You've had a rather slow couple days. Sometimes you just have... A few days where nothing in particular happens, but at least you've had some smaller, shorter-term jobs in the meantime.

At one point, you decided you ought cheer everyone up by introducing those who stayed in Marrius' Group to the delicacy that is Silver Wyvern eggs, but... All of the ones you thought you had left were gone. Thanks, Leigh.

"Yeah, I'm... Not gonna leave the company or anything," Lyeim tells you on the way home after a job in a town not far outside of Elza Oasis (possible threat of bandits interrupting some local celebration. A single impressive display of your Spirit Charmer dark magic scared the leader away), "I just... Feel like all that's happened has made me realize how fast people you know and care about can just... Die, or drift apart from you, so... Yeah, soon as Calof gets back, I think I'm gonna take some time off, go back home."

"We're... Kinda understaffed as it is."

"Yeah, I know," Lyeim says sadly, "and that's why I'm at least waiting for Calof to get back." You did receive word that Calof was finally headed back earlier. Business in Ulir took longer than expected, but he hasn't forgotten your bounties for Helena and her pirates.

That's... Aside the point Lyeim is making, though. He continues, "but I mean, if you really need me here, I'll stick around. I'll understand."

You're REALLY not sure how you became the effective second-in-command of this group, but people really take your word on things.

Then again, you're sure Irene would just let Lyeim go whether it was for the best or not. Maybe he knows that.

>A. Let Lyeim visit Neir
>B. Advise him against it
>C. You have no input

>>44216780
Vote time renewed.

>>44216780
>A. Let Lyeim visit Neir

>>44217238
"Yeah, go ahead. I mean, I don't actually..."

"Yeah, don't have the authority to ask that, but..."

"Irene, yeah, I know."

Lyeim nods.

Calof actually returns the very next day, and as you bid Lyeim farewell you enchant him up a parting gift in the form of a Master Seal.

Being able to just MAKE that sort of thing is a great help in and of itself. Slightly essence-intensive, but it's insignificant unless you overdo it. Only making one or two in a week, you figure, will still leave you far from accidentally expending your soul.

You have about 41,450 gold after your share of pirates' bounties, though shares of the loot that would've gone to anyone besides Calof, Une, or members of the Intelligent System go to the funds of Marrius' Group itself.

>A. Spend time with somebody (specify who)
>B. Study something with Irene (specification on topic allowed, otherwise Octo'll figure it out)
>C. Skip ahead once again
>D. Write-in action

>>44217517
>B. Study something with Irene (specification on topic allowed, otherwise Octo'll figure it out)
How's she holding up?

>>44217583
You end up aiding Irene with studies yet again.

"...I mean, we already have the magical means to transport other objects and people via Warp Staves..." You say, pointing out a worn-out and nearly-broken Warp Staff used alongside the Witch Pendant, once used for study purposes. "I mean, it might even be more important to study the warping of things BESIDES oneself. Witch Pendants only break if someone deliberately destroys them, while Warp Staves are rare, fragile, and expensive."

Irene then admitted to actually having initially been working towards it, but her studies never reached a point where she could copy the methods of the Warp staff. "Maybe," she says, ponderously, "if we could find a Hammerne Staff, or maybe even an undamaged Warp Staff... They're really hard to come by, though. I've been looking for awhile, but... We just need to get lucky."

You nod, changing the subject to a more... Personal one. "How're you doing, Irene?"

She answers with a long sip of coffee in lieu of an actual response. You think you understand, but don't jump to conclusions, and she eventually gives a proper answer. "It's been stressful. I've been trying to contact Esmer, if I might be fully honest, just... Find out what all of this means. No word back from her yet." She shakes her head, though. "I've already been through the worst of my grieving, though. I mean you lost Leigh so suddenly over all of this nonsense, and... I'm honestly more concerned about you."

>A. Yeah, it hurts
>B. Her fault for being unreasonable
>C. Her fault for being unreasonable (lie)
>D. You can still clear all of this up
>E. You're moving on too
>F. Write-in response
>G. Be silent

>>44217864
>A. Yeah, it hurt
>D. You can still clear all of this up

>>44217864
>A. Yeah, it hurts
>D. You can still clear all of this up

File: FatesWitchPortrait.png (206 KB, 382x432)

206 KB PNG

>>44217926
>>44217962
"Yeah, I'm... Still feeling the pain, honestly."

Irene gives you a sympathetic look. "I still would never have expected her to do something like that."

"The worst part is that I know she's not a bad person. This is just... She refused to listen and now things are complicated." A determined look fills your face. "I'm... I'm certain that we can clear this up, though. Maybe even be stronger for it."

Irene smiles slightly. "That's... Admirably hopeful." She nods. "Yeah, and Yulea's with her and the rest still. If we correspond properly, maybe we can talk her into helping them down the right path."

You agree, mentioning that you believe Yulea said the quartet was headed to Rakche. You'll keep Irene in the loop, you tell her.

>A. Discuss something more with Irene (specify topic)
>B. Spend time with someone else (specify)
>C. See if you can't spend some of this gold
>D. Skip to your next assignment

>>44218159
>C. See if you can't spend some of this gold

>>44218191
Fuck. Chrome flipped out and I lost the whole post right when I was finishing up the shop inventory.

Already on recovering it and the general cadence of the post.

File: Anna-FE3.gif (993 B, 48x64)

993 B GIF

You've got plenty of gold to spare, and Flux and Nosferatu are beginning to feel underwhelming in your hands.

You pay a visit to your vendor of choice, the Anna who seems... Oddly genuine and friendly, running that magic shop.

"Hey!" She says, leaning against her own countertop as you enter. "Word on the grapevine is you're the newest Spirit Charmer~."

"Word travels fast," you remark.

"This is the store of choice of the Mage General himself! If that's not a solid endorsement-and thus a solid means to afford to provide more great deals deals-I don't know what is!"

"Right, right... I've learned a lot about Staves in a short time, too."

"I hear you," she says, coyly fishing out some inventory, "let's see if I can't find you something perfect!"

Thankfully, the facilities of Marrius' Group's headquarters have left Flux and Nosferatu in much better condition. No need to replace them!

>A. Carreau (Stronger Dark Magic. All there is to it): 3,200 Gold
>B. Mire (Basic Long-range Dark Magic): 3,500 Gold
>C. Eclipse (Long-range Dark Magic. Inaccurate, wears easily, and absolutely DEVASTATING if and when it does hit): 7,200 Gold
>D. Mediocre (Basiccer-than-Basic Healing Staff. Has no healing ability of its own, instead channeling the user's raw magical essence. Thus, considered impractical for all but the novicest of novices in training): 100 Gold
>E. Physic (Long-range Healing Staff): 3,000 Gold
>F. Barrier (Decent-range Support Staff, increases magical resistance and wears off over time): 2,750 Gold

It's... Considered impractical to carry more than 5 weapons, tomes, or staves with oneself, especially if you're gonna be lugging around vulneraries as well.

>If, counting Flux and Nosferatu, you own more than 5 weapons/staves, arrange inventory until you have five or less

This Anna seems pretty... Generous, all in all. Perhaps you could convince her to lower the bill?

>G. Charm your way to a lower price (write-ins encouraged but optional)
>H. Don't push luck

>>44218889
...huh, I forgot that Lloyd also has Fist of the Managarm. I figure you could sell it for... Let's say 9,000 gold (unique tomes fetch a hell of a price for those with the gall to sell such rare things), just lock it away, donate it to the Magical Senate, or attempt to use your enchanting skills to unlock its secrets to non-garou.

>>44218889
Do we already have a basic Heal staff?

>>44219081
You could probably find a plain-old Heal staff if you asked Irene.

>>44219117
Also how's our staff skills right now? Would we be able to use rhe Physic or barrier staff?

>>44219301
I would call you C-Rank thanks to the spirits. In this setting, exactly enough to use Physic or Barrier.

Or Mediocre, but that much is obvious by its nature as being completely essence-based.

>>44219314
I thought it'd be fun to include one of the joke weapons, this one happening to be native to New Mystery.

>>44219368
I'm going to go with Carreau, Eclipse, Physic, and Barrier. Keep the Fist tome for studying later, or give it to Irene to see if she knows anything. Also ask Anna if she knows anything about Warp staves?

Inventory at the end of this should be Nosferatu, Carreau, eclipse, physic, and vulenaries (they come in packs of 3 right?). Replace Carreau with Barrier if we take on a mission involving magic users.

And I guess we can try haggling although I don't know what to say.

>>44219493
Alright, picking up Carreau, Eclipse, Physic, and Barrier, you have 25,300 gold, also opting to pick up a pack of vulneraries to turn it into an even 25,000. You later make certain to send Flux and Barrier back to headquarters, determining to make reproducing the strength of Fist of the Managarm a pet project with Irene.

No, wait, scratch that. An even 25,000 assuming you can't puzzle out some way to lower your price. You're naturally hesitant to drop nearly 20,000 gold at once (16,450 exactly, but... Rounding up).

Clearing your throat at hearing the price, you attempt to strut your haggling stuff. "Is there any way we couldn't lower that bill to say... 10,000?"

"Hah! I really don't hear enough jokes around here... 16,000."

"10,500?"

"15,450 Gold, and this is off of what's already a steal!"

"11,000," you suggest.

"15,000!" She retorts.

>A. Keep going
>B. Try to be more convincing (Write-in dialogue)
>C. Accept her terms

>>44219673
>C. Accept her terms

File: Anna-FE4.gif (1 KB, 48x64)

1 KB GIF

>>44219699
That puts your remaining funds at 26,450 Gold. Still not the easiest pill to swallow, but... Far moreso than 1,500 ago.

"Alright, fine. You've already been pretty helpful, so I won't push you too hard." You hand her the new amount and accept your tomes and staves.

"Oh, yeah, this reminds me! General Yancy really wanted to hear when I got a Mediocre in for some reason..."

"Hm? Why's that?"

"Wouldn't know. I'm just too fond of gossip for my own good~."

As you try to shuffle your things around for the frustrating moments where you're overencumbered and not yet back to headquarters to drop your extra stuff off, there's a few moments of silence.

As you leave, Anna calls piy, "thanks for your continued business! Come back soon, hmm?" There, she adopts the finger-on-chin pose that seems to be hereditary for Annas.

>A. Spend time with someone (specify. Various named shopkeepers/personalities around Elza Oasis and all the remaining members of Marrius' Group besides Lyeim are all available)
>B. Get to the start of next mission
(gonna run somewhere for a few minutes IRL. Shouldn't be long, might not matter, but... Just saying in case it does, y'know)

>>44220016
>B. Get to the start of next mission
Wonder what General Yancy wants to do with that Mediocre staff

>>44220191
Your next mission is heralded not by an in-person appearance from your client, but by post, mere days later.

"Duchess Victoria wants 'as many of us as available' to travel to Noba for 'reasons of secretive importance.'" Irene says, showing you the letter. She... Didn't specify what it was for, but considering her connection to Marrius and status as Duchess of one-third of a nation missing two-thirds of its heirs... You're sure it's important, and can understand why she would be so secretive.

"And so soon after Lyeim left..." Calof remarks. "I mean, I don't mind getting right back to business myself, but what's he supposed to do if he finds the place locked?"

"We... Probably just tell him to take his time on vacation, right?" Sheena remarks.

"That's assuming we even want to leave the place unoccupied for a long-term trip..." Irene says. "I mean, Irene made it clear this is pretty important, but I could probably get Eyven to sub if we wanted to keep people holding down the fort here..."

It seems like nobody would particularly mind being made to stay or coming along for the mission.

>A. Let's all go!
>B. Someone(s) should stay! (suggestions allowed but not guaranteed to be followed. Otherwise just a general "whoever's out just say you're out")
>C. Write-in response
>D. No input

>>44220437
Vote time renewed.

>>44220437
>B. Someone(s) should stay!
Sheena

>>44220782
"Okay, yeah, someone should probably hold down the fort. Sheena, you feel up to the task?"

"Wh-what?" Sheena asks, sounding... Displeased. "This is a big deal for this company, and I haven't had a real job here since I happened to come along for Ulir!"

"Sheena, I... Think he might be right," Irene says. "I mean, this is still an important job, and-"

Sheena shakes her head. "No. I'm not getting left behind anymore!"

"Gonzo and I can hold down the fort," Calof suddenly suggests.

Gonzo just quietly nods in agreement.

"Well... I don't think this is a situation where we can really outright turn you down if you REALLY want in... Promise to do your best work possible," Irene says. "This... Could be dangerous, especially with the Wulf Company having its roots in Noba."

"I know the risks," Sheena says, "I've known them for awhile, but nobody's been putting me on big missions!"

You still feel like this is wrong, but unofficial second-in-command is DEFINITELY outranked by "official leader," so Irene and Sheena win the day.

Irene warps herself out to find Eyven. Moments later, Eyven steps into the building. "Eheh, Irene'll be back in a minute. Teleporting's pretty exhausting stuff, y'know." He says with his usual grin, quickly setting up his inexplicably snow-covered stand in the middle of the lobby.

"Eheh, chilly snack for the road?" Eyven asks with his usual semi-joking tone, scooping up a handful of the snow.

>A. Eat the snow
>B. Don't eat the snow
>C. How is he okay
>D. Write-in response

>>44220964
>B. Don't eat the snow

>>44220978
"I'm... Good, thanks."

You barely even notice him nonchalantly put the snow back atop the stand. "Suit yourself. S-"

"S'no skin off your back. You've told that one before."

"What're you expecting? New jokes?" He chuckles. "I've got way too cramped a schedule for that. Welles has an exhibition match against Cargia in a couple days in Rakche, I have to sit here and do nothing sometimes... New jokes just aren't in the schedule."

"...right."

Irene REALLY not feeling up to warping that far out and risking her health, you, her, Une, Asra, and Sheena end up opting to travel the old-fashioned way at least a not-insignificant portion of the trip. You figure that getting to Disler Outpost should be close enough to Malva that you can warp most of the rest of the way without health risk. Disler is the last place you know for a fact you're welcome after allying with the new management of the Groznyi, after all.

>A. Talk to someone on the way (specify who, topic preferred but optional)
>B. Skip!

>>44221186
Vote time renewed.

>>44221186
>>A. Talk to someone on the way

>>44221557
Er... Specify please.

>>44221574
Asra?

>>44221594
You hang out with Asra, talk spirit charmers, mage generals, spirits.

"There was a time where Porcus would... Speak to me, attempt to direct me, but with the death of the nameless advisor... It immediately stopped. Deadlords are. Not often good at doing much beyond follow orders, but I still fear Porcus' return should... The nameless advisor return from another Outrealm."

"Think this has any reflection on Spirit Charming?"

Asra shakes her head. "From my understanding, spirits that form such pacts... Will not cooperate with any but their charmers."

"That's... Reassuring I guess."

Asra nods.

The conversation just sort of peters off from there.

>To be continued next thread
It got to be later than expected, and I'm not sure where else to take this thread without "arrival at the next major juncture," which I don't feel like pressing on until I can close the thread on. Also, attention span is suddenly shot for the night.

Thanks for playing, as always. Update Twitter and ask.fm are qmgrandflocto, and I'll be around to talk in-thread for awhile. I do always enjoy our conversations.