Pryno
Probably a Malkavian
I think my opinion is pretty clear at this point. I won’t kill him! It’s a gamble, but I’m feeling lucky. 2!
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Realistic or Modern Saoirse (Irish Revolutionary Period Historical Questlog) *COMPLETED*
- Thread starter The Omen of Death
- Start date
ViciousVip3R
Merchant of Death, Quest Log Fanatic
Roll the dice!
2.
2.
Felis
Meow?
Uhh... I feel like I shouldn't be so careless with our protagonist's life, haha. But since I chose to try to not kill Cathal Bruga, I'll try to be be consistent and choose option 2 again here.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
Hah, all right, let's just see what happens then. Nothing's wrong with exploring your options. We aren't wagering our own lives on this decision anyway. Say, if this does work out, I believe we'll be treated to a heartwarming moment. If not, and it goes the way I expect it to, we'll get shot, hopefully it isn't fatal.
Pryno
Probably a Malkavian
Warning: a critical level of sarcasm has been detected. Please reach the nearest emergency exit.
Seriously, I would not take that risk if it was someone that we didn’t know. War doesn’t stop when we change sides. But even if we fail, even if he ends up executed, at least we have to try a peaceful path. We could obtain a chance to talk to an officer from the opposite side. Isn’t that the main reason that half of us chose the Free State side? To try to stop war, to reach a compromise? If we don’t give it a shot, then we miss the point.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
All I know is that Cathal's got a gun in his hand and he is fully intent on using it. I know you don't plan on making him a martyr, but he's already forcing your hand. Better to just give him what he wants and walk out of it alive.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
Hey, guys, get a load of this one!
Pryno
Probably a Malkavian
Yeah...nope. Still going for the tackle.
I love it! It’s going to play in my head all night, but I love it!
I love it! It’s going to play in my head all night, but I love it!
The Omen of Death
My presence has marked your eventual demise.
(Yeah,
Historical Storyteller
actually knew about that song. It's pretty interesting. Anyway I will try to get the next post out today.)
Historical Storyteller
actually knew about that song. It's pretty interesting. Anyway I will try to get the next post out today.)
The Omen of Death
My presence has marked your eventual demise.
(Sorry for the delay, and Option 2 was chosen with 3 votes!)
You charge forward, tackling Cathal Brugha as he lets out a startled yell. He hurries to draw his revolver, as you grab his arm, struggling to pull his gun from him, as you reach around, twisting his arm.
"Get the fuck off me!" he roars.
"Just drop the revolver!" you say hurriedly.
You roll around the floor, struggling to grab the gun from each other for what seems like eternity. Then, Cathal Brugha manages to press the revolver against your temple. You grab his arm, but he refuses to budge.
"I don't have a clear shot!" one of your squad says.
"Wait! We can't hit Michael" another soldier yells.
You try to force Cathal Brugha's arm away, before he pulls down on the trigger, sending a burst of brain matter and blood onto the floor. Seconds later, your allies open fire, killing Brugha.
(Another bad dice roll, another death. As per usual Option 1 is chosen by default.)
You fire your rifle, as do your allies, as Cathal Brugha is shot multiple times in the chest, collapsing backwards. He stumbles back for a second, dropping the revolver to the ground. He smiles, blood dripping down his mouth. Then, he collapses to the ground, blood pouring out onto the ground.
There's a moment of silence, before a voice calls out from the building. You watch as the other IRA soldiers who were with Brugha emerge, hands raised. You sigh, looking at the dead, still smiling Brugha, before nodding to your comrades to start taking these men prisoner.
With Brugha's death, the rest of the IRA forces surrender without another casualty. Many of the anti-Treaty leaders manage to escape out into the countryside, but Dublin is secured and the Four Courts captured. You don't count Fionn among the dead, and you hear rumors that he escorted the anti-Treaty leaders out to a hidden safe house from the captured IRA soldiers.
This is only the beginning of the bloodshed. You hope it will be over quickly and peacefully, but you know hope is never enough. All you can do is wait until the Free State requires you to fight again.
Over the next few weeks, the anti-Treaty forces begin regrouping and making plans, as hostilities rise. They attempt to recruit and find arms, but there's little actual engagements. The fighting is kept to small-time raids and ambushes. It's clear that no one really wants to kill their fellow countrymen, their comrades, their friends, their family.
Eventually, after several tours defending the area from potential IRA ambushers and attacks, you return home, where you meet with your family, including the newest addition to the family, Morgan, Mary and Arthur's child. Well, not exactly Mary and Arthur's, but... still.
It's good to return home to be with your family, and you've a few weeks leave, so you might finally get a break from the constant cycle of violence and bloodshed and killing.
"He's been baptized, has he?" you ask absent-mindedly. "He's safe in God's heart?"
"He has been," Mary nods. "We got him baptized as soon as we could."
"By a Catholic?"
"Yes," Arthur says. "I made a concession there."
"For the best," you nod.
"So, how's running about as a soldier going?" Arthur says. "You know, for an actual nation?"
"It's going... it's going," you say. "What more can be said?"
"I want you to know, even though I'm a unionist, I really respect what you're doing in serving the nation," Arthur says. "In fact..."
There's a loud knock on the door, as you stand up from your seat.
"One moment, I'll get that," you say.
You walk to the door of the house, pulling it open to reveal Joseph, standing there with his rifle slung, dressed in a mixture of plainclothes and IRA uniform.
Instantly, your hand reaches down for your pistol, as Joseph desperately holds up both his hands in a gesture of peace.
"I'm not here for violence!" Joseph says, raising his hands. "For god's sake, I don't want violence in Ma's house. I just want to see my family. To talk to them."
"You're on the run as a traitor. You can't be let into the house, you fucking bastard."
"Don't turn your own brother away, Michael. Can't we just be at peace for the next few hours?"
You stare at your brother, wondering what to do.
1. Take Joseph prisoner
2. Force Joseph to leave
3. Let Joseph stay
You charge forward, tackling Cathal Brugha as he lets out a startled yell. He hurries to draw his revolver, as you grab his arm, struggling to pull his gun from him, as you reach around, twisting his arm.
"Get the fuck off me!" he roars.
"Just drop the revolver!" you say hurriedly.
You roll around the floor, struggling to grab the gun from each other for what seems like eternity. Then, Cathal Brugha manages to press the revolver against your temple. You grab his arm, but he refuses to budge.
"I don't have a clear shot!" one of your squad says.
"Wait! We can't hit Michael" another soldier yells.
You try to force Cathal Brugha's arm away, before he pulls down on the trigger, sending a burst of brain matter and blood onto the floor. Seconds later, your allies open fire, killing Brugha.
(Another bad dice roll, another death. As per usual Option 1 is chosen by default.)
You fire your rifle, as do your allies, as Cathal Brugha is shot multiple times in the chest, collapsing backwards. He stumbles back for a second, dropping the revolver to the ground. He smiles, blood dripping down his mouth. Then, he collapses to the ground, blood pouring out onto the ground.
There's a moment of silence, before a voice calls out from the building. You watch as the other IRA soldiers who were with Brugha emerge, hands raised. You sigh, looking at the dead, still smiling Brugha, before nodding to your comrades to start taking these men prisoner.
With Brugha's death, the rest of the IRA forces surrender without another casualty. Many of the anti-Treaty leaders manage to escape out into the countryside, but Dublin is secured and the Four Courts captured. You don't count Fionn among the dead, and you hear rumors that he escorted the anti-Treaty leaders out to a hidden safe house from the captured IRA soldiers.
This is only the beginning of the bloodshed. You hope it will be over quickly and peacefully, but you know hope is never enough. All you can do is wait until the Free State requires you to fight again.
Over the next few weeks, the anti-Treaty forces begin regrouping and making plans, as hostilities rise. They attempt to recruit and find arms, but there's little actual engagements. The fighting is kept to small-time raids and ambushes. It's clear that no one really wants to kill their fellow countrymen, their comrades, their friends, their family.
Eventually, after several tours defending the area from potential IRA ambushers and attacks, you return home, where you meet with your family, including the newest addition to the family, Morgan, Mary and Arthur's child. Well, not exactly Mary and Arthur's, but... still.
It's good to return home to be with your family, and you've a few weeks leave, so you might finally get a break from the constant cycle of violence and bloodshed and killing.
A Few Days Later...
You sit in the kitchen, a cup of tea in your hand as you read the newspaper. You're out of your uniform, back to normal street clothes. Ma is in gone shopping, while Mary and Arthur are coddling over Morgan.
"He's been baptized, has he?" you ask absent-mindedly. "He's safe in God's heart?"
"He has been," Mary nods. "We got him baptized as soon as we could."
"By a Catholic?"
"Yes," Arthur says. "I made a concession there."
"For the best," you nod.
"So, how's running about as a soldier going?" Arthur says. "You know, for an actual nation?"
"It's going... it's going," you say. "What more can be said?"
"I want you to know, even though I'm a unionist, I really respect what you're doing in serving the nation," Arthur says. "In fact..."
There's a loud knock on the door, as you stand up from your seat.
"One moment, I'll get that," you say.
You walk to the door of the house, pulling it open to reveal Joseph, standing there with his rifle slung, dressed in a mixture of plainclothes and IRA uniform.
Instantly, your hand reaches down for your pistol, as Joseph desperately holds up both his hands in a gesture of peace.
"I'm not here for violence!" Joseph says, raising his hands. "For god's sake, I don't want violence in Ma's house. I just want to see my family. To talk to them."
"You're on the run as a traitor. You can't be let into the house, you fucking bastard."
"Don't turn your own brother away, Michael. Can't we just be at peace for the next few hours?"
You stare at your brother, wondering what to do.
1. Take Joseph prisoner
2. Force Joseph to leave
3. Let Joseph stay
Pryno
Probably a Malkavian
3, without hesitation. He’s our brother!
Felis
Meow?
I'm picking option 3 as well.
ViciousVip3R
Merchant of Death, Quest Log Fanatic
This could make for bad optics, but what choice do we really have. We can't turn our family away.
3.
3.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
2. A unionist and a member of the IRA can't be seen together, it'll provoke suspicion. Since he's your brother, give him time to leave, and reason out with him. If he continues to push it, just leave yourself, you don't need more trouble with your brother or your family. You're still fighting a war and you can't endanger everyone by giving everyone funny ideas. Joseph is your brother, but he is also the enemy. Don't forget that.
The Omen of Death
My presence has marked your eventual demise.
(Option 3 has been chosen with 3 votes!)
"Come in, then," you say.
You allow Joseph into the home. He makes his way into the kitchen, where Mary embraces him. Arthur shakes his hand. He even plays with fucking Morgan. You watch with cold fury as Joseph acts like everything's tip fucking top.
"So..." Joseph says, finally turning to you. "It's good to see you, Michaell."
The atmosphere is tense. There's a long pause, as you just manage to avoid swearing or cussing him out. You wait, choosing your words carefully.
"You have a lot of explaining to do, Joseph."
"Explaining?" Joseph asks with a smile. "I'm fighting for an Irish republic and full independence. That's what we both fought for with the IRA, isn't it? I never left the IRA, and I never stopped fighting. Maybe you need to explain yourself."
"I did what was necessary! We got the best we were ever going to get, and you want to throw it away, to gun down your former friends, comrades and family, all for nothing!"
"I'm doing what I can to see the Irish flag fly free!"
"You might as well piss on the fucking flag, Joseph."
"I wasn't the one firing artillery down on our heads in the Four Courts!" Joseph says, growing angrier.
"You were the one who took the Four Courts in the first place! That's an act of war!" you say.
"Michael, Joseph, stop fighting, for god's sake!" Mary begs.
"Stay out of this, Mary. It's men's work!"
"Don't talk to me like that!" Mary says.
"Mary, for god's sake, this is stuff between men! I'm not trying to belittle you, I'm trying to keep you safe."
"Joseph, you need to come home and stop fighting! Killing Irishmen is not the way forward! We will get a full republic, but through the political process!"
"He's right, Joseph," Arthur adds. "The pen will be what wins the country independence, not the gun!"
"How the fuck are you going to give out to me for fighting Michael's British allies!? You, of all fucking people!?" Joseph snaps. That baby sitting right here with us isn't even your fucking kid, he's the son of a fucking British soldier who raped your wife while serving the crown that Joseph serves!"
You're so taken aback you can't even find the anger within you. Mary bursts into tears, pressing her face into your chest as Arthur rises. You turn to look at him, who sits there, his eyes narrowing. Arthur doesn't snap, or go red, but he's instead taken by something far more terrifying. Arthur stands, his lanky frame no filling the room with his presence, as his voice drops to a quiet, cold snarl.
"You ever say a fucking thing about my son again, I will put a fucking bullet through your skull," Arthur says, stepping up close to Joseph as Joseph
"I didn't mean..." Joseph says meekly, as Arthur sneers at him.
"Get the fuck out of here, Joseph. Nothing good's going to come from you staying," he says darkly.
Joseph goes to protest, before nodding weakly. You watch as he makes his way out of the house. You let out a quiet sigh of relief that he's left, before turning to Arthur, whose darkened face is staring at Joseph walks down the driveway.
"I'm sorry, Arthur," you say.
"I'm alright. Nothing to be sorry for," Arthur says, leaning in to give Morgan a quick peck on the cheek. "He's wrong. Morgan's my boy. Nothing else matters."
Arthur nods wordlessly, as you go to the cabinet.
Little else is said in the night, as you drink away your sorrows. When Ma gets back, not a word is said to her. It's best not to upset her with these things. Instead, you all just head to bed, not wanting to talk about the day's events.
However, like every war, there are casualties. Arthur Griffith, overworked and strained from constant stress in keeping the government running smoothly while keeping Britain appeased, dies from heart failure leading to a cerebral hemorrhage. Only ten days later, at Béal na Bláth, Michael Collins is assassinated in an IRA ambush, where he is the only loss.
After losing two great leaders, the Free State becomes far more draconian in it's work in ending this whole blasted war, including performing executions without trials, larger scale internment and the criminalization of holding any arms whatsoever. This leads to the execution of Erskine Childers, the man who first ran guns for the Irish Volunteers, after he was found with a pistol that he claimed was a gift form Michael Collins. His last words become famous. As he stared down the firing squad to execute him, he said "Take a step forward, lads. It'll be easier that way." If nothing else, the man went out with style. As the war gets more brutal, it becomes clear Ireland as a nation will not last unless this comes to an end soon.
Unfortunately, it seems you have a new assignment. Rory O'Connor, your old ally in the IRA, who was captured in the taking of the Four Courts, has been sentenced to death. You're part of the firing squad that's being used to execute the poor man later in the day.
As you walk down the streets of Dublin in your uniform, you wonder if you should stop by Rory's cell, to see him one last time before the end. Or perhaps you should just head to the nearest bar and get a drink, see if you can't drink away the pains of killing an old friend.
1. Visit Rory O'Connor before the execution
2. Go to the bar and drown your sorrows before the time comes
"Come in, then," you say.
You allow Joseph into the home. He makes his way into the kitchen, where Mary embraces him. Arthur shakes his hand. He even plays with fucking Morgan. You watch with cold fury as Joseph acts like everything's tip fucking top.
"So..." Joseph says, finally turning to you. "It's good to see you, Michaell."
The atmosphere is tense. There's a long pause, as you just manage to avoid swearing or cussing him out. You wait, choosing your words carefully.
"You have a lot of explaining to do, Joseph."
"Explaining?" Joseph asks with a smile. "I'm fighting for an Irish republic and full independence. That's what we both fought for with the IRA, isn't it? I never left the IRA, and I never stopped fighting. Maybe you need to explain yourself."
"I did what was necessary! We got the best we were ever going to get, and you want to throw it away, to gun down your former friends, comrades and family, all for nothing!"
"I'm doing what I can to see the Irish flag fly free!"
"You might as well piss on the fucking flag, Joseph."
"I wasn't the one firing artillery down on our heads in the Four Courts!" Joseph says, growing angrier.
"You were the one who took the Four Courts in the first place! That's an act of war!" you say.
"Michael, Joseph, stop fighting, for god's sake!" Mary begs.
"Stay out of this, Mary. It's men's work!"
"Don't talk to me like that!" Mary says.
"Mary, for god's sake, this is stuff between men! I'm not trying to belittle you, I'm trying to keep you safe."
"Joseph, you need to come home and stop fighting! Killing Irishmen is not the way forward! We will get a full republic, but through the political process!"
"He's right, Joseph," Arthur adds. "The pen will be what wins the country independence, not the gun!"
"How the fuck are you going to give out to me for fighting Michael's British allies!? You, of all fucking people!?" Joseph snaps. That baby sitting right here with us isn't even your fucking kid, he's the son of a fucking British soldier who raped your wife while serving the crown that Joseph serves!"
You're so taken aback you can't even find the anger within you. Mary bursts into tears, pressing her face into your chest as Arthur rises. You turn to look at him, who sits there, his eyes narrowing. Arthur doesn't snap, or go red, but he's instead taken by something far more terrifying. Arthur stands, his lanky frame no filling the room with his presence, as his voice drops to a quiet, cold snarl.
"You ever say a fucking thing about my son again, I will put a fucking bullet through your skull," Arthur says, stepping up close to Joseph as Joseph
"I didn't mean..." Joseph says meekly, as Arthur sneers at him.
"Get the fuck out of here, Joseph. Nothing good's going to come from you staying," he says darkly.
Joseph goes to protest, before nodding weakly. You watch as he makes his way out of the house. You let out a quiet sigh of relief that he's left, before turning to Arthur, whose darkened face is staring at Joseph walks down the driveway.
"I'm sorry, Arthur," you say.
"I'm alright. Nothing to be sorry for," Arthur says, leaning in to give Morgan a quick peck on the cheek. "He's wrong. Morgan's my boy. Nothing else matters."
Arthur nods wordlessly, as you go to the cabinet.
Little else is said in the night, as you drink away your sorrows. When Ma gets back, not a word is said to her. It's best not to upset her with these things. Instead, you all just head to bed, not wanting to talk about the day's events.
Months pass...
Over the next few months, the treaty war gets more and more out of hand, spiraling out of control. It's not long before it becomes clear that the IRA are losing, and the Free State are soon going to triumph.
However, like every war, there are casualties. Arthur Griffith, overworked and strained from constant stress in keeping the government running smoothly while keeping Britain appeased, dies from heart failure leading to a cerebral hemorrhage. Only ten days later, at Béal na Bláth, Michael Collins is assassinated in an IRA ambush, where he is the only loss.
After losing two great leaders, the Free State becomes far more draconian in it's work in ending this whole blasted war, including performing executions without trials, larger scale internment and the criminalization of holding any arms whatsoever. This leads to the execution of Erskine Childers, the man who first ran guns for the Irish Volunteers, after he was found with a pistol that he claimed was a gift form Michael Collins. His last words become famous. As he stared down the firing squad to execute him, he said "Take a step forward, lads. It'll be easier that way." If nothing else, the man went out with style. As the war gets more brutal, it becomes clear Ireland as a nation will not last unless this comes to an end soon.
Unfortunately, it seems you have a new assignment. Rory O'Connor, your old ally in the IRA, who was captured in the taking of the Four Courts, has been sentenced to death. You're part of the firing squad that's being used to execute the poor man later in the day.
As you walk down the streets of Dublin in your uniform, you wonder if you should stop by Rory's cell, to see him one last time before the end. Or perhaps you should just head to the nearest bar and get a drink, see if you can't drink away the pains of killing an old friend.
1. Visit Rory O'Connor before the execution
2. Go to the bar and drown your sorrows before the time comes
ViciousVip3R
Merchant of Death, Quest Log Fanatic
Let's pay ol' Rory a visit. Although I'm sure something interesting with happen either way, seeing an old friend appeals to me more.
1.
1.
Pryno
Probably a Malkavian
*internally screaming*
We have to see him, if only as a mark of respect. 1. Tabarnak, I knew it would go that way.
We have to see him, if only as a mark of respect. 1. Tabarnak, I knew it would go that way.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
1. Rory probably doesn't want to see your stupid face, but damn it, I just don't want to drink alcohol.
This war is filled with bad choices. While we're fighting among ourselves like crazy, soon the British would swoop in reconquer Ireland for the sake of 'restoring order' or some other excuse. You know, the IRA folks have a point, they want full independence and they're willing to seize it with their own two hands. Even if we don't control trade, we'll be united under one legitimate government. That in itself should be enough to shove the British Empire out of Ireland forever. And if they come back, we will fuck their shit up. But now, its just too late for that to happen, we've caused a hell of a ruckus during this little civil war of ours.
Felis
Meow?
Yes, let's go see him; option 1. And sorry for the late reply!
Pryno
Probably a Malkavian
Exactly! Also, you are so sweet Omen. Of course that we will stay on board!
The Omen of Death
My presence has marked your eventual demise.
(I figured, I am gonna have a secondary questlog happen during the course of the big project one I plan to do so you guys will vote as usual on the 2nd one that'll be going on. Although if all of you are on board with the main one I think we'll just do that. Anyway thank you again so much for all the support and Option 1 has been chosen with 4 votes!)
You decide to visit Rory O'Connor before the end. You walk up to the jail where he's being held, and tell them you're visiting. It's a long walk to his cell, all along the other cells filled with former comrades, friends and family that once fought with you. You're quickly led to Rory O'Connor's cell, where you introduce yourself through the dark bars.
"Good evening, Rory," you say. "It's Michael McCarthy, Joseph's brother."
"Come in," Rory O'Connor says. "Although I can hardly stop you entering, can I?"
You walk into the cell, staring at Rory O'Connor. He looks haggard and weary, but he actually smiles when he sees you.
"Michael! It's good to see you, my friend."
Friend is an interesting thing to be called, given the situation.
"It's a pleasure to see you, Rory."
"Same to you. Michael, how have you been doing? What brings you up to Dublin."
"I... I'm assigned to your execution squad. I'll be seeing you on the firing line."
To your surprise, the man actually grins at you.
"That's a laugh, isn't it? To be shot by a friend like you. Ah, it happens. Have you heard about Kevin O'Higgins?"
You shake your head slowly.
"I've known Kevin O'Higgins since the start of this all. Since we were kids, as a matter of fact. We went to school together, some old Jesuit shithole. He was the best man at my wedding."
Rory O'Connor pauses, as if unsure of himself. He takes a deep breath, before continuing.
"Have you received my execution order? Have you seen it with your own two eyes?"
"I haven't, Rory," you admit.
"At the very bottom of it. It was signed Kevin O'Higgins. My best friend, my best man, has signed my death warrant."
"I'm sorry about that, Rory. I didn't know. You must feel very betrayed."
"Ah, I've no doubt that Kevin felt betrayed when I took over Four Courts. We simply ended up on opposite sides of the war, is all. It's a fierce shame. A damn fierce shame. Tell me, have you talked to your brother? Since the Four Courts disaster?"
"I have," you say. "It... it didn't go well."
"Don't let hate consume you, Michael. Joseph's a good man. Brash, headstrong, a bit foolish... well, who am I talking to, he's a really stupid c*** of a man, isn't he? But he's a good man. He's just doing what he thinks is right. At the end of it, that's all anybody ever does, be it the Hun aiming down his rifle, the IRA man crouching in the bushes, the Brit patrolling the streets, the Free State soldier attacking the Four Courts or the anti-Treaty fighter firing his revolver."
"Father's here, Rory!" a guard's voice calls, as you turn to see the priest about to give Rory his last rites enter.
"Good to see you, Father," you say, shaking the priest's hand as he enters. "I'll leave you be, Rory. It was a pleasure."
"Damn right it was," Rory grins, before looking at his feet, embarrassed as he realizes he's in the presence of a priest. "Sorry, father. Forgive me."
The priest nods understandably, as Rory turns his attention back to you. He pulls you into a tight hug, before
"Don't forget about what I said. Joseph's your brother, he deserves... well I don't know. We're all just soldiers."
You nod, before leaving Rory with the priest. After you finish with your meeting, you head to the changing room, getting dressed up in your full uniform and grabbing your rifle, before making your way to the execution area.
"Reporting for duty, sir," you say.
"Are you ready for this, McCarthy?" the commander asks.
You nod solemnly.
"Good. Grab your rifle and take your position on the line," he says.
You quickly file along the line, taking your posit ln ion as you shoulder your rifle. Rory O'Connor is led out, given his position against the wall. He takes a cigarette in between his teeth, before foregoing the blindfold to stare down his attackers.
"Padraig Pearse whistled right before he was killed," Rory O'Connor says. "I feel I need to go out with a similar bit of style, don't I?"
He smiles weakly at the row of gunmen in front of him. He looks at you briefly, giving you a quick wink. He takes a deep inhale of his cigarette, before the Free State commander gives the order.
"Ready!"
You prepare to fire your rifle, waiting carefully.
"Aim!"
You tilt your head, staring down the iron sights of your rifle, waiting patiently.
"Fire!"
1. Fire
2. Hold fire
You decide to visit Rory O'Connor before the end. You walk up to the jail where he's being held, and tell them you're visiting. It's a long walk to his cell, all along the other cells filled with former comrades, friends and family that once fought with you. You're quickly led to Rory O'Connor's cell, where you introduce yourself through the dark bars.
"Good evening, Rory," you say. "It's Michael McCarthy, Joseph's brother."
"Come in," Rory O'Connor says. "Although I can hardly stop you entering, can I?"
You walk into the cell, staring at Rory O'Connor. He looks haggard and weary, but he actually smiles when he sees you.
"Michael! It's good to see you, my friend."
Friend is an interesting thing to be called, given the situation.
"It's a pleasure to see you, Rory."
"Same to you. Michael, how have you been doing? What brings you up to Dublin."
"I... I'm assigned to your execution squad. I'll be seeing you on the firing line."
To your surprise, the man actually grins at you.
"That's a laugh, isn't it? To be shot by a friend like you. Ah, it happens. Have you heard about Kevin O'Higgins?"
You shake your head slowly.
"I've known Kevin O'Higgins since the start of this all. Since we were kids, as a matter of fact. We went to school together, some old Jesuit shithole. He was the best man at my wedding."
Rory O'Connor pauses, as if unsure of himself. He takes a deep breath, before continuing.
"Have you received my execution order? Have you seen it with your own two eyes?"
"I haven't, Rory," you admit.
"At the very bottom of it. It was signed Kevin O'Higgins. My best friend, my best man, has signed my death warrant."
"I'm sorry about that, Rory. I didn't know. You must feel very betrayed."
"Ah, I've no doubt that Kevin felt betrayed when I took over Four Courts. We simply ended up on opposite sides of the war, is all. It's a fierce shame. A damn fierce shame. Tell me, have you talked to your brother? Since the Four Courts disaster?"
"I have," you say. "It... it didn't go well."
"Don't let hate consume you, Michael. Joseph's a good man. Brash, headstrong, a bit foolish... well, who am I talking to, he's a really stupid c*** of a man, isn't he? But he's a good man. He's just doing what he thinks is right. At the end of it, that's all anybody ever does, be it the Hun aiming down his rifle, the IRA man crouching in the bushes, the Brit patrolling the streets, the Free State soldier attacking the Four Courts or the anti-Treaty fighter firing his revolver."
"Father's here, Rory!" a guard's voice calls, as you turn to see the priest about to give Rory his last rites enter.
"Good to see you, Father," you say, shaking the priest's hand as he enters. "I'll leave you be, Rory. It was a pleasure."
"Damn right it was," Rory grins, before looking at his feet, embarrassed as he realizes he's in the presence of a priest. "Sorry, father. Forgive me."
The priest nods understandably, as Rory turns his attention back to you. He pulls you into a tight hug, before
"Don't forget about what I said. Joseph's your brother, he deserves... well I don't know. We're all just soldiers."
You nod, before leaving Rory with the priest. After you finish with your meeting, you head to the changing room, getting dressed up in your full uniform and grabbing your rifle, before making your way to the execution area.
"Reporting for duty, sir," you say.
"Are you ready for this, McCarthy?" the commander asks.
You nod solemnly.
"Good. Grab your rifle and take your position on the line," he says.
You quickly file along the line, taking your posit ln ion as you shoulder your rifle. Rory O'Connor is led out, given his position against the wall. He takes a cigarette in between his teeth, before foregoing the blindfold to stare down his attackers.
"Padraig Pearse whistled right before he was killed," Rory O'Connor says. "I feel I need to go out with a similar bit of style, don't I?"
He smiles weakly at the row of gunmen in front of him. He looks at you briefly, giving you a quick wink. He takes a deep inhale of his cigarette, before the Free State commander gives the order.
"Ready!"
You prepare to fire your rifle, waiting carefully.
"Aim!"
You tilt your head, staring down the iron sights of your rifle, waiting patiently.
"Fire!"
1. Fire
2. Hold fire
Pryno
Probably a Malkavian
Oh crap. I’m currently studying and will vote later, I just needed to say oh crap.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
1. This is sad, but if Rory has to go, make him die by the hands of his own friends and family. This is a strange way of paying your last respects to the man, but this is how it should end. Don't hold the bullet back, let it fly straight into Rory's heart. If not his heart, let it fly anyway. Make his death swift, even if it hurts you, because you will end up hurting everyone by saving yourself the pain.
ViciousVip3R
Merchant of Death, Quest Log Fanatic
(I'm on board with every quest log. 
Keep up the good work!)
I'm glad we got to talk and clear the air with Rory, but now it's time for us to do our duty as a soldier and fire. As Walt says, let's make his death as swift as possible.
1.
Keep up the good work!)I'm glad we got to talk and clear the air with Rory, but now it's time for us to do our duty as a soldier and fire. As Walt says, let's make his death as swift as possible.
1.
Historical Storyteller
Four Thousand Club
(I'm on board with every quest log.
I'm glad we got to talk and clear the air with Rory, but now it's time for us to do our duty as a soldier and fire. As Walt says, let's make his death as swift as possible.
1.
Rory's a good man, he wasn't even angry at us when we came to talk to him. I didn't expect that, really. If anything, he isn't a guy that deserves to die. But hey, give him a soldier's death. Death by firing squad. Whether he fought for or against the treaty, he'll always remain a soldier and an Irishman to us all.
