>>7110100


Well, I think we already decided this last thread, but I believe it is time to pull a Kool-Aid man. Also, we should use the minimum amount of power needed to accomplish our goal. Especially until we figure out how much PAIN it will take to do so.

Also, get ready to sprint out of the library (stealthily if possible) once we are out of the room. I don't like the idea of facing the demon that is waiting for us on the other side...

>>At the end of last thread, you decided to get enough power to make a hole in the wall.

"I want enough of your power to open a hole in the wall," you think at the voice in your head.

YOU SHALL HAVE IT. IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE TIME. I CAN GIVE YOU ALL MY POWER IN ONLY A FEW MOMENTS, IF YOU DESIRE INSTEAD. YOUR COMPANION WILL NOT HAVE BREATH FOR MUCH LONGER.

Wooooooo, just started refreshing hoping to find this, and boom here it is.

>>7110205

Politely decline. We may already be immobilized from pain once we break through. We are going to need to make a swift exit.

To Alicia: "Get ready to hold your breath and, whatever you do, don't let go of me"

>>7110205

Accept. He said last thread we could take out that thing on the other side of the wall with all of it. Let's get powerful, and let's kick some ass.

>>7110205

>>7110231

Ask the voice in our head if we will need more power to reach the exit safely, I guess. If it thinks we won't make it after breaking through the wall, we may need to tap a little more for enhanced speed to the exit. Then we can worry about the cost outside.

>>7110255
No, bad. I don't want to be killed by this new power either. Limiting the use of the power is the safest option.

>>7110195
>>7110231
What about the book though?
If we don't find it, it's just going to keep pumping out more and more water.

>>7110205

how much time will it take? Fast enough for us to get the wall open?

>>7110272
>>7110268
>>7110231

This. We don't know the price we will pay for doing this yet. All we know is it will be "painful". Remember, going comatose or dying does not make a good adventure.

Well, we're supposed to be entertaining, aren't we?

And we have all these monsters, and this thing offering us power.

I think there is only one viable option, gentlemen.

LET US BECOME KAMEN RIDER.

>>7110268

YOU MAY NOT BREAK DOWN THE WALL BEFORE YOUR COMPANION RUNS OUT OF AIR, UNLESS YOU TAKE ALL THE POWER I CAN PROVIDE. I CANNOT BE CERTAIN. I WILL KEEP YOU ALIVE UNDERWATER WITH EVEN A LITTLE POWER.

>>7110308
I don't think this thing wants to kill us. It's seems pretty honest.

I say take it.

Isn't the ceiling we're pressed up against made of a bunch of panes of glass? I'd think we could break it with or without special powers.

>>7110284

I am not worried about that too much at the moment. I think we can out walk the potential flooding. The library is supposedly city sized. My hope is that we can get back to the car and this area will fall into nothing like the last zone we exited. It very well may come back and bite us though.

>>7110390
You and Alicia have pounded against the glass, but it hasn't broken.

>>7110353
>>7110390

This was my original suggestion in the previous thread. I vote we do this now. It should take less power/time. Look for anything to break the glass in the flotsam around us.

Accept

>>7110435

Ask the inner demon if we have enough energy ready to break the glass now.

>>7110205

"yeah, okay. lets' rock."

Well its seems we're at a crossroads. Either we use the full power and potentially harm ourselves greatly, or we lose Alicia and save ourselves. Very tough choice. I'm personally in favor of keeping Alicia around, I've grown rather fond of her.

>>7110397
Still, the entire library could turn into a giant pond before we. Find a way out.
(Plus, all those books....)
Still first things first, save the girl. No matter what it takes.

>>7110453
He hasn't supplied you with any yet. As the limited process will take "SOME TIME" he wants to know instead if you'd rather have everything, and get it immediately.

Still, the entire library could turn into a giant pond before we Find a way out.
(Plus, all those books....)
Still first things first, save the girl. No matter what it takes.

>>7110466

We've done the heroic, selfless thing in these situations until now. No reason to stop. Full power, let's smash a hole in the wall and challenge that thing that was chasing us. We'll worry about the cost when that time comes.

I for one am in favor of seeing what we get from all the power.

>>7110499

Do it, *All Of It*-- since he seems to be manipulating us into that with the threat of Alicia drowning.

Unless we have some other way of breaking the glass.

>>7110499

Are there any empty garbage bins/ large book totes floating around? We can invert them and pin them to the glass as temporary air supply. It should last us at least another minute or two if we steady our breathing.

>>7110547
I think the ceiling is made of glass. It should be easier to break, right?

>>7110598

If we have something metal on us, the water pressure should help greatly.

Unless the glass is extremely thick.

>>7110598
Remember, this isn't reality.

Brick could be fragile and glass as strong as adamantium here.

>>7110617
>>7110598

My guess is that it is like sky scraper glass. It is designed to not break under most things you hit it with. Especially given the forces of wind and such they normally endure (plus they don't want anyone falling out from the 90th story). We need an extremely concentrated point of pressure in addition to the water to pull it off.

>>7110619
Ye gods.
Alright, I know we'll have to pay the piper at some point, but the only option seems to be to Tim Taylor this shit.
"More power!"

it's a pity we didn't bring our safety glass breaker/belt cutter tool with us

>>7110733

I was thinking about that. To be fair, what were the odds we would be trapped in what is essentially a giant car filling with water.

Speaking of which
>check inventory

General response seems to be accept the offer for all the voice's power. I had a hunch that this was going to happen (give someone enough rope to hang themselves with, they'll rarely disappoint you) and had a little bit prepared. Wall of text incoming.

>>7110592
There are not either of those. Most of the junk floating around is smashed up furniture, wood pieces, papers.

>>7110617
Supplies at hand:
One half of a two-way radio set in its holster
Large duffel bag containing:
-3 Molotov cocktails wrapped in towel
-2 LED traffic batons (lights, not weapons)
-4 Matchbooks (now useless)

>>7110766
>wall of text
>Typically accomanies game over in text games
...

Oh fuuuu-

>>7110766

If this is the end, please tell us how we could've gotten out alive otherwise after you're finished. I'd like to know how we could've done this and kept going on. This saddens me.

"Give-give me all your power. Hurry."

I PROVIDE YOU ONLY WHAT YOU HAVE ASKED. THE TERMS ARE KEPT. FEEL YOUR CUP FILL TO OVERFLOWING. TAKE. I AM A FONT. TAKE. I AM A WELLSPRING. TAKE.

You relax, and feel a surge of energy rushing through your entire body. Your aches and pains cease being a concern. You are refreshed, awake, vigorous. This must be what power feels like. Then, you feel your flesh begin to ripple and boil. Your bones crack and snap out of position. Your skin smokes and blackens and fades. Your eyes feel hot, your hands are developing points, your jaw is widening, a large lump is growing from the bite on your left arm and moving under your skin to your torso. This must be the pain the book promised. It wasn't kidding. This is some of the worst agony you've felt in your entire life.

Then it gets worse. Your ribs on the right side rapidly squirm aside to make room for the growing lump, which splits apart down the middle. You spasm again as dozens of teeth force themselves through the flesh out both sides of the growth. In a flash of panic, you grab it and make to tear it away, but suddenly your limbs lock up, and the growth finishes turning into a full-fledged extra head. You've never felt anything this bad--not even close. You'd scream, but you can't move your jaw or throat. This-this must be the pain.

>>7110787

You writhe in pain. Your soul dies. After death it is eaten by Tzeench while he spaeks "Just as Planned" in his mouthful voice.

You become an Abyssal Exalted.

>>7110766
We take it back!
We take it back!

>>7110820

The voice in your head has changed, now relaxed and jovial. "This feels like a proper home now, don't you think? Much, much better than -your- pathetic body. Liking my power? Doesn't matter. You've got all of it now, just as I promised. And you've got all of me with it. Enjoy the ride, because you're going to get a first-person view of what is sure to be a river of suffering. I think I'll start with that young lady you've gotten fond of there. How long do you think I can keep her in agony before I get bored? I'll even give you a minute back in the pilot's seat if you guess right. Here's a hint, and you know I don't lie: make sure you guess longer than a week! No need to rush things anyways, but since this one's special to you, I'll be pulling out all the stops. Really, what did you expect, consorting with a demon and accepting dubious offers of power?" It starts to laugh.

No. This is the promised pain.

>>7110830
>>7110823
Goddamit

>>7110823
YEEEEEEEESSSSSS...

;_;

>>7110830

Well, in order for Paul to have power, he would neccessarily need to be the one in control.
Otherwise the demon Lied! (Unforgivable.)

>>7110592

Just some quick numbers here.

Assuming we can find a library trash can that is 1.25 ft in diameter and about 3.5 feet tall, we get ~17.2 ft^3 of air trapped. This is about 486 liters of air. Average human lung volume is 6 liters per breath. We breathe an average of 9-20 times per minute. That is 54-120 liters per minute. We would have 9 to 4 minutes of air in there. Halve that for 2 people.

You are Alicia Katusic, a young woman training to be a schoolteacher whose life was shattered when you were kidnapped and locked into a hospital closet for several months. You were rescued from that horrible isolated captivity by Paul, a man who then proceeded to save your life several times as the two of you fled the hospital, the town, and the abominations within it. Your respect for Paul and his judgement grew as you both escaped death several more times; you assisted him as best you were able, even managing to save his life by ramming a car into a monster about to kill him. You found out Paul has some curious traits, including being unable to read while still knowing how to, and being the only other person you've met who has dreams. You meant to find out more, but didn't have the chance yet.

Recently your travels led to you to one of the libraries you know to be scattered across the world. Paul decided that the two of you should go inside and search for any information that might aid survival. Inside, he picked up a book that you didn't pay any mind to at the time, but realize now must have been a demon's prison. And in a moment of desperation, trying to keep both of you safe, Paul opened the book. Now, trapped against a glass ceiling in a room full of water, you watch in horror as your only friend in this place spasms in obvious pain. As the possession takes full force, he transforms into something shadowy and terrible. Finally, the thing that used to be Paul turns toward you slowly with two savagely wide, toothy grins and four malevolently gleaming eyes.

>>7110820
>>7110830

You had us in a room where we would drown, we couldn't find the book, the monster was coming to eat us, we couldn't break the panes, and you gave us what looked like one option. Give us a chance to live, please.

>>7110854
Shaddup!

>>7110830
"Dude. That's just a dick move. Besides, I don't really care that much for ANYTHING in this world. If you'd dig a little deeper in my memories, you'd understand WHY."

>>7110883
Your lungs are close to bursting , and even banging as hard as you can against the glass ceiling you can't get it to break. Suddenly, you see yourself standing on the other side of the glass in a hospital gown, holding a lighter. The other you dashes past, and then behind her you see Paul. You lock eyes with him for the briefest moment before both vanish. You bang against the glass again, to no avail. You feel your lungs give out, water pouring into your mouth as you sink down from the ceiling. Darkness draws across your eyes, and your thoughts slow down. Then they stop.

>>7110905
You, Alicia Katusic, wake up retching and coughing brackish water out of your body. You're holding on to a piece of doggerel, floating in the middle of a wide expanse of water. It's night, and the world is in color, the full moon shining down. With a rush, you remember everything that just happened. The hospital. Your tattoos. The library. Paul. Paul...

Whatever the possession did to him, there's no sign of him now. Just yourself, the moon, and a ship bobbing in the distance. You grit your teeth. Getting home to Lower Silesia is going to have to wait. Your rescuer, your hero is out there somewhere, and now he needs your help.

You're a stranger in a strange land. You have no weapons. No friends. No plan. But you will be damned if you let that stand in your way. You are going to save Paul.

>>7110883

FUCK. FUCKITY FUCK FUCK. GOD DAMN IT.

>>7110925
>>7110905

Well, that was pretty awesome a move instead of a GAME OVER GO HOME NOW screen. So, out of curiosity, how could we've gotten Paul to survive that?

>>7110875
This! This!

>>7110888
>>7110808

Metagame info time!

The book filled with water was taking you to the location listed on its cover. To get there, you had to drown. The demon mentioned this without going into detail, but only once, and people forgot about the answer. Since it makes sense for Paul to not realize this in a panic, I didn't give you the information in GM talk. The demon used this time to do everything it could to get you tempted. Which didn't include lying, but hiding the truth is pretty standard fare with these sorts of guys.

کنش

Well I guess all we can do now is swim toward the ship bobbing in the distance. Doesn't seem to be much else to do.

>>7110925

Look around for any sign of land. Also, nice way of looping the girl in the water in previous editions.

>>7110977
BITCH.

SON OF A FUCKING BITCH WE ARE MORONS!

Last action as Paul, at least for now.

>>7110875
>>7110961

You protest angrily as you struggle to regain control of your body. "This isn't power! You lied to me! YOU LIED!"

"Hahaha, no. I followed procedure to the letter. You just managed to be one of the people I've ever been able to possess far faster than expected. Ready for some fun?"

>>7110977
d'oh!

>>7110977

Damn. Well, makes sense in hindsight. Like everything, the devil is in the details.

Alicia from here on out!

>>7110995
>>7110985

You don't see any land, but the flotsam indicates that some should be around. Just once, you swear you hear the sound of a gull.

You hold onto your float, and start kicking toward the ship, making sure not to wear yourself out. After a while, it gets more distinctive--looks like an old Liberty Ship.

>>7111057

Fight it. Every second of every moment, fight it like the hero you are, Paul.

So. . . On that note, I guess Alicia is the PC now, huh?

>>7111126

The hell are we waiting for, swim to it.

>>7111126
Swimman swimman
You'd better give us another spare NPC some time soon, though! ^_^

>>7111163

You swim to the ship, wary for lights or noise. But neither of those seem to be present. The anchor is lowered, and several of the ship's cables have snapped, trailing into the water.

>>7111126
What image was on the surface of the book? This might be stupidly meta of me, but does this ship match the image on the book?

Carefully try to find a away onto the boat. It's sure to be safer on the thing than in the water. I'm a bit wary of random ghost ships though.

>>7111224
>>stupidly meta of me

Not at all. You're just checking the memories of the PC.

The book had no picture. Just written in a very weird font: "Instantaneous Travel Method, 1N84X2."

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>>7111057
>"Ready for some fun?"
"...Will this fun involve tearing things to shreds and possibly returning the world to void/dominating it? If so, I think we may have started off on the wrong foot..."

>>7111230

In this world? I'm not worried about what's on the water, I'm worried about what's under it.

>>7111230
>>7111305

Time to get out of the water. You start heading up the anchor chain. It's rough going; the chain's surface wasn't made with climbing in mind, plus weather and wear have done a number on it. You aren't exactly the picture of Amazonian might, either, and climbing an anchor chain requires strength. But taking it painfully slowly, you finally make your way to the top, with some roughed up hands and tired arms for your trouble.

The deck appears abandoned. What now?

>>7111399

Look around on deck.
Search the place where the steering happens.
Search a place where there'd be weaponry.
Search the rest of the ship for hostiles.
Search the ship to find any shipborn (torpedo or suchlike) weaponry.
Search the ship for food.
Make an awesome sandwich.
Eat.
Genuflect.


In that order of importance.

>>7111208
If we can climb the anchor chain, or any of the cables, do it. There's nothing for us here in the water.

>>7111302
I like where this is going.

>>7111399

Start looking around. Find the nearest life boat in case we need to make a quick exit. Then, start exploring the ship for supplies. Actually, how long before it gets light out? We might want to wait until we can see better.

Examine self for injury, check immediate surroundings for anything that could be used as a weapon. After securing your own health and finding something to defend yourself with, carefully begin to explore the ship. Priorities are light sources, food, dry clothing, maps of the general area so you can get a bearing on your location relative to land, or any sort of useful supplies. Be constantly vigilant for threats to your own safety. No more danger sense anymore. =/

It would be wise to stay on the deck until you find some light. It's sure to be quite dark inside the ship. Darkness hides danger.

>>7111457
>>7111444
>>7111480
>>7111524

There's a covered up lifeboat on the other side of the deck, across from you. It looks pretty worn. The rest of the deck is pretty bare.

Judging from the position of the moon and stars, and working off your basic astronomy knowledge since you don't know where "here" is, you've got about 4-5 hours until dawn.

Injuries: puncture in right hand from pen (bandaged), scraped palms, slight shock, fatigue.

Barring a knife or a blunt object, you're not too sure what to look for in a self-defense item. You're used to carrying a knife from all your cooking, and a blunt object is a blunt object, but you're not much of a fighter. You've never stabbed any flesh that wasn't already dead.

You head to where you think the bridge is, but stop before going inside. It's dark in there. Maybe it's best to wait until morning?

>>7111610

Is it ever best to wait until morning?
No!
Enter now.

>>7111645
>Enter now.
Not just now. Wait for a couple minutes listening for any interesting sounds and watching for movement around you, first. Can't hurt, might help.

>>7111645
>>7111673

You stop and listen, and let your eyes adjust to the lack of moonlight. Nothing moves inside the open room. As your eyes adjust, it seems pretty bare; then again, this room's door to the deck is missing. Even with your eyes adjusted, finding anything now is going to be very difficult.

You hear the waves lapping against the hull, the creaking of the metal and... is that a scratching coming from below? You can't be certain.

A breeze picks up, causing you to shiver. You're still wet from that swim.

>>7111739
Well, shit. Sounds like there could be problems, but sticking around out here we'll probably get sick. We can't really afford that, either. Attempting to move as silently as possible, and stopping to listen at all doors/carefully looking around all rooms, go on in.

I think we should go check out the lifeboat. There's bound to be something of use on it, and it's also most likely safer than venturing into the ship in the dark.

>>7111773
Point. Let's do that before venturing into the ship.

>>7111796
>>7111773

You go over to the lifeboat and pull off the tarp. There's an old-looking metal first aid box, the latch fused shut by rust. Feels pretty full, though. You also see a signal mirror, a slightly rusted metal canteen that also feels full, and several empty metal cans.

>>7111902
Score. Attempt to open the first aid kit- if the latch won't open, try using an edge of the signal mirror or a can to pry it open; if that doesn't work, attempt to force it/bash it on something.

>>7111953
I would hold of on bashing. That could make a nice bit of noise which may or may not attract unwanted attention. In any case, after dealing with the case we should take everything from the boat and move to the bridge, at the very least just to get out of the elements.

>>7111985

Couldn't we just hide in the life boat? It has the cover we could use for warmth and if we lay down we should have some protection from the wind.

>>7112016
That's a good idea too. I'm up for either one personally. The lifeboat will provide less protection but will also keep us away from the dangers of the inside of the ship.

Guess it's time to learn to speedpaint again.

>>7111985
>>7111953
>>7112016
>>7112043

The can's leverage pops the latch. Inside, there's... well, this looks like pretty old stuff. Should still be useful, though, even if you don't want to be using that sulfa powder.

You decide to take a rest and get out of the elements in the lifeboat. With the tarp pulled back over, you're at least warm enough, even if you're still wet and uncomfortable and tired.

Rest until sun up I guess.

>>7112214
You set your clothes to dry, and fall asleep.

You wake up, a few hours after sunrise. Guess you were more tired than you thought. You down a good third of the canteen, and then get dressed in your now dry clothes and proceed to the steering section. You--wait. You stop and listen again.

Yep. That definitely is scratching coming from below.

>>7112301
Inspect the lifeboat, now that it's light. Does it look like it's remotely seaworthy? Having an escape plan if everything goes horribly wrong would be nice.

Ah, I'm sort of at a loss for what to do next.We need to figure out where we are and how to get back to land, but we also need to be careful. The scratching noises are rather upsetting, but there's nothing saying it's something that wants to kill us. But then again, it's most likely not something friendly. And on the other hand we're not Paul anymore. Hopefully that means the whole world isn't actively seeking our destruction anymore. I dunno.

>>7112413
We need to be incredibly paranoid yet at the same time move forward; it seems like these dreamscapes are relatively static without our interference, implying that waiting around without doing anything will never be of benefit. It's a tricky balance to keep up.

>>7112406
It should be seaworthy, and it's got oars, but getting it off the ship the way it was meant to is going to be quite the hassle. At least you remember reading something about these lifeboats being unable to sink.

>>7112413
>>7112427
Noted. Also, I'm impressed by how many unstated details about the setting people have been picking up on in this entire thread.

>>7112406
Making sure we have an escape plan is important, we should do this first.

>>7112427
You are entirely right. We need to move into the ship and find some supplies and answers about our current situation, yet we need to be very careful. Getting jumped by a big nasty would be very bad.

Also the condition of the person we found the teleport book on worries me. There's the potential the book brought him from here to the library, which means that whatever killed him could still be here.

>>7112468
How big of a hassle are we talking here? If possible, could we get the bulk of the work done now so that if, say, we go exploring and then flee back up with something chasing us, we would be able to launch it in a matter of seconds?

If not, then we might as well not waste the time and energy, I guess. Take our new supplies and go cautiously exploring, if that's the case.

Contents of the medical case:

1 X Ammonia, Inhalant, Aromatic Ampuls, 1/3 cc (10 X)
1 X Boric Acid, Ointment, ½ Oz (2 X)
12 X Bandage, Gauze, Compressed, 3-in x 6 yds
6 X Bandage, Muslin, Triangular, Compressed, 37" x 37" x 52"
8 X Dressing, First Aid, Small
2 X Dressing, Gauze & Adhesive Plaster, 1-in x 3-in (16 X)
2 X Plaster, Adhesive, Surgical, 1-in x 5 yds, on Spool
1 X Scissors, Bandage, Lister, 7 ¼ in
1 X Tourniquet, Elastic, 2 1/8 –in x 5 ft
1 X Card, Pins, Safety, Large (12 X)
1 X Card, Pins, Safety, Medium (12 X)
1 X Container, Plastic, ½ Oz. + 20 X Tablets, Acetylsalicylic Acid, 5 Gr.
2 X Container, Plastic, ½ Oz. + 16 X Tablets, Sodium Bicarbonate & Peppermint
1 X Kit, First Aid, Eye Dressing, M-2
1 X Pencil, General Writing, Wood Cased Lead, Medium Soft, w/ Rubber, No. 2
1 X Book, Emergency Medical Tag containing 20 identical tags

>>7112564
All in a case with a convenient handle? Excellent. Now I just need to learn things about medical science so that those items can be made proper use of.

Although I imagine that some of them- labels and a pencil, for instance- have a myriad of uses.

>>7112538
I concur.

>>7112538
With about half an hour's work alone, you should be able to get the launch system figured out and prepared for immediate departure. There will likely be a slight chance of it going off on its own.

>>7112603
Better a slight chance of it going off on its own than a null chance of having it go off when we really need it. Let's get it set up. Always good to have an escape route... even if floating on an unchanging ocean until we starve sounds like a really bad way to go, and without food we probably won't have the strength to row anywhere useful.

Enough pessimism. Prepare escape route, then take a short break and listen for more movement belowdecks.

>>7112603
At the very least we should figure out how to work it, if not getting it all ready to go. It going off on it's own when we aren't ready to go could be a very bad thing.

>>7112642
>>7112638

You rig up the lifeboat. It's a lot more work than people expect. But you get it done, and all it needs now is about 10 seconds of releasing the rope before it will have a controlled fall into the water. Oars are inside as is the folded tarp.

You take a breather before checking the rest of the ship. The scratching has stopped. What now?

To the bathysphere!

Enter the ship carefully and slowly. Begin searching room by room for supplies.

Explore the rest of the ship starting with the bridge, as silent and careful as possible, always listening for more sounds.

Whatever happened to Alicia?

>>7112736
No, Anonymous, you are Alicia.

>>7112736
Read, bro. We are Alicia now.

>>7112736
You fail at following the plot sir.

>>7112724
>>7112725

The bridge had its door open to the elements. Anything loose in here is gone, and the equipment is in pretty bad shape. You don't see anything of use.

You head into the adjoining room--a small galley. You know exactly where to look here, and while there might not be any food you now have a 6 inch knife.

>>7112805
Explore the ship further to look for food and other useful supplies. Keep the knife ready for use at all times and check for sounds again.

Find a pot to wear as a helmet.

I'm serious.

>>7112831
Remain cautious and stealthy at all times while undertaking this task. Periodically stop and listen for potential threats; whenever the lighting changes significantly give your eyes a bit to adjust.

>>7112832
Let's not.

>>7112805
Knife got!
First aid got!

We now must find edible foods. Possibly also a source of fire. Bitches love fire.

Also, the scraping sounds might be from a prisoner or something, and not from some angry monster that's out to kill us.

>>7112832
Do not wear pot as helmet. Cooking utensils are unlikely to be of any use without fresh water. ... Does this ship have any sources of fresh water?

>>7112856
I was thinking the same thing. Potential new companion perhaps? Most likely it's just death.

>>7112871
Potential new companion = a 1-up!
We must investigate this 1-up immediately.
Hopefully this 1-up will be something like an adorable, yet strong, dog!

>>7112805
>>7112831
You head belowdecks, knife out, and nervous is your middle name. There's empty bunks in several rooms, then you almost jump out of your skin when a raspy voice calls out from a vent in the hallway above you: "Hey, kid. Fancy letting me out?"

Why wouldn't you guys want metal protection for our head?

>>7112877

"I might. Who are you and why are you in an air vent abourd this fine abandon drifting ship?"

>>7112877
New 1-up is not a dog. :(
Fine. Ask him/her/it wtf it's doing, release him/her/it if him/her/it has foods.

>>7112884
BECAUSE CLAY ISN'T METAL.
And I want a clay pot.

>>7112892
This, don't release him just yet, and keep our voice down.

>>7112892

aboard*
abandoned*
vessel*

>>7112902
Nigga you crazy. No clay pot for you.

What does an Alicia look like, anyway?

>>7112884
Because a pot is not designed as a helmet, meaning that social penalties aside, it might fall and obscure our vision during a critical moment and would provide only minimal protection in any case due to lack of recommended shape/padding to muffle head injury.

>>7112892

"I might. Who are you and why are you in an air vent aboard this fine abandoned drifting ship?"

"You can call me Slim. And you can't get out when you're trapped in a vent, can you?" Several dirty fingers waggle out the vent in your direction. "Well now, you're a pretty thing."

>>7112937

"My prettiness does not concern you. Why did you enter the vent, and what happened to the crew?"

>>7112930
Established Alicia Katusic description:

5'8, 110-115 lbs, shoulder length wavy brown hair, not very curvy
Wearing scavenged police uniform and tactical vest
Was training to be a school teacher
Amazing cook
Has some odd tattoos on her back
Father is a duke in Lower Silesia
Was kidnapped a month or two ago and locked in a closet; abandoned for the last part of that time period with only an IV drip setup.
Fear of heights
Very decent swimmer
Feels comfortable carrying a knife from lots of time cooking, but actually stabbing people is a bit different
Good with people

Also we have this drawing by cei.

>>7112937
Pretend to further your search of the ship, see how he responds.

>>7112969
>>7112957

Waiting for a second to either of these. Or something new, if you want. I'm not picky.

>>7112957
This one, maybe followed by the other one if we don't like his answer.

>>7113017
Do both, please. Speak while furthering search.

"My prettiness does not concern you. Why did you enter the vent, and what happened to the crew?"

"Kid, let Slim give you some advice. Don't go into vents. They're really not comfortable. You might think it's a good idea at the time, but it isn't."

You make as if to leave. "Hold on kid, what about letting me loose?"

>>7113114

"Well, you can either answer my questions fully and acurately, or starve to death slowly in that vent, licking condensation off the metal to stave off dehydration."

>>7113134

"I have been too close to death several times already in the last 24 hours. Give me a reason to believe that you won't harm me. Or the truth as to why you are trapped in the air ducts of a derelict vessel. Then I might be more inclined to listen to your request."

>>7113159

Don't mention our trubled condition.
It's badass time.

>>7113159
This one.

>>7113134

"Well, you can either answer my questions fully and accurately, or starve to death slowly in that vent, licking condensation off the metal to stave off dehydration. I have been too close to death several times already in the last 24 hours. Give me a reason to believe that you won't harm me. Or the truth as to why you are trapped in the air ducts of a derelict vessel. Then I might be more inclined to listen to your request." He tries to interject several times, but you roll right over him.

"Jeez, lady. That's a lot of big words. I told you, I'm in the vent because I can't get out. And Slim can't hurt you if you have the knife, now can he?"

>>7113197

"Fine, die there." Alicia licks her lips at him.

>>7113197
"That's not an answer, *friend*. Goodbye."

start to leave, stop at edge of corridor.

"Feeling like being honest about how you got IN there, yet?"

>>7113197
He's hiding something.

Pretend to walk away.

>>7113219
Fuck pretending.

WALK. AWAY.

Hmmm. Looking for a second for creepy option, ask again option, or leave option.

>>7113322
>>7113211
Seconding creepy.

>>7113219
Turn 360 degrees and moonwalk the fuck out of there.
Alicia is no murderer, so she won't kill him, but he ain't one to be rescued.

>>7113322
Leave.

He's hiding something. Something he doesn't want us to know. He's a creepy motherfucker. I'm sure people are willing to believe that if we feign leaving it will get him to talk, but it could just get him to lie.

Plus, truth or lie, if we help him out, there's still no way to know if he was lying or not, or if he'll attack.

Get the fuck out of here.

>>7113343

What if we don't help him and he turns into a vengeful water spirit?

WAIT A FUCKING SECOND?

SLIM? HIS NAME IS SLIM!?

"PAUL" SAW A PRETTY THIN MAN ON TOP OF THAT DINER! GET THE FLYING FUCK OF OFF THIS SHIP!

>>7113334

Alicia will kill him if we *make her.*
*giggle*

>>7113361


God damn. I forgot about the creepy old pervert man. Kudos for that reminder.

Leaving is starting to sound like the best option here. Something clearly is not right here. And he is evading answering a very simple question.

>>7113361
>>7113397
Appropriate plan of action detected!

>>7113397
^_^
I heartily approve of this option. Stabbity!

Also please give us our next 1-up in the form of an adorable, loyal, strong dog companion. regular 4-legged dog. Maybe german shepherd. Those things are awesome.

I really don't feel that killing this person is the answer. Not everyone in this world is evil. At the same time I don't trust him at all. I think leaving and continuing to search the ship is the best option.

>>7113497

Well, as mentioned, he is failing to answer a simple question.
Although, it seems that he may be a bit... slow, to comprehend some things.

If he can't answer a simple question, leave him. We can always come back. Keep being careful.

Keep in mind that to do more than to stab his fingers, you'll have to get him out of the vent or find a way to strike him inside it. If you want to try, you can turn around after this post.

You head down the corridor quickly, getting away from the vent, Slim's voice calling out behind you, angrily and offended now, to come back.

>>7113417
>>1-up
Oh, you're going to be a fun player to disillusion about the nature of this quest. I will literally laugh for a week if I have players willing to hang themselves TWICE in the same quest. Let me get the rope ready...

>>7113497
>>7113399
>>7113343

Have the right idea. We can continue the search if we want, but don't let this guy out.

>>7113417
>>7113397

This is the reason why Paul is currently possessed and we are on a ghost ship. Going out of our way to do something stupid will get us a bad end. Fast.

>>7113542
No more rope please. ;_;

>>7113542
Can we cut his fingers off so he bleeds to death?

>>7113587
No, you just stop with this whole line of thinking.

>>7113542

Well, hanging themselves is a *bit* subjective.

>>7113587
Finger cuts aren't lethal unless they get infected.

>>7113542
>>7113566
So what you're saying is we'll need more 1-ups?

>>7113542

Now the business of leaving him behind is sorted, keep advancing slowly, the usual caveats apply.

>>7113605
Yeah, we need more 1-ups and this guy looks convenient enough. Let's rescue him!

>>7113619
Agreed. Let's find ... I dunno. Something. What's normally in a ship?

>>7113629

The engine room!
To make it sail into the sunset, without sails.

Those of you discussing 1 ups need to hush. I want to see how this whole story plays out, I'm not gonna lose a good story because some idiots decide to be stupid. Also, I don't think we're going to be able to move this ship on our own. We need to find some supplies (food, water, spare clothes, maybe another weapon), find out how close land is, and get out of here on the life boat.

>>7113678
This story plays out across multiple people. It's like one of those multiple-points-of-view books.

Fleeing down the corridor, you open an internal hatch and step out into the main cargo hold. Wait, what the heck is that doing in here? This is an old ship, and that... that's a modern hovercraft, filling the whole bay. In big blocky lettering on the side is written: HMCS Waban-Aki. Underneath that, in flowing cursive, is: "People of the Dawn."

If you could figure out how to get this thing launched... and how to drive it, or how to make it push the Liberty Ship, this looks like a clear ticket out of here. At least, if it's working and has gas...

>>7113678

Life boats arn't very sturdy for sea-going.
We should investigate the engineroom, then maybe go back to bolt slim into the vent more tightly.

Or perhaps throw rocks on him from a higher-up vent.

>>7113714

Be very cautious around the device. It would be an ideal point to be ambushed from, you know, "OOOH SHINY HOVERCRAFT!"

BAM.

Dead.

So... be careful. Check around before making a bee-line towards it. We have no real time limiter at this stage, so no sense in rushing. Danger could be around any corner.

>>7113714
And there we go, a way out of here. Do we have the first aid supplies and such with us, or are they with the lifeboat?

>>7113714

Has Alicia ever heard of the "People of the Dawn"-- it sounds very cult-ey.

At least it isnt the "People of The Dawn."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabanaki

Relevant to our interests.

>>7113773

No... not Native Americans. Not like this...

Maybe we should go back to Slim.

It's a canadian hovercraft named after a canadian native american tribe. Not sure if that's important, but there it is.

On the subject of 1-ups.

Good luck finding anyone else willing to go out of their way to rescue Paul on their own initiative. Not saying it's impossible, but I don't see how it's going to happen (I'm always up for being surprised though). It was only because of your actions rescuing and not harming Alicia, consistently, that made her into a PC after Paul's possession, instead of trying to make her own way home as an NPC.

>>7113739
They're with you.

>>7113760
She hasn't.

>>7113787
Pervert vs. Native americans?
Go go native americans!

Did it look like we could set up a rig to release the pervert after we leave? I feel bad about leaving him trapped in there.

>>7113812

What if Paul doesn't want to be rescued?
What if he liked being a demon now-- afte rall, he can tentacle rape all he likes.
Infact, what if him and the demon make it back to Paul's body together, to enjoy tentacle rape in the real world!

>>7113812
Well we don't have to rescue Paul
Just have to find someone to transfer the Player's consciousness into when Alicia dies. Probably not Slim though.

>>7113736
I say we go with this suggestion. Cautiously approach the hovercraft and examine the cargo bay for a way to launch it.

>>7113831
We could always get Stabby! Then he won't have to die slowly. ^_^

>>7113831
Countermand!
Let him die.
It will give Alicia happiness to fantasize about him starving to death with her as the last thing on his mind.

>>7113845
This is better than stabby! I change my mind. ^_^

>>7113835
Actually I believe the only reason we have control of Alicia is because she wants to rescue Paul. This whole world is after all Paul's dreamscape and the point of this whole quest is for Paul to return to the normal world. Alicia's desire to save Paul set her apart from the rest of the dreamscape and as such we've taken control of her. Also she seems to be a rather unique individual here, as she can dream.

>>7113849

I can only hope that you're a breeding age female. *huggle*

>>7113843
>>7113845
>>7113849
Alicia wouldn't do that.

Check for SAN damage while carefully approaching the hovercraft.

>>7113870

She would if we *make* her.

See:
I vote to have Alicia fantasize about Slim's death in a sexualized manner.

>>7113864
o_0 No. What the fuck.

>>7113736
>>7113837

You approach the hovercraft, carefully. Its door is open, and you don't hear any movement. Going through its hatch, you find a clean, empty interior. At the bridge is a mass of controls you don't understand.

>>7113878
This is impractical with her hand still wounded. I oppose this motion for the time being.

>>7113878
No, you're dumb. She's an elementary school teacher on a quest to save the man who rescued her and saved her life on multiple occasions. I don't think forcing her to act completely out of character is a good idea.

>>7113878
Considering Alicia is still shocked, unsafe, fatigued, and wounded, I doubt she'd be capable of this. She'd need someone to help her, and the only person around is Slim - who is about the least helpful being in existence. So no. Screw yo' plan.

Bullshit stupidity aside, let's figure out what's happening.

Before we just rush off, check the rest of the ship, carefully. Check the hovercraft, carefully. Check the cargo hold and everything else on this vessel carefully.

When that is done, go back to Slim. Talk to him again.

Then we decide what happens.

>>7113901
You are implying that elementary school teachers are incapable of sadistic and agressive fantasies.
Are you sure you want to do that? Y/N

>>7113858
You've pretty much hit the nail on the head here.

Heck, I didn't figure /tg/ was going to let Paul get possessed, let alone even read the book, but events conspired such that Alicia had about perfect timing to escape, and perfect situation to become a PC (the more you find out, the more this will make sense).

>>7113885

Ok, keep doing what I suggested >>7113917

We should first check the hovercraft for supplies.

After that, we carefully and silently return to Slim, to ask him if he feels like telling the truth now and if he has any practical skills.

>>7113917
This, do it.

it's like i'm really watching a bad episode of star trek voyager

Let's search a bit more before we go crawling back to Slim to admit that we're in over our head.

Also, let's not count votes that include a "^_^", as they have been... less than helpful so far.

>>7113917
Checking the hovercraft, you find that while most controls are a bit confusing (skirt pressure?), the fuel gauge is at least clearly marked. It's a little under half full. Looks like this thing was completely cleaned out, or never even stocked.

You head back into the rest of the ship. Engine room next?

>>7114032
Search the rest of the cargo hold first, then head to the engine room, searching everything in between. Very carefully of course.

>>7113969
>implying there were ever any good episodes of star trek voyager.

>>7114041

Looking for fuel, naturally.

>>7114049
>implying he doesn't know the difference between mediocre and bad.

>>7114053
We have plenty of fuel. We'll search for food and weapons first. After that, we'll see if we can find ourselves somebody to steer the hovercraft, or maybe a way to learn how to steer it.

>>7114080

Steering is the easy part.
Though, there should be a manual about the other controls somewhere.
Perhaps in engineering.

>>7114032

Sure, Engine Room. Keep an eye out for Kilroy's, naturally.

Now, Alicia doesn't know WW2 happened, so she'd naturally not know what a Liberty Ship was, would I be right? Not that it really matters I suppose. To her, a ship is a ship.

Anyways, keep moving through the ship. There'd be a 'natural' path to follow, so just keep moving carefully. Check bulkheads as you go in case some sort of purple arm eating serpent is coiled in the alcove. Apart from that, push on.

The cargo hold has a large box of nails stashed in one corner, but the bulk of the hovercraft takes most of the space.

The engine room looks like something exploded in it. There's scorch marks all over, and metal twisted into nasty sharp shapes.

>>7114135

What does it smell like in here? Diesel? I don't *think* diesel would do that. As a Science teacher, would Alicia know?

Oh, be careful not to get cut on the jagged machinery, and keep an eye out for any remains of people. Explosions don't just happen by themselves and there's no sense blundering around. Maybe mines or other explosives?

If we come across a washroom or something, grab the mirror if it won't make too much noise. Could be useful for peeping around corners.

>>7114164
Didn't we find a mirror in the lifeboat? Start using it to peep around corners from now on.

And be careful not to get cut while searching the engine room.

Just thought of something. The demon that possessed Paul is quite powerful. It also said it was going to torture and kill Alicia. It also knows where we were transported to. Uh, we should get out of here ASAP.

Well, there really wasn't a lot more TO Liberty ships than cargohold, bridge, engine room, except for tiny cramped crew quarters that would UTTERLY suck to have to fight in.

Back to Slim i suppose. Answers, or he stays in that vent until hell freezes over.

>>7114134
"WW2? Don't know what you're talking about. Of course this is a Liberty Ship, how do you expect me to teach history if I don't know it myself?"

>>7114164
The smell is... very, very odd. You can't place it.

You start using the mirror to peep around corners. As you get a bit past the engine room, you start feeling apprehensive about continuing further, and you feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

>>7114235
I doubt Paul drowned, so he wasn't transferred to our location...

...probably.

>>7114252
Turn around very silently and return to Slim. Tell him that you're not in the mood for bad jokes and sexual harassment, and ask him if he's willing to help you now in return for helping him.

>>7114252
Wary about continuing forward. Moving back to Slim and asking some more questions sounds like a good plan.

>>7114262
I'm not saying he was transported here. I'm saying he knows where we were transported to and he most likely has the power to get here rather quickly.

>>7114252

Is Alicia talking to *us*?
Because... no one said anything about WWII to her on that ship.
*softly giggles into the right hemisphere of Alicia's brain*

>>7114304
/tg/ - The voices in your head.

>>7114304
Sorry, I wasn't able to get enough sleep yesterday, and this double header is catching up to me. I was treating it as if one were to ask Alicia about the subjects. I probably should wrap up soon.

>>7114294
>>7114297
You return to Slim. "Oh, it's you again. What do you want?"

>>7114329

"Just saying 'Hi,' you know... asking if you know what happened to the crew... that sort of thing."

Answers, Slim. WHY are you in that vent? And for how long have you been there?

>>7114334
>>7114347
"Now you want answers. Well, I'll get out of this vent one way or another. Just you watch. And I remember who's my friend."

"I know we've started on the wrong foot Slim, but recently I've developed some issues about trusting strangers."

>>7114410

"Oh dear, Slim. I *want* to be friends. Really. And I would let you out of that vent if you'd only answer my question. You see, if you can't do that... then I can't really trust that *you* didn't kill everyone here and blow up the engine."

>>7114410
"I always wanted answers, You just weren't giving them before. So, I gave you some time to think about how you can be useful enough to convince me to open that grate."

>>7114446
This.

>>7114446
>>7114441
">>7114452
"It's always about trust with you women. If it ain't trust issues it's how much I'm worth. What about MY trust, eh?

>>7114532
"If you'd like to play that game, we can trade questions.

But really, if I want to hurt you, all I have to do is leave you there. Shouldn't it tell you something that I came back?"

>>7114563
This, don't talk about business yet.

>>7114532

He's trying to get us to kill him, that's it. He wants to die so he can unleash his Death Curse of kraken rape.

>>7114563
You see a sudden gleam in his eye through the vent. "Well now, that tells me that you need Slim for something. Now what could that be?"

>>7114576
"You get a friend who will be with you for the rest of your life."

>>7114618

"I need you to tell me what happened to the crew of this ship and the engine, or die trying. And... 'for the rest of your life' is *so* very comforting."

I say we free him and leave it up to him if he helps us or not. We need allies in this hostile world.

>>7114636

Countermand!
He's clearly being a bastard.
The betrayal kind of bastard, not the unmarried parents kind.

>>7114636
only if we're reasonably sure he won't immediately shank us.

>>7114618
"It tells you I could really use some answers here, Slim. I'm new in town, so to speak. Now, are you going to spend a few minutes worth of air answering my little questions, or do we have to go and be disappointingly uncivil to each other again?"

>>7114682

Don't you miss the CPU, too? *huggle*

P.S. Concur with caution and questioning.
We should wait there and watch him untill he answers clearly.

>>7114636
There's a reason he's stuck inside in the first place... doesn't seem like he's in a hurry to get out either. He could have a flesh burrowing worm inside him, too.

>>7114682
>>7114643
Yeah, maybe the "unconditional trust" angle wasn't such a good idea.

>>7114705
>>Don't you miss the CPU, too?

;_;

>>7114682
>>7114634

"All I have to give you is my name, rank, and cereal number! That's it!"

Yes, you're pretty sure he said it like that.

>>7114769
"Well, don't keep me waiting. My name is Alicia by the way."

>>7114769

Mmmm. Oh I see how this is going to work.

Have Alicia unbutton her shirt a bit for Slim: "I have alot more than your freedom to trade for information..."

>>7114791
No, that mean's he's a prisoner, and a crazy one if he only has a cereal number instead of a Serial.

>>7114769
"Well, out with it then. Ooh, um, also. What's the date?"

Let's spend a minute plumbing the depths of madness. Probably can't hurt.

>>7114804
You monster.

>>7114791
His manner changes abruptly.

"How do you do, Alicia? My friends call me Slim. I'm the helmsman of this beauty--Liberty Ship Carlos Carrillo. Real easy to steer, but nothing's that difficult for me. Can't say more though, loose lips sink ships! But enough about me, what's a nice girl like you doing aboard?"

>>7114804
This. He clearly has certain proclivities we can exploit.

>>7114844

Yes, abrupt changes in manner are always comforting.
Either he really likes the exchange of pleasentries, or he has heard of Alicia before.

>>7114844

"Swam here to avoid drowning, and other... things."

>>7114844
I'm getting a deja vu to a certain book.

Tell him a bit about ourself and about our current troubles.

>>7114844
Let's play along. Not trusting the crazy man, but play along.

"I fell into the ocean a while ago, and pulled myself aboard this ship when I saw her. I'm a bit turned around at the moment, so if it won't put your ship in danger, helmsman, can I ask where "here" is? And when?"

"Swam here to avoid drowning, and other... things. I fell into the ocean a while ago, and pulled myself aboard this ship when I saw her. I'm a bit turned around at the moment, so if it won't put your ship in danger, helmsman, can I ask where "here" is? And when?"

"This is the main corridor of the SS Carlos Carrillo, my dear. And it's about an hour until the lunch."

>>I'm getting a deja vu to a certain book.
Which?

>>7114944

The happy book.

Ask him if he knows about what happened in the engine room, and if he knows who or what did it.

>>7114944
"I meant what year, but lunch sounds nice. I guess. Also, what's that funny thing in the hold?"

If he's the helmsman of a Lib, he's stuck in the 1940-50's, and calling him out on this will either break his mind or his act (if he's faking), or just sink him into denial. No matter which happens, he's already proven unstable, and thus not very useful.

>>7114987
I don't think having a mad helmsman is a bad thing if he's not out to harm us.

>>7114987

Dream world.
The year may or may not be significant.
The same way you can fly a Corsair in space against alien communists.

>>7114987
"I meant what year, but lunch sounds nice. I guess. Also, what's that funny thing in the hold?"
His face gets serious and disapproving. "That's Top Secret. Nobody without clearance was supposed to see that. I'll have to report this to the Captain."
"Wait, what about the engine room?"
"You shouldn't have been back there, either."

>>7115011
I may have missed a thread or four.

Anyway, testing both his knowledge and how far his mind will stretch still seems like a good idea.

>>7115011
>>fly a Corsair in space against alien communists.

I wish I could have THOSE kind of dreams, damn.

>>7115034

It would appear that his manners are somewhat less suspicious now, letting him out may be viable.

>>7115034
"Oh. No-one stopped me, so I thought it would be okay. Uh, shouldn't the Captain be on the bridge? There was no-one on the bridge. In fact, we two seem to be alone on this ship. And, um, why are you in that vent?"

Patience waning. Acting nice, increasing strain.

>>7115034
"I'm sorry Slim, but you're the only other person I've found on this ship. Do you know what happened to the rest of the crew?"

>>7115060
>>7115065
"You're sure about that? I'll be sure to give the worst sort of reprimand to whoever's on watch for desertion of post. The Captain must have stepped ashore. You'll have to come with me."

>>7115122
Drop your trip?

"Um. Slim, I hate to break it to you, but you seem to be a little bit trapped in an air vent."

>>7115138
Seconded

>>7115138
"What? I--well, that's odd, how did I get in here? You'll have to help me out."

>>7115138
Thirded.

Try to release him from the air vent.

>>7115246
Somebody's taking the train to crazy town

>>7115246

Switching from somewhat lecherous Mr. Seedy to an upstanding helmsman.
He's clearly got a bit of split personality, Philadelphia Experiment style.

>>7115258
He doesn't have to be dangerous just because he's crazy.

>>7115246
"You'll have to promise not to hurt or hinder me before I let you out. These are dangerous times, Slim."

How stable has this personality been? Does it feel more like he's nuts, or that he recognized us?

>>7115278
He doesn't seem to have recognized you.

"Now why ever would I hurt a nice lady like you?"

>>7115278

Without an analysis of tone-of-voice, and other clevernesses it is entirely possible that he is decieving us.
However likely a WWII air-vent-rider is to have heard of Alicia.

>>7115292

"Please just promise me, Slim. I'm getting so cold and tired and alone."

>>7115292
"Well Slim, we should probably search the ship for a way back to land together, let me help you out".

While keeping vigilant at all times of course.

>>7115323
This is what happens when you put /tg/ in a female body.

>>7115337
Those lines were only 27% sexually inclined.

Sounding like the damsel in distress is a valid tactic, too.

>>7115292
"For the same reason that you were locked inside that vent in the first place."

>>7115387
MAYBE HE FELL THERE!
It's not his fault... Really! It wasn't him!
It's not my fault!

Going to keep riding the autosage, looking for a spot to wrap up.

Will probably not be able to run next weekend (hence this weekend's double header). Going to be going home for the holidays and seeing my family for the first time in a year. Odds are decent that another session will happen that week, but I can't promise any particular date, just the usual time. Weekends up to and including the New Year's aren't looking good. After that, back to normal.

You know, assuming you aren't dead or insane or possessed (ha!) by then.

He hid from the big bad wolf, he went mad when he saw his crew mates getting devoured.

>>7115411

I rather like the idea of turning Alicia insane-- then rescuing Paul and sending her back home.

Only gloriously sadistic, promiscuous, and dominant. If she's a part of Paul, it would probably do him good anyway. *giggle*

Waiting for something to get seconded.

>>7115387
Second.
"Like I said, Slim, these are dangerous times."

Try to avoid the word 'trust', he reacted poorly to it last
time.

>>7115323
Seconding this.

>>7115387

"Locked inside? Do you know something I don't? Wait--I've got to get out! Somebody must be trying to steal the cargo!"

>>7115490
>>7115323
Double seconding.

Say, it's almost lunch time. Eat something.
And give the guy some food already, not something too delicious though.

>>7115507
"The cargo? Do you mean that ship, Slim? We could go there together to make sure that it's safe."

Of course, he could be talking about the nails. Be sure to grab some if we ever find ourselves in the cargo bay again.

>>7115507

Oh let him out already, but be *so* ready to gut him.
There doesn't particularly seem to be any other option, perhaps he'll feed himself to whatever makes creepy feelings in the bowls of the ship.

>>7115507
"We're the only people I found on the boat, Slim, and there's no other boats around." (right?) "These thieves must be pretty thick. Anyway, do you think you could sail that 'cargo'?"

>>I rather like the idea of turning Alicia insane-- then rescuing Paul and sending her back home.
>>Only gloriously sadistic, promiscuous, and dominant. If she's a part of Paul, it would probably do him good anyway. *giggle*

I disagree entirely. I like this character. You've were the one with quite a few, well, twisted ideas already.

Also, based on what we've seen so far I'm thinking she might not be a part of Paul's mind after all.

>>7115536
yeah, i'm tacking on a seconding, here.

>>7115543

I've been the one with quite a few clevernesses, some even conflicting.
I try to keep the game interesting with a few different perspectives.
After all, Voyager was silly.

>>7115542
>>7115532
>>7115536

"Hurry! If they're stealing it we'll have to stop them!"

Your knife makes a good lever to slide under the nails and pry them loose. Slim's worried shoving and striking of the vent bars takes care of the rest.

He slides headfirst out the vent and dumps out onto the floor. He's ragged, dirty, smelly and very unshaven. He immediately rushes off to the cargo hold.

"Slim, do you think you can drive it?"
"Ain't been built the thing I can't steer... but... they say this vessel came from--" he looks both ways "aliens! Or the future, maybe. So if this wasn't built, would I be able t'steer it?"

You rush to the cargo hold, keeping behind him and holding the knife. You really hope you don't have to stab him or something--you've never done that before and you're not sure if you can.

>>7115572
Not a Trekkie, so I'm missing this reference. I think it showed up earlier too.

>>7115658
Brief synposis:
Voyager was a stranded starship; it's mission to get home safely.
The captain of the ship, and seemingly everyone on board, was however prone to Moralgasms, and therefore killed more of the crew than realistically possible helping random aliens along the way.

>>7115643
Wait fuck!
WWII?
Aliens?
Time Travel?
This is all starting to sound familiar.
Where the fucking fuck are we?
Maybe Paul was reading about those conspiarcy nuts who said that the US and Great Britian experimented with captured alien tech during the second world war to create a ship that could travel across dimensions.
What was its' name?
Oh, and follow Crazy Face Slim Jim, see that he doesn't find anything sharp or pointy.

>>7115686

And sacrificing most of their chances to return home quickly because they were "immoral." Even when doing so would mean saving their civilization from the Borg.
The only way to get around this and actually have a finale was to use a combination of Time Travel and Handwavium.

See if there is a way to steer the Hovercraft out of the cargo bay. If there is, board the Hovercraft with Slim.

And grab a handful of nails. They somehow seem important.

>>7115686
The PILOT had them blow up a way to get home, trapping them 70 years from earth, rather than let some backwater world of dirt-hugging scrubs get pwn'd by a fifteenth-rate band of barbarians.

That really set the tone of the series.

>>7115716

We could always investigate the creepy hair-raise sector of the shipmyeyesarevibrating.

>>7115716
Don't put the horse before the cart son

>>7115730
Oh, because that's worked out so well for us in the past.

>>7115753

It *has.*
Chaos consumed us.
It was a good pain.
The horses can get out and push DADDY.

>>7115765
Alright before we go charging into something stupid, try to get at least one (1) straight answer from Slim Jim about what the hell has happened here.

>>7115730
Let's keep that option open for if the hovercraft plan fails.

>>7115785
Alright, second.
Let's just get off this creepy ship....

...and on to a small, quite possibly dangerous, hovercraft of indeterminate origin piloted by a man who may just be batshit insane.

FUCK

>>7115716
Slim sprints into the cargo bay, waving his fist and shouting at the top of his lungs.

"STOP, THIEVES! THIS IS TOP SECRET GOVERNMENT PROPERTY! SPYING IS A CRIME PUNISHABLE UNDER THE UNIVERSAL CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE! I -WILL- GET VIOLENT!"

While he dashes wildly about the cargo bay, you slowly drag the heavy box of nails (there must be tens of thousands of them in there) into the hovercraft. Sure would be nice if Slim would help out with this... as your back twinges, you get an idea.

"Slim, you must have scared them off, but we've got to get the vessel out of here before they come back and see it's just two of us here!"

>>7115796
Welp, this seems to be the direction of progress.
Quick, check everything that is of value and not nailed to the ground to take with us.

go ooooooon.

>>7115834
GET ON WITH IT!
(ohshitdontsickashogothonmeImsorry)

>>7115846
I saw 'goth' in there.
Did I mention how much I love women clothed in tasteful gothic fashion?
We should help Alicia.

>>7115853
We are Alicia. And i think we might need clothes that are more practical to run away from shit in.

>>7115819
If there's anything else of value on the ship, it's somewhere you haven't seen.

Slim looks at you incredulously. "J-just TAKE the Top Secret vessel?"
"Would you rather the thieves got it? You'll be a hero this way."
His face twitches for several moments as he remains paralyzed, then charges into the hovercraft.
"Open the main cargo bay, lady! We're getting out of here!"

You have no idea how to do that, so you step inside the hovercraft instead.

>>7115853
a Shog-goth.
As in, an eldritch abonimation from beyond time that warps men's minds.
I don't think particulary interested in fashion.>>7115846

>>7115862
Currently you're in a police uniform, with a tactical vest on. It's not bulletproof, but it's great for holding things and looking like you know how to be a badass.

>>7115869
Are you sure?
I hear Yog-Sothoth likes fashion, and he's all that matters.

>>7115867
Also, it feels like Alicia is about to have her soul sheered off by the hullmetal when Slim rams the craft through the side. So... duck.
And away from the nails, too.

>>7115867
Tell Slim that the bay doors are not open, and we have not and cannot open them!

>>7115910
OPEN THE POD BAY DOORS ALICIA
+I'm sorry Slim, I'm afraid I can't do that+

>>7115796
>>Open the doors!

-cheerful: "Okay!"
-beat-
-normal: "How?"

>>7115893
You duck underneath a metal bench bolted to the hovercraft's hull and take cover.

Slim is at the helm, and from the rear of the hovercraft you hear several bangs. You're no expert, but those didn't sound good.

>>7115910
"Slim! The door's not open, I don't know how to do it!"

"Then get up here and steer!"

>>7115940

Steering is easy!
Hold the craft steady.

Provided Slim even got it running in that amount of time. Hovercrafts have keys. And are tricksy to get the right amount of air pressure.

>>7115940
>>Steer the hovercraft!

-cheerful: "Okay!"
-beat-
-normal: "How?"

really though, do our best.

>>7115940
We do as Slim says.

Befriending a mad helmsman was our best decision ever!

>>7115965
"You. Just. Have. To. Follow. TheDirectionOfTheNavigator."

>>7115977
I have actually been reading Slim more like the Gyro Captain

You run to the helm. Slim turns to you. "Now, here's what you need to do while I get the door open," he says, followed by a long, rapid stream of technical jargon that you can't hope to follow. "Got it? Just steer it!"

"Okay!" He turns to leave.
"How?"

He grimaces, then grabs your hands and shoves them onto levers. "THIS goes HERE. Hold THIS tight. Make sure THAT dial says 60% before the door opens or you sink it. I think. Now this door always sticks, so it's going to take me a bit."

>>7116024

Can't we just turn it off while he opens the door?

>>7116024
Yep, Gyro Captain.
Also-listen to the Madman, he seems to have gained some semblance of rationality sice we boarded the hovercraft.

>>7116032
"Slim, couldn't we just turn it off until you're done?"
"No! If the skirt's not full of air, it'll sink when the water rushes inside. And I don't know what that'll do to the vessel. Just do what I told you!"

>>7116032
NO.

>>7116045
Yes.

>>7116062

"Ok, but let me get the hang of it before you leave. This craft is important. I need to be sure I've got it stable."
Practise controlling it for a bit with him helping.
Alicia should be able to pick it up pretty well.

>>7116067
>>7116062
DO IT! QUICK-
Wait a second, what about evil!paul?
Dollars to donuts says he's waiting for us out on the open sea.

late to the party. only really quick drawfaggotry so i'm sure i don't miss the thread entirely.

>>7116083
Is Slaanesh evil?

>>7116070

"Ok, but let me get the hang of it before you leave. This craft is important. I need to be sure I've got it stable."

"No time, those filthy blasted spies could be back any moment now! We can't let this vessel fall into their hands! Don't mess this up, now!"

He rushes out the door and into the cargo bay.

The vessel is shaking all around you, and slowly lifting off the ground.

>>7116091
Yeah Drawfriend!
>>7116086
Does Kharn love skulls?

>>7116092

Do exactly what he said, use the levers to keep the hovercraft steady, and the dial to keep the skirt pressure at exactly 60%.

If the ship drifts in one way, push the lever very slowly in the opposite direction.

>>7116103
SECONDED

>>7116086
Glad to have you aboard, cei.

>>7116103
As the pressure rises, you hear a groaning as the Liberty Ship's main cargo door slowly grinds open. You start shifting to the side, and carefully move the lever to balance it back. This feels like trying to -stand- on a medicine ball. Several harsh coughs and bangs issue from the rear.

Well that can't be good.

Skirt pressure 48%.

>>7116134
Keep that skirt pressure up!

>>7116134
*That* needs to be higher.

Whatever Slim said controls skirt pressure, push it to go higher, now.

>>7116134
EVIL!paul

>>7116134

By dial... you mean meter dial, and not control dial, right?

If meter dial, have alicia push up a lever that has only two dirctions of motion up and down-- most likely the lever that Slim said "THIS goes HERE" for.

>>7116157
And do it slowly!

>>7116148
You shove the pressure regulator (that WAS what he called it, right?) forward hard. You hear a whistling rising over the explosive bangs and the groaning of the door. The hovercraft nearly leaps up, and swings hard to the side. You can't reverse it fast enough, and it hits the wall, then slides slowly along it, leaving a streak of paint with a horrible screech.

Skirt pressure 59%.

>>7116172

Steady the craft.
Perhaps manuver it back to where Slim can reach it quickly.
Skirt pressure seems fine now.

rolled 3 = 3

"PAU- Er. SLIIIIIIM! I really hope the door opens the rest of the way on it's own because this is not good!"

>>7116201
Do it!
We got Lady Luck on our Side now!

"PAU- Er. SLIIIIIIM! I really hope the door opens the rest of the way on it's own because this is not good!"

Slim appears in the doorway behind you. "No good indeed, the door's jammed a little under halfway down!" He looks at the instrument panel and raises his hands in a mix despair and anger. "I TOLD you not to let the engine temperature gauge rise above 70%, and now look! Too much more and it'll fry, and we still need to generate enough thrust to ramp out of here! Move, move, I'll take this."

He shoves you aside and spins the hovercraft around to face out the door. Wait, is that something floating in the air outside?

>>7116241
>is that something floating in the air outside
>something floating in the air
>EVIL!paul
crapcrapcrapcrapcrapcrap

>>7116241
Floating?

SLIM, IT IS TIME TO NOT BE HERE.

>>7116252

It's a seagull.
Don't fight it.
Give in.

>>7116241
As long as there is a chance the Hovercraft will fit through the door, FULL SPEED AHEAD!

>>7116241
Cacodemons.
Any other weapons besides the nails which I could use?

>>7116270
Maybe not, maybe its a eudaemon

>>7116281
Either way, get ready for an expeditious retreat

>>7116256
>>7116252

Crap, crap, crapcrapcrap--"SLIM! We need to get out of here, now!"

He pushes the engine speed to full, holding the braking flaps shut for agonizingly long seconds as the propellers build up speed. You stare at the dark shape in the sky. It gets slowly closer, then stares back at you with all four of its glowing eyes. You recognize it. And you're sure it recognizes you. Seconds drag by as the engine speed increases to a high pitched whine, the braking flaps shuddering to control them. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Your eyes are riveted on the floating shape, until it breaks into a terribly fast dive, its eyes and teeth all aimed right. at. you.

>>7116295

Prepare a spread of nails, shuriken style.
The faster it moves, the more Cold Iron it tastes.

>>7116295
DUCK YOU STUPID BITCH

>>7116270
You have a kitchen knife, a canteen, and an old first aid kit.

>>7116305
Unfortunately, all the nails are still in the crate.

>>7116310
Use disinfectant as pepper sprey.
Shit, I don't know.

>>7116321

Welllll.
Provided we do not have enough time to escape via Hover-Speed, there is Desperation Plan Delta--

Prick finger with kitchen knife, and spread blood on the tattoo at her back.
Wish for the demon inside Paul to be banished from him at that time, too. (Just in case.)

NOW, SLIM.

Other than that, duck, dive, attempt to evade the horror that our former PC has become.

>>7116339
Desperation plan delta?
Good god man, you can't be serious-we haven't run scenarios for this kind of situation.

>>7116348
*I* have.
Remember all those silly equations with that greek triangle.
Oh yes. From the beginning.

>>7116359
For the love of pseudoscience- NO!
Who knows what horrors may be unleashed?

>>7116341
This. Equip kitchen knife and prepare to defend self if backed into a corner. Try to protect Slim if possible, if there may be a afterwards.

FUCK, um, tell Slim to prepare for fisticuffs?

Remembering Paul's thoughts about the tattoo on your back, you prick your finger and move to run the blood across the markings, knowing all the while that there's no way you're going to be fast enough. But you'll try anyways, for Paul's sake. Maybe you'll get a miracle.

Your miracle comes from another source. Slim unexpectedly releases the brakes, and the hovercraft shoots out of the cargo bay like a pea from a pod. It ramps out of the Liberty Ship and sends you flying backwards off your feet, sprawling into the rear compartment.

Where you were standing, you hear a massive crash as the demon tears through the windshield and continues on through the metal floor, the skirt, and past. Slim gives a strangled shout.

Then, you slam onto the water with a head-jarring impact.

>>7116422
Today is just not our day, is it?

rolled 18077 = 18077

>>7116422
Well, that half-ton of nails is gonna be real freaking useful now.

ABANDON SHIP. AGAIN.

>>7116422

Oh dear-- it ate the hovercraft?

And didn't the demon have to drown to get here? Demons! Drowning!
What has this world YOGSOTHOTH?

>>7116422
Jesus christ! There's no way for us to defend ourselves now beside hoping for a miracle from that tatoo thing!

>>7116448
WHAT FUCKING GENIUS THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO BRING A HALF TON OF NAILS ON A FREAKING HOVERCRAFT!

Oh, us, that's right.

>>7116422
Jarred and with a pricked finger that you didn't have time to touch to your back, you head back to the bridge.

Slim is leaning on the control panel, gasping with a large shard of glass sticking out of his chest. "C'mere, kid. You gotta.. gotta keep the pressure at 100%. Ev'n with the--the hole, it should get you a good dozen miles, mebbe more, before it tears too much for the air to stay in."

>>7116462

Perhaps the crate is open now?

And perhaps...
Have Alicia prepare shuriken nails!
(Or at least a part of the crate to float on.)

>>7116470
QUICK SLIM, WHICH WAY TOWARDS NON-DROWNING?

>>7116448
Based on your limited knowledge of demons, they can't drown. That must have been why you were able to escape earlier. There must be a shortcut from the library to where you are now, and since it knew the location...

And to clarify, the hovercraft hit the water hard. You're still aboard, it's still floating... for now.

rolled 30443 = 30443

>>7116470
If the would is NOT obviously inevitably fatal, tend to it with the first aid kit.

If dying, apply:
"I'm sorry we doubted you, Slim."

>>7116492
If wound is non-fatal, it can wait.
GET TO DRY LAND.

>>7116470
Mufasaaaaaaaa!

>>7116492

Remember, keep Alicia's finger ready for back touching... incase the demon returns.

Other than that, if slim is dead, store him in the back as food and head off in the direction of shore.
If no visible landmarks or stars to guide... then... which way did the demon come from? Hmmm. It must know a way back to shore. Maybe.

You could try the first aid kit, but it's not modern gear and you're not trained beyond the very basics. Slim is in pretty bad shape. The entire hovercraft windshield is shattered, and there's a gaping hole in the floor about 4 feet across.

"I'm sorry we doubted you, Slim."

"It happens. Lissen, you... you gotta get this inta gov'ment hands. Don't let those spies get ahold of it. Tell'm what I did here."

"Which way do I go?"

Slim spends a good ten seconds gasping for breath. "East."

>>7116499
>>7116492
What about the eats-metal-like-butter demon!
Look around for signs of the demon while inching closer to the controls.

>>7116530

East! A military hovercraft likely has a compass, hopefully not damaged.
Otherwise... the sun rises in the east and sets in the west soooo, if the sun is setting now, go in the opposite direction.
And make sure to save as much of Slim's blood-- don't want to get dehydrated at sea.

>>7116547
O_o

>>7116530
Thank Slim, say goodbye. Head east.

>>7116547
The compass is dangling loose from its position on the console ceiling, held on by a thread of wire. But it seems to still work. You haul the hovercraft around to its new bearing and keep the speed at full.

"Thank you, Slim. For everything. This is goodbye, then."

The next time you check, Slim body is stiff, leaning against the control panel.

>>7116531
The demon seems to have been diving with so much force that it passed through the entire hull and skirt without stopping.

>>7116637

Off we go then, perhaps The Government has some anti-demon weaponry.
In anycase, we should use a free hand to perhaps pry open the nail-crate for shuriken.

And keep Desperation Plan Delta primed and ready. That demon likely didn't go far.

>>7116679
You can pry open the crate, but not while keeping the craft on course. Unless you can figure out how to set an autopilot... but good luck between not knowing the control scheme and with the damage setup. Roll above 85, one try, to activate it luckily.

You push East hard, and ever so slowly you feel the hovercraft settle lower into the water.

>>7116747
Do we see any land?

>>7116760
Several minutes later, you do. It's still miles away, and the skirt is definitely having some problems. You might make it, you might not.

At least at this speed you should be putting pretty good speed between yourself and the demon.

>>7116747

Well, straight East isn't that difficult-- the craft would have to swing over 45 degrees to go off course.

>>7116798

Well, we could always dump a few nails overboard to lighten the craft!
(Saving some shuriken, however.)'
Failing that, Alicia is a proficient swimmer.

>>7116798
Keep heading for the land. It's not like there's anything else we can do.

>>7116798
Continue East. Instant death if demon catches up to us.
We can swim our way- uh, can Alicia swim?

>>7116835

I'm... scared.
It's getting darker...
The Autosage boat, entering a loooonngg tunnel.

We've reached page 10! Hurry up!

>>7116867
fffffffffffffffffffffff. Next session then.
See you guys after Christmas. Sniff.
I love you guys. Good times were had.

>>7116820
(Newfag here, how does I roll dice?)

When will we continue?

>>7116883

Is that really you... Dreamscape... it's so dark...
*licks Dreamscape goodnight*

You press on to shore, the hovercraft settling lower... and lower... and lower. But you're so close you can taste it. Half a mile away, maybe. Then, an explosive bang from the engine, and the craft shudders. It's enough; the skirt could collapse at any moment.

>>7116859
Yeah, all the other times it was better to just ride the autosage. This is the first time that making a new thread would have been far superior, but I didn't expect over 400 posts.

>>7116892
Of course not.
He doesn't make silly tearful comments like I do.

>>7116902

So, new thread for the conclusion?

Or shall we SWIM TO SHORE IN THE DARKENSS OF PAGE 10?

>>7116867
I'm seeing us at page 8 still.

>>7116889
See >>7115411

rollin'
dice+1d100

>>7116902
Believe in the hovercraft and believe in myself! We will make it!

>>7116902

Stow all essential gear in the vest. (Knife, a few nails, the compass, etc.) And prepare for splashdown.

>>7116952
This, but try to make the hovercraft go as far as possible.

>>7116973
yep.

>>7116933
>>7116952
>>7116973

You rip the compass off the console, and stow it in your vest with the knife and a few nails you were able to pull out of a hole in the crate. The canteen and first aid kit snap right on. They'll make it harder to swim if you need to, but they're important survival tools.

You push the hovercraft for all it's worth. A mere tenth of a mile from the shore, the hovercraft begins to slow, and sink. The air is gone from the skirt.

>>7117011

Mmmm, gooood.
In the shallows.
We'll be able to trade the location of the advanced craft to The Government for... things.

>>7117011
One last salute for Slim, and then proceed to swim to shore. Prepare to drop the first aid kit if it proves to be too heavy though.

>>7117040

Check Slim for any ID cards/Comm info first.
It could be useful.