I think we should get everyone up into the mansion proper, and on the way Elyse can slash off the hidden door so it can't close up on us.

Then... We *could* try another divination spell. But we'll need to take a crazy amount of precautions now that we know shit will get real.

>>26197135
We know that Conti took Gracia Highes hostage and demanded a State Alchemist.
We also know that Conti was getting outside help.
It's possible that he let slip information regarding how to access the Gate in the presence of Gracia, since she is not a Racer.
Last we heard was that she was being taken to a hospital; we should go there and use FFP's Sap and our last spell to heal her and question her regarding what Conti said while he had her hostage.

It could be just another dead-end, but it beats wandering the city and getting tagged by that bounty hunter in power armor.

>>26197333
..That's true. But we need to be careful about this. Who knows what's going on.

FFP, keep an ear to the transmissions around here. Never know when something useful may pop up.

"They sure took their sweet time," Scott comments as a large black car drives up to the manor and several soldiers with rifles climb out. One of them approaches Scott.

"You the soldier that called this in?" he asks.

"That's right. Major Yellowman, Central Special Operations," Scott says, presenting the papers. The other soldiers looks at them and nods, then Scott points to the freed captives. "These women were being held prisoner by Phillipe Frammel for human transmutation experiments. There's a secret laboratory with more evidence under his library."

Frammel scowls as Scott talks.

"We'd prefer it if you took things from here," Scott says. "With all the chaos in the city, we've still got a lot more to do."

"Gladly. We've been after this guy for a while," the lead soldier says, nodding to his subordinates as they step forward and begin dragging Frammel towards the police car. As other soldiers begin investigating the manor, Yellowman flags one down.

"Do you know where Gracia Hughes is being treated?" he asks.

"No sir. That information isn't being publicly disclosed. Does she have something to do with this?" the soldier asks.

"There might be a possible link between Frammel and the terrorist Mustang killed," Scott half-lies.

"I see. The only thing I can think of would be to check in with Central Command, but they'll probably make you wait. She's currently being treated, after all."

>>26197661
We could try to pass Elyse off as an Alkahestry specialist, to get us access to Gracia.
But with only 1 spell left, that might be too risky.

MetaOP, can FFP's healing Sap be decanted into a flask, and preserved for 24 hours?
We could potentially offer it as a "healing salve acquired from Xing", since Xingese Alkahestry was all about healing potions and longevity vaccines. That might get us access to Gracia.
Please answer this question.

Third option is calling up Fuery again, and asking him about it.

>>26197749
Decanting the sap into a flask is fine, but it'll keep for an hour, maybe two.

>>26197749
>>26197768
Getting a flask of some sort could be a thing. Another is we could use one of our health potions... Just saying.

Either way, we do need to find her. How many hospitals are there in Central; after all? I would support contacting Fuery, telling him we've got an Alkahestry user (Elyse), and she's got some medicines that might help speed up Gracia's healing. Combine the options into something that seems more... cohesive.

Be away from the soldiers before we start asking. No need to have them catch us in any bullshit or whatever.

>>26197976
Actually, that's a rather decent idea. If we offer a health potion, we don't have to worry about finding a flask for the sap.

>>26197976
We have a map of Central, so we could narrow down the hospitals that she might have been taken to.

Contacting Fuery does seem to be the fastest way.

>>26198024
>>26197976
Scott walks a few streets over before locating a public pay phone and calling Central, asking to be connected to Sgt. Fuery.

"Fuery? This is Yellowman, I just turned in the Mad Alchemist to you? I've got an Alkahestry user with some medicines on hand. I heard about Mrs. Hughes, you want me to bring her over and see if she can be of any use during the treatment?"

Roll 1d100.

Rolled 38

>>26198652

Rolled 35

come on bluff roll

Rolled 74

>>26198652
How bad is it?

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>>26198693
"Where'd you find an Alkahestry user? That's a real lucky stroke! I'll get word to Mustang right away, we'll have someone meet you at Central Command!"

>>26198803
>I'll get word to Mustang right away
We're fucked if he suspects something is up.
The Psychic Paper won't work on him.

Alright, let's go and face the Fire Alchemist.

>>26198803
Well. Now our problem is getting Elyse to Mustang without ALL the alarms ever going off or Mustang going "TRICKERY! BURN MOTHERFUCKERS!".

We could go with a story about "Oh, we put her in a State Military uniform to keep her from getting jumped by the grunts"? Or what? This could get tricky.

Also, once we get to him do we reveal ourselves as Racers and explain wtf's going on, or keep it secret as long as possible? If we could trust anyone to help us, I think it'd be Mustang... IF we can convince him. Maybe give him info on the other Racers based on descriptions and such to help cement the deal?

>>26199033
Mustang's going to be on a hair trigger, and that's assuming that he'll even let us cooperate.
Our priority should be to avoid Mustang until AFTER we've healed Gracia at the very least, and if she can give us the key to opening the Gate and getting out of here, doing so without interacting with him at all.
Not meeting him at all is safer and less risky than meeting him and trying to convince him why he shouldn't just lock us up and confiscate our advanced Alchemy/technology. He's going to be looking at the long-view and...
Ah shit.
This ISN'T a safe point in the timeline.
This is a month after the battle with Father; the final episode of the 2009 series and final chapter of the manga are epilogues set 2 years after the battle.
We need to heal up Gracia as quickly and quietly as we can and get out of here before the timeline gets altered any further, drawing the other Racers to the Gate in order to prevent further damage around Central if necessary.

Rolled 17, 86, 85, 37, 28, 20 = 273

>>26198926
Scott and company begin making their way back to Central.

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>>26199641
The group is only halfway to the center of the city when Scott's card begins to pulse and the reverberating hum of a repulsorlift generator fills the air. Elyse's ears twitch as she looks around. Her eyes going to the sky, she barely gets out a panicked "SCATTER!" before a hail of stun shots pepper the area where everyone had just been standing. Bystanders scream and begin to run away as Scott, Charlie, Elyse, and Fat-Fot-Pot rush for cover.

A silver streak descends from the skies above, and only when it slows does Scott recognize a suit of AV-1A Assault Armor. A wrist-mounted blaster fires nonstop as a machine amplified voice booms from it.

"Nice to see you've made it this far! Too bad that's as far as you're getting!" the opposing Racer calls out. "You're not giving me the slip again!"

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>>26199948
Welp. Statler and Waldorf time!

Try and get shots into the visor part. The area around the eyes is almost always a weak point in the design of powered armor. Charlie should see about getting a Pulse Rifle and popping a burst of fire and maybe even a grenade into the back area, presumably going after the repulsors and power source. This is powered armor. If we depower it, he's helpless.

Elyse, make sure to watch for anything about to happen like another Racer sneaking up on us. Maybe timely tackles or such to keep people from dying to this guy.

FFP, get on the comms and start screaming for help at our location!

>>26200185
No, wait.

First, Charlie, send a burst of SMG fire at the guy.
Scott, make note and watch for the telltale signs of a shield.
If there IS a particle shield, then switch ammo in Statler to Shocking ammo, to do double damage.

Elyse, you're down to one spell. Try to get civilians out of the way. Use Iron Rabbit to stay ahead of his fire.

FFP, report on all MP and State Military bands that the flying machine is now on the ground and is attacking civilians. Transmit our location so we can get some backup.

>>26200329
>>26200185
Which course will you take?

>>26200422
We're in agreement on Elyse running damage control and FFP calling for backup.

I suppose Charlie can use a SMG to check for shields. If there's not one, then switch to a Pulse Rifle and try to shred ANYTHING sticking out of the back, sine it'll probably be a weapon of some sort. Scott needs to be pumping shots into the visor area. Structural weakpoint, and even if there are shields and the sensors are going fine, the energy flare from Waldorf's plasma at this range will fuck up his targeting sensors.

>>26200422

I'll second this course of action:

>>26200329

I wonder if there's a way to create an EMP burst or some electrical stuff to attempt to short out this guy's suit.

Rolled 41

>>26200510
Roll 2d100 then.

Rolled 33, 49 = 82

Hit that visor!

Rolled 28, 17 = 45

>>26200576
Time for failure.

>>26200576
>>26200593
Yellowman does get a bonus for his 11 in Pistols/Sidearms, right? Maybe a little more for a called shot at this guy's face?

>>26200593
Still disguised as birds, Fat Fot Pot retrieves your spare comm headset and begins shouting into it for help while Elyse manages to clear the area of civilians, shouting for them to get clear.

Charlie fires a sustained burst of SMG fire at the bounty hunter, but the bullets plink off the heavy armor. Yellowman fires a pair of plasma shots, but the shots go wide.

The bounty hunter's does not. Strafing with a full automatic weapon with no regard for ammunition expenditure allows him to 'walk the fire', a torrent of stun bolts sapping the strength from Yellowman.

>Lost 20 SMG rounds.
>Expended 2 plasma charge.
>Yellowman takes 1 Wound.

>>26200655
You realize it's much harder to hit someone in the eye than just hit them in general, right?

>>26200733
We could...take out the Oglaf Laser Hawk and tell it to kill.
It's got a 100% accuracy rating and its death gaze appears to be the equivalent of a 2378 Type 2 Phaser on maximum setting, or a Romulan Disruptor Pistol.

>>26200733
Charlie, get into the luggage and get out that M56 we've got. The ammo in that thing should be what we need to get past this guy's armor. Use the targeting gear in one of the helmets to lock on and fire a few bursts of Delay setting into this guy!

Let's see how he likes 10x28mm rounds up in his shit.

Scott, get moving, damnit! He's firing stun bolts so we've got a chance if you keep moving and try to shake it off!

>>26201099
Oh, and Elyse; go get the Laser Hawk. Make sure it only shoots at the bounty hunter.

Maybe it'll like you.

>>26200733
Charlie, fire some bursts at the guy while Elyse throws a grenade at him.
Scott, use the distraction to get to the Luggage and pull out the Laser Hawk, and tell it to kill the guy.

Rolled 77

>>26201139
>>26201099
Roll 3d100, please.

Rolled 64, 81, 100 = 245

>>26201175
Please work. We don't need a boss fight on our hands right now...

>>26201099
Wait, you have to strap the M56 to yourself for the auto-targeting to work.
That's at least a minute's worth of work, and that when you have body armor with the correct attachment points worn.

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>>26201202
Charlie drops his SMG and almost tears open the lid of your trained mimic, pulling out the M56 Smartgun and whirling around to fire it without benefit of aiming rig or brace. Despite using it improperly, the sheer number of bullets spat out by the weapon hit the target more than once. The problem? A 10mm round still isn't enough to penetrate a body-tank.

"Slugthrowers are all you got? How did you ever make it this far?" the bounty hunter wonders over the comm as he fires a shoulder missile at Charlie. The explosion sends the ex-bouncer flying, weapon falling from his hands.

"Like explosives, huh?" Scott shouts, pulling the pin on a grenade and tossing it at the power armored racer. The grenade detonates, and some sparks fly from the joints of the machine.

"Better, but still not nearly enough!" the bounty hunter laughs. "This armor of mine can let me take on tanks! You've got nothing that'll pierce it, just quit now!"

"Oh yeah?!" Elyse shouts, pulling the hood off a large avian on her arm. "I think your armor is for the BIRDS! KILL!"

The hawk's eyes immediate flare as a cone of intense light shoots from them to the enemy racer, reducing him to a blackened skeleton in less than a second. The skeleton then crumbles to ash as the hawk flies away, Elyse too stunned to do anything.

"I actually killed him!" Elyse says, shocked. "I... I thought it would just slag his armor! Then we could take him prisoner!"

"Ow," Charlie groans from the crater he lies in. "You'll forgive me if I don't shed any tears over that flim-flam tin-can."

>Lose 40 10x28mm rounds.
>Lose 1 grenade.
>Lose 1 Laser Hawk.
>Gain 1 Elyse Skill.
>Charlie loses 3 Wounds.

>>26201606

I think we should get FFP to apply healing stuff to Charlie or have him down one of the potions. Enough to stabilize him, at least.

Although... perhaps we could use this opportunity to have Charlie brought to the hospital that Gracia is staying at? I'm of the opinion that we should at the very least stabilize him even if we do choose this plan.

>>26201606
FFP, pour some Sap on Charlie.
Elyse, recover that Smartgun and put it back in the Luggage.
Scott! Find that Racer's Card!

Then we need to get out of here!

>>26201606
>>26201606
>Lose 1 Laser Hawk
Man, I hope that we don't end up regretting using the Laser Hawk here, instead of the SULC instead.
I'm not saying I'm unhappy with the result; I'm simply worried that the Spectre is going to give us trouble.

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>>26201722
I agree with this.

Elyse, not to be rude but there's a reason it's called a "deathrace". Once we get up and going and get that card we should head on to our objective. This world needs to be done so damn quickly it's pitiful.

As for Elyse skills... Dunno what to offer here? Some bonus having to do with her getting bonuses due to using puns while doing an action?

>her face when she realizes that was a clear victory for her... eventually

>>26201606
"Yeah, nothing we can do about that Elyse. Dude was trying to kill us. Sometimes you have no other choice, and saw the rest of our ammo bouncing off that walking tank of his.
Come on. Let's see if we can get to the hospital and actually help someone for once."

>>26201722
There is no sign of the racer's card as Scott sifts through the ash.

"Man... I think we burned it!" Scott says. "I hope that doesn't bite us in the ass!"

"I'd be more worried about all the soldiers Fats over here called to help us. That's a lot of questions I think we can do without," Charlie says as Fat Fot Pot heals him.

>Charlie heals 2 Wounds. Sap expended.

>>26201851
>>26201899

Elyse frowns. "I guess so... He DID shoot that missile at us." She sighs. "I guess I was hoping we could do this non lethally when I say him open with stun-bolts instead of something else."

"You realize as a bounty hunter, he probably was just more used to using stun weapons," Scott offers. "Live bounties an all."

"Maybe," Elyse says as she picks up the Smartgun. She shakes her head. "No, you're right. It's like my teacher said. 'Those who enter battle must accept their consequences."

"I'd have just said 'Sucks to be him," Charlie pipes up.

"Thanks, Chuck."

"Don't call me Chuck, doc."

>>26202171
Let's get going to Central Command.
And if we get stopped, Elyse is an Alchemist. That's what everyone saw, just Alchemy transmuting the metal in the armor into ferric oxide and aluminum, with a magnesium starter.

>>26201851

>Animal Magnetism

For some reason, animals seem to get along with Elyse. Normally skittish or shy animals won't bolt if she disturbs them, and hostile or territorial animals won't attack her outright. Three times per day, she can attempt to "charm" an animal, making it docile and possibly receptive to commands. A separate roll is required for each command, with an increasingly higher roll required for complex commands.

>>26202271
Since the 100 was on commanding an animal, I can't think of anything more appropriate. I'm just afraid that it's not going to get much use.

>>26202352
Well, she also used a pun, so a bonus to actions accompanied by puns or one-liners or such would be more of a general help. Besides, she's a goody-two-shoes paladin. Corny jokes should be right up her alley.

So, two options so far for her new Skill.

>"Lawful Punny" (tentative name) - She gets a bonus to heroic actions when using quips, puns, or one-liners while performing said actions.

>Animal Magnetism - For some reason, animals seem to get along with Elyse. Normally skittish or shy animals won't bolt if she disturbs them, and hostile or territorial animals won't attack her outright. Three times per day, she can attempt to "charm" an animal, making it docile and possibly receptive to commands.

I don't like the part with increasing difficulty on the rolls >>26202271 suggests.. Would bite us in the ass VERY quickly.

Feel free to offer anything else for suggestions

>>26202271
"Yippie-Kai-Yai"
Whenever Elyse quips an appropriate one-liner or pun as she executes an action, she receives a +15 bonus, as per Action Hero Rules.

>>26202593
>>26202546
"McClane School of Hard Knocks"
"Last Action Paladin"
"Pun With Me If You Want To Live"

>>26202925
The PUNisher is another obvious one.

>>26202546
Die Flipperwaldt Gersput - Elyse's puns have the effect of causing enemies physical pain, assuming they are NOT FUNNY! Does bonus damage to John Cleese lookalikes.

Rolled 22, 91 = 113

>>26202240
Scott and crew get going to Central, just managing to leave the area before more military show up to cordon off the scene and try to figure out just what happened.

>>26205091
Central Command is abuzz with news that the chaos is beginning to die down when Scott and company get there. Passing through the gate with the usual combination of bluffing and forged documents, they make it into the main building's lobby before being asked to wait. Murmurs echo all around as they wait for someone to contact them.

"Did you hear? Armstrong dueled that crazy muscle-man to a standstill! Then they just... they just did poses at each other for a few minutes, then left peacefully with him!"

"That's nothing! I hear that flying machine turned out to be a man in some crazy alchemical automail! Then he was killed by a State Alchemist with a Chimera!"

"Well I heard that someone finally caught the Mad Alchemist! Turns out he was an aristocrat named 'Frammel."

"That only leaves a few of these recent troublemakers, then! Things are looking up!"

"Sir."

Scott's casual eavesdropping is interrupted by a beefy man in a somewhat unkempt uniform. He stares at the group impassively, arms crossed.

"You are Major... Scott Yellowman, right?" he asks. "The one who claimed to have brought a healing Alkahestrist?"

>>26205292

Yes, Major Armstrong, I assume?

We've been waiting out since we got back from our last operation

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>>26205311
>OP forgot the crit Lore roll so long ago.
>No reason to hide who it is then.

"We've been waiting since we got back from our last operation," Scott says. "You'd be 2nd Lt. Breda, right?"

"First lieutenant now, but yeah," Breda says, snorting. "So where's this alkahestrist?"

>>26205409

Elyse, you're up.

We'll do what we can to help.

>>26205442
"Uh... that'd be... me," Elyse says, stepping forward. Breda arches an eyebrow.

"If you're an alkahestrist, why are you in one of our uniforms?" he asks.

"She's been working with us, and it's a lot more low key than her normal get up," Scott says.

"I guess that makes sense," Breda nods. "So you can heal injuries?"

"Yes sir," Elyse nods.

"So what operation did you just get back from?" Breda asks.

Roll a d100.

Rolled 73

>>26205690

We apprehended the Alchemist kidnapping people, anything more we can't divulge at this time without proper clearance.

>>26205707
"Ah. That's what you meant. So how did you meet up with this lady? What are you doing in Amestris, miss...?"

"Elyse," Elyse says. "It's... ah... a bit of a personal matter."

Roll d100.

Rolled 88

>>26205798

Inb4TGdice.jpg

>>26205889
Breda looks at Elyse and sniffs.

"Right. Anyway, we'll get you to the hospital and see if you're all you're cracked up to be," Breda says, shrugging as he begins to walk towards the door. "Follow me."

Lt. Breda leads Scott and company back outside and to a waiting staff car. He climbs in and starts the vehicle as everyone else buckles in.
"Ms. Hughes got shot in the back when the terrorist survived the Colonel's first attack and decided to make good on his threat. Luckily, Hughes had the Hawk's Eye looking out for her. The pistol got shot out of his hand, but he had some weird holdout weapon in his wrist. He snapped off a shot with that, then he got turned to ash," Breda says while driving. "Can you repair that sort of damage?"

"A gunshot wound? Sure, that should be easy," Elyse says.

"It hit a few vitals," Breda warns. "Not exactly a flesh wound."

"I should be able to manage."

>>26206147

While we have the time, are there any further updates on the unknown terrorists still at large? We knew the flying suit was destroyed, and obviously the one the Colonel killed is done, but what about the others we've heard of?

>>26206233
"The two that were fighting seemed to have dropped off the radar entirely, Armstrong's taken two more into custody, and that's all I know about," Breda says. "You didn't answer my earlier question, you know. How'd you manage to find an alkahestrist?"

>>26206290

I'm leaning towards "Classified at this time due to ongoing mission parameters, sorry Lt."

>>26206336
Then roll a d100.

Rolled 60

>>26206448

Well shit.

Really? Everyone's asleep?

>>26206290
"Pure bloody luck."

>>26206486
Breda laughs. "I guess you'd be the only one with some of that today. So what's the story?"

>>26206336
"Classified for now, sorry," Scott says. "Grumman's put a lid on me for now."

"That old fox, huh? Figures," Breda says.

>Calling it here, picking up tomorrow.

We know that the Elrics have just arrived in Central; they're likely to have gone straight to the hospital where Gracia is being treated.
Same with Mustang.

The problem is that they're all familiar with alkahestry; our cover will be blown if they ask for a demonstration.
I suppose we could only use the Potions and say that Elyse is a variant Alkahestry user, but that probably won't fly very far.

And now that Armstrong has struck up a friendship with Zangief and Rufus through mutual respect and appreciation of well-developed musculature, we won't have much leverage.
If we are questioned by Mustang, we'll likely need to come clean, and he'll likely want some advanced tech in exchange for helping us.
Or he'll demand that we hunt down the other Racers before he helps us with the Gate.

>>26208145
I think the Elrics are just on their way. Don't forget, Ed can't do alchemy anymore, all he can do is advise, teach, and figure out what a circle does. Still dangerous, just not able to help us directly.

>>26210359
>I think the Elrics are just on their way
Thread 15
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/26059195/#p26078188
>The Fullmetal Alchemist has arrived with his brother and are being briefed.

>>26208145
>Armstrong has struck up a friendship with Zangief and Rufus through mutual respect and appreciation of well-developed musculature
Why do I feel like we blundered into another Orz situation here?

>>26211442
Blundered nothing, we deliberately sent them that way to distract them. Either they're going to love him so much that they stay here, or they're going to recruit him into their team.

Quest will go active late, to the surprise of no one. I've been called in to work on an off day.

>>26213981
It happens. Have fun at work.

>>26211633
So Armstrong will be aiding Zangief and Rufus, and they're already on their way to Central Command.

>>26215312
At least Armstrong is an honorable oponnent.

So, are we going with a Spell + Potion approach, or just Potions?

>>26218100

Depends if a healing potion can completely cure her injuries, or if we feel lucky with Elyse's rolls. It might be able to be passed off as a remedy, but a particularly observant person might become suspicious if alchemic medicine doesn't normally mend broken bones and the like.

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>>26214659
I actually did. While covering for a worker on vacation at a store I usually don't work at, I struck up a conversation with another worker that last for most of my shift as I did my work. It's been a while since I've talked nerd to someone not on the internet.

>>26206520
Finally Breda drives everyone up to a large six-story building. Parking the car near the front, he gets out and motions for everyone to follow him as he leads them through the numerous halls and rooms of a military hospital. The smell of sterilization fluids and medicines hangs heavy in the air as everyone enters.

On the sixth floor, Breda halts in front of one room and opens a door, motioning for everyone to step inside.

Inside the room is an unconscious woman in a bed, a small stand with various personal effects on it, several counters with medical equipment on them... and a very stern looking man in a military uniform with black hair.

"You brought the alkahestrist?" he asks without preamble.

>>26219380
"Yes, Brigadier-General Mustang."
We should probably start with Elyse using her last spell. With Gracia unconscious, using a potion will be more difficult.
The only problem will be the alkahestric array.

Rolled 42, 49, 37, 29, 53, 78, 80, 83, 7, 73 = 531

Testing the seed

>>26219489
Well, the wiki says Alkahestry is designed around channeling Chi, we can always make kind of a show with it, then have Elyse set her hands on Gracia and if Mustang says anything we can explain it away as she's wearing an Alkashestry version of something like Mustang's Gloves.
After that, giving Gracia potions should be fine, since the wiki also says that Alkahestry is built on the practice of making elixirs.

>>26219380
Did you tell him you run TG MetaQuest? You might have some nerd fame going.

>>26219663
I somewhat doubt it, but thanks for the vote of confidence.

>>26219489
Mustang looks over to Breda, who nods. He turns back to Scott.

"All right. Help her, if you can."

>>26219632
Going with this, then?

>>26219853

It seems like a good enough idea to me. I'll second it.

Hopefully, Elyse has had some experience with dramatic motions when casting spells and the like.

>>26219853
Does she have any of her techniques left? She could heal her with those and keep the last spell for emergencies.

>>26219853
Start with using a spell. Make a show of putting together an alkahestric circle.
Then, if the spell doesn't completely heal Gracia, we use a potion.

>>26219940
All techniques were expended when we got shot by that MP patrol.

Rolled 28

>>26219947
Then roll a d100 for Bluff and a d100 for the spell.

Rolled 50, 59 = 109

>>26220127
Come on Elyse.

>>26220158
You know it's Metaquest when you're whole hearted relieved to see a 50.

>>26220158
Elysia makes a little show of drawing a glowing hexagram in the air accompanied with some runes before putting both hands on the unconscious Gracia Hughes and murmuring something under her breath. Given that her injuries are covered by layer on layer of bandages as well as the covers of the hospital bed, there is no dramatic sealing of wounds visible... but Ms. Hughes immediately begins breathing easier, steadier. Mustang nods.

"Breda go get a doctor to give Ms. Hughes a look over," he orders, begin to walk through the door. "You people, come with me."

>>26220414


Go along with Mustang. Be all respectful and official-like. Also be ready for a possible confrontation.

>>26220158
>59 + 25 from Practice Makes Perfect = 84
That should be enough to heal most of her wounds; we might want to use a Potion to get healed up the rest of the way so that she can talk.

>>26220414
And yeah, Mustang already saw through our cover story. Probably got the truth from Armstrong, who Zangief and Rufus spilled everything to.

Let's go with him, and hope that we don't get fucked over too badly.

Fucking troll got to us. We should have archived earlier.

>>26220655
At least he used the Metaquest tag. Has anyone messaged the guy who runs suptg about this? Maybe ask him to ban the dude's IP from archiving or something.

>>26220575
>>26220582
Scott and company fall into step behind Mustang as he walks through the halls of the hospital.

"So, how did you manage to get an alkahestrist again?" Roy asks, not turning around as he walks. "Despite improving relations with Xing, they're not exactly a common sight over here. Before I forgot, what was your current assignment? Who are you reporting to?"

>>26220744
I vote we come clean, but only if others agree. There aren't enough dice in the world to tell him that we've been assigned to work with him, he knows everyone under his command.

>>26220830
I agree. I normally can pull something out of my ass that miraculously works.

I can't think of anything.

>>26220905
We'll make sure that we are not in public. He can have as many people as he wants nearby, but nobody that can betray the secret to others because they overheard. Lets also ask him to listen to the whole story before making a decision.

>>26220830
>>26220905

Here's to hoping that taking the initiative will work out in our favor. But if we do a reveal, it should be in a setting with less passer-bys and such.

>>26220744
Should we even make an attempt to lie?
Because I'm pretty sure that Mustang has already, or will very soon, get the truth from Armstrong.

>how get alkahestrist
Mercenary alkahestrist who was hired on a little less than a month ago.
>Commanding Officer
Originally stationed out in New Optain under Major General Hakuro.

File: 1374722828860.jpg-(109 KB, 1280x720, TruthisinhisGateAllisrigh(...).jpg)

109 KB JPG

>>26220830
>>26220905
>>26220961
>>26220984
"Uh... No one, really," Scott says, looking around. "All right, Mustang, you're a smart guy and I don't want to pit my wits against yours. We're not military. You've probably had your suspicions about us given Breda's questions in the car, and we'll level with you, but in private, all right? This is sensitive information we're dealing with."

Mustang smiles thinly. "I had my suspicions you weren't military, but wasn't sure until now. Thanks for confirming it for me."

"Th- goddammit," Scott scowls. "Well, whatever. Look, you got a spare office we can talk in or something?"

Mustang waves Scott and the others over to a door and enters. The interior has a small desk and several chairs.

"They use this room for breaking bad news to loved ones. Hopefully that won't be oddly appropriate here," Mustang says, walking to the desk and taking a seat. "Close the door behind you and talk quietly. I'll hear what you have to say."

>>26220744
"To paraphrase an ambassador, I know enough about you to know that you're already suspicious and probably have the answers to those leading questions. So, why don't we just pretend I've lied about it, you've caught me in your web of insufferable logic and cut to the point.
"However, given the sensitive nature of the information, I'd prefer if we gave our full confession somewhere a little more private. Bring Hawkeye, Falman, Fuery, and Breda if you want. I know they can keep their mouths shut about this. Armstrong should stay with the two muscleheads, though. No idea what kind of trouble they could cause if they're not supervised."

So... what do we want to reveal to him?

Explain the appearance of the racers due to interdimensional death race?

Why is it in his best interests to help us out instead of just doing away with us or locking up the group?

>>26221369
"You know we're not from around here. And we're are involved with those incidents popping up around Central.
"There are powerful men, who for their own amusement, took a bunch of people, and made them race for a prize. A grand prize, to be given only to the winner of the race. And the contestants are encouraged to try to kill each other, regardless of the collateral damage.
"Us, we've agreed to cooperate till the end of the Race, and then we'll play a card game for who gets the prize.
"I don't know what the two meatheads that Armstrong caught worked out.
"You already killed the filthy cheater and his crony who was bringing in outside help to keep up with the rest of us.
"And I can confirm that there are at least 4 other Racers. 1 is a woman in armor, she's generally an alright person, won't shoot you if you don't shoot at her, and she's as good as Hawkeye with her rifle.
"One man, I think your troops already shot him, is a combat monster. He's got automail of a sophistication that you would find hard to believe, and he carries an anti-tank gun, so I'd be careful of getting in his way.
"The last 2, one is probably able to teleport and has some pretty advanced armor, the other looked like he's a brawler, maybe even capable of Alchemy-like effects.
"In short, we just want to get out of your city, and nation, as quickly as we can.
"Oh, and you probably already heard, but we took care of that flying guy already."

>I'm Scott Yellowman. I am a member of a Scout Division of a group known as the Transpace Guard. Our duty is to protect the stability of different dimensions.

>My ship was destroyed in an accident stranding me on a planet a few dimensions away from here. We "won" a chance to get home but we're stuck in a deathrace.

>To get home, we need someone to open the Gate of Truth. I believe it to be our way out of your home.

So, any edits?

>>26221369
We're racers in a race, who's current point of finish is the Gate of Truth. We're not from Amestris originally and we were trying to not disrupt anything here, however the other racers seemed to have different ideas. We got rid of the flying armor and appreciate you taking care of Conti. However, we wanted to make sure he did no lasting damage and this was the easiest way to hell Gracia.
I assume you want us out of your hair as quick as possible, and seeing as we'd like to leave, we'd like your assistance in helping us get to the gate

>>26221691
Let's limit things to what's immediately important, which are the fact that we're in a race, there are other racers, and at least 2 of them don't care about collateral damage and want to knock out the rest of the competition.

If we presses us about our origins, we can go into the whole "I've seen things you wouldn't believe: Star Destroyers on fire as a Meta Transit Drive spins up, teenage psychic demigoddesses sliding through metal corridors on socks".

>>26221952
And from Oglaf, the rape-caves, rape-trees, rape-hobos, rape-monsters, and the Sorceress-rapist.

>>26221373
>>26221657
This is a bit better than mine. I suppose we could go with these.

Also, add info on other racers. Even if we think they're dead, he could use the information if they aren't.

>>26221657
"So you are saying our country has had the misfortune of being used as a plaything by the exceedingly rich and powerful once more?" Mustang says, leaning back in his chair. "Tsk, tsk, and I was enjoying the quiet. So you're disguising yourself as military to... what, try to avoid attention while your fellows get caught by our forces? If you just want to leave, I'd be more than willing to help you do so... provided of course I hear good things from the doctor Breda went to fetch. I don't think I have to tell you what I'll do if I find you've poisoned her or something."

>>26222612
Sir. We know what you did to Lust. You terrify us. There is no chance we would do anything to piss you off intentionally.

>>26221657
What about Ed? Did she die in Alien World?

>>26222612
"We'll wait as long as necessary. If we can we'll provide additional help against the other racers, and with the recovery of Mrs. Hughes."

We should also give him a potion.

"This will further speed up her recovery should her wounds not be completely healed."

>>26222612
"Mustang, can I call you Mustang? Mustang, I know what you did to Lust, and how you treated Envy, and of your record in Ishval. Making you angry is the last thing I want to do.
"And yes, we disguised ourselves to avoid attention while we searched for the exit, but it's turning out to be more elusive than we thought.
"Because the Gamesters in charge of the Race already told us the exit: the Gate of Truth.
"I'll be honest; we don't know if we need to get you, or Alphonse Elric to open the Gate, or if the Gamesters have already set up a Transmutation Circle with a Philosopher's Stone and we just need an Alchemist to activate it."

>>26222775
Don't know what happened to Ed, implication was that Sam caught up with her and killed her; I suppose we should tell him as a possible other Racer here.

>>26222839
Referring to someone like that implies familiarity or higher rank. I'd rather not piss off the Colonel accidentally. We, despite how neat it would be, are decidedly NOT his friends.

>>26222873
I hope she's ok, this is the first world she'll have been in without things that want to rape-kill her excepting the first two.

>>26222931
If we're talking about familiarity, Roy would be what would irk him.
So you want to just call him by his rank?

>>26222931
>I'd rather not piss off the Colonel accidentally
He's actually a Brigadier-General now, what with Grumman being Fuhrer.

>>26223050
You refer to someone as something long enough and you forget their promotion. My mistake.

>>26223037
It's a respectful way to address a military member. We can address him as such, but being less than respectful may get us less help.

>>26223163
Fine, then we'll refer to his rank, then.

>>26222775
>>26222839
>>26222669
"The exit is... the Gate of Truth?" Mustang says, his tone dropping noticeably. He leans forward, fixing Scott with narrowed eyes. "I begin to wonder what sort of race you're in that would have that thing as one of its goal-posts. Or who these 'Gamesters' are that they know of it." He pauses. "So... you have to pass through the gate. Then what?"

>>26223322
We don't really know. We might get sent to another world. We might be done with this.

>>26223322
Hopefully we can get the racers out of your worlds and back to their own. We'll try to leave you alone, though we can set up a link to the guard so that you can report any problems you have with otherworlders.

>>26223322
"We have no idea, except that we're going to arrive at another world where this will repeat again.
"And I told you that this was a Death Race, didn't I? One of the worlds we passed through was a world of rape and death, where ghost sharks fly through the sky eating people, and another where things with talons as sharp as steel and with acid for blood that would burn through a homunculus had overtaken an entire city. All things considered, I'm surprised that they left us here now; I half-expected them to drop us here a mere hour before Father activated the Nationwide Transmutatation Circle."

>>26223506
Oh, and I'll try to get the guard to come down on those guys for having done that in the first place. This kind of shit with the gate is not acceptable.

>>26223506
>>26223392
"So... now you are from other worlds?" Mustang asks, looking at Scott and the others with appraisal in his eyes. "I'm not sure I buy that explanation, though it's clear from the reports I've received that something extraordinary is going on. Assume I believe you for the moment. Do you have any idea of what the Gate of Truth is? How dangerous it is? Do you really believe that someone would set all of this up... for a race?" Mustang shakes his head. "There's no telling what might be really going on."

>>26223730
Sure. It's the source of Alchemy, and on the other side is the knowledge of everything in this world. It's guarded by truth, who takes a toll in exchange for whatever you want from it. Usually it's strongly in his favor either way.

If you want, I can tell you the words Edward said to beat truth. The problem is, we have no idea which gate it is we want, and we have no idea what Truth will want as a toll. There's also the fact that we've already drawn his attention.

>>26223730
"Yes, we know how dangerous the Gate is, and what is needed to call it. We don't know how the Toll is going to be paid.
"And quite honestly, with the amount of power that the Race's organizers wield, I DO believe that they would destroy an entire nation if it either profited them, or even amused them for a day."

>>26223730
Yes, we know what the gate is. Yes, we know EXACTLY what is done to open it. Dangerous doesn't even begin to cover it. And you of all people should know what a bunch of assholes will do when there's nobody to stop them. We were in a place where everything is trying to rape you, and they sent a pre-teen girl there. I'm certain they would have no compunctions about killing a few hundred people for this.

>>26223944
Since Yellowman rolled a crit earlier, roll another d100 and add Intelligence (6) to it. He has a chance to realize something.

>>26223950
>>26223944
"If they're that powerful, I think you need to tell me a little more about them. I'm not about to let the Promised Day happen again."

Rolled 80

>>26224042
Come on Yellowman. Don't muck this up.

Rolled 86 + 6

>>26224042
"Alright. They're owners of a multi-world spanning company that has its fingers in everything, from cargo hauling to resource exploitation to weapons manufacture. They're more powerful than some planets, and as the rich and powerful are wont to do, they put together this Death Race to amuse them."

>>26224182
>>26224190
At first I was overjoyed, then I thanked the dice gods.

>>26224182
"Which gate..." Scott murmurs. "Maybe... Could they mean our gate?"

"But we're not from here!" Elyse pipes in. "Do we even have gates like the natives do?"

"Maybe... maybe that's the point..." Scott mutters. "No one really knows how the gates work, right? Maybe if we try to get an Alchemist to open ours... Or hell, why didn't I remember it sooner, there were at least two instances of an alchemist opening the Gate for another person! Ed's escape from Gluttony and Pride's forcing Mustang to human transmute!"

"I see you know quite a lot more than I thought," Mustang calmly says. "You're extremely well informed for a group of random racers."

>>26224190
"Do you have any proof?" Mustang asks. "I'm not stupid. As I said, I know something extraordinary is going on, and other worlds... well, the mere existence of the Gate seems to imply at least one other. But you're asking me to believe quite a lot."

>>26224573
That depends, what are you looking for in proof? I mean, do you want Xenomorph Pictures? Do you want the Ring of Bliss?
We might not be able to give you hard proof.

>>26224573
"Well, if you don't mind seeing some advanced technology that I can't let you have, I can show you a VA-571C Robot Sentry Gun and its control pad. What evidence besides showing you a space ship or taking you on a jaunt would convince you?
"So right now, we need to open the Gates in us, and hope that ComTrader did this right."

>>26224573
>>26224723
But how do we do it without harming the alchemist in question? A price must be paid, but can we shift that price somewhere else?

>>26224717
>Do you want the Ring of Bliss?
We're not giving Mustang the Ring of Bliss.

>>26224723
"Actually... actually, I may have already been shown something that falls in line with what you've said. Maybe you can tell me what the terrorist left behind."

>>26224800
"Mustang, is there a way to open the gate without harming the alchemist that performs it?" Scott asks, turning. "I get the feeling I may regret it later, but can't you shift the toll onto me or something?"

"You're assuming I know how to open one to begin with," Mustang says with a shrug. "There's only one alchemist in this city that I know of that can open one."

>>26224971
"Ah. Edward Elric.
"But yes, we heard that Conti left something behind. I suppose we should check it out and make sure it's not some nuclear warhead."

>>26225043
>Edward Elric.
Ed can't Alchemy anymore though.

>>26225043
"Alphonse Elric," Mustang corrects, raising a finger. "Edward can't use his alchemy anymore... though he certainly has the knowledge you'd need."

The door opens and Breda steps, walking over to Mustang and whispering something into his ear. The now Brigadier General smiles.

"Well, well. It seems your 'alkahestry' worked. Ms. Hughes is nearly healed of all her injuries," Mustang says. "Much as I hate to say it, between that and catching the Mad Alchemist, I suppose I owe you a bit of a debt. I intend to borrow a little more first, before I repay, though."

Mustang stands and motions for Breda and the others to follow as he heads for the door. "Let's go look at that device."

Secured in a Central vault, carefully resting on a steel examination table, is a metal sphere with several blinking lights on it. Along its axis rotate three rings, the central one rotating opposite its brothers.

"All we've been able to tell so far is that it's made of an alloy we've never encountered before," Mustang states. "Can you identify it?"

Roll a Lore check for Scott, Elyse, and FFP. A hidden modifier applies.

Rolled 67, 52, 70 = 189

>>26225365
So 3d100.

Rolled 32, 79, 70 = 181

>>26225365
That's reasonable. We're asking a high price after all.

>>26225365
Can we also use the TG Commset to see if it's transmitting anything in the advanced EM or interdimensional spectrum?

>>26225365
>is a metal sphere with several blinking lights on it. Along its axis rotate three rings, the central one rotating opposite its brothers

That is a thermal detonator!

>>26225365
>>26225433
Good thinking. The first thing that pops to mind is something from Stargate or Mass Effect, but that's only because it's the only things I can think of that regularly use rotating rings.

>>26225532
Good thinking, but I don't see any rings on the detonator used by Princess Leia. Perhaps it's from the mans native universe?

>>26225396
"I know what that is!" Fat Fot Pot squeaks.

"...the birds talk?" Breda asks, blinking.

"It's a high power Type-XI ID beacon!" Fat says. "It's designed to punch through jamming and transmit a signal for someone to lock onto!"

>>26225433
"Can you see what it's sending?" Scott asks. "Use the commset."

"Usually the beacon just send a big identification energy pulse... but it's not unheard of to jury rig communications through it," Fat Fot Pot says as he flies over to the trained mimic. After a few moments of rooting around, they produce the headset. They fiddle with the device for a few seconds...


Roll Comm/Scan for FFP.

Rolled 79

>>26225658
I recommend calling up more troops, especially state alchemists. There may be someone on the way for pickup.

Rolled 92

>>26225658
Uh oh. If it's a beacon, then some of Conti's friends might be on the way.

>>26225727
"It's... It's transmitting in bursts. Oh! This is morse code! It's in a loop... Uh... 'Operation Ahab approved.' That's what it says," Fat Fot Pot says.

"Well that sounds inviting," Scott grouses.

"From hell's heart I stab at thee..." Elyse murmurs.

"If it's a signalling device..." Mustang says, tightening the white glove on his right hand. "Maybe I should stop the signal?"

>>26225727
>>26225760
"Breda, go inform the others to be on high alert. I guess our luck wasn't so good to hope things were starting to calm down."

"Yes, sir."

>>26225863
FFP, can you alter the signal? Instead of making it call Conti's friends can you get it to contact Taskforce 38?
If Operation Ahab is happening, we might want abit more backup then the State Alchemists.

>>26225913
Or maybe get it to say "Operation Ahab called off. Seriously. Don't come here."

>>26225863
I recommend getting it out of the city first. We have no idea what destroying it will do.

FFP, can you disable or shut it down? If we can direct it to our cause even better, but the priority is to stop it.

>>26225863
We have an Electronics Kit; FFP, you know the system.
Scott and FFP working together, can you disable the transmitter? Without the signal, Conti's group won't have a signal to lock on to through the jamming.

>>26225945
>>26225913
>>26225951
"Uh, I can try to do any of those things, but it'll be hard... Which do you want me to try first?"

>>26226017
"I know a bit about commtech, so I can lend a hand," Scott offers.
>Scott can grant FFP +5 to his roll if he makes a DC50 Comm/Scan roll.

Rolled 30, 13 = 43

>>26226080
Try to switch to our frequency first and send for help. Scott, help FFP. I assume 2d100.

Rolled 36, 92 = 128

>>26226080
Rolling

Rolled 57

>>26225913
But will Operation Ahab even work without a targeting beacon?
It could be something as simple as a 50 giga-ton antimatter warhead being shoved through the jamming field that's set up by ComTrader.

>>26226080
Scott's roll.

>>26226134
Fat Fot Pot and Scott fiddle with the device, but cannot seem to reconfigure it to transmit on Guard frequencies.

"Uh... well that's out," Scott grimaces, scratching his head. "So... shut down or try to call over this 'Ahab' thing next?"

>Whichever you choose, roll the same dice.

File: 1374733942403.jpg-(10 KB, 300x213, 300px-Walter_Peck.jpg)

10 KB JPG

Rolled 35, 41 = 76

>>26226288
Shut it off!

Rolled 46, 91 = 137

>>26226288
Just turn it off.

>>26226388
I am not allowed to roll for the rest of the thread.

>>26226388
It's a close thing, but with Scott's help, Fat Fot Pot manages to power down the device. The rings slowly grind to a halt as the lights go dim.

"Whew. It's been a while since I've had to deal with something that advanced," Scott sighs.

"Jumpin' Jarfs that was cutting it too close! That last protection grid was a hoot and a half to bypass," Pot wheezes.

"Now what?" Elyse asks.

>>26226503
Take the device, we may be able to re-enable it later. Plus we can't afford more contamination. After that lets go meet the Elrics.

>>26226503
Gotta take it with us, both to prevent Meta-Contamination, and in case the next world has more advanced tech so that we can use it to transmit a signal to the Guard or to the Crusade.

And now, we need to meet with the Elric Brothers.

"So, that enough evidence for you, Brigadier-General?"

>>26226567
>>26226624
"No, but it'll do for now," Mustang says as Scott loads the device into the trained mimic.

"Good," Scott says, closing the lid of the monster and walking towards a window. "We're going to try to find the Elrics next, assuming you don't mind."

"No, but how do you intend to find them?" Mustang asks. "Getting ahold of anyone in this chaos..."

"Charlie, hand me that bullhorn on that wall," Scott says as he opens the window. Charlie complies with a puzzled expression as Scott puts the bullhorn to his lips and bellows at the top of his lungs.

"HEY I HEAR THAT EDWARD ELRIC IS A REAL SHRIMP!" he roars.

Off in the distance within the city a voice can barely be heard over the wind.

"Who are you calling a shrimp?!"

Scott calmly replaces the bullhorn and points. "He's over there, somewhere."

"I can't believe that worked," Elyse mutters, blinking.

>>26227075
I love you MetaOP.

>>26227075
Works every time.

Now we've just got be on the lookout for that Spectre and his friend.

>>26227075
Calling it for tonight, picking up tomorrow early.

bump

>>26227075
So, do we make some more short jokes, or is this enough to go on in order to find the Elrics?

So, MetaOP, any of the skills caught your fancy?

>>26234698
I think the Animal Magnetism one makes more sense, though I may expand its use a bit. The pun ones just seem a bit cheaty since it's a large bonus that can almost always be applied so long as Elyse says a joke.

>>26232656
Naw, it's enough. It'd be handy to get an idea of what you want to ask/say before you get to him though.

>>26235615
>get an idea of what you want to ask/say before you get to him though.
Should we assume that he'll have calmed down by the time we get to him, or are going to have to deal with shortstuff there trying to knock out Scott?

"Edward and Alphonse Elric, your reputations precede you. So, while the Brigadier can fill you in on the details, we need our personal Gates opened. And yes, we know the dangers. And if the preparations were made right, we shouldn't have to pay a Toll."

>>26235615
So have you married Winry yet?

>>26236470
"You know, that Rose girl was asking about you."

>>26235615
"Huh. You're taller than all the stories made you out to be. I expected you to be short enough to mistake you for a little kid."

File: 1374793757226.jpg-(10 KB, 210x240, char_3111.jpg)

10 KB JPG

>>26236423
>>26236470
>>26238353
>>26238626
You find Edward Elric with his brother as they walk down a street almost deserted from people fleeing the chaos. Both see you, but say nothing, allowing Scott to get the first word in.

"Edward and Alphonse Elric, your reputations precede you. So, while the Brigadier can fill you in on the details, we need our personal Gates opened. And yes, we know the dangers. And if the preparations were made right, we shouldn't have to pay a Toll," Scott says. He grins. "Huh, you're taller than the stories made you out to be. I thought you'd be short enough to pass for a kid. You marry Winry yet? You know that Rose girl was asking about you."

"That's an awful lot of words to say 'Hello' with,' Ed warily comments. "Your voice sounds kind of familiar... Who are you, anyway? How do you know all that stuff?"

>>26238928
I'm Scott and I'm from another universe. I'd explain more but you'd think I'm crazy.

File: 1374794756475.jpg-(31 KB, 325x400, al.jpg)

31 KB JPG

>>26239135
"Too late, I already think that," Ed quips. "Wanna try again?"

"How do you know about the Gate? Why do you want to open yours?" Alphonse asks.

>>26239206
Interdimensional Deathrace. The goalpoint for Amestris is the Gate, Most likely ours. Just two problems: We don't know if there'll be a toll, and we've already attracted Truth's attention.

>>26239206
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, but the short of it is, we're unwilling participants in an inter-dimensional Death Race and the Gate is supposed to be our way to the next checkpoint. We think that our personal Gates have been modified.
"We don't know what the Toll is, if any, though."

>>26239266
>>26239854
Alphonse and Edward look at each other, then back to Scott and company.

"All right, we've seen a lot of crazy things, but you'll forgive us if we're a little skeptical about this whole 'race' thing. Especially when it comes to opening... opening that," Ed says.

"The Gate is something people weren't meant to cross. Even if you know the dangers, how do we know you're not planning something?" Al asks.

"Besides, we're here in the city to stop someone from doing just that. Why would we help you with it?" Edward says, crossing his arms. "You ask me, you're asking for a lot of trouble you can't deal with."

"Well, wait, brother," Al says, holding up a hand. "Why do you think your Gates have been modified? And you're already telling me things we might not believe, so will you please tell us how you found out about the Gate?"

>>26240487

Not sure if we should spill the meta-beans.

>>26240487
"Knowing about the Gate, and Amestris, and the details of your exploits, as well as the people around you such as Winry Rockbell, May Chang, Brigadier-General Mustang and his unit, and your father and how he was the only survivor of Xerxes aside from that Homonculus that called itself Father, were all part of specialist training and briefing materials from where I come from; Elyse probably knows a bit about you all, too, as part of her training.
"As for why our Gates have been modified, the announcer working for the Gamesters showed us a Gate and told us that it was our portal to the next world. Considering that we're not native to this world, we may not have even had Gates to start with, and during our transit, ones may have been implanted into our souls."

How's that? Doesn't get into the Meta, but still shows we know a fuckton about them.

>>26240487
"because we want to get to the end of the race and the bigwigs controlling this race are basically god level strength, and we know about you because in our dimension you are stories we read or movies we watch. your alchemy is a limited kind of magic, in some dimension we wouldn't need a gate to do the things you do. the elf healed your friend with magic from her dimension, we have guns that's tech level is far above your own. does that answer questions?"

>>26240660
too late, i would think all of them are smart enough to connect the dots

>>26240704
That works pretty well.

>>26240704
"Right... and where are you from?" Edward asks.

"Does that matter?" Scott asks. "It's another planet far away. "You want proof? Look at some of the stuff we have. Charlie, pop open the Luggage and give them a look, hell, Elysia, show them your sword."

"All right, all right," Ed says, holding up his hands after looking at the proffered technology. "There are some old theories in really obscure alchemical texts about other worlds. But honestly that's beside the point. You're asking us to deal with alchemy that cost a lot of lives and caused a lot of people, us included, a lot of grief. For what, a race?"

>>26241025
That is specifically WHY we are asking you. If anyone would know a way to do this without fucking everything up, it'd be you two.
Besides, I don't like our odds alone, we tried a simple scry spell and attracted truth's attention.

>>26241025
"It's not like we especially wanted to be in this race; Elyse and I aren't even supposed to be in this Sector, and I've got important information that I have to bring back concerning a civil war that just started in my nation.
"Our only way home is to win the race and use the prize to return to where we belong.
"And yes, we realize the weight of what we're asking you to do. But you're also the only ones skilled enough to pull this off without some kind of catastrophic failure. We'd do it ourselves if we could, but Elyse's magic doesn't seem to be able to do it, and she's already attracted Truth's attention."

>>26241025
"also the winner gets a blank check in the form of a wish and there are some figures you don't want to win. there are three racers here, two of us are police and the other just wants wealth."

>>26241025

Should we mention the prize? The prospect of reality being altered by a malevolent racer is probably bad. We also do not know if the Gamesters would do anything harmful if none of the current racers make any progress. In addition, less scrupulous racers could potentially cause a LOT of damage in trying to make another Alchemist open up a gate.

>>26241199
I don't think we should mention the prize, but we should mention that the Gamesters might make things "interesting" if we don't amuse them by making progress towards the exit.

>>26241199
>In addition, less scrupulous racers could potentially cause a LOT of damage in trying to make another Alchemist open up a gate.
They already have. Conti injured Gracia pretty bad, trying to get one.

>>26241293
>>26241230
>>26241134
>>26241071
"Someone hurt Ms. Hughes?!" Al exclaims.

"We've only been in the city for an hour, what happened?" Ed yells.

>>26241822
She got shot taken hostage by someone demanding a State Alchemist. Mustang showed up and disarmed him, but he had a hidden weapon and shot her before he got flash fried.
We visited the hospital before we came here to have Elyse take a look. She should be fine now.

>>26241822
A man took Ms. Hughes hostage and demanded an alchemist. She sustained organ damage and Elyse healed her. She will be fine after some rest.

>>26241932
>>26241934
"Tch. Figures everything would go to hell once we came back," Ed scowls.

"Well... if she's OK..." Alphonse says carefully. "It might be tricky... but before we actually do anything, I think I can check your Gates with a specially created alchemical circle."

"Good idea, Al," Ed says. "Better to check the water before diving in."

"Besides, if you really did heal Ms. Hughes, it's the least we can do for you," Al says.

>>26242323
Thank you. We appreciate it. What do you need us to do?

File: 1374806504167.png-(32 KB, 250x250, Human_Transmutation_Circle.png)

32 KB PNG

>>26242436
"Well, first we'd need to get to a safe place," Alphonse says. "Central Command, maybe?"

"We have to head there anyway to help with an investigation," Ed says, putting his hands behind his head.

"Sounds fine, we just came from there anyway," Scott replies.

An hour later, deep within Central Command a chair is placed in the center of a complex circle drawn on the floor. Alphonse stands up and pockets the piece of chalk he had.

"All right, please sit in the chair," Al says, cracking his knuckles.

"I know I asked for this, but I have a sudden feeling of dread," Scott comments, taking a seat.

"That's normal," Ed says, waving a hand.

Please roll d100.

>>26242621
Come on spontanious catching on fire.

Rolled 69

>>26242621

ROLLING

Rolled 48

>>26242676
Forgot my roll.

>>26242692
Oooh, a very sexy number.

File: 1374807636470.png-(157 KB, 500x281, Notsayingitwasalchemistsb(...).png)

157 KB PNG

>>26242692
Scott feels intensely unpleasant as every one of his muscles seizes up for a moment and a feeling akin to that of worms wriggling in his chest overtakes him, but then it all fades with no harm done.

"That's..." Alphonse says, expression puzzled. "Ed? Can you sit in the chair for a minute? I want to try something."

"Can you tell me a little bit more than 'something?" Ed asks as he walks towards the chair. Scott unsteadily gets up and walks away from the circle.

"Well that hurt like hell," he gripes, leaning against a wall, hand going to a pocket. "Cigarettes!" he suddenly exclaims. "We can buy CIGARETTES here!"

"Uh, that's nice," Al says, giving Scott a strange look before turning back to Ed. "I want to compare your Gate to theirs."

"But I don't have one anymore," Ed says with a frown.

"That's the point," Al says as he puts his hands to the circle the moment Ed sits down. Edward grimaces, then shakes his head once Al finishes.

"All right, whatcha got, Al?" Ed asks, hopping off the chair.

"It's odd..." Al says, standing again. "They're like you, brother. They don't have a Gate in them... but there's something... something they have that's almost like... a pinprick? Like, if the Gate is a door that lets light through, this would be a peephole letting in just a small dot. And it doesn't feel natural. It feels... imposed? Like something was holding that peephole open."

>>26243006
So this is either something they put in us, or something that started growing when we entered the universe.

Also, get Scott some cigs. Man deserves his break by now. Do we still have the lighter of eternal screws us?

>>26243057
We should ask Gracia if she has any of Maes' cigarettes left. They have to actually be a pack he bought and held too, preferably if he took one or two and used them.
Smoking one of those would have to give us at least a +5 Badass Bonus, and a +10 Isn't She CUTE! Bonus.

>>26243122
NO!

That'd be incredibly rude. We can buy our own cigarettes.

>>26243186
Nah, I see it more as a tribute.

>>26243232
"Hey Gracia, can we bum some cigarettes off your dead husband? K, thx."

>>26243261
"Hey Gracia, would you happen to have a pack of Maes' old cigarettes left? We're about to walk into something that we may not walk back from, and I'd like to face it with abit of your husband's courage."

>>26243261
You can make anything sound retarded if you have a retard say it.

>>26243322
No, it's tacky and disrespectful.
Just buy the goddamn cigarettes.

>>26243122

Let's NOT do this.

Should we ask them to take a look at our tarot cards?

>>26243375
>Should we ask them to take a look at our tarot cards?
Possibly, as they are linked to each portal exit.
I just don't know how the advanced dimensional technology will react with their alchemy.

>>26243375
>>26243426
If I recall correctly, the cards are what causes the portals to activate properly. Since we have to activate our own gates, does this mean the three of us may end up in different locations?

Pass out radios. Get the materials to MAKE them if we have to. We can't afford to lose our friends.

>>26243362
Let's get Elicia a teddy bear too.

>>26243504
>Pass out radios
Radio are built into the helmets we picked up.
We just need to make sure Scott, Elyse, and Charlie are wearing one.
The Luggage and FFP don't count as Racers, and are tied to Scott so they're fine.

>>26243426
"This may sounds weird, but can you do your gate check on this thing?" Scott says, pulling his portal card from his pocket and passing it to Al.

"A card? Uh... sure, I guess. Not sure what you're trying to prove..." Al says placing the tarot card at the center of the array and activating it once more. His eyes widen and he finishes, standing up once more. "Brother! That card... it's got a Gate!"

>>26244297
"Alphonse, do you think you could activate the Gate in us, or in the Card? Or perhaps they're meant to be opened in conjunction?"

Rolled 32, 74, 55 = 161

>>26244413
"What you have isn't really a Gate..." Alphonse says, frowning. "It's... I'm not sure what it is, but it links in to the card's Gate. I might be able to open it... but I'm not sure it'd be wise to. That place..."

"It's awful," Al and Ed say in unison.

>>26244527
We understand. Thank you for your concerns guys, but we don't have much of a choice, with us being in the race to get home. If there's a cost, shift it to us. You've suffered enough.

>>26244527

Interesting. Perhaps the Gamesters really didn't intend for anyone to get a wish, but rather wanted a racer to be taken by the gate. Or perhaps to sacrifice something to it.

>>26244527
"Sorry, but it's where we have to go. Hey, I've got some notes here on mitigating Rebound effects and Tolls; think they might help?"

>>26244563
"No, thank YOU for the concern," Ed says, shaking his head. "You're the ones that will be paying. You are the ones that will be going through, after all."

"Brother is right," Al says, looking at the card. "If what I can tell from this exploratory array is right... I don't think you have natural gates, especially if you're telling the truth about being from another world. This card seems to be imposing one on you."

"Wait... does that mean we can learn alchemy?" Scott asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Theoretically? Sure," Al says, handing the card back to Scott. "But the gate the card seems to be granting you is... well, it seems to be fading."

"It's temporary!" Elyse says, pounding a fist into her hand. "Just until we beat this stage!"

"Makes sense, I guess," Charlie shrugs. "Why bother holding open a portal like that longer than you have to?"

"If your card really is a way to use a Gate of Truth to get to a different world..." Edward quietly says. "Before we attempt to open it, you might want to prepare yourselves. Truth is cruel, and... well, you know about the toll."

"We'll need some time to prepare anyway," Al says. "This has never been attempted before."

>>26244749
"They might. Let us have a look," Ed asks, holding out his hand.

>>26244902
Hand over Flammel's notes.
He did a whole bunch of human transmutation experiments, apparently without a Philosopher's Stone, and didn't suffer a Rebound or meeting the Gate and paying a Toll.

While Ed and Al crack the code, let's pick up a few packs of cigarettes and some matches.

"Anything else you need, Brigadier?"

>>26245002
"And here I thought I was being all stealthy," Mustang says, stepping forward from the shadows. "No. I'm just here to observe and make sure that you're telling the truth and not planning to summon a sea of demonic eyes and hands to rip us all apart. I trust Fullmetal to handle the 'little' details."

"Watch it, Mustang," Ed says with a growl. Mustang shrugs.

"Anyway, with Armstrong taking the two muscleheads into custody and no sign of the others, it looks like you've already do-"

The ground suddenly shakes as the dull thud of something very loud exploding at a great distance hits your earbuds.

"...you'd think I'd learn," Mustang growls, racing for the door.

>>26245486
I recommend following. Hey Charlie, how good are you at pickpocketing? You could steal the card off the racer.

>>26245486
Scott, FFP, Elyse, can you identify that explosion?

Let's follow Mustang and help to cut down the competition.

>>26245570
>>26245589
"Yeah, I can identify it! It's TROUBLE!" Scott quips as everyone races after Mustang. The Brigadier General is intercepted by a patrol of soldiers once he ascends to the ground floor of the Command building.

"General!" one shouts. "A huge object just smashed into the center of the city!"

"What object? What's it look like?" Mustang shouts, walking towards the exit as the soldiers continue speaking.

"It's... It looked like a small building at first, but then it started changing! It... I guess unfolded would be the word, sir. Now it's made... well..."

"Well what?!"

"...a giant gate, sir."

>>26245682
>"...a giant gate, sir."
Well fuck.
NOW would be the time to get that beacon to transmit on TG Frequencies.

>>26245682
>...a giant gate, sir.
The fuck? The exit to this world was actually going land here? We just needed to wait it out instead of running around?

Or could the gate be a dimensional gate and it's part of Operation Ahab?

Scott, ask the soldier if the gate is a circular gate or a square gate, and if anything has come through yet.

>>26245728
Already tried and failed. I don't think we'll be allowed to try again without getting a new electronics toolkit.

>>26245771
To be fair, I'm going to wait until Meta says yay or nay on being able to try again. Maybe we'll get lucky and Al can Alchemy it into doing what we want with Yellowman and FFP's help.
Ed could fix radios and shit.

>>26245755
"What's the gate look like? Big, black, made of stone?" Scott asks.

"What? No, it's rectangular, but made of metal and cables," the soldier says. Scott scowls.

"That ain't our way home," he mutters.

>>26245800
Do you want to ask Al to try and fix the transmitter with alchemy?

>>26245800
>Ed could fix radios and shit.
But Alchemy specifically requires understanding the structure of the thing being repaired.

1. Comprehension - Understanding the inherent structure and properties of the atomic or molecular makeup of a particular material to be transmuted, including the flow and balance of potential and kinetic energy within.
2. Deconstruction - Using energy to break down the physical structure of the identified material into a more malleable state so as to be easily reshaped into a new form.
3. Reconstruction - Continuing the flow of energy so as to reform the material into a new shape.

Anybody doing alchemy on the beacon would need to understand the molecular structure of the electronics and whatever quantum circuits are inside of it, and understand how they should be reconfigured to be able to transmit on a TG frequency, which the beacon wasn't even originally meant to do.

Alchemy would probably break it more likely than fix it. Sure, Al can try; doesn't mean that it's likely to work.

>>26245876
Transdimensional gate, and part of Operation Ahab, then. If we get there fast enough, we could set up a Sentry Gun while we try to disable the gate.

And don't distract Al from Flammel's notes and setting up the Gate array.

>>26245950
We should probably get Mustang to get a tank there, and have someone shoot those cables before the gate activates.

>>26246002
>>26245950
"Mustang, if you gotta tank, I suggest you get it at that gate and firing. You want that thing disabled as soon as possible!" Scott yells, running for the door. "Everyone else with me, we're gonna try and stop whatever Conti's trying to pull! Sheesh, even when he's dead that guy is a pain in the ass."

Scott and the others don't have to race long before they arrive at a street intersection almost blocked off by the mammoth metal gate, which appears to be still assembling itself. Anchored into the cracked and crumbling pavement with several claw-like anchors, panels and pistons continue to unfold along the doorway-shaped structure while electricity begins to dance along the arch. Heavy cables twist along the doorway like vines, and the entire design gives off an inelegant ramshackle air.

"Man that thing's big!" Charlie whistles.

"Two stories tall," Elyse murmurs.

"I've seen bigger, at least it's nothing a Titan or something could get through," Scott comments.

"It could if it was a Warhound," Elyse notes.

"Yeah it could if-"Scott stops and fixes Elyse with a glare. "Whaddya trying to do, jinx us! Here, gimme a hand with these sentries. We'll try and set up a picket line."

>>26246752
Armstrong would be really useful right now. Al too, since he doesn't need the circle.

>>26246752
Gotta love Conti's love for overwhelming force.

>>26246844
He can't use overwhelming force. That's OUR strategy! Who the hell does he think he is?

Rolled 45

>>26246752
In the time it takes Scott and the others to set up the three robot sentries before the gate, the machine completes its assembly. Power crackles along the interior of the doorway until an opaque sheet of blue energy fills it.

"Aw shit doc, it's glowing! Glowing things have never been any good to me!" Charlie says, looking up from the sentry he and Scott just put up.

"Prepare for trouble!" Scott shouts, hand going for Waldorf.

>>26247059
MAKE IT DOUBLE!

File: 1374819504022.gif-(992 KB, 500x375, sJQ9e.gif)

992 KB GIF

>>26247059

File: 1374819849375.jpg-(139 KB, 800x450, Quartz-Dragon-new.jpg)

139 KB JPG

>>26247059
A shrill shriek splits the air as something angular and huge flies out from the portal. Crystals stud scaly flesh while blue fire flares from behind diamond-like formations on giant crystal-coated 'arms'. Despite numerous rocky protrusions and bizarre proportions, there is no mistaking what it is. Another shriek rips forth from a sharp-toothed maw just under a gigantic crystalline horn.

"DRAGON!" Scott screams. "IT'S A GODDAMN DRAGON!!!"

"QUARTZ DRAGON!" Elyse shouts. "That's a Quartz Dragon!!!"

"You've gotta be fuckin' KIDDING me! Where the hell did Conti get one of those?!" Charlie exclaims as the sentries chatter to life, barely scratching the beast as it soars into the air before turning and diving right towards the group.

"It's gonna ram us!" Scott yells. "Scatter!"

Roll 3d100, please.

Rolled 7, 16, 76 = 99

and now the dice will fuck us.

Rolled 27, 72, 59 = 158

>>26247268

>>26247279
Elyse nimbly leaps out of the way of the charging dragon, but Scott doesn't move nearly fast enough, the dragon's single giant horn driving through his armor and into the ground, impaling Scott for an instant before withdrawing back into the with what seem to be some sort of organic thruster growing from it. It lingers only for a moment before slamming down into the ground again, this time catching Charlie on its horn, tossing him into the air and cruelly flipping him aside. Somehow, both Scott and Charlie manage to survive, getting to their feet as the dragon bellows a challenge.

>Scott takes 1 Wound after Adamant.
>Charlie takes 2 Wounds.

>>26247373

RUN FOR IT.

Wait it out until enough firepower and manpower shows up, like State Alchemists and tanks and shit.

Don't use small arms against it. You'll just make it angry. What are you, Australian?

>>26247373
Hit Scott and Charlie with one of FFP's saps. Is it actually made of quartz? If so, tell the alchemists to turn it into its base elements.

We are so screwed.

Scott, use the SULC.

>>26247495
You've already expended FFP's sap for this thread.

>>26247585
"I knew I was lugging that thing around for a reason!" Scott cries as he jumps over to the trained mimic and retrieves the Single Use Laser Cannon. "Come on, hit!"

Please roll 1d100.

Rolled 33

Come on dice.

We need to use Charlie's reroll on that one.

Rolled 56

since nobody else is rolling

>>26247708
Scott shoulders the bulky tube, takes aim, and pulls the firing handle. A loud hiss bursts from the weapon as a stream of bluish white light lances from the business end to carve into the crystalline dragon before Scott. The dragon howls as the weapon expends itself, wounding but not slaying the creature. Scott lets the tube fall to the ground, useless as he fumbles for another weapon.

>SULC expended.

Elyse. Rush in for an attack when it lands.
Charlie, pepper it with your gun and keep it distracted.
Yellowman, use the gun that auto-aims from AvP.

I noticed that the Dragon has lots of little pointy bits that small things can get hooked onto. Anyone have any idea how to get the Ring of Bliss onto one?

Rolled 52

>>26247954
Yellowman begins to curse and swear as he attempts to put on the robotic harness for the smartgun while Elyse charges in and Charlie fires his Amestrian SMG.

>Roll 2d100 please.

Rolled 25, 4 = 29

>>26248067

>>26248067
Ugh, stop trying to make it angrier, and escape! How long until the tanks show up?

>>26248084
Thanks for screwing things up, and expending a heavy weapon for very little gain.

Rolled 7, 8 = 15

>>26248084
The dragon takes to the air once more as Elyse charges, her sword handily missing by a hair as the great beast twists in the air and prepares to ram the Crusader into the ground. Elyse is ready however, jumping to the side at the last moment and turning a killing blow into a graze.

Charlie's SMG jams after only a few rounds. He curses as he tosses the weapon away and runs for the trained mimic to retrieve a different gun.
>Elyse takes 1 Wound.

>>26248179
Dammit.
Charlie, grab a Pulse Rifle while you're there.
Scott, make sure you wear the Tracker Helmet as you put on the M56.
Elyse, wait for when the dragon tries to charge you, and sidestep it and attack.

>>26248177
Two threads left. there's no reason to hang onto this stuff if we aren't going to use it.

Yellowman, how's the harness going?
Elyse, drink a potion if needed, otherwise, keep fighting.
Charlie, Pulse rifle

Rolled 32, 100 = 132

>>26248256
>>26248267
"I'm getting there!" Scott says as he buckles part of the system on. "It's just complicated! I really should've strapped the sucker on earlier if I was going to use it!"

"Just what I was looking for," Charlie grins as he pulls a Pulse Rifle from the trained mimic.

The dragon clumsily swings around with its tail, but Elyse ducks underneath the attack and brings her blade upward, cutting into the dragon's flesh. The dragon squeals in pain and faces Elyse.

"What do I do?! What do I do?!" Fat Fot Pot squeaks in panic, flying around wildly.

Scott's card begins to pulse.

Please roll 2d100.

Well, that 100 should be good.

Rolled 61, 69 = 130

>>26248362
FFP, get up into the air and see which Racer is coming.

Elyse, try to clip the Dragon's wing.

Charlie, shoot at the Dragon's wings; disable them and it won't be able to fly and will be easier for the Amestrian soldiers when they arrive.

Scott, get that harness on.

Rolled 20, 99 = 119

>>26248402
>>26248362
Charlie fires two grenades that land square on the quartz dragon's wing, sending shards of crystal and bits of flesh flying as the beast roars, firing a blue beam of energy from its maw at Elyse. The crusader rolls underneath the blow and comes up with a vicious upper swing with her sword, cutting into the dragon's neck while Scott nearly completes putting on the harness.

"OK, I'll look for... There they are!" Fat shouts, waving his leafy tendrils at two figures standing atop a nearby roof.

The Spectre and the man in the suit.

"Bitten off a little more than you can chew, Transpace Guard?" the suited man calls, laughing. "I knew Conti was up to no good... but this is far beyond what I expected from that slime-bucket!"

The sentry guns come to life as several humanoids in black body armor begin to rush forward from the gate. The robotic guns track the new targets then begin chattering, the minions of Conti immediately getting hit with a wall of lead. A few go down, but some retreat back through the gate and others dive for cover as the sentries thoroughly foil whatever orderly attack they were trying to execute.

The ground begins to quake as State Military enter the fray at last, several soldiers popping off shots at both the dragon and the newcomers, though the rifles seem far more effective on the thugs with guns than the giant monster.

>>26248580
Elyse, back away from the dragon and get to some cover. FFP, fire a Poison Spore Cloud at the dragon; one of its weaknesses is against Poison attacks.

Charlie, take careful aim and try to shoot the dragon in the snout after FFP's attack. Its nose is a supposed weak point.

>>26248646
i believe FFP is out of spores for today. We should also try to get to safety, since spectre and co have the perfect chance to off us in this hectic situation.

>>26248675
>i believe FFP is out of spores for today.
No he is not.
This is a new session since he last used his Stun Spores.
He is back up to 3 uses of Stun, 1 use of Poison.

>>26248720
Perhaps the spores should be near the gate, to hurt the people coming through.

>>26248752
They're in black body armor; MetaOP, are Conti's goons wearing tactical helmets with face masks?
If they've got respirators, then sporing them won't do anything.

>>26247373
>Scott takes 1 Wound after Adamant.
Ah, that puts him down to 3 Wound, because he suffered 2 Wound damage but the Adamant soaked up 1 Wound.

I'll get the calculations for the ammo later, but I will start tracking rifle grenade usage already, starting with here >>26248580

Rolled 45, 90, 83 = 218

>>26248646
Please roll 1d100.

>>26248580
Elyse withdraws with a series of backflips that really shouldn't be possible for someone in armor as the dragon fires another blast of light that hits only air.

Between the sentry guns and the State Military taking up positions in the streets around the gate, the Conti thugs are pinned down and slowly being picked off one by one, their contribution to the fight minimal.

The rumbling under the ground intensifies as the gate begins to flicker on and off, a circle of energy appearing around it.

The Spectre and suited man watch carefully, but do not take action yet.

Rolled 31

>>26248824
Dammit, did the gate just bring up a shield?

>>26248838
No, the circle is only on the ground.

>>26248824
>>26248875
Seriously get to cover. There be some alchemy and shit going down.

It might also be a good idea to tell Mustang to shoot at the Specter and his friend when they have the opportunity. Just letting a pair of murderous assholes, who want to murder us specifically, bide their time and wait for the moment to act just doesnt sit well with me