“Gen, I don’t particularly care whether or not you were doing anything illegal, getting pulled in by EnRA agents for questioning is hardly what I’d call a ‘Not a big deal’.”

Mr. Golwynn ends his sentence with a half set of air quotes, his other hand holding on to a newspaper. The Golwynn’s house is appropriately sized for a family of gnomes, practically indistinguishable from your normal lower middle class household, except the furniture is sized for a kid’s playhouse. This is somewhat disconcerting since the house itself is sized for humans, causing the otherwise normal rowhome to appear far more cavernous than it has any right to. Gennings is sitting at the dinner table, along with his father, whose first name I’ve forgotten from years of disuse. Something along the lines of Genwyt. The scent of lasagna wafts through the room as Mrs. Golwynn, whose first name has also slipped into the dustbin of my subconscious, opens the oven.

“Oh Wynt-” (Goddamn I was close) “-cut Gen some slack. We’re all just glad that he’s back home safe and sound.”

“Of course we are,” harrumphs Mr. Golwynn from behind his paper, “But just because we’re glad nothing came of it doesn’t mean that he should be taking stupid risks like driving an LL vehicle around when he’s not on the job.”

As Gennings and his dad continue to argue about the relative merits of free gas versus keeping a low profile, Mrs. Golwynn calls out from the kitchen. “Jason, dear, could you come over here? I need my spatula and somehow it ended up on the top shelf.”

“No problem Mrs. Golwynn,” I reply, heading over towards the kitchen.

“Well then, let’s just ask Jason, after all, it’s his Uncle’s House you were detained in front of.” grumbles Mr. Golwynn to his stubborn son, “Jason, would you take an LL car back to a friend of family’s house?”

>Two choices:
>1: What to do with the gnome riding on your shoulders
>>Put Shortstuff down and tell her to sit at the dinner table.
>>Let Shortstuff grab the spoon and hand it to her mom.
>2: Respond to Mr. Golwynn
>>”Jesus Christ, you know what I think about that shit. Can’t be too damn careful Gen, especially not with LT drawing attention EnRA’s attention like she did. Spooks could be anywhere.”
>>”Eh, be more careful in the future Gen. On the bright side, at least now we know that EnRA has reason to suspect that both you and Uncle Frank are involved with LL. Kinda tipped their hand there.”
>>”It’s no biggie. All you did was reaffirm any suspicions they might have had involving my Uncle and I being associated with LL. Christ Gen, think next time ya dongus.”
>>”Shit, if Gennings wants to explore his sexuality with his new ogre cellmate that’s his decision.”
>>”Hey, nothing came of it. Just don’t stop by with contraband Gen.”
>>Write in

>>41354895
>>Let Shortstuff grab the spoon and hand it to her mom.

>>”Eh, be more careful in the future Gen. On the bright side, at least now we know that EnRA has reason to suspect that both you and Uncle Frank are involved with LL. Kinda tipped their hand there.”

>>41354895
>>>Let Shortstuff grab the spoon and hand it to her mom.

>>”Eh, be more careful in the future Gen. On the bright side, at least now we know that EnRA has reason to suspect that both you and Uncle Frank are involved with LL. Kinda tipped their hand there.”

>>41354895
>>Let Shortstuff grab the spoon and hand it to her mom.

>>”It’s no biggie. All you did was reaffirm any suspicions they might have had involving my Uncle and I being associated with LL. Christ Gen, think next time ya dongus.”

>>41354895
>>Let Shortstuff grab the spoon and hand it to her mom.
>>”Eh, be more careful in the future Gen. On the bright side, at least now we know that EnRA has reason to suspect that both you and Uncle Frank are involved with LL. Kinda tipped their hand there.”
But
>"Think next time ya dongus.”

File: Gwynhill.png (88 KB, 441x627)

88 KB PNG

“Oi shortstuff,” I say to the band aid bedecked pair of knees in front of my chin, “You wanna grab the spatula?”

“Hell yeah,” replies a high pitched voice from somewhere above my head. Gennings’ kid sister, Gwynhill, has the exact same shade of carrot orange hair as the rest of her family, although unlike her parents, her’s isn’t streaked with grey, and unlike her brother, her’s is pulled into a thick ponytail.

“Hilla! Language,” chides Mrs. Golwynn from somewhere beneath me as I open the cupboard and lean forward, grabbing onto Shortstuff’s legs as she reaches for the metal spatula.

“Eh, just be more careful in the future Gen,” I say as I lean further forward. “I mean I- fuuhhhriggin’ ow,” I groan as Gwynhill seizes onto a clump of my hair and lunges for the spatula, a sharp look from Mrs. Golwynn moderating the nascent profanity. “Christ. Like I was saying, it’s a mixed. We know that EnRA is suspicious of my Uncle, and possibly you and me. On the other hand, you just confirmed those suspicions.”

“Hilla, do not pull on Jason’s hair,” Mrs. Golwynn chides as her daughter passes down the spatula. “Sit down, the both of you, food’ll be out in a moment.”

I lean down and gently lift the tiny girl off of my shoulders and place her on the floor. Much like her elder brother, Gwynhill has spunk that far belies her size, but lately she’s been bruising from the slightest bump. The little gnomish girl grins up at me before shooting off to her seat, sliding across the floor in mismatch socks.

I make my way to the table far more gradually. “So I guess in toto Gen, think next time, ya dongus.”

Gennings squints at me momentarily, but quickly shrugs and starts watching his mother like a hawk. “Whatever you say man.”

“C’mon Gen,” I groan plaintively.

“There’s no helping is Jayce,” says Gwynhill, grinning from behind her plate, “Dongusness is written right down in his genes.”

“Alright, alright, fine,” Sighs Gennings, relenting from the threeway assault, “I’ll do it, if only to placate your paranoid delusions.”

Mrs. Golwynn appears next to her son, depositing a heaping portion of lasagna onto his plate and a kiss to his head. “That’s all we ask dearie.”

Mrs. Golwynn serves her entire family before depositing a good half of the remaining lasagna onto my plate and bustling off to her seat. “Let’s all just be grateful that everyone is here safe and sound.”

After a table wide series of affirmations, everyone digs in. Gennings and his little sister are sitting across from me, both ravenously digging into their food. I notice between the wide mouthed bites that Gwynhill is missing a tooth.

>”So, expecting a nice haul from the tooth fairy, shortstuff?”
>”So, how’s the shop holding up, Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn? Anything I need to be aware of?”
>”So Gen, you notice anything in particular while you were down at the EnRA offices?”
>Write in

>>41355803
>”So, expecting a nice haul from the tooth fairy, shortstuff?”
>”So, how’s the shop holding up, Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn? Anything I need to be aware of?”

>>41355803
>>”So, expecting a nice haul from the tooth fairy, shortstuff?”
>>”So, how’s the shop holding up, Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn? Anything I need to be aware of?”

>>41355803
>>”So, expecting a nice haul from the tooth fairy, shortstuff?”
Followed by
>”So, how’s the shop holding up, Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn? Anything I need to be aware of?”

Lets take care of our community.

>>41355803
>>”So, expecting a nice haul from the tooth fairy, shortstuff?”
>”So, how’s the shop holding up, Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn? Anything I need to be aware of?”

>>41355803
>>”So, expecting a nice haul from the tooth fairy, shortstuff?”
>>”So, how’s the shop holding up, Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn? Anything I need to be aware of?”

>>41355803
>>”So Gen, you notice anything in particular while you were down at the EnRA offices?”

Op is kill

“So, expecting a nice haul from the tooth fairy, shortstuff?”

Gwynhilla grins across the table at me, proudly displaying a missing incisor. “After all the blood that got everywhere, you bet your ass!”

“Hilla,” squeaks Mrs. Golwynn, a fork loaded with lasagna paused halfway to her mouth, “If I need to remind you one more time young lady, you’ve got dish duty!”

Hilla rapidly deflates, “sorry mom.”

“A lotta blood,” I say, a hint of concern tingeing my voice. “Not another soccer incident, right?”

About two weeks ago, Hilla tripped over during one of her soccer matches. What should’ve been a light scrape on her knee bled like a damn head wound. She had to sit out the rest of the match, despite loud protestations that she felt perfectly fine.

“No, not nearly that bad,” replies Mr. Golwynn, shaking his head, “Although a damn sight more - sorry dear - than you’d expect from a hair thin strand of gum.”

Mr. Golwynn smiles indulgently at his daughter, “But our little trooper held up through it though, didn’t she?”

Hilla grins back at her father. “It was AWESOME! So hardcore!”

Gennings rolls his eyes. “Christ, you guys have raised another little psychopath. Didn’t you learn from me?”

Mrs. Golwynn shakes her head, “It appears that amount of good manners could overcome your father’s barbarian blood.”

“So anyway,” I say, covering my mouth as I speak through a mouthful of lasagna, “I wanted to know, Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn, how are things at the shop? Anything I need to… take care of?”

Mrs. Golwynn chuckles softly as she waves a hand in front of her face, “Oh dear, you don’t need to be so formal! You can call me Gennella if you want.”

“You can call me Mr. Golwynn,” grunts Mr. Golwynn not unkindly, “But no, thanks for asking Jason. We haven’t had any problems since you met up with those orcish troublemakers.”

Mr. and Mrs. Golwynn run a small family grocer on the first floor of their corner rowhome. Like most of Lower East, it’s not exactly the nicest neighborhood, but a few months ago, some orc kids were shoplifting, eventually culminating in an attempted robbery.

Let’s just say that they were a lot less brash when Mr. Golwynn had a six foot six giant standing behind him bearing a baseball bat. And even less so when said giant called them out back for a discussion of personal property and the social impact of petty theft.

Jesus Christ I just gave them a scare, stop looking at me like I broke their legs.

“Excellent. I’m glad to hear the lesson stuck.”

“I still think that vehicular manslaughter was the right way to go,” mumbles Gennings around some lasagna.

“Gen, not everything can be solved with a high speed collision.”

Gennings swallows, his throat actually bulging as the wad of noodles and sauce goes down. “You would be surprised!”

“Well, I certainly hope you weren’t planning to employ such tactics on that EnRA fellow Gennings,” replies Mrs. Golwynn sternly. “And your sister will be driving in a few years, do please try and set a good example.”

“Mom, I’m a great driver,” Gennings responds grumpily.

“Yeah, just one no one would ever insure,” I chuckle.

Gennings pointedly ignores me and continues, “Besides, Hilla won’t be driving for another seven, six years. I really wouldn’t worry.”

“That might sound like a long time for you,” Mrs. Golwynn replies, mistily, brushing a hand through her daughter’s hair, “But it passes in a heartbeat.”

“Moooom, you’re being weird,” moans Gwynhill, “And I’m done eating and I’ve got homework. Can I go now?”

“Jeez Shortstuff, am I too boring to hang around with any more?”

Gwynhill sticks out her tongue playfully, “You’re lame! Gen is always bringing you over, why not Vikkie?”

“Oh what,” I say through a grin, “Are you saying my boss is cooler than me?”

“Or better yet,” replies the little gnomish girl, “You and Vikkie should come over, Gen is BORING.”

“Okay, okay, kiddo, you can go, just get your plate in the sink,” her father interjects gently.

The petite gnomeish girl drops her plate off in the sink and dashes upstairs in a matter of moments, leaving her chair pulled out from the table.

>”So Gennings, now that your little sister is out of the way. What happened with those EnRA guys?”
>”So, any word on the entire bleeding thing? Is she still having trouble breathing?”
>”Jeez, I should stop coming over so often maybe send LT instead, I think Hilla gotten bored of seeing me.” [implicit question about LT coming over to see the Golwynns]
>Write in

>>41356603
>>”So Gennings, now that your little sister is out of the way. What happened with those EnRA guys?”

>>41356603
>”So Gennings, now that your little sister is out of the way. What happened with those EnRA guys?”

>>41356603
>>”So Gennings, now that your little sister is out of the way. What happened with those EnRA guys?”

>>41356603
>>”So Gennings, now that your little sister is out of the way. What happened with those EnRA guys?”

>>41356603
>”So Gennings, now that your little sister is out of the way. What happened with those EnRA guys?”

“So Gennings, now that your little sister is out of the way, what happened with that detainment anyway? You were pretty cagey back at the office about it.”

Gennings glances around before replying. “Honestly, not too much happened. This big guy, must’ve been at least a bit orc based on the teeth, he knocked on the glass of my window when I was idling outside of your Uncle Frank’s place. Told me that I was wanted for some questioning. Which was bullshit, needless to say.”

“Bullshit it might have been,” I reply slowly, “But EnRA agents don’t have the same restrictions cops do. That ol’ loophole with the judge not saying that the rulings apply to shadow governments as well.”

“Yeah well anyway, he takes me to this unmarked office building somewhere in Lower East, ends up putting me in your standard interrogation room.”

“Not that you would know what those looked like, right dearie?” Mrs. Golwynn asks sternly.

“Mom, I watch TV. It looked like the interrogation rooms you see on TV.”

“Oh, right.”

“Anyway, he takes me there, leaves me for a while. Eventually comes back and drops this stack of files in front of me, one of them was really huge. Says that the vehicle I was driving in was believed to be present at several crime scenes, said I was stopping in front of a known associate of a criminal syndicate.”

“What happened next,” I ask, leaning forward, “What was the big file.”

“Well I snuck a look, pretty sure it was Frank’s,” Gennings replies, “Anyway, the big guy, I think was was Ritter or something along those lines, he comes back and says that they have the van in a garage downstairs, and they were about to go over it for illegal substances. Said if I cooperated now things would go smoother.”

“‘Cept you were riding clean, right?”

“Obviously! Told him as much. I don’t need to tell you whether or not he believed me. Grilled me for a while until someone came back and told him the van was clean.”

“What’d he grill you on?”

“Oh, just general bullshit. How are you connected to LL, do you know these people, what do you know about TK15, he even waved some pictures of the other Lieutenants in my face too.”

“Was our LT there?”

“Nope, but they had shots of Brodzinsky, Conrad, and Vespucci.”

“Seems we’ve managed to keep a low profile then,” I reply, exhaling with relief. “And of course you didn’t know shit.”

“Actually, for the first forty five minutes or so I kept asking if I was being detained. I even got to wave around my pocket constitution.”

“Gen, baiting a part orc is a bad idea on the best of days,” says Mr. Golwynn, frowning, “Best not to do that when they’ve got legal authority over you.”

“Nah, don’t worry, bastard was a pushover,” snorts Gennings, “It was like he was trying to run a good cop bad cop routine but the bad cop was out sick with the flu.”

“Well, it’s good to know he was a gentleman,” replies Mrs. Golwynn, as my phone beeps angrily for my attention.

I glance over at the benighted brick of plastic and glass and mutter an oath. “Christ. Well, looks like I’ll have to leave before dessert. LT wants me for something.”

“Oh, what a pity,” says Ms. Golwynn as Gennings and Mr. Golwynn say their goodbyes. “Well it was lovely to see you Jason. Maybe you can run up stairs and say goodbye to Hilla too? She was quite looking forward to seeing you.”

>”Sure, I’ll go see her.”
>”Sorry, I need to go. Let her know I said bye, okay?”

>>41357666
>>”Sure, I’ll go see her.”
Lets not be impolite.

>>41357666
>”Sure, I’ll go see her.”

>>41357666
>”Sure, I’ll go see her.”

As if we would choose otherwise.

>>41357666
>>”Sure, I’ll go see her.”

Nice trips Satan

>>41357730
I need to have a break at some point, otherwise I'm writing for an hour and a half

>>41357783
Hilla confirm satan

“Sure, I’ll go see her off,” I reply, sliding on my jacket. “second door on the left, right?”

“Oh yes dear,” replies Mrs. Golwynn, beaming.

I bound upstairs, taking them two at a time before rounding on the landing. I didn’t really need to remember which door was Hilla’s. The Golwynns were kind enough to label it with some sort of clay sheep wall sign thing. Although instead of Gwynhill it reads Gwynneth, with the last “neth” crossed out with thick strokes of black paint. As I walk up to the door, I notice it’s slightly ajar.

I’m pretty sure I can hear sniffles.

I gently push the door a bit wider open, to see a room painted in an pale blue, a small desk in an explosion of rainbow colors stands in one corner, and there’s a wooden framed bed in the opposite corner. Hilla is lying face down on top of the pink sheets, a ratty stuffed mole on a pillow next to her.

>”Sit down next to Hilla on bed. “Hey shortstuff, what’s wrong?”
>”Close the door and leave silently, but let her parents know what’s up.
>Crouch next to Hilla. “You know I’m pretty sure I can hit harder than anyone who’s picking on you and their dad.”
>Ruffle her hair. “Jesus, boy trouble already?”
>Write in

>>41357961
>”Close the door and leave silently, but let her parents know what’s up.

>>41357961
>>”Sit down next to Hilla on bed. “Hey shortstuff, what’s wrong?”

>>41357961
>Ruffle her hair. “Jesus, boy trouble already?”

>>41357961
>”Close the door and leave silently, but let her parents know what’s up.

>>41357961
>”Sit down next to Hilla on bed. “Hey shortstuff, what’s wrong?”

>>41357961
>>”Sit down next to Hilla on bed. “Hey shortstuff, what’s wrong?”

>>41357961
>>Ruffle her hair. “Jesus, boy trouble already?”

>”Sit down next to Hilla on bed. “Hey shortstuff, what’s wrong?”

>>41357961
>>Crouch next to Hilla. “You know I’m pretty sure I can hit harder than anyone who’s picking on you and their dad.”

I walk into the room, not trying to conceal my steps. Hilla looks up from her pillow when I’m halfway across the room, her nose and eyes running pretty freely. I reach out and ruffle her hair, “Jesus, boy trouble already?”

Hilla laughs breathily as she brushes away the tears and snot with her wrists. “Ew, boys are gross.”

I chuckle as I sit down on the bed next to her. “I suppose you’re right. So then shortstuff, what’s wrong?”

Hilla sniffs loudly. “Oh, nothing.”

I smile sadly and rest my elbows on my knees. “Oh come on now. I honestly think the last time I saw you cry was when you feel off the play structure during your kindergarten graduation. Gwynhill Golwynn doesn’t cry over nothing.”

Hilla continues to rub her nose in silence for a few seconds before answering. “Mom and dad are pulling me off the soccer team.”

“Oh no, why?”

Hilla sniffs like a christian mother hearing a grossly inappropriate metaphor comparing a young girl’s emotional state to a coke fiend on the set of Scarface. “It’s cause I’m not breathing right.”

“Hey now, I thought that was just some allergies.”

“I-i-it isn’t,” Hilla mumbles, “It isn’t getting better. And I’m bleeding so much and bruising too. Look,” she says, rolling up her sleeve to reveal a large purple bruise on her shoulder. “I’m pretty sure I got that from bumping into the door.”

Hilla tucks her chin behind her bandaid bedecked knees, hands wrapped in front of them. “I’m really scared. I can tell mom and dad are too, but they don’t want to show it.”

Well fuck. Monsters under the bed I can deal with, both imaginary and real, but this is a whole new ball game.

“Well, don’t be so scared. You’ll be seeing the doctor’s soon right?”

“Yeah,” mumbles Hilla, “But I don’t like the doctor’s. They always give me shots and it hurts.”

>”Hey, they’re gonna figure what’s going on and help you get better. That’s what they’re there for.”
>”To tell the truth, I’m a little scared of the doctor myself.”
>”If you can believe it, some people are scared of me too. The doctor might seem scary, but they’re nice people.”
>Write in

>>41358434
>>”Hey, they’re gonna figure what’s going on and help you get better. That’s what they’re there for.”
>>”To tell the truth, I’m a little scared of the doctor myself.”
>>”If you can believe it, some people are scared of me too. The doctor might seem scary, but they’re nice people.”

>>41358421
>>”Hey, they’re gonna figure what’s going on and help you get better. That’s what they’re there for.”

>>41358434
>>”To tell the truth, I’m a little scared of the doctor myself.”
hemophilia is a bitch

>>41358434
>”To tell the truth, I’m a little scared of the doctor myself.”
>”If you can believe it, some people are scared of me too. The doctor might seem scary, but they’re nice people.”

>>41358434
>>”If you can believe it, some people are scared of me too. The doctor might seem scary, but they’re nice people.”
"Crazy right?"

>”Hey, they’re gonna figure what’s going on and help you get better. That’s what they’re there for.”


>>41358467
That it is.

>>41358434
>”If you can believe it, some people are scared of me too. The doctor might seem scary, but they’re nice people.”

>>41358434
>”If you can believe it, some people are scared of me too. The doctor might seem scary, but they’re nice people.”

>>41358467
Good guess, but different blood disease

>>41354878
Ah man that filename on picture always rustles my autism

>>41358434
>>”To tell the truth, I’m a little scared of the doctor myself.”
Oh please don't tell me she got leukemia

I sigh, before gently patting Hilla on the shoulder. And other shoulder. And most of her back. What can I say, I’m a pretty big guy and she’s a pretty tiny gnome. “Hilla, you wanna hear something weird?”

Hilla glances up at me through carrot colored bangs. “What?”

“Well, this might sound a bit weird to you, but a lot of people are actually pretty scared of me.”

“You? No way,” responds Hilla, shaking her head. “You’re way less scary than Vikkie. Or mom when we don’t pick up our laundry.”

“I’m serious,” I reply, chuckling. “A lot of people think I’m a pretty scary guy.”

“Okay…” replies Hilla dubiously.

“But, you know I’m not! The Doctor is the same way. Sure they seem scary, but really most of them are all nice, friendly people who just want what’s best for you.”

Hilla glances up at me, already large gnomish eyes wide, “Really?”

“Really really,” I assure her, smiling. “Hell, I - don’t tell your mom I said hell - I can be a little scared of the doctor myself.”

“But you just remember that they’re there to help?”

“Exac-” I start responding before memories of Madame Doctor Cutter flash through my mind. “-kinda, yeah. Let’s go wtih that.”

“Now hey shortstuff, I gotta go,” I reply, standing up, “Vikkie wants to see me, and we all know that we can’t ignore her.”

Hilla nods vigorously before slamming into my side in a ferocious hug tackle. “Thanks for coming up. Jayce.”

I ruffle her hair gently and smile. “You got it shortstuff.”

>>><<<

I walk into LT’s office about thirty minutes later and collapse into my usual seat.

>”This better be important. I had to skip out on Mrs. Golwynn’s apple tart to come here.”
>”What’s going on, LT?”
>”You know, usually you give me a bit more of an explanation when you call me in on irregular hours.”
>Write in

>>41358846
>>”This better be important. I had to skip out on Mrs. Golwynn’s apple tart to come here.”
Jokingly

>”What’s going on, LT?”

>>41358846
>>”This better be important. I had to skip out on Mrs. Golwynn’s apple tart to come here.”

>>41358769
how so anon?

>>41358846
>>”What’s going on, LT?”

>>41358846
>”This better be important. I had to skip out on Mrs. Golwynn’s apple tart to come here.”
>”What’s going on, LT?”

>>41358846
>>”This better be important. I had to skip out on Mrs. Golwynn’s apple tart to come here.”
You might want to pay them a visit
>”What’s going on, LT?”

>>41358885
It just do, the wallpaper_wallpaperswa.com_26 bit is like ahh man get that out of my face

“This had better be important. I had to skip out on Mrs. Golwynn’s apple tart.”

“I assure you Jason, this is quite important,” LT replies sternly. After a few seconds delay she says, “How are they?”

“Oh, pretty good. Everyone is relieved Gennings got back safe and sound. Mrs. Golwynn doesn’t snap if you take the lord’s name in vain. They’re taking Hilla to the Doctor’s soon, and she misses you.”

LT smiles softly. “That’s nice. I’ll have to visit at some point.”

“Big ol’ sitter sittee reunion,” I reply before the grin slides off of my face. “So what’s up LT?”

LT’s soft smile slides off of her face as well. “We’ve been contacted by EnRA. They don’t appreciate the extra work we’ve been sending their way.”

>”Like, how much do they not appreciate it?”
>”Well they can fuck right off. We’ve been doing their job for them for ages, maybe it’s time for them to pick up the slack.”
>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”
>”This, right after Gennings gets detained. Could they be making a move?”
>write in

>>41359144
>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”

>>41359144
>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”
>”This, right after Gennings gets detained. Could they be making a move?”
Noooo meta

>>41359144
>”Like, how much do they not appreciate it?”
>”This, right after Gennings gets detained. Could they be making a move?”

>>41359144
>>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”
>>”This, right after Gennings gets detained. Could they be making a move?”
Are they threatening to make more arrests?

>>41359144
>>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”
I guess they didn't enjoy getting troll'd

>>41359144
>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”
That troll thing was a pretty dick move.

>>41359144
>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”
>”This, right after Gennings gets detained. Could they be making a move?”

>>41359144
>>”This, right after Gennings gets detained. Could they be making a move?”

>>41359144
>>”Goddamn, and I’ve only been back a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”
>>”This, right after Gennings gets detained. Could they be making a move?”

Out of curiosity, what would Jason's defense be if he was in fact the one who put out the troll tip?

Like, would he think it wasn't that big a deal, or that he just wanted a break, or EnRA should have known about them in the first place.

>>41359329
Enra should have known. That's their job not ours. My take at least

>>41359329
>he think it wasn't that big a deal
He got da bat, he can rek some trolls. It aint no thang to him

>>41359329
probably:
Dealing with trolls? NOPE. That goes in the EnRA pile

>>41359329
I want something noble and selfless, but I feel like just wanting a break and pushing it on another group he doesn't really like is more in character, so that.

>>41359329
EnRA should have known. I suppose it would have been a wake up call.

>>41359388
this. Though I fear we're moralfagging a bit too much as is.

>>41359329
Thought it was nasty stuff and didn't want none of that

>>41359329
What the hell was unclear in "HOUSE INFESTED WITH FUCKING TROLLS"?

They are the one that have the expertise to deal with that shit.

>>41359329
>how many of your squad got hurt?
>We sent our operative alone!
>well shit, it's standard procedure to send a squad to deal with a troll nest, as in, it takes more than one troll to make a goddamn nest you know?

>>41359389
>>41359329
Let me revise to he wanted a break and decided to push it on EnRA thinking 'Fuck its their job in the first place.' Trolls are nasty after all.

>>41359388
I just want to tag this comment, because I'm really pleased with the thought process here. Staying in character instead of just doing what you would want to do in that situation. I know most of my players probably do this already, but I just wanted to give this a shoutout.

>>41359461
Will do.

>>41359461
thx bae

>>41359329
They weren't actively harming business, so the trolls weren't investigated too thoroughly?

“Goddamn, and I’ve only been back for a week. This is about the troll thing, isn’t it? I bet it’s about the troll thing.”

LT glances up at me through rapidly narrowing eyes. “That… is one of their primary complaints. How on earth did you know about that?”

I settle my chair back onto all four legs before I end up tipping it over backwards. “Wait, seriously?”

A scowl rapidly forms on LT’s face as she flicks a piece of paper and clears her throat. “Although we were willing to accept that an alliance with Limited Liability might entail an increased workload, one of our agents was very nearly killed when she investigated a tip which led her into a troll infestation alone. This is utterly unacceptable…”

LT slams her palm on the table, utterly livid. “God fucking dammit Jason. I told you. I TOLD you not to abuse this new system. That I have to maintain a delicate balance. Jesus fucking hell,” she groans, collapsing back into her seat and rubbing her temples. “I thought it was some fool associate. I didn’t think that my right hand would do something so utterly fucking self centered. What were you even thinking?”

I grimace. “No real excuse LT. Just didn’t want to deal with that bullshit. I figured that, you know, the spooks would have been able to figure out an obvious troll infestation.”

“Oh my god,” groans LT, “Jason, where in the hell did you get the idea EnRA is some omniscient Minority Report-esque agency? They’re just a bunch of government employees. It’s the same breed as those idiots who work at the DMV. Just because you can clear a military base armed with a fucking bat doesn’t mean our counterparts are as capable. Jesus Christ, thank god that agent didn’t die or we’d really be up shit creek.”

There are a few moments of pained silence before I speak. “So. This new email after Gennings being detained. Could they be making a move?”

“I hope to Christ not,” snaps LT, “I’ve spent a long time operating in the shadows, keeping my hand close to my chest. This last month has probably revealed more about our operations in Lower East to them than they’ve been able to ascertain in the past three years.”

“There seems to be a real risk that they’ll terminate their relationship with us. I cannot allow that.”

>”So what? Just let them. If they’re really learning more about us under this new arrangement let it die so we can go back under the radar.”
>”Wait, why can’t we allow the relationship to terminate?”
>”Is there hope we can salvage this?”
>[Insight locked. Best of four rolls 3d10; DC: 20]
>Write In

Rolled 2, 1, 2 = 5 (3d10)

>>41359836
>>[Insight locked. Best of four rolls 3d10; DC: 20]

Rolled 10, 8, 10 = 28 (3d10)

>>41359836
>”Wait, why can’t we allow the relationship to terminate?”
I mean sure we can manipulate them but isn't keeping our cover more important?
>”Is there hope we can salvage this?”
maybe offer to take some of the harder jobs in exchange for info on Brodzinskys operation.

>>41359836
>"So what? Just let them. If they’re really learning more about us under this new arrangement let it die so we can go back under the radar.”

>>41359836
>>”Wait, why can’t we allow the relationship to terminate?”
>>”Is there hope we can salvage this?”

Rolled 2, 2, 1 = 5 (3d10)

>>41359836
>>[Insight locked. Best of four rolls 3d10; DC: 20]

>>41359893
Christ nice roll.

>>41359942
no kidding. Kinda wish that would have been a crotch homerun roll.

>>41360003
1% chance. Pretty much rolled a 100

>>41359893
If only we got that for combat.

Well done anon.

>"Shit. We let them terminate now and not only will we lose our best chance to infiltrate and coopt EnRA, but we'll also lose massive face in front of the other Lieutenants. We can't afford to have a weak position with Brodzinski prowling at the doorstep."

>>41360029
well, I can't turn down this one

Rolled 7, 3, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>41360029
Sounds good

>>41360029
Sounds good. I always forget about the rest LL in these situation. Too narrow focused I guess.

>>41360094
If we get an in into the EnRA, can you imagine the shitstorm that'll come to us with all the other LTs trying to take advantage of it after we did all the grunt work?

>>41360029
honestly the EnRA seems to be both severely understaffed and very much willing to let our branch police this part of the neighborhood. I don't really see much reward for the risk here.

>>41360314
But do Jason and LT know that?

Remember anon, no meta.

I lean back in my chair, chewing on the inside of my cheek. “Shit. We let them terminate now and not only will we lose our best chance to infiltrate and coopt EnRA, but we'll also lose massive face in front of the other Lieutenants. We can't afford to have a weak position with Brodzinski prowling at the doorstep."

LT flicks through the paper again, her face drawn and tired. “Yes, exactly. Christ Jason, you’re not stupid, why couldn’t you have realized this before you foisted a shit detail onto EnRA? Allying with EnRA and kicking TK15 in the teeth finally got that sweaty bastard Brodzinsky off my back. Losing that alliance won’t mean going back to the status quo. We’ll be lower than that.”

“Because we won’t have access to a potential alliance with EnRA. We’ll be alone.”

“Exactly. I want to parlay this alliance with EnRA into an alliance with one of the other Lieutenants against Brodzinsky. I know Conrad has been wary of him for a long time. We need this if we want to prove that we are a competent partner.”

“Shitfire. So do we just give in to whatever they want?”

LT shakes her head. “No, that would be almost as bad, maybe even worse. We can’t afford to lose this alliance, but if the other Lieutenants and Boss Coltrane think we’re at the beck and call of EnRA...”

The silence speaks for itself.

“So, what do you need me to do?”

“I need two things. The meeting is happening in two weeks. I’m not sure what will arise over that period of time, but if there is any opportunity to improve our standing within LL or strengthen our bond with EnRA, I need you to pursue it.”

“Even if that means hanging around the spooks?”

“Especially that. I’ll also want you to come along on the meeting. I don’t think it’s likely, but if this is some sort of sting operation I’ll need you to cover for me.”

“Of course, LT.”

“Very good. Dismissed Enforcer.”

LT calls out to you just as you reach the door, “Hurry back, maybe the tart’ll still be warm.”

>>41360344
considering they've let LL run the streets for several years and the moment we start pushing the stuff we've been doing to them they complain? It's not a big stretch.

Alright, and that's all for tonight guys.

So, just wanted to ask a few things:

1) Do we like Gennings little sister Hilla?

2) I'm trying to plan out the two plots so they are closer together. How do you guys like that so far?

3) Would you prefer to see more EnRA/LL politicking, or finally see some politicking between LL lieutenants?

4) How's the quest going so far for you? Anything to improve on?

>>41360389
this is multiple tiers of embarrassing.
>EnRa gets angry because Jensen got sent into danger alone
>LL can't say that Jason could do it alone because that would tip their hand
>EnRa can't go into detail with how a single operator managed it because that would tip Jensen's hand
>They all have to grudgingly agree that the troll thing "wasn't that bad after all"
>Both think that it was a plan to get the other to reveal their strength

>>41360389
uh boss not to remind you of anything but they still don't know what your enforcer looks like and last I heard you wanted that to continue. Should I just be constantly wearing my vader mask?

>>41360458
1. No
2. Kinda. I like it now, but I also like the separate stuff.
3. EnRA/LL or even EnRA/magicians league, Aether Authority or w/e they're called
4. I like it. More Jensen threads would be appreciated.

>>41360458
1) she's ok but I don't think we really need a humanizing element for Jason.
2) it's a bit early to tell.
3) both work but the EnRA/LL should be resolved before we move on to something else.
4) can't really think of anything to improve.

>>41360458
>1) Do we like Gennings little sister Hilla?
Too bad she's a tragic character.
>2) I'm trying to plan out the two plots so they are closer together. How do you guys like that so far?
It helps pacing things.
>3) Would you prefer to see more EnRA/LL politicking, or finally see some politicking between LL lieutenants?
That would be interesting.
>4) How's the quest going so far for you? Anything to improve on?
Not enough explosions and opportunities to be a dick with Reinhart.

>>41360458
She's pretty cool. Would feel pretty bad if this segues into her taking Pix.

Going great

Get a bit more personal with LL-LL politicking during the 2 weeks, then get back to EnRA-LL at the meeting. Maybe more actual crime after or during that.

Could you post all the powers available for "purchase" in the pastebin?

>>41360458
>1) Do we like Gennings little sister Hilla?
Jason? Maybe. I don't think he would have gone that extra mile comforting her if he didn't.
Me? Yeah shes cute.

2) I'm trying to plan out the two plots so they are closer together. How do you guys like that so far?
I've been waiting for this.jpg

3) Would you prefer to see more EnRA/LL politicking, or finally see some politicking between LL lieutenants?
I could go either, but I could use a face to go with the mysterious other LL Lts.

4) How's the quest going so far for you? Anything to improve on?
Really been enjoying it. Just wish it ran more often and longer but thats just me being greedy.

>>41360530
Alright, more Jensen. Would you want action, or politicking? Unfortunately, unlike LL I don't really have any inner factions planned out for EnRA at the moment.

>>41360541
So I guess the question is then, do you like reading or participating in action threads? I generally notice that I pull less votes during an action day compared to these more recent threads.

>>41360553
I'll try to get the powers organized at some point. Although I kinda like having them close on hand if only so that people will feel more free to volunteer new ones.

>>41360458
Is alright
Is alright
Former
Is alright, kinda short.

>>41360632
I'd prefer more Jason being a kneecapping asshole.

>>41360659
everything alright in the box?

>>41360632
I'd be content with action while you get some politicking set up.

>>41360632
I like both honestly. It might be because action threads requires less votes because there is a limit on how many rolls are needed.

>>41360734
Is alright

>>41360632
>I generally notice that I pull less votes during an action day
Happens in every quest, really. Combat usually requires more effort than picking a dialogue option.

>>41360632
>I generally notice that I pull less votes during an action day

Thats cause combat chain requires write ins as opposed to just choices and that takes effort.

Thats personally why I like it but a good amount of lurkers or normal participants are content to have people like me do the crunch of combat.


The quest with the QM that asked you about using your combat chain in his quest has the same issue.

>>41361247
I can confirm, never bother with write ins for combat but otherwise I'm active.

>>41361247
>>41361316
Can confirm to be the opposite, especially when 2/3 of the dialogue choices are going to be picked anyway.

gimme dem combat chains, Iva-Jason

We need cooler armor, aye? Also, take mom out to dinner in some fancy schmancy restaurant.

>>41361353
I'll fite u m8

>>41361353
>>41361316
Like I said, different strokes and all.

However I do think the combat chain enthusiasts like me and this dude are a minority. I don't mind really.

Just wish the lurkers would throw a 'This or Seconded' to let the QM know they are still there.

>>41361380
>Hide behind cover
>Take potshots
>Vault over for melee
>Homerun the ground, spraying gravel everywhere
>Blink over the target for an overhead-
wait, what quest are we playing again?

>>41361492
Shadow Quest

>>41361492
CCQ
Combat Chain Quest

Plan and kill shit in new amazing locales every thread. This week we raid a beach party in scenic Hawaii.

>>41360458
1.) Sure, I guess.
2.) I'm not really sure how you could get the two plots to align in a way that neither are directly in conflict, but if you think you can do it go ahead.
3.)Sure
4.)S'cool.

>>41362079
Your opinions are alright

>>41362079
I mean, they are kinda meant to be in conflict.

>>41361542
Clark and Jason would have a wonderfully shitty dynamic.

>>41362195
Didn't he assassinate someone just to get their radio?

>>41360458
thanks for tha thrad

1) she's a cute
2) pretty gud but be careful they don't butt heads too hard, such things have killed quests many a time
3) I'd rather see the latter, with EnRA finally realising how much shit is wrong with the city and maybe stepping in to help our local LL branch against the others in a common good sort of way
4) much funs

sage for being way late

>>41364463
>such things have killed quests many a time
Which? I don't know of any quests which did this kind of interaction

>>41364618
Mainly a lot of older ones, there hasn't been one thats used that mechanic in a couple years like this, but the TAQ quests and a bunch of others where the QM thought it would be cool to make his playerbase fight itself by making the two perspectives fight it out, with no real thought as to what happens then. The worst examples would be where the QM ran two quests in the same setting, very loosely connected, and then made the quests fight, that didn't end well for anyone involved.

Overall its a knife edge mechanic, it can be neat and cool like it has been here, but you have to be careful otherwise you just encourage and enable metagaming and if it comes to blows between the two perspectives and MC's then satan help you because god won't.

>>41321807

>>41364795
use sage anon

>>41364795
Could probably use a hamburger

>>41364795
What, for Amber? Too stylish.