File: Map1.png (4.16 MB, 1659x1200)

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Before you can disembark a figure in concealing black robes approaches the gangplank of your ship. It says, in a quiet yet carrying voice, that it must retrieve something from the Republic of Dawn and then return home. It asks your for transport to these places. It says it has no payment for you now, but that after it has been returned home you will be rewarded handsomely.

> Deny the request, you’re an exploration vessel not a passenger ship
> Accept, but require some payment up front
> Accept the request (this will gain you a passenger and mark the Republic of Dawn on your map)

>>39956738
> Accept the request (this will gain you a passenger and mark the Republic of Dawn on your map)

File: Map2.png (4.16 MB, 1659x1200)

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You allow the Cloaked Pilgrim on to your ship. It thanks you and gives you the navigational coordinates of the Republic of Dawn before moving to the bow and staring out into the sea. Even up close you can not see its face, some enchantment of the robes cloaking it in deep shadow. Any attempts at conversation or questioning are met with polite but firm avoidance.

That’s fine, you have a ship to run.

Pick a direction to sail in:
>N
>E
>S
>W
>_

>>39957193
>NW

>>39957193
>SE

>>39957193
>>S

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39957646
>>39957677
It's a funny joke, but you crew won't let you run aground.

>>39957576
Rolling

>>39957738
Well. We have a terrible crew then.
They should follow our orders without question.

>>39957738
Well then there just planing a mutiny

File: Map3.png (4.17 MB, 1659x1200)

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The crew has spotted the tops of trees deep below the ship that grow taller to the north. They begin to grow restless. You near the Sunken Forest.

As you sail onward, you hear a commotion from starboard. You arrive at the source of the noise in time to watch as the the Zealous Scholar hauls a net up from the sea. Trapped within the net is a large creature that seems to be made of sodden fur, teeth, and claws.

It does not stay trapped for long.

Once on deck it breaks free of the net, lashing out at the Zealous Scholar who just barely manages to avoid the foot-long claws.

>Order the crew to fight it
>Fight it yourself
>Let the Zealous Scholar handle it, it’s her mess

>>39957893
What's our combat skills and weaponry?

>>39957916
You have a sword and you know how to use it, but you're no expert.

>>39957893
>Fight it yourself
We have a gun, right?
What's the tech level?

>>39957893
>Fight it with Zealous Scholar

>>39957944
>>39957945
Well that answers my question.
Still stab the shit out of it.

>>39957945
There are guns, but you don't have one.
Getting a good one is pretty expensive, and most of your money went in to getting a serviceable ship.

>>39957967
>>39957974
The Zealous Scholar does not have any weapons, but she might make a good distraction if you don't mind putting her in danger.

Which will it be?

>>39958025
Start fighting it, let her join in if she wants. Don't use her as bait.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

Rolling for combat

>>39958081
We suck.

There’s no need to put your crew in danger, you can handle this! You draw your sword and engage the beast. It is ferocious and while it does not manage to hit you its claws dig deep gashes into the wood of the deck wherever they land. The fight is hard and long but eventually you manage to drive the creature back into the sea where it disappears beneath the inky depths.

The Zealous Scholar rises from her hiding place behind several crates of supplies. She is unharmed. If only the same could be said for your ship. While none of the damage makes her unseaworthy, some of the gashes cut the deck deep enough to leave holes that let light into the lower decks.

“Well!” Says the Zealous Scholar, “That was exciting, wasn’t it?”

>Give her some time in the brig to think about what she’s done
>Just ignore it and move on (pick a direction)

>>39958252
>Ignore, NW.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>39958305
Rolling

File: Map4.png (4.18 MB, 1659x1200)

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The crew is uncomfortable to have the Sunken Forest so close. Murmured rumors (that are hushed when you approach) about the monsters that hunt within circulate.

You overhear part of a conversation between the Zealous Scholar and Cloaked Pilgrim as you walk the decks.

ZS: -from the sea?
CP: Yes.
ZS: Is that why you wear that robe? Are you hiding something?
>> She reaches out to pull down the Pilgrim's hood
CP: No!
>> The Pilgrim steps back
CP: Do not touch me.

> Speak to one of them about the interaction (pick one)
> Move on (pick direction)

>>39958592
> Speak to one of them about the interaction (pick one)
>CP

>>39958627
Seconding.

“I didn’t come here to be asked questions.” Says the Cloaked Pilgrim when you catch it alone. “I came here to be taken to the Republic. If that woman tries to touch me again I’ll throw her to the sea.”

>Press for information aggressively
>Press for information gently
>Take the hint and leave it be

>>39958755
>Press for information gently
Just make sure that if he/she knows of any dangers within these waters, it's important that we know as well.

Don't even mention the cloak.

>>39958755
>Leave it be
>Make sure Zealot understands not to try anything

>>39958789
Seconded
>Also tell the Zealot to stop fucking around.

How long have we been at sea for?

It’s hard to tell when you can’t see its face, but you think the Pilgrim is relieved when you change the topic.

“The sea is always dangerous. Nightmares lurk in the depths. The beasts of the Forests are not Nightmares, but they will eat you just the same. As long as we are not inside after sunset, we will be safe.”

---

You find the Scholar and warn her against attempting to touch the Pilgrim.

“But I must know!” She protests. “I do not think it’s human! I think it is a creature of dream!”

Nevertheless, you pull an agreement out of her for her own safety.

>Move on (direction)

>>39958965
Each movement is roughly one day.
So: 2 days

>>39958972
>NW
Oh the Scholar wants to know stuff? Well then give her seven searing enigmas, and see how she likes knowing that shit.

>>39958972
>NW
>Spend time training with sword, if possible

Rolled 13 (1d20)

Rolling for travel

File: Map5.png (4.19 MB, 1659x1200)

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The tops of pine trees begin to breach the water, making rustling sounds as your ship brushes past them. Soon they are up over the deck of the ship. Were it not for the gentle rocking of the boat you could almost forget that you are on the water. The sailors are uneasy. They say that the Forest is filled with bad luck and evil beasts and that no ship should stay inside it past nightfall.

>Continue in to the Forest
>Make the crew work overtime to get out of the forest before sunset

>>39959164
>>39959164
>>Make the crew work overtime to get out of the forest before sunset
They don't want to stay the night, make sure we don't then

>>39959164
>Make the crew work overtime to get out of the forest before sunset.
If they hate the place so much they'll have no problem with this.

File: Map6.png (4.2 MB, 1659x1200)

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A quick course diversion and a lot of hard work allows you to break the treeline and return to the sea. Your crew is tired but relieved to be safely out on the open sea. +1 morale

The Cloaked Pilgrim approaches you as the sun begins to set. It says that it has read ill portents in the swirling of the waves. Your ship now sails under the Unlucky condition. The next positive roll you get will be turned to a negative one of equal value.

>Move on (direction)

>>39959516
The waters are devoid of life, and it becomes hard to keep your ship on track. Even out of the water you can feel a gentle pull to the west. You approach the Swallowing Maelstrom.

>>39959516
>W

Rolled 16 (1d20)

Sailing

File: Map7.png (4.21 MB, 1659x1200)

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A yawning vortex large enough to consume an entire fleet of ships sucks in endless torrents of water. The sound of the rushing water is almost deafening and the wind tugs viciously at your hair and clothing. The crew becomes agitated, warning you that sailing closer to the Maelstrom is inviting certain death.

The Zealous Scholar is practically glued to the ship’s railing, staring out into the Maelstrom.
“Fascinating!” She cries as you near her. “Nothing like this could exist in the real world! Just imagine the creatures that must live at its bottom!”

>Move on (direction)

>>39959782
>NE
>Invite the Zealous Scholar to dine with you.
>Proposition the Zealous Scholar.

File: Map8.png (4.22 MB, 1659x1200)

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You invite the Zealous Scholar to dinner. She accepts and spends most of the meal talking excitedly about her theories on the nature of life on a place that is fundamentally unreal. You wonder how she has time to eat between the words, but she manages to put away more food than you! She really is quite pretty in a messy red-headed sort of way. She laughs when you say as much, inviting her to continue the conversation in your quarters.

“We’ve only known each other for five days, Captain! Goodness, nobody’s ever moved on me quite so fast! I’m afraid I’ll have to turn you down though, there’s a specimen in my room that needs my attention.”

>No, really, I insist
>Maybe next time (move on)

I'm surprised you even let me do that. :3
>>39960030
>Maybe next time (move on)

>>39960030
next time

>>39960094
I am an adaptable QM.
If you're moving on I need a direction.

>>39960141
north, skirting the edge of the forest

Rolled 19 (1d20)

Sailing

>>39960141
Personally I just wanted to see how similar this quest was to a certain vidya game... and to fill a Quest's obligatory request for lewds.

>>39960280
Uh-oh. Writing.

>>39960314
It's a good game, anon has quality tastes.
Plot, characters, and setting are all different.
All characters are romanceable.

>>39960360
could we have romanced the claw thing
hell of a missed chance

File: Map9.png (4.24 MB, 1659x1200)

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A storm begins to brew at a speed far surpassing that of a normal storm. In less than an hour the sky is thick with inky black clouds that begin to descend upon the ship. As the wind picks up the crew becomes distressed. You manage to pull one aside to ask what is going on as they begin to retreat below deck. They say that these storms are living beings that consume the dream. They say that any creature of the dream caught within them will perish. Natives of the Shore of Dream (like them) are only halfway of dream, but would you want to risk it? You let them go below decks.

The Zealous Scholar is going nowhere. She stands at the bow, hair in disarray and clothing already soaked with rain. “I’ve always wanted to see one of these!” She calls to you. “Nobody was willing to take me out into one before!”

>Go below deck, and make the Scholar come with you
>Go below deck, but let the Scholar do what she wants
>Stay on deck with the Scholar

>>39960522
>>Stay on deck with the Scholar
But only up until the storm is almost on top of us. Then
>Go below deck, and make the Scholar come with you

>>39960599
Seconded

>>39960522
what direction is the storm coming from? are we gonna get blown onto the trees?

>>39960709
The storm is coming from all around you. You are not likely to be blown in to the trees.

The winds get stronger and the rain falls in sheets. The Scholar grips the railing tightly, peering off into the black of the storm. When a bundle of rope is blown from one side of the ship to the other, you decide it’s time to get inside to safety. The Zealous Scholar has other ideas.

“No!” She cries. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for this? I’m not going anywhere!”

>Make her go by force
>Go and leave her up here, she's already paid you
>Stay, if she’s going to be stupid you’ll protect her from whatever comes

>>39960767
To be safe, weigh anchor and wait the storm out.

>>39960522
>>Stay on deck with the Scholar
As soon as things go south, take her below deck.

>>39960863
>Stay, if she’s going to be stupid you’ll protect her from whatever comes
Well, tie ourselves to the railing, or something.

Quick question: Do you play Fallen London/Sunless Sea? You seem like you do.

>>39961016
>>39960360

Cursing the Zealous Scholar’s headstrong nature and bad choices, you tie both her and yourself to the railing of the ship. The rain is so thick now it’s hard enough to breathe, let alone see. Any more of this and you might as well be in the sea itself.

“There! Do you see?” You follow the blurry silhouette of her outstretched and pointing arm. There is a huge dark shape just off the port side of the ship. What might be wings spread , blotting out most of the light. There is a cry, something between that of a bird of prey and the scrape of nails on smooth slate, and the air is filled with the thick smell of rotting meat.

>Get ready to fight
>Fuck this, you’re not a native and you can probably hid behind some of the boxes

>>39961207
>>Get ready to fight
"You don't pay me enough for this"

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>39961422
Here we go!

>>39961484
...fuck.

You push the Scholar out of the way as the creature dives for her, slashing at its gaping mouth with your sword. The stench of rot is even worse up close, and you fight the urge to vomit. You feel hot, stinking, liquid roll down your sword and on to your hand. Through the rain and your watering eyes you see the beast rear back. There is a gust of wind that almost knocks you flat as it lifts into the air. The Scholar cries out and you have just enough time to see her fall to the ground before the creature dives down towards the both of you.

>Stand between the Scholar and the beast
>Find some way to distract it

>>39961666
>Stand between the Scholar and the beast

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39961969

You leap between the Zealous Scholar and the beast, driving your sword into its mouth. It screams, splattering you with a warm, sticky, liquid and for the first time in this fight you are happy it’s raining. You twist the sword and is screams again, pulling back. Your sword goes with it.

>Jump to retrieve your sword
>Just let the monster go. You can get a new sword next time you’re at port.

>>39962127
>Jump to retrieve your sword

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>39962353
You guys all got really quiet when the fight started, what's up with that?

>>39962398
Dinner is whats going on

>>39962398
Yeah.

Also I was jacking. So... That.

>>39962460
Like doing jumping jacks?

>>39962474
Damn. You must get really active while you masturbate.

>>39962474
No, you idiot. Like jacking up a car, you know? To change a tire?

>>39962510
Wait, when did a third guy get in?

My whole fucking world just turned upside down.

You jump in to the air as the creature lifts off, reaching for your sword with both hands. You undershoot and the air is knocked out of you as you fall to the deck. The wind from the beast’s wings push you against the rough wood, preventing you from getting up until it has left. The rain slows and sky lightens as it leaves. The Zealous Scholar stands, shaking, once it is gone. Her hair falls down around her face and there is a cut on her chin from when she fell.

“Did… We get any samples?”

>No
>We almost died and you’re asking about samples?

>>39962534
I think there are... *gasp*
FOUR of us!

>>39962564
>No, but you just bought me a new sword. Congratulations.

>>39962564
Well, there are the juices that came out of it. Don't those count as samples?

>>39962606
It was raining really hard, it all got washed away.
That might have been a good thing, who knows what would have happened if it had stayed on you?

>>39962564
>As much as I would LIKE to say yes, the rains washed most of it away.

captcha. That's a fucking party favor, not a sandwich. I don't even see where you get "sandwich" out of that.

“No, the rains washed most of it away, but you just bought me a new sword. Congratulations.”

“Haha, yes, of course.” Says the Scholar, fixing her hair as best as she can. “We’re headed to the Republic, right? I’m sure we’ll be able to find one there. They’re known for their craftsmanship.”

>Move on (pick direction)

>>39962786
>NW
We're getting close lads!
Knock on wood.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>39962830
Sailing

File: Map10.png (4.25 MB, 1659x1200)

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Light like the sun streams through the morning mist, carrying with it the rumble and hum of machinery. You near the Republic of Dawn.

As you sail closer, you overhear a conversation between the Cloaked Pilgrim and the Sensible Doctor:
CP: He’s not here, you know.
SD: What?
CP: Your father. He is not here.
SD: How would you know?
CP: I can see it in your eyes, he does not belong to the Republic

> Talk to one of them about it (pick which)
> Continue on to the Republic of Dawn

>>39963015
> Talk to one of them about it (pick which)
SD

Tell her not to give up hope. Out here, we need to hold on to every bit of it we can.

“I know. I’m not going to let someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about shake me from this.” She looks out towards the growing light of the Republic. “Anyway, if he’s not here there’s still an entire sea to search. I have time.”

>Ask her about her father
>Continue on to the Republic

>>39963245
>Ask her about her father
Why did he venture into the sea?

“Oh, no. He didn’t. He’s from the sea. My mother’s not, so… I was born on the Shore. She never told me much about him, just that I had his eyes and hair and that he was no good. I don’t think she wanted me to have anything to do with him but… She died last year, and I’ve always been curious. So when I finished medical school I found a ship to take me searching. You know the rest of the story.”

You look at her. She has eyes like gold coins and although her hair is in a tight black bun it is sprinkled with glittering flecks like tiny rhinestones.

>_______________?
>Continue on to the Republic

>>39963494
>Continue on to the Republic

File: Map11.png (4.26 MB, 1659x1200)

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The light of the Republic is almost too much to bear. It shines from the straight white buildings and from the radiantly paved roads. Even the smoke produced by the shimmering smokestacks glows with a blinding light. Between the buildings equally brilliant figures move purposefully, hard at work and never stopping. The air is thick with the smell of oil.

The Sensible Doctor puts on a pair of glasses with smoked lenses before heading out into brilliant city, and you manage to catch a glimpse of the dark form of the Cloaked Pilgrim as it ducks down a sidestreet near the docks.

>Explore on your own
>Take the Zealous Scholar to find a weaponsmith

>>39963840
>Take the Zealous Scholar to find a weaponsmith
Aww, how romantic.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

Searching the city

You drag the Scholar out of the cabin where she is nursing her bruises (and dissecting something unrecognizable) and into the blinding light of the Republic. You wish you’d had the Doctor’s foresight and foreknowledge to bring smoked glasses. As it stands, you’re going to have to manage navigation through squinted eyes.

The dock is busy as cargo is loaded and unloaded and ships repaired. You ask around until someone waves you in the direction of a white, square, building on the east side of the city that is almost identical to all the others. You enter it, hoping for some relief from the light, but it is just as bright inside. Weapons (finely crafted, as far as you can tell) adorn the walls and a devil in a radiant white dress sits behind a counter with her feet up. She smiles and swings her feet down to the floor when you come in.

“Can I help you?”

>I’m looking for a sword
>I’m looking for a gun
>I’m looking for the best weapon you can give me
>I’m looking for the cheapest weapon you can give me
>Why is it so fucking bright in this city?

>>39964286
>I’m looking for a sword
>Why is it so fucking bright in this city?

“We are awash in the light of the future!” Exclaims the devil with a grin as radiant as her dress. “And you’ve come to the right place! I’m sure I have just the sword for you!” She walks up to you and clasps her hands, looking you up and down, then turns to the collection of weapons on the wall. “How about this one?” She asks, waving at a sword you can barely see through the glare. “Just one hundred rays or your memory of the sunrise on your tenth birthday!”

>Sounds like a good deal, the Scholar is the one buying it anyway
>Haggle

>>39964479
Leave the price up to ZS. She's buying after all.

Am I only running for one person right now?
I can update faster if I don't wait around for more than one response, but I don't want to leave anyone out.

“My memory?” The Zealous Scholar asks. “How does that work?”

“Oh! It’s simple really. You just sign the memory over to me and then I have it!”

“And… I won’t?”

“That’s right! You’ll remember that the sun rose on your birthday, of course, you just won’t remember the sunrise!”

“... Is this system of commerce used throughout the Republic?”

“Of course! So what do you say? It’s a great deal!”

The Zealous Scholar buys you the sword, a thoughtful look on her face. It’s perfectly balanced, warm to the touch, and glowing white with some sort of internal light. When you leave the weapon shop, the Scholar excitedly tells you that she is going to look in to the other shops.

>Go with her, who knows what trouble she’ll get in
>Explore on your own, there’s more to this city than shops
>Return to the ship, your eyes hurt

>>39964901
>Go with her, who knows what trouble she’ll get in
There may be more to the city, but I'm very interested in this form of currency.
And what else they may be selling.

>>39964901
Go with her.
What memories will they give us for, say, a crewman's entire mind, I wonder?

>>39964901
Also, yeah, it's just been me for at least the past 4 posts.

>>39965045
Nope, make that 8.

You follow the Zealous Scholar as she goes from shop to shop. Some are inside the the square white buildings, some are open air stalls that are just as gleaming and sharply geometric. There are many offers, most notably:

The warmth of a summer afternoon in your youth for a delicious smelling cake that makes your stomach rumble.
The way the sunlight reflected off your first love’s hair for a set of fine clothing guaranteed never to stain or tear.
The feeling of taking a nap in a sunbeam for a lustrous white bird with a long tail like a small peacock.
The last rays of the sunset during a funeral for a blindfold that will grant sight to everyone who wears it at all times, even the blind.

So far, the Scholar has just bought a cake.

>Look for something specific
>Get the Scholar out of here before she sells something important

>>39965378
>Get the Scholar out of here before she sells something important
Let's see what else the city has to offer.

Most of the rest of the city is taken up by huge factories belching out pearlescent smoke. Hundreds of devils in radiant clothing walk the streets, moving between the factories with purpose. The air stinks of oil, but their clothing always seems spotless. The factories don’t seem open to tourists, but you might be able to sneak in if you're feeling brave…

>Try to sneak into a factory
>Return to the ship

>>39965771
Woops, that was me.
I took off my trip to post in another thread.

>>39965771
>Return to the ship
Ehh, I'm not feeling very lucky.

You return to the ship to wait for the Cloaked Pilgrim and Sensible Doctor, but when you arrive there is someone you don’t recognize standing on deck. It’s a handsome looking devil in a shining suit. His glossy black horns and tail are tipped with white flames like that of lit magnesium and a scattered mess of dark and white freckles cover the dark brown flesh of his cheeks and nose. His hair and eyes are both a pure and radiant white, as are the teeth you see when he smiles at your approach.

“It’s about time you got back, I was worried I’d have to go looking for you.”

---

And that’s the end for today. Tune in tomorrow at 4:30 pm EST for the next thread.

>>39966108
Thanks for running. See you tomorrow.