>>29799784
>>Order your men to abandon ship. You're going to ram right into them.

Doesn't look like anything else we can do. What will 10 men be able to do boarding against a huge ship which probably has crew of thousands?
White flag is a surrender option clearly, no way the negotiations can be in our favour.
So RAM it is.
Actually, ramming might not do jack shit either. Second suggestion is to surrender.

>>29799784

>Order them to get swords, and prepare for a boarding.

Time to get a new ship.

>>29799784
OP, on average how many crewmen does a dreadnought have in this setting?

>>29799843
It is a hopeless situation.

But there is nothing to do, but grit your teeth and bear it. You order the men to the lifeboats, and grasp the wheel. The sails bulge with wind, and you gently angle the ship towards the dreadnought. Your speed picks up, and though cannon-fire passes through you, you give it no heed. Within seconds, you are about to collide. You watch intently as your ship gently taps the other, sending it flying off into the distance.

Wait, what?

This isn't making any sense. You look around, and the wreckage is gone. Utterly confused, you suddenly notice a ringing noise.

Oh. You open your eyes to the sound of the morning bell on the ship, covered in a warm sheet. Groggily pulling yourself up, you pull the sheets off and get out of bed, stretching your arms. No Espadan dreadnoughts or pirates here.

It was all a dream. A rather good dream, though. Morning, huh?

Realization shocks you, and you body awakens in an instant. Quickly pulling on clothes and grabbing your bag, you barrel out the cabin door and up the stairs. Reaching the deck, you weave your way to the crowd of other passengers on the ship, making your way to the railing.

At first, nothing. Mist is heavy in the air, and you can barely see past your nose. Then, you see a glimmer off in the distance. You stand there, attempting to divine what it is, then slowly, the mist clears, and you see a wondrous sight before you.

The Maritime Academy of Stars.

A big grin breaks on your face. You're finally here. Here is where your destiny lies, and where you will learn to be the greatest sea captain the world has known.

Digging in your jacket pocket, you pull out a set of entrance forms for the Academy.

On top of it is your name, which is:
>Pick a name, highest roll on a d100, or first one backed by three or so votes wins.

Rolled 16

>>29800012
Ferdinand Von hohenstaufen

Rolled 12

>>29800032

Georgos "Geo" Ivankov

Rolled 36

>>29800012
James Hunter

Rolled 55

>>29800012

Geo Von Hunter

Rolled 56

>>29800012
David Hasselhoff

Rolled 83

>>29800012
Fredrick Vanderbelt

>>29800032
>>29800098
>>29800179
>>29800221
>Geo Von Hunter, of the Hohenstaufen Estate.

A son of minor nobility, you entered the Academy as partly to uphold the family name, and partly for adventure. And now, you're finally here. Tucking the papers back into your jacket, you step off the ship, and onto the docks. Around you, a variety of smells and sights assault your senses, and you spin around, hoping to take it all in. Espadan, Coutlan and Astravan merchants are all here on this neutral ground, trading and selling. Slowly, you make your way up to the Academy, which stands tall, amongst the squat buildings around it. A massive, rounded building made out of the finest marble and moonstone, you stare up at the massive staircase, which leads to two great doors. Above it is an inscription which reads

“Let the sea swallow all, for it is never-ending and unyielding; Supplanting even the greatest of explorers, the strongest of admirals, and the richest of merchants.”

You turn to the side, and stare at the speaker. He looks to be Espadan, with his narrow jaw and vividly red hair. He meets your glance, and grins.

“What do you think it means, Astravan?”

You look back up at the phrase.
>“We should give up hope, for the sea overtakes all.”
>“We should always aspire to more, for the sea is infinite.”
>“Hell if I know, I came here for practice, not philosophy.”
>“What's it to you, you filthy Espadan?”
>Other.

>“We should always aspire to more, for the sea is infinite.”

>>29800268
>“We should always aspire to more, for the sea is infinite.”

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>>29800268
>“We should always aspire to more, for the sea is infinite.”

>>29800245
That would have been funny

>>29800268
>>“Hell if I know, I came here for practice, not philosophy.”

>>29800308
>>29800322
>>29800332
>“We should always aspire to more, for the sea is infinite.”
He looks at you uncomprehendingly for a moment, and laughs.

“Oh, you can't be serious! This phrase is clearly to show the futility of big dreamers, that the harshness of the sea overrules all!” He takes a few steps up and turns to you, arms outstretched. “only those willing to become as harsh and as unyielding as the sea will see any success in this world!”

He looks at you again, but you meet him with a straight face. He instantly sobers, and turns away, muttering.

“Oh. Should have figured you Astravans to be such fools.”

As he straightens his uniform and walks towards the doors, he calls back to you.

“I am Seigrid of the Espadan royalty. Try not to let your dreams get in the way of those of us who will actually succeed.”

Shaking your head, you wait until there is some distance between you, and proceed up the stairs as well. As you enter the main hall, you see hundreds of other students from the three nations congregating in the seats. You watch the crowd for a bit, when you notice a speaker making his way to the podium at the front. You need to grab a seat. Looking around, three options stick out in your head.

>Seigrid seems to have gathered a small groups of Espadans around him already, and ordering them about. Maybe you could join up with him.
>Some Astravan girl is talking with a few others, and they all seem friendly.
>A Coutlan girl sits by herself, in the middle-back of the crowd. She doesn't seem to be talking to anyone.

File: 1390759831820.png-(86 KB, 245x184, Gary Fucking Oak.png)

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>>29800522
>A Coutlan girl sits by herself, in the middle-back of the crowd. She doesn't seem to be talking to anyone.
I have a feeling Seigrid will be our "Gary Oak in Space"

>>29800522
>A Coutlan girl sits by herself, in the middle-back of the crowd. She doesn't seem to be talking to anyone.

We've met the Espadan Royalty. Let's see what Coutlans are like.

>>29800522
>A Coutlan girl sits by herself, in the middle-back of the crowd. She doesn't seem to be talking to anyone.

>>29800588
>>29800590
>>29800640
You decide that being unfamiliar with the Coutlan people, now would be a great time to learn. As you walk up to her, you notice that her grey hair is ragged, and her face is lined with thin scars. You stick out your hand.

“I am am Geo von Hunter, of Astrava. You are?”

“Serseri.” Her terse, one word response leaves little room for interpretation. As you lower your hand, you recall the Coutlans, are very dour, serious people. Shrugging, you settle into the seat next to her as the speaker takes the stage.

“Welcome, all both near and far, to the Maritime Academy of Stars. This school was founded long ago, as a neutral party, so that all nations and empires may create a place for learning without fear of bias or favoritism, here we seek to-”

As the speaker drones on about the merits of education and camaraderie, you look around. Seigrid seems to be looking disdainfully at the speaker and muttering things to his lackeys on occasion. The Astravan is staring right ahead, a big determined grin on her face. As for the Coutlan, she stares straight at the speaker, unmoving.

Finally the speaker finishes, and after a round of applause, he dismisses you all. As the students mill and wheel to various doors, you take a look at your schedule. First thing up is:

>Weaponeering. Learning the basics of small-arms combat and repair.
>Nautical. Learning how to sail with the Solar winds, as well as boat upkeep.
>Cultural. Learning about other cultures, including languages, native beasts, and goods.

>>29800826
>Cultural. Learning about other cultures, including languages, native beasts, and goods.

Let's not be an unwashed heather. The more we learn about culture the better we can get along with the Coutlans and Espadans

>>29800826
>Weaponeering. Learning the basics of small-arms combat and repair.

File: 1390761174815.jpg-(1.07 MB, 1920x1080, shepard commander.jpg)

1.07 MB JPG

>>29800826
>Weaponeering. Learning the basics of small-arms combat and repair.
Do we have stats/skills or something, SSQ?

>>29800826
>>Weaponeering. Learning the basics of small-arms combat and repair.

>>29800899
>>29800996
>>29801083
>>Weaponeering. Learning the basics of small-arms combat and repair.
You head to Weaponeering class, and find yourself outside in a small practice arena. A wide variety of practice weapons are laid about, and a Coutlan stands in the in the center. As he sees you all come in. he speaks only one word.

“Sit.” The crowd quickly responds. And the Coutlan begins to walk around the arena.

“I am Shep. You are here to learn combat.” As he paces, eying the crowd, you notice that the Astravans and Espadans seem a bit uncomfortable, but the Coutlans are staring at him intently.

Shep continues talking.

“For the first day, we fight. I gauge the class.” Finishing his pace around the crowd, he points to the weapons on the ground.

“Dulled and soft weapons. Safe for practice. Choose and pair off.”

The Coutlans, including Serseri, immediately hop to it, grabbing weapons and pairing off. The rest of you are slower, and as you look over the selection, you notice Seigrid heading your way, a padded broadsword in hand.

You need to choose, now. Before you lies a:
>Cutlass. A simple weapon, but you will never find yourself at an extreme disadvantage.
>Rapier. Composed of a thin blade, you will find it easier to keep enemies away, but be at a disadvantage in close combat.
>Broadsword. This short, heavy blade will excel in close-quarters, but have difficulties at long range combat.

Pick a weapon, and roll a d100 for this upcoming fight.

Rolled 44

>>29801311
>Cutlass
Time to rumble

>>29800996
>Do we have stats/skills or something, SSQ?
I figure the results in each of these classes will determine simple stats/skills, with the higher you roll initially being better.

>>29801311

Cutlass, a corsair's classic.

Rolled 14

>>29801311
>Cutlass. A simple weapon, but you will never find yourself at an extreme disadvantage.

Because really.

Rolled 53

>>29801311
>Cutlass. A simple weapon, but you will never find yourself at an extreme disadvantage.

>>29801360
How many results do you count, 3?

>>29801311
>>Cutlass. A simple weapon, but you will never find yourself at an extreme disadvantage.

>>29801357
>>29801372
>>29801377
>>29801386
>Cutlass, highest Roll 53.

You grab the cutlass, and spin around, pointing the tip and Seigrid. He raises his broadsword, and the two of you circle each other.

“Astravan, you are a dreamer. Let me show you how the real world works!”

Swinging his broadsword, he dashes in, closing the distance between you two. As the blade comes down, you catch it with the quillions and shove the blade away, hastily hopping back. Seigrid grits his teeth and throws another blow at you again, and you manage to deflect it cleanly, and rebound your blade back to his torso. As he narrowly sidesteps the attack, his blade comes up from the ground and smacks yours out of the way. He follows it up with a thrust, which you twist to evade.

You have an opening. Instead of going for a swing, you thrust the pommel of the sword downward, and it lands on top of his skull. The force knocks him down, and the broadsword drops from his hand.
The victory is yours. You look towards Shep, who nods in acknowledgement, though not quite approval. Turning back to Seigrid, you watch as he picks himself up and stalks away. You begin to feel proud of yourself, and watch everyone else. The Espadans and Astravan and having at each other, though you don't notice anything special. The Coutlans, on the other hand seem to be forming a giant circle. A bit confused, you peer inside.

It's Serseri, facing of against one of the bigger Coutlans. He wields a large club, and swings it menacingly at her.

Her only response is to stand still, hands at her side.

You:
>Decide to intervene. This cannot turn out good.
>Stay and watch? This isn't your fight.
>Point it out to Shep. No way this is fair.
>Other.
(Also, what class after this?)

>>29801632
>Stay and watch? This isn't your fight.
It's likely a Coutlan thing.

>Cultural. Learning about other cultures, including languages, native beasts, and goods.
I don't think Nautical got any votes last time.

>>29801632
>Other.
Cheer for her

>>29801632

>[x] decide to intervene. A captain should be aware of surroundings and help out where he is needed.

>>29801678
>>29801632
Agreed, cultural next and nautical last.

>>29801632
>>Point it out to Shep. No way this is fair.

>>29801710
forgot the other part
>[x] Cultural

>>29801724
>>29801710
>>29801698
>>29801678
>mfw everyone votes for a different thing

>>29801721
Forgot to point out, I agree with the last part (class choice

>>29801698
>Other.
Cheer for her

>>29801698

>>29801745
Here, I meant to second
>>29801698

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>>29801745
>>29801698
That's what we're going for then?

>>29801832

Either that or OP could interpret >>29801741
as being indecisive, hesitating and losing a turn.

>>29801311
>Shep
I... is that a reference?

>>29801888

Probably inspired by this picture I guess >>29800996

>>29801632
>Stay and watch

She's probably going to flatten him.

>>29801698
>>29801745

“You got this, Serseri!”

The Coutlans glare at you, but another voice rings out.

“You got it, girl!” Across the crowd, you see the Astravan girl from earlier smiling and calling out to Serseri. Catching your eye, she winks at you.

“Crush her.” You hear Seigrid's voice, and his glare matches yours. Soon, all of the Astravans and Espadans join in on the cheering, equal on both sides.

Then, perhaps on some unmarked signal, the fight begins.

The big man lunges at Serseri, swinging his club. As it impacts, a loud thud makes the crowd wince as sand flies into the air.

It clears, and what you see is incredible.
The club is barely an inch from Serseri's feet. She-

“She read the swing and avoided it with least effort.” Shep's voice bellows across the audience, and everyone turns to him.

“Watch this fight. You will all learn something.”

Turning back, you watch as the big man takes swing after swing at Serseri, who barely dodges the blow each time. Finally, after a while, he lets loose a roar and charges at her, arms outstretched.

You almost miss it, but you catch of glimpse of her hands, holding a small wooden stick. Sticking it out, she lowers her head just enough to duck underneath the arms, allowing the man to run his gut right into the peg. He collapses, and Serseri neatly sidesteps him as he falls.

The crowd goes wild, including the Coutlans, an even you are caught up in the cheer. Then you notice Serseri.

She stands there, silently. Her face has no sign of satisfaction or hate...just indifference.

Then Shep dismisses class, and you head off with one thing in your head.

>The Pommel Blow: Gain a small advantage in close combat.
>The Close Dodge: Once per session, you avoid a blow that would have injured you.
It seems you are a fair hand with a sword. Gain a +5 Bonus to weaponeering rolls.

>>29802159
>[x] the close dodge

>>29802159
>Close dodge
Always go for the thing that compensate bad luck

>>29802159
>The Close Dodge: Once per session, you avoid a blow that would have injured you.

So doe's this work on any blow, regardless of what it is that causes it?

>>29802159
>>The Close Dodge: Once per session, you avoid a blow that would have injured you.

>>29802260
>>29802284
>>29802298
>>29802305
>The Close Dodge
Serseri's movements are stuck in your mind. You're not sure, but some of those movements, you might be able to pull off. Might be able to dodge cannon-fire, while you're at it.

You head to your next class. Your cultural class is a bit...unusual. Taking place in a room filled with books, you notice the room has three columns of desks, each painted with the colour of each nation, with blue for Astravans, red for Espadans, and yellow for Coutlans. In addition, on a further look, you notice names on each desk. Finding yours, you settle in, only that Astravan girl you noticed from the main hall and the coutlan fight settle in next to you. She sticks out her hand, with a cheery smile on her face.

“Alantra Vander of Astrava. And you are?”

“Geo von Hunter. Also of Astrava.” You reply, shaking her hand.

She grins. “I noticed you in the last class. To match an Espadan prince! Swordsmanship must run in your veins.”

You shrug. “I would have been no match for that girl later on. Did you see that fight?”

She nods, but before she can say anything, the teacher walks up. “I am Professor Dukan. Here you will learn about the esteemed cultures-”

The teacher immediately launches into a long monologue on the difference between nations. Astravans favor a balanced amount of frigates, focusing on classical tactics, Espadans, massive galleons and a brute-force to warfare, and Coutlans work with light, nimble boats, always on the move and utilizing speed and creatures to their advantage. He goes on, explaining the differences between the Astravan monarchy, Espadan republic, and the Coutlan democracy.

You look at Alantra, who looks either thoroughly confused or indignant.
>Try to help explain things to her. The classroom is big enough the professor won't notice.
>Stay silent. You're kind of lost too, and it would be the blind leading the blind.
>Other.
(Don't forget to roll for your action.)

>>29802298
Yes, as long as it is weapon-based/makes sense. ex. no dodging an insult.

Rolled 78

>>29802400
>Try to help explain things to her. The classroom is big enough the professor won't notice.

Rolled 64

>>29802400
>>Stay silent. You're kind of lost too, and it would be the blind leading the blind.

Rolled 99

>>29802400
>Other.
>Stay silent. You understand what the professor is saying but don't want to act condescending towards her.

>>29802400
>>29802438
>78
Success?

Rolled 49

>>29802400
>>Other.
Grab one struggling Espadan and one struggling Coutlan. Time for a study group.

Rolled 73

>>29802417
No dodging fate then ? Fuck

>Try to help explain things to her. The classroom is big enough the professor won't notice.

Be stealthy about it tho, don't want the teach antagonizing us from the first day

Rolled 99

>>29802456
Fuck me, seconding that

Rolled 79

>>29802400
>>Try to help explain things to her. The classroom is big enough the professor won't notice.

So op, are there literally only 3 nations in the galaxy or it's just the major ones / the "known world"

>>29802494
Double 99 don't like

Rolled 23

>>29802456
>>29802494
>Welp

>>29802512
*don't lie

Rolled 23

>[X]stay silent

We can try and help her afterwards. Doing so now would be disruptive and cost us portion of professor's lecture as well

Rolled 57

Betting 5 bucks not helping her means she'll either ask herself or someone else will do it.

>>29802475

I'm pretty sure dodging a cannonball counts as dodging fate

>>29802456
>>29802494
>>Stay silent. You understand what the professor is saying but don't want to act condescending towards her.
You stay silent, but keep your pen moving to take notes. Alantra stares for a bit, but out of the corner of your eye, you watch as she copies your notes down as well.

The professor continues the lecture.

“Finally, one fun fact about the Coutlans, is that, in order to become an adult and leave the family, one must battle a sea-beast as initiation. Ranging from a manta-bull, the bare minimum to qualify, up to the feared sword-whales, the most fearsome beast in the seas. Which Coutlans here have performed this initiation?”

You look around the crowd, and all the Coutlans have their hands raised. The teacher shrugs and starts laughing.

“Of course, of course! Many Coutlan consider this school to be the first thing they do when they become an adult. What specific creature did you fight, young lady?” You turn back to see him pointing at Serseri.

“A blade-whale.” Her response is terse, but even then, the classroom freezes. A blade-whale? A beast that can devour warships whole? Her? The class room is abuzz with whispering.

Even the instructor pauses. He stares at her, then back on the papers on his desk.

“You are Serseri, correct?”

She nods, and he looks at the paper again. “Alright, err...I see. In any case-” The teacher drones on a bit more about rites of passages, and the rest of class passes uneventfully.

>you have gained a +5 bonus to Cultural Rolls.

Finally, it is nautical class. Heading toward the sky-docks, you see a bunch of longboats gathered. Ahead, you see your professor, dressed in the light, comfortable clothes of sailors.

“Ahoy, I'm Silver, head of the Nautical classes. You all must be me new crew!” his voice is as jolly as his potbellied, smiling build.

>Roll to see how much of a sailor you are.

Rolled 78

>>29802677
The sailorest sailor

Rolled 79

>>29802677
Mast-er sailer.

>>29802677
The kind who doesn't roll to avoid fucking up the other great rolls

Rolled 77

>>29802677
So roll scores override votes? That's, interesting.

Rolled 3

>>29802677

In the navy!

>>29802730

I think that was only case with the name, otherwise they determine success.

>>29802589
The teacher said she saw what he was going to do and then dodged. Presumably it would work against cannon fire by way of seeing where the cannon was pointed and moving out of the way.

>>29802728
>>29802733
Ha!

Rolled 70

>>29802677
>>29802764
Must be highest of the 3 first, I think

>>29802733

Clearly this is not an academy for village people

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>>29803087
HAH

File: 1390767334757.png-(462 KB, 620x413, all the homo.png)

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Rolled 90

>>29803087
I beg to differ

>>29802699
>>29802708
>>29802728
>>29802730
>79.
As Silver talks about ships and operating them, such as dealing with the solar engine, sails and whatnot, you find yourself getting along decently. Alantra, however, seems to be a literal fish in water, taking the boat around the designated area with speed and finesse, her blond hair and fine figure making her a sight to behold.

>+5 to Nautical Rolls

Silver responds to this with gusto, using her as an example and so forth. As you finish up for the day, Alantra has a wide grin on her face. She bumps her long-boat into yours.

“How was the sailing, first mate?”

“Pretty good, captain.” You reply. As the two of you depart and tie up your longboats, walking back towards the academy she starts talking about her life, enjoying her newfound friendship with you. It seems Alantra was born to a middle-class family, and thanks to their jobs as fish merchants, she was able to learn watercraft quickly. It was her dream to become a sea captain, and though it stretches her family's finances greatly, she's coming to the academy for the sake of her parents.


As the two of you walk around the cafeteria, you notice Serseri sitting at a back table, all alone. Alantra hasn't noticed her yet, and seems to be heading to another table. You:

>Decide to sit with her.
>Sit with Alantra and her friends.
>get them all to sit together.
>Other.

Rolled 91

>>29803193
>get them all to sit together.

Rolled 59

>>29803193
>get them all to sit together.
Paragon intervention

Rolled 7

>>29803193

Something tells me Serseri is more than just an ordinary cadet.

Something also tells me trying to drag her into social interaction is a terrible idea.

Let's do it.

>[x]get them all to sit together


By the way, if Espadan is republic, how come that rival-type guy claimed to be a royalty? Are they constitutional monarchy, or is he just boasting title that's no longer relevant?

>>29803193
>get them all to sit together.

Rolled 47

>>29803244
>91
If this isn't a success I don't know what is

>>29803281
Well, maybe he is a member of the old royal house or maybe op just meant nobility.

>>29803244
[GOOD GUY INTENSIFIES]

The dice gods sure are blessing me today. First a 99, then 79 and now a 91

File: 1390768076898.jpg-(276 KB, 640x960, PARAGON.jpg)

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Rolled 46

>>29803244
It's time

>>29803407
>79
I mean 78

>>29803359

>DC could be 95 and I wouldn't be surprised if it was

>>29803244
>>29803247
>>29803281
>Sit together

You nod with your head towards Serseri, and Alantra nods. She calls her friends over, and the group of you sit. People attempt to talk to Serseri, but her responses are terse. It seems she doesn't like people or crowds all that much.

With this, your first day sets a pattern for your academy days. Weaponeering gets tougher, and Seigrid is relentless in his pursuit of you. Some days, victory is sweet, and others, he gets the upper hand. Both you are both evenly matched.

Serseri, however, is another story. With that small wooden peg of hers, she's taken down many who would dare face her. However, her indifferent, almost emotionless behavior wins her few friends, and very many enemies.

Cultural classes are a treat, on the other hand. You and Alantra converse through notes, and her understanding improves rapidly through your help. However, Seigrid takes the cake in the class, and despite what the teacher called “a title whose efficacy is rendered baseless by a constitutional monarchy that has reduced it to a mere historical artifact,” many have come to call him Prince, and indeed his knowledge of the world is unrivaled.

>>29803732
In Nautical classes, you slowly progress through ships and maintenance, and Alantra is a great boon to you. Serseri, however, has also risen in prominence. While Alantra favors tricks and flourishes, Serseri leads the Coutlans in a very efficient manner. However, though the Coutlans seem to follow her, there seems to be no friendship, just commands and responses.

Mealtime is equally enjoyable. Serseri, despite her terseness, seems to be honest and straightforward. on the whole, the group seems to like her in a passable sort of way.

One day in Weaponeering class, you enter, and find yourself surprised.. Today, all those melee weapons are replaced with a variety of ranged weapons, from quartz pistols to stunner rifles.

Shep stands at the front of the class.

“Ranged battles as are important as well. Here we learn how to use everything from pistols to cannons. Basics the are the same. Learn one, and you learn them all.”

He point to an array of target dummies on the other side of the arena.

“Pick a target, and begin.”

You look at the weapons:
>Quartz Pistol: A simple handgun fired by repeatedly pulling the quartz crystal back and pulling the trigger. No notable advantage or disadvantage.
>Flak Blunderbuss: Practically a cannon, this short, stocky gun fires a short flash of energy. Useful for close combat.
>Stunner Rifle: triggered by the bolt action containing a crystal inside, this rifle is exceptionally accurate, but rather unwieldy in close combat.
(Roll as well.)

>>29803732
Don't let this "prince" out-Kirk us.

Rolled 2

>>29803779
>Flak Blunderbuss

Rolled 39

>>29803779
>Stunner rifle

We'll add a bayonet to it later

Rolled 85

>>29803779
>Quartz Pistol: A simple handgun fired by repeatedly pulling the quartz crystal back and pulling the trigger. No notable advantage or disadvantage.

Dual wield pistol+cutlass e

>>29803848
Seconding duel wielding badass

Rolled 38

>>29803848
This all day erry day

Rolled 62

>>29803848

This.

>>29803848
>>29803890
>>29803924
>>29803952
>Quartz Pistol, 85

As you steady your aim and send rounds downrange, a rhythm comes into mind. The action becomes almost mechanical, and you find yourself becoming quickly accustomed to the weapon. Looking around, you see Seigrid working a blunderbuss, destroying dummies as quickly as they are replaced. You watch as he does something rather unconventional: By firing from the hip, he can discharge the weapon comfortably in melee range. Then, you catch Serseri, wielding a stunner rifle. She's sending rounds downrange incredibly quick, and you notice she's not moing her trigger finger, but constantly working the bolt instead.

>Hip-Fire: Use a ranged-weapon in close combat to instantly surprise and take down a foe.
>Trigger-Hold: Work the hammer instead of the trigger in order to send two rounds out instead of one.
You now have a +10 bonus to Weaponeering Rolls.

>>29804043

>[x] Hip fire

looks like the greater edge

Rolled 84

>>29804043
>Trigger-Hold

>>29804043
>Hip-Fire: Use a ranged-weapon in close combat to instantly surprise and take down a foe.

CQC instant kill? Yes please.

Rolled 37

>>29804043
Hip fire

Rolled 94

>>29804043
>Hip-Fire: Use a ranged-weapon in close combat to instantly surprise and take down a foe.

>>29804043
Hip-Fire

>>29804089
>>29804145
>>29804178
>>29804195
>>29804233
> As much as it pains you to say, the prince is on to something. You consider his movements, and attempt to copy them. After a few sessions, you think you have it down.

Sitting in cultural class, you sit as professor Dukan teaches more about the world, this time about various beasts, and how each can be used for profit.

“The sword-whale, for example, contain a small jewel inside it's skull. Famed for medicinal properties, they are worth hundreds of thousands of realts. I don't have a sample to show you-”

“I have one.” Prince stands up, and arrogantly struts to the front of the class. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a small box, and gingerly flips the lid open. Inside, a small, glowing red crystal, no bigger than a fingernail, sits.

“I use it as a good luck charm. They say the bigger and meaner the sword-whale, the bigger the crystal. And this-”

he picks the crystal up and waves it about the room.

“Is one of the bigger specimens in existence, taken from a 20-year sword-whale in it's prime. Probably much bigger than whatever baby sword-whale you fought, Serseri!” He crows.

“No it isn't.” Serseri's tiny voice rings out, and the classroom hushes.

Seigrid glares at her. “Yeah? Can you prove it?”

Serseri says nothing.

>>29804425

What a douche.

I think we'll get along great.

Eventually.

>>29804425

Instead, she pulls something out of her pocket. Out comes a wooden box. Serseri neatly slides the top off. Inside is a magnificent red crystal, slightly smaller than the palm of her hand. As the class ooh and ahhs, you watch as Seigrid struggles between disbelief and anger. He hems and haws, then angrily stalks back to his seat, pouting.

Serseri merely pockets the box and continues to stare at the professor.

>+10 to Cultural rolls. The vents of today's class made the lesson stick in your head.

Finally, in Nautical class, you arrive to the dock, only to see two small frigates.

Silver has a big smile on his face.

“Today, I figure, We'll have a race! Divide your selves into two, please!”

you watch as two groups emerge immediately. The Coutlans, with Serseri at the head, and the Espadans, with Seigrid at the front.

Which side do you choose?

>>29804483

Coutlans, duh.

>>29804483
>Which side do you choose?
Serseri's, of course.

>>29804483
Coutlans, I am starting to like the Kuudere

File: 1390771290334.jpg-(243 KB, 600x871, 1334015252575.jpg)

243 KB JPG

OP, judging how the characters seem to be able to tell the nationality at a glance, are there significant physical differences in appearance, or do we have different clothing?

>>29804531
>>29804544
>>29804588
You side with the Coutlans. It's only natural, after all.

“Alright, mates! I want ye to head to the Lightpost and back! First ones get top marks!” Silver points out a massive glowing rock in the distance, and turns back to the crowd.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Get to it!”

Both groups immediately rush to the boats, scrambling to get any edge available. You watch as Serseri takes to them helm of the ship barking out orders in Coutlish. They rush to her every word, but you sense no enthusiasm.

Just obedience. Within an instant the sails are unfurled, and the ship takes off into the space-sea, engines rushing you forward. Not long after, you see Seigrid's ship start up as well.

You have no worries. You have a clear advantage.

Then a voice rings out.

It's the big Coutlan, yelling something you can't quite understand. His gestures are wild and menacing, butt Serseri speaks as well, pointing at you and other Astravans. Finally, he bellows and draws his club.

Serseri lets go of the wheel, and hops down from the helm. The Coutlans are gathering in a circle once more, and you notice they are all leaving their positions to circle around.

You look at Alantra and she shrugs. You decide to:
>try and use what coutlish you understand to find out what's going on.
>try and break up the fight. You have a race to win.
>Get the Astravans to take control of of the ship, leaving the Coutlans be.
>Other.

>>29804779

>[x] decipher the intentions

>>29804779
Take over the ship!

>>29804779
>Get the Astravans to take control of of the ship, leaving the Coutlans be
Time to show our woth

>>29804779
>>try and break up the fight. You have a race to win.
get it done

>>29804672
>Espadans: narrow, vivid hair colours, stiff, formal clothing.
>Coutlans: Dark skin and light hair, or dark hair and light skin. they favor cloaks and body-covering garments with strange patterns on them.
>Astravans: comfortable, loose clothes, rounded faces, regular skin/hair, with nothing extremely dark or light.

>>29804834
>>29804840
>>29804851
>>29804865
I forgot: Roll for your actions.

>>29804779
>Get the Astravans to take control of of the ship, leaving the Coutlans be.

Rolled 41

>>29804907
>Get the Astravans to take control of of the ship, leaving the Coutlans be

Rolled 67

>>29804907

Rolled 57

>>29804779
>Other.
>Get the Astravans to take control of of the ship while you use what coutlish you understand to find out what's going on.

Rolled 42

>>29804840
>>29804851

guys, I don't think that will be best for the esprit de corps. In fact even if we won, it might hurt us in long run.

also forgot to roll for >>29804834

Rolled 69

>>29804779
>try and use what coutlish you understand to find out what's going on.

>>29804945
It obviously isn't.

Rolled 22

>>29804779
>try and break up the fight. You have a race to win.
>Get the Astravans to take control of of the ship, leaving the Coutlans be.
Break up while the Astravans keep things under control

>>29804840
>>29804851
>>29804865
>>29804913
>>29804920
>>29804940

You have race to win, so whatever the Coutlans are doing, you decide to let them be.
“Alantra, on the helm! You two, on the masts! We have a race to win!” Pointing and ordering, Astravans quickly move as you take control. The sails get adjusted, and once more, the ship picks up the pace.

Trotting towards the circle, you tap one of the outer Coutlans on the shoulder and ask him what's happening.

“A fight. Bernke Does does not believe Serseri is proper leader, So they duel to determine who is just.”

“So are you going to mind if we take control of the ship?”

“No. In our culture, who Is leader matters more than who scampers on the boat.”

With that, the Coutlan turns away.

As the ship circles around the Lightpost, you watch the fight. It seems to be a repeat of before. Serseri barely moves dodging all his attacks, waiting for an opening. Once more, she ducks and turns. However, the Coutlan seems to be keeping his distance this time. He swings at her feet, making her move around more.

Is he trying to force her off the boat? Behind her, the crowd has moved as well, leaving an open spot to an area with no railing.

You decide to:
>Tell her what he's doing.
>Let her figure it out by herself.
>Try to subtly get the crowd to close up again
>Stand in the way so she doesn't fall off.
>other.

>>29805317
>Stand in the way so she doesn't fall off.

Rolled 13

>>29805317
>other.
Challenge him to a fight yourself

Rolled 19

>>29805317
>Subtly get the crowd to close up again

If we stood there alone we would most certainly get in her way in a critical moment

>>29805317
>Stand in the way so she doesn't fall off.
Brace you self. This is gonna be a hard hit.

Rolled 74

>>29805317

>[x] try to subtly get the crowd to close up again

Rolled 80

>>29805317
>Stand in the way so she doesn't fall off.

Rolled 41

>>29805317
>>Stand in the way so she doesn't fall off.
Keep forgetting about rolling.

Rolled 15

>Stand in the way so she doesn't fall off.

Time to play hero guys

Rolled 23

>>29805317
>Stand in the way so she doesn't fall off.

>>29805415
Here
Always forgetting to roll.

>>29805370
>>29805415
>>29805427
>>29805470
>>29805547
>>29805514
>Stand in her way, 80
Whatever this Coutlan is scheming, you don't feel it's going to end well. Maneuvering your way around the crowd, you position yourself in the unsafe spot, ready to catch Serseri.

You predicted the plan too perfectly.

As Serseri edges closer and closer, you brace yourself for whatever's coming.

She bumps into you, and when you let out a small exhalation, she turns.

That was a fatal mistake. Seeing his one and only chance, the Coutlan launches his club at her.

>Roll Weaponeering to brace yourself, or get 3 people to say they want to use close dodge.

Rolled 35

>>29805723
>Weaponeering!

Rolled 6

>>29805723
Push her out of the way, take the hit

Rolled 95

>>29805723

Take it like a man.

Rolled 43

>>29805782
>>29805750
>>29805733
Close to a failure, but that 95+5 bonus saves the day.

Rolled 19

>>29805750
Seconding that

Rolled 62

>>29805750
>>29805782


Can that be what the weaponearing is for?
I mean, taking it like a man could imply we take the hit for her

Rolled 10

>>29805723
Weaponeering

Rolled 22

>>29805858
Thing is, If we push her away, then she technically didn't cheat, if we parry for her on the other hand...

>>29805908

If we beat the challenger, we could presumably take charge and tell them to ease off. We have a race to win.

Rolled 41

>>29805950
Winning the chase is irrelevant in the long run. That girl's favor on the other hand could be really useful, we have the perfect scenery for a heroic save, might as well use it.

Rolled 98

>>29805908
It doesn't say parry though, only rolls for combat so

>>29804883
Vivid hair is like, blonde, dark black and red?
Also how dark are the Coutlans, would they look like the ishvalans from FMA (kinda middle eastern/north african)?

File: 1390774589264.png-(263 KB, 848x432, Heiss_Clif.png)

263 KB PNG

Rolled 51

>>29806001
Pic of one ishvalan

>>29805782
>>29805750
>>29805817
>Take the hit

As the club flies your way, you move Serseri out of the way. Then, you headbutt the club, full force.

To experienced eye, they would have realized the repeated smashing damaged the club beyond repair.

However, to the crowd, it looks as though your headbutt shattered the club into a thousand tiny pieces.

There are no cheers, no nods of approval. The Coutlans simply back away, staring. You meet their glances evenly. Suddenly, Alantra yells at you.

“Prince is catching up! Can you do anything, Geo?”

You look at the Coutlans.

>get them to go back to their positions.
>ignore them, and continue like normal.
>tell them to get the hell off the ship.
>Other.

Rolled 69

>>29806124
>get them to go back to their positions.

>>29806124
>get them to go back to their positions.

>>29806124
Voting for back to their position, no roll since I have the worst luck.

Rolled 18

>>29806124

All hands to their stations. We're not losing this to a power struggle.

Rolled 83

>>29806124

>get them to go back to their positions.

Rolled 20

>>29806124
>get them to go back to their positions.
They've wasted enough time.

Rolled 65

>>29806200
>>29806153
>>29806197
83 is a good roll, I think it worked, mates.

>>29806173

Don't get previous rolls get to you. I rolled a 3 earlier ITT and a 95 a bit later

Rolled 34

>>29806124
>get them to go back to their positions.

Damn, we roll for everything in this thread.

Rolled 42

>>29806266
Failure is around every corner.
Keeps us on our toes

>>29806153
>>29806171
>>29806173
>>29806197
>>29806200
>>29806212
>get them back to work.
“What are you looking at? All hands to their stations!” you yell at the Coutlans.
You turn back to Alantra and nod, and she smiles back. As the Coutlans go back to dealing with the ship, you walk back to the helm.

“Geo, you're bleeding!” Serseri's voice rings, out, and you touch your head. Your fingers come back stained with blood.

Shaking your head, you wrap the wound with some cloth pulled from your shirt.

“I'll be fine. Now, full speed ahead!” Your command whips the crew into shape, and you watch as the distance between you and the Espadans grows. As the ship touches into the dock and gets tied down, a few cheers go up from the boat. You smile.

Then everything goes black.

You awaken in a bed. Looking around, you attempt to remember events. The race, and the battle you disrupted. Then, you must have fainted.....

your stirring bring about the attention of a nurse, who takes your pulse and asks you if you remember anything. Before, you can answer, however, the door busts open, and Alantra rushes in. She hugs you, and you enjoy the embrace.

Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Serseri standing in the background, silently.

You:
>let her come in on her own. No need to embarrass her.
>Call her out, let her come in.
>other.

Rolled 32

>>29806468
>Call her out, let her come in.

>>29806468
>>let her come in on her own. No need to embarrass her.

>>29806468

Acknowledge her with a nod, maybe?

Ask the nurse what happened. Concussion?

Rolled 44

>>29806468
>other.
Ask if she wants to come in

Rolled 72

>>29806468
>Call her out, let her come in.

Rolled 74

>>29806468
>let her come in on her own. No need to embarrass her.

I'm pretty sure this incident earned us a nickname. Something like "Rockhead" or "Steelscalp"

Rolled 56

>>29806664
Ironhead

>>29806703

Stonebrow, Hardskull...

or something to reference the fact it took a while for the hit to take effect, like Slowpoke, Tectonic, Turtlehead...

Rolled 93

>>29806664
I'm pretty sure us headbutting a fucking club overshadowed the whole race
Take that faggot prince

>>29806508
>>29806536
>>29806575
>Call her in

You call to her, and she pauses for a second, then moves to come in. before she can do so, however, Seigrid shows up, bumping her out of the way.

“Well, look at you. Trip and fall over you own bootstraps?”

“Coming from a man who lost to a ship in mutiny? I wager my victory was far beyond your expectations.”

He girts his teeth and snarls. “Why...it was all the Coutlan's work! If they had been on my side, I'm sure I would have won!”

You stare at him. “but they weren't.”

He takes a deep breath, and stomps out, muttering under his breath. “We'll see about that.”

As he leaves, he bumps into Serseri again, who simply walks in, and sits on a chair nearby.

>>29806947
Alantra fusses over you and thanks you profusely.

“By the way, Geo, do you think we could work on some assignments together? Without you in Cultural classes, I'm lost!”

You nod yes, and she smiles. “Great! I'll be back with the assignments sometime tonight!”

As she waves good-bye, you stare at Serseri. Her head hidden by a hood, she suddenly start talking.

“In my culture, it is customary for a leader's child to be leader. However, also customary for a son to succeed his father. So when I, first and last child of the great leader before was female, it caused an uproar in Coutlan territories. Stuck between the two conflicting idea, the votes of my people were thoroughly divided.”

She looks up and you can see a sadness in her eyes.

“So, my father gave it his all. He taught me to command, to fight, to sail. He even got instructors to teach me all they could. And when it came for my initiation, we sought out one of the oldest sword-whales in our area.”

She pauses, and you watch as she struggles for words. “He....” She shakes her head. “Since...it...happened, it created an even bigger divide in my people. Some took it to be a sign, but others thought it showed how unnatural it was.”

Tears start to well up in her eyes, but she continues. “Since then...no one has ever come near me. But you...you...”

the tears start to flow, and you:
>Draw her close, and hug her.
>pat her on the head, tell everything is going to be all right.
>tell her it should all work out, but for now, you need sleep.
>other.

Rolled 55

>>29806983
>Draw her close, and hug her.

>>29806983

Whoa whoa does that count as spaghetti overload?

give the girl a hug.

>>29806983
>pat her on the head, tell everything is going to be all right.

>>29806983
>Draw her close, and hug her.

>>29806983
>>Draw her close, and hug her.

Rolled 62

>>29807088
>>29807050
>>29807015
>>29807095
hoorah for hugging

Rolled 90

>>29806983
Hug her, she deserves some time off

>>29807117
Well looks like my luck's making a small comeback !

Dunno if we are that intimate with her to hug her, I would just pat her in the head and already think that's crossing the line a bit.

>>29806983

It's still a bit strange. Her nation is described as democracy, but it seems the notion of inheritance is strong in all three cultures.

>>29807015
>>29807088
>>29807095
>>29807117
>Hug her.

She starts crying, and wordlessly, you wrap your arm around her, drawing her close. For a moment, she stiffens, then she draws into your embrace, burying her head in your chest, finding comfort in your warmth.

At that moment, Alantra walks in, carrying books and papers.

“Okay, lets-”

She sees the sight of you two, and drops the books, which fall to the ground with a resounding slam. Hurriedly, she bends down to pick them up, stammering.
“S-sorry. I didn't k-know...”

You look over at Serseri, who blushes an intense shade of red. She quickly leaves without a further word, leaving you and Alantra alone. For a few minutes, the two of you awkwardly stand there, and then Alantra speaks, looking away from you.

“So, you and Serseri...”

You say:
>“We're just good friends.”
>“Please don't let it get in between you two.”
>“What? You're the only girl for me.”
>Other.

>>29807206
>>Other.
"She seemed to need some comforting."

Rolled 25

>>29807206
>“We're just good friends.”
And had she was feeling quite fragile and needed some support.

>>29806001
vivid as in red, green purple, etc. And the ishvalans are close enough in skin colour, I suppose.

>>29807220
Second.

Rolled 19

>>29807206
>Choose your waifu
God dammit OP

>>29807239
>>29807220
No commitments yet, to either of them.
I can get behind this.

>>29807243
I see, thanks mate

>>29807206
>Other.
She seemed like she needed a hug.

>>29807206

I get the feeling you're taking the waifuing really fast, OP

>please don't let it get between you two

>do you still want to study?

>>29807269
The first option or the 'other' allow for Geo to not make any choices for now

>>29807280
>No commitments yet, to either of them.
Indeed, I mean this is still the first chapter, we as players barely interacted with each of them.

>>29807280

The commitment was the hug.

There is no going back without pain.

Rolled 73

>>29807349
Yeah, you're probably right. We can still break it up later tho.

>>29807220
thirding this

>>29807330
Yeah, though in character it's explained since they spent a bit of time, and they are still kind of young so they do act more impulsively on that kind of stuff, we should still learn more about them and interact.

>>29807349
Friends hug, she knows. She being interested =/= commiting to anything

>>29807349
QUICK OP, DID WE LEARN ANYTHING ABOUT HUGS IN THEIR CULTURE DURING THE CLASSES?

DID WE JUST ACCIDENTALLY PROPOSED TO HER?

>>29807382
If hugging means you're in a relationship with someone then I have a harem...
I think we're reading too much into it, he was just comforting her.
I hope

Rolled 19

>>29807382
>hugs are like marriage and sex mixed
>mfw we actually raped her

>>29807402
it's not rape if she hugs back

>>29807396
Well they so far seemed to a pretty serious and formal culture, I wouldn't put behind them hugging meaning some sort of serious commitment, like something exclusively reserved for couples.

>>29807445
No anon, hugging is okay for friends.
You're confusing it with holding hands

>>29807445

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but this part

>For a moment, she stiffens, then she draws into your embrace

looks suspicious. She was clearly surprised and perhaps even reluctant. We need to consult the wise books as per >>29807382

>>29807533
It's normal for shy people to do that, anon.

File: 1390777945264.png-(636 KB, 2500x2641, lewd.png)

636 KB PNG

Rolled 90

>>29807481

>>29807533
You'd think it would be pretty common knowledge eh?
"Never hug a Coutlan"

>>29807608
>common knowledge eh

Probably as much as
"Never call a native Japaneese by their first name"
but even less cause it's lewd an shit.

>>29807220
>>29807239
>>29807245
>>29807290
>>29807369
>>29807371
“Alantra, she was a good friend. Besides, she needed some comforting.” You tell her what she told you, about how her culture worked.

Alantra stares at you for a bit, then smiles. “Of course! It was silly for me to jump to any conclusion. Lets get to work.”

The two of you throw yourselves into schoolwork, and slowly, you recover enough to go back to classes like normal. The occasional nickname is thrown at you, such as Ironskull, Turtlehead or Steelscalp, but they don't bother you much, and you take it as a point of pride. This irks Seigrid, who is wailing away at you constantly in Weaponeering class, to the point that the two of you are locked in a constant struggle. However, in Cultural classes, Professor Dukan spent a good period diverging into famous duels because of the incident, and you often overhear Silver referring to you as “A true captain! Wouldn't keel over till his crew tied down at port!”
Time passes, and despite what happened in the infirmary, the bond between Alantra and Serseri is as strong as ever.

However, one day in Weaponeering, you feel a tap on your shoulder after you parry and knock Seigrid to the ground.

“Helmsplitter.”

It's Shep's voice. You turn to him.

>Did I do something wrong?
>What do hugs mean in your culture?
>Helmsplitter?
>other.

>>29807657
>Helmsplitter?
>Did I do something wrong?
>What do hugs mean in your culture?
In this order

>>29807657
>>What do hugs mean in your culture?
>>Helmsplitter?

Yes. Just yes.

>>29807657
>>Helmsplitter?
New nickname?

>>29807652
>Did I do something wrong?

>>29807652
>"Never call a native Japaneese by their first name"
Which becomes specially fun if you are aware of this but don't know that in their nomenclature the family names actually goes first.

Rolled 8

>>29807657
Can we ask all three ?

>>29807657

"Helmsplitter? I mean, yes, sir?"

I'm not sure if we should be asking the instructor, but I guess if anyone would now, it would be him.

Let's ask him, but only after he's done with whatever he asks of us.

>>2980765
> Helmsplitter?
>Did I do something wrong?

polite, but we haven't heard that one before.

>>29807652

ignorant non-weaboo here. What's wrong with calling Japanese by their first name?

>>29807811
It's just considered rude I think.

I think it's pretty much only used between family members or people who enjoy any sort of very close relationships.

>>29807811

In Japan you are refereed to by your family name. If someone calls you your fist name it means they're pretty close with you . Ie. Very close friends, family, lovers ect.

>>29807923
>>29807861

I see.

Thanks for the info, sorry about the derail

>>29807657
>Helmsplitter?
And then
>Did I do something wrong?

>>29807687
>>29807690
>>29807706
>>29807719
>>29807985
>All Questions
“Helmsplitter? What does that mean?”

“Unlike Astravan or Espadan cultures, we Coutlans take naming things seriously. You action, your task for this name is the suffix, that is, splitting a club. Therefore, the suffix is Splitter. The prefix is how you did it. You did it with a helm strong as any helmet, so we use Helm. Together, we get Helmsplitter. That is of course, how it would sound in the Common tongue. In Coutlish it would sound-”

He repeats an unintelligible phrase.

“Did I do something wrong?”

He looks at you strangely. “No.”

“Oh. What do hugs mean in your culture?”

“What?” For an instant, Shep looks the most bewildered you've ever seen. Then, he closes his eyes and coughs into his fist. “I see, you must be observing the Coutlan, and notice we do not hug, correct?”

You nod, not wanting to tell him the real reason why.

“It is because the gesture is foreign to us. Much like how our concept of “shaking” involves grabbing the other by the forearms is foreign to you Astravans. Furthermore-” there is a look in his eye, as if he were examining a gun barrel. You decide to change the topic.

“What did you need me for?”

“I wish to see how far you have grown. You and Serseri. So, I wish to see the two to you duel.”

“What?”

Before you can respond, he pairs you with Serseri, and stands off to the side.

“Begin.”
>Roll to fight, though say if you want to intentionally lose or something.

>>29808094
(also, you have your quartz pistol and cutlass available.)

Rolled 54

>>29808094
Oh man

Rolled 97

>>29808094
Give our best, I think she would be offended if we went easy on her

Rolled 65

>>29808094
It would be dishonourable not to fight her full on right?

Rolled 91

>>29808094
>>29808141
Seem's like we aren't screwed
Haha!

>>29808141
What the fuck is up with this quest and nearly all my rolls being over 90

Rolled 96

>>29808141
My fucking nigger

>>29808151
MY FUCKING NIGGERS

Rolled 78

>>29808094

Losing intentionally would just insult her. Although fighting with intent to avoid grave injury is acceptable I guess.

>implying she's going to go easy on us

Let the best one win.

>>29808182
>>29808151
>>29808141

The dice gods sure want us to beat the living shit out of her

File: 1390779579355.gif-(384 KB, 283x251, shepard-eyes-widening-o.gif)

384 KB GIF

Rolled 30

>>29808182
>>29808151
>>29808141
We're... on a roll

Rolled 50

>>29808094
fight for real, but I expect us to lose.

don't forget to dodge!

Rolled 72

>>29808094
She'd get mad if we went easy on her.

Also, 97+5, we topped anything, yeah!

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Rolled 33

>>29808141

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>>29808141

Welp here's hoping we don't accidentally her head off.

>>29808141
>>29808151
>>29808182
>Fight, Full Power.

You circle Serseri, sword at the ready. From what you've seen, she's more of a counterattacker.

So if you lead with a feint....

Your sword whirls out, but she simply leans back, refusing to take the bait. You try again. Nothing. On the third time, you mistime the swing, and she darts in. Throwing yourself to the side, you roll in the dust, forgoing style for safety. Expecting that peg, you brace yourself, but instead, she stands a fair distance away from you, peg at the ready.
It's always bothered you. Why does she use a peg? Memories fly in your head, each explaining and confusing simultaneously. In Cultural class, you remember a duellist in history in who would use a wooden sword as a handicap, and how the Coutlan used wooden weapons in their plays rather than steel. In Nautical class, you remember Silver talking about how Coutlan pirates were fearsome, for their metal weapons could cut through a ship's hull, and they were trained with them since birth.

What is the conclusion you reach?
>She's not fighting, but playing, not even taking this battle seriously.
>She's handicapping herself because she doesn't want to harm anyone.
>She wants a metal weapon if you want to fight.
>other.

>>29808478
>She's handicapping herself because she doesn't want to harm anyone.
>alternatively it has some emotional significance?

>>29808478
>She's handicapping herself because she doesn't want to harm anyone.
Besides, this is a class, and we probably should have been using a wooden weapon as well.

>>29808478
>>She wants a metal weapon if you want to fight.

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>>29808478
>She's handicapping herself because she doesn't want to harm anyone.


Also non-english speaker here, what exactly is a wooden peg? Because when I google I get this and I am having an hard time to believe she is fighting with it

>>29808583
Small wooden stick, about 5-6 inches in length.

>>29808583
it's like a club or a bat iirc

>>29808478
>Other

She went completely berserk when fighting the sword whale and accidently one of her kin. Hence limiting herself to a wooden peg

Rolled 83

>>29808478
>other
Ask her

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>>29808478

That peg makes it seems like she prefers non-lethal takedowns

>>29808622
>>29808623
Ah ok, it makes much more sense

Rolled 97

>>29808657
i second this

>>29808657
Thirding for the sake of thread continuation

OP is working. And the girl probably won't appreciate figuratively spilling guts during sparring session.

>>29808657
>>29808705
>>29808860
>97
You don't know why. But you're going to find out. Changing your tactics, you aim for the peg. Dodge dodge...then finally, the peg clashes against sword, and you push in.

“Why do you use this?”

Her eyes focus, suddenly, the tempo of the battle changes. Weapon in hand, her bouncing, leaping attacks come furiously, and you respond to each with an attack in kind. The fight becomes a whirling dervish of steel, as the two of you focus your reflexes and skill to the utmost limit. Not just speed, but strength and smarts combine, creating perfect attacks, and perfect parries. Each blow and swing is part of a long, intricate chain, the only answer from all these months of training. Somewhere, in her attacks is the answer. The attacks are wide, but shallow. Yet somehow, you can sense that this is how she would naturally fight. The answer comes in an instant.

She seeks to handicap herself, for if she used a real weapon, those around the two of you would have been injured many times over.

She is far stronger has she even been trying, all this time? In the instant your sword is off by a centimeter, she dashes in, slamming your wrist against the peg. The sword falls from your hands, and she quickly flips you off your feet, slamming you to the ground.

It hurts. But as you stare up at her face, understanding, he slight smile is worth the pain.

You look at Shep.

“What do you think?” he says.

>“I think we're evenly matched.”
>“I think she's far stronger than me.”
>“I have no idea. Thinking's not my thing.”
>“other.”

>>29808960
>“I think she's far stronger than me.”

>>29808960
>“I think she's far stronger than me.”

>>29808960
>97 with bonus not enough to beat
Is this even a question? Yeah she is far stronger haha

>>29808960
>"I think she's far stronger than me."