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Archived threads:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Wretched%20Sea

1st Thread: Introduces naval combat and economic mechanics.

2nd Thread: Introduces looting in the ruins, the large-scale Battle of Sbvysek.

3rd Thread: Heavy exposition for the Republic, the Citadel Navy, and Reynolr himself.

You wake up early in the morning, exhausted from last night's events. A heavy rain is hammering down on the Bay, drumming on the deck of the Brora and audible from your tiny cabin - you look out the porthole, and see the scenery of the Bay faint and ethereal in the mist.

You check with Master Evans - the Astaeran range-finder is ready in the storage bay, and the crew is squared away, doing basic maintenance. You have an hour before the scientists arrive, a rare moment of free time in your cabin, alone.

>Sketch the scenes outside, and scenes from your memory. One day you'll look back on this, hopefully not from the afterlife.
>Pick the lint and blemishes out of your uniform. It wouldn't do to be a bit scruffy tonight, although you strongly suspect Céleste doesn't care.
>Pick up the amulet Céleste slipped into your hand last night, and inspect.
>Something else?

>>1223635

>Pick up the amulet Céleste slipped into your hand last night, and inspect.
And draw it both on and off or us

>>1223749
Seems good, I'll wait a few more minutes for other players to show up - using the time to rapidly draw scenes for later tonight, I'll need a lot of them if I don't want to primetime updates to slow drastically.

>>1223680
>Pick up the amulet Céleste slipped into your hand last night, and inspect.
Hey its this awesome quest!

>>1223803

All good. Im happy i was able to make this quest when it was runing

>>1223680
>Pick up the amulet Céleste slipped into your hand last night, and inspect.

>>1223680
>>Sketch the scenes outside, and scenes from your memory. One day you'll look back on this, hopefully not from the afterlife.

looks like i made it

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Rolling out of bed, you stare down at the glimmering amulet - your right hand pauses before you touch it, the depths of the crimson staring back.

You hesitate - a tingling in your skin causes you to look around your cramped cabin. There's absolutely no one inside, only the faint rattle of machinery outside the door, but you could swear you feel a presence beside you.

Your hand draws nearer to the amulet - the presence grows stronger. Like straining to recall a common word, it's damnedly familiar, yet the experience is completely foreign at the same time.

>Grab the amulet in your hand.
>Leave it alone.

>>1223907
>Grab the amulet in your hand.

Tell me your secrets oh shiny rock.

>>1223907
>>Grab the amulet in your hand.
give me my sprit quest

>>1223907
>>Leave it alone.
nopenopenopenope
FUck this shit!!!

>>1223907
>Leave it alone.
We can ask the lady herself about it at the ball.

Looks like we've got a tie, gentlemen. Suits me fine, still getting pre-work drawings done.

>>1223907
>Leave it alone.
Leave off the curiousty for now. I wanna ask here why she gave it to us and how she had a second one before we mess with it.

>>1223984
Forget a name

You jerk your hand away, vigorously shaking your head. What the hell was that? Now that you're not staring into the ruby prism, you can think straight...

Not straight enough, it seems. Disoriented and distracted, it takes you much longer than usual to put on your uniform, and you've barely begun to absently sketch in your sketchbook when Ensign Redek informs you that the scientists have arrived.

>>1224042
Throw that rock into the sea.

We are responsible for our men, we cant carry around a magic gem that messes with our mind

>>1224113
It's like you don't even want to gain insight.

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>>1224042
The scientists exchange few words, eager to inspect the Astaeran range-finder. They're ecstatic, but it's not easily shared - within a few minutes, you've left to converse with the gunners checking over your ammunition stocks. Staring at two brains silently freaking out over useless equipment by writing furiously in their notebooks isn't particularly interesting.

Finally, after two hours, they approach you in the mess.

"Lieutenant," the male scientist says, beaming, "this is a fine specimen of Astaeran technology. Many of the tech-wires are intact, and the lenses are almost without blemish! Tell me, where did you find this?"

"Under some scrap," you say tiredly.

"Yes, but where? Inside, outside-"

"Outside. Defense emplacement on the windward side."

"Marvelous," the woman comments. "Simply marvelous construction."

"Alright, you like it. What do you want to do with it?"

"We're prepared to offer cash," the man says, nodding, and the woman lifts a suitcase onto a mess table. Snapping it open, you're startled to see a pile of paper credits in there. "The Old Technology Ministry will pay you three thousand paper credits, with the promise of more if you can bring us additional pieces of Astaeran technology. I'm... assuming you're not selling your pistol."

>Accept their offer. (+3000 paper credits)
>Decline their offer.
>Something else?

>>1224143
>Why are you willing to pay so much for this? Show me what is so useful about it and then we can talk about a possible deal.

>>1224143
>>Accept their offer. (+3000 paper credits)

Do we have rangefinders for our weapons? I would like to add one rangefinder to each on the deal (taking less money doing so)

>>1224163
We have a single Republic rangefinder for our rear gun, improving its accuracy and ability to find the range of its shots. That's not for sale.

The Astaeran rangefinder is useless to us. Neither we nor any of our crew have the faintest clue of how to operate the ancient technology.

>>1224143
>Accept their offer. (+3000 paper credits)

>>1224172

Yes, I know it is useless but I'd like to exchange this useless one for one that is actually useful plus some cash

>>1224172
Can we learn how to use it?

>>1224143
>>Accept their offer. (+3000 paper credits)

>>1224178
These guys aren't going to have a rangefinder though. We should take the cash and buy one ourselves.

>>1224143
>>Accept their offer. (+3000 paper credits)
would you be be able to get any of this stuff working? if so il be happy to be the guni pig/ take you around to ruins

>>1224190
There's no concievable way to do so. Nobody in the Kraegsk knows how to utilize the "digital" connections, and even if someone did, they wouldn't share the knowledge with a lowly Navy trawler. You don't know about the scientists, but seeing as they just pored over the rangefinder with far more curiosity than understanding, it's likely they can't get it working either.

>>1224178
The scientists are unlikely to possess a military-grade rangefinder. However, equipment of that nature is available at the Naval Armory of Scrap Bay.

>>1224178
We don't need separate rangefinders for both guns, we can just use the Republic one then give that range to the forward gun, it's a range finder after all, 2000 yards is 2000 yards regardless of what gun is aiming that way, and judging by the fact both guns are close enough to each other to fire the exact same shells, and be compatible with old Astaeran Empire shells, it's incredibly likely both 12 pounders are legacy Astaeran designs reproduced by the Republic and Citadel. Which means they almost certainly would fire at the same elevation/deflection as each other anyway.

Ideally actually we'd stick the rangefinder on top of our 'bridge' and operate it with a periscope style setup then communicate the range to our gun crews.

>>1224143
>Take the cash, and the contract.
A nice and productive start to the day, I think.

After seeing the last fellow say he's drafting an automated guillotine, I've started my own. This ought to be fun. Does it have to look vaguely guillotine-shaped, Scribe, or does mechanical head-separator work?

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"Alright - but why do you want this thing so badly? Three thousand credits is real money in the Kraegsk, and this thing's useless."

"Oh, you don't understand," the man shakes his head, "the Old Technology Ministry is blessed with enormous funds. This is the first real piece of Astaeran technology we can own and dissect and study without worrying about upsetting the noble to whose collection it belongs to."

"Yes, but why study it? We can't take the power of Old Astaera for ourselves."

"You'd be surprised with the advances we've made," the woman says. "And anyway, the power of Astaera is such that even the chance of harnessing a fraction of it for Citadel use - would win us the war. Any cost is worthy, to that end."

You take the Brora to the Naval Yard, where you can drop off the rangefinder and prepare for the ball.

+3000 paper credits

It's now early afternoon. The ball shall begin soon. You wash your uniform as best you can, carefully put it on, and prepare to leave to the good-natured banter of your crew.

>Take your pistol.
>Take the strange ruby amulet that Céleste slipped to you.
>Something else?

>>1224294
Anything works! Sofia was not precise in her description - perhaps her dismissal of the automated guillotines in favor of the quaint old fashioned one in her town square was because they don't look like guillotines!

>>1224304
>Take your pistol.
Best not to be caught unarmed in a town as shady as Scrap Bay. Also amulets aren't really suitable jewelry for a man in uniform.

>>1224304
>Take your pistol.
Do we own some sort of family heirloom that's sufficiently martial? A saber, perhaps? If so, then:
>Something else (Family item.)

>>1224317
You don't necessarily have to wear it - should have made it more clear. Now's probably the best chance to get answers about the amulet - but the choice is yours.

>>1224304
>>Take your pistol.
>>Take the strange ruby amulet that Céleste slipped to you.

Keep the amulet out of sight but also accessible if we need to bring it out for some reason.

>>1224304
>Take your pistol.
>Take the strange ruby amulet that Céleste slipped to you.

>>1224304
>Take your pistol.
>Take the strange ruby amulet that Céleste slipped to you.

>>1224304
>>Take your pistol.

You slip the amulet under your uniform and your into its holster. Leaving the Brora, you find relief in the clear weather - the rain had stopped some hours ago.

From the Naval Yard, it's a short walk to Province Hill. You climb the long, crumbling stairway past vast mansions and pre-ball dinner parties, immense wealth in a wretched land.

>>1224424
Do we have time to file our formal report since we're at the military yard?

>>1224424
Unfortunately, no. It would appear that the Commandant submitted an accurate report via radio, with adequate but not excessive praise of your role in the victory - your first inkling of that's really true will be at the ball, as they take time to honor you.

>>1224428
Whoops, above post was meant to reply to you.

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>>1224424
You reach Province Plaza, shocked to look down to a half-dozen Citadel Army landships parked in the Plaza. Security is far more severe than you could have imagined, yet there are no guards in sight - only impassive vehicles mar the vision of the rich and powerful. Province Hall seems quite full already, and only a small crowd is still outside, waiting to parade in one-by one - you suppose that they can't show of their fashion, status, or relationships if they all barge in with a featureless crowd.

You look around; you cannot find Céleste anywhere. You're sure you're on time where is she?

>Look around the outskirts of the Plaza, the topiary and benches on the raised perimeter.
>Go down into the small crowd outside the hall and look for her.
>Go inside the hall without her.
>Something else?

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Le "5000 hours in MS Paint" meme. Inspired by various industrial accidents I've had the misfortune of cleaning up over the years.

>>1224524
>Look around the outskirts of the Plaza, the topiary and benches on the raised perimeter.

Also:
>Mark V's with a fore and rear turret.
I'm hoping the powerplant isn't as shit, at least, and the lack of a friction rudder bodes well.

>>1224524
>>Look around the outskirts of the Plaza, the topiary and benches on the raised perimeter.

>>1224524
>Go down into the small crowd outside the hall and look for her.
Fucking hell, I hope there's a back door/ Some fucker bars that door and sets a fire and it'll be a massacre

>>1224541
Wouldn't work. It's far to likely that the wheel would jam in some poor sap's neck. the speed is slower and the wheel doesn't look like it would have the necessary weight to get a good crush, much less a cut.

>>1224524
>>Go down into the small crowd outside the hall and look for her.

>Look around the outskirts of the Plaza, the topiary and benches on the raised perimeter.

Barely wins, writing.

>>1224564
The wheel itself is doing hardly any of the work, really. As long as the axle attaching it to the central motor is bereft of slop and the motor itself is securely attached to the ground, anything that gets between it and the block is going to meet a very messy with a quickness. The cutting occurs as the flesh is forced down into the rut, where the sides of the slot are flush with those of the wheel. Anything that doesn't make it that far is a non-issue.

>>1224600
But then you could hardly call it automated it you had to stop it to clear the bodies after every set is executed. Unless the mechine could undo the straps itself and was hinged atop a piston to slide the body off, but that still wouldn't remove the head.

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You decide to search for Céleste in the outskirts of the Plaza - she seems like the sort of woman who'd sulk around there from time to time.

The topiary cast weird, flickering shadows in the setting sun - you're already unsettled, nobody in sight but the Province Hall looming over you, when you feel it. A terribly strange feeling, almost a pull, coming distinctly from where the ruby amulet is underneath your uniform - and then you feel the presence, directly behind.

You're not looking there, but you can feel the hand reaching out to you.

>Céleste! Is that you?
>Bolt forwards and draw your pistol.
>Spin around to confront whoever - or whatever - is behind you.
>Pretend you don't notice it. Perhaps you're imagining it all.
>Something else?

>>1224652
>Something else?
Fake a trip forward into a roll to see what is behind you, hand on hostler

>>1224652
>Spin around to confront whoever - or whatever - is behind you.

Spirits of the air! Hark!

>>1224652
>Perhaps if ignored, it will be offended and leave.

>>1224652
>Spin around to confront whoever - or whatever - is behind you.

>>1224652
>>Spin around to confront whoever - or whatever - is behind you.

>>1224652
>Spin around to confront whoever - or whatever - is behind you.

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With scarcely a moment's hesitation, you spin around in place, ready to fight - or run away, depending on what you find. The amulet seems to have unpleasantly expanded your imagination.

A mugger? A monster? No -

You relax your stance. Céleste Chapuis de Scraegsk is standing in front of you, covering her smiling mouth, her eyes glittering with amusement.

>Céleste? What the hell was that for?!
>How'd you find me in here?
>Did - did you feel that too?
>Something else?

>>1224705
>>Céleste? What the hell was that for?!

>>1224705
>Did - did you feel that too?

>>1224705
>How'd you find me in here?
No reason to go about tipping our hand just yet.

>>1224705
>Something else?
"With all do respect Céleste, it's polite to announce oneself when approaching someone in the dark"

>>1224705
>How'd you find me in here?

>>1224705
>>Céleste? What the hell was that for?!

cool so she gave us sme of her soul in that item? or is it a finder gem

>>1224715
Seems pretty tipped to me already. If the jewel's a test of attunement or something, we've pretty clearly shown her the reaction she's looking for, which is to say, any at all. Not much use denying it.

Unless she likes 'em playful.

>>1224705
>Did you feel that too?
See how she plays when she thinks the game's all hers.

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"Céleste! How'd you find me in here?" you demand.

In response, she wordlessly draws a finger across the amulet around her neck.

"Well," you shiver, realizing she's playing some kind of game, "did you feel that too? Damn strange."

"Oh, yes," Céleste says. "Far stronger than you, though it's more a matter of longevity... I'm very glad you decided to take your amulet with you."

>The one you gave me? What's this all about?
>There's more here than you're letting on.
>Why, exactly, are you happy about that?
>We should talk about this later. I shouldn't be late for my own ball.

(Reminder that we should still try and find Mr. Huyk at one point or another)

>>1224800
>There's more here than you're letting on.
>Why, exactly, are you happy about that?

>>1224800
>There's more here than you're letting on.
>Why, exactly, are you happy about that?

>>1224800
>>There's more here than you're letting on.

>>1224800
>>There's more here than you're letting on.

>>1224800
>The one you gave me? What's this all about?
>There's more here than you're letting on.

>>1224705
That shade of green really doesn't fit that shade of red

>>1224800
>There's more here than you're letting on.
[[[Remove Cthulhu]]]

>>1224800
"There's more here than you're letting on." you say quite seriously.

"There always is. And there are fantastic details of your life, I'm sure, that you do not bother to explain to me."

"Nowhere near the same knowledge, or what we're doing to each other with it. In my case, nothing - in your case... Céleste, I cannot help but feel that we're playing some game that only you are privy to."

Céleste's smile fades ever so slightly. "Mr. Reynolr, I apologize if that's the impression you get of me. There are things... that create these unbalanced perceptions between us, merely because I am aware of their existence and you are not. I don't know how it happens, not like I know how to bake a traofé - think of it like an officer that brags about an intact Astaeran gun battery he found. Powerful, yes, but he has the vaguest understanding of how to point it - he does not understand."

"I wish I did." Céleste adds a moment later, somewhat crestfallen. "But that's not at all important to tonight. I had my bit of fun, and I didn't think it through. I didn't think you'd... well, that you'd think it through quite so sharply. Shall we go to the ball?"

>Alright, but I'm going to find out more about this later. You can't say all that and expect me to forget it all for your benefit.
>No, I can't let this slide. Explain everything, now.
>Okay. Don't bring this... whatever this is, up again.
>Alright. I'll forget about it.
>Something else?

>>1224905
>>Alright, but I'm going to find out more about this later. You can't say all that and expect me to forget it all for your benefit.
>Something else?
Maybe we can help each other, after all.

(She may think that's corny, but I think it fits with our character).

>>1224905
>Alright, but I'm going to find out more about this later. You can't say all that and expect me to forget it all for your benefit.

>>1224905
This works >>1224919

>>1224919
Seconding this fella.

>>1224905
>Alright, but I'm going to find out more about this later. You can't say all that and expect me to forget it all for your benefit.

>>1224905
"Alright," you say, "but I'm going to find out more about this later. You can't say all that and expect me to forget it all for your benefit."

"Okay. Reasonable enough," Céleste says, sounding vaguely relieved.

"Though..." you begin.

"Yes?"

"If all that is true - maybe we can help each other, after all."

Her eyes light up. "Oh, that'd be wonderful-" she says, stopping halfway through her sentence. She doesn't continue, and together, you make your way back to the ball proper.

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>>1224976
You walk past the landships, the carpet, and into the Province Hall itself. It's packed - crowds of well-heeled individuals, security, and servers. You can hardly see the painting-studded walls through the haze of cigar smoke and the religiously fashionable incense burners, a chandelier vaguely glimmering on the ceiling.

Ahead, is a stage set on the middle platform of the grand staircase to the second floor - you see a Navy officer bedecked in medals standing up there, conversing with who appears to be the Provincial Governor himself.

>Head for the grand staircase.
>Wander around and ask around for Mr. Huyk.
>Something else?

>>1224999
>>Wander around and ask around for Mr. Huyk.
>>Something else?
Let's look around, but we should also ask Celeste if she knows him. I can't remember if we have yet.

>>1224875
Yeah, it definitely doesn't. All I can say is that the fact that it's in color is more significant than the choice of color, although those also have significance....

Yeah, that's still pretty poor color mixing.

>>1224999
>>Head for the grand staircase
Its our ball, let's be visible

>>1224999
This >>1225007

>>1224999
Motherfucker. Look at all those fucking amulets. Might be a fucking cult starting up. My view on them depends on their actions. If they're bad, maybe we could save a few of em
>Wander around and ask around for Mr. Huyk.

>>1225028
If we can feel a pull from each of em, it'll be most likely that it's a hive mind. COuld be the "stones" are actually parasites with minor psychic abilities. Becomes more influencing with direct contact. It might have propagate by having/influencing people to give amulets to each other. The more it infects, the more it can influence the world, causing freaker mobs to form.

We need to ask that artillery officer what the artifacts look like. This whole deal gives me the heebie jeebies

The ceremony, assuming that's what the party on the grand staircase is for, can wait. Business first - you've got to find Mr. Huyk.

"Céleste," you whisper, leaning over.

"Yes?"

"Do you happen to know of a Mr. Huyk?" you ask. "Warehouse mogul, apparently."

"No, but I can always ask around." she says.

"Oh?"

"Mhm, I suppose you're not familiar with ettiquete here. It's quite common for gentlemen to ask ladies to inquire into others."

"Well, that's no good - they'll just see me with you later and know that I was bulling around for Mr. Huyk."

"Not so - in fact, quite the opposite. Most partners in a ball like this are purely influence-seeking or family-expanding. To exchange confidential information between that sort of relationship is unheard of."

"Then what are we?"

"Apparently, two people with slightly more trust. Do you want me to find Mr. Huyk or not?"

>Go ahead. I'll meet at the foot of the grand staircase when I'm done there.
>No, we should stick together. We'll find him just as easily, no need to be secretive about it.
>I don't actually want to find Mr, Huyk.
>Something else?

>>1225052
You'll get your answer to what it feels like quite soon...

>>1225067
>No, we should stick together. We'll find him just as easily, no need to be secretive about it.

I don't trust the whole glowing red gem on everybody thing.

>>1225067
>>Go ahead. I'll meet at the foot of the grand staircase when I'm done there
Let's cozy up our superiors

>>1225067
>No, we should stick together. We'll find him just as easily, no need to be secretive about it.

>>1225067
>Go ahead. I'll meet at the foot of the grand staircase when I'm done there.

>>1225067
>>Go ahead. I'll meet at the foot of the grand staircase when I'm done there.
When in Rome

>>1225067
>Go ahead. I'll meet at the foot of the grand staircase when I'm done there.
Goddammit scribe

>>1225067
>>Go ahead. I'll meet at the foot of the grand staircase when I'm done there

"My thanks, celeste"

"Go ahead. I'll meet you at the foot of the grand staircase when I'm done there." you say.

"Mhm, alright," Céleste says, starting off.

You make your way through the crowd, up the staircase, till you're free of the crush and standing face-to-face with a Navy Captain and the Provincial Governor.

"Ah," the Governor says, "You must be from Sbvysek?"

"Yes, sir."

"Impressive work, lieutenant, impressive work. The capture of a Light Patrol Cruiser is no simple task."

>To be fair, sir, the Extirpate took the heaviest casualties in securing victory.
>We all played our part, sir.
>I warned Sbvysek of the coming raid, giving time for the fleet to get their steam up and the civilians to seek shelter - I feel that was my greatest contribution.
>It is an honor to serve the Citadel, sir.
>Something else?

>>1225133
>We all played our part, sir.
I suppose this, I'm unsure how to proceed and am open to changing my vote.

>>1225133
>I warned Sbvysek of the coming raid, giving time for the fleet to get their steam up and the civilians to seek shelter - I feel that was my greatest contribution

>>1225133
>We all played our part, sir.
Let's not get greedy, nothing irks the incompetent and corrupt like an ambitious man.

>>1225133
>>It is an honor to serve the Citadel, sir.

>>1225133
>We all played our part, sir.

>>1225133
>It was an honour to serve the Citadel.
>We all played our part, sir.

>>1225133
>We all played our part, sir.
>It is an honor to serve the Citadel, sir.

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"We all played our part, sir - and it was an honor to serve the Citadel." you say, keeping it simple. The Governor looks like a less-honest Commandant of Sbvysek, and about as overweight. You keep those thoughts to yourself, of course.

He grins broadly at you, then shifts his attention to his real concern - the crowd spread out below you.

"You hear that?" he bellows, and some of the crowd listens. "An honor to serve the Citadel! It's an honor, everyone, an honor!"

You can't tell if he's being sarcastic, and desperately hope he's not, but there's some applause.

"This man - he played his part. Well, I'm making him a Commodore, right now! Brevet ranking! Where would we be without the Navy?"

Now he's speaking to the gaggle of Navy officers in front of him, but then you realize what he said - by the authority of the Provincial Governor, you are now a Commander. You can captain frigates, corvettes, destroyers... submarines, if you insane.

You walk off the staircase with your head still spinning. You know were barely even the second attraction of the Governor's night, but the consequences are still very real. Behind you, the Governor launches into boisterous praise of the other Navy officer, the cruiser captain.

Rank: Lieutenant Commander to Commander

>>1225200
Now, back to business.
>Try to find Céleste in the crowd.
>Wander around.
>Something else?


Several ladies and gentlemen, family representatives and seekers alike, are attempting to talk to you.

>Pretend not to hear them.
>Listen to their offers of influence and money,

>>1225207
>listen, smile and wave.

>wander abit.


We can't just blow people off. They'd be offended so we might as well play nice and learn whatever we can.

>>1225207
>Something else?
Spot the closest other Navy officer from around our same rank. There's gotta be a couple of other trawler, frigate or corvette commanders around who might be slightly more attached to reality than the rest of the guests.
>Pretend not to hear them.

>>1225200
Ah what is a casual act to a man of one station is life changing to a man of another. Commodore eh? Ain't that a thing.
>>1225207
>Try to find Céleste in the crowd.
>Listen to their offers of influence and money,
Rub shoulders, smile and be amiable, and agree to nothing!

>>1225200
>Wander around.
>Listen to their offers of influence and money,
Well uhh, yay PROMOTIONS!? What does this mean in practicality?

>>1225207
>Wander around.
>Listen to their offers of influence and money,

>>1225207
>Wander around.

>Listen to their offers of influence and money,

Mingle and talk. Connections are good and required.

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>>1225028
>Might be a fucking cult starting up

>>1225074
>I don't trust the whole glowing red gem on everybody thing.

Don't you want insight into the eldritch truth, anons?

>>1225210
Supporting this.

Try and angle towards other Navy officers.

>>1225207
>Try to find Céleste in the crowd.
>Listen to their offers of influence and money,

You wander around, noting frequent ruby amulets with unease and even more frequent attempts to rope into one criminal syndicate/family operation or another. You look around to try and find fellow Navy officers, but they look engaged or are generally unwilling to speak to you while you're getting hounded by a dozen profiteering scumbags at a time. Having Céleste by your side had sort of precluded these clingers, but you imagine the Governor's speech would've probably done you in no matter where Céleste was. You smile, wave, and act as amiable as possible, given the circumstances, and it pays off in a big way.

"Mister! Have you ever thought of investing in warehouse space? With a sturdy ship like you have, any of the accredited storage facilities of Milluy, Huyk, & Kttuy -" a suited man is saying, before you cut him off.

"Excuse me- Huyk?"

"Oh, yes. One of the fines-"

"Is he here? I've been fancying one of his... warehouses. I'm a big believer in face-to-face negotiation." you say, straight-faced.

"Of course, of course! You see that man with the receding hairling over there by the painting of the sailing ship? The blue suit, looking away. Yes, you've got it!"

You give your thanks and the man walks away, no doubt feeling quite pleased with himself.

>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.
>Try to find Céleste. You haven't seen her anywhere.
>Continue wandering.
>Something else?

>>1225257
>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.
Lets not lose him, Celeste can wait

>>1225257
>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.
Let's get this done. Although people will almost certainly associate us with Huyk now.

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>>1225257
>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.


Scribe are you familiar with Sunless Sea and/or Fallen London? Getting those vibes from this in a good way.

>>1225257
>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behalf of the Commandant.

Who is this behald fellow ahaha

>>1225257
>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.

>>1225257
>Try to find Céleste. You haven't seen her anywhere.

>>1225257
>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.
Lets take care of business first

>>1225257
>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.

Is scribe dead?

>>1225414
Please don't be dead, I love this fucking quest

>>1225428
I imagine scribe just fell asleep. Fret not.

>>1225257
>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.

Scribe is eat by amulets
Abandon island

>>Walk over to Mr. Huyk and inquire on behald of the Commandant.

please let us not be involved on court shanenigans, they are making me irk as it is, good thing our character doesn't seem impressed or interested

Agh, shit, I'm really sorry guys. Fell asleep, head on desk. No promises if I run the quest tonight - last session wrecked my opportunity to make up sleep, and I've got a lot of late work to go to this weekend,

>>1224622
Loading is the real problem. I think individual trolleys would be the best solution. Strap them onto a flat bed with a few caster wheels and you can slide them in and out without slowing the process. You'll also be able to use them for prisoner transit.

>>1225622
no problem man, rest and work, we'll be here when you get back....waiting....watching...biding our time, just like the amulet

>>1225622
It happens. Look forward to this returning, but don't burn yourself out to force it. Much like the ineffable entities that lurk in the black depths of the storm-wracked seas, we shall wait.

File: new model guillotine.png (50 KB, 1101x665)

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>>1225669
So, I had an attempt at creating an automated guillotine based on the traditional model.

I'm no engineer, but I thought that streamlining the loading and unloading process would make the whole thing much more efficient. Instead of putting prisoners in and out, I thought you could move them across the platform, like a conveyor belt or a drive-thru.

Any glaring faults with the design?

File: 6262662.png (45 KB, 300x235)

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Being a goddamn Submarine commander would be incredible. No idea what the tech is like for that now, but if the islands above have been picked clean, just imagine what they left below the ocean.

>>1225948
Doesn't take into account the different head, neck, and body length looks like. If the prisoner is of an unusual size it might not cut across the neck and maybe across the top of the head or across the face, both of which would require a different force to cut through fully in one shot. Also, if the release is triggered with contact with the shoulder bars, that implies the bar is at least as wide as the gap and if the prisoner thrashers around, it could make contact and kill them but the misalignment would mean the bar couldn't pass fully through the gap and it would jam up the belt. This is key cause the board the prisoner is strapped on is not secured to the belt, it only rests on top of it

>>1225994
Submarines don't come equipped with diving gear. Actually, they don't come equipped with windows either, so you won't see what is there on the ocean's bottom anyway. If it could even dive this far.

I would be making my own automated guillotine designs if the prospect didn't disturb me as an engineer.

>>1226247
imagine what the aliens will think when they are exploring the ruins of our civilizations and found the design, what would they think?

I think we're all thinking in the wrong direction here. The performance bottleneck of a guillotine is restraining and positioning the prisoner, so that's the part that needs automation, not the head cutting.

>>1225948
>>1226260
>>1226077

This looks like a Republic engineer brainstorming session

>>1226260
Using a ratcheted-strap system with some sort of secondary lever to release tension is about the best we can do and still expect widespread proliferation. Keeping the techlevel in mind, I'm not sure electricity is exactly commonplace yet. Most cities probably still use gaslighting.

>>1226513
The problem lies in getting them into the bindings at first

>>1226077
The reason I chose shoulder restraints rather than a neck brace was to ensure the cut was above shoulder height, as that's where you push the prisoner to before securing them, but you're right - something to keep the neck still would be necessary.

No design can easily take into account wildly different sizes without being adjustable or modular (which you'd have to account for while the machine is running) but you can work to the standard deviations for a normal adult. The only aspect you need to worry about is aligning some portion of the neck at the point where the blade makes contact. Given you've got an average of 3-5 inches of neck to work with and the blade is on runners, so always falls in the same place that shouldn't be too difficult.

As for the securing a flat run for the board, maybe it should fit inside a groove or a channel so it can't slip out of position.

> If the prisoner is of an unusual size it might not cut across the neck and maybe across the top of the head or across the face both of which would require a different force to cut through fully in one shot
True, but there's nothing saying the blade should only exert sufficient force to slice an average neck. If you design it to use significantly more force than that, you'll experience fewer irregularities.

>>1226606
Deliberately infecting prisoners with tetanus and then waiting for their muscles to seize before strapping them down raises total processing time (time from sentencing to head removal) to a bit over a week, on average, but it's the only way to really automate the restraining process.

There really isn't a good way to automate something that has to deal with a nigh-infinite, random set of possible inputs.

>>1226260
My design >>1225948 has the prisoners restrained before they leave the prison. You transport them on boards, which I suppose you could load onto rails in a van to fit more in.

Once they're there and loaded onto the platform, the rest should take care of itself.

The design needs a few tweaks, but I'm convinced it has potential.

>>1226646
>All inmates, report to the mess for your Republic-approved prison shiv.

>>1226646
That is easy to deal with.

Prisoners are stored on metal gurneys or boards as has already been mentioned.

Put a steel plate beneath the feet, strap the knees hips shoulders and arms/waist down to a sliding steel inset attached to the foot plate. Have shoulder braces that curve over the shoulders at the correct height.

The prisoners are loaded in batches onto a conveyor belt. As they near the head removal section a post on the underside of the sliding foot plate is pressed "upwards" by a slanted piece of steel with springs.

The adjustable restrains and foot plate move upwards forcing the prisoner against the shoulder braces.

Since he is unable to bend his legs or move his shoulders or hips, he is positioned correctly.

Once complete a steel hood catches the head with a load thunk, and the body swings to the underside of the conveyor where it is automatically released... probably into a grinder or incinerator.

>>1229109
No no no. That takes away the meaning then. Automated as they are, the guillotines are still meant to signify humanitarian punish of humans, not chattel like how people are supposed to be executed by the not republic state. Going super super automated will undercut the meaning, making the republic seem like those they replaced.

Hmm. In this case the automated part of the guillotine should be the raising of the blade and the act of execution itself, and maybe the unloading. The act of putting the prisoner in the machine should still be manual, by humans, to keep the meaning of the guillotine intact. People need to view it as a fair punishment, not an unjust tyrant to keep it's meaning true to the values of the republic

>>1229444
I think that's the whole point of it being automated, it's gone from a supposedly humanitarian punishment to an efficient mechanical system for executing human waste. The meaning is just a veneer now. To me this says a lot about a culture that still clings to tradition and the pretense of morality while brutally crushing any and all dissent.

Heading off to work now, will be back at 10 PM EST or anytime before then. Quest will be running shortly after I get back!

>>1229444
Integrating the stocks with prisoner restraints will dramatically speed up prisoner turnover.

Rather than locking people into a stock built into the guillotine, have the stock lock into a fixed position under the blade.

Honestly, I prefer the look of >>1224541. Anything with pre-restrained prisoners can be applied to this one just by giving the beds wheels, and having one constantly-revolving succession of begeadings sounds more efficient than trying to get a single input to operate quickly. Think of it like this; every single bed on this design is basically the same as adding another blade to the other. It also seems a touch simpler, which makes sense if these things are to see widespread use in the Republic.

>>1231552
You can't really call that a guillotine though

ITT: Automatic Guillotine Brainstorming & Simulation General

Sorry guys, long stor y short: I work a movie theater, had a couple of multi-person fights tonight and the theater closed early/four cop cars showed up. Crazy night, just got home, I'll get some drawings together and get this quest running!

>>1231821
Damn, the QM curse is real indeed. But also glad for more shipfightin'!

>>1231610
See >>1224294 and >>1224315. That isn't really a problem.

File: Huyk & Associates.jpg (90 KB, 447x491)

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You walk over to Mr. Huyk - Céleste can take care of herself.

"My Huyk-" you begin, extending your hand. The two men on either side of him instantly snap their gaze towards you, hands reaching for the poorly concealed pistols in their belts.

You raise both your hands, giving your best fake smile - you've had good practice tonight, to a dozen well-wishers who managed to recognize you. "Gentlemen - I'm only here from a business partner."

"Ah." Mr Huyk says, nodding to his bodyguards. They ease off from drawing their guns on you, turning their attention back to the crowd.

"Specifically," you say, "A man from Sbvysek is looking to..."

"Say no more. Our friendship is extended - however, do tell him the next shipment will be delayed a few days. Blasphemers torched some of my... drilling investments."

>Very well, sir. [Leave]
>Blasphemers?
>Drilling investments?
>Something else?

>>1231966
>Very well, sir. [Leave]

We don't know. We don't want to know. We're just maintaining a good relationship with someone else.

>>1231966
>Very well, sir. [Leave]
Let's try to keep out of this. The less we know about their business, the better. Let's maybe ask Celeste or the Commandant about that stuff though.

>>1231966
>Very well, sir. [Leave]

>>1231982
I don't know why I suggested the Commandant, I meant Celeste only. At least about the blasphemers. Drilling investments we might be able to figure out on our own.

>>1231966
>Very well, sir. [Leave]
I suspect he isn't the chitchat type.

>>1231966
>Very well, sir. [Leave]

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>>1231980
>>1231982
>>1231988
>>1231997
"Very well, sir," you nod, and quickly leave Mr. Huyk's presence. You're doing a favor for the Commandant, not getting involved in the almost certainly illegal and probably morally repugnant details of Huyk's businesses. One thing's for sure, though - his work isn't limited to owning warehouses.

You wander around for another minute, before finding Céleste. She's talking with another woman - both have those damned ruby amulets.

>Approach them. The conversation seems innocent enough.
>Wander somewhere else. Whatever it is, you want minimal involvement.
>Wait nearby. She's probably asking around for Mr. Huyk... but maybe she's not.
>Something else?

>>1232019

>Approach them. The conversation seems innocent enough.

>>1232019
>Approach them. The conversation seems innocent enough.

>>1232019

>Approach them. The conversation seems innocent enough.

>>1232019
>Wait nearby. She's probably asking around for Mr. Huyk... but maybe she's not.

If she looks over, give her a nod or some other signal that we should talk.

>>1232019
>Wait nearby. She's probably asking around for Mr. Huyk... but maybe she's not.

>>1232019
>Approach them. The conversation seems innocent enough.

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You approach Céleste and her friend. The latter, face hidden by a thick net, takes no chances with your arrival - she ducks away into the crowd.

"Céleste? Who was that?" you ask, tactfully leaving the amulets out of the conversation for the time being.

"Oh, a friend," she says breezily. "I started with Mr. Huyk, but it moved to other things. I just got her name."

"Have you ever met your 'friend' before tonight?"

"I've seen her around," Céleste says, rather quickly. "We've a few things in common."

"Then why'd she run away from me?"

"She's quite shy, doesn't like to talk with... strangers. People who don't share our commonalities."

Like the amulet you think rather suspiciously, but Céleste continues to speak. "Now, Mr. Reynolr, you business is concluded?"

"For now, yes."

"Well, perhaps you would like to follow me to a more secluded location in this Hall - or on top of it. There's nothing for either of us right here anymore."

"And do what, Céleste?"

"A story that has been passed to me, and I have wanted to pass to someone else for some time now. A story of the Kraegsk, and what came before."

File: The Veil Lifted.jpg (47 KB, 383x393)

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>>1232119
"What? What do you know that the Citadel briefings do not?" you ask.

"There's more..." Céleste mumbles, reaching out and taking your hand, placing her amulet in it. You look down into it, slightly annoyed.

The murmur of the crowd fades away. You see something else in your reflection.

"I would hope it makes things... clearer." you distantly hear Céleste's voice.

>Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say.
>Céleste, stop with your games, or explain them in full, right now.
>I'm done with these games. [leave]
>Something else?

>>1232130
>Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say.

(Alright guys, full disclosure that's been in the offing for a while. I started this quest during winter break, thus the decently long and quite late sessions every night - I love this story and I'll gladly cut down on sleep to tell it more. However, I'm a senior in high school and a parent rather objects to my suddenly terrible sleeping habits. Had a bit of an argument in the last twenty minutes, and I may suddenly stop updating tonight - either way, I WILL run a good and long and early session tomorrow to make up for the weekend. I can't maintain the schedule I've had since Trawler Quest's beginning, in either case, and expect earlier starts and a focus on the weekends for running time)

Plus, today's just been a long fucking day for a variety of reasons.

>>1232130
>Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say.

>>1232130
>>Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say.

>>1232139
you're doing better as a QM than a lot of college students, so....

>>1232130
>lets find somewhere more secluded first
then
>>Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say.

>>1232139
I wouldn't care if you posted once a week. This story and world has sucked me in, and I'm loving every second of it.

Do what ya got to do man.

>>1232130
>Céleste, stop with your games, or explain them in full, right now.

>>1232139
Not a problem Scribe, post when you can. Questing's a fun hobby, but I daresay most of us don't expect you to put it ahead of the rest of your life.

>>1232139
You've been doing some fine, fine work. It's an accomplishment that I'd have happily rested on my laurels for authoring. Which I didn't, in high school. You have! Keep every expectation of yourself, but know also that you've amazed a good many someones this past week and a half.

>>1232130
>Céleste, stop with your games, or explain them in full, right now.

>>1232139
I didn't expect you to stay up late on weekdays to run. Don't do this please, it will fuck you up with time. Weekends are fine.

>>1232156
Supporting this.
Really fucking creepy
>>1232139
Thats all dandy man, its a quest worth waiting for

>>1232130
>>Céleste, stop with your games, or explain them in full, right now.

GUYS! IT's THE BRAIN SLUGS AGAIN!

whatever you do DO NOT PUT THAT AMULET ON!!!


Qm is so cleaver by putting a cute girl to deliver the brain slug so we sould accept it smiling

>>1232130
>Céleste, stop with your games, or explain them in full, right now.

> DROP THE AMULET or hand it back to her if we can but if not just drop it.

Dude. Holding it ain't good for us. Also we should give her back the one she gave us.

We don't do "mystery shit messing with our head".

>>1232130
>Alright, I'll listen to what you have to say.

>>1232139
Real life is real life.

Get a twitter so you can announce when you're running and we'll be waiting warmly

>>1232891
Alright, twitter is set up!

https://twitter.com/ScribeQM

>>1233072
Quest will be running starting from 6-7 PM EST tonight!

If you really want to convince them that we love your quest why not show them that fanart of the Brora?

>>1233166
Who's the "them" you're referring to?

>>1233177
The parents.

File: Led.jpg (112 KB, 571x549)

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(5:4 vote - 5 wins, but 4 features heavily in the narrative, as usual.)

"Alright, Miss Chapuis. I'll listen to what you have to say-"

"Good!" she chirps, grabbing your hand and pulling you. Well, guiding is more accurate - you could easily

"Céleste," you say, "you're still playing your damned game."

"Mhm?" she doesn't turn her head to look at you, focusing ahead to slip between the gaps in the crowd.

"Explain to me," you lower your voice, letting anger stain your tone. "You said you would leave the games behind tonight, and here we are with that damned amulet."

"Please, Mr. Meier," Céleste says, nearing the wall of the Hall, "you don't have to worry about me. Some of us truth tellers are quite selfish, yes - power, opportunity, and such - but I am merely captivated with fantastic hope in a hopeless place. I mean absolutely no exploitative or... unworthy intentions with your own quite uncommon attention."

"Céleste, I don't think you understand-" you start to say, when she reaches a door, wrenches it open, and pulls you through.

>>1233797
Sensing some serious red flags redder than her amulet.

Also, welcome back Scribe. Hope you're doing better now. And you might wanna tweet that you're resuming too.

File: Beckoning Up the Stairs.jpg (188 KB, 958x453)

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>>1233797
It's a stairway, musty and unused. The windows are bricked up and a single electric bulb gives a dim light to the room. Looking up, you see the stairs go up to the roof of the Provincial Hall, roughly four or five stories.

Céleste releases you hand and skips up a few steps, whirling around to face you. "As you were saying...?"

"You don't understand. It's all still a game, that I don't understand and that I'm severely unnerved by."

Céleste's smile fades. "I never intended that."

"Maybe it's some grand, amazing secret, but from the outside looking in it looks like light blasphemy at best, subversion at worst. What kind of weapon is that amulet, that it seizes my mind?"

"It lifts a veil," Céleste counters.

"No," you shake your head, "what's the use of too free thinker on the bridge of a ship? Staring, mouth open at the beautiful waves as a Republic headhunter shoots you to pieces? I don't understand what that damned thing does to me and I don't see any veils that need lifting, and that's... that's unacceptable, Céleste."

She stares at you, opening her mouth as if to say something, then closing it. Her face looks conflicted.

"Look," you say, "this is interesting. Seems like I might learn more about what we're fighting for out here. But Céleste, I have the lives of twenty other people in my direct responsibility - the crew of my ship - and countless others in the Kraegsk by my actions. I must be sound of mind when I'm at the helm of the Brora, and that amulet rips that away."

You stare at her, and she stares back. The room is quiet for a minute.

"You know..." she says, voice low at first, "that's why I approached you. You do care about people. You have decency. When I look through the jewel at you Navy officers, I usually see monsters. Ink-black, roiling coils of greed and vice and narcissism. You looked... normal."

She falls silent, but is clearly not done talking. Another minute passes.

"Reynolr," she says with a desperate edge, "I swear to you that there is nothing to fear in this. I want to tell you stories, not warp your mind. There's so much of that... you will not find it here. Please, trust me on this."

She forces a smile back on her face, and reaches out a hand. "Come, mon officier. It'd do us both some good to get a breath of fresh air."

>Alright. [follow her]
>You still haven't explained what the amulet is.
>Why are there so many others with amulets? Is this a damned cult?
>I don't trust you. I already told you what is more important to me. [leave her]
>Something else?

>>1233841
The flags are way up on top of 10ft poles around here m8, shit's weird and that talk of truth tellers stinks of cult, they might be those heretics we often hear about

>>1233879
>>You still haven't explained what the amulet is.
>>Why are there so many others with amulets? Is this a damned cult?

>>1233879
You still haven't told me what this amulet is and why so many people were wearing them

File: trawler quest - automated(...).jpg (781 KB, 3362x2234)

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Comrades, fellow brothers of the Republic, I present to you the construction details of the automated guillotine. Down with the enemies of the Republic!

>>1233879
>>Why are there so many others with amulets? Is this a damned cult?
>>Something else?
"Am I to expect that they are not filled 'greed, vice, and narcissism'?"

That would be a little bit more out there, desu.

>>1233879


>Alright. [follow her]

>>1233907
What's bracing the neck against the force of the blade coming down? Won't it just shear the head off instead of cleanly cutting it?

And I can't believe I'm actually attempting to give my 2 cents on this brand of lunacy.

Waiting a couple of minutes for more potential votes. As always, the quest will ramp up during the next few hours but tonight will hopefully end cleanly, not petering out in the early morning.

>>1233976
The blade's sharpness and the head's inertia.
But I could add a non-moving head rest next to the blade, so that the head would be pushed against it by the blade. With a gap between stretcher and head rest so that the blade can pass through.

>>1233917
This is good too

>>1233879
>You still haven't explained what the amulet is.
>Why are there so many others with amulets? Is this a damned cult?

I'd suggest leaving her, but we need to determine if this is a dangerous cult.

>>1233879
>You still haven't explained what the amulet is.

> Every time you evade answering I trust you less. Do you think I'm stupid? I can tell that you aren't answering me.

>>1233879

>Alright. [follow her]
>You still haven't explained what the amulet is.

>>1233907
Why not just have them wrapped in a vacuum bag? Easy disposal and it holds them in place.

>>1233917
"Hold on," you say. "You still don't tell me of what waits on the roof, or what the amulet is. And what, am I to expect that they are not filled with 'greed, vice, and narcissism?'."

"You..." Céleste's smile disappears. "You still do not trust me?"

"Quite the opposite, Miss Chapuis." you say. "You've given me nothing but words to counter horrible, inexplicable feelings that squirm out of that damned amulet. And - there are so many of them! Is this some kind of cult?"

"...alright. I wish I could've explained this in a better place, but... no. No." she shakes her head. "If you're just going to go to those drug-running bastards in Provincial Security, then there's no point in this. I'm doomed anyway, in that case, but..."

"Every time you evade answering, I trust you less. Do you think I'm flatly stupid? I can tell you're not giving me answers."

She frowns. "That is a... fair point."

>Please, just tell me what the amulets are, and why so many have them. You must understand how fear is overriding my curiosity with how little you've explained to me, and you can solve that right now.
>You're damn right I'm going to whoever passes for police on this island. [leave]
>You're going to tell me everything, or I WILL go to the 'Provincial Security'.
>Something else?

>>1234250

>Please, just tell me what the amulets are, and why so many have them. You must understand how fear is overriding my curiosity with how little you've explained to me, and you can solve that right now.

>>1234250
>You're going to tell me everything, or I WILL go to the 'Provincial Security'.

She's been too evasive. She answers things clearly now.

>>1234250
>>You're going to tell me everything, or I WILL go to the 'Provincial Security'.
I don't like the 'fear' part in the first option, I feel angry.

>>1234250
>Please, just tell me what the amulets are, and why so many have them. You must understand how fear is overriding my curiosity with how little you've explained to me, and you can solve that right now.

>>1234250
>Please, just tell me what the amulets are, and why so many have them. You must understand how fear is overriding my curiosity with how little you've explained to me, and you can solve that right now.

>>1234304
Your feelings closely match Reynolr's, though I suppose the first one is the pride-swallowing 'diplomatic' option.

>>1234250
1st option ( its a pain to copy/paste on my phone)
let's calm her down and listen to her, we can decide what to do later

>>1234250
>Please, just tell me what the amulets are, and why so many have them. You must understand how fear is overriding my curiosity with how little you've explained to me, and you can solve that right now.

She seems a touch frantic now. Either it's indicative of the amulet not being a corrupting influence, or of the vast extent of its affect.

Also, Scribe, don't fret about the schedule thing. This is a good quest, but it isn't worth fucking up your schoolwork, or your relationship with your parents.

>>1234250
> Is a side effect of the amulets being willfully obtuse? Do you think you might be making this more difficult than it has to be, especially if you're resigned to being caught if it doesn't work out anyways?

> Or is there something actually dangerous about the amulet that makes you not have faith in it, that you have to try and lead me down a garden path instead of presenting your case?

>>1234250
>Something else?
If said info brings no harm to anyone or does not land a law-abiding (relatively speaking) citizen of the Citadel in hot water, then it shouldn't be a problem to convey it, no? Otherwise.

>You're going to tell me everything, or I WILL go to the 'Provincial Security'.

>>1234250
>>Please, just tell me what the amulets are, and why so many have them. You must understand how fear is overriding my curiosity with how little you've explained to me, and you can solve that right now.

File: Decision.jpg (17 KB, 179x246)

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Rolled 5 + 3 (1d6 + 3)

"Look, just tell me what the amulets are - and why so many people here have them. You must understand how my fear - and suspicion, and anger, and not knowing is overriding my curiosity given how little you've explained to me."

"Now-"

"Is a side effect of the amulets being willfully obtuse? Do you think you might be making this more difficult than it has to be, especially if you're resigned to being caught if it doesn't work out anyways?"

She does not respond.


"Why would you think you're 'doomed'?" you continue.

You see it - Céleste's face twists into one expression, than another, finally settling on...

>>1234547
aw shit. Don't make her angry. We can recover from this

>>1234414
I think the Obtuse comment set her

>>1234547
This is a fucking Cult and the only solution is a bullet in the head

>>1234594
Look at that amulet. Thats not a cult, thats a fucking parasite

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>>1234547
It settles on a downcast, almost guilty look.

"I don't know... what came over me. Yes. You're right. This was all still a game."

"Now will you explain what the amulets are, and why a quarter of the people in the crowd are wearing them?"

"Yes." Céleste says, her face set rigidly. "Yes, I will."

"Good."

"I apologize. Imagine... if the one thing that gives you hope in this world, was also a secret, and you got to reveal it one day. Yet I wanted to unravel it, make it fun - and you are still a Naval officer. Yes. I will tell you."

>>1234619
Woah

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>>1234579
Namefag.

But I was hoping more to question her about her ffaith in the goodness of the amulet if she had to dick around like this.

>>1234648
We still can, but we have to get the bullshit out of the way. She's spent her life with people who's decisions can be made over hours or even weeks.

She's starting to grasp that our life is not leisurely or fun and games. We hesitate and people die. We make the wrong call and people die.

Fucking aristos. No wonder the Republic beheaded them.

>>1234692
Shes at least getting it.

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>>1234619
"Alright. What's with the amulet?"

"It's a relic of the old Empire-"

"Astaeran?"

"Yes. The gold and the chain is decoration by truth tellers - the jewels, identical, machined. They're found in cases, deep underground... or on skeletons, preserved over the years where everyone else rotted away in the poor weather."

"You're giving me more questions than answers."

"I don't know everything about them," she retorts. "But I do know that the leading theories are that they were either developed as communication devices, or less likely as weapons."

"How?"

"As you've noticed, they do things to your mind - they open it up. You need to focus, though, else you don't get want you want and it affects you in weird ways. I knew what I wanted when I got mine, so I couldn't emphasize with what you were going through."

"Why give one to me?"

"I - quite foolishly - hoped you would figure it out yourself. The jewels, they have a connection to the old Empire, after all these years - some people with access use them as radios, or fortune tellers, or to aid in scrapping... but for the first year, I just stared at the ruins through the jewel, and saw the world for how it was."

You're silent, considering what she said, when Céleste speaks up again.

"That's why I wanted you to come to the roof - to see the ruins. Please, will you come now?"

>Absolutely. This sounds incredible. [head up to the roof]
>Yes, but I have more questions. This whole things sounds fantastical at best, and deceptively dangerous at worst. [head up to the roof].
>No, not yet. Tell me more.
>This all sounds like something I don't want to get involved in. Fare well. [leave]
>Something else?

>>1234804
Reposting the last bit without the fucked formatting.
"I - quite foolishly - hoped you would figure it out yourself. The jewels, they have a [/b]connection[/b] to the old Empire, after all these years - some people with access use them as radios, or fortune tellers, or to aid in scrapping... but for the first year, I just stared at the ruins through the jewel, and saw the world for how it was."

You're silent, considering what she said, when Céleste speaks up again.

"That's why I wanted you to come to the roof - to see the ruins. Please, will you come now?"

>Absolutely. This sounds incredible. [head up to the roof]
>Yes, but I have more questions. This whole things sounds fantastical at best, and deceptively dangerous at worst. [head up to the roof].
>No, not yet. Tell me more.
>This all sounds like something I don't want to get involved in. Fare well. [leave]
>Something else?

>>1234804
>>No, not yet. Tell me more.
Fucking hell why can she nor be cryptic as fuck for once at least

>>1234807
>Absolutely. This sounds incredible. [head up to the roof]
I think that answers most of my questions. It's some kind of medium for psychic interactions, improper use is probably best avoided and very dangerous but she seems confident in this particular use.

>>1234823
Ah fuck, left my trip on, ignore that.

>>1234807
>Yes, but I have more questions. This whole things sounds fantastical at best, and deceptively dangerous at worst. [head up to the roof].

> You're still being evasive. Why won't you tell me what you ssaw and see?

> You know men have been attacked by people who sound suspiciously like they're under the influence of these amulets. Raving about monsters and such. Do you have an answer for that?

>>1234807
>>Absolutely. This sounds incredible. [head up to the roof]

>>1234807
>No, not yet. Tell me more.

What does she know of people that didn't know what they wanted when they wore these.

>>1234807
>Absolutely. This sounds incredible. [head up to the roof]
[Desire to know more intensifies.]

>>1234692
We're nobility as well... we just don't have the luxury of a carefree existence

>>1234807
>Yes, but I have more questions. This whole things sounds fantastical at best, and deceptively dangerous at worst. [head up to the roof].

if we get gud at useing the red neacklace would we be able to find old tech and use it??

>>1234692
Fuck idealists. They're all too happy to die for their ideals, which is fine, but they're usually happier to have some other poor basted die for them - much less compromise them to keep them alive.

>>1234807
>Yes, but I have more questions. This whole things sounds fantastical at best, and deceptively dangerous at worst. [head up to the roof].

>>1234804
>Yes, but I have more questions. This whole things sounds fantastical at best, and deceptively dangerous at worst. [head up to the roof].

>>1234807
>Absolutely. This sounds incredible. [head up to the roof]

>>1234807
>Yes, but I have more questions. This whole things sounds fantastical at best, and deceptively dangerous at worst. [head up to the roof].
>Something else?
"Then how do you see the world through your eyes and through the lens of the jewel?"

I also almost wanna mention to Celeste that walking among the ruins kinda diminishes the grandeur of merely staring into them. That is, unless she's looking into a wider world that we're only limited to via our map, or she's referring to even greater wrecks than we encountered. In which case, I suppose that would be a lot to process.

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"Alright. I have more questions... but this sounds better."

You follow her up the stairs, through an unlocked door to the musty attic, and through a window to the roof. You lean on the parapet with her, the ruins to the north looming in the distance.

"You know," she says, wonder in her voice, "these ruins aren't even what it really was - at the height of the Empire, I mean. All those buildings disappeared, and no one can explain why."

You wait for her to continue.

"Now - if you'd like, just concentrate on the old Empire - on seeing what the past was like - and look through the jewel. The red will fade away and you'll see it all."

>Alright.
>No. What promise do I have that this isn't some blasphemous trick? My tainted soul is worth far more then a picture in a history book, if my fears are realized.
>Something else?

(Note: 'tainted soul' isn't Reynolr being angsty, it's an in-universe term)

>>1235008
>Alright

>>1235008
>Alright.

>>1235008
Calling a pause for 10 to 60 minutes. Signing off on an undetermined number of documents to confirm my admittance into a college.

>>1235008

>Alright.

>>1235008
>alright

>>1235008
> She STILL isn't answering our questions

>>1235029
congrats on acceptance

>>1235029
Drop out and run this full time.

Back, writing and drawing.

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You look into the Northern ruins - quite unimpressive, really. Your Navy eyes are instead drawn to the idling warships, a relatively slim corvette and a hulking giant bristling with battleship-caliber guns.

"Beautiful," you say.

"Mhm?"

"That's a coastal defense ship. They have those back home, in the real Navy bases... a dozen of them, in a line. Extremely robust torpedo belt, excellent AA, and deadly accurate broadsides with a lot of weight, as long as they're not moving... not like they can move fast, anyway."

"It looks quite ugly." Céleste comments.

"Oh, on its own, definitely. But it's power."

"Kind of small to be powerful," Céleste shrugs.

"What?"

"Here, just look through the jewel like I told you - and you'll see. Will you?"

"Alright," you say, taking it, thinking of what could have been of the rusting factories and wharves.