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/tg/ - Traditional Games


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It is the year 22XX and Humanity has reached the stars. Alas, even though they have attained the lofty goal of interstellar travel, mankind has yet to conquer it’s baser instincts.

Humanity is ruled by ultra-Corporations. Some own continents. Some own multiple worlds. But no matter who you are, everyone is a citizen-employee somewhere. The qualms that beset corporations of the past, copyright infringement, tech theft, still exist. If anything, they are amplified by the scale of the players.

Without government to turn to for legal recourse and separated by millions and billions of miles, corporations have turned to less savory solutions to resolve disputes. You are one of those solutions.

You are an elite mercenary, also known as a High Impact Public Representative, of the StrikeOut Company, a group of mercenaries who accept contracts and missions from the highest bidder. You are launched out of a spaceship in a drop pod filled with bright orange and highly toxic gel. You crash land into the target’s facilities, make a mess, do your job, and then get the hell out.

You are a Fall Guy. You are a Deniable Asset.

QM’s Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DickishDead

DAQ Master Pastebin with archive links, pastebins, and other miscellania:
http://pastebin.com/nNU28gEA
>>
OONST OONST OONST
>>
“So, uh, I noticed that you arrived with Tsukino, Niels,” you mutter, trying not to be too obvious in your implicit question.

Niels blushes slightly. “No no, we just ran into each other outside of the bar, that’s all.”

You suppress a groan. You’ll have to have a talk to him about seizing the initiative later, you think. You turn back to the table, and start grinning in that way that you do. “So anyway, I really wanted to show you guys this new cybernetic arm I got. It’s incredibly lifelike.”

You place your right hand on the table and smile invitingly. “Seriously you guys, poke it. It’s got all sorts of crazy tech in here to mimic the feel of human skin. Advanced artificial polymers and subdermal heating elements. Even has a fake system of sweat glands too.”

Both Niels and Elda begin to poke and prod your arm, exclaiming how incredibly real and true to life it is. Markos clamps a hand over his mouth to suppress his laughter. Niels looks up at you. “Hey Ivan, it this a tattoo or what?”

“No man, its a special decal. It responds to motion commands sent down the pseudo-neuro pathways. Check it out.”

You clench your fist shut, and the bear’s jaws snap down, frothing. Niels and Tsukino both ahh for the appropriate amount of time. Satisfied that you’ve sufficiently impressed your fellow mercs, you return to your vodka and beer as Niels and Tsukino both order drinks of their own. You are about to go on about your “Oh so realistic cyber arm” when you feel Markos poke you in the side. You look over at him and see a very unusual expression on his face. “Elda’s here.”

You look in the direction he is and are confronted by an entirely unexpected and entirely welcome site. Your mouth hangs open for a second as your brain attempts to process the input from it’s eyes. Elda apparently has a LBD, and she’s chosen to wear it to this little get together in your honor.
>>
Quick aside: I am reposting some older updates since I kinda ended in the middle of things last time.
>>
You decide to intercept Elda before Markos can make any advances. Standing to your feet you hop over the table entirely and jog up to her, immediately slowing to a sedate trot when she finally sees you. You smile easily, and give Elda a small wave with your right hand as you walk up to her. Elda smile in return. “So, you look quite stunning right now,” you say, not really thinking.

Elda blushes furiously. “Thank you, Ivan,” she replies, glancing down before meeting your eyes with a determined look.

“So,” you say, hoping a bit of a joke might relax her slightly, “Wonder what would happen if I Iost my other arm.”

Elda swats your upper arm, looking slightly appalled. “No more losing arms scemo!”

You chuckle and are about to lead Elda back to your table when you notice her look longingly back at the door out to the dance floor. You pause, mind working quickly.
>>
You briefly consider imbibing some liquid courage before entering the crucible that is the dance floor, but ultimately decide against it. No need for Elda to think that you’re one of those guys who are only willing to dance when they’re drunk off their ass. Especially because under most circumstances you are. Although you have all the gene mods and coordination that should make you quite literally a superhuman dancer, you have almost no sense of rhythm. Actually dancing to a beat is more a matter of blind luck, less actual skill and practice. You swallow, hoping to snag whatever remnants of alcohol are still in your mouth as you lead Elda out of the Bar and onto the raucous dance floor.

You listen to the music and your heart drops slightly. Neo-post-punk-trancestep-Classical. All dances associated with this genre of music, the music of choice for dance halls of the 23rd century, are heavily based on beat. You swallow as you adopt the traditional dancing position with Elda. Her back to you, her body pressed hard into your own. The two of you wait for a moment until the appropriate interlude opens, the traditional signal for more dancers to join or exit. The two of you slide into the traditional jumpen opening, legs flailing about madly in time with the music. Somehow, some way, you manage to keep time with the beat, your kicks, which could most likely shatter femurs if they missed, lashing out in perfect time with the music. You breathe a sigh of relief as the beat sift to the less hazardous salsa occurs, a moment of relief that does not last as Elda twirls in to you.
>>
Dear lord, her eyes.

The two of you switch into the rapid twirling of Ultra-Salsa, a style of dance that takes more than three thousand lives each year alone in Human Space. Mostly whiplash. You take care to avoid spinning Elda too fast, a real threat for someone with your enhanced physique. Although Elda has doubtless undergone therapies of her own, you doubt she is equipped with anything nearly as potent as myocyte pack Ares. You seize Elda by both of her wrists and dip her down in between your legs. Had you eyes in the back of your head you would have most likely appreciated the way her left knee rose up along the line of her right leg. Pulling back, you lift Elda up quickly through your legs, and pull her into the air. She floats for a few seconds, arms spread out like an eagle ready to take flight.

You catch her with two hands, more to evenly distribute the pressure of supporting her weight than any weakness on your part. You hold Elda in the air for a few seconds before letting her drop, and catching her in the princess carry. Elda looks up at you, panting slightly, her face pink, from exertion or something else, you do not know. The pair of your lock eyes, looking deep into one another’s.
>>
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Your lips pull back into the grin that Markos deemed “Your Undeniable Asset” and you look down at Elda, dazzling her with your glittering white ceramics. “Can I buy you a drink?”

Elda’s blush deepens a little, and she nods silently. You twirl her upright, catching her in your right arm. You smile down at her and say, “Probably couldn’t have pulled that off with a cybernetic arm.”

You take Elda by the arm and guide her to the Bar, where you flag down a harried bartender. After he takes your orders you settle back down with Elda, who is looking at you with a mixture of shock and awe. “I had no idea you were such a skilled dancer, Ivan,” she murmurs.

You grin once more, this time more boyishly. “Hey, you were pretty damned good yourself. The way you held that position after the throw was pretty impressive.”

Elda’s smile widens slightly and she looks away, clearly abashed. “I’m certainly glad to see that your reattached arm is working well.”

The barkeep arrives, sliding the requested drinks to each of you. Elda has a cosmo in hand. You, a bourbon. Made the choice after you saw what Elda had ordered.

>Anything to say to your dance partner?
>>
>>30638246

"Did you finish the Princess Bride?"
>>
>>30638246
Seconding >>30638264
>>
>>30638246
>>Anything to say to your dance partner?
>>30638264
This.

While picking up our drink with our left hand.
>>
>>30638246
All aboard
>>30638264

Let's go.
>>
>>30638085

>It is the year 22XX

I stopped reading there.
>>
>>30638264
Yes, love it.

Also, should we mention if she knows about Niels's crush on Tsukino?
>>
>>30638345
Your loss.
>>
>>30638364
I don't see why not. Let's plot on how to get those two together.
>>
>>30638345

The fact that you never noticed this quest beforehand doesn't speak well of your observational skills.
>>
Alright, Writing
>>
>>30638417
thisthisthis
>>
>>30638417
OOH IS IT TIME TO MEDDLE IN MATCHMAKING?!
>>
>>30638345
That's nice?
>>
>>30638450

Please work these in:
>>30638364
>>30638417
>>
>>30638417
Oh god, this is going to turn into some sort of mercenary soap opera with tons of teammate drama isn't it? Can't we just let Niels do his thing and go shoot some stuff for dosh or something?
>>
>>30638417
Sure, why not? Nerd-boy needs some lovin' too.
>>
>>30638656
Would you rather it be PGQ?
>>
>>30638700
Please don't even make that joke.
>>
>>30638700
You mean if almost ALL the quest consisted of was teammate drama? No,I don't want that, why would I??
>>
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>Ivan_Dancing.gif
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>>30638804
oh god thats awesome
>>
>>30638804
Perfect.
>>
>>30638804
Please tell me there's more of this!
>>
>>30638751
Good. Then stop whining.
>>
“So,” you say, leaning in conspiratorially, “did you finish Princess Bride yet?”

Elda shakes her head, her curls bouncing. “No. It seemed inappropriate to do so without you around. Besides, I stopped paying attention about half way through.”

You raise an eyebrow and take a sip of your bourbon, trying to conceal the fact you’re trying to look cool. “Stopped paying attention? How come?”

Elda rolls her eyes. “Probably because I was dozing off.”

“Right,” you say, looking back at the enclosed space where your three fellow mercs are presumably located, “So anyway. I’ve been thinking. About couples and shit.”

Elda doesn’t say anything, including the expected jab about you thinking. You continue on, “Am I the only one who thinks Niels has a thing for Tsukino?”

Elda seems to deflate slightly at that statement before coughing a little and straightening up. “I mean, perhaps,” she says cautiously. “You’re more Niels’ friend than I am Tsukino’s. I sort of wrote it off as him being hopeless around two X chromosomes.”

>How do you respond?
>”Hey now, Niels isn’t scared of girls. Only you.” [Chiding, but tempered with a grin]
>”Yep. He’s pretty hopeless. That’s why he could use some help.” [Agreement, move into matchmaking discussion or something like that]
>”Might just be that.” [Drop subject, include a write in for another topic]
>Write In
>>
>>30638841
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wga5A6R9BJg
>>
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>>30638804

This is really for ease of access.
>>
>>30638970
>”Hey now, Niels isn’t scared of girls. Only you.” [Chiding, but tempered with a grin]
>”Yep. He’s pretty hopeless. That’s why he could use some help.” [Agreement, move into matchmaking discussion or something like that]
>>
>>30638970
>”Yep. He’s pretty hopeless. That’s why he could use some help.” [Agreement, move into matchmaking discussion or something like that]
>>
>>30638970
>>”Hey now, Niels isn’t scared of girls. Only you.” [Chiding, but tempered with a grin]
What else could we say? Ivan is an ass.
>>
>>30638970
"Hey now, Niels isn't scared of ALL girls. Just really pretty ones, and ones he likes." [Subtle implications]
>>
>>30638970
>>”Hey now, Niels isn’t scared of girls. Only you.” [Chiding, but tempered with a grin]
>>
>>30638970
>”Hey now, Niels isn’t scared of girls. Only you.” [Chiding, but tempered with a grin]
>>
>>30638970
>”Hey now, Niels isn’t scared of girls. Only you.” [Chiding, but tempered with a grin]
>>
>>30638970
>>”Yep. He’s pretty hopeless. That’s why he could use some help.” [Agreement, move into matchmaking discussion or something like that]
>>
Alright, chiding joke, and I guess continue talking about hooking Niels and Tsukino up or something like that.

If you are opposed to a matchmaking discussion about those two, please reply to this post.
>>
>>30638970
>"Hey now, Niels isn't scared of girls. Only you." [Chiding, but tempered with a grin]

If she asks what we think of her, a sly grin and something to the effect of "I think you're more fun than you let on, and I don't intimidate easily."
>>
>>30638085
I look forward to this thread every day of the week. I'm so psyched.
>>
>>30639220
Eh, I don't think Ivan would really want to match make the two that way. He is just tired of seeing the guy fawn over her like a puppy and wants to give him a kick to the ass, right?

Long as it's like that, then I have no problems with it.

Otherwise, make plans to finish the movie with Elda, I reckon.
>>
>>30639220
I rather not play matchmaker. The only relationships I want to be apart of forming are Ivan's
>>
>>30639220
I oppose it. Seems a little disrespectful to focus the conversation on Niels and Tsukino when it's clear Elda's sending signals about being interested in us. We can help Niels later (we already planted a seed by commenting on his arrival with Tsukino earlier), for now let's focus on the woman in front of us.
>>
>>30639220
IMO meddling in other teammates relationships is going to be unproductive and kind of boring, unless it's means death flags for one or both of them in upcoming missions, then by all means.
>>
>>30639220
I'd rather not see Ivan delve in match-making.
>>
>>30639220
matchmaking takes too much time that could be better spent doing missions.

make Niels man up, but don't hover around him.
>>
>>30639296
>>30639430
I agree, take Niels aside when we bring drinks back for everyone and tell him to man up, and let him do the matchmaking for himself, then get back to paying Elda attention
>>
>>30639430
>matchmaking takes too much time that could be better spent doing missions.
That's just stupid. Ivan can't constantly be bouncing directly from one mission to another as soon as he gets back.
>>
>>30639702
Yeah, but spending all or a significant amount of Ivan's free time matchmaking seems kind of one-dimensional
>>
“Hey now, Niels isn’t scared of girls. Only you,” you reply, albeit with a crooked grin to ameliorate the comment.

Elda looks away from you and in the general direction of her drink, gently swishing the cosmo in her glass. “I suppose I can’t blame him. Seems like I frightened most of you away during basic.”

You frown slightly. “Hey now. That isn’t true. Not all of us are intimidated as easy as Niels anyway.”

Elda looks up from her glass and grants you a half smile. “I suppose that’s true. Still, I have to say I’m surprised you made the effort.”

Elda stops talking for a moment, and goes back to considering her glass. You remain silent however. Some part of you knows that she isn’t done talking yet. After a few moments, your hunch is confirmed. Elda looks back up at you, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “I am surprised you made the effort. Why did you?”

>Jeez, why so suspicious all of a sudden? Well, what do you say to her?
>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
>”I dunno. I tend to do dangerous things without thinking about it.”
>”Fucking hell. I’m just being friendly. What’s wrong with you?”
>Write In
>>
>>30639702
Not that guy, but look at what we're doing right now in this thread, does this look like a mission to you? We always chill with our teammates post mission for a thread or two before the next one. It's just that some of us don't want to play matchmaker for Niel's for one reason or another.
>>
>>30639782
Because you're good at what you do. You pretty much proved that you were a nice person when you helped Niels out at the firing range, and after that....why not?
>>
>>30639782
>>”I dunno. I tend to do dangerous things without thinking about it.”
>>
>>30639778
>all or a significant amount of Ivan's free time
As if that will happen. /tg/ is too addicted to grinding skills and upgrading gear to let that be the main focus.

>>30639825
No medical clearance, your argument is invalid.
>>
>>30639782
>>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
>>
>>30639782
>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
>”I dunno. I tend to do dangerous things without thinking about it.”
>>
>>30639782
>>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
>>
>>30639782
>>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
Wasn't the gist of our reasoning anyway?
>>
>>30639782
>dat obvious trap option
Part of me really wants to watch the fallout from picking that but I'll go with,
>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
>>
>>30639782
>>”I dunno. I tend to do dangerous things without thinking about it.”
Or alternatively
>>"The voices in my head made me do it. They also suggested shipping together Niels and Tsukiko and they argue about some kind of 'Princess guard' while calling each other faggots."
>>
>>30639890
This is your chance as players to define why you decided to associate with her. I suppose I should've offered more options or just a write in, looking back on it.
>>
>>30639782
"Well, I am known for taking risks, aren't I? Besides, I figured under all those profanities you had something else going on." Grin, and drink. "I was right, too."
>>
>>30639782
>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
>>
>>30639782
>"I figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision. And as all my mission reviews seem to note, I like the challenge of wading head first into danger. So far I have to say I'm glad I made the effort to get to know you better."
>>
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>>30639923
As if people won't offer write-ins regardless of want you want. You're so silly, FG!
>>
>>30639782
>>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
>>
>>30639782
>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”
Besides I could tell you had my back from the mission and helping Niels.
>>
>>30640027
I dunno, most of the votes seem to be the choices or combined choices.
>>
>>30639861
If you're referring to the fact that we physically can't go on missions for a few days right now, then you do realize that if people wanted to they could just ask for a time skip rather than socialize like we're doing?
>>
>>30639782
>”I just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision.”

Like the fact that you have a lot more empathy then you show, like when you mentioned that it was nice of me to let that scientist and his wife go.
>>
>>30640105
It'll get boring as fuck just constantly jumping from mission to mission. If I want to just skip from fight to fight I can fire up NetcodeFail 4 & continue unlocking attachments.
>>
>>30640105
Fuck man, I sure as hell don't want to time skip the talking bits. Going from fight to fight with only a gloss over for our downtime feels less like playing a character and more like playing a First Person Shooter, and if I'm doing that, I can just boot up my console.
>>
>>30640170
What I'm trying to imply here is that no one, as far as I can see, is asking for timeskips to get to the next mission faster or cutbacks on social interaction in general, it's just this one particular thing that people are voting against.
>>
>>30640249
see
>>30640286
I'm not arguing for timeskips or loss of social interaction, I'm trying to make the point that if people actually wanted less social interaction there would be more signs than not wanting to play matchmaker for our squadmates.
>>
>>30640286
Okay? Then what are we somewhat vaguely/barely arguing about then?

I'm just gonna go grab a sammich & drink since I'm leaning towards 'nothing really'.
>>
>>30640369
Ummm. At least we can all agree, sammich good.
>>
>>30640369
see
>>30639778

at least, that's what I TOUGHT we were arguing about.
>>
>>30640369
Sounds about right.
>>
You shrug, trying to avoid doing anything in inflame her attitude any further. “I’m known for what might charitably be called a high-risk, high-reward approach to things,” you hold up a hand as Elda inhales to speak. “Just figured you had more going on than foreign profanities and derision. Turns out I was right.”

Elda pauses, chewing on her words before speaking. “That’s not a reason. That’s a deflection.”

You suppress an exasperated groan. Why does Elda seem to think you’re playing mind games with her? You speak carefully, in measured tones. “I’m serious. I guess I figured you had something else going on after you mentioned the scientist couple I let go during our first drop.”

Elda looks somewhat startled you remembered some minor detail like that. You decide to push the advantage while you have it. “And then you helped Niels with his firing stance too. Even though I know he annoys you. So yeah. Just seemed obvious that you have more going on than a shitty attitude.”

A few moments of silence as Elda sits in place on the bar stool, looking down at the ground. You wait for her to speak. The music thrums in the background, sounding distant despite the exuberance of the DJ. Then Elda pushes her drink away, and stands up. “I need to go now,” she says, avoiding eye contact. “I’ll see you later, Ivan.”

Your brain fails to respond as she shifts a tiny purse in her hands and begins to make for the exit, deftly dodging dancers in various stages of inebriation.

>What do you do Ivan?
>Let her go. She clearly needs some alone time or something.
>Try and chase her down. Watch out for the civilians. Roll 3d10
>Try and chase her down. Civvies can get clear or get crushed. Roll 3d10
>>Watch out for the civilians has a higher DC to catch up with Elda before she leaves than Crush the civvies. However, Crush the civvies has a risk of injuring a civilian in your pursuit of Elda. That could be an expensive mistake.
>>
>>30640405
>>30640369
That depends, sirs, if you fellows agree that Pulled Pork is, indeed, Best Sammich

protip: it is
>>
Rolled 8, 9, 10 = 27

>>30640471
>>Try and chase her down. Watch out for the civilians. Roll 3d10
>>
Rolled 2, 5, 7 = 14

>>30640471
>Chase her down, avoid civilian casualties
High risk, higher reward
>>
Rolled 7, 5, 7 = 19

>>30640471
>Try and chase her down. Watch out for the civilians. Roll 3d10

>>30640517
GRIT MODE!
>>
>>30640517
And This genelanons is where we start and stop.
>>
>>30640430
I thought this anon >>30639702 was worried that people wanted to axe social interaction time in general rather than this one matchmaking thing.

So I was trying to get across, and failing apparently, that I don't think most people are against the social aspect of the quest.
>>
>>30640517
I just really wish there would be a grit check for this kind of thing...
>>
>>30640471
I have to admit. The image of Ivan barreling through civvies is incredibly amusing. But uh... I think Im gonna stick with letting her have time to herself. I'm not totally sure why she's freaking out all of a sudden but...well hey, women huh?

>Let her go, confused
>>
Rolled 2, 5, 7 = 14

Chase, watch out for the civilians
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 7 = 17

>>30640471
>Try and chase her down. Watch out for the civilians. Roll 3d10
>>
>>30640517
Nicely done!
>>
>>30640517
Ivan, that's a dangerous smile you're making...
>>
>>30640517
too bad we can't roll like this for not getting shot.
>>
Rolled 2, 8, 1 = 11

>>30640471
>>Try and chase her down. Watch out for the civilians. Roll 3d10
Lets dance-chase her!
>>
>>30640556
Glad you failed the grit check. For future reference GRIT MODE is also MOW DOWN ANYONE IN IVAN'S WAY MODE.
>>
>>30640517
Can grit mode count in conversations with women?

It TECHNICALLY counts as a dangerous situation...
>>
Rolled 1, 6, 7 = 14

>>30640662
I was referencing the anon who passed it...
>>
>>30640517
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m7e7tCn7Bk
>>
>>30640674
Pretty sure that only works with Valkyrie. Then again, most of our conversations with her are spoken with fists...
>>
Rolled 9, 9, 9 = 27

>>30640482
It IS pretty boss. It ties, personally, with a proper steak sammich for the top spot.

>>30640471
>>Try and chase her down. Watch out for the civilians. Roll 3d10
>>
>>30640517
>>30640853
Thor wills it.
>>
>>30640853
heheheh
>>
Alright, question which is purely a matter of flavor. Your choice will in no way effect the overall outcome of the next update. Should Ivan call out to Elda, or grab her arm?
>>
>>30640876
>grab her arm
It's more dramatic.
>>
>>30640876
Call out.
Grab seems pretty rude.
>>
>>30640876
Go for the arm. Don't wanna risk calling out & drawing a bunch of attention. Also dat drama.
>>
>>30640876
Call out
>>
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>>30640876
Grab her you fool!

>>30640853
Pic related.
>>
>>30640876
Hmm, if we're catching her early I'd go with an arm grab, despite it being a terrible idea. If we're keeping up with her for an extended chase, I'd wait until she slowed down then offer a calm, "Hey...".
>>
>>30640891
>>30640904
>>30640937
Seriously guys? That's a pretty good way to get slapped right there.
>>
>>30640876
I guess grab her arm. Could she even hear us if we did shout to her?
>>
>>30640962
Pretty sure we're getting slapped either way.
>>
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>>30640962
It's like you never realized that the weakest part of a woman is her upper arm.
>>
Rolled 10, 8, 4 = 22

>>30640876
Sneak up on her and tap her on the shoulder when she's waiting for an elevator/door to unlock.
>>
You mentally shake yourself and stand up, making to pursue Elda. She has a good lead on you, and she left during a lull in the dancing. For whatever reason the crowd seems to have gathered in her wake, a forest of swaying limbs and torsos rising up behind her.

You navigate it with ease, narrowly dodging around a server as she carries some drinks to another table, your shoulder passing millimeters away from her elbow. After a few painfully long seconds of navigation you burst forth from the sea of people, sliding on your knees from in between two open legs. You stand up, just in time to see Elda exit the Bar to the left. You hurry up, jogging at a decent clip after her. You quickly make up the distance between the two of you, grabbing her upper arm a few meters away from the bar entrance. “Elda,” you say with urgent firmness, “Wait.”

The woman spins around in your hand, her body facing you but her head turned away. “Let my arm go,” she murmurs.

You comply, releasing her arm from your grasp and taking a step back. “Elda-”

Elda cuts you off with a look, it is both angry and a little.. scared? What? She takes a few steps back. “Just let me go Ivan.”

>Say anything? Do anything?
>>
>>30640876
All for the arm grab.
>>
>>30640876
Call out
>>
Rolled 8, 4, 7 = 19

>>30641073
>sliding on your knees from in between two open legs
fuck yeah

"Why? Your not alone, your amongst friends Elda, talk to me."
>>
>>30641073
"What's with the speedy getaway? I thought things were going pretty damn well myself. I mean, I didn't fall on my ass or anything tonight! Do you know how often that happens to me when I try to dance?"
>>
>>30641073
"We've been here before. You know you can talk to me, right?"

I am so terrible at this.
>>
>>30641073
"Cut the mystery woman bullshit and tell me whats wrong."
>>
Rolled 9, 7, 5 = 21

>>30641174
I like that answer for some reason.
>>
Rolled 6, 2, 9 = 17

>>30641073
"Nope, I'm not going without a reason. Just tell me what happened, Elda. Please."
>>
>>30641202
You serious? That's a terrible way to talk to any girl
>>
>>30641073
I didn't leave you alone the last time when you were feeling awful. I'm not going to start now. I keep the people I care about close to me, and I help them however I can. That's just the kind of guy I am.
>>
>>30641130
Only one that doesn't make me throw up a little in my mouth.
>>
>>30641174
>>30641202

How can you fail at talking to people this badly?
>>
Rolled 6, 8, 10 = 24

>>30641223
Look, I am from /tg/, so that mean that I am probably bad with women.
>>
>>30641073
"Alright, I let go see? Can you please tell me what's wrong now? I don't get it, one minute we were having fun and just relaxing and the next you ask me things like why I bother with you and storm off because I care enough to treat you like something other than a pariah."
>>
>>30641073
I didn't leave you the last time you felt miserable. I won't start now. You know you can talk to me without me judging you, you just have to try...
>>
>>30641073
"Just tell me what's wrong."
>>
>>30641073
I know in this situation I would undoubtedly clam up, or spaghetti everywhere. Which is why I'm having difficulty coming up with something to say, hopefully another anon can do better.
>>
Writing and stuff
>>
>>30641432
That doesn't sound promising.
>>
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>>30641432
>stuff
I demand clarifications.
>>
>>30641462
>>30641458
Hand incoming to face, most likely. Chasing after girls is never a good idea.
>>
>>30641432
Switch everything we were planing to say to "As you wish."
>>
Rolled 6, 3, 9 = 18

Hug her.
>>
>>30641644
Bad call.
>>
Rolled 8, 6, 4 = 18

>>30641582
how about no

we're not going to walk away just because of one or two anons can't write dialogue, there are many much better choices that have the majority
>>
>>30641644
Wait until she said her piece, then we'll continue on from there.
>>
>>30641700
>Majority
Which ones?
Because most of the write in dialogue that had any seconds were shitty. All the others were separate write ins
>>
>>30641700
Actually I was trying to play the long game with the princess bride reference. But I suppose that could be an over escalation.
>>
>>30641582
>Switch everything we were planing to say to "As you wish."

Huh, we should have thought of that earlier, kind of like that. Let her run off, but if she actually gets it into her head to watch Princess Bride, it might make something click.

Great fun later on when we act like we always do and she gets all flustered.
>>
>>30641582
>>30641732

Do it.
>>
>>30641770
No.
>>
>>30641732
She's need to actually finish watching it to get that, and I don't think she's in the mood for that right now
>>
>>30641073
"Already did that Elda. But, as Westley would say, As you wish."
>>
Guys, I took a few minutes to re-examine this prompt from your perspective as a player and I've gotta say, sorry about that. It definitely isn't an easy one to respond to.
>>
>>30641839
Can we revote? Because personally, I was distracted at the time.
>>
>>30641839
Nah it's just this is a really hard one. And most of us are bad at word.

I'm just hoping we dont make her TOO angry.
>>
>>30641839
You don't have to apologize. Not everything has to have a clear cut answer and not everything has to have a, for lack of a better phrase, winning option.
>>
>>30641896
Basically.
>>
>>30641896
This.
>>
>>30641896
Yep.

Girls are hard...
>>
>>30641896
>>30641923
>>30641988
>>30642053

Wisdom? from /tg/? Impossibru.
>>
>>30642120
Oh /tg/ has wisdom in spades, just no application of common sense or understanding of social interaction...
>>
You hold your hands into the air. “Already did that Elda,” you reply somewhat startled. “Where’s this coming from? I don’t follow you right now.”

“Good,” Elda replies, her voice trembling somewhat, “Good. Don’t.”

You watch as she takes a few steps back, and you react more out of panicked instinct than anything else. You reach out with your hand once more and say, “Elda you can ta-”

Your words are cut short by the open handed slap that impacts with the side of your face. You raise your hand to your stinging cheek as Elda wordlessly turns away from you and walks down the hallway with determined clicks.

“Fucking hell,” you mutter, rubbing the side of your face. You’re sure you probably did something wrong, but fuck if you could come up with any better ideas. You turn around and begin to walk away, wondering where the hell all of that came from. Things were going really well too! Normally you’re not nearly as coordinated as you were tonight. What a goddamn waste. Stepping back into the Bar, one of the bouncers gives you a sympathetic nod. The other glowers at you suspiciously. Grunting an acknowledgment to both of them, you step into the bar proper and wonder what to do next.

>What now?
>Get a drink.
>Go meet back up with your other three mercs.
>Head to the washroom to see how much of a mark that slap left.
>Write In
>>
>>30642120
You better bereve it.
>>
>>30642120
Does that really count as wisdom?
>>
>>30642202
>>Head to the washroom to see how much of a mark that slap left.
then
>Get a drink.
>>
>>30642202
>Get a beer
>Head back to the table
>>
>>30642202
>Head to the washroom to see how much of a mark that slap left.
>>
>>30642202
>Get a tall drink
>Go meet our friends

Eh may as well try to have a nice night huh?
>>
>>30642202
dafuq woman...

>Get a drink.
>Go meet back up with your other three mercs.
>>
>>30642120
>>30642204
>>30642211
I only posted it because I thought it was common sense. That's a lot of what I was taught growing up at any rate.

>Head to the washroom to see how much of a mark that slap left.
>>
>>30642261

No reason not to have fun. Elda will come around or she won't, let's not worry about it.
>>
>>30642202
You know guys, all things considered, that was pretty IC I figure.
Ivan doesn't seem like he really understands what's up either.
Could've been way worse.

>>30642236
Actually lets do this to make sure it's not TERRIBLY obvious we got slapped.

I mean, last thing I want is Markos ragging on us for 10 threads
>>
>>30642269
Shoulda listened to her the first time she said hands off.
>>
>>30642202
>>Get a drink.
>>
>>30642202
>Get a drink.
>>
>>30642317
but we did...
>>
>>30642236
Seconding this.

The strongest thing we can buy as well; women, oi vay!
>>
>>30642202
>>Get a drink.
>>Go meet back up with your other three mercs.
Be up front about what just happened if questioned, they're our friends after all.
>>
>>30641644
>kill yourself

:^)
>>
>>30642236
This.
>>30642202
Man this is suck, ruins the whole mood. I'm not sure if Ivan can put a pleasant spin on this guys.
>>
>>30642593
I'm more confused than everything, dafuq is wrong with her? everything is going fine then she asplodes and storms off for no reason
>>
>>30642593
We can. Best we can do is blame ourself for putting our foot in our mouth then being to stubborn about salvaging the situation to let her go. Do not go into her emotional state, she will not appreciate us divulging any of that to the group.
>>
>>30642622

I dunno. We're not exactly normal people, we're murderers in a space corporato-dystopia.

Romance probably won't be as easy as real life, man
>>
>>30642622
I'm sure there is a reason.
Deep down.
We'll figure it out later.
Probably has to do with line of work. And our overly risky ass.
>>
>>30642622
Ahh, /tg/, this is something troubled females do all the time when someone seems to care for them.

The charitable ones tend not to want to share their misery... so they run off. And usually don't come back...
>>
You suppose it might be a good idea to get a damage report before you run the risk of letting Markos see you. Last thing you want is him riding your ass for the next week about your failure to “diplomance” as he might put it. Honestly, you have no idea where he gets some of the things he says from. You walk towards the men’s restroom, bypassing the predictably long line waiting outside of the women’s. All told, the lack of a bathroom line is probably worth a slap or two.

You push open the door to the restroom and are pleased to see it deserted. You walk forward and lean on the line of sinks, peering into the mirror. You place a hand on your cheek, poking and stretching the skin and groan loudly. “Fuuuuuck.”

The hand print is livid and red and glaringly obvious. You shake your head, looking down into the sink for a few seconds. You can already hear Markos right now. “Hey man, you wanna see TB again? Commemorate your wounds on the greatest battle field of them all?”

You turn on the water, more just looking for something to do than for any other reason and look back up in the mirror. Somebody is standing behind you.

You yelp, although in your basso tones it sounds more like a bark, and spin around to be confronted with gleaming white teeth bared in a wide smile.

“Ivan! It’s been forever! You never did follow through on that offer of a drink you made during basic,” the teeth are hidden behind a mock pout before they reappear. “Or maybe you’re here to pay up!”

>Guh-holy shit. You know this person. Shit. What’s her name again?
>Try to remember her name.
>Ask her what she’s doing in the men’s room
>Be startled for a few more seconds
>Write In
>>
>>30642622
Best I can tell, she didn't like our non-answer earlier, regarding Ivan's reasons for his pursuit of her. I think she was really hoping for Ivan to open up for once, ESPECIALLY about something she views as serious. Basically, she wanted a heartfelt response, and got the usual Ivan joking.
By the way, it would have been easy for him to just say "Okay, okay, I'll let you leave, but I'm fuzzy about the whole thing, and I'd like a chance to talk about it up later."
>>
>>30642746

>What are you doing in the men's room?

Probably our best shot. I'm getting the feeling we should escape.
>>
>>30642746
>What’s her name again?
>she
>in the mens' restroom
Ivan just attracts dom women left an' right don't he?

>Be startled for a few more seconds
>Try to remember her name.
>Ask her what she’s doing in the men’s room
That order.
>>
>>30642746
Wait, do we actually know this person, or does Ivan just not remember?
Uhhh.

>Deflect with why she's in the bathroom, while we try and think of the name
>>
>>30642746
>Try to remember her name.

Whatever you do don't ask what she's doing here. Way too many ways that could go south.
>>
>>30642746
>Ask her what she’s doing in the men’s room
+
>Try to remember her name.
>>
>>30642746
>Why are you in the men's bathroom? Too impatient to wait on the line?
>>
>>30642746
>"Ah! Good old whatsyourface. How've you been?"
No, I don't seriously want to say this, it's a joke.

Also, I'm certain we are about to be raped in some form, physically, or mentally. I HAVE PRESCIENT KNOWLEDGE.
>>
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>>30642746
Pretend to be familiar
Bring her to your freinds
Say you met her in the men's room
>her face when
>>
>>30642773
but we weren't joking, that was a heartfelt response, I's just confused...

>>30642746
>Guh-holy shit. You know this person. Shit. What’s her name again?
Simge!
>Ask her what she’s doing in the men’s room
>>
>>30642746
>Ask her what she’s doing in the men’s room
Deflect, deflect, buy some time to,
>Try to remember her name.
>>
>>30642773
I don't think it's that simple. Rather, she may have wanted that, but that wasn't the reason she left, quite clearly upset at something.

My guess is she had a sudden realization that she was on a date with one of the most suicidal members of the rookies, and it was asking for hurt.
>>
>>30642836
nah, by now word will have gotten out that Valk has claimed that right on us
>>
>>30642850
It ain't the content, it's the tone...
There are many subtle things at play in human interaction, son. Words are just a tiny part of the whole...
>>
>>30642746
>Be startled for a few more seconds
>Try to remember her name.
>Ask her what she’s doing in the men’s room
in that order
>>
>>30642861
well whatever it was, we need to ping her asking dafuq happened and to talk later

preferably while watching The Princess Bride
>>
>>30642746
>Try to remember her name again.
>Stall
Point to the wound on our face "Sure, if your willing to take your chances with a guy that's clearly headed towards failure tonight then I'd love to catch up. That said it might be better if I asked for a rain check."
>>
>>30642910
Yep. Best way to go.
Persevere, but on her terms.
>>
>>30642899
True, but Ivan only really has two tones. Joking, and angry. There's only so much she could expect and still be reasonable.
>>
>>30642910
Or we should give her some space to work through whatever's bothering her and give her a call in a few days. Not right away.
>>
>>30642940
>>30642910
Erm. Maybe tomorrow.

Yeah. Tomorrow might be good. Or late tonight.

Either way, it's gonna be awkward next time seeing her.
>>
>>30642899
but the tone was heartfelt

the other options were joking and dismissive, I'm just utterly confused and not understanding how it went that way
>>
>>30642814
You do know her. But you haven't met her in the quest yet.

There was some interest in meeting her a few threads ago. So after that mess of a prompt I decided why not?
>>
>>30642944
Well now, maybe you're starting to understand how someone like Elda gets her reputation, huh? Reasonable. Right.
>salmodus traumatica
>>
>>30642861
I don't think it has to do with us. I think that our willingness to get close to her genuinely scares her. The fact we are suicidal is just the icing on the shit cake. I have the feeling that we did the right thing. Hell when Ivan is confronted with something big out of the blue he will crack a joke, it's his defense, it's kneejerk, and she knows that by now.

I have there is more to Elda then we've learned yet, maybe she will open up to us, we just have to be patient. If she starts avoiding us then we need to pursue, and be persistent too, Ivan is nothing if not persistent.
>>
>>30642937
SHIT I REMEMBER HER

It's the receptionist from the Doctor's office, isn't it?
>>
>>30642976
never said it had to be right away
>>30642980
tomorrow sounds good
>>
>>30642988
Oooh.
Nvm my post then.
>>
Is it Flick, or am I misremembering this.
>>
>>30643014
nope, its Simge
>>
>>30642746
>Write in
"Maybe, I here with friends if you'd care to join us...?"

Get to a public place Ivan, get to a public place.
>>
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>>30643014
>>
>>30643004
Mm. I respect everything about this post, not only is it IC, but I also like Elda lots.

I look forward to how that turns out.
>>
>>30643043
she's listed as a middie in the character pastebin, but she's talking about basic...
>>
>>30643014
Linda? Couldn't be. We didn't meet her in basic.
>>
>>30642850
Guys this Anon is right! It's Simge! Oh man, we are fucked! We are caught up in her rhythm now, the wackiness is a-coming!
>>30642988
>>
>>30643043
Is she in the pastebin? I don't know who she is.
>>
>>30643079
Dude, if we trained for StrikeOut, we probably trained on the Brick, where she lives
>Outdoor Keybrat
Silly Captcha, space mercenaries live in space...
>>
Alright, a few of you have figured it out, and to those who haven't Don't feel bad, since the hints are based on stuff that wasn't written in the quest

Anyway, writing
>>
>>30643004
probably, lets see how the night turns out then get some 'councilling' from Valkyrie, we need some personal physical therapy to make sure our arm is good

we can deal with Elda's special brand of crazy tomorrow
>>
>>30643119
She's in the paste bin, she was raised on the Brick, she's the Ace sniper of this Merc Corp.
>>
>>30643119
ctrl+f Simge in the character pastebin.
>>
>>30643146
>get some 'councilling' from Valkyrie
Oddly enough, I see her being rather knowledgeable on the subject, despite her ways
>>
>>30643136
Constructive criticism, move along citizen...
Fall Guy, you seem to write your characters best when something is Happening. if nothing is going down, they get just as flat as the action. My advice: NEVER SLOW DOWN. Ivan lives his life fast and hard, and writing the quest the same way helps keep your characters energetic and dynamic. If you *do* slow down, only do so for something important, like patching things up with Elda. Otherwise, your writing has been rock solid (except for the bits where you're falling asleep at your computer, of course) Keep up the good work, man
>>
>>30643191
>whats that? She slapped you? Well...shit, I dunno, did you try punching her? No? Did you at least grope her or french her? Goddammit Ivan haven't you learned anything yet?
>>
>>30643277
Truly, the most insightful and complex of all the Brick's inhabitants...
>>
>>30643277
>Clearly I need more lessons.
>>
Your jaw swings open and shut a few times, slightly too startled to speak. The woman standing across from you however has no such qualms. “Wow, what are the odds we’d run into each other here? I mean, probably better than anywhere else, considering this is like the most crowded place on the Brick during the weekends…”

You allow the woman to continue talking as your brain goes into overdrive trying to recall her name. After a few seconds of thought it comes to you and you snap your fingers. “Simge!”

Simge beams at you, too pleased that you remembered her name to be disappointed you forgot it in the first place. “Simge,” you continue, your brow furrowing, “Why are you in the guy’s restroom?”

Simge purses her lips and gives you a slightly exasperated look. “Cause there isn’t a line to the guy’s restroom?”

You consider mentioning the impropriety of going into the wrong gender’s restroom, but decide against it. Lord knows, you’ve done worse. A large number of those things with a senior employee too. Before you have a chance to respond Simge is dabbing at the side of your face with a puffy white thing with powder on it.

“Simge,” you say, trying not to sneeze, “What are you doing?”

“Cleaning you up,” she replies with a cheery grin. “Seems like some merc got fragged on the battlefield of love!”

>What do Ivan?
>Thank Simge for her kindness, but return to your friends
>Thank Simge for her kindness but return to your booze
>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>Write In
>>
>>30643517
>>Thank Simge for her kindness but return to your booze
>>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>
>>30643517
>Thank Simge for her kindness, but return to your friends
>>
>>Thank Simge for her kindness but return to your friends
>>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>
>>30643517
>>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>Thank Simge for her kindness but return to your booze
>>
>>30643517
>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up

Seems nice enough.
>>
>>30643517
>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up

Seeing as how you took her out of the character barrel just for us, it'd be a shame to just toss her right back in.
>>
>>30643517
Duh
Invite her for drinks
Snooze you loze, Elda
>>
>>30643517
"Not sure about 'the battlefield of love' but thanks. Look I'm here with a few of our co-workers. Care to join us?"
>>
>>30643600
>>30643517
Why don't we invite her back to drink with us?
>>
>>30643517
>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>
>>30643517
>Thank Simge for her kindness but return to your booze
>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>
>>30643517
>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
then
>Thank Simge for her kindness, and return to friends and booze with Simge in tow
>>
>>30643517
>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>
>>30643668
This one.
>>
>>30643517
>>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>Write In
Invite her back to have drinks with our friends. We could use someone in a good mood to cheer us up.
>>
Alright, let Simge cover the slap mark up, get booze, invite her for drinks with the crew
>>
>>30643734
Be you 20 credits that Tsukino or Neils notices the make up.
>>
>>30643517

>>30643600
>>30643602
>>30643611
>>30643668
Yeah what these Anons said.
>>
>>30643517
>>Shoot the shit with her until she’s done covering the slap mark up
>>
You stand still as Simge completes the arcane rituals of makeup application known to her kind. As she works, you shoot the shit with her. Your former sniper instructor is very curious about the antics that her worst student has gotten up to since completion of basic. “Well,” you say, voice constricted somewhat as you suppress yet another sneeze, “after the first mission I ended up getting bumped up to Sigma rank.”

“Oh no way,” exclaims Simge with genuine joy, “now you’re the same as me! That’s great Ivan!”

You grin, pleased by her words, “Well, don’t have a nickname yet, so not quite on your level.”

Simge nods as she pats your face a few more times, “Don’t worry, it’ll happen. And maybe if you’re lucky Valkyrie won’t be the one coining it,” Simge pats your face with an air of finality. “There,” she says, beaming at her work, “done! Can’t even tell you got hit.”

“Huh,” you say as you turn to face the mirror and examine Simge’s handiwork. “Whaddya know? Hey Simge, you want a drink? Figure you deserve it.”

Simge looks absolutely radiant at the thought of free alcohol. The two of you walk over to the bar. You stick to a simple beer, while Simge orders a mixed drink called “sex on the beach”. She insists you try some. It’s a little too sweet for your tastes, but you don’t tell her that. Nodding politely, you invite her back to your table.

The two of you step into the enclosed bar to find it emptier than when you were last present. Looking around the darkened space you see that your old table is deserted. Somewhat perplexed, you’re about to ask Bob if he noticed where your compatriots went, when an arm rests on your shoulder. You turn your head and lock eyes with a not entirely sober Markos.

>Hey Markos! What shall we say to our crass companion?
>>
>>30644400
"Where'd everyone go, anyway man? I was only gone for like...maybe an hour at max."

But seriously, sorry about that.
>>
>>30644400
Ask where the lovebirds got off to.
>>
>>30644400
Hey man, glad to see you can hardly stand. Just don't ask me to princess carry you home, okay?
>>
>>30644400
seconding >>30644465 & >>30644456
>>
>>30644400
"Haven't seen you in a while. You look like you could use a drink! Come on, I'll buy!"
>>
>>30644452
Man, how the hell long were we gone for anyway? I can't imagine anything quite that long, but i guess...
>>
>>30644511
Drinking - the solution to (and cause of), all of life's problems.

I second this.
>>
Alright writing

I swear to tits. This bar scene will end in the next two updates.
>>
>>30644481
Agreed. I like those as well.
>>30644400
>>
>>30644637
>Spoilers
Haha. I figured it was winding down. Don't worry yourself too much Fall Guy.
>>
>>30644637
Good. At this point I think it's time for Ivan to stop going out with groups of friends. Ever.
>>
>>30644710
and spend all his leisure time in physical therapy sessions with Valkyrie
>>
>>30644710
What Ivan needs is a nice long shower. Maybe a massage.
>>
>>30644637
>and now for my next trick, we will spend the next three threads listening to every last excruciating syllable of Marcos' drunken ramblings
>>
>>30644637
>I swear to tits. This bar scene will end in the next two updates.

Nooo! We're beerly getting started! and this is top-tier entertainment, Bar None!
>>
>>30644731

Maybe a shower in THAT shower.

Next thing we know, its owner will figure out who broke it, and rig the one in our house.
>>
>>30644799
Yeah, you bearly even gave Ivan a shot!
>>
>>30644731
>>30644820
Ya know whats hilarious. Due to Ivan's Grit induced rage he never memorized which shower was the homo-erotic shower.
>>
>>30644820
No... it's in the water supply. It's smarter. It seeks Ivan out. No shower is safe.
>>
>>30644845
EVERY SHOWER IS THE HOMOEROTIC SHOWER. IT'S NOT AN OBJECT, IT'S A STIRRING IN OUR VERY SOUL.
>>
>>30644875
Clearly our soul needs to die anyway if we're planning to stay in this business.
>>
>>30644875
>stirring
Yeah, that's about the long and short of it
>>
Remember, it's not gay until balls touch.
>>
>>30644951
That's why god invented saran wrap, anon
>Merit testHis
Captcha, stahp
>>
“Hey hey hey Markos,” you say in response to his implicit greeting, “You look like you could use a drink! C’mon, I’ll buy!”

Markos burps and looks somewhat distressed. “No… no thanks Ivan,” he mumbles, looking distressed. “Bro, I fucked up Bro.”

You laugh kindly as you resist the urge to gag. “What did you do man?”

Makros moans, pressing his hand to his face. “I… I danced.”

“Aw shit dude. Why would you do something like that? Why would you ever do something like that?”

Markos looks like he’s about to cry. You’re honestly not sure if he got this drunk and then tried to dance, or if he got this drunk after trying to dance. Simge peeks over your shoulder, her brow furrowed in concern. “Hey Markos,” she says, more a question than a greeting.

Markos grunts a greeting, before his eyes go wide. Yours do too. After a few seconds of panicked waiting, the danger passes. Simge looks a little disgusted. “I think I should go now,” she mumbles, backing away from your queasy friend. “Great to see you though Ivan! We should meet up sometime!”

You grunt as Simge walks towards to door leading to the dance floor. As she walks away Markos puts his hands on your shoulders. Considering that one of his arms is wrapped over your back, it ends up transforming into an awkward half hug. “Bro,” he pants, looking at the floor, “Bro. L-leave me bro. I… I’ll be fine. D-don’t let me hold… youback.”

>What shall Ivan do?
>Accept Markos’ brotherly sacrifice and go after Simge?
>Naw man, always remember: Bros before antiquated farming implements.
>>
>>30644992
Have fun Markos!
Estrogen calls...
>>
>>30644992
Brethen before wenches. Always.
>>
>>30644992
>Markos grunts a greeting, before his eyes go wide. Yours do too. After a few seconds of panicked waiting, the danger passes. Simge looks a little disgusted. “I think I should go now,” she mumbles, backing away from your queasy friend.

Just to understand here - he looks like he's gonna puke, and simge is goin 'i don't wanna be anywhere NEAR this?'
>>
>>30644992
>>Accept Markos’ brotherly sacrifice and go after Simge?
"Your loss will not be forgotten, comrade!"
>>
>>30644845
Sure he did, it's the one he put his fist through the water pipe for.
>>
>>30644992
Dammit Markos
>get him home
>>
>>30644992

Ugh. Bros before hos, but also Debts Come First.

We owe simge a drink, gotta follow up or she'll hold us against us - and say thanks for the makeup PROPERLY..

>>30644992
"Uh. Simge, I'll meet you at the bar, gonna get markos to the restroom before he pops. Be right there!"
>>
>>30644992
>>Naw man, always remember: Bros before antiquated farming implements.

Even if those farming implements are incredibly cheerful.
>>
>>30645032
Bredy mush, yes
>messenger neceiss
Jesus fuck, Captcha, I got it, I'll let him know okay?
>>
>>30644992

Time to play babysitter. God damn it man. The real question is what got him on the dance floor to begin with.

>Naw man, always remember: Bros before antiquated farming implements.
>>
>>30645067
I think Ivan just has a growing list of "Need to buy a drink with"

Simge comes after Svenje
>>
>>30644992
>Accept Markos’ brotherly sacrifice and go after Simge?
>>
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>>30645111
How about a twofer?
>>
>>30644992
>>Accept Markos’ brotherly sacrifice and go after Simge?
>>
>>30644992
>>Naw man, always remember: Bros before antiquated farming implements.
Let's get our friend home.
>>
>>30644992
>Accept Markos’ brotherly sacrifice and go after Simge?
He's done for, not even Dr Tran can bring him back now
>>
>>30645159
How would that benefit Ivan?
>>
Alright, seems we're going to get Markos home before he makes any other poor decisions.

This'll be the last update of the thread. Will be lurking to hold Q&A afterwards

Writing.
>>
>>30645190
...That's not exactly surprising.
>>
>>30645194
>???
>Profit!
Come on, anon. It's like you aren't even trying.
>>
>>30645190
Didn't you pay attention, rookie? He's a Dr because he has a PhD, not because he has a MD.
>>
>>30644992
>Naw man, always remember: Bros before antiquated farming implements.
Real men are there for their friends.
>>
>>30644992
>Naw man, always remember: Bros before antiquated farming implements.
>>
Although you’re tempted to leave Markos and go after Simge, who would probably be infinitely more fun to be around, you’re crass friend clearly needs a lot more help than your chipper former instructor. Grumbling to yourself, you shift Markos around until his arm is back to resting on your shoulders before you begin to haul him back to his suite. His feeble protestations eventually fade away, and the two of you walk on in silence. To get your mind off of the fact that you're walking around with the human equivalent of a geyser right about now, you try to engage Markos in conversation.

“So Markos, noticed Tsukino and Niels weren’t around. Any idea where they went?”

Markos sags against you as he attempts to respond. Clearly the mental strain from both walking and talking is too much for him at the moment. You lean in to support him as he gives you a slurred account of the night. From what you can gather Niels was able to find some flimsy pretext to escort Tsukino back to her suite. You’re actually pretty pleased to hear that. For a guy like Niels doing something like that was pretty ballsy. Clearly he finally nutted up.

Or he got plastered too.

God, you really hope Niels didn’t get plastered.

Worried thoughts fill your head as you walk up to Markos’ suite, located in the same wing as yours. The apartment within is in the same style as your own, albeit much cleaner and with some medical texts on the shelves. You’re pretty sure they’ve been used more often as props during Markos’ lewder escapades more often than as medical references. You make sure Markos is properly in bed before you leave.

Lying in your own bed, you stare up at the ceiling, pondering Elda’s sudden outburst. Some part of you is pretty pissed about the whole situation, although mostly you’re just confused and a little hurt.

Turning onto your side you drift off into a thankfully dreamless sleep.
>>
Alright fucking finally done. Holy shit. I intended to actually get more than one bar scene done today, but I suppose that wasn't in the stars.

Next DAQ on Thursday. Will be lurking if you have any questions for me.
>>
>>30645472
Thanks for the thread FG, hopefully next time we do more than get slapped and almost vomitted on.
>>
>>30645472
We put Markos face down in bed, right?
>>
>>30645472
Threads never move as fast as you want man. I know that feel.

Still, fun thread, even if it only made me more curious.

I don't really have any questions, I guess, other then noticing you had a DAQ IRC room...I hope we're not missing anything there or anything.

Thanks for being awesome FG
>>
>>30645472
Dear FG, this seems like a given, but does competition between rival mercenary groups sometimes result in "hostile takeovers?"

Will the brick be invaded, with us trying desperately to fend off the attackers?
>>
>>30645492
Also, lemme add, next time we're going drinking with Simge and Svenja and Elda, Markos is just holding us back whenever we go to the bar, unless Valkyrie is there.
>>
>>30645557
We're not having another drink with Elda until we've established some boundaries with her.
>>
>>30645545
I imagine it would be difficult considering the skill level of most of the mercs as well as their available equipment compared to most corporate security teams.

It's probably bound to happen.
>>
>>30645600
why would we need to establish boundaries with her?
>>
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>>30645472
>>
>>30645492
Yeah, definitely. I have no idea why this scene dragged on so long for me.

>>30645526
Yeah, yeah you did. Markos isn't about to choke to death on his own vomit.

>>30645543
The DAQ IRC was originally just something that existed so I could ask some of the people in the hugbox with engineering backgrounds for help implementing some of the technology in DAQ. I hope the IRC room will provide a better medium for my players to reach me, and to get immediate feedback from my players.

>>30645545
Oh I hope so. I really want to make that happen at some point.
>>
>>30645472
Thanks for running man.
>>
>>30645633
It seems to me, Fall Guy, we get the most done when you start early. Even if you stop earlier, you seem more energetic midday or so. That's just an observation tho.

>IRC
ah. Well, could you tweet if you're having any major discussion there? I don't want to feel left out or anything. I just don't hang around IRC that much.

>Spoiler
>All those mercs
>Working together
Hooooly shit that would be amazing.
>>
>>30645633
dat spoiler
that's when we learn Dreads is still alive, isn't it? Well, I know what's happening after the lighthearted mission ends...
>>
>>30645685
>ah. Well, could you tweet if you're having any major discussion there? I don't want to feel left out or anything. I just don't hang around IRC that much.
Its mostly for just discussing random ideas about things in the setting, current chain of though is coming up with FUTURE SCIENCE armor ideas that may or may not appear, anything thats need to know or vital to the threads, gets brought up in the threads
>>
>>30645720
>2nd spoiler
Anon, I don't know how to tell you this...

Dreads is dead.

He ain't coming back.
>>
>>30645745
Even I gotta say I hope not.

Which is weird, because he's basically us, but way better and richer then us. But still, I really like Tosh, and FG plays Tosh damn well.
>>
>>30645685
I'll try to keep ya'll informed if anything major is discussed there. More often than not it'll be less about story, more about background fluff and implementing items.

>>30645720
>>30645745
Dreads is almost certainly dead. I can envision exactly one scenario where I'd allow him to return from the grave, and trust me, we're no where near that yet, in terms of plot progression or player choices.
>>
>>30645789
>Dreads is ded
Aw. Man, I really wish he had been a reoccuring villain. He was awesome.
>>
>>30645745
>>30645785
>>30645789
NOOOO STOP
ALL OF YOU LIE
HE LIVES ON IN MY HEART
>>
>>30645831
Yeah, trust me anon. I was bummed out when he didn't make the rolls to live either.

I've been working on a variety of other antagonist ideas. Once one is fully prepared I'll unleash him/her upon you.
>>
>>30645896
>Spoilers
I am awaiting our Nova/Kerrigan.
An ass to rival Valk's in sheer power.
>>
>>30645896
Do we get a Team Rocket enemy? That are hilariously ineffective at hurting us, but mostly just make a mess of things when they show up, and we always space them but they somehow survive each and every time?

That might be a little TOO light hearted but...
>>
>>30645959
Hopefully OP's saving the light hearted stuff for the intermission interludes, so that roll is filled by half our friends.
>>
>>30645896
Heh. Just pick up a bunch of appropriately-powered antagonists from other quests, drop them into a table, and roll away. Extra fun once anon realizes what you've done
>>
>>30645921
Anyone up for intercorp 'competitions' and exchange programs?
>>
>>30645921
I am waiting for the guy who talks entirely in euphemisms. And for us to have an entirely female team when it happens.

Should be good for a laff.
>>
>>30646008
I don't know about 'exchange programs' but it might be fun to deploy next to another company at some point.
>>
>>30645959
>Do we get a Team Rocket enemy? That are hilariously ineffective at hurting us, but mostly just make a mess of things when they show up, and we always space them but they somehow survive each and every time?

Team Rocket, a pair of remote drone riggers with distinctively flashy drones - they are continually evolving designs and replacements, often blown up, trashed, scrapped and rebuilt. But there is one constant, one nearly certain calling card they have:

The garish paintjobs and decorations.
>>
>>30646031
Val would take that as a challenge and have an escalating dirty talk-off with him ending in her making a move on him and him screaming that he's gay and this is rape. Val would later return with a satisfied smile and the other dude would never be seen again.
>>
>>30645896
If Dreads is dead, when we getting that fat bounty lewt?
>>
>>30646090
Operation: No Teeth
>>
>>30646052
by 'exchange' programs I meant more along the lines of finding a Nova/Kerrigan expy rival and stealing them for ourselves
>>
>>30646117
Spoiler: So Many Teeth!
>>
>>30646097
We already did. We just haven't realized it yet, because Ivan had a heart attack and died when three truckloads of cash showed up at the Brick. Everything up till now has been the hallucination of a dying/dead man
>>
>>30645959
I hadn't previously considered that anon. Perhaps.

>>30646097
It'll be coming in in bits. This is because the bounty is the total of hundreds of different bounties all added up. This is more or less for balance reasons.

>>30646052
>>30646008
There are other companies that provide the same services as StrikeOut, and yes, some of them are friendly. I think dropping with another company is perfectly possible
>>
>>30646135
Death by phat loot?
Seems about right
>>
>>30646149
That's actually a pretty reasonable in-game way to piecemeal the full bounty total out, but still makes me sad that we can't just wreck our debt in one go. :(
>>
>>30646192
I dunno anon. I think one of the things that has completely caught me off guard in QMing DAQ is how debt conscious you all are. I consider fiscal responsibility a calling card of my playerbase.
>>
>>30646192
it would be awesome if we just had 250+ million turn up on our doorstep, but then what?
>>
>>30646149
>Perhaps
I think it's a funny idea, but probably better to be used sparingly. Or you could make them not quite THAT shitty at their job.

Either way, I look forward to whatever you have planned.

My suggestions for missions:
One of my favorite things about sci fi are visiting weird alien planets. We should go to a few of those, for varying reasons. Mineral retrieval? Maybe a ship crashed and we're coming to pick it up deep in Jurassic Park jungles?, Slaver corp goes rogue, and WE are part of the hostile take over, full on ice planet preparing defenses against incoming attack, and our hardware services are required.. Stuff like that.
>>
>>30646231
>Completely caught off guard by tg being debt conscious
I am personally seeing the debt as our training wheels. We're only a REAL merc once we pay it off, and we can finally buy implants and gear all on our own.
Why are you surprised, though? Did you expect us to buy stuff like Cy does? (I think it's Cy)
>>
>>30646231
I know, rite? And you've tried to trick us with your fancy prosthetics and mega-man arms, but anon has persevered. I'm so proud
>>
>>30646234
scroogemcduck.gif
Try harder, anon
>>
>>30646276
I dunno. Honestly, I haven't been QMing for too long, so /tg/ can still surprise me.

But I find your characterization as the debt as Ivan's training wheels to be very accurate
>>
>>30646252
Dude, watch Space Dandy sometime.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Anime/SpaceDandy
>>
>>30646231
Two things
A. What would've happened if the debt didn't get paid? I imagine repo men in this era are terrifying. How long do we have?

B.It's the interest, mostly dude. Our debt would've have bothered us so much if it wasn't for the fact that, the longer it goes without being paid, the more it is. And NO ONE likes paying interest.
>>
>>30646330
man fuck interest
>>
>>30646327
Yesssss
Alien Hunter added to that list would be awesome.
>>
>>30646330
A. I haven't really thought up any consequences for not repaying your debt. That doesn't mean that there are none! Just that I haven't thought of them yet.

B. Interest fucking blows.
>>
Particle weapon anon here I'm still getting that stuff written up. have to get ready for a shit ton of tests and projects due before spring break. I'll post it in a paste bin eventually and link in a thread but if another scientist / engi gets around to it first then that's cool too.
>>
>>30646373
I think it's fair to say it works a lot like credit card bills, in that if you pay off chunks of it payments along with interest, they don't care. More money for them.

...though a repoman would be terrifying.
>>
>>30646373
So what's the plan for next thread?
More bar time?
Clearing the air with Elda?
Valk?
Hardware work?
Armorer work?
Weapons training?
Timeskip?

Hopefully a little of all of the above!
>>
>>30646415
That's why I thought FG was setting up...shit I think its Cy who's really piling debt on himself? As an example to us that, while getting gear is important to staying alive, over doing it is gonna get you fucked. I expect something nasty to happen to his gear...not soon. But eventually. Would make a good warning.
>>
>>30646362
Dude, way to miss the point by the widest margin imaginable. Just look at the interesting places he goes, try to imagine how cool it would be if OUR missions were all kinds of different like that. Not CUHRAYZEE ALIEN HUNTER WOOOO. So far, we've been inside buildings. That's it. We gotta get outside the literal box, man
>>
>>30646415
well thats the current thing we're doing, paying off the interest and a little bit of the debt, so its slowly but surely being reduced
>>
>>30646454
Oh, I wasn't that anon, man. Sorry.
>>
>>30646422
FG, do you have a Honey Do list for Ivan or something?
>>
>>30646395
I look forward to it anon

>>30646415
Yeah, I think Ivan's assiduous fiscal responsibility will do him some favors in that regard

>>30646422
If I had to set some goals for myself...

>Hardware work
>Armorer work
>and interaction with some character you all vote on.

Alright, good talk everyone, bit I got to get some sleep. See you all on thursday!
>>
>>30646454
I think we'll start seeing more varied drop environs once we're a REAL merc and get the serious missions, right now, we're essentially a really violent lawyer/DCMA notice
>>
>>30646492
Night man. Keep being awesome.
>>
>>30646487
What's a Honey Do list?
>>
>>30646492
ad in Elda to that cause we really gotta get that cleared up, can't let that shit fester in her head, especially with the important drop we're doing with her and Niels
>>
>>30646495
>Extremely violent lawyer
Oh man, that made me laugh way harder then it should have.

>>30646520
List a wife gives a husband to do for a day.

It's basically a list of shit you want to get done, eventually.
>>
>>30646492
'Night OP. thanks fr running.
>>
>>30646252
This guy wanted to go cool places and do cool things.
>>30646327
I suggested space dandy as inspiration.
>>30646362
This anon missed the point
>>30646454
I tried to clarify
>>30646471
IT KEEPS HABBEDING
>>
>>30646422

Don't forget more Hacking Training with niels - he'll owe us if we set him up with someone. That can be our bro-trade

We *almost* made use of it on a mission, next we just need actual programs and ware to make use of it.

Plus, as an armorer-in-training, learning to hack all the gear to spec and remove built-in-shitware is gonne be part of our job, so it goes hand-in-hand
>>
File: 1394004618329.gif-(1.57 MB, 384x384, FUCK.gif)
1.57 MB
1.57 MB GIF
AUTOSAAAGE
>>
>>30646669
don't get training hacking, thats worthless to us, we need to join forces with Niels to design a hacking shunt/spike that is a disposable item we can make and sell, you insert it into a terminal and it brute forces into systems
>>
>>30646804
We need at least a little hacking knowledge. We'll never be Niels level, but being able to handle it when it's appropriate is a good idea. Just like learning the basics of medkits is a good idea.

Not saying we need to get anything better then 'can do' in them, but if we need any skills to compliment our own, those would be they.
>>
>>30646829
hacking and medskills are not comparable in the amount of training and knowledge you need to make them work

right now we essentially know the lowest most basic bits of SPACE JAVA, which is utterly fucking useless, as evidenced by us doing nothing but managing to infest a computer with popup ads when we tried to hack it in Shattered Moon.

we'd be better off not wasting both of our time doing that, and spending it on training our other areas of expertise and creating the hack spike, which would do the hacking for us, and if we ever encounter a system defended or complicated enough that the spike can't breach it, then our useless poor hacking skills would not be able to help anyway

its just going to waste our time and effort when we could be doing useful things like medskills and combatskills
>>
>>30646804
>don't get training hacking, thats worthless to us
>>30646829
>We need at least a little hacking knowledge. We'll never be Niels level, but being able to handle it when it's appropriate is a good idea. Just like learning the basics of medkits is a good idea.

I'm calling bullshit on 'no don't.

>>Cortech Neostructure: A unique and as of yet unreleased gene mod that enhances the neurons in the entire brain, but are meant to improve the function of the Cerebral Cortex. Your mind simply works better, and increases perception, acuity, charm, and grit statistics. You also pick up new physical skills, such as weapon operation, much faster. As a side effect of this, people have also noted an increased appetite.

LET THE UBERMENSCH BEGIN
Anything physical and hands on - armory/mechanics/surgery included - we learn faster - and because we have better critical thinking abilities/memory/learning will make us a better hacker.

Have you ever played System Shock 2?
Navy route.
Navy superiority.

Shotgun cyberhacker, and our crystal axe.
>>
>>30646864
>right now we essentially know the lowest most basic bits of SPACE JAVA, which is utterly fucking useless, as evidenced by us doing nothing but managing to infest a computer with popup ads when we tried to hack it in Shattered Moon.

Again, this is why we buddy up with niels. We don't need hacking skills if we get script kiddy programs and the basic ability to aim them well

Also, brainaugs and braincomputers put us halfway there.
>>
>>30646878
we're a TECH specialist, we play with hardware, not software, how hard is that to udnerstand, if you wanted to play hacker you should have voted for that in the first thread, trying to make Ivan one now just will not work, and worse, it will gimp him
>>
>>30646878
>Navy route
I am all game for that anon.
100% game. Hardware, software, CQC, close range specialist.
>>
>>30646895
>We don't need hacking skills if we get script kiddy programs and the basic ability to aim them well
That is the whole idea behind the hack spike, we make the hardware, Niels makes the software and it does the work for us

work smarter not harder
>>
>>30646927
>we're a TECH specialist, we play with hardware, not software, how hard is that to udnerstand,

Dis da future.
Smartguns are a thing.
Who do you think troubleshoots the computers in your power armor, your space suit, your smartgun, your brain computer - The tech specialist.

Being a tech specialist in the future means having your fingers in the software pie by default.

How hard is that to understand?
>>
>>30646927

Just likes cars today, anon, computers are in anything and everything, and being a 'mechanic' is starting to mean more than just knowing wrenches.
>>
>>30647046
>>30647010
Basically these. We need to know SOMETHING. I don't care what you guys say. Basic is the least we can do. So we can understand the shit we're messing with.
>>
>>30647062
>So we can understand the shit we're messing with.

Ties back into>>30646933
>>30646878

Eventually, ivan needs to grow up and stop being baby merc - anons need to think about where to go beyond 'lol tech specialist w/ cqc boner' and not be afraid to branch out and try new things.

Personally, I kind of see ivan getting into heavier/more interesting weapons through his love of hardware, and going the James Bond/Q route and making/kitbashing/hacking stuff together in his spare time.

But mainly, i want a rocket powered, heatseeking tomahawk/boomerang.
Anyone read Neal Asher's Gridlinked? Think cormac's shuriken.
>>
so how do you get to the DAQ IRC?
>>
>>30648253
The address is in the pastebin.
>>
>>30648289
ohh thx.


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