>>1655161
>(Wait for him to speak further)
Gives us more clue to what kind of Curse it is

>>1655183
>(Wait for him to speak further)

"What a fat loser," Donna mutters, but Keith shushes her.

"I was a big shot lawyer back in Japan... Now after that scandal I got my badge revoked and my office cleared out. I've got to run out here like a dog. I thought maybe I could sell those papers I copied to an American... But when I show up with them, he says they're useless and... That... Thing..."

"'That Thing'?" Keith raises an eyebrow. "Woah, you don't mean someone else is running around with Myths?"

The Monster leaps to a standing position and roars at your friend, "You know him? Tell him to give me my body back! Whatever he did, I found myself here!"

"Woah, chill out, dude!" Allan shakes his head. "Wait, how do you know English so well?"

Mr. Bennett comments offhandedly, "Besides the fact that he's probably learned to speak it, the Witching Hour understands words as thoughts, so we hear people as they intend to speak."

"It doesn't matter..." The business-mannequin glares at Keith hungrily. "Maybe I can take one of your bodies... Yes... I'll defeat you and get out of here... Then I can relive my life from youth. Maybe this isn't such a bad fate after all."

Donna is disgusted, and raises her pistol. "You wish, freak!" She turns to you two. "Let's waste this guy and go home!"

Rearing back in an inhuman scream, the Monster warps itself and the air around it as it transforms.
"It's preparing to attack! Get ready!"

---

The resulting Monster takes its form as a twisted, tarnished half of a justice scale, its unbalanced portion swinging wildly around to cause it to be partially balanced but always just a bit off-center.

"I've always found a way to get ahead, even if it means bending the law! Get out of my way!"
>Thumb on the Scales: Monster DEF +1, Party DEF -1

Battle Engaged!
Order: Half-Scale, (You), Donna, Keith, Half-Scale.
Enemy Status: Healthy (1 Enemy)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 plus listed modifier for skill)
>Outwit: Psy, S, M, (+3)
>Mental Vampire: Psy/Hlg, S, L, (+3)
>Boost Attack: Buf, Atk 2
>Fire: Prc, S, M, (+0)
>Melee: Blg, S, M, (+2)
>Seize the Truth: Buf, S, Sha
>Change Myth (Blackbeard, Velveteen Rabbit)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water)
>Flee
><Write-In>

(Slow night.)

>>1655362
>Outwit

Rolled 7, 4 + 2 = 13 (2d10 + 2)

>>1655362
Totally slipped my mind. Hopefully I'm not too late to vote
>Melee

Rolled 4, 10, 7, 5, 1, 9, 2, 3 = 41 (8d10)

>>1655372
As much as I'd like to take this roll, there's no die value associated with it, so I kinda can't.
>>1655432
>Melee
>(7, 4)+2 = 13, +2 from WEAKNESS FOUND, -1 from DEF= 14

Allan grins and prepares to deliver a punch when he sees the scale tilt his way. "If physical damage is what we need..."
>Keith: Melee (L Blg, +5, -1 from DEF, +2 from WEAKNESS FOUND)
"I'm all too happy to oblige!"

"Not the best pick for this fight..." Donna bemoans her position as a fellow dark/light user.
>Ranged/Firearm- Glock 19 (M Prc -1, -1 from DEF, +2 from WEAKNESS FOUND)

"Actually, you'll be resistant to stuff like..."
As if out of nowhere, Price is battered by books, pens, and paperwork produced by the scale.
>Brutal Interrogation: Tec, S, Dwn, TN 12 (16-3-1) (DEF down) targeting Donna
>Death Sentence: Drk, S, Dth, TN 16 (17-3-1+3 Resistance, -3 if Dwned) targeting Donna
"...That! Heads up!"
A giant gavel forms from shadow and attempts to hammer Donna and Cordelia into dust.

(Rolling...)

>>1655475
My bad.

>>1655475
With a mighty swing, you hit the scale and cause it to bounce off-tilt and right into Keith's uppercut.
>You deal 7 damage to Half-Scale!
>Keith deals 7 damage to Half-Scale!
Donna's contribution is not better, but still effective.
>Donna deals 5 damage to Half-Scale!

>Brutal Interrogation MISS
>Death Sentence MISS
Both of the Scale's attacks are completely ineffective, but you can't help but feel nervous that it's got an instant-kill attack at its disposal.

"That was nothing!" Price smirks. "I've gotten worse lectures than that!"

"Don't count on your luck sticking around too much..." Mr. Bennett warns. "Keith is vulnerable to those attacks, and it's probably got more than that."

Order: Half-Scale, (You), Donna, Keith, Half-Scale.
Enemy Status: Mildly Injured (1 Enemy)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 plus listed modifier for skill)
>Outwit: Psy, S, M, (+3)
>Mental Vampire: Psy/Hlg, S, L, (+3)
>Boost Attack: Buf, Atk 2
>Fire: Prc, S, M, (+0)
>Melee: Blg, S, M, (+2)
>Seize the Truth: Buf, S, Sha
>Change Myth (Blackbeard, Velveteen Rabbit)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water)
>Flee
><Write-In>

>>1655515
>Boost Attack
>Order
Have Keith go on the defensive, we don't need him getting knocked down early on. I'm assuming this doesn't need a roll

>>1655540
Neither of those actions takes a roll, no.

>>1655515
Supporting >>1655540

Hey Judge, now might be a good time to ask, do we know the effects our various items will have if we were to use them? Another question is, is this thing one half of a set of scales, or is it a set of scales that is more balanced towards one than the other?

Rolled 10, 10, 5, 9, 4, 8 = 46 (6d10)

>>1655540
>Boost Attack
You have Faust sharpen his claws with intent to really give this Monster what for.
>Keith: Defend Self (+3 DEF rolls, take no other action)
Keith takes a guarding boxing stance and prepares himself to dodge incoming attacks.
>Donna: Ranged/Firearm- Glock 19 (M Prc -1, -1 from DEF, +2 from WEAKNESS FOUND)

"Hey, but I'm better at resisting that Interrogation crap than Donna! So why are you saying I'm 'vulnerable'?"

"I meant the instant-kill attacks- because it's likely plural!"
>Brutal Interrogation: Tec, S, Dwn, TN 17 (16-3+2 RESIST +3 DEF -1 DEF down) targeting Keith
>Life Sentence: Lig, S, Par, TN 12 (15-3-1-2 WEAKNESS +3 DEF, -3 if Dwned) targeting Keith
As a sort of cruel mercy, chains of light surround Keith and attempt to entrap him, rendering him helpless for up to three turns if they are successful.

(Rolling...)

>>1655572
>Hey Judge, now might be a good time to ask, do we know the effects our various items will have if we were to use them? Another question is, is this thing one half of a set of scales, or is it a set of scales that is more balanced towards one than the other?
Yes. Cinnamon Roll heals lightly and clears rage. Mad Bull heals less and clears fear while imposing rage. Breakfast taco heals more than cinnamon roll, and the Holy Water deals Light-affinity damage.
The Half-Scales are as if you cut a scale in half down the middle and took away one side.

>>1655665
>Yes. Cinnamon Roll heals lightly and clears rage. Mad Bull heals less and clears fear while imposing rage. Breakfast taco heals more than cinnamon roll, and the Holy Water deals Light-affinity damage.
Got it, thanks for the info.
>The Half-Scales are as if you cut a scale in half down the middle and took away one side.
Damn, I was wondering if we could try balancing the scale to change the debuff it cast.

>>1655665
>Donna (CRIT) deals 10 damage to the Half-Scales and uses the opportunity to gain an additional attack!
<Bonus Round!>
>Donna: Ranged/Firearm- Glock 19 (M Prc -1, -1 from DEF, +2 from WEAKNESS FOUND)

>Brutal Interrogation MISS
>Life Sentence HIT
Despite his attempts to dodge, the boxer soon finds himself trapped. He struggles against his bindings, but doesn't seem concerned for himself.
"Keep giving that thing hell!"

Order: Half-Scale, (You), Donna, Keith(SEALED), Half-Scale.
Enemy Status: Wounded (1 Enemy)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 plus listed modifier for skill)
>Outwit: Psy, S, M, (+4 (+2 from ATK UP, -1 from enemy DEF))
>Mental Vampire: Psy/Hlg, S, L, (+3 (+2 from ATK UP, -1 from enemy DEF))
>Boost Attack: Buf, Atk 2
>Fire: Prc, S, M, (+1 (+2 from ATK UP, -1 from enemy DEF))
>Melee: Blg, S, M, (+3 (+2 from ATK UP, -1 from enemy DEF))
>Seize the Truth: Buf, S, Sha
>Change Myth (Blackbeard, Velveteen Rabbit, Red Riding Hood)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water)
>Flee
>Activate Freedom Bonus
><Write-In>

Rolled 2, 6 = 8 (2d10)

>>1655694
There was supposed to be bluetext for Bonus Round and a roll in there, so have a Star Spangled Banner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeIyubV-shA

Rolled 9, 8 + 4 = 21 (2d10 + 4)

>>1655665
>>Change Myth (Blackbeard)
>Pirate Blast

>>1655723
Whoops, the modifiers probably wrong.

>>1655704
>Donna deals 13 damage to Half-Scales with the initial attack and follow-up (already accounted for in new condition of Wounded)!
"Stupid brats! You're just like those selfish little shits that put me in this position!"

"Not our fault your cheating ways caught up with you! Maybe now you know how it feels to be on the receiving end!"

"He's on his way out!" Mr. Bennett declares. "Just get him before he can get Keith!"
>>1655723
Noted. It should be +5, but you don't need to reroll.

Rolled 5, 2 = 7 (2d10)

>>1655723
Deciding that one Ruler is best defeated by another, you shift into the snarling pirate captain and open a full broadside onto the enemy.
>>Change Myth (Blackbeard)
>Pirate Blast
>(9, 8)+5 = 22!
>You deal 13 damage to the Half-Scale!
Cannon fire causes the already-unstable scale to flail wildly and even bend in a few places, leaving it nearly a wreck and almost unable to fight any further.

"M-Mercy..." whimpers the scale, but Donna is hearing none of it.

"No," Price snarls as she raises the gun.
>Donna: Ranged/Firearm- Glock 19 (M Prc -1, -1 from DEF, +2 from WEAKNESS FOUND)

(Rolling...)

>>1655809
>Donna deals 3 damage to the Half-Scale.
The Scale is now on the verge of death, despite not being defeated by Donna's semi-accurate shots.

"P-Please..."
The Half-Scale shifts back into its former form, the suit tattered and torn, the wearer going to his hands and knees.
"Don't kill me..."

Amazingly, Keith is still bound, and trying to break free.

>>Negotiation
>Tell us everything you know. Everything.
>Let Keith go first.
>You're not an ordinary Curse, are you?
>You can tell us later. (Capture)
>No dice. (Devour)
><Write-In>

>>1655835
>You're not an ordinary Curse, are you?
>Who were you referring to earlier?
>You can tell us later. (Capture)

Two quick questions, then we capture his ass. I have a feeling that if this takes too long this guy will get Okumura'd.

>>1655885
Supporting.

>>1655885
>>1655906
>You're not an ordinary Curse, are you?
"Curse? I don't know what you're talking about... I'm simply a lawyer..." the Curse begins to cry. "Or I was... All those years wasted... I never even got to marry..."
>Who were you referring to earlier?
"I never knew his name or saw his face. Nobody does. He wears a mask and a voice modulator, and speaks from behind bulletproof glass. Right into your mind. But when he decided my files weren't worth sparing me... He turned into a monster like the one you do..." He points at you specifically. "That first one- the sage, except it held a scythe instead of a book and its teeth and jaws were huge! He was on the other side of the glass in an instant as if he had... stopped time!"
>You can tell us later. (Capture)
You decide his meandering can wait, and move to hold him in the device whose nature you're still not entirely sure of.
A prudent decision, as the second you capture the Curse, the ground at your feet explodes in a nuclear burst, throwing everyone back. Keith, who was just released from his chains, hits the ground hard, as he wasn't expecting it at all.

Pulling himself to his feet, he groans. "Damn... Hey, did you see that?"
He points at a rooftop where a feminine figure peers down at you menacingly before sprinting away at lightning speed. You couldn't get a good look at her face, but her body was covered in black clothing and her eyes glowed blue.
Allan demands more answers. "Mr. Bennett, who was that?"

Mr. Bennett is alarmed at this. "...I can't sense anyone nearby besides you three- not good news. I'm getting the van over to you- these three are cleaning up on their end, stay put."

"Why does all the weird shit happen to us?" Donna asks, as you wait for the van to arrive.

---

Bennett picks you up first, and takes a minute to sweep the area with Merlin. "Not a trace." He seems as frustrated as you all are, if not more so. "I have one job and suddenly everyone and their mother figured out how to jam me?"

Donna doesn't seem ready to consider this any further. "Whatever. Let's go home. How much for this?"

"100 dollars for each of you." He starts up the engine and begins to drive towards the others. "The others seem to be doing well, or at least okay. We'll head back once we picked them up."

>>On the Drive There
>You said there were some people who can jam you before. Who are they?
>Tell him about the strange woman
>These two Ruler Curses seem like regular people, not monsters.
>Do you have any place to store Curses yourself?
>Tell me what Sofia is thinking right now?
><Write-In>

>>1656007
>Tell me what Sofia is thinking right now?
>These two Ruler Curses seem like regular people, not monsters.

Gotta keep up the bantz

>>1656007
>These two Ruler Curses seem like regular people, not monsters.
>Do you have any place to store Curses yourself?

>>1656032
>>1656049
>Tell me what Sofia is thinking right now?
"A romantic date for two. In front of a woodchipper."
>These two Ruler Curses seem like regular people, not monsters.
He ponders this for a bit, tapping his finger on the steering wheel. "Not all the feelings people repress are completely monstrous. Sometimes they include regrets about themselves or their insecurities and self-hatred. However..." He looks in the rear-view mirror. "All from the same person? I need to review recent deaths. Sounds like that guy's regrets and suppressed rage simply took form here at the moment of his murder... Assuming the description was correct."
>Do you have any place to store Curses yourself?
"I do, a small archive. It's just a cabinet filled with the capturers, really. I'm not allowed to keep more than fifty at a time due to international secret treaties preventing stockpiling the things. Apparently weaponizing them is something no secret organization wants to deal with the fallout of."

Soon, he pulls up to the location where the others are in a group. David looks extremely nervous about the presence of the two girls, and the three step in silently. Five minutes of waiting for the explanation of David's previously mentioned gaffe concludes with:
"Socks and sandals, David? Really?" Sofia gives him her ever-judgemental glare. "I thought you would know better."

"They're comfy," the short boy defends himself. "Besides, it's not like I wear them in public."

Ruth agrees with Sofia. "Just invest in some slippers."

As Evelake tries to come up with an argument, Sofia asks you, "Do you mind speaking with me after we return? I wanted to ask you a question."

>>I wanted to ask you a question.
>Sure.
>I need to get to bed.
>Actually, I had some questions I wanted to ask you.
>This isn't to do with fashion, is it?
>Let me get my Oreo fix first, then we'll talk.
>My stereo is missing a lightbulb.
><Write-In>

>>1656096
>This isn't to do with fashion, is it?

>>1656096
>My stereo is missing a lightbulb.

>>1656101
>>1656107
>This isn't to do with fashion, is it?
Carrollo rolls her eyes. "No, it's about something different."

"Spill!" Donna hoots.

"If I wanted everyone to know, I would have asked in public," Sofia frowns and smooths out her uniform.

"And of course we all know what that means..." Keith teases, waving his hands in the air.

David is at a loss as to what he's supposed to pick up on. "We do?"

"You're all such children," Sofia mutters, crossing her arms.

"Please, continue preaching to the choir," Bennett laughs from the front.

>My stereo is missing a lightbulb.

"What?" Ruth asks in alarm before you collapse asleep in your seat.

"And he's out like a light. Keith, drag him out of the car when we get back."

---

You dream of a laser tag arena where you and all of your friends except David are playing against an ever-growing horde of laser tag robots all wearing Evelake's face.


We'll continue tomorrow at 9PM when Solomon wakes up.

>>1656126
Thanks for running tonight. Looking forward to what happens next.

EARLY MORNING Monday, August 27th (Weather: Rain. Forecast for tomorrow: Moderately Cloudy.)
You wake up drowsy, but quickly shake yourself awake. The sound of rain on the windows makes you feel warm inside.
(You get +1 to all rolls today!)
>>Blue Day Schedule:
>English
>Math
>Computer Studies
>Science (Chemistry)

There's still a little time before school, and you seem to have gotten a text from Sofia last night. Quickly changing, you prepare yourself for the day.

>>Morning Business
>Read Sofia's text
>Meet up with someone before school
>Take some time in the morning to buy something from a school store
>Buy a snack/drink from one of the vending machines
>Try to get to breakfast early and see if they have anything special today
>Check Anonymouse
><Write-In>

Oh bother.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNJBhfJBdtY

>>1657915
>Read Sofia's text
>Try to get breakfast early

>>1657918
Second

>>1657918
Support.

I may be blind, but I can't actually see what was wrong with the first post.

>>1657924
He forgot his trip like a nerd

>>1657918
>>1657921
>>1657924
Out in force tonight.
Writing...
>I may be blind, but I can't actually see what was wrong with the first post.
No trip because I, too am blind. I am still able to post, however, due to knowledge of an ancient Texan secret.

>>1657926
kek

>>1657918
>>1657921
>>1657924
You head to breakfast and find that they're making apple turnovers. Sweet, filling, delicious. A bit fattening if you eat a lot, sure, but so are most other pastries.
>Got Apple Turnover (Hlg, S, L, Clr(Des))
Taking one, you decide to check on Sofia's text.

>SOFIA: Since you decided to unceremoniously crash just as I was about to ask you a question for reasons I can only assume are related to your massive ego, I have
>SOFIA: decided to text you.
>SOFIA: I assume you will reply at some point.
>SOFIA: I want to know: Why did you assign me as the secondary leader?

>>Why did you assign Sofia as the secondary leader?
>Because I trust you.
>Because I thought it would be funny.
>Because you're the only other person in the group that can handle the responsibility.
>Let's meet up after school to talk. My treat.
>...Are you kidding? If it were anyone else the three of you would be dead.
><Write-In>

>>1657959
>Because I trust you.
>Because you're the only other person in the group that can handle the responsibility.
>We need to be prepared if I'm ever out of commission or we got separated. Having a second in command makes it easier for all of us

>>1657959
>Because you're the only other person in the group that can handle the responsibility.
>Let's meet up after school to talk. My treat.

>>1657959
>Because I trust you.
>Because you're the only other person in the group that can handle the responsibility.

>>1657959
>Because I trust you.
>Because you're the only other person in the group that can handle the responsibility.

>>1657961
>>1657963
>>1657995
>>1658004
>SOLOMON: Because I trust you.
>SOLOMON: Because you're the only other person in the group that can handle the responsibility.
You note that she sees the message almost as soon as you send it. Someone's
>SOFIA: I guess I'm glad you have such a high opinion of me.
>SOLOMON: We need to be prepared if I'm ever out of commission or we got separated.
>SOLOMON: Having a second in command makes it easier for all of us.
>SOFIA: I'm sure we would be fine.
>SOFIA: Actually, maybe you're right.
>SOLOMON: Let's meet up after school to talk. My treat.
>SOFIA: I suppose I could do that. I know a coffee shop where we can discuss how to handle leadership from now on.
>SOFIA: But we're not on a date. I feel the need to inform you of this based on our last meeting.
Definitely not.

---
In English class, you're glad you brought your Grapes of Wrath, because the teacher decides to drone on about it for the ENTIRETY of the lesson and gives everyone who didn't bring it a point penalty.
At least the scene with the turtle is pretty neat.
(Your Knowledge has increased slightly!)

Math class passes in a blur, leaving you in Computer Studies with Mr. Bennett.
He introduces the class to different file types and how they're used in computing, as well as some basic SQL queries.
After you spend some time working with an example SQL table, you have a little free time to spend on your own projects.

>>Computer Studies Development (Roll 2d10+2)
>Continue trying to bypass the school security (DC 15)
>Continue working on your study tool (DC 13)
>Work on something else <Write-In>
>See if you can find a way to contact someone else using hidden programs/commands
>Slack off using the computer
>Talk to Mr. Bennett about something else
><Write-In>

Rolled 1, 1 + 2 = 4 (2d10 + 2)

>>1658037
>Continue working on your study tool

Rolled 10, 10 + 2 = 22 (2d10 + 2)

>>1658037
>Continue working on your study tool (DC 13)
Maybe don't do the security bypass where Benett can see us

File: septic.jpg (13 KB, 239x246)

13 KB JPG

>>1658042
What the fuck

>>1658037
>>1658042
Modifiers prevents crit fails right?

File: 1497151956777.jpg (201 KB, 1200x2000)

201 KB JPG

>>1658037
Should be "Someone's a bit eager for attention."
BRB, resetting my brain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2oKRKZnEoA
>>1658042
>>1658043
What the hell is going on.

File: image.jpg (89 KB, 640x640)

89 KB JPG

>>1658049
Pic related happened Judge

Rolled 6, 10 + 2 = 18 (2d10 + 2)

>>1658037

>>1658042
>>1658043
>>1658074
3 is closer to 7 than 2. I also forgot the rain +1 modifier. Since the 18 total, which was even closer than the other two, also succeeded greatly, this should work out.
Everything seems to be working perfectly, and you've gotten further on this than you've ever before.
You feel like all you need to do is fill it in with information and you'll be able to study for your tests at +1.
>(6, 10) +2 +1 RAIN BONUS = 19 (SUCCESS)

Just as soon as you've finished saving your changes to the computer, the power goes out, taking down the computer lab.
"Shit," Bennett mutters, then realizes high-schoolers heard him and cleared his throat. "I mean, we have a backup generator that should come online soon enough for basic utilities. Since you all were working in an environment that autosaves, you shouldn't lose too much work. But I think class will be over by then."
You soon move onto your next class, feeling quite accomplished with yourself.
(Your Proficiency has increased moderately!)

---

After school, you meet up with Sofia, at the coffee shop she requested you talk to her at. She's already ordered when you get there.
"Hello, Solomon," she nods. "What do you usually drink?"

The barista soon hands Carrollo an Americano, and secondary leader motions for you to sit down nearby while you wait on your order.
"So you wanted to talk about leadership in our little group?" Carrolo sips at her drink. "I didn't seem to have any problem keeping David and Ruth organized. How did the other two do?"

>>Coffee Shop Chat
>I usually just have Pike's Place.
>I drink tea, not coffee.
>Quadruple expresso.
>What, no Pumpkin Spice Latte?
>Donna and Keith did fine.
>Only six counts of property destruction.
>You seemed to want to group with me before. Were you not expecting to be picked as a backup leader?
><Write-In>

>>1658115
>Can't go wrong with a black coffee.
>Donna and Keith did fine.
>You seemed to want to group with me before. Were you not expecting to be picked as a backup leader?

>>1658115
>I drink tea, not coffee. Coffee just so I can stay awake.
>Donna and Keith did fine. (Surprisingly)

>>1658115
>Can't go wrong with a black coffee.
>Donna and Keith did fine, even if they do get along like cats and dogs.
>You seemed to want to group with me before. Were you not expecting to be picked as a backup leader?

>>1658115
>I drink tea, not coffee. Coffee just so I can stay awake.
>Donna and Keith did fine. (Surprisingly)

>>1658121
>>1658125
>>1658153
>>1658157

Let's compromise.
>Can't go wrong with a black coffee. I generally drink tea, though. Coffee is mostly for staying awake.
She shrugs. "I've never liked it too bitter."

>Donna and Keith did fine. Surprisingly, given they get along like cats and dogs.
"Reminds me of someone else I know," she mutters. "I suppose our group is just filled with very lively people."

>You seemed to want to group with me before. Were you not expecting to be picked as a backup leader?
She catches herself halfway through a sip to reply. "Well, I was just sort of expecting you'd pick someone like Keith or David. You seem to have a better rapport with Evelake in particular."

Sofia puts down her coffee. "I suppose I wanted to get to know you better. After all, we've gotten off on a very awkward footing, and if we're going to fight side by side we need to trust each other." Carrollo sighs a bit. "I'm a bit relieved you picked me, honestly. Responsibility comes naturally to me, and I guess I'd feel a bit nervous if I was taking orders from someone I didn't trust to make tactical decisions." She stares at her coffee. "Keith and David both have their own merits, certainly but Keith is too hot-blooded and David is still naive."

>>I'd feel a bit nervous if I was taking orders from someone I didn't trust to make tactical decisions.
>Does that mean you trust me?
>I think you need to put your trust in them, too.
>When you say responsibility comes to you naturally, what do you mean?
>I asked you to help instead of doing it all myself, maybe you need to do the same.
>Relax, it's not that big of a deal. We all cover for each other.
>Want to make this coffee a regular thing?
><Write-In>

>>1658174
>I think you need to put your trust in them, too. Can't do everything by yourself
>I asked you to help instead of doing it all myself, maybe you need to do the same.

>>1658174
>When you say responsibility comes to you naturally, what do you mean?

>>1658174
>I think you need to put your trust in them, too.
>Want to make this coffee a regular thing? E-explicitly for leadership discussions, of course.

>>1658181
>>1658195
>I think you need to put your trust in them, too. Can't do everything by yourself
>I asked you to help instead of doing it all myself, maybe you need to do the same.

Sofia looks a bit guilty. "I guess I'm just not that good at relying on others. I'm sort of used to the other way around."
>When you say responsibility comes to you naturally, what do you mean?

Carrollo looks around to see that no-one's listening before confiding in you, "My mother died when I was younger. My father thought about getting a maid or even remarrying, because his work was intense enough that he had difficulty keeping house and he didn't want me to grow up without a mother, but I did everything I could to try and be self-sufficient."

She does seem a bit bitter, but not because of her father. "All the women that tried to become my stepmother were nice to him but rude to me, so he never remarried. Perhaps he'll choose to do so once I graduate, so they won't be so concerned about raising another woman's child."

>Want to make this coffee a regular thing? Explicitly for leadership discussions, of course.
She nods. "Sure, so long as you keep your hands to yourself," she states a little jokingly, and a smile pops onto her face.

Sofia's trust in you is apparent. You feel the bond between you two tighten.
((Your bond with the Caregiver increased to Rank 2!)
(Sofia can now aid you during Negotiation!)
(As a secondary leader, Sofia will recover additional collectables, Curses, and equipment in the future!)

Carrollo looks out into the rain and finishes her coffee. Perhaps she's thinking about her mother.

>>Afternoon
>"Let's go back to Olympia."
>"Let's head somewhere else before heading back." <Write-In>
>"Feeling a bit nostalgic?"
>"You need to think about your own happiness, too."
>"Why didn't your father come with you to Crescent City? You have a house here, right?"
>"How are those socks coming along?"
><Write-In>

>>1658252
>"How are those socks coming along?"
Best we don't pry yet

>>1658183
ACK NIEN
This post too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UUYjd2rjsE

>>1658252
>"Let's go back to Olympia."
>"How are those socks coming along?"

>>1658256
>>1658267
>"Let's go back to Olympia."
Sofia nods. "Sure."
>$224.50 - 4.50 = $220.00
As you head back to the school under separate umbrellas, you ask,
>"How are those socks coming along?"
She frowns. "One sock is done, but I can't seem to find the right material I'm looking for for the other. It's a specific type of white yarn I bought back in New York but haven't seen in stores yet. To make matters worse, I don't remember the brand, so if I made it with other yarn, I wouldn't know if it was the right type until I had finished, and if I guessed wrong, they would be a mismatch."

Back at Olympia, there's a huge heating fan blowing in the recreation room, that everyone seems to be huddling around.
"Figures it would blow out the air conditioning," Donna whines, with three blankets covering her and doubling her size. "God, I hate lightning."

"Gonna be muddy out there tomorrow," Keith shrugs, simply in a jacket. "Count on Texas weather to never ever be consistent."

"At least the Home Ec teacher has been letting people cook s'mores in her classroom," Ruth giggles. "David looked like a little kid on Christmas morning."

"Man, he doesn't even eat them, he just likes to make them," Keith shakes his head. "So how are you all doing?"

>>Afternoon
>Sofia: "I don't mind if they're mismatched."
>Go make some s'mores.
>Huddle in front of the heating fan with the others.
>Keith: "The coffee was fine."
>Donna: "It's not all bad."
>Talk to <Write-In>
>Ruth: "What all is still online?"
>Head back to your room
><Write-In>

>>1658311
>Sofia: "I don't mind if they're mismatched."
>Huddle in front of the heating fan with the others.

>>1658311
>Huddle in front of the heating fan with the others.
>Donna: "It's not all bad."
>Ruth: "What all is still online?"

>>1658311
>Huddle in front of the heating fan with the others.
>Sofia: "I don't mind if they're mismatched."
>Donna: "It's not all bad."

>>1658317
>>1658321
>>1658349
>Sofia: "I don't mind if they're mismatched."
"Well, I do." She almost seems offended on your behalf. "I don't know why you would want a subpar product." It seems her sense of perfectionism extends to everything.
>Huddle in front of the heating fan with the others.

>Donna: "It's not all bad."
You sit next to her, with Keith on the other side, everyone leaning against one of the couches. She seems to agree just a little bit, smiling despite her shivering. "I guess not, with everyone here. We can all suffer together."
(You feel your relationship with Donna has improved.)
Sofia sits down next to you, brushing her skirt to get out the folds.

>Ruth: "What all is still online?"
"Most of it, really." She looks around. "Mr. Bennett said he was going to fix the heating as soon as he could. Apparently it runs on an automatic system and one of the control units got knocked out by the blackout."

A few minutes later, after a few more bolts, the heating indeed comes back on, to the delight of everyone present, especially Price. "Sweet, sweet warm air!" she groans. "Now I don't have to worry about freezing in the night."

Ruth notes David approach and sit down somberly nearby. "What's wrong?" She's a bit concerned.

"Oh, nothing. They just ran out of marshmallows." Evelake twiddles his thumbs. "And Walt looked a little... fried?... when he came back from fixing the heat. He's in his office, drinking cola out of his flask."

"I don't think it's cola in the flask," Keith gives him a disbelieving look.

David shrugs. "Well, that's what he said was in it."

"He probably puts in other things," Sofia not-quite-lies.

It starts getting late, and most people go to their rooms, yourself included.

>>Your room
>Review your equipment
>Try to sneak out to speak to someone
>Try to bypass the security
>Play a computer game
>Fall asleep (Return to the Laboratory)
>Fall asleep (Go to the next day)
>Read something online
>Study proactively
>Browse the image board Anonymouse
><Write-In>

>>1658371
>Try to bypass the security

>>1658371
>Try to bypass the security

>>1658371
>Try to bypass the security

>>1658376
>>1658378
>>1658386
>Try to bypass the security
The ayes have it.
You stare at your computer and determine that now is the time to bust through Mr. Bennett's defenses, while he's tired and dealing with the blackout.

I need 2d10+3 for a Proficiency roll.
You can also choose to activate the FREEDOM bonus for a one-time +4 bonus to a roll involving being FREE (in this case, from the security).
>Activate Freedom Bonus
>Save it for later.

Rolled 10, 7 + 7 = 24 (2d10 + 7)

>>1658397
>ACTIVATE!!!!!!!!!
UNLIMITED POWER!!!!!!!!!FFFFFFRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Eagle Screech*

Rolled 6, 7 + 7 = 20 (2d10 + 7)

>>1658397
>Activate American Mode

File: Exquisite.jpg (41 KB, 500x409)

41 KB JPG

Rolled 7, 3 + 3 = 13 (2d10 + 3)

>>1658397
Rolling
>>1658401
>>1658423

File: Freedom Bitch.jpg (248 KB, 1600x630)

248 KB JPG

>>1658401
>>1658423
>>1658427
>(SUCCESS)
You tear through Bennett's weakened security system after realizing that the way to get past his outdated reference is to put the address of the website you're trying to reach and add '&PLEASE' to the end.
After you create a proper tunnel to your computer back in New York, you use the tunnel to view the syystem from the 'outside', find the hidden redirect daemon that stopped you before, and replace the embedded video with a much better one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1mlCPMYtPk
You also turn off the hidden switch that turns your computer off and prevents revival during 'down' hours.
(As of now, you are able to use your computer after hours!)
Now that you have your internet freedom, what are you going to do with it?

>>FREEDOM!
>Starcraft marathon time
>Read something online
>Send an e-mail to <Write-In>
>Browse the image board Anonymouse
>Study proactively
>Fall asleep (Return to the Laboratory)
>Fall asleep (Go to the next day)
><Write-In>

OOC: Last vote of the night! Be back tomorrow, same time, hopefully. Needed to find an America-sized image for this post.

>>1658447
>system
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg42LpRor2E

>>1658447
Uh. I don't know didn't think we'd made it this far.
>Study proactively
I guess

>>1658447
>Read something online
History of the school and news coverage of the time. We should learn what caused the school to shut down, or at least what the cover up is.
>>1658449
Nice music selection.
>>1658450
Gotta think big man.

>>1658447
>>Read something online

>>1658452
I guess you're right.
>Read something online
History of the school and news coverage of the time. We should learn what caused the school to shut down, or at least what the cover up is.
Time to search for the truth

>>1658452
>>1658455
>>1658456
When you type in 'Olympia Academy 1980s', the search engine redirects you to 'Olympia Academy Incident, 1983-1984'.
The image on the front page of the search alarms you. Three young men in mug shot photos. The one on the center... Is Principal Brown, age 16.

---
And we continue tomorrow. Don't you just love cliffhangers?
I'll stick around to answer some questions.

>>1658472
Principal Brown's first name is surprisingly ordinary, "Timothy." Beside him in the grainy photos are two slightly older former students- a Petrus Orosco, who looks like he would be a nice guy to talk to if he weren't forcing a smile for his photo, and one Charles Clover, a blonde, thin-looking boy leaning on crutches and glowering at the camera. It seems this is Richard Clover's vanished son, based on the article.

>These three boys were the ringleaders in a group of unknown size, consisting of various students of Olympia recruited for what was called 'The Dig'. Timothy had discovered a pattern in a series of unknown tremors bothering the school, assumed to be on part of the local railway until further investigation was prompted by the student's activities. After convincing others of his findings, he had attempted to locate the source of the tremors, which he believed were under the school.
>After three months of digging at a concealed location on school property, the true nature of the shaking was finally discovered- an abandoned United States government laboratory, previously assumed to be destroyed, underneath the school. It took another six months for the nature of The Dig to be revealed to the common public, as the students involved would often use the hidden laboratory, which still received electricity due to an oversight, as a 'hideout'.
>All charges against the offending students were eventually dropped for unknown reasons, and the construction company that had been given the responsibility of the construction was sued for breach of contract. The assumed cause of the tremors was shifting foundations due to the laboratory's insufficient ability to support the school above it. After Olympia was closed indefinitely in 1986 to remove the equipment and fill in the foundation, it was re-opened in 2004.

Well, that's certainly odd. There are some related links.

>>Olympia Incident Related Links
>Olympia High School (Crescent City)
>Charles Clover and Agatha Milani (Missing Person Case)
>US Government Conspiracy Theories
>Tartarus (Greek Mythology)

>Look for something else
>Log off for the night
><Write-In>
JUST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKG0SqhSJic

>>1659945
>Olympia High School (Crescent City)
>Charles Clover and Agatha Milani (Missing Person Case)

>>1659945
>>Olympia High School (Crescent City)
>>Charles Clover and Agatha Milani (Missing Person Case)
>>Tartarus (Greek Mythology)
>>US Government Conspiracy Theories

>>1659949
>>1660024
>>1659949

>Olympia High School (Crescent City)
>Founded in 1952 with the school motto "Ut Aquila Versus Coelum", Olympia Academy has benefited from the esteem and funding of the United States government and several major entrepreneurs and companies. It is known for producing students that are above-average in more than one field.
>Ninety percent of students that complete all four years at Olympia Academy have achieved a college-level degree later in life, and twenty-three percent of students achieve doctorates. Some studies (citation needed) attribute this to nepotism on part of previous Olympia graduates.

>Charles Clover and Agatha Milani (Missing Person Case)
>In 1994, after achieving his doctorate in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, Charles Clover vanished without a trace from Crescent City, after speaking to Agatha Milani on an unknown topic.
>Agatha herself was a student in psychiatry at the time, and mother of a four-year-old boy, Aurelius Milani, who was assumed to be the child of one of her father's associates. In the past, Agatha and Charles had been romantically involved, but her father Sostrato objected.
>Soon afterwards, Agatha took her final year of studies abroad in Japan, before vanishing as well with her son once her degree had been completed.
>Before, Robert Clover had accused Sostrato of causing his son's disappearance, but after this second vanishment, the Milani family attempted to reverse this, citing Clover attempted to have Agatha killed as revenge for an uncommitted crime.
>Neither they nor Aurelius have ever been located.

>Tartarus (Greek Mythology)
>In Greek mythology, Tartarus is both a deity and a place in the underworld. In ancient Orphic sources and in the mystery schools, Tartarus is also the unbounded first-existing entity from which the Light and the cosmos are born.
>In the Greek poet Hesiod's Theogony, c. 700 BC, Tartarus was the third of the primordial deities, following after Chaos and Gaia (Earth), and preceding Eros, and was the father, by Gaia, of the monster Typhon.

>US Government Conspiracies
Too many to list. Moon Landing Hoax, Mind Control, psychic phenomena, mystic dabbling, snake people...
You feel your head hurt just thinking about this, and feel as though you want to look at something else or go to sleep.

>>Something else.
>Starcraft Marathon!
>Send an e-mail to <Write-In>
>Browse the image board Anonymouse
>Study proactively
>Fall asleep (Return to the Laboratory)
>Fall asleep (Go to the next day)
><Write-In>

>>1660103
>Study proactively

>>1660103
>Study proactively

>>1660103
>>Starcraft Marathon!

>>1660103
>Study proactively

>>1660122

>>1660119
>>1660121
>>1660123
>Study proactively

You read a bit further into Grapes of Wrath and find that it takes a lot of time to illustrate man's inhumanity to man. Basically, the family's lives suck and continue to suck the further you read. Also, the guy with the initials JC is, unsurprisingly, a Christ figure (and doubles as the author's mouthpiece, apparently).
He makes some good points, but you can't help but feel the author could have been a little more subtle with his intent.

(Your Knowledge has improved slightly!)
After a while, you get too tired to keep reading and go to bed.

-=<(DAMOCLES)>=-
You dream of holding an umbrella in the rain, Ruth's arms around you and her face in your chest. She's crying, apologizing for something.
The street is otherwise empty, except for an elderly man walking off in the distance.
-=<(FOR WHOM THE SWORD HANGS)>=-

EARLY MORNING Tuesday, August 28th (Weather: Moderately Cloudy. Forecast for tomorrow: Sunny.)
>>Gold Day Schedule:
>Social Studies
>Home Economics
>Theater
>Baseball

>>Morning Business
>Meet up with someone before school
>Take some time in the morning to buy something from a school store
>Buy a snack/drink from one of the vending machines
>Try to get to breakfast early and see if they have anything special today
>Check Anonymouse
><Write-In>

>>1660199
>Try to get to breakfast early and see if they have anything special today

>>1660199
>Meet up with someone before school
Let's see if Ruth wants to chat for a bit.

>>1660207
Support

>>1660203

>>1660207
>>1660228
>Meet up with someone before school (Ruth)
You find Florez in the dining hall, considering something on her phone. She puts it away when she sees you, smiling.
"Oh, Solomon. What did you want to talk about?"
Ruth seems surprised that you want to speak to her this early. "Did something happen?"

>>Did something happen?
>Nah, nothing.
>Weird dreams. You know anything about interpreting them?
>Rain.
>Cards tell you anything?
>How's Donna? You two seem to talk a lot.
><Write-In>

>>1660258
>Cards tell you anything?
>How prophetic can a dream be?

>>1660258
>>Cards tell you anything?
>>How prophetic can a dream be?

>>1660258
>>Weird dreams. You know anything about interpreting them?
>How's Donna? You two seem to talk a lot.

>>1660258
>Cards tell you anything?
>Weird dreams. You know anything about interpreting them?

>>1660265
>>1660267
>>1660268
>>1660272
>Cards tell you anything?
She shakes her head. "Sorry. It's not a regular thing, sadly."
>How prophetic can a dream be?
She thinks to herself and bites her thumb. "I've heard some people predict the future using them. Given our current situation, it might not be too far from the truth."
>You know anything about interpreting them?
Perking up, she scours her mind for possible answers. "Maybe. What did you see?"

>>What did you see?
>You were in my dream.
>You were crying, and apologizing for something.
>There was a girl crying and apologizing for something.
>It was raining.
>There was an old man with an umbrella walking away.
>I was in Hawaii and everyone else was playing in a swing band.
><Write-In>

>>1660285
>>You were in my dream.
>>You were crying, and apologizing for something.
>>It was raining.
>>There was an old man with an umbrella walking away.

>>1660285
>It was raining.
>There was a girl crying and apologizing for something.
>There was an old man with an umbrella walking away.

>>1660285
>There was a girl crying and apologizing for something.
>It was raining.

>>1660285

>I was in Hawaii and everyone else was playing in a swing band.

>>1660290
>>1660297
>>1660290
>>1660293
>It was raining.
"Well, rain can mean sadness, but it can also mean cleanliness and renewal, especially if the rain pours on you directly."
>There was a girl crying and apologizing for something.
"Probably sadness, then. Usually, a woman crying is bad luck. The fact that she's apologizing to you means that she's probably done something to hurt you or herself and didn't mean it. Since you were under the umbrella with her and you're holding it, she's probably looking to you for support."
>There was an old man with an umbrella walking away.
"Hm. An umbrella is protection, and he's walking away? He's probably associated with the girl, and if he's under his own umbrella, her suffering is not carried over to him. If he's responsible, it's possible he gets away scott-free with whatever he did. He might be her father or someone who hurt her."
She seems a little concerned. "Don't take this too seriously, I might be completely off."

>>I might be completely off.
>I think you're right.
>Yeah, I dunno.
>Well, time to get to class.
>My umbrella's always open if you need it.
>That girl was you. I think the old man is the Phantom.
><Write-In>

>>1660332
>>I think you're right.
>>Well, time to get to class.

>>1660332
>Thanks I'll keep it in mind
>Well, time to get to class.

>>1660332
>I think you're right.
>My umbrella's always open if you need it.
>Well, time to get to class.

>>1660337
>>1660339
>>1660352
>>I think you're right.
>>Well, time to get to class.
"Sure. No problem," she smiles. "See you in Theater."
Before you walk away, you add,
>My umbrella's always open if you need it.
Florez giggles a bit. "I'll keep that in mind if I ever get caught in the rain."
(You feel like your relationship with Ruth will advance soon.)
Social Studies passes without anything interesting happening, but you feel like your previous study time has paid off, because you can easily answer the teachers questions. With a little more study time, you should be more than prepared by the time an exam rolls around.

In Home Economics, Sofia gives you a warm nod when she sees you, a change in pace from her usual sourness. David is as eager as he is incompetent at cooking, but he's an expert at balancing a budget, putting everything together before most people have written anything down. Guess he put all his points in math.
(Your Proficiency has improved slightly!)

Theater rolls around, and Donna is as much of a wallflower as ever. "Hiya."

Ruth steps in soon afterwards, and she questions Donna on something. "I've been wondering. You don't like performing, but you still chose Theater. Why?"

Price kicks her feet, which hang just above the ground due to her tiny stature. "Intellectual curiosity. I like it in theory. I like watching theater, I guess."

Florez steps up and challenges Donna. "Come on, I think you'll enjoy it more on the stage."

Donna seems hesitant.

>>I think you'll enjoy it more on the stage.
>If you don't practice, you won't be able to perform.
>Let her enjoy it at her own pace.
>Did you want to do props, then?
>Don't you want to play Antigone?
><Write-In>

>>1660441
>Don't you want to play Antigone?
>There are other ways to contribute maybe you can help promote the play?

>>1660441
>Did you want to do props, then?
I did tech, any and all questions can be directed to me.

>>1660444
Oh, I like that idea. Support.

>>1660444
>>1660472
OOC: Firefox has been bitching at me all night, posting from Chrome ATM because FF froze up and ate my post in the process.

>Don't you want to play Antigone?
Price deeply considers this. "Well, maybe not that badly. I do like the character, though."
>Did you want to do props, then?
"Yeah, but I'd like to do more than just that."

"Picky, picky." Ruth chides, prompting a sour look from Donna.

"Well excuse me for being particular about what I like!"

>There are other ways to contribute. Maybe you can help promote the play?
"Sure. That seems more my speed," she nods. "I've never been someone who can really command attention in person, I guess. I have to write to really get my ideas across. Maybe I can even do a theater blog or something. Who knows?"
She seems pleased with this arrangement, and starts brainstorming.
(You feel your relationship with Donna will advance soon.)
(Your Charm has increased slightly.)

As you practice different speaking techniques and some of the basic concepts of moving correctly on stage, you feel like you'll better be able to speak offstage, too.
(Your Charm has increased slightly.)

---
Calling it a night for now.
I'll stick around to answer any questions, and archive the thread.

>>1660517
Dammit, missed a post. It's getting too late for this bullshit.

>>1660531
Thanks for running Judge.

>>1660534
Eh, no biggie, I posted late anyways.

I'm wondering if these dreams we have are prophetic, like little glimpses into the future similar to the opening scene back in the first thread.

>>1660537
Thanks for playing. I plan on holding a mini bonus thread when we hit 10, complete with moderately extensive recap.
>>1660550
Oh, there is definitely a reason why all of this is happening. It's probably not what you think.

Archived!
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1655161/