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/tg/ - Traditional Games


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You are Kusajishi Riku, and you're dead.

Of course “Riku” isn't your real name, it's just what the people here started calling you and you ran with it. Many people in the Soul Society arrive with no identity of their own, like you did, so the older residents give those newcomers names to use. At that point in your afterlife nobody was quite sure whether you were a tomboy or an effeminate young man, so they gave you a unisex name that could fit either case. “Kusajishi” isn't your family name either, for that matter. It's the name of the 79th District in the northern region of the Rukongai, which is what this expansive world of the dead is called.

While there are some nice parts of this city, Kusajshi is a slum whose pretty name belies its brutal, hard-scrabble nature. The only places more barbaric than your old home are the #80 districts, like Zaraki. Only two kinds of people ever come from there: raiders and refugees. The refugees all tell horror stories about life in the outermost ring of the afterlife, while you've never talked with a raider. Usually it's much smarter to run whenever they show up, and after years of practice you've gotten quite good at it. But most of that is in your past now.

You left Kusajishi about two years ago due to a peculiar fact of your new existence in Soul Society, which is that unlike the vast majority of your fellow Rukongai residents you can feel hunger. If you don't eat, you feel like you could probably die... again. So you decided to move to one of the posh inner districts, where food is more plentiful. In Hokutan district, where you live now, they don't really need that stuff anyway. It'd make it far easier to justify stealing from them even if they didn't normally treat you like trash.
(1/2)
>>
>>38936427
For a resident of the Rukongai you're fairly tall, with messy black hair and slate-gray eyes. Your skin is a lighter tone than most (when you've washed the dirt off), and although your diet still leaves you on the lean side you've filled in enough in the right places to make it more obvious that you're a young woman rather than a boy. A few faded scars crisscross your skin from close shaves with raiders during your early days in Kusajishi, though thankfully you've nearly always given better than you got on that count. The main exception of course was that scrappy little fuck from Zaraki who cut you down and left you for dead once, which as one of the low points of your afterlife experience is something you don't like to talk about.

Not that you talk to many people anyway.

Most of those scars are hidden by your ratty clothes, which by Hokutan's standards are poor but still beat the hell out of the rags you used to wear. You even managed to steal a pair of sandals your size when their previous owner wasn't paying attention: some ancient-looking man in a white coat. He probably wasn't too happy, but then again he should have been paying more attention. He has only himself to blame for his misfortune.

At the moment, though, all this reminiscing on the past is making you even hungrier than usual.

>Take a walk, try to ignore your hunger pangs until it gets dark enough to sneak around.
>Steal something now. It's riskier, but by tonight you may be too weakened by hunger.
>Try begging. It kills you a little inside every time you beg, but it's worked in the past.

Also,
>Roll me a 1d10. I'll explain what this was for when it eventually becomes relevant.
>>
>>38936477

>Steal something now. It's riskier, but by tonight you may be too weakened by hunger.
>>
>>38936477
>What is this?
A quest set in the “Bleach” universe's afterlife, the “Soul Society”, some 200 years prior to the events of canon.
>Are we doing chargen?
Absolutely not.
>Who are we, then?
Kusajishi Riku, a resident of the afterlife who possesses the potential to develop immense spiritual power.
>How closely will this follow canon?
I don't know yet. It mostly depends on you. That being said, be warned: metagaming will not solve any problems. Instead it will likely delay canon events, alter them, or replace them with new problems. Particularly blatant cases of metagaming will be ignored.
>How do names work?
Partly translated for accessibility, with proper names following the Japanese convention of family name first.
>How does I roll dice?
After figuring out what option has won I'll give a dice prompt. Usually rolls will be 3d10 against a set target, first three considered. To succeed, the best of the first three responses must have two passing rolls. A critical success requires three passing rolls. If the best result is one pass, the action fails. If nobody rolls anything that passes, the result is a critical failure. Other die rolls that deviate from this will be explained on a case by case basis.
>”But Queen,” some of you may be asking, “what about that crazy system of Kidō, unarmed, and sword-fighting? Won't that make combat a mess?
When you've learned some techniques I'll start keeping a character sheet with what you know. Write ins for how to accomplish varying actions in combat are always welcome (within reason), and may affect the difficulty and outcome of combat.
>Any other questions?
Lay 'em on me. I'll do my best to answer.

I'll be back in ~20 minutes to see how things are going. If I've picked up a few readers I'll get to work with the update then.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>38936477
>Take a walk, try to ignore your hunger pangs until it gets dark enough to sneak around.
>>
>>38936540

Are we a dude, a dudette, or is it going to remain ambiguous to both the playerbase and characters for the remainder of the quest until you feel like revealing it?
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>38936509
>>38936477

Whoops, forgot my roll.
>>
>>38936612
>although your diet still leaves you on the lean side you've filled in enough in the right places to make it more obvious that you're a young woman rather than a boy
Woman looks like. Just hope we don't go full typical yuri or waifuwars.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>38936477
>Take a walk, try to ignore your hunger pangs until it gets dark enough to sneak around.
>>
>>38936612
You are most definitely a dudette, and everyone you meet from this point will probably realize that.

Mostly.
>>
>>38936648

Huh. Not sure how I missed that. Neat.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>38936477
>Steal something now. It's riskier, but by tonight you may be too weakened by hunger.
>reverse trap protagonist
sigh...
>>
>>38936673
Doesn't seem like it based on >>38936660
We're filling out and I'm guessing still have potential if we're on the younger side.
>>
>>38936477
>Steal something now. It's riskier, but by tonight you may be too weakened by hunger.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>38936477
Forgot to roll....>>38936715
>>
>>38936630
>>38936673
>>38936731
Okay seriously...What the fuck is going on?
>>
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>>38936745

Magic trips? Our character's lucky number? The stars aligning?

It is a mystery.
>>
>>38936745
That, anon, is the sound of inevitability.
>>
>>38936745
You missed one. It's just /tg/ dice doing its thing as usual.
>>
Alright, petty theft is a go, and this quest will be brought to you by the number "2".

>writing
>>
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>>38936877

Well, clearly this thread is brought to us by the number 2.

Bleach already has a number one!
>>
>>38936768
I miss that bastard.....
>>
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>>38936906
This fucking guy
>>
>>38936477
There's no two ways about it, you need food badly. It's been days since you've eaten and that puts you in a dangerous position of weakness. Too much longer and you may have trouble getting away with a crime, and although Hokutan is one of the nicer districts there are still other lowlifes to protect yourself from around here: especially after dark. So if you're gonna do this, it has to be soon.

In Hokutan the roads and streets are covered in packed gravel, which keeps the dust down most days. On wintery days like this one it also keeps the rain from turning them into long, ankle-deep mud wallows. Other souls pass you by, pretending to take no notice of you in your ratty clothes as they rush to conclude whatever business they had today before the ominous clouds above get a chance to ruin things for them. A few sympathetic ones among the crowd seem uncomfortable at your state as they pass, but none make a move to talk to you. But that's okay. Today you're too busy to be looking for a handout anyhow.

It only takes you a few minutes to find a potential mark: a little stall on a sidestreet selling dumplings. Business seems slow, so there are few potential witnesses, and the guy seems to be working here alone: a short, stocky fellow with massive glass lenses over his eyes. The only question is how you're going to rob this place.

>Wait for the proprietor to go to the back, steal some money, and run.
>Bluff that you have money to pay a tab, order, then dash on the bill.
>It feels bad to attack the guy, but knocking him out makes this easier.
>Try and find a better shop to hit (will require a roll)
>>
>>38937038
>Wait for the proprietor to go to the back, steal some money, and run.
>>
>>38937038
>Wait for the proprietor to go to the back, steal some money, and run.

Least worse option I guess.
>>
>>38937038

>Try and find a better shop to hit (will require a roll)

A hobo with loadsacash is going to stick out like a sore thumb after someone gets robbed, attacking him seems like a pointlessly dickish move, and a bluff about having money in our ratty clothes won't work. We'd have better luck looking for a shop that puts the food out on display so we can do a good 'ol fashioned hit and run.
>>
>>38937038
>Wait for the proprietor to go to the back, steal some money, and run.
>>
>>38937038
>Wait for the proprietor to go to the back, steal some money, and run.
Shouldn't we steal food, not money?
>>
>>38937196
The food would be mostly uncooked and in the back. The thought would be that there's probably some money behind the counter to make change.
>>
>>38937038
>>38937177
Deleting old vote to support this.
>>
Alright, I'll be cutting the voting interval down to 15 minutes to keep things moving.

>writing for stealing some cash
>>
As soon as we run into a nofungami, and they explain the hunger thing, we're asking them why they don't set up food banks to recruit people like us.
>>
>>38937311
You spend a few minutes watching the shopkeeper from the shadows outside his shop, reasoning that anyone with eyes can probably tell you have no money. He seems to spend most of his time up front in his business, only spending a few moments at a time in the back. You do however notice that, while serving a lone customer who walks in and takes his meal out of the shop with him, the proprietor puts his payment in a small wooden box just behind the counter. The clinking sound tells you there are at least a few Kan there, but probably not much. Enough to make change, at least, a day's revenue at best.

The second thing you notice is that the man seems to have trouble seeing critical details, having to feel the small coins before accepting payment.

“Thanks again,” the customer says with a bow before leaving the store and its proprietor behind. This is probably your moment, as the shopkeep turns to wash up.

>Sneak in, try to take the money quietly.
>Dash in and out. It'll make a racket, but it'll go quicker.
>Change the plan. This guy MIGHT actually be blind enough for you to get a meal out of this.
>Other?

All three options will require a roll.
>>
>>38937383
Having not read much of the source material, what does being hungry mean?
>>
>>38937497
>Sneak in, try to take the money quietly.
>>
>>38937497
>Wait for the proprietor to go to the back, steal some money, and run.

And once we have the cash, swallow one or two coins so they can't take it back from us.
>>
>>38937497
>Sneak in, try to take the money quietly.
>>
>>38937497
>>Sneak in, try to take the money quietly.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d10)

>>38937497
>All three options will require a roll.

>>38937579
Bah, sorry. Rolling
>>
>>38937573
It means your body produces spiritual energy, kind of like having a metabolism. The souls that are better-off here can afford to eat if have minute amounts of spiritual potential, or just if thy want to eat for fun.

Individuals like you who need a lot of food are very rare.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>38937497
>Dash in and out. It'll make a racket, but it'll go quicker.
>>
>>38937619
Oh, neat.

>>38937497
>Sneak in, try to take the money quietly.

No point going in loud straight off the bat.
>>
Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>38937497
>>
>>38936540
Interesting. You seem to have this set up fairly well, and I'm liking the curve on that dice system. Have you run a quest before? I can't put my finger on it, but I feel like I recognise the style.
>>
>>38937573
Basically, anyone who needs food enough to actually show up at a food bank has potential to be a Soul Reaper, which makes it an effective recruitment tool.
>>
>>38937690
I believe that's Soma's system for dice rolls. Seen a few others use it recently, Brine being one off the top of my head. Pretty good system.
>>
>>38937743
I actually did see Brine using it, tried it out myself, and really liked it.

So roll me some 3d10. Sadly, sneaky gets you a DC of 8 due to a rather unfortunate circumstance.
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 10 = 17 (3d10)

>>38937775
3 1s coming up
>>
Rolled 9, 3, 7 = 19 (3d10)

>>38937775
>>
Rolled 4, 10, 5 = 19 (3d10)

>>38937775
Welp.
>>
Rolled 6, 6, 8 = 20 (3d10)

>>38937775
>>
>>38937786
>>38937789
>>38937793
>all have a single high number passing the DC
>the rest are shit
Thanks dice gods
>>
>>38937786
>>38937789
>>38937793
Not disastrous, but a definite setback.

>writing
>>
>>38937892
This is what you've waited for. As quickly as you can move without making any noise, you push your way past the short little fabric curtains hanging in the doorway and make for the counter as the shopkeep disappears into the back room. With a single motion you roll over the counter and land softly on your feet, quickly spotting the cash-box.

Oh. Oh fuck. It's one of those stupid puzzle-boxes.

You've heard of these little novelties of woodworking: you need to move the panels on top in a specific pattern in order to unlock it. It seems this one is a “seven-move” type, requiring a set of seven movements to get at the money inside.

A quick look around reveals that the shopkeep is still in the back, for now, so you start sliding the little carved panels in what you think is the right order.

Start here... two... three... no, that's not it. No, no, wrong, shit, fuck, dammit... that one was actually right. Five. Six.

“Who the hell are you?” a gruff voice asks from the doorway at your side.

Well, that was nice while it lasted.

“Aww, one off...” you sigh as you smash the top of the box and grab a handful of coins.

“Gotta go!”
(1/2)
>>
>>38937979
The knife sails past your ear as you scramble out into the alleyway, pushing the fabric curtains out of the way and nearly tripping over your own feet. As nice as shoes are, you're really not used to the feel of them just yet.

A curious black cat observes from a nearby wall as the shouting shopkeeper follows you out into the alley with a second knife, which he also chucks at you. The blade leaves a shallow nick in your shoulder as it bounces off.

“Jeez, it was only like twenty Kan!” you shout indignantly as you're forced to duck a third knife. “And the box. But still, isn't this an over-reaction!?”

The shopkeep isn't having any of it. “You'll answer for it one way or the other, boy!”

“I'M A GIRL, YOU BLIND ASSHOLE!” you protest. “AND I WAS STARVING!”

“THEN YOU SHOULD'VE STARVED!” he roars back. This is really starting to piss you off!

>Retaliate physically. He may have more knives, but you know you're faster. Much faster. Plus, you know, he can barely see you.
>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.
>>
>>38938048
>>Retaliate physically. He may have more knives, but you know you're faster. Much faster. Plus, you know, he can barely see you.
>>
>>38938048
>>Retaliate physically. He may have more knives, but you know you're faster. Much faster. Plus, you know, he can barely see you.
>>
>>38938048
>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.
We'd just spend more energy fighting.
>>
>>38938048
>>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.

Shun and Po, motherfucker!
>>
>>38938048
>Retaliate physically. He may have more knives, but you know you're faster. Much faster. Plus, you know, he can barely see you.
>>
>>38938048
>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.

We can always pay him back once we make it big...
>>
>>38938048
>Retaliate physically. He may have more knives, but you know you're faster. Much faster. Plus, you know, he can barely see you.

Don't play with knives, old dude
>>
>>38938048
>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.
>>
>>38938048
>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.

>A curious black cat observes from a nearby wall
Why hello there.
>>
>>38938048
>Plus, you know, he can barely see you.

Blind guys who can aptly use thrown weapons should not be underestimated... He'll probably turn out to be more dangerous an opponent than the raiders from #80...
>>
>>38938048
>Retaliate physically. He may have more knives, but you know you're faster. Much faster. Plus, you know, he can barely see you.
Fuck old people!
>>
>>38938048
>>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.
If he's blind and STILL nearly nicking us with throwing knives, I want no piece of this fight.
>>
>>38938048
>Cheese it! You don't have to fight when you can just avoid the issue altogether, and you're fast enough to pull it off.
>>
>>38938048
>Retaliate physically. He may have more knives, but you know you're faster. Much faster. Plus, you know, he can barely see you.
>>
VERY narrow, but at 22 past it's cheesing it by one vote.

>writing
>>
>>38938329
They're both tied.....
>>
>>38938377
Nope, running has one more.
>>
>>38938377

6 for retaliate, 7 for cheese.
>>
>>38938377
I hadn't counted >>38938187 as a complete vote. So I'll flip a coin.
>>
>>38938443
And it's gonna be running.
>>
>>38938443
That post Is in no possible way a vote.

Running won.
>>
>>38938467
Based coinflip is based.
>>
>>38938443

>>38938187 here
I wasn't making a vote with that. only stating that fighting was a bad idea
>>
>>38938508
Ah. Well, it all worked out anyway. I'll have the first part of the update up in a minute or two.
>>
>>38938048
He may have more knives, but you've got something he probably hasn't: a trick you've pulled out a few times in the past to escape when your neck was on the proverbial or sometimes literal chopping block. Centering your mind and taking a deep breath, you will your legs to move faster than should be humanly possible. And just like they usually do, your limbs respond to your will. The world of shopping arcades and residences blurs around you as you leave the stunned shopkeep, his stupid dumpling place, and an extremely amused black cat far behind you. Most people you pass don't even know you're there before you're gone again, your wake making no more impression on them than a whisper on the wind.

When you finally stop you're practically starving. But still, you're back in the alley you call home now, and your pockets are fuller than when you woke up this morning. It's enough money to give you a little leeway for the next few days, if you want to either pull off a bigger job or just survive for a while longer.

Looking over your body you see that your injury isn't all that bad. There's a bit of blood, sure, but the wound itself is surprisingly shallow. Your clothes however are even more of a mess than they were before, now sporting the all-too familiar carmine staining of blood.
(1/2)
>>
>>38938582
The first few cold drops fall against your tangled hair as the clouds finally deliver on their threats of rain. You turn your attention from your body to the waist-high wooden shambles tucked into the end of the alley that you scraped together to keep yourself out of the weather. It occurs to you that it's been a while since you did anything to it, and you wonder how long it'll be before you're forced to steal new materials to replace its worn roof.

If this storm's too bad, you may need to take care of that sooner than you'd planned.

>Nature's given you a perfect chance to clean yourself up a bit. Use it to wash out your wounds, then buy some food.
>Just curl up in your box to rest for now. Nobody cares if you're dirty, and the cuts aren't that bad.
>Go steal something to replace your roof with tomorrow. Nobody will be out in the rain.
>Other?
>>
>>38938653
>Nature's given you a perfect chance to clean yourself up a bit. Use it to wash out your wounds, then buy some food.
>>
>>38938582
>and an extremely amused black cat
OH SHIT YORUICHI!
>>38938653
>Nature's given you a perfect chance to clean yourself up a bit. Use it to wash out your wounds, then buy some food.
>>
>>38938685
Since someone's finally said it, you're gonna start seeing what all those 2's did for you. Not immediately, but a little at a time.
>>
>>38938653
>Nature's given you a perfect chance to clean yourself up a bit. Use it to wash out your wounds, then buy some food.
>>
>>38938653
>Nature's given you a perfect chance to clean yourself up a bit. Use it to wash out your wounds, then buy some food.

>>38938717
So that's what the rolls were for. I thought we got Yoruichi because we chose to sneak in.
>>
>>38938653
>Nature's given you a perfect chance to clean yourself up a bit. Use it to wash out your wounds, then buy some food.
>>
>>38938653
>Natures a given you a perfect chance to clean yourself for a bit. Use it to wash your wound and then buy some food.
>>
>>38938734
Nope. That was up to the dice gods. Other possible encounters would have led to very different quests, but none more so than a 1 being the first result rolled twice... Old Man Genocide would *not* be as amused at your antics.
>>
>>38938781
Old Man Genocide? Yamamoto?
>>
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>>38938781
>Old Man Genocide would *not* be as amused at your antics.
Oh shit we could've gotten him.....
>>
>>38938781
Squad one through ten on the rolls? Rolling 2 4 times got us cat captain?
>>
>>38938846
Not quite one through ten. There were a few options that would have been non-starters, and not all of them would have been Captains.
>>
>>38938879
Could you tell us what the others rolls would have given us? Or is that still important plot stuff for later?
>>
>>38938879
Glad we got best cat then....Oh shit is she going to try and recruit us? That would be epic!
>>
>>38938899
They line up fairly well with the divisions, but telling you which divisions would have resulted in instadeath or a near-unplayable mess of plot coming up in the first thread would be spoilers.

I can tell you more later.
>>
>>38938947

Is it only our legs that we can make move super fast? with training, could we have a lightning fast grasp which would help with obtaining things unnoticed... perhaps even catching the knifes thrown at us?
>>
>>38938947
Wow, the first two rolls could have screwed the quest beyond recovery? That's probably the most brutal dice system since that one QM who screwed up the math so bad we had a 50% chance of a critfail on every roll.
>>38939012
We're basically using a primitive flash step.
>>
>>38939051
Yeah it's kind of a asshole move....
>>
>>38939051
If I hadn't excluded the options that could have been that bad, yeah. Mostly it would just be an extremely different set of possibilities for advancement and growth.

>update in a minute or two
>>
>>38939132
So what would've happened if we got Kenpachi?
>>
>>38938653
You're far enough out of the way that nobody ever comes down this alleyway: not even the other few residents of this district who live on the streets. You saw to it when you got here that they all learned this is your turf now, and after beating their asses a few times they learned to keep their distance unless they have business with you. So nobody's going to mind if you take advantage of the free water.

As the rain begins to fall in earnest, slowly filling the pots you left out on your roof, you strip away your bloodstained, beaten yukata and hang it up on a cord running across the alley. Hopefully the rain will wash a little of the blood out.

The gravel crunches under your bare feet as you massage your scalp, and you shiver as you let the rain wash over you in great wet sheets driven by wind gusts high above. Thankfully your alley is out of the direct wind, so you're spared the full brunt of the storm. Dust washes out of your hair and off of your skin as your fingers run across faintly-scarred expanses of flesh, which tingle and tense in the chill. You also take care to clean out the shallow cut you received earlier, ensuring that it'll heal free of dirt or dust.

Before you turn to crunch your way back to your makeshift shelter, a blur of movement catches your eye as a black tail disappears around a corner. Much to your own surprise, you find yourself covering your modest chest with one arm.

You reason you must be feeling jittery if a dumb cat spooked you like that, and you drop your arm back to your side.

>Put something on and follow the cat? It may be good eating in a pinch.
>Was that cat... watching you? The actual fuck? Go get some food and puzzle over that for a bit.
>You need your rest if you're going to do work tomorrow.
>Other?
>>
>>38939164
>>Put something on and follow the cat? It may be good eating in a pinch.
>>
>>38939164
>Put something on and follow the cat? It may be good eating in a pinch.
>>
>>38939164

>Put something on and follow the cat? It may be good eating in a pinch.
>>
>>38939146
Reread the opening post. Also recall that Zaraki isn't a Captain yet.
>>
>>38939164
>Put something on and follow the cat? It may be good eating in a pinch.
Never quest on an empty stomach, it does strange things to you
>>
>>38939164
>>Put something on and follow the cat? It may be good eating in a pinch.
>>
>>38939164
>Put something on and follow the cat? It may be good eating in a pinch.
>>
>>38939164
>Was that cat... watching you? The actual fuck? Go get some food and puzzle over that for a bit.
>>
>>38939164
>>Was that cat... watching you? The actual fuck? Go get some food and puzzle over that for a bit.
>>
>>38939164
Alright, seems chasing tail wins.

>writing
>>
>>38939476
Queen you dirty girl?
>>
>>38939476
>>38939527
Don't stop her now?
>>
>>38939595
She does seem to be having a good time.
>>
>>38939602
I'm typing at the speed of light.
>>
>>38939595
Oh I wasn't stopping her. Just sayin she be a dirty girl.^~^
>>
>>38939678
>>38939639

Alright, this is getting out of control.
>>
>>38939697
All right I'll stop.
>>
>>38939476
Wait, was that the same cat as before? You quickly pull on your wet garment and chase the cat out to the main street.

It's sitting several paces down the road, looking back over its shoulder at you. When it spots you it dashes away again... you're not getting outrun by some damn cat! Pushing your body for the second time today, you catch the cat up near instantaneously. Then, much to your surprise the animal disappears just as quickly, leaving you mystified as to where it's gone.

Was that cat faster than you? That's... how? Looking about you doesn't cause the cat to turn up, and you return to the spot where you lost track of it after a few moments. You don't have the energy to do much more than that.

After a disappointing conclusion to that little misadventure, you stop off at a nearby shop to pick up a few items to eat: mostly crackers, dried meats and mushrooms, and salted fish. It's all fairly cheap, and will keep for a little bit. The shopkeep pretends not to notice the half washed-out blood stains as he hands over the merchandise and you walk back to your shelter.

The pile of stolen blankets itches and scratches at your skin a little as you curl up under the little roof, tucking your knees up into your chest to save your body heat. It's the end of another day, and for now you're just thankful to have survived to see tomorrow. But you know that there's a lot of work still ahead of you: surviving the winter is going to take a lot of long days like this one, and you'll have to steal a lot of food and supplies to get by.

You fall asleep wondering how long this “life” of yours can last.
(1/2)
>>
>>38939602
>>38939639
>>38939678
Thanks for following me up there. I DO appreciate it.
>>
>>38939761
It's been a few days since your last take. Your food supply is dwindling again, though happily the weather has improved. The air has a noticeable chill to it, but the lack of rain means your roof is holding out. But this does mean that you'll need to get food again somehow, preferably before the last of your little stash runs out.

>Dash on a meal? Short-term gains.
>Rob another store for chump change?
>Take a risk, try and lure some thugs for you to jump.
>Some other plan?
>>
>>38939835
>Take a risk, try and lure some thugs for you to jump.
>>
>>38939835
>Take a risk, try and lure some thugs for you to jump.
>>
>>38939835
>>Take a risk, try and lure some thugs for you to jump.

Let's set some traps in an alleyway and lure them in.
>>
>>38939835
>Take a risk, try and lure some thugs for you to jump.
>>
>>38939835
>Take a risk, try and lure some thugs for you to jump.
>>
>>38939835
>>Take a risk, try and lure some thugs for you to jump.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained after all!
We will rock them!
>>
>Writing
>>
>>38940128
It's a simple enough plan, really: pretend to be someone with money who's been caught in a bad part of town at night, and get yourself caught by some muggers. Then, when they're trying to mug you, use your superior speed to beat the crap out of them and take their weapons. A good sword will fetch you a few hundred Kan if you can resell it, which translates to a week worth of food if you're careful spending it. Poor-quality swords and knifes will net you less, but a small collection of them would still be worth the risk.

Problem is, it's painfully obvious that you haven't got much money.

That means preliminary theft is your only real option: you'll need a nice, dressy kimono of some kind with all the accessories. You'll need a sash and a money-pouch to make it convincing to any would-be thieves that you're carrying something worth taking in order to convince them to try and jump you.

>Roll me 3d10 to find suitable targets for theft, minimum DC is 6. Beating an 8 or getting a crit will produce a slightly better result.
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 6 = 12 (3d10)

>>38940235
>>
Rolled 9, 5, 6 = 20 (3d10)

>>38940235
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 7 = 16 (3d10)

>>38940235
>>
Rolled 6, 9, 7 = 22 (3d10)

>>38940235
>>
>>38940274
Well damn. Just out of reach.
>>
>>38940283
I know, right? Still, a success is a success.

>writing
>>
>>38940309
It takes you a little bit of a time investment to locate suitable clothes for your little scheme, but eventually you spot a lovely looking kimono hanging out to dry. It's got a very stylish pattern to it, and must have cost more money than you've ever seen at once in your entire undead life. So you snag it, right off the line, before its owner gets the chance to come out to collect it.

A part of you feels bad about stealing something so fine, but you push that aside. You do however make a mental note where this place was.

The sash and money-purse are a tougher job. After spying a likely candidate through an open window, you're forced to dash in and out again at top speed: to its previous owner it must have simply disappeared right off the table. It has no money in it right now, but it looks quite fancy. The downside is that now you're a fair bit hungrier than you were before you started off, and you're forced to stop by your shack to polish off the last of your crackers and nearly the last of your clean water.

Now, the fun part can begin.

>Head to a shopping district: there are plenty of blind alleys where thieves could be holed up.
>Head towards the outskirts of town a bit more, play up the part of a lost housewife.
>Head up into the hills outside of town, hope to bump into a highwayman or something.
>>
>>38940428
>Head to a shopping district: there are plenty of blind alleys where thieves could be holed up.
>>
>>38940428
>>Head towards the outskirts of town a bit more, play up the part of a lost housewife.
How could this end poorly, right?
>>
>>38940428
>Head towards the outskirts a bit more, play up the part of a lost housewife.
>>
>>38940428
>Head to a shopping district: there are plenty of blind alleys where thieves could be holed up.
>>
>>38940428
>Head to a shopping district: there are plenty of blind alleys where thieves could be holed up.
>>
>>38940428
It's been nearly 10 minutes, so I'll be calling it.
>>
>>38940675
It's actually impressive how much of a difference your clothes make in terms of how people treat you here in Hokutan. Now that you've got clothes that aren't ragged and bloodstained, people seem much more friendly. The shopping district still feels awkward to you, but now it's for much different reasons.

There are a few obvious alleyways near the edge of the shopping district where there are no stores and few people, and it's one of those you decide to go down. At first you feel like you might've made a mistake coming here, and that heading out to the outskirts may have been a better plan, but you're soon rewarded by a raspy voice from the shadows.

“Well,” the cutpurse croons creepily, “what have we here? A lovely little housewife with more money than brains? How delicious...”

He steps out into full view, and you can hear his partner cutting off your “escape” behind you. The one in front of you produces a short sword from his sash, but not an especially fine one. It'd maybe fetch you 50 Kan if you fenced it though, so you figure it's worth taking.

“Now be smart here, lady,” he warns you. “Give us exactly what we want and you'll get to live. Say now... I figure you know what'll happen to you.”

You crack one of your knuckles and grin, getting set to put these imbeciles down before they even know what's happening...
(1/2)
>>
>>38940852
... before you're rudely interrupted by an older-looking man in a ragged black outfit, bearing his own crappy little sword. He moved quickly, faster than either of your marks could but far, far slower than you.

"Who the hell are you supposed to be!?" the robber demands nervously.

Your grin is quickly replaced by a frown, and you cross your arms in indignation. "I'd like to know too."

The strange swordsman laughs. "I'm Kojiro Okina... but to evil-doers, I'm known as "The Grand Master of Flash"!"

You hear the second thug take a step back. "You mean hte former Shinigami? Who mastered the "flash-step"?"

"That's right, scum. In this district my shunpo are second to none."

>Get out of here. I'm trying to mug these idiots.
>Oh, thank you so much (let the idiot do the work)
>So... you're a washout, right?
>I'm sorry, but since when is *your* slow ass the "fastest"?
>>
>>38940961
>I'm sorry, but since when is *your* slow ass the "fastest"?
>>
>>38940961
>Oh, thank you so much(let the idiot do your dirty work)
>>
>>38940961
>>I'm sorry, but since when is *your* slow ass the "fastest"?
>Get out of here. I'm trying to mug these idiots.
>>
>>38940961
>Oh, thank you so much (let the idiot do the work)
Why waste energy when we have someone to do it for us?
>>
>>38940961
>Oh, thank you so much (let the idiot do the work)
>>
>>38940961
>>I'm sorry, but since when is *your* slow ass the "fastest"?
>>
>>38940961
>>Oh, thank you so much (let the idiot do the work)

Always a chance to find another ally with more suckers.
>>
>>38940961
>Oh, thank you so much (let the idiot do the work)

I have a feeling that he is part of their 'act' probably wanting some kind of 'reward' for 'saving' us...
>>
>>38940961
>>I'm sorry, but since when is *your* slow ass the "fastest"?
>Get out of here. I'm trying to mug these idiots.
>>
>>38940961
>Oh, thank you so much (let the idiot do the work)
>>
>>38941070
Or he is just going to mug us with them.
>>
>>38940961
Alright, roll 3d10 again. DC this time is 5.
>>
Rolled 4, 8, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>38941222
>>
Rolled 7, 3, 6 = 16 (3d10)

>>38941222
Rolling.

>>38941200
There's also the possibility that his reputation would be enough to make the thugs just run away. Which means no pay-off.
>>
Rolled 8, 7, 2 = 17 (3d10)

>>38941222
>>
Rolled 3, 7, 5 = 15 (3d10)

>>38941222
>>
Rolled 1, 7, 3 = 11 (3d10)

>>38941222
>>
Rolled 9, 4, 9 = 22 (3d10)

>>38941222
>>
>>38941229
>>38941240
>>38941241

8,8,10

Well blew the DC out.
>>
>>38941331
Has to be all one roll sequence so>>38941229
is what we get.
>>
>>38941331
It's still just a normal success. The dice gods are fucking with us with the tease in >>38941229 being one number away from a crit.
>>
>>38941222
"Oh, thank you!" you tell the self-proclaimed 'Grand Master of Flash'.

"No matter," he insists before flash-stepping towards the first mugger and punching him in the gut.

Or rather, "punching" him. You've heard of this scam before, where a would-be rescuer extracts a fee from his victim: less risk to themselves, and potentially easy money. While this guy in black is a step up from the others, in the end he's really no different.

The robbers scatter, leaving you alone with your supposed savior.

"Now then," he turns to you, "would you prefer I escort you back to safety, miss?"

You have only one possible reaction to this: you laugh right in his face. "Since when is your slow ass the fastest?" you ask, wiping a tear from your eye. "That's almost funnier than thinking I wasn't wise to your little game."

"Wha-" the man in black sputters before regaining his composure. "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, miss. I'll be on my way..."

>Oh no you don't (nonlethal, will require a roll)
>His sword looks nice. Take it from him and shank him (also requires a roll)
>Let him go, but take out his minions
>Let them go, it's too pathetic to bother with.
>>
>>38941432
>Let him go, but take out his minions. Be careful of attacks from the back though yeah?
>>
>>38941432
>His sword looks nice. Take it from him and shank him (also requires a roll)
Non lethal shank, something he can remember you by.
>>
>>38941432
>>Oh no you don't (nonlethal, will require a roll)
>>
>>38941432

Suggest that we find out who is faster. Take his sword and dash. If he's as good as he claims, then he should have no problem catching us. Though I'm not so sure of that he can...
>>
>>38941432
>Let him go, but take out his minions
>>
>>38941432
>Oh no you don't (nonlethal, will require a roll)
>>
>>38941432
>>Oh no you don't (nonlethal, will require a roll)
>>
>>38941432
>Oh no you don't (nonlethal, will require a roll)
>>
>>38941432
Alright, show me them 3d10s. DC is a modest 5, because this guy's mostly talk.
>>
Rolled 8, 10, 4 = 22 (3d10)

>>38941741
>>
Rolled 3, 8, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>38941741
>>
>>38941768
Dice pls! Why?
>>
Rolled 5, 8, 2 = 15 (3d10)

>>38941741
>>
Rolled 5, 4, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>38941741
>>
>>38941799
I believe that's the third time it's happened. The day we get a crit will be when it's for something like telling a joke.
>>
>>38941741
Oh no, you're not letting this prick get away so easily! Not when you've still got nothing to show for this venture!

"Hey lead-butt!" you call out, "let's see who's really faster!"

As soon as you finish the sentence the man's eyes widen, and he tries to flash-step away to escape. Now he's having to face the inescapable truth that he only thought he was the "predator" here.

You overtake him in a single stride and deliver a roundhouse kick to his crotch, which sends him flying into the side of a building. Before he can even begin to recover, you're on him again, grasping the hilt of his sword.

"Mediocre," you comment, examining it in the light of the nearby lanterns, "kind of like you, right? But unlike you, it may still be worth something."

The former fastest person in Hokutan groans as you grin down at him.

"Later!"

And just like that you take his sword all the way back to your shack, setting it aside for the time being as you address the rumble in your stomach with a quick meal. You also down the last of your water, realizing that the money from this sword will probably carry you for a few weeks at least.

The cat, however, puts a halt to your victory celebration, meowing insistently behind you. As you turn, you find the animal sitting in the middle of the alleyway, looking up at you with amber eyes that glint in the dark.

>Try and play with the cat? Like, with some string, or something?
>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.
>The weak are meats for the strong. Try again to catch it and eat it, hoping this time it'll work.
>Ignore it to the best of your ability.
>>
>>38941888
Yeah probably at this rate. Though we might kill someone with the joke if it's that funny.
.>>38941910
I was just commenting on the fact that the rolls almost had all three successes. No clue about the way you were describing.
>>
>>38941983
>>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.
>>
>>38941983
>>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.
>>
>>38941983
>>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.
>>
>>38941983
>Try and play wit the cat? Like, with string, or something?
>>
>>38941983
>Try and play with the cat? Like, with some string, or something?
Then trap it!
>>
>>38941983
>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.
>>
>>38941986
>No clue about the way you were describing.

I reread the roll description up top and realized what he was doing, I should probably go back and reread some of Brine's work to see if he did it the way I thought he did, I doubt myself now.

>>38941983
>Ignore it to the best of your ability.

IC it would be a hindrance to have a cat decide to stick around and have to feed it, but would we really eat it? Probably.
>>
>>38941983
>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.

Speed cat will make for a great partner as we take on increasingly difficult and dangerous heists...
>>
>>38941983
>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.
Ohh, we missed a prime opportunity to taunt the swordsman about seeing a cat that's faster than him.
>>
>>38941983
>Share some food. You've never had much, but this poor thing probably has less. The money you get for the swords will last anyway.
>>
>>38941983
>Try and play with the cat? Like, with some string, or something?
>>
>>38941983
Pretty sure I can call it. I've been writing up for a few minutes anyhow.

Update in a few.
>>
I just want to say, for the record, either I am the most stone cold asshole here, or you guys just want to meta best cat.
>>
>>38942253
keep cat coming around. When times get leans we can catch it easier.
>>
>>38941983
You quickly turn to your ramshackle home, and pull out a little bit of dried fish you snagged for yourself not too long ago. It's far from your favorite thing to eat, but cats like that sort of stuff, right? At least you think they should, for some reason. The cat eyes you warily, as if suspecting some sort of trick.

Slowly, you lay the little bit of fish on the ground a few paces from the feline interloper. “I know, it seems too good to be true,” you say to nobody in particular. “Like it's gotta be a trap, right? Well, I'm too damn tired to try anything. Just eat it and get out of here, you dumb fleabag.”

“This is so fucking pathetic, Riku,” you mutter to yourself as the cat continues to stare up at you. “So lonely you're talking to a damn cat.”

The gravel under your feet crunches as you make your way back to your hut, and you flop heavily into the blankets. The cat stares at you, then back at the fish, then back at you. You're not sure cats can suffer from sudden moments of paralyzing indecision, but you're pretty sure this is what it would look like if one ever did.

>Watch the cat for a while. Not like there's anything else to do.
>Take a nap. You'll figure out what to do tomorrow.
>Other?
>>
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>>38942253
I think /tg/ would've gone for it even if they didn't know who it was. I mean, a cat who's somehow faster than us and keeps appearing around us? That's a goddamn plot hook.
>>
>>38942273
>Take a nap. You'll figure out what to do tomorrow.
>>
>>38942273
>>Take a nap. You'll figure out what to do tomorrow.
>>
>>38942273
>Watch the cat for awhile. Not like there's anything else to do.
>>
>>38942273
>Watch the cat for a while. Not like there's anything else to do.
>>
>>38942273
>Watch the cat for a while. Not like there's anything else to do.
>>
>>38942273
>Take a nap. You'll figure out what to do tomorrow.

>>38942253
Idle curiosity (How is a cat faster than us? Or maybe because it IS a cat afterall).
Or an unlikely speed training dummy in a pinch.
>>
>>38942273
>>>Watch the cat for a while. Not like there's anything else to do.
>>
>>38942273
>>Watch the cat for a while. Not like there's anything else to do.
>>
>>38942273
>>Watch the cat for a while. Not like there's anything else to do.
>>
>>38942273
>Take a nap. You'll figure out what to do tomorrow
>>
>>38942283
OH FUCK A FLASHLIGHT! I can dig that, though, I've always been a more reluctant player.

>>38942260
But that doesn't work either, the costs rise to feed the cat and ourselves the more we both get, and eating the cat even after it is fattened up wont get us back what it would cost to feed it for a long period of time if we wind up without cash for a while and need to eat said cat, diminishing returns, anon.

>>38942273
>Take a nap. You'll figure out what to do tomorrow.
>>
>>38942344
Sometimes a cat is just a cat, anon.

Also, captcha wants me to identify cakes and beer and hamburgers. It's just taunting me at this point.
>>
>>38942344
While those are valid, it still would make less sense to feed it, rather than trying to play with it and get close so we have an actual chance at catching it. To MC it is just a really fast feral cat, and knowing how feral cats are, even when they are being friendly they will turn on you in an instant to save themselves or if they feel threatened.
>>
>>38942273
>Watch the cat for a while.
>Take a nap. You'll figure out what to do tomorrow.

Watch cat until either it buggers off or we fall asleep. no need to exert ourselves over it.
Also, have we made sure to sufficiently hide today's take? don't want anyone pinching our loot...
>>
>>38942415
Eh, I thought it would make for a good parallelism on the MC's current train of thought on how to acquire stuff.

She already went with the straightforward approach, then went for a deception ploy this time to get money. Sort of the same deal with the cat really, since straightforward didn't work out last time.
>>
>>38942273
Alright, writing.
>>
>>38942273
After a few more moments of what looks for all the world like a feline existential crisis, you feel a slight tugging at the hem of your kimono, already tattered from your running earlier. Looking down, you can see the cat pawing at you, suddenly sitting practically on your feet.

“Cut it out, fuzz-butt,” you moan, moving to swat the animal away. But you find that surprisingly, the cat's teeth have found their way into your hand: not nearly hard enough of a bite to draw blood, but enough to get your attention as it pulls gently at your arm.

You're smart enough to know not to pull away, which would just cause its teeth to tear your skin. Instead you stare downward and meet the cat's eyes. It stares back at you with what you'd almost call an inviting look before turning away and walking towards the main road. It stops, looking at you over its shoulder, and waits.

>No, cat. We're not doing this today.
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942523
That is assuming we are doing this with the intention of catching the cat, though.

That is a nice argument, though, working with a system.

I doubt that anyone meant for it to be in the context of catching the cat, however.
>>
>>38942585
>>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942603
through>>38942616
Damn, immediate consensus much?
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzz ball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942585
>>Okay, this has piqued your interest. See where the speedy little fuzzball takes you.
>>
>>38942630
No one denies a cat trying to take them somewhere. Remember this for when you want to put a trap option up!
>>
>>38942630
Plot hooks gonna hook.
>>
>>38942701
And hook hard.
>>
Need to step out for a moment. Be back soon-ish.
>>
>>38942585
The cat walks out ahead of you, clearly leading out of Hokutan's main town and into the hills that make up most of the district. The thin crowds seem to pay you and your feline associate no notice, until you eventually find yourselves alone on the road.

“Where are we going?” you ask, only to be greeted by a disbelieving look from the cat as it continues to pad quietly forward. Yeah, you're not sure why you expected a response either.

It takes an hour or two before you reach the #2 West District, which honestly looks about the same to you. It's about as posh as Hokutan was, with shop fronts and lanterns glowing in the fading light. The people here seem content with their lot... good for them. Despite feeling a little jealousy at their obvious well-being, it's almost reassuring to know that not everywhere is as bad as Kusajishi.

One of the shopkeepers looks out into the street at the black cat in front of you, and sets out a small bowl of food while calling out towards you. “Ma'am, so good to see you again!”

The cat peers up at the shopkeep before dashing into the noodle shop, vaulting up onto the counter and putting its head down in the bowl. The shopkeeper merely laughs at this aberrant behavior.

“And what have we here? A friend of yours?”

The cat peers at you over its shoulder, as if wondering why the hell you haven't joined it yet.

>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>What's the deal with the cat? It acts like it doesn't know it's a cat.
>This is too weird. Just sit it out for now in silence.
>Other?
>>
>>38942953
>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>>
>>38942953
>>This is too weird. Just sit it out for now in silence.
>>
>>38942953
>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>>
>>38942953
>I don't think so? I followed the cat all the way from Hokutan.
>>
>>38942953
>This is too weird. Just sit it out for now in silence.
>>
>>38942953
>This is too weird. Just sit it out for now in silence.
>>
>>38942953
>>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>>What's the deal with the cat? It acts like it doesn't know it's a cat.
>>
>>38942953
>>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>>
>>38942953
>This is too weird. Just sit it out for now in silence.
>>
>>38942953
>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>What's the deal with the cat? It acts like it doesn't know it's a cat.
>>
>>38942953
>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>What's the deal with the cat? It acts like it doesn't know it's a cat.
>>
>>38942953
>I think so? I followed that cat all the way from Hokutan.
>What's the deal with the cat? It acts like it doesn't know it's a cat.
>>
>>38942953
"Maybe?" you allow with a shrug before tucking into a bowl of noodles the shopkeep sets out for you as well. "I followed it all the way from Hokutan, seemed like it knew what it was doing."

The shopkeeper nods knowingly. "I see. How long did it take you to get here?"

"A few hours maybe?"

"Then I wish you luck," the man replies with a smile. "And this one is on the house, as a gift for one of our best patrons. Just be sure to come again!"

You frown. "I've never been here before."

"I wasn't talking about you, young lady," the shopkeep informs you with a chuckle.

He was talking to the cat? Really? So either that means you're not the only one desperate enough to talk to the furball, or there's something here nobody's been telling you. Either way, you're clearly in for a long night.
(1/2)
>>
>>38943301
After finishing at the noodle shop, the cat pads softly back out into the street before abruptly disappearing. You look around in surprise only to find the animal sitting calmly, some hundred feet from you. This has to be the speediest cat you've ever met!

That's ridiculous, and it's got to stop. You've got to show this flea-bag who's the boss here!

You quickly reel in the distance between you, only to find that the cat has moved again: only further this time. It looks at you expectantly. Your stomach feels full for once, so you could probably keep at this for a good while longer. The cat then disappears and you dash after it once more, covering massive distances in a few short steps and leaving the lights of #2 West behind you. As you continue the impromptu game of tag with the black cat, a thought strikes you:

>You're actually enjoying this, and the cat can score you food. Keep up the pace!
>Slow up a bit, conserve energy. You have no idea where you're even going!
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
Time to go EVEN FURTHER BEYOND
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
>You're actually enjoying this, and the cat can score you food. Keep up the pace!
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
>>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
Gotta go fast!
>>
>>38943318
>You're actually enjoying this, and the cat can score you food. Keep up the pace!
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
>>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.

Full stomach of good food.

A first for everything?
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT1bp9ujQEE
>>
>>38943318
>Was this really your limit the whole time? You feel like you could be going faster.
>>
>>38943318
Is this really all you have? You're being outstripped by a little black cat, as badly as you beat the “Grand Master of Flash” a few hours ago.

No, that can't be it. That can't be the limit of your ability. You simply won't allow it. As you fall into a rhythm of step and immediate counterstep, you find yourself pushing a bit harder, and moving a bit faster. The dark landscape around you rolls past smoothly as you increase your speed ever so slightly with each step. But ahead of you, the cat's speed increases by similar amounts each time, leaving it always just out of your reach.

You want to catch that damn cat... not because you're hungry and want to eat it, or because you want answers about how such a seemingly absurd thing as flash-stepping cat is possible. You want to catch the cat because your pride, long kept low by the reality of your situation, demands nothing less of you.

And so you press onward into the night, longer and faster than you ever have before, and loving every minute of it.
(1/2)
>>
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>>38943560
You've run far and hard while “playing” with this cat. You have no idea how far you've come exactly, but you have noticed that a large wall has stopped your progress, giving you time to feel your legs burning from the strain. And standing by a gate in that large wall is a massive hulk of a man in a plain black uniform: easily thirty feet tall, with a silly hat and sideburns that are tied up below his chin on either side. The blades of his two axes are each as broad as you are tall.

“And who might you be?” the giant grumbles as he gazes down at you.

Before you can choke out a response, a gravely, masculine voice beats you to it.

“Open the gate, Jidanbō. We don't pay you to stand around all night gawking at people.” Looking down in shock, it takes you several moments to realize that it was the cat that was talking.

The cat was talking. What the fuck. What the hell did that guy put in those damn noodles?

“Ah, sorry, ma'am,” the man called Jidanbō mutters in apology. Oh sweet lord he's talking back to the cat now. “It's just you're so small I hardly noticed you.”

With noticeable effort, the Gatekeeper sets to work lifting the gate. You're almost too busy processing the whole scene to even question it, or to realize that you're once more following the cat through the gate and into a very white, immaculately-kept city.

>Where are we?
>The fuck was that?
>The fuck is this?
>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
>>
>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
>>
>>38943601
>>Where are we?
>>The fuck was that?
>>The fuck is this?
>>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
somethings not right here, I can feel it
>>
>>38943601
>>The fuck was that?
>>The fuck is this?
>>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
>>
>>38943601
>The fuck was that?
>The fuck is this?
>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
>>
>>38943601
>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
>The fuck are you? People aren't that fucking tall!
>The fuck is this?
>>
>>38943601
>Where are we?
>>
>>38943601
>>Where are we?
>>The fuck was that?
>>The fuck is this?
>>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
>Why the fuck did he call the cat ma'am if it had a man's voice?
>>
File: 1407459194932.gif (1.65 MB, 280x224)
1.65 MB
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>>38943601
>The fuck was that?
>The fuck is this?
>The fuck are you?
>>
>>38943601
>The fuck was that?
>The fuck is this?
>The fuck are you? Cats can't talk!
>>
>>38943601
>The fuck was that?
>The fuck is this?
>The fuck are you?

>Riku'sBrain.exe has encountered a fatal error, would you like to reboot Y/N
>>
>>38943601
>The fuck?

no more, no less.
>>
>>38943601
“Cats can't talk,” you observe, and you feel a bit dumber even as the words leave your mouth.

The cat smirks at you, which is confusing because cant's don't usually smirk either. “Of course they don't, Riku.”

“So either I've gone insane from hunger, or you're not really a cat at all,” you conclude. “So what are you? Where are we? Why'd he call you ma'am if you sound like a man? Why... this?”

“Cats can't normally talk,” the cat reminds you, “so it's not like I have much control of what I sound like. I'm just grateful I can talk at all when I'm like this.”

“As for where we are, I've brought you to the Seireitei. This is where my home is.”

“And why'd you bring me here?” you press.

The cat continues to pad her way quietly along. “I have my own reasons.”

The buildings here are so different from the Rukongai: their walls are so clean, and they reach such heights that it's amazing they don't collapse under their own weight. The people here all wear the same uniforms as the gatekeeper, which the “Grand Master” was trying to emulate. They're all Shinigami, you realize, and they hardly bat an eye at a tired-looking soul being led along by a cat. It's almost like things like this are utterly routine for them.

Finally the cat leads you into a building, under heavy guard by masked men and women all in black. They bow deeply as she passes, leading to a profound feeling of awkwardness. It's as if you simply don't belong here, and everyone knows it. The interior hallways themselves are no less foreboding, until you finally reach a well-appointed private room.

This must be what fabulous wealth looks like, you figure. And the cat flops down onto a pile of cushions on the floor, before looking up at you, silently insisting you take a seat across from her.
(1/2)
>>
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>>38943869
Where there used to be a small black cat, something entirely different now reclines. She's a woman, a little older than you, whose golden-yellow eyes analyze you carefully from behind a short bob of feathered purple hair. As your eyes wander from hers you can see the sleek, toned muscles resting under her dusky brown skin, which is itself flawlessly smooth. She's almost your opposite in some ways, and it makes you a little self-conscious of your own scarred, somewhat emaciated body.

“Hi,” the woman greets you simply, leaving you somewhat stunned.

The woman nods her head in the barest minimum of a bow. “I'm Shihōin Yoruichi, a Shinigami. You probably noticed I've been following you for a few days now, since that 'incident' at the dumpling shop.”

You've heard of the Shinigami since before beating that asshole earlier this evening, of course: they're supposedly quite powerful fighters who can use some kind of magic, but you don't think you've ever seen one up close. Honestly you're not even sure you believe this woman... but then again, she was just a cat a few seconds ago. So you suppose anything is possible.

>I'm Kusajishi Riku, a street urchin.
>I'm Riku. No last name worth note.
>You're naked. Why are you naked.
>Say nothing.

Also,
>Avert your eyes
>Stare a little
>Stare a lot
>>
>>38943912
>I'm Kusajishi Riku, a street urchin.
>Stare a little
>>
>>38943912
>I'm Riku. No last name worth note.
>Stare a little
>>
>>38943912
>I'm Riku. No last name worth note.
>Stare a little
>>
>>38943912
>I'm Riku. No last name of worth.
>Stare a little.
>>
>>38943912
>>I'm Riku. No last name worth note.
>>You're naked. Why are you naked.
>Stare a little
>>
>>38943912
>I'm Kusajishi Riku, a street urchin.
>Stare a little
>>
Queen are write ins acceptable or just pick?
>>
>>38943912
>I'm Kusajishi Riku, a street urchin.
>Avert your eyes
>>
>>38943912
>Say nothing.
>Stare a lot
>>
>>38943976
Write-ins are fine. Whether I work them in or not depends on how much support they have and whether I feel they're in character. Borderline cases may be reworked to fit.
>>
>>38943912
>I've been following you for a few days now, since that 'incident' at the dumpling shop
She will arrest us for sure. Lets just try to apologice and leave asap
>>
>>38944011
Right just had a thought but wasn't sure so I asked then I lost it.
>>
>>38943912
>I'm Kusajishi Riku, a street urchin.
>Stare a little
"This is the most roundabout arrest method I've ever heard of."
>>
>>38943912
>>I'm Kusajishi Riku, a street urchin.
>>You're naked. Why are you naked.
>>Stare a lot
>>
>>38944079
Second
>>
>>38944011

I guess she is about the best one of the captains to spot us.

Lot of captains 200 years pre series are not explained, would have to fill them in.

A few of them would be interesting, others may of lead to bad end. (yamamoto)

>>38944079
Sure.
>>
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>>38943912
“I'm Riku,” you reply with a deeper bow of your own... no reason to not be polite here, and plenty reasons to go out of your way to be polite. “No last name worth mentioning.”

“Where are you from, Riku?” the Shinigami presses.

“Kusajishi.”

She nods. “You must have had it tough,” she replies as you find it increasingly difficult to keep your eyes on her face. “That technique you used to escape the shopkeeper a few days ago, and in your fight with the “Grand Master of Flash”. How long have you known it?”

As she gradually realizes that your attention is failing you, the Shinigami looks down at herself as if noticing for the first time that she's completely naked. “Ah, sorry 'bout that. Cats don't normally wear clothes, you see. Sometimes I forget.”

Shihōin Yoruichi rises to her feet and walks across the room, and your eyes involuntarily follow her as she walks. From a drawer against the wall behind her seat she produces a uniform: black, but unlike the others hers is sleeveless and exposes her back and shoulders entirely. She pulls it on, then pulls on her carefully folded trousers before donning a white cloak with the number “2” on its back.

“There,” she concludes, rejoining you on the floor and shooting you a little grin. “And it's okay to stare a little, you know. I actually appreciate the sincerity. But let's try to focus a little more on the topic at hand?”

“I wasn't staring that much,” you counter. “And besides, who was it that was watching me bathe in the rain that one time?”

The Shinigami laughs heartily. “Fair point. So, I asked you about your technique?”

>Since I got here (partial truth)
>Since I got my first meal here. I can't use it when I haven't eaten (full truth)
>I learned it by seeing someone else use it (lie)
>Counter, ask why you're here.
>Other?
>>
>>38944191
The Old Man would totally take us and teach us how to be proper and stop being a hoodlum.

And we'd lose our eyebrows.
>>
>>38944079
Started writing before I saw this. I'll work it in if appropriate.
>>
>>38944209
>Since I got my first meal here. I can't use it when I haven't eaten (full truth)
>>
>>38944209
>Since I got my first meal here. I can't use it when I haven't eaten (full truth)
>Counter, ask why you're here.
>>
>>38944209
>Since I got here (partial truth)
>Counter, ask why you're here.
>>
>>38944209
>Counter, ask why your here. This seems a little relaxed for an interrogation you know?
>>
>>38944209
>>Since I got my first meal here. I can't use it when I haven't eaten (full truth)
>>
>>38944209
>Since I got my first meal here. I can't use it when I haven't eaten (full truth)
>Counter, ask why you're here.
>>
>>38944209
>Since I got my first meal here. I can't use it when I haven't eaten (full truth)
>>
>>38944214
Only if we got lucky!
>>
>>38944209
>Since I got my first meal here. I can't use it when I haven't eaten (full truth)
I still like
>>38944079
>"This is the most roundabout arrest method I've ever heard of."
>>
>>38944296
The dice gods are fickle, and their humor cruel.
>>
>>38944209
“Since I had my first meal here,” you reply cautiously. “Can't use it if I haven't eaten... is this an interrogation?”

“Hm?” The Shinigami across from you cocks her head in curiosity. “Why?”

“If so it'd be the most relaxed, roundabout interrogation in history.”

Shihōin Yoruichi shakes with another fit of laughter. “Oh, God no,” she insists. “Since you don't know how things work here, I guess it's only fair to tell you I'm not just some ordinary Shinigami. I'm the Captain of Squad Two, the Executive of the Stealth Corps, head of the Shihōin Clan, and the fastest thing on two legs or four. If I wanted to interrogate or arrest you I have people to do that for me, Riku. It'd be no more than a report that got passed on to me one morning to rubber-stamp."

“So then why am I here?” you ask, gesturing around the room to imply that your very presence in the Seireitei is an anomaly.

“While your own movements are far too slow to measure up to mine, they're still better than anyone who graduated the Academy last year,” Miss Shihōin explains, “which means you have some serious natural talent. The Seireitei is scraping the bottom of the barrel to refill its numbers after the War: too many spoiled nobles and scrappers are getting into the Academy, and not enough genuine skill. So why are you here, you ask?”

“I want you to become a Shinigami. Any more questions?” she asks with a cheeky grin, as if the thought of you turning her down amuses her. And given the power you've heard Shinigami can attain, it's no wonder she'd feel that way.

>I'll do it.
>I don't wanna.
>I actually did have a question about...
>What's the catch?
>>
>>38944422
>>What's the catch?
>>
>>38944422
>What's the catch?
>>
>>38944422
>I'll do it.
>>
>>38944422
>What's the catch? There is always something you get in return. No one goes this far to gain nothing in return.
>>
>>38944422
>What's the catch?
>Is the pay good?

>I'll do it.
>>
>>38944422
>I don't wanna.
Because fuck you, and your smug expectations.
Ignore me.
>>
>>38944422
>What's the catch?
>I actually did have a question about...
What's the pay, of course.
>>
>>38944422
>What's the catch?
Instant intense mistrust seems the most fitting for a street urchin offered a better life.
>>
>>38944422
>>I actually did have a question about...
Will it cost me anything?
Can I stop being a Shinigami after an amount of time?
What is expected of me if I am to be a Shinigami?
You mentioned that you are Squad Two and head of the Stealth Corps, are those one and the same? Does that mean every squad has a special purpose?
>>
>>38944422
>What's the catch?
"I'm not gonna have to turn into a cat, do I?"
>>
>>38944422
>What's the catch?
"Aside from the whole mortal combat against monsters thing that all shinigami go through"
>I actually did have a question about...
"What kind of pay are we talking here? And I hear you guys provide food. Are we talking three squares per day..."
>>
>>38944422
>I'll do it.
>>
>>38944574
We don't know anything about Shinigami.
>>
>>38944422
"So what's the catch?" you ask.

The Shinigami nods. "Clever girl. Make no mistake, this isn't about charity, and I have my own personal reasons for offering you this. Right now, all you need to know is that I want you.”

She notices the look on your face, and quickly waves you off. “Not like that, Riku. Calm down, or at least buy me dinner first. I meant you seem like a perfect fit for my Stealth Corps. We get picked over pretty heavily for Captains and Lieutenants whenever there's an opening, so we could use someone like you."

"Second Division and the Stealth Corps," you interrupt. "Are they connected at all?"

The Shingami nods. "Yeah, I command 'em both. The seated officers in Second Division are my Unit Commanders in the Stealth Corps, too, but their missions are slightly different. the Division handles extermination of Hollows, monsters formed from the souls of people who linger too long in the living world, more directly. The Stealth Corps handles threats like Hollows and even rogue Shinigami through more subtle, precise methods."

"Is this normal?" you ask. "I mean, recruiting people off the street and bringing them home with you like this?"

"No," Yoruichi replies, shaking her head. "Not at all. The problem for you is the Academy entry examinations for this year were last month. I could pull rank and get you in late, but I've actually got another plan you may like better.”

You nod. "I'm listening."

“I think I could work it out so that my Clan could take you in for a year. You'd have a roof over your head, clothes, food, a warm bed... and you could even learn the basics from a Captain. There're a lot of Shinigami who'd kill for that.”

"Is the pay good?" you finally ask. Yoruichi merely nods.

"Quite. Probably more than you'll know what to do with."

>Last vote of the night

>Fine, where's my bed?
>Thanks, I think I'd like to go back to Hokutan now.
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
>>
>>38944664
We know that we're being recruited because a bunch of shinigami died in the war that Yoruichi just mentioned.
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
Do you have a twitter, Queen?
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
Food, bed, and roof. What's not to like?
>>
>>38944692

>So, when do I start?
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
You had me at food.
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
>>
>>38944715
@QMKingofHearts.

I plan to run again at 10pm GMT, Wednesday of next week. The thread will probably be a bit shorter than this: I wanted to introduce the MC, determine who the "mentor" figure in the Seireitei would be, and get the ball rolling with the plot tonight, so it took a good chunk of time.

The archive page is up for this as well, search the tag "Shinigami Savant Quest".

Thanks for turning out, and I'll see if I can't answer any other questions once I get back to my apartment.
>>
And here I was hoping we'd get our own Kenpachi to ride around on! But workign with best cat is pretty cool, though. Gotta get dat HtH and speed, yo.
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
>>
>>38944752
Seems promising so far. Is this gonna be yet another yuri pandering quest?
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
>>
>>38944752
>>38938899
Can you tell us now?
>>
>>38944752
So would the MC's natural abilities have changed depending on which mentor took an interest in her?
>>
>>38944778
I sure as fuck hope not. Kinda hope there won't be waifus or husbandos at all actually but it'll probably happen.
>>
Well thanks for running mate! And don't let your souls be dragged down by the earths gravity.
>>
>>38944692
>Fine, where's my bed?
Ah, non-choices.
>>
>>38944836
I'll delete my post >>38944715
and vote for the other choice if you do the same first.
>>
When he said last vote did he mean that was the last post before.. should I keep waiting?
>>
>>38944985
Pretty sure he's done for the night, but worst case scenario is that he writes one last post, and you need to check suptg for it. Most likely if that were to happen, he'd lead the next thread with it anyways.

Go to bed anon.
>>
>>38944793
Still spoilers, anon. Some options included Old Man Genocide, Ukitake, Shinji, and Kirio, though. You'll know why I'm hesitant to divulge the names that weren't on the list of possibilities later in the game.

>>38944801
Not her natural abilities, no. The nature of her training, her relation to the setting, and implications for "canon? Potentially very much so.

>>38944778
>>38944805
I'll go on the record as saying that I honestly have no idea what's gonna happen on that front. I won't encourage waifuing/husbandoing, nor will I really consider it if it seems players are trying to "land" someone purely as its own end.

That's not to say that significant relationships will never form, as those are in my view a logical possibility within the fabric of the story: just that I draw a mental line between "Pandering" and "Significant", and that I hope waifuing won't even really take up a significant minority of the focus.
>>
>>38944985
See >>38945025

It's past 7am here. Now is a time for sleeping.



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