>>2233703
>Did a bee sting your tongue? You speak like a toad, you cretin.

>Orbital Ring
If that doesn't work we're /fucked/. If it works, this loser is toast, hell we can even take him alive.

>>2233703
>Other
Use a Solar Flare to blind him and anyone else, then Orbital Ring him.
Use the tommy gun and gratuitous use of Light Barriers and magi-beams to kill anyone who gets in our way.

>>2233703
>Other
use Sun's Flare, pop anyone we can in the window it gives us, then just pick up the guy and run. We shouldn't need Orbital Ring, we just need to get him far enough away we we can deal with him properly.

>>2233703
Supporting>>2233729
with some of >>2233720 banter.

>>2233703
>>Other
It seems like the rune is similar to the one spider had so, lets suns flare him, and then strangle and electrocute him.

>>2233765
>and then strangle
Something about this guy just wants me to humiliate him as we kill him.
Like make him choke to death on a dildo or something else equally embarrassing.

>>2233703
supporting: >>2233765

8 minutes to go due to start of thread. Seems like most at least agree on Sun's Flare.

Okay, seems like Sun's Flare + Orbital Ring wins out.

Plus banter. Banter is fun!

Writing!

>>2233703
>>2233720
>>2233729
>>2233745
>>2233763
>>2233765
>>2233773
>>2233781
This guy... you’ve got an idea, but you're going to need a little bit of time to prepare. As you begin to form the mana into a solid ring, hidden behind the countertop, you move your head just enough so that your voice carries a little bit better. “Hey, did a bee sting your tongue?”

“Hm?” He raises an eyebrow, but simply grins otherwise as he eyes the barrier that’s still up- not that it’ll last for much longer. “I mean, sure, but naht recently. Whyddya ask?”

>Current Mana: 6,000/11,000

“Because the way you talk reminds me of a toad, you lanky cretin!” He doesn't even have time to retort as you pop up when the barrier goes down, your body flashing brilliantly. You can hear shouts of surprise and wild fire as your light robs the lot of them of their sight, your dark blue-green ring in between your hands. You’re just happy that this one's far smaller than what you needed before, and thus doesn't need nearly as much lead-up time. The barrier drops just as you fire off your Orbital Ring, and interestingly enough, Petruzzelli gets a frown on his face the second before it impacts, wrapping around him like a hula hoop and tightening around his arms and waist quickly.

“Oy! Whas’ dis? You got sum kinda game in mind fer me?” he asks, his eyes still welded shut as he feels the ring tightening. “Promise ya, I'm more o’ a givah than a takah when it comes ta dis kinda stuff!”

>Grab him now; you need to get away where you can deal with him in private!
>You might be able to filch the sigil if you’re quick enough and kill him here…
>You don’t have a lot of time- start punching.
>Other

>>2233940
>You might be able to filch the sigil if you’re quick enough and kill him here…

>>2233940
>>Grab him now; you need to get away where you can deal with him in private!
Don't forget to give him a few zaps as we shoulder him like a stolen carpet.

>>2233940
>Grab him now; you need to get away where you can deal with him in private!

>>2233940
>>Grab him now; you need to get away where you can deal with him in private!

Aren't there still more lieutenants we have to kill here?

>>2233940
>>Grab him now; you need to get away where you can deal with him in private!

>>2233940
>>Grab him now; you need to get away where you can deal with him in private!

Rolled 18, 1 = 19 (2d20)

Don't mind me.

>>2233968
...Huh.

Alright, so that happened.

>>2233961
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that all lieutenants have this fucking sigil. I want to take this guy and once we've interrogated him, start experimenting to see just how exactly it works. Which spells it can resist and minimum necessary force etc. That way we'll be prepared for future engagements

>>2233977
>all lieutenants have this fucking sigil.
Upper management and upper-middle management do, but not lower-middle management does, if the lieutenant we killed earlier is any indication.

>>2233968
Fuck, did Jonas get himself hurt?

We should have dropped him off at Carmel's instead of dragging him along.

>>2234001
Hope not. Either way, he's getting a sigil before we take him on another picnic

>>2234014
This is exactly why we should have given the sigil to Jonas instead of Carmel.

>>2233940
>>2233949
>>2233951
>>2233955
>>2233960
>>2233965
>>2233967

As fast as you can you dart out of your cover, leaping over to the confused and dazed man in a single bound. With nothing more than a surprised yelp from him and some kind of mumble you're fairly sure isn't actually words, you take off using you full ability to leap away. Your leg burns, and you can see some blood trail away from it as you glance down, but you can't really afford to fret too much about it now.

Landing stings, though, and although it doesn’t take long to find an empty alleyway about a block away, the lower part of your leg is looking pretty red as you set him down roughly. The man just grins a snaggle tooth grin, looking square at you. “Oooh, wanted ta get a little bit o’ private time, huh? All ya had to do was ask! Course, this way’s a lot funnah, eh?”

You just frown- his beady, greedy little eyes are more rat-like than the actual rat people you've met, for price’s sake. Still, you at the very least should probably search him for his stupid signal. That’s...going to be annoying. You reach down-

“So, who put th’ hit out, eh?” Hm?

You keep silent as you check his pockets. He takes that as a sign to continue. “Awww, wasn't like it was hard ta figure out. Ain't got no kinda mark on you, come out of nowhere, Sabul folks didn’t care for ya; and ya ain’t tried much in th’ way o’ intimidation. Plus, ya got tha’ merc look on yer face. That ‘nope! no fun allowed ‘ere!’ look, ya know? So, smells to me like yer getting paid for this, hey? Heeeey...” he says the last bit as you unbutton his shirt, checking for some sort of necklace or something. Nothing. Maybe his shoes...

“Roight, then. So how much will it take to make this whole thing flip? I know I got- ey, ey!” voice changes, and you take that as a good sign as you take off his left shoe and sock. Sure enough, you can hear something rattling around in the bottom of it. “Oi, cut that out!” He struggles as you dip your hand in the smelly sock, and come away with a small, yet very intricately carved, sigil. Fantastic.

“Oy, oy! You give that back! Ain’t yours, it’s mine!” He barks, and you realize that NOW he's afraid. Of course. “Look, lass, swear if you don’t-”

Suddenly, an explosion in the distance interrupts the both of you, and you turn to look at the direction of it- where you just came from. It sounded like a car, and a frown crosses your face as you think of Jonas yet again.
Before that can travel very far, you hear footsteps, and turn around to see that Petruzzelli’s on his feet.

His tounge’s waggling as he breaks for the end of the alley. “Hahahahaha! Sorry lass, but I- GHRK!”

A magiblast blasts a hole through him, ridding him of his clearly overworked lungs as he collapses unceremoniously in a pool of blood, the orbital ring still binding him.

...His tongue's still lolling out. Ugh.

But, you got better things to worry about, like seeing what that explosion was...

(cont.)

>>2234133
When you arrive back at the scene, you can't help but notice that you're starting to limp a little bit. You really need to sit down for a second and heal yourself- or at the very least get it bandaged.

The scene you come back to you is one of carnage, it looks like. Aside from the bodies littering the area, no one else is there but you at first glance. Dead in the middle of the road, there’s two wrecked cars, one clearly blown to high heaven, and to your immense worry one of them you can recognize as Jonas's. Damnit, if he died…

“Hey!” Hm? Wait a sec. “Uh, over here!” You turn to see that same harpy family, still looking and then some scared, but at the very least they seem to recognize you. What you presume to be the eldest one, a large, red-feathered variant with another one of those faux-teeth/lips things, speaks up. “Are you okay? Do you need help? We have medical stuff!”

>Might be worth it to get yourself bandaged, at least.
>No, you can heal it yourself, but some privacy would be welcome.
>You can take it for now- you need to know what the hell happened to Jonas!
>Other

>>2234142
>Might be worth it to get yourself bandaged, at least.

>>2234142
>You can take it for now- you need to know what the hell happened to Jonas!

>>2234142
>"Thank you. Did you see why the car exploded? Where did it come from, did you see anyone that looked like <describe Jonas>"

Use zone scanner or light trap

>>2234142
>>Might be worth it to get yourself bandaged, at least.

>>2234142
>Other
Get bandaged and ask them if they saw Jonas.

So, looks like "not giving Jonas the shielding sigil will keep him out of trouble" isn't working out too well for us, is it?

>>2234142

>You can take it for now- you need to know what the hell happened to Jonas!

>>2234160
Well we have the guard sigil now. If we use our pip-boy to scan it we may be able to reproduce it. We did managed to fix Sandra's runes.

Ah, going to have to pause for now. Hahah, Jonas is oddly fun to write things around.

>>2234142
>>You can take it for now- you need to know what the hell happened to Jonas!

>>2234142
>>Might be worth it to get yourself bandaged, at least.
This wound is going to cause us more and more trouble, and healing takes a while.

>>2234142
> Work while talking people, I NEED to know where the people I was with went.

Fucking hostage situation.

>>2234142
>Might be worth it to get yourself bandaged, at least.
We need to stop the bleeding at the very least we

>>2233672
Got it. I'll continue on like this then, dunno how long it will take it though.

>>2233744
!

>>2234160
We need to remember to get that back from Carmel later too.

>>2234142
>Might be worth it to get yourself bandaged, at least.
>Talk while getting treated.

>>2234764
Reminder that sticky bombs are the most useless application of sticky mana.

I would almost rather prefer to learn how to create effects on our mana like changing the properties, and then being able to creatively apply them in different combinations as we go.

>>2234767
No need to we have a sock with it now.

>>2234973
I'll write it down when I catch up to this thread then. The sticky bomb part is not mine to judge and include in the bin though. I'll scoop up anything that could potentially be useful and try to be neutral, you guys decide what's highest priority for us.

>>2235065
It would be different if we could use it to ghetto rig a flux wave by having different mana frequencies be used for the sticky bombs, then have them go off all at once or in a synch like how we do it internally.

But honestly "delayed explosion" is kind of pointless considering that we can just make more powerful explosions, or guided explosions, or already delay our magi-blast explosion etc.

Like I'm glad we played with our mana and its properties, but honestly the form we're using it in is just inefficient.

>>2235155
that's because the sticky bombs main purpose isn't for direct confrontation; they are to make traps, subterfuge and distractions. For example, place one bomb behind an open door, so it also sticks to the wall, and when somebody tries to close the door, it will detonate, killing whoever was there. We can also place them inside cars and vehicles, and when they are sufficiently away from us, we can order the detonation of the bomb, leaving no direct link to us. Also, if we train enough with it, can use them as a "compliance device"; stick one bomb to someone and they will have to follow your orders if they don't want to blow up in pieces.

Honestly, the problem isn't the spell itself, but that we are a Hammer and altough basically all the missions that we have been on can be resolved via brute force, most of them could go way smoother if we had more discreet abilities in our arsenal.

>>2235183
But we don't take "discreet" missions because we're a hammer.

Honestly if anything we need less than lethal countermeasures since that's more often our problem. We don't have a great way of neutralizing things without blowing them up unless we're touching them.

Also the mana still leaves a trace, and it's still and explosion. Not really discreet at all. Might as well just use a claymore or an actual mine.

Plus we have to actively maintain the mana so . . . .

It would be super hand for Lorelei though.

>>2235183
Glowing glob of mana doesn't really say "discreet" to me, especially since mana can be sensed.

>>2235210
>But we don't take "discreet" missions because we're a hammer.
But there are a lot of moments in most of the missions that could have been avoided if we had a more discreet(as in us not being in visual range or being seen as the source of the explosion) way of killing or approaching the situation. It's like playing hitman or Metal gear; sure you can go guns blazing, but you will probably run out of ammo, everyone will see you, which means that they will be ready for you, you will eventually get hurt and finally, you might miss things that will be important later on. Sometimes its just easier to take your time with one well placed strike instead of blowing up all the place.

>Also the mana still leaves a trace, and it's still and explosion. Not really discreet at all. Might as well just use a claymore or an actual mine.
Claymores and mines cost motes, which we really want to avoid using if we are to fully upgrade our HQ, and even if the sticky bombs leave a trace, we won't be in the scene by the moment it detonates, making it harder or even impossible to locate us, supposing if they are capable of tracing magic, which so far only one world was capable of doing it.

>Plus we have to actively maintain the mana.
It doesn't cost Mana per second to keep the balls stable; its just one payment of 250(which can be reduced if we train more with it) and we are set.

>>2235214
Not everyone can detect magic, and you can hide the glowing part by being creative in the bomb placement.

also for >>2235065
this is the link where we showed our potential new spells (and why we went with the sticky bombs) http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1801665/

>>2235221
thanks for the link.
although I probably won't be able to take this into account for some time, still have a bunch of threads to go through till I reach thread #34.

>>2235221
Yeah we went with Magi-bombs because it was easy and simple, and we ended up with sticky mana because we fucked up the rolls.

It didn't really have overwhelming support either, more that people wanted the less risky choice.

Stop trying to force them. They're the Milhouse of the game with you suggesting they get used at every turn no matter how inappropriate.

>>2235221
There is almost always an easier way to solve a problem than using the sticky bombs though. Your application might come up once in a while by I'm much more interested in mana manipulation than grenades.

I mean, we pulled out a rocket launcher earlier. I think it's worth the motes for the rare occasion we would need a mine then wasting valuable research and upgrade time on a very situational power.

>>2234142
>Might be worth it to get yourself bandaged, at least.

The fuck happened to Jonas being a Supercop

>>2235244
Super cops aren't immune to explosion.

>>2235275
Yet might get a few scratches, but yeah they are.

>>2235276
What about being Batmanned and having to be saved by a plucky sidekick/convenient plot device/Evil Femme Fatal etc.

>>2235346
I said they aren't immune but he's resilient. He isn't dead but it must be hurt, that's why i think we should keep our mana to heal him.

>convenient plot device he wasn't inside the car once it blew up
>Miranda can heal most wounds

See like this...at least the two goons that were with us died without us doing anything! We didn't break our contract!! Yay!

>>2235364
>at least the two goons that were with us died without us doing anything! We didn't break our contract!!
Killing those two wouldn't have voided our contract.

Jonas getting hurt (not even killed) is grounds for the client to terminate the contract in her favor, as was originally outlined when we arrived.

>>2235243
>I think it's worth the motes for the rare occasion we would need a mine
I'd like to point out that on-site procurement of explosives, ammunition, and weapons or at least looting them from a modern to high-tech/magic world right before completing the contract is a lot cheaper than buying them back at the Intersection. And seeing as they're meant to be expended, we don't have to pay for getting them fixed.

Instead, a good investment of Motes would be an ammunition converter device (either nanotech or magitech) that's either stand-alone or fitted to a weapon that converts local ammunition into whatever the weapon fires (changes the caliber/propellant of bullets to fit the firing chamber, adapts voltage and wattage of batteries and energy cells for energy weapons).

>>2235391
This reminds me that we have those magitech guns from the Frontier. The different elemental stones is really useful, but the fact that they burn out after 50 shots isn't.
We really need to have Owlia take a look at them and see if she can keep the elemental properties while making it so they don't burn out, even if takes more mana per shot, or be able to recreate them with Intersection crystal resources.

Also, she might be able to reduce the lethality of the lightning element stones so that we can get a taser-like effect from them, giving us a much needed fast and ranged stun option.

>>2234973
>>2235221
so I changed up some stuff and tried to find things related to how mana works as well.
https://pastebin.com/aV3NskXw
Think this format will do?

>>2235406
Or we could work on manipulating our electrical field ability.

>>2235415
That would be much easier to read if it was sorted by type instead of time. Like lore / how mana functions / ideas for skills to learn.

>>2235422
Yea, I plan to do that after I finish catching up (hence the 'summerize and condense' in the last thread). You can also use ctrl+f and search for now if you want easier navigation.
Anything else you want?

>>2235426
I'd like votes for learning new things to happen at the beginning or ends of threads or something. I've missed every vote for it so far and it's really frustrating.

>>2235455
Well that should be asked to handler, not me.

We got sparklers on this job but some more opportunities to learn or practice new spells at all would be great. Doing it in interludes between jobs makes sense if it was a video game but fact is it takes us months real time.
At this rate, we're going to argue the merits of sticky bombs against one guy well into the next year which isn't going to be much fun for anyone involved.

Since we're playing a narrative game and not a numbers game I'm not afraid we'd mess up game balance or anything. An alternative would be to assign some of our spell ideas to the other characters. It would slow down the power creep to a manageable level and we'd still get to play with our new tricks.

>>2235607
>more opportunities to learn or practice new spells at all would be great. Doing it in interludes between jobs makes sense if it was a video game but fact is it takes us months real time.
This is entirely true. I suggested between jobs as a consistent, if slow option. The trouble is that when we're on a job, we on the job. Unless we have required downtime for whatever reason and space to practice, we should be working, not tinkering with our magic. I'd say traveling between locations on-site would be a good time, but it's usually faster to hop places, or it's something like an airplane, where a screwing something up would make for a bad time.

Part of why we're trying out new powers is to expand Miranda's utility powers. If we're working with someone, they usually cover those sorts of things. Though I'm sure Lori would love the flamethrower idea.

There's not an easy solution unfortunately.

Hahahaha.

Writing in 20.

>>2234142
>>2234146
>>2234155
>>2234156
>>2234160
>>2234303
>>2234762
>>2234764
>>2234967
All things considered, you're probably better off at the very least getting some kind of bandaging up, else that wound is going to get a whole lot worse. “Alright, thanks.” Even so, the thoughts of what's happened to Jonas isn't far away from you. “I got a question or two for you, too…”

Considering that they don't have hands, you have to wonder how they intended to use this gauze. Nonetheless, that's as far as you question yourself even mentally, since a larger part of you is glad they have it at all.

“Thank you so much for helping protect us,” the tall harpy says again. He and the other two had been rather effusive in their praise, which you’d learned to be his sister and girlfriend, respectively. “Would have been dead if it weren't for you.”

You just give a small grunt in acknowledgement. “It’s fine. But I don’t recall a car crash, or an explosion. What happened?”

“You mean after you did the thing and it jumped off? Well, we didn't see everything, but we heard someone drive up and then get out of a car, and they started talking, and then suddenly they started firing off towards someone coming from the... right, I think. It was a lot more yelling, and then there was almost a big crash. Then we heard some fighting, and then the explosion. None of us came out for a bit after that... And then we saw you.”
“So you didn't actually see anyone?” You press.

“Nope. No bodies, no nothing. No clue what happened." The harpy doesn't quite shrug its shoulders, but it does something close. And that leaves you trying to figure out exactly what happened. You’d think there would be more blood or body parts, but from what you saw the area was relatively clean.

So with Jonas MIA...oof.

>Try to report in to Carmel now, be done with it. Alive or dead, you need her to make a call here.
>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.
>Just continue on with the Giogionne assassinations, you’ll worry about him later.
>Other

>>2235964
>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.

>>2235964
>>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.

>>2235964
>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.
Hearing aids and start sniffing, at least make sure if we are too late or not. As soon as we can, head to the rooftops. The buildings here are multi story complexes and highrise right? We need a vantage point.

>>2235964
>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.
Fuck, we could end up failing this contract because of him.

>>2235964
>>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.
When we get him back, we're sending him back to Carmel as a bodyguard or something. I'd hoped he'd be at least somewhat useful, but he's been nothing but a pain.

>>2235964
>>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.

jonas is a capable fuckboy, pretty sure he rambo-ed the situation and is in the sewers or in a building.

>>2235964
>>See if you can track him down somehow. Can’t leave him alone for TOO long.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2235975
>>2235982
>>2235983
>>2235985
>>2235998
>>2236010
>>2236015

Screw it, you can at least check around to see if he's actually dead or not. Hopefully he just managed to get away from the chaos and is hiding out to make sure he doesn't get a bullet in his head. Then again, you never know.

Either way, the bandaging is done, and fortunately it seems pretty airtight. Shouldn't be coming off anytime soon so long as you don't get cut there again. You're still going to have to treat it a little bit lightly though, so no kicking or super high jumps for a while until you can actually sit down and heal it properly.

As you head out against the harpies protest, you take a bit to consider just where might be a good spot to start your search. You might not be taking any high dives anytime soon, but that doesn't mean you can't take a few short leaps in order to get to the rooftops, though. You’re just going to have to be careful about it…

>Fairly one sided. Need you guys to roll 1d20, best of three. This isn't an opposed roll.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>2236029

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>2236029

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>2236029

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2236029
>This isn't an opposed roll.
>16
I'm glad

>>2236034
I mean, first was 17, if it was, you'd still have squeaked it.

Anyway, good show! Writing!

>>2236029
>>2236030
>>2236032
>>2236033
Fortunately, you do still manage to make your way up without causing your leg too much distress. You're going to have to do a little bit of work to get down, but by and large it's worth it considering the vantage point that you've gotten, being able to see the streets from several directions. These aren’t as tall as the high-rises downtown and other areas, but they're more than good enough for getting a view on the next few blocks.

Fortunately, most of it actually seems fairly clear, and as you take a few careful leaps between a few buildings and get further and further down into the city, you see why. Seems like the police really haven't been sitting on their laurels this whole time- there's a large number of cars and boys in blue walking about, talking, patrolling, and overall looking like they just finished clearing up a rather nasty mess. There's uniformed bodies and otherwise on the ground, and it doesn't take a genius to see what they've just gotten through. Several of them are handling cuffed and gangsters, and they all look rather busy.

No sign of Jonas, though- but if he was nearby, then maybe they saw him. You’re not sure if you want them to see are know exactly who you are, all things considered, but the information could still be useful…

>Just listen in and see if they say anything of interest. Don’t reveal yourself.
>Try to pass yourself off as a concerned young girl and ask after him.
>No, no time to waste. You can look and hear around yourself.
>Other

>>2236078
>>Just listen in and see if they say anything of interest. Don’t reveal yourself.
We're 'innocent' enough that I'm afraid they'd try to protect us or somesuch. We've got super hearing anyway. we should be fine.

>>2236078
>Just listen in and see if they say anything of interest. Don’t reveal yourself.

>>2236078
>>Just listen in and see if they say anything of interest. Don’t reveal yourself.

>>2236078
>>Just listen in and see if they say anything of interest. Don’t reveal yourself.
previous thread isn't archived yet

>>2236078
>No, no time to waste. You can look and hear around yourself.
Should have given him a murmur stone when we could have.

Oh, writing.

>>2236119
....I guess you weren’t able to write after all?

File: pC8jf5t4eWCDKcMu.jpg (31 KB, 600x456)

31 KB JPG

>>2237007
Classic Handler, tircking us into believing that he will post.

>>2236078
>>2236084
>>2236086
>>2236088
>>2236092
>>2236100
Might as well at least listen in and see if they say anything interesting. You got an opportunity, so best not to be too hasty.

Fortunately, it seems like they're all rather busy trying to clean up and keep control of the little area that they have managed to obtain. however, you can see one that looks like a sergeant or such talking to a couple of officers.

“...have a lot of trouble still on our plates. Reports coming from the north end saying things are calming down there- ‘parently someone started to take justice into their own hands, but we need to keep an eye out for them, same as these sods. Area’s been contained?” Hm. Can't say you're surprised you had a few witnesses, but you're surprised that he apparently doesn't seem to have knowledge on your looks. Maybe you were too far away for anyone to get a solid account of you.

“We’re doing last sweep sir. We already got a perimeter set up and patrol routes started, and we're going door-to-door to make sure folks know that we're here, and checking for any sympathizers besides.”

“Good man. What about the south end?” Geez, that’s a big pipe he’s puffing. That and clearly too many donuts.

“Oddly quiet, but we’re trying to keep it that way,” he responds. “West, too. Got people on watch down there- if anyone sneezes weird, we’ll be there.”

The sarge begins walking roughly in your direction, and the officer follows“Excellent. Don’t know what caused that commotion nearby, but we need to get on that, don’t you think?”

The officer nods. “Already sent some men to check it out. Fact that it stopped worries me. Especially with that car that passed...” Likely the same one the harpies heard. “At least Lauder managed to get out of that. Hadn’t heard from him in a minute- thought he was dead.” Oh?

“You n’ me both. Wish he coulda stopped, though! Brawlin’ through a hot zone! An on the back of a pickup, no less?!” Wait, what? “Wherever he went, we need to find an’ reinforce him- or drag his carcass back!”

“Wish we knew,” the officer says as he and his superior look off to the southwest. “but if nothin’ else, he managed to take down one of the Giogionne bigshots, so that’s gotta be a good sign, right?”

“True. Hard to get the image of a guy gettin’ punted out of the back of a truck out of your head!” He laughs, but only for a moment. “Still, we need him back, officer! Get as many as you can spare and head in the direction you saw him last. I’ll take over operations from here. Clear?” The two salute, and split off to do their duties.

>Well, if the police are going after him, he should be fine for a bit longer...right? You can focus on other things.
>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.
>Other

(I fell asleep. Woke up. Sorry. See you guys tomorrow.)

>>2237274
>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.

Need to find him before he gets himself in trouble

>>2237274
>go get him
Escort missions, great.

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>>2237274
>I fell asleep. Woke up. Sorry.
Pic related.

>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.
If there's one thing that's going to be real useful about the sticky grenades, it's the fact that it's magical glue. Once we remove the explosive charge from it, we can glue loverboy's ass to a bed so he won't wander off in the middle of a goddamn gang war.

I wonder if Carmela would pay extra for delivering him like that for her...

>>2237274
>>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.
Mainly so we can haul him back to Carmel. We're spending more time chasing him down that doing our job. She can deal with him.

Thanks for running. Maybe you should try getting more sleep if you're passing out?

>>2237274
>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.

>>2237301
>escort mission
This is the path we chose when we decided to give the defense sigil that could stop even us to our client holed up behind all of her organization's defenses, instead of the guy who can end our contract in failure if he gets hurt.

>>2237311
>instead of the guy who can end our contract in failure if he gets hurt.
I was looking back at the last few thread and can't find a reference to that. Are we sure that's actually a thing?

>>2237311
I'm sure noone expected him to be in the line of fire. I expected us to be jumping round carrying him as he directed us, not having him drive us around into firefights. I don't know why we bothered with all that.

>>2237320
She said she is going to make an issue of it if her beloved is hurt.

>>2237325
>I'm sure noone expected him to be in the line of fire.
I did. I specifically said he is a stupid hero and he would get himself into the fights.
Other anons said that not giving him the sigil would keep him safe by not making him overconfident with near-invulnerability.
We can see now that such was not the case.

>>2237320
When we first arrived, and Carmel told us to make sure that her boy didn't catch on to what we were doing, she also told us that if he got hurt because of us, she would do everything in her power to ruin us.
Which could include terminating our contract and filing a complain with the Dealmakers.

>>2237274
Handler, have the Dealmakers ever taken a contract against an Outgoer? Like a client was so mad at an Outgoer failing their contract that they hired another Outgoer to kill the first one?

>>2237336
Giving him the guard sigil wouldn't have made this any less of an escort mission.

>>2237372
We wouldn't have worried about a stray bullet or piece of shrapnel injuring or killing him.

>>2237375
So? We would still have to worry about keeping him from cramping our style and would have to go find him when he ran off. Stop letting your sense of superiority push you into interjecting into barely related discussions.

>>2237274
>>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.

>>2237274
>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.

We aren't about taking risks.

>>2237274
>>2237590

Wait. Mix this with

> Grab the police and deputize them to follow you

>>2237336
You're a salty little toffee, aintcha.

>>2237591
>revealing ourselfs for anyone from the police

The mafia has someone in their mix and the royals have complete control of the police.Let's keep people who know our face limited to the client, her minions, the fuccboy and the people we rescue/make deals.

>>2237626
Man I just want a police car so people clear out of our way. We got shot in the leg.

But fucks sake. I hope we never do another subterfuge mission again with how retarded people have gotten over shadowrunning this shit. Christ. Let's just get this stupid fucking mission over with so I don't have to listen to your goddamn bitching any more.

>>2237639
Then we take our time and heal our leg? Or better just take a car that isn't one from the police? Maybe one of those thay the mafia guys lefted behind?

>>2237643
Those are all reasonable alternatives.

>>2237274
>>Well, if the police are going after him, he should be fine for a bit longer...right? You can focus on other things.
>>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.

Steal a police radio so we can call them in to save Supercop when we find him.

>>2237274
>>Hmph. Well, unfortunately, you’re not so confident in their search and rescue, so you’ll keep after him yourself, thanks.
>Also now that we know that jonas is alive, lets take 5 minutes to heal our leg.

>>2237746
>Steal a police radio so we can call them in to save Supercop when we find him.

Now THAT is good thinking.

>>2237311
>This is the path we chose when we decided to give the defense sigil that could stop even us to our client holed up behind all of her organization's defenses, instead of the guy who can end our contract in failure if he gets hurt.
You realize that Carmen or Jonas could have, at any point during that, voiced concerns? If Miss "Don't-Let-Them-Harm-A-Single-Hair-On-My-Boy" Carmen can't be bothered to say, much less think, that her precious little boyfriend is better off with a defensive sigil then it's not really our fault. Sometimes you don't have the best idea or solution, tough shit. There are other people beside Miranda in this story and when they are as brain dead as we and don't call us out on dumb shit or bad decisions we all share the blame.

>>2237639
>BLEACH
>IN
>SPAGHETT

Jesus, I swear sometimes questing makes me feel like I'm on call for elderly care and have to check in in the middle of the night to see if I need to fix a collective brain fart.

>>2237626
Yesterday I considered a write-in to change our clothes again before approaching the police, that should be enough, but we may or may not be in a real fucking hurry so I erased it.

>>2237274
Seconding >>2237746
>Steal a police radio so we can call them in to save Supercop when we find him.

>>2237899
>change our clothes again
Changing our clothes might make identifying us easier, since the Plainness effect from our Intersection clothes that would make people think we're unassuming won't be in effect.

>>2237933
I figure it works in the reverse too, so when we change back they won't recognize us precisely due to the bonus and the juxtaposition it creates.

We should raid a hair saloon and fill our bag with wigs.

>>2237274
Also supporting

> Steal a radio

Cold is messing with me hard. Will try to update later tonight.

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>>2240446
Okay.

>>2240446
Dude we ain't paying you. Just rest up.

>>2240446
Rest well handler

>"...What the hell is this."

>"Dunno, boss! But we just got word not two minutes ago! I'm thinkin' we need to bow out, Mr. Giogionne!"

>"...Why?"

>"What- what do you mean why, sir? I mean, no offense to your judgement, but we've lost almost half our top men in a week! Somethin' ain't right here, boss!"

>"Of COURSE something ain't right. Someone wants the Giogionne destroyed, and they're using clandestine forces to do it. I won't be intimidated, Zesco. Besides, we tuck our tails now, an' we'll have every other family on the continent after us to finish the job. We leave when I SAY we leave, understand?"

>"...Right, boss."

>"Good. I do not make this call lightly, just to inform you. We're losing good men, and I am a family man, not a military man. This hurts me, Zesco. It hurts deep. But we are fighting now, and in a fight, one must win, and one must LOSE. I built my family scrappin' in the streets, Zesco, you know this."

>"You fought dirty, too, from what I remember, boss..."

>"That I did. So I must here, as well."

(I'm feeling better, will likely run tomorrow. Also, check my Twitter.)

>>2246232
We're going to end up fighting another Outgoer aren't we?

>>2248320
Not if we kill him faster. Also i think it's more likely that once he dies we will need to run around the continent digging out and eliminating the rest of the Giogionne gang. Unless that Carmel wants to change the deal.

>>2248342
Hopefully we won't have to go hunting dregs. Seems more likely Big Boss Gionne will call everyone in for a last stand.

>>2248365
Hope so. Would definetly make our job easier.

>>2248320
A magical girl team, of course.

In before Zander

Back and writing!

>>2237274
All things considered, you're probably better off trying to find him yourself. Especially considering you probably know a little bit more about the situation than they do. You take a flying leap off into the same direction across the street, and now you have to get to looking. It seems like the city is eerily quiet, now- a lull in the fighting. Although generally in cases like this, when there's a sudden quiet, that just means something worse is down the line- the calm before the storm.

It actually doesn't take too long before you notice a rather large and oddly shaped blood stain on the ground, almost as though a skid mark. Doesn't take a genius to figure out that someone died there... Question though here then, is where the heck is Jonas? You're going to have to investigate the area of yourself, and do it in a hurry before someone gets close. That, plus your nose, should work well enough to help find him- you HAD gotten a bit of a vibe that there was something about him that wasn't obvious at first glance…

>Roll 1d20, best of 3.

(Finally...)

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>2249315

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2249315

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2249315

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>>2249315
>you HAD gotten a bit of a vibe that there was something about him that wasn't obvious at first glance

Does he wear a yellow hat and coat?

>>2249344
I honestly DID envision him with a hat like that.

>>2249363
Eh! Good taste, it also fits with the hero persona

>>2249315
>>2249324
>>2249327
>>2249329

It doesn't take a whole lot for you to locate something off, surprisingly. It seems like there is a certain sense of something remaining- some kind of energy that just refuses to leave the area. it follows in a direction like a trail, but you have to be quick about it because it seems to be dissipating rather quickly. You've known for a very few people to have some kind of mana like that, usually when they have some sort of lasting effect on the environment. You have to admit, it kind of makes you curious as to just what that is, considering that he's not some sort of dryad or nature creature.

...Is he? Nah. You’ve have been able to tell that at least.

Unfortunately, it's a rather long search, as the trail forces you nearly all the way across the southern end of the city. As you move on, you notice an odd trend that you think might be the source of the sudden quiet
.
There's a lot of individuals that seem to be just on the ground, either knocked out, or bleeding very hard. On closer inspection of a few of them, it seems to be that they're all the gang members of some family. A couple of bullet holes, but most just seem to have been beaten down really hard. As you come across a few members of the Giogionne, you take the time to finish off those who seem to be alive but unconscious.

Eventually, your trail leads to what seems to be some sort of fishery. Or at least some sorta factory relative to that. Not quite sure exactly what the deal is, but the door is beaten open, and there's no one saying you can't come in, so…

Then doesn't seem to be anything on the first floor, aside from some conveyor belts and some still cowering workmen that's locked themselves in the security office. Before you can approach them to ask questions though, you hear something crash from below. It's faint, even to your hearing, but you get the feeling that it's not good either way.

cont.

>>2249745
As you head downstairs, you see someone suddenly and violently burst out the door. he's a rather large man, somewhat heavy set, and seems to be in a very fine suit, with a jeweled brooch around his chest. He only takes a single look at you, before he darts past and bolts up the stairs. Before you can follow him, you hear a disturbing *thunk*, and it's then that you see exactly what he was running from.

Jonas, and someone who’s...well, you're not sure who it is, but they're muscular and shirtless. They also have a hat on for some reason none the less. Regardless, the two are brawling...and the shirtless man is winning, having just punched Jonas in the face and caused him to crash against the steel wall. His head turns badly, and his eyes rest on you., widening as they see you. “That’s Marco! Go after him!” He yells, getting another punch to the gut for his efforts. That seems to be all he can spare as he turns back to defend against his attacker, who barely gives you a glance. It takes only a sniff to realize that whoever this guy is... he's got some magical potential. Innate, that is. And surprising that Jonas might be...he might not win this.

You could, though.

>Go after Marco Giogionne.
>Assist Jonas!
>Other

>>2249751
>assist Jonas
By tazing them both then snapping the guys neck.
Then we can go after Marco.

>>2249751
>>Assist Jonas!
I'm not willing to let him go it alone so soon after we lost him the first time. Let's zap his friend and give him that sigil.

Hm. Interesting. Assisting Jonas it is.

Writing.

>>2249751
>>2249782
>>2249793
Him taking another two shots to the face quickly answers your question. Whether he likes it or not, part of your job is to keep him safe, and it seemed like he wasn't doing a good job with that himself. You immediately move in to put your body in front of his, now coursing with electricity. Hopefully if you can take this guy out quickly, you can still go after Marco without losing a whole lot of time.

Unfortunately, that idea quickly goes out of the window when you see him dodge out of the way and immediately meet you with a backhand- you manage to slip under it, but he's already out of range, backing up to the wall, and just as a test, you fire off a very simple magic bolt; almost as expected, he takes it on his arm without flinching, the bolt lighting up the room partially and causing a wave of heat to spread through everyone present on explosion.

Jonas just grimaces as he squares up, while the shirtless man has the audacity to wear a bit of a grin. “Think I might know who’s been downin’ the lot of us. Glad you showed up so I can waste you ‘ere and now.”

You might be able to still shock him if you can get your hands on him, but you're going to have to be careful. The room you're in is clearly meant to be more of an office then a fighting arena, and with him trying to kill Jonas, you're going to have to be careful that he doesn't get caught in the crossfire.

As you rush him, you notice his hand go for his pants pocket; clearly a nasty surprise.

Current Mana: 6,000/11,000

>Just go full offensive- he can’t use whatever it is if you hit him hard enough!
>Turn it into a feint- try to blind him!
>Try to get Jonas out of here- his safety is priority.
>Other

>>2249944
>Turn it into a feint- try to blind him!
>Other
Solar Flare! Followed up by Orbital Ring.
We need to kill him and keeping him from using whatever trick he has will make it easier to snap his neck. Or rip out his tongue and make him drown in his own blood.

>>2249944
Do we have a sword? Solar flare then stabby stab.

>>2249944
>>Turn it into a feint- try to blind him!
"I'll give you one chance to apologize to my friend here, Mister Tiny, before I make you pay in kind!"
>(Pouting face)

Also, bring out our western pistol from hammerspace.

>>2249955
Pretty sure the Flamebringer is in your purse, yes.

>>2249955
>>2249959
As much as I like them, won't they get stopped by the guardian sigil that this guy is carrying? It's strong enough to stop one of our regular magi-beams, so it would be enough for both the Flamebringer and one of the elemental stone guns.

>>2249944
>>Turn it into a feint- try to blind him!

>>2249980
Well, Mr. Shirtless doesn't know we have one either, so, fair's fair.

>>2249952
>>2249955
>>2249959
>>2249983

Alright, blinding it is. But it seems like there's a bit of a difference:

>You have a spare pistol- take a potshot.
>You have a sword you still need to get more practice with...
>Just fucking punch him.

Leaving this one for 10 minutes to get things going.

>>2250016
>Just fucking punch him.
Simply because I don't want him to have a chance at grabbing the weapon and using it on Jonas.

>>2249944
>Turn it into a feint- try to blind him!

>>2250016
>>You have a spare pistol- take a potshot.
I always wanted to do that scimitar scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

You do mean that western revolver thing from the frontier job?

>>2250016
>Just fucking punch him.

>>2250027
Aye. I don't think you kept the shotgun.

>>2250016
>>Just fucking punch him.
If he's shrugging off magic blasts, we need force, not finesse.

>>2250016
>You have a spare pistol- take a potshot.
We could try the sword later on in the fight, but not now.

>>2250039
Pretty sure we kept the rifle, and Lorelei was given the shotgun.

>>2250055
Sounds about right.

>>2250016
>>2250025
>>2250027
>>2250030
>>2250040
>>2250046
>Current Mana: 5,500/11,000

Well, hopefully he can't use it if you don't give him the opportunity. As soon as you can, you light yourself up, a massive flash engulfing the room and bathing everything in a brilliant white light for a moment. It doesn't take him more than a moment to realize exactly what's going on, and almost instinctively he backs up- right into a desk chair, tripping him up as your fist meets his face. You feel the surge of sigil energy blocking your attempted strike from dealing a ton of damage to him, but you still felt a little something give as he flies back.

Unfortunately, Jonas was caught in the flash as well, having to shield his eyes with his arms and crouching as he tries to quickly recover his sight. You don't have enough time to really pay more attention to that however, as the man gets up right as you reach him, wrapping a small yet powerful hand around his throat and quickly throwing your weight on him to pin them right back down to the ground.

However, you can feel a surge of mana flare up as he impacts- something different…

>Roll 2d20. First for strangeness, second for Jonas.

Rolled 11, 3 = 14 (2d20)

>>2250132

Rolled 20, 20 = 40 (2d20)

>>2250132
rollin

>>2250151
...what

uhhh...

...huh.

okay.

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>>2250151

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>>2250151

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>>2250151
well then

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>>2250151

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>>2250151
What happens now?

>>2250132
>>2250136
>>2250151
>>2250160
>>2250162
>>2250173
>>2250181
>>2250303
The sudden surge of energy is almost too much- you're not certain just what the intention was, but you got it was to actually make you feel stronger than you had been for quite some time. Your leg doesn't even feel bad anymore, and the glow that surrounds you both causes him to open his eyes- only for his initially cocksure attitude to immediately change to something disbelieving. “You gotta be kiddin’ me…” his muscles tense, flexing his strength in order to try and get you off of him, but it doesn't seem to take- certainly not when your own strength seems to be just as ferocious.

With little fanfare massive charges of electricity snake from you and into him, his body convulsing harshly with the thunderstorm that you're pouring into him. It's not very long before smoke actually starts to come up from his body, and it's only then that you let off your electrical assault, the man panting, glassy-eyed, but still breathing, if clearly in no shape to talk at the moment. Interesting enough that he survived.

With that in mind, you begin to frisk his body to find exactly what just happened as Jonas comes over, looking none the worse for wear, but surprisingly subdued.

“That’s Lani Zesco,” he comments as you search the man. “Marco Giogionne’s consigliere, and probably the guy who knows the most about the Giogionne aside from the big man himself. Suppose I shouldn't be surprised that he would have been here, but I guess I looked before I leapt.” He’s speaking through a busted jaw, a black eye, and a face that basically looks like he went several round with a prize fighter and lost. “Used to be a big name in the independent boxing circuit. Word is that he’s known Marco since grade school.” Ah. That explains that. “Bet we could get a whole lot out of him if we pressed him right… it's probably our best bet since you let Marco have his getaway.” He looks at you, but you're surprised his expression isn't all that judging. “Then again, I probably wouldn't be here right now if you had, so thanks for not listening to me.”

“Haven’t so far.” Not that he really endeared himself to you any. Although this does bring up an interesting possibility. You're pretty sure that Jonas is talking about something a bit different, but if you were to bring this man to Carmel... She'd have one hell of a bargaining chip. Then again, might be more trouble than it’s worth. Not to mention Jonas wouldn’t be happy about it with her...

>Just kill him. Better off dead.
>Bring him to Carmel. See what she makes of it.
>Other

>>2250321
>Other: give Lani's Guardian Sigil to Jonas, then take Lani aside for questioning by us
Take him into a private office and see what the FarSight can do in terms of extracting information from a living target.
If it works, we find out where Marco has gone.
If it doesn't, we kill him.

>>2250342
This, plus a quick healing for Jonus.

>>2250321
>>Bring him to Carmel. See what she makes of it.
We can take the opportunity to ditch Jonas with her at the same time if we play it right.

>>2250321
>give the sigil to Jonas and take them both to Carmel
If we stop to question the guy Jonas is going to run away again.

>>2250342
>>2250359
this

Personal questioning, it seems like. Writing!

>>2250321
>>2250342
>>2250359
>>2250385
>>2250391
>>2250428
The fact that he's still alive after such a roasting means that he probably got one heck of a quality sigil, and it doesn't take long before you find it, having been around the small of his back, right in his waistband. You can already tell that yeah, this one's actually a pretty nice one- it's rather intricate, circles in circles, with various small etchings of what you think is a fist and possibly other body parts, and for all the world looking more like a piece of fine art than anything else. Even Jonas notices, whistling at it. “Whoa there… that’s one heck of a sigil. No wonder he was usin’ me like a punching bag. I’ve got some skill, myself, and I'm not shy to say I’m stronger n’ faster than your average joe, but it was like punching iron with this guy. Makes a whole lot more sense, now.”

Huh. That might explain a few things about his attitude. “Well, if this is what helped him out, that'll probably help you out just as much,” you say, handing the plate to him. He takes with with a nod, that you notice that he seems to treat it with a little bit of caution, or perhaps reverence. “Now, lets see if this works like I think…” While he's touching it, you do as well, feeding your own man into it, and it glows yet again, feeding you with a surge of strength and energy that apperciate- and healing Jonas rather quickly. you can see you a couple of his bruises fade before your eyes, and his bleeding stifled.

>Current Mana: 7,500/11,000

“Man, I don’t think I've ever seen something as strong as this,” Jonas admits as you haul Zesco up; he is still clearly out of it, and without his sigil, he'll be out of it for a while. “Say, what’re you doin’?” he asks as you look for a door.

Finding none, you simply point. “Mind giving us a bit of alone time? I just wanna see if I can’t figure something out about him.”

The way he looks at you tells you that he doesn't exactly suspect you of being by the book with your interrogation. “You’re not gonna kill him, are ya? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I can understand some cases can't be helped, but this guy is probably going to be our biggest break in taking down what’s left of the Giogionne. Even if he doesn’t crack now, I know we can crack him later.”

“...mmm.” You purse your lips, neither agreeing or disagreeing as you turn back to him. “It’ll be quick, don’t worry. It’s not torture. It’s just private.”

The both of you lock eyes for a bit, his not quite trusting one's meeting yours. But eventually he sighs, and nods. “Fine, but in 5 minutes I’m coming back in.”

“Fair,” you agree. Ideally it won't take you that long.

cont.

>>2250593
As soon as he leaves, you pull out your FarSight and quickly scan over the shell-shocked man; you think he might’ve passed out with his eyes open or something, as he doesn't respond as you put him in a sitting position, yet you can still see him breathing.

Fortunately, it's only a minute or so before the Far Sight brings up an image of who you can tell it's the very same man, only dressed in a far more dapper suit. The picture that accompanies him seems to have been taken while he was on the way somewhere, as he's clearly in mid-stride.

>Name: Lani Zesco

>Current Occupation: Mafia Consigliere

>Notable Former Occupation: Middleweight Boxer

>Age: 37

>Weight: 165 lbs.

>Height: 5’10 ft.

>Reach: 73 in.

>Former amateur middleweight boxer, noted with record of 32-2. Went missing after loss to James Blank.

Reappeared under employment of Marco Giogionne. Notable locations: Laverta, Havershan. Macragge, Havershan. Panera City, Colloria. Often seen with sweets and other sugary substances.

A few more things about his intelligence, his childhood history- apparently he was rather shy as a kid until he got into a fight and won- and a few things about his now divorced wife. Just as Jonas said, apparently he and Marco were good friends, and grew up here; they often spent their time hanging around some diner on the South end, or a bakery in the west. Both locations are closed down now. Aside from that, there's nothing that would tell you exactly where his friend/boss went.

Well, the FarSight managed to get you that much, but it's up to you whether you want to act on it or not. You got enough experience to know that when someone's running away from you, they do tend to go for places that they consider meaningful- but they can be somewhere entirely out-of-left-field, too.

You check the clock on the FarSight- you still got a minute left. Going to need to make a decision. Kill him now, try to figure out more info, or what?

>Action?

(Pausing here, will resume tomorrow!)

>>2250599
>>Action?
See if we can't send this guy back with Jonas while we start nosing around this guy's old haunts starting with whichever is closer. Not like was have much in the way of other leads, and it gives us an excuse to get him out of our hair.

Sidenote, we should see if we can get some of these sigils back afterwards. If nothing else, I imagine they'd be worth something back at the Intersection. We did pass up all those tasty shinies back at Spider's place.

>>2250599
This >>2250663. As long as Jonas is clear that he is Carmel's prisoner, not the police's. Just because it was a bit unclear 'our' was in
>this guy is probably going to be our biggest break in taking down what’s left of the Giogionne.

>>2250663
We can scan books about runes with our future sight. And now that i think about it Kiki is starting to become even.more valuable although i don't think she would like the intersection or be able to survive in it doing our kind of job.

>>2250786
We could probably trade the rune we just got for a whole bunch of books and shit about them. Just an idea. Be able to make our own, mediocre runes vs having a totally sweet alabama liquid snake rune.

>>2250599
> This guy is too valuable to just waste. Take him back to Carmel.

If we loan Jonas the rune, he should be able to handle him.

>>2250834
I bet that if given the knowledge Owly would love to get her hands on these runes. Maybe even do some crazy shit with Runes and crystals.

>>2250834
From what I remember of Kiki making our stealth rune, it's a non-trivial undertaking to create them; she was using machine tools.
Owl would love info on them I'm sure, but she hasn't hardly been able to anything with her speciality (crystals) so far, much less anything else, seeing as we haven't gotten her a proper lab yet. I'd say we'd be better off turning them into cash we can put towards R&D.

>>2250883
Uh. Pretty sure there are machining facilities in the Intersection, and knowing how to make runes is going to be waaaaaay more profitable in the long run.

Fuck we could probably hire a specialist in the Intersection to work with Owlia to produce runes. Give them a limited license to manufacture them, like under a patent or something.

>>2250914
I thought you meant making them in the field, my bad. My point about R&D stands though; we aren't using what we have, better to get that in order before adding to it.

I can't imagine the nightmare of the Intersection's patent and copyright laws though.

>>2250956
This way however we'll have the chance to integrate the rune-work into the crystals. I wonder if we could maybe even grow the runes by directing crystal growth perhaps?

Or sell crystal runes that shatter after channeling a set amount of energy so people have to buy new ones.

Of course we would have to hide the actual rune inside ornamentation and such to prevent people from reverse-engineering them.

>>2250970
I'm sure we could do all sorts of fancy things with them in time /if we had the facilities/. We don't. We need to spend money on R&D before we can get much out of it.

If you're worried about losing access to runes, don't. Most worlds we go to have some magic; we can always cop one of those when we can actually utilize it.

>>2250988
Well, that and the fact that we don't really know how valuable the rune itself is until we get it appraised.

And look how long real-time the threads take. We can "Auto-resolve" making money by time skipping, but picking up new magic is really better done in-character.

If you're worried about not getting the facilities, don't. We'll have the funds for it soon enough, and this way we will be able to plan what to build for instead of not being able to take advantage of things. We'll still be making money after all.

>>2251001
>we don't really know how valuable the rune itself is until we get it appraised.
true.

>We can "Auto-resolve" making money by time skipping
I don't think that's really an option. We haven't done anything like it since the quest started, and it seems a little cheaty anyway. The driving point of the quest "go on jobs, make money".

Heh, turnabout's fair play.
>We'll have the funds for it soon enough
This is the issue though, it takes several jobs to afford one base upgrade, and each job takes quite a while IRL.

We'll have to see if we can even get the things back before we can even begin these discussions outside of hypotheticals though.

>>2251027
But that's just it. The loss of the runes doesn't even get us a significant amount of progress towards the construction of the base.

And much like how we outsourced Owlia & Co. to that one Gem company, we can work with a manufacturing person/group on the runes.

Not only would that mean we don't have to build anything, but we'll see profit almost immediately that we can put towards building more specialized/esoteric devices and such.

Finally we'll still get access to runes. Runes that have been letting normal people go toe to toe with us. Not very well, or for very long, but still impressive.

>>2251027
Sorry I skipped this

> We'll have to see if we can even get them back

Oh shit. Son. Son you do not want to get between mercs or adventurers and loot. We took those off the bodies of our defeated enemies. Those are fucking ours.

>>2250599
Kill this guy and get Jonas to Carmel so she can keep him from causing more trouble.
I regret letting him have the sigil now; he’s going to be a whiny bitch about how we can’t just execute people and that there has to be due process.
We’re here to kill the Giogionne, to smash and destroy their operation, not dismantle it.

>>2251027
>This is the issue though, it takes several jobs to afford one base upgrade, and each job takes quite a while IRL.
The other girls better be working too while we are here.

>>2251348
Don't we have someone of the top rider agency working for us during a certaing amount of time? We even sended her to be the trainer for the robot magical girls.

>>2251348
Yeah, but they’re B- and C-Rank contracts that they’re on, so they won’t be bringing in as much as Miranda.

>>2251348
The cash we get for upgrades comes out of the cut SES takes, not our full paycheck. Upgrades are ~100+ Motes. This job payed us 25 Motes before we cut Min Colat Rider.

MGHandler hasn't ever specified how much SES takes off before showing us the listed payout, nor how much of that is given back to us for 'Division use', but I think after the last mission or two, the division funds had increased by about 30. That was after everyone's contribution was included.

>>2251349
Yea, hopefully she'll pull in a nice chunk of change, though we were more interested in revenge at the time.

>>2251361
It's not like she will be with us for just one job. I think it was something like a week maybe?

>>2251362
We really should be leveraging her more, hopefully we can get a big job that we can take the newbies on and drag her along as support.

>>2251362
Something like that. Depends on how long the job takes her. We've almost been gone that long on this one, assuming 1-to-1 time.

>>2251366
UH i have no idea how time works in the intersection. You would think it would be a different time frame between dimensions.

>>2251369
We've never bothered with precision timekeeping, but based on what all our coworkers get up to between jobs, on-job time seems roughly equal to Intersection time.

I'm not interested in micro-managing SES and turn this from Magical Girl into Accountant Girl, unlike that one guy who wants to play Startup Tycoon and likely find a perverse pleasure in spreadsheets.

Seeing how any job we take regardless of pay has the distinct possibility of taking us months to get through, the other girls must pull some weight behind the scenes or numbers need to be adjusted. I like this and all, but you just have to look at For House and Dominion where it took them five whole years to tie up a side plot. I'm pretty sure that I won't have that kind of patience. We argue enough about learning and improving our spells and once we get back to the Intersection is anyone looking forward to the arguments on what upgrade to purchase and then try to plan for the next one only to miss the vote a few months later

>>2251433
>the other girls must pull some weight behind the scenes

Owly and her waifu were still doing courier job while we were doing this one. So i guess the others must be doing their on stuff to?

Thing is we can scan some books about runes for dummies. See if we get some high quality ones to give then to the girls or try to replicate then. I believe Owly is very capable of building a machinery to fabric runes.

But first and foremost we need money. So we grab the books and let this rune thing to rest for a time.

>>2251451
If those crystals she was headhunted for haven't made some money by the time we're back I'm going to be disappointed. We should, or hopefully they've already done it themselves, contact a retailer that will stock up on Owlia and Cylica's goods. Setting up our own storefront shouldn't be out of the question if it sells well.

I agree scanning books on runes is a good idea. We have good samples already, proper instructions is going to make it much easier for them.

>>2251433
>I'm not interested in micro-managing SES and turn this from Magical Girl into Accountant Gir
I don't want that either, but we are head of our 'division' and should be making some decisions regarding money. Decisions like "keep this cool thing or turn it into cash to pay for other things" are a part of that.

>the other girls must pull some weight behind the scenes or numbers need to be adjusted.
They are pulling their weight, but as >>2251355
pointed out, we are the 'heaviest', and Miranda is all about making money anyway. i'm not a fan of how long it'll take to do things either, but it means when we do do things they have more impact. (Also, I suspect it's a subtle way for MG to keep the business stuff to a minimum.)

>>2251460
>If those crystals she was headhunted for haven't made some money by the time we're back I'm going to be disappointed.

Didn't she needed some kind of machinery to do that? I think we should have grabbed that vault loot first but then again Spider might have escaped and caused more headache to us.

>>2251433
>not liking spreadsheets
That said I do kind of agree. Handler wants to give is more agency though which is never a bad thing.

>>2251463
I think there's too much focus here on the fact that Miranda goes on the most profitable jobs. We've been here a week, that means the others could have finished 2-3 easier missions already and 5 or more courier runs. In the end it adds up. If we stay on this one for many more days the other /five/ should definitely have been able to scrounge up the same amount of motes as we have. They don't have to earn as much as us, they just have to earn period.
Like I'm just going to assume that they are all working and that there is a not insignificant cash flow outside of our own actions. Two reasons. One being that it feels absurd that a single person earns more than five other employees combined, even if someone is going to argue "but power levels!". Second being that if that turns out to be true, our time in the intersection will consist of some players wanting to goof off and have a little fun downtime while others want to be a drill sergeant and run them through a boot camp until they are up to their standards, because the only thing that matters from now on is upgrading our facilities. That's going to be terrible and unfun for everyone.

>>2251469
We have no idea what was in that vault, no? At least I don't remember anything in particular other than "there's a vault".

>>2251479
I don't think it's a bad thing, but I like looking at things and identifying potential problems and then I talk and brainstorm the issues I see until there is a solution. I know for a fact that I don't have the best or the only answer, so taking baby steps I bring things to attention and start over from there. Also called the INTJ curse

Howdy folks. I actually am keeping track of some stuff behind the scenes, sorta. And like you said, the funding will be helped out by the other team members. You're not the only ones doing things!

>>2251485
>We have no idea what was in that vault, no?

True and apparently someone had already stolen from it. Yeah no reason to get caugth up on all of this.

>>2251486
Howdy Handler. Glad to hear the others are pulling their on weight while we are out.

>>2251486
Will we get a chance to do some looting, or are we getting ported out as soon as the contract is finished?

>>2251503
Generally you get ported as soon as the contract's finished. That being whenever the client proclaims she's satisfied with your services.

Also, writing a bit early. I had a good lunch.

>>2251511
So we should be looting everything not nailed down now, if we want incidentals from this job?

>>2251516
Probably, yeah. Of course, you'd have to be careful not to get too insane.
That's why I gave the vault option.

We haven’t been looting much.
We missed Spider’s vault and his high-magic thing, and since the Army is about to come into this city, we don’t have much time to be tracking down and cracking open the Giogionne safes.

>>2250599
>>2250663
>>2250747
>>2250834
Well, you suppose that was a decent amount of information... Barely. Either way, you know Jonas is going to whine about it if you want them right now, plus as much as you hate to admit it, he might have a point about using him to find out some other information. That said, perhaps you could make something out of this drama, at least on a personal level.

Sure enough, just as you haul him upright, Jonas steps back in. “5 minutes, like I said.” You don’t bother to verbally respond, simply motioning towards the clearly still alive man, who’s only just now blinking himself back to lucidity. Nodding and putting a smile on his face, Jonas takes over for you in lifting the ex-boxer and carrying him out. “So, once we get this guy to the precinct, I'll be sure to put our best men on-”

“Carmel,” you interrupt, causing the cop to stumble over his words. “We’re taking him to Carmel to see just what she can wring outta him before we hand him over to the police!” A quick knock to the head to keep him out of it for a bit longer. “She’ll be able to get a whole lot more use out of him, and faster than the police could do, don’tcha think?”

The look on Jonas's face is one that seems to be trying to decide whether he wants to be annoyed, angry, disheartened, or even a little glad. It's a very interesting shift of expressions, but after it goes on for about 10 seconds too long you're already tired of it. “I-I dunno, but…”

“That wasn’t a request, ya know! That was just me stating what's going to happen.” you're already marching off with absolute authority, and it's not long before you hear steps behind you.

The pleasant surprise on Carmel's face is honestly a bit gratifying to see, if only because it means that something is actually going right. “Well, now... Having such a guest means we're going to have to treat him right…” is all she said, and several of her men quickly led him into one of the few back rooms, to Jonas’s concern. It wasn't exactly soundproof for anything.

“So, what’s the news?” She asks, sitting down on a ratty couch, with a cup of tea, looking for all the world like she WASN’T in the middle of a mob war.
“Jonas got Iron Man,” you start off. Jonas grimaces, but Carmel looks delighted for all of a split second before she schools her face back into something neutral.

The rest of the updating goes like that, right up until the point where you mentioned the brief clash between yourself and Zesco. “I won’t lie, I’m rather glad things are going as well as they are…” she admits. “So, going to go straight after big Marco Giogionne, are you?”

“That was the plan,” you admit.

She nods in understanding. “Right, then. I suppose we’ll have to take care of the big fat rat ourselves. Though all things considered, I think I’d call that a nice tradeoff.”

You turn to Jonas, still looking between you two with no small amount of concern. “Think you can stick near her, just in case?”

He blanches. "Well, uh..."

>Roll 1d20

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2251597

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2251597

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2251597
Not a request, fuccboi.

test

Fair enough. Writing!

(Also did 4chan die for a second there or was it just me?)

>>2251607
No it died here to.Wasn't being able to post or anything

>>2251607
I couldn't post for a while. Captcha worked fine, but kept getting 'connection error' when I tried to post

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2251597
>>2251598
>>2251602
>>2251603
“I- I mean I guess I could…” he starts, but before you can impress on him that you were more telling than asking, someone bursts through the door.

The nameless goon looks like he's been through a scrap or two, having several scratches on his suit, and a few nicks here and there, but ultimately looking a little worse for wear. “Boss!” he sounds out of breath, too. “Just got back from the west end- word is there’s a group o’ folks marching through the streets wit a Binnin at the head. I think that Mousey guy just went into business for himself- but it ain't looking too good for ‘im. We got our folks down there trying to corral the damages, but we might need a few folks from out here too.”

Carmel simply nods, and the man rushes out, already shouting orders to other underlings. The mafia boss looks at you carefully, before waving you off. “Might as well get going while the getting’s good. who knows when the king’s army’ll show up. Hon, can you help me out a bit?”

Seems as though even with his concern, he just can't quite say no to her. “Y-yeah, sure.”

She actually reaches over and gives him a hug, and you can see a light blush playing at both of their faces. “Thanks so much! I promise, after this is all over with, we're getting away for a while- and I'm rewarding you in every way I can think of. And I do mean EVERY way.” She winks, but that just puts a strange frown on his face.

Either way, you figure it's high time for you to get out of here and get to searching. You just hope you can find him quick enough…

>Start at the diner. According to your map, it’s back around the north end.
>Start at the bakery. According to your map, it’s near the east end.
>Other

>>2251652
The heck is a Binnin?

>Start at the diner. According to your map, it’s back around the north end.

>>2251652
>>Start at the diner. According to your map, it’s back around the north end.

>>2251655
mouse people.

>>2251652
>Start at the diner. According to your map, it’s back around the east end.

We were at the east weren't we? The time it took to move from our spot back to Carmel the big boss must already have moved toward his remaining forces.

We still have the south and west to deal with and looks like Mousey went rogue.

>>2251652
>>Start at the diner. According to your map, it’s back around the north end.

>>2251669
Bakery is east, diner is north. You conflated the two.

>>2251676
Yeah go to the bakery but i guess it won't win in the end.

>>2251652
>>2251681
Afraid not.

To the diner!

>>2251684
Shit, we need to be on the lookout for Giogionne resources we can grab. I suppose we can also hit the other Families too, if targets of opportunity present themselves.

Guns, grenades, money, jewels, and sigils. Though I think stocks, bonds, and promissory notes can also be exchanged into motes.

>>2251655
>>2251660
>>2251669
>>2251670
All things considered, you might as well start off with the diner around the north end. You don't know just why he have any kind of reason to pick a diner as a fall back spot, but you're not going to argue with it if it turns out that you're correct.

As you leave, you can see your number of Carmel's men do the same, but you noticed that they split off in a different direction than you do. Hopefully they can handle it, whatever is going on over there, without asking for backup.

You going to the north end brings up thought of Kiki again, but only passingly- what concerns you more than anything at the moment is how soon the army will be here. Once they get here things are going to get rather bad for you rather quickly, and you don't want to be anywhere nearby when that happens. You're actually kind of surprised it’s taking them this long, but you suppose there were probably several different types of protocols to get past. Doesn't matter the universe, red tape is everywhere.

It seems like most of the fighting is constrained to the south in the west now, looking at how barren the streets are now… fortunately, that means it doesn't take you too long to find the diner in question. It's a rather classic looking one, very low-key and very chrome looking. ‘Macy’s’, it’s called. To your surprise, there's no one nearby. No guards or anything.

What ends up happening is that you move carefully, looking around to make sure that there is nothing inside. The diner looks empty at first glance, through the windows. Maybe this isn't the place?

>Check inside, just to be safe.
>Move on, you can’t afford to waste the time.
>Other

>>2251820
>>Check inside, just to be safe.

>>2251820
>>Check inside, just to be safe.
We're already here, might was well check properly.

>>2251820
>>Check inside, just to be safe.

>>2251820
>Check inside, just to be safe.

What this anon said:>>2251834

>>2251820
>Check inside, just to be safe.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

Pretty clear. Ignore my dice (or don't).

But I WILL need a roll of 1d20 from you guys to see what you see! Best of three!

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2251874

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2251874
rolling

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>2251874

15. Neato. Writing!

>>2251820
>>2251830
>>2251834
>>2251850
>>2251851
>>2251855
>>2251886
>>2251894
>>2251899
Well, you're here. Might as well make the most of it and take a look around. A quick perimeter check reveals that there is no layton the magic or traps in wait for you- by all accounts it's just a normal, everyday diner. Normal seating, normal tables, and when you look in the back it seems like there's nothing immediately off about the kitchen. What's more is that there doesn't seem to be anyone present whatsoever. Not even anyone hiding out like in the other restaurant that you were in recently.

You're about to leave, when you notice the area behind the counter- it seems full of a number of different pictures pinned to the wall, clearly many of them involving the employees themselves, and several with customers. However, one in particular sticks out to you; it's the image of a small lanky young lady with a strangely poofy hairstyle, smiling in front of what’s clearly the diner in younger days- like the world is hers and she knows it. She's right next to a larger man, somewhat heavy set, and with a very familiar face... The face of the man you ran into, and the man you now know is Marco Giogionne.

You find yourself getting closer in order to take a better look, considering that there’s no glass or anything separating you from it- it's just a bunch of pictures posted on cork board. You quickly take the image down in order to study it, and on a whim you flip it on its back. As a part of you expected and hoped, there’s writing.

Memories of better days gone by. Days at the pool, days at the rink, days behind the theatre. Cherish them. Remember him.

-Suzy.

>Take the photo.
>Don’t take the photo.

(Think I'm going to call it here for now in the hopes that 4chan gets over whatever's plaguing it. It's been really hard for me to post...)

>>2251932
>>Don’t take the photo.
There's no need, and it feels kinda, I dunno, skeevy(?) to take something sentimental like that without cause.

>>2251932
>Take the photo.

>>2251932
>Take the photo
On the off chance we can draw him out of out him off balance with it.

>>2251932
>Take the photo
Mafia bosses don't feel feelings, plus the only person we owe anything to is the client.

>>2251932
>Take the photo.

>>2251932
>Take the photo.

Klepto-chameleon!

>>2251932
>Don’t take the photo.
I'm gonna be the paranoid guy and say something feels fishy.
I mean there's no need to take it physically. Just snap a photo or two with the futuresight and memo it down.

>>2252260
This basically I mean we had the gadget why steal it?

>>2251932
>>Don’t take the photo.

>>2251932
>>Take the photo.

>>2251932
>>Don’t take the photo.
No need>>2252260 this guy gets it

>>2252280
>>2252260
>>2252346
Sentimental value. If you guys remebered wgen we went to colect from the magical girls, thinks with strong sentimental value are still worth something. So this simple photo could be worth 5 larger motes.

>>2252262
Because it means motes for us, and it can be weaponized if necessary to draw out Marco. Both things that an entry in our FarSight can’t do.

Like anon here said: >>2252455
When we got to the Earth Angels, in the 30th thread.

>instead going back to Bluebell’s house. Unlike the situation with Rose, she asks you to wait outside for a moment. “I just...there’s probably something I have that’d be good money.”

>You can’t say you’re not curious, and judging from the look on Owlia and Cylica, they are too. At your nods, she heads in alone- and before long, comes out with a surprisingly ornate and rather beautiful necklace. It’s ornate; a silver, heart-shaped piece inlaid with a orange gem in the shape of a star. “My...my older sister gave it to me. Said it was to remember her by, and always keep in mind why I’m doing this. To help people. The poor, the innocent, the young, the old...everyone who just wants to live in peace. There’s...there’s a lot of history with this necklace, but...” She looks at you with unblinking eyes. “I...I don’t think I’m gonna need it as much as you might.”

>You quickly give it a check.

>Heirloom Necklace: 50 Small Motes.

>Hm. Surprisingly expensive. Usually heirlooms aren’t so worthwhile since very few people want them.

>>2252260
Also you must think this like a collectir. Just replace Marco Giogionne for our equivelent, like Al capone. Collectors would love a rare picture, even more rare pictures of famous people

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2251932
>>2252084
>>2252158
>>2252159
>>2252163
>>2252218
>>2252329

Some consideration, you decide to go ahead and take the photo. It might come in handy in more ways than one. Or, if nothing else, you might be able to flip it for a few votes. You doubt there's a lot of pictures of the man in his youth. It's a shame he wasn't here, but you suppose that's better than nothing.

That, and the pistol that you found under the register. Regular six shooter though, nothing special about it.

It’s as you’re leaping towards the bakery that you hear a rather loud and familiar sound coming from the air...

And you look upwards and to the south to see a massive number of aircraft on their way. Several helicopters, spread out along the sky like threatening birds of prey, and even a couple of zeppelins you notice.

Your time is short. Going to have to kick things into high gear.

Reaching out, you tense your legs and JUMP. He better be in that damn bakery.

>Roll 1d20, best of three. Ignore my roll, it's for offscreen occurrences.

Also, expect a disjointed (and maybe short) run.