>>27355678
The village of Dorado, as expected of any village on the fringes of a developing country, was not exactly something to write home about. From what you can see, it was a fairly large cluster of straw huts with the occasional mud or even brick dwelling. No signs of paved roads, electricity, running water, or any other utility or infrastructure that was taken for granted in most cities. However, despite its humble appearance, you can tell the village has obviously seen better days. You notice the masonry was cracked and pitted with bullet holes, and quite a few of the buildings had obviously been burned down.

Thanks to Simo, the Demons decided to roll into town in force. He managed to round up Honey Badger and several Rhinos to tag along. Heck, he even managed to convince Jurgens to send a flight of Condors to do a flyby and loiter in the area. Even though the Rhinos were more a bluff, being empty and all, it was still more than enough firepower to level the village.

Hopefully it wouldn't come to that.

The convoy comes to a stop at the outskirts of Dorado, where the village's inhabitants cautious begin exiting their vehicles to see what was going on. More than a few were armed, though only with EWII era weaponry.

"Are you ready?" Lucina asks as both you and she step out of Trombe.

"Yeah, I think I am." You nod.

"Okay, it's showtime, Lucas." Simo says, returning the villagers' cautious gazes with one of his own. "Look, it's not too late. Are you really sure you want to do this?"

>Yeah, I am.
>On second thought this probably isn't going to work.
>Other

>>27355688
>Yeah, I am.
Still not sure about Lucina tagging along in plain sight, but it'll do

>>27355688
>Yeah, I am.
We're still an optimist, for now. We haven't been broken, yet.

>>27355688
>Yeah, I am.

>>27355688
>>Yeah, I am.

>>27355688
>On second thought this probably isn't going to work.
How about we search the village and if we find any contraband or not so friendlies, we torch it and when I say 'it' I mean the village.

>>27355688
>>Yeah, I am.

>>27355777
Yes because killing the inhabitants never does "anything" bad in the long run.

>>27355787
Never said kill them, just the village itself. Hearts and Minds ain't a effective way at COIN.

>>27355777
Because that worked out SO well for the Russians in Afghanistan.

>>27355777
Have you ever heard of carrot and stick doctrine? It boils down to this: If the local villagers either agree to not interfere or actively aid us, they will be rewarded greater than the enemy could; the Carrot. However, if they aid our enemy, they will face retribution far worse than our foes could even dream of. It is by far the second best COIN strategy, if you aren't afraid to dirty your hands.

>>27355688
>>Yeah, I am.

>>27355814
My first problem with that is that I don't imagine Lucas would be okay with it. The second is that "burn the villiage! That certainly won't make the villagers more willing to help the enemy!" is not a very well thought out plan

>>27355814
Ah yes, burn their homes to the ground and run them out. THAT won't create an entire village worth of new rebel sympathizers or anything...

>>27355823
>>27355839
Either thinking of Rhodesia or South Africa, which it worked but international politics lead to defeat. Yea It's definitely not something Lucas would be OK with, just suggesting.
>>27355825
Sounds good.

>>27355825
Any suggestions to what to offer them if they help us or not interfere?

>>27355876
Hmm, lesse. Electricity? Clean water? Help with building shit and protection from ebil rebels?

>>27355876
Food, Water, and Meds would be a good start if we can spare or possibly take it from our Artemis friends.

Rolled 9

>>27355876

Infrastructure expertise. Farming aid. Healthcare. Protection.

>>27355862
You don't seem to understand Rhodesia very well.
Rhodesians did Carrot And Stick, combined with Fireforce. They didn't go straight to the stick. We can't really do Fireforce since we don't have any helos, but we CAN do Carrot And Stick. Of course the Rhodesians DID have the advantage of Mugabe being a fucking thug at the head of an army of subhuman scum, and his followers liking their raping quite a bit.

File: 1379820884793.jpg-(43 KB, 500x350, you-came-to-the-wrong-nei(...).jpg)

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>>27355688
"Yeah, I'm sure." You say resolutely. You already made a commitment to this plan. Backing out now was going against everything you were taught.

"Good luck then, man." Simo steps out of your way.

"Be careful out there, Lucas." Morgan says as she sets up a vantage point. "I -I mean- we will be watching. If you need help just give us the signal, okay?

"Yeah, thanks."

Looking at the village again, you instinctually tighten your grip on your M60 before you even remember that you're holding the thing. You wonder whether you should walk into the village with it, for a bit of intimidation factor, or just leave it behind to show you want to talk in good faith.

>Take your weapon with you.
>Leave it.

>>27355959
>>Leave it.
Nice guys don't bring weapons to make new friends.

Rolled 16

>>27355959
>>Leave it.

Pack the sidearm and knife, though.

>>27355959
>>Leave it.
But keep your pistol and knife.

>>27355959
>Take your weapon with you.
Just kinda let it hang from it's strap, though. Take it with us, but don't go waving it around with our finger on the trigger, because that's just ASKING to shoot Marvin in the face.

>>27355959
>>Take your weapon with you.
Look relaxed and friendly, as much as you can with a machine gun.

Rolled 16 + 3

>>27355959
>Leave it.

>>27355959

> take your weapon with you

We REALLY don't want to be weapon less if/when shit hits the fan...

>>27355959
>>Leave it.

If we're going friendly we go full friendly.

>>27355959
>>Take your weapon with you.

>>27355959
>Take your weapon with you.

The village probably isn't filled with rebel ragnite nova 6 nazi zombies... but it MIGHT be.

>>27355959
>>Leave it.

don't half ass it

File: 1379821379530.jpg-(784 KB, 2544x3000, Helghast_Heavy.jpg)

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I imagine Lucas wearing some sort of heavy ballistic armour at the moment, if we go around packing the M60, it looks like we're looking for a fight.

Rolled 10

>>27355990
Seconding this, let it hang from your back and put on our most cheerful smile (which, knowing Lucas, is fucking powerful on its own.)

Rolled 10

>>27355959
>leave it

>>27355959

>>Leave it.

>>27356098
We're not exactly walking down the streets of New York in broad daylight, dude. It's an active warzone. Everybody and their brother is armed.

Wait.
DO WE HAVE ANY OF MOM'S HOMEMADE CANDY WITH US?

>>27356136
We have crate loads we are willing to part with, so I say yes.

>>27356147
We should start carrying some in Trombe. Handing out candy to kids when they roll through a town seems like something Lucas would do.

Rolled 20 + 3

>>27355959

>>27356136
>>27356147
>>27356167

YES.

Leave guns, bring candy.

we're the fucking US in iraq

>>27355990
this and you only ever have your finger on the trigger when it is time to kill

>>27356167
If I remember, a Allied pilot in WW2 was airdropping crates of candy to the children of Berlin during its seige.

>>27355959
>>Leave it.
>>Bring candy.

>>27356180
That may work in this case, we ain't taking out a Government that hates AQ-like groups like us. Bring on the Candy!
>>27356179
Why.

>>27355959
>>Leave it.
We'll punch our way out.

>>27356199
Started with one. Became a mission wide thing shortly after.

>MFW I learned that in school.

>>27356199
Ah, think that was the Berlin Blockade, not WW2, thought I can see pilots doing that anyway.

>>27355959
>Leave it.

>>27356180
>we're the fucking US in Iraq
How long before we start having impromptu karaoke sessions in the back of Trombe?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9UpK_uAPwI

>>27356180
Please don't leave the gun behind, it might help negotiations but Lucas is a goddamn -soldier- first and foremost and a soldier is to never be without his weapon on operation, which we currently are.
Though bringing candy is a really good idea.

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>>27356180

And what happens when we encounter the kid with a teddy bear bomb? Or the kid rigged up to be a suicide bomb? I have nothing against a "hearts and minds" campaign, but let's be loaded for bear if things go in the shitter.

>>27356274
Then Lucina probably shanks them before we notice.

>>27356267
>>27356274

Well thats what the big show of force is for.

Lucas goes in unarmed but already with an armed escort + a big relief force.

It shows we're willing to negotiate in good faith but don't fuck with us or we'll kick your ass instead of looking like a bully right from the go.

Besides i bet the rebels did alot of their negotiations with a gun. What better way to differentiate the demons from them.

File: 1379822471834.jpg-(129 KB, 894x894, Lucina 2.jpg)

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>>27355959
"Lucina, let's leave our primary weapons here. We want to let the villagers know we're here to talk, not to fight."

Lucina just gives you the oddest look, as if you've suddenly sprouted a flower from your head. Asking someone like her to voluntarily part with her weapon was like some sort of sacrilege.

"What about sidearms and knives?" She asks.

"We can take those." You say. You weren't TOTALLY suicidal. Plus it was a small concession you were willing to make for Lucina. "Oh right! I nearly forgot!"

You then reach into your pack and fill your pockets and spare pouches with Mom's candied caramels. She always made sure expeditions were well stocked with her candied goods, after all.

"Okay, let's go!" You say.

To say the walk into the village was tense was a bit of an understatement. You and Lucina slowly walk in, hands out where they could be clearly seen while numerous sets of eyes, and the barrels of a few guns, silently track your progress.

"Hey, there, I'm Lucas, and this is Lucina from the Demons of Randgriz. I was hoping that I'd be able to speak with whoever is in charge here." You say clearly and carefully.

There's a lot of low mumbling and a big, lumbering villager steps forward. From the scavenged military gear he's wearing, you can guess he's some sort of high ranking security official or something.

"And what makes you think we want to talk to YOU?" His voice rumbles like an idling tank engine.

>Play it politely. You're just the friendly neighborhood mercenary company.
>Play it aggressive. Point out they don't have much of a choice otherwise.
>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.
>Other

>>27356322
There is literally no reason to go unarmed aside from 'putting them more at ease' which we are probably going to do by giving them a shitton of candy.
It's one thing to have your gun actively up and at the ready when you are moving in and another having it limp at your back and walking in hands up to show you mean no harm.
By at least having it, if shit goes sideways, we can actively fight back instead of being a liability.

>>27356385
>>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.
Carrot and stick. Always.

>>27356385
>>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.
Give him something worth while.

>>27356385
>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.

If we wanted aggressive, we left the M60.

>>27356385
>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.

>>27356385

>>Play it politely. You're just the friendly neighborhood mercenary company.
>>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.

>>27356385
>>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.

>>27356385
>>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.
and mix it with Politeness

>>27356385
>Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.
Not overly friendly so we don't get taken advantage of and not overly volatile so we don't start shit. Middle road is always the best choice because both sides stand to benefit in this case.

Rolled 18 + 3

>>27356385
>Play it politely. You're just the friendly neighborhood mercenary company.

>>27356385
>Play it politely. You're just the friendly neighborhood mercenary company.
Play it diplomatically. Say you've got something to offer them.

>>27356385
"Hey, we were just checking things out and I saw that both of us need something that we can easily provide to each other." You say politely. "No offense, but your village looks to be in some pretty rough shape. Well, it just so happens that we've got plenty of construction equipment up that hill. We'd be happy to bring some down to help fix up your village, but the problem is that this area just isn't quite safe."

The big guard just narrows his eyes at you for what seems like a very long time before grunting.

"Okay, you can see the Elder. But no weapons." He points to your sidearms.

>I'd like to keep our weapons, if possible.
>Okay, whatever, you say.
>Other

>>27356948

>>Okay, whatever, you say.

Lucina doesn't go in.

>>27356948
>>Okay, whatever, you say.
If there's trouble, we'll just use CQC.

>>27356948

>Okay, whatever, you say.

>>27356948
>>Okay, whatever, you say.

>>27356948
>>Other
If you don't mind, let my friend here keep her knife. It's the last thing she has to remember her father by, and she gets a little... touchy if she doesn't have it.

>>27356948
>>I'd like to keep our weapons, if possible.
"I didn't bring my big guns just to be friendly, I'm not leaving myself and my friend defensless"

>>27356948
>Okay, whatever, you say.

Rolled 7 + 3

>>27356948
>Okay, whatever, you say.
>Other

Leave Lucina her knife

>>27356961
This guy has the right idea

>>27356961
This.

>>27356948
>Okay, whatever, you say.

I'm pretty sure Lucina's got shit hidden everywhere regardless.

I need to ask you guys, to settle a point with a friend, how much did the previous quest parallel The Legend of Razgriz from Ace Combat 5?

>>27357310
Erm, not a lot really.

>>27357310
I'd say not alot

>>27357310
That was basically the only parallel, most of the story was closer to Zero than anything else. This one seems to be based more around 4.

>>27356948
"Okay, whatever you say." You carefully hand over your sidearm and your knife. "I just expect to have this stuff returned, okay?"

The guard just grumble something unintelligible as he puts your weapons into a box. Lucina narrows her eyes as the guard expects her to do the same. A quick nod and she rather reluctantly hands her weapons over. Well, the obvious ones, at least.

"Search them." The guard says.

"Whoa, is that really necessary? We're already acting in good faith here."

"We can't be too careful when it comes to the Elder." The guard rumbles again. "This won't take long.

Your pat down goes without incident, since you already handed over all your weapons. In fact, while reaching into one of your pouches, the villagers find your Mom's caramels. Curious, one of the villagers pops it into his mouth and his eyes widen in surprise and wonder. The other villagers take note of this as well.

"More?" He asks.

"Sure, I got plenty." You grin. You unclip one of your larger pouches from your vest and open it up. At that moment, you're swarmed by a horde of little children as they wanted a piece.

Meanwhile, the guard, trying to ignore the little carnival going on, directs his attention to Lucina. Funnily enough, while the male villagers seemed more than willing to try and pat her down, they were driven back by a venomous glare intense enough to melt armor plate. Finally, a female villager stepped forward, which Lucina was willing to tolerate.

Fortunately for the both of you, the villagers weren't all that skilled and didn't actually know how to do a truly thorough pat down. You notice Lucina's small and subtle shifts of parts of her body to direct exactly where the villager's hands would go, making sure they passed over wherever she was hiding those darn knives of hers.

Finally, the villager gives a nod of approval and the guard points to the one brick building in the village.

(cont)

>>27357310

Not at all.

The legend of Razgriz requires the surpposed death of the heros to be reborn/returned as reapers.

>>27357363
The both of you step inside, and are greeted with something you didn't quite expect. Honestly, you thought the village Elder would be some sort of tribal chief with primitive clothing and customs, but sitting in front of you behind a desk is a man in a loosely fitting collared shirt. His skin was wrinkled and tanned, and his head was covered with short white hair and a beard. On the walls you catch a weathered diploma from the University of Oured.

"Ah, the newcomers. I was expecting you to be coming down at some point." The Elder says, and motions to a pair of chairs. "Come, sit"

The two of you sit down and the Elder gives you two a long and hard look as if he was scanning every bit and detail about you.

"Hmmmm, judging from your clothing and your accents... you're Gallians, correct?"

"That's right, sir." You nod.

"Interesting. Now what would Gallians be doing all the way out here, so far from home?"

>We were paid to, obviously.
>We just want to make a difference.
>Helping out an ally, is all.
>Other

>>27357380

>>Helping out an ally, is all.

But that doesn't mean we cant

>>want to make a difference here

>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.

We're mercenaries, big whoop.

Being frank about our nature would also help earn us some brownie points. There's only only so much nice guy I can take before it starts to become saccharine.

>>27357380
>>We were paid to, obviously.

>>27357380
>>Helping out an ally, is all.

I mean the Demons seem kinda sorta part of the regular military now.

>>27357380
>>We were paid to, obviously.
Might as well be honest.

>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.

>>27357380
>>We were paid to, obviously.
No BS fits well with these people. At least it did in the sandbox, not sure how it worked inna Nam or something like Colombia.

>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.

We're mercenaries, the only "allies" we can really call as such are the Gallian Regulars and Militia.

>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.

We're mercenaries that got paid to do something, surprise.

>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.

>>27357446

Or allies of Galia.

>>27357380
Hey Merc, could you clarify how close a relationship the Demons have with the regular Gallian military?

Because it seemed close.

Rolled 3 + 3

>>27357380
>Helping out an ally, is all.

>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.

>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.

Ugh, for fuck's sake, don't whitewash the fact that we're mercenaries.

Sure we're nice mercenaries, but mercenaries nevertheless.

>>27357310
Not much. There were a lot more Zero parallels, really. Hell, Karla's whole thing at the end was full-blown A World With No Boundaries.
>>27357380
>We were paid to, obviously.
Don't bullshit the man, he's obviously quite intelligent.

>>27357380
"Well, we were paid to, obviously." You shrug.

This gets a loud, booming laugh from the Elder. You can hear rustling from the door as several villagers poke their heads in to see what the commotion is about. The Elder waves them them off and the heads disappear when they see everything is fine.

"Oh dear, an honest mercenary. I never thought I'd see the day." The Elder wipes a tear from his eye. "My name is Elder Arguello, leader of the village of Dorado. May have the pleasure of having your names?"

"I'm Lucas Williams and this is Lucina from the Demons of Randgriz." You respond in kind.

"Aaaaahhh, the Demons, I have heard of your exploits..." Arguello nods. "I never expected to see any of you on this side of the Atlantic, though. This is usually Artemis' backyard."

"I think it's because our boss has a few Emmerian friends." You shrug.

>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.
>Ask him what Artemis has been doing down here.
>Ask why a guy like him is in a backwater like this.
>Other

>>27357380
>>We were paid to, obviously.

>>27357380
>Helping out an ally, is all.

>>27357548
>>Ask him what Artemis has been doing down here.

>>27357488
Close enough that most outsiders confuse the Demons with the regular military.

>>27357548
>Ask him what Artemis has been doing down here.

>>27357548
>>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.

We want friends, real ones. What does that require?

>>27357548

>>Ask why a guy like him is in a backwater like this.

>>27357548
>>Ask him what Artemis has been doing down here.
See what Artemis is offering, if anything at all.

>>27357548
>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.

>>27357548
>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.

>>27357548
>>Ask him what Artemis has been doing down here.

Rolled 11 + 3

>>27357548
>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.
>Ask him what Artemis has been doing down here.

>>27357548
>>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.

You know, I'm going to be REALLY disappointed if Rourke and his merry crew are only relevant in this campaign instead of acting as recurring enemies. Rourke is badass if nothing else.

>>27357548
>Ask him what Artemis has been doing down here.
Info time!

>>27357548
>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.
He obviously likes that we're being straight with him.

>>27357548
>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.

>>27357548
>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.

Seems like a guy who likes getting straight to the point, I see no reason why we should discontinue out current trend.

>>27357548
>Get straight to the point. Talk about trade.
>Ask why a guy like him is in a backwater like this.

Let's keep the ball rolling then go with this theme we have.

Oh christ, somebody stop me. I decided to read through all of the archives of the first quest.

>>27357548
"Anyways, we're just going to get straight to the point here, Elder." You continue. "Basically, we're here to make sure we can mutually benefit each other while we're here."

"Oh, how so?" The Elder cracks a smile.

"Medical aid, infrastructure, whatever you need to keep your town running as long as you give us all the intel you've got on the rebels in the area, and as long as you don't give them any assistance whatsoever."

"And if the rebels try to attack us?"

"Well, considering we've got this mighty big base just up the hill with a good view of your village, I believe we could send down some people to help you out if need be." You say.

The Elder nods and thinks on it for a second. You can tell he's obviously trying to figure out how much he can get out of this new situation.

"Okay, that's a deal." The Elder nods. "What can you give us?"

"Hey, I'm just here to open up the negotiating table. I'm not an officer. If you want to talk to somebody with authority, let us go and we can bring somebody back qualified to give you some more specific terms."

"Yes, true, why would you send your highest ranking man into the hornets' nest?" Arguello grins. "Fine. But only one of you can go. The other will stay in the village, as a measure of good faith, of course."

>Sounds fair.
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.
>Other

>>27358470

Sounds fair.

Also we're leaving Lucina behind.

>>27358470
>>Sounds fair.
Have Lucina stay. If anything goes sour, she's the one with weapons. If everything goes right, no need to worry.
If worst comes to worst, we go full ragemode

>>27358470
>>Sounds fair.
Lucina has the skills and training, as well as the hidden weapons, to survive.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

We've been EXCEEDINGLY generous so far and made a lot of allowances, it's time for him to show us a little faith.

>>27358470
>>Sounds fair.

>>27358470

>>Other
"We'll be coming back regardless and we do wish to come to the table. Does it truely make a difference if you hold one of us? I just want to point out that our officers will not look at that kindly and it may make them harder to negotiate with."

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

If we wanted to blow this village up we would've done it from the start.

>>27358470
>Sounds fair.
We stay. Lucina can go back.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.
He'll respect some spine.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

We have to draw the line somewhere people.

>>27358470
>>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

Nope. Nope. Nope. Never leave unarmed men with indigenous forces.

>>27358470
>>Sounds fair.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

No.

There is literally no reason he should keep one of us here but to piss us off, we've already shown that we're willing to negotiate, all of this is some fucking unnecessary power play.

>>27358470
sounds fair
I'll stay

>>27358470
>Sounds fair.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

We're fair and made a lot of concessions, but this is really verging on being spineless.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.
so much nope
and plus, Lucina will murder us no matter which one has to stay, and she's scarier than all the rebels

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.
We've piled him with acts of good faith and he wants more? No, seriously we should draw the line somewhere.

>>27358470
>Sounds fair.

Send Lucina.

>>27358470
>>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

Welp so much for peace as they have a good reason, but hey it isn't /tg/ without its classic decision making skills (the lack therefore of to be precise)

>>27358470
>Sounds fair
"Lucina, would you mind fetching us an officer?"

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

NOPE.

Rolled 1 + 3

>>27358470
Sounds fair but Lucina gets the officer

>>27358470
>>Sounds fair.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

Hell no.

Why do I have a feeling that an armed guard will burst into the room and arrest us?

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.

>>27358470
>We're not going to let you keep hostages.
that will piss of the Demons, who will then kill the natives
explain this to him

>We're not going to let you keep hostages.
Measure of good faith? Good faith was coming here to negotiate in the first place. There is a whole base full of people just itching to turn this entire village into a crater. We are literally the only reason why this hasn't happened yet, and they want to give them an excuse.

>>27358801
I guess we should also mention, that we were the only ones to suggest a negotiation to them in the first place.

>>27358470
"That's an awfully fancy word for 'hostage'" You say frostily.

"True, but hostage trading has been a well accepted form of diplomatic negotiation for centuries." Arguello shrugs.

"Either way, we're not just going to leave one of our people here alone with you." You respond sternly.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 14

>>27358855

Rolled 13

>>27358855
how about we take him hostage, back to our base?

Rolled 1

>>27358855

Rolled 1

>>27358855

>>27358864

Optimism Ho!

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>>27358864
...Wrenloft...OPTIMISM HOOOO!!!!!

>>27358816

Let us ignore the fact that Lucina is a supersoldier macgyver and could possibly murder the whole village with a jawbone and her fists.

We can make a show of it but we must eventually accede to their demanda.

>>27358855
>"True, but hostage trading has been a well accepted form of diplomatic negotiation for centuries."
That assumes both sides give a shit about the hostage they send.

This is the probably the time when we explain that we were the ONLY one willing to give diplomacy a chance, and the rest of the demons would not accept a hostage trade. (even if we do)

>>27358864
I don't think we've been screaming at Wrenloft enough.

Rolled 7

>>27358864

Fucking wrenloft.

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>>27358855
Arguello seems to mull it over before finally acquiescing.

"Fine. You both may leave. However, you will send an authorized representative before sunset, or we will consider the deal broken. What happens after that will be your burden. Is that clear?"

"Crystal." You nod.

You and Lucina exit the building, with several armed villagers tailing you as you make your way back to the edge of the village. Along the way, a crowd of children, ignoring their parents, crowd around you for more candy.

"Whoa, hey, just be patient!" You laugh as you pull several more handfuls of caramels out of your pockets and distribute them as evenly as you can. Well, at least you've won the hearts of the kids, here, if that counted for anything.

Once your reach the edge of the village, the village guard finally gives you back your confiscated weapons before warily backing away.

"Well, it looks like you're still alive." Simo says walking up to you. "What did they say?"

"They're willing to talk, in return for assistance and protection from us." You say. "I didn't offer anything to them, though, since I didn't know what we were authorized to give."

"Good job." Simo nods. "This is where our local expert comes in."

At that moment, Menendez strides forward, looking very much at home in the sweltering noontime heat despite wearing a stuffy dress uniform.

"Good job setting down the welcome mat, Lucas, now it's my turn." Menedez grins. "You should go back to base. I'm sure your efforts will do more good up there."

>Sure thing.
>I'd rather stay here, sir.
>Other

>>27358974
>>I'd rather stay here, sir.

>>27358974
>>Sure thing.

Lets go do some manual labor!

>>27358974
>I'd rather stay here, sir.
I think Lucas would be interested in learning about negotiations.

>>27358974
>I'd rather stay here, sir.

>>27358974
>>I'd rather stay here, sir.
We have to earn the trust of the people.

>>27358974
>I'd rather stay here, sir.

>>27358974
>I'd rather stay here, sir.
This is kinda meta, but I still don't completely TRUST Menendez.

>>27358974
>I'd rather stay here, sir.
I want to see this through.

>>27358974

>I'd rather stay here, sir.

The village has seen a lot of action, staying here until things get sorted out is pretty important.

Rolled 5

>>27358974
>>I'd rather stay here, sir.

Candy to distribute

>>27358974
>>Sure thing.
Just don't be too harsh, okay?

>>27359036
I guess we've found a way to get rid of our crate loads of candy: Send them to the civilians who are near the conflict zones.

>>27359036
At this rate, we're going to accidentally wipe them out by giving them all the diabeetus.

>>27359061
hearts, minds, and clogged arteries?

>>27359061

>just as planned.

>>27359092
Well we could always try giving them ice cream, but we don't exactly have a steady supply of that.

>>27359061
and then Lucas was Eldrad

Rolled 18

>>27359055
>>27359061

We should hand out toothbrushes to the parents for the kids. And coffer packs.

Imagine a village of hyper sugared kids running about at top speed well past their bedtimes and the poor exhausted parents.

>>27358974
"No sir, I think I should stay here." You say.

"Oh, good, then I could always use a bodyguard." Menedez says happily. "It would be very appreciated if you two would accompany me, then. As you can see, my combat days have long since passed."

"Sure thing, sir." You nod. "Lucina?"

"If you need me to." Lucina shrugs.

"Then it's settled!"

With that, the three of you walk back into Dorado. This time, you've had one of the crates of candy trucked down in order to distract the villagers while you make your way to Arguello's office relatively unmolested.

"Arguello." Menedez nods respectfully as he enters.

"Menedez." Arguello's eyes narrow. "I didn't think you'd ever return here, much less with a Gallian mercenary company."

"The world is full of surprises, old friend." Menendez laughs.

"Whoa, wait, you two know each other?" You blink.

"In another life, yes." Menedez nods. "Dorado used to be an Erusean village. Well, this close to the border, the distinction between Erusean and Emmerian can get very fuzzy. Either way, this isn't the first time I had to haggle with this old man."

"Look who's talking!" Arguello chortles. "What will you offer me?"

"One crate of ragnaid. Once I'm confident you won't pass any of it off to the rebels, we can talk from there."

"Throw in a water purifier and I'll give you information on all the rebel activity in this area that I know of." Arguello responds.

"That's asking awfully a lot." Menendez frowns.

"Oh please. I know you've brought more than enough to service the base. What's sparing just one for our poor little village?"

"Fine. Just remember, if we find any Rebels using Demon branded ragnaids, we'll be back to have a very STERN talk."

(cont)

>>27359405
"I understand." Arguello nods, and walks over to a map of San Salvacion that is hanging on the wall. "Normally, the rebels in this area keep their forces to spread out among multiple camps, to make sure they don't get taken out in one attack."

"Yes, I'm aware of that." Mendez nods.

"But recently, my foragers having been giving me reports of odd behavior." Arguello points to a big red circle on the map, several miles east of Dorado. "The rebels have been packing up their camps and are congregating into a single area, which has been unheard of."

"That is troubling." Menendez frowns and stands up. "I'll be sure to pass the information along. You'll get your supplies before nightfall."

"It was nice seeing you again, Menendez, we should have a drink sometime." Arguello grins. "And you're free to bring this beautiful lady back with you, as well."

If Lucina was flattered, embarrassed, or annoyed by those words, she made no obvious sign.

"That would be up to her." Menendez laughs.

The three of you make your exit from the building. This time, you're not followed s aggressively, which is a nice change of pace.

>Press for more details about Menendez's relationship with Arguello.
>Ask Lucina what she thinks of Arguello.
>Other

>>27359412
>>Ask Lucina what she thinks of Arguello.

>>27359412
>>Ask Lucina what she thinks of Arguello.

>>27359412
>Ask Lucina what she thinks of Arguello.
Mendez and Arguello's pasts seem personal and not our business.

>>27359412
>Other
RAIN CANDY FROM THE HEAVENS

>>27359412
>>Ask Lucina what she thinks of Arguello.
Seems like somebody took a fancy towards you.

>>27359412
>>Press for more details about Menendez's relationship with Arguello.

>>27359412
Thank Lucina for saving our life at the ambush
and also ask what she thinks of Arguello

>>27359432
Na, gotta make that shit last. Candy goes all too quickly to village children. Eventually you don't get any left for yourself. I wanted those fucking Skittles, man.

>>27359412
>Ask Lucina what she thinks of Arguello.

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>>27359412
You lag behind Menedez a bit so you can get a moment to talk with Lucina privately.

"Hey, Lucina, so what did you think about Arguello?" You ask.

"Oh, he Elder?" Lucina pauses to think for a moment. "He's very nice, very smart, and possibly very dangerous. You don't grow old in a place like this by being a nice person."

"So what did you think about his compliment towards you?"

"Hm? He was talking about me?" Lucina blinks.

Of course. Of course the point would go straight over Lucina's head.

>No, it's nothing.
>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?
>Other

>>27359489
>>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?

>>27359489
>>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?

>>27359489
>>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?

>>27359489
>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?

Rolled 14 + 3

>>27359489
>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?

>>27359489
>>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?

>>27359448
Give the kids your Charms, anon.
I'm a bad, bad man.
>>27359489
>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?

>>27359489
>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?
"Not that I disagree with him..."

Rolled 1

>>27359489

[X] No I dont think hes had the opportunity to see me in a maid costume so no, he couldnt be talking about me."

>>27359537
Hahaha, this this a thousand times this.

>>27359489
I'll change this:>>27359502
to support this:>>27359537

>>27359537
this...

>>27359489
>Lucina, you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about?
not to mention he's right about the whole "beautiful" thing, too

>>27359575
Whoops, I meant this.

>>27359537
>>27359606
these two

>>27359537
Goddamn, switching to this.

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>>27359489
"Lucina," You sigh, "you were the only girl in the room. Who else could he have been talking about? And no, I dont think hes had the opportunity to see me in a maid costume so he couldnt be talking about me."

"Ah, well, it just wasn't something I was really thinking about." Lucina shrugs."Nobody's really called me that before so I didn't think it was that important. Is what he said true?"

"Yeah, pretty much." You nod. "You really are a beautiful girl, Lucina. You should remember that.."

"Ah, o-okay." Lucina blinks.

You hear a low chortle from Menendez.

"I probably should have pointed out earlier. There are very few Darcsens in Erusea and San Salvacion, so they're seen as somewhat exotic. You know, like how anybody in Europa would see an Osean maid."

"Oh..." You frown. "Was he-?"

"Nah, he's just being the lecherous old man he is. Don't think anything of it." Menedez laughs.

At this point, you've finally reached the convoy, where Mendez relays the situation to Simo. Simo nods and orders to the convoy to turn around and return to base.

"Good job, Lucas." Simo says, nodding in appreciation. "Let's see if these villagers live up to their word."

"Sir, something's approaching." Lucina says, pointing at the road. Sure enough, you can see a jeep barreling down at a rather haphazard speed.

"Shit, you guys go on ahead. I'll handle this." Simo sighs.

>Head on back to base.
>Stick with Simo.
>Other

>>27359723
>Stick with Simo.

Rolled 14 + 3

>>27359723
Head on back to base.

>>27359723
>>Head on back to base.

>>27359723
>>Head on back to base.

>>27359723

>Other

"with all due respect, that jeep looks suspicious as hell, are you sure?"

>>27359723
Stick with Simo.

>>27359723
>>Stick with Simo.
Just keep an eye on him for now.

>>27359760
this sounds reasonable.

>>27359723
>Stick with Simo.

>>27359760
Supporting this dialogue.

I hope we don't have to fire "warning shots" at it.

>>27359793
All shots are "warning shots" when the warning is "stop being alive, or else"!

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>>27359723
>Osean maids are exotic in Europa
>Sparky is Half-Osean
>Stick in maid outfit
>Hilarity ensues

My mind went to weiiiiiird places when I heard that.

>>27359723
>>Head on back to base.
we dont need to stick our nose into everything.

>>27359723
>>>Head on back to base.

Rolled 10

>>27359811


Imagine the amount of edwin spaghetti

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>>27359811
Jesus man, you're giving me better Marisa art than any image search has ever given me.

>>27359723
"With all due respect, sir, that jeep looks pretty damn suspicious. You sure you don't need us?"

"Actually I was sort of expecting these guys." Simo sighs. "But you're free to stay if you want.

At this point, the jeep finally comes to a full stop right in front of your group. The jeep has four people sitting in it, wearing jungle camo and not wearing any obvious markings. Even their jeep is unmarked. Well, at least they didn't seem to be from Artemis.

"Pardon me, if you don't mind me asking." One of the men riding in the jeep steps out. He's wearing a pair of sunglasses and gives off the air of a man who can keep his cool in any situation, like a living block of ice. "This isn't the Dorado Firebase, is it?"

"Actually, it is." Simo responds. "We just made a few improvements."

The stranger looks at Simo, then you, and then the rest of your team.

"Name's Agent Hudson. Emmerian Intelligence Special Warfare Division." The man says, saluting Simo. "I assume you're the mercs San Salvacion sent down here?"

"That's correct." You Simo nods. "What of it?"

"We heard there's been a lot of rebel activity in this area which might threaten Emmerian interests." Hudson says. "We're in here in an official capacity as military advisors. You know, to lend our assistance."

"I see." Simo gives a suspicious eye. "Something you're not telling us, Agent?"

(cont)

>>27359723
>Stick with Simo.

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>>27359983
"We have evidence to believe that there will be another imminent attack on Vitoze. One even bigger than the first one." Hudson responds. "We're here to investigate and eliminate the threat."

"Last I checked, Emmerian troops are forbidden from performing military action in San Salvacion during peace time." Simo points out.

"Well, it's a good thing we're only 'advisors', now, are we?" Hudson says, his expression still no changing.

Meanwhile, you're scanning the people in the jeep. There's two men who can't be more than a few years older than you, though it looks as if their extended stay in the jungle had artificially aged them. There was also one Darcsen woman accompanying them as well, with a big, almost malicious smile going from ear to ear.

>Well, we could use all the help we could get.
>I don't trust these guys.
>Other

>>27359995
>I don't trust these guys.

>>27359995
>>Well, we could use all the help we could get.
"You look like hammered shit."

>>27359995
>There was also one Darcsen woman accompanying them as well, with a big, almost malicious smile going from ear to ear.

Charming.

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>>27359983

I got more, lots more.

Lots lot more.

>>27359995
>>We could use all the help we can get.

MFW I just finished Jormungand.

>>27359995
>Well, we could use all the help we could get.

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>>27359995
>Chiquita
So if she's here, I wonder where Lehm is...
>Well, we could use all the help we could get.
>>27360007
Save that for when Woods cameos.

>>27359995
>Well, we could use all the help we could get.

We're rookies, besides which we shouldn't piss off potential future customers.

>>27359995
>Well, we could use all the help we could get.
Where's Woods and Mason? Gotta fill up that party!

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>>27360019

>>27359995
>I trust them as far as I can throw them, but I say we take what we get.

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>>27360039

>>27359995
>chiquita
Oh this will not end well.

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>>27359995
>Chequita sighted

Oh god, on no, oh fuck, why would you do this to me Merc?

>>27360036
The moment when Mason's friend, Reznov, actually helps us even when being dead and all, our jaws will hit the floor.

>>27360029
They're probably divorced atm.

I wonder if Koko or her brother are gonna show up...

If it's a jungle, I wonder if there's anyone named Bill around.

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>>27360056

>>27360064
Technically, ever time Reznov actually affected the world, it's implied to be Mason hallucinating someone else as being Reznov (the guy who found them in Afghanistan, for example).

>>27359995
>Well, we could use all the help we could get.

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>>27360076

>>27360077
It would be hilarious if he hallucinated Lucas being Reznov until he is required to speak to "Lucas", then Reznov all of a sudden changes location.

>>27360059
Oh no, this will end extremely well with Chequita recruited to our unit, fuck the chain of command.

>>27360068
Kasper is more likely of the two.
And if either of them shows up we need to be very, very careful. Those HCLI bastards are too damn clever to be trusted.

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>>27360087

>>27360099
Well, true. But they also sell good product. I would be more worried about Kaspersky since his plans generally end up with both sides killing each other.

Koko at least seems to be fine if you pay in cash and don't try to Fuck her over.

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>>27360100

>>27360118
>Koko at least seems to be fine if you pay in cash and don't try to Fuck her over.
Also don't push her to sell more than she's offering.

>>27360126
Yeah. You ARE allowed to ask if she has extra. But no pushing for things she doesn't want to sell.

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>>27360013
I know I'm charmed.

>>27360187
>>27360013
She was frigging adorable in the last episode when she was kicking Kaspers seat.

>>27359995
"We can use all the help we can get, right?" You as Simo.

"That's exactly what I was afraid of." He sighs. "I take it you're aware of a rebel base in the vicinity?"

"We've heard people mention it once or twice." Hudson says, obviously leaving quite a lot out between the lines. "We'd take care of it ourselves, but we didn't want to step on your toes or anything."

"You and three men?" Simo raises an eyebrow.

"More than enough." Hudson actually starts to grin now. "This is my team, Woods, Mason, and Chequita. Been advising in this jungle for three years going now."

"I see." Simo sighs. "Are you ready to move out right now?"

"Of course. We dressed up for the occasion and everything!" Chequita laughs.

"Right, then we're going to nip this in the bud while we still can." Simo keys his radio. "Wraith Team, this is Wraith Lead. Drop whatever you're doing and report to the West Gate ASAP. Come geared and ready to fight."

"We're fighting? Now?" You blink.

"Whatever the rebels are doing, they've obviously been planning for it a long time. If they're gathering together like this, that means whatever they're planning is going to happen soon, right?

(cont)

>>27360216
"We have less than twelve hours, is our best guess." Hudson nods. "Don't expect any help from Vitoze, though. They're pretty sure the rebels blew their load on the first attack. What kind of support can you bring?"

"Airfield and comms aren't fully set up, so air support is going to be spotty." Simo sighs. "But we've got a solid perimeter, so I think we can pull a tank or two."

"All right the, let's move out." Hudson says.

Once all of the Wraiths are gathered, the rest of the day is spent driving through the thick jungle. Soon, the sun begins to sink lower and lower into the sky, suggesting you'll be doing a night attack.

In addition to the Trombe, two tanks, Honey Badger and War Pig, follow closely behind. Suddenly, Hudson's jeep grinds to a halt.

"We're getting close." Hudson says over the radio. "We're going to figure out how to play this."

>Send a small scout force ahead to ID the base.
>Leave the vehicles in reserve and approach the base on foot.
>Full on blitz.
>Other

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>>27360123

>>27360228
Send a small scout force ahead to ID the base.

>>27360228
>>Send a small scout force ahead to ID the base.

Knowing is half the battle.

>>27360228
>>Send a small scout force ahead to ID the base.
Hide our numbers

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>>27360230

>>27360239
This.

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>>27360216
>Woods, Mason, and Chequita
>Woods
inb4 the rebels can't kill him
inb4 he looks like hammered shit
>Mason
inb4 The Numbers
inb4 Reznov
>>27360228
>Full on blitz.
BLITZKRIEG!

>>27360228
>Leave the vehicles in reserve and approach the base on foot.

>>27360239
This, but be sure to walk single file. After all, we must hide our numbers.

>>27360228
>Small scout force
And have everyone ready for
>BLITZ

Also bring explosives or sparky, she has explosives.

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>>27360242

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>>27360284

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>>27360307

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>>27360330

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>>27360343

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>>27360363

>>27360228
>>Send a small scout force ahead to ID the base.
Lucina can lead 2-3 others

>>27360228
>Send a small scout force ahead to ID the base.

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>>27360401

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>>27360422

>>27360228
"Maybe we should send a small scout team." You suggest.

"Yeah. Our whole convoy here is pretty easy to spot, and I'd like to have an idea of what we'd be going against." Simo says.

"Me and my team can handle it." Hudson says. "Though I could probably use two or three of your guys for support."

>Who do you send?

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>>27360441