File: Map (Brun locations).jpg (1.14 MB, 1024x768)

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You have given the crew leave for the week and have Freyja, Lisa Rei and Kei with you today. Ao is a bustling city during the day; commerce, entertainment, community and, of course, the "dark underbelly" of the Red Light district, where last you checked Wong said he had work for you, though your present company might not enjoy going there. Where would you like to go?

>>46951450
Fancy dinner time is a go!

>>46951450
Let's go to a nice restuarant.

>>46951450
Nice Dinner, a nice place, not a gentleman's club.

MODS = FAGS

>>46951817
Hey, be nice to the mods. They're just doing their jobs. I'm sure things will work themselves out soon.

Writing.

>>46951850
Never, not the nazimod

>>46951850
Questing is dead

>>46951850
/qst/, the place where quests go to die.

You figure a night out would be a good change of pace from doing the whole "adventure" thing. Do the heroes in old adventure stories ever actually do that? A nice dinner would be welcome from the...whatever it is the ship's cooks decide is edible for the day.

You ask Rei & Kei what a good place to get some nosh is and they direct you to a fancy little seafood place. Apparently seafood is a big staple of cuisine in Ao. However, you get a few looks from patrons and employees alike; you're not exactly dressed for fine dining and Freyja is probably the only Tul most, if not all of these people have ever seen. However, you see the twins blending right in. Everyone here seems to wear variations of their pants-robes or tightly wrapped dress-robes, with a few deviations here and there.

You are seated and given menus by an overly polite waiter, the sound of trickling water from several fish tanks housing large, exotic fish adding a nice bit of ambience to the atmosphere.

"So..." Freyja says, getting Lisa to sit still in her seat and stop playing with everything in her reach, "Do you think Tabby will be...alright? She doesn't hate me...does she?"

Your response?

>>46952133
She might be in a few years. She doesn't agree with your races viewpoints. Quite aggressively.

>>46952133
She needs time. And counseling, a lot of that.

What she needs the most right now is a mother figure, but even that won't be possible until she puts a stop to her constant hatred of the world. Maybe a pet, a job, or just helping people.

Kids might help too, but that would be irresponsible to the kids.

>>46952133
Audible sigh. "The fat arsehole did a number on her and the slavers did kill her father infront of her. So no, shes not fine. She doesn't hate you but shes in a bad way. I hope to fix that down the road. Shes gonna need a lot of help."

"She might be in a few years." you say, sighing softly, "She doesn't agree with your race's viewpoints. Quite aggressively.

She needs time. And counseling, a lot of that.

What she needs the most right now is a mother figure, but even that won't be possible until she puts a stop to her constant hatred of the world. Maybe a pet, a job, or just helping people.

Kids might help too, but that would be irresponsible to the kids." You shrug at this, noticing the uncomfortable look she's giving you while Lisa is trying to cram one of the weird sets of sticks they use in lieu of silverware here up her nose.

"The fat a-uh, guy..." you say, catching yourself in front of the kid, "did a number on her and the slavers did kill her father in front of her. So no, shes not fine. She doesn't hate you but shes in a bad way. I hope to fix that down the road. Shes gonna need a lot of help."

Rei and Kei nod at this. "We have been in...similar situations to hers. Hatred only breeds itself. She will get angrier and more...disagreeable as time goes on unless she has an outlet." Rei says, looking at her sword with a troubled look on her face.

"My sister and I found peace in our work." Kei continues, "Learning to focus ourselves and hone our minds through swordplay, martial arts and the discipline that comes with them. Perhaps the same can be done for her?"

Freyja frowns at this. "You want to teach the angry, violent girl to be more dangerous?"

Rei seems indignant, but lets it pass. "You learn to fight so that you don't have to, Miss Freyja. The way we were taught explains when force is necessary and when it isn't. We have no issues with hate or violence and haven't for years."

What do you say? Should Rei and Kei teach Tabby the ways of the sword, or is it too dangerous for her right now?

>>46952575
See if they can talk to her first. Be friends with her by their choice not an order from me.

>>46952575

"I'll leave her instruction to you then. I''d like to ask that you have a greater focus on the discipline and mental focus required. If her mind is greater disciplined, she'll be not so volatile.

In any case, I intend to bring her to her hometown while we're stuck in port. Let her bury her family. I also sort of offered to speak to your lord about letting her pull the drop lever in the hanging of the slavers."

>>46952575
yes, teach her.

If neither Freyja nor Lisa herself are willing to step up to the task, then this is for the best. That dryad is too ignorant of human ways, and the other former slaves aren't worldly.

>>46952703
Not sure what good a 6 year old girl could do to quell the rage of a woman wronged in many ways.

Writing!

>>46952789
She could be cute!

>>46952789
not really quell, but distract. Divert attention away with babysitting tasks.

"I'll leave her instruction to you then. I''d like to ask that you have a greater focus on the discipline and mental focus required. If her mind is greater disciplined, she'll be not so volatile.

In any case, I intend to bring her to her hometown while we're stuck in port. Let her bury her family. I also sort of offered to speak to your lord about letting her pull the drop lever in the hanging of the slavers." you say.

"The mind and body are sharpened together." Kei says, balancing one of the sticks on the tip of her finger, "To focus on one without the other leaves a person off-balance, more focused on one, leaving the other to stagnate and keep them held back. She will be in good hands, I promise."

Rei frowns at your second point. "Letting her be the executioner? It's...very unorthodox, sir. I'm unsure master Kakei will approve of this. It takes a very specific type of person to be the one to end the lives of many people and still maintain a healthy mind. They are trained, schooled and prepared for a long time before they are allowed to do so. But...if you think it's best, that is your decision."

"Where's her hometown?" Freyja asks, "Is it near here?"

"Blakkaz." you say sadly. News of it's destruction traveled fast. Almost no survivors. "I've been thinking of heading there in a rental or something while we wait for the work to be finished. You're welcome to come, if..."

Freyja shakes her head at this. You're not surprised. "I think I'll just enjoy the sights here in Ao. Maybe do a little shopping."

Not long after, your food arrives. A feast of fish, vegetables, meats and a large amount of rice fill the table. It smells wonderful and you waste no time digging in.

Rei and Kei share a few laughs as you learn to use the strange sticks to eat. Something you don't really get down completely, but well enough. However, at a few points you notice their attention grabbed by something else. They seem a little concerned by something...

Roll 1d100. Best of 3.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>46953094

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>46953094
Rolling

MY FIRST PAGE REAL ESTATE REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

MOOOODS!

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>46953094

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>46953094

>>46953202
Writing!

Your eyes follow to what the twins have been eyeing and you see a woman near the back wearing the same robes as they do, only hers are all black and she has a hood hiding most of her features. Her clothes have no real identifying features beyond their color, though she has what appears to be a fox tail hanging from a chain on the side of her belt, sort of like a charm of some sort the way some people keep rabbit's feet in their air ships for luck.

However, you take your eye off her for a moment and as soon as you look back, she's gone. A quick scan of the restaurant and she's nowhere to be found, as if she simply disappeared into thin air. You turn to the girls and give them a worried look, nodding to where she was.

"Nothing to concern yourself about right now, sir." Rei says, taking another mouthful of food.

"We will discuss it another time." Kei continues, following suit. They seem outwardly calm, but you know a bluff when you see one; something's up with that girl and they don't want to talk about it.

>Press the issue. If something's up that will require action, you need to know.
>Let it go. You trust their judgement here.
>Other (write in)

>>46953427
>Let it go. You trust their judgement here.

>>46953427
>>Let it go. You trust their judgement here.

>>46953427
>Press the issue.
>Unless they have something else to talk about, or it requires privacy.
what else IS there to talk about?

>>46953516
I dunno, the weather?

Writing.

>>46953580
Where to next after this obviously.

This is basically most of our command crew.

You let it go for now, though it still worries you at the back of your mind. The woman wasn't doing anything, just sort of...standing there. Troubling, to say the least. Still, the girls know their stuff. If there was danger, you're sure they'd be the first to say something.

You spend the rest of the meal with polite conversation and general friendliness. The twins talk about their lives working under Kakei. He took them in when they were young and taught them to fight. Afterward they became his muscle whenever someone, only very bad people, they assured you, needed to be dealt with. Freyja disapproves, but true to her word, let it be. They change the subject and talk about their other skills; apparently they're rather good at song and dance, as often their jobs required them to pose as entertainers to get closer to their targets. It worked better than you'd think, so they say.

You finish your food and leave after paying, stepping out back into the hustle and bustle of the streets of Ao. Still in the back of your mind is that woman and you occasionally glance around, expecting to see her again, but find nothing. Oh well.

Where to next? It's early evening, but the sun hasn't begun to set quite yet. There's still the Red Light, as well as the more commercial districts and the trader's guild. You could also check out the docks and see about renting an air ship to visit Blakkaz, though you'd get there rather late if you left now.

>>46953918
Head to the palace.

See if we can delay the execution till we get back from Blakkaz or if we can get Tabby to be the executioner.

>>46953918
Commercial districts please.

>>46953918
Commercial District

>>46954269
SHOPPING!

Writing.

You decide a little shopping will do you some good. Maybe the girls will find something interesting. Honestly, the idea of shopping just for shopping's sake never terribly interested you. You prefer to make a profit, rather than spend it.

The commercial district is absolutely packed with people, running, yelling, pushing heavy carts, trying to attract customers and just generally being busy. There's everything from street vendors and peddlers to large chain shops and merchant headquarters. The twins seem disinterested, idly checking a few places out, but no real excitement for anything. Freyja, however, is bursting at the seams with all they have to offer. She runs from window to window, having a comment for everything she sees, Lisa following her example.

There are plenty of things to see, but what do you do first? There's a clothing shop that seems pretty busy, a blacksmith with few customers, but what appears to be high-quality merchandise.
A man and small group of people are having a very heated debate next to a closed down building with no signs on it and a rather wiry looking fellow attempting to push, pull or otherwise move his heavily-loaded cart full of covered goods. It doesn't seem to be working.

>>46954761
See what's up with cart-man.

>>46954761
See the blacksmith.

>>46954761
>Hand Freyja some change and suggest she buy a new outfit for her daughter. You and The girls will check out the blacksmith in the meantime.

>>46954970
>>46954961
I'll take it.

Writing.

You hand Freyja some spending money and tell her to go nuts. She accepts gratefully and rushes off into the nearest store, her daughter in tow. You chuckle at the way she almost squeals at this and that.

You and the twins check out the blacksmith, curious as to his lack of business, though the moment you enter you're hit with one reason. The thick stench of tobacco fills the air from the burly man's large cigar, which he puffs quite contently as he works on getting a hilt wrapped. He doesn't even glance in your direction as he grunts in welcome. You get the feeling his winning personality doesn't bring in much in the way of foot traffic either. Lastly, the prices he has on the gear is...outlandish, to say the least. A single sword has the price of three of it's type. Armor of various degrees almost double it's usual rate. He has a few tools for upkeep, such as whet stones and oils, but they're few in number and a little low in quality. Still, barring that, his gear looks rather impressive. Good weight, sharp edges, sturdy frames and everything else you'd look for in a good product that would move units. His problem lies entirely in the salesmanship and pricing.

"Gonna stand there and gawk all day or you gonna buy sum'in?" the man grumbles in a voice only a heavy smoker could have.

What are you looking for, if anything?

>>46955420
Look into buying upgrades for the twins. Maybe something suitably impressive for the captain of the beast as well.

>>46955420
Ask about the pricing and look for something for us. Does he have any fancy pistols?

>>46955420
This is going to be hard to sort out.

Can you give us like concrete options as to what the shop might have next time?

Look into tools. Things that can help our engineers produce better work faster.

>>46955660
If you want a more concrete list, this should suffice.

Swords (both curved and straight): 2,000G
Hammers (war hammers, the two-handed kind) 2,500G
Armors ranging from medium to heavy: (Light armor is pretty much a leather worker's job, as they have little to no metal on them.) 3,000-5,000G
Pistols: 1,200G
Rifles: 1,900G
Tools (essentially a tool box filled with an assortment): 1,500G

All of these prices are things you'd expect from a master craftsman's shop. His stuff is good, but not THAT good.

>>46955780
How does his stuff compare to the stuff we have and that of our companions?

k

>>46955780
Custom commissions are also a thing if you want him to make something a little more personalized, though odds are that'll be even moreso.
>>46955880
Your gear is, with the exception of Ruul's "customized" rifle and Rei & Kei's swords, is pretty generic mass-produced stuff. A focus on quantity over quality to arm the entire Porphyran military.

>>46955780

The pick up a set of 3 pistols. Nice ones.

One each to the Rei and Kei. A sidearm is always a good thing to have.

Then 2 sets of good tools for our mechanics.

>>46956021
Works for me.

Writing.

You order up some gear for you and the twins, as well as some nice new tool sets for your hard-working engineers. The twins thank you for the gesture, though they usually focus on close-quarters combat with their swords.

You step out of the smithy, all to happy to be free of the smoke-filled air and heat of his shop, only to catch something out of the corner of your eye. A quick glance reveals that same woman from the restaurant...at least, you assume it's her. You still can't exactly see her face, but she has the same clothes and fox tail charm. The moment you spot her, she ducks down a nearby alley. The twins give you "don't do it" looks.

>Follow her. Nobody is that sneaky for no reason.
>Head elsewhere, this could be trouble. (write in)
>Other (write in)

>>46956286
Answers now twins.

>>46956286
>Other (write in)
>Well? It is currently "later".
Get that explanation over with. Does it have anything to do with the execution?

>>46956286
>Check to see if the argument from before has been settled. DO NOT ENGAGE.


I'd rather get in a fistfight than risk it all following her. Last time I checked alleys are where you get mugged, killed, or raped. I'm not a fan of any of those things.

>>46956352
>>46956360
Writing.

>>46956411
I meant don't engage the woman, rather than the man and his cart.

"Alright," you say, turning to look the girls in the eyes, "answers. It's currently 'later'."

The two shuffle their feet uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with you. A firm "Well?" brings them out of it and they gently drag you into a separate alleyway, carefully making sure no one is watching.

"So..." Rei begins slowly, "The...the woman...is...harmless...uhm, to you..." she seems to be having a difficult time finding the words.

Kei fills in the blanks, thankfully. "She's ah...an observer. Her job is to keep tabs on...you. She won't interfere...she's just making sure things are going smoothly. Just a precaution, you know how these things are!" she laughs nervously, hoping you share the same sentiment.

"You are in no danger." Rei continues, "They...she is just going to be watching as you spend time in the city. It's not unheard of, right? The ones in charge keeping tabs on people of interest, right?"

You're not sure how you feel about this. What's your response?

>>46956644
If it was just that, you wouldn't be so shifty about this. What. is it. Now?

If they wanted an observer, they could have easily notify us beforehand with a friendly representative who "asks" for permission to do it.

>>46956644
AND YOU COULDNT FUCKING TELL ME THAT BEFORE! Except that is not what is happening is it? No way you would be this evasive if it was or they would have asked me about it beforehand.

>>46956711
>>46956738
Answer the Question!

Writing.

>>46956644
>"And somehow she's in a better position to do that than you two?"

This is a breach of trust that came out of left field. I'm starting to think our crew was given to collar us rather than as an act of appreciation.

"If it was just that, you wouldn't be so shifty about this. What. Is it. Now?" you ask, scowling at the two, who wince in reaction. "No way you would be this evasive if it was or they would have asked me about it beforehand."

The two shift uneasily, slowly backing away from you, but not making any motions to run, just put some distance between you. A bit of red blush spreads across their faces.

"W-well..." Rei starts. Kei attempts to stop her, but Rei shakes her head. "He has a right to know...he's our master now. Kakei made that very clear."

Kei sighs heavily. "I suppose..."

Rei squares her shoulders, but still can't look you in the eye. "She is an observer, yes. But...she's moreso. They're moreso, actually. It's a small group the governing body uses for espionage. Spies, I suppose you could say. And...assassins, like us. We were actually next in line to join their ranks... They're called the Nine Tails, hence the..." she mimes the foxtail hanging from their belts, "And Kakei...Kakei trusts you, sir. He is very thankful, indebted to you deeply and absolutely. But...you are a pirate. You have fought the government before. Stolen from them, possibly killed. He is an understanding man, but he cannot take any chances with his city being reborn..."

"They aren't going to hurt you!" Kei speaks up quickly, "They have no orders to harm you or interact with you in anyway! As things are now, they are not your enemy. They are simply insurance. Keep tabs on you, make sure you are what you say you are and don't try anything...dangerous."

"And if I do?" you ask, arms folding over your chest. "What then? What if I did something he didn't like?"

"Then uhm...they would...deal with you..."

You have assassins watching over you that are ready to kill you the moment you step out of line. Fantastic.

What now?

>>46957069
Well...it's one of the baggage of being a pirate.
Just continue do our things and wave at the spy if we saw her again

>>46957069
Cuss like only a sky-pirate can. Once we leave here I don't feel much like coming back. 'Safe port' my ass.

>>46957069
Write a letter to Kakei later. What he's done isn't surprising, and is in fact acceptable, but that he didn't even have the politeness to notify us is rather rude.

Hope he will send someone to "discourage" us before he goes full balls to the walls assassination, because we aren't going to ask him for permission for every little fucking thing.

>>46957069
"Ok, thanks."

Now walk over to the foxy lady.

"Hi there. Don't suppose we could have a chat?"

>>46957069
So you kept this from me even though YOU WORK FOR ME NOW! Just walk away from them and find Freyja. Don't answer them.

>>46957110
Supporting that.

>>46957069
>>46957191
Do it.

They want info, why not get inside our brain. They can talk to us. And it'll make surveillance interesting.

>>46957195
How much you wanna bet one of our 'gifted' crew members is a Nine Tails?

>>46957191
Are we young enough?
If we are we can yell"Mama! why you leave me?" when she run

>>46957222
Probably at least two or three.

>>46957235
You're in your mid 20's and have a bit of roguish stubble going on.

Writing.

>>46957255
hmm...We can cause a scene by saying"Honey, I didnt cheat on you with them twins! this isnt what its look like"

You sigh deeply, putting your head into your hands. The twins attempt to comfort you, but are interrupted by a rather loud "FUCK!" and kick of a nearby trash can you use to vent your frustrations. You brought that dick his brother AND the bandits plaguing his town and this is how he treats you? He's getting a strongly-worded letter for sure. Asshole.

Screw it, you have questions and little miss foxtail has answers. The twins can either help or piss off, but you're getting yourself some tail...you're really glad you didn't say that out loud.

You take off running, heading directly for the alley the woman ducked down. The twins gasp in surprise, but don't have time to stop you. You can only hear "Isaac!" and "Wait!" before you're in the alley. You see the girl sprinting down they alley away from you. She's got a good head start, but with a little luck and legwork, you could catch her.

Roll 1d100 to catch the spy. Best of 3.

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>46957424
We are the best runner

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>46957424

"Hey wait up! i just want to talk. You're here to keep an eye on me right? Well what better way to tell my intentions than to get inside my mind."

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>46957424

>>46957424
>d100
are we using the airship?

>>46957496
damn did we catch her
Sleepy saves the day

>>46957496
YES!!!

>>46957519
As usual. Haha. No but seriously what the fuck seem to post WAY above what I should when rolling.

>>46957496
Damn, sick save.
>>46957505
Nah, I've decided to just stick with d100's. Keeps things more streamlined and less confusing. Easier for everybody.

Writing!

>>46957505
The name of the airship is Isaac after all.

>>46957548
you are like wrenloft 2.0
I wonder if dice gods favors the namefags?

>>46957574
Even without the name I still seem to roll a bit higher than average but nothing like when the SleepyAnon is sitting there

>>46957496
If all that time as a merchant taught us anything, it's that cardio saves lives.

You hurry after your quarry, realizing she is much faster, more agile and just generally better at doing physical stuff than you are. However, the crowds make it harder for her to navigate the streets and she is slowed down considerably. You duck and weave, jumping over carts and boxes, cutting corners and taking shortcuts when you can. You lose her a few times, but only momentarily, her options limited as far as escape routes go.

You head down a side path as she continues running through the main street, taking a gamble that this alley connects to another down the way. They're extensive, but small. A minute or so of running and you literally slam into the girl, being bigger than her aiding in knocking her down. You quickly tackle her, pinning her to the ground and at your mercy. She struggles, but is clearly at a disadvantage. If only all your Aoan grabs were this easy.

You have her held down and she's not going anywhere soon. What do you ask her?

>>46957692

"Alright hold up for a minute. I have no intention of hurting you and I apologise for scaring you. I just wanted to talk. If I let go of you, will you not run away?"

>>46957692
>Got a message for Kakei
relay what I intended for the letter, I suppose

>NOW, is there anything YOU would like to know? You are supposed to obtain information about me, yes?

>>46957692
"I will give you info about me so coffee or tea?

>>46957692
So this is how I get treated? Even after bringing that fuck his brother and ridding him of the slavers? People ready to assassinate me if I step out of a fucking line I don't know is there? You do know if I wasn't such a nice person I could have leveled this entire shitstain of a city? Now take me to Kakei now.

>>46957753
Oh come on, no need to be antagonistic right off the bat like that. If they're there to observe, we just talk to them for now.

>>46957692
>>46957732
this is fine

>>46957692
>Remove her fox tail and send her back with a message for Kakei. Something like "This wasn't a good way to treat a business partner. You won't see me again."

>>46957836
That's dumb.

Writing!
The best part about this scene is that Duran Duran's "Hungry Like The Wolf" just came on my playlist. Nice timing, Spotify.

>>46957808
you call that antagonistic? I'm just showing some spine without actually making any enemies. No threats of any sort.

>>46957879
She has her orders. She just follows them.

You want to be antagonistic, do so to the ones in charge. They are merely the eyes, ears and dagger.

After we eventually go back to the Beast we should make it clear that all crewmembers should be loyal to us and their paycheck. Any of Kakei's plants get one chance to disembark. The rest will 'walk the plank'.

>>46957896
We're angry that assassins are literally stalking us. We can be a bit antagonistic.

>>46957896
yes? I am asking the spy to relay information?

Are you sure you are linking to the "antagonistic" posts?

>>46957901
No such thing. They'll all leave at this rate.

>>46957929
...Oh wait, thats me being silly then. I thought i clicked on sleepy's.

My apologies dear anon.

>>46957901
too far, man. I'm still willing to trust Kakei on that one.

Actually.

Why not we invite her on the ship. Officially.

>>46957934
And then we get crew we can trust. I don't want to wonder if today will be the day they slit Freyja's throat and leave us dead in the waters.

"Alright hold up for a minute." you say, trying your best to seem reasonable while restraining someone you just met, "I have no intention of hurting you and I apologize for scaring you. I just wanted to talk. If I let go of you, will you not run away?"

You are answered by a swift kick to the back. Ow. It hurts, but you keep your composure and shift your weight back a bit to keep her legs pinned as well. Guess that's a no.

"So this is how I get treated? Even after bringing that fuck his brother and ridding him of the slavers? People ready to assassinate me if I step out of a fucking line I don't know is there? You do know if I wasn't such a nice person I could have leveled this entire shitstain of a city? Now take me to Kakei now."

The look in the spy's eyes is positively vitriolic. Both at you and herself from getting caught, you guess. She's not saying anything. You doubt she'll comply with anything you say right now. Still, she's your prisoner for the moment. You could take her back to the ship and interrogate her there. Or you could wait for the twins and see what they have to say.

What do you do?

>>46958047
Wait for the twins. They tie her up and then we go visit Kakei.

>>46958047

"Alright fine. I'm not going to press the issue. I have no intention of running roughshod over honest folk as a pirate in my ship. Lets just pretend this didn't happen. I'm gonna let you go now, alright? Just one thing. If you really really want to keep an eye on me. Theres a cabin for you on board. Just show up whenever before we cast off in a week."

>>46958047
oh great, we've gone too far.

Cool your jets, MC, before you say any more threats you don't want to make.

>>46958047
let her go and tell her her stealth skill is sloppy.
We will be out of this city in few days anyway

>>46958047
I'm still voting for taking her Fox Tail and then sending her back with a message to Kakei. We're not staying in his city anymore.

>>46958047
>>46958127
I'm unsure if letting her onboard is the best thing but holy hell, that'll keep her close incase she tries something.

Also chances to personally manipulate this agent by close personal contact? Why not. Its not like we're gonna be mass murderers.

Freyja's going to come out of that shop with Lisa in tow and we've vanished. Blacksmith'll tell her we ran down an alleyway after buying a couple nice guns.

>>46958226
>Freyja thinks MC is gunsexual

>>46958210
Never say never, anon!

Writing.

>>46958210
The problem is that Kakei had the chance to put men on the ship (and probably has). He wants unequivocally to have us followed in the streets. We recruit her and we get a new shadow tomorrow.

>>46958254

He does. In this way we do have a member of their intel service with us. Lets us get a peek into what their response might be with the actions we take, provides us with a possible avenue to more resources to pull on in a pinch.

>>46958338
Are you suggesting Fox girl would give us intel? Because last time we asked her to talk to us she kicked us in the face. All I see happening is we get a potentially murderous crew member and are followed regardless.

>>46958396
Of course not immediately. This will take time but after spending enough time for her to go native, she might. Especially if she forms bonds with our crew. That her survival might be at stake when the ship is in danger might be a factor as well.

"Alright fine." you say, frowning, "I'm not going to press the issue. I have no intention of running roughshod over honest folk as a pirate in my ship. Lets just pretend this didn't happen. I'm gonna let you go now, alright? Just one thing. If you really really want to keep an eye on me. There's a cabin for you on board. Just show up whenever before we cast off in a week."

You slowly and cautiously let go, backing up as you do. She scrambles back a bit, drawing a short dagger from somewhere hidden on her person. She holds it in front of her as she gets to her feet, not making any moves to attack you. You keep your hand on your gun just in case. But after a few beats of staring you down, she runs off, turning down another side street, hopping a fence and disappearing into the winding paths of Ao's inner workings. What a nice girl.

A minute later the twins show up, sprinting up to you and nearly running you over.

"Are you alright?!" Rei asks, looking you over.

"Did she escape?" Kei asks, looking around for the assassin.

"Nah," you say, dusting yourself off, "I let her go. She's probably halfway to Kakei by now. Their stealth could use some work."

"Wait, you..." Rei says, shocked, "you caught her?" You nod. The twins stare for a moment, then grab you, push you against the wall and immediately begin rifling through your pockets, checking under your shirt and even getting a little handsier than you expected them to.

"Woah woah!" you say, unsure of what this is about, "I mean, I know that was cool and all, but a little warning before you...oh."

Kei produces a small device from one of your back pockets. It has what looks to be a small dark circle on it, with a tiny crystal set into the back of it, glowing with a faint blue light. "She let you, sir."

"...Aww." you say, dejectedly.

(Cont)

"Standard bait and bug." Kei says, switching the device off. "The chase was probably to test your abilities...or because it was fun." she shrugs, a little sheepish.

Well, you have solid proof that Kakei's been a little less than up front with you, but the girls did say they weren't your enemy until you tried something that would endanger the city. Do you confront him about it or let it slide and just get on with your life?

>>46958505
Just get on with it.

>>46958505
Go fuck with Kakei.

>>46958505
send a strongly worded letter, no more.

....actually no, get Ruul to fuck with the device and send them emoticons.

>>46958560
but anon do they know emoticons?

>>46958560
Should keep it.

Be useful as a emergency device.

>>46958505
Still voting on sending Kakei a 'I will not do business with you ever again' letter. After the execution we should grab a job from the trading post and then never come back.

Aaand we got nothing from that.

>>46958542
Also yell at the twins a bit. They are supposed to be under our employ now right? yet they kept this secret how are we supposed to trust them?

>>46958505
Get on with it

>>46958578
smiley faces, pulled eye tongue out, whichever is culturally appropriate. Or even if it's ahead of its time, knowing Ruul.

>>46958585
I'm still banking on honesty.

>>46958505
>just get on with your life

>>46958590
I was all for being a violent rage monster to them, but they did show us the bug. That lets them off the hook for me. They're good people.

>>46958586
This is our only friendly port of call. No reason to do so.

>>46958603
Looks like get-get-get-get get over it wins. Writing!

>>46958602
but about dank memes?

>>46958620
'friendly' ports have assassins follow us? I'd rather we never dock the Beast anywhere again if that's the best reaction we're ever going to get. Just send the crew out on the shuttles to give them off-time.

>>46958615
I'm not saying be a violent rage monster but questioning where their loyalties actually lie right now? Seems pretty fucking important to me. Part of the reason I didn't even want them aboard in the first place. But I'm consistently out voted for damn near everything involving girls in this quest.

>>46958670
dude
We are a pirate and we told them we are pirate.
Do you know what pirate do?
And what governor do to make sure they dont ruin peace?

>>46958670
We still need places to land and refit if theres damage. So far this be the only spot.

And every place will have spies wandering about.

>>46958675

This is heading to be a comfy pirate show.

>>46958685
Apparently they hire said pirate to protect them.

>>46958707
I'm expecting a take over or mutiny and us waking up dead. And I'm honestly looking forward to it a little bit.

>>46958736
Don't be bitter sleepy

>>46958675
I agree that letting would-be assassins along with their subordinates onto our ship was a pretty bad move on anon's part. Still, at this point I'm more suspicious of the rank and file than of the sisters.
>>46958692
If our ship was disabled enough to need a dry dock I doubt Ao would fix us. They'd serve us on a silver platter.

>>46958713
would you let a pirate watch your back AFTER they have done your contract?

>>46958754
But according to some friends I'm an old man and old men are bitter.

>>46958778
old men can be chill too.

It's also supposed to be hard to be bitter when you're sleepy.....!?

YOU ARE THE SPY! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SLEEPYANON!?

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>>46958778
How old are you?

Plenty of other things to be bitter about in life. Like leaving a partner. No need to be bitter over a game. Just go with the flow.

>>46958766
We're business men. When we do business with another individual we don't immediately send them to be watched and potentially killed.

I'm not saying we shouldn't have an assassin follow us, just the fact that Kakei ordered it secretly after doing a very pleasant deal with us means he's not a man you can trust. I'd rather cut ties than wait for him to screw us later.

>>46958795
I'm sleepy becuase of being bitter.

>>46958800
Going to be 30 at the end of July. I know not that old but when quite a few friends from the LGS are only in their early to mid 20's? You get ribbed for being old.

>>46958807
Yea but their primary function is that of a spy. If it was an assassin, why not task the two girls to do so. This one was for surveillance.

>>46958807
Maybe if we say we are merchant, he wont waste resources on us but we are pirate and pirate have bad reputations, especially with the queen. Whatever you do or what business you make, it is your reputation that still hold.
Just like hiring a hitman...what if said hitman will kill you late after you have done a good business with you

>>46958820
Still got your life ahead of you, kid.

Don't get bitter, go along with it and make the most of it.

You're about to turn to the girls and give them a serious talking to. You want so badly to yell and shout and curse and tell them everything that's currently pissing you off right now, including the fact that that entire thing took place after you'd eaten too much and are now rocking a nasty stomach ache, but...

Fuck it. You just want to go home. You don't want to think about espionage and spies or Kakei or chasing or piracy. You just want get out of this filthy alley, find Freyja, who is probably wondering where the fuck you went, and head home. Maybe you can deal with this later, but until then you're just fucking done for today.

You walk back to where you last saw Freyja and manage to stumble across the Tul carrying a large number of bags and boxes on her arms, looking positively delighted. Lisa is even carrying a little bag herself.

"Welcome back!" the woman says cheerfully, "You have a good time? I got so much! Ah, it's been so long since I got to-"

"We're heading back to the ship." you say, cutting her off. You try not to sound like a dick. She gives you a concerned look.

"Oh...um..." Freyja looks to the twins, who just shake their heads, "Okay..."

You arrive back on the Beast and groggily slog to your room, ignoring everyone and everything for now. You cannot be assed. You flop onto your bed, get under the covers, then nearly scream when someone knocks on the door. You tell them to come in.

It's Tabby. "So..." she says, walking up to you. She looks like she's been crying. "Tomorrow. I get to pull the lever, right? Is that worked out? 'Cause I've been...I've been thinking about stuff..."

>Yeah
>I don't think that's a good idea, Tabby
>Thinking about what?
>Other (write in)

>>46958855
>If you don't want to do it, there's no need.
>You can ask the twins about what they think of executioners, what the job is like.

>>46958842
I know I'm just grousing. I do enjoy this quest despite my words beforeit's just sometimes anin makes some very stupid moves that I can't do much about.

>>46958855
>>Other (write in)
You know what I actually don't care. I just found out I'm being followed about Ao even after doing damn near everything to help that fuck Kakei get the governorship. The best part Rei and Kei KNEW about it and didn't say a damn thing about it until confronted with it. So go do whatever the flying fuck you want.

>>46958855
>Thinking about what?

I'd actually be perfectly fine with dropping some ordinance on the execution block with the Beast. Wouldn't that be a big middle finger to Kakei.

>>46958855
>Thinking about what?

>>46958890
>>46958920
Oh, you know, stuff.

Writing.

>>46958890
> having this big a hate boner for the man who gave us an A-class cert and a safe port and crew just because he had someone shadowing us.

>>46958965
Who is also ready to kill us should we cross a line. A line I'm not that clear exactly where it lays.

>>46958979
Probably a wee bit distant from anything we'd ever actually do.

"Thinking about what?" you say, sitting up.

"What you said." the redhead responds, "How my life is mine and stuff. And here I was, moping, crying and bitching, but not actually doing anything about it. Those fucks are getting what's coming to them, sure, but I did nothing to help that. It was all you. You grabbed the pig. You freed us. You got the bandits. And that's not okay with me."

You raise an eyebrow. "Are...are you angry at me for helping you?"

"No, no." Tabby says, furrowing her brow, obviously thinking hard on this, "I'm mad at myself for needing the help. All my life I've been helped. By my father, by the other girls, by you, by everyone. It's high time I pulled up my big girl panties and took matters into my own hands. So, after...after tomorrow or...whenever we leave or whatever...I want to fight too. I want to get in there and bash some skulls. Shoot fuckers, stab throats. You know, pirate stuff. That's what we are, right? Pirates don't sit back and let the world wait on them hand and foot. They get shit done. That's what I want to do, and I don't care what I have to do to get there."

>Well, the twins offered to train you if you're interested
>I'm not sure you understand what I'm about here...
>Other (write in)

>>46958965
It's not like I'm advocating killing the man. After our pleasant business dealings I genuinely liked him. Then Isaac discovered he'll be killed if the governor decides he doesn't like him anymore. He discovers this by chasing down one of those would-be assassins. So I say send him a message back.

The execution is a show of the new governor's power and the fact that the people will be safe under his rule. A rule that we handed him on a silver platter.

>>46959036
Yes but who's to say just going to the underground after visiting Ao wouldn't attract the wrong sort of attention there. Which when we get back set off a chain of events that kills the MC?

>>46959041
>>I'm not sure you understand what I'm about here...
But please speak to the twins.

>>46959041
>You know, I haven't actually done much pirating. Period.

>>46959041
>Well, the twins offered to train you if you're interested
>>46959075
Also this. We're sort of the Dread Pirate Roberts of pirates.

>>46959036
It's the principle of the matter.

>>46959099
Hey, nothing's stopping you from becoming Black Beard!

Writing.

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>>46959155
No the other Anons won't let me! It's all their fault!

Nah I'm joking have a giffy.

"You know," you say, moving to the edge of your bed, "I haven't actually done much pirating. Period."

Tabby looks at you with a "seriously" expression. "You stole a ship, shot the fuck out of some people, then stole their stuff. Should I get you a bottle of rum and sing a jaunty 'yo ho ho' song about booty and shit like that?"

"Okay, fair point." you say, spreading your hands, "But, Tabby, I'm not sure you understand what I'm about here...I did what I did because things are unfair. For pretty much everyone not directly in the pocket of the crown. I did what I had to. What needed to be done. But I don't really think I'll be boarding civilian ships for their goods or stealing from innocents. I was them once. Hell, I still am if you ask me. I just got lucky. I want to make a difference with what I've got here."

"And so do I!" Tabby says angrily, "There are other pieces of shit out there just like the ones that made me a slave! Men who only think about one thing. Men who are cruel, dangerous, abusive and murderous. I want to punish them for what they've done. What they do. That's what I want. I get you've got this whole...self righteous shit going on and I respect that, but you can't just expect every whore and vagabond you pick up to go along with that...most of us just wanted to get away. Now, I have the means to dispense my own justice and I don't want to squander that. I'm grateful, seriously, I am. If you still want that whole...payment thing we talked about, then you're welcome to it. But I can't just...accept what happened to me. I don't want to be the helpless girl anymore."

You sigh heavily, resting your head on one hand. "The twins have offered to teach you to fight and focus your emotions. I want you to give them a shot and really take the whole balance and centering thing to heart. If you can overcome all this...pent up anger, then I'd be more than happy to take you with me on...whatever bullshit we get mixed up in next."

(Cont)

Tabby looks conflicted, but happy. Content, at least. "I'll try...but no promises. The idea of growing as a person and overcoming my anger doesn't even come close to beating the living the fuck out of people who piss me off. Not even remotely...but do I still get to make those shitheads hang?"

>Yeah, fine...
>No, Tabby.

>>46959346
No clue ask the twins.

>>46959346
I need to talk to the governor but I'll make it happen.

>>46959346
>>Yeah, fine...
I'll arrange for it.

Also about that payment... nope. I'm not that type of person.

>>46959443
>>46959458
Now if you could work on making her judge and jury as well.

Writing!

>>46959519
"Are they fucking guilty? Yeah they're fucking guilty. I'm hanging the bitches!"

"I'll see what I can do." you say, "I need to have some words with the new governor anyway. I'll work on that once I finish yelling at him. But don't be sore if he still says no. This is a really unorthodox thing we're doing, you know."

"Yeah...yeah!" Tabby says, apparently pretty excited about the prospect of offing a bunch of men. You're not sure if you should be happy for her or not, "Sure thing. Still, you've done right by me so far. I owe you, Isaac." she smiles warmly. Were it not for the subject matter, you'd think this was kind of sweet.

"And as for the paymet...nope." you say, laying back into your bed, "Sorry, not that type of person. Just...work on getting your stuff sorted, yeah?"

She looks at you like you're insane, then shakes her head. "I...huh...al...alright...maybe I had you wrong...or you're gay. Either way, works for me, I suppose. I'll do my best."

You smirk as she walks out...then sit up and yell after her. "I'm not gay!"

Alright, I'm gonna call it for tonight, but thanks to all of you for playing! Hopefully this whole quest business gets worked out soon. I don't plan to stop running my quests any time soon, so don't worry about that. If you enjoyed the thread, please remember to vote on the archive and follow me on Twitter for updates! I can stick around for a little bit to answer any questions you might have about anything. But other than that, thank you all a ton and have a good night!

>>46959629
Am I too paranoid? Or just paranoid enough?

>>46959629
Thanks for running AM. You're cute.

>>46959638
Maybe.
>>46959652
Anon, please. I'm blushing.

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>>46959663
Also please stop! WE all gonna die!

>>46959629

Thanks for running Boss.

Love the characters and foxgirls now sounds mischievous with that bait and switch. Hope she jumps on board the ship.

Also stay on /tg/. To hell with /qst/.

>>46959676
Until they make /qst/ mandatory for quests (which I hope they don't) I'm staying right here on /tg/. No worries, anon.

>>46959708
I love you. But which one is the femanon though?

>>46959720
What the fuck are you on about Sleepy? Go to sleep.

>>46959720
I love you too, Sleepy.

>>46959759
Okay. but only after the other quests I'm in end I swear.

>>46959763
Awww. Faggot. Nah.

>>46959771
Sleepy you're in every quest, you're never gonna sleep.

>>46959798
But who says my body hasn't been conditioned to shitpost in quests without my conscious intervention?

Hey guys, you should make a thread in /qst/ and link to it in this thread.

>>46961450
dont care, dont give a shit

>>46961450
>>46961482
>>46961496
>necroing threads over this bullshit
Fuck off. As in, just in general.

>>46961496
Re>>46961482

>>46961627
Sage you stupid cunts.

>>46961450
Get fucked we aint moving, /qst/ is shit and so is the Mod who thought it was a good idea after nearly a decade of /tg/ being quest friendly.