potent ones aren't safe for human use and therefore in my attempts to make them more safe to use I would rather not give someone something I am reasonably certain will leave them brain dead." I explained to Ivar.

"While I commend that sort of moral standards I have to say I have total faith in your abilities and-"

"I know you just want to be able to use potions so you can have an excuse to get closer to monsters."

"The risk of violent death go down a noticeable degree if I can use potions to accelerate my healing!"

"Yes, which is why I will take my time to make sure it is right. On another note you were pretty dead last night. Bank not go well?"

A dark look overcame Ivar.

"While I was successful in withdrawing some funds, as well as your own weekly pay for services rendered… I never wish to talk about that which I had to go through in order to see it done."

"Fair enough, we have a week till boat set sails and are good on money for now so I guess we can mostly relax for the time being… but I also know you will hound me for potential monsters to study after the last job was a bust so let's check out the notice boards. I don't expect anything to have changed much, but maybe I can get some minor work in and we might come across something interesting."

"Splendid! For science!"

--

Despite Ivar's rather enthusiastic response, science did not come to us quickly.

Checking out the notice boards didn't reveal much I could do within a short time or were actually worth my attention as a Witcher. If I wasn't setting sail in a week I could have maybe ridden out to a village to deal with a nekker nest or investigate claims of a curse stalking a farm, but the sad fact was I had my own priorities. Ideally those jobs could get handled by another Witcher, a mage, or at least skilled mercenaries… but the odds of that happening before more people died was unlikely.

Just another example that for all that many thought Witchers were monsters themselves or relics of a bygone age they still were needed, if not by those living in cities then those that lived in more rural areas where monsters still lived close to.

It actually reminded me of Goblin Slayer in that he only hunted down goblins who were a common threat to poor peasants living in the countryside but weren't focused on by other adventurers due to poor pay.

What I could do though was some low paying work that, while not really Witcher work, still paid and could be useful for people. Ergo for the next couple days I found myself going outside city walls to hunt down wolves or other common wild creatures that thanks to my Witcher tracking and hunting skills were relatively easy.

Ivar sat out those jobs and hung around in the inn organizing and compiling his notes until I, and I quote, 'found something interesting.'

While not particularly exciting or challenging, it did keep me active and even small payments added up. It also let me forage for herbs and other possible ingredients I could use while outside city.

Honestly, I was in that weird place of boring regularity while I waited till I could go on to the next step of my Path. Pont Vanis wasn't dealing with unrest so lots of the factors that attracted or involved monsters weren't a thing, which was good. Games wouldn't be interested if it showed Geralt only doing common jobs with the occasional monster to hunt during a time of peace after all, and I wasn't getting involved in political unrest that had me kill small armies' worth of humans.

When not working, I was playing with alchemy, seeing what I could dilute for human use and working on ideas on new potions for different effects. I was also playing with Signs to get better at doing them on fly and trying to find ways munchkin them beyond common use.

Sadly, unless I found a Circle of Elements or Place of Power, I couldn't really test my ideas of making new Signs since while I could do hand motions easily enough there was more to it than that. Frustrating but understandable since while Signs were simple magic they were still magic, and if they were easy to learn and make than everyone on the Continent would know how to use at least one.

I didn't mind that predictiability, it was comforting in a world I know was going to go to hell in a handbasket in a few short years.

And then three days before we were due to set sail…

--

"You do realize checking notice boards each day is unlikely to suddenly reveal a monster request, right?" I told Ivar in an annoyed tone.

"But I've already compiled all my current notes! I need fresh material to work with and we shouldn't get lazy just because we are waiting for our vessel to finish preparing." Ivar lectured me.

"That argument would be stronger if you weren't moaning out of boredom back at the inn."

"I was simply expressing my desire to discover!"

"Right, sure." I dropped it as we stopped in front of a notice board and gave it a look over.

As I thought, pretty much nothing new from yesterday… huh, apparently a hunter's dog had given birth not too long ago and he was advertising that the pups were now old enough to be adopted and trained. He swears that their parents and their parents before them were fine companions in work and life, only asking for modest fee compared to dog breeders back home. Must have come to the city to sell pups to other hunters and maybe to some merchant/noble family that wanted a pet.

… Cats hated me now, but maybe a dog? Assuming I train it right could even help me with Witcher work since despite my enhanced senses dogs' still had hundreds of times better smell than basic humans, so they likely had an edge on me.

Something to consider, but other than that nothing really worth pursuing or looks like it really needed me.

"Aha! What about this?!" Ivar said while ripping off a notice that was near the bottom of board I hadn't noticed at first and handed it to me. It was certainly new…

"The spelling and handwriting is so bad I can barely make it out. Maybe someone outside the city that didn't feel the need to learn all that much?" I mused to myself as I slowly worked my way through the writing.

"Found… something… guards dumb… vampire. I can see why this caught your interest." I turned to Ivar as I pieced together what I could from the poor writing.

"There are countless legends and stories on vampires in general, but very little hard facts beyond the basics from a few noted scholars and their writings so I would truly delight in adding to it! There is even an address to meet our poster at in the Merchant District!" Ivar said in excitement.

"I really doubt it is vampires since lesser ones are not exactly subtle, especially in large cities. Higher grade vampires can also easily blend into human society without drawing attention to themselves most of the time. The odds of this being a legitimate vampire to deal with is quite low, apparently even the guards didn't take poster seriously… also the reward is only five bizants." I stated.

Which was really lowballing, even for normal Witcher work.

"Come now Markus! Surely it is your duty to at least make sure a potentially dangerous being isn't lurking about! If it is as you say it should be a simple thing to put the poster's mind at ease in a short time." Ivar pleaded.

"You are just saying that cause you really hope it's a vampire… fine we will go check it out, but don't get all mopey on me again if it turns out like the 'haunted' manor did. If that was faked don't get high hopes for this." I stressed.

"You have my word!... now what was this about High Vampires living among us? Do you have statistics as to how many per human?" Ivar suddenly pulled a notebook and lead pencil from seemingly nowhere while staring intently at me.

… You know what, I don't actually mind since it could be the first small step for people not to demonize all vampires. Some could be real decent people after all, most being quite willingly to leave humans be and only drink blood like people do alcohol.

Huh, I wonder if vampires had their own version of AA for those who want to swear off blood like Regis did.

Only they call it BDA, 'Blood Drinkers Anonymous.'

I know I shouldn't laugh out loud at that idea considering how noble it was, but it still sounded funny and something I could totally see Regis starting it up if the idea was passed on to him.

--

The Merchant District was in the middle of the city, right between the harbor to the south and the main road to the north. It was ideally situated to get the most traffic from both directions, and kept the merchants from having to travel too far in either direction to accomplish their business. Like the rest of the city, most of the buildings were made from stone. Most of the shops had a barker outside the front door to promote their wares and lure unsuspecting shoppers into their grasp. I dodged one particularly pushy barker who was trying to get me to buy the latest and greatest in, er, 'supportive undergarments'. Like, dude, do I really look like someone who'd want to buy those?

… I didn't want the answer to that.

Ivar and I threaded our way through the crowds until we came to the address given on the notice. It was a sommelier's shop - that is, a wine merchant. A gaggle of children were playing outside the front step with a stick and hoop. One child would roll the wicker hoop and run alongside it while guiding it with a stick; the other children would try to throw stones and dirt clods through the hoop as it rolled along. Another group of kids were playing mumbly-peg, throwing pocket knives into circles scratched in the dirt of a small flower bed. The goal was to make them land point-down as close to the center as possible, and small coins and trinkets passed hands based on the results of a throw.

All of them couldn't have been much older than ten at the most. They must be the children of locals who owned and ran shops. I guess when not at home or assisting with business they were given free reigns in the streets, a terrifying notion for a number of reasons.

One boy noticed us, or more specifically me, who then alerted his friends and pointed me out.

Next thing I know all the playing had stopped and they had huddled together, a mix of fearful and nervous. I could easily hear a bunch of mumbled whispering before as a group the children pushed an older brown haired girl in front of them and towards me. The girl took a deep breath and walked up to me before looking me straight in the eye, before quickly averting her gaze towards the ground.

"M-master Witcher?" she asked nervously.

"Yes, I am a Witcher. You need something?"

"Yo-you're here about the the notice we po-posted?" She asked.

I raised an eyebrow and turned to Ivar, who at least had the dignity to look sheepish.

"Well I guess that explains the poor writing and the fact it was on shortest part of board… why did you post a notice about a vampire?"

"Cause we saw one! Our mas and pas don't believe we did, not even the guards do and they are supposed to protect us! Vampires steal away children and suck out all their blood till they're like jerky! That is why we got all our allowances together to hire a Witcher! You kill all kinds of monsters, right?"

"Yes, we do. But are you sure you saw a vampire? I can't tell you how many times adults have mistaken something harmless as a monster after all." I tried to reason.

"It's true though! We has proof!" the young girl stomped her foot.

"Oh really? You mind showing me this proof…"

"Molly." Molly helpfully provided.

"Molly." I nodded.

"Course, this way!" Molly said while boldly grabbing my hand and dragging me further down the street. I could hear from behind me Ivar and the small herd of children following along, the latter at more of a distance.

"So, how did you and your friends come across this vampire?" I asked while letting the child guide me. I think I was getting odd looks from passersby at the witcher being guided by the hand by a small child.

"Well… we didn't actually see it…" Molly said.

"Yeah…" I said in a slightly annoyed

"But we found where it lives! We like playing in places no one uses anymore cause no one gets mad if they don't see it, and one day Hugo found some doors to a cellar. We thought would be great since cellars are fun to play pretend in, like heroes saving princesses from dungeons and stuff, but when we went down to explore… there were people bones and we could hear breathing…" Molly whispered to me, as if she was afraid someone would over here.

"Okay, that is a legitimate cause for concern. But why did you automatically think it was a vampire?" I asked.

Could just be a human serial killer of something… which isn't much better but still.

"Cause while everyone ran home scared I stayed outside and spied on place from behind a cart. I wanted to tell the guards who was there. I waited all day and nothing happened, I was getting tired and knew ma and pa would worry so I almost left. Then the sun went down and some man came out. He was dressed all noble like, like the people that buy wine from pa. When he looked towards where I was hiding though… his eyes were scary. Kinda like yours, but way scarier!" Molly explained.

Hmm, well her story wasn't totally out there… but still…

Before I could think over it much further Molly pointed out our destination, another wine shop that was near edge of Merchant District to what lead to Noble District. It looked old, worn down, and not been in business in years. Windows and front door boarded up and the sign of grapes and a bottle hanging off one rusty chain as it swung in the wind.

But that wasn't what stood out to me.

No, it was the smell of blood, lots of it. Old and new. It wouldn't be noticeable to humans but my nose didn't lie, and neither did the subtle blood trail I could see in a nearby alley that most likely led to the cellar entrance Molly had talked about.

"Stay here, all of you." I said to Molly, Ivar and the children who had kept their distance of about twenty feet away. No one argued with my tone of voice.

I slowly stepped into the alley, following the old and dried blood drops till the turn a corner and led to a cellar entrance which looked locked, but wasn't.

I bent down to the entrance and held out my medallion close to it. I could notice it shaking slightly which was proof that something magical was involved not to far away since the range on it wasn't more than a dozen feet at most.

That combined with overwhelming smell of blood of location, the witnessed human bones and heavy breathing, and scary eyed man who only came up after the sun was down? It all summed up vampire, even if ones capable of having a normal human form weren't negatively affected by sunlight they still preferred darkness, and Molly and her friends were very brave indeed to investigate as far as they did.

If this vampire meant them harm… well there was nothing much they could do about it. It no doubt knew about them but had written them off as a non-threat.

However, they had instead used their trump card.

They summoned a bigger fish.

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#297

"I want you to take Molly and the other children back, now." I made sure by my tone that I would broker no argument.

"So is it…" Ivar looked suitable aware of the reality of the situation for once, for all his love of monsters the last thing he wanted was for anyone to be caught in the path of a dangerous one.

"All the evidence seems to point to it. It could be something different, but it's unlikely, and I know it's magic so not just some insane human with a body parts collection or something like that. Either way this is something that needs to be solved one way or another and the last thing I want is having children around. That is why you are watching over them until they get home and not moving yourself till I come back, understand."

"Of course, I-" Ivar was interrupted by a high-pitched voice next to him.

"I'm not leaving! I, we, hired you to kill the vampire. I want to see it dead so I know it's dead." Molly demanded, having heard the last parts of our conversation after reuniting with her friends.

"Molly, you did a good job bringing this to my attention, but now you need to go home and stay there. I promise to bring proof but I can't do my job and worry about you all at the same time, understand?" I reasoned.

Wow, that was such an epic pouting face, but I didn't budge on this and eventually all she did was nod, clearly upset.

"Good, now off with you all. I need to invade someone's bowels… basement, you know what I mean." I waved them off and watched as Ivar herded the children down the street.

The valuable clients safe, I returned to the alley and the cellar entrance.

Now, how to handle this? It's a higher grade vampire since it can transform into something human-looking so it's intelligent, but the bones and overwhelming smell of blood does not inspire confidence that this is one of the reasonable ones. I know I shouldn't judge based on species… but Higher Vampires alone are terrifying for good reason so hope I'm not dealing with one of those.

Okay, safety first. One body hugging full power Quen, a drink of Superior Thunderbolt, Tawny Oil, Petri's Philter, and of course Black Blood, and finally I rubbed some basic Vampire Oil on my silver sword. My low-light vision should be good enough for a regular cellar, but if it was darker and went deeper than it should… shouldn't risk it, taking a dose of Superior Cat on top of it.

If I looked in a mirror I am sure that after all the potions I just drank my veins and eyes would look black, though not as bad as it could be - thanks to high level potions and my own skills, the toxicity was relatively low.

Now that I was all buffed up it was time for my next move… I knocked. No reason to not be polite.

I waited a few moments with no answer and no sound of movement beyond door before knocking again louder. Still no answer.

I guess this guy just assumes that whoever it is will walk off… or vampires are super heavy sleepers. Amusing thoughts aside, guess I was going to have to enter the belly of the beast.

Here's hoping that the vampire takes my intruding well.

I carefully reached for the cellar door and gave it a tug, it opening much easier than an establishment that shouldn't have been occupied for years should have been. It didn't even squeak on the hinges.

The inside was noticeably dark, not even the stairs being well illuminated due to the alley blocking the sun's rays at its current angle. Thankfully, my Witcher vision enhanced by a potion made it all well lit to my eyes.

I carefully crept down the steps, working hard to make them as quiet as possible and avoiding making much noise. All the while, my silver blade was up and ready at a moment's notice.

It was the most tense few steps down of my life.

I finally made it to the cellar floor and moved down a short hallway before turning into the cellar proper. Huge casks that must have held lots of wine were stacked in rows alongside many smaller barrels. It was dark, much more than you would expect really, though I guess a mostly stone built town made it so not many cracks to let light in.

Of course, I didn't miss the human bones that were were occasionally laying on the ground. Not littered, but more like tossed aside like bits of crumpled junkmail or something. As for how I knew they were human, well Witcher knowledge combined with modern anatomy classes helped me figure out quick they didn't belong to any animal that walked on four legs.

The skull also helped, sitting as it was on a passing shelf in a weird sense of decoration.

I honestly never got the whole skulls motif myself, seemed tacky at this point.

Also the smell of blood was constantly hanging in the air now, so much it was hard to do anything with my nose. I wish I had a plug for it.

I turned a corner for one of the rows and walked down it to the sound of dripping, it got steadily louder before I turned another corner and… oh boy.

That was a naked body hanging from the rafters. A naked body with a slit open throat that was dripping blood into a large metal basin that had a tap attached to the side. Around said taps was several bottles and as I looked around I could see quite a few more bottles stacked on their side on wine shelves.

I counted over a dozen shelves and easily dozens upon dozens of wine bottles filled which I was suspiciously sure was not wine.

A quick sniff on the inside of a bottle I picked up off the ground that didn't have a cork in it yet confirmed my guess, it was blood. I suppose this explained why this place stank of it.

I turned my eyes back to the hanging body and examined it.

It was a man, that was clear. A tall and muscular one with a number of tattoos over his arms and chest. Basically looked like those that hung out around docks when we passed by there. Other than the silt throat no obvious signs of trauma or defensive wounds, must have been knocked out, hung up, and then juiced as his own heart pumped out blood as he died and then gravity did the rest of the work. No more than a few days dead at least.

Okay, this vampire obviously didn't mind killing and appeared to even store blood away for future use rather than suck down everything in one go.

Question was, where was the vampire himself… or herself.

I moved past the morbid juicing station and continued to look around cellar. Most just more empty casks and barrels in rows, seemed liked vampire wasn't using them for storage or anything like that for blood. I walked down a few more rows till I came across another door.

Going through this one showed a very different room. A very.. classy one?

There were no windows, and no other sources of lights in the room. A few candles were ensconced in the walls, but were unlit. A desk sat in one corner of the room, an upholstered chair pulled up beside it and an oil lamp atop the desk. Shelves of books were scattered around the room, and the walls were covered in expensive-looking drapes and tapestries. The air was filled with dust.

Along one wall, the farthest one from the entrance, a long oak box sat. It was covered with detailed carvings and scrollwork, and atop was a lid. The… casket… looked incredibly expensive. My enhanced hearing could hear tiny puffs of air coming from within. Looks like I caught the vampire at home.

I mean, I guess it lives up to idea people had about vampire lairs, super fancy and comfy despite their location and owners. I wonder how all this cost and effort it took to transport it down here though. Even with a being with great strength for their size it sounds like it would have been a lot of work and effort, and as someone who has been forced to move other people's crap several times in life I know how bothersome it was.

I'm getting sidetracked, point was I found my target's lair and from the sounds of breathing coming from fancy casket was still asleep.

I'm not sure if that meant I was good at sneaking, or more likely this guy was a super heavy sleeper like I had first thought. I mean, no alarms, traps or anything!

There weren't any Vampire Hunters or anything besides Witchers in the Witcherverse as far as I was aware, and Witchers were a rarity and vampire senses are super good so maybe they don't see the point of extra security?

Anyway I could end this all right now… maybe. While I didn't totally buy what Regis said to Geralt about only Higher Vampires being able to kill Higher Vampires, I do admit it was ridiculously tough to put one down permanently. Regis was melted into a freaking pillar with magic fire for goodness sake, and he got better in only a few years! With help yes, but still!

That was nearly Wolverine and Deadpool levels of ridiculous healing power right there!

Ideally I was dealing with a vampire that while in the upper end wasn't a Higher one. Something like a Bruxa or an Alp, things that I can still kill the traditional way if it came down to it.

Still, seemed kinda rude to just gank someone while they slept. I mean, yes they killed a person and likely others to collect blood, but I wanted answers first before I did anything I might regret due to a misunderstanding. Still, I could be smart about this.

I went up to the casket and on the floor in front of it put down ten Yrden Signs, my limit and would stop even a Higher Vampire in its tracks if it was being threatening. I could activate them at a moment's notice with a thought and a quick activation signal I assume was magical in nature, drawing mana or something shit from me. I wasn't no mage after all, I just knew parlor tricks compared to them.

I had already potioned up and it would be in my system for a little while longer, so I did the polite thing.

I knocked on the casket loudly.

"Rise and shine, and don't go bursting out of there in monster mode. I just want to talk." I said quickly and clearly.

There was a long pause as I heard the steady breathing from within the casket stop.

"Step back, if you would please." Came the muffled request and I did just that.

I watched as the casket's lid was pushed upwards on built in hinges with a single hand and a very posh looking man stood up from inside, glaring at me all the way. He was tall and thin, but not emaciated, and had black hair that came to a very sharp widow's peak. He was wearing trousers, a white shirt, and what looked like a dinner jacket, and had on black leather gloves. His eyes were brown, with what looked like flecks of gold in the iris. He stood next to the casket and gave me a considering look.

He sniffed the air - once, twice, thrice - and narrowed his eyes even more. "Dog tallow and ducal water, with a hint of wolfsbane. Ingredients in Vampire Oil. Yellow eyes, engorged black veins across the face and neck. You're a Witcher. Going by your equipment, you not only know what I am, but came prepared for the job. Your silver sword is drawn yet you didn't take the opportunity to kill me in my sleep. Curious. A Witcher who won't kill monsters. Why is that, I wonder? Hmm, your medallion says you are from the School of the Griffin, some sense of chivalry and fair play perhaps?" Shit, did I just get Sherlocked by a vampire?

"I will admit it doesn't sit well with me to kill people while they sleep, but the main reason I woke you up is like I said, to talk. I'm aware that vampires capable of taking on human shape are much more reasonable on average than your lesser cousins. Granted I have lots of questions about the dead human you are draining outside of your room. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of vampire are you?" I asked politely but forcibly, making sure he was aware I was prepared for a fight if he started it.

He chuckled. "A polite Witcher! To think I'd live to see this day! I'll answer your question with one of my own. If I'm not a lower vampire, and since alps and bruxae are invariably female, what do you think I can be? There aren't many options left after you rule those out."

Great, a vampire that likes dueling with words. What a surprise, not.

"Well then, since you aren't decked out in jewelry I don't think you are a katakan. Don't know much about mulases but you don't like going out during the day while they don't mind it. Not to mention you said something about me killing you, if you were a Higher Vampire you wouldn't worry about that since nothing I could reasonably do could put you down for long. I suppose when it comes down to it you must be a mosferat, the only vampire type among the higher grades that is actively damaged by sunlight, which explains why you are sleeping the whole day away." I fired back.

He clapped his hands sarcastically. "Bravo, dear Witcher! Bravo! It's good to see that there's a modicum of knowledge in that void you call a skull. Given that you've yet to put that silver blade of yours through my own, I can only assume that you truly do want to talk. You know I'm dangerous, yet believe me to be rational. Do you want me to present a defense for my actions, or shall we skip to the end and conclude matters in the traditional manner?"

"I know for a fact that higher grade vampires like you don't need to drink blood, being basically like alcohol for you lot. You also don't need to kill to get your fix since a handsome guy like you could seduce plenty of ladies with ease and give them a small bite while they slept. So my main question is why you killed that man and if you've done it before. Assuming who he was I might not give your grief over it since I'd be a hypocrite otherwise. I will admit I'm also curious about your stored blood supply, that just for you or are you a supplier to other vampires that live in the city?"

"I'll answer the second question first - he is not the first human I've killed. Nor will he be the last. As for who he was… well, I never caught the name, but him I found last week by the harbor in the process of raping one of the local whores. I hit him over the head, tossed the woman a few coins for her silence, and strung him up by his ankles. I then slit his throat to drain him of his blood. That was about four days ago - I imagine the last of it will have drained out by this point. I'll probably toss the corpse in the harbor for the fish - I'm not a katakan that eats human flesh." He was surprisingly direct and nonchalant as he described his actions. "As for your final question, my reasons for storing the blood are twofold - there's always the risk of a lean season for me, and there are a handful of other vampires in the city who come to me for a sample when it's too dangerous to hunt someone down for themselves. Not to mention that like alcohol, blood tastes different from person to person, the quality of life usually being the most important factor for taste. I consider myself something of a connoisseur of blood types, and the local community knows to trust my discernment. Other than the lowlifes I slay most of the blood I gather I get from my trysts or paid for by others who I make take various drugs beforehand so they have no memory of it, who I pay for their donations. There is no harm done to them as they recover the lost blood easily over a short time, you humans are surprisingly resilient if not killed outright I have found." He finished in a slightly annoyed tone.

Huh, wow, did not expect to stumble upon this. But if he is telling the truth…

I sheathed my sword and took out some White Honey to quickly purge the potions from by body. I notice the vampire raises an eyebrow at my intentionally weakening myself. Joke's on him, I still had the Yrden Signs if he decides to do something stupid.

"Alright, I can't say I am in a position to completely take you at your word here, but since there haven't been any number of reported disappearances from my friend, who is the captain of the guard by the way, I think you are at least partly telling the truth. I could investigate this further to really tell if you're lying or not, but I have better things to do than invade someone's private life. Do know though, if I hear and find anything that involves you killing innocent people who don't have it coming, you can be sure I will find and kill you. That sound fair? We don't have to be friends, but I don't like killing anyone when I feel it is not needed or just. We all make our way through this world somehow after all, not all free of blood but we can choose whose we shed." I finished.

Man, watching all that TV and no one knowing the references is making me come across much more learned than I really am.

The vampire raised his brows in surprise. "Remarkable," he said under his breath. In a louder voice, he said, "Considering that Witchers don't work for free, may I assume that your client will be unhappy with your decision to spare me?"

"I did this one pretty much for free since I didn't take it seriously at first and I'm already pretty loaded. The reason why I am here is because some kids you mostly likely thought wouldn't be believed by anyone about you hired me. I recommend you move shop if you want to avoid annoyances in future. I will tell them there was just a squatter living here who smells super bad and likes leaving the remains of his food around, close enough to the truth." I smirked.

"I'll have you know I own this building, thank you very much!" was his indigent response as I snorted and turned around to take my leave.

"Also, I found the human bones and skulls super tacky. Not sure if it's an intentional design choice but you should really change that up. Also, if you meet a man named Ivar at some point never mention you are a vampire or else I am half sure he will lock you in a room and ask for your life story with a crazed look in his eye. Just some friendly advice."

"That is remarkably specific advice. Surprising one moment and annoying the next, you are a very odd Witcher."

"I'm just a guy thrown into a crazy life doing his best to do some good in the world till I either die horribly or pass on to the next. And that is the gods' honest truth." I giggled at the inside joke.

Who else can say they confused a vampire so thoroughly?

Last edited: Jan 24, 2020

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Jan 24, 2020

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Threadmarks Chapter 15

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Massgamer

Massgamer

Advance toward the Future

Jan 26, 2020

#326

After my meeting with the blood merchant vampire I made my way back to Ivar and the kids back at wine shop that was still in business. Unlike before the kids weren't playing though, just sitting around with worried looks on their faces as Ivar tried and failed at keeping their spirits up. Of course, once they saw me walking down road to them they all suddenly got equal parts worried and excited.

Molly was the first to run up to me and demanding I explain everything, and so I did… in a believable and technically true fashion that hopefully would calm her justified fears but keep vampire underwraps to avoid future issues.

"So it's only a weird poor noble living in cellar? How can a noble be poor though?" Molly asked a very insightful question.

"Doesn't make much sense to me either, but yes there can be nobles who are dirt poor but still have their title to them. Don't ask me for details why it works."

"Why is he living in an old shop though, and the bones?!"

"He owns the building, and as for the bones he is just bad at cleaning up after himself. Seriously, it was a bloody mess in there and he still had things like a nice desk to make himself feel important. You have nothing to worry about since despite being a cold man he has his principles… I think."

"I always knew lots of nobles were weird and dumb… sorry for saying it was vampire and hiring you. The adults were right about us…" Molly admonished herself.

Oh dang, that won't do at all.

I kneeled down to look her directly in the eye and this time she didn't turn away, which made the forming tears at her perceived stupidity all the more clear.

"You were worried about yourself, your friends, and your loved ones. No one believed you yet rather than giving up and doing nothing you tried hard to seek professional help. That is a good mindset to have in the face of things you don't understand and just because your gut was incorrect doesn't mean you should beat yourself up. Not even grownups have all the answers so you should always want to make sure of things yourself whenever you can. The point is what you did came out of concern and all things considered I think you reacted well. Who knows, maybe in the future you will become a leader among men because you know how to act in the face of extreme situations." I encouraged.

The last thing I wanted was this bright young mind to be discouraged into not speaking her mind and thinking that children were best seen, not heard. After all, had the vampire been much less reasonable she would have been the hero of the hour by bringing it to my attention.

Molly sniffed hard and nodded at me, a determined glint in her eye.

"Think you, Mister Witcher."

"You can call me Markus, don't be afraid to post on the notice board in future again if you think a monster threatens what you love. It's my guild's job after all." I said with a smile as I patted her head.

"... You're not as scary as some stories about Witchers say you are. You are people that kill monsters like the griffins, but lots also say you steal children away and stuff. I don't believe those bad stories now."

"Thanks for your faith in me. Also, since there was no monster involved, I will not be accepting my reward on this job so you and your friends can have their money back. Now, head on over and tell them the good news. I do recommend you not play around abandoned buildings anymore since even without monsters those places can be dangerous. Now, stay safe and enjoy being a child before you are stuck dealing with grownup stuff like me." I said with giving her a friendly push that earned me a giggle.

I watched as she ran off to other kids and started talking excitedly with them.

"... So-" Ivar stepped up next to me with a gleam in his eye, and I was happy to cut him off.

"Yes, there really was a vampire living in cellar, no, I didn't kill him, no, I do not think he wants any kind of interview and I will not help you get it, and yes, he can easily kill you if you try to force the issue. There are much more accommodating vampires in the world I'm sure will love to talk your ear off and I'm sure we will encounter at least a few, so don't get mopey on me. The job is done and, assuming our follow up goes well, I won't need to kill anyone, let's go then." I turned around and started walking while Ivar was quick to shut up and follow.

"Thank you, Markus!" I heard Molly yell and turned around to see her and several other kids waving their hands at our parting forms.

I waved back and couldn't help but smile a bit since this was what the job should be about. Helping others feel safe in a world full of uncertainty.

Now… since I didn't just take the vampire at his word I wanted to do at least a little follow up. Thankfully, I knew a guy in law enforcement.

--

"Missing persons? Why the interest?" Stig asked while overlooking the training yard in front of barracks.

"Just following up on something I just did; covering all my bases, as it were."

"Hmmm, nothing sticks out. Pont Vanis is a pretty safe city, folk trust us to look into things and me and my boys do a good job of keeping the peace in most places. Sure people go missing on occasion, but usually cause they got lost themselves for one reason or another. Nothing at the moment that makes me think foul play is involved or would include work a Witcher does."

"Maybe these would be people that wouldn't be reported as missing by most? Beggars, whores, criminals, those sorts?"

"I got a few contacts in the local underworld, we have an understanding and such that nothing too serious happens while I run things and I don't waste resources running after every two-bit smuggler and operation. There aren't a lot of beggars in the city, most can find at least basic work barring serious stuff that prevents it, and I'm sure as hell that the Prostitutes Guild would raise a stink with me if any of their members started going missing with no explanation."

"Wait, there's a Prostitutes Guild?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"But of course! They provide a valuable service to the men and women of the city after all. They have coin and influence in a lot of circles since near everyone 'partakes' of their services and skills. They're not the most public about it, but I know for a fact I would have heard something if their members were involved in something worrying. Hells, we're usually the first they call on when some idiot thinks he can get out of paying for time or can assault them. Better us than the guild's toughs, let me tell you."

Huh, that was surprisingly progressive in a libertarian sort of way. Sure, there was likely a dark underbelly in that like in any organization, but if sex workers were being protected under law in general that is positive.

"I see, is there a chance though that some of the less complying members of groups could go missing and no one says anything?"

"Of course, we call that a 'Vanis Retirement'. Those who don't listen to rules and get cocky shouldn't be surprised if they find themselves at the business end of a club and dumped in the harbor. Don't get me wrong, there are some bad men in power all over the place but they usually have restraint. If you don't… well no one cries over you." Stig said with no compassion, and I can't say I entirely blame him.

Hmm, that seems to support the vampire's story… and I just realized I never asked nor he gave a name. Whatever, doesn't seem likely I will need to track him down anyhow. And even if I wanted to he likely gone to ground and is planning to move lairs.

Sure it was still daylight so I could go back over there before he does, but what would be the point at this time? Just say that I found some information that might confirm his story but still circumstantial at best?

I'd just have to hope that this vampire was on the up and up for the most part and that my threat keeps him from doing anything sketchy, it's not like he knows I'm leaving in a few days after all.

Hoping for the best in the end was the most I could do if I wanted to avoid killing a guy who I'm not sure is guilty of doing much more than what I or the current justice system would do.

Point was, I was only human, albeit a mutant one, and can only make calls based on what I knew and my own moral compass.

I'm sure a decision of mine will bite me in the ass one day but I can't second-guess myself all the time. I'm sure I could do any action I take differently and better, but sadly I had no powers of foresight.

Great, I was overthinking now. I just needed to move forward or else I would never get anywhere.

"Thanks Stig, I think you've helped set me at ease at least a little bit. I'm gonna be leaving soon for the south so we should meet up for a final goodbye before then if possible."

"Sure! I'm sure my family would love to see you off with some proper food before you slum it at sea for weeks. Be sure to stop by the night before and we can all give you a going away meal." Stig easily agreed with a smile.

"It's a promise."

--

"Awww, look at you all! You all want to go on adventurers and track down monsters don't you? Yes you do, yes you do!" My cooing at the pile of puppies in a wooden box must have been really ruining the image of all Witchers, but I didn't care at the moment.

Ivar and I followed up on the earlier notice board post about hunting dog puppies for sale and went to address the hunter put down near the market. He had only arrived the other day and was happy to have potential customers… even if it was a Witcher sticking his head in said box to be assaulted by the cutest creatures ever.

The hunter looked to be in his late twenties, with an athletic build made more for moving around quickly rather than the piles of meat by docks made for hauling cargo. He carried his bow and a few other hunter tools with him while hanging out by his emptied-out cart, most likely having sold off pelts and things to local merchants already, and was dealing with selling the puppies himself since he prided himself on his dog breeding. He had a scar that ran across the bridge of his nose from ear to ear.

Speaking of ears, he was an elf. Which made determining his age at all pretty hard, especially when he went on about how he had been breeding good hunting companions for decades.

The pups themselves looked like a weird mix of bloodhound and lab, not that it stopped them from being the sweetest little things ever!

"If trained properly they can track anything for miles and even bring down smaller animals themselves. They can also be great at giving early warnings about hostile monsters if they know the scent to be on look out for. I never had a dog that didn't take to training well if started young and stayed that way till death." Devdan stated with pride.

"You don't have to sell them on me, friend. I want them all! Sadly, I'm on the road a lot so I can only take one to give full attention to while doing my job. I already have one defenseless animal who needs me to look after him and he isn't nearly as cute."

"Hey!" was Ivar's prediciatable reply.

"Hmmm, how about this one?" I said while picking up a black-coated girl who just licked my face as I held her close. "I like her spirit!"

"Sure, though I do ask you do what you can to care for her. Dogs are great companions and should be treated as such till the end, not cattle that live and die at our convenience." Devdan sneered near the end.

"You have my word I will do everything I can to watch her back as she watches mine." I said in all seriousness… before it vanished completely from the puppy nipping at my fingers. "I shall name her… Dogmeat! After a noble canine who no matter what the world threw at her would face it head on and make even the most deadly of beasts fall to her fangs!" I said while holding Dogmeat up high.

All that got me was weird looks from Iver and Devdan. Well too bad, she's my dog and she shall be Dogmeat!

"Right… I will let you take her for no less than 50 bizants."

"Deal, I'll even throw in another 50 if you give me some dried food just for Dogmeat."

"I'll grab something. Be sure to take care of her and she will do the same."

"I've no doubt she will. Oh, Ivar good news. Since we have a dog now you can help pay back for my protection by picking up her shit." I said with a cruel smile.

"What?!"

"I dare you to say no to this face, I dare you." I said menacingly as I used Dogmeat's puppy dog eyes on him.

He stood no chance.

--

The next day and with our newest party member literally in hand (Dogmeat got tired after walking up to the halfway point), we found ourselves back at Rasben's and Therdur's Weapons, Armor, and Everything Forged under the Sun to pick up commission I made about a week ago.

"Hi Rasben, here to pick up my order. You got everything done, right?" I greeted the gnome after he was through selling a spear to a customer.

"But of course! Delays only happen when smiths can't produce quality content within a reasonable timeframe, and we produce nothing but quality work. Got everything for you right here, assuming you can afford it of course.

"Did some well paying work and unless I'm buying your whole stock I should have everything covered." I said while passing Dogmeat to Ivar and pulling out my coin pouch from my side. It dropped onto the counter with a noticeable jingle.

That just caused Rasben to raise his eyebrows in shock before chuckling to himself. Not long after he returned from the back from with my orders in hand and spread them out across the countertop.

"First things first, here are thirty crossbow bolts - silver tipped and barbed, as you requested." he said as I picked up a bolt and examined it myself.

I could see the silver sheen on the outside of what was likely a steel core.The barbs were quite large so anything they entered would require lots of effort to get out. Perfect for most creatures I would hunt and allowed me to do serious damage at range, but I would have to work to make sure I can recover them.

"Second is a dimeritium chain with three weighted ends, wrap this around a mage or some other magic using being and you can expect it to ruin their day." Rasben explained, presenting what was effectively an anti-magic bola to toss at people.

I would need to practice with it to make sure I could hit a target and wrap it around a limb well. It even doubled as restraints if I wanted to capture a magic user alive, and as long as they weren't a Source the metal should prevent them from using any magic.

"And finally we have the odder request, I sewed a dimeritium loop on the inside of your armored cap. Not sure what you hope to do there." he said in confusion while I put on cap that didn't look much different than when I first bought it. I quickly made the Igni Sign and summoned forth a small flame, proving that it won't mess with my own magic if not touching my skin. I can only hope that the idea of it being able to prevent mind magic of all kinds on me will work out, though I won't know until I have an actual mage test it out.

Still hope I don't run across one skilled in such arts for obvious reasons.

"Thanks for your quality work, Rasben. I know they will serve me well as I head off on my Path."

"It's my business, be sure to spread around who did good work for you. No advertisement like happy customers!"

"That, I can do."

--

Our last night in Pont Vanis had us take up Stig's invitation to have dinner with his family in his home. His girls were currently playing with Dogmeat, having rushed to finish their dinner to do so, and she was loving the attention. Meanwhile, me and the other grownups were taking our time enjoying Vera's dinner and making small talk.

"Thanks for having us over once more. I'm guessing the meals at sea won't be half as good as they are now so it's nice to enjoy it while we can. Stig, you are one lucky bastard." I complimented the pretty lady at the table.

He smiled at the lovely blonde sitting next to him. "And don't I know it!" he replied, reaching over and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Ugh, married couples. You're so sweet together I'm surprised your children aren't rolling around all day from all the sugar you produce." I jested.

"Markus! There is no need to insult our hosts so for showing affection for each other, the world needs more of it in my opinion." Ivar chastised me.

We all got a good laugh around the table at that while the girls giggled as they were chased by a yipping Dogmeat.

It was a very wholesome environment… gods know when I will feel this safe and secure again.

"So Markus, where are you and Ivar heading out towards anyhow?" Vera asked.

"Our stopping point is going to be Novigrad before we take the Pontar River to our main destination up in northeast in Kaedwen. Can't say much more than that sadly, guild secrets and all." I explained.

"And you're taking a Nilfgaardian ship, yeah?" Stig asked.

"Yeah, one of their Guild of Merchants vessels. Should be a pretty straightforward trip barring anything extreme popping up." I said while trying not to imagine nightmare DnD encounters that always happened at sea.

Please, no kraken, no kraken, please no kraken...

"Careful around the Nilfgaardians, sneaky bastards the lot of them." Vera said, and I noticed Stig cringe a little at her side. Not digging into that anymore.

"Also, since it is a merchant vessel you hitched a ride on it won't be straight to Novigrad most likely. You'll spend some days along towns on coast worth trading with most likely, but assuming the winds and gods treat you kindly you should make down there in only a few weeks." Stig explained.

"Makes sense, just because we bought a ticket doesn't mean merchants won't take a chance to make coin when they can. You know anything about the stops we are liable to make on the way south?"

"Sure do!" Stig affirmed. "I talk with merchants on a regular basis - it's always good to hear about any issues in the other cities that might affect mine. Fortunately, I've not heard about any significant issues on the sea route between here and Blaviken. From there, it's…"

He paused when I dropped my spoon in shock and caused soup to splash onto the tablecloth.

"I'm sorry, can you repeat that last bit?" I asked a little stunned.

He looked at me with concern. "...the sea route between here and Blaviken doesn't have any significant issues? Markus, is something wrong?"

"... No, nothing wrong per se. The name just brings up… memories is all."

After all, what fan of The Witcher doesn't know the name of the town where Geralt of Rivia got his infamous title?

I hope the fifty plus years has made the townsfolk mellow out a bit… who was I kidding.

Will be a nice nerd visit at least.

Last edited: Jan 27, 2020

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Advance toward the Future

Jan 30, 2020

#368

The day had finally come, Ivar and I waiting by a specific dock, horses and Dogmeat in hand, till we were allowed to board as the crew ran about making final preparations.

They ran around in ordered chaos hauling the last bits of cargo by hand or wooden crane, doing some last minute maintenance of ship, and likely a bunch of other things I was totally unaware of since I had no knowledge of anything naval beyond bare bones basics.

As for the ship itself… I was honestly expecting it to be bigger, though that was likely due to comparing it to ships back home in modern era. I am sure cargo container ships would equally freak out and cause local merchants to pass out in wonder at the site of them alone, let alone the amount of trade goods they could carry at once.

The ship was about a hundred and thirty feet long, with one tall central mast and a smaller one towards the front, the central mast I noticed flew the Nilfgaardian flag. Instead of using a rudder with a steering boom, it had a wheel like the Black Pearl's from Pirates of the Caribbean. For defense, the captain had hired a small mercenary band with about fifteen members. Oh, and me I suppose. A square hole was built into the deck that led down to the hold, for moving large cargo I assumed. On either side of said hole, rope ladders led down to the hold for the crew to move in and out of the hold.

Hmm, I think I remember reading somewhere that older ships were coated in pitch and other flammable material in order to make them function better? Wasn't sure… but I would avoid using Igni when aboard just to be safe.

My musings were interrupted when an equally well-dressed and built man stepped before us, I assume he was captain of ship considering not a minute before he was shouting orders to crew in a language I didn't understand before walking our way. He wore a sailor's long coat, hat, and even had a sword on his side. His black hair and beard were well trimmed compared to his more scruffy looking crew. He also had this barely restrained annoyed expression that was hidden under a look and tone of total politeness.

I assume he didn't appreciate landlubbers on his ship but had to deal with it since we bought passage through his guild in the first place.

"I am captain Elio Pisapia of the Wave Rider. I am told you two and your beasts have booked passage aboard my vessel until Novigrad. Let it be known here and now that while on my ship I am god and I expect you to follow orders when I deem necessary for the well being of my ship. You're not sailors nor likely have any experience in such things so don't expect me to interact with you unless I wish it. During times of great need I do expect you to pull your weight because I have no plans to die due to laziness. Assuming the Great Sun is with us this voyage will be a typical one, but only a foolish man expects the sea to adhere to his plans. I am clear, gentlemen?" Captain Eilo stated in a polite yet stern voice that had a hint of an Italian accent.

"Of course, captain. Last thing we want is to mess up your crew's effectiveness at helping us cross this big deadly body of water likely infested in things that would happily drown and eat us, not always in that order." I stated.

"I have the utmost respect for those who are experts in fields that I lack. You will find no trouble from me." Ivar said with a bow.

"Excellent. I will likely invite you two for meals later on since I imagine there is much to talk about with a Witcher and scholar traveling together. Now then, allow my crew to safely take your horses abroad while we do the same." Eilo stated while barking more orders to a few crewmen in native Nilfgaardian most likely.

They quickly came over and took the reins of Ivar's horse and Griffin, leading them over to the crane to lift them up and then lower them below deck in a stable area for transporting animals in general. We instead went up the gangplank, following after the captain, who led us to a section of the crew's sleeping area that would be ours alone. It having hammocks made them cool despite likely all the terrible realities of medieval sea travel I am sure to discover. Unlike crew we were told that during the course of the trip as long as we didn't interfere with duties of crew or do anything wrong we would be free to move about the ship.

After another half hour of the ship getting prepared the captain bellowed out that we were ready to depart.

I watched from the front of the ship as men untied the Wave Rider from the dock, starting bringing up the anchor, and rolling down the sails. The central mast had a massive square sail and the front one a smaller triangular sail, both showcasing a rising sun within a large triangle to show that this ship belongs to the Guild of Merchants as well as the Nilfgaardian Empire. Best hope that no raiders from Skellige think that this ship is an easy score since I didn't really hate the people nor their reasons for hating Nilfgaard, the empire is not afraid to pull some shifty shit to advance their power after all.

With the sails unfurled they caught the wind and we started to slowly leave the docks of Pont Vanis. A little bit later were were leaving the port and defending breakwaters that defended it from the sea itself or less natural invaders while passing other ships coming and going on their own voyages. Barely an hour later and Pont Vanis was behind us out of sight and I was truly on my way into the more well known and dangerous parts of the Northern Kingdoms, with the first stop being arguably the most legendary place of the setting for the main character.

All I could do now was hope voyage went well and nothing terribly bad happened.

--

Something terribly bad happened, I realized that combined with my own hate of sunlight, how said sun easily reflects off sea, and Witcher enhanced senses do not make a pleasant mixture. When I wasn't being totally blinded, my face hurt whenever I was above deck since I was squinting hard enough to look like those manga characters who always seemed to have their eyes closed for some reason.

Like seriously, why do they do that and how do they see anything?!

This meant that during the journey I spent most of my time below deck finding means to pass the time that ranged from practicing my Signs, besides Igni, experimenting more with my potion making from super basic medicine to more magical ones, talking with Ivar on a variety of subjects, visiting Griffin and other animals to make sure they weren't lonely, and of course running Dogmeat through various obedience training so she understood the importance of following orders in exchange for treats.

My Dogmeat was sadly not immortal and very squishy, especially as a puppy as our cuddle time showed, so I wanted to make sure she stayed when I told her to. Ideally the only time I would use her on a job was to act as a more advanced tracker and an early warning system with that super nose of her that was already great at finding where I hide the dried meat she loved so much. I did plan to teach her how to assault humans and other humanoids in future so she would know how to defend herself, but for now it was basically learning how to listen or more advanced training was easier in future. Use of the Xiil Sign helped in that regard by allowing basic communications, but since Dogmeat was basically a toddler mentally a lot of it was mainly 'food, play, and I love you.'

I would not have minded a free-spirited dog back home, but if Dogmeat was going to be my Witcher dog she needed to learn to listen to stay alive.

About a week into the voyage, one of the sailors took pity on me and gifted me with a primitive pair of sunglasses. In short, it was a canvas cloth cut into a strip about two inches wide and over a foot long, with two slits cut into the cloth over my eyes. It wasn't as effective as a good pair of reflective lenses, but it served to reduce the sun glare to where I could actually go on deck during most of the day without having a migraine afterwards. Dogmeat loved running around in the sun at least and pretty sure most of the crew loved her as well, even the captain didn't mind her as long as I cleaned up after her.

… I might be tempting Destiny, the bitch, here a little bit but I was totally expecting a sea snake or some other terrible monster to emerge to try and kill us all at this point. I mean, things are never this boring down a DnD session when you are on a boat. Seems like reality was different… or drawing me into a sense of complacency before stabbing me in the back.

I found those odds better.

Till then I just had to enjoy the ride and simply prepare for whatever comes our way till we reached out first stop.

--

Something did happen the next day, though not was I expected.

"Swimmers, off the port bow! They are requesting we drop anchor to trade!" I heard the man from the crow's nest shout while pointing to the Wave Rider's left side.

"Swimmers?" I muttered from where I was sitting while playing tug of war with Dogmeat on deck before giving her rope and walking over to the left side to join the crowd of sailors already looking over the side.

A bit of pushing had me looking over the edge of ship and my eyes widening under my clothed head. Cause there were about two dozen merpeople riding dolphins alongside the ship, waving and calling out to us about… trade?

"We got some fresh pearls! Slow down and let's talk!"

"Got some worked coral that should fetch a fine price!"

"Fresh meats and kelp as well that should keep till you reach shore!"

"Well, wasn't expecting this at all." I muttered.

"Furl the sails and drop anchor! If trade is what they want, we shall not dissuade them!" I heard the captain say by the helm and the sailors quickly got into action to slow down the ship as Ivar walked over to see what was going on.

"Looks like some merpeople decided to drop by to do business." I summed up.

"Oh my, how rare! While we know of the races that live under the sea rare it is that those living among the land interact with them. Do you think they would be interested in an interview and maybe even discuss the creatures of the deep that no man has likely seen before?" Ivar asked excitedly as he waved over to our visitors.

"Their merchants, make it worth their while and I am sure they will tell you whatever you want." I pointed out.

"Then it will be money well spent!"

At that declaration it didn't take long for the ship to come to a stop in the middle of the ocean and allowing our friendly undersea dwellers and their rides to take a rest on a clear day. From a glance they didn't look much different from humans from the waist up, albeit a bit paler looking than normal from likely living deep in oceans without direct sunlight. No doubt though, even through the water, I could see the long fishtails where their legs would be on a human.

Most of them were shirtless which while not so bad for the men left looking at the women of the group a little awkward since I didn't know where to look without possibly being offensive. I know I shouldn't put human norms on an entirely different race but still. Some did wear some articles of clothing like necklaces, wearing some bags that looked woven out of kelp or something, and a few were even wearing some kind of armor and holding tritons which I assume were the guards of the group.

Hmm, I think I read something on the wikia back home that merpeople didn't have the best opinion of humans in general, but I don't know the details. All I really know is about that one time where Geralt helped a mermaid and a human get together. At least unlike the other Elder Races humans hadn't invaded their homes and pushed them out while killing countless due to the simple fact they couldn't breath underwater. Small mercies there I guess.

I watched as the captain ordered some of the rowboats lowered to allow merchants to directly talk with merpeople about what both sides had to offer, which considering I saw what looked like saddlebags on dolphins as the were jumping out of the water I assume a least a bit. At least trade can bring different races together in some manner of peaceful conversation.

I watched Ivar sweet talk his way onto one of boats as they were lowered down while I remained on the deck, since I had nothing to offer nor wanted at the time so me talking directly with them would be kinda pointless. I did watch and listen as merchants started offering things like golden jewelry, ceramic plates and bowls, and other items I assume wouldn't be negatively affected by being submerged in salt water, smart. The merpeople in return were offering things like pearls, coral, sea sponges, meats from various undersea creatures and many other things I didn't even recognize.

Hmm, since it seemed like this trading session could go on for a little while and that Ivar seemed pretty into his talks with a handsome looking merman I decided-

"Master Witcher!" I heard a voice come from below me and looked down to see a mermaid with black hair and thankfully wearing some kind of top wave up at me from away from trading mass.

"Yes? Something I can do for you? Fair warning, if you are looking for my services if it is anything down too far or long I will have to decline since even with a potion I can't last super long underwater." I stated.

I also really didn't want to fight anything in it's preferred environment and images of sea monsters in the ocean in general scared the crap out of me. I think it was the fact that I wasn't built to move fast in it, not breathing at all, darkness of being underwater, and that most sea monsters tended to be large enough to eat me whole is what really frightened me.

"Nothing like that, I had just heard stories of a Witcher who had convinced the lady Sh'eenaz to give up her tail and live on land with her human lover and wanted to talk to meet one myself. It is a story that has many conflicted back home after all, with some seeing the Witcher as a corrupter while others see him as a hopeless romantic." she explained.

Ha! Geralt? A hopeless romantic? Sure he had his moments in the games but those were rare and he would deny it hard himself.

"Well I am not him nor do I know him personally, but I do know of him. He is known as Geralt of Rivia, the White Wolf. What do you think of him, m'lady?" I asked curiously.

"I think that he was just a man that helped bring two loved ones closer together and for that alone he deserves respect. This world needs more love in it if what stories I hear of the surface world is true."

"You're not wrong there. Sadly we Witchers aren't matchmakers on average, just monster slayers when they are killing people. Curious, you have something like that where you live?" I asked myself since I doubted any Witcher has taken up a contract under the sea.

"There are many hunters and warriors that traverse the depths and slay the beasts we cannot peacefully interact with. Though usually it is best to settle in swallower areas or places the larger ones cannot swim. For example, despite what many surface dwellers believe about us controlling them, krakens are feared predators that we usually avoid whenever possible while they remain in their own territory. We have no Witchers as you would know them."

"Figured as much, anything else I can do for you?"

"No, but thank you for letting me satisfy my curiosity. Though I personally cannot imagine giving up my tail to live on land I am happy one of your order helped one of my people find happiness. Farewell Master Witcher, I still must trade while we have time."

And with that she dived back underwater and joined the still vigorously trading mass of merpeople and humans in rowboats haggling back and forth peacefully.

It was an oddly nice image, capitalism bringing everyone together.

--

The next few days after the surprising visit and business with the merpeople were as boring as the first week, with me laying in my hammock with Dogmeat and Ivar complying notes from his interview still when we got the call.

"Land ho! Land ho!" came the exclamation from a sailor sticking his head down into the lower decks before raising back up.

That is how I found myself in front of the ship seeing the port town of Blaviken come into view. The place that made Geralt be known as the Butcher despite the nobility of his actions.

I would be a failure as a nerd if I didn't tour the place at least a little bit.

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Advance toward the Future

Feb 9, 2020

#382

As the Wave Rider came into Blaviken's long pier that jutted out into the Great Sea not far from the river Buina I couldn't help but feel a little nervous and contemplated simply staying on the boat for the two days we would be in port. I mean, this was Blaviken after all. I highly doubt that the local population had much love for Witcher's ever since Geralt passed through it.

In the end though the temptation was too great to at least check out one location before returning on my journey.

"You want to visit a mage's tower?" Ivar asked curious as Dogmeat was fast asleep on his lap and he had no issue petting her sleeping form.

"Well… not inside it since I don't think the current owner would like my barging in unless I had business with them. Mages can be very private individuals, especially in their magical towers since it is where they do and hoard all their research into anything that might interest them. Just call it curiosity since this place has a very famous story behind it." I tried to explain my reasoning without giving away meta knowledge.

"Say no more, I too understand the drive to at least gaze upon something once after only hearing tales of it. You now have me curious as well." Ivar said with a supportive smile.

"You are free to join me… but I should give a fair warning that unlike Kovir I don't think the locals will give me a warm welcome. They'll probably give a cold one to you just for associating with me. Another Witcher passed through here at least a few decades ago and did something to really negatively paint his image despite the fact he actually did an honorable thing. Best case they might just spit at you, worst case… just be prepared if we have to run from an angry mob, alright?" I said honestly, wanting to lay all the cards on the table for him.

"I see… would it not be easier to take steps to hide your identity then?" Ivar asked.

"Maybe that would be the smart move… but at the same time as a member of my guild and as a person I shouldn't feel the need to really hide myself from ignorant masses. Besides, like said we won't be here long so if they got a problem with me I will just leave after done and defend myself if they push things." I stated in a serious tone, I had no desire to let a bunch of paranoid peasants scare me into hiding what I now was.

It was already a massive shock to have a new body and identity, I was not hiding in a closet about it thank you very much!

"Fair enough, I would not wish to hide the fact that I am scholar when I am proud of it just to assure the ignorant and foolish. You will have my support on how you wish to do this." Ivar said with confidence.

Something which made me smile at and made me hope I could find some way to pay him back.

Dogmeat yawning cutely also washed away any lingering doubts.

--

It felt so good to stretch my legs on solid ground after some time at sea, and it was also a reminder to exercise Griffin and Ivar's horse as well later to make sure they weren't cooped up the whole time during the journey. That would be for later though.

Walking down the dock, past the various curious looks of local fishermen and traders, and to the town proper didn't have us encounter any raving mobs yet so that was progress. From what I saw before their modest stone walls, while Blaviken was most certainly a major step down from Pont Vanis in every way it wasn't some little dirty village in the countryside since it's status as a port town next to the sea and a major river gave it a good amount of wealth and influence. I could see more than a few rooftops poking out from above walls surrounding the town and I had no doubt the tallest one with a crown-like top was Irion's tower somewhere in the center.

Ivar, Dogmeat and I were moving up the dirt road from the docks to the town gate facing the sea when we were stopped by the local guards.

"Halt there Witcher." One guy said with an impressive sneer. He looked to be in his late forties to fifties so chances are he was alive when Geralt passed through, lovely.

"Yes, guardsmen." I said politely as I stopped to speak with him. Said guardmen's being one of about a half dozen guarding the gate, though before I showed up it looked like all they were doing was standing around.

"What is your business here in Blaviken, freak? This is a good town that has already had one of your kind disrupt greatly it in my lifetime." he asked, sneer still in place.

"I wasn't aware that I had to share why I wanted to enter town, but to answer your question, I simply wanted to tour the place. I have no impeding business within it beyond maybe partaking in some quality food and drink before I set sail again in two days." I said calmly.

Eww, he just spit at my feet. I honestly found that more gross than insulting to be totally honest. Made me want to reach for hand sanitizer despite it not being a thing here and that Witcher's don't need it.

"You just be knowing that I have my eye on you, mutant scum. You step a toe out of line and I'll have you run through with so many spears you'll look like a stuck pig. I dare ye, make my day. Till then, welcome to Blaviken." he finished and stepped to the side with a scowl.

"And you have a nice day as well." I said with a nod as we passed by him and through the gates into town.

"Well then, you weren't kidding about the hostility. Strange how the other guards didn't join in though." Ivar noticed as we moved away from guards.

"They all seemed pretty young compared to that guy, sure you can grow up on stories on big bad Witchers but guess the hate of the experience doesn't come right away after seeing one for the first time." I stated as we walked into Blaviken proper.

Had to admit, not the worst looking place.

It mainly had dirt roads compared to the cobblestone of Pont Vanis but at the same time the homes looked decently made from wood and plaster. In all honesty it looked a lot like it did in the NetFlix show I saw before coming here if only much more of it than I naturally saw through a screen. Lots of people in various quality of dress were moving about going about their lives, most wearing basic peasant fashion, and I even saw some nonhumans walking around without issue who sadly would most likely be prosecuted under Radovid's reign only a few short years from now.

Of course, I didn't pay that much mind as I went through town with only one location in mind. I dutifully ignored looks I was getting from the population when they noticed the two blades I carried and then my cat eyes, ranging from curiosity to hostility. I didn't want any trouble and wasn't going to seek out any.

About thirty minutes of walking later, simply moving in the direction of the tower which was tall enough to see literally towering over everything in town, through the various streets eventually lead me to the town's center and to the tower itself.

I wasn't a good judge to guess how high something was… but the tower was certainly more impressive in height than even the richer looking homes in town I passed and certainly well made totally out of stone. Once the home of a mage it was made by and named after, and then taken over by another, I had no doubt the tower itself was prime mage real estate simply due to being in the middle of a port town and likely other magical shit involved. Which made the group of knights and armsmen standing outside of it's main entrance ring some alarm bells.

The footmen seemed to have a defensive perimeter set around the tower and was passively keeping people away while the more heavily armored knights stood closely to the main door. Not far away I could even see a few large tents I assume belonged to group.

The thing that made me worry was their heraldry they proudly wore and flew on a flag about tends, a red rose on fire. The Order of the Flaming Rose.

Well shit.

What the fuck was the Order doing here locking down a mage's tower?! Something super evil involving making mutants and shit?! Some other crazy magical experiments I can't even guess at?!

Calm down Markus and think!

… Okay, not all the members of the Order are evil. Siegfried is a perfect example of a good and honorable man among zealots and xenophobes. Maybe I will luck out and the knights here will have nothing to do with their Grandmaster's crazy plans since the organization is likely too large for everyone to be involved in real evil stuff.

I am also still really curious why they are here guarding a magic tower in the first place. Best course of action would be to just ask in the end… but let's use Quen beforehand just in case.

With my magical shield now in place I walked up to one of the footmen standing guard, this one slightly more armored than his fellows, and gave the warmest smile I could.

"Good day, sir. You wouldn't mind terribly if I asked you something, would you?" I asked with as much politeness as I could.

"Not at all, Master Witcher. How might the Order of the Flaming Rose assist you today?" the most likely head footman responded equally politely, seemingly not caring that I was a "dirty mutant" or any other insults, which was a good sign.

"I am just passing through the area and had heard tales of this mage tower so wanted to see it. However it seems that your order has it locked down, so might I ask why? Does this tower belong to the Order perhaps? It seems a strange location if you don't have a mage among your ranks."

"Nothing so mundane I am afraid to say. We are not so much guarding what is inside the tower but guarding the town itself from it." the footman explained.

Huh, that was new. Then again, the Order does see itself as protectors of the innocent and all that.

"Guarding the town from what specifically? Has the new owner of the tower made themselves your enemy?" I asked curiously since it wouldn't be the first time a mage has gone off the deep end.

"Worse than a rogue mage I'm afraid. Rather the tower has been haunted for upwards of thirty years. Full of malevolent spectors that kill all those that try to enter and no matter what we do they always return. We have cut down their forms with blades soaked in holy water, had priests attempt to put their spirits to rest, and even hired several mages to use their power to turn them away to no avail. Since the spectors cannot be removed the Order has seen fit to have an attachment guard the area to make sure none leave or anyone is foolish enough to enter seeking any riches that may remain inside." He explained sorrowfully.

To my side I could see Ivar's barely contained joy and it was only his professionalism that kept him from squeeing.

Well now, this was certainly an interesting development. Thirty years though, could it be…

"This haunting, did it occur not long after a major event in this town and the previous owner of the tower left?"

"Why yes indeed, it happened after a rather infamous day when another Witcher butchered many people before this tower itself. I know not the details of the incident beyond that however."

Well fuck me. I mean, it made sense… but that would mean I also have a pretty good idea of who was haunting the place. There was also an opportunity here to rid the town of a vengeful ghost-filled tower, which likely they can't make money off of if no mage comes to buy it and offer services to locals, earn some pay in the process.and maybe slightly improve the image of Witchers in general here.

"Do you think that the local alderman would be interested in hiring a Witcher's services to deal with this issue?"

"Hmmm, if you can get it done I am sure many here would appreciate it since it has been a worry for this town for a generation. However, from what I hear you will not have the best luck dealing with the alderman, not because he is an unreasonable man mind you… but his wife is noted to be quite hostile to the idea of Witchers in Blaviken in general. I hear she tears down all notices that involve possibly hiring one out." he explained with a grimace.

Oh dear, that does sound like trouble. The alderman's wife… could it be?

"Do you happen to know the alderman's wife's name by any chance?"

"Indeed, she goes by the name Marilka. She was the daughter of the old alderman and married the one who the people were likely to vote for. Apparently she was but a girl when the other Witcher came to Blaviken years ago."

Well damn, that means I have to talk my way through a woman who has been nursing a grudge for decades if I want to solve a haunting that has been an issue for the same amount of time most likely built upon the natural grievances of someone unfairly persecuted.

So just a regular Tuesday on the Continent.

--

Spoiler: A.N.

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Feb 10, 2020

#404

Getting directions to where the local alderman lived wasn't hard; neither was getting there and figuring out the well-made two-story building must have been his and his family's. No, what was hard was the fact that clearly a Witcher being in town had spread to the locals and I noticed more eyes on us as we passed through town. Not to mention Ivar was practically bouncing off the walls as we walked as he excitedly talked about the legit ghosts I would most likely be able to deal with.

"... and the best part is that the odds of these ones being fake after decades and so many attempts of removal by an order of knights focused on monster hunting is next to zero! I can finally get some proper notes done!" Ivar said ethusasically as he went over all the reasons why this was a 'good' thing.

"You are not stepping foot into that tower until I take care of things, just a quick reminder. Besides, I need you to watch Dogmeat in the meantime since she is too young and couldn't do much to ghosts anyhow. And before you ask, I don't think rubbing Specter Oil on her teeth is healthy."

Before he could respond I went up to the alderman's door and knocked loudly. Thanks to the footman's directions it wasn't hard to find the middle-class looking home not too far away from the tower.

The answer to my knocking came about quickly in the form of a woman in her thirties with light hair. I had the distinct pleasure of watching her soft features turn hard near instantly the second she took me for a couple seconds, at which point she spit in my face and slammed the door.

Huh, honestly better than I was expecting. I think it is safe to say I found Marilka.

"Well, that was rather rude." Ivar said the understatement of the… lets say day.

"Get used to it, I'm honestly surprised I haven't gotten that very much yet already." I said idly as I used my gloved hand to wipe the spit away. Gross.

Being the glutton for punishment that I am I proceeded to knock on the door once more. Now lets see if I can't- and that is a crossbow in my face.

"You have ten seconds to get away from my home or else you'll have a bolt for a nose." Marilka threatened me, her voice filled with spite and venom.

"I'm here to see the alderman, and if you aren't him I would like you to get him for me." I said calmly, though internally freaking out since I knew for a fact if she did want me dead she could easily pull it off right now. I hadn't been smart enough to apply a Quen before I knocked after all which was rather stupid in hindsight given the odds of who lived here.

"My husband has no desire to talk to a mutant freak like you."

"Based on what the guards at the tower said I would think you need one if you want it to be actually put to use for the town rather than taking up space while infested with wraiths."

"I said shove off or-"

"Marilka! By the gods woman put that thing down! Just because I run this town doesn't give you the right to shoot anyone in the face with it!" Came a masucline voice from behind who I knew for a fact was Marilka, the little girl who once befriended a Witcher who came to down decades ago and joined the mob to drive him out when they believed he cut down people for no reason.

Marilka lowered her crossbow and looked behind her to see the alderman and husband. He was a little on the pudgy side, but still had some good muscle on him. He was roughly in the same age range as me with dark hair and eyes, heavy calluses on his hands, and in general seemed more like a laborer than the leader of a whole town. Then again aldermen's were diplomatically chosen, the guy must be popular with the local population at the very least. I noticed he did slightly smell of alcohol despite it being the morning still, though not heavily so and to be fair for normal humans alcohol tended to be safer to drink than well water.

"If the Witcher is here to see me then let me handle it, and if he causes trouble I can just call the guards and Order on him. Now put that down and go to the children." The alderman spoke firmly but not unkindly, sounding like he had experience dealing with his wife's… issues.

Marilka just turned to glare at me before putting down the crossbow in the door frame and moving past her husband deeper in the house. She obviously wasn't happy but at the same time seemingly unwilling to argue about it in front of me of so many people. Then the alderman went through the door and closed it behind him.

"Sorry, it's best we talk out here if you want to talk business. I apologize for my wife, she had a bad encounter with a Witcher years back when she was but a girl. Lots of folk in town remember that day and while not everyone still holds onto it as much as her it lingers in the back of their minds. I was too young to really remember that day myself and honestly I don't give a damn as long as you don't hurt my town now. I take it you are here about the haunted tower then?" the alderman said, his demeanor one of practicality.

"Yes, the guards say it has been haunted ever since the last tenant left, not long after this Witcher came through and killed a bunch of people. I assume it's related somehow. Anything you can tell me about it? When it comes to hauntings I need as much information as possible to clear it out."

"Not much to be entirely honest. Those that have stuck their heads in real quick are liable to get their heads cut off from the ghosts in there that they say look like armed men. While the town has tried a number of ways of dealing with it but none have been successful, thank the gods whatever undead horrors are in there stay in there. Even the Order of the Flaming Rose has tried and from what they tell me even when they put down the ghosts, with lots of effort mind you, they always come back. Brought in mages and priests to try to put them to rest but nothing takes. It's no real threat to the town as long as no idiots go in there trying to get some loot, but it's costing the town money since people are scared to trade in a town with a haunted tower in the middle of it and no mage has wanted to move in to provide services to the people. It's been a steady thing over the years and while Blaviken hasn't become destitute over it it is a problem I'm willingly to pay to see gotten rid of. Sadly, the town hasn't seen a proper Witcher in decades and as I said no one else has had any luck." the alderman said with a sigh.

About what I expected really, and something I would not be against dealing with as long as I'm paid and no one mobs me. Or lynch me, which might be slightly more likely in a place like Blaviken.

"I should be able to put it down quickly assuming it's what I think it is. Question is what are you willing to pay me?" I got down to brass tacks.

"Assuming the ghosts say away for more than a day? I promise as the alderman to pay you 500 crowns to see it done. If that is fair to you I'll give you a writ to give to the guards saying you are allowed to enter the tower and afterwards when you say you are done I demand their second opinion to look over the place." he offered.

"750, you are the alderman of a port town that wants this problem gone. You can afford it." I countered.

"750?! You must be joking! Considering how much people here hate your sort, you should be grateful that I'll pay you anything! I know for a fact my wife will yell my ear off about hiring you at all!" He paused. "550."

"Deal, I'll get rid of the ghosts and maybe show this town that not all Witchers deserve their scorn." I stated and gripped his forearm to make it official.

"Right then, let me write up the writ… and while I have you here I might have something else that might interest you. Not as important, mind you, but there have been several complaints sent my way about it."

"What about?" I asked curiously. Usually larger wealthy towns like this didn't have to worry too much about monster issues compared to the countryside, barring situations like the tower.

"It's an unruly customer down at the inn, scaring people off and such as they drink their sorrows away."

"That sounds like guard work." I pointed out.

"And normally they could deal with drunks just fine… but this one is a troll. It hasn't done anything violent yet, but some folk are asking me to call on the Order to deal with it. I don't think they get I don't really control this part of the Order in town, but I can hire you to handle it."

"Hmmm, I'll look into it. See if I can't end things peacefully if the troll hasn't done any harm yet." I offered.

"All I can ask, assuming you are successful I'll give you an extra fifty crowns. Now, let me get that writ." the alderman stated while going back into his home.

Well that went better than expected, and I even got another job out of it!

"A troll! Oh happy days! A species that straddles the line of savage and civilized! I do wonder what insights it could provide!" Ivar said excitedly.

"Most likely less than even the wraiths." I couldn't help but snark given what I knew of troll intelligence when they actually talked with you instead of attempting to crush you. That isn't to say I wasn't looking forward to it. Trolls were a refreshingly straightforward folk and could honestly be more reasonable than humans on good days.

Still, this time I will apply a Quen beforehand before meeting it.

The alderman returned not long after that thought with his writ which I was to give to the head of the local Order chapter, some knight named Roland, that I had permission to enter the tower and attempt to put the being haunting it to rest.

I hope Destiny favors me here for once.

417

Massgamer

Feb 10, 2020

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Threadmarks Chapter 19

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Massgamer

Massgamer

Advance toward the Future

Feb 15, 2020

#430

"Everything appears to be in order. Very well Witcher, you will be allowed access into the tower to hopefully rid this town of it's horrors once and for all. Do keep in mind though that if you fall to the specters we will not retrieve your body. The dangers would be too great to my men." Sir Roland said politely after looking over the alderman's writ.

He was in full plate armor so I couldn't see his face under his bucket-like helmet, but he certainly filled it out well in muscle and height. The flaming rose of his order was on proud display on the cuirass of his armor. He was only one among a half dozen knights in the local chapter but apparently had the most seniority.

"That's fair, I'm not a part of your order so you are under no obligation to lose more lives over a corpse. Any other security rules I should be aware of?"

"Yes, we have discovered long ago that the specters will not cross the threshold of the tower. When you wish to exit simply knock loudly and proclaim who you are and we will unbar the doors to let you out. There should be no risk of anything following you out or specters attempting to escape with trickery after all." Roland stated.

I was a little worried about the fact that also meant they could easily lock me inside, but worst come to worst I should be able to blow up doors with a full powered Aard or even melt through it with Igni. Maybe I was letting the fact who their grandmaster is color my perception but I didn't really trust the Order of the Flaming Rose to have nice plans for me since I was a Witcher.

"Good to know, my companion Ivar and my dog won't be coming in with me. Is it alright that they stay out here with you?"

"Assuming they do not interfere with our duties in anyway I do not see a reason to oppose the request."

I turned to Ivar and Dogmeat. "You heard the man, be good. Don't chew on anything, pee on anyone, or go running off the second something interesting comes by. I'm trusting you to keep the other leashed… Dogmeat." I said seriously to the little puppy.

"Hey!" was Ivar's indignant response. Too bad, he knows who I trust more to be responsible without me around.

I then performed the Xiil Sign on Dogmeat and transmitted a simple message. 'Watch funny man, protect.'

'Will protect! Then play and food!' Dogmeat mentally said and barked resolutely. Awww, she was already demanding payment for services. She will make a fine Witcher dog indeed!

I turned back to Roland who while I could not see his face looked equal parts confused and amused at the interplay.

"Assuming all goes well should be back in an hour."

"Truly? It will be that fast to remove the specters?" Roland asked in surprise.

"No, ideally that is how long it will take to complete my investigation and figure out a means to remove wraiths. Since they have been hanging around for decades and no one has been able to keep them gone for long I assume they are some kind of penitent, wraiths attached to a certain place out of a strong desire for revenge on something or someone. If I am right I need to figure out who they were in life, how they died, what they seek revenge on, and work from there how to remove them. Could be as simple as finding their bones and destroying them to remove their anchor in the world or having to fulfill their unfinished business somehow so they pass on. Obviously I don't want to actually kill anybody just to remove some wraiths, but they only need to think it has been fulfilled to get them to pass on." I explained.

The Order of the Flaming Rose might be famous as monster hunters themselves but they obviously are not as skilled dealing with beings they can't simply hack to death with their swords. I had basic implanted Witcher knowledge and knowledge of books and games to help me out in this case myself.

"I see… it's certainly much more complex than I imagined. I wish you luck on your investigation then so we can put this matter to rest at last." Roland stated.

"Agreed." I nodded back.

What came next was basic preparations for facing specters. First was the Quen, then swallowing some Tawny Oil, Thunderbolt, Cat, and PP, and last but not least putting some specter oil on my silver sword. I think I disturbed Roland and his knights at my black veins and eyes, but they did do their jobs and opened the barred doors to me at my go ahead. Inside was unlit but I had no issue walking into the kinda lobby area and heard the heavy doors close behind me with a heavy thunk and locks being fitted back into place.

I was now most certainly on my own in hostile territory now, let's see if I can't make the best of it.

Considering the way my amulet has been shaking constantly since I even before I entered tower it sadly meant it won't be able to help much as an early warning system since magic was apparently everywhere. Just meant I was gonna trust my own senses then.

I then forced myself forward deeper into the tower, mentally preparing myself for what might come my way.

--

I was not ready for this. Thankfully, it's more disturbing than life threatening.

From what I knew from the books, Stregebor had either created an illusion or taken advantage of one created by the previous owner. In the thirty-plus years since he'd left the place, it had, shall we say, degraded. What had been a paradise-like garden full of nubile young men and women was…

Well…

There was something that could technically be called a garden. It was rotting, full of filth and decayed plant life. The illusive puppets looked like runny, melted wax, and as I watched several forms slipped and drooped even more. They were naked, as per the book, and - Ooh! Oh, my. I really, really, REALLY did not want to see that. Ugh.

Below the illusion, the original building's construction was starting to show through. Moldy plaster, crumbling brickwork, and eroded statuary were prominent. Weeds were pushing their way through flagstones. The dried-up remains of a tree stump stood in the middle, and ants could be seen crawling all over it, having turned it into a nest of sorts.

At least it wasn't a pocket dimension in a book made up of fairy tales that were trying to kill me.

But the specters were doing their level best to make up for it. For all that there weren't many of them they seemed to respawn after only a short amount of time as I traveled around the tower. And it was always the same six forms. Pretty sure based on Netflix's show that these wraiths were Renfri's band who followed their boss into death, not that they were very communicative. They all sported the precise injuries that led to their deaths by Geralt and swung or shot spectral weapons at me. They kept coming at me at a steady pace no matter how many times I cut them down. Unlike Geralt who was a master swordsmen, I had to cheat a lot with my Yrden discs thrown at their feet to slow them down so I didn't need to actually fight them sword to sword. My potions and Signs might help make up for lack of skill with buffing but it was still annoying as heck.

More than a few times wraiths had rushed me out of nowhere, sometimes through walls, and it was only thanks to my overpowered Quen that I hadn't gotten any injuries yet. I mean sure to keep refreshing it whenever I could.

I had just put down the only half-elf of the group for what had to be the seventh time, fucker keeps firing ghostly crossbow bolts at me and makes me glad I had magic forcefield since unlike Geralt I wasn't skilled enough to deflect that shit, and I kept pushing myself to investigate each room I come across for anything.

All and all seems like Stregobor cleaned the place out when he left, though seemingly in a hurried manner.

The only things I had found were scattered paper that broke apart in my fingers, broken bottles, shattered and decaying furniture, and of course the bones and corpses of those who had tried to get into the tower in the past and never left. I even found what looked like a Flaming Rose footman; I might as well tell Roland about that when the place was cleared out. I must have spent over half an hour walking around getting nothing and constantly having to deal with wraiths that would not get the hint before I finally found something.

I guess I should have guessed I was getting close to source when wraiths started ganging up on me rather than coming in one at a time or in small groups.

"Will you just fuck off!" I yelled in anger as I ran through a doorway and placed a Yrden Sign quickly on the side, the wraiths slowing down significantly as they ran through it after me despite fact they could phase through walls so thank goodness they were stupid. With all six in a group I did a heavy swing through all of them which dispersed their forms once more for the time being.

I was breathing a little harder than usual since I ran away to better group them up rather than fight them in open, mostly from fright honestly since Witcher body and Tawny Oil made it so getting tired was hard for me.

I turned around to investigate the room I found myself in and quickly found it to be quite different to the others. Basically it looked like a really old-school laboratory with desks, worktables, abandoned chemistry set things, and all manner of discarded stuff that looked very expensive. The fact unlike the other rooms this one was not stripped meant either Stregebor didn't have the time to clean it out or couldn't.

Seeing as specters could come back any time I quickly browsed around the room before heading for the back of it and found something very interesting on top of one of the tables. A mostly-decayed corpse, but unlike the others I had seen this one didn't have a scrap of clothing hanging on it and looked intentionally positioned. I looked it over and off to the side I noticed a stack of paper that looked like they wouldn't disintegrate at my touch.

A quick read of the top one confirmed my thoughts.

'Autopsy report of Daughter of the Black Sun known as Renfri.

After years of being hunted down by this mad woman she is finally slain and I can study her properly for any abnormalities brought about by being born during the day of the Black Sun. I hope to discover…' I didn't bother reading more as I just facepalmed hard.

"Seems like when Geralt was run out of town old Steggie saw no reason to not take Renfri's body for study like he wanted. I doubt the townsfolk complained much if he gave some wizardly reason for it." I muttered to myself.

"Geralt?!" a terrible and inhuman voice screamed out to my side and I turned quickly to see a being come into existence not unlike the wraiths I had been fighting so far. Only this one was much more violent coming into the world and my amulet was shaking like mad from the magic in the air.

The specter before me was of a woman who had been tall and slender in life, with defined muscles and scraggly blonde hair. She bore the wounds that she'd taken at the end of her life - a gash in her left shoulder, a slash to the leg and a torn throat. More gruesomely, her torso had been peeled open with a Y-incision, giving me an unhindered view of what had been her insides. Suffice to say it was unpleasant. Her eyes had been cut out, and a hole made in the side of her skull where Stregebor had presumably trepanned in his attempts to find any abnormalities in her brain.

The poor woman had been utterly mutilated in death, her body desecrated to fulfill the ambitions and sate the paranoia of a madman. No wonder she was pissed.

Her vacant sockets had no trouble focusing on me. Her right hand held a spectral shortsword, her left a dagger which I knew was a main gauche from my implanted knowledge. Her wounds didn't seem to hinder her much as she slowly paced counter-clockwise around me; I rotated slowly to keep her in my sight, left hand out and ready to use a Sign while my right hand held the silver sword in a high guard.

"Look, I know I said his name and that I'm a Witcher but I don't even know the guy. I know of him, but that is a pretty big difference when it comes to knowing someone. I'm not even part of the same school, see the Griffin head?" I lifted my amulet to the spirit of Renfri as I kept my silver sword and guard up. Since she was actually intelligent I was hoping to reason with her since even Geralt was able to talk down some ghosts in his line of work.

"Where is he?! Where is Stregebor?! Bring them to me! They must pay for everything they did to me!" She demanded.

Okay, not attacking me right away so that is something. Although I have no idea how she is going to take the next part and I need to sell it enough that she doesn't freak out and attack me. Sure I could fight or bug out if needed but rather avoid what ifs.

"I can't, though I think you should be happy about the reason why. They are both dead. Stregebor in a coup among the mages of the Northern Kingdoms and Geralt earlier this year in a pogrom in Rivia. You can rest now since both are gone from this world." I said gently.

Technically not a lie in regards to Geralt since he was off with his waifu in another dimension altogether, but I had no real idea about Stregebor at all. Lots of mages died during the Thanedd coup so I figured it was safe to assume he was dead at least and I only had to sell it to mad wraith who is obsessed with revenge. Here's hoping she's in a reasonable mood for a specter.

"Wh-what? But how-No! You lie! You protect them!" Renfri sounds more confused than angry, not much but not attacking quite yet.

"It's true! Your revenge has already been met! And I can give you proof! All I need you to do is wait a day at most and keep your gang from attacking me anymore. Unless you want to spend decades more waiting around for no one to come. It's your choice, Renfri. You want proof you need to let me go peacefully or else you will never rest." I stated my terms harshly.

Renfri really seemed to struggle with herself. Her anger and other negative emotions conflicting with her nature of a penitent wanting to see her unfinished business dealt with so she could finally move on. I can only imagine what it would be like having the thing that has kept her in this world for years end up for naught.

"Bring proof! One day only! Come back later than that and I will rip you apart myself if you ever enter this place! Now go!" At that final demand Renfri phased away in a huff. I could only slowly breathe out slowly at that at the danger passing for the moment. I better not outstay my only limited welcome and go find something that is proof enough to Renfri's mind.

I would take her bones with me to be looked after by a priest… but I don't want to possibly set her off by doing that until after I get her to leave in peace.

Walking out of the lab and through the tower back to the main entrance I was very happy not to run across any more of Renfri's band seeking to violently murder me. Seems like they still listen to their boss even in their practically mindless state. I hope it stays that way when I come back.

Since I was no longer investigating every room it didn't take too long to make it back to the front door with the worst thing I had to deal with being the very gross-looking illusions. Whoever moved into this tower next was going to have to fix that themselves since I knew dick all about long-lasting magical enchantments. Though the idea of learning magic sounds awesome it also sounds super time-consuming and most likely ending with me being dragged into all the stupid mage politics.

No thank you.

I beat on the barred door loudly several times and called out. " It's me, Markus. I've found what I am looking for and would appreciate it if you would please open the door."

Not long after that I heard the door being unlocked and opened up, the sunlight coming through brightly causing me to wince slightly at the brightness. I really should have drank White Honey to cancel out the Cat, I grumbled to myself as I shielded my eyes with my left hand and fished for the potion with the other as I walked out, barely noticing the knights closing the door behind me quickly once I was through.

"Markus! You're back! Tell me everything! How many specters were there?! How did they act?! What did you figure out about their coming into being?! What happens next?! What-" It was at that point that I clamped my hand over his mouth roughly to shut Ivar up and I could finally see again as the White Honey purged the Cat from my system so the sun didn't burn anymore.

"Yes, I found actual specters this time and I will tell you everything later. I had a very annoying time dealing with them in there so I would like some peace and quiet for a moment. Thank you." I said… not harshly, but certainly in a tone that would deal with no arguments.

"That was certainly quick, Witcher. Did your investigations unearth anything useful?" Roland's voice broke in and I lowered my silencing hand from Ivar's mouth to turn to him.

"They did. The specters are Renfri and her group of bandits, killed by the Witcher that came to this town years ago. She is most certainly a penitent and it seems like she dragged the spirit of her men with her to haunt this tower. She wants revenge against two people who she feels are responsible for her suffering in life. A mage known as Stregebor and Geralt of Rivia." I explained.

"The White Wolf?" Roland asked, apparently familiar with Geralt's fame/infamy. That or the Order is aware of him for less nice reasons.

"The same. Sadly for her, both of her targets are already dead and when I told her that she didn't take it well. But when I was able to convince her I can bring proof she let me go and has given me a day to make good on my word."

"But… but how are we going to give proof of that? You don't have their heads rolling around in your pouch, do you? I think I would have noticed that." Ivar pointed out the obvious flaw in my plan.

"No, I don't. I have no physical proof of either." I confirmed.

"Does this mean this spector will haunt this world forever then? If we have no proof to present to her then will it not simply remain until the world is frozen over?" Roland asked concerned.

"Normally yes, but we are in luck since I know for a fact that Geralt was good friends with a famous bard, the same one that wrote a number of the songs about his deeds over the years. He died earlier this year in Rivia during a pogrom but I have no doubt that said bard, Jaskier, has already written a ballad about it and it has spread far and wide. As for Stregebor, I honestly don't know if he is dead or not but it doesn't matter. It just has to believable to her and we all know how many mages died or went missing during the Thanedd coup." I explained.

Roland looked at me quizzically. "Jaskier? I've never heard of a bard by that name. Are you sure-"

"What?!" burst out Ivar. "You've never heard of the great bard Jaskier, companion to the famed White Wolf? The writer of 'Toss a Coin To Your Witcher'?"

"Hang on, you meant that ballad written by the famous bard Dandelion? I love that song!" Roland replied enthusiastically.

Huh, I guess dialect and meanings can change between regions even as culturally connected as the Northern Kingdoms. It was a thing back home and even a thing here.

"Doesn't matter what you call him, point is I am sure we can use it to our advantage."

"How in the Eternal Fire does a ballad work in putting specters to rest? Seems ridiculous to me." Roland snorted.

"Music can be surprisingly powerful under the right conditions, kinda like it's own form of magic. Ballads are all about bringing historical events to life in words and songs, the more famous and widespread the song the bigger the power behind it. As long as the one singing it believes it and is skilled enough you can put to rest even the most dangerous of unsettled spirits. Heck, could even soothe some monsters." I explained.

"Fascinating! Music being is its' own form of magical expression! It ever supports the saying of music soothing the savage beast! So many ways to test it!" Ivar said with excitement.

"Best not to do said testing anytime soon since I assume like people each monster has a musical preference." I warned and because the last thing I wanted is to spend time watching Ivar sing at monsters only to save his ass cause one didn't like his tone of voice or something. "The point is we need someone skilled enough and knows the ballads involved to-"

"I can do it!" Ivar spoke up, hand raised high as if he were in a classroom.

"Ivar, this is serious. We actually need a good singer to-"

At which point I was cut off as Ivar opened his mouth once more and something other than his usual objections came out.

"On the isle of Thanedd sorcerer and sorceress met, only to find betrayal and death. Brotherhood broken by the Sun and the North, undoing faith and ending men's breath." Ivar let loose with a beautiful tenor voice, hitting the notes almost flawlessly. Damn, I have to say I wasn't expecting that. So I did.

"Huh, I was honestly not expecting something like that to come out of you. Color me shocked, you are a man of many skills." I admitted and I swear Ivar grew a few inches from pride alone. "You know about the one about the White Wolf's death?" I asked and just as quickly Ivar looked a little embarrassed.

"I… well, no." he admitted.

"Hmm, guess that means we need to visit a local bard that does and have them teach you the lyrics. I was planning on bribing one with lots of coin to walk into a haunted mage's tower and sing to the ghosts with only me as protection for them, but this is much cheaper. Thanks Ivar, I knew there was a reason I kept you around for other than monster bait." I jested in a totally deadpan voice.

"I for one would not mind being bait since I know for a fact you would protect me and it would only me to further advance my studies!" Ivar replied with honesty.

Damn, why couldn't he at least have Dandelion's sense of fear when he knew he was in over his head?

"Well then, if it's a bard you are looking for you will no doubt find one at the local inn singing for their meals. Last I was there a young man was doing just that on his lute, though I didn't bother to ask for his name he sounded decent. I can't say I much believe this will work, but I suppose if it works it doesn't matter what I believe in the end." Roland stated.

"Yeah, it really doesn't. Be back by morning at the latest." I then turned to Ivar. "You think you can learn a whole new song in less than a day?"

"You doubt my memorization skills?! I will have you know I once memorized an entire textbook on monster anatomy in less than a week! This is not as directly related but if it gets me within close proximity with actual specters I will force myself to know nothing else!" Ivar declared.

"Good enough for me, good day Sir Roland." I nodded to the knight and moved past him back into the town proper with Ivar and Dogmeat hot on my heels, both of them practically skipping in happiness for different reasons. Oh right, I promised Dogmeat treats and playtime. I will need to make good on that promise.

… I could swear the alderman said something about the inn earlier but it's slipping my mind. Oh well, I'm sure it wasn't anything super important if I forgot it that easily.