Alright, not starting on a story post like most days. We're going to start with a two day timeskip until Ivan gets his aug, and then start playing from there.

Here's how this will all go down. Ivan will have a total of 24 hours of "free time" to distribute among various activities during this two day time period. You may vote on what to do during that time period, and for how long.

>Work at the Armory [MAX 10 HOURS]. Roll a 3d10 to see how well you do, and if you happen to find any goodies. Earns money and trains Tech Skill
>Train at the firing range: Choose a gun to train with. [Revolver, Assault Rifle, Shotgun]
>Practice melee techniques at the gym
>Dick around with Mocha, train hacking skill, albeit slowly
>Write In

Rolled 10, 4, 3 = 17

>>30734031
>Work at the Armory

Alright, I’ve been promising a light hearted and fun mission, or selection of missions, for you guys ever since Bitter Prophet. I believe I’ve come up with a good mix of several suggestions since that announcement. Remember those Merc-Idol Companies I mentioned at some point? The ones that kind combine K-pop/J-pop idols with mercenaries?

The idea I have is that one such Company has requested that Ivan take part in an “attack” on their training facility for new merc-idols. The idea is that there is a new batch of young merc-idols and they’ve just completed their own version of Basic, albeit their version was televised for Human Space to watch as a reality TV show. As a finale for the first season with this batch of mercs, the company wants the barracks to come under attack by another merc company. The company knows that their current batch of merc-idols is too large for a longer term run, there’s too many people competing for screen time. So Ivan, alongside some other mercs from StrikeOut, will be tasked to take down as many merc-idols as possible. The ones who survive the mission will get to continue on as the main cast for their own TV show, the ones who are defeated either become extras or have to undergo plastic surgery and get a new identity and try again next year.

>>30734106
My vision for the mission right now:
>I think this might be a chance to go on a mission with Valkyrie, although she will be taking it easy
>The mission will be non-lethal, specialized low-power weapons and ammo will be provided free of charge for the duration of the mission
>Ivan will get to choose a stage name and persona for the mission. The name I’ll let you guys vote on, the personas, I’ll write up three or maybe four of them before hand to be voted on
>Compensation will have a base rate, followed up by a bonus for each merc-idol defeated, as well as another bonus based on how true Ivan remains to his persona
>The selected persona will be reused should Ivan go on another drop like this one, basically Ivan can play the role of recurring villain should you guys choose to do another mission like this one
>These enemies, although still unblooded rookies, are still much tougher than your average opponent. Every encounter in the course of this mission will act like a mini-boss fight
>HOWEVER: This mission may also be a lot more mechanics driven than earlier ones. Simply because “death” is entirely artificial, I may try to work in HP counts, as well as damage amounts and other stuff like that. This would be a test run for a more refined set of mechanics, and if it goes well these mechanics may be applied to all future missions in DAQ.

What are your thoughts on this?

Rolled 1, 5, 10 = 16

>>30734031

>Work at the Armory

Rolled 8, 3, 8 = 19

>>30734031
>Work at the Armory [MAX 10 HOURS]. Roll a 3d10 to see how well you do, and if you happen to find any goodies. 10 hours.

>Practice melee techniques at the gym 5 hours

>Train at the firing range: Choose a gun to train with. [Revolver, Assault Rifle, Shotgun]

Revolver for 5 hours, shotgun for 4 hours.

Rolled 10, 4, 7 = 21

>>30734031
>Work at the Armory [MAX 10 HOURS]. Roll a 3d10 to see how well you do, and if you happen to find any goodies. Earns money and trains Tech Skill
rolling
followed by
>Train at the firing range: Choose a gun to train with. [Revolver, Assault Rifle, Shotgun]
Lets get our ARs up to Tier 2 so we can own with our AK-94

Rolled 4, 7, 9 = 20

>>30734132
Best. Mission. Ever.

Rolled 8, 4, 8 = 20

>>30734031

>Work at the Armory: 10 hours
>Train at the firing range: 8 hours
>>Practice melee techniques at the gym: 6 hours

Rolled 8, 2, 2 = 12

>>30734163
derp, forgot to specify times
>WORK = 10 hours
>TRAINING = 8 hours

also
>Talk to fucking Elda

>>30734132
So..it's a video game mission?

VR TRAINING, IVAN! IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO BECOME THE PERFECT SOLDIER.

>>30734132

Sounds excellent.

But how are you handling non-lethal weaponry.
Will you just tweak the system to where it's impossible to kill the idols?
Or are we actually going to have to spend money on non-lethal weaponry?

Rolled 6, 5, 1 = 12

>>30734132

>HOWEVER: This mission may also be a lot more mechanics driven than earlier ones. Simply because “death” is entirely artificial, I may try to work in HP counts, as well as damage amounts and other stuff like that. This would be a test run for a more refined set of mechanics, and if it goes well these mechanics may be applied to all future missions in DAQ.

Ehhhnnnn.

Combined with every fight being a mini-boss fight, I really don't think this is a good idea. DAQ's strength lies in a very transparent, crunch-light combat system that lets you craft some solid narratives. Adding more crap to it isn't going to make it more refined and in this case I really think it's just going to drag it out. Don't fix what ain't broke man.

Other than that, I fucking love the mission concept.

Rolled 10, 9, 8 = 27

>>30734031
>Work at the Armory 10 hours.
>Train at the firing Range: Revolver 6 hours.
>Practice Melee techniques in the gym 6 hours.

>>30734132
There is no way in HELL that Ivan would turn down this mission. PLEASE PLEASE lets get started!

>>30734132
It's amazing.

I love it.

>>30734293
WEE! Goodies abound!

>HOWEVER: This mission may also be a lot more mechanics driven than earlier ones.

Have you considered running a test offline first? This seems like it could add to play time.

Rolled 8, 8, 7 = 23

>>30734287
I agree with this on all points, I love how its system allows depth and flexibility without becoming a crunch fest and would hate that, also, the whole 'every fight is a mini boss fight' idea, thats stupid, it gets repetitive, boring and massively fucks up pacing meaning we just end up getting tired of it after the second idol mook

FG, scrap those parts and you've got a deal

>>30734280
Non-lethal weaponry will be exact replicas of your current weapons, only dulled and depowered so that you don't kill anyone by accident. Essentially stage weapons. It works exactly like the current system, only instead of heads exploding, they'll fall into a pool of light and "expire" after saying some dramatic shit.

>>30734287
>>30734332
>>30734379
Definitely a set of relevant concerns. I'll make some test runs at home before committing to anything too crazy. Basically, All I have in mind right now is just be the inclusion of HP amounts and Damage from attacks. Outside of that, nothing else will change.

We'll see about the mini-boss thing. If not that, than they'll certainly be elite mooks.

Rolled 9, 2, 7 = 18

>>30734332
>This seems like it could add to play time.
Understatement of the century, messing with the mechanics and bloating the crunch as well as drawing out the fights by making them mini bosses is a great way to make this Bitter Prophet Mk2

Rolled 2, 3, 2 = 7

>>30734410
why not make the idols have HP and Damage and whatnot, without making them mini bosses, and keep random security mooks one hittable, otherwise you lose the vicseral brutal nature of a highly trained merc stomping random mall cops when he has to take cover because his axe to the face only did 7 dmg instead of a possible 8 and the mall cop, with an axe in his face, is still alive

Make the enemies that are worth a challenge a challenge, and the ones that are not, are not.

>>30734410
Right, compiled votes for time skip.

>10 hours at Armory, Best Roll: 21
>6 hours practicing melee techniques
>8 Hours at Range, 4 hours Revolver, 2 Shotgun, 2 Assault Rifle.

Does this seem reasonable to everyone?

Writing for now

>>30734448
Seems fair enough anon. And it works fluff-wise, as it lets Ivan and friends seem more dangerous before running into the merc-idols. Also, mooks will always be one-shotted with Ivan's current loadout.

Rolled 8, 9, 5 = 22

>>30734504
>Does this seem reasonable to everyone?
Add in sending a ping to Elda to talk later and its good

>>30734504
>>30734293
Hey Fall Guy, we got a 27 unless that's too far down the list.

>>30734555
Yeah, a little too far down the list to count, unfortunately.

>>30734547
Pinging Elda to talk at a later point. Added.

>>30734504
>2 Shotgun

Hold up, why are we investing 2 hours in shotgun?
We don't even own one and considering what happens every tine it's mentioned we likely never will.

Rolled 1, 4, 2 = 7

>>30734555
>>30734582
would be hilarious if we turned up for work, had a look at our tasks list and GRIT MODE ACTIVATE

>>30734504
Should change it to
8 Hours at Range, 4 hours Revolver, 4 Assault Rifle.

Only one anon mentioned wanting shotgun.

>>30734583

Because people seem to have this idea that a shotgun is an ideal close-combat weapon and oh-so great for multiple ammo types. Despite the first being blatantly false and the second being allayed by the fact that we saw Ivan get all manner of ammo types for his revolver.

>>30734583
we're going to loot one eventually, so why not get our skills with a CQC weapon, which we tend to favor, up to Tier 1 so we're not handicaped for using it?

>>30734624

Seconding this.

>>30734624
Agreed

>>30734628

We already have a hand-cannon , which serves all the purposes of a shotgun without the necessity of having to waste the time leveling the tier.

>>30734628

Because it's not a goddamn CQC weapon. It's bulky and adds needless extra weight. We have a revolver and a shock tomahawk for that.

Having a good medium-to-long range weapon is more important. Nix the shotgun, train more on AR.

>>30734504

Hey Fall Guy, for "practicing melee techniques" could I suggest practicing running? Specifically sprinting starts. Because the great disadvantage is having to close with the enemy. It's all good when we're the ones getting jumped, but I see from the first thread Ivan has a tendency to charge into melee.

Short of getting some kind of futuretech to give us a massive horizontal boost, getting better at sprinting and boosts of speed I though would be key.

>>30734624
Agreed

>30734955
I like your thinking Anon. I think we should work on sprints as well.

File: 1394393747032.png-(210 KB, 650x252, big-rocketskates.png)

210 KB PNG

Rolled 4, 6, 10 = 20

>>30734955
>Short of getting some kind of futuretech to give us a massive horizontal boost
hmmm
Rocket boots?

>>30734955
>Rocket pack

boom, Ivan in your face now faster than ever before

>>30734504
Sounds good to me.

>>30734132
Ivan will ham it up there are no doubts about this.

We shall be either Thor or an Angry Russian.

The next two days pass by in a blur of activity. You spend most of the first day in the gym’s dojo, practicing various techniques with your axe as well as hand to hand combat moves against combots. The bastards are slippery, lithely dodging most of your attacks. Eventually you figure out the problem. You broadcast your moves too openly. By the fifth hour you’re landing most of your blows, although they’re slightly less powerful than they might have otherwise been. Still, at least they’re landing. Eventually satisfied by your visceral beatdown of your robotic foes, you grab a quick bite to eat before heading down to the range and practicing with your Model 223, mostly working on rapidly changing targets and accurate quick-firing. After several hours of that you take out your AK-94 and spend about three hours practicing with that weapon as well, mostly working on your ability to hit moving targets at range.

File: 1394393990036.png-(68 KB, 768x250, Sawbladeattachment.png)

68 KB PNG

You spend most of the next day working in the Armory, repairing various guns and armor that the Armorer couldn’t be bothered with. You are a composer in the work station, and the tools are your orchestra, the hums and sparking all binding together to form a sonata of industry. You just finish work on the last of the Armorer’s backlog of equipment orders when your surly boss arrives with a large gun of some sort and deposits it on your work station. Normally you’d be able to identify most weapons on sight, but the twisted hunk of slag eludes your attempts to categorize it. You get to work on the weapon, breaking it down into smaller parts and separating metal from other bits for easier processing by the recyclers. You manage to work a chain-bayonet off of the hulk, largely undamaged compared to the mangled weapon it arrived on. However, your attempts to activate it are met with bitter silence. Clearly you’ll need to spend some time on this one to get it back into working order. You are about to do so when the Armorer leans in and shouts that she’s closing down for the night. You pocket the chain-bayonet and head down to the firing range once more, spending about an hour acquainting yourself with the MPSE 2094.

File: 1394394052762.jpg-(10 KB, 268x241, 6a00d83451b3c669e20115709(...).jpg)

10 KB JPG

Eventually you return to you quarters and settle down for the night, excited at the prospect of your clean bill of health as well as your aug tomorrow. Just before you go to sleep you send a quick ping to Elda, telling her that you’d like to talk later. Rolling over onto your side, you doze off, thinking of brain augments and sugar plums.

You wake up the next day and rush through your morning rituals, eager to be on your way to the clinic, where Dr. Barnes will be acting as your begrudging Santa Claus. You hurry through the Brick, practically sliding into his office. The good doctor looks up at you, eyebrows raised. “Seems someone is eager to be here.”

“Yeah,” you concur, grinning excitedly. “Been dying to get into the saddle.”

Dr. Barnes rolls his eyes. “Alright kid. You have any last minute questions about this aug, or do you just want to get straight to business?”

>Last minute questions?
>Straight to business.

>>30735212
There going to be any side-effects I should look out for?

>>30735212

>MPSE 2094.

What is this?

And please don't tell me it's a shotgun.
We really don't need you provoking more shitstorms Fall Guy.

Rolled 5, 8, 6 = 19

>>30735212
>>Last minute questions?
Any potential risk I need to know about?

>>30735212
>Last minute questions?
Side effects and risks involved in the procedure and future use of the mod, then full steam ahead

Also FG, is the pastebin updated to reflect Ivans current weapon proficiencies?

>>30735268
>MPSE 2094
It is

>>30735268
It is. However, I altered timing a bit so that the AR received more training time than the shotgun. I feel as though that was a good middle ground to adopt in this situation.

Regardless, don't get too worked up over training times. Actually using your weapons in the course of the mission is a far more effective form of training than going down to the range.

>>30735333
The pastebin is slightly out of date, for example Ivan is a more skilled hacker now, but by and large yes. He actually ranked up in handguns in the course of training.

>>30735352
>He actually ranked up in handguns in the course of training.
Awesome.

How long until we can dual wield 223's?

Alright, ask about side effects and potential complications. Writing.

>>30734132
Sounds fucking great

Is Microsoft still around in the far future?

“Yeah, one thing doc,” you say allowing a note of concern to creep into your voice, “are there any side effects to this mod? Anything I should be aware of? Will I feel any different after this?”

Dr. Barnes shakes his head. “Never is just one thing. Yes,” he says looking back up at you, “going through this quickly the BiodYne R&D reports noted that recipients of the Cortech Neostructure had increased appetites after receiving the augmentation. Several recipients noted that they seemed to recall embarrassing memories more often after being augmented, although this was not a statistically significant proportion of recipients. Another noted side-effect was a tendency for recipients to remember dreams upon awakening. Finally, all recipients, without exception, when they had to sneeze, would do so three times in a row. No more, no less.”

“That’s weird,” you reply, “but any complications? Will I feel any different?”

“Well, long term complications in humans is unknown. The aug hasn’t been on the market for that long. In animal testing, the aug actually seemed to prevent the onset of alzheimer's like symptoms in mice. But no, no complications noted as of yet. as for feeling different, most recipients reported feeling and thinking exactly the same as they had prior to augmentation. Any noted changes were quickly identified as the placebo effect. This is a subtle augment, and it works on parts of the brain that you’re not really conscious of in the first place. It should all feel the same.”

You nod. All in all, less extreme than you had personally expected. “Alright then, let’s do this.”

Dr. Barnes nods before leading you into the operating room once more. You take a seat on the operating table before Dr. Barnes injects something into you. You slip into unconsciousness.

And wake back up again, slightly dazed. You look around, feeling entirely the same as you did before you went under. You step out of the operating room, where Dr. Barnes is waiting for you. He looks you over for a second before sending a file to your HUD. “Alright kid,” he says crossing his arms, “I took the liberty of examining your arm while you were out. Everything is in order, you’re cleared to drop.”

You nod gratefully before waving goodbye to the doctor and stepping out of the clinic. It’s only a little after 1200 station time. You’ve still got quite a few hours to burn. What would you like to do?

>See what sort of missions Svenja has lined up for you.
>Find Elda and talk to her
>Write In

>>30735877
>Write In
>Ping Svenja and ask her to send us a summarized mission list to us, we'll talk to her about them later
Then
>Find Elda and talk to her

Rolled 3, 4, 1 = 8

>>30735877
>See what sort of missions Svenja has lined up for you.

Lets wait a bit before talking to Elda again.

>>30735877
Find Elda

>>30735877
>>See what sort of missions Svenja has lined up for you.

>>30735877
>See what sort of missions Svenja has lined up for you.

Did Elda ever ping us back?

>>30735854
>Another noted side-effect was a tendency for recipients to remember dreams upon awakening.

And so it begins.

Seems the majority is leaning towards choosing a mission, ie choosing a persona and stage name. Am writing, may take slightly longer depending on how long writing the personas up takes.

>>30736181
>Persona
Reckless madman with a love of close combat

>Stage name
I have no idea.

>>30736181
Thor the Russian Lumberjack.
50% Norse God, 50% lumber Jack, 50% Drunken Grizzly Bear.

>>30735877
>>See what sort of missions Svenja has lined up for you.

>>30736230
Kamil Haasan?

Rolled 10, 2, 8 = 20

>>30736181
Bearcules McThor the Grizzly Warrior!

>>30736181
Name: Boris Thorsen

>>30736181
>>30736298
>>30736343

BEARCULEAS THOR'S CHOSEN

Although you would like to find Elda, there is the matter of business that you need to attend to, and preferably sooner rather than later. You wouldn’t want all the openings for the good missions to get filled while you were gone. You ping your HR Adviser to let her know that you’re coming up to visit and choose a mission. Making your way to her office, you wonder to yourself if the Cortech aug would allow you to better handle the Elda situation, or if that sort of thing is outside of it’s range of effect.

You eventually arrive at Svenja’s office. You knock on the door a few times before it slides open. You step into your HR Adviser’s office and take a seat. Svenja seems inordinately pleased with herself about something, grinning rather like you would after a successful mission. The corners of your mouth turn up into a half smile in response to the excitement clear on your Adviser’s face. “Alright Svenja,” you say, shifting forward a bit. “I’ve never seen you look like that before. What’s gotten you so chipper?”

Svenja pushes her e-glasses up her nose a bit before speaking. “Well Ivan, remember how you wanted me to find you a ‘fun’ mission to go on after Bitter Prophet?”

You nod. “Yeah?”

Svenja shuffles a few papers around, “Well, it took a bit of looking but I think I’ve found exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a job offer from the Terracast Group. Apparently their pop-military entertainment division, Love Wetworks Limited, wants some mercs from StrikeOut to take part in a staged drop assault on their training facilities.”

>What does Ivan say?
>”Uh, sounds a little… stupid. You got anything better?”
>”Okay, sounds interesting. Tell me more.”

>>30736487
>”Okay, sounds interesting. Tell me more.”

>>30736487
You had me at pop-military entertainment devision"

>>30736516
>>”Okay, sounds interesting. Tell me more.”

Rolled 6, 2, 7 = 15

>>30736516
>>”Okay, sounds interesting. Tell me more.”
Do I get to shoot cute things?

>>30736516
>>”Okay, sounds interesting. Tell me more.”

>>30736516
>”Okay, sounds interesting. Tell me more.”

>>30736516
>”Okay, sounds interesting. Tell me more.”

Cute girls fake-dying cutely.

>>30736516
>I'm not saying 'no' but what are my other options?

>>30736593
>Ivan accidentally uses live rounds.

>>30736516
By the way fall guy.
What if we beat all of them?

>>30736742
Unlikely, there are a lot of them! However, I will address that possibility in the next update.

>>30736796
And then we roll multiple 30's.

>>30736827
While in Grit and channeling Thor.

You chuckle and rub your jaw, shifting in your seat. “You had me at “pop-military entertainment” Svenja. Tell me more.”

Svenja looks positively radiant. “I knew you’d like it. Basically, Love Wetworks has a new batch of merc-idols who just finished basic training.”

“Televised it all too, of course,” you interject.

Svenja nods. “Indeed. Anyway, they’ve just finished the first season, more of a prequel really, before they get syndicated as SpaceHeart*Love. And they want StrikeOut to lead a surprise attack on their barracks to serve as the season finale! You were one of several mercs they specially requested. Apparently one of their producers saw your fight with Dreads and was impressed at your showmanship.”

“Holy hell, that sounds pretty sweet,” you respond, “But, to be clear here, this isn’t going to be lethal, right? How will they handle that?”

“Oh, non-lethal, definitely,” says Svenja looking slightly troubled at the thought, “LWL is going to provide non-lethal replicas of your weaponry, free of charge, prior to dropping. If you ‘kill’ someone it’ll only paralyze their combat suit, and they won’t be part of the SpaceHeart*Love show.”

“Oh okay,” you say, nodding, “So that way they can give their dying speeches and shit like that. So I guess that means that we’ll be the bad guys in this situation?”

Svenja’s head bounces up and down as she nods eagerly. “Oh yes, and I think that might be your favorite part of this mission! You’ll have to choose from one of a few personas their creative team came up with after reviewing your combat footage! It’ll be your villainous alter-ego, which you can reuse should you do another entertainment drop!”

You wait patiently as Svenja digs around her desk, looking for some papers. After a few seconds she finds them, sliding them across the table towards you. You pick them up and begin to read.

>Personas incoming

>>30736923
question, will THEY be using nonlethal guns and ammo aswell?

>>30736967
Was gonna ask that.

>>30736923
>merc-idols

I can't help but think of Merc Command's Cyberpunk Idols Quests...

>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Ever since the death of Clinton Armstrong, aka “Trevelyan the Blunderbuss” market analysis has identified a huge demand for a similar character to take his place. While Mr. Armstrong specialized in sniper weapons, we believe the Mr. Kostov could play the role of “British Gentleman Hunter” equally well, with some alterations of course. Namely, he would adopt a posh, upper class attitude and persona most of the time, generally going on about gentlemanly conduct and the like. However, underneath it all is a surging volcano of bloodlust, which expresses itself as axe crazy berserker rages. Sort of a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde deal, if you’ve heard about that.

>How to play:
+When using his Model 223, Mr. Kostov must maintain a veneer of old world class and charm
+While in Gentleman Mode, he cannot, I repeat, CANNOT, use his tomahawk
+When it is thematically appropriate, either after being shot or if he can’t seem to hit his target in question, Mr. Kostov may enter a Berserk State, where he engages the target in CQC with his tomahawk. Act like an axe-crazy homicidal maniac.

>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE

Our creative team came up with that one almost immediately upon seeing footage of Mr. Kostov’s first drop. Essentially, act as a jolly norse man with a true and deep seated love for battle. Go on about manly confrontations and the thrill of a good fight. Laugh a lot, mention old Norse mythological concepts and gods, like Valhalla and Odin. Talk about being a “true warrior” and a “real man” and what that entails. Try to go for a hotblooded feeling. We’d be thrilled if Mr. Kostov would be willing to drop with a tankard of mead or ale in hand to take swigs form while fighting.

>How to play:
+Always take the most direct path to your target, a lot of charging and CQC
+Laugh a lot, especially while fighting
+If Mr. Kostov finds himself with a fellow merc from StrikeOut, he must insist on handling confrontations on his own, even if severely outnumbered


>EDGEMASATER 9000

It’s a bit of a cliche, but we could always use an “edgy” villain. Just go on about purging the weak and how you hate love and innocence and justice and all that jazz. Maybe even make a few grandiose statements about the evil of man. Definitely call as many things “filthy” or “an eyesore” as possible.

>How to play:
+Do whatever it takes to win, don’t be afraid to resort to underhanded tricks and cheats
+Monologuing is encouraged, especially about moral relativism and the evil of man
+Make extreme threats, threaten loved ones and friends. We will have someone on hand to tell Mr. Kostov how he should threaten each Merc-Idol

>>30737452
>>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE

Our creative team came up with that one almost immediately upon seeing footage of Mr. Kostov’s first drop. Essentially, act as a jolly norse man with a true and deep seated love for battle. Go on about manly confrontations and the thrill of a good fight. Laugh a lot, mention old Norse mythological concepts and gods, like Valhalla and Odin. Talk about being a “true warrior” and a “real man” and what that entails. Try to go for a hotblooded feeling. We’d be thrilled if Mr. Kostov would be willing to drop with a tankard of mead or ale in hand to take swigs form while fighting.

This is pretty much us.
Plus THOR!

Rolled 5, 4, 4 = 13

>>30737434
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST
THAT SOUND MOTHERFUCKING AWESOME!

>>30737434
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Holy freaking shit, how can I NOT choose this?

>>30737452
>Jolly Viking With A Love For Battle
There can be no other choice.

Rolled 1, 2, 9 = 12

>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

This. This is beautiful.

>>30737452
>>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE

Please? I just don't feel we can pull off the gentleman part on a long term basis.

>>30737452
>>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE
If they are giving us free booze all the better!

>>30737434
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Oh my God, I just realised.

We pretty much get to play a boss character in a video game.

>>30737434
>>30737452
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

"UMBUBU! Fetch my Idol gun!"

>>30737452
>Jolly Viking with a love for battle
Because Thor helped us in the past and it will be easy to do due to how similar it is to our personality.
Plus tankard of mead or ale. Should probably get an ale-horn

>>30737434
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Personally I think EDGEMASATER would have been nice if you hadn't stuck that fucking name on it.
Too many bad connotations.


>We will have someone on hand to tell Mr. Kostov how he should threaten each Merc-Idol

>Having a tech wispier your opponents worse fears into your com-link.

That's fucking hilarious.

>>30737434
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737434
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Idol hunting you say?

>>30737452
Jolly Viking

>>30737434
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

This sounds absolutely amazing.

>>30737452
>VIKING
ODIN WILLS IT!

>>30737434
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Time to go full GENTLEMAN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASO_zypdnsQ&feature=kp

>>30737434
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737452
>>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE

>>30737434
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Rolled 5, 6, 8 = 19

Gentleman Viking hunter with an insatiable love for battle.

You know you want it.

>>30737452
>>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE
All my yes

>>30737650
SECONDED!

>>30737434
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737434
>+While in Gentleman Mode, he cannot, I repeat, CANNOT, use his tomahawk
>+When it is thematically appropriate, either after being shot or if he can’t seem to hit his target in question, Mr. Kostov may enter a Berserk State, where he engages the target in CQC with his tomahawk. Act like an axe-crazy homicidal maniac.

We're gonna end up deliberately missing all our shots aren't we...

>THE SILENT ONE

We’ve tested Mr. Kostov with several audiences, and have noted widespread appeal across most demographics, but especially among women between the ages of 16-125. If Mr. Kostov is willing to take the role, he could serve as a “Fan Preferred” villain. We think that if we pushed the dark brooding stranger aspect Mr. Kostov could develop quite a female fan base. Obviously, this one comes with it’s own unique set of challenges. Mostly, he’d need to keep himself mysterious and inscrutable, leave open the possibility that he’s not a really bad guy, or that he can be redeemed.

>How to play:
+Don’t say much. At all. Keep your face unreadable, don’t make any expressions
+Say stuff like, “You know nothing”, and “Don’t assume you know my motives”
+If you’re on screen with another Merc from StrikeOut, try to say and do things that imply tension between yourself and the rest of the group.

You place the sheet down. Svenja looks at you expectantly. “Well, which will it be?”

“Just a second Svenja,” you reply, holding a finger up, “How many mercs am I expected to take out, and will they be using non-lethal weapons as well?”

Svenja crooks her head to the side. “Well, as many as you can I guess. If it gets to be too many and the cast is at risk of being completely wiped out, they’ll either pull you out early, or they’ll have the most popular mercs and the ones that did the best in combat miraculously survive. And of course they’re not using lethal weapons as well. That’s just grossly irresponsible.

>Well now that that’s out of the way, which persona do you choose?
>I AM ONLY COUNTING REPLIES TO THIS POST AS VOTES. Makes my life easier.

>>30737691
"Deliberately"

>>30737696
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Rolled 6, 7, 8 = 21

>>30737614
Anon please
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEqTa_MQY68

>>30737696
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737696
>JOLLY VIKING

>>30737696
Gentleman Hunter

>>30737696
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

My Idol gun UMBUBU, Fetch it!

>>30737696
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737696
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Fuck, I will be forever ashamed if I didn't choose this.

Rolled 2, 9, 8 = 19

>>30737696
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST
AND A POSH BRITISH ACCENT

>>30737696
>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE

>>30737696
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737696
>JOLLY VIKING

>>30737696
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

Idol hunting? Posh British accent? SIGN ME UP

>>30737696
>>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737696
>JOLLY VIKING WITH A LOVE FOR BATTLE

Rolled 8, 10, 9 = 27

>>30737696

GENTLEMAN VIKING HUNTER WITH AN INSATIABLE LOVE FOR BATTLE

GOTTA WORK DAT MONOCLE AND HORNED HELM COMBO

>>30737838
GRIT MODE!!!!!!!

>>30737696
Is there anything we can do to get A muttonstache in time for the drop?
Cuz if so Gentleman all the way.

>>30737696
>GENTLEMAN HUNTER WITH INSATIABLE BLOODLUST

>>30737864
>Run down to the clinic and demand a muttonstache aug

>>30737732
>>30737696
Aw shit, this is so perfect it even clears the grit check. Changing my vote.

>>30737838
Seconding

>>30737696

Jolly Viking, obviously.

File: 1394401925412.jpg-(44 KB, 478x500, The Explorer HelloQuizzynet.jpg)

44 KB JPG

Seems like the Gentleman Hunter beat out Jolly Viking.

Calling a new vote on your stage name.

This is a write in. If you like a name that is suggested, be sure to second it.

Just to help start things off, the last guy who played this archetype was known as "Trevelyan the Blunderbuss".

>>30738003

Lord John "Mad Jack" Churchill.

We can fluff it up by claiming ancestry from the original Churchill of WWII fame.

Rolled 10, 8, 5 = 23

>>30738003
Dr Rupert J. Gritman

>>30738062
Seconded.
I love this idea.

>>30737696
>>THE SILENT ONE

I wish you had posted those closer together so that Silent one could have an actual shot.

>>30738062
I like this, bu with a little twist.

Gentleman : Lord John Churchill
Berserker: "Mad Jack" Daniels (no known first name)

>>30738131
Yeah. Part of me thinks that it might've been better to pastebin the choices so everyone saw them at the same time, or at least in close proximity to one another.

Also, Terracast/Love Wetworks Limited will provide you with a working set of stylized armor, as well as anything else you might request, including muttonchops.

Do we get to have someone follow us around and carry our weapons for us?

>>30738185
Armour designed like a Full plate.
Muttonchops and mustache

>>30738190

All in good time, if we do well in this first outing we can probably get a sidekick for the next mission we do.

>>30738185
This is the most important question: Will we get a monocle and/or pith helmet?

>>30738190
If there is sufficient interest, I may be willing to create a drone or something that will carry around extra guns for you.

You guys can name the drone too.

>>30738214
Yes.

>>30738185
Is there some way to make the dreads miraculously appear when we turn into "Mad Jack"?

>>30738214

We should go full British Empire-mode here guys.

>>30738151
I like this. If we have other Strike Out people with us, they could get exasperated with having to use "Mad Jack" to get our attention while beserkered.

Rolled 5, 1, 5 = 11

>>30738219
The real question is "Can we hunt while riding a cyberelephant?"

>>30738151
thirded

>>30738261
Only if you become a recurring villain of note.

>>30738228
Perhaps

I'm leaving name voting open for another 5 minutes in case anyway is struck by last minute inspiration, then I'll start writing.

>>30738219
Consider me interested in the drone.

Rolled 5, 7, 4 = 16

>Mad Jack
>Not Crazy Even

I don't even.

Rolled 8, 3, 10 = 21

>>30738382
I meant Ivan, I swear.

>>30738419
"Crazy Ivan" is the Jolly Viking name.

>>30738219

I want that drone.

>>30738151

Do it.

Alright, seems like Lord John Churchill, transforming into "Mad Jack" Daniels is the winner. Writing.

>>30738512
>Dreads
something to consider

Guys, we need to figure out a way to make the bear tattoo part of the schtick, "chomping" as a taunt.

>>30738721
That would be cool, see if we can get the tattoo modified to foam and bite when we go through our "transformation".

>>30737696
Did anyone else notice that our range is women from 16-125?

>>30738755
Age doesn't really mean much, Val is already in her 50's.

>>30738755

Dat Sex appeal

>>30738755
Ivan's got a pretty wide strike zone, apparently.

>>30738755
>>30738788

After we start acting like an psychotic Brit with a personality disorder I'm sure that range will disappear in a heartbeat.

>>30738755
We need more context about average lifespan to make it meaningful.

>>30738755
Not seeing a problem with that since the cure for mortality is around the corner.

>>30738855
Darious our bro senior partner is more than 100, and IIRC Valkyrie is 57, technology is at the point where aging is kind of meaningless, but not yet at natural immortality

>>30738855
As a Merc we aphave access to better longevity techs than most people. So right now our "natural" lifespan is somewhere between 350-500 years. If we survive the next ~30 years, we should have access to tech that will reder us immune to the ravages of time, period. So unless we get killed, we aren't going to die.

>>30738855
The DAQ-verse is right on the cusp of biological immortality. People born right now in the DAQ-verse are expected to live forever. Your life expectancy has a lot to do with when you are born. People can usually make it to their 160s before obvious signs of aging set in.

You lean back in your seat, conflicted. After a few minutes of hard thinking, you make your choice. “Well, it came between the viking and the gentleman hunter, but since I’m basically like the viking most of the time anyway, I’ll take the Gentleman Hunter persona, just to shake things up a bit.”

Svenja nods and begins typing something into her terminal. “Alright. Just informed the producer. He says that they’ll be providing you with some sort of khaki colored retro-futuristic safari inspired armor, pith helmet included.”

“Awesome,” you reply, idly twisting the papers in your hands. “Tell the producer I’ve thought of a name too. Lord John Churchill when I’m in Gentleman mode, “Mad Jack” Daniels when I’m in Berserk mode.”

Svenja nods and types some more. “Alright. The producer seems to be thrilled with that. Although he says they’re going to cut the Daniels off of “Mad Jack”.”

You frown, slightly disappointed. “Alright, I guess. Still think “Mad Jack” Daniels has a gppd flow to it. And hey, what about other props? I’m thinking maybe a drone or something that carries my guns around. I could call it Umbubu or something like that. Maybe even a cyber elephant to ride in on.”

Svenja raises an eyebrow and types quickly. After a few seconds she replies, “the producer says you might get the drone if you’re debut is good enough and you’re willing to be a recurring villain. Absolutely no cyber elephant.”

You wave your hand dismissively. “Common mind with no appreciation for the dramatic.”

Svenja snorts. “More like a common mind with an appreciation for the bottom line. SpaceHeart*Love is just starting out. They’ll need a really good villainous performance from you Ivan. Stuff like that is key for keeping viewers.”

“Yeah,” you say laughing, “But will they compensate me for it?”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“I said yes. Although the producer hasn’t sent me any official numbers yet, apparently you’ll get a base fee, followed up by a bonus for each merc-idol you defeat, followed up by a MULTIPLIER based on how well you serve as a villain. Staying in character, good delivery, how memorable the fights are, that sort of thing.”

Your mouth forms an O of surprise as Svenja returns her attention back to her terminal. “Hey Ivan,” she says, her face turned towards your own but her eyes still on the screen, “the producer wants to know how well you can handle shotguns. Says that they have a really nice themed piece that Clinton used to carry around. Would be fun to make you his protege or something like that.”

>What do you say?
>”I’m bad at shotguns to be honest. Best save it for a museum.” [be honest about your current skill level]
>”Hey, I’m good… enough.” [accept free shotgun, but you will be expected to use it, and use it with passing competence.]

>>30739150
>Be honest
A gentleman never lies

>>30739150
>”I’m bad at shotguns to be honest. Best save it for a museum.” [be honest about your current skill level]

Lying about it now will just make us look like shit later.

Rolled 4, 2, 7 = 13

>>30739150
>>”I’m bad at shotguns to be honest. Best save it for a museum.” [be honest about your current skill level]

>>30739123
>Cutting off the "Daniels"
>Not using it to make a partnership deal with Jack Daniels
Worst business

>>30739150
>”I’m bad at shotguns to be honest. Best save it for a museum.” [be honest about your current skill level]

Ask how long we've got before the mission, if we enough time we can train shotguns up to being usable, it shouldn't be too long with our new brain implant.

>>30739150
>"I'm bad at shotguns to be honest. Best save it for the museum." [be honest about your current level]

>>30739150
>”I’m bad at shotguns to be honest. Best save it for a museum.” [be honest about your current skill level]


Unless we have time to brush up on shotguns.

>>30739246
seconded. train shotgun

>>30739150
We have the shotgun but don't see ourselves as worthy enough to use it.

>>30739150
>>”I’m bad at shotguns to be honest. Best save it for a museum.” [be honest about your current skill level]

While I'd like a free gun, it would just make us look bad on air.

Alright, be honest about our skill level, but see if there is a way to get it anyway.

Writing.

>>30739293
I'd check to see if we could get a free rifle upgrade myself.

>>30739293
Ask them if they have some type of elephant gun as well.

>>30739293
Wait...but...
Wouldn't us being bad with a shotgun be a GOOD thing?

I mean, so we can 'fuck up' and go mad jack more often.

Rolled 8, 3, 4 = 15

>>30739357
Are you talking about a gun big enough to hunt elephants or a gun that shoot mini elephant shaped explosives?

>>30739150
>[be honest about your current skill level]

Time to be honest and get in character!

>>30739375
it is a cunning plan...

>>30739378
Either one is good.

>>30739357
Seconding the elephant gun/hunting rifle question.

You wince and rub the back of your neck. “Damn. That sounds really sweet and all, especially if I could keep it, but I’m not really up to scratch with my shotgunning abilities.”

Svenja looks surprised. “Really? I assumed you were because of your CQC specialization.”

You shrug. “Not really. I’ve got my Model 223 and tomahawk for most close range fuckery. I’ve been working on my mid range game recently, practicing with assault rifles. How long until the mission anyway?”

Svenja checks her terminal. “Two days until drop. The producer says that even if you did some sort of crazy 1980s training montage he still wouldn’t be comfortable handing Clinton’s old shotgun over to you. You’d need to be better than competent before he’d be willing to let you take the shotgun as your own.”

“Well, tell the producer to keep the shotgun safe for me. Maybe once I’m good enough with those sorts of guns I can take it. Make it something like ‘Now I’m finally ready to take up the mantle of my former superior,’ or something else similar to that.”

A few moments of clicking before Svenja speaks again. “The producer said he’ll see what he can do. He’s got a meeting to attend, so I think that’s all for now. Is there anything else you wished to discuss with me, Ivan?”

>Anything else?
>Write In
>”Not for now. See you later Svenja.”

>>30739513
>>”Not for now. See you later Svenja.”

>>30739513
Mention how we've got that brain aug now, so he can hold on to the gun for a little bit and we'll be ready to use it when we drop.

>>30739513
>>Anything else?
Will our weapons match our armor? Turning the 223 into an oversized Adams would be neat.

>>30739513
>>”Not for now. See you later Svenja.”

"Thanks for this, by the way. I ~really~ needed a mission that didn't involve buying more gear"

Rolled 6, 4, 7 = 17

>>30739513
>>Anything else?
I know it's useless, but lets inquire about that bounty money.

Maybe ask about any mysterious shower incidents.

>>30739513
Let's thank her for doing such a good job at finding us a sweet gig.
"You're literally the best HR adviser I've ever had. I mean, you're the ONLY one I've ever had, but still! The best."

>>30739557
>>30739357
Going with these.

>>30739513
"Any word on the Dreads money, or is that still tied up in miles of red tape?"

>>30739601

Supporting this.

>>30739567
We really should take her out for a drink next time we have something to celebrate. Not as some kind of romantic opening gambit or anything, just a small celebration between co-workers.

>>30740091
We tried last time but mercs don't want to spend time with HR.

“Yeah, just a few quick things. Any word on the Dreads money, or is that still tied up in red tape?”

Svenja nods. “Right. I almost forgot about that. The will of one Mary Ellen Gray stipulated that “Should anyone even cut off a single dreadlock from that jamaican cockguzzler’s stupid fucking head, they’re entitled to whatever money is left over after my asshole ex-husband gets his hands on this”. Turns out her asshole ex-husband had a good legal team. But you’re still due 7,500 Credits regardless.”

You grin to yourself as the 7,500 credits flit into your checking account. “Seems a bit harshly worded for a will.”

“Apparently Mrs. Gray amended her will to include that after being shot in half by one of Dreads’ plasma cannons.”

You whistle. “Bad ass.”

“It’s certainly something,” concedes Svenja as she begins burrowing through another pile of print outs. “Was there anything else?”

“Real quick. Yeah. Could you let that producer know I do have an augment that improves how quickly I pick up new skills. I think it might be important.”

“Well, he’s at a meeting right now,” responds Svenja, “But I’ll let him know. Anything else?”

“Yeah,” you say, “I just wanted to say thanks a lot Svenja. You’re the best HR adviser I ever had. Also the only one. But still. The best.”

Svenja looks quite pleasantly surprised at your words, an involuntary smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Why thank you Ivan. That’s… that’s very sweet of you to say so.”

Grinning widely, you wave goodbye to your HR adviser and exit the office. Stepping out into the hallway you check the time. Only a little bit past 1500. You still have time to burn. Just as you're about to head back to your quarters to relax or take a nap or something, an alert appears in your HUD.

>This is a notice to all Combat Personnel and Senior management. Please assemble in Airlock Terminal 4A in forty five minutes. All Combat Personnel are required to wear formal duty uniforms. All Senior Management are required to wear business formal attire.

>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A
>They said please. That makes it a request. That means I can ignore it.

>>30740160
We should probably give some of that money to Tsukino seeing as she actually cut off the dreadlock.

>>30740144
It's more like Markos doesn't want to spend time around HR. As you can probably imagine, his relationship with his Adviser is somewhat more adversarial than yours with Svenja.

There's also just a general distrust between mercs and HR.

Rolled 1, 2, 9 = 12

>>30740179
>>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A
Don't want to look bad before senior management.

>>30740179
>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A


Oh shit! It's the Millenium Man!

>>30740179
>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A
Let's not be an idiot.

>>30740179
>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A

>>30740179
>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A

Any excuse to wear the dress uniform. Bitches love the dress uniform.

>>30740179
>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A
And bring our tomahawk if we can, its a part of our formal duty uniform

>>30740179
>Suit up and head to the airlock.
Also, drop the saw bayonete back at our apartment.

>>30740179
Better do what they say.

Damn it, we put off Elda for too long...

>>30740179
>>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A
We ain't doing anything important.

>>30740179
>>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A

Rolled 6, 8, 6 = 20

>>30740195

I support this

>>30740179
>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A

>>30740179
This is Tran's funeral, isn't it?

Make sure to grab his Mediterranean to give to his daughter if we haven't already taken care of that.

>>30740246
It's been a day, we still have plenty of time before it's been too long.

>>30740179
>>Welp, that’s probably not an optional event, whatever it is. Run to your suite, get changed, and report at Terminal 4A

Millennium Man on deck?

>>30740271
>Make sure to grab his Mediterranean
The autocorrect is strong with this one.

Unless thats a euphemism

>>30740313
Autocorrect. Meant to say "medkit". No ideas what the hell happened there.

>>30740271
We already posted it to her, several threads ago.

Seems we're feeling dutiful today. Writing.

>>30740240
>And bring our tomahawk if we can
That's an awful idea.

>>30740313
>Unless thats a euphemism

It's more disturbing if it isn't a euphemism, just that Tran was keeping a mediterranean person as some sort of pet.

Deciding that the Senior Management probably knows which mercs are on the station right now, and which ones didn’t come running to their call, you hurry back to your suite to get changed. You’re glad you felt so sentimental about your formal duty uniform. You kept it stashed safely away in your limited closet space, unwilling to let it get wrinkled. You’ve only worn it once, and that was during the initiation ceremony into StrikeOut’s ranks. Glad that you treated your uniform more reverentially than Cy did his, buried under a pile of shirts, you slide it on, the smart fabric quickly adjusting itself into the smart creases and lines of a freshly ironed outfit. Adjusting the collar, you double check to make sure the piping is all aligned before snatching up your beret and hurrying out the door. You step into the elevator down to the Airlocks and find yourself surrounded by several other mercs in various stages of preparation. A woman looks down miserably at her boots, in desperate need of a polish. You watch as one man shaves with a ceramic knife, holding the blade steady with two hands in order to avoid cutting himself.

The elevator stops, disgorging a tide of mercs into the hallway. You hang back a bit to affix your beret, alongside the shaving merc. You nod at him, which earns you a pained grunt of acknowledgement. Clearly there isn’t usually much of a call for the on-station mercs to assemble in FDUs. You hurry down to Terminal 4A, fiddling with your e-glasses. Eventually you step out onto the terminal, far larger and more ornate than the ones that the mercs usually come in on after their missions. It clicks. This is the VIP entrance. You look around and see several familiar faces.

>Alright, you are voting on two things here, who you stand with and whether or not you wear your e-glasses. Please remember to vote for both.
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]
>This is a formal event. That means the mercs are probably ordered by paygrade. [Stand with Simge]
>I doubt there’s really any sort of rhyme or reasons to this. [Stand with Choi Lei and Marlena and some of the other more senior mercs]
>This might be a chance to catch the eye of an important patron or something like that. [Stand with Valkyrie and Darius and the other Senior Partners.]
>>Wear your e-glasses. [This allows you to silently communicate with people nearby without fear of detection. However, some people consider it rude.]
>>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>This is a formal event. That means the mercs are probably ordered by paygrade. [Stand with Simge]

>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]

>>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

Rolled 2, 5, 9 = 16

>>30740963
>>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]

>>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
Stand with Simge, no e-glasses.

If we're gonna be professional, we might as well go the distance for it.

>>30740963
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]
>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>Stand with Smige
>don't where the e-glasses

>>30740963
>This is a formal event. That means the mercs are probably ordered by paygrade. [Stand with Simge]

>>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]

>Wear your e-glasses. [This allows you to silently communicate with people nearby without fear of detection. However, some people consider it rude.]

>>30740963
>This is a formal event. That means the mercs are probably ordered by paygrade. [Stand with Simge]
>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]

I really doubt pay is instrumental in this situation.

>Wear your e-glasses. [This allows you to silently communicate with people nearby without fear of detection. However, some people consider it rude.]

>>30740963
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]
>>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>This is a formal event. That means the mercs are probably ordered by paygrade. [Stand with Simge]

>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]

>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

>>30740963
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]
>>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

Okay, calling it now. Pretty clear consensus to not wear the e-glasses. Who we stand with seems to be a much closer issue.

Since it doesn't really matter since we chose to forgo wearing e-glasses Ivan will stand with his fellow rookies, that seems to have the edge anyway.

Writing.

>>30740963
>Stand with your fellow rookies. This is probably done by experience. [Stand with Elda, Tsukino, Markos, and presumably Cy and Niels when they arrive]

>Don’t wear your e-glasses [You cannot silently communicate with nearby people. However, you would not draw the ire of the VIP if they’re a big stickler for formality]

Although you don’t think that there’s any really formal procedures for how they want mercs to assemble during a formal event or inspection, or at least none they bothered making you remember, you decide to join your fellow rookies near the airlock opening. As you walk into position you pocket your e-glasses. You’re dying to know what’s got everyone assembled in the terminal, but that can wait until later. You’d prefer to not run the risk of pissing off somebody important enough to get all of the on-station mercs and Upper Management out in force. As you walk past a group of people in suits, most likely the upper management your eyes go wide. There a modified combot standing in their midst, a tie hanging from off of it’s neck servos, the android’s usual featureless head replaced with a malleable silver face mask. The fucking Millenium Man came out to see this guy.

Doubly glad that you chose not to wear your e-glasses you hurry over to your fellow rookies, placing yourself in the nearest convenient opening. Which happens to be next to Elda. You glance down at her and briefly make eye contact. The two of you look away, refocusing on the air immediately in front of your faces. Mercifully, Cy appears a few seconds later, squeezing in between you and Elda, his uniform slightly ruffled. After a few minutes everyone is in position. A few more minutes later and Darius bellows, “‘Tention!”

The hissing of the airlock door opening is punctuated by dozens of heels clicking together. You watch as a man steps out onto the station floor. He is tall, with silvery hair swept back in a casual version of the popular executive style. Your throat goes dry as sharp eyes flit across you, scanning the line of mercenaries. Sotiris Vokos, the SEO (Supreme Executive Officer) of NeoLogos. You remain at attention, following the progress of Sotiris Vokos with your eyes. You watch as he shakes hands with the Millenium Man before the two exit the Terminal, followed by a gaggle of StrikeOut suits. A few minutes of tense waiting later, and eventually Darius gives the all clear.

The mercs relax and begin talking amongst themselves. As the mercs mill about, gossiping amongst each other, you notice Elda walking quickly away, towards a door. Just as you’re about to do… something, Cy speaks up. “So who in the fuck was that guy anyway?”

>What will Ivan do?
>Follow Elda. We need to talk.
>Fill in the gaps in Cy’s education and explain to him why it matters that the SEO of NeoLogos is on the Brick.

>>30741912
>>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

>>30741912
>>Fill in the gaps in Cy’s education and explain to him why it matters that the SEO of NeoLogos is on the Brick.

>>30741245

I vote we at least ask Val what this is all about as we arrive.

>>30741912
>>Fill in the gaps in Cy’s education and explain to him why it matters that the SEO of NeoLogos is on the Brick.

>>30741912
>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

Ignore Cy.

Right, if you choose to talk to Elda I have no problem explaining to you guys why it matters that Sotiris Vokos of NeoLogos was on the Brick in a post thread Q and A.

Rolled 3, 6, 9 = 18

>>30741912
>>Fill in the gaps in Cy’s education and explain to him why it matters that the SEO of NeoLogos is on the Brick.
We should adress the elda problem later, privately.

>>30741912
I'll tell you later, Cy.
>>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

Later...
>Fill in the gaps in Cy’s education and explain to him why it matters that the SEO of NeoLogos is on the Brick.

>>30741992

Then we follow Elda.

But, uh, can we not push too hard and maybe be better with social cues thanks to our latest aug?

>>30741912
>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

>>30741912
>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

>>30742035
That's something /tg/ will have to determine for itself.

Unless an egregious fuck up occurs I don't intend your conversation with Elda to lead to more drama. This certainly isn't a situation like last time.

>>30741912
>>Fill in the gaps in Cy’s education and explain to him why it matters that the SEO of NeoLogos is on the Brick.

>>30742092

Oh good, our collective failure as social creatures won't bite us in the ass.

>>30742092

Just leave the wai-fus alone and play ivan like a good friend in holy-fuck situation.

you gave us enough of a hint we can play through the elda sitation (or i'm confident in my wordplay at least), but seriously stop trying to force elda in every goddamn choice ever.

I'll help you with it later, goddamn.

>>30741912
>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

>>30742092
>trusting /tg/ not to make an egregious fuck up in a social situation

Uhhh....

>>30741912
>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

>>30741912
>>Follow Elda. We need to talk.

Alright, votes compiled and writing.

>>30742173

Ignore this twat and just let /tg/ decide.

We've been told this isn't a waifu quest and at the very least we/Ivan'll respond to a direct "not interested."

>>30742173
what...

anon, I don't think your reading the same quest as the rest of us, he certainly ain't forcing Elda on us

>>30742268
>anon, I don't think your reading the same quest as the rest of us, he certainly ain't forcing Elda on us

I didn't mean fall guy.

I meant the anons yelling for elda constantly every time any vote comes up

You figure you can teach Cy the intricacies of inter-corporate diplomacy later. He’s not about to get any more ignorant, that’s for sure. Answering his question with a vague “later,” you trot after Elda, dodging around the milling mercenaries. You follow her through the side door, which opens up to a seemingly abandoned corridor. Elda fails to notice that you’ve followed her into the hallway, continuing to walk forward. After a second’s pause you speak up. “Elda. Wait.”

Elda stops and turns around. You’re somewhat gratified by the fact that she doesn’t immediately turn tail upon seeing who called out to her. You take a few slow steps forward, closing the gap between the two of you. Eventually you stop, standing about three meters away from your fellow merc. A moment of silence passes.

“What do you want?”

You grunt and shift your arms around, unable to find a good place to settle them. Eventually you decide to leave them resting on your hips. “I just want to talk.”

“About what?”

>”You know perfectly well about what. I want to know why you flipped out on me a few days ago. What happened then?” [Assertive questioning, leaning a bit towards aggressive]
>”Listen Elda, I won’t ask about why what happened at the bar happened. I just want to let you know that I’m not angry about it anymore, and I’m not sure what I did, but I’m sorry for it.” [Passive acceptance of what happened]
>”Elda. If you’re comfortable telling me, I’d like to know why things got so out of hand at the bar. I’d like to see you again at some point and it’d be great if that didn’t happen again.” [Something in between the first two options in terms of tone]
>Write In

>>30742738
>”Elda. If you’re comfortable telling me, I’d like to know why things got so out of hand at the bar. I’d like to see you again at some point and it’d be great if that didn’t happen again.” [Something in between the first two options in terms of tone]

>>30742738

>”Listen Elda, I won’t ask about why what happened at the bar happened. I just want to let you know that I’m not angry about it anymore, and I’m not sure what I did, but I’m sorry for it.” [Passive acceptance of what happened]

Rolled 5, 7, 9 = 21

>>30742738
>>”Listen Elda, I won’t ask about why what happened at the bar happened. I just want to let you know that I’m not angry about it anymore, and I’m not sure what I did, but I’m sorry for it.” [Passive acceptance of what happened]

>>30742738
>>”Elda. If you’re comfortable telling me, I’d like to know why things got so out of hand at the bar. I’d like to see you again at some point and it’d be great if that didn’t happen again.” [Something in between the first two options in terms of tone]

>>30742738
>”Elda. If you’re comfortable telling me, I’d like to know why things got so out of hand at the bar. I’d like to see you again at some point and it’d be great if that didn’t happen again.” [Something in between the first two options in terms of tone]

>>30742738
>”Elda. If you’re comfortable telling me, I’d like to know why things got so out of hand at the bar. I’d like to see you again at some point and it’d be great if that didn’t happen again.” [Something in between the first two options in terms of tone]

>>30742738
>”Elda. If you’re comfortable telling me, I’d like to know why things got so out of hand at the bar. I’d like to see you again at some point and it’d be great if that didn’t happen again.” [Something in between the first two options in terms of tone]

>>30742738
>2

Alright, writing.

>>30742738
>Something inbetween

You sigh, the exhalation echoing in the corridor. “Elda. If you’re comfortable telling me, I’d like to know why things got out of hand at the bar. I’d like to see you again at some point, and it’d be great if that didn’t happen again.”

Elda looks away. “I… I’m sorry Ivan. I don’t really want to say why. It’s personal.”

You feel a surge of irritation run through your veins. Could she just knock it off with the mysterious and cagey bullshit already? Before you have time to say anything ill considered, however, Elda continues speaking. “But what happened that night wasn’t fair to you. Even if you were a total testa di cazzo for following me out of the bar.”

>How does Ivan respond?
>Rub back of head. “Yeah, in retrospect it wasn’t the best idea.”
>”Really? I thought it was the arm grab that did me in.” [This will be said in a humorous or joking tone]
>”You’re damned right it wasn’t fair. How could I have seen any of that coming?”
>Write In

>>30743284
>Rub back of head. “Yeah, in retrospect it wasn’t the best idea.”

>>30743284

"I'll be a testa di cazzo if it shows you I care, Elda."

THEN WE WALK AWAY.

>>30743284
>Rub back of head. “Yeah, in retrospect it wasn’t the best idea.”

>>30743284
>”You’re damned right it wasn’t fair. How could I have seen any of that coming?

>>30743284
Jesus Christ woman. Will you stop trying to excuse your own dodgy behavior and shitty attitude one minute?

But really don't say that.

>Rub back of head. “Yeah, in retrospect it wasn’t the best idea.”