Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/20435532/Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Joker%20QuestFeedback Thread:http://archive.foolz.us/tg/thread/20504608/Equipment FAQ: http://pastebin.com/UedDDkeFRecap: You are ANON, the RED JOKER. In our last instalment, you defeated ABYSS CARCHARIS, and encountered ARGENT PROMINENCE for the very first time. Also, you've invited HECATE on a double-date to NARA DREAMLAND'S grand opening...And the weekend has just arrived.
The past few days have been...rather *busy* ones, to say the least. You've heard nothing from the Thief, or Argent Prominence...Though in a addenum to the local news, a maintenance man was crushed by a malfunctioning hospital elevator, apparently while carrying out repairs. So much for Abyss Carcharis. Still, Akira was discharged two days ago, and - By all accounts - he's back to his old self. The other victims of the gas leak have, as promised, made a full recovery...Which probably came as a relief to the school board, especially since Mr. Fumito - as good as his word - settled the hospital bill.In general, things seem to be looking up. At this time of the morning the plaza is a transitionary place: Sited right in front of the train station, there's a constant wave of people coming and going, in a way that reminds you of the ebb and flow of waves. The air is just this side of cool, refreshing without being chilly, the sun shining in a clear, cloudless blue sky.The long-awaited weekend has come at last: Today's the day you're going on that double-date at Nara Dreamland's grand opening. Last you heard, Kazuya and Natsumi were already on their way...-So that just leaves you...And Hecate, of course. It's still about twenty minutes to the time you agreed to meet - You had an early start this morning - but you can't help but feel that time's passing *particularly* slowly today. [ ] ...Still, it's nice to do something normal for once.[ ] ...You can't help but feel a little out-of-place, after so long in the red world. Also...[ ] ...You're wondering if Hecate is all right. [ ] ...You're wondering if you should have asked someone else. [ ] ...You wonder how Kazuya and Natsumi are getting along.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20526038[ ] ...Still, it's nice to do something normal for once.[ ] ...You wonder how Kazuya and Natsumi are getting along.Also damn you OP. I wanted to sleep.
>>20526038[X] ...Still, it's nice to do something normal for once.After spending so much time having to fight for our life a bit of time off is good. Not that we're relaxing too much, we're still expected the roller coasters to turn into murderous metal centipedes. [X] ...You wonder how Kazuya and Natsumi are getting along.I hope our bro and childhood friend are getting along well. They deserve some happiness.
>>20526099I don't know if our bro and childhood friend will get along in the end.
>>20526148They might not. We're not sure how much Natsumi reciprocates Kazuya's feelings, we don't know if its the sort of relationship that'll last. But honestly if it falls apart it won't be our fault. All we did was give Kazuya the courage to start it, everything else is up to them. If fails we'll continue to be bros with Kazuya, friends with Natusmi and continue with our life.
> [X] ...Still, it's nice to do something normal for once....That's right. Sometimes, it feels like you've spend forever on the other side - Even your dreams are in red, now. It's important to have perspective: To ground yourself in the here-and-now, in the *real*. Besides, by any measure...It's a lovely day. So different from the ever-shifting landscape of the crimson world - You know the calm's not going to last forever, but it's nice to enjoy the quite moments. > [X] ...You wonder how Kazuya and Natsumi are getting along.That's another thing you've been wondering. Kazuya certainly seems happy enough; Between your extra-curricular activities and her own schedule, you haven't seen that much of Natsumi. You've known Kazuya for the *longest* time...Since, what, you were just a kid? And Natsumi's - She's been around since elementary school, never that far apart. You're glad that she's doing well, too - They make a good couple. You can't help but feel there's something slightly *off*, all the same: The faintest suggestion of *distance*, one tha- ...And your train of thought is momentarily derailed, as you feel slender arms tighten around you from behind - A familiar softness pressing up against your back. "Anon-kun ~ Did you wait long?" You hear Hecate giggle ~ The faint whiff of perfume-and-brimstone lingering in the air, as something stiff...the bill of a cap?...nudges up against your neck.[ ] "No, I just got here."[ ] "Just a while - But don't worry about it, you're still early."[ ] "I was wondering when you'd turn up."[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20526038No write in option? Damn the police, [x]FREE.[x] Try and remember the last time you went out on a date that didn't end with you killing someone.I suppose for the second, [x]Wonder what being a target as Anon rather than Red Joker will be like.Unfortunately the above are esoteric even for me, so put me in for [x] out of place and [x]Dating childhood friends.
>>20526232>>20526252My life: fuck it.[x]Free"As if you weren't watching me from the moment I woke up this morning to the moment you hugged me. How *do* you know where I am? Tracking device? Myplayerspace?Also, hi! Good to see you too.:
>>20526232[X] "No, I just got here."You smell lovely Hecate. But then again you always do.It's good to see you again. How are you doing?
Holy shit I'm awake for this for once.>>20526232[x] "No, I just got here."Because that is what you say if my Japanese animes have taught me anything.
>>20526273I might be wrong, but we obviously agreed to meet hecate here, offscreen. It's a date, you know?
>>20526291I know that; I'm making an oblique reference to how she always appears mysteriously behind us, particularly at the maid/game cafe.
> [x] "As if you weren't watching me from the moment I woke up this morning to the moment you hugged me. How *do* you know where I am? Tracking device? Myplayerspace?"-Not this time, silly; You chose the place, remember?" She sounds mock-offended, and you just *know* she's pouting. "Besides...Most of the time, *you're* the one who finds me."> [X] "No, I just got here.""I see~" There's a soft, playful lilt to her voice, as Hecate releases you - Her footfalls clicking lightly against the tiles as she paces back a few steps, giving you room to turn. She looks...It's...Well, *very* different from Hecate's usual look, to say the least. The sleeveless white shirt and red-checkered skirt are ordinary enough, if a tad close-fitting - Though she's gone with long, elbow-length gloves and striped stockings, in a rather eclectic touch. The overall effect's rather flattering, if a trifle punkish...But more importantly, it makes her look rather more *real*. As if the vivid edges of her silhouette have been diminished, somehow - Enough that she seems more like part of the world around you."-How do I look?" Hecate inquires, green eyes bright with mischief ~ Slim fingers adjusting her postal cap, tilted *just so* to hide her horns beneath the blue fabric. [ ] "Wow, I almost didn't recognize you."[ ] "-I like your usual look better." [ ] "That's a nice outfit - You look great." [ ] "...Actually, I was kind of expecting the white dress."[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20526390> It's...Well, *very* different from Hecate's usual look, to say the least. The sleeveless white shirt and red-checkered skirt are ordinary enough, if a tad close-fitting - Though she's gone with long, elbow-length gloves and striped stockings, in a rather eclectic touch. Op, I'm trying to put it together in my head. Does she look something like this?
>>20526390Stare for a few seconds, looking her over with a large smile on our face.[X] "That's a nice outfit - You look great." But[X] "-I like your usual look better."
>>20526390"Depends. How dotingly over the top are you comfortable with me being? You look great regardless; the cap is an especially nice touch."I can't find a picture I don't hate, but is the overall effect something like Marie from P4 Golden? Also hello OP, how's life on your half of the planet?
>>20526421That is actually rather cute.>>20526390> [ ] "That's a nice outfit - You look great." Where does she even get her clothes from?
>>20526421Get out of my miiiiiiiind.Rereading the description and comparing it to the image, definitely her. I'm going to take this to mean that she's really an aspect of Izanami-no-Okami. Glad we cleared that up!(no seriously P4G spoilers there if you plan to get the game and go in blind AVOID)Of course knowing this makes me want to tease the girl for being such a nerd.[x]Free"I don't think too many people will recognize you're cosplaying. Going to earn me some funny looks from the people who do realize I have a fujoshi for a girlfriend."
>>20526504Fujoshi is the term for a yaoi fangirl. You're using it wrong.
>>20526504I'm fairly sure you just want the word "otaku".
>>20526529>>20526536It translates to "rotten girl". It's not just yaoi fangirl, though that's the connotation. Otaku just means maniac, but it's mostly applied to obsessed anime/manga and idoru fans now.
> Also hello OP, how's life on your half of the planet?(Surprisingly cold - It's absolutely freezing.)> "Depends. How dotingly over the top are you comfortable with me being? You look great regardless; the cap is an especially nice touch."> [X] "That's a nice outfit - You look great." Hecate strikes a little pose - One hand on her hip, head canted to the side - as you look her over, turning a quick circle for the full effect. "Aaah, that's a relief ~ I usually don't dress like this, so...I'm glad you like it." There's a faint flush of color to her cheeks, despite her casual tone; She's pleased, and she's not doing a very good job of hiding it. In fact - Hecate seems a little exuberant today, more so than usual...Though you might be overthinking it. > [X] "-I like your usual look better.""Oh-ho~?" Now she sounds faintly contemplative ~ "-I'll have to remember that, Joker-kun...But don't you think it'd be a little showy?"Hecate sobers, slightly; "-And...I wanted to do something normal for a change - That's why I'm not using a Relic." The moment passes - She flashes you a quick smile, as she takes hold of your arm; Leaning against you slightly, as her gaze goes to the train station. "-Don't worry about it ~ Today's our first date, after all~!"> "I don't think too many people will recognize you're cosplaying. Going to earn me some funny looks from the people who do realize I have a fujoshi for a girlfriend."(Continued.)
An elbow digs into your ribs, hard enough to make you grunt - "*You're* the 'rotten' one," Hecate retorts, loftily...But you hear her snicker, all the same. "-So, where to, Anon-kun~?"[ ] "Nara Dreamland, of course."[ ] "We'll be meeting up with Kazuya and Natsumi."[ ] "Anywhere you want."[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20526572[X] "Nara Dreamland, of course."[X] "We'll be meeting up with Kazuya and Natsumi."Classic double date, it's supposed to help with all the various troubles and awkwardness that can come with first dates. Also, roller coasters.
>>20526572[x]Free"Honestly, I'm half tempted to blow Kazuya off and keep you to myself today, especially since he interrupted our last date. But there's the Nara Dreamland tickets to consider, and I look forward to watching him swallow his tongue when he sees you. And Natsumi deserves better than that. How about we hang out at the arcade until we're twenty minutes late and then meet up with them?"Oh, before I forget: we're probably going to be attacked today. Minimum three players in close contact, we're practically begging for it. If anything happens, can I trust you to escape? I'll be fine, but since you don't like fighting you could get in over your head.">coldSucks. Trade you half my high-90s temperature for half your freeze.
>>20526665It'd be rude to show up late, even fashionably late. Especially if we did so on purpose.
>>20526665I totally agree with this, but I feel we shouldn't show up late. That would make things awkward for everyone.
>>20526686>>20526696Nah dudes, hot girl on the arm and acting totally cheerful while apologetic for the delay? Make a few suggestive looks and people expect you were having quality alone time.
>>20526731>>20526665Let's not do the late thing.
> [X] "Nara Dreamland, of course."Well, it *was* a rhetorical question, after all. Hecate nods, sagely, as you take the escalator up - "An amusement park..." she muses aloud, almost to herself - "...It's strange, but I've never actually been to one before, you know?" > [X] "We'll be meeting up with Kazuya and Natsumi.">> 20526665You notice Hecate's eyes narrow, slightly, when you mention Natsumi...Just an instant's flicker of emotion, but it doesn't escape your notice. "'All to yourself', hmmm?" Hecate echoes, wickedly ~ "-It's not that I'm not tempted, buttttttt..." a soft, tantalized sigh parts her lips, "-It wouldn't do to keep your friends waiting, after all...Maybe next time."> If anything happens, can I trust you to escape? I'll be fine, but since you don't like fighting you could get in over your head." "I'll-" her words are drowned in the screeching *hiss* of the train arriving - Rendering any conversation momentarily pointless, until you're inside the car. Fortunately - And surprisingly, given where it's going - the train's oddly empty...Not what you'd expect at this time of the day.Hecate lowers her voice, all the same; "-There'd probably be plenty of Players there, but I don't think we'll be attacked. It's too exposed...And I've taken some precautions." A pause. "-But if it comes to it...Yes, I can get away." She sounds utterly confident in that regard, as the train pulls away; But you're struck by a momentary sense of deja vu, as you look around the half-empty car..."-Is something wrong?"[ ] "No, it's nothing."[ ] "-This is where I met Chrome Cypher."[ ] "...This is the *same* train as before..."[ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20526793[x] "-This is where I met Chrome Cypher."
>>20526793[x]Free"Weird coincidence. Last time I was on this train there was a Corrector attack. Chrome Cypher was fighting and I was added as player 2. Guess I'm being a bit paranoid... except it's not paranoia if they really are out to get you."
>>20526793[X] "Last time I was on this train I had a jolly old time with a corrector, I'm hoping the past decides not to repeat itself."
>>20526793Last time I was on this train a massive spider nightmare monster tried to eat me. I met Chrome at the same time.I'd say it's just a coincidence, but in my life I've learned to distrust that word. Especially given that the train is nearly empty. I bet you a kiss that something is going to go wrong during this train ride.
>>20526858>>20526842>>20526837>>20526825It's not a *similar* train - It's the same train. The same car, too...A coincidence that doesn't reassure you in the slightest. You've had a bad experience on this one before, after all...Even now, you can't help but remember the sight of the dead spiders littering the floors, their legs curling as they crumbled to ash...> I bet you a kiss that something is going to go wrong during this train ride."-*That's* a bet I'm willing to take~" Hecate says, lightly - Though there's a flicker of concern to her voice. "Chrome Cypher..." she echoes, thoughtfully - "I've never met him before, but I tend to stay away from Argent Prominence's Players...But then again, so does everyone else. Outside, as the train accelerates, the view outside the window fades to a blur. You should get there on the dot - or slightly earlier - if this trend continues. [ ] "Why don't you like them?"[ ] "What do you know about him?" [ ] "But they're hunting Players, aren't they? Isn't that a good thing?"[ ] "I thought he was rather self-righteous, actually."[ ] "You know, I actually agree with what they're doing."[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.(Apologies for the overlap - It was a little hard to frame the options appropriately.)
>>20526943[X] "What do you know about him?"
[x] "But they're hunting Correctors, aren't they? Isn't that a good thing?"[x] Though I did hear that their boss was responsible for this Player-Corrector hybrid. That he apparently forgot about.Seriously, forgetting about something like that implies he doesn't care, either from lack of deliberation before binding a human to an alien, multiple similar cases, or a complete lack of disregard for it as long as it doesn't bother him. Seriously, he's at best a well-intentioned extremist villain.
>>20526999The way I saw it, he made the Relic, gave it up as a bad job, then dumped it somewhere to have it never be used, but still around should the need arise. Not much better, mind you, but still.
>>20526943[X] "What do you know about him?" I met them both. They don't seem that bad, Chrome hunts Correctors instead of other players as much as possible and I managed a civil conversation with Argent. Though he's still extremely dangerous and not to be trusted.
>[ ] "But they're hunting Players, aren't they? Isn't that a good thing?"You mean Correctors?[x]Free"I like the idea of not having to kill other Players. I also like the fact that he didn't attack me on sight. But the fact that he created a device to fuse a Corrector to a Player makes him more than a little suspect. "I do wonder if he was visiting your predecessor that time though."
> [X] "But they're hunting Correctors, aren't they? Isn't that a good thing?""It *is*..." she sounds rather dubious, all the same. "-But *why* are they doing it? Oh, they've said that it's for the greater good, but..." "-I still don't trust them." It's still rather tenuous; You're not sure if Hecate knows, herself, though she's clearly struggling to put her dislike into words. "They're less like Players, and more like...Like an army, you know? It makes me nervous to see so many of them working together..."She shakes her head. "-Or maybe I've just been in this too long." > [X] "What do you know about him?""Cypher? Well...He's been around for a while, certainly. That chrome armor of his...It's a recent acquisition, like his sword and spear - I think Argent Prominence made them for him."A small smile, her eyes flitting back to you: "-I know the Thief really doesn't like him, though; There was...some trouble a while back. I think they've clashed before, myself." Somewhere, there's a faint *ding* as the train stops...Then begins to move again. About halfway there. "It's very rare to see him alone...Usually, he's working with Player teams. If you met him here - Maybe he off-duty at the time?" > [X] ...Though he's still extremely dangerous and not to be trusted."Oh, yes. Argent's definently dangerous. He wasn't in the finals for nothing...If he's anything like the stories, he might just be the most powerful Player in the city - Or the most powerful Player alive." She laughs, though there's no humor in it. "...I'm not even sure what someone like that might *want*..."(Continued.)
> [X] Though I did hear that their boss was responsible for this Player-Corrector hybrid. That he apparently forgot about."It's possible. I know he can *make* Relics, but what he does with them..." She shrugs. "...Who knows? Maybe he was careless, that time. Or maybe he released it, to see what it would do..."> [X] "I do wonder if he was visiting your predecessor that time though.""-My predecessor?" Hecate sounds interested, her features set in a considering cast. "It's possible, but...I've never actually *met* her before - I'm not even sure what she looks like."She sounds slightly wistful, at that; "I don't think I'm the Chalice Queen, not really...No matter how much the Thief thinks I am. I'm just..." A small gesture, as if to wave the question away-> "-Next stop, Nara. Next stop, Nara."The calm, synthesized voice interrupts her, as you feel the motion of the train change; It's slowing, past the blur of speeding, coming to your stop. [ ] "That was fast; Well, at least nothing went wrong."[ ] "Now, about that bet..."[ ] "Here at last. We should get going."[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20527074> You mean Correctors?(Yes, Correctors. A slip-up on my part.)
>>20527157[X] "Now, about that bet..."We still have a bit for something to go wrong, the train hasn't stopped yet. But it looks like I'm going to lose.If I won you'd owe me a kiss, the way it's going I'll owe you one to be collected at the time of your choosing.
>>20527157> . I'm just..."Hecate. No wait, Tsukimi. Not remembering your 'real' name is going to get us in more trouble than Mio spreading stories will get me with you and Natsumi both.""And I cannot believe that we made it here without incident. This can only be a harbinger of things to come. But before that, I owe you a kiss. (suggestive smile) Where do you want it?"OOC: Did we remember to tell Kazuya to let Natsumi know who our date was? I hope not; it can only end hilariously. Also, we need to get our niht repap story straight: how did we meet, start going out?
>>20527209Why would you write those word backwards? What purpose does that serve?Anyway, I have to go to sleep. In the event it comes up, try to be civil with the Thief. Maybe ask Hecate about him, see if he's actually evil or just very practical. And don't forget the mark if we get in a fight.
[x] Check red world, get off train.[x] Now about that bet...
> If I won you'd owe me a kiss, the way it's going I'll owe you one to be collected at the time of your choosing.There's a beat - A pause that lingers, as the train slows to a stop...The ground trembling slightly, with the low hum of magnetized rails as the doors open with a *hiss* of escaping air. "-Looks like I win, Joker-kun~" Hecate says, with a little smirk; She stands, brushing stray strands of hairs back from her face as she smiles down at you. "...I think I'll look forward to that~"> "Hecate. No wait, Tsukimi. Not remembering your 'real' name is going to get us in more trouble than Mio spreading stories will get me with you and Natsumi both.""Ah, that's right...It's 'Anon-kun' from here on out, isn't it~?" Her gloved hand settles in yours, as she draws you to your feet with a slight tug; "-Let's meet your friends, shall we?"**********It's a little disorientating, to go from the mundane train station to the million-dollar facade of Nara Dreamland; Just like the name, it's a massive themed area, beneath a great, glittering dome of stained-glass...Lit from within by a warm internal light, a permanent canopy covering the main street and center street areas, forever shielding the guests from the elements.And oh, there really are a *lot* of people, out in force for the grand opening. The streets are bustling, through the great gates of the central entryway - Styled to look like a castle, in a way that's immediately reminiscient of...-Well, let's just say the home of a certain highly-trademarked mouse. It's clear that no expense was spared, down to the exquisite decor (Bright and new, for this special occasion), the lights, the half-glimpsed attractions...It's a sensory overload, to say the least.(Continued.)
>>20527254Do I have to explain the joke?Paper thin, IE incredibly obviously fake. Any story we try to give is going to be taken apart by our friends since it's so obviously not true that we met Hecate in the hospital visiting Akira.
>>20527309And I just processed that we're in Tokyo Disneyland, except in Nara, and it's apparently a blatant rip off of the former. All I want to know now is how the hell they're keeping the deer away, the fuckers are piranhas on land. I've seen kids with treats and eyes yet unopened to the horror they've brought upon themselves devoured whole by a herd-swarm.
"Wow..." The soft, hushed gasp comes from the girl at your side; Hecate's eyes so very wide, as she takes in the elaborate vistas - It strikes you that while she's seen all kind of sights in the red world...It's the real one that's left her absolutely speechless. It's clear that the place has been built around a theme, according to the loose narrative of dreams. Cotton-candy clouds swirl around an artificial mountain, the winding silver tracks of rides twining down, down across the surface...The Dreamland partioned into no less than five 'zones' - Named 'Kingdoms', according to the loose narrative. The effect is - Maybe deliberately so - almost surreal. Hecate squeaks, as a carriage rumbles past...One drawn by what looks like actual *mechanical horses*, no less, turning to watch it go as it recedes into the distance, down the cobbled street. By the osmosis of the crowd, you're being funneled towards the main entrance...Though the pace's a little slowed by the sights to stop and gawk at.You feel a hand on your shoulder, at last - Turning to make out Kazuya's face, a wide grin on his face as he gets your attention. "*There* you are, man~! I was waiting for you to turn up...Oh."His words cuts off, as he gets a good look at Hecate - She's still off-balance, but sufficiently recovered to dip her head in a little bow of greeting - Before his grin comes back, wider than ever. Your friend's happy for you, and it's an expression so heartfelt - so utterly guileless - that you can't help but smile back.[ ] "You startled me, Kazuya. How's tricks?"[ ] "Thanks for waiting."[ ] "Where's Natsumi?"[ ] "What's the plan?" [ ] "-I believe you've met Tsukimi-chan?"[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20527416[X] "-I believe you've met Tsukimi-chan?"[X] "Where's Natsumi?"He is a true bro, it's going to hurt like a bitch when we have to fight him in the Red World.
> [X] "-I believe you've met Tsukimi-chan?""Of course, of course," he chuckles, his next words directed at Hecate - "It's great to see you again; I'm glad you're taking care of Anon...He'd be *totally* lost otherwise." Kazuya confides, a mischievous glint in his eye - Releasing you with a hearty slap to the back, taking in the sight of both of you. "It's the other way round, actually~" Hecate offers, sweetly; Her fingers clasping yours, giving your hand a little squeeze before she releases it, walking along the side. [X] "Where's Natsumi?""Oh, Nat-chan?" Kazuya echoes; He's smoothened down his (rather spiky) hair, but it's apparently rebelling against him. "She's just a bit ahead - Ah, there she is." He raises a hand, waves to an unseen figure; At a glance, you can see Natsumi silhouetted against the bright lights of a souvenir, her face brightening up at your approach."Anon-kun, Kazu~!" she calls - Her pale blue blouse half-hidden beneath her light jacket, only the puffed sleeves visible. "...And Tsukimi-chan, was it?" Natsumi adds, a moment later...An instant more slowly, though she smiles all the same. "Ah, Anon-kun didn't tell me you were coming...""-Why would he?" Hecate inquires, with casual innocence. Both girls exchange a quick, unreadable look as Natsumi goes silent - An uncomfortable silence that lingers, longer than you're comfortable with.[ ] "Ah, Kazuya...You were telling us about the plan?"[ ] "Natsumi, you're looking great, too. Did we keep you waiting?"[ ] "-My bad, I should have mentioned it."[ ] "I wanted it to be a surprise."[ ] "...Actually, I wasn't sure at first..."[ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20527547[X] "I wanted it to be a surprise."Then quickly change the subject to[X] "Ah, Kazuya...You were telling us about the plan?"I'm sensing a catfight brewing.
>>20527561Is hecate actively TAUNTING her? ABORT ABORT> [X] "Ah, Kazuya...You were telling us about the plan?"CHANGE THE TOPIC. Better have a plan, bro.
>>20527547>[X] "-My bad, I should have mentioned it.">[X] "I wanted it to be a surprise."
> [X] "I wanted it to be a surprise." Yep, there's definently an uncomfortable atmosphere brewing. "I see," Natsumi murmurs - She looks like she's about to say something, but simply looks away. "-I definently wasn't expecting that, Anon-kun; I thought it'd be someone from our school, that's all..." She leaves the rest unspoken, though there's a edge to her voice; Her gaze never quite settling on Hecate, as the other girl gives her a distinctly cool glance.> [X] "Ah, Kazuya...You were telling us about the plan?""The pl- Right, yes." Kazuya coughs, momentarily wrong-footed. "Well, the tickets come with free seating on the Dreamland Flyer...We have some time until then, so I was thinking we'd make our way around one side of the park - Then the other side, on our way back."It's a pretty good idea. The Flyer's touted as one of the largest Ferris Wheels in the world; It'd be worth it for the novelty, if nothing else. And since the theme park's divided into five more-or-less equal portions, in a vaguely circular pattern...You'd hit all the landmarks as you make a complete circuit."...The only question is, which way we'd be going, first..."Thinking about it - On one side, there's the 'Fountain of Dreams' Kingdom, named for the elaborate rainbow-lit waters that funnels into a hazy 'dream fog', lending everything a faint, hallucinatory air. On the other, there's Noctus; A zone right out of a Tim Burton movie, complete with the distinctive, faintly gothic architecture - A man-made perpetual twilight.[ ] "The 'Fountain of Dreams' sounds good."[ ] "How about 'Noctus', for a start?"[ ] "Tsukimi, what do you think?"[ ] "Any preference, Natsumi?"[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20527666[X] "How about 'Noctus', for a start?"Don't offer up the choice to either of the two ladies, they might start arguing about it. I chose Noctus because I happen to like Tim Burton but I don't have any objection to the "Fountain of Dreams. I just want a decision to be made and for us to get this started without any bickering between the girls.
>>20527666>"How about 'Noctus', for a start?"
>>20527666[x] "How about 'Noctus', for a start?"I want to know what Natsumi's problem with Hecate^H^H^H^H^H^HTsukimi.
Noctus: A realm shrouded in perpetual twilight, where the shadow-folk dwell...At the whim of the King of All Night's Dreaming. You can't help but feel that's *slightly* pretentious...But you have to admit, it was better than making this the realm of nightmares. (They clearly wanted to go with that, but it probably wouldn't be quite as appealing.)It's a reasonable fascimile of a gothic town, the winding path leading to a crooked street; Beneath the same canopy as the main entrance, it's gloomy even in broad daylight, the arching buildings tilted at all angles, hemming in from all sides. The overall effect is rather more oppressive than you'd expect for a place like this...Complete with rather eerie-looking costumed mascots making the rounds with stately grace. Though the atmosphere is rather disrupted by cheery chatter and the flash of cameras, some effect - Maybe a white-noise generator? - keeps the sound to a hush.Hecate drops back a bit, her pace slowing as you make your way down the paths: The main attraction of Noctus is a series of 'dark rides', guided trams winding their way through specially lit scenes, shot to theatrical effect. "Now *this* is familiar..." she muses aloud, a little smile on her face as you walk past houses lit by lamplight and eerie, flickering shadows - "...Ah, you were right, Anon-kun; I'd fit right in, with my usual look."[ ] "It's almost like the red world, isn't it?"[ ] "I'd like to see that."[ ] "-I'm sorry about Natsumi."[ ] "Go easy on Natsumi, all right?" [ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20527784>[ ] "It's almost like the red world, isn't it?"[ ] "-I'm sorry about Natsumi."
>>20527784[X] "I'd like to see that."and[X] "-I'm sorry about Natsumi."Given that we're going out we should probably take Hecate's side, and Natsumi is the one who's been initiating the arguments and girlfighting.
>>20527801this
[ ] "It's almost like the red world, isn't it?"[free] :Just ignore Natsumi, she has started acting strange ever since she started dating Kazuya
>>20527784I'm sorry about Natsumi. Go easy on her if you can, she is an old friend
(Apologies for the delay - I was having trouble with the word filter.)> [X] "It's almost like the red world, isn't it?"Hecate nods; The resemblance is startlingly accurate. It reminds you of some of the places you've fought in - The empty, cyclopean city occupied by wisps of soulstuff and the armored bulk of players. "*Almost* like it," she concedes; "-If I didn't know better, I'd say that it was a deliberate copy..."Except that this place is meant to be more mysterious than ominous - It's a deliberate stab at being baroque and gothic, while the eerie vistas of the other world simply *are*. It lacks the echoing emptiness you've seen, in places...-Like the yawning chasms, leading to the infinite black of the abyss- Your fingers twitch, involuntarily, and you have to look down to remind yourself that they're not sheathed in crimson armor. > [X] "I'd like to see that.""Maybe next time," Hecate agrees, smiling ~ "-I'd love to come here again, too...Just the two of us."> [X] "-I'm sorry about Natsumi."A little laugh, a slight shake of her head; "It's nothing," she says - Her contemplative gaze going to the other girl, walking alongside Kazuya. They've paused, before the courtly silhouette of a shadowy jester - As you watch, the tall figure sketches an exaggerated bow, white gloves moving with elaborate flourishes. "...It's not just jealousy, you know," Hecate goes on - Looking back at you, now, her hands folded on the railing. "-She doesn't like me, because she's worried about you."[ ] "Natsumi? Jealous?"[ ] "Worried about me?"[ ] "You're overthinking things."[ ] "She *is* behaving a little strangely."[ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20527931>[ ] "She *is* behaving a little strangely.">[ ] "Worried about me?"
>>20527931[X] "She *is* behaving a little strangely."[X] "Worried about me?"
>>20527931She should move on. With Kazuya, I already gave her my answer. I choose you. even If she had tried earlier I know we would have ended up together...I sound silly right now.
>>20527931[X] "Do you think... she knows? About the red world, about all of this? Is it possible she's a player?"
>>20527931[x] "Worried about me?"
>>20527973this plus worried about me?huh, i thaught it was just pure jealousy. our hero has a hell of a friend.
> [X] "She *is* behaving a little strangely."> [X] "Worried about me?""...Intuition, maybe?" Hecate muses aloud: "-She probably thinks I'm trouble...Then again, she's not entirely wrong." In a more serious vein, she goes on - "Some people can just *tell*. They're never sure, but they know when something's not right."A coy little smile. "I'm not saying that she's *not* jealous, of course..."> [X] "Do you think... she knows? About the red world, about all of this? Is it possible she's a player?""-Maybe," she offers, quietly. "Two out of three...There's a chance it might be her. But if she is...Then which one? And why hasn't she tried anything, yet? It's not like she doesn't have a *reason*..." >>20527969"Flatterer," she says - slipping her hand into yours. "You *do* sound silly...But silly isn't that bad. For a Player, you're really quite-""Anon-kun." Kazuya walks over, his brow slightly furrowed. "I was talking with that guy over there-" He jerks a thumb in the direction the jester vanished to. "He says that Mr. Bones' Wild Ride is, ah, 'closed for renovation' - It seems we might have to make a detour."A thing about Nara Dreamland is that the rides are *connecting* ones - They link the various zones together, forming a kind of linear progression...So that it's easy for most visitors to hit all the landmarks, in a single trip. (Continued)
"The Ghost Train ends at Umbra City, so we could take that...Or we could go with this." With a flourish, Kazuya produces a milled card - One sealed with a jester-faced stamp, spidery gold font on cream.LORD MORPHEUS CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO:> THE MANOR OF DUSK."...Seems like a horror house to me."[ ] "Ah, it's closed? That's a shame - I was looking forward to it."[ ] "Let's just keep walking to the Flyer - We'll take the scenic route."[ ] "Umbra City sounds like a great stop."[ ] "Well, how could we turn down an invitation like *that*?"[ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20528096Mr. Bones' Wild Ride, I'm not sad we missed that one. The Ride never ends.>>20528105[X] "Well, how could we turn down an invitation like *that*?"Kazuya, how did you get a cordial invitation? Your boss give it to you? Sure it'll be full of hell murder demons that try to eat us as the Red Joker, but we were cordially invited. You don't turn down cordial invitations, it's rude.
>>20528096> Mr. Bones' Wild RideTHE RIDE NEVER ENDS.Let's go to umbra city, for a change.
>>20528105[X] "Sounds fun, let's go check it out."
>>20528105Well with an invitation like that...(Quietly to Hecate) this is the worst looking trap ever... or maybe its not.
>>20528105[x]Free"Nice clown. Well, let's ask the girls what they think. I'm up for a little horror, this gothic chic isn't doing it for me."This is all for me, I have work in five hours. Luck all.
>>20528153It's such an obvious trap, with the jester stamp, and the invitation, and everything. It's so obvious that it can't possibly be an actual trap. Who would set a trap this blatant?
>>20528174Someone who anticipates us thinking the trap was to blatant to be true and going along with it anyways.
>>20528188Time to be the MC this quest needs. Natsuru Joker is gooooooooo
>>20528105[x] "Well, how could we turn down an invitation like *that*?"said the fly looking at the silk carpet before the spider's huse
>>20528188Or maybe it's a double bluff. They know that we'd see the obvious trap and conclude that such an obvious trap couldn't be a trap.Honestly they might just want to talk to us. We've had friendly interactions with 3 Players if you count Hecate. And I doubt they'll start anything, they'd be up against us, Chrome, and Hecate.
>>20528153this
>>20528174TheBLACKJoker.
>>20528213I'm not thinking that. Given the name Morpheus it's going to be somewhat dream related, it just doesn't feel like the Black Joker's style. Maybe we'll meet the Black Cardinal or his successor.
> THE RIDE NEVER ENDS.You can't help but glance over at the dapper silhouette of the animatronic skeleton in the distance, continuously doffing and donning his top hat; You can't help but get the strangest feeling that he's watching you, through his red-glowing eyes...-Yeah, you totally dodged a bullet, there. > [X] "Well, how could we turn down an invitation like *that*?""-I *knew* you'd say that. We can't, can we?"> Kazuya, how did you get a cordial invitation? Your boss give it to you? "The clown's handing them out-" He begins - with a vague wave, now the tall figure's no longer in side. "...*was* handing them out. I think."> "This is the worst looking trap, ever...Or maybe it's not."Hecate laughs, softly ~ "-We'll find out soon, won't we?"Indeed you will. The Manor of Dusk...Dusk Manor...looms atop an artificial hill, behind great, faux-rusted gates: It almost seems to lurk, flickering foxfire glowing luridly in the windows as the path leads between open graves, skeletal hands reaching up from the turf..."Is that the way in?" Natsumi wonders aloud ~ She points at the great double-doors of the main entrance, as a red light beams from a scanner shaped like a demon's head: There's an electronic - and rather out-of-place chirping as it scans Kazuya's cards...Swinging open with majestic slowness, to a cackling voice-> "Enter freely and of your own will, my...guests. Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh..."[ ] "-Now, *that's* ominous. It's pretty elaborate for a ride, isn't it?"[ ] "You first, Kazuya; I'll hang back and...Uh, guard the womanfolk."[ ] "Gentlemen first?"[ ] FreeYOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20528205Shit, I'm ut f "" letters.
>>20528207What if it's a triple bluff?[x] "This is pretty elaborate for a ride, isn't it?"
>>20528238Tally Ho! Give Kazuya the bro nod. The nod that indicates that we'll stick close to Hecate and he'll stick close to Natsumi. We'll lead the way, slightly ahead of our respective ladies, and if fate is kind we may even be able to do such scandalous things as hold their hand. It is a very informative nod.
>>20528238>"Gentlemen first?"
>>20528238[X] "Seems legit. Shall we?"
>>20528238You know I heard that they are giving out free samples of something I really want far away from here(joking manner)
>>20528238> [ ] "Gentlemen first?"Yes, it's time to boldly go and face whatever horros are inside.
> [X] "This is pretty elaborate for a ride, isn't it?""It *is*," Kazuya agrees; He looks down at the card in his hand, turning it over, as if looking for a bar-code. "-Kind of quiet, too...Are we the only people here?"> [X] Give Kazuya the bro nod. The nod that indicates that we'll stick close to Hecate and he'll stick close to Natsumi. We'll lead the way, slightly ahead of our respective ladies, and if fate is kind we may even be able to do such scandalous things as hold their hand.The nod is complex, and very comprehensive. Fortunately, Kazuya's equally skilled in non-verbal communication, as he ascends the steps with you right behind him. Inside, it's a well-lit, if faux-dusty lobby, a hazy fog hanging in the air..."That went well enoug..." Kazuya begins, and the floor drops out from under your feet. It's a frictionless *slide*, one that comes out at a steep angle; Your buddy lets out a startled yell as he vanishes - With skidding, slipping noises as he begins to tumble, rolling down into the darkness beyond.You narrowly avoid slamming into him - But then you're beginning to slide, too, your feet skidding against the ground, trying to find *purchase*...As behind you, you hear Natsumi and Hecate make startled exclamations of surprise, just before the doors shut with an echoing *boom*. -It's not actually a long way down, but it feels further. Your fall's arrested - with startling softness - by a crash pad, as lights flicker to life... (Continued)
>>20528468For a moment, you can't help but wonder if you're back in the Armory , where you found the Vitruvian Device. But no; On second glance, it's just a reasonable facsmile of it...It's a cavernous, poorly-lit basement, with odd silver devices set on the walls, a screen above a barred gate - From beyond which shrill, chittering sounds issue."Owww, God..." you hear Kazuya groan, muzzily - "...What just happened?"[ ] "-You all right?"[ ] "...Is this some kind of joke?"[ ] "Where *are* we?"[ ] "All right, I totally *didn't* see that coming." [ ] "This place clearly doesn't comply with OSHA regulations."[ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL
>>20528471Start laughing.[X] "All right, I totally *didn't* see that coming." [X] "Where *are* we?"
>>20528471>[ ] "-You all right?">[ ] "This place clearly doesn't comply with OSHA regulations."
> [X] "-You all right?""Y-yeah." Kazuya sounds a little shaky, but he gets back to his feet easily enough; Given the thickness of the foam crash pads underfoot, you could've dived head-first, and walked away unhurt. > [X] "This place clearly doesn't comply with OSHA regulations.""Tell me about it," he grumbles, looking around. It's dark - Not just a natural, but one that's been deliberately tailored; Just enough light to see the gloom by.> [X] "All right, I totally *didn't* see that coming." > [X] "Where *are* we?""Good question. I don't..." Lights wink to life; A faint, background glow building to visible levels, glinting off long racks of ornate, utterly ridiculous firearms, hanging alongside a series of long coats studded with receptor panels.You know guns - And those aren't guns, they're toys.The impression's confirmed a moment later, as the screen winks to staticky life; A deep, faux-solemn voice coming over the channel, making a portenuous announcement. > "Attention, Sandmen; The realm is under siege by ectoplasmic emanations, from the deep shoals of Nightmare. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is simple - Survive to reach the Dream Stream, and escape."> "Incursion in thirty seconds and counting..."[ ] "...They should *warn* us about these things."[ ] "Huh. Is this some kind of game?"[ ] "Well, whatever; I'm not interested. Can someone let us out?"[ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20528597>[ ] "...They should *warn* us about these things."
>>20528597> [ ] "Huh. Is this some kind of game?"> [X] Free: If it's a game, tell them to bring it on.
>>20528597[X] This is so cool. We get stereotypical villain invitations, a slide, we even got a trap slide, voices over loudspeakers. This is the best thing ever. Okay everyone. Put on a long coat, grab some "guns", choose what feels best in your hands. We're going to win this, I'll take point, remember to use cover, aim carefully and work together. This is the best park ever.
>>20528597Hahaha, that's hilarious, Op. I was totally paranoid there for a moment. Time to arm up and roll out?
>>20528597[x] Look at Kazu"...who you're gonna call?"
> [X] This is so cool. We get stereotypical villain invitations, a slide, we even got a trap slide, voices over loudspeakers. This is the best thing ever. > [X] Free: If it's a game, tell them to bring it on.It *does* sound like a game - Kazuya's already eyeing the guns mounted on various racks, as he drapes one of the plastek-panelled coats over his clothes. "...Hey, there's slots to plug them in," he says - An exotic-looking handgun in each hand, the discreet cables snickering into place. You can hear the low hum, as they power up from the battery pack...The glittering green beams cutting through the dark, as he sweeps them around. > [x] Look at Kazu"...who you're gonna call?""Ghostbusters!" he laughs, with a grin; The patient voice counting down slowly to zero, with plenty of time to pause in between.There's actually a bit of variety - The small handguns, which fire a short, hit-scan beam that quickly recharges...A snub-nosed shotgun that blasts out a wide spray of pointers, humming as it cycles...and a long rifle, with a manual bolt that has to been drawn back with each shot.The fact that they resemble Death Calibre's guns, your Plasma Caster, and the Longinus Railgun does not reassure you in the slightest. Oblivious, Kazuya glances over at you, a speculative light in his eyes; "...Care to make it a competition?" he inquires - "...There's probably a prize or something, at the end..."[ ] Take a handgun.[ ] Take the shotgun.[ ] Take the rifle.And...[ ] "You're on." (Play in earnest.)[ ] "You're on." (Let him win.)[ ] "Shouldn't we be working together, instead?[ ] Free. YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20528717> The fact that they resemble Death Calibre's guns, your Plasma Caster, and the Longinus Railgun does not reassure you in the slightest.What is it with this place? It's ominous but it's not.
>>20528717[X] Take the rifle.[X] "Shouldn't we be working together, instead?Go Chow-Yun Fat on them, I'll cover you, make sure they don't get behind you or flank us and make their ghostly heads explode from a distance. Find a good sniper post, with a good view of the battlefield and preferably our back against a wall and plenty of cover.>>20528753Someone took the Red World and made it into a game. Like they're writing a love letter to it, it's exciting, they definitely are a Player and they probably meant for the card to get to us.
>>20528717> [ ] Take the rifle.Grab the rifle. > [ ] "Shouldn't we be working together, instead?It only makes sense that way, if you play together, you might make it.
> [X] Take the rifle.It's a solid weight - Bolt-action, single shot. While it fires a light beam, not projectiles...The trigger locks, if you don't cock it each time.> [X] "Shouldn't we be working together, instead?> Go Chow-Yun Fat on them, I'll cover you, make sure they don't get behind you or flank us and make their ghostly heads explode from a distance. "All right," Kazuya chuckles, a handgun braced in each fist. "You and me, eh? We should do this more often." The countdown hits zero, and the barred gate rattles at it opens. You're out in an instant, together - Kazuya's leading the way, firing at distant targets; The *crack* of his paired weapons overlapping, as quickly as they can cycle. You haven't even *seen* the enemy yet, until...A warping, ever-changing form comes at you, amphorous and awful - In the darkened mansion, it's almost startlingly *real*...With only the faint shimmer to its substance telling you that it's not solid. It's...A hologram? A mirage? Whatever it is, the technology placed into this must have been *amazing*. Your rifle barks, once, and it explodes, splitting apart in shimmering holographic sharpnel. "Nice shot!" Kazuya calls - Glancing back over his shoulder with a grin, as more and more ectoplasmic spectres shred apart beneath his hailing shots. [ ] "-Let's head right for the exit."[ ] "Stay close, I'll cover you."[ ] "Draw them off me - I'm going to find somewhere to shoot from."[ ] "Since *when* could you use two guns?"[ ] Free.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20528881(Gentlemen, a quick question: Would you prefer me to streamline this?)
>>20528881[X] "Since *when* could you use two guns?"[X] "Draw them off me - I'm going to find somewhere to shoot from."First priority is to find a good firing position, get the lay of the land and ensure that they can't flank him. We'll advance during lulls in the enemy waves.
>>20528899>>20528900HereA bit of stream lining but not too much. This is a fun section. Anon finally gets some combat that isn't based on him actually dying. He's going to be laughing while popping skulls from a fair distance.
>>20528899Hell no this is awesome
> [X] "Draw them off me - I'm going to find somewhere to shoot from.""Right!" Kazuya calls back - He sweeps around, guns blazing like a two-fisted angel of death...Firing right past you, arms akimbo, his frantic shots shredding formless, writhing shapes on all sides, as your pinpoint rounds execute the ones that his fusillade of fire doesn't claim. There isn't exactly a sniper's nest, to fire from - However, as you advance between the waves of incoming enemies, boots skidding against the step as you find a vantage point.> [X] "Since *when* could you use two guns?"Does Kazuya actually hear you? Probably not, he's having too much fun. He slides down the bannister, his coat unfurling - Blasting apart two more wailing spectres, as the patient *crack-crack-crack* of your gunfire takes down the ones he missed. Then you hear slow, stomping footsteps that make the ground shake, the air vibrating as something large and weighty unfurls itself from the darkness of the unseen spawn points...It's large, clearly mechanical - Almost frighteningly lifelike, though that doesn't stop it from clipping through some of the strewn obstacles. Now there's no mistake about it: It looks *exactly* like one of the Prateorian constructs you saw in the Armory - A photo-negative version of it, the faceplate humming with red light as it stomps forward, its head swivelling slowly towards you...Tracking beams jagging from the perfectly rendered skull.YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20529067Good ol' Kazuya, he even did the bannister slide."Kazuya, keep moving between cover, this ones the boss, keep his distracted, I'm a bit of a sitting duck."As Kazuya gets its attention try to find some cover to use to pop in and out of between shots. If we don't have any available minimize our profile by going prone. Aim for the head, just keep nailing it there, other targets are leg joints to take down its mobility so Kazuya can get behind it and fire with impunity.
> "Kazuya, keep moving between cover, this ones the boss, keep his distracted, I'm a bit of a sitting duck."He nods, in motion - As the Praetorian's tracking beam plays across the stage, Kazuya throws himself into a slide, skidding forward on his knees...Though the muffled *thump* that follows, and the *even more* muffled curse - Tells you that he didn't pull it off with *quite* the flair he liked. You duck down behind the banister; The grinding stomp of the mechanical beast's strides communicated by...Hidden speakers? Microphones?...as you *listen* to where it's coming from - Swinging out, the bolt-action of your rifle slamming back and forth, as you fire as quickly as your fingers can work the lever. You hear the chatter of Kazuya's pistols, as he stabs a hand out from behind cover, blindly rattling off shots - Keeping the thing turning, until a final powerful round hits it in the exposed wiring of the joints; Whirring and spewing rendered smoke, it topples...-And then you hear Kazuya yell out, startled. (Continued.)
He goes quiet a moment later, as the lights sketch a new figure in view - A shape in crimson armor, heart-stoppingly familiar. You make out the faint glow of eyes, the white neon of the etched scar slashing across the red plate...Almost, but not quite shadowed by the wide brim of the fedora perched at a jaunty angle.There's a low rattle, as the forearm plates on the figure's right arm retract...Gauntleted fingers closing around the stirrup grip of a quad-barreled Vulcan cannon, a rack of Interceptors fanning from the raised crest of one shoulder.It's- -It's *him*.With a casual machine swivel, his left arm comes up - There's a long-barreled weapon in it, a pinpoint of radiance already gathering at the tip as static fizzes over the speakers...YOU HAVE CONTROL.
>>20529192Wow, is the final boss the red joker? NOT cool. Go for a headshot.
>>20529192It's Old Joker. I'm currently hedging my bets that Black Cardinal is involved somehow but whoever it was who set this up they knew Old Joker. We need a hat, an Akubra would match with the bitching longcoat we already have.Take a single quick shot at the head as fast as possible, yell out for Kazuya to take cover and dive for cover ourself. We don't want to be where that thing is firing.
rolled 52 = 52To see the Red Joker alive, in motion - Dream and reality seguing into one - it sends a cold shock up your spine, as you wrench the rifle up; The butt against your shoulder, your finger tightening on the trigger, in a white-knuckled grip. The world slows. You wince as the laser sight sweeps across your eyes - A thin beam, like a tracer, a herald of the virtual fire about to head your way. You see the Interceptors deploy, fanning out towards you like card baffles, like a magician's trick - The spinning barrels of the Vulcan rising - but they're all mere details. Who's faster?(Roll a d100.)
rolled 27 = 27>>20529304Bring it on, you aren't even the real Old Joker.
rolled 47 = 47>>20529304BOOM HEADSHOT
rolled 16 = 16>>20529320>>20529318Well bugger.
rolled 4 = 4>>20529304No vritual ghost outdraws us!
>>205293471d50?
rolled 59 = 59>>20529354Shit, my bad.
(I'll take the average of the rolls, in another minute or two.)>>20529347(I think you rolled a d50 by accident.)
rolled 91 = 91>>20529370We're not doing so good. You rolled average, but we rolled bad. Ignoring the d50, we're at about 37.
rolled 38 = 38>>20529304ROLLAN
It's a question that you've asked yourself - Now and again, in the long night and the long, eternal mourning that followed. *Are* you as good as he was? Were you, in the grand scheme of things, worthy? You're swinging the long gun into line, as the sphere of cohered light swells - The simulated Beam Magnum locked in a fixed and unwavering gauntlet. You wrench the trigger, as the ray spits forth...-Too slow. It's a bad shot, and you know it. The line of ghostly light scorches towards you, and *through* your torso - A real blast would've incinerated your heart, turned your lungs to ashes, eaten through your spine. Maybe it was the surprise of seeing his form again, after so long - Or maybe, the ghostly doppleganger is faster than you could ever hope to be. The lights come on all at once, with abrupt suddeness; Bright enough to make your eyes water, as you hear the low, long blare of the round coming to a conclusion. You see Kazuya stagger to his feet, dazed - His mouth is slightly bruised, a puzzled expression on his face. "He *hit* me," you hear him mutter, distinctly - "*How* did he hit me?"You turn back, as the shape of the Red Joker wavers, becoming drawn and indistinct as a mirage. Like a cheshire cat, it fades again until only the smile lines of his helmet are left - A shape you've appropriated for your own symbol, in countless fights...Lingering like a distinct memory, until it too fades back into virtual light. > "Memories are nothing but the lash with which yesterday flogs tomorrow."JOKER QUESTEPISODE 16.TO BE CONTINUED.
>>20529479(Unfortunately, that's all the time I have tonight, gentlemen; Once again, thank you - You've been a wonderful audience, and I appreciate you sticking with me. I'll run the next instalment this Sunday, if possible, or the coming Monday at the same time.Please correct me if I'm wrong: The final count was, by my calculations, 278/6 = 48?)
>>20529479Nice quote, op. Either of> "The more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it is."> "What an insidious drug memory can be: Especially the memory of unhappiness."would have worked too.
>>20529503That'd be 46.33..., it was 48 before the 38 was rolled.Thanks for running it. I wonder who set up this game.They have to be a Player obviously, one who knows about the armory and one who knew Old Joker. That is quite a rarity. It could be Argent but I'm not feeling that he would set this up. Maybe Black Cardinal, he would have reason to have known him.
>>20529540At least we got to see what the Old Joker looks like. It's interesting to check the differences in his gear. He has a hat, interceptors on his shoulder, but only one chaingun? But he has a gun instead? That seems to be awfully basic compared to us.
>>20529814That's one hell of a gun he's got on the other arm. And we don't show most of our tricks right off the bat, the real Old Joker probably had way more than that hidden.
>>20529814>But he has a gun instead? That was an awfully powerful gun.
>>20526421OP, can I just say that I really like this outfit?
Wow, looks like I missed some good stuff. Really interesting to see how good the original Red Joker was; love the fedora. Very different feel from our Joker. Also an interesting line about memories there; is it directed at our Anon, or is it a warning to all Players? I wonder... And I'm also concerned about the ladies we bailed on to play in the most awesome shooting gallery.For the next session, we ask Kazuya if that was really *him*. Fake obliviousness, let him tell us some stories about Red Joker.
>>20531713Maybe I'm just seeing things, but after the start of this quest, I see asterisks used for emphasis around /tg/ *much* more often.
>>20531713I've noticed that too.>>20531754Would Kazuma know anything? Kazuma clearly prefers to use guns over melee weapons, if his performance here is anything to go by. He also seems too cheerful to be cypher. Unless he's the thief? The thief was intensely acrobatic, and he used guns.
>>20531713It's like they're based on the same template, but with different stuff. Both of us have funnels, but he only had funnels on one shoulder. Our predecessor also only had vulcans on one arm: We have one on each arm, but no gun.
>>20531964Looks like you got those backwards.I'm angling for final confirmation as to whether or not Kazuya is Chrome. If he's Chrome he'll tell us stories from Argent Prominence's side of things, while the Thief will have much more esoteric stories. This is of course provided that he's even a Player.But you know what? I'm tired of dancing around the issue. Let's just up and start the next session by saying "That was my predecessor, looks like he's still the master.">>20532020They are. We don't know what the Red Joker template looks like since we started playing partway through the story. We've chosen different upgrades before that and since then than the Old Joker did....Okay, crazy question: Anyone think we might find a second Joker's Memory here? After all, they built a holographic replica so good that our character was spooked. And there's the weirdness of Kazuya getting laid out by it, which suggests something weird is going on here. Hang on, what would the Red World look like if we crossed over from here?
