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YES, FINALLY!

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Leore is a lot farther out than Resembool, and you have to switch trains multiple times. Days pass before you and Leah finally reach the town. During your travel, the two of you polish off the sign language book. You're both feeling confident enough to turn it back in the next time you head to Central. There was still time left over once you'd finished that book, so Leah decided to read the other material she had gotten.

"I hope I get the chance to try fixing some of these soon." Leah says, pulling out the cookbooks she had borrowed from the library. They're not really books however, as they look like handwritten notes bound together. "I saw these in the library, and since they were written by hand I thought there had to be something good in them. Let's see... 1000 Easy Recipes, by Tim Marcoh."

You and Leah are silent for a while, staring at the name.

"Isk, this Tim Marcoh..." Leah begins. "Wasn't that the same name as Doctor Marcoh? The one who put his research notes in the first branch of the National Central Library? Where I got these?"

You take a look at the notes, and while they seem to be ordinary recipes at first glance, you think you can make out some kind of code. Though it would take a good amount of dedicated study to crack it.

"So then, this is what the Elrics were looking for..." Leah sighs. "We'll have to call them once we get to Leore."

Your train does eventually arrive at its destination, the town of Leore. You standby as Leah finds a phone, then puts a call through to Central.

"Edward? Yes, this is Leah. It's about those notes you're looking for." Leah says over the phone. "... A fire? The library burned down? Well, it turns out we had the notes you were looking for all along... Yes, I'm sorry for not realizing it sooner... Hm? Photographic memory, you say? Are you sure? ...Well, alright. I've still got them, just in case. Right. Goodbye."

"Well, I guess everything worked out." Leah tells you, as she hangs up the phone. "They'll be getting copies of the notes, but we'll hang on to these in the meantime."

So those notes hold the secret to creating the Philosopher's Stone. You make note of that in your mind, but change focus to your job here. Looking around from the station, you don't see anything out of the ordinary. Just people going about their business.

>A.Head straight for the big building that looks like a church, no fooling around

>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>C.Other

>>635638
>>A.Head straight for the big building that looks like a church, no fooling around

>>635638
>>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

get some recon going don't want to stir up the hornets nest unless we have to. Besides im sure this is just some small backwater cult nothing to start a riot over.

>>635638
I forgot to ask as of this point do we have our Military uniforms yet or are we snowflakeing it?

id prefer the uniforms to be quite honest.

>>635638
>>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>>635638
>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>>635638
>>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>>635638
>>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>>635638
>>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>>635638
>>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>>635663
This is a good question. I'd rather have some spiffy military clothes than whatever poor rags we were wearing before.

>>635638
>B.Walk around, talk with some of the townspeople to get a feel for things

>>635663
State Alchemists don't actually go around in uniform unless they are an official part of the command structure

>>635712
are we able to special requisition some next time were in central? or will we pretty much be flat out refused?

>>635712
So how do we become part of the command structure?

>>635651
>>635669
>>635674
>>635678
>>635682
>>635701
>>635706
>>635707

You decide to take things slow for now. You and Leah start meandering through some streets, trying to pick up on any abnormalities.

"It's hot." you hear a rare complaint from Leah, as she pulls on her collar. You imagine her heavy coat is to blame for her troubles. "This is the closest I've ever been to the desert."

Besides the difference in climate, you can't tell much difference in the people. Nothing that would indicate any sort of radicalization, as far as you can tell. The people are all friendly, waving and greeting you as you pass, despite not knowing you. Nothing but hospitality. You and Leah eventually stop at a place to grab a bite for lunch, and you hear a radio nearby spark to life.

"Good day, my children." a voice says. "This is Father Cornello, with the midday radio sermon. First thing's first, summer is going to be heating up, so be careful out there. The Sun may be the giver of life, but it can also take it away. Make sure to stay hydrated. Now, let us pray in silence for a moment, while the Sun is at its highest point in the sky, watching over us."

Looking around, you see a good amount of townspeople have stopped and are bowing their heads, though some keep going on about their business. Those ones do make the effort to stay quiet, however.

"...Thank you, everyone." Cornello continues. "Now, today I want to talk once more about light. Yes, there is the light of the Sun that He shines down upon us, but there is also light inside each and every one of us. We can all be a Sun whenever the need arises, if we use that light in our hearts. Oftentimes, the passing of a beloved family member will cast your heart into darkness. The Sun, His light, can pull you out, but I know there are those who need a bit of help. If you know someone who is suffering, be their Sun, if only for a while. Guide them into His light, so that their heart can once again be illuminated by His grace."

You eat as you listen to the man go on for several more minutes, pilling on metaphor after metaphor. When the radio finally goes silent, the owner of the restaurant, the man who served your food, sighs.

"Buncha spirit mumbo jumbo. Pretty roundabout way of trying to get people to help each other out, if you ask me."

By now, you and Leah have finished your meal.

>A.Ask the owner about Letoism

>B.Ask the owner something else (Write-in)

>C.Head for the church

>D.Other

>>635731
You actually already have uniforms, but in your position you're supposed to only wear them for ceremony and the like

>>635743
You'd need to go through the Officer Training Course, which takes a few months, then you'd be assigned to an officer position, subordinates and all

>>635845
>>A.Ask the owner about Letoism

sigh to Leah, "Sounds like you don't believe in hokey religions? care to "enlighten" a few lost souls wandering in the dark as to what Letoism is?"

>>635845
>>A.Ask the owner about Letoism

>>635845
>>A.Ask the owner about Letoism

>>635845
>A.Ask the owner about Letoism

>>635845
>>A.Ask the owner about Letoism
>>C.Head for the church

So there are the homunculus themed after the seven sins, why has no one made any in the theme of the seven virtues?

>>635945
we could make that happen...

>>635945
I highly doubt Father would make 7 helpful homonculi. That would probably require some other Father-like being.

>>635945
So be it. Fuck the rules. Maybe if we get the Stones we use it to make the opposing Virtue. Redeem the Stone.

>>635945
Because abominations made out of people wouldn't really fit well with them?

>>635959
Father made the homunculi to separate his sins from himself, leaving him "pure' in a sense. What little virtues are in his greasy black heart would probably be kept for himself.

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>>635867
>>635869
>>635871
>>635876
>>635889

This guy seems to not be too into Letoism. You decide that he'd be safe to ask. You sign your questions over to Leah, who relays them.

"Excuse me, Sir." she gets the man's attention. "It sounds like you're not big on this religion they have here. Do you think you could tell us about it? We'd like an objective view."

"Huh? You want to know about Letoism?" the owner turns to you two. "Well, I'm no expert, but I'll tell you what I know. Father Cornello came to this town a few years back, preaching about his sun god, Leto. Now, none of us had ever heard of him, so he was just preaching on street corners for a while. But he is a wonderful man. He's always helping out those in need, the less fortunate. Maybe I'm just old, a lot of us older folks aren't really taking to his gospel. But the young ones seem to have their heads on a bit straighter tan they used to. So I guess there's Leto to thank for that much, at least. He's graduated on up from the street corner, and preaches out of that church now. He does his radio show, and he sees anyone that comes by. If you're still curious, you can always go see him. But I'm sure he'll meet you with all the stuff you heard him preaching earlier. He's kind of a pushy guy. He means well though, so I can't complain."

You pay for your meals, then thank the man for his help. At this point, there's nothing left for you to do but go see the man himself. Nothing has struck you as out of place, so you'll have to check the source.

You and Leah make your way to the church, and through the giant doors at the entrance. The pews are all empty right now as far as you can tell, save for a single girl in the front row. You see an older bald man in priest robes at the front, under a huge statue of what you assume is the sun god, Leto. The man turns as you approach.

"Ah, welcome, my children." he smiles. "I am called Father Cornello. I haven't seen you around before, it's nice to meet you. From out of town? How can I be of assistance?"

>A.Ask about Letoism

>B.Ask about Cornello himself

>C.Reveal that you're a State Alchemist doing an investigation

>D.Other

>>635974
>>A.Ask about Letoism

>>635974
>A.Ask about Letoism

>B.Ask about Cornello himself

everytime I see pictures of Cornello I always picture a crazy old grandfather. " Whoa re you people, Why are you on my lawn! "

>>635974
>A.Ask about Letoism
Oh look a poor mute boy looking for a miracle, ain't we the bast bait ever.

>>635974
>A.Ask about Letoism
>>B.Ask about Cornello himself

"although my youth belies it im actually rather well read father, and I must say iv read about many religions everywhere from Drachma to Xing and iv never heard of Letoism. care to enlighten a curious scholar."

no need to clue them in on the fact were state yet. lets see how far we can get before we've got to bring out the badge.

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>>635990
its almost as if we were set up on this assignment by someone...

>>636010
That's the best cover for us
We're just a poor mute boy
We don't need signs so we don't need standard alchemist gear
Just walk around in rags

>>635978
>>635979
>>635990
>>636006

You decide to start with just fishing for some more information, so you sign a few questions over to Leah.

"Sign language?" Cornello notes. "I've heard of it, but never seen it used. Is your companion deaf, young lady?"

"No, he can still hear." Leah explains. "He's lost the ability to speak, so we learned sign language so that I can do it for him."

"You could say that you're his Sun, then. That's wonderful." You see the priest's smile grow even wider. "It's always inspiring to see young people lift each other up like this. I'm sure both of you would take well to Letoism."

"About that, Sir." Leah speaks up. "We wanted to ask about Letoism itself. Iskander here is quite well read, and he's never heard of it. What is Letoism, and how did it come about? If it's no trouble, of course."

"Not at all, not at all." Cornello waves the thought off. "I will gladly tell anyone who asks all about it. Now, Leto is the Sun God, He who provides the light that sustains all things in this world. From the warmth of the Sun's rays, to the nourishment provided by the plants it grows, and the animals that eat those plants. But it's not just the material things that we have to thank Leto for. His light also gives us hope. It spurns us to move forward, even in the darkest of times. For no matter how dark the night may get, the Sun will rise in the morning. It's an inevitability. Even if you find yourself in bad times, good times will come."

"Take Rose over there." Cornello motions to the girl sitting the front row. You notice that she's been praying this whole time. "She lost her fiance in an accident some time ago. The darkness she was cast into was so deep, she thought she would never escape. But she was able to come to me. You see, we may have to walk our paths in life on our own two legs, but that doesn't mean we're alone. He can light the path for you, and the people around you can help you to your feet. I studied alchemy for a short time, in my search for God. But I learned that there are things alchemy cannot transmute. Hope, love, determination. These things don't follow the law of equivalent exchange. It's not just give and take. If you need some, others can give it to you, and have no less for themselves. In fact, they will only gain more. Alchemy can't do that. That is why we worship Leto. No matter where we are in life, he can always shine down upon us. From his light, we can always find the strength to move forward, even in the darkest of times. And it's up to us to use our own light to help others as well. When we illuminate each other's hearts, act as each other's Sun-that is the true essence of Letoism."

That explanation didn't exactly answer all of your questions, but it did give you some insight on this guy.

>A.Ask how he learned of Leto

>B.Ask why he studied alchemy

>C.This guy's not giving you anything, break out the watch

>D.Other

>>636073

>A.Ask how he learned of Leto

>B.Ask why he studied alchemy

>>636073
>A
>B

>>636073

>A.Ask how he learned of Leto

>B.Ask why he studied alchemy

>>636073
>A.Ask how he learned of Leto
>B.Ask why he studied alchemy

so far this guy seems on the level but lets not go good cop bad cop yet.

>>636073
>>A.Ask how he learned of Leto
>
>>B.Ask why he studied alchemy

>>636073
>>A.Ask how he learned of Leto
>
>>B.Ask why he studied alchemy

>>636073
>>A.Ask how he learned of Leto
>>B.Ask why he studied alchemy

I just noticed that we didn't hear anything about miracles and stuff. Maybe this timelines Cornholio is a good guy after all.

Or he is far more subtle in his machinations.

>>636158
Its possible. I thought that both of the animes had edd and them go into it first. So its possible.

So, OP are you willing to tell us if our environment is based on the anime's and we just inserted. Or did you put your own twist into it?

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"You could say that you're his Sun, then. That's wonderful."

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>>636158
was thinking the same thing

>>636172
were in the brotherhood canon sort of, things are different fro example this is our amestris

>>636183
was wondering how long it would take for someone to do this.

>>636084
>>636090
>>636096
>>636106
>>636116
>>636119
>>636158

Nothing is too odd about this guy so far, certainly nothing that would raise any alarms. But you decide to inquire further to see if you can find any reason to be wary. You sign your questions to Leah.

"Father-" Leah begins. "That all sounds wonderful, and we'd like to know more. Specifically, how you learned of Leto. You said you studied alchemy in your search for God. Why is that? Was it related?"

"Ah yes, my past." Cornello rubs his chin. "I do prefer to stay modest, but I have gone through quite a lot of experiences in my life. You see, from the time I was young, I always felt that there was something greater. Throughout my youth, I looked everywhere trying to find just what it was I could devote myself to. But I could not find God no matter how hard I looked. I eventually turned to alchemy. I thought that with its power, perhaps I could find God in it. But I could not. The cold hard science of alchemy had its uses indeed, but it did not connect the hearts of the people like I sought. So I moved on. I eventually got desperate. All the gods I had learned of were not the one I sought, so I tried to learn of any God that I could. I went to Ishval. I spent some time there, with the people, learning of Ishvala. But I could not accept that god either. Their old teachings spoke of peace, of living within their means, in the world their god provided them. But they acted so very different. They would not tolerate any different beliefs, and despised alchemy in particular. Surely if they had known that I had studied it, they would have put me to death. They tolerated my presence only because I desired to learn the ways of Ishvala."

"By the time I came to the conclusion that Ishvala could not be the God I sought, the War broke out." the priest goes on. "And I saw the horror firsthand. The Ishvalans in their zealotry had no remorse, killing without even the slightest attempt at negotiation. Their hatred drove them so. I managed to escape Ishval, but to the East. I wandered the desert for some time. After all, I had nowhere to go. No God to believe in."

"Now, I hate to play this up. I avoid calling myself a prophet, or anything like that." Cornello goes on. "But it was there, in the desert, on the brink of death, that I finally saw the God I sought. Leto came to me, his rays illuminating my heart. For the first time in my life, I had nothing but hope. I, who had accepted death, suddenly was filled with the desire to live. I couldn't move an inch by then, but He gave me the strength to move on. I escaped the desert to find myself here. It was then that I started spreading His word. I wanted everyone else's hearts to be filled with the same hope He gave me."

"That's quite incredible." Leah responds. She looks to you for a cue.

>A.Ask Cornello what his plans are now

>B.Ask Cornello about something (Write-in)

>C.Reveal your status as a State Alchemist

>D.Thank him for his time

>E.Other

>>636269

>A.Ask Cornello what his plans are now

>>636269
>>A.Ask Cornello what his plans are now

>>636269
>>A.Ask Cornello what his plans are now

We were only sent here to learn if the cult would be a problem in the future right?

>A.Ask Cornello what his plans are now
then.
>B.Ask about the miracles and if alchemy had any part in them.

>>636269
>A.Ask Cornello what his plans are now

>B.Ask Cornello about something

"o you think leato could heal me? my life isn't so awful without my voice since I have Leah by my side (turn to Leah and smile), but sometimes I miss my voice, I lost it saving an old man from a mine collapse back home, but breathing all those fumes in while waiting for them to rescue me scorched my throat. just once id like to hear the sound of my own voice with my own ears."

if he offers to fix it he must have something. and that's where we can push.

>>636280
>>636281
>>636287
>>636288

You've got a pretty good picture of this guy now, and you're close to making a call on him. You just have one last thing you need to ask. You sign to Leah.

"Father, what are your plans for the future?" Leah asks. "Are you going to work to spread Letoism farther than just Leore?"

"I'd love for that to happen, my dear." Cornello replies. "But I'm a bit too old to do much travelling anymore. I can only preach here, I'm afraid. What I do hope is that others take up the cause, and preach of Leto elsewhere in my stead. I can only hope my words inspire them to become a Sun for everyone else. I will likely have ascended to join our heavenly Father long past, but I hope that one day, all of His children, the whole world, can have their hearts illuminated by His light, like I have. That's my only wish."

You get a good look at the man. He's still giving you a wide smile. You can scarcely imagine it's not genuine. From what you've heard, it's hard to think that Letoism could become a threat. Cornello even cited the Ishvalans as examples of what he didn't want to be. But will the Lieutenant Colonel be satisfied with just this...

"Well, Isk?" Leah asks. "Is there anything else, or have we reached a conclusion?"

>A.Everything is fine, let's be going now

>B.Thank Father Cornello for his time

>C.You're not quite satisfied, pull the watch and reveal your mission here

>D.Ask one last thing of Cornello (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>636380
>B.Thank Father Cornello for his time

>whatcouldgowrong.jpg.

>>636380
>>B.Thank Father Cornello for his time

Fine, I'll buy it. Papa Corn seems like he's on the up and up.

So when am I gonna be proven wrong?

well lrts think for a sec here. we haven't seen him do any miracles, he doesn't seem to be creating a race of zealots, its influence looks to be limited to here in leore at least for the foreseeable future. he seems to be on the level unless someone can say otherwise.

>C.You're not quite satisfied, pull the watch and reveal your mission here

Your devotion to the God of sunlight is admirable(Pull out watch). It was foolish to think that there was any harm here. However sir my higher ups have real sticks up their asses, i would like to ask that you give me permission to search the grounds. If you refuse I will not force you however with such a peaceful "nothing to hide religon" such as yours i may have to recomend furthur investigation.

>The entire time watching his face for any falter or signs of irritation or aggresion

start out with the nice guy routiene then get more passive aggresive to test if that changes his attitude a little

>>636426
seconding this

this guy gets it , everything seems kosher but I feel like just asking around town and talking to the man himself just isn't enough. a quick search of the church should be enough to lay any our suspicions to rest. even if he is clean the doubt still lingers...

>>636380
>>B.Thank Father Cornello for his time

The next few days will be spent observing him and his flock.

>>636402
>>636408
>>636453

You think you've seen enough. At least, you don't think anything Father Cornello will tell you will raise your suspicions. You sign to Leah.

"Thatk you for your time, Father Cornello." she tells the man. "We really appreciate it."

"Any time, my children." Cornello smiles. "I do hope you'll come to accept His light into your heart, in time. Let us pray that we meet again."

Leah says your farewells, then the two of you leave the church.

"Well, that's that." Leah says. "Personally, I don't think we have anything to worry about. The Lieutenant Colonel was specifically worried about a repeat of the Ishvalans, but we can be fairly sure that won't be the case here. So we can head back and tell the Lieutenant Colonel as much now, or if you want, we can stay and do some more investigating. It's up to you."

You think it over for a bit. Your job could very well be done right now.

As you think, see a figure clad entirely in a black cloak, not a single inch of skin visible, stumble towards the church and go inside. Your first thought is that he's some kind of conspirator, but form his movements, you think he's unfamiliar with the area. There are a few people that were giving him inquiring looks as well.

"That guy just stumbled into town from the desert." you hear one mumble. "Must be on death's door."

While it's interesting, that man isn't really your concern. You have to decide what to do now.

>A.Head back to the station and leave for East City

>B.Try investigating Cornello some more

>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

>D.Other

>>636519
>>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

>>636519
>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

>>636519
>>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

>>636519
>>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

well shit now we at least have to see whats up with that.

I think we should sneak in later at night and explore the place

>>636519

>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

>>636519
>>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

>>636519
>>C.Stick around and see what's up with the guy in the cloak

Sorry for the wait guys, I was eating dinner

Writing now

>>636526
>>636528
>>636531
>>636532
>>636537
>>636560
>>636569

You try to make a decision on whether or not to leave right now, but that man has you distracted. You have to learn what's up with him before you make any other moves. There's no guarantee he isn't connected, after all.

You and Leah hang around in sight on the church, waiting for the cloaked man to emerge. Over an hour passes, but he finally does leave. His steps are a lot more sure now, compared to before. He probably got food and water from Cornello. You try to get a look in his hood, only to see a white mask covering his face. There is pretty much no way of identifying this man. You see him look around, and he notices you and Leah. Only glancing at you briefly, he starts running West, then jumps clear from the ground to the top of a building.

"That's incredible." Leah remarks. "Wasn't he about collapsing of starvation an hour ago? For him to jump three times his height. I'm still doubting I actually saw it."

The cloaked man runs from rooftop to rooftop, getting farther and farther away.

"So Isk, is that any of our business?" Leah asks. "You might be able to catch up to him with alchemy if you really wanted."

>A.Go after the man

>B.Not our concern, let's head for the station and get out of here

>C.We can ask Cornello just who that was

>D.Other

>>636655
>>A.Go after the man

Oh hai ling/fu/the chick

>>636655
>>A.Go after the man

>D.Other
Spend a few days observing the worshipers and at the end couple it up with
>>636426

>>636655
>>A.Go after the man

>>636655
>>A.Go after the man

I think we should follow springheel jack. because 1.)leaping a house after being halfway dead is not normal, 2.) if he is connected we don't want to spook father corneilo 3.) why can he leap a house in a single bound.

>>636655
>>A.Go after the man

>>636655
>a

>>636663
>>636670
>>636682
>>636693
>>636696
>>636698

Alright, going after the man

Give me the rolls, 1d100, first three

>>636655
>Go after the man
Money is on the bet that Cornello stole something rather important from another culture to learn of this sun god and this cloaked figure is probably some one who wants it back.

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>636707

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>636707

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>636707

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>636707

>>636711

You don't know who that guy is, but with a jump like that, he's bound to know something interesting, whether it's related to this case or not. You immediately take off running, using alchemy raise you up to rooftop level.

From what you can tell, the man is headed in the direction of the train station. With that in mind, you work to cut him off, since following his path exactly would never let you catch up. As the man makes his way around a large plaza by going around, you extend the stone from the house you're on to create a bridge.

You're exhausted from running to catch up, but you manage to land on the same roof as the man, within sight of the train station. The man sees you and stops, looking back at your work.

"An alchemist?" you hear him mutter. "This might be exactly what I needed."

The cloaked man slowly starts walking toward you.

>A.Try to capture and restrain him

>B.Try to get him to wait for Leah to catch up

>C.Try to get him to follow you to Leah

>D.Try to convey something else (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>636761
>>B.Try to get him to wait for Leah to catch up

>>636761
>>C.Try to get him to follow you to Leah
we cant really talk other than to gesture stop really and if we had leah here we would be able to take him easier

>>636761

>>C.Try to get him to follow you to Leah

>>636761
>C.Try to get him to follow you to Leah

>>636761
>E. Wave at him then use some alchemy to make a sign saying you'd like to talk.

I think having the abrupt change of pace would off set him a bit, espically if we just make the sign in front of hise face.

>>636791
We should totally make graphite signs wille coyote style.

>>636791
We have a notebook and pencil.

>>636791
>>636782
Combine the two?
Ask to talk via signs and lead him to our interpretor so we can talk?

>>636761
>We should totally make graphite signs wille coyote style

i like this

>>636775
>>636779
>>636782

Well, you've got his attention now. So that's good. Now the problem is that you can't really talk. However, he seems to be going after you now. You figure that you can head back for Leah, and he'll follow.

You take a second to catch your breath, then make a motion to follow you before you take off. Using alchemy, you make some stairs you can use to get to the street below, and you run back the way you came.

However, the man is way faster. You're not even a quarter of the way back when you feel a pressure on your back and fall forward to the ground.

The cloaked man is kneeling on your back, and he leans down to your ear.

"Alright alchemist, you're going to tell me what you know about the Philosopher's Stone." he says. "If you don't know anything, then point me in the direction of someone who does."

You have no way of communicating with him from down here, as even your arms are unable to reach each other.

"Your silence is trying my patience." The man says after a bit of waiting. "And it leads me to believe you're hiding something. If you didn't know anything, you would have merely said so. Tell me what I want to know!"

Before he can say anything further, he jumps up suddenly, diving away from you and landing in a crouching position some way away. You can barely believe how fast his movements are.

"Lower your weapon, girl." the man says. "If you fire, I will be forced to fight back. I just want some information from that alchemist."

As you get to your feet, you see Leah has caught up and is aiming her rifle at the cloaked man. The two of them are staring each other down.

>A.Get Leah to lower her rifle

>B.Have her ask why he needs to know about the Philosopher's Stone

>C.Have her ask who the man is

>D.Have her tell the man what you know about the Stone

>E.Other

>>636869
>B.Have her ask why he needs to know about the Philosopher's Stone
>C.Have her ask who the man is

>>636869
>>B.Have her ask why he needs to know about the Philosopher's Stone
>
>>C.Have her ask who the man is

>>636869
>A.Get Leah to lower her rifle

>B.Have her ask why he needs to know about the Philosopher's Stone

>C.Have her ask who the man is

>>636869
>B.Have her ask why he needs to know about the Philosopher's Stone

>C.Have her ask who the man is


See if we can't make a bargain, he tells us about cornholio and leto, we tell him what we know.

>>636869
>>A.Get Leah to lower her rifle
>B.Have her ask why he needs to know about the Philosopher's Stone
>C.Have her ask who the man is

let be cool man just be cool.

Additionally we should probably have her inform that the reason that we dident respond was that we couldent talk. He'll probably reason as much after we start signing but itd be (polite?) to acknowledge the not speaking to him

>>636874
>>636877
>>636881
>>636910
>>636915

You direct Leah's attention to you and sign over your questions for the man. Leah doesn't lower her rifle.

"Who are you?" she asks. "And why do you need to know about the Philosopher's Stone?"

"So you couldn't even ask me after lowering your weapon?" the man scoffs. "Just as well. I seem to have made a mistake, pressuring a mute alchemist to speak. I apologize. However, for my own safety, I cannot answer those questions. This country is full of people that may consider me their enemy. If my identity and purpose become known, my life will be in danger. I cannot let that happen. I have a mission that I need to accomplish. I have no guarantee that you won't tell someone, and put my mission in jeopardy. I know it's not quite fair. Again, I apologize. But I am surely not welcome in this land. I need the utmost caution if I am to survive."

The man's voice is very anxious, and you don't think it's from the rifle aimed at him.

>A.Get Leah to lower her rifle

>B.Ask why so many people would be considered his enemies

>C.Try to make a deal, information for answers

>D.Give your word that no one else will hear of anything he tells you

>E.Other

>>636959
>>C.Try to make a deal, information for answers

>>636959
>C.Try to make a deal, information for answers
>A.Get Leah to lower her rifle

>>636959
>>C.Try to make a deal, information for answers
>A.Get Leah to lower her rifle

>>636959
>D.Give your word that no one else will hear of anything he tells you

>C.Try to make a deal, information for answers

look guy were here to check on some cult activity, any interest we have in the stone is purely academic.

>>636959

>B.Ask why so many people would be considered his enemies

>C.Try to make a deal, information for answers

>>636968
>>636974
>>636982
>>636984
>>636988

You sign over a response to Leah, and manage to convince her to finally lower the rifle. This guy doesn't seem to be interested in fighting, anyway.

"We'll make an exchange." Leah tells the man. "You give us the answers to our questions, and we'll answer yours. We know about the Philosopher's Stone. If you tell us who you are and why you need it, we'll tell you what we know."

The man is silent for a while before speaking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYxjP43-6u0&

"Alright. I am putting myself in danger by doing this... But I cannot lose this chance to complete my mission." he tells you. "I am searching for the Philosopher's Stone so that I may destroy it. The Emperor of Xing, across the desert, wishes to obtain the Stone so that he may become immortal. I absolutely cannot let that happen. My name is Yi Han Song. I come from a country known as Silla. I'm sure you haven't heard of it. We are but a small vassal of the Xing Empire. And so shall we remain for all time if the Emperor gets his hands on the Philosopher's Stone. To prevent that, I need to find the Stone and destroy it. And my enemies... are those who would desire the Stone for themselves."

"Now, our bargain." The man moves instantly, and he's directly in front of you before you can react. "Tell me where to find it. The Philosopher's Stone."

Taking a break for the night, I'll start back up tomorrow

>>637073
night Laze, thanks for doing this it was fun.

>>637073
night laze, sleep well

>>637067
Well the obvious answer is that it doesn't exist as of yet, and the only place that contained conclusive notes on it was burned down recently.

>>637067
Thanks for running mate

we ask about that officers training course he mentioned earlier when we get back to HQ

The man is staring right at you, and you can't deny it's intimidating. However, before you get the chance to sign a response, you hear a few people approach from behind you.

"Hey, alchemist!" one shouts. "What do you think you're doing? You messed up my roof! How about fixing it, huh?"

"Yes, it wouldn't do to leave things like that." Yi steps back, and relaxes his stare. "It was due to you chasing me, after all, so I can wait. Go ahead and make the repairs. I'll be at the train station, when you finish. You can tell me what you know there."

The cloaked man walks off, and you go about fixing all the parts of the roofs that you transmuted during the chase. The citizens were upset at first, but quickly get over it after you repair their houses. It doesn't take you more than a few minutes to complete.

"So what are you going to tell him?" Leah asks, as the two of you head to the train station. "You could tell him about Doctor Marcoh. Or that we have his encoded notes here. That is, assuming you want to tell him anything. You might just be able to get away with saying that the government is conducting research on the Stone. He'd have a hell of a time going on from there, though."

It's not long before the two of you finally reach the station, and you find Yi leaning up against a wall to the side, just out of sight of the main road. He looks up as you approach.

"Now that there are no more distractions, it's time you held up your end of the deal." he says. "I need some information that will lead me to the Philosopher's Stone. How it's made, where I can find it, who has or can make it. Something. I don't intend to blindly stumble around Amestris until I come across it."

>A.Tell him that the government has been doing research on the Stone, and he would likely find it in Central

>B.Tell him about Doctor Marcoh, who worked on the Stone

>C.Tell him about the notes you have with you, with the Stone's secrets in code

>D.Tell him something else (Write-in)

>E.Other

>>638950
>A

>>638950
>>A.Tell him that the government has been doing research on the Stone, and he would likely find it in Central
Boy ain't getting our recipes.

>>638950
>A.Tell him that the government has been doing research on the Stone, and he would likely find it in Central

>>638950
>D.Tell him something else (Write-in)

as far as we know IF the stone existed and that's a big IF, it doesn't exist now and there's no real indication of a complete one anywhere. your best is to look in central as that is the main hub of alchemic research in Amestris.

>>638950
>A
Missed most of the thread
Wat we planning on doing with the recipe
Are just going to give it to the brothers
Or are we going to try to brew one up

>>638950
>>A.Tell him that the government has been doing research on the Stone, and he would likely find it in Central

>>638998
I think the brothers dont need it. If i recall they still already met Sheska. Also we actually need to do the actual studying to uncover the hidden message within the cookbook. Could just tell ling the book has something to do with it, go to central and speak with the Elrics who are already in the midst of studying it. Also getting in on the 5th Labratory event if we so choose

>>638961
>>638966
>>638971
>>638998

You decide not to tell this man about Doctor Marcoh, or his notes. He'll just have to keep up the search on his own. You sign a response to Leah.

"The military has been conducting research on the Philosopher's Stone." she tells Yi. "If you're going to find it anywhere, it would be in Central."

"So it comes to that..." the man sighs. "Skulking around the capital unnoticed while trying to locate the military's most classified research isn't going to be easy. But I suppose I did expect this from the beginning. Well it's not much, but it's something. I appreciate the information. I just have one more question. How did you know about this? Surely you had to have heard it from a reliable source if you're willing to consider it worth exchanging. Are you from the military yourselves? If you are, what proof do I have that you won't make your superiors aware of me? In fact, even you aren't it's still a concern. If anyone in Central gets word of me, my efforts will surely be futile. I'm not under the delusion that I can dodge a concentrated search effort for long. And if they get their hands on me, well, you know that Amestrians don't take kindly to Far Easterners."

You think on it for a moment, and realize the man is right. You don't have much a reason to dislike the group, as you spent most of your childhood studying and just managing to scrape by on necessities, but in your studies you've read of Xing. Yet not once have you ever seen a Xingese person in Amestris. In fact, you remember back in your youth one instance of being told to tell the authorities if you meet a Xingese person. You didn't think it was all that bad, however.

"I don't think you realize the extent to which I have risked myself, here." Yi goes on. "Most Amestrians are likely kept in the dark about this, so I can't exactly blame you, but Xingese that enter Amestris are supposed to be apprehended and brought to the authorities for 'processing'. What they don't tell you is that not a single Xingese person to be apprehended is ever seen again. They're killed. I would be no exception. In fact, if they learn my purpose I will likely have to contend with the worst they can offer. You don't think I'm wearing this to make a fashion statement, do you? I have to keep my identity secret at all costs."

You're still finding it hard to believe this man, and Leah seems to be in the same boat.

"Kill them?" she asks. "That can't be true."

"Of all the Xingese people that have tried to enter Amestris, only the ones that stay in hiding have ever managed to come back alive, with no exceptions." Yi goes on. "In the Far East, we know that to come to this country is tantamount to suicide. Now tell me, who are you? And do you intend to lead me to my death?"

>A.Don't tell him who you are, dismiss him as being ridiculous

>B.Tell him that you're a State Alchemist, but will tell no one'

>C.Lie and say that you're just a traveling alchemist and will tell no one

>D.Other

>>639146
>B

>>639146
>>B.Tell him that you're a State Alchemist, but will tell no one'

>>639146
>>B.Tell him that you're a State Alchemist, but will tell no one'

>>639146

>B.Tell him that you're a State Alchemist, but will tell no one'

>B.Tell him that you're a State Alchemist, but will tell no one

We have had no such breifings and know of no such conspiracy to eradicate the xingese, however you seem firm in your intel.

>Maybe namedrop the brothers saying, look for this guy he is also looking for it, you may be able to help each other

>>639146
>>B.Tell him that you're a State Alchemist, but will tell no one'

We just got this gig and we just needed to buy lunch on a regular basis, dammit. Also, learning is fun.

>>639146
>>B.Tell him that you're a State Alchemist, but will tell no one'

>>639207
seconding this we can tell him about the bros and pawn him off on them, they seem like a decent lot.

>>639207
>>639246
>send someone who wants to destroy something to the people who want to use said thing

>>639168
>>639179
>>639200
>>639203
>>639207
>>639209

You still doubt the legitimacy of such a practice, but the man seems sure of himself. At the very least, you won't say anything. You sign your response to Leah.

"Iskander here is in fact, a State Alchemist." Leah begins. You can see Yi tense up, preparing to either fight or run. "But don't worry, we have no intention of telling anyone. We just became part of the military recently, and only to earn a decent living. We're not so fanatic that we'd turn you in after hearing that, whether it's true or not. We'll act like this meeting never happened. Is that alright with you?"

The man is still for a moment, then relaxes.

"I suppose your word is all I can take, right now." he sighs. "Then please, do so. As for me, I will be heading to Central to search for signs of the Stone. The twelfth prince and his retinue are supposedly coming this way as well, and I can't let them get their hands on the Stone first. Good luck to you in your endeavors, alchemist."

Yi walks off, presumably to get on the train for Central.

"Well, that was a bit of a detour." Leah says. "I think it's safe to assume he had nothing to do with Cornello, so let's get back to making a choice on the task at hand. Did you see enough to make a judgement? If you think so, we can leave now."

>A.Yes, there seems to be no concern. We can head back and tell Mustang as much

>B.You're still a bit unsure. You want to stay and do more investigating

>C.Other

>>639257
>>B.You're still a bit unsure. You want to stay and do more investigating

>Need to be through on our first mission yeah?

>>639257
>>A.Yes, there seems to be no concern. We can head back and tell Mustang as much
>>C.Read up on Xing when we get the chance.

>>639257

>B.You're still a bit unsure. You want to stay and do more investigating

>>639257
>>B.You're still a bit unsure. You want to stay and do more investigating

>>B.You're still a bit unsure. You want to stay and do more investigating

cant afford to half-ass inspections like this when our country cant allot the troops to surpress another uprising

>>639257

>B.You're still a bit unsure. You want to stay and do more investigating

I say we just take a quick peek in the church later tonight when everyone's asleep to make sure everything's ok and if we get stopped we can go full Dredd and lay down the law.
>>639254

well he seems reasonable, im sure he could wait until there done with it,

>>639289
>no sense of healthy caution

I know I wouldn't be very trusting of someone whose first reaction to someone who could help is to tackle them to the ground and attempt to interrogate them. Yadda yadda "social stigma" yadda yadda "misunderstood asians".

>>639332
#IshvalLivesMatter

>>639346
#justiceforbradley

>>639332
iv got plenty of "healthy caution", why do you think im trying to pawn him off on the elrics?

>>639397
Because you're an asshole. What did the Elrics do to deserve some more bullshit on top of their already substantial problems?

>>639406
easy there pal it wasn't a serous suggestion.

File: Spoiler Image (219 KB, 500x220)

219 KB GIF

>>639406
Attempted human transmutation

>>639419
I know

File: edwurd.png (87 KB, 205x207)

87 KB PNG

Can someone TL;DR the story up to this point please?

>>639464
Some shit happened and now we're in Leore.

>>639267
>>639279
>>639281
>>639287
>>639289

You sign your answer to Leah that you still want to do some more investigating. This is your first assignment, and you want to be thorough. Don't want to give a bad impression by doing a poor job.

For now, it's getting late, so you and Leah book a room in a nearby inn. While Marcoh's notes do contain the secret to the Philosopher's Stone, they also function perfectly well as a cookbook, and Leah is able to fix you both dinner. It's pretty good.

You consider looking into the code, but decide against it, since it would likely take too much of your attention. You've still got a job to do.

Late that night, you decide to try and search the church for anything suspicious, carefully sneaking in when no one is around. You look through the place from top to bottom, and don't manage to find anything out of the ordinary. The people that live here are all asleep, no sign of any sort of machinations. The last place you check is the basement, and the place seems completely empty.

"Yes, there's nothing down here, my children." you hear from behind you. You and Leah turn to see Father Cornello walking down the stairs with a lantern. "These catacombs used to be house the departed, but we have since begun to cremate, so that the departed's remains can be spread out onto the land to forever bask in His light. We still haven't found a purpose for this area. I would use it for storage, but we don't have nearly enough things we need to store."

The priest chuckles for a bit, and stops as he finally reaches you two.

"Now, I have to wonder just what you're doing here so late at night." Cornello doesn't drop his smile. "You could always have come during the day and simply asked to be shown around. I'd have been happy to oblige. You have some other purpose here, don't you?"

Despite accusing you, there isn't the slightest hint of anger on Cornello's face.

>A.Deny it. It's an honest mistake

>B.Tell him that you're investigating Letoism as a State Alchemist

>C.Say nothing and leave

>D.Other

>>639464
man
transmute
mute
girl
train
alchemy people
go to leore

>>639466
Attempted transmutation and lost voice

qt3.14 friend owes $ to the chimera people.

We run to central because we aint got money.

Get cushy job as state alchemist

Save sweet little girl from psycho father(?)

Befriend elrics (SameBoat.jpeg)

What the fuck our country is geting reked time to make Amestres great again

gotta get to work soon but might as well see edwards dad and waifu

time for work to the Leore story we go

this guy seems cool

o hai ling! u wanna do what with the stone? Yea sure its in central

Oh yeah and we almost got killed by scar in there somewhere to

>>639475

>B.Tell him that you're investigating Letoism as a State Alchemist

>>639464
we tried to transmute our buddy who died in ishval, lost our voice, we were poor as shit go with our friend/potential waifu to settle a debt with a crime boss who is not greed, GTFO to central pas the exam with the praise of not!hitler, trying to learn shit, encounter scar almost get our asshanded to us go east meet mustang go west meet marco, winrey, honehiem, return east get marching orders to investigate leiore for any possiablity of an upriseing, and that's pretty much it.

>>639475
For laughs I want to tell him we are here to steal possible old church goodies for cash.

Hell, maybe he'd give us a handout if he is as nice as he acts.

But I know it's a bad idea so I won't vote for that.

>>639499
>human transmutation

shit so we're a circle-less cool kid now ok.
thanks

>>639475
>>B.Tell him that you're investigating Letoism as a State Alchemist

>>639517
Literally the first thread.

>>639475

>B.Tell him that you're investigating Letoism as a State Alchemist

We just wanted to make 100% sure there werent any shenanigans going on before we left. You seemed like TO good of a person so we thought you were hiding something. We were mistaken you are, just a kind preist spreading the word of his god. We are glad to clear up the clouded views of our superiors who thought you a con-man

>>639517
no prob m8

>>639475

>B.Tell him that you're investigating Letoism as a State Alchemist.

apologize for the deception, we needed to be sure this place wouldn't turn into another ishval and whipping out or watch is a good way to get the runaround/ killed. wish him the best of luck in his religion.

>>639475
>B.Tell him that you're investigating Letoism as a State Alchemist

Tell him the government wants to be sure it can't get out of hand like with Ishvala. Given that the Father has seen the disparity between their words and their actions he can understand why we're there.

>>639501
>>639529
>>639540
>>639548
>>639557

Father Cornello hasn't given you a single reason to doubt him so far. You decide to come clean. You sign your answer over to Leah, then pull out your watch to show it to the priest.

"Iskander is actually here to investigate Letoism as a State Alchemist, Father." Leah explains. "We're sorry for deceiving you. The government just wants to make sure they won't have to face another Ishval situation, but we are sure now that it's not an issue."

"I see." Cornello rubs his chin. "Well, I forgive you. A reason like that is understandable. But rest assured that I will never let Leto's words be twisted and used to incite violence. I just want everyone to support each other. Like that man earlier today. I had never met him, and he never told me his name or showed his face. But he was suffering the same pain that I felt, walking through the desert. That alone is enough reason to offer someone respite. So go on and tell your superiors that the followers of Leto bear them no ill will. They have nothing to worry about."

"Yes, thank you Father." Leah replies.

The two of you follow the priest back up to the door, and wish him farewell. Afterwards, you return to the inn and go to sleep. With how late you stayed up, you sleep in quite a while, but it's a restful sleep.

When you do eventually wake up, the two of you head back for the station and catch a train back to East City. Though like the trip out, it will take some days to get there. Your curiosity starts drawing your eyes to the notes. There could be enough time to break the code. Who knows what secrets could be hidden in there? Even despite Marcoh's warning, you still feel the urge to find out. Then again, the Elrics were looking into it themselves. Maybe you can save the trouble and just ask them when you meet again.

>A.You have to know, get cracking

>B.Doctor Marcoh warned that you're better off not knowing

>C.You want to know, but you'll just have the Elrics fill you in later. No need to use your own time on it

>D.Other

>>639650
>A.You have to know, get cracking

As if we're going to pass up this opportunity to learn

>>639650
>>A.You have to know, get cracking

>C.You want to know, but you'll just have the Elrics fill you in later. No need to use your own time on it

Study up on the military, tactics, and Intrapersonal communication. We gotta studdy up if we wanna be a real military agent with our own crew.

>>639650
>>A.You have to know, get cracking

>>639650
>>A.You have to know, get cracking

fuck yeah book learning!

>>639650
>A.You have to know, get cracking

>>639650
>A.You have to know, get cracking
Time to learn the truth ourselves.

>>639664
>>639667
>>639670
>>639672
>>639673
>>639678

You can't resist learning the truth for yourself, and spend your time on the train looking through Maroch's notes trying to break the code.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-W7xveVzUw&

In the evening you stop to change trains at New Optain, but your trip is cut short.

"The trains have all stopped running..." you hear another man in the station say in confusion. "What the hell is this?"

There's a crowd of people complaining to the station staff, but they don't get any results. They don't get an answer on when the trains will run again, either. You and Leah also manage to learn that all roads into and out of the city have been blocked off. At the General's order, apparently. You don't know the situation or any of the command in this area. It might be best to just wait until everything resolves itself. Though you could always try sneaking out, of course.

>A.Just get a room in town and relax for a while. You can finish studying those notes

>B.You want to get back to East City, try and sneak out of the city

>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

>D.Other

>>639755
>>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

>>639755

>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

>>639755
>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

We are a state alchemist, cant we just show our watch and have them give us all information we need? Heck we may be able to do something to help.

>>639755
>>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

>>639755
>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

>>639755
>>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

pull rank and find out what's up before we start sneaking in.

>>639755
>>C.You're concerned with what's going on here

Report to the general and find out what's going on. And if we can, call back to mustang and report our findings and our delay.

File: General Hakuro.jpg (16 KB, 200x275)

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>>639785
>>639788
>>639798
>>639802
>>639803
>>639812
>>639822

You don't know what's going on, but you're going to find out. You and Leah make your way to the regional headquarters, and you present your watch to gain access. The guards look at each other for a while, but let you inside. Looking around, this place seems a lot more serious than the HQ in East City. Or maybe East City is just more lax.

"General Hakuro, the Silent Alchemist Iskander Steiner is here to see you." a soldier announces as he guides you into the general's office.

"So we had a State Alchemist in town..." the general responds. The way he said it, you might almost call it grumbling. "Well, come in. Have a seat. Sorry that you had to be held up like this."

You and Leah take a seat across from the general, who is seated at his desk. You see a man standing in the corner of the room, dressed in a white suit.

"So, the Silent Alchemist, eh?" the general asks. "The newest State Alchemist to join our ranks, I've heard. You're fairly young. I wonder what it is that drives a young man like yourself to join the military. Patriotism, perhaps? Did you want to dedicate your life to the good of your nation?"

>A.Nothing like that

>B.That's right. I want to serve Amestris

>C.Cut to the chase and ask what's going on in the city

>D.Other

>>639924

>C.Cut to the chase and ask what's going on in the city

>>639924
>B.That's right. I want to serve Amestris

>>639924
>>C.Cut to the chase and ask what's going on in the city

>>639924
>>B.That's right. I want to serve Amestris

we seek to preserve our way of life and culture, while making a comftertable living that hopefully we can put into an esgrow account and one day retire with a decent nest egg. that and to learn what we can about the world without aerugo,creta and drachma chewing out or asses.

so basically yeah student loans,a half decent wage and keeping your neighbor from beating you to death with a stick, same reason as everyone else.


also
>white suit

oh shit

>>639924
>>C.Cut to the chase and ask what's going on in the city

>>639947
>>639966
>>640009

You ignore the general's line of questioning and sign your question over to Leah.

"Sir, we'd like to know what's going on in the city." she tells Hakuro. "You've suspended the trains, and blocked off all the roads."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWHtSsbbJbA&

"Yes, that..." Hakuro leans back in his seat. His face gives you the feeling he might be irritated. "Iskander, the Fuhrer is weakening Amestris. Under his rule, we've lost huge amounts of land to Drachma, Creta, and Aerugo. He had us submit to the Ishvalans, after they were the ones to attack us. And the situation is only going to get worse if we leave it as is. I'm making my stand here. For the good of my nation, I will overthrow the Fuhrer. Amestris will be the plaything of its neighbors no longer. My question to you is, where do you stand? You're young. Surely you can look at this without bias. This country needs a ruler that won't give in to our enemy's demands."

>A.I understand completely

>B.I have no interest in treason

>C.Say something else (Write-in)

>D.Try to leave

>E.Other

>>640214
>E) Just nod, let him ramble.

>>640214
>>C.Say something else (Write-in)

We didn't join the military to shoot at our own people.

>>640214
>B.I have no interest in treason

>>640214
>>B.I have no interest in treason

on the one hand saying no may kill us on the other hand we would be saying yes to treason.

>>640214

>E) Just nod, let him ramble.

seconding this>>640247 we don't want to say no and get killed here, but we don't want to jump straight to mutiny lets here him out and we can go from there to warn Mustang and Armstrong, surely we can trust them.

>Non alchemist
>Not just clapping hands together and killing the traitor

I know this is a rather violent solution but if we do

" Hey did you hear the Silent Alchemist stopped the mutiny by killing the leader?"

"YEAH MAN i heard he turned the air in his lungs into salt!"

from what i can tell he is the head of the whole opperation

what are down sides?

>>640411
whos to say we salt the guy but then the guard in the next room puts two in our head either before, during or after. not saying the idea isn't without merit but look at the situation were in at this second.

also I don't trust that white suit guy, he seems like a creepy mofo.

>>640459
He doesn't seem too bad to me, maybe a little volatile.

>>640467
Ayyyyyyy

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>>640459
>You and Leah take a seat across from the general, who is seated at his desk. You see a man standing in the corner of the room, dressed in a white suit.

O shit son, sorry m8 i diddent even read that line, i retract that on the grounds that white suits make bad things happen

altho, he might just laugh it off if it is him.

>>640467
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRK_OMQGQlc

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>>640258
>>640265
>>640276

You're not buying what this guy is selling. Overthrow the Fuhrer? You want no part of that. You sign your response to Leah.

"We have no interest in treason, Sir." Leah tells the general. "We didn't join the military to fight our own people."

"Is that so?" Hakuro looks unamused. "You call it treason? You say I would be betraying Amestris? It's Bradley that is betraying Amestris. Can't you see it? He's letting all our neighbors break off bits and pieces of our country as they like. You just joined the military, but even if you hadn't, you're not exactly the rank to be privy to this, but... Bradley has been doing this intentionally. He only fortifies certain points, and lets most of our land get taken without a fight. That area in the North, taken by Drachma? They only fought three battles for it. For all that land. For everywhere else, he had all troops withdraw, Drachma could take land at their whim. How do you think the families living there felt, the leader of their nation abandoning them? That's happened in every direction, even here in the East with the Ishvalans. I say Bradley is the traitor! He's betraying the people of Amestris that believe in him!"

The general takes a few deep breaths.

"I won't force you to do anything." he goes on. "But I hope you can come to see what's really best for this nation. Kimblee, see these two to the door."

"Sure thing, general." the man in white replies. He walks over to you as you stand up, and leads you out of HQ. "They called me the Crimson Alchemist, the name's Solf J. Kimblee. Just telling you now so you know it in advance, in case you don't get the chance to hear it again before it's too late."

Once you're outside, Kimblee turns to go back in.

"Feel free to escape and head to East City or Central, or whatever." the man tells you. "It doesn't matter one bit to me. Try not to die though, whatever you end up doing."

Leaving you and Leah a bit confused, Kimblee goes back inside the HQ building. Surprisingly, despite opposing the general, you and Leah have been turned away unharmed. But you don't know how the situation is going to escalate. You imagine there is only so long before things turn violent.

So guys, I can't run tomorrow or Saturday, I'm going to be busy

But this thread will probably last until Sunday anyway, so when I run then, I'll come back here

>>640568
Thanks for the heads up Laze, Session end?

If so enjoy your weekend and seeya next time.

>>640575
night laze have a good weekend

>>640568
>Try not to die though, whatever you end up doing
Someone set us up the bomb.

>>640650
Please, this "Kimlee" fellow seems like an alright sort. Why, he even wished us well and good health! Surely an evil-hearted man would never do such a kindness, no matter how insignificant. I say he may be the single finest and noble man we have met so far (aside from Armstrong, of course) and that we have absolutely nothing to worry about from him.

>Mfw I missed the goddamn thread
>Mfw we didn't realize that Leah's cookbooks were Marco's before now
>Mfw Cornello appears to actually be a good guy
>Mfw we met Kimblee and didn't get killed

God fucking damn me and this hell of a week.

>>641533
It's still entirely possible that Cornello is a horrible person, he just didn't go full retard at the words "State alchemist".

To your surprise, you and Leah have just been turned loose by the general after hearing his intentions. No attempt to kill you, or even imprison you. Does he have some other plan for you two? Or maybe he thinks that nothing you can do will make a difference. There's still no way out of town as long as he's blocking them off. Not that it wouldn't be possible to sneak out, especially with alchemy.

You look around and see soldiers patrolling around. Even with all the manpower dedicated to locking down the city, there are still this many at his disposal. You can barely believe the general has managed to get so many troops to follow him in his attempt against the Fuhrer. You don't know how long it'll be until things go hot here, but once Central gets word, you're sure it will lead to fighting. You doubt Hakuro will settle for a compromise.

"That guy was a State Alchemist..." Leah notes. "Even though he just let us go, I've got a bad feeling. Do they expect us to stay put, I wonder? Isk, what do you think we should do?"

>A.We need to sneak out and get word up to higher

>B.We should play it safe. Stay here while staying out of trouble. The military will be able to handle it

>C.We'll put a stop to Hakuro's plan ourselves

>D.Other

>>654257
>>A.We need to sneak out and get word up to higher

surely we can trust mustang and Armstrong, I mean this is crazy why would any one want to stage a revolt against the Fuhrer, he's doing the best he can with what he's got. although that does beg the question of how you lose brigggs perhaps he might be on to something....

Oh shit, forgot my trip

Anyway, thread isn't bumping, so I'll honestly probably only do a few posts to wrap this session up. I don't know how many posters we're going to get like this

>>654257
>C.We'll put a stop to Hakuro's plan ourselves

>>654353
yeah to be honest your probably better off making a new thread if were past the bump limit.

>>654416
It's not that we're past the bump limit, it's that /qst/ has a retarded thing where threads automatically stop bumping after 72 hours

I won't make a new thread though, because I just don't think it'd be worth it. It would just have the posts from today, since it'll be a few days before I run again, and then the new thread would be in the same situation. Given the speeds we've been moving at, I don't feel like archiving a bunch of 100 post threads. I'd rather cut today short and wrap up here so I can get a proper thread next time

>>654257
>>A.We need to sneak out and get word up to higher

Head back to Mustard and give him the news.

>>654322
>>654511
Alright, busting out

Give me the usual roll, let's see if we even get three this time

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>654584

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>654584
come on baby no whammy.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>654584

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>654584

>>654595
>>654607

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UJ6U_wwMbo&

You can't stay here and wait for this to blow over, but you certainly wouldn't be able to put a stop to it on your own. you need to get out and tell somebody. After all, there's no doubt that the phone lines have been locked down as well.

You silently lament your lost time that you would have been putting to use studying the notes, then sign the plan over to Leah. You're leaving as soon as possible.

First thing, you scout out possible exit routes. The roads are all blocked, and the entire city is basically cordoned off. No convenient woods to sneak through on the edge of town. Your only recourse is alchemy.

From a hidden position between some buildings, you start work on a tunnel out of the city. It's tougher work than you thought. You have to move a lot of material, in addition to carefully forming the tunnel so it doesn't collapse. Not to mention, you don't have a good idea of how far it's gone. The best you can do is estimate. After several hours of transmuting, you finally feel safe to come up.

As you emerge from the exit you've created, you carefully take a look around. You're quite a way from town at this point, and should be clear of any patrols. So you think. A look at the major road nearby reveals that there are soldiers traveling up and down its length. They'll be hard to dodge.

"We can't take the road. At least not for a good while." Leah tells you, getting a good look herself. "It'll slow us down, but we'll have to rough it. There's a forest that follows decently close to the road on this side, we can use it until we don't think we'll hit any patrols."

You follow Leah's cue and make a rush for the forest once you don't see any eyes in your direction. Once you reach it, you relax a bit before continuing. Once you do, you find it's tough going. You've never been much of an outdoorsy sort of person. The brush is thick. the ground is uneven, and the whole experience is generally uncomfortable. Leah however, is right in her element. To no surprise of yours.

"We can always take a break if you need to. I can nab us something to eat, I'm sure." Leah says, looking back at you. "I know you're more at home reading books."

You refuse at first, but after a few hours, you decide it's time for a break. It is nearly nightfall. Leah manages to get a couple of rabbits, and you roast them up to eat.

"This reminds me of Yock Island." Leah tells you. "Remember? It's where we met for the first time. Your teacher threw you out there to see if you could survive. And you would have failed if it wasn't for me. You know, isn't that kind of cheating?"

You can see Leah grin slightly.

>A.That doesn't matter, I still passed

>B.That wasn't the real test

>C.What were you doing out there, anyway?

>D.Yeah, it was. I should have apologized to teacher for that too

>E.Maybe, but I'm still grateful

>F.Nope, don't remember

>G.Other

>>654898
>>E.Maybe, but I'm still grateful

>>654898
>E.Maybe, but I'm still grateful

It still counts as passing if you ask me, I just had more access to resources than our teacher gave me credit for

>>654898
>>B.That wasn't the real test
>>E.Maybe, but I'm still grateful

>>654898
>E.Maybe, but I'm still grateful

>C.What were you doing out there, anyway?

sign to Leah
"Look the real test was to figure out some dumb riddle, which I would have done within 5 minutes if I could have had my books. But no! she had to drag me to that dammed island and leave me to die there. Its not my fault if the books only told how to hunt and clean boar not what it would be like or how hard it would be just trying to get killed by the damn things! speaking of which why were yo on a supposedly deserted island in the first place?"

>>654898

>E.Maybe, but I'm still grateful

>>654924
>>654952
>>654955
>>654984
>>655157

Signing back to Leah, you admit that it may have been cheating, but you appreciate it regardless. Not that you haven't thanked her countless times in the past. You also make sure to let her know there was more to the test than just that.

"Well, I guess you got really lucky that I was out there." Leah replies. "Abandoning someone on an island just so they can solve a riddle... That woman never ceases to amaze. If I hadn't been out there, who knows what would have happened... And you know, the only reason I was out there was because..."

Leah stops talking, and grips the strap of her rifle tighter. She was always holding that gun close, ever since that day you met her on Yock Island. You knew it belonged to her father, and that it was important to her, but beyond that, she had never told you anything.

"Anyway, everything worked out." Leah says, changing the subject. "It was because of those circumstances that we could meet each other, so I'm also grateful."

The two of you finish eating, then get some sleep. Leah pulls out a blanket that the two of you use to keep warm. Once morning comes, you set out again.

The trek is quite an arduous one, as you spend two more days in the woods before you decide to make your way back to the road. The distance between New Optain and East City is quite large, and travelling it on foot is quite an undertaking. But with no car, and the trains not running, you have no other choice. At least you're not in the woods anymore and can find some inns in towns along the road to stay in. They're all as backwater as you can find, though. No phone that will put you through to East City.

After several more days of travel, you and Leah finally manage to reach East City. It's taken you a lot longer than you bargained for. You can only hope it hasn't been in vain.

>A.Go straight to Mustang and tell him the situation

>B.No time for that, get to a military phone, this goes all the way up

>C.Other

>>655364
>A.Go straight to Mustang and tell him the situation

Chain of Command

>>655364
>>A.Go straight to Mustang and tell him the situation

>>655364
>>A.Go straight to Mustang and tell him the situation

if we cant trust our CO then who can we trust. we dnt know how high this goes and its probably not a good idea to bypass the chain of command in a situation like this with this many unknowns.

>>655364

>A.Go straight to Mustang and tell him the situation

He'll be in a better place to actually get shit done.

>>655364
>A.Go straight to Mustang and tell him the situation

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>>655385
>>655395
>>655412
>>655434

It's best to follow the Chain of Command, here. Mustang might even be able to take action immediately. You and Leah rush to Eastern Headquarters, and to the Lieutenant Colonel's room.

When you get there, you find that the tape is no longer over the plaque. In fact, there's no plaque anymore at all. When you enter, you find Mustang and his men packing up everything in the room. He must be close to making that transfer he was talking about.

"Sir, we have urgent news." Leah tells Mustang, standing at attention.

"Go ahead, Crawford." the Lieutenant Colonel waves her at ease. "You look like you two ran here to tell me, anyway."

"We were just held up in New Optain on our way back from Leore." Leah explains. "General Hakuro there has cordoned the city off, and stopped the trains. When we went to see him, he told us of his intentions. He plans to overthrow the Fuhrer."

"What?" Mustang nearly jumps from his chair, but retains composure. You can see an irritated look on his face. "Damn. And why now? I hate to tell you this, but my transfer will be in the next few days, and there's no way to stop it. This business will surely be out of my jurisdiction. The only thing I can do is tell General Grumman. And defusing this would have done wonders toward my next promotion, too..."

Mustang mumbles that last bit as he dials the general's number.

"Sir, I have an urgent report about New Optain. One that would explain our inability to contact them." after explaining, the Lieutenant Colonel goes quiet for a while, while the general presumably speaks. At one point, you can see his eyes widen. "Understood, Sir."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGXCjIX6w64&index=2&

Mustang puts down the phone, and remains silent for a bit. It's at this point that you notice everyone in the room has their eyes focused on him.

"General Grumman was just made aware of the situation a few minutes prior." Mustang says. "From the Fuhrer himself. It seems he got Hakuro's demands already. The general was apparently told not to devote any men to the problem. A group from Central is already on the way. They plan to put down the insurrection quickly. There are to be no negotiations."

The room is quiet. While it was inevitable with a coup, people from a single country's military fighting each other is still a bitter pill to swallow.

The Lieutenant Colonel breaks the silence. "Well, Silent Alchemist, I really hope you have better news for me about Leore..."

>End of Chapter 4

Well, sorry about today, but I think I'll wrap the thread up here. I think I'll run again on Wednesday.

Twitter is @LazeQM

>>655694
no problem Laze it was fun, I'm sure you'll have a better turn out Wednesday with a fresh thread.