File: 1347209103651.jpg-(97 KB, 1280x718, tim9.jpg)

>15 minute bump
>Who's ready?

File: 1347210032379.jpg-(120 KB, 1100x643, thessiatemple.jpg)

You then head to the gallery. It's breathtaking, Asari art takes many forms from performance, to visual, to music, and many other forms of media, eventually an exhibit catches your eye. Essentially the room seems to be based on some form of acoustic science that detects it's current occupant's species and then plays a tone that evokes a certain emotion while a holo-projector shows you a series of pieces. It's interesting in the sense art is usually left open to interpretation where this seems to force evocation of a certain emotion for each piece, it's conceptual to say the least. It tells the story of an ancient Asari tradition. Demon of the Night Winds is the name of the exhibit. The overall tone seems to be one of pity. You suspect it would make more sense to someone more familiar with the subject. A brief codex search turns up nothing but there was a piece on the extranet about several Matriarchs demanding it's removal from the gallery. Peculiar...

"It's quite a moving exhibit, no?" An Asari asks you from over your shoulder.

Damn she's sneaky, you didn't even notice there was someone else here.

>Response

rolled 15 = 15

I put on my robe and my wizard hat.

Woo! Okay, gimme a sec here.

>>20659691

Well you are currently wearing your matte black armor I presume which has an Asari pin-up painted on the right pauldron which she smiles at curiously.

Also I'll count that as a personality roll. You're now Ryan Hastings, the man with so much swagger he can move more people with words than biotics.

>>20659645
I believe we're noir-Bob, AKA Robert Drake.

"I've always been of the opinion art presents a false face. Sure it might speak of an artist true emotions but what it comes to represent is... broader. Ideals, ideas, places, things... art is always lessened when but on display.

What do you think Matriarch?" Turn around to face her.

>inb4 not the matriarch.
>Just some attendant lady asking us our opinion.
>Spaghetti everywhere.

>>20659744
Lol, I'll let you go with Noir-bob if you prefer both personalities would do well in this situation.

She is silent a moment, "That is true, and very perceptive of you, this is not art, it is a message though to most that message is lost." the Matriarch joins you at your side.

"Do you study Asari culture?" she asks

>Respond

>>20659800
"I've glanced at a few history files, care to give me a lesson?"

>>20659822

"Certainly, it'd be my pleasure." she says

You get quite an extensive overview of Asari culture and their many periods, honestly it's a bit much on top of all the human history you know and it's a lot to take in.
She's certainly passionate...

[ ] Ask about the nature of this piece
[ ] Ask about her
[ ] Ask about something else (Specific)
[ ] Other

>>20659858
I can't remember, was the piece stolen from the museum anything to do with Asari?

[X]Ask about her. What does she do for a living. When did she get so passionate about Asari culture.

>>20659885
Mhmm, it was from one of their classic collections.

"Oh?" she is slightly taken aback
"Well I'm an artist myself I think that probably answers both questions, my name is Raya, and yours?" she asks

>>20659937
"Robbert, pleasure to meet you. So, out of curiosity, where does the museum acquire most of it's artwork from? Donated by the artist, bought at auction...?"

>>20659965

A variety of sources, most are chosen by a committee from submissions, most artists happily oblige having their art displayed, it makes it much easier to sell once it's been seen publicly, it may enter a private collection or if they really love it they purchase it for future displays. It's a pleasure to meet you Robbert, so what brings you to Thessia? You don't really seem the type to just be hear for the gallery."

>Respond

>>20659997
"I'm in Thessia on business. I take a lot of odd jobs, mercenary and cargo escort jobs mostly. I like to learn about the cultures of places I visit, find out what kind of background produces the degenerates I tend to encounter. I suppose the only thing to blame when it comes to Asari is youthful foolishness."

>>20660053

"It's a sad truth", she says looking at the floor, "So many maidens go out and don't come back, the need for adventure, to find love, to find oneself. It's something we all go through though, and once you've learned enough lessons you can move on with your life. Though some lessons are harder than others and cost you more than you ever thought you could lose."

>Respond

>>20660130
>Though some lessons are harder than others and cost you more than you ever thought you could lose.

Yea no kidding. You wouldn't believe the crap I've had to deal with.

>>20660130
>Trying to swing this back around to getting her to reveal something about the art heist...
"Funny that the shorter lived races tend to learn their lessons faster. I suppose we don't have the luxury of time. Do you travel much, Raya?"

>>20660176

"Pretty frequently yes, this is the first time I've been back on Thessia in a long while though." she replies

>Keep talking, you'll know when to stop

>>20660229
"What has an artist on the road so much? Just looking for new sights to paint, new experiences?"

>>20660237

"Precisely, what kind of destinations have you seen?" she asks

>>20660273
"Well if you've never been to Kahje, I imagine it would be an artist dream. Nature raging constantly, broken only occasionally by stretches of calm. Vast, blue oceans with the rare domed city breaking the surface and spider webbing it's way across the water... a good place to get away from it all. The slums and ghettos of Earth, filled with human detritus. Criminals running rampant. The nuclear fury of a neutron star raging in the vast void of space. None of it, I imagine, particularly unique but striking none the less."

>>20660322

"I've been to Kahje, never been to Earth, will have to make it a point to do so in the future. I will have to be leaving soon just as a heads up." Raya tells you.

>>20660357
"We'll have to continue this conversation at another time, then. Do you have a reliable means I can contact you by?"

>>20660400

She passes along her messaging information

"I look forward to our next meeting, may it be just as pleasant. I wish you well in your work Robbert." she turns to leave.

>Give me a D100

rolled 100 = 100

>>20660455
Soo, we can either tail her to her destination, or investigate the gallery warehouse...

>>20660491
Awww fuck yeah.

>>20660491
Jesus.

We gonna get laaaaid tonight.

>>20660491

...motherfucker you deduced the shit out of a lot of things.

First of all Raya looked contemplative when she gave her name, much the same you do when you give an alias.

Second the exhibits tone changed when you noticed her to something sympathetic and morphed into being upbeat, did she manipulate the tones to change how you felt about her in general?

Third she never corrected you when you said Matriarch but she looked much younger than that, she looked to be early in her Matron years, tops.

Finally this exhibit seemed to have a lot of meaning for her, she held it's name with reverence. It bears investigating what this piece is meant to represent.

You head out after her, nothing, she disappeared into thin air. Damn...

>What now?

>>20660597
So Raya probably isn't her real name. The exhibit is very significant to her. She either has a modicum of control over the exhibit (Meaning she'd be in a place of power in the museum) or the exhibit has some sort of rudimentary AI that picks up on something. Finally, she was probably involved in either making the exhibit, the event the exhibit is supposed to represent, or something of that nature.

I say type the exhibit's name into space google and see what happens

>>20660631

Already did, just some news articles about how several Matriarch's had petitioned for it's immediate removal which the museum was fighting. On the subject, nothing of note. Although...upon further inspection you restart the exhibit, some of the works have different art styles, it occurs to you there are multiple artists and some of them seem to be from different periods.

"What the hell is this..." you mutter...

You hear the clacking of boots upon the tiled floor.

"Please Justicar, intervention is not necessary, you need not remove the exhibit, it's just a work of expression." someone is pleading walking slightly behind the heavy boot patterns trying to keep up.

"The matter was decided, stand in my way and I will remove you in accordance with my code, do I make myself clear?" says a heavily armored Asari as she walks into the room, some attendant for the gallery follows hot on her heels.

"Yes Justicar, please just allow me to take down the exhibit, I will not protest further." she says finally seeing you. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realize anyone was here."

You meet eyes with the heavily armored Asari, she looks strong, damn strong.
Justicar... never heard of it, but damn she looks pissed. Internal politics seem to be playing out. You're not sure how this ties into the missing pieces but it sure is damn interesting.


>What do you do

>>20660945
"Thought police come to censor artwork? Heh, for all your cultural advancement I'd think Asari better than that."

>>20661048

"Thought police come to censor artwork? Heh, for all your cultural advancement I'd think Asari better than that." you tell the Asari warrior.

"Stand aside human and I won't harm you, if you attempt to impede me I will not hesitate to remove you." she says flaring her biotics.

Oh that's cute, she thinks she can intimidate you.

"Please sir, leave at once, for your own safety!" The attendant yells to you.

>What do you do?

>>20661096
"Calm your tits, honey. I'm just going to sit back and watch." Turn to attendant. "What's all this about exactly? Is this commemorating some kind of horrible crime this little lady and her friends committed against the populace or something?"

>>20661048

I'm not sure how huge Jusitcars are on emotional self-control, but a quick verbal jab just might make her say more about why she's here than she'd like. Good thinking, assuming that was your reason. Would probably also get the attendant on our side.

>>20661168
Pretty much, yeah. Trying to get her to react emotionally so she'd be more willing to reveal information, based on defending her honor or the code or what have you.

>>20661145

"You seek to insult me human?" the Justicar asks you as you brush past her.

"I'm sorry miss, what's all this about exactly? Is this commemorating some kind of horrible crime this little lady and her friends committed against the populace or something?" you ask the attendant.

"No...not at all...it's..." she is cut off as you feel a hand on your shoulder

"I think it's time you found the door." the Justicar says you feel your L4 strain to keep you from being pushed.

"Wha" she mutters as she feels your biotics resist her own

[ ] Leave now
[ ] Show her just who she is dealing with. (Personality roll +5)
[ ] Try and talk her down >Freeform
[ ] Other

>>20661232
Turn around to face Justicar. "Listen, honey. I'm a schizophrenic mercenary with experimental biotic implants that the public doesn't even know exist. I'm a veteran of the Alliance military, who fought in the Skylian Blitz. I'm a multi-millionaire with a ship that could blow an Asari frigate into little tiny pieces. I'm the captain of a crew that includes some of the best, most highly trained individuals in the galaxy. Unless you really, really want to make an enemy today, I'd recommend you don't try that again. Are we clear?"

>>20661315

You guys alright with this?

>>20661232

Resist, but do not counterattack

>>20661471
>>20661315

How about that guys answer?

>>20661486
I'd prefer to go with silence for now, but I suppose it's your call in the end

>>20661506

In previous interests I ask because we've been tightlipped about ourselves before and I didn't expect that to change because
>consequences
But it's really up to your guys.

>>20661535
Eh, yeah. Probably leave out the bit about the Skylian Blitz and the schizophrenic.

>>20661535
Well in that case we might utter something in the ways of

"We do not need to be enemies, Asari."

>>20661550
>>20661542

You turn to face her, "We do not need to be enemies, Asari." she is slightly taken aback.

The attendent pulls on your hand, "Please come with me sir, I'll be happy to explain, just leave the Justicar to her work."

[ ] Go with her
[ ] Find your own way out
[ ] Stop the Justicar

>>20661628
[X]Go with her.

>>20661628
Seeing as we don't know who this person is, perhaps it would be better to have the attendant explain her authority.

As an alternative, we could mention the most suspicious art connosieur who seemed to control the exhibit in question, if we're sharp enough? or would that be too meta? we did figure out something was off about her just now

>>20661679
I say we mention the supposed artist we just met to the attendant, but not to the Justicar.

>>20661695
that sounds reasonable. And ask if the visitors are supposed to have power over the artifacts.

>>20661734
Definitely, maybe she was a biotic or something?

>>20661739
all Asari are biotics, no? But this sort of fine control?

We're just a human, after all, how would we know there's a "no touching artifacts with blue eezo magic" policy?

unless there are signs

>>20661780
>"ajfakfoadkasokfsaokdsoakdsoa"
>"Don't touch"
Yeah, imagine that. A museum with no touch policy.

>>20661639
>>20661679

You decide to go with the attendant
>All Asari are biotics
>Not an artifact, just an art exhibit, nothing magical about it.

"I'm sorry for that, the Justicar order has decided the exhibit should be removed immediately as it interferes with their duty." she says mournfully.

"How so?" you ask

"It's difficult to explain to an outsider..." she says

[ ] Ask about Raya
[ ] Let her continue
[ ] Ask about Justicar
[ ] Other

>>20661888
[x] all of the above, in logical order (let her continue, then ask when she seems to fall silent)

>>20661888
Let her continue, then ask about the Justicar, then ask about Raya.

>>20661942
>>20661976

"I think it's time you heard the legend of the Demons of the Night Winds"

>CODEX ENTRY UNLOCKED
>Ardat-Yakshi (meaning 'Demon of the Night Winds' in an old asari dialect) is a rare genetic condition in asari, specifically affecting their nervous systems. Although the condition does not harm the asari, during mating the Ardat-Yakshi's nervous system completely overpowers and dominates that of her mates, causing hemorrhaging in the victim's brain and ultimately death in extreme cases. As a result, the Ardat-Yakshi becomes smarter, stronger and deadlier after each encounter. Ardat-Yakshi also have the innate ability to dominate the minds of others.
>The condition is impossible to identify until the asari reaches maturity, by which time it is too late to correct. When diagnosed, afflicted asari are given a choice: live in isolation or be executed. The asari do this to the Ardat-Yakshi because it is an addictive condition; they feel compelled to mate, and the compulsion grows stronger each time they succeed.

"That's what the exhibit was for?" you ask

"Yes." she mutters

"I felt pity for them." you tell her

"I believe that was it's intended message. They're forced into isolation, never to interact with the galaxy at large, it's a large source of shame for my people but one we believe is necessary. Please keep this to yourself if you would."

"How do the Justicars tie into this?" you ask

"They hunt down and capture wayward Ardat-Yakshi as one of their duties, that one Phora, seems to derive a great deal of...enthusiasm from her duty." she says

>From your understand of Justicar's their very similar to Paladins on the extreme lawful side. At least tabletop gaming has a practical application as well.

[ ] Ask about Raya
[ ] Do something else

>>20662082

Tell her about Raya and about how she seemed to influence the exhibit.

>>20662082
additionally, we should probably steer clear from any justicars, given our unique... condition.

As unrelated note, did replacing our implants (we used to have l2 before replacement, or?) stabilise our mental state any? As in, are we at least slightly less likely to go into berserker mode at first sight of a batarian?

>>20662115

"There was someone there with me before you guys entered, her name was Raya, she was able to manipulate the exhibit somehow. She changed the tonal patterns. Do you know her?"

"I don't, strange the pattern was password locked, I imagine only the artist could change the settings." she tells you

"Who is the artist?" you ask

"Anonymous..." she mutters

"What?" you look to her

"It was an anonymous donation and the committee put it on display, that's all I know about it and it has caused quite a stir." she replies.

"I'm gonna go see if I can keep the Justicar from destroying the exhibit, we would like to keep it intact even if we can't display it." she tells you walking down the hall as there is a loud crash from the exhibit she takes off running.

>What now?

rolled 23 = 23

>>20661339
god no
raise our hands "no need for that I was just curious "

>>20662188

Only one way to find out and you don't think it's pertinent to try.

>>20662273

do you even need to ask?

Follow her!

now I feel bad about prompting you to milk the attendant for info, leaving the space nun alone with blasphemous work of art...

>>20662357

You chase after her and find the holo projector smashed to pieces.

The attendant stands with her hand clasped over her mouth.

>What do you do?

>>20662435

"Was this really necessary? The Attendant and I have gained some information that might interest you, Justicar, and purely thanks to the work of art you've just destroyed."

rolled 81 = 81

>>20662435
lets go looking for that other asari the one who probable made it maybe she has a spare recording

>>20662464
>>20662468

"Was this really necessary? The Attendant and I have gained some information that might interest you, Justicar, and purely thanks to the work of art you've just destroyed."

"It encouraged the rampages of the Ardat-Yakshi, I will not apologize for it's destruction. It's creation sought to undermine my cause."

"Typical of you, Phora, I had hoped for better..." the speakers crackle back to life and a gate for the exhibit slams closed.

Uh oh...

>>20662521

Take a look of the room for possible weak spots and hackable terminals. Are we armed? Warp armour up.

rolled 73 = 73

>>20662521
did we bring a helmet pop it on asap do we have a weapon ?

>>20662566

You have your sidearm, you boot your tech armor up. No terminals in sight, the Justicar smashed the only computer in the room, must be external.
The walls are heavy marble. You may be a captive audience.

>>20662650

Can we ping walls with biotics to figure out which one is thinnest? Then ask both asari for help with redesigning gallery layout.

provided we are discussing jagged-alliance-style doors here, othewise those would provide most obvious weak spot

>>20662650
great locked in a room with 2 asari :)

>>20662631

You put on your helmet too, HUD comes online, you're still ok.

The attendant is pounding on the gate trying to get someones attention.

"Show yourself!" Phora yells at the ceiling.

"No, I don't believe I'll be doing that...it's a shame you have guests with you, I had hoped to minimize collateral damage but the galaxy will be much better off with you dead Phora. For my sisters." the voice is unnatural as if spoken by a VI modulator and abruptly cuts.

An ear piercing noise deafens you, it's some kind of high frequency wave. You feel your bones vibrate at the resonance and it feels like your ear drums are going to burst.
You can't hear yourself scream, you chin a noise-canceling option on your helmet but it's still unbearably loud. On the bright side it feels like you might make it, your tech armor shatters though and propels shrapnel and force outwards you look up in time to see Phora struggling with her helmet, you can see she's bleeding from around the Asari's ear analogues.

Then you see it, in the computer something is glowing, it looks like, shit some kind of detonator.

>What do you do?

rolled 2, 6, 2, 9, 4, 6, 2, 2, 8, 6, 2, 4 = 53

>>20662829
Personality roll.

hopefully we get bernie so we can HACK THAT SHIT.

rolled 11 = 11

>>20662847
Uhhh I think we just had a freakout.

Re-roll

rolled 58 = 58

>>20662829
Blast the doors open with biotic push.

>>20662829

We're not a biotic god right now, but we might be able to contain the thing in some sort of biotic bubble?

Next choice would be - overlad.

Barring that, follow the rule: if dying and in doubt, shoot it.

rolled 8 = 8

>>20662855
>>20662857
>>20662878

You don't know how to do anything like stasis, barrier or the like.

You try and go for the doors, you don't hit it dead center, it's hard to concentrate, it gives way slightly.

rolled 17 = 17

>>20662925

You see the light begin flashing slowing near the detonator.

Phora is struggling to her feet and making her way towards you.

>What do you do?

>What do you do?

rolled 18 = 18

>>20662925

what powers do we have again?

Trying biotics was probably wrong idea anyway, that asari demon would have counted on it. Use gun on the dangerous device.

rolled 90 = 90

>>20662925
grab the women then biotic slam our selves out the gate

rolled 6 = 6

>>20662977

Throw, Biotic-Hand-to-Hand, Incinerate, Tech Armor. You can also use any power you can conceptually have the control for. Stasis and Barrier are more in line with Adepts though so even though you understand the concept you don't have the level of finesse to wield them. You're about hitting hard and getting hit harder.

rolled 6 = 6

>>20662981

You don't think you can save both
>The light is blinking faster.

>Choose

rolled 48 = 48

>>20663149
the Justicar

>>20663149

No suitably solid exhibits to shield ourselves or contain the exhibit with?

if no other player can figure out way to keep the bomb of going off, I vote for saving the attendant. It's what the paladin would have wanted.

>>20663204

>contain the BLAST with
fix'd

rolled 17 = 17

>>20663196

You will yourself towards her looking her arm around you neck and head for the door, you pass the other Asari on the floor, she reaches out her hand but you keep going, you'll come back if there is time. You have to get that door down.

You concentrate all the biotic force you can muster and lunge at the door, you can feel your shoulder fracture from the impact but the door gives. You and the Justicar fall out into the hallway. There is a moment of silence and you can finally hear the detonator hit it's final paces.
You can hear Phora screaming and turning back towards the door, you hit your tech armor again as a wave of pressure washes over you and the doors fold completely outwards, there is fire and a roaring thunder.

You can see smoke, your whole body aches but that's a good sign, you're alive and conscious.

>>20663204

The projector was on a small platform, there were speakers high on the walls of the circular, room, sorry I didn't do a good job laying it out. But there was literally no cover to take. It was the bomb, meatshield paladin for all the good it would have done, you and the wall. Getting out of the room was the only option if you didn't want to be reduced to the same consistency of strawberry jam.

>>20663249

well that went worse than it could have, but probably as well as it could under the circumstances. Check the rescued asari and if she's stable, find nearest terminal and try to figure out who took charge of museums' systems. Nobody is making collateral out of us!

>>20663279
hm, shooting the speakers might have allowed the asari to bubble the explosions. Oh well, guess there's no point in dwelling on it now.

>>20663249

You can see Phora is getting up and staggering into the room, you can feel your shoulder but manage to get up. HUD winks amber, it knows you're wounded but doesn't believe you're in imminent threat of dying. You find what's left of the attendant, face down, charred beyond recognition. Phora stands over her fists clenched. You see several large pieces of metal struck into her back, she never had a chance.

You go to roll her over...

A human woman with brown hair and hazel eyes looks up at you...

"It hurts LT." she says

"I know, just hang in there, evac will be here soon." you tell her, but you know they're 5 minutes out and she's losing a lot of blood. Several Batarian ballistic blades are buried in her back.

"I'm scared, I just wanna go home..." she cries

"Stay with me, you will..." you tell her

"Tell...tell Jill I loved her..." and suddenly you're not holding a living human anymore.

Just a dead Asari woman who just wanted to save some art.

You notice your hands are shaking.

"May you find peace in the embrace of the Goddess." Phora mutters

>END THREAD

>>20663301

I was surprised no one suggest shooting the speakers honestly since they were the source of the sound. Gary made an excellent call with putting on your helm. It gave you additional time.

Also the dead Asari's name was Belavaa, she had two children and was going to have her first work on display next week if it matters to anyone. No one really asked.

>>20663517
We just did her kids a huge favor then. Her mom is going to become famous for her art due to the circumstances of her death.

>>20663576

+2 Renegade

>>20663605

Also I laughed

File: 1347233142193.gif-(1.41 MB, 320x180, Don't Care.gif)

>>20663576
>You let our mom die you bastard!
Yeah, your welcome.

>>20663517
I sort of assumed the device in the projector was sort of art. Bummer. Gonna interrogate you more next time!

>>20663761
>sort of art
SOURCE of SOUND dammit. I should go.