File: 1382843311380.jpg-(96 KB, 1280x720, Lucas.jpg)

96 KB JPG

>>27961287
"We'll be landing at Vitoze ten minutes." You hear Barfbag's announcement over the plane's intercom. He sounds tired, and you can probably figure why. Ever since the Erusean attack, the transport pilots had been running ragged ferrying wounded and personnel to and from the Bastion, Vitoze, and the Kestrel in an effort to keep the defensive effort going.

While the Bastion held its own in the attack, many areas on the border did not fare so well, and the southern end of San Salvacion was now a veritable zigzag of contested territory. The Bastion itself was surrounded on three sides, with the north road barely being kept open thanks to aggressive air patrols continually checking further advances. However, you had heard that despite the Eruseans staging a preemptive strike on the seas as well, they didn't expect Emmeria to respond so quickly, and the Erusian Navy was essentially wiped out. Then again, it was understandable, since the Emmerian Navy considered the Canal a critically important strategic resource. That meant the coasts were relatively safe, and provided an avenue for Emmerian troops to arrive to reinforce San Salvacion.

However, none of that was your team's concern. You were headed back to the Emmerian Embassy in San Salvacion City in order to unlock the Cartographer's secrets, now that you all knew about Morgan's Valkrur heritage.

You also look at the two other people tagging along: Menendez and Reznov. Menendez, you suspect came along to keep an eye on you, while Reznov heard about Morgan being Steiner's daughter and figured sticking close to her was his best chance at getting to him.

>Apologize to Menendez.
>Talk to Reznov.
>See how Morgan is holding up.
>Other

>>27961296
>Talk to Reznov.
Lets talk to Reznov on this whole FUBAR'd situation.

>>27961296
>>See how Morgan is holding up.

>>27961296
>Talk to Reznov

Let's get his opinion on the situation with Lara and Tombstone.

>>27961296
>>See how Morgan is holding up.

>>27961296

>>Apologize to Menendez.

>>27961296
>See how Morgan is holding up.

>>27961296
>>See how Morgan is holding up.

>>27961296
>Talk to Reznov

He should have some interesting advice.

>>27961296
>Talk to Reznov

>>27961296
>Talk to Reznov

Cray Russian Advice go!

>>27961296

>Apologize to Menendez.
>See how Morgan is holding up.

I hope there aren't any Yggdists in the country, otherwise if they find out, they'll probably treat Morgan like a fucking angel from heaven who descended to rescue "the truly faithful" from the Rapture of the real world or for Fundamentalists, they treat Morgan like a fallen angel who is there to lead people astray because she doesn't fit "their definition" of an angel.

Oh Merc, we need to spend XP.

File: 1382844553000.png-(654 KB, 1366x768, Reznov.png)

654 KB PNG

>>27961296
You slide over to Reznov, who is busy polishing a very large and menacing revolver. An old one, too.

"Hey, Reznov, do you think we can talk for a second?" You ask.

"Why yes!" Reznov grins. He seems to be in a good mood. "What do you want to know?"

>Well?

>>27961630
RIGHT. I'll do that once this little convo is done.

>>27961635
What does Steiner specialize in? Or, What is his importance?

Also, we need to level up.

>>27961635
So about this Steiner guy...

File: 1382844756961.jpg-(117 KB, 523x1255, Russian_Rucksack.jpg)

117 KB JPG

>>27961635
"What's your opinions on everything that has happen over the last few days?"

He's getting the fuckin revolver ready for Steiner, ain't he?

>>27961692
I don't know, but I think Morgan may make the final decision for a sense of irony. But I'm still okay with Reznov doing it.

>>27961635
"I don't know if you've heard, but my sister was badly injured. And I want revenge."

>>27961756
Yes! Let's get advice from the Imperial who is absolutely obsessed with Revenge!

>>27961756
I like this plan.

>>27961756

Lara did ask us to not go after him

>>27961883
but Lara isn't here and Tombstone needs to get #wrekt.

>>27961883
She asked LUCAS not to. Reznov is another matter entirely.

>>27961895

i do not want to face her gaze of disapproval.

>>27961895
when we cross him we'll deal with it, but seriously, mission first, we got bigger shit to deal with

File: 1382845776912.gif-(1.77 MB, 640x360, Call Of Duty Dog Killing (...).gif)

1.77 MB GIF

>>27961756
Ah sorry but has Reznov actually been successful in that aspect?
>>27961895
It will come, worry not.

>>27961883
We won't kill him. We'll just remove his ability to fly.

>>27961941

So go after his plane?

>>27961953
Yes, then his eyes, fingers, and kneecaps.

>inb4 Tombstone is a single father and has to be ruthless to cope with what he's done and so his kid can have a roof over them.

>>27961953
Vandalize his plane first. Humiliate him. Then, when he is at his lowest push him down further.

>>27961959
kneecaps can be fixed by ragnaid, better just take his legs

>>27961991
>RIBBONS WAS HERE

>>27961987
>Has to be ruthless to cope with what he's done.

...What?

>>27961987
at this point, i don't give a shit, hell, I bet a few anons who kill his kid in front of him before working on him

>>27961987
Then we will kill him anyways, then his child will grow to hate us and the cycle of hate will go on.
>>27962010
You don't kill kids.

>>27962005
I meant that he wears a mask, uses a stance, takes a mindset so his humanity is untarnished.

Seriously? The only revenge necessary is Lara becoming more famous than him.

He'll always be #2.

File: 1382846257624.jpg-(164 KB, 1366x768, Steiner.jpg)

164 KB JPG

>>27961635
"So, Reznov, who exactly IS Steiner, and what does he do?" You ask. "Nobody's really given a straight answer on the guy."

"Ah yes, Steiner." Reznov nods, holstering his revolver. "He is Dragovich's personal scientists. A brilliant, but terrible man. He used to be in charge of the Empire's chemical weapons program before Dragovich transferred him to Artificial Valkrur research. He specialized in their mental conditioning, as well as finding ways to 'streamline' the conversion the process."

"Streamline?" You blink.

"Creating an Artificial Valkrur is not easy." Reznov sniffs. "Like Valkrur themselves, candidates need several 'factors' to be viable for conversion. As a result, the process itself has roughly an 80-90% failure rate. The lucky ones die in the process..."

"So... how does he 'streamline' the process?" You wince.

"Apparently, a true Valkrur is needed. He found a way to synthesize some sort of serum from their blood, so that subjects wouldn't be rejected by the conversion process." Reznov says darkly. "I believe you know what this would mean if Morgan was ever captured."

You feel a pit form in your stomach. "How do you know this? Does Simo know too?"

"I haven't told Simo, though he probably has his suspicions anyways." Reznov shrugs. "As for my knowledge of his research? I personally burned down his lab when I escaped Vorkuta."

"I see, and the revolver?"

"I stole it from a guard, and it was what sparked my escape. I'm saving it for Steiner and Dragovich. That reminds me! I must treat Falynn to a drink sometime, to thank her for killing Kravchenko in my stead!"

>Sure thing.
>Um, I'm not sure...
>Other

>>27962038
Tombstone doesn't care about fame.

>>27962059
>>Um, I'm not sure...

>>27962059
"Sure. You'll have to ask her yourself of course."

Then >>27961756

>>27962059
>>Sure thing.

>>27962059
>Um, I'm not sure...
"I'm not sure Falynn's much of a drinker."

File: 1382846525311.jpg-(22 KB, 432x256, WHO IS YOUR DADDY AND WHA(...).jpg)

22 KB JPG

>>27962059
>Sure thing.
"She may not be much of a drinker but it's the idea at the very least counts."
>"So, Reznov, who exactly IS Steiner, and what does he do?"
God dammit, read that in Arnold's voice.

The inner jerk in me wants to hand Morgan over to Nemo so she can develop better ragnaid with her blood, or perform experiments on her to improve our technology.

>>27962059

>>Um, I'm not sure...

Tell him of Falynn's misgivings. Won't do for him to get caught blindfooted.

>>27962154
This.

>>27962148

What Could Go Wrong?

>>27962148
I can get cold, hell probalby the coldest outta all my friends but you don't send a comrade off to be a test subject.
>>27962154
This sounds alright.

>>27962148
I have the strangest suspicion that might not, y'know, work.

>>27962169
Don't worry, I'm usually for the nice guy choice.

Now that you think about it, if the Cartographer can react to Morgan, does that mean other Valkyrur tech can work for her, maybe not valkyrur lances, but other things?

>>27962059
>Sure thing.

>>27962059
"Um, I'm not sure. I don't think Falynn views that whole experience as positive for her." You admit.

"Ah, well, some other time, then!" Reznov nods.

"Also, I have one more thing to task..."

"You want to know whether you should go after Tombstone or not, do you?" Reznov says.

"H-how did you know that?" You blink.

"I saw it, too. Everybody did. I may be old, but that doesn't make me stupid." Reznov continues. "If it was me, I would tell you to go ahead and try, but I must remind you of one thing. Revenge is a lonely path. I embrace it because I have nothing else. My family, my friends, my comrades, they are all dead and gone. As despicable as they are, Dragovich and Steiner are still men that will be missed, and I have no doubt somebody else would come after me to avenge THEIR deaths. If you go through with it, are you prepared for the consequences of your actions?"

>Yes.
>No.
>I'm not sure.

>>27962388
>>I'm not sure.

>>27962388
>>I'm not sure.

>>27962388
>Yes.

We big man with big gun and big words and big feelings.

>>27962388
>I'm not sure.

File: 1382847703757.jpg-(335 KB, 600x780, 20eb0ec84dc0bc199176d0f6a(...).jpg)

335 KB JPG

>>27962178
>I'm not sure.
>>27962407

>>27962388
>>I'm not sure.

>>27962388

>>I'm not sure.

>>27962388
>I'm not sure.
"I'm torn. He nearly killed my sister, and I just want to - to tear him limb from limb, to go *mad* on him, but... if I do that, then that might cause another war between the Demons and Artemis, and Lara told me not to, but I can't just... shit, I don't know what to *do*."

"...Did I just curse?"

A short video from Far Cry 2 on masks and their use to protect us from the horrors of combat as well as a warning about becoming the mask.

Jackal Tape 00: Infamy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axba_QS1VC0

>>27962420
that is worse case if we kill that bastard

>>27962445
Actually, that is pretty awesome. I wanna go with that.

>>27962445
I like this!

I hope everyone has a contingency plan if the Empire buys out Artemis and orders them to capture Morgan.

If possible, I would try to convince them to fight each other over Valkyrian weapons while we sneak Morgan out.

>>27962538
what wold be worse if we find something along the lines of a piece of eden like
http://assassinscreed.wikia.com/wiki/Swords_of_Eden

>>27962570
don't give him ideas! I don't think we want to see Imperial templars!

>>27962388
"I'm not sure." You frown.

"Well, I'm sure you'll do the right thing." Reznov say and pats you on the shoulder.

Then you feel the sudden jolt as the plane touches down on the tarmac. You look out the window and you see that Vitoze is now a VERY different place from the last time you were here. What used to be empty tarmac was now filled with aircraft of all kinds and sizes, with personnel shuttling back and forth. However, you note that most of these vehicles were bearing Emmerian markings, rather than Artemis or San Salvacion emblems.

"Okay, you guys are going to have to step out while they do the refueling." Simo says as he pushes the door open. "Get outside, stretch your legs, take a piss, do whatever. But you stay close to the plane and you don't. fucking. bother. ANYBODY. Got that?"

"Yes sir!" Everybody affirms.

As you all file out of the plane, you see your teammates all going off to do the exact opposite of what Simo had ordered the moment he turns his back.

Simo, with Morgan at his side, strides off to what looks like a hastily set up command post on the edge of the tarmac. Charlotte seems to wander off towards a very heavily modified skyranger with the words PARARESCUE painted on the side. Reznov, Bragg, MK, Sparky, and a reluctant Edwin sit in the shade of a plane's wing and start playing cards, with Bragg motioning at passing personnel to join in. You see Runaround getting in a minor argument with a loadmaster, no doubt to make sure the Trombe is okay, since it had to be shipped separately. Falynn sticks by your side. Menendez just leans against the plane, doing nothing in particular.

And off in the corner of your eye, you see Rourke in a very heated argument with somebody you don't quite recognize.

>Who do you follow?

>>27962617
Check our Rourke. But sneaky like

>>27962617
Rourke

Let's get some more EXP.

>>27962617
Play cards, lose cards.

>>27962617
Lovey dovey time with Falynn. Hold hands, raise death flags, that sort of thing.

>>27962617
>Rourke

File: 1382849709541.jpg-(83 KB, 437x613, Falynn.jpg)

83 KB JPG

>>27962617
You decide to go follow Rourke, maybe see what's got him so agitated.

However, you feel something tug at the back of your shirt and you see Falynn behind you, a worried look on her face.

"You're not going to look for Tombstone, are you?" She asks.

>Try to convince her to help you.
>Don't get her involved in this.
>Other

>>27962617
>Menendez
As much as I think we should still fuck Tombstone up, we should thank him for stopping our berzerker rampage on the tarmac

>>27962827
>>Don't get her involved in this.

>>27962827
>>Don't get her involved in this.

>>27962827
>>Don't get her involved in this.

>>27962827
>Don't get her involved in this.
Give her the option to join you though

>>27962827
>Don't get her involved in this.

>>27962827

>>Try to convince her to help you.

"I'm not. Just going to see Rourke."

>>27962827
"I'm just going to the bathroom, nothing serious." You laugh lightly. You really didn't want Falynn getting caught up in all of this.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 5

>>27962994

Rolled 5

>>27962994

Rolled 3

>>27962994

>>27963000
>>27963006
>>27963012
She's onto us!

Rolled 1

>>27962994

>>27963000
>>27963006
>>27963012
whelp

Rolled 17

>>27963000
>>27963006
>>27963012
>>27963022
>>27963018

Not seeing a problem here, armchair.

>>27963000
>>27963006
>>27963012
Ha. At least that's most likely what would have happened.

>>27963039
Sorry, I'm just not used to failing at doing a bad thing.

>>27963000
>>27963006
>>27963012
"Suuuuuure you are. And I have a piss fetish. Either way, I'm following you"

File: 1382850904414.jpg-(12 KB, 151x160, piss.jpg)

12 KB JPG

>>27963061

File: 1382850939621.jpg-(12 KB, 262x192, liar.jpg)

12 KB JPG

>>27963000
>>27963006
>>27963012
Uuuuuuuh oooooooh

Lucas in deep shit now

File: 1382851133788.jpg-(34 KB, 590x300, Falynn Medic.jpg)

34 KB JPG

>>27962994
"Huh, really? Then you wouldn't mind if I tagged along? It was a pretty long plane ride for the both of us." Falynn nods, totally calling your bluff. Did she know?

"Um, well..."

>ABORT ABORT ABORT
>Convince her to help you.
>Other

>>27963119
>Other
admit that we were lying, still ask her to not come along

>>27963119
>>ABORT ABORT ABORT
Just go to the bathroom for real and abort.

>>27963136
agreed

>>27963119
>Look, I'm just going to check up on Rourke, Lara asked me not to hunt him down and kill him anyway.

>>27963119
>>ABORT ABORT ABORT

>>27963119
>>Convince her to help you.
Alright, alright. You caught me. You can probably figure what I'm doing. Still wanna tag along?

Rolled 3

>>27963119

>>Other

Come clean. Tell her we're not going to find Tombstone but to find Rouke.

And ask her to come along anyways.

>>27963119
>ABORT ABORT ABORT

Rolled 6

>>27963119

Saving lucas from himself.

Falynn best girl

>>27963119
"You want to come to the bathroom with me?"

>>27963119
>ABORT ABORT ABORT

File: 1382851649643.png-(71 KB, 400x279, 1373139988255.png)

71 KB PNG

>>27963220

>>27963119
>>ABORT ABORT ABORT

File: 1382851727149.png-(79 KB, 553x200, 1380432443554.png)

79 KB PNG

>>27963220

File: 1382851771890.jpg-(109 KB, 800x600, 1336989000186.jpg)

109 KB JPG

>>27963220
I say we do this, I'm in the mood for some peaches.

>>27963119
"Actually, I guess I don't need to go after all." You laugh awkwardly Whether by some bad twist of fate, or the possibility Falynn was more manipulative than she appeared to be, it seems like your plans to spy on Rourke were torpedoed.

"Huh, okay." Falynn shrugs, still keeping her arms wrapped around yours.

You turn to see that the ground crews were already uncoupling the fuel lines, meaning Barfbag would be ready to take off soon. Taking a look at the rest of the team, they're pretty much doing the same things they were before.

However, you also see a knot of planes that look utterly alien to you landing on the runway...

>What do you do?

>>27963365
go check them out

>>27963365
Check out the landing planes (emblems, insignias, etc.).

>>27963365
Just do a once over for insignias and stuff.

>>27963365
check out the new planes

>>27963365
Hold hands and enjoy the moment

Rolled 10

>>27963365

"Hey, wanna go see the planes?"

>>27963365
Find somewhere to sit down and relax with Ralynn for a bit.
Give her the cuddles.

File: 1382853441237.jpg-(63 KB, 800x513, Northstar.jpg)

63 KB JPG

>>27963365
"Hey Falynn, lets go check out those new planes." You say, pointing to the commotion forming just down the runway.

"What?" Falynn cranes her head to look. "Oh wow, those do look new."

"Come on!" You say as you take Falynn's hand ad run over to get a good look at the planes.

Now that you got closer, you realize now why they seemed so alien to you. They were sleek, slim, and more importantly, they seemed to be missing propellers. Yes, they were still able to fly and move. They didn't really have any paint on them either save for Emmerian markings, suggesting that they were flown in straight from the factory.

"Wow... I heard they were working on a different method of aircraft propulsion, but I never thought they'd actually get it out so soon..." Falynn mumbles.

>Ask her what she means.
>Try asking someone what those planes are.
>Other

>>27963673
>>Ask her what she means.

Rolled 12

>>27963673

>>Ask her what she means.

Engineer girlfriends are the best

>>27963673
both

>>27963673
>Ask her what she means.

>>27963673
>Ask her what she means.

>>27963673
>Try asking someone what those planes are.
We can ask Falynn later.

File: 1382854574292.jpg-(145 KB, 762x518, Falynn Blush.jpg)

145 KB JPG

>>27963673
"What do you mean?" You ask as you watch the planes taxi past to a very heavily guarded hangar.

"Well, it looks like they're using something called 'jet propulsion.'" Falynn says. "Nemo talked about it with me for a bit. It's kind of complicated, but the basic gist is that planes work by pushing air across the wrings, which is what propellers do."

"Yeah..." You nod.

"Well, jet engines do the same thing, just a lot FASTER. I heard that jets could go over twice as fast as any prop plane in existence. The problem is figuring out how to control a plane that can go that fast..."

"I'm surprised the Emmerians beat us to the punch." You sigh.

"Well, Emmeria's big and rich." Falynn shrugs. "Q was always a bit of a perfectionist, and so is Nemo. I have no doubts she's got a working model stashed away somewhere she hadn't gotten around to finishing yet."

"Hey, maybe we should tell her about this. That should motivate her."

"Yeah, it probably would." Falynn grins.

"Hey! Lovebirds! It's time to go!" You hear Bragg shout.

"D-did he really have to say that so loudly?" Falynn blushes.

"Aw, who cares what other people think?" You grin as you pat Falynn on the head. "Let's go."

Well, you didn't get a chance to track down Tombstone, though you guess it was for the best. Lara said she'd handle it, so you guess you'd just have to trust her.

Very soon, Falynn falls asleep, leaving you free to move about the plane.

>Who do you want to talk to?

>>27963897
Morgan

Rolled 16

>>27963897

Find. Edwin.

>>27963897
>Bother the fuck outta Edwin and see if he's proposed to Sparky yet

Rolled 1

>>27963897

Apologise to Menendez

>>27963897
bother edwin

seems to be becoming a tradition

>>27963897
Morgan

>>27963897
Bother Sparky, see if she and Edwin are getting closer yet.

>>27963964

oh yes, switch it around a little.

my original vote:>>27963955

>>27963897
Another for Morgan.

Well if we do talk to Edwin, if we have enough time, we can always try to find out more about Valkyrurs from him (general history, famous ones, etc.).

File: 1382855421263.jpg-(99 KB, 1280x720, Erwin 2.jpg)

99 KB JPG

>>27963897
You slide over to Edwin this time.

"Edwin. Heeeeey. Edwin!" You say, poking him in the shoulder.

"What do you want this time?" Edwin sighs.

>Well?

>>27964059
What do you know about Valkyrurs (i.e. general history, famous ones, etc.)?

>>27964059
>c'mon buddy
>you know what I want
>When's the wedding and do I get to be the best man

>>27964059
I'm just wondering how you and Sparky are getting along.

>>27964059
part of me really wants to abuse the fuck out of some puns here

>>27964059
just wondering if sparky has tried to put anything in your pants lately, or maybe the other way around

>>27964120

do it.

I want to see Sparks Fly.

>>27964120
Do it

>>27964059
Just wondering how you and Sparky are doing.

>>27964164
ask Edwin if he's found the spark of his love life

>>27964059
"Oh, you know, just wondering about things." You shrug. "Like, how's your love life going? Find anybody that sparks your interest?"

"Ha. Ha." Edwin says, clearly not amused. "Why do you want to know so badly?"

"Come ooooooon, Edwin. You of all people should know my squad specialty is solving the squad's personal problems by bothering them constantly."

"And you do it so well, too. I shouldn't be surprised."

"Come on, so have either of you popped the question yet? Are you two still being passive aggressive about it?"

Edwin is silent for a long time before sighing. "I just... do not know how that girl works. We operate on completely different wavelengths. What makes you so certain that we can get along?"

>Well?

>>27964314
Opposites attract! You are a person of logic and she is a person of impulse. You are trying to understand her through thought and reason, while she is trying to understand you by emotion and instinct.

>>27964314
The fact that despite the obvious grating, you're actually thinking about it.

If you didn't like her you wouldn't bother trying to think about it.

Just be your blunt self.

>>27964314
>"Because she's obviously the...
>glasses
>"Light in your life!"
>groans.mp4
>"No but seriously though you two are adorable together. Besides, what's wrong with being weird? Look at my mom and dad. So...do you WANNA have it work out with her? 'Cuz it totally can work...if you want it to."

>>27964314
I agree, girls are weird. You know what? We need to make a club. Cordon off a little area, get a sign that says "No Girls Allowed", and as much alcohol as we can carry.

>>27964314

How do you know if you havn't tried? Not everything can be found in books, not everything can be plotted and predicted.

Why don't you just try it? Ask her to go out for a meal or something in the capital.

>>27964353
I don't think we wanna be kissin' Edwin.

Unless we do?

>>27964314
>Edwin is silent for a long time before sighing. "I just... do not know how that girl works. We operate on completely different wavelengths. What makes you so certain that we can get along?"

It's pretty simple Edwin.

EXPLOOOOOOSIONS.

>>27964365

He can ruffle our hair anytime~

>>27964365
Bitches don't be knowin' 'bout yaoi.

>>27964314
It seems to be working decently thus far. You like history! Learn from the past

File: 1382857525031.jpg-(23 KB, 470x572, According to this guy.jpg)

23 KB JPG

>>27964314
"Well, I guess it's only natural for opposites to attract!" You grin. "You're cold and logical, and she's brash and impulsive. You've just got to find a bit of middle ground where you can meet..."

"Like?" Edwin asks.

"Isn't it obvious? Go take her out to a nice field or junkyard or something and just start blowing stuff up. And then just go from there. Love will find a way, after all." You grin.

"That makes absolutely no sense." Edwin shakes his head. "But it's the best idea I've heard yet."

"Heh, come on, I know you secretly enjoy exploding things, too!" You laugh. "Anyways, on something a bit more serious, you've studied up on Valkrur history, right? Both the 'original' and revised versions?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

>Well?

>>27964393

So...

Tell edwin to let Sparky go up against some Imperial Monster and let him ravage her?

>>27964488
What do you think happened to them to cause them to go into hiding?

>>27964488
Do you have any idea what the cartographer might lead us to?

And how the hell did the Valkyrur get over to this continent? Didn't we only discover it after they died out?

>>27964488
Why would they build these grand structures, but then go into hiding. It doesn't make any sense. Whatever we find down there is gonna be huge.

File: 1382858105776.jpg-(98 KB, 1600x900, Erwin 1.jpg)

98 KB JPG

>>27964488
"Well... I mean... what exactly HAPPENED to the Valkrur?" You ask. "Everybody keeps talking about them as this huge race of superhumans, and they left behind a lot of advanced technology, so... where did they go?"

"Well..."

(cont)

>>27964611
And here we go.

File: 1382858855622.jpg-(105 KB, 850x754, Valkyria.jpg)

105 KB JPG

>>27964611
CODEX ENTRY UNLOCKED

Fate of the Valkrur

Unfortunately, there is no definitive account of what happened to the Valkrur the events of the Calamity. Records of their existence and activities during this period are scarce for reasons unknown, which is curious considering the depth and detail of the Valkrur's accounts on the role of the Darcsens in the Calamity. The general theory for centuries was that the Valkrur had merely gone into hiding, migrated to lands unknown, or even so far as ascending to a higher plane of existence, leaving only a few scattered remnants of their civilization and bloodline behind.

However, recent discoveries, such as the fact that the entire account of the Calamity was essentially false propaganda put these theories in question, especially when the difficulties the Valkrur faced in suppressing the Darcsens came to light, especially since their feared "Final Flame" ability was considered an attack of last resort.

The current prevailing theories are:
Attrition: The war between the Valkrur and Darcsens ground both sides' numbers to perilously low levels, with the Calamity inflicting even more losses. However, the Darcsens were able to keep a large enough population alive to keep stable population growth while the Valkrurs couldn't.

Genetics: Another possibility was that the intermixing of Valkrur populations with regular humans gradually weakened their powers and led to a decline in "pureblood" Valkrur until it reached the point that they were bred out of existence.

(cont)

File: 1382858919582.jpg-(662 KB, 900x594, Bread.jpg)

662 KB JPG

>>27964785
Extermination: Recently uncovered accounts of the Valkrur and Darcsen war suggest that the Darcsens used to be far more technologically advanced than initially believed in order to force the Valkrur to resort to Final Flame. There is a high likelihood that the Darcsens had engineered some sort of weapon that specifically targeted Valkrur, of which its effects proved too devastating for them to fully recover from.

Rebellion: At some point in human history, the Valkrur were eventually overthrown and exterminated or scattered. In order to maintain future stability, the victors used the same propaganda strategy the Valkrur used on the Darcsens by completely erasing any traces of their existence in the historical record.

(cont)

File: 1382859223693.jpg-(410 KB, 691x900, 1367116487735.jpg)

410 KB JPG

>>27964804
"...huh."

"Yes, so, in summary, nobody really knows for sure." Edwin shrugs. "Maybe it's one of those reasons, maybe it's a combination of all of the above."

"Well, it was certainly enlightening." You say, giving out a great big yawn. "I think I'm gonna take a little nap..."

"Finally, some peace and quiet, then." Edwin sighs.

---------------------------------------------

Haha, now that we have a little intermission it's time for LEVEL UPS, since I totally forgot to put them at the beginning!

You get 15 exp!

Now, how this works is that you spend exp equal to their previous. For example, going from lvl 1 to lvl 2 requires 1 exp, while going from lvl 2 to lvl 3 requires 2 exp and so and so forth.

The current lineup is:
Lucas: Level 2
Lucina: Level 1
Charlotte: Level 1
Falynn: Level 2
Morgan: Level 1
Edwin: Level 1
Sparky: Level 1
Runaround: Level 1
Mary-Kate: Level 1
Simo: Level 1
Bragg: Level 1

You have 15 points to spend!

>>27964884
Everyone up to level 2.

Lucas, Lucina and MK to 3.

>>27964884
Level 2 for all
Level 3 for Lucas, Lucina and Charlotte

>>27964884
Level up:
>All level 1 characters
leaving 15-9= 6 points left
Spend the 6 points to level:
Lucina, Lucas, & Charlotte once again

>>27964884

Everyone to level 2.: 9 exp

Lucas, Falynn, MK to 3.: 6xp

>>27964884
Lucas to 4 - 5 xp
Lucina to 3 - 3 sp
Runaround to 3 - 3 xp
Edwin to 3 - 3 xp
Bragg to 2 - 1 xp

>>27964884

>>27964922
This seems appropriate. Tossing in my vote for this.

>>27964884
I'll second >>27964922 & >>27964913

>>27964884
I really hate to say this but doesn't Lucas and Faylnn get the lovers perk...

>>27964976
That would require the "loving" part and various other sundry things that Alex and Elsa had that Lucas and Falynn don't.

>>27964994

What are you smoking

>>27964976
Honestly, Lucas could probably qualify for having the Loving perk with most of the pther Demon brats.

>>27965001
Nothing.

"Lovers" means they had sex. Lucas and Falynn have not done that.

Alex and Elsa also had different perks that got replaced/didn't have perks before that.

Lucas and Falynn getting it would start to become quest-breaking or at least tedious to keep track of.

>>27965049

Oh. Lovers as in physical lovers... right.

My bad anon. I assumed you were one of those who was trying to break up the couple and go for someone else.

>>27965094
Haha no.

Though I did almost type Lucas and Lucina because Alex and Elsa was before it and my mind wandered into similar names land.

>>27964884
Okay, so the the consensus seems to be everybody going lvl 2 and Lucas, Lucina, and Charlotte going up to lvl 3.

Now state which bonus stat you wanted upped for each character, or if you want them to roll for a potential. Remember that MK can up TWO bonus stats if she wants.

>>27965094
It's a little too late now for that and....yeah, I have no words for that

>>27965127
MK for Acc and T, everyone for potentials

>>27965127

Lucas:
Acc + New Potential

Lucina:
T + New Potential

Char:
Acc + T

Edwin:
Acc

Morgan:
Acc

Runaround:
Acc

Sparky:
Acc

MK:
T + Acc

Simo:
Acc

Bragg:
Acc

>>27965127

Sparky for Toughness.

>>27965178
I like this one.

>>27965178
Small time. Pass.

>>27965178
i'll second this with the change that Lucas gets T instead of the potential

>>27965178
I like this

>>27965178
All right! Time to roll for potentials, then! Let's start with Lucas!

>roll 1d20

Rolled 11

>>27965285
for clarification, will optimism apply to this?

Rolled 9

>>27965285
I thought Potentials were d100s?

Rolled 16

>>27965285

>>27965296
Five Rounds Rapid: +1 to hit vehicles and armored enemies.

Now time for Lucina!

>roll 1d20

Rolled 14

>>27965325

WOO HOO

Rolled 5

>>27965325

Rolled 18

>>27965325

Rolled 15

>>27965325

Rolled 15

>>27965325

>armored enemies.

Since body armour count?

>>27965338
The dice still love Luciana

>>27965347

I think he means armored as much as that science experiment. And like those V2, infantry that is as strong as a light tank.

>>27965338
Dead Silence: +1 to stealth tests.

Alright, now that's done, back to our regularly scheduled quest!

>>27965416
Oh my. That's quite good.

What would have a 19 or a 20 been like? Or a 1 or a 2?

>>27965416
So...when does Lucina get "Everything dies because I look at it funny."

Because she's only like 2~3 levels away it seems like..

Rolled 2

>>27965408

But thats not too good a potential since we'll hardly be firing at vehicles.

>>27965429
supressive fire and firing at hatches is a thing you know?

File: 1382862638029.jpg-(27 KB, 473x307, Jack 2.jpg)

27 KB JPG

>>27965416
It's dark by the time you finally arrive at San Salvacion City. You also note that large sections of the city itself are also dark, no doubt due to the damage caused by the rebel attack. You suppose they didn't have the time or resources to get all the damage fixed just yet. Fortunately, the airport is still working just fine, and you land without incident.

"Okay, let's get this done. Quickly and quietly." Simo says. Already, there's a truck waiting for you, and you all climb into the back. And of course, waiting for you is a very familiar face.

"Hey, kid." You see Jack Ryan grin. "Long time no see."

>Oh, hi there.
>What the heck are you doing here?!
>Other

Rolled 18

>>27965443

At a tank?

And besides, how do you miss shooting at a armoured vehicle with a LMG?

Unless we're going up against shit like a Chi-Ha, its not going to be useful

>>27965459
>>What the heck are you doing here?!

>>27965459
>Oh, hi there.

>>27965459
>>Oh, hi there.

>>27965459
>>Oh, hi there.

Rolled 20

>>27965459
>Oh, hi there.

File: 1382863798332.jpg-(42 KB, 720x480, 1366437400822.jpg)

42 KB JPG

>>27965650
...You, go think about what you just did.

>>27965650
and of course I get a 20 because I leave my dice on...

>>27965459
"Oh, hi there." You say nonchalantly. "Here to escort us there?"

"In a way." Jack says, giving a respectful nod to Morgan. "I just wanted to see this whole thing myself."

"I see." You nod.

As you pull out of the airport, you come across a San Salvacion Army checkpoint. Apparently a very common sight these days, considering the increased security after the rebel attack. The truck slows down as the soldiers manning the checkpoint wave you down.

>roll 1d20

Rolled 8

>>27965723

Rolled 20

>>27965723
inb4 optimism ho!

Rolled 19

>>27965723

Rolled 1, 8 = 9

>>27965723

Rolled 18

>>27965723
wish we had that 20, eh

Rolled 14

>>27965723

DUN DUN DUN

>>27965746
EXCEPT WE DID, BAY BEE.

GO GO GADGET NAT20
>>27965738

merc ded noa

>>27965738
"Wait a minute..." Jack frowns. "I don't remember a checkpoint being set up here."

Everybody in the truck blinks, and then Simo nods to Lucina, who quietly slips out of the truck before the guards can come around.

"You're absolutely sure about this, Jack?" Simo whispers.

"Absolutely. It's my job to know how security in this city is set up." Jack whispers back.

"Hey." One of the guards comes up to the back, shining a flashlight through the opening. "State your purpose and destination."

"Just a troop transport, that's all." Simo replies coolly. "Headed to the Embassy. Guess they need some extra security after that attack."

"Right..." The guard looks to his partner and then back to you all. "Everybody step out."

"Excuse me?"

"Security procedure. Everybody needs to be checked."

"And if we refuse?"

The two guards move to raise their weapons, but they never get the chance. There are two soft whumps and both guards go down. Tarin sheathes her knife.

"Targets eliminated." She says simply as she climbs back into the truck.

"Okay, go go GO!" Simo yells at the driver. The driver slams on the gas the truck roars through the checkpoint, smashing through the temporary gate. You can hear cursing and shouting. Then, one of the trucks on the side of the road bursts open and you see a pair of large figures in plate armor, with large shields and lances with a deathly blue glow arising from their backs. Your face goes white as you remember the pictures from training.

Artificial Valkria.

The begin charging their lances, but the truck whips around and corner and out of their line of sight.

"Hah... looks like you're quickly become rather popular, miss." Jack says to Morgan as he brushes himself off and hands a map to the driver. "Take this route. It's all manned by Emmerian security forces so they can be trusted."

>Keep going.
>We can't just let artificial valkyria rampage through the city!
>Other

>>27965990
>tarin

>>27965990
>Tarin

Where did Lucina's mom show up from

>>27965990
>>Keep going.
the city is already fucked and we have places to be

>>27965990

>>We can't just let artificial valkyria rampage through the city!

WHY NOT.

Do we still have the ammo backpack?

>>27965990
>We can't just let artificial valkyria rampage through the city!

Knightly Lucas saves the day

>>27965990
>Keep going.

well Merc you beat me, i'm off to sleep

>>27966004
>>27966000

She's been with us all this time, man. She just didn't make herself known until now.

>>27966000
>>27966004
FUCK

File: 1382867104564.jpg-(149 KB, 760x493, 1353642779017.jpg)

149 KB JPG

>>27965990
>>Keep going.

Can't stop, won't stop, the Emmerians have their work cut out for them if the V-2's start prancing through the city.

>>27965990
>Keep going.

>>27965990
>>We can't just let artificial valkyria rampage through the city!

KILL

>>27965990
>Keep going.

We've got other things to do.

>>27966045
It seem like faynn is a clone of Sam, so is Lucina and Tarin

>>27965990
>Keep going.

NOPE.

>>27966081
>Falynn
>a clone of Sam

Did we...read the same quest?

>>27966111
We did. why?

>>27965990
>Keep going.

File: 1382868577647.png-(330 KB, 1280x730, Cartographer.png)

330 KB PNG

>>27965990
While you're tempted to stay and fight, you know that those Artificial Valkrur were only here for Morgan, so staying and fighting could potentially just make things worse. Thankfully, you make the rest of the trip without incident. Jack checks in with security the moment you arrive at the Embassy, but nobody is able to find any evidence of the impostors or the Artificial Valkrur. They simply vanished into the night. Well, at least they weren't causing a commotion or anything.

Meanwhile, everybody is quickly rushed down to the Valkrur chamber underneath the Embassy, where everybody else sees the Cartographer for the first time.

"Okay, let's do it." Jack says.

Sparky solemnly hands her pendant to Morgan, and you notice that the crystal begins to glow brighter in her presence. Morgan just looks sadly at the pendant and inserts it into the slot. The Cartographer hums back to life, its orb spins around to stare at Morgan, this time. Below, the printer connected the artifact begins to go crazy again.

++VALIDATING++

++VALIDATING++

++AUTHORIZED USER DETECTED. DISENGAGING SECURITY PROTOCOLS++

++BOOTING MAP FUNCTION++

++WARNING: ERROR. DATA CORRUPTED++

++ACTIVATING BACKUP DATA. PLEASE REBOOT THIS DEVICE AT PRIMARY FACILITY++

Suddenly, lines begin to sketch and draw themselves on the orb, as if an invisible hand were adding them on. You see the continents take form, and eventually a large dot centers itself on a speck in the ocean, just off the west coast of San Salvacion.

"Well, whatever this 'primary facility' is, it looks like we've found it." Jack says, staring at the Cartographer. "So, anybody here like boats?"

>And that's it for tonight! Tune in Sunday night for the next part! Also, I just got some awesome art from deculture. I'll post one of them in the next post, but the other one I'll save for tomorrow!

File: 1382868640680.png-(275 KB, 1000x1200, Falynn.png)

275 KB PNG

>>27966263
Enjoy!

>>27966263
ATLANTIS HO!

File: 1382868689043.jpg-(10 KB, 288x306, 1281080500520.jpg)

10 KB JPG

>>27966275
Thats a cute wrench.

>>27966263
>Homeworld image
Magnificent taste
>>27966275
Decu's art never ceases to make me happy

>>27966275

Thats adorable.

>>27966275
nnnnnnggg, I think my right arm is numb.

This is a good pain.

>>27966275
Based Decu delivers again.

>>27966275
>Update
I love decu art but why do I feel so sad seeing this

>>27966311
because you know in your heart of hearts she's going to die.

>>27966336
Actually, that heavy feeling went away in my chest when I thought about it.

Funny huh?

>>27966275
Good show old chap

>>27966275
The wrench... has eyes.

>>27968199

It's a pet.

I can't wait to find out what its name is.

>>27968199
It Sees All, It Knows All, It Feels All.
>>27968213
Wench

>>27968417
That was bad and you should feel bad.

Nice run, Merc.

I wonder if there's the unlikely possibility for Morgan to gain the potential "Mysterious Body", or something akin to it after an important plot event...

>>27968758

Hey you Nice Body