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Character Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lvqwQrtQ_YFvsVdcKJbSEAgpyZi9QrfJfnh_UDzvPKw/edit?usp=sharing

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=StorytellerQM

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Storyteller_QM
Discord: https://discord.gg/WA5wRv3

> Archives and Character Sheet are both updated and current
> Thread will begin shortly
>>
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Oh yeah, it's party time.

John can't get a break, can he
>>
File: CheckthoseSkills.png (730 KB, 1406x744)
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>>2013755

It's the curse of being a MC.

>>2013744

Before we begin, let's do a quick rundown of our status and gear:

Status: Well
Current MP: 50/50
Weapon in hand: Great Quality Exotic Rapier (Electric)
Armor: Fancy Clothing

> Great Quality Exotic Rapier (Electric): 3d100+5 to hit. Active, can utilize 10 MP (from either the inbuilt crystal or your own MP Pool) to run a debilitating electrical current down the blade.
> Unarmed: 3d100+5 to hit.
> Grapple: 3d100+2 to hit.
>>
>>2013840
We have only the pipboy gauntlet with us (in toolbox), right? The shocking one is back in the forge?
>>
>>2013897

Yep.

>>2013840

Forgot your spells as well.

> Adrenaline Surge: Can be used to either negate fatigue for 30 minutes, or can be used to perform any main action as a free action for 1 minute. Both cost 20 MP and both incur one point of fatigue after the effect wears off.
> Mana Sculpting: Can be used to directly control mana for 30 seconds. Costs 40 MP.

Grabbing dinner right now. Will begin in ~30 mins.
>>
>>2013913

Pandemonium didn't begin to describe the situation within the auction hall. Guest were screaming, breaking down, rushing for the exit, or any combination of the three.

You keep it as far out of your mind as you can, focusing more on keeping your eyes on the four hostiles scant feet away from you and you pull Sun to his feet with your free hand.

Taking stock of the situation, things aren't looking good. You're armed, but that's about where the good news ends.

For one, your clothing won't serve well as a substitute for armor; anything is going to go right through it.

Secondly, your Toolbox is right next to the armor set, both of which are being slowly removed from your ability to grab as the sword-wielder is interposing himself between them and you.

Lastly is just how broken up you are from your allies; Sierra and Ryu are likely back in the bar area, Jun and Yeon are in one of the meeting rooms, Gladiator and the Don are probably somewhere in the complete cluster fuck the other side of the room is currently, and Dutch is likely at least a minute or two from getting into the fight.

You need to make a choice, and make it fast.
> Escape backstage with Sun
> Fight your way to the Armor and your Tools
> Try to join up with Gladiator here
> Other
>>
>>2014069
On one hand, our most prized possessions barring our life and friends are in that toolbox.

On the other hand, we're naked and up against a fucking ninja.

Is there anything in the environment that could improve our chances at fighting him?
>>
>>2014085

You're standing at the front of the stage more or less; he's standing just behind center stage.
>>
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>>2014069
Keep us between them and Sun. Give them a friendly greeting and prepare to parry any attack with our rapier.
>>
Balls. Oh well.

>En Garde!

by the way, did Sierra explain to us whether or not it is a bad idea to vent raw mana when she taught us mana sculpting? It sounded like it could double as a makeshift smokescreen... assuming we don't pass out doing it.
>>
Also Sun has the gun, right? Please tell me Sun has the gun.
>>
>>2014144
>>2014178

Prepare to counter it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please
>>
Rolled 99 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2014198
>>
>>2014069
> Fight your way to the Armor and your Tools
>>
Rolled 64 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2014198
>>
Rolled 85 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2014198
>>
Rolled 54 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2014198
>>
>>2014198

[??? ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 97, 15 + 2 = 114 (2d100 + 2)

>>2014238

Work with me here dice
>>
Well.

>>2014212
>>2014243

That's a 104 versus 99, Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2014212
Saved our asses with that roll anon. Good job.
>>
>>2014247
>That's a 104 versus 99, Success.
So it begins.
>>
>>2014069

"Sun," You mutter out of the corner of your mouth, "We need to get out of here".

Keeping your rapier between you and your assailants, you take a step back to start moving towards the exit.

Apparently, that's all it takes to snap the shamblers out of their trace. The two covered ones jump into the crowd, immediately crashing into the few guards that were in the middle of attempting to get the guests out of the room. You force yourself to ignore the snapping of bone and crunching of metal as the unmasked one twists to look right at you with a speed that's just flat out unnatural. It bares it's teeth at you, taking one, then two rasping breaths.

With a screech, it takes one massive step towards you before leaping right at you. Battle instincts take over, ducking your head you manage to narrowly avoid a claw from connecting and stab up and into the monster blindly. There's a sick gurgle, one that only grows worse as you bodily throw the being off your rapier.

Despite the fact that you just stabbed it straight through the spine, the being is writhing around on the ground in pain. Looking around for a moment, there's a gap in attention as the two other shamblers are laying into the remains of the guards and the sword-wield is grabbing the armor set.

Now what?
> Finish off the injured monster
> Go help the remaining guards
> Try to fight off the sword-wielder
> Take the chance to run off with Sun now
> Other
>>
>>2014306
Fight off the sword wielder! Try to sneak attack if it's attention is that focused on the armor
>>
>>2014306
>> Try to fight off the sword-wielder
>>
>>2014306
tempted to finish off the downed creature desu... hopefully it won't get up and flank us while we're busy with the sword wielder

how far away are the guards? would we have to leave Sun vulnerable to help them?
>>
>>2014333

Helping out the guards would involve jumping down from the stage. Also, you can tell Sun to leave without you.
>>
>>2014306
Taze the fucker than get to Sun and get him out of there.
>>
>>2014352
>>2014325
>>2014315

Looks like we're going after the sword-wielder.

Use the taser?
> Y
> N
>>
>>2014360
y
>>
>>2014306
> Other
Get to our multi-tool. If we have it

> Attack the swordsman

Use our electric shock on his sword instead of on him. Like aim for his sword then zap it out of his hand.
>>
>>2014360
Y
>>
>>2014360
>> Y
>>
>>2014393
>>2014374
>>2014366

Zappy Zappy it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Also, you still have a Free Action. Cast Adrenaline Surge?
> Y
> N
>>
Rolled 7 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2014400

What's it do again?
>>
Rolled 14 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2014400
Yee.
>>
>>2014406

Since you don't have an fatigue currently, you can use it to perform Main Actions using your Free Action. Effective for 5 rounds of combat.
>>
Rolled 56 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2014400
> Y
>>
>>2014400
> Y

Alpha strike (or second strike)
>>
Rolled 50, 59, 94 + 5 = 208 (3d100 + 5)

>>2014411
>>2014421
>>2014436

Looks like we're going in.

First, however...

>>2014400

[??? ACTIVITY]
>>
>>2014440
>>2014421

61 versus 99, Failure.

Writin'
>>
>>2014440
Every time you use [??? ACTIVITY] it immediately brings to my mind XCOM.
>>
>>2014449

Actually, one last question.

Send Sun ahead of you?
> Y
> N
>>
>>2014457

Flee Sun, Flee!
>>
>>2014457
> N
There's two more of those things, right?
>>
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>>2014451

Can't imagine why you'd say that...

>>2014491

Neither are on the stage with you. Only people on the stage at the moment are you, Sun, the one that's incapacitated, and the sword-wielder.
>>
>>2014497
In that case, change >>2014491
to >Y
>>
>>2014462
>>2014511

Tell Sun to get going.

Writin'
>>
>>2014306

Taking stock of the situation, things aren't looking good. While the majority of the crowd has managed to escape, there's several mangled corpses where guards used to be to pay for it. The last three are making a desperate attempt to finish off their opponents, but it's not looking good.

You want to go down and help them, but you have no idea what the sword fucker is trying to pull here. Gripping your rapier tightly, you start walking towards it.

"Sun, take the backstage exit. Find Jun and Yeon and get out of here!" There's no attempt on your part to hear his response; you can only assume that he's leaving as you think back to your lessons with Goo Hwi. You feel for that source of power within you, letting the ice-cold feeling wash over you.

The hooded man turns suddenly to regard you while in the middle of grabbing the armor, probably someone surprised at the fact that there's now smoke coming out from the corners of your eyes and arms.

There's no gap in his reactions, however, as he dodges out of the way of your first thrust. His counter slash is immediate, forcing you to pull yourself backwards to keep just out of the way. The two of you regard each other for a moment before you rush back in.

Flicking on the hidden switch on the blade, it crackles with electricity as it impacts with the flat of his scimitar. You watch as the debilitating arc races up to his arm, where it does apparently nothing. Caught in the middle of the lunge, you have to twist awkwardly to keep yourself from being eviscerated; taking a cut from shoulder to collar bone instead.

Swiveling back around, the two of you circle one another with the armor set and your toolbox off to the side.

You can feel the warmth of blood seeping into your clothing, even through your enchantment.

Status: Lightly Injured
Current MP: 30/50
Great Quality Exotic Rapier (Electric) has 1 charge remaining!

> You are currently under the effects of: Adrenaline Surge! While this is active, you can perform a Main Action using your Free Action!
> Remaining Turns: 5

Now what?
> Go all in, keep up the attack
> Break off while you still can
> Attempt to grab the armor
> Attempt to grab your toolbox
> Other
>>
>>2014608
> Go all in, keep up the attack
>>
>>2014608
>> Other
Say nothing, keep circling him, then parry and stab him in the knee.
>>
>>2014608
>> Go all in, keep up the attack
>>
>>2014647
This. Feint an attack, baiting a response, then follow through elsewhere.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2014704
>>2014702
>>2014647
>>2014626

Rolling for it.
>>
Rolled 80, 37, 41 + 5 = 163 (3d100 + 5)

>>2014626
>>2014647
>>2014702
>>2014704

All in it is.

> Roll me three 2d100+10's please

Meanwhile...

[??? Activity]
>>
Rolled 94, 51 + 10 = 155 (2d100 + 10)

>>2014718
>>
Rolled 95, 13 + 10 = 118 (2d100 + 10)

>>2014718
>>
Rolled 95, 96 + 10 = 201 (2d100 + 10)

>>2014718
>>
Rolled 1, 42 + 10 = 53 (2d100 + 10)

>>2014718
>>
Doubles and a sequence, nice.
>>
John's uncanny luck strikes again.
>>
I'll be back in a few,but if the crit hits,I vote for using a fate point.
>>
Alright, we've got

>>2014723
>>2014724
105,
And
>>2014724
106

Writin'
>>
>>2014736

Just barely avoided the crit fail, no need for a FP burn.
>>
>>2014608

Going by the situation, you don't have time to fuck around here. Knowing that, you continue the assault.

Once again, the hooded man ducks and weaves, his body contorting unnaturally all the while. Gritting your teeth, you pull yourself back just in time for the counter strike to come. Your anticipation pays off in spades when you dodge the stroke and retaliate yourself, fingers and sword alike flying as your remove the majority of his hand from his arm.

Your opponent freezes, likely in shock, so you capitalize on the situation best you can. Following him as he attempts to create distance between you two, your follow up lunge hits home; going right through the hood itself and out the other end. Just to make sure, you twist your wrist and rip the blade out taking as much flesh as you can with you.

The figure falls to the floor, hood falling off to reveal easily one of the most beautiful women you've ever seen. Or rather, would be; she's currently not looking to hot missing most of her throat.

Anything else you're feeling is immediately replaced with disgust as flesh crawls and stretches. The woman's back arches, a horrible cracking sound echoing out as her spine beings to stretch.

What the fuck are these things? You severed her head entirely and she's still not dead for fucks sake...

Taking a minute to look around, you note the one you disabled before is slowly getting to its feet, while the other two... ugh. They're... *eating* the remains of the last guards, blood splattering all over the place as they rip into the corpses.

You need to figure out what to do, and fast.

Status: Lightly Injured
Current MP: 30/50
Great Quality Exotic Rapier (Electric) has 1 charge remaining!

> You are currently under the effects of: Adrenaline Surge! While this is active, you can perform a Main Action using your Free Action!
> Remaining Turns: 4

Now what?
> Try to finish off the swordswoman
> Try to finish off the injured shambler
> Grab the armor and run
> Grab your tools and run
> Other
>>
>>2014788
> Try to finish off the swordswoman

Dismemberment?
>>
>>2014788
Grab the armor and our toolbox then look for Sierra. Even if it takes an extra turn to fight off both of these things to do it. We are john, we got this.
>>
>>2014788
>>2014809

I really should have clarified:

Attempting to take the armor will require both of your hands.
>>
>>2014788
> Try to finish off the swordswoman
> Try to finish off the injured shambler

We need to end this quick
>>
>>2014788
>> Try to finish off the swordswoman
Grab the multi-tool from our tool box and light it up. Burn it.
>>
>>2014816

Grabbing the multitool would count as your free action, but this is entirely possible.

>>2014796
>>2014814
>>2014816

Looks like we're going to try to finish off the swordswoman.

The question is with what?
> Rapier
> Multitool
>>
>>2014840
>> Rapier

We need a flamethrower for when this blight or Frankenstein bullshit happens
>>
>>2014840

>Multitool

Kill it with fire?
>>
>>2014840
>> Rapier
>>
>>2014840
>> Multitool
Kill. It. With. FIRE!!!
>>
>>2014840
> Multitool

Apply arcane acetylene torch directly to forehead
>>
May as well try fire.
>>
>>2014863
>>2014876
>>2014879
>>2014883

Time to burn.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please
>>
Rolled 6 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2014891
>>
Rolled 79 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2014891
>>
Rolled 41 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2014891
>>
>>2014897

That's a 94, Success

Writin'
>>
>>2014788

You got her good, but if this bitch gets back up you're going to be in trouble.

In a moment of ingenuity, you sheath your rapier and grab your toolbox. Reaching inside, you pull out your Multitool and, after aiming it at her chest, activate the Cutting Torch.

The effect is immediate and devestating in equal parts. The robe itself is the first to ignite, followed closely at second by the woman's skin itself.

And that's when she produces and ear splitting screech, causing you to reflexively wince for a moment before bringing your tool up and finishing your previous attempt decapitation.

That manages to silence her, though the damage has already been done. The injured shambler is beginning to limp towards you, the two eating before have stopped and are moving to get back on the stage, and if that wasn't bad enough reinforcements of another three shamblers and another hooded individual break through one of the doorways in the back.

All in all, things aren't looking good.

Status: Lightly Injured
Current MP: 30/50
Great Quality Exotic Rapier (Electric) has 1 charge remaining!

> You are currently under the effects of: Adrenaline Surge! While this is active, you can perform a Main Action using your Free Action!
> Remaining Turns: 3

Now what?
> You have your tools, it's time to go
> Keep fighting them off
> Other
>>
>>2014946
>> You have your tools, it's time to go

Nope, Find either the strike team, magical SWAT if they've been called in or any supporting character we like and GTFO
>>
>>2014946
>> Keep fighting them off
~And it burns burns burns, this ring of fire~
>>
Have Sierra and the others escaped? If any of them are still in danger, I vote for trying the armour.
>>
>>2014946
> You have your tools, it's time to go
>>
>>2014960
This. We would be of more help if we are armor clad and abandoning the people we care about hasn't been an option since Bo Shan.
>>
>>2014946
>> You have your tools, it's time to go
Find some high proof alcohol to splash on any spooks we come across to light them up easier.

TO THE BAR!
>>
>>2014946
> Other

Get into that armour.
>>
>>2014946
>Run!
Beeing killed and eaten does not help us Artificing. If convenient, maybe we could grab the hand of the creature we killed. For further testing.
>>
>>2014946
> You have your tools, it's time to go
>>
>>2014960
Seconding this if pulling out would place them in danger, otherwise

>> You have your tools, it's time to go
>>
>>2014946
>fight em off then hop inside the armour.

or if we can get in the armour before they reach us

>get in the armour and run the fuck away
>>
>>2014946
>GEDDIN DA CHOP- i mean AHRMAR!!!
>>
I’d be more enthusiastic about getting in that armor if we knew how it works and how to use it properly...
>>
>>2015312
it matters not that we know not how it works.

we just need the right incentive to figure it out. and if we do figure out how it works, sun can pay us for doing our job right.....
>>
>>2015316
Also if that's the people's target then it makes sense we want to deny it to them. Note that nobody chased Sun out of the room, and that more people are moving in here?
>>
>>2015322
>>2015316

Fair points
>>
>>2014960
>>2014965
>>2015037
>>2015181
>>2015311

Putting on the armor would take your full round of actions.
>>
>>2015354
Would that involve defensive rolls against 5 - I write that again in a word - FIVE enemies?

- Still voting for running and maybe quickly grab proof that we did at least something (the severed hand would be good)
>>
>>2015357

Just one for this round, next round you'd have 6 in striking range of you (1 injured, 2 that killed the guards, 3 reinforcements)
>>
>>2015354
put on the armour, I think it would take them around to reach us, apart from the one we beat. but we can tank one hit.
>>
>>2014954
>>2014962
>>2014977
>>2015054
>>2015076
>>2015096

For running away.

>>2014960
>>2014965
>>2015037
>>2015181
>>2015311

For grabbing the armor.

WE ARE LEAVING!

Writin'
>>
Rolled 55, 67 + 5 = 127 (2d100 + 5)

>>2015391

Oh yeah.

> Roll me three 2d100+10's please

Meanwhile...

[??? ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 12, 51 + 10 = 73 (2d100 + 10)

>>2015394
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnHmskwqCCQ
>>
Rolled 75, 65 = 140 (2d100)

>>2015394
welp, lets go
>>
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>>2015397


god dammit anon, my sides have left orbit
>>
Rolled 99, 67 + 10 = 176 (2d100 + 10)

>>2015394
>>
>>2015411
>>2015394

That's a 109 versus 72, Great Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2014946

Things have truly gone to shit right now. You have seconds before you're going to get absolutely mobbed, no more reason to stick around. Besides, you've got your tools back; as much as you'd like to take the armor with you it's time to cut your losses. So, turning on your heel and grabbing a severed finger, you sprint for backstage.

The one you injured earlier gives chase, but whatever you did to it before really screwed it up as it can't move any faster than a fast walk.

The others have no such issue, however, as they easily leap onto the stage. You don't see much more of that as you fly through the door and back into the hallway. Putting some more distance between yourself and whatever those things were, you now have to consider where to go next.
> Head for the bar
> Head for Hall C
> Head for the meeting rooms
> Other
>>
>>2015422
>go to the bar

we need to cheak on friends, and to make molotovs

"HEY RYU, SERRIA. I WOULD LIKE TO ORDER SOMETHING FIRE-Y"
>>
>>2015422
>Head for the bar
>>
>>2015424
>>2015429

To the bar it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2015422

Considering the situation at hand, the people you're most concerned about are Sierra, Ryu, and Kyoko if she's still around. They don't have any kind of contingency plans in place and they don't have the sheer power, politically and manpower-wise, that the Genovese or Sun Woo have.

So, with that in mind, you sprint for the bar. Right as you get there, you can feel the effects of Adrenaline Surge wear off, fatigue beginning to settle into your bones.

Ignoring that, you find yourself in the middle of a bit of a stand off. There's several bodies of those shamblers lying on the floor motionless, with two still standing on one side. Sierra and Ryu are both still fine, a bit cut up but not as bad as you are, though they make no attempt to close the distance to finish off the remaining two.

Your appearance doesn't go unnoticed by either side, the two monsters turning right to you and growling.

Status: Lightly Injured, Tired
Current MP: 30/50
Currently Equipped: Ancient Grade Welder/Cutting Torch Multitool
Great Quality Exotic Rapier (Electric) has 1 charge remaining!

Now what?
> Rush the two before they can attack
> See if you can get to Sierra and Ryu
> Hold position where you are
> Other
>>
>>2015450

Draw the sword, put welder aside. The creatures have to split up or present their backs to either us or the elves.
>>
>>2015450
aye lad, this is how we do

>>2015458
do this, but rush em from behind. and yell LOOK AT ME FUCKERS

[give our friends some time to do shit]
>>
>>2015458
>>2015464

Sword at the ready.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please
>>
Rolled 81, 56, 93, 57, 46, 93 + 10 = 436 (6d100 + 10)

>>2015477

[ELF ACTIVITY]
>>
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Rolled 93 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2015477
>>
Rolled 21, 23, 57, 42 + 5 = 148 (4d100 + 5)

>>2015477

[??? ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 38, 24, 42 + 5 = 109 (3d100 + 5)

>>2015477
>>
Rolled 44 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2015477
>>
Rolled 23 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2015477
Please work.
>>
>>2015482
>>2015481
>>2015484

That's a 98, 103, and 103 versus a 28 and 62. Great Success.

Writin'
>>
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>>2015482
us right now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k3casyhOis

>>2015494
do you actually have a picture of john?
>>
File: 13228093487.png (338 KB, 320x240)
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>3x93
Nice
>>
>>2015496

The character he's visually based on is a good representative of what he looked like pre-Fall of Westmire; don't have one for him currently.

>>2015503

Didn't even notice that. John's luck strikes again.

>>2015450

Rapidly swapping back to your Rapier, you waste no time closing in on the shamblers.

Making sure to leave Sierra a clear line of fire, you bait out two wild strikes, easily avoiding them, then stabbing into their legs. A flicker in the corner of your eyes catches your attention and you jump back as two lances of fire punch holes into the chests of the monsters.

With a warbling screech, they slowly burn from the inside out, collapsing to the floor.

You don't care much about that, as you're already moving to the bar. Sierra and Ryu are looking around, making sure that there's nothing hostile left, with a few licks of fire coming off their hands.

"John!" Sierra sounds both relieved and terrified as she looks you over, "Shit, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Your wound hurts a bit, but that's not important right now.

"Are those things gone?" Kyoko pokes her head over the bar counter, likely where she was hiding previously.

Ryu looks about still, his gaze flicking to you for a bit, "I believe we're in the clear for now".

"This is so fucked up..." His sister rubs her arm, "What the hell is going on here anyways??"

Any further conversation is interrupted by a volley of gunfire echoing out from the other side of the building.

Now what?
> We've got a chance, it's time to go
> Send Ryu and Kyoko outside, go help out Dutch and the Genovese with Sierra
> Send Ryu and Kyoko outside, try to find Sun with Sierra
> Send the three outside, go help out Dutch and the Genovese
> Send the three outside, try to find Sun
> Other
>>
>>2015518
>send them out. go find sun.

well guys, you know what time it is.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjIVkl34Vig


>and can you guys give me a Molotov [if they exist]
>>
>>2015518
>> Send the three outside, try to find Sun
>>
>>2015518
> Send the three outside, try to find Sun
>>
>>2015518
"You've been busy, I see..." gesture at the corpses."

"They seem to have been after the main prize... Do you guys want to sweep the building? I'd like to at least check on Jun... Dutch is probably going to be fine."
>>
>>2015534
Also ensure that none of the downed creatures are moving, although Sierra probably ensured them to be well done.
>>
Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>2015524
>>2015528
>>2015532
>>2015534

Looks like we're gonna try to find out boss...

Hmmm... Let's see what happens...
>>
>>2015553

That's an interesting number.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please. Just for fun.
>>
Rolled 66 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2015556
>worried.jpg
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2015556
lets go fuckers
>>
Rolled 79 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2015556
>>
>>2015567

84, Very Good.

Writin'
>>
We flanked those X-Rays good.
>>
>>2015653
well we got some bullshit army speak, that we don't need to understand.

LETS LIGHT EM UP
>>
and of course friends, since we are having some music for the occasion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY0WxgSXdEE
>>
>>2015518

"That's probably Dutch," You speak up after a moment, "Shouldn't have to worry about him. You three, though, need to get going now".

"And what will you be doing?" Ryu calmly asks, helping Kyoko over a few corpses.

Taking a quick look around, you note that all of them are still on the ground with heavy burns covering what little twisted skin you can see.

"I need to go make sure Sun got out," Rubbing your shoulder a bit, you wince a bit at the dull throbbing pain coming from it, "We had to split up before, don't know where he's gone from there".

There's a huff, turning around you see Sierra looking rather dissatisfied, "You get out as soon as you can, you hear me?"

Giving her a nod, you jog off towards the meeting rooms. Making sure to avoid the firefight coming from the other side of Hall C, you continue down the hall.

Your nice walk is interrupted by one of the shamblers busting through a door as you run by. Due to the lack of subtlety of it all, you're able to duck out of the way and keep ahead of it.

Pushing open the door, you find the room in question is entirely empty. There's signs of people leaving in a hurry, but thankfully no blood or the like.

Your relief is immediately dashed away when your chaser screams out from right behind you. Turning, you get ready for another fight when something slams into it's back.

There's a moment of struggle before a wet tearing sound fills the air. Slowly standing back up, you're treated to the sight of Jun Woo holding the shambler's head in his hand.

"Wasn't expecting to see you still around, John," With a lack of interest, he throws the head off to the side, "Saw you getting chased and came to give you a hand".

"Thanks for that," It is a bit unsettling to see the young man like this but you shake that feeling off, "I'm guessing your father and Yeon are already out?"

"Just left," Jun falls in line with you, the two of you walking towards the exit,

Now what?
> Ask Jun if he knows what's going on
> Ask Jun if he enjoyed his evening
> Ask if Jun enjoyed his 'alone time' with Yeon
> Ask something else
> Stay silent
>>
>>2015694
>ask if he enjoyed his alone time with yeon and his evening while we go back for the armour

we need to see if its still there, and if it is get it.

but I think it isnt
>>
>>2015694
> Ask Jun if he knows what's going on
>>
>>2015694
>Nice moves
>Any idea what those things are?
>>
>>2015694
> Ask if Jun enjoyed his 'alone time' with Yeon

I really hope you took the proper precautions. Wouldn't want a child out of wedlock so soon.
>>
>>2015699
>>2015708
>>2015716
>>2015757

So, how did it go?

Writin'
>>
so guesses where the armor will be after all this?
>[ ] exactly where we left it
>[ ] taken by the attackers
>[ ] spirited away by Genovese (blame put of course on attackers)
>[ ] in open custody of the Genovese (to improve their standing with the city)
>[ ] taken by a third party taking advantage of the commotion
>>
>>2015694

"You have a fun night?" The simple fact that you're asking such a question is made even more awkward by the occasional gun shots going off in the background.

"Y-yeah...?" Confusion doesn't begin to express the tone of Jun's voice.

"That's good," You just smile at him, "I heard that you and Yeon were in a room together. Locked even! How scandalous..."

"John... I... Urgghhh..." He just slaps himself, "Only you would joke about that in this kind of situation..."

Laughing a bit at his reaction, you just pat him on the back, "Fine then, you have any idea what's going on here?"

Sensing that you're a bit more serious, Jun looks around a bit, "Not really; honestly, these things aren't something I've gone over in my studies. You know anything about them?"

"No, I don't," You frown, "I've seen a lot, but even I'm at a loss here".

"Doesn't matter," He steps up his pace, heading for one of the side exits, "I'm sure my father will have an idea of what to do".

"Probably," With a shrug, you follow the young man out and into the alleyway. Making it to the main street, you find yourself confronted with a guard squad posted. They raise their weapons at you initially, but after a few words from Jun you're through without an issue.

After a few seconds, you find Sun Woo in the middle of directing several people. Yeon-Ha's calmly sitting in a chair nearby and you gently push Jun towards her.

"I'll talk to your father, just relax for now," Giving him one last smile, you leave him to it and walk over to the Head of the Main Bastion.

"I believe everyone's out now, sir," You open with, catching Sun's attention as he looks through a set of papers.

"John," He sounds relieved, but also distracted, "Good to see you alive".

"Sorry about the suit," Glancing over to your shoulder, there's no way that your shirt and jacket aren't ruined, "You have any idea what's going on here?"

That gets a dark look at him as looking up towards the hotel, "Vampires..."

"What?"

"Vampires have come to Shirahoro".

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 13 END]
>>
>>2015908
Sheesh. Vampires. Like there was not enough miserable piles of misery prowling around.

We'll need to consult our friends on how to deal with them. And eat a lot of garlic. Thanks for the adventure OP!
>>
>>2015923
Fire seems to work. So lets create some incendiary ammo and a wrist mounted flame thrower.
>>
crossbow bolts with special heads filled with holy water, and incendiary devices filled with blessed flammable oil that ignite after hitting a target and the hellsing crossbow thing to shoot them from
>>
>>2016120
I'm under impression that anyone who would be able to do the blessing is either absent or not listening, so I guess we'll have to make do with phosphorus... and magic? Maybe Sierra knows how to make a fire rune or something.
>>
>>2016120
Over-engineered.

We should make grenade launcher with explosive and incendiary grenades.
Great against crowds, not so great in small spaces.
>>
Considering we have experience with electric weapons, why not make something like a tesla gun or plasma thrower?
>>
if we make a grenade launcher it should be based on the M32A1
>>
there's also the mk19 if we want or need belt fed
>>
>>2016197
Plasma has laughable range in atmosphere, tesla coil has laughable current and not so great range, they just don't make a good weapon.

>>2016207
That's exactly what I had in mind.
>>
>>2016160
Correct

>>2016207
>>2016228
Nigga this is a world with magic and you want to ape boring shit like this? Go jerk off to kraut space magic.

Let's make some funky clockwork grenade catapult or magic rail gun.

Or just a shotgun style gun that we can load different enchanted shells into.
>>
That harpoon launcher could be good for some old fashioned heart piercing as well. Better so if it had more than one function.

Also when coming up with weapon ideas, let's not forget we're in urban environment and it would be nice to have something in our kit that doesn't do too much collateral damage...
>>
>>2016337
True, we don't want to burn the whole city down, we need fire extinguishing grenades if we want to use incendiary rounds.
Harpoon launcher is inferior in every way to our clockwork rifle.

We definitely need incendiary bullets for our clockwork rifle.
And we need to finish heavy armor.
>>
>>2016160
Grenade launcher for outdoors, dragons breath for indoors?

as far as "blessed" things go, we don't even know if that kind of magic exists, let alone harms vampires.
>>
>>2016318
grenade launchers can do every thing a shotgun can and more considering that most grenade launchers are 40mm in diameter with the smallest one i know of is 25mm but i would still prefer a repeating crosbow of some description for grappling hook arrows and the fact that with replaceable heads we can get similar utility out of it
>>
>>2018633
But can we hold onto it when it fires slugs or pellets at high speeds with that diameter?

(I'm not that familiar with really large bore shotguns or if they even exist at that size)
>>
>>2020560
might not be able to shoot slugs because of how modern grenades work to enable shoulder firing but pellets and flechettes are definitely usable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High%E2%80%93low_system
>>
here's a list of some 40mm grenades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_mm_grenade
>>
Was away for the last few days, back now.

Looks like R&D is going to be rather interesting in the future.

Writin'
>>
That was the end of part 12 oops.

>>2015908

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 13 START]

[CUTSCENE]

At the time of 7 pm, the normal routine of Eden Hall is to be swamped with clients fresh out of work; looking for a moment of respite from the daily grind.

Today, in contrast, there sits a single customer across from the bartender; his first customer. She's polishing off her fifth drink, the downtrodden look on her face not changing in the slightest. The bartender, in contrast, stands with a cool stoicism, waiting for her to speak her mind. When all she does is sigh after finishing off the cocktail, he decides to take the initiative.

"He reminds you of Father, doesn't he?"

She stares down her glass, silently. That, in and of itself, is enough of an answer.

"He reminds me of Father as well," The bartender continues, casually cleaning a glass, "There's a few things: his demeanor, stature, way of speaking. But, mostly, it's his e-"

"Eyes, yeah," She looks up at him for a moment, "It was the first thing I noticed; really freaked me out the first time I saw him".

The two stare at each other, neither willing to go further down that line of thought.

"Have..." She fumbles with her words, no longer willing to meet his eyes, "Have you ever loved and hated something at the same time, brother?"

He barely has to think about it before he has an answer, "Yes"

[CUTSCENE END]

[1/2]
>>
>>2023330
hate? bit of a strong word but I figure its probably right.

heh, but we all got out alive.....
>>
>>2023330
It had to he the elf. Rip our qt centaur gf
>>
>>2023330

[2/2]

Waking up the next morning is an interesting experience. Considering just how hectic the previous night was, you were more or less thrown a bandage and gauze and told to treat your own wounds. You'd have been a little more irritated, but the next guy was holding himself together with sheer stubbornness so you could understand why the medic was in such a rush.

Either way, you'll just have to be careful while moving around your left arm for the time being.

Currently, you're alone in the forge. Godo is apparently in some kind of meeting for the morning, likely about the events of last night, so you've got a bit of spare time on your hands.

Now what?
> Work in the forge
> Go somewhere (where?)
> Find someone (who?)
> Other
>>
Working the forge is probably not a good idea,and Sun is probably in a meeting. Some light tinkering with our gloves or something like that is probably doable. We can also visit Sierra.
>>
>>2023362
lets do this, visit our drunken elf
>>
>>2023375
>>2023369

I messed something up regarding the timeline.

Part 12 ended -> Next night Cutscene happened -> That coming morning is where we are now.

Tl;dr: It's been a day and a half since part 12 ended.
>>
>>2023362
>Work in the forge
I assume tinkering with precise machinery fits here. We still have the scavenged datalinks with us, yes? Could we maybe cannibalize one or few with outlook to make a piece of hardware we can carry around in civilian outfit when our glove is not appropriate?

How about trying to jury rig two of them to be able to communicate with each other?
>>
>>2023362
>work in the forge
Gotta act like everything is normal.
>>
>>2023362
> Find someone (who?)
Goo Hwi
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2023369
>>2023375
>>2023395
>>2023411

Rolling to tie break.
1. Sierra
2. Forge
>>
we probably shouldn't stray too far in case we're summoned, Sun will want to debrief us.
>>
>>2023500
Sierra
>>
>>2023362

Considering everything that's happened in the last few days, just wandering around Shirahoro aimlessly doesn't sound like a good idea.

Besides, Sierra said she'd be staying with her brother from now on; she'll be fine for the time being.

Now, though, it's time to start working.

Skill List:

Engineering Skills:
Maintenance: Seasoned (+10)
Modify: Seasoned (+10)
Dismantle: Seasoned (+10)

Crafting Skills:
Build: Seasoned (+10)
Build (Basic Firearms): Adept (+5)
Build (Armor): Seasoned (+10)
Build (Clockwork): Seasoned (+10)
Build (Robotics): Novice (+2)
Build (Computers): Untrained (0)
Build (Combi-Weapons): Untrained (0)

Smithing Skills:
General Smithing: Seasoned (+10)
Smithing (Armor): Seasoned (+10)
Smithing (Firearms): Seasoned (+10)
Smithing (Melee Weapons): Adept (+5)

What to work on?
> Armor
> Datalinks
> Robotics
> Firearms
> Other
>>
>>2023558
>> Firearms
>> Other
Literal FIRE-arms
>>
>>2023558
Question: What can we do with robotics?
How feasible is piecing together a spider drone, or at least some components for one?
I'm guessing I'll end up voting for Datalinks trying to get two devices to communicate with each other per >>2023395 (You), after all this could be also used to hatch a remote for the future drone.
>>
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>>2023558
> Firearms
Grenade launcher attachment for our clockwork rifle.
>>
>>2023558
> Firearms
Incendiary ammo.
>>
>>2023574

Robotics essentially encompasses machines capable of motor functions that are either programmed or directly controlled. You'll need to work on the skill for a bit, build a few prototypes and the like, but you can rather easily make the frame and components of a small drone at the moment. Getting it to function and run properly will take some more steps.
>>
>>2023598
Cool beans. Gonna look forward to it.

Although it seems neither robotics nor preparing the control unit is going to win this time around.
>>
>>2023611
Maybe after the vampire arc. Or before... Vamps can't suck metal.
>>
>>2023566
>>2023588
>>2023592

Looks like we're working on incendiary weapons.

The question is what kind of delivery system do you wish to utilize it through?
> Grenade Launcher
> Shotgun
>>
>>2023635
>> Shotgun
We can evolve to flamethrower later
>>
>>2023635
> Grenade Launcher
>>
>>2023639
>>2023649

Rolling again.
1. Shotgun
2. Grenade Launcher
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2023680

Actually rolling.
>>
>>2023649
>>2023639

Grenade Launcher it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+10's please for a blueprint
>>
Rolled 84 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2023688
>>
Rolled 71 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2023688
Science!
>>
Rolled 99 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2023688
>>
>>2023693

That's a 109, Great Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2023558

Thinking on it, there's no way that this whole 'Vampire Issue' is going to be resolved anytime soon.

You'll need to be ready and equipped when things heat back up again; you can't let yourself be caught off guard like that again.

To that end, you're going to need an arsenal upgrade. The weaker ones, you remember Sun Woo saying they were "Thralls" or something of the like, we're that hard to take out. Killing them, however, was an entirely different story.

Thinking back on it, your Multitool was really the best weapon at your disposal during the party. Specifically, the Cutting function of it was. Fire... Fire seems to be your best bet against them.

The question is how you're going to weaponize that effect. While effective, your Multitool is just too valuable to risk lost or damage.

Grabbing a spare piece of parchment and a quill, you get to work sketching an idea out. You remember that the teams that were specifically formed to combat the Blight often used either fire mages or a substance that was both highly flammable and stuck to its target. Unfortunately, you don't know what that substance is. Maybe you could ask someone a bit more knowledgeable than yourself on that topic...

Regardless, you're going to need a way of getting that to your target. You want to go with a bullet-style of delivery, but you're not going to be able to fit what you need into your Clockwork Rifle's round. Starting with the ammo then, you sketch out something that'll end up being about 25 mm in diameter utilizing what Godo taught you about Gunsmithing. From there, you work on what'll end up being the launcher. It'll have to be rather bare bones, single-shot breach loaded, but you're going for function over form here.

Finishing up the first design, you do think of a few tweaks and corrections to your initial idea. They should allow you to condense down the firing mechanism and limit it down to the point where you might be able to work it onto your Clockwork Rifle. You'll have to work on that more later.

> You have created: 1 Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Blueprint!

Now, time to see if you can make this...
> Roll me three 1d100+22's for smithing and three 1d100+17's for building please
>>
Rolled 12 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>2023721
Let the pain of each swing in our injured side stores itself in the weapon's essence, ready to sear our adversaries.
>>
Rolled 83, 81 = 164 (2d100)

>>2023721
>>
Rolled 43 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>2023721
Now, for assembly...
>>
Rolled 92 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>2023721
>>
>>2023728
>>
Rolled 6 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>2023742
>>
Alright, we have:

>>2023729
105
And
>>2023740
109

Success and Success.

Writin'
>>
File: SimpleyetEffective.png (25 KB, 554x211)
25 KB
25 KB PNG
>>2023721

Keeping mindful of your shoulder, you start the task of firing the forge back up and getting to work.

It's at the point that the fire of it barely registers to you anymore, something that you push to the side as you work into a routine of heating metal and hammering away at it on the anvil. Making the barrel of it is a bit of a challenge, considering that you're making one far wider than what you're used to, but with a bit of creative usage of your tools you manage to get by.

The other parts are rather similar to other firearms you've worked on, so that's not too much of an issue, and the general stock and grip are done easily enough.

Thanks to the help of the blueprint, putting all the parts together occurs in no time at all.

The end result is... interesting. Patting it over, you're rather happy with what you've accomplished. The breach clears freely and snaps back down into place without an issue.

The "bullet" itself is another attempt. Considering that you're not sure what to put together to get the desired incendiary effect and you're not exactly comfortable carrying around a round with an untested explosive tip for any period of time, you decide on making a kind of 'training' round. It should fire without an issue, but the tip of it is essentially a hollow piece of metal.

You'll have to test these at some point in time.

> You have created: 1 Great Quality Single-Round Grenade Launcher!
> You have created: 1 Training Grenade Launcher Round!

Any further work is delayed by Godo flying into the forge, bellowing that your vacation is over and that it is time to get back to work.

Yeah, right, that.

> Roll me three 1d100+17's please
>>
Rolled 45 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>2023849
>>
Rolled 41 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>2023849
Time to suffer.
>>
Rolled 89 + 17 (1d100 + 17)

>>2023849
>>
>>2023867
First roll, for a success.
>>
>>2023867

That's a 106, Success.

Writin'
>>
so whenever we are making something important, we are doing it alone.

we have pressure problems by being watched, agreed?
>>
>>2023849

> Congratulations! Your ability to forge melee weapons has further refined! Your Smithing (Melee Weapons) skill is now at Seasoned Rank!
> Congratulations! Your ability to forge metal into various components has further refined! Your General Smithing skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Expert Rank skills allow you to negate a single rolled 1 per day!

Godo's clearly frustrated with something, as he's rather brutal in pushing you this week. Doesn't bother you too much, but you still notice the difference.

Regardless, you make great progress in weapon smithing. Not only that, you feel that you've gotten much better at smithing in general.

At the end of the week, Godo gives you an interesting choice. The choice of what to work on him with for the next week. What skill do you choose?
> Armor
> Melee Weapons
> Firearms
> Robotics
> Other
>>
>>2023916
> Armor

We should make some light Armor that we can always have with us so that we aren't caught without any defenses again
>>
>>2023916
>Robotics

As much as I want to vote for melee weapons, we haven't trained Robotics much to my memory so that takes priority IMO
>>
>>2023916
robotics
>>
>>2023916
Robotics seem really tempting but would Godo be alright with them, especially considering how we've yet to build something that moves?
>>
>>2023916
>Armour

I want John to be Ironman by next christmas.
>>
>>2023916
>> Robotics
Just caught up, quest seems really cool so far. I want to work on the automaton soon, just cos it seems really cool.
>>
>>2023957

Not sure why you think Godo would be a kind of metal puritan.

>>2023957
>>2023956
>>2023944

Robotics it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+32's please.
>>
Rolled 45 + 32 (1d100 + 32)

>>2023985
>>
Rolled 63 + 32 (1d100 + 32)

>>2023985
>>
Rolled 74 + 32 (1d100 + 32)

>>2023985
>>
>>2023981

Glad to have you.

>>2024022

That's a 106, Success.

Writin'
>>
Rolled 66 + 32 (1d100 + 32)

>>2023985
>>
>>2023916

> Congratulations! Your experiments into the forging of the components to motorized machines has granted you the skill: Smithing (Robotics)! Current Skill rank: Novice!
> Congratulations! Your ability to forge the components of motorized machines has further refined! Your Smithing (Robotics) skill is now at Adept rank!
> Congratulations! Your ability to create motorized machines has further refined! Your Build (Robotics) skill is now at Adept rank!

The week is certainly an interesting one. At first, Godo is rather skeptical about your idea but after you begin to work on a prototype he starts to get more into it.

Eventually, the dwarf gets caught up in an idea of his own so the two of you work on your own projects.

You've had an idea swimming about in your head for sometime about making some kind of scouting drone. The computer section of it'll be an entirely different challenge, but perhaps you should get to work on the chassis of it.

Following that train of thought you start working on the legs and chassis. You'll want to have a low center of gravity and plenty of legs to keep it balanced and stable, so perhaps something along the lines of a spider could work...

Several days of hard work and different ways of making your idea later you finally settle on something that works. At the moment, the mechanism is entirely mechanical in nature with all the ends of it simply coming out into the open chassis. You'll have to work on that another time, but at the moment all six of the legs do work as you intended.

> You have created: 1 Spider Drone Framework (Small)!

You finish up right as the week ends. Smiling at what you've accomplished, you slip the machine into your pack.

That's right when Godo speaks up, "The Head wants to talk to you".

The simple fact that you've been expecting this doesn't keep you from pausing for a moment. There's not much he could want to talk about at this point.

However, given how he's your boss you do have to answer his call.

So, begrudgingly, you walk to his office and open the door.

> Roll me three 1d100+10's please
>>
Rolled 56 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2024095
this is gonna be bad
>>
Rolled 89 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2024095
I'm guessing he wants to talk about the time we worked for the Genovese.
>>
Rolled 78 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2024095
>>
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41 KB
41 KB JPG
>>2024095
>>
>>2024263

I'll be back to writing in ~ 30 mins
>>
Back now

>>2024128

That's a 99, Great Success.

Writin'
>>
So...what's wrong with John's eyes?
>>
>>2024699
Spooky mana
>>
>>2024095

Last time you were in Sun's office, it was a rather simple, bare bones affair; reflective of a man who spent most of his working time out and about.

By stark contrast the room you walk into is absolutely overloaded with papers and folders. In the eye of the storm is the Head himself, looking at three separate pieces of paperwork while signing off on something entirely different.

"Ah, John," He speaks up without looking up from his desk, "You'll have to forgive the mess; give me a minute and I'll be with you".

Sun Woo goes back to his pile of paperwork, giving you the chance to just glance over the room.

The papers around you are for various things, mainly requisition orders, shift adjustments, increased training regimens, and so on. Looks like everyone's gearing up, not just you.

"This whole mess has been a real pain," The Councilman looks up to you, finally putting down his quill, "I've been working constantly to get our forces up to full strength and to work on narrowing down where these Vampires are hiding. And all of that needs to be checked and approved by the Council; which, of course, means I have to write everything out in triplicate. Regardless, you're not here to listen to me complain; we do have something much more important to speak about".

There's a silence between the two of you as he brings up that rather awkward topic. Surprisingly enough, he smiles at you and speaks first.

"I do want to thank you for saving my life," Right, you did do that, "Looking back at the moment, I would have been seriously injured if not killed outright if not for your actions. It is for that reason that I want to hear from you yourself what exactly your involvement with the Genovese mafia is".

Your first instinct is to deny it, but he just raises a hand and cuts you off, "John, please, give me a bit of credit. I won't claim to know every little thing about this city, but I know more than most believe I do. The Don's body guard, I believe 'Gladiator' is the moniker that he goes by, is not involved in any portion of their legal front. The only way you would know him to any substantial degree is if you were part of their underground".

Not saying anything, you just collect your thoughts for a moment. Explaining your involvement with the Genovese is rather deeply entwined with other parts of your life; ones you're not entirely comfortable with speaking about.

What do tell Sun?
> Everything
> From Airgrid onwards
> From the Gambino Train onwards
> Lie
>>
>>2024699
>>2024712

Sierra's and Ryu's father's eyes were blue.
>>
>>2024699
They’ve seen too much.
>>
>>2024721
> From Airgrid onwards
>>
>>2024721
>> From Airgrid onwards
No need to lie or say things we dont want to say
>>
>>2024721
>> From Airgrid onwards
>>
>>2024721
Everything includes fall of westmire and John’s background, yes?

I’d start with telling Sun of our business in Airgrid, quitting, and then how our train misadventure had us reconnect, to some degree. Might also mention the contract work.

It will be interesting to see Sun make connections to whatever he knows of the Gambino dispute.
>>
>>2024779

Yes.

>>2024742
>>2024734
>>2024733
>>2024779

Airgrid onwards it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2024779
To add, this is a vote to not delve into how we got to work with them in airgrid in first place. Although I don’t see much harm answering if asked, It is after all what we wanted to put behind us.
>>
>>2024721

"I told you that I started my career in Artificing back in Airgrid. That's pretty much where it started for me. They needed a guy who could work on their gear and I need the money. My family..." You trail off before shaking your hand dismissively, "The less said about them the better I think. Regardless, the simple fact was believe it or not getting knee deep in with a criminal organization was my best choice back then. I ran with them for about three, four years before I decided I had enough. I was lucky that I had a few friends up the totem pole so I was able to walk away with my legs intact".

"But things didn't end there," Sun looks interested at your story, leaning forwards slightly.

"No, they didn't," You tap your chin a bit, wondering just how much to disclose about this coming part, "After I left Airgrid, I wandered around the Badlands for several weeks. I eventually made my way further Eastwards, where I met up with my two companions. We were all journeying to Shirahoro together when we decided to catch a ride on a Gambino train. That turned out to be quite the mistake".

There's a look of understanding in his eyes, but he motions for you to say it anyways, "Over the course of the trip, I discovered some kind of plot to make it look like the Genovese kidnapped the Head of the Gambino Family for some reason or the other, never figured that part out. Either way, said plan involved me and my friends dying so I took exception to that. One thing led to the other, we managed to escape and, after arriving at Shirahoro, I handed over evidence about the entire incident to the Genovese here in the city as a show of good faith. Since then, I've done two contracts through their legal company but other than that I've been keeping my feet out of the mud".

Finishing up, you take a breath finally. You're not used to being so long-winded.

"I have a feeling you skipped over a few things," Sun looks... amused? Yeah, that's a good word for his current expression, "But I still understand the basic outline. You'll have to forgive me if that brought up anything unpleasant but you have to understand that in times like these I need to be certain that the people around me are trustworthy".

"It's fine," You wave him off.

He just gives you one last look before responding, "Well, I believe that's it for us. Unless you've got something else you'd like to talk to me about..."

Taking the unspoken cue, you stand and turn to leave.

"Oh, one last thing," Looking over your shoulder, Sun looks deadly serious, "Think of this as something I've been curious about: Where do your loyalties lie?"

Your response?
> With myself
> With you
> With Shirahoro
> With the Genovese
> With... (write in)
> Say nothing
>>
>>2024903
>> With myself
>>
>>2024903

> With myself and my friends.
With one exception, the Genovese aren't my friends.
>>
>>2024795
The way I see it, working for them in airgrid was a natural continuation or debt of gratitude for being rescued during the fall of westmire. Afterwards, when John had enough, he broke off from them, and they let him go somewhat reluctantly but not in a harmful way. He only became entangled with them again because incidents in Bo Shan caused him to get involved in the train situation and it was only out of gratitude for letting him go that he gave the genovese the evidence they needed to publicly get a leg up over the Gambino syndicate. Sure, he's worked with them since then, but he's not "of" them.
>>
>>2024903
> With myself and my friends

The subtext being that Sun is sort of already on that list because he's a decent sort who hasn't tried to screw us over for personal gain.
>>
>>2024933
This, plus:
"Except Dutch, dude's like a brother to me. Archmage ain't half bad either."
>>
>>2024903
>I suppose the most honest answer would be with myself. I just want to work, and keep myself and my friends alive.
>>
>>2024965

That was my intention as well.
>>
>>2024903
>with my friends
>>
>>2024970
Dutch is the "one exception" just wasn't sure we should outright name him.
>>
>>2024978
Work on my machines*
>>
>>2024903
>> With myself and my friends
>>
>>2024923
>>2024933
>>2024960
>>2024965
>>2024970
>>2024978
>>2025023

I fight for my fr- myself.

Writin'
>>
>>2024903
>With my friends
>>
>>2024903
Robot.

Pussy.
>>
>>2024903

"With myself," It's your immediate and reflexive answer. It's the truth as well, from all those years of not being able to count on anyone but yourself. But then Dutch comes to mind, along with Sierra and Goo Hwi, Naofumi, Gang Ryong to a lesser degree, and, hell, even Sun himself. You... you guess you've changed quite a bit in the last few months, "And... with those who've done right by me, I suppose".

The admission sounds awkward even to you, and there's a silence in the room as Sun just looks at you. He must find something, because he eventually breaks off with a slight smile.

There's no explanation to it, and you leave the room after he goes back to his paperwork.

With nothing else to do, you walk back to the forge. Before you can get there, you run into Godo.

Without fanfare, the dwarf slams something into your chest. There's a moment where you lose your breath from the unexpected blow, but then you catch that something before it falls to the floor.

It's... your Proof, from all that time ago. But, that must mean...

"Your training is done," He says, with his gruff tone, "Anything else you'll have to learn on your own".

Your response is cut off by the fact that he just walks away after saying his bit. Not put off by his actions you simply turn and yell out, "Thank you, Godo!"

He doesn't respond at all, but you don't mind.

> You have obtained: Proof of Merit for Smithing

Feels like ages ago since you last had this in your hand... Regardless, since you're done here, you walk in and grab your belongings. Your backpack is looking a bit stuffed; you're honestly surprised that it hasn't burst yet.

The question is where to go from here, there are a few things you'd like to do now that you're free.
> Check in with the Dragon's Lair
> Check in with the Genovese
> Find Sierra and Ryu
> Go somewhere (where?)
> Find someone (who?)
> Other
>>
>>2025112
Try to finish our spider buddy, and maybe upgrade our gauntlet.
>>
>>2025112
>> Find Sierra and Ryu
>>
>>2025112
> Find Sierra and Ryu

I guess we need to find a workshop and a place to live now, huh?
>>
>>2025112
> Find Sierra and Ryu
>>
>>2025112
>> Find Sierra and Ryu
>>
I wonder if Sierra will be drunk when we find them
>>
>>2025124
>>2025128
>>2025140
>>2025158

Let's check in on the twins.

Writin'
>>
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>>2025112

Thinking about things, catching up with the elf twins sounds like a good plan. You really only know where Ryu works, but Eden Hall isn't open until 6 pm and looking at the time it is... a bit after 4.

You lose track of time in here rather easily; perhaps its time to go.

Gathering up your belongings, you throw them over your shoulder and clip your normal Broadsword to your belt.

Walking down the mostly quiet halls, it's not until you get towards the lobby that you start hearing voices...

"-hit I can't! Just tell me where he is!"

"Sir, please! He's in a meeting with the Head right now!"

Entering into the area, you're met with that timid cleric from down in the Armory trying to keep a rather irate old man from marching past him.

"Naofumi?" You speak up as you approach.

"There you are," The old engineer glares down at the poor guy, "Am I allowed to speak to him now?"

With a squeak, he's gone. Rather impressive for him to be moving so fast...

Looking back to Naofumi, you note that his glare hasn't gone down at all. That's... interesting...

You say?
> "Something wrong?"
> "It's been a while"
> "Didn't I tell you not to bully the clerics?"
> Stay silent
> Other
>>
>>2025259
>> "Didn't I tell you not to bully the clerics?"
They're fragile.
>>
>>2025259
>> "Something wrong?"
> "Didn't I tell you not to bully the clerics?"
Bullying is bad you know
>>
>>2025259
> "Didn't I tell you not to bully the clerics? They're soft, more delicate than women."
>>
>>2025259
>> "Didn't I tell you not to bully the clerics?"
>>
>>2025259
> "Didn't I tell you not to bully the clerics?"
> Check it out, got my Smithing proof!
> Hey, do you know anything about Electronics?
>>
>>2025323
He knows NOTHING about electronics.
>>
>>2025328

This got a laugh out of me.

>>2025323
>>2025283
>>2025282
>>2025271
>>2025268

No bullying, old man, only I can do that.

Writin'
>>
>>2025259

"Didn't I talk to you about bullying the clerics," You cross your arms and give the man a hard look, "Was even the same poor guy too".

"John..." His expression doesn't change, the glare just intensifying a bit as he narrows his eyes at you.

The fact that something might actually be wrong her comes to mind, "Is something wrong Naofumi?"

"No!" You raise an eyebrow, "...Yes. Just... look, I need to talk to you. In private".

That's... not exactly an encouraging tone to hear out of him, "Alright, where do you want to talk?"

"Somewhere secure, quiet," He glances about for a bit.

There's one place that comes to mind, but you're not exactly happy to go back to it after practically living there for the last few months, "Alright, follow me".

So the two of you head back to the forge. Like you hoped, the place is empty. Letting him go in first, you lock the door behind you.

"This is about as secure as we'll get for the time being. So, what's the matter?"

Naofumi doesn't say anything for a few seconds, opening and closing his mouth like he wants to say something then second guesses himself. After a few more false starts, he finally speaks up.

"I think my daughter is missing".

> And that's where I have to end things for tonight. See you all tomorrow possibly. Not entirely likely, but I'll try to update for a bit.
>>
>>2025404
"Which one? You do get around, after all."
>>
>>2025404
well fuck, time to be a good Samaritan

>>2025617
no anon, he only has one daughter. so its serious mode
>>
>>2025404
The plot thickens!
We’re gonna help, of course.
>>
>>2025617
>>2025895
>>2025940
But rescue is not free! We are an artificer and require payment. In this case: access to forges, tools and broken equipment.
>>
>>2026058
His daughter is an archaeologist iirc, loot from the ruin delve should be more than adequate.

Question is, who are we going to go with? (and I'm jumping to conclusion this is going to be a trip out of town)

>Sierra
A mage could come in handy, but does John want to drag her into face of danger? I say we tell her about the operation but not insist she comes. Maybe she'll volunteer, maybe not.
>Ryu
Maybe he will want to tag along if Sierra does. Maybe not. He seems to be a mage as well.
>Goo Hwi
The oldtimer would be valuable fighter, but I suspect this trip is above his retirement threshold. Can't hurt to ask I guess.
>Dutch
Skilled fighter is always welcome, and he's a friend. However his obligations to the Family might get in the way both in terms of availability or considering possible Gambino involvement.
>Archmage
could be interested in the trip, but Family affiliation is even more of a concern. In either case we should be on lookout for things he might find interesting.
>Gang Ryong
We don't really know him that much and he probably doesn't trust us enough to be an option, not to mention he seems unlikely to leave to save a damsel out there somewhere, especially with vampires running loose (hopefully he's not with them).
>...
There may be others. Naofumi might know some people, and so might Sun if we end up talking to him about the job for some reason.

I'm guessing Naofumi will want to go in any case, it's his child after all.
>>
>>2025404

Well, that's certainly not good especially considering the recent circumstances. There is something that catches your attention.

"What do you mean by 'think' she's missing?" You raise an eyebrow in question.

Naofumi looks like he's about to yell at you, but he catches himself, "We kept in touch with the messenger mage they had on site. The last message I got from her was just over a month ago; haven't heard from her since then. Bastard mage refuses to tell me if he's gotten any kind of message on her well being or whereabouts".

Yeah, this is a bit above your pay grade. Even if you want to head out there, there's a serious issue with the fact that you not only don't know where the site she was out at.

You have a few choices you could make.
> Go to Sun with the problem
> Go to Archmage with the problem
> Try to work on it yourself
> Other
>>
>>2026147
Archmage is almost guaranteed to be able to help, but given talk we just had, and where we are, let's try Sun first.

>Go to Sun with the problem.
>>
>>2026147
>> Go to Sun with the problem
>>
>>2026161
>>2026150

To the boss we go.

Writin'
>>
>>2026147

"I'll be honest with you, Naofumi, I really don't know why you came to me," You shake your head a bit, "But you still came to me so I'll see what I can do".

"Thanks John," The old man looks at you, before he looks to the side, "I appreciate it I really do. Sarah's my own blood and flesh; she's the only one I got left in this rotten world".

"Again, I'll see what I can do," That's really the only reassurance you can give him, and it feels hollow even to you.

He doesn't say anything else, simply walking out of the room.

Thinking on the choices at hand, Sun Woo sticks out as your first choice. You can always go talk to Archmage about it if he's around, but you might as well go with the immediate choice.

Walking down the hall and knocking on the door, Sun ushers you in without a problem. You recount what Naofumi told you to him after sitting down.

"Do you think this could be related to the Vampire incursion?" The Head asks you after a moment of thinking about it.

"It might be," You just shrug, "The time frame lines up, but it could really be anything at this point. What I'm more concerned about is the fact that she was on a Gambino job site".

"I see. That does bring some interesting possibilities into the equation..." He ponders for a bit, "My sources haven't been able to pin down the location of the current head of the Gambino family since your run in with him. I will take a look into this, I'm assuming you want me to let you know if I find anything?"

"Yes," You stand, "Thank you for your time Sun".

"You're welcome, John," He rummages around in his desk before pulling out a sheet of paperwork and a small box before tossing them at you, "Consider this as payment for services rendered".

Opening up the box, you find a set of keys. Looking over the paperwork, you find that it's the deed to a forge in the... (Choose One)
> Earth District
> Water District
> Fire District
> Cloud District
>>
>>2026184
Earth district, what ever is the merchant district we want to be a business so it makes sense to go there or the earth district. Our type of people
>>
Rolled 2 (1d4)

>>2026184
Damn, that's generous.

It would be nice for it to be in the same district as Eden Hall (cloud?), but I suspect it would seem out of place there. It would make more sense for it to be near the military compound or in the general industrial one.

I think I'll leave this one up to OP's discretion or, barring that, the roll of a deadliest die known to man. (1 - Earth, 2 - Water, 3 - Fire, 4 - Cloud)
>>
>>2026193
>>2026194

Probably should have done a quick rundown of the different districts and where everyone is. I'll do that now.
>>
>>2026184

Earth District:
> Working class majority, along with adventurers and the like who briefly stay in Shirahoro.
> Major location(s): Dragon's Lair Inn (Home of Gang Ryong, Goo Hwi is currently staying here)

Fire District:
> Forging/Military area, mainly barracks filled with soldiers and their families.
> Major location(s): Main Bastion (Center of Shirahoro's Military, Sun Woo's and Godo's workplace)

Water District:
> Industrial/Trade/Port area, mainly businesses that thrive off of Shirahoro's Port
> Major location(s): Genovese HQ (The Don, Archmage, Gladiator, and Dutch), Eden Hall (Ryu's bar), Port Shirahoro

Cloud District:
> Upper class/government district, Shirahoro's Elite live and work here for the most part.
> Major location(s): Hwang Compound (Sun Woo and his family), Hotel Cardinal (Sierra' current employment)
>>
>>2026201
the fire district, we have the most sway there and our services are best rendered. few people will need an artificer very often, but those that will are in the fire district and we want some customers

and are there spare rooms there.........for guests?
>>
>>2026201
I wonder if we get approached to pay the "protection tax" if we set up shop in water district... if only to not attract attention.

oh by the way, what district has the train station and tracks going through it?

Anyway, I think I'll stick with Water.
>>
>>2026211

... Actually forgot to put that part of the city down. The train stops off in the Water District where the Gambino's base of operations is in Shirahoro. It's near the border of the Water and Cloud Districts. Genovese HQ is further towards the port.
>>
>>2026201
>Fire District:
So long as we don't do anything Illegal we should be kept safe from any attacks by the Military
>>
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>>2026215
>Trains
>water district

WELP, NO GOING THERE. LET THE BLIGHT TAKE IT. TIME TO BURN DOWN A DISTRICT

BEGIN WORK/RESEARCH AND USE OF PIC RELATED
>>
>>2026215
Makes sense the line would lead towards the port...

Welp. Water district still seems like a good place to set up shop, but I guess Fire would be just as good, appropriate to context, even though a bit out of the way for civilian customers.
>>
>>2026201
Wasn't there confirmation that one of the areas had no sightings of the guys following us?

Leaning towards earth district arm.
>>
>>2026201
Counted the Votes and I'm changing mine to
>Earth District
>>
>>2026231
>>2026226
>>2026193

Earth District it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2026147
>other.
We need more info. Ask him who the messenger was and what he might know about the ruin. Also, what her last messages were to give you a clue on how to find her.
>>
>>2026254
Shit my Internet is garbo where I'm at. Disregard that
>>
>>2026184

The deed is to a place over in the Earth District, which works for you since you'll probably get a fair amount of people needing weapons, armors, and repairs. Looking over it, you note that the property rights do go both straight up and straight down, meaning that you'll likely be able to add more to the place in the future.

> You have obtained: 1 Deed to Small Workshop/Forge in Earth District
> You have obtained: 1 Key Set to Small Workshop/Forge in Earth District

"This is... Thanks a lot Sun," You don't have much else to say on the fact.

He just smiles at you, "You're welcome. Glad to have you here in Shirahoro".

With that, you leave the Main Bastion into the cold early evening. It's 5:15 pm currently.

Now, what to do...
> Pay a visit to Archmage
> Go check out your new place
> Go somewhere (where?)
> Find someone (who?)
> Other
>>
>>2026261

My first instinct would be to go straight to Archmage to follow up on Naofumi’s plea, but given time elapsed we can probably afford to give Sun some time to get back to us... let’s go check out our new place.
>>
>>2026261
cheak out our new place. we might also offer our friends a place to stay, if they like
>>
>>2026261
>> Go check out your new place
Get started on our base of operations.
>>
>>2026261
> Go check out your new place
We need to get everyone together for a housewarming dinner or something.

Can John cook worth a damn?
>>
>>2026272
>>2026283
>>2026296
>>2026441

New place it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2026261

Well, you've got the keys and you've got the deed. Might as well check the place out while you've got the chance. As one last parting gift from your home away from home, you grab the shitty forging hammer you've been using for the last several months.

> You have obtained: Simple Quality Forging Hammer!

Going with that line of thought, you take a stroll out of the Main Bastion. It is definitely getting colder and colder out; might want to consider getting something warmer in the near future.

The walk from the Fire District goes without issue, though you do note that the atmosphere around the city is rather subdued compared to when you started training. People are quiet and are just moving from point A to B rather than enjoying the journey. They likely don't know what exactly is going on, but the residents of Shirahoro have definitely picked up on the fact that some serious shit is going down.

The plus side is the fact that you get to the Earth District with barely a glance in your direction.

Following the address on the deed, you come to a place not too far off the main path. It's... clearly not been in use for some time. At the same time, it's not ramshackle by any means just... dusty you suppose is a good word for what you're looking it.

Digging out your key you unlock the front entrance and enter inside. The interior is mostly the same as the exterior, dusty but not exactly damaged. The storefront is not large, but it is entirely open with racks along the walls and behind the counter.

Walking into the backroom, you're immediately greeted with a room split in two. One one end there's a workshop area and on the other is clearly a forge. There's no tools or parts, but you'd recognize the large workbench with a stool setup from a mile away. Setting your pack down on the worktable, you walk over to the forge. There's no tools, fuel, or ingots to work with, but you can't help but smile a bit at the thought of your own personal forge.

There is a set of steps leading out of the room, so you follow those upstairs. The apartment area is a rather sparse affair, with a small kitchen area, a bathroom, and a single bedroom. There is, thankfully, a closet with some cleaning supplies and you confirm that yes the water is on but no you don't have the power to get it to be hot. You'll have to work on that at some point.

SHOP CONDITION:
Infrastructure: Rundown
Power: 0 Units
Fuel: 0 Units
Ingots: 0 Units
Active Contracts: 0
Inventory: Empty
Coins on hand: 1 Gold, 85 Silver, 20 Copper
Coins in bank: 11 Gold
Cost of Water per Month: 50 Copper
Cost of Food per Month: 20 Silver
Cost of Rent per Month: Paid Off

Now, what to do...
> Clean up the place
> See about getting material and fuel to work with
> Go to Eden Hall
> Other
>>
>>2026692
> Clean up the place
>>
>>2026692
>clean up

we simply have to do this by ourselves, by our hands. if others want to help they can but the forge is ours........
>>
>>2026692
>> Clean up the place
>>
>>2026696
>>2026703
>>2026715

> Roll me three 1d100+2's for cleaning...

Never thought I'd have to say that
>>
Rolled 49 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2026720
Uh....Cleaning pun?
>>
Rolled 6 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2026720
lets get into shape
>>
Rolled 82 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2026720
>>
>>2026692
"Home, sweet home."
Let's start with cleaning the place up.

>Rent: Paid Off
is that for this month or is that part of arrangement from the City? City owns the place? Or just the plot of land? What about taxes?
>>
>>2026729

The Deed states that you own the building and the property. As for the issue of taxes... I'll say that there's an income tax of 20% of your total earnings per month.

>>2026728

That's an 84, Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2026692

Deciding to get this place in a bit better place, you grab the cleaning supplies and get to work. Starting at the top floor, you take your time getting the dust off the walls and window. From there, you start working on the dirt and grime sticking to the floor. You have to spend a bit of time at this part, especially since you're working with a washrag and cold water, but you manage to get the job done.

At the ground floor, the workbench and stool are wiped down, the old ashes of the forge are swept away and disposed of, the floor is cleaned, and you take your time while cleaning out the storefront. The front windows are scrubbed, the floor is swept, and the counter top is wiped down.

As you do you do a bit of inventory on what you'll need along with your supply of coal, ingots, and food. You'll need paper, ink, and a quill to keep your records and work on your blueprints. You'll also probably want a kind of safe to keep some of your money on hand, especially considering you'll have to worry about setting aside coin for income tax off your work.

There's also the fact that you'll probably need to for more long-term arrangements to solidify your income. If you want to work on those projects of yours, you'll need it.

Power isn't something you're all too worried about; you've got the experience with electric to wire the place up and you've got something that might work as a permanent power source. You'll just have to work on getting it setup.

Finally finished up with the storefront, you check the time and note that it's almost 8 pm at this point. You didn't think you took that much time to clean... Regardless, you're a bit happier with how the place looks now. Once you get the power on it'll start looking a lot better.

Grabbing the flashlight you nabbed during the Ruin Dive you went on with Dutch, you consider what to do next.
> Work on getting power set up in the building
> Work on something at the workshop (what?)
> Go visit the guy you went to for magitech previously, he'll probably know how to get a supply of fuel and ingots set up
> Go to Eden Hall
> Other
>>
>>2026807
new spooky 4chan, I like it

>lets get power set up

best to prioritise lighting
>>
>>2026807
>> Go visit the guy you went to for magitech previously, he'll probably know how to get a supply of fuel and ingots set up
>>
>>2026807
What does setting up power entail? If it's too time and labour intensive, considering it's dark out there already, I'd say let's

>Go to Eden Hall
see if the twins are around. Tell them of our new place and of Naofumi's request.
>>
>>2026807
>Work on getting power set up in the building
>>
>>2026807
>work on power
>>
>>2026831

Researching the Power Source you recovered from the security bot way back during the subway ruin dive. You'll have to figure out how to set up that power source to run as temporary power, make sure all the wiring in the place is fine and not degraded to hell, and then hook everything up and turn it on.
>>
>>2026841
I'd say that's something better done with sunlight than while holding a flashlight in our teeth.

I'll stick with Eden Hall. We can either crash over there, or spend one night without luxury of electric light and hot water.
>>
>>2026817
>>2026833
>>2026837

Alright, looks like we're working on the power source.

How do you want to start?
> Dismantle the Power Source
> Modify the Power Source
> Other
>>
>>2026857
dismantle

great risk, but we can put it back together
>>
>>2026857
> Dismantle the Power Source
>>
>>2026861
>>2026875

Dismantle it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+17's please
>>
>>2026891

That's actually a 12, not 17.
>>
Rolled 34 + 12 (1d100 + 12)

>>2026894
>>
File: 1361669196803.jpg (99 KB, 430x600)
99 KB
99 KB JPG
Rolled 84 + 12 (1d100 + 12)

>>2026891
Let's see how it goes...
>>
>>2026902
Well rolled Anon.
>>
Rolled 100 + 12 (1d100 + 12)

>>2026891
Unlock secrets.
>>
>>2026912
We have mini arc reactor now.
>>
>>2026912
Awesome!
>>
>>2026912

Yeah, that's a nat 100. You managed to succeed.

Writin'
>>
>>2026807

Getting the power up and running is something that you should really get onto. As in, right now.

So, gripping your flashlight with your teeth, you delicately pull the mysterious power source out from where it's been comfortably laying in your belongings for the last several months. Giving the machine a once over before you get into the meat of things, you brush off the dust and grime from it while pulling out your toolbox.

Oh, this is going to be fun.

Being careful to maintain the core mechanisms, you pull out your screwdriver and get to work on removing the outer shell.

What is within... is... amazing. The entire system is currently inert, but you know for a fact that this power generator is leagues and leagues above even the bleeding edge tech currently available. For the by and large, standard mana power systems utilize a collector and a converter at the bare minimum. It's a basic set up that works relatively reliably.

This, on the other hand, is a completely different way of power generation. Hell, it barely utilizes mana in the first place. From what you can tell, two strange mana crystals sit together in the center of a sphere. Your best guess as to what they do is that the interaction between the two generates a consistent charge that is collected by the sphere and brought to the base.

Looking closely at the bottom on the sphere, your theory is proven right as you can clearly see what are DC to AC current converters.

> Congratulations! You have obtained an intimate knowledge of power sources! Rolls made with the Build, Modify, and Maintenance skills are now done with a +15 bonus modifier!
> Congratulations! Thanks to your intensify study of advanced power sources, you are now better at creating all kinds of power sources! Power sources you create by hand are capable of generating/storing 20% more power!

Putting the piece back together, after figuring out where the on/off switch and the wiring connections are, you push it to the side and grab your electrical tap and spare wiring.

Time to figure out how well, or poorly, the wiring has held up over time.
> Roll me three 1d100+12's please
>>
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Rolled 30 + 12 (1d100 + 12)

>>2027146
Time to bring light to dark places.
>>
>>2027159
...assuming someone else picks up the slack, that is.
>>
Rolled 73 + 12 (1d100 + 12)

>>2027146
>>
Rolled 18 + 12 (1d100 + 12)

>>2027146
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>2027146
+12
>>
Rolled 70 + 12 (1d100 + 12)

>>2027146
Do...do we have a nuclear reactor?
>>
>>2027184
Doesn't seem very nuclear to me. More like some sort of magical dynamo. Or a ZPM.
>>
>>2027184

Something something magic is bullshit.

>>2027164

That's an 85. I'll be back to writing in ~ 1 hr
>>
>>2027228

Sorry guys, gonna have to run for tonight. I'll see you all tomorrow.
>>
>>2027407
Goodnight ST
>>
>Cost of Rent per Month: Paid Off

wat.
we owe Sun, we owe Sun a LOT.
>>
>>2027146
Ayyy

We can recreate this technology and use it in our personal designs, right?
>>
>>2027675
Like a power core for a future power suit
> We Iron Man now.
>>
Aaaaaand caught up!

We still need to finish our heavy armor. link it all up with some robotics finaly get our first custom EXO up and running.
>>
>>2027940
The heavy armor we started on is designed for regular human use. We need to build up a power armor frame and then build heavy armor to fit around that, like in Fallout 4.
>>
>>2028040
We should have taken the armor back at the auction when we had the chance
>>
>>2028092
Are you joking? We were brought in specifically to inspect it on behalf of town authorities. If we stole it, we'd have to skip town with an awful lot of trouble on our heels.
>>
>>2028101
Nah. We would have just said that the vamps took them. Or he would have given it to us as a token of our gratitude.
>>
>>2028141
Did the vampires take it or did the seller pack it up and head back west? otherwise we can still give it a proper once over in our new shop.
>>
>>2028621
We don't know. We killed the chick that was taking it, so chances are the armour stayed where it is and it's up to both parties involved whether they go through with the deal later or break it off. Maybe we'll hear more of its fate later on.
>>
Who else thinks the vampires know what it is?
>>
calling it now his kid was the vampire we roasted at the party
>>
>>2031337
Sarah? Meh, that would’ve been really contrived and lame. Just because it’s the only other named female doesn’t mean it would have to be her.
>>
>>2031343
plus we would have gotten some form of dialogue if she was the first encounter with an already named character. I mean even if ST had that planed because there was no confirming dialogue he can just jam that in a closet somewhere and no one will know.

I am kind of sad that the vamps went strait to the maiming and murder. I still cant get the first encounter we had out of my head and the vamp tailing us being a cute moe girl goofily tripping and scampering off to cry about s enpai noticing her and making her heart almost go doki doki again.
>>
>>2031348
Welcome to the grim darkness of the distant past, where nothing is kawaii and smut does not exist. Obviously vampires default to lethal methods in this world, which very much comes from Anon's vote in the beginning of the quest.
>>
>>2031348
Cancer
>>
>>2031396
>Smut does not exist
>everyone is waifuing the elf

sure buddy, and confirmed by story teller, our insane rolls have saved a lot of our friends, even when we didn't know they would

>"to be honest I just thought she would be a one off NPC that got left behind" this is referring to serria
>>
>>2027228

Rolling for status of wiring.

>>2027496

You don't have to pay rent because you picked the piece of shit building that was sitting idle. You would have had to pay rent (reduced rate for Fire and Water Districts) in the other possible locations.

>>2027675

"Power sources you create by hand are capable of generating/storing 20% more power!"

>>2031337
>>2031343
>>2031348

Sarah has a part to play in all this but the vamp you killed at the party wasn't her.

>>2031348
>>2031396
>>2031397

Doesn't really need to be said, but the vampires in this setting as very physically beautiful/handsome but they are to such a degree that it borders on Uncanny Valley outside of a few specific situations. So, yeah, I guess the vampires are anime characters in a sense, only that they blow past exotic and go right to disturbingly otherworldly.
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>2031587

Actually rolling this time.
>>
also another item for the crafting todo list: a fiery melee weapon. How would we go about making one? I'm guessing a magically powered one would be more versatile and less prone to malfunction or damage than FO-style shishkebab
>>
>>2031589
That's... good, yes?

It's not some sort of sentient wiring that doesn't want to be filled with power, is it?
>>
>>2027146

Through some act of the gods, the wiring in this rundown shop has remained almost entirely intact. You have to pull a few bits of faulty wiring and secure a lightbulb upstairs but that's it.

To keep the Power Source off your workbench, you have to grab the one chair you have in your living quarters and place it on that. Making sure that everything is hooked up properly, you smile to yourself as the ancient core smoothly activates and actual light illuminates your shop for the first time in what's likely several decades.

> Running the basic lights, heat, and hot water costs 10 units of Power per day!
> Your current Power Source generates 96 units of Power per day!

Looking over at the time... Geez its almost 11 pm at this point. You really spent that much time working on the power? Not that you're mad at that, you are happy that your shop is in much better condition than before but still. Your potential supplier and/or contact has likely closed up shop by now, though you imagine that Ryu's bar is still open. You could, also, just stay here and work on something with the time you've got left.


SHOP CONDITION:
Infrastructure: Functioning
Power: 10/96 Units
Water: Hot and Cold
Heat: Online
Fuel: 0 Units
Ingots: 0 Units
Active Contracts: 0
Inventory: Empty
Coins on hand: 1 Gold, 85 Silver, 20 Copper
Coins in bank: 11 Gold
Cost of Water per Month: 50 Copper
Cost of Food per Month: 20 Silver
Cost of Rent per Month: Paid Off
Cost of Income tax for the Month: 0

The question is what to do now?
> Get some sleep
> Work on something in the workshop (what?)
> Go to Eden Hall
> Other
>>
>>2031591
electrical burns............

>>2031602
hell bloody yeah

lets go to eden hall, we need to check everyone is coping alright
>>
>>2031602
>> Go to Eden Hall
>>
>>2031602
>Go to Eden Hall
Don't forget to lock the place up and put the more valuable pieces of robotic hardware somewhere out of plain sight.
>>
>>2031610
>>2031609
>>2031605

Eden Hall it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+10's please
>>
Rolled 56 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2031619
HELL YES, OUR PATH TO GREATNESS NOW HAS A FOUNDATION FOR GREATER LEAPS
>>
>>2031602
I propose our first act of artifice in the workshop be to begin designing a magitech arc furnace, so that we can all but ignore fuel requirements.

I want to be self sufficient. If it needs more power, we build more cores.
>>
Rolled 29 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2031619
don't want no vampu
>>
Rolled 1 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2031619
>>
>>2031630
oh god what have I done
>>
RNGesus giveth, RNGesus taketh away.
>>
>>2031626
ehh I'd get the Armour and anti vamp stuff outta of the way first
survival>profit
>>
>>2031632
So, do we spend a piece of our stored good fortune, or take the encounter for free extra excitement?
>>
>>2031636
with vamps running around i'd rather not risk it but i could just be a gang of the guys who aere trying to pick pocket us this whole time here a shihiro
>>
>>2031636
ehh lets give us some spice
>>
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>>2031630
>>
>>2031630
Dammit all.

We*re ging to be jumped by more vampire's aren't we?
>>
Rolled 40, 61, 71 + 15 = 187 (3d100 + 15)

>>2031626

If you're on the discord, head over to the workshop channel and give me a rundown on how that would work. We can work out how it'll work there.

>>2031630
>>2031632
>>2031636
>>2031639

And oh boy. That's a nat 1, and you guys don't want to negate it.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please. Just for fun.
>>
Rolled 72 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031678
>>
Rolled 37 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031678
>>
Rolled 28 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031678
>[heavy breathing].jpg
>>
>>2031681

77 versus 86.

This'll be interesting.

Writin'
>>
Just showed up to anons getting a nat 1 walking around a vampire infested city at night and not using one of our THREE fate points to negate it.

I am both amused and salty at the same time.
>>
>>2031602

[CUTSCENE]

ONE WEEK AGO

Stone against stone grinding in the darkness, the sound echoing out within the flickering torch light. With a clatter, the top of a coffin falls to the side and a distinctly feminine figure slinks out of it.

She's gripping her neck, silently going over that fight in her mind.

"You failed"

Her eyes widen as a deep voice snaps her out of her thoughts. Turning, there's a single man walking towards her with nary a whisper.

"S-Sir, I-"

In a flash, a hand tightens around her throat. Despite the fact that she hasn't needed to breath in several years, she can't but reflexively panic at the sensation.

"Excuses, excuses," He glares down, malevolently glowing eyes taking up the entirety of her vision, "You are my sire, a recipient of my own blood, you are to do better than failure and excuses".

She claws at his hand, attempting to get a word in edge-wise.

"I'm not done yet," There's a strangled choking sound that comes from her mouth as he tightens his grip, "Despite your... shortcomings our task was still completed. Your mistake can be forgiven, but there will be no more. I will not have my name shamed by one of my Warriors being done in by an OVER-GLORIFIED MECHANIC!"

With a twist of the wrist, he throws her to the floor, "Get dressed, our work is not yet done".

She lays on the floor as he vanishes back into the darkness. Waiting until she feels his presence vanish, she lets out a shuttering breath and stumbles out a single word, "... Fuck".

[CUTSCENE END]

[1/2]
>>
>>2031763

[2/2]

Well, you do still have some time; might as well pay Ryu a visit. Putting your personal belongings away upstairs, you hide the important bits and pieces you don't want vanishing in the workshop, and then shut off the lights.

Grabbing your Broadsword for self-defense, you have to remind yourself to lock up before you journey out into the night.

Despite the cold air, it's a rather relaxing night out as you journey through the Earth District towards the Water District. Crowds are thin, as to be expected, but you don't mind it.

Eventually, you do have to journey off the main road to continue on your way. Turning down a quiet side street, your walk is interrupted when something lands on your back.

Caught off guard, your split second of hesitation is ended as you feel the sharp pain of your assailant biting into the base of your neck.

Fight or flight kicking in hard, you slam the individual into the nearest wall, managing to dislodge them enough for you to throw them off of you.

As you expected, that same fully covering black robe and hood greets you. Must be one of the lady's comrades coming for revenge. Reaching for your Broadsword, you have to resist the urge to throw up as a pulse of something hits your body; you can actually feel your blood growing hotter and your vision suddenly blurs.

The figure doesn't appear to be doing anything yet, simply watching you as you try your best to remain conscious.

Now what?
> Draw your sword and fight it off
> Turn back and run for the nearest guard
> Try to get past the vampire into the Water District
> Other
>>
>>2031806
> Draw your sword and fight it off
>>
>>2031806
>And the John was a vampire
I wonder if casting adrenaline surge in this state would be a good idea, but I doubt it.

>Draw sword and back up away from the creature
>>
>>2031806
>> Try to get past the vampire into the Water District
Welp. Looks like it's watching to see if we transform?
>>
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>>2031806
> Draw your sword and fight it off
>>
I honestly hoper their is a cure and we don't get stuck as sparkle fag for the rest of the quest
>>
>>2031822
also
> Draw your sword and fight it off
>>
>>2031822
If you get infected just by being bitten this city would be taken by vampires by now.
>>
also we don't have our pistol, do we? Although without incendiary ammo it would probably just shrug it off
>>
>>2031810
>>2031820
>>2031827
>>2031812
>>2031819

I don't want what you're selling.

> Roll me three 1d100+5 please to fight off the venom

>>2031812
>>2031822
>>2031819

OoC You need to drink vampire blood to become one. What's happening to John is something else entirely.
>>
Rolled 57 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031838
>>
Rolled 64 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031838
>>
Rolled 54 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031838
Hopefully we aren't turning into a ghoul or some shit.
>>
>>2031837

The only 'incendiary' weapon you have currently is your Multitool. You have neither your pistol nor your Multitool on you currently. Nat 1's are a bitch.
>>
Rolled 85, 94, 46 + 5 = 230 (3d100 + 5)

>>2031842

That's a 69, Failure.

> Roll me three 1d100's please
>>
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Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>2031852
>>
Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>2031852
>>
Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>2031852
>>
Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>2031852
>69, Failure
Guess the vamp babe is out of our league
>>
>>2031857
>>2031860
OH YEAAAAHHH!
>>
>>2031857

96 versus 99, Bare Failure.

Writin'
>>
>>2031864
...fucking VAMPIRES!
>>
>>2031864
Damnit.
Maybe it's like Hellsing and we're turning into a ghoul? Or a thrall.
>>
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>>2031852
>>2031855
>>2031857
>>2031858
>>2031860
Welp, we're dead.
>>
>>2031875
"And then John was a zombie."
>>
why did not use the fucking fate point anons
>>
Such is the life with opposed rolls. The other guy can get lucky too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7hHsnJlF48
>>
>>2031860

herewegoagain.png

>>2031868

Hyper-Competent Mooks strike again

>>2031806

Pushing the dizzy sensation out of your mind as best you can, you draw your Broadsword.

You pause, however, when your opponent pulls out a scimitar. A very familiar scimitar.

Reflexes kicking in, you barely manage to block a lightning fast slash that would have cut you open. Straining against the force of it, you grind the assault to a halt. Looking up through your blurring vision, you find yourself almost face to face with the same woman you did your level best to butcher at the party. She smiles at you, your scarlet blood dripping off her bone white teeth.

"Found you~"

She twirls in place, forcing you to duck out of the way to avoid losing your head. Unfortunately, it almost means that whatever is in your blood further saps your strength.

Keeping your sword between the two of you, you reconsider your options.
> Charge in, keep her off balance
> Focus on running away
> Try to talk to her for some stupid reason
> Other

Use Adrenaline Surge?
> Y
> N

No matter what choice, roll me three 1d100+5's please.
>>
Rolled 96 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031906
> Charge in, keep her off balance
>Y
>>
Rolled 4 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031906
> Charge in, keep her off balance
Use Adrenaline Surge?
> Y
>>
>>2031906
> Focus on running away
Got to know when to book it.
>>
Rolled 34 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031906
>> Charge in, keep her off balance
>> Y
>>
Rolled 63 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031922
Forgot to roll
>>
Rolled 33 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2031906

> Try to talk to her for some stupid reason
"Sorry about the rash from the last time. I see it's gone now."


just kidding

>Focus on running away
>>
Rolled 17, 13, 11 + 5 = 46 (3d100 + 5)

>>2031917

That's a 101, Success.

>>2031917
>>2031920
>>2031924

Fight on!

> Roll me three 2d100+5's please
>>
>>2031922
Vampire, she is most definitely faster then us.
Plus she might be able to track us through the bite.
>>
Rolled 30, 41 + 5 = 76 (2d100 + 5)

>>2031928
>>
Rolled 46, 87 + 5 = 138 (2d100 + 5)

>>2031928
Dice gods smile upon us.
>>
Rolled 27, 39 + 5 = 71 (2d100 + 5)

>>2031928
>>
Rolled 26, 7 + 5 = 38 (2d100 + 5)

>>2031928
At least she got thrown off a bit now...
>>
Rolled 41, 58 + 5 = 104 (2d100 + 5)

>>2031928
>>
>>2031936

92 versus 22, Glorious Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2031906

With the moment to breath, you focus inwards and push back the intrusion in your body. Inadvertently, you feel the comfortable strength of Adrenaline Surge seeping into your bones. Vision suddenly clearing, you stand straight up and relax a bit.

There's a faint sizzling noise as a few wisps of smoke come out of the wound on your neck, "Yeah, you did".

From there, you don't give the woman a single moment to recover, each slash and jab coming the entirety of your momentum and body weight behind them.

Feinting high, you manage to get a horizontal slash across her stomach as you duck under her guard. She jumps back out of your range, shooting you a dirty look as she grabs at the wound.

"You..." She looks backwards, to where a group of people are walking towards you two. With one last heated look, the vampire leaps onto the rooftop and makes her escape.

You duck into a nearby alleyway and check up on your wound. Despite how much it affected you, there's not really much blood on your shirt surprisingly enough. You have no idea how any of this works, but you still tear off your shirt sleeves and wrap the wound as best you can. There's no longer any burning sensation, your mana probably helped take care of that, so that's good.

The question is what to do next?
> Head back to your shop
> Continue to Eden Hall
>>
>>2031981
> Head back to your shop
[INCENDIARIES INTENSIFY]
>>
Maybe we should go to a medical expert just in case? We have no idea what kinda diseases Vampires may or may not carry.
>>
>>2031981
>> Continue to Eden Hall

There's nobody back home who would help us with the bite or even tell us what it entails
>>
>>2031981
>> Continue to Eden Hall
And then stock up once our health is cleared.
>>
>>2031996
>>2031994

No reason to let something as minor as a vampire attack ruin your evening.

Writin'
>>
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>>2031981

Well, you're already all the way out here; might as well get a drink out of it.

With that mindset, you keep going into the Water District. The harder cobblestone of the business area is a slight comfort to you as you make it out of Earth District.

Making sure you're going in the right direction, you continue to where Ryu's bar is.

Getting there, you're rather happy to see the heavy, wooden door of his place. The light on the sign is on so you head on in. A small bell chimes overhead and a familiar cheerful voice speaks up.

"Welcome!" The elven man is standing behind the counter as if he was awaiting your arrival.

Taking a look around, the place is definitely several steps above where you usually go. For one, the bar is empty; that's a bit weird. Either way, it gives you a good view of everything. A clean and polished counter top with a glass cabinet filled with numerous kinds of liquors behind it. There are a few booths, but they don't appear to get as much usage as the stools.

"Nice place you've got," You slowly speak up as you slide into one of the bar stools, "Been meaning to stop by for a while now".

Ryu smiles at you, "Well, you won't have to worry about any attacks in here. I don't mind if you keep your sword on you, but just keep both of your hands on the counter".

"Yeah, yeah," Rolling your eyes a bit, you nonetheless place both of your hands on the counter, "Sierra told me there was a strict 'no violence' rule here".

"She's right," He grins a bit, "Doesn't matter who you are or who is next to you, while within Eden Hall the outside world does not matter".

"Bloody elves..." You try to hide your good-natured smile, "Any chance to philosophize".

"I'll try to hold myself in check. Either way, you want a drink or are you just here to chat?"
> Get something hard
> Get something in the middle
> Get something easy
> Just chat
> Other
>>
>>2032047
get something easy and chat
>>
>>2032047
>I'll take something from the middle shelf (assuming we can afford it)...

>You don't happen to know if alcohol interacts with vampire venom?
>>
>>2032047
> So, I've just been bitten by a vampire, do you have any hawk feathers on you?
>>
>>2032047
>> Get something easy
>> Just chat
>>2032054
Supporting this but with an easy drink
>>
>>2032047
>> Get something hard
Where the absinthe at?
>>
>>2032052
>>2032054
>>2032057
>>2032058
>>2032067

Give me a drink and maybe a medkit.

Writin'
>>
>>2032052
supporting with hints of >>2032057
>>
and WHO THE FUCK IS HE CALLING A MECHANIC?

well then..........do we make him crispy? or well done? white hot flame, or the blue/orange combo

so many ways to kill them, not enough life
>>
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>>2032047

"Alright, give me something with a bit of bite," Might as well get something for the night you've had.

"Got it," Ryu turns around and looks at his selection, "Do you mind if this takes some time?"

"Not really," Even though he's not looking at you, you still shrug at him. Although you don't feel like there's any issue with it, you should probably ask if he's got any real first aid, "You wouldn't happen to have a medkit on you Ryu?"

"Exciting night John?" He teases you a bit as he pulls out a kit from underneath the counter and pulls you closer, wincing a bit as he unravels your patchwork around your lower neck, "Forget about that, did you get mauled?"

"Dunno, you count vampires as animals?" You don't wince as he pulls out a swab with alcohol in it and starts rubbing down on where the wound is.

He doesn't respond to your question immediately as he re-wraps the wound, "I don't know much about vampires aside from what little I've read and even that's not much to go on. They're cursed humans who must consume blood to survive or lose their sanity and deteriorate. Not much beyond that is anything other than suspicion".

He returns to working on your drink, in the middle of boiling water actually.

Anything you want to ask him?
> Ask him about his homeland
> Ask him what got him and Sierra into being bartenders
> Ask how Sierra's doing
> Ask something else (what?)
> Stay silent
>>
>>2032134
>All of the above

But for starters
>How Sierra's doing
and maybe give him directions for the workshop if either of them wanted to look us up later, although we're probably going to be shopping for supplies and material in the morning... assume the venom doesn't have some delayed effect too.
>>
>>2032134
>>2032152
This. Mini-celebration over having a workshop of our own.
>>
>>2032134
>> Ask him what got him and Sierra into being bartenders
>>
>>2032155
supporting

but can we give him the message for is he sees her before we do.

"come take a look your both invited"
>>
>>2032155
Supporting. Mini-celebration, and then a proper party once we've fixed our workshop properly.
>>
>>2032152
>>2032155
>>2032173
>>2032181
>>2032196

How's your sister; you do parties?

Writin'
>>
>>2032155
This, plus asking if he knows anyone who knows about vampire lore and treatments for not turning into one.
>>
>>2032250
nobody but schollars know anything. and story t said up a bit that we didn't get infected. we need to drink blood for that
>>
We should however stop by Dragon's Lair tomorrow and ask Goo Hwi what he knows.
>>
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>>2032134

"How's Sierra doing?"

You've been meaning to ask the question, but never felt like there was a good time to do so. It's probably one of those questions that just doesn't have a good one.

"She's... well, she's not exactly working currently. The entirety of Hotel Cardinal is being thoroughly cleaned after the party; don't want to risk anything" Ryu doesn't look up from where he's working.

"Understandable. What's she up to in the meantime?" Considering what happened, it'll take some time before that place manages to restore its reputation.

"She visits me from time to time. Other than that, she's been hanging out with a few coworkers of hers," Finishing up, Ryu pushes a glass of what you guess is rum with a sugar cube and a stick of cinnamon in it along with a small pitcher of hot water, "One Hot Grog done".

Raising an eyebrow at him, you pour the hot water into the alcohol and take a deep drink. It's not as hot as you were expecting, but it definitely warms you up as you feel the drink run down your throat.

"Very nice, Ryu," You give him a grin from behind your glass, "Sierra wasn't bullshitting me when she said you were a good bartender. If you don't mind me asking, how did you two get into being bartenders?"

The elf smiles at you, picking up a glass and beginning to clean it by hand, "Our homeland, Islet de Jardin, was famous for several liquors and spirits that could only be brewed in the area so we were constantly around bartenders growing up. Not only that, our mother was one of those individuals. So, I suppose the simple answer is that we followed in our mother's, and our people's, footsteps".

"That's quite the story," You pour the rest of the water into your grog to thin it out a bit so you can enjoy the rest of it.

"And you, John?" He inclines his head towards you, "You seem to really enjoy alcohol. Most humans don't really get to that point at your age".

Your response?
> My home had a fairly alcohol based culture as well
> I usually just drink to get plasterd
> Eh, it's been a while since I started is all
> Other
>>
>>2032320
well my friend, I'm described as dangerous and a trouble magnet. so why not have something to take an edge away while I cheat death for the umpteenth time since I met your sister?
>>
>>2032320
i'll go with
>>2032334
>>
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>>2032320
I've seen some shit. Sometimes I'm surprised I don't drink way more to bleach it out... but then again, some of the stuff would be a shame to lose.
Also beer of my hometown was pretty damn good.
>>
What does John find worse anyway? Intrigue and avarice of high society, ruthlessness of the underworld - or the blight that consumes what both of the former weaken?
>>
>>2032384
hates the blight, hates polotics, dislikes the scum but the trope of the honest theif and anything other than artifice is a distraction, but in our friends [and elves] case its a good distraction
>>
>>2032320
>> I usually just drink to get plasterd
>> Eh, it's been a while since I started is all
>>
>>2032384

Pecking order would be (from highest to lowest):
> Blight
> Incompetent High Society
> Unprovoked Backstabbing Underworld
>>
>>2032334
>>2032361
>>2032369
>>2032392

Also looks like we're talking about ourselves for a bit.

Do you:

Talk about growing up in Westmire?
> Y
> N

Talk about the Fall of Westmire?
> Y
> N

Talk about your time in Airgrid (legal)?
> Y
> N

Talk about your time in Airgrid (illegal)?
> Y
> N
>>
>>2032399

Also, I have to run for a while. I'll maybe be back later tonight or we'll continue tomorrow.
>>
>>2032399
agirid, legal. but if there are no ears about and we are sure also do illegal
>>
>>2032399
y
y
y
n
>>
>>2032399
Y
N
Y
N
>>
>>2032399
>y
>y
>y
>n
>>
>>2032399
Y
Y
Y
N
>>
>>2032399
Eh, he seems alright.

Y to all, although leave some details like our birth and involvement with mafia obscured, with promise of elaborating in a more private setting.
>>
Y - vague
Y
Y
y - vague
>>
>>2032320
> y to all

> I've packed a lot of living into my life so far. Most humans my age aren't getting jumped by Vampires either.

Also note that the Sire is the creating Vampire. So spooky dude is the Sire.
>>
>>2031602
So...how much power is in a unit?
>>
>>2031994
Vampetitis C is no joke.
>>
>>2031626
Using a different furnace would have the additional benefit of not having to rely on fuel purity. Not beeing affected by that would enable us to build better weapons and armours and to do so more reliably.
>>
>>2034114
I like the idea. But I don't know what a arc furnace is...
>>
>>2034124
>>2034114
>>2031626

Just did some quick googling and, while it is possible for you to build an arc furnace, it will be a rather extensive project that will require you to either entirely renovate your existing furnace or will require you to clear out a space for it. Either way, it'll take a some time and a fair amount of resources to build.

For reference, I did have some vague plans for options of instituting industrial upgrades to your shop hint: You'll need your Robotics and Computer skills for Industrial machines so this'll definitely be an option in the future.

Quest will be back up in a bit. I'm off to nab some lunch.
>>
>>2034114

Thinking about it, that is a fair point about fuel purity. I'll have one of the bonus of the arc furnace be that it'll help contribute to the overall quality of what you're making.

>>2033292

You want that in volts, or do you mean in mana? Regardless, don't worry about it too much; I'm using a Unit as a pseudo-unit of measurement to streamline things.

>>2032406
>>2032411
>>2032421
>>2032469
>>2032477
>>2032481
>>2032712
>>2032988

Sounds like we're talking a fair bit about ourselves, but keeping things a bit clean. Kind of like what we told Sierra.

Writin'
>>
>>2032320

"That's... well, that's a bit of a story; might want to grab a drink yourself," You motion to his stock as you chug down the remainder of your grog. The warmth clears your head a bit and you smile slightly as you start to speak, "I've lived plenty for how young I am. I will admit, though, that I usually drink to get shitfaced".

Ryu laughs at your comment, "Most people do".

"I know. Eh... I guess the easiest way to explain it is that Westmire, the city I grew up in, was also big on their alcohol. Bars, beer gardens, beer halls; my "people"," You do the air quotes, "Loved a good pint. First drink I had was on my fourteenth birthday".

"You went out with your father for that drink?" Looking up, you see the elf calmly cleaning another glass.

He definitely doesn't expect you to laugh in his face, "No. I sneaked that drink in with a good buddy of mine".

Ryu stops cleaning, looking at you curiously, "You're not on good terms with your family, are you?"

"No, though that's to be expected when you're a bastard," Looking down into your glass, you start running a circle around the top of it, "Good Ol' Daddy didn't care much for me, wasn't ever around unless he was 'visiting' my mother; she was more than happy to keep me busy with schoolwork and the like while she was 'occupied'. But, to be fair, the worst I got out of them was apathy; my half-brother, half-sister, and their mother absolutely hated me. Didn't matter that I had no interest in inheriting Daddy's business, getting involved in the city's politics, or anything really, my mere existence was enough of a sin to them. Would've been a much bigger problem if I didn't meet my good buddy Dutch at my half-sister's birthday party one year. We..." You look up and grin, "The phrase 'thick as thieves' fits us rather well. We started out as just two brats no one really gave a two shits about. Now, well, I'd say we did pretty good for ourselves".

"That's quite the story," You're not surprised at the fact that he doesn't know what exactly to say; there is a reason why you don't talk about this shit normally, "I'd be interested in trying some of those beers. Mind telling me where it's located so I can order a few?"

"Ah, Westmire's gone," His expression doesn't change, so you elaborate, "It's been, what, 5 years now since it Fell? Doesn't matter, you won't be getting anything out of that city anymore; nothing left but blood and ruin in those streets".

He doesn't speak, just lifting the glass in his hand up to the light to examine it, "... Where did you go from there?"

"Airgrid. I was the only one of my line to survive Westmire's end, but Dutch and his folks all got out alive. They brought me with them to the City of Airgrid, I'm sure you know about the place: cold, rainy, and foggy all the damn time".

"Quite a number of sailors come or go to there. So, yes, I do know".

[1/2]
>>
>>2034221

[2/2]

"Yeah, not the nicest place in the land but it wasn't an issue with me. Dutch's folks were nice enough to let me stay with them, but we were all strapped for money at that time. We all had our skill sets to work with, Dutch was good with a gun and I could tinker, but there's not too much work there for a couple of young lads out there that doesn't involve a back room or a collar. So, we picked the best of the bad options. That went on for some time, around four years, before I cut off and started just wandering around. Spent just over a month traveling around the Badlands before I ran into your sister; I think you know the story after that".

Ryu smiles at you, "I do. I've meant to say it for some time, but thank you for saving my sister's life not just once, but twice".

"Oh," Thinking about it, you did do that, "Eh, don't worry about it too much".

"I won't if you insist," He goes back to cleaning, "But I still wanted to say it".

There's a comfortable silence between the two of you now. You... feel a bit better, even after talking about all that. Probably the alcohol getting to you.

Now what?
> Ask Ryu about his title
> Ask Ryu about the bar itself
> Ask Ryu for the bill, it's time to go
> Ask Ryu something else
> Other

(I didn't forget the mention of your shop, that'll happen before you leave)
>>
>>2034231
>Ask Ryu about his title
>>
>>2034231
>> Ask Ryu about his title
>>
>>2034231
>> Ask Ryu about his title
>>
>>2034234
>>2034242
>>2034246

What's that title again?

Writin'
>>
>>2034231

"Hey, Ryu," You grab his attention after some time, "What's the story behind that title of yours, 'Glass of Gods' was it?"

"Oh, that," There's a forlorn look on his face, "Hmm... I guess the easiest way to answer that is with a question: why do people drink alcohol? It's a poison, and yet we consume it almost universally".

"To relax, to forget. Those would be my answers," You don't have to think about it for long.

He smiles down at the counter, "Yes, those work. My answer is to heal. That is my goal as a bartender: to heal the wounds on my customers' souls". The elf looks up at you, "Anyone who walks through that door and sit down at my bar are my customers. Sailors, businessmen, gangers, and Artificers, it doesn't matter. I wish for all who drink here to enjoy a brief rest from the rest of the world, and to leave here better off than they entered. The "Glass of Gods" is... it's hard to explain, but to describe it as my "masterpiece" or "magnum opus" wouldn't be wrong. It's a drink that will save a man on the brink of death, restore his soul and health. The reason why I continue to run this bar is in hopes of discovering that cocktail".

"That's... impressive, really," You place your hand against the counter, "Something like that probably doesn't exist; I'm guessing you already know that though. So, why are you striving for something like that?"

"There's someone I wish to serve it to," He smiles at his simplistic answer, "That's all there is to it".

You look back down at your glass, before sliding it over to him.

Anything else before you leave?
> Ask Ryu something else
> Ask for the bill, time to go
>>
>>2034269
>How are you thinking to approach this dream drink then? Are you looking for an ingredient? An alchemical solution perhaps, or some mythical spice? Or a perfect proportion of known ones? Or an inspiration? Or a device? Might be able to help with that last one someday, ha!
>>
>>2034275
Ask this, then:
>> Ask for the bill, time to go
>>
>>2034282
>>2034275

This'll happen in a bit. I gotta run for a while. See you all later.
>>
>>2034269
>Talks about inspiring dream
>Clearly we must come at this from an engineer's perspective!

I approve
>>
>>2034183
Mostly I was just thinking how much can one unit of power do for us.
>>
>>2034269

> Ask for the bill, time to go
>Things to make, monsters to kill, you know how it is.
>>
>>2034183
I think maybe we should do some reading up on magical theory, then. I imagine it'd be easier to get the thing to work if we could convert mana directly to heat without having to deal with resistance mediums and all that jazz, even if it ends up less efficient overall.

Maybe we should get Sierra to help set the rig up. She knows fire magic, right?
>>
any speculations about Ryu's holy grail?

>it's gray goo from dark age of technology
>blight will be an integral component
>it will be a glass of water given by the true love
>a blessed chalice left behind by one of the gods before they abandoned the realm to its depravity
>a misplaced fruit of life
>a stolen fruit of life conjured by great mages before the fall, and a reason why the gods forsook the realm in the first place
>husk of a dead deity
>blood magic, vampires know the recipe but won't share
>it's actually just a really good and well aged booze
>it's not actually alcoholic
>it ends up doing all it's intended to, but it's going to taste horribly
>it ends up doing all it's intended to, but it's going to look and smell horribly
>it ends up doing all it's intended to, but in a roundabout way that will end up leaving everyone confused
>a war will break out over the recipe
>rather than a beverage, it will turn out to be a solution specifically tailored to a single situation, never to be replicated again
>>
>>2037344
>All of the above
>>
>>2034269

"Well, I should get going now. Do let me know if you need something for that elixir of yours; I could make you a machine or something to help you out now".

"Thanks for the offer, but I don't believe that'll be necessary," Ryu takes out that same stirring spoon he had back at the party, "I have all the tools I could possibly need already here with me. As for ingredients... liquors make up only half of the content of a drink".

"And the other half?" Might as well play along with whatever tangent he's going on.

"The customer is," He looks over at his stock, "'Is the customer a heavy or light drinker?', 'Is this the customer's first drink, or his fifth?', 'Is the customer happy or sad?', 'Is the customer hot or cold?'; all these things can change how a cocktail tastes. Its my belief that if I continue to serve customers drinks that aid them, I will slowly build up to my goal".

"Do you lecture everyone like this?" You just shake your head, "And you learn something from each customer, huh? What did you learn from me?"

Ryu smiles sadly at you, "That sometimes time does not heal all wounds".

You don't look up from the counter at his words, not willing to return his gaze.

"But that's no matter currently. You wanted the bill".

"Yeah..." You pull the slip of paper closer to you, "For a single drink? You charge by the word or something?"

The two of you enjoy one last laugh as you cough up the coin for your drink.

> You have lost: 75 copper coins!

"I actually managed to get my own shop," You mention as you get up to leave, "I need to sort out a few things before I can open up for real, but I'll see about inviting some point over one night. You and Sierra are welcome to come".

"I'll let her know".

With that, you leave Eden Hall. It's... wow shit it's past 1:30 am at this point. The exhaustion of the day is really catching up to you now, so you scurry off back to your place in the Earth District.

Keeping a sharp eye out for trouble, you manage to make it back to the shop in one piece. Heading upstairs, you're faced with the awkward situation in that you actually don't have a bed currently.

Considering just how late it is out, you settle for leaning against the freshly cleaned wall, your Broadsword firmly in your grip, and let your fatigue lull you to sleep.

> Roll me three 1d100-5's please
>>
Rolled 48 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>2037627
>>
Rolled 13 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2037627
>>
Rolled 15 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2037627
>>
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>>2037630

Welp, that's a 43, Failure. It's that time again.

Writin'
>>
Rolled 43 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

Should’ve stayed up, eh
>>
>>2037627

Seeping down, down low lower and lower.

Vision fails you, sound vanishes, and feeling recedes into an icy numb sensation that runs up and down your arms.

There's nothing around, but at the same time you aren't moving. You're stuck in place in this formless, flowing void of absolute nothingness.

Something... something is wrong....

W͓h̵̪̖̕a̡͕̟̱̤̥͘͡t̵̫̜̖̳ ͕͈̼̖̫̦͍̪͜c̡̨̮̘͉̹̠͕̙͟o̯̘͎͔̥̜͓͠u̢͖̗̻̬͉͇ḽ̡̻̝̗͙̦͡d̥͍̀͢ ̝͈̠̠y̴͙͉͉̻̰̼̜͓͞ǫ̡̞͈̗̯̹ư̬͔͈ ͙̪̮̯̪̣͕e̴̠̜̩̙̹͍̣͓̦͡v̖̩͜͝e̥̝̠̯̯̙͙̣r̨̟͓̣͓̟̯͡ ̘͇̪̻m̶̦̀é̳̫̟̯͟͡ͅą̸͇̜̠̯̣̣̱̀ǹ̳̮̩͚̼̫̗̙?̤͔̗̪̼͍̙̹͡

Yeah... you can't tell what exactly it is but there's a burning sensation beginning to crawl up your fingers.

Į̠̜̠̳͎̜̘͝͝t͙̞̟̼ͅ'̩͖́̕ś̜̟͖̣͘͟ ̷̫͇̻n̻̩̻̘ó̳̕ͅt͙͔̼̹̱͡h͈i̶̢̕ṋ̨̰̦̠̝̠̖̩g̶̢̤̠ ̙́t̜̩̤̘͎̖͙̗͡ͅo̶͖͍͙̮͓͙͘ ͎̕b̭͘͢ę͇̫͙̰͍̬̥̟͝ͅ ̣͖̪̗͔a̬̦͇̱̟̩̮͇͢f͈̭̤̼̳̜̮͞͝ͅr̨̡̨̥̞̺ͅa̴͉̝i̭͉͢ͅd̛̥̥͉͇̭̭ͅ ̩͇̤̗͍̦͠ǫ̷̤̜f̶̣̼̹͕̰̬̼͜.̞̹̺̹̤͚͘͢͠

Shit, shit, shit. Ah, it burns. Fuck, fuck, fu-

À̩̭c̴͉͎̩̭͜ͅc͎̙͍̤͙͓͉̀ͅe̮̘̝͚͈̘p̡̠͚͢t͕̠́͜.̸̰͔̰̬

What?

A̧̩c̴̶̸͇̭̩c̸̴͕͙͔͚̩̞̻̮e̷͔͚̤̘͔p̷̧̮͙͚̰̣̳ţ̪̼͇̟̱͟ ̧̞̣̮̻͜͠m̴̢̜é̗͕̦̪͓͎͚.̢̠̫̤̯̭

Ahhh... Mmm... Ú̟̯͕͎gh̖̪̖̭͉̰͜..̵̩̠.̥͝

Y͖̫̕͟e̯̼͕͘͟͠s̛̺͓͠.̶̰̼̯̣

N-no... No!

Y̡̺̺͈̗͈͠e̷̢̠̟s̡̗͓̗̟

I-I... won't...

À̸̸̢̳͚͕̼̦͙̥̜̝̥͇̝̣͕̠C̵̰̱͎̦̥̮̜͍̝͈͈̤͚͔͡C̶̛̳̥̰̟̝̠̪͝͝E̵̠͙̟̱̟̩̰͙̳̝P͓͙̫̗̪̟̬̠̥̻͇̠̞̪͉͚̳̞̕̕Ţ̵̵̺̣̩͉̗̗̻ ̧̧̢͉͍̦͇͕̩̰͍̜̙͙̖̰̖̻̪͘͠ͅḾ̡̦̤̘̟̫͖̤̭̺̖̬͉̳͚̦͝Ẹ̫͚͚̜̩̼̕͝

...

D̡̜͙̝̳ơ̷͕̻̩̗̖̪̪̼ ̷͙̞̻̦͚͚̥n̷̗̮͢͞ͅo͚̫̜̜͡͝͡ț̸̪͚̝̞̬ ̢̠͍̭̺̘̘͔͍͎f̧̟̭͙i̦͔͎͔͎g̛̠̬͖̠̦h̢̪̻͎̺͇̙̝͡t̴̮̯̘̳͔̗͘͡ ̡̡̤m̶̯̤̫͘ͅe̦͖̝̦̝̖.̫̠̥̟̤̫̦

...

D̡̧͇̜͇̮̞͡o̶̴͚̘͖̦̖̬̦̟͟ ̨̨̪͍̩̀n̶͔̙̙̰̘ͅo̶͈̖̬ṭ̡̤̀ ͖̞͚w̭̭͚h͖͖̙̩̭͕o̶̥̰̕̕ ̬͚̺͖͍̜̯̠̹͠ỳ̶̧̥̰̯̺̰ơ̢̫͖͞u͉̮͔ ̵͖̩̫̗̹a̶͇̰̞͖͚͞ͅr̸͍̜͈ͅę̷͇͉͜.̻̰̻̼̺

M-me?
> Fight it
> G̷͈̥̝̺͎͜į̢͍̤̤͉͠v̜͚̖ḙ̪͔͍̀͘ ͉̺͘͠i̪̣̯͚n̳͈̗̪̞̜͞.̡̰͈̜̣
> ?̧̧̢̪͙̯̱̖͍̪͕͙͙͠?͇̬̜̜̼̫̞̞͓͔͈͚̜̙̦̺̭̭̞̀͜͟͠?̴̡̢̖̹̞̙̪̠͓ͅ?̵̰̖͙̠̯̦̪̹̯̠̠̳̪͟͟͡
>>
>>2037736
FIGHT
>>
>>2037736
>> Fight it
>>
>>2037736
The Wall. The lock. The moat. The shield. The shell.

None shall pass.

Identify yourself, presence.
>>
>>2037736
> Fight it

Begone Blackli... I mean Blight.
>>
>>2037780
>>2037773
>>2037769
>>2037763

Line in the sand.

Writin'
>>
>>2037736
What does ??? Do? Fight that shit unless more folks vote for that I guess
>>
>>2037736
>> Fight it
>>
>>2037736

You can feel it, feel it clawing at you. Something dark and oily and hot and cold and CONSUMING.

It wraps its tendrils around your soul, your very being shaking in revulsion as contact is made.

But it's that shake that snaps you into focus. Feeling the barest control of your arms, you reach out and grab that connection.

There's a moment where nothing happens.

Then you're falling, moving down and away from the lands of logic and reason and into the cold, dark pit of your mind where every last scar and memory and horror is burned into the walls that you're falling pas-

It's over. You're back on the hard, wooden floor of your store where you went to sleep right next to the blood and vomit and broken bones.

Looking up, you're not in your shop. No, you're miles and miles away from any semblance of reality or safety.

"D̵̨̬a̭̭͎̘̤ḿ͜ͅn̴̠͚̯͚e̳͇d̜͍̺̪͡͝ ̯͎̺̟̹̯B̵̡͙͇͈̀r̟̻͝ǫ̤̤̗̤̦̗̤̫t̴͖̝̩̤̤͜h̴͉͎͇̜̩͚͘e̙̩͚̩̮r̴͙̱" That voice... that voice...

You turn to see that Alexander is there, standing over you with his usual smarmy look on his face.

"J̷̜̫̖͇ư͉͔̯̫̘͖̟̦s̴̢͔̖̮̮t̠̝͠ ̶̧̹͇͕̥a̳n̛͙̜̼̞̥̤͞͞ͅo̮͎̳t̵̡͇̼̝̭́h̫̬e͇̰̦͉r̫̭̗̣̹̹ ̛̰͈̼͖̯̤̕c̹̩͖̩͚̬ͅo͍͈̘͇̻̪͔̘͖r̻̝͉̗̱̠p̣̺̮s̡̻͉͕̹̳͙̀ͅe̜̪̬͡͠ͅ ̹̳͚̰͎̬̰͎͘t̫̣̺̕ͅo̢ ̤͈̣͇͖̫̺͕a̵̶̟͕̖̬̘̮d̙̟̳̤͉̪͔͕͠ͅd̛͓̻̦̻̻͞ ̧͎͓̞͡t̛̘͎͙̭͈͕̰̀o̶̠ ̪͓̱̝̱̞̥t̘͔̘̮͎h̹̬e̘͈̪̩̥̩̞͇͈̕͢ ̨̦̝̰̻̳̼p̵͉͢i͎̣͙͍̯̺̭͍͜l͖͞e͓̗̱͉͍̱".

Reaching into his ornate robes, he pulls out a jagged jet black knife right as you feel your hand wrap around a wooden stake.

"Yeah, yours".

Both of you lunge forwards at the same time, weapons lashing out in tandem with one another.

You stare at him, and he back at you, as you both glance down at the weapons impaled into the side of your respective necks.

Then, as one, you collapse onto the cold, lifeless cobblestone streets of Westmire.

Family, flesh and blood. Two corpses bleeding out onto the hallow streets of your nightmares.

T̢̨̺͍̤͈̙O̫̣͉̭͎̞̳̪̯͠͡G̢̧̧̣̤͓̬̭͕͇̦̣̹͙̯̙̪͕̱̳̕͠E̵̼̖̜̭̼͈͘͞T̷̰̗̻̳̟̤͚̯͍̗̤͍͓̰͙̘̭̯̯͢͠H̨̢̙͕̣̣̬̤͇̱̬͓̹̬͢͢É̗͓͈̦̗̰̻͡R̵̷̪͔͕̘̮̠͈͚̣͖͢ ̷̟̜͉̼̞̟͈̬̣̯̀A̢̖̯͓̥͍̯̱̙̤̣̪͢͡͞T̹̼̣̟̞̺͍̮̤̭̻͈͔̺̜͎͙̭͢͠͞͝ͅ ̴̝͉͎̘̭̜͙̕̕̕͝L̵̮̠̮̩̙̖͍̺̪̰̻͚̖̱̳͙̜̫͢͟À̛̬̜̺̣͙̤̰̤̪̟̤̯̖͎͍̩͟͟S̰̠͍͓̘̼̥̙̱̻̯̪͉̜͈̕͡T̢̙͙̞͇͈͚̭̱͈̜̠͕͚̼͈̳̀ͅ

[1/2]
>>
>>2037868

[2/2]

Waking comes with a smash as you attempt to jump to your feet, only to fall straight on your face as you try to walk on numb legs.

Rubbing your face in exasperation, you place your Broadsword back to the side as you grab one of your Rations out of your bag and enjoy your breakfast standing up.

They're usually barely edible, but this morning your 'meal' might as well be a tasteless mass to your taste buds. Thinking on it... you must have had a nightmare. Strange that you can't remember it at all...

Well, there are a few more important things to think about now. Like getting the shop actually up and running. Or talking to Archmage about the vampire problem. And, speaking of said creatures of the night, your 'friend' who you've run into twice now.

> You have gained a Nemesis!
> Nemesis are more than just reoccurring enemies, they will actively work against you, sometimes to the detriment of themselves!
> Nemesis will take active steps to not only strike against you, but will also learn from repeated encounters so be weary of long standing grudges!

Now, it's time to figure out what you're going to do...
> Go talk to your supply contact
> Go talk to Archmage (or someone in the Genovese mafia)
> Go somewhere else (where?)
> Find someone (who?)
> Other
>>
>>2037882
Let's go see a mage about some vampires.
>>
>>2037882
>> Go talk to Archmage (or someone in the Genovese mafia)
>>
>>2037882
>> Go talk to Archmage (or someone in the Genovese mafia)
>>
>>2037882
> Find someone (who?)
Goo Hwi

Badass old man would surely have some tips or techniques.
>>
>>2037882
Let’s try the dragons lair and goo hwi

It is after all in the neighbourhood
>>
I'd like to check out that translation program and the Droid brain

otherwise

> Find someone (who?)
Goo Hwi
>>
>>2039164
>>2038966
>>2038086
supporting this, we need a good friend after that night mare
>>
I might have fallen asleep by accident; whoops.

>>2038086
>>2038966
>>2039164
>>2039168

Also, looks like you guys flipped the vote overnight. Goo Hwi it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2037882

Thinking on it, you haven't talked to Goo Hwi in... months at this point. Fuckin' hell you spent more time that you thought working with Godo...

Regardless, perhaps talking to him will help you out a bit. Hell, you could probably do another day of training with him if he's got the time.

With that in mind, you grab your money, Broadsword, and the few other trinkets you carry around, lock up the shop, and take the short walk to the Dragon's Lair.

Despite your frayed nerves, no one interrupts your trip as you stick to the populated streets of the area. Once again, you note that most people are looking nervous; walking directly to where they're supposed to go rather than enjoying the journey. Either way, you get there without issues.

The Dragon's Lair Inn is still around, its sleepy air untarnished in the midst of these recent events. It's a bit of a surprise just how much that calms you down.

Entering in, you find that Goo Hwi's not here; or, at least, he's not sitting around eating. You don't see Gang Ryong around either...

Now what?
> Look around for them
> Ask the kitchen staff if they've seen him
> Leave
> Other
>>
>>2039973
> Ask the kitchen staff if they've seen him
>>
>>2039973
look about then ask the staff
>>
>>2039973
> Ask the kitchen staff if they've seen him
>>
>>2039973
Months? It’s that long since the training session?

Oh well, let’s ask the staff
>>
>>2039973
> Ask the kitchen staff if they've seen him
>>
>>2040005

It's been about 2 months since you trained with him.

>>2040057
>>2040005
>>2039997
>>2039986
>>2039985

Let's see who's behind the counter.

Writin'
>>
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>>2039973

Looking about, there really isn't anyone in the restaurant at all... That's definitely strange...

Well, since there's no one around, you might as well just go up and ask whoever is in the kitchen about where Goo Hwi is. So, that's exactly what you do.

"Hey!" You speak up as you reach the counter area where Gang Ryong would pick up orders, "Anyone here?"

"Just a moment!" A female voice answers you, along with the assorted bangs and clangs of pots and pans being moved around.

After a minute, a young lady who you vaguely recall handing platters to Ryong back when you stayed here walks up to you, "Alright, what's the iss- Oh! You're the Westerner that was here with Goo Hwi".

She scratches her head, as if trying to remember your name.

"John," You answer the unspoken question after a few moments of letting her think on it.

"John. John! Right!" The lady smacks her fist into her palm in a very 'got it!' manner, "Anyways, how can I help you John?"

"Has Goo Hwi been around? I'm looking for him," Glancing over your shoulder to see if he's around, you're not surprised at the fact that he's still not here.

She taps a finger to his lips, "I think he went out with Ryong a while ago; He's supposed to be doing deliveries right now, but who knows what he's actually doing. Well, as you can see, we're a bit quiet right now, so I don't mind if you just wait around for him to come back. Want breakfast while you wait?"

"Thanks, but no thanks," You wave as you turn, "I'll just wait for a bit then".

"Hey, John," Turning back around, she's looking more curious than anything, "Do you know what's been going on lately? Everyone's been on edge, but I'm always stuck back here so I can't figure out what's going on".

Your response?
> "Bad... things"
> "Don't worry about it"
> "Just the change of seasons"
> Other
>>
>>2040168
bad shit, that's all I'm going to say
>>
>>2040168
>> "Bad... things"
>>Other
Invest in good locks and solid window coverings.
>>
>>2040168
>> "Bad... things"
>>
>>2040168
>There's been an incident in one of the fancy hotels up in the cloud district... hopefully nothing for you to worry about. Especially as long as Goo Hwi is around.
>Need a hand with something while I wait?
>>
>>2040168

>>2040188
I'll second this, plus the locks suggestion.
>>
>>2040168
>> "Bad... things"
"On an unrelated note, what do you know about vampires?"
>>
>>2040180
>>2040183
>>2040186
>>2040188
>>2040198
>>2040228

Visit the hardware store.

Writin'
>>
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>>2040168

"It's...Well," You look from side to side, trying to figure out how to word your response, "Things have been... bad. I'd rather not get into it, but just lock your doors and batten down the hatches for now. You should be fine, but it can't hurt to be cautious".

"Hmm... Alright," She doesn't look too concerned, though considering just who is staying in this inn right now it's probably fine.

"This is a weird question, but do you know anything about vampires?"

The lady looks genuinely confused at your question, "Vampire? Never heard of that before? That something out West?"

"No, it's... nevermind," At this point, you hear the sound of people entering the restaurant. Turning to the entrance, you see several customers sit down. More importantly is that Gang Ryong enters with Goo Hwi on his heels, "I guess you better get back to work now".

She gives you one last questioning look before walking back into the kitchen. You, on the other hand, walk up to the old man.

"That you, John?" He immediately spots you as you approach, "Pleasant surprise to see you here".

"Good to see you too, Goo Hwi," You nod to Ryong as he runs around to start taking orders from the newcomers.

"So, what can I help you with?"
> "You mind if we talk in private?"
> "I actually wanted to talk to you and Gang Ryong; alone"
> "Just stopping by to say hello"
> Other
>>
>>2040403
> "I actually wanted to talk to you and Gang Ryong; alone"
>>
>>2040413
Actually, maybe better would be...

"Actually I wanted to talk to you, in private... although I suppose Gang Ryong might be interested in this too."
Then tell them about the vampire activity, and ask about the bite and countermeasures. Also tell them of the shop, in case they wanted company - or custom gadgets.
>>
>>2040419
this
>>
>>2040403

>>2040419
I'll support it.
>>
>>2040447
>>2040438
>>2040419
>>2040413

"It's never good news with you"

Writin'
>>
>>2040482

Whaddaya mean it's never good news with John, it's great news, because if John knows about it he's going to try and solve it.
I pity the problem they send John to solve.
>>
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>>2040403

"I wanted to talk to you, in private; actually, you and Gang Ryong would probably want to hear this," Rubbing your shoulder a bit, you look around to see where the server in question is. He's currently running about, handing out food to customers, but maybe you can grab him for a bit.

A quick word with the lad and the three of you slip into what's likely a break room.

"I can't stay for too long," Ryong says as he closes the door and walks up to you, "But what's the issue?"

"Yes, John, what did you wish to talk about?" Goo Hwi smiles at you patiently.

Thinking on it a bit, there's really only one way to go about this, "There's vampires in Shirahoro".

Silence takes the room for a few moments. Eventually, the server turns to the old man, "'Vampires'? What are those? Some monster from out West?"

"No, they're..." Goo Hwi scratches his chin, "It's hard to explain what they are, but what they do is rather simple. I do have to ask: John, are you sure that vampires are in the area?"

"Yeah, one of them took a chunk out of me yesterday night," You pull down your shirt collar to give them both a look at the wrappings around your collar, "Not sure if either of you heard about it, but there was a party a week or so back that they thoroughly crashed".

"I heard from Sierra that you two were attacked there, but I didn't know it was that severe".

You raise an eyebrow at the old man, "You know about vampires?"

"Less than you'd hope, I assume," He shrugs at you, "They're the product of some kind of blood curse. Unfortunately, I don't know much more than that".

"Kinda strange that you don't know much about a topic, Goo Hwi," Gang Ryong pipes up. You're actually rather curious about that too.

To his credit, he laughs the minor slight off, "That's a product of deliberate subterfuge rather than my own knowledge limitations, I'm afraid. See, almost all knowledge about vampires and their curse was burned in an effort to prevent people from purposefully becoming them. Now that worked for the most part, but there's something to be said about 'knowing your enemy'".

"So, any real knowledge about them and how they work is gone".

"Correct," He immediately answers you, "The good news is that the bare minimum was passed onto me. And that is that fire and silver are effective weapons against them. Fresh wood works too, but that's not quite as easy keep at the ready considering the effectiveness deteriorates quickly".

"That's good and all," The server speaks up again, "But what do can we do about it?"

Good question.
> Suggest both of them stick to defending the Inn and the surrounding area
> Suggest one of them join you in some nightly 'hunting'
> Suggest both of them join you in some nightly 'hunting'
> Other
>>
>>2040571
>> Suggest both of them stick to defending the Inn and the surrounding area
>>
>>2040571

>You're going to buy some silver, and do what you do best, weaponize it. Then you can figure out a plan with them.
>>
>>2040571
>Well, you're the martial artists with experience so I'll leave that up to your discretion. I just fix things.

>I was hoping you'd know some countermeasures to be taken against them. I burned one of them with my welder back there, and it put her out of commission, but not permanently as it turns out...

>I suppose there's one more guy that might be able to tell me more... I'll get back to you if I find out something useful. Oh and I've a shop now. You're both welcome to drop in.

Guess it's time to look for Archmage.
Once we're done shopping for coal, iron and IKEA.
>>
>>2040591
>>2040587
>>2040584

Consolidate our forces. Arm to the teeth.

Writin'
>>
>>2040571

"For now, just stick to keeping an eye out in the area at night. They seem to be sticking around this area, regardless of the reason, so there's no reason to do anything too drastic yet. Both of you, I assume, have good enough judgement that I can leave any actions you may or may not take up to your own discretion. As for me, I just fix things. I'm going to buy some silver, figure out how to weaponize it, and then go from there".

"I suppose that'll have to do for now," Goo Hwi thinks to himself for a bit.

"Right now, information is key," You motion to the two of them, "As you so aptly said before, we can't hope to combat these vampires effectively without knowing more about them. You're right about them being weak to fire; during the party I actually managed to burn the shit out of one but considering the fact that she's the one who attacked me last night that's not actually a way of killing them. As it stands, I'm currently waiting on my, well I suppose he's still technically my 'boss', friend to learn what he can. In addition, there is one more guy I think could know something useful. I just need to check with him".

"One of your friends?" Gang Ryong looks at you with a level look.

"Yes," There's a hint of exasperation in your tone as you response, "One of my friends. Trust me when I say that there's far worse people out there".

"Alright, that's enough," Goo Hwi steps in before things can escalate further, "That'll have to be good enough for now. I'll keep an eye on things in the meantime".

"Thanks Goo Hwi," You begin to walk towards the door, "Oh, I'm actually in the middle of working on getting a shop open here in the Earth District. It's over near the border to the Fire District, so feel free to stop by if you want to talk or need some kind of gadget; knowing you two, you probably won't need any though".

With that, the three of you go your separate ways. Checking the time, it's almost noon currently.

Now, what to do...
> Go visit Archmage/the Genovese
> Go talk to your supplier
> Go see if you can't find furniture
> Go somewhere else (where?)
> Find someone (who?)
> Other
>>
>>2040791
> Go talk to your supplier
We neef to get the shop running. Also we might score some silver from it.
>>
>>2040791
>> Go talk to your supplier
>>
>>2040791
>Go talk to the supplier
Fuel, iron and an assortment of coloured metals...
>>
>>2040791
>> Go talk to your supplier
>>
>>2040791

> Go talk to your supplier

> Send a message to the genovese
If can we find a courier or something on the way?
Does this city have them?
>>
>>2040843

Not really. You could leave a message with the Secretary though. Your supplier is also in the Water District.
>>
>>2040791
> Go talk to your supplier

We need fuel and silver

Also some other miscellaneous metals for future projects. Like a magitech arc furnace.
>>
>>2040810
>>2040818
>>2040826
>>2040840
>>2040843
>>2040858

Looks like we're saying hello to our guy.

Drop a message off with the Genovese first?
> Y
> N
>>
>>2040894
>> Y
>>
>>2040894

> Y
>>
>>2040894
>Silver
Sure, why not.

We want to see the wizard... but it's been a while since we've checked on Dutch as well.
>>
>>2040914
>Silver
derp
>Y
>>
>>2040920
>>2040908
>>2040901

Yes it is.

Writin'
>>
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>>2040791

Since it's on the way, you drop by the Genovese HQ on your way to your supplier.

That blonde Secretary is there, apparently in a bit of a rush as she's juggling about three different things when you get there. She just gives you a pad and quill to write down your note on while she continues to manage whatever it is you're doing.

You just leave a simple message to Archmage that you'd like to talk to him, preferably later today.

With that done, you head over to where the supply guy is. Probably should get his name at some point...

Regardless, you make it to the same, dark shop as before. Really is more of a warehouse than anything else but that doesn't matter. The guy is there like you never left him, casually smoking a cigarette with his feet kicked up. He raises an eyebrow at your entrance; guess he wasn't expecting to see you again.

What first?
> Buy something from his stock
> Ask about ordering Fuel for your shop
> Ask about ordering Ingots for your shop
> Ask about something else
> Leave
>>
>>2041145
How much cash do we have on us, and can we use bills?

Anyway let’s see what he’s offering.
>>
>>2041159

Coin on hand: 1 Gold, 84 Silver, 45 Copper
>>
>>2041145
I guess lead with actual introductions and small talk first, then...
> Ask about ordering Fuel for your shop
> Ask about ordering Ingots for your shop
>>
>>2041145

> Ask about ordering Fuel for your shop
> Ask about ordering Ingots for your shop

What's he have in stock again?
>>
>>2041199
>>2041191

Supplies for the shop it is.

Writin'
>>
We might need to take some cash out from the bank, depending on how much we need to buy
>>
>>2041145

"You wouldn't happen to sell Fuel and Metal en mass?" Might as well start with what you're here for originally.

The guy takes a long drag of his smoke before exhaling it out, "Opening up a forge, huh? You've got balls, kid, for setting up with so much competition in the area. Don't matter; you've come to the right place. I do act as a dealer for the supplies forges need. The only question is how much you're planning on using and how much you're willing to spend".

He reaches below the counter and pulls out another catalog. You immediately spot the section for ordering Fuel.

"Just so you know," He speaks up again as you look down the page, "You can either pay now or you can pay when the shipment gets to your shop; your choice".

Alright, so, the choices that make sense for you are:

> 10 units per month: 25 silver coins
> 20 units per month: 40 silver coins
> 30 units per month: 50 silver coins

(A single unit of fuel represents an 10 hr burn time)

So, what are you buying?
> Write in
>>
>>2041303

Start with 10 and work from there?
>>
>>2041308
30 units is the most price-effective option. Do we have storage for fuel?
>>
>>2041323
Cost effective, but if we're buying more than we can use it'll pile up quick.
>>
>>2041323

You have storage for a reasonable amount of fuel. I'll say 50 units is the max.
>>
>>2041303
20 units

Now hit me with those ingot ordering forms you wonderful supplier of engineer lifeblood
>>
>>2041303
>> 30 units per month: 50 silver coins
We could probably use some so make flame thrower ammo/ flame grenades
>>
>>2041334

It's coal.
>>
>>2041303
>> 30 units per month: 50 silver coins
>>
>>2041336
Grind it up for dust explosions...?
:^)
>>
I feel like 300 hours worth of fuel is a bit much.
since a lot of our work will be away from the forge.
>>
>>2041369
Well, we can forge armour and weapons as well. Considering the recent crisis, it may be a valuable skill. I'd get 20 at most, though.
>>
>>2041381
Oh I'm aware, but even with that, a lot of our work is still away from the forge.
less, from a relative standpoint, but if people are coming to us for a regular sword or piece plate armor they're coming to the wrong guy.
>>
>>2041397
Eh, I'd say we are a pretty competent smith in our own right. We can also make artificer tools to help us with that, maybe.
>>
>>2041409
I meant wrong guy in the skillset sense, you don't go to John for a boring old breast plate. You go to John for what looks like a boring old breastplate but has a bunch of surprises in it.
>>
>>2041341
>>2041334
>>2041323

30 units looks like what we're getting.
> Get it as the monthly delivery
> Get it once
>>
>>2041448
>> Get it once
>>
>>2041448
> Get it once
>>
>>2041303
30 units I say.

especially if we plan on setting up an arcforge we can dial down later easy but need to get the front end set up for primary burns.
>>
>>2041453
>>2041456

Once it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2041303

> You have lost: 50 silver coins!

Sliding the coin across the table, you let the shopkeeper know that you'll just take it as a one time thing.

"If you say so," Is his casual response.

Guess this guy really just goes with the flow...

Now, for the Ingots...

Huh, "Hey, you wouldn't happen to have Silver in stock?"

"Fresh out," He just starts smoking again, "Got cleaned out of my stores just the other day. I'll have another shipment in next week".

Well, now what to order...
> Iron: 50 Units - 40 Silver / 100 Units - 75 Silver / 150 Units - 1 Gold
> Silver: 5 Units - 10 Silver / 10 Units - 25 Silver / 15 Units - 35 Silver

(Buying is same as before: Can be either single or monthly shipment)

So, what are you getting?
> Write in
>>
>>2041527

>100 units - Iron
>10 units - Silver

One time. for now.
>>
>>2041527
get 20 units of silver ASAP, and 100 units of iron to begin with. Let's see how sales work out,then we can start getting monthly shipments of iron.
>>
>>2041544
Second
>>
How much can be made per unit of silver?
>>
>>2041527
100 of Iron
20 of Silver

Also, ask him what the going rate of electrum is.
>>
>>2041566

Electrum?

why do we need something that fancy?
>>
>>2041576
My excuse is in case we decide to make more jewelry.

Honestly? It just popped up in my head randomly, so I just decided to put it down.

I know, I know, it makes no sense...
>>
>>2041586

*cough* engagement ring *cough*
>>
>>2041558

Quite a lot considering that you won't be making weapons out of silver. They'll have a layer of silver to them if you choose to make them.

>>2041566

Is there something in particular you want to make with electrum?
>>
>>2041602
what about a silver edge on blades?
Assuming it's possible to weld silver and iron together in a way that wont have the silver pop off.
>>
>>2041611

That's what I meant. I just worded it poorly.
>>
>>2041620
Ah, makes sense.

I was thinking a silver wash or plating would rub off too quickly.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2041544
>>2041546
>>2041550
>>2041566

Looks like we're getting 100 Units of Iron. Gonna have to tie break for the silver.
1. 10
2. 20
>>
>>2041527

> You have lost: 110 Silver!

> Current coin on hand: 0 Gold, 24 Silver, 45 Copper!

"Same thing as before, just a single order of the Ingots".

"Yeah, yeah," He jots your order down before sliding the sheet around to you. You write down the address of your shop then sign off on the deal. As the shop owner signs his half of the contract, you briefly wonder how valid the contract would be considering you used your fake name, then quickly squash that line of thought.

"Anything else?"
> Get something from his usual stock
> Ask him about something (what?)
> Leave
>>
>>2041701
Yay!

So who baught the silver? just curious... hopefully not the vampires. Also all the more reason to get working on some Golems. No blood equals less susceptible to vamps.
>>
>>2041745
Head to the bank.
>>
>>2041745
>> Ask him about something (what?)
By the way, I'd get more silver if I were you. Vampires attacked that big fancy auction yesterday. If they did what I would think they'd do, they'd buy up and stockpile anything that could harm them.
>>
>>2041757
>>2041791

Where did all the silver go?

Writin'
>>
>>2041745

"If you don't mind me asking," Might as well make some conversation while you're here, "But who bought up all your Silver stores".

"Who else?" He snuffs out the smoke into a nearby ashtray, "Couple of Damiyo guys came by, said the Head gave them a general order or somethin' to buy up my reserves of Silver Ingots. No idea why they wanted that much silver, but the order, and more importantly their coin, was legit so what did I care? Don't worry about your order. It'll get filled. I'll have the guy bring by the Fuel and Iron Ingots tomorrow morning. The Silver will get to you once I get my next shipment".

"Thanks mate," Waving him goodbye, you walk out of his shop and into the day. It's almost 2 pm at this point in time.

Now what?
> Go to the bank
> Go visit Archmage/the Genovese
> Go somewhere else (where?)
> Find someone (who?)
> Head back to your shop
> Other
>>
>>2041908
So Sun took it. Presumably.
should ask him to confirm.
>>
>>2041908
Anon has it right.
>>Other
Go ask Sun if he got all the Silver
>>
>>2041929
>>2041919

Off to the Main Bastion it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2041908
We need to take stock of other shit we need. Tools, workbenches, mana chargers, racks for finished projects.
>>
>>2041908

Thinking about it, perhaps you should follow through with the shopkeeper said. If there's someone impersonating Sun running around buying up all the city's Silver supply...

You don't like the implications of that chain of thought.

So, with that in mind, you change your path towards the Fire District; Archmage can wait for now.

Keeping you eyes out, you don't spot anything too suspicious. The guards all look like they're on heightened alert, but they're not too obvious about it.

Making your way up the small hill to the Main Bastion, you note that all of the forges are in full swing. Guess Sun's really ramping up the war effort then...

The Bastion itself is rather quiet, and you have no issue at all entering. There's that same nervous-wreck of a cleric manning the counter. He lets you know that Sun's in his office currently, and that you're free to go right in.

Taking his word for it, you navigate the stone hallways now familiar to the Councilman's office.

Knocking twice, you hear him call you in immediately. Entering, you find Sun, and Jun, working their way through another pile of paperwork.

"Ah, John," Sun Woo does actually look happy to see you, probably due to how much work is on his plate, "Good to see you. Is there a reason why you're here?"

Your response?
> "I heard there was a rather large Silver purchase made.."
> "Any progress made on the research front?"
> "Just stopping by to say hello"
> Other

> Gonna have to pause things for tonight. I'll continue tomorrow.
>>
>>2042061
>> "I heard there was a rather large Silver purchase made.."
>> "Any progress made on the research front?"
>>
>>2042061
> "I heard there was a rather large Silver purchase made.."
> "I'm hoping this has something to do with those uninvited guests? Because I'm willing to help out, thanks to one of them taking a bite out of me." (show neck injury)
> "Any progress made on the research front?"
>>
>>2042061

> "I heard there was a rather large Silver purchase made.."
> "Any progress made on the research front?"
>>
>>2042090
seconding.
mention silver, offer services, banter
>>
>>2042090
sure I can go with this, but I was hoping for something a bit more punny "now I know how you feel dealing with the council's bookworms, bloodsuckers can not be that different"

"you know, one of those guests from the night decided to give me a follow up for our dance...... do you think she went over kill on the love bite?"

and those are all I have with bad jokes. feel free to try more
>>
>>2042716
I like this. Can we do this?
>>
>>2042083
>>2042090
>>2042122
>>2042713
>>2042716
>>2045717

So, how has your day been?

Writin'
>>
>>2042061

"I heard there was a rather large purchase of silver made in your name; just making sure that was actually you".

"Yes, that was my order," Sun motions for you to take a seat as he explains, "It may seem like a bit of an overreaction, but we know not how many vampires are here in Shirahoro nor do we know how long this ordeal shall last. As such, having our own stock of silver here in the Bastion. I already have my best smiths working on integrating silvered weaponry into our arsenal, though if you wish to aid in that effort I can arrange things".

"I'll think about it," You nod to him as you sit down. Looking around the room, mostly at the piles and piles of paperwork around, you speak up, "How has the progress been on the research front?"

"Admittedly slow. General knowledge about vampires isn't too hard to find within our more.. restricted volumes," The Head glances off to the side at this, "But, unfortunately, there are no mentions of how they function or how their curse works".

"That seems to be the name of the game with these things. I've been talking to a few people on my own time to see what I can find. Any leads on how to actually kill them?"

"Fire and Silver are mentioned multiple times across several different text," Jun notes as he looks over what he's reading, "That is where the specifics end. There's a few accounts of just stabbing and burning them to death, some mention some kind of ceremony but don't actually elaborate on that, and some state that Fire and Silver don't actually help at all".

"I can attest to the effectiveness of Fire. After I sent you out of the room, Sun, I got into a bit of a dance with a lovely lady. Sadly, we had a bit of a difference of opinion and I ended up rather thoroughly burning her with a Cutting Torch. And while that put her out of commission at that time, she came back for round two last night; gave me a nice little gift to remember her by too," At this point, you pull your shirt to the side to reveal the bandages on you, "Do me a favor and don't tell Sierra; don't want her getting jealous".

"And this happened last night?" Sun questions as he leans forwards to get a better look at the spot.

"Yeah. A moment of carelessness on my part, admittedly, but to be fair I wasn't expecting her to come back after I cut her head off," You can't help a bit of sarcasm from dripping into your voice as you fix your shirt again, "That tends to put people down for good; not make them show up a week later pissed as hell".

"As I can imagine," The Councillor returns to his usual posture, "Well, from what little we do know those more... feral individuals that accompanied the three vampires during the party don't seem to have returned from the dead".

"Thralls is how they're noted in historical text," Jun Woo helpfully inputs.

[1/2]
>>
>>2045894

[2/2]

"Indeed," Sun doesn't seem put off by the interruption, "Not sure if you were curious, but we have been working on accelerating the production and training of that higher caliber rifle you developed a while back. Considering just how tough these creatures appear to be, several squads requested a bit more robust weaponry than the standard Clockwork Rifle, and thanks to you we'll be able to get that to them. Not sure if you have anything else you'd like to do while you're still here".

Well, do you?
> Ask Sun something
> Ask Jun something
> Offer to sell a copy of your Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Blueprint
> Other
>>
>>2045895
well, sun old buddy old pal. since I like you how about I offer you some........ designs of my own making. maybe even a prototype if I can get it together.

and for you it would be a rather special 1% discount

joking aside, the offer is there. maybe with a negotiable discount
>>
>>2045895

Oh yeah, forgot one option.

> Take Sun up on that Weapons Contract Offer
>>
>>2045895
Thank for the time, and for the place we're setting up.

Suppose we can offer the grenade launcher but we haven't tested it yet.

I was also contemplating informing Sun we'd also ask among less savoury circles for more intel, but I imagine he'd probably prefer to not actually know.
>>
>>2045895
> Offer to sell a copy of your Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Blueprint

Revolutionising weapons technology, one step at a time. John is basically the Tony Stark of the setting at this point.
>>
>>2045956
All that's left is building a suit of power armor with a box of scraps!
>>
>>2045895
> Offer to sell a copy of your Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Blueprint
> Take Sun up on that Weapons Contract Offer
>>
>>2045903
a minor fix to my early suggestion

that we can keep copyright/royalties so that for every device used/made/sold we gain a bit of revenue. nice way to get some money

>>2045958
soon
>>
>>2045895
>> Offer to sell a copy of your Single-Shot Grenade Launcher Blueprint
>> Take Sun up on that Weapons Contract Offer
>>
>>2045903
>>2045912
>>2045956
>>2045985
>>2045997

You want upgrades? I'll show you upgrades.

Writin'
>>
>>2045895

"If your guys are looking for heavier weaponry, I actually have a blueprint for a design I'm going to be testing out in the near future hopefully".

Sun just shakes his head, "It's always something new with you John... Anyways, what is it exactly?"

"The current version is only a single-round, breach loaded by the way, launcher, but since it's a 25 mm weapon it can fire something far heavier than any rifle can".

"Well, I won't claim to be an expert on firearms," He scratches his chin a bit, "But that does certainly sound interesting. May I see the design?"

You go to reach for it, only to remember that you left the bulk of your belongings back at your shop, "Oh, right, it's back at my place; thanks for that, by the way, it'll be back open and running tomorrow".

"That's good to hear," The Head smiles at you.

"While were on that subject, you mentioned a Contract of sorts. What's the details on that?" Considering that, currently, you're dead in the water in terms of income, this is a good chance to get some coin coming your way after how much you dropped today.

"Yes, that," Sun Woo moves a few papers around before pulling one out and sliding it towards you, "Despite the fact that I've put anyone available on the task of making silvered weapons, I can't have every single smithy here at the Bastion working on weapons. So, this means that I need to look outside our organization to increase production. The long in the short of it is that I need weapons, swords and spears primarily, with silvered edges for our guards to use. Considering just how much we now have on hand, I am willing to give you a small amount of Silver Ingots to utilize. At the end of the week, I'll have... Jun here stop by and inspect what you've done. I'm offering payment based on how many weapons you create and the quality of the craftsmanship. While he's there, he can also pick up any blueprints you wish to sell".

You think on it for a moment.
> Take the contract
> Don't take the contract
>>
>>2045986

I thought about it, but you would have to pay to keep your copyright current. So you wouldn't be making much off it. In contrast, I believe you were paid 5 Silver for each blueprint you sold them.
>>
>>2046096
>>2046099
welp no copyright. but I would request there is a note of who designed them, or failing that our name on the bottom. it does well to be remembered

>take the contract
>>
>>2046096

Sounds nice and fair and convenient.
>Take the contract
>>
>>2046096
> Take the contract
>>
>>2046142
>>2046119
>>2046102

Deal.

Writin'
>>
>>2046096

"Might as well," Grabbing a quill, you sign your name off on the contract. Sun hands you a copy of it with his signature on it and you sign that one as well.

Waiting for the ink to dry, you look over the two of them. Looks like both of them are back to working on their own readings.

"Did you need something else, John?" Jun questions as he looks up at you between pages.

Well, do you?
> Ask Sun something else
> Ask Jun something else
> Leave
> Other
>>