File: Nela.jpg (82 KB, 300x654)

82 KB JPG

Last Time:

The three of you and nearly forty MAGs walk back to the shuttle. You hear a few rappies scuttling about as you make your way through the forest, but none of them come close enough to see. You assume Elenor scared them off well enough.

You allow Dr. Guls to change into a more dignified outfit before you enter the shuttle. The shuttle takes off, experiencing some turbulence as you ascend. You think the dark matter may be to blame.

As soon as you exit the atmosphere, you send a guild mail to Nela, informing her of your safe return.

The shuttle docks in the bay, and the hatch opens, and in runs Nela in full force attire. She tackles Dr. Guls in a similar way she did you. Tears stream down her face as she berates her boss.

“Oh my God, Dale! Are you alright? Never ever do that to me again. I was so worried. What did you think you were doing? Those stupid birds aren't worth running out on me, are they?” She punctuates every sentence with a kiss somewhere on his face.

“Nela, wait! I can explain everything later. I have to get these notes back to the Lab.”

“No, sir. We are going back home right now!” She comes over to you and grips you in a bear hug. Your faces are touching. Why are your faces touching?

“Pheonixia, thank you so much. Here.” She hands you a photon crystal, “I know you liked working with these before, so I kind of swiped one from the Lab when no one was looking. I figured you deserved an extra reward for bringing Dr. Guls back so fast.”

She grabs Dr. Guls by the wrist and practically drags him out of the shuttle. “I told the guild you finished your job! Thanks so much. I'll see you later, ok? We can go shopping for hunter stuff! Like swords or whatever!”

“No...problem...” You wave back as the two leave. You wipe off any fluids that too-personal thank you might have left on your face. You turn to Elenor.

“Pheonixia, I am just as confused as you. But good job on your mission!”

File: Blue 2.png (98 KB, 465x429)

98 KB PNG

You collection your commission and head home for the day to shower off and rest.

You sit on your couch to gather your thoughts, and find your MAG staring at. Normally, you'd think nothing of it. After today, however, you find yourself unable to think that way.

This is a thinking, feeling, intelligent device in front of you. It stares at you, like a loyal dog.

You suddenly remember the reward Nela gave you for returning Dr. Guls: a photon crystal. You retrieve it from your satchel.

Current stats: 5 STR/7 DEX/10 MIND

> Train STR

> Train DEX

> Train MIND

>>40308254
>Train DEX
Try to stay light on our feet.

>>40308254
> Train MIND
as much as i like DEX i think we should train MIND for now

>>40308254
>Train MIND
I may be sleep addled, but OVERWHELMING FORCE

>>40308254
> Train MIND
Gotta flex that skull meat.

I am definitely not leaving a skill point up to dice roll, so let's pray for a third player soon or you two argue among yourselves.

I made that post to early. Good turnout tonight! Welcome aboard, anyone who is new.

File: Zonde.jpg (2 KB, 49x43)

2 KB JPG

You prime the photon crystal for MIND training and give it to your MAG. It gives off a joyful noise and absorbs the crystal into its body. It floats over to the coffee table and drops with a thud, giving off a few sparks of electricity and leaving score marks on the table.

You have no experience in MAG malfunctions.

> A. Sleep on it, hope it can repair itself.

> B. Call Elenor

> C. Search the net for symptoms

>>40308632
>B. Call Elenor
Is this like a cat barfing on the carpet or something?

>>40308632
> C. Search the net for symptoms
if nothing comes up
> B. Call Elenor

>>40308632
>C. Search the net for symptoms

>>40308632
Seconding >>40308678

File: Kalki.gif (5 KB, 64x64)

5 KB GIF

Normally you’d have your MAG automatically search the net for you and find the proper information. That’s no longer an option, so you aimlessly surf the top search results of the net for ‘MAG malfunction.’ You find a page for a musical group, a video game, and a site called MAGRx.

You plug in ‘sparks,’ ‘deactivate,’ and ‘photon crystal’ into the symptom’s list and run a search. MAGRx gives you fifty different results, the one rated most likely is “Catastrophic Cascading Crystal Photon Syndrome (CCCP).” The recommended treatment is a radiation bath and full memory reset. You suddenly decide that maybe you are not qualified to work on semi-sentient devices.

Your MAG gives off more sparks and starts to liquify. The amorphous puddle of D-cellular liquid metal splits into two pools and reforms as two units. The immediately fly to your side and start t circle your head. They give off excited hums in unison, giving you a strange, somewhat disorienting experience.

> A. Go back to the net and try to figure out what happened.

> B. Try to interact with the MAGs (write in)

> C. Call Elenor

>>40309117
>> B. Try to interact with the MAGs (write in)
Try to see which, if any, identifies itself as our MAG(we never named it, did we?)
>> C. While walking to meet Elenor

>>40309117
>B. Try to interact with the MAGs (write in)
"One beep if you just...evolved, two beeps if not."

>>40309189
>both of them beep once

“Uhm...Which one of you is my MAG?”

Both beep simultaneously.

“No, which one of you is the original one.”

They give the same responce.

“Damnit...I need to call Elenor.”

The MAGs respond immediately. The one on your left dips down around your chest just in front of you, the other projects a screen in front of your face. A few seconds later, Elenor appears on screen.

“Hi, Pheonixia! I didn’t expect you to be up so late after the day we’ve just had. How are you?”

“I’m fine, but somehting weird is happenening with my MAG. There’s two of them now!”
The MAGs alternate giving off a joyful beep. Elenor laughs, “It certainly sounds like you have your hands full. Would you like me to come take a look at them?”

“Yes please. I am a bit out of my depth when it comes to Emotional AI.”

“I’ll be right over.” The screen disapears. The MAGs float over your sholders and float in place.

> Continued

File: Elenor Camuel 1.jpg (335 KB, 900x1600)

335 KB JPG

Elenor appears at your door after roughly twenty minutes.

“Thank you so much for coming. I gave it that photon crystal Nela gave me earlier and it started sparking, and liquifying. Next thing I know these two are dancing around my head.” You gesture upwards in a circle.

“Say no more.” Elenor reaches out to both MAGs. You see a slight glow of photon energy emanating from both of them in a brief moment. Elenor smiles. “You really do have something special here. And to think, you haven’t even named him yet.”

“Elenor, we’ve had a long day, and I have no idea what’s going on. Could you please be a little less cryptic for my sake?”

She laughs again. “Your MAG has evolved, silly. He really loves you. Emotional AI feeds off that kind of energy. You’d be surprised how what both of you are capable of when you truly sync up.”

“What does that even mean?”

“As I’ve said before, it’s hard to find words for it. Just keep doing what your doing, it seems to be working. But, do consider giving him a name.” Your MAGs beep in unison.

“I...didn’t really think to...” You look up at your MAGs. “So everything is fine?”

“Yes. No worries. Evolution doesn’t happen too often. You should be proud of your relationship with your MAG. It’s late, so I’m going back home to recharge a bit before getting back to work tomorrow. You should get some rest, too. Good night!”

“Good night, Elenor. Thanks for coming on such short notice.” You turn back to your MAG(s?) “So, I guess you need a name, huh?”

> (Write in)

>>40309741
I wasn't suggesting that WE name it, but...

>Give one a plastic square motif, either a bismuth-styled texture or a simple plastic frame/hat taped on.
This one's Wynn

The other one is Arco.

>>40309741
ask it if it needs 2 names or just 1
ask if it has any names it likes

>>40309843

"Beep once for one name, twice for two."

Both give off a simultaneous beep. You have a headache.

>>40309741
Orthee

File: Hunters Guild Counter.png (505 KB, 800x450)

505 KB PNG

You turn to the Mag on your left. “Guess I’ll just call you Arco.” You turn to your right, “And you an be Wynn. How does that work for you?” The MAGs beep in unison. You take that to be a positive response.

It’s been a physically and emotionally exhausting day. You collapse in your bed. Your MAGs join you on either side, resting on the mattress.

...

The next day you find yourself with a renewed energy. You get up a bit earlier than normal, but don’t feel tired at all.

With no leads on Rico, you decide now is as good a time as any to take on another mission. You head to the guild counter and find the three biggest commissions.

> A. A hunter has gone missing on a previous mission. Multiple hunters are being called in to perform search and rescue.

> B. The government wants hunters to try to exterminated the creatures in a path toward the Central Dome. There is an additional commission from the Lab attached to this quest involving data collection.

> C. An anonymous source wants a safe escort to the Central Dome.

>>40310173
> C. An anonymous source wants a safe escort to the Central Dome.
Assuming a liberal usage of the word 'safe' is being used, this sounds good,

>>40310173
> C. An anonymous source wants a safe escort to the Central Dome.

>>40310173
>B. The government wants hunters to try to exterminated the creatures in a path toward the Central Dome. There is an additional commission from the Lab attached to this quest involving data collection.

>>40310173
>C. An anonymous source wants a safe escort to the Central Dome.

File: Nol.jpg (95 KB, 640x480)

95 KB JPG

You contact the anonymous client via an encrypted guild mail. You both meet an hour later near the bank. Your client motions you over. A blonde newman in basic force gear.

“You’re the Hunter for the guild, right? I'm Nol Rinale, a journalist. Have you seen the online news on Pioneer 2? That's my job. Don't mint the gear, that’s just to preserve my anonymity. I seek the truth. And I want to be able to let everyone know what really happened on Pioneer I. Information's controlled by the government. We journalists are just given sanitized stories to broadcast to the public. A long time ago, there was a ‘newspaper’ media where journalists were able and encouraged to question their government. It was a daily report of the truth that journalists collected. I envy the old days. I know there's a way to Ragol via a transporter. Access is restricted to the Hunter’s Guild.”

It seems she want’s illegal passage down to the planet. You ask, “What exactly do you plan to do around the Central Dome?”

“No, I don't want to disclose that just yet. I just want to go to Ragol. What is it like? Was there really an explosion? Does Pioneer I even exist at all? I want to see the truth with my own eyes. Please go with me. The government wants to restrict the media. They are monitoring me. I don't know how to fight, so it's your job to guard me. Got it? Please take me around the Central Dome.”

“Can I at least grab another hunter for some help?”

Nol frowns. “...fine, for safety’s sake. Tell me who and I’ll run a background check to see if they can be trusted.”

> Write in: Ash, Kireek, Elenor, Bernie, Bacci, Gizel

>>40310711
>Ash
I would pick Elenor, but we've been bugging her a lot lately. Might as well give Ash some screentime.

>>40310711
>Ash

File: Bored.jpg (235 KB, 600x480)

235 KB JPG

Bumping with Pheonixia to garner votes. If you guys wanna go solo, just say so.

>>40310924
>>40310929

Ash isn't responding to phone calls or guild mail. It seems he was last online 2 days ago.

>>40310960
One of the tankier ones of Ash's friends, then.

>>40310960
Drat. Uh, hmm. And I doubt Kireek would think highly of this mission.

Welp, time to bug Eleanor again!

>>40311042
Nah, I don't like the idea of bringing the other idiot hunters along. It may just be safer to go solo on this one, since it's a lower profile.

>>40311042

Gizel it is, then.

>>40311071
>>40311042
>>40311070

We have a vote for Gizel, a vote for Elenor, and a vote for solo. You wanna leave this to the dice deities?

>>40311123
May as well.

>>40311123
That'd probably be for the best.

>>40311123
>>40311103
I'll switch to solo

File: Wheel-of-Morality.jpg (46 KB, 640x480)

46 KB JPG

Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>40311148

>>40311167

We've got a weird stacking situation where we have two votes to leave it to the dice after coming to a tie which was then broken after the second vote was adjudicated. I'm terrible at card games so let's just say you call Elenor.

File: Elenor Camuel 3.jpg (65 KB, 997x900)

65 KB JPG

“I have a good friend named Elenor. She’s a Racaseal with the Hunter’s Guild. No government ties.”

Nol brings up some documents with her MAG. “Checks out. I’m ok with it, I’ll send her comission. In the meantime, let’s head over to the Ryuker gate.”

“You know about that?”

“It’s called investigative journalism.”

You both make your way to the gate. Elenor stands waiting for you. She waves at you, but before you have a chance to exhange pleasantries, Nol interjects.

“Elenor? I’m Nol Rinale. Your friend vouched for you. We need to make our way to the Central Dome. Can you handle that?”

Elenor smirks wryly, “Well, for this kind of comission, I will certainly do my best.”

The three of you take the Ryuker Gate down. There are swamrs of hunters making a base camp near the gate. It seems that there’s a huge operation going on.

> A. Ask the hunters what’s happening

> B. Keep to yourself and blend in. Wait for the hunters to start moving and move with them

> C. Disappear into the woods and move on east towards the Central Dome [DEX-Easy]

>>40311357
> A. Ask the hunters what’s happening
Best to make sure we're not walking into any carpet-bombings.

>>40311357
>C. Disappear into the woods and move on east towards the Central Dome [DEX-Easy]
That's the monster extermination party. We can use that to get by without being accosted by too many monsters.

>>40311357
>B. Keep to yourself and blend in. Wait for the hunters to start moving and move with them

File: Chaz Ashley.jpg (13 KB, 200x200)

13 KB JPG

>>40311397
>>40311492
>>40311497

>mfw this game will be played entirely by dice roll

>>40311518
Hey, even the dice gods like to play quests from time to time!

But yeah, I'll change my vote from >>40311397
to supporting >>40311497

File: Forest 3.png (1.89 MB, 1680x1050)

1.89 MB PNG

There seems to be a government official handing out free camping supplies and provisions. You learn that the military is nelisting help from the Hunter’s Guild to clear a path to the Central Dome to secure it. You try to keep your distance from anyone else to prevent people from recognizing Nol.

You use a weak fire technique to start a campfire. You, Elenor, and Nol sit around the flames with a bag of trail mix and an auto-assembling weather-proof tent.

Your campsite is quiet. You overhear the another group of Hunters gossiping loudly. Apparently Kireek took a junior ranger with him ahead toward the Central Dome already.

Elenor decides to break the silence. “So, I’m gald to hear you have such a high opinion of me. Though if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were developing a bit of a crush.”

You cock your head at her, “...What?”

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

“What? No. I’m not...”

Elenor interrupts “It’s only fair to tell you I’m not into organics.”

“I’m not either! Wait, no. I meant casts.”

She continues, “I’m just saying, I bet you don’t spend this much time with Ash. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. I guess he just can’t compete with my metallic curves. Careful not to let your new boyfriend get jealous.”

You respond, flustered, “You're insane! Ash and I are just friends!”

Nol and Elenor break out into laughter. Nol give’s you a playful shove, “You make it too easy for her. Quit overreacting before you draw too much attention.”

Elenor adds, “Sorry, I was just having a bit of fun. I thought you’d be used to being teased a bit. Haven’t spent a lot of time around hunters, have you?”

You grumble into drink. You look around and see the other hunter’s breaking out the kegs. Apparently they brought their own provisions.

> A. Get up early and sneak off [DEX-Easy]

> B. Wait for the other hunters to start the operation

> C. Sneak off into the night [DEX-Trivial]

>>40311941
> A. Get up early and sneak off [DEX-Easy]

Well, we'll show you who's not into organics! Er, wait...

>>40311941
>B. Wait for the other hunters to start the operation

>>40311941
>> B. Wait for the other hunters to start the operation
Laziness is key.

File: Profile3.jpg (1010 KB, 1600x1200)

1010 KB JPG

Bumping with more Pheonixia to get another vote.

>>40312244
>>40312264

Every damned time I beg for votes, they happen just as I post.

Alright, we're sleeping in.

>>40311941
>B. Wait for the other hunters to start the operation
Safety in numbers.

>>40312282
Star Dust Quest just ended; now I'm here to solve your ties.

File: Forest 2.jpg (61 KB, 480x360)

61 KB JPG

You turn back to your group. “Let’s get some sleep.” You and Nol turn in for the night. Elenor continues to observe the other camps.

...

The next morning, you awaken to the noise of of a hundred hunters shuffling about. Elenor walks over to you. “Good morning, Pheonixia. I grabbed you two some breakfast from the government official while I was walking around the camps.”

You perform a cat-like stretch as you throw your sleeping back off and re-arm your frame. “Learn anything interesting?”

“As a matter of fact I did! It seems that a lot of hunters have come out for the operation. I think you might know one of them.” She gestures over to a camp site a couple hundred meters away. Nela seems to be talking the pointed ears off a HUnewearl. It is too damned early to be dealing with that.

“Anythin else?”

“I thought you’d be more excited to hear about your friend.” Elenor gives a concerned frown, “Only bad news I’m afraid. Ash has gone missing for three days now. the rumors around the camps say that Kireek is looking for him.”

“Oh...” You find yourself concerned for your friend. You don’t recall Ash beign a particularly strong hunter from your brief interraction with him.

Nol interrupts, “Since we’re going to be working with all these other hunter’s I think it’s best you call me by another name for the duration of the mission. From here on out, I’ll be Ren.”

You stand up. “That works.”

> A. Get well caffinated and say hi to Nela.

> B. Keep to yourself and lag behind the other hunters

> C. Move with the hunters and help with the extermination effort

>>40312585
> B. Keep to yourself and lag behind the other hunters
Ren wants to go to the Central Dome, and there's a whole bunch of hunters ahead of us who aim to clear a path there. Seems like this mission might be easier than we thought.

>>40312585
>B. Keep to yourself and lag behind the other hunters

File: Alys Brangwyn 1.png (10 KB, 220x220)

10 KB PNG

>>40312652
>this mission might be easier than we thought

>>40312585
>> A. Get well caffinated and say hi to Nela.

>>40312720
Aww, come on. Just because Eleanor woke us up doesn't mean we can't keep dreaming for just a bit longer.

>>40312585
>A. Get well caffinated and say hi to Nela.

>>40312312
>>40312652
>>40312690
>>40312759
>>40312790
sure, "solve" ties.

>>40312808
My solutions nominally involve throwing someone out of the airlock.

>>40312808

At least these choices aren't mutually exclusive

>>40312849
get out you extinct prothean

File: Nela 2.jpg (6 KB, 100x200)

6 KB JPG

You down two cups of coffee and walk over to Nela’s camp. You are no more than fifty paces aware before the ear-shattering greeting.

“Pheonie, is that you?! Oh my God, what a coincidence right? Are you on the government quest, too? Maia is showing me the ropes.” The HUnewearl extends her hand and opens her mouth to greet you, misinterpretting Nela’s pause for breath as the end of her statement. “She’s totally awesome, she’s super cute and tiny but her sword is huge. Totally perfect to compliment my look. We’re going to be the hottest group of hunters ever! This must me Elenor, right? Who’s your other friend?”

You sigh, “This is Ren. She’s new, too. We’re working together.” You extend your hand to Nela’s friend and shake it. “My name’s Pheonixia.”

She smiles. “I’m Maiawyn. I’m an old friend of Nela. I’m here to make sure she doesn’t get killed. She’s still in training as a force, so I’ll be covering her while she learns how to handle a cane.”

Nela jumps and wraps her arms around your and Nela’s sholders. “Alright, everyone’s friends now! Let’s go join the march. I want everyone to see us looking fan-tas-tic.”

You peal her hand off your sholder. “Actually, I was thinking we’d hang back and let the more experienced hunters handle the bulk of the work. There’s too many new people to risk being on the front lines.”

Maiawyn nods, “I agree.”

Nela pouts, “aww, you guys are no fun.”

> Continued

File: Monest (With Maiyawyn and(...).png (703 KB, 588x481)

703 KB PNG

The five of you keep up with the steady march of hunters through the forest. Rappys scatter left and right as rangers shoot through the brush, clearing a path.

Hunters face off against a pack of boomas. There are some minor injuries, but none as severe as those sustained by the bipedal sloths.

The ground grows wetter, even swampy, as your approach a clearing. Rain clouds start forming overhead, relieving the heat of the star, but promising a thunderstorm in short order. You can see the Central Dome looming over the treetops. It can’t be more than a kilometer away.

The clearing is populated by dozen of large purple sacks on vine-like stilts. None of the other hunters seem to know what to do, but an abundance of caution seems to have stopped the march.

> A. Examine the sacks up close. [MIND-Moderate]

> B. Wait to see what the others do.

> C. Walk off into the wood around the clearing. Try to get ahead to the Central Dome [DEX – Easy]

>>40313233
>A. Examine the sacks up close. [MIND-Moderate]

>>40313233
>> C. Walk off into the wood around the clearing. Try to get ahead to the Central Dome [DEX – Easy]

>>40313233
>D. Foie a large purple sack!
It's shrubbery, people! You don't let shrubbery stop an expedition.

>>40313233
>C. Walk off into the wood around the clearing. Try to get ahead to the Central Dome [DEX – Easy]

Rolled 7 (1d7)

>>40313406
>>40313284

Thank God...

Rolled 4 (1d7)

>>40313456

Every tie with the crit...

>>40313480
GLORIOUS VICTORY

File: Central Dome 2.png (335 KB, 559x316)

335 KB PNG

You motion to the group to walk around the clearing. Nela whispers into your ear, “Why so secretive? Are we gunna do something cool?”

“You’re just going to have to trust me.”

Maiawyn gives you a suspicious look but follows. The five of you silently walk off to the southeast just as giant mosquito-like creatues fly out of the sacks. You manage to avoid their attention as other hunters engage the oversized insects.

Thunder booms overhead, and rain pours down hard. Luckily, you arrive at the outskirts of the central dome, where conrete and pavement have been layed down.

Nol looks around, “This is the residential area, isn't it? This area here? What happened to the people living here? What were those animals?”

More thunder shakes your party. You hear roars in the distance.

Nol puts up her hand. “Wait, inside that building. That’s an administrative building. There should be terminal access in there.”

Nela looks at her, “What do you need with a computer in the middle of a ghost town?”

More roars, they sound closer.

> A. Send Nela and Nol inside.

> B. Everyone inside the building, quickly and quietly [DEX-Easy]

> C. Every stay and wait for whatever is getting closer, be ready to fight.

>>40313682
>B. Everyone inside the building, quickly and quietly [DEX-Easy]

>>40313682
> B. Everyone inside the building, quickly and quietly [DEX-Easy]

>>40313682
>> B. Everyone inside the building, quickly and quietly [DEX-Easy]

>>40313682
>>40313682
>> C. Everybody stay and wait for whatever is getting closer, be ready to fight.

File: Hildewhat.jpg (148 KB, 890x704)

148 KB JPG

>>40313718
>>40313744
>>40313747

Rolled 7 (1d7)

>>40313856

Fucking shit. I can't have any fun.

>>40313856
FLAWLESS

Rolled 5 (1d7)

>>40313877
Forgot to roll...

>>40313682
>>40313900
Can we tell Nol to get to a terminal in order to "see if she can seal the doors"?

File: Lobby 1.jpg (162 KB, 810x460)

162 KB JPG

“Everyone inside, now!” Your tone is deadly serious. No one questions you. You all file into the administrative building.

Inside you find a waiting area. The doors close behind you just as the ground shakes violently, as if struck by an earthquake. Nol goes off to find a terminal upstairs, you assume she’ll be safe.

There is a loud, repetitive banging on the door. You see the indents of fists the size of your torso in the metal. Roars bellow from the other size.

> A. Try to weld the doors shut with a fire technique [MIND-Moderate]

> B. Attempt to use shifta on the group to prepare [MIND-Hard]

> C. Have Elenor and Maiawyn come up with a plan.

>>40314039
>> B. Attempt to use shifta on the group to prepare [MIND-Hard]

>>40314039
> B. Attempt to use shifta on the group to prepare [MIND-Hard]
Of course, this'll be where the dice bestow upon us a one.

>>40314039
>B. Attempt to use shifta on the group to prepare [MIND-Hard]

>>40314039
>> B. Attempt to use shifta on the group to prepare [MIND-Hard]
>>40314096
and we wouldn't have it any other way

>>40314078
>>40314096
>>40314141
>>40314159
Keep in mind we don't HAVE Shifta.

Rolled 5 (1d11)

>>40314175

You do, but you haven't had time to train it properly quite yet. You know the technique in theory, though. On that note, let's roll!

File: Hildebear 2.png (562 KB, 527x495)

562 KB PNG

“You know, I was all for getting away from all that testosterone holding us back,” Maiawyn offers, “But I feel like we could have brought more hunters with us.”

“Well, I knew I bought this for a reason.” You do your best to focus photon energy into an aura, but you find yourself too distracted. The stress of the situation saps yur mental fortitude and the spell fizzles. The photon energy misdirect proves too much for your cane, the top explodes, sending shards of glass and smoke flying.

“Pheonixia,” you can hear the concern in Elenor’s voice, “What happened?”

The banging on the door pauses, you all look toward it. A wave of relief pass over the group for a second.

Suddenly, a section of the roof comes crashing down. Along with it, a massive, blue bear. It lets out a defening roar before swing it’s massive, club-like hand. Elenor’s photon barrier is hsatter, and she is sent hurtling into the wall. She makes an audible thud and an indent in the concrete before falling to the ground.

> A. Start shooting with your handgun [DEX-Easy]

> B. Grab Nela’s cane and start casting spells (Barta or Foie) [MIND-Moderate]

> C. Run over to Elenor

>>40314466
>A. Start shooting with your handgun [DEX-Easy]
Draw it away from Elenor.

>>40314466
>A. Start shooting with your handgun [DEX-Easy]

>>40314466

I need to start using spellcheck...

>>40314466
>> A. Start shooting with your handgun [DEX-Easy]
seems like we've got a long day ahead of us, we'll need to save mana and energy for stuff like resta
... we do have resta, right?

>>40314466
>A. Covering fire[DEX-Easy]
>Scan/Use our MAGs to scan for a weakness

>>40314609

You have Foie, Barta, and Shifta. You decided to save your money for another shopping day as opposed to buying a second spell.

Rolled 2 (1d7)

>>40314490
>>40314541
>>40314609
>>40314611

Rolling

>>40314609
No, but we have no cane, so it doesn't matter. We won't be able to cast anything unless we borrow one Nela's, at which point she because kinda useless.

>>40314634
Do better staves decrease chance of failure?

>>40314657
seriously?

File: Hildebear 1.png (171 KB, 257x281)

171 KB PNG

You start firing at the bear with your handgun to no avail. The hits connect with the body, but they seem ineffective.

Maiawyn charges with her over-sized sword, managing to parry the bear’s wild swings. She’s holding her own but can’t get a decisive hit.

Nela is crying. She looks completely petrified. “Pheonixia...what do I do?”

> A. Cast foie!

> B. Cast barta!

> C. Give me your cane!

>>40314674

To your first question, yes. To your second question...yes.

>>40314723
>B. Cast barta!

>>40314723
>A. Cast SOMETHING!

>>40314723
>B. Cast barta!
Then RUN THE OTHER WAY.

>>40314723
> B. Cast barta!
Then continue to attack with our handgun, keep up the pressure while making sure hot to hit Maiawyn.

File: Casting a Spell.jpg (899 KB, 1426x1070)

899 KB JPG

“Keep your distance and cast Barta!”

Her hands shake as she closes her eyes and casts the technique. A stream of icicles strikes the bear.

It gives off a shout of pain and opens itself up enough for an attack by Maiawyn. She performs a series of well executed swings at the bear’s midsection. It roars in frustration and spits a fireball at Maiawyn, knocking her down and singeing her armor.

The bear approaches you and Nela. She seems to be attempting another technique, but is too frightened to concentrate.

You hear a shout from the balcony, “Pheonixia, catch!” Nol tosses some sort of rod at you. You reflexively catch it with both hands. It’s a wand, the ends glow with photon energy.

Nol then pulls out a comically large carbine from underneath her. She seems to have trouble wielding it, so she uses the balcony to support the weight. She takes a shot and is sent flying back. The shot pierces the beast’s left arm, a gaping hole is left.

Maiyawyn drags herself up by her sword, she is bloody, but seems to be able to continue the fight.

> A. Try Shifta again [MIND-Moderate]

> B. Foie [MIND-Easy]

> C. Barta [MIND-Easy]

>>40315114
>> C. Barta [MIND-Easy]
gotta stay frosty

>>40315114
>C. Barta [MIND-Easy]

>>40315114
>C. Barta [MIND-Easy]

>>40315114
>C. Barta [MIND-Easy]
waiiit.
>2/11
>18% chance of failure
....damn.

>>40315114
> A. Try Shifta again [MIND-Moderate]
If at first we don't succeed, risk exploding the equipment of our employer.

Rolled 1 (1d11)

>>40315127
>>40315135
>>40315150
>>40315162

File: 1359255601452.png (92 KB, 279x309)

92 KB PNG

>>40315195

>>40315195
Ahaha what the fuck

>>40315195
WELL WHAT DID I TELL YOU? EIGHTEEN. SLIGHTLY LESS THAN ONE FIFTH.

Huh, I guess we'll be blowing up our employer's equipment anyway.

>>40315195
there's obviously some form of photon interference going on

File: Bloody.jpg (110 KB, 1024x768)

110 KB JPG

For a moment, you find yourself as frightened as Nela. At this point, concentration is impossible. The technique fizzles into a blinding light emitted from the end of the wand. The first you see afterwards is the beast’s giant, bloody fist breaking your photon barrier and connecting with you. You tumble away at an incredible speed until your roll is stopped by the far wall.

Nela soon joins you. You can barely move your body, but you manage to turn your head far enough to see that she is unconscious.

You can hear Maiawyn put up a desperate struggle, but her swings become slower and her breathing more labored.

> A. Call out to ‘Ren’

> B. Call out to Maiawyn

> C. Call out to your MAG

>>40315319

"I swear, this never happens."

>>40315351
>C. Call out to your MAG

>>40315351
>D. Call out to nobody
If we can't get back on our feet, at least we can try and sit up, then try to focus, then cast there.

>>40315351
>C. Call out to your MAG

>>40315351
>> C. Call out to your MAG
i like the places this might be going

>>40315351
>>40315351
seconding >>40315395

File: Photon Blast 1.png (662 KB, 882x460)

662 KB PNG

Maiawyn misses sweeping swing, leaving her vulnerable. The bear capitalizes on this and brings both fists down on her. It’s all she can do to use her sword to deflect the attack, sending her flying.

You struggle to sit up against the wall. You are sure, at the minimum, you’ve broken a few ribs and fractured a dozen other things.

The bear approaches.

“Arco.” Your voice is barely a whisper. “Wynn. I’m sorry we never got the chance to sync up...whatever that means.” You attempt a chuckle but only end up coughing up blood. “I hope I was the owner you wanted. Maybe you’ll find another one that’ll feed as often as I do.”

The bear stands over you. Fire wells up in its mouth.

The room is instantly lit up by an incredible aura. The MAGs glow with massive amounts of photon energy, flooding the building with light. Time appears to slow down. You feel your strength return to you.

You see Maiawyn run up behind the bear, glowing with an alternating, pulsating aura of blue and red. The same aura seems to be emanating from you. You can stand. You jump out of the way.

> A. Foie [MIND-Easy]

> B. Barta [MIND-Easy]

> C. Attempt to harness the storm with an electrical technique [MIND-Hard]

>>40315667
>A. Foie [MIND-Easy]

>>40315667
>> C. Attempt to harness the storm with an electrical technique [MIND-Hard]
RIDE THE LIGHTNING

>>40315667
> C. Attempt to harness the storm with an electrical technique [MIND-Hard]
Go big or go home, I guess. Not exactly the ideal element, of course, but Pheonixia probably doesn't know that, and the scale of it should tilt the scales there.

>>40315667
>C. Attempt to harness the storm with an electrical technique [MIND-Hard]

>>40315701
>Not exactly the ideal element, of course, but Pheonixia probably doesn't know that
hey we're doing science here and so far all we know for sure is that it hasn't been electrocuted yet

>>40315667
> B. Barta [MIND-Easy]

>>40315689
meta knowledge says the thing is weak to barta by the way

>>40315738

Shut up

>>40315667
>B. Barta [MIND-Easy]

>>40315738
not cool bro

>>40315765
>took damage from Barta
>fire breath
look, it may have been an issue an hour ago, but we already know at this point......right?

>>40315689
then again....

>>40315804
It's the heat of the moment, shit's going crazy with a giant blue bear beating the fuck out of everyone.

Rolled 11 (1d11)

>>40315690
>>40315701
>>40315706

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJo_3B5-1uk

Rolled 2 (1d11)

>>40315923

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7bhdwcAnH0#t=0m20s

File: 1353785896853.png (509 KB, 1280x720)

509 KB PNG

>>40315923

>>40315923
Jesus, I thought the Dice Gods would already be tired of cheesy overdramatic comebacks(and the prerequisite fuckups that cause them)

>>40315821
to also be fair, "RaZonde it" got me pretty far in PSO
>>40315923
>11
i think you mean https://youtu.be/rlQaie1GE58

File: that's right.gif (898 KB, 200x200)

898 KB GIF

>>40315923
>Rolled 11 (1d11)

File: Lightning Strike.jpg (133 KB, 728x1090)

133 KB JPG

You raise your wand into the air, your mind races, but is somehow calm at the same time. You feel the energy of electrical potential in the air, and you focus photon energy to manipulate it.

Meanwhile, Maiawyn attacks with a fury you’ve never seen before. Her sword swings in a blur, producing afterimages from its glow. She leaps into the air and buries the sword into the beast’s spine. She leaps off its back as is wails in agony.

You drain the bear and the sword’s hilt of all electrical potential, leaving the lightning only one place to go.

A blinding bolt strikes through the hole in the roof and onto the hilt. The bear has no time to react and it is burnt to a crisp, glowing hot from the heat and sparks coming off the bolt of lightning. The shockwaves throw you and Maiawyn back as your auras fade. You give in to your pain and fatigue.

>Continued

File: Profile.gif (53 KB, 208x530)

53 KB GIF

You awaken in a hospital bed. The room is nicer than the last time you were here, and more notably, private. You find a meal waiting for you. It hurts to even move your arm. You spoon some soup into your mouth, and find yourself unable to finish.

Roughly an hour after you wake up, Colin Tyrell enters your room. “I’m glad to see you’re finally awake.” He pulls up a chair and sits at the foot of your bed. “We have some things to discuss.”

> End of Part 5

>>40316111
yay we won!

Bleh, hearing that from the Principal can't be good.

>>40316111
Thanks for running.

>>40316111

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUN!

Alrighty guys. Nice clutch at the end of it. As always, tune in next Sunday at 7PM, announcements on twitter @sbf2009, and questions here until I go do something else.

>>40316111
>>40316170
thanks for running

>>40316170
Thanks for running!

>>40316152
>>40316186
>>40316192

Hey, I'm having fun with it, too. You're welcome, though.

File: nyaruko space-cqc.jpg (275 KB, 900x600)

275 KB JPG

>>40316170
thank you, PSOQ-Senpai

>>40316170
Any chance of an explanation on the rolling system? For some of the Easy difficulty rolls, you rolled a d7, but for others it was a d11. Also, in the difficulty chart, what do the listed numbers represent?

On another note, is equipment malfunction / destruction a common risk for failing a Hard technique check? Is it a risk for Moderate and below technique checks? Would it be smart for Pheonixia to start bringing a backup cane on missions?

>>40316277

There was a more in depth explanation in session 1, but:

Your current stats are 5 STR, 7 DEX, 11 MIND. Actions are rolled with a dice the size of the related stat. Low stats make crits more likely, but also make passing checks harder. And you can't crit your way out of not having the stats for an action.

The difficulty chart posted at the beginning of every section tells you what range of difficulties a descriptor can be. A Hard action, for example, could require a 7, 8, or a 9 to pass. You'll never get the exact numbers needed, but you can kind of extrapolate. I keep the numbers consistent, and adjust them with training/equipment changes.

Equipment malfunction requires a pretty wide gap between a needed roll, and is not common unless you are trying to do something unusual. For instance, you guys bought Shifta but never actually trained it, so you were trying to use an already difficult to use technique that you've never used before under duress. Shit happens. I wouldn't worry about it.