>>1771076
>Read Mr. Bennett's email
>Check Anonymouse

>>1771121
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5-rdr0qhWk

>Read Mr. Bennett's email
>TO: Solomon Read, Sofia Carrollo, Keith Allan, Ruth Florez, Donna Price, David Evelake
>MESSAGE: I need to speak to you all about your after-school club I'm sponsoring: You guys need a name.
>There's also another problem, which I'll speak about when we're able to talk next.
>P.S.: Donna, my mother is not an 'old hag'.

Looks like his anger is fairly restrained. Unfortunately, it's clear he was eavesdropping on your eavesdropping.

>Check Anonymouse
>ANON: Man, that's some Area 51 shit.
>ANON: not anime related >>>/cropcircles/
>ANON: Must be some sort of publicity stunt for the convention, how else do you explain this woman showing up in all these photos but nobody knowing who she is?
>ANON: she's not even human. scary shit, my dude
>ANON: It's a costume, dumbass. She's shooped into the photos. It's not that hard, good God.
>ANON: i keep telling you all, this board gets werse every day.
>ANON: Learn to spell, loser.


In math class, the teacher calls on you.
"Read! There exist two categories for functions called 'continuous', or that sufficiently small changes in the input result in arbitrarily small changes in the output, and 'differentiable', which means that the derivative can be defined for it. What's the difference?"

>>Continuous vs differentiable
>All continuous functions are differentiable.
>All differentiable functions are continuous.
>They mean the same thing.
>They're exclusive to one another.
>They're un-related.
><Write-In>

>>1771239
>All continuous functions are differentiable.

I can practically feel my math professors giving me deathglares.

File: Absolute_value.png (4 KB, 360x240)

4 KB PNG

>>1771440
>>All continuous functions are differentiable.
"You'd think so," he says, "But I'm afraid that's not the case. In fact, it's the other way around."
He puts a picture on the board to show a counterexample for your statement.

"At zero here, there is a way to define the limit from both sides of the original function- both go to 0, but there's no way to define a limit for the derivative function. If you take the derivative limit from the left side, it's negative one, but if you take it from the right, it's positive one. This is because the limit of the derivative is abs(h)/h, which is positive when x is greater than 0 and negative when it's less than."

He follows with, "The reason why all differential functions are continuous is because you can take the limit of f(x)-f(a) as x moves towards a and it will always be 0, so f(x) is equal to f(a), satisfying continuity."

You're not entirely sure what you just heard, but it's worth learning, and you're pretty sure you're prepared for tests anyways.

(Your Knowledge has increased slightly! (+3: 1/15 -> 2/15!))

---

In computer class, you notice that Mr. Bennett is late. There's a container of food on his desk. You're not sure what it is, exactly, but it includes rice. Lunch wasn't so great today, and nobody's watching. You may not get a better chance to eat...

>>Bennett's Lunch
>Don't do it, we don't need to provoke him more. (Leave it)
>Food is food. (Take it)
><Write-In>

>>1771558
>>Don't do it, we don't need to provoke him more. (Leave it)

>>1771558
>>Don't do it, we don't need to provoke him more. (Leave it)

>>1771775
>>1771789
OOC: I've been writing in the mean time. God I've been stumped on that prompt, but I'm hammering through it.

>Don't do it, we don't need to provoke him more. (Leave it)

You leave Bennett's lunch be. After all, as amusing as it would be to say you ate your teacher's lunch, you suspect that it would get you in seriously hot water.

Unusually, when he begins his lesson, he opens the container with a sense of dread, before closing it and beginning to teach you. Once you are all at work, he tentatively opens it and begins to eat. Based on his reaction, you feel your hesitation may have preserved you some stomachaches.

"That's it for today," he dismisses you with a sweat after you've studied all the slides he had prepared. "Be sure to study for your- urp- exams..."

"Are you okay?" Martinez asks with a raised eyebrow. You forgot he was in this class.

"I'm fine," Mr. Bennett lies. "Don't worry about me."

You wonder what was in that food that could have hurt him so much.

---

At Black Cover Bookstore, Miss Patricia greets you with a smile. "Lovely day, isn't it? I almost feel bad requesting you two work today."

Sofia is less enthusiastic, but her rigidness is more to do with desire to work efficiently than to give you the cold shoulder. "Let's get to work. There's still a lot that needs sorting."

>>Black Cover Bookstore
>Talk to Sofia and help her organize
>Help Miss Patricia translate her spreadsheet (Need to make Charm check, 2d10+3)
>Try to look for a particular book (<Write-In>)
>Try to sneak upstairs (Need to make Proficiency check, 2d10+2)
>Ask Miss Patricia about Crescent City
>Ask Miss Patricia about the Milani
>Look around for something else
><Write-In>

Rolled 1, 2 + 3 = 6 (2d10 + 3)

>>1771815
>>Help Miss Patricia translate her spreadsheet

>>1772023
Wow, what a fuck up!

>>1772023
You know the effort is doomed from the second you hear her say the words, "What's an operating system?"

However, you attempt to help her anyways, but only bring yourself closer to insanity as she deletes the file and almost deletes it again after you bring it back from the recycle bin. Nothing you do seems to convince her to use the spreadsheet reader's internal sorting function is a good idea, and that maybe she should standardize her dates. You're not even entirely sure she hears you correctly.

After about thirty minutes, you see her reach into her ears and tap her hearing aids, one after another. "That's not right," she says, causing your jaw to drop. You've just spent a half-hour trying to speak to a functionally deaf woman on a subject she has no experience with. Once that fact comes out, you quit out of frustration and let her do things her way, at least for now.

You work off your anger by sweeping furiously, and soon, the whole store is clean again.

And once again, your work is interrupted by a tall old man, the same fellow as before- Leroy. He's still got his gun, unfortunately, and steps into the store looking for something. Sofia is angry, and you realize she's sure this man is a Milani thug- the same group that killed her mother.
Cigar smoke begins to fill the room.

>>Leroy
>"Can I help you?"
>Try to prevent Sofia from doing anything rash
>"I thought we had this conversation- no smoking in the store."
>Try to lift the gun off of him (Need to make Proficiency check, 2d10+2)
>Find what he's searching for (Need to make Knowledge check, 2d10+3)
><Write-In>

An era late, here's the prompt in pastebin form.
>Reasons for Leaving:
>https://pastebin.com/R7WJ71vL

>>1772056
Thanks for the pastebin Judge, sorry I gave you a hard one.

Rolled 10, 2 + 3 = 15 (2d10 + 3)

>>1772043
>"I thought we had this conversation- no smoking in the store."
>Find what he's searching for (Need to make Knowledge check, 2d10+3)

>>1772127
No problem, I've just been busy recently.

>>1772302
>>"I thought we had this conversation- no smoking in the store."
"Oh yeah." Leroy nods, but doesn't step outside or even put his cigar out. For an older man, he's sort of a douchebag.

>>Find what he's searching for (Need to make Knowledge check, 2d10+3)
>(SUCCESS)
You track his eyes around the room, and slowly realize that he's stopping to look for crime thrillers- the images on the cover and titles give it away. Hastily, you remember the last mystery novel you put on the shelf and hand it to him. Leroy raises an eyebrow and takes it, crushing his cigar on one of the wooden shelf tops.
"Thanks, kid."
He prepares to leave without paying again, but Sofia has conspicuously put herself in the hallway leading out to the door. The thug seems to be contemplating a route that doesn't involve shoving Carrollo out of the way, and a bit of admiration for his courage slips onto his face.

"Do I know you?" he asks gruffly.

Sofia shrugs. "I don't think so- at least, not outside of your business with the store."

The door rings to indicate another customer before things get out of hand- it's Keith. He's surprised to see you all here, and his curiosity is piqued by Leroy's appearance and Sofia's placement. "I need something for Japanese class- What's the hold up for?"

"This man has forgotten to pay for his books," Sofia calmly states, continuing to sweep. Leroy tries to step around her, but now Keith is blocking him.

"Dude, you're loaded," Allan jokes. "What are you stealing books for? Finally go senile?"

Leroy's tense stance indicates he's used to getting his way and not to being insulted, and he's almost as large as Keith. He drops the book on the ground- someone might think it was an accident, but you're sure he did it on purpose.
"Ah, sorry. Let me get that." He crouches down, and you see his hand go to the back of his heel.

>>Hidden Blade? (Roll 2d10+2 (Courage))
>Warn Keith immediately
>Throw something at Leroy
>Tackle the old man from behind
>Lift the old man's gun from him
>Get Sofia out of there, let Keith handle this
><Write-In>

Rolled 6, 10 + 3 = 19 (2d10 + 3)

>>1773760
>"Allow me."
>Pick up the book for him. Hold onto it until he's payed or fucked off.

I'd like to think even an idiot like this has enough braincells not to pull a knife on three minors and an old woman over a book.

Rolled 3, 9 + 2 = 14 (2d10 + 2)

>>1773906
Supporting.

>>1773906
>>1773926
>"Allow me."
>Pick up the book for him. Hold onto it until he's paid or fucked off.
As much of a goon as this guy is, he's startled by how quickly you move into his personal space and take the book from his arm range, and his hand slips away from his shoe with nothing else in it.

>(SUCCESS)

Leroy swallows his pride and realizes that even with a knife, there's no way he can fight you both, letting it go. The overdressed man pulls two twenties out of his wallet and places them on the desk before leaving. He doesn't wait for a receipt.

"Man, what's up with that guy?" Keith remains on guard, his shoulders tense and ready to release one of his devastating punches. "Prick."

Sofia is impressed that you were able to dispel the tension of the situation simply by taking command of it, but her admiring gaze soon vanishes. "He's just another meathead who thinks he owns the street. This city really needs some cleaning up."

Keith buys a textbook on the Japanese language and leaves soon after, giving you a thumbs up after a short glance at Sofia. Between calling the almost-certainly-mobster's bluff and your friends' approval, you gain a surge in confidence.

(Your Courage has increased moderately! (+2: 5/7 -> 7/7!))
(Your Courage has increased to Advanced- Cat-Beller! (+3: 0/15 to advance))

Miss Patricia pays you each thirty dollars for working the short after-school shift, pretty generous given that it's not difficult work and not for too long.
>Current Cash: $255 + 30 = $285.00

---

Mr. Bennett is waiting for you when you all get back. He looks worried.
"Hey, I just wanted to give you all a heads up- someone seems to be sneaking about in Crescent City, and I'm not sure why."

Once you all are in Avalon, he shows you the same photos you saw on Anonymouse... a black-haired , dark-eyed femme fatale not much older than twenty who doesn't look entirely human.
"These photos were taken in crowds, but nobody's ever reported seeing her in person, despite her unusual dress. Which means that someone or something is hiding her from us- and probably specifically from me."

"Hm," Ruth thinks. "Do you think that's the same person that tried to attack you all back when we were fighting the scales?"

David analyzes the woman. "Is she some sort of machine? Her build is unnatural for a human."

"Where do you get this stuff?" Donna mutters about Evelake. "I'll see if I can catch her in any more photos. She can't fool a camera."

"Whoever it is, we need to be even more careful about heading into the Witching Hour," Mr. Bennett asserts. "If she can sneak around me and she's looking to attack us again, it could be too late before I get to you."

>>We need to be more careful.
>Yeah. We can't split up until we know who she is and what she's doing.
>Actually, I think we should bait her out, and fight her on our terms.
>She doesn't matter. We need to focus on figuring out what's up with Babylon.
>Eat some Oreos to clear your mind
><Write-In>

>>1774051
>Yeah. We can't split up until we know who she is and what she's doing.

>>1774051
>Have there been any other sorts of anomalies surrounding her? She's invisible to people, but shows up on cameras, so maybe there are other things that give her away too?

>>1774051
>>Yeah. We can't split up until we know who she is and what she's doing.

>>1774155
>>1774056
>Yeah. We can't split up until we know who she is and what she's doing.
Sofia nods. "It's too much to risk, given how little we know. At least now we have some sort of lead in all the mysteries that have been going on recently."

"This sucks." Donna leans against a wall. "Who did we piss off to deserve being chased by the female T-800?"

"Someone with a lot of fucking money," Keith says, crossing his arms to ponder. "The government, maybe? A foreign government?"

>>1774081
>Have there been any other sorts of anomalies surrounding her? She's invisible to people, but shows up on cameras, so maybe there are other things that give her away too?
Mr. Bennett shows you the Myth-capturing unit from before. "'Dreamcatchers' like this can be set to absorb memories. Turns out humans are really bad at remembering things they consider insignificant, so it would be very easy for her to hide if she were equipped with one, so long as she didn't try to attract attention. However, when a photo captures an image of her, it's a dumb object, obviously, so it can't have its memory taken that way."

Florez shifts uncomfortably. "So she could be literally hiding in plain sight and we wouldn't notice her?"

"Not that you know to look for her now. However, now that everyone knows she's here, she's probably going to up her disguise to make herself harder to pick out- and if you don't know what she looks like..."

"...she can't be found unless she wants to be or screws up." David finishes.

The room goes dead silent for a short period. Everyone resolves themselves in their own way, Keith punching into his opposite hand. "No use dilly-dallying," he raises a fist. "I think we should go back into Babylon. We can't let her scare us."

>>We need to go back to Babylon.
>I agree. I want to know what's down there.
>I agree. Let her come to us.
>I agree. I want to learn more about those servers and their Master.
>No, we need to come up with a better plan.
>No, we really haven't got a lot to do there at the moment.
><Write-In>

>>1774170
>>I agree. Let her come to us.

>>1774170
>>I agree. I want to learn more about those servers and their Master.

>>1774170
>I agree. I want to learn more about those servers and their Master.

>>1774188
>>I agree. Let her come to us.
"We have strength in numbers and cooperation," David perks up. "She can't successfully ambush us if we're all together."

>>1774189
>>1774209
>>I want to learn more about those servers and their Master.
"Yeah, who are those guys?" Donna asks, before mockingly taking a snooty head waiter tone. "I'm sorry, Heaven is all full on bartenders, maybe we can transfer you to Hell instead!"

"I'm sure they only have the best intentions, despite their eccentricity," Ruth defends them.

Price snickers and clasps her hands to her cheeks. "Yeah, you're sure not saying that because Virgil is hot."

Carollo rolls her eyes, tired of Donna's antics. "Let's just go."

---

Speaking to Virgil, he greets you and the others as soon as you enter Babylon's entrance floor. He's got a tiny booth that reminds you of a lemonade stand labeled "Free Healing", which his sister Beatrice lounges behind lazily, her feet propped up on what would be his chair.
"Salutations, visitors! We have a new floor for you to visit: Gluttony." The servant's cheerful smile is unwavering despite his sordid subject matter. "We assure you the accommodations and food are all top-notch. Indeed, I am sure you will find your time in the restaurant of the damned ful-'filling'?"
Sofia giggles quietly, but nobody else laughs, not even David.

>>>Babylon
>>Speak to the server siblings
>What’s on the menu for Gluttony?
>Can you tell me anything more about your Master, or are you going to keep being cryptic?
>What's the point of re-visiting cleared floors?
>>Floors
>Head for Floor 1: Lust (Monster Clear)
>Head for Floor 2: Gluttony
>Ask Mr. Bennett for a scanning report
><Write-In>

>>1774277
>>>What’s on the menu for Gluttony?
>Head for Floor 2: Gluttony

>>1774277
>Has a creepy chick dressed all in black shown up in here?
>What's the point of re-visiting cleared floors?
>Ask Mr. Bennett for a scanning report

>>1774291
>What’s on the menu for Gluttony?
Virgil explains as soon as you ask. "The Haute Cuisine is always full. Humanity loves to eat vast portions when available, but besides that, gluttony takes the form of particular and obnoxious tastes for the purposes of self-indulgence. A long-winded drink order is perhaps even more gluttonous than a whole feast set before a man- for at least the man will eat all of it gratefully, but if the slightest thing is off about the drink..." He sighs. "This leads to a restaurant where the food is cooked precisely to order. Eventually. You might experience some wait time, but that's the price of quality."
This indicates that you will probably never get your food in any reasonable time if you order there.
>Head for Floor 2: Gluttony
You all prepare to head to the Haute Cuisine after everyone is ready and everything's cleared up.
>>1774305
>Has a creepy chick dressed all in black shown up in here?
"Oh, yes." Virgil nods and clicks his tongue with a frown. "She attempted to interrogate me, but I told her that she was not one of our VIPs, so I would not be able to help her. Uncivilized as she was, she attacked me. I drove her off. Such a rude guest."
>What's the point of re-visiting cleared floors?
"As you might already have realized, Babylon contains many lost objects. If you are searching for something in particular, you may find it by re-checking an already-searched floor. Furthermore, human vice does not simply vanish all at once. Remnants of the floor's main purpose could take the form of a powerful Curse that would benefit you to defeat."
>Ask Mr. Bennett for a scanning report
"I'm sensing Creator-race Curses, as well as Explorers and Jesters. Prepare for Ice and Fire powers. There's a Monster in there, but I don't immediately recognize her. She's a critic of some kind, and boy, is she unpleasable."

---

Going down two floors, you find yourself in a well-furnished restaurant so large that it's almost a maze. The lighting is perfect, the smell of delicious food is in the air, but... It just feels wrong. You figure out why when Evelake points something out in a depressed tone.

"Nobody's eating. All this food, and nobody is eating any of it." He puts his hand on his own stomach, and Keith is also incensed, as he's never one to turn down a decent meal.

Mindless waiters and waitresses pop in and out of doors set in the walls, and they serve ungrateful Curse guests who shove what's brought to them back into the servers' hands and demand something else in screeching, whining voices. It's sickening seeing so much food go to waste, and you wonder if you should confront one of the customers to get a table.

>>Haute Cuisine
>Old grandmother
>Pair of siblings, a lean sister and fat brother
>Princely-looking fellow
>Try to find the Monster
>Look for anything that can be taken or consumed
>Try to wave down a waiter
>Chat with a party member <Write-In>
><Write-In>

OOC: I think this will be my last post for the night. I'm sorry, I have to be ready for a presentation at work tomorrow.
I'll stick around for a bit, but I'll be back at 9 PM tomorrow and I'll do my best to make up for lost time. I might even extend the game to Wednesday or run another thread this week.

>>1774465
>Pair of siblings, a lean sister and fat brother.
>Chat with a party member Ruth

>>1774472
G'night Judge.

Will be back soon, got interrupted by family (again).

>>1774465
>>Pair of siblings, a lean sister and fat brother

>>1776242
>Chat with a party member Ruth
"I've never really been a big eater, but I wonder if they have a decent tres leches cake. I always liked the kind my grandmother made- it's to die for. Maybe we can get some when holidays roll around."

>>1774500
>Pair of siblings, a lean sister and fat brother.
The heavyset brother is in a nice suit and seems to be turning away sweet dishes. "I'm trying to lose weight, so I ordered seafood! Can't you fools get anything right?" He picks up a perfectly good slice of tiramasu and hurls it into the waiter's face, causing Sofia to gasp in horror at the poor manners and mistreated meal.

On the other hand, the slim sister is turning her nose up at crawfish. "Wretched bugs. These remind me of the days when I was poor! Get them out of my sight!" Then she sees your group, and sneers. "Can I help you? We're dining."

>>Siblings
>Can't you just switch your dishes with each other?
>If you don't want the crawfish, I'll have it.
>I'm a manager- Sorry for the inconvenience, we'll ensure your order is correct next time.
>Maybe you should get some cheese with your whine instead.
>I recognize you two... (Identify these Curses)
>(Get an ally to help <Write-In>)
><Write-In>

>>1776320
>>Can't you just switch your dishes with each other?

>>1776320
>>Can't you just switch your dishes with each other?

>>1776349
>>1776359
>>Can't you just switch your dishes with each other?

"That is the simplest solution," David states.

The sister laughs haughtily. "You just don't get it, do you, kid? They should have gotten our orders right he first time. It's a matter of principle."

"Whenever someone says that, it never is," Donna mutters.

"Donna, shut the hell up," Allan taps her in the side, but it's too late.

"Think this is funny, shrimp?" The fat man flips over the table and reveals that he also seems to be supernaturally powerful underneath all his bulk. "We're tired of being pushed around- now, things go our way!"

As their illusory nature drops away, these two seem to be dressed in old German garb, the sort one might expect from peasants or farmers.
"I wouldn't expect youths raised in privilege like yourself to understand our appreciation of food! We've had to claw to where we are now!" the sister hisses.

Combat Engaged!
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 and add modifier, * options do not take up a turn)
>Proficiency/Knowledge/Charm/Courage: (+2/+3/+3/+3) + Faust(+1/+2/+1/+1) + Armor (+1/0/0/0) = (+4/+5/+4/+4)
>Try to mentally bombard the siblings with psychic attacks (Proficiency +4)
>Try to identify the siblings' weak points (Knowledge +5)
>Attempt to drain one's vitality slightly to restore your own (Charm +4)
>Have Faust pick up the table and hurl it at them (Courage +4)
>*Change Myth (Blackbeard(+2, +0, -1, +3), Velveteen Rabbit(+0, +0, +2, +1), Red Riding Hood(+1, 0, +3, -1), Demon in the Bottle(-1, -1, +3, +2))
>*Ask Mr. Bennett for more analysis
>*Order (Tell another person to do something specific: Current party- David, Keith, Donna, Ruth, Sofia)
>Flee
><Write-In>

Rolled 3, 9 + 5 = 17 (2d10 + 5)

>>1776442
>>Try to identify the siblings' weak points (Knowledge +5)

>>1776442
>Try to identify the siblings' weak points (Knowledge +5)

I feel like this was probably Hansel and Grettle, so maybe fire is their weakness?

Rolled 10, 3 + 5 = 18 (2d10 + 5)

>>1776466
Forgot diceroll.

>>1776452
>>1776466
>>1776468
>Try to identify the siblings' weak points (Knowledge +5)
The sister is fast but frail- you suspect one particularly solid hit could take her out of the fight with ease. The brother is tremendously powerful and extremely bulky, but very slow. He could easily be trapped in place with the right preparations.

When the male Curse moves, he raises a tremendous boot and slams it into the ground with enough force to create a shockwave in the marble tiling that tosses David into the air. Evelake regains his balance by shifting into Joshua halfway through the arc, planting his feet, and returning to protect the girls of the group. Whether she's touched by his chivalry or not, Donna steps up and casts a light spell at the sister, who counters by hurling a much heavier set of ice daggers that shred Price's paper airplanes and hurt her badly.

Sofia heals Donna, before getting back behind David so that Ruth can release a set of heartwrenching bars to slow down the male Curse. It distracts him long enough for D'Artagnan to draw a couple of new red scars on the man's belly, causing him to roar in anger. Now you're sure this pair is Hansel and Gretel, and your hunch that they're weak to fire seems on-point. Luckily, you have Blackbeard and his cannons, and Sofia's Pythia.

(Hansel is wounded slightly, Gretel is not hurt at all.)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 and add modifier, * options do not take up a turn)
>Proficiency/Knowledge/Charm/Courage: (+2/+3/+3/+3) + Faust(+1/+2/+1/+1) + Armor (+1/0/0/0) = (+4/+5/+4/+4)
>Set up Sofia to make a devastating attack (Proficiency +4)
>Search for a spot or trick to trap Hansel in (Knowledge +5)
>Try to calm down the Myths, now that you know who they are (Charm +4)
>Have Faust target Gretel, hopinh to take her out quickly (Courage +4)
>*Change Myth (Blackbeard(+2, +0, -1, +3), Velveteen Rabbit(+0, +0, +2, +1), Red Riding Hood(+1, 0, +3, -1), Demon in the Bottle(-1, -1, +3, +2))
>*Ask Mr. Bennett for more analysis
>*Order (Tell another person to do something specific: Current party- David, Keith, Donna, Ruth, Sofia)
>Flee
><Write-In>

OOC: When you switch Myths, also describe your action with said Myth and roll. If you're unsure which stat an action will use, just roll without a modifier.

Rolled 4, 1 + 4 = 9 (2d10 + 4)

>>1776517
>>Try to calm down the Myths, now that you know who they are (Charm +4)

Rolled 3, 4 = 7 (2d10)

>>1776517
>Change Myth Blackbeard
>Target Grettle with Broadside

>>1776542
>Try to calm down the Myths, now that you know who they are
You try to think of something, but you're not sure what you can say to make an eight-foot behemoth and assassin-like woman moving at blinding speed hear reason. As you struggle with the idea, your line of thought is cut short when Gretel charges at you. An icy lance forms in her hands for impaling you with, and you instinctively return to combat mode.
>>1776568
>Change Myth Blackbeard
>Target Gretel with Broadside

Before the woman can lunge and run you through, you turn into a much larger Myth, parrying her attack with your sword before summoning a cannon from hammerspace and pointing a wicked finger in her direction. She only has a split-second to dodge before the gun fires, blowing her backwards and sending her flying into another table. You realize with a frown that she's not destroyed when she clutches at her side, revealing that she received only a glancing blow, despite the effectiveness of fire.

Hansel, seeing his sister hurt, charges at you in a fury. Sofia, seeing the effectiveness of your attack, throws a fireball at the man's feet, forcing him to run through it- which he does with alarming success, barreling towards you covered in burns.

"Watch out!" When Hansel tries to put a titanic fist through your face, David tries to push you out of the way and gets planted into the ground for his trouble. You're shoved back into a wall, and your back stings as you get to your feet. Donna and Keith focus their attacks on Hansel, which causes the Curse to flail wildly trying to destroy them. Ruth helps David out of the impromptu crater and turns her eyes to Gretel, who is getting up herself.

"Keep yourselves alive," Bennett states, and gives everyone a temporary bolster.
(+1 to all rolls for three rounds!)

(Hansel is wounded moderately, Gretel is hurt badly.)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 and add modifier, * options do not take up a turn)
>Proficiency/Knowledge/Charm/Courage: (+2/+3/+3/+3) + Blackbeard(+2, +0, -1, +3) + Armor (+1/0/0/0) = (+5/+3/+2/+6) +1 (Boost)
>Take Gretel down while Hansel is occupied (Proficiency +6)
>Provoke Hansel to charge into the wall by attacking Gretel (Knowledge +4)
>Try to calm down the Myths, now that you know who they are (Charm +3)
>Fight Hansel man-to-man (Courage +7)
>*Change Myth (Faust(+1/+2/+1/+1), Velveteen Rabbit(+0, +0, +2, +1), Red Riding Hood(+1, 0, +3, -1), Demon in the Bottle(-1, -1, +3, +2))
>*Ask Mr. Bennett for more analysis
>*Order (Tell another person to do something specific: Current party- David, Keith, Donna, Ruth, Sofia)
>Flee
><Write-In>

Rolled 3, 5 + 6 = 14 (2d10 + 6)

>>1776657
>>Take Gretel down while Hansel is occupied (Proficiency +6)

>>1776689
>>Take Gretel down while Hansel is occupied
It's not your best shot, but you line it up just well enough to catch the feminine Curse in the barrage, and that's sufficient to blow her to bits. Her frame turns to black smoke as one cannonball tears a hole in her side and the next removes her head.

Hansel only gets angrier, but it's a rage that's short-lived as Christine screams him down, Keith freezes his legs in place, Sofia uses Pythia to drop another fireball on his location while he's breaking free, and then David bellows with Joshua's horn to intensify the flames into a pyre. Hansel collapses and crumbles into ash, pieces crumbling off of him until nothing remains but the collateral damage.

Sifting through the remains, you find a cookie.
(You got Gingerbread Siblings! (Consumable: User + one other ally heals moderately))
Looking at it makes you feel a bit guilty, but you figure that this pair of siblings could do without their gluttony and learn to share their gripes instead.

"Not my best timing," Walt grumbles at his almost-useless bolster, and scans the remains. "I suppose you could use what's left of the table to hail a server, get some chairs from whatever ruined tables have them intact."

>>Haute Cuisine
>Old grandmother
>Pair of siblings, a lean sister and fat brother
>Princely-looking fellow
>Odd-looking man in top hat
>Have everyone sit down to hail a waiter
>Try to find the Monster
>Look for anything that can be taken or consumed
>Try to wave down a waiter
>Chat with a party member <Write-In>
><Write-In>

>>1776792

>Have everyone sit down to hail a waiter
>Chat with a party member Keith

>>1776830
>Have everyone sit down to hail a waiter
You figure grabbing a bite to eat couldn't hurt, especially after that fight left you all exhausted. Pulling some chairs together and trying to pretend nothing had happened, you sit down and wait for a waiter to pass by so you can wave them down.

>Chat with a party member Keith
"Man, that reminded me of my dad. He always has trouble getting my aunt to eat because they grew up poor and she was really obsessed with not being a burden." Allan leans back with a regretful look. "She's too skinny, man, that shit's not healthy, especially when you get older."

Eventually, one waiter arrives. "Can I help you?" He places a basket of complimentary breadsticks on the table, the only food besides the cookie you've been able to get your hands on thus far. Obviously, everyone besides Sofia immediately reaches for it, Carrollo exhausted as usual by everyone's manners.

"Do you guys do pizza?" Donna asks, trying to swat Keith's hands.

"I'd just like a sparkling lemonade," Ruth smiles. "I worked up a sweat, but I'm not that hungry."

"What's the biggest steak you make?" Keith asks, holding David at arm's length to make sure he was able to get at least one of the breadsticks.

"Get off me, Keith!" David yells, before calmly requesting to the waiter, "I'd like a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, please. And a Diet Coke. I like the taste."

"Of course." The Curse waiter turns to you. "And for you, sir?"

>>Can I help you?
>I'll have what she's having. (point at Sofia)
>Lobster. And it had better be good.
>You make anything approaching New York hotdogs?
>Settle down, you guys.
>I heard there's a critic in the restaurant. I'm a big fan. Where can I meet her?
>Liver, with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
><Write-In>

>>1776865
>A bowl of your soup du jour.
>Get many difficult customers here?
>I heard there's a critic in the restaurant. I'm a big fan. Where can I meet her?

Fly in the soup plan is a go!

>>1776872
>A bowl of your soup du jour.
"That would be the French Onion, sir."
>Get many difficult customers here?
"Difficult?" He shakes his head. "Not at all. After all, the customer is always right. If anything is difficult, it's finding suitable help to meet the needs of the patrons."

That seems like a difficult philosophy to uphold. However, if the servers are so meek they let their customers do anything, that could work in your favor.

>I heard there's a critic in the restaurant. I'm a big fan. Where can I meet her?
"I'm afraid that meeting her will be her decision," he frowns, the mechanical frown of an empty-headed doll. "VIP guests have their own accommodations."

"Any way we can get a VIP pass?" Donna asks between bites.

"You can receive one if you are a distinguished guest, but even if you were to gain a VIP pass, it would not be the VIP pass for Ms. Pollick." The drone does not seem to realize he has given away the woman's identity.

Ruth looks at you with a smile. You have a lead.

>>Ms. Pollick
>Does Ms. Pollick have any favorite foods?
>You seem to be looking for help. Do you have any requirements to apply for working here?
>I know some people who could help you (speak about Virgil and Beatrice)
>On second thought, I think we'll be leaving. I just got a message. Terrible accident killed my grandmother, you understand.
>There's someone else I was looking for... (Describe someone)
>Let Sofia order and wait for the food to come back.
><Write-In>

Rolled 10, 1 + 3 = 14 (2d10 + 3)

>>1776901
>Mr. Bennet, know anything about this Pollick woman?
>There's someone else I was looking for...
>>Have you seen a dark haired woman?
Dressed all in black, fond of violence?
>I'll have you know, I'm a VERY distinguished guest. I play the starring role in plays across nation, from Faust to the Scottish Play. (Transform into Faust and Macbeth as proof.)

I seem to recall we have Macbeth as a Myth, right? And I added a roll for charm for the bluff.

>>1776905
>Mr. Bennet, know anything about this Pollick woman?
"Afraid I do. Bitch. She owns this magazine she won't stop pushing, even when people like Clover have told her to shut up about it. Now that I know who she is, finding her should be easier. We'll need a method to enter and an idea of what we're looking at. If I had to guess, the Monster was born from her complex with everything having to be perfect."

"So she's one of those critics who tears into anything, deserving or not," Sofia shakes her head. "Despicable- those sorts spoil businesses with their slander."

"Yeah, pointing out the good is as important as seeing the bad in reporting," Donna adds.

>There's someone else I was looking for...
>>Have you seen a dark haired woman? Dressed all in black, fond of violence?
"I'm afraid not," the waiter shook his head. "I have seen no woman of such description."

"That means nothing," Walt tells you. "A nuclear bomb could go off in front of these guys and they wouldn't notice. If she can hide from me, she can hide from them."

>I'll have you know, I'm a VERY distinguished guest. I play the starring role in plays across nation, from Faust to the Scottish Play. (Transform into Faust and Macbeth as proof.)
"So you are," the waiter, dull as he is, believes you instantly, and places a card in front of you. "Enjoy the VIP tables the next time you come here, sir." You realize he doesn't even know your name.

(Got Haute Cuisine VIP Pass!)

"That's it?" Keith mutters. "That's some bullshit."

"Heads up!" Ruth moves before anyone else, jumping out of her seat and bracing herself as someone flies into her at full speed with a flying kick. The black blur knocks Florez to the ground and lands on her abdomen, before pointing her fingers at you with a wild smile.

"Nobody move, or you find out first hand how deadly a finger gun really is." As the fortune-teller struggles under her, the darkly-armored robotic woman takes her seat but keeps one of her mechanical legs, without feet, planted on Ruth at all times. Everyone in your group, including Bennett, is too shocked to speak.

This mysterious woman's presence turns the questioning mood to one of terror. She is obviously robotic, and her eyes gleam with enthusiasm for destruction. "Now, I heard you were looking for me?" she takes a seductive yet sinister tone with you. "Let's chat."

---

Sorry for the slow ending, that's all for this thread, folks. I'll probably do another one once I'm ready- I've got some stuff to sort out this weekend.
As always, I'll stick around to answer some questions and to archive.

>>1776936
Well, this should be an entertaining conversation to look forward to. I wonder if Ruth's precog is what let her notice first, or if it was merely coincidence. Anyways, good thread Judge, see you next time.

>>1776944
>I wonder if Ruth's precog is what let her notice first, or if it was merely coincidence.
The Phantom told her.

>>1776947
Interesting... I'm wondering how specific the tipoffs she gets are.

And if I'm not mistaken, Ms. Fingerbang here seems to be an Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon.

>>1776953
>Ms. Fingerbang
Only if you pay extra or look cute, sweetheart.

>>1776954
kek. Goodnight, Judge.

By the way, I don't think you've archived this thread.

>>1780665
Super damn late, but:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1771076/
Fucking schedule.