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No idea why the OP pic is spoilered. Oh well.

>>2302070

Perhaps the hardest part of this is that you're not an idiot.

Both in the fact that you know that no matter what you do, at some point you're going to need to lean on this Aspect crap if you want to ensure that you're not going to lose Dutch or Sierra, and in the fact that from what you know thus far, eventually, one day, this... thing... will catch up and kill you if you use it too much.

Then again, this is just another line on the long list of things that can kill you; at least with this, you have some measure of control and choice.

With that in mind, you give Sierra's hands a squeeze and her a slightly sad smile, "I can't promise to never use it again, as we both know that's not how life works, but I can promise that I'll work with you and Dutch to keep situations where I'd need to use it to a minimum".

The elf looks over you, her dark green eyes boring into yours for a few moments before she sighs a bit and relaxes again, "I'll take it",

With that, she separates herself from you somewhat. Actually, she just removes her hands so she can take another grab at the spirit next to you. You give her a slightly hard look before handing it back over.

Ryu, as if knowing the conversation is over, reappears and retakes his place behind the bar. He notes his sister taking her next drink far slower than her first and gives you his usual smile.

Now what?
> Stay and talk to the twins
> Leave, head to the Main Bastion; you still need to talk to Sun
> Leave, head to the Genovese HQ; you need to make plans for how you're getting to the Ruin
> Leave, head back to the shop; the forge is still burning, so you should get back to work
> Other

>>2302177
>Talk with the twins

we need to relax, spend time with them seerria especialy

other things can wait a half hour

>>2302177
>Stay and talk to the twins

>It seems I may be in the market for your house special when you figure it out, Ryu.
>Did you have trouble with the fanged pests, by the way? Sorry for not showing up.

Also I'll put forward a list of things we might want to address before we finish the pest extermination.

>Flaming sword for Gladiator
>Meet Goo Hwi, see how Dragon's Lair fared through the night; also ask if he knows something about the Aspect thing.
>Debriefing with Sun
>Make a silver lined sword for self (if silver arrives in time) or a flaming one
>"Big Iron" sidearm + silvered bullets (if silver arrives in time)
>Even more silvered bullets for self, Dutch pistol and rifle

Also, can we improvise a welder replacement for our lost preciousss?

>>2302177
Ask Sierra why the booze seems familiar.

>>2302236

Gladiator still has the sword you made for him during the last thread, so that covers that. Regardless, everything else on the list is something you can do before you leave. As for the welder, keep in mind that the reason why it was so effective when you used it against Rachel was because it is an Ancient Grade piece of tech. You could try to pull something together, but it will still be a Improvised Weapon and it won't have the same AP rating as your Multitool.

>>2302424
>>2302197
>>2302193

Stay and chat it is.

Writin' once I get myself some dinner.

Ded?
Or is QM eating the world as we speak?

>>2303110
QM is a slow eater

>>2303110
Be thankful that he doesn't bleed from his ass like Moon does.

>>2302177

You can feel an errant nagging in the back of your head that you should really check in with Sun. Eh, you haven't gotten a chance to really talk to these two in a while, no one's going to miss you for another hour.

Motioning the bartender to grab you a beer, you speak up, "How'd you fair last night Ryu? Have any misbehaving customers?"

Strangely enough, Sierra's the first to react to your question, giving her brother a slightly dirty look. The guy doesn't seem to take it personally, so you assume it's a pretty normal thing between the two of them, "There was some... excitement last night around here, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. I heard the two of you had a long night together, though".

The wink he gives you at the end gets a snort out of you, taking the offered beer from him when he hands it to you, "I wish; we spent the night running around the streets with bloodsuckers coming out of the alleyways. But we made through it anyways. By the way," You flick the bottle of spirits Sierra is eyeing for another refill, "I can't shake the feeling that I've seen this liquor before, but I know I haven't drank any before".

"Well, it's certainly a drink you won't be able to get at any other bar in Shirahoro. Maybe, even, you won't find it in any bar on the continent; want to have some?" You can tell Ryu's playing this up a bit, but considering all that's happened you don't really mind.

"Sure, why not?" The elf pulls another glass off the shelf and pours a bit of the mostly clear spirit.

Raising the glass to your nose, you can't help the reflexive wrinkle across your brow as you catch a whiff of the drink; the stuff's damn near pure alcohol.

Giving the twins one last quick glance, you close your eyes and drain it in one go.

[1/2]

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>>2303283

[2/2]

It's a good thing you braced yourself, because whatever this is burns all the way down. The back of your throat is practically on fire at this point, though you pick up a lingering aftertaste of a few different herbs. You can't tell what they are, but the smell stays on your breath even after the alcohol is done burning.

"So..." Calmly placing the glass back onto the counter top, you fix Ryu with a nonplussed look, "You clean the bar with that stuff or what?"

That gets a laugh out of him and you see Sierra hiding a smile behind a hand beside you. The male elf just shakes his head, "It's an old recipe I make myself. Like you said, the proof is high and it is definitely not something I serve to most customers. If you ever want to have more, feel free come back sometime".

Now what?
> Talk to the twins about something else (what?)
> Leave, head to the Main Bastion; you still need to talk to Sun
> Leave, head to the Genovese HQ; you need to make plans for how you're getting to the Ruin
> Leave, head back to the shop; the forge is still burning, so you should get back to work
> Other

>>2303304
>> Leave, head to the Main Bastion; you still need to talk to Sun

>>2303304
>> Leave, head to the Genovese HQ; you need to make plans for how you're getting to the Ruin
I want that omnitool back

>>2303304
> Leave, head to the Main Bastion; you still need to talk to Sun

>>2303304
>> Leave, head to the Main Bastion; you still need to talk to Sun

>>2303304
We should convince Sun to search for a chemist to make fuel for (yet to build) clockwork flamethrowers. We need to clear that ruin.

>>2303980
After all this Vampire business is done I want to see if there is a way we can magically enchanted our forge. In order for it ignite without fuel, and knobs or a magical way to change the temperature to a desired point. Is the engineering discord still a thing?

>>2304881
it is indeed

https://discord.gg/9KXvgj

its here or in the OP

>>2303304
>> Leave, head to the Genovese HQ; you need to make plans for how you're getting to the Ruin

>>2303304
Leave, head to the Main Bastion; you still need to talk to Sun

>>2304881

Someone mentioned a while ago wanting to build an Arc Furnace; I haven't forgotten.

>>2303313
>>2303335
>>2303401
>>2305648

Main Bastion it is.

Writin'

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>>2303304

It's been fun, but you still have business to tend to. Bidding the twins goodnight, you head through the dark streets of Shirahoro.

Despite the fact that most of the coup forces are dead or driven off, you still make sure to take the long way around the Red Light District on your way to the Fire District. You give the looming Cloud District a sidelong glace as you do; guess the general lock down around it kept most of the fighting out.

You pass by the Dragon's Lair as you walk which, aside from a bit of damage that wasn't there last time you were here, looks to have gotten through the attacks without an issue. You'll have to stop by later, especially since you want to talk to Goo Hwi eventually, but not now.

The Fire District is mostly cleaned up, though you note that the guard presence here is pretty damn high. There's still a fair amount of evidence to the carnage that occurred last night, but most of it has been cleaned up. A few definitely recognize you, so you head on your way without an issue.

The Main Bastion has seen better days but the heavy stone brick building is still intact. Despite the late hour, there's still several people working here and with a few words to the clerk working the front desk, she tells you that Sun is expecting you.

The Councilor is in his office, working away at more pieces of paperwork when you enter. You can tell the man's a bit run ragged by now, but his usual smile appears when he sees that it is you.

"John, I heard you were successful last night. That's good; please, come in and sit," Walking up, you take the seat across from him, "Now, what are you here for?"

Your response?
> "I was there for Jun's meeting with the Don; how are you doing tracking down those rogues?"
> "We ran into the vamp leader last night"
> "We're going to try to attack the vamp's stronghold"
> Other

>>2306060
>> "We're going to try to attack the vamp's stronghold"

>>2306060
> "I was there for Jun's meeting with the Don; how are you doing tracking down those rogues?"
> "We ran into the vamp leader last night"
> "We're going to try to attack the vamp's stronghold"
all of the above pls

>>2306060
>> "I was there for Jun's meeting with the Don; how are you doing tracking down those rogues?"
He should already know how we're going to fight from Jun.

>>2306060
>> "We're going to try to attack the vamp's stronghold"

>>2306060
I was there for Jun's meeting with the Don; how are you doing tracking down those rogues?

>>2306060
> "I was there for Jun's meeting with the Don; how are you doing tracking down those rogues?"
> "We ran into the vamp leader last night"
> "We're going to try to attack the vamp's stronghold"

>>2306060
>> "We ran into the vamp leader last night"
>> "We're going to try to attack the vamp's stronghold"

Followed up by

> "I was there for Jun's meeting with the Don; how are you doing tracking down those rogues?"

"We ran into the Vamp leader last night, so we know he's in the city now. We don't know how quickly he can recover his losses, but he managed to operate in the City unknown for a while already so it's better to press our attack and try to finish him before he can flee the City and be a threat later, or somehow create more Vampires, or assassinate important people etc. "

"With that in mind, is the rogue situation under control? The less possible complications the better."

>>2306063
>>2306065
>>2306068
>>2306076
>>2306674
>>2308206
>>2311948

All of the above it is.

Writin'

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>>2306060

"A few things, actually. First of which is that we ran into the head vamp last night at the end," Reflexively, you run your fingers across the several new scars you've got along your hands from where it smashed your sword into pieces.

"I heard a bit of what happened," The Councilor looks you over, following along the fresh wounds on your hands before glancing back up to you, "Mostly that there was one last major fight outside the Genovese HQ last night. From what I've been told, the four of you took minor injuries in return for running the vampire out of town".

"He's out of the town?" That piques your interest, especially since that's been a slight concern of yours since you lost sight of the monster. Also... "And how do you know that? You said yourself that you don't have personal forces aside from your family's guard".

The grin Sun gives you in response is a bit unsettling, if you're being honest, "You are a blunt man, John; it is rather refreshing in my profession. You're right, I don't have personal forces in the same way that the Genovese do. But, I do have... I'll say 'observers'. They are not hammers like Gladiator's 'security teams' are. They are my eyes on the streets first and foremost; very rarely do I resort to utilizing them as knives".

You frown at his words, but don't push the subject, "I was there today for Jun's meeting with the Don; I didn't get all of it, but I know you got forwarded some information on those rogue Councilors. How are you doing on tracking them down?"

That gets a rise out of the Head, his expression darkening almost to the point at which he was during the meeting at your shop, "They're still unaccounted for, but I have all the overt and covert exits in Shirahoro covered and, with the information your friends provided me, I am beginning to narrow down the number of holes they're hiding in. Trust me, John, they won't be rogues for long".

[1/2]

>>2312621

[2/2]

"That's good, since I'll be out of town for some time shortly," The dark expression on Sun's face quickly recedes, covered up with practiced ease under a more neutral one, "The Genovese are planning some kind of assault on their main stronghold out in the wilderness. They want me along for the ride; Dutch and Sierra will also be coming along".

"Are you sure, John?" The Councilor looks a bit concerned, "From what I was told, most of the attacks against the head vampire were ineffective".

You nod solemnly, "We weren't properly prepared for that fight, I'll admit. In addition to his supernatural fortitude, that vamp was also wearing the set of armor that you wanted me to case back at the auction where this all started. If that buyer is still hoping to get his hands on it, unfortunately we heavily damaged it during that fight. In all likelihood, it is damaged beyond repair. In the meantime, I've been working on better gear," You tap a finger against your recently forged armor, "But until I can get a fresh supply of silver, I won't be able to make silvered weapons".

Sun gives you armor an appraising look, clearly admiring your work, "Hmm... I'll talk to that supplier, see about getting you your order tomorrow. I want this to be over with soon, because if they have enough time..."

"They'll just come back, yeah," Nodding to the man, motion towards the Water District, "Our friends by the port thing we've got about a week until the next attack and subsequently want the threat gone before then. The question is how quickly we're willing to go out there before gear is made and injuries are recovered from".

"It's a difficult decision to make. But, somehow, I think you'll do just fine John. Now, is that all?"

Your response?
> Ask Sun something else (what?)
> Leave

>>2312657
"......what do you know of demons. Arch mage said something about every myth having their roots in fact. could this guy be a demon? a really old vamp"

>>2312657
>I have my work cut out for me, but perhaps I could squeeze a request in if you have one...?

>>2312657
>Leave
Best start working at the forge again getting ready for the assault.

>>2312684
This one. Maybe something for Jun?

>>2312657
>> Leave
Time to keep working.

>>2312671
>>2312684
>>2313162
>>2313182
>>2313274

One more thing before we leave.

Writin'

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>>2312657

"...Do you think we can actually kill that vamp?" The whisper of doubt within the back of your mind suddenly surfaces; you're not sure why you speak up, but, hell, if anyone would know if would to Sun, "We... Dutch shot him right in the face and the bullet ricocheted off his skin. On top of that, he shot the armor twice, the second time hard enough to destroy the chest piece, then Sierra dropped a fire ball on him so hot it blackened the cobblestone beneath him. And after all that, it didn't feel like we scratched him".

The man doesn't say anything, thinking on your worries for a few seconds before responding, "If you assume a problem is impossible, then you won't find a solution to it; if you assume a problem is possible, then you'll find a solution to it. I know that's not the most comforting answer, but I believe it is the right one. I don't envy you, John. These vampires are the biggest threat Shirahoro's faced, at least within my and my father's lifetime. But, somehow, I know you'll pull through".

"Thanks..." That... really wasn't what you were expecting as an answer. Kinda weird feeling... "I should be heading out then. Although, while I've got my work cut out for me, I could probably fit in a request for you if you have one".

"I believe that I don't have any requests at the moment. If anything, you've already fulfilled one," Without flourish, Sun flicks his wrist and the holdout pistol you made before the party slides cleanly into his hand from where it was hidden within his robes, "I haven't had to use it in anger yet, but I know how to use it well enough".

The chuckle his own comment garners isn't quite disturbing and you, after Sun tucks the pistol away, excuse yourself.

The walk back to the shop is uneventful, though it's a bit hard to judge what the time is since your gauntlet is gone.

Fuckin' vamps.

Getting back to the forge, you note that the fire is still going, though you can tell its not for long. You've probably got time for one more round of forging before you'd need to reignite it.

Now what?
> Work on another project in the forge
> Go to sleep for tonight

>>2313701
>> Work on another project in the forge

>>2313701
>> Work on another project in the forge
Can we make the casings for the 50 cal so once we get the silver we just have to make the bullet itself?

>>2313816

I suppose you could, considering that the silvering would just be coating the slightly modified round in a layer of silver.

>>2313866
Great. It would've been nice to know earlier lol. But yeah, Dutch needs his reloads badly.
Oh and did we ever work on Gladiator's flaming sword?

>>2313915

If I'm being honest, I didn't think of pre-making the rounds to be silvered.

Gladiator has his flaming sword yep.

>>2313701
Do as Anon said, some preparatory work on ammo.

After forge dies, we can take a look at designing some firearm with appropriate stopping power. Codename: “Little friend”.

Aren`t we able to upgrade our armour? We are an artificer after all and we should try to implement some magitech. Some magic resistance would be extremely nice against side effects of Sierras fireballs. It might even mitigate the side effects of our Aspect.

>>2313701
>Work on some bullets

>>2314404
i find this amusing and so i support it.

>>2314456
Masterwork, and we dont know many runes. so possibly something to talk to arch mage about

>>2314471
>>2314456
I was not so much thinking about runes, but about manacrystals and magical wirings to store, redirect and disperse magical energy.

>>2313866
Could we make Silver Nitrate to spray on the Vamps?

>>2314868
>>2313959
Also instead of silver coated rounds, cut a cross section into the bullets and pack it with coiled silver wire. We should make the bullets softer too, I assume we're using lead, so that they stop and break apart in the Vampires bodies instead of punching through and just leaving a hole that they'll simply heal.

>>2314868
>>2314873

This would work on Thralls, but for Lieutenants and higher forms it wouldn't. For them, you need to get the silver under their skin.

As for cross sectioning silver into the rounds... Yeah, you can do that. You won't be able to premake the bullets like that, however, since you'll need to include the silver during the molding process. Also, the way silver works in this setting is that upon contact with a vampire's flesh, it severely stunts their ability to regenerate in that are. It's most effective with sustained contact (see thread 15 and what it does to Rachael) but even if the round goes clean through, that vamp won't be able to regen that wound for some time; all depends on how old they are.

>>2314608

You wouldn't be able to make something to fulfill that function that would also be capable of being integrated into your armor. I'll put it this way: it's not impossible to create a kind of magical absorber and a capacitor, but if you want it be able to negate a spell and not have the capacitor explode on you, it would have to be something on a larger scale. Another way to look at it is that mana crystals and other forms of electric based magitech work with 'raw' mana while spells are composed of 'refined' mana. Perhaps, you'll get something in the future that'll be able to function in a similar manner...


>>2314471
>>2314404

Looks like the consensus is to work on more rounds for Dutch's rifle.

> Roll me three 1d100+27's please

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>2315019

Rolled 44 + 27 (1d100 + 27)

>>2315019

Rolled 42 + 27 (1d100 + 27)

>>2315019

>>2315019
> This would work on Thralls, but for Lieutenants and higher forms it wouldn't. For them, you need to get the silver under their skin.

I mean. They have eyes and mouths and noses right? I'm thinking of it not as a stream but like as a spray. Wide area of effect so they can't dodge it with their speed, and a counter to their over reliance on speed and strength to close in and overwhelm people in close combat.

>>2315019
Also for >>2314608 I think maybe something like a lightning rod for mana could work? Something to attract the mana and "ground" or vent it off maybe, or to destabilize refined mana so it's less potent, or possibly a combination of destabilizing refined mana and then capturing the raw mana released then immediately converting it back into a refined form and cast as a spell to stabilize it?

>>2315205
I was thinking the same thing. Instead of storing the mana we can just 'transfer' the spell and maybe reflect it towards the attacker.

>>2315196

That's a fair point about the eyes; would definitely blind them for a time. As for the mouths and noses, it would be irritating, but the vamps don't need to breathe due to their undead nature.

Again, the idea is definitely possible, but equipment with a high enough voltage rating to not melt and/or explode to handle the load would be fair heavier than you could carry.

>>2315232

The main limiting factor here would be the capacity of the wiring that would transfer the energy of the spell. Heavy enough capacity wiring would be extremely heavy and unwieldy while light enough wiring would melt at a certain point.

>>2315038

That's a 125, Success.

Writin'

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>>2313701

You might not have silver yet, but you can still make the base rounds for Dutch's rifle. All things considered, that stupidly large gun you made him is probably your best bet when it comes to taking out that main vamp.

With that in mind, you get to work heating up a few pieces of iron and, after slightly modifying your molds to allow for room for silvering later on, you set up the fresh bullets.

You're definitely getting better at making these deadly rounds, as you don't need quite as much raw material or time before the fire in your forge slowly dwindles.

> You have lost: 3 Units of Iron!
> You have crafted: 10 Anti-Material Rifle Rounds (Pre-Silvered)!

It's getting late, which you can tell since your forge is now cold, but then again you're not exactly looking forwards to another nap on the floor.

Now what?
> Fire the forge back up, continue working
> Go to sleep
> Leave the forge, go somewhere (where?)
> Other

>>2315302
>Go to sleep

or if we are feeling like the floor is not comfy

>Find serria and sleep with her

>>2315304
This, let's go find Sierra and sleep.

>>2315302
On the one hand, inviting ourselves with Sierra sounds really appealing.
On the other hand I don't like the idea of leaving the store unsecured and unattended...

Let's go get some light sleep in desu

>>2315325
You're right. Damn it we Need to fix that back door! Maybe tomorrow we can work on fixing the shop a bit. Unlock that new carpenter skill?
I'll change the vote to just sleeping in.

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>>2315302
> Heavy enough capacity wiring would be extremely heavy and unwieldy

Which is why it would be worked into our armour in a layer between the protective plates with exposed grounding spikes.

>>2315302
> Leave the forge, go somewhere (where?)

Sierra's place specifically her bed.

We should get Sun to send someone to furnish our place, we're too busy for that shit.

>>2315302
>> Go to sleep

>>2315302
>> Go to sleep

>>2315521

In one of the next arcs, you'll get access to the next 'tech tier' I suppose is a good way of putting it. Regardless, just sit tight; the function you want a suit of armor to perform will be possible then.

>>2315325
>>2315337
>>2316099
>>2316115

Sleeping in the shop it is.

Writin'

>>2315302

You're tempted to find Sierra and catch some 'sleep' with her. Sadly, your shop is still rather compromised and you don't want to be robbed twice at this point.

With that in mind, you resume last night's position of holding yourself up in a corner with your pistol loosely within your grip. It's not comfortable at all, and your back is going to want to murder you eventually, but at least you don't feel entirely like shit like you did after the fight.

Slowly, the dark and the soreness within your muscles lull you to sleep.

Blearily, you blink yourself awake some vague amount of time later. You... you think you got a few hours of sleep; it's a bit hard to tell when you don't dream.

Granted, not dreaming also means you don't have to deal with nightmares, so you'll guess you'll have to compromise.

Standing up and stretching the kinks out as best you can, you check outside to confirm that, yep, the sun is in fact beginning creep over the horizon. It won't be up for another hour or so, but it's close enough to start painting the night sky lighter.

Well, heading up and grabbing a quick bite to eat, you consider what to do in the coming day.
> Head to the Genovese HQ
> Head to the Main Bastion
> Head to the Dragon's Lair
> Head somewhere else (where?)
> Wait here in the forge for the silver shipment
> Other

>>2316825
>> Wait here in the forge for the silver shipment
Cmon silver! Gimme! The ammo needs it! We also need to make ourselves a silver weapon at some point

>>2316825
>Get to the drawing board and draw up a new gun while we wait for silver

>>2317807
(Alternatively we could get some breakfast with a helping of news from the neighborhood ninjas at dragons lair)

>>2316825
>> Wait here in the forge for the silver shipment
reinforce the shop's defenses while we wait.

>>2316825
>>2317820
do this

>>2317820
>>2317832
>>2317807
>>2316858

Looks like we're staying and doing some work in the shop.

The question is what you want to work on.
> Begin repairs to the infrastructure
> Work on a blueprint for a Heavy Pistol
> Other

>>2319367
Actually let’s start with the shop. It’s probably better to design weapons after breakfast.

>>2319367
>> Begin repairs to the infrastructure
fix up the shop, have a nice bit of lunch, then get on to the day's work of crafting death machines

>>2319367
>> Begin repairs to the infrastructure

>>2319383
>>2319426
>>2319455

Repairs it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+10's please

This is the first time John's used the Maintenance skill since the train arc

Rolled 82 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2319468
when will we see Dozer and crew again?

Rolled 3 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2319468

Rolled 3 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2319468

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>>2319529
>>2319505

That's interesting.

>>2319485

And that's a 92, Success.

As for whether or not that merc team is going to show up again...

Haahhahaahahahahah

>>2319634
I was going to add preferably not blighted, but didn't want to give you any ideas...

>>2319657

Their next appearance has been set for a while now

>>2316825

You want to continue producing weapons, especially one for yourself as you've got an idea for a higher caliber pistol, but, first and foremost, you need to get some baseline repairs on your shop.

Chiefly is fixing your back door so that when your shipment of silver comes in it doesn't collapse on the poor sap. With that in mind, you finish up your small breakfast and get to work.

There's nothing you can do about the faint bloodstains and the much more prevalent scorch marks but you start by stripping the door itself and the frame in the wall of the hinges that were warped or pulled out of the wall entirely when the reinforced door was beaten down. Forging new ones isn't that hard, you've got references for them right in front of you despite their condition, and you've got a few spare nails laying around so you'll be able to set the door back in without an issue.

The real issue is that the door itself is slightly warped from where it was beaten down, as due to that it won't properly fit once its been reattached to the hinges.

Of course, you have a fully functioning forge here and a slightly unwieldy but still metal door; the solution is a bit obvious.

You can't, sadly, just still the door into your forge and call it a day; the damn thing is too large to fit and too heavy for you to properly maneuver. So, like every time, you have to get a bit creative. This mainly comes in the form of heating up a few tools and using them to apply heat to the warped parts before you liberally utilize your forging hammer to 'correct' the damage.

The solution isn't perfect, you'll have to get an entirely new door if you want that, but the doorway is back up to functioning condition by the time you get your shipment of silver.

> You have obtained: 10 Units of Silver!

Immediately, you grab one of those bars, heat it until it is molten, and layer it over the eighteen fresh rounds for Dutch's Rifle you made the previous night.

> You have lost: 1 Unit of Silver!
> You have crafted: 10 Anti-Material Rifle Rounds (Silvered)!

He's going to be a very, very happy man when he picks these up.

Now, it's time to get to work.
> Work on making a silvered sword for yourself
> Work on that Heavy Pistol, you can make silvered ammo for that
> Work on another project
> Leave the shop, go somewhere (where?)
> Other

>>2319791
Well if the forge is running, let's take advantage of this and make the sword.

>>2319791
>and layer it over the eighteen fresh rounds for Dutch's Rifle


You made eighteen Hollow Point Rounds for Dutch's revolver, only ten for his rifle. Oops.

>>2319791
>> Work on making a silvered sword for yourself
The pistol is probably more powerful in combat and useful for more than just vamps when using normal bullets, but I don't want to waste silver on more consumables than we have to when a silver weapon can be used repeatedly and not need reloading. Limited resources calls for efficiency on weapon choices, and we'll probably face them in close combat even if we don't want to.
Maybe the sword can be enchanted for fire too...

>>2319791
>Silvered sword

>>2319834
>>2319926

Sword it is.

> Roll me three 2d100+27's please

Also, use reinforced alloy?
> Y
> N

Rolled 30, 40 + 27 = 97 (2d100 + 27)

>>2319945
absolutely
>Y

>>2319839
For the purpose of fighting vampires, fire enchant with silver is redundant, also silver doesn't run out of mana.

>>2319945

Rolled 4, 18 + 27 = 49 (2d100 + 27)

>>2320018
Whoops

>[Heavy Breathing]

oh well, worst case we can make another one and keep this one in reserve. At least it's not a combat roll.

Rolled 85, 55 + 27 = 167 (2d100 + 27)

>>2319945

>>2320427
>>2319969
>>2320021

Phew, and here I thought we were doomed with those rolls. Is this a 112 and 82?

>>2320427

That is in fact a 112 and a 82, Success.

Writin'

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>>2320433
I love you Anon.

>>2319791

Well, as much as you'd like to try your hand at making a heavy pistol, the sheer efficiency of a silvered blade puts it ahead of your priority list.

Might as well get working on that then.

With the forge already hot, you first start with the base of the blade, which you compose entirely of the refined alloy you've been utilizing in your armor projects. You might not remember every last second of your fight against the vamp leader, but you do distinctly remember your borrowed blade suffering catastrophic damage after you attempted to decapitate him and it barely got into his skin.

This longsword, you decide, isn't going to suffer from that same failure. The core of the blade being made of armor-grade metal pretty much guarantees that you'll be able to repair it regardless of what it goes through.

From there, you move onto the edge of the weapon. Hammering out the desired edge, you slowly work on integrating the precious silver into its edge. The process is tedious, as you move between the forge and anvil constantly, but the outcome is well worth it.

Once the metal has cooled enough, you grab another roll of bandages and wrap the grip. Giving it one experimental swing, you grin thinly at the product of your work.

> You have lost: 1 roll of bandages!
> You have lost: 12 Units of Iron!
> You have lost: 1 Unit of Silver!
> You have crafted: 1 Excellent Quality Longsword (Silvered)!

Checking up on the time, it's about mid morning now.

Now what?
> Continue working in the forge
> Leave, head over to the Genovese HQ
> Leave, head over to the Main Bastion
> Leave, head over to the Dragon's Lair
> Other

>>2320537
>> Continue working in the forge
someone wanted a gun right?

>>2320537
>Head over to the Genovese HQ
Bring the bullets for dutch, we also need to ask when the expedition is.

>>2320537
Let’s see about designing the heavy gun.

>>2320537
>> Continue working in the forge
heavy pistol

.45 when previous guns were 9mm?

>>2320537
> Continue working in the forge

Make those silverwire bullets.

>>2321337
>>2321322
>>2320575

Heavy Pistol it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 30 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2321653

Rolled 53 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2321653

Rolled 28 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2321653

>>2321660

That's a 68, Bare Success.

Writin'

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>2321653
lets go, i want to stop a bull with this

>>2320537

As good as it is to have that silvered longsword, perhaps it'll be wise to have something a bit less specialized in your arsenal. And given how much use you've been getting out of a standard pistol, it's about time to get an upgrade.

You can't just get stuck in at the forge, sadly. The number of individual parts within a gun means you'll need to construct blueprints first and foremost.

It takes you a while, but, eventually, you get something that you would consider a working design. It's a bit complex, and the pistol itself is going to be a fair bit heavier weight-wise than what you're used to, but for the stopping power you should be getting out of it you don't exactly mind.

Once again, the rounds this weapon will be firing are going to have to be custom made, but that's something you've planned for in the blueprint itself.

> You have crafted: Heavy Pistol Blueprint!

Now, to make this idea a reality...

> Roll me three 1d100+29's and three 1d100+24's please

Rolled 96 + 29 (1d100 + 29)

>>2321667

Rolled 92 + 24 (1d100 + 24)

>>2321667

Rolled 26 + 29 (1d100 + 29)

>>2321667

Rolled 53 + 24 (1d100 + 24)

>>2321667


>>2321669
>>2321670
very nice

>>2321667

Oh yeah.

Use alloy?
> Y
> N

>>2321679
what effects will it have in this context? If it allows for lighter mechanism, sure.

Rolled 44 + 29 (1d100 + 29)

>>2321679
Y

>>2321667

>>2321687

It improves the quality of the product by one level. In this context, it would make the internal and moving components more durable.

>>2321694
alright then

Rolled 84 + 24 (1d100 + 24)

>>2321667
and last +24 roll

>>2321669
>>2321670

Alright, that's a 125 and a 118.

That makes this the third Mastercraft item.

Writin'

>>2321950
so by rolling poorly on the blueprint, it just won't have any advanced features such as better ironsights or something along those lines?

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>>2321667

First things first, you start off with the barrel of the pistol itself. If it doesn't fit properly, there's no point in working on it further.

Thankfully, the barrel isn't that hard to forge and comes together rather nicely. Setting that down on your work bench, you move onto setting up the framework and casing.

Considering this pistol is going to see some harsh use in the coming days, you produce some more alloy to compose the frame. The last thing you want is for the pistol to take a hit or two, but if it has to you want to make sure it'll hold up. Once again, it isn't a problem to create.

What is a bit hard is creating the many, many mechanisms that'll compose the trigger and the firing pin. Those take you a fair amount of time, as you have to constantly reference between what you're working on, the blueprint, and the finished frame worked on your bench. Eventually, you manage to completely the mechanisms and get to assembling the components.

You hold your breath for a few seconds as you begin putting everything together, only breathing a sigh of relief when you see that the critical parts, mainly the trigger, firing mechanism, and the barrel, all fit together smoothly.

After making sure the interior is complete, you securing things properly by screwing down the other side of the casing.

Satisfied with what you've completed thus far, you move onto forging the slide and ejector.

You are extremely thankful that you weren't liberal when it came to your allowances, as the slide fits into the rest of the finished product and completes the weapon.

Giving the newly forged Heavy Pistol a testing cock before flicking on the safety, you complete the grip with a bit of Insulator in hopes that the rubber will prevent your hand from slipping after firing.

All in all, you'd say you did a rather damn good job here.

> You have lost: 8 Units of Iron!
> You have lost: .5 ft^2 of Insulator!
> You have crafted: 1 Mastercraft Quality Heavy Pistol!

You've come a far way from the dinky pea shooter you've been using previously.

Now what?
> Work on making normal ammo for the pistol
> Work on making silver threaded ammo for the pistol
> Work on another project
> Leave, go to the Main Bastion
> Leave, go to the Dragon's Lair
> Leave, go to the Genovese HQ
> Other

>>2321985
>> Work on making normal ammo for the pistol
>> Work on making silver threaded ammo for the pistol
Make like 50 rounds, then silver 10 of them if that's possible.

>>2321985
Normal ammo for testing and normal use, silverware for the party

>>2321973

The Blueprint that you just made gives a +2 bonus to all Crafting and Engineering based skills related to it. If you had rolled higher, around the 90's, you'd have gotten an Advanced Blueprint, which gives a +5 instead.

The improved iron sights and such are done with Modify rolls after crafting. You don't have to have an Advanced Blueprint to Modify equipment, but you do get that bonus to the Modify roll.

>>2321985
>rune it with silence and fire if we can

then ammo

>>2322025
I respectfully question wisdom of silencing that gun. Even with silver it won’t grant us with ability to inflict instantaneous death and will needlessly alienate authorities. Although with our current standing with Sun we could probably get away with it.

>>2321997
> No silencer

>>2322069
my reasoning is simple, the gun is a replacement for our last one. We will most likely be entering the vamps fort in a stealth attempt. So a silent gun is a good thing. What i dont get is how it will alienate the militia, Sure we are using a magic infused gun but we are artificers

>>2322025

Silence would be possible, but unless you want to light the gun itself on fire, you can't utilize the Conjure Fire Sigil. The reason why you were able to use it for the launcher rounds is because they are large enough to fit a Tiny Mana Crystal to power it on impact.

>>2321995
>>2321989
>>2322025
>>2322571

Normal ammo then silver threaded ammo it is.

> Roll me three 2d100+29's please

Rolled 32, 13 + 29 = 74 (2d100 + 29)

>>2322701

>>2322701

Rolled 8, 79 + 29 = 116 (2d100 + 29)

>>2322718
Fucking dice >>2322701

>>2322701

>>2322701
The fuck.

Rolled 64, 95 + 29 = 188 (2d100 + 29)

>>2322701
Phone auto-corrected to a capital D lol.

>>2322687
Because self defence weapons with silencer are extremely suspicious, if not outright illegal. And silence itself will not be enough to make the gun stealthy in vampire raid unless it killed the vamp instantaneously.

>>2322806

To put it simply, if you were to slap a silencer rune on this pistol, you would, outside extreme circumstances, not be able to use the pistol in public without some serious questions being asked.

>>2322751

That's a 93 and a 124, Success.

Writin'

>>2323010
Maybe we can hide it under the rubber of the grip? That way no one sees it?

>>2321985

Well, no real point in making the pistol if you don't actually have an ammo to put in it. Might as well start working on that.

First up you get to work building molds for manufacturing the rather large rounds. As you wait for those to set up, you also get to making specially made magazines to fit them as well as the pistol itself.

From there, you get stuck into the tedious task of forging the sets of rounds. While you're waiting on the first batch to form, you think of a rather devilish idea for silvering these rounds. Instead of coating the exterior with silver, you work a single bar into long sections of thin wiring. The idea is for the round to impact, penetrate, and then shatter in order to release their deadly payload within the target.

You slowly work the threaded silver into two magazines worth of round, then continue making as many bullets as you can.

The end result is that you've got a lot of ammo to work with now.

> You have lost: 10 Units of Iron!
> You have lost: 1 Unit of Silver!
> You have crafted: 7 Heavy Pistol Magazines (7 Rounds per Mag)!
> You have crafted: 2 Heavy Pistol Magazines (7 Silvered Rounds per Mag)!

You take a quick look outside and note that it's well into the late afternoon now. The sun'll be down in maybe an hour or so.

Now what?
> Work on another project
> Leave, head to the Main Bastion to talk to Sun
> Leave, head to the Dragon's Lair to talk to Goo Hwi
> Leave, head to the Genovese HQ to talk to Archmage; you're ready to go
> Other

>>2323069
Even if we hide it from cursory visual examination, it will likely still be detectable through magic.

>>2323083
>Leave, head to the Dragon's Lair to talk to Goo Hwi

>>2323083
>> Leave, head to the Dragon's Lair to talk to Goo Hwi

>>2323083
>> Leave, head to the Main Bastion to talk to Sun
we need more silver

>>2323112
>>2323098

To the Dragon's Lair it is.

Writin'

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>>2323083

Might as well take the chance to get out of the shop and all. You need to go talk to Goo Hwi anyways; might as well grab some dumplings with the old man while you're at it.

You decide on carrying your new heavy pistol in the small of your back while you've got your new longsword sheathed at your side. No reason to openly display you're armed to the teeth here.

The streets are quiet still, though you see several individuals returning from work. No one blinks twice at you, thanks mostly in part to what's left of your cloak thrown around your shoulders.

A few minutes later and the Dragon's Lair comes into view. What you see makes it rather evident that there was another attack after you left the other night. It's been mostly cleaned up but you can spot, quite literally, the marks on the wall that show where another lieutenant had a stab at taking down Gang Ryong.

The young man isn't around from what you can see, though you assume he's probably just out on a delivery.

Entering into the restaurant, you note that they're still treated the odd person here, several individuals, one of which is Goo Hwi, are working on a few bandaged patients. Yerin's hard at work at the kitchen, working on some kind of soup. Off on the side is, somewhat surprisingly, Ryouma, Vera, and Sam sitting around a table. They show a few signs of damage, but appear to have made it through the coup intact.

Now what?
> Go talk to Goo Hwi
> Go talk to Yerin
> Go talk to Ryouma, Vera, and Sam
> Other

>>2323222
Let's start with
>Goo Hwi

>>2323222
>Goo Hwi.
Have we eaten at all today? Maybe we can order some of the soup.

>>2323222
>Talk with goo hwi

Lets catch up and ask how our two favorite deadly martial artists are

>>2323222
>> Go talk to Yerin
food is required after a hard day's work

>>2323222
>> Go talk to Goo Hwi

>>2323341
>>2323281
>>2323273
>>2323232

Goo Hwi it is.

Writin'

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Will we ever make this meme reality?

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>>2323222

Walking over, you arrive just in time for Goo Hwi to finish cleaning and dressing a long, jagged cut along the arm of a middle-aged woman. He ties off the bandage securely before standing up, presumably to look for the next patient, before his gaze locks onto yours.

The old man motions for you to join him as he sits down at a nearby empty table. You note he sits down with a bit of a tired sigh, though his trademark warm smile is still there as you sit across from him.

"John, it's good to see you made it through the night," For the first time since you met him, Goo Hwi really does look his age, whatever that is, "I've been busy, as I imagine you have as well given your new equipment, but I suppose I can manage a bit of a break. What is it that you wish to talk about?"

Your response?
> Ask him about the attack that happened after you left
> Ask him if you 'look'... different
> Ask him if he'd be willing to go with to raid the vamp's stronghold
> Ask him something else

>>2323692
>> Ask him about the attack that happened after you left
>> Ask him if you 'look'... different
>> Ask him if he'd be willing to go with to raid the vamp's stronghold

>>2323692
> Ask him about the attack that happened after you left
> Ask him if you 'look'... different
> Ask him if he'd be willing to go with to raid the vamp's stronghold

>>2323692
>> Ask him about the attack that happened after you left

>>2323712
>>2323699
>>2323695

Everything it is.

Writin'

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>>2323692

"There was another attack around here after Sierra and I left last night, right?" You make sure to lower your voice before you speak up, not wanting this conversation to be heard by everyone in the room, "I could tell from the damage outside that something happened".

The old man gives you a solemn nod in response, "The vamps attempted one final attack maybe an hour after you left. Gang Ryong took on the two lieutenants that led it, but in doing so he wasn't able to prevent the thralls along with them from getting by. Myself, the Daimyo Guards, and those three mercenaries over at that table," He motions towards Ryouma and the girls at this, "Were able to intercept they got within the building, but it was a particularly brutal fight. We didn't lose anyone, but there were multiple close calls".

"Well, that's good," You nod and are about to continue on that line of conversation when you remember Goo Hwi's words right after you escaped the death trap that was your 'free' train ride to the city. He said that he could actually see some kind of... black mark against your soul where your old scar is. Could he kno-

"Is something troubling you, John?" You're snapped out of your thoughts by the old man speaking up, "You look uncertain..."

"I..." Trying to find the right words here is hard; it's almost like you're asking him if you're two steps closer to becoming a monster, "Do I... 'look' different to you?"

Goo Hwi pauses and looks you over, his eyes glowing faintly. After a few seconds of silence, he lets out a small hum before speaking up, "Now that you mention it... That stroke of black I talk to you about before is slightly longer. It's not by much, though I can tell that there's a difference. John... what happened? You look perfectly fine otherwise, but this is deeply disturbing".

"It's complicated..." You can't fully meet his gaze at this point, nervously tapping against the table top, "I know what the issue is, and I don't plan on exasperating it, but it's not something I particularly want to talk about. Regardless, we're going to be heading out soon to take out the vamp's stronghold. Do you think you can join us? Dutch, Sierra, and myself are currently the three going out to do so, but we're definitely going to need all the help we can get".

"I'll go, John" There's no hesitation in his voice, resolve firm as the old man nods, "We can't take another night of constant fighting. When are we planning on leaving for this stronghold?"

Your response?
> Go tonight, you need to end this ASAP
> Wait until tomorrow, you're going to need Gladiator
> Wait even later, you're going to arm everyone to the teeth before you go
> Other

>>2324083
>> Wait even later, you're going to arm everyone to the teeth before you go

Make sure everybody going has either a silver or flaming weapon. Make something badass for Goo Hwi.

>>2324083
>> Wait until tomorrow, you're going to need Gladiator
the longer we wait the more time the vamps gets to regen and properly prepare for us. If possible I'd vote for tonight, but Gladiator is quite an important fighter and leader to take with us.
>>2324098
>Make something badass for Goo Hwi.
This is a good idea. maybe we could make a silver knuckles add-on to his gauntlet. Shouldn't cost too much silver either.

>>2324083
>> Wait until tomorrow, you're going to need Gladiator
can't let the boss regen to the point where limit break is the only way through

>>2324135
>>2324143

Tomorrow it is.

Writin'

>>2324083

"We're going to head out late afternoon tomorrow. I want to take these vamps out before they get the chance to recuperate, but we need to give Gladiator time to heal. The guy is vital to our chances of fighting through this all, so I'm willing to take the risk," Rubbing your brow for a few seconds, your own words make you realize just how much of a gamble this is going to be. If you get there right as they reach full strength, the odds of survival are going to be low.

Goo Hwi, to his credit, doesn't seem too dismayed by it all, "I'll be prepared for then. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

The old man stands up, moving to get back to work treating the injured when something else comes to mind, "Goo Hwi, I've been working on upgrading the gear I can for this trip. Mind letting me borrow those gauntlets of yours so I can get them up to snuff?"

"You mentioned that to me before, and I accepted then. Let me go get them for you".

A few minutes later, the old man deposits the two heavy gauntlets into your possession before going over to help the next poor sap.

Now what?
> Go talk to Yerin
> Go talk to Ryouma, Vera, and Sam
> Leave, head somewhere else (where?)
> Leave, head back to your shop
> Other

>>2324325
>Go talk to Ryouma and the gang.

>>2324325
>> Leave, head back to your shop
grab some food on the way out

>>2324325
>> Go talk to Ryouma, Vera, and Sam
They're mercenaries with prior experience with fighting with vampires, see if we can send them over to Sun to hire them. Also, ask how our sword is doing for them. Maybe give it a free fire rune if they're up for vamp slaying.

>>2324385
Supporting

>>2324325
>>2324385
Oh I like this idea. More forces are always welcome

When this is over we should invite Sierra to move in with us, unless that's frowned upon for unmarried couples.

>>2324325
Let’s see how our first customers aside from our friends and the state are doing.

>>2324325
supporting this >>2324385

>>2324653
I mean, most people probably wouldn't care. In a world like this where death can come on instantly then i assume many people would go by the saying "Live freely, die young"

the real question is would her brother mind

>>2324351
>>2324385
>>2324486
>>2324503
>>2324807
>>2324990

Say hello to the mercs it is.

Writin'

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>>2324325

You decide, ah what the hell, might as well go see how the mercs are doing.

They're in the middle of receiving food when you walk over and sit down next to them. Ryouma is the first to notice you, pausing in the middle of biting into a dumpling in a way that is slightly comically.

"John, mffh," The lead mercenary swallows his food with a bit of a gulp before speaking up again, "Exciting times in Shirahoro, huh?"

Vera steals a piece of food off his plate, eliciting a small frown from him, "Sam and I stopped by your shop yesterday to check in on you, but you weren't around. Place was trashed to all hell though, what happened there?"

"Vamps raided the place," You tap your finger against the table top, a neutral expression on your face, "Managed to get out mostly unharmed, but a lot of valuable items and my best tool were taken".

"Shame about that," Sam quietly speaks up, rummaging through some of her gear before pulling some items out, "We wanted to thank you for your work on our order".

The blonde merc displays her buckler, which now sports a series of claw marks marring the surface.

[1/2]

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>>2325848

You take the shield and check it over, confirming for a fact that the marks are just cosmetic damage before you hand it back over, "Heard the three of you got jumped as well; do I even want to know if that sword I made is still intact?"

That gets a thin smile and a small giggle out of the girls as they glance over their to their leader.

The man himself looks oddly composed at the allegation, calmly finishing the food on his plate before dignifying a response, "There's a few marks on it, but the sword is still intact and functional. I'll admit, it's an improvement from how most swords I use are after a fight".

"Maybe if you stopped using your swords like clubs, they wouldn't break all the time," Vera cheerfully jabs back at her boss, happily munching on her own food this time.

There's a bit of a lull in the conversation and, considering they've got a fair amount of experience, they might be rather helpful in the coming days.
> Recommend the three of them go talk to Sun
> Ask the three of them if they'd be willing to come with you on the raid
> Keep them out of this

>>2325867
Glad to see you’re enjoying the orders in good health.

If you feel up for it, I’m sure Sun will have something that needs to be done. I’m also headed for a pest control op in case you’re interested (can we even afford them?)

>>2325867
>> Recommend the three of them go talk to Sun
Gogogo Get them to talk to the guy why can actually pay them.

>>2325875
this exept try and tempt them with exitement as well

>>2325867
>> Recommend the three of them go talk to Sun
we can't pay them, so might as well refer them to someone who can

>>2325867
>> Recommend the three of them go talk to Sun

But let them know at least it's vampire related.

>>2326007
>>2325941
>>2325918
>>2325877
>>2325875

Point them towards Sun it is.

Writin'

>>2325867

"If you're interested in making some more gold," Those words neatly catch the attention of the three mercs. Yep, definitely mercs at heart, "You can head over to the Main Bastion and as if they'd be interested in contracting you all".

"And what makes you say that?" Vera looks you over a bit curiously, as if she doesn't quite believe you, "We're Guild-affiliated, don'tcha know? The Daimyo aren't going to touch us".

You just shrug, "Go try anyways; they're pretty strapped for fresh soldiers currently. And if they're really giving you a hard time, go ahead and drop my name. I don't have much of a reputation, but it should be enough to get you a talk with the guy who manages assigning manpower".

"You said you were a neutral smith, John," Ryouma questions, though you can he's not all that bothered, "Doesn't exactly sound like it".

"Yeah, well, even a neutral party has connections".

That gets a good laugh out of everyone at the table.

Now what?
> Go talk to Yerin
> Go find Sierra
> Leave, head back to your shop
> Leave, go somewhere else (where?)
> Other

>>2329382
Well since we’re here
>talk to Yerin

>>2329382
>Talk with yerin
and neutral is a difficult thing to be, so those who are either know everyone or have enough weapons to back it up.

Im glad we are [mostly] both

>>2329382
>> Go talk to Yerin
exhaust every dialogue option in the area before going to the next one

>>2330304
>>2330185
>>2329760

Yerin it is.

Writin'

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>>2329382

"Good luck you three".

Wishing the mercs goodbye, you head over to the kitchen counter where Yerin is hard at work within. You're about to ask for some of whatever soup she's making when the young woman drops a few bowls of the broth onto the counter and a few bandaged people take them without further comment.

Guess that's for them then.

"Everything alright here, Yerin?" She looks over at you for a second before turning back to her work.

"Things have calmed down enough, John, so there's no need to worry. Is that all that you're here for?".

You place a few copper down in response, "Kinda; I'll have some dinner though".

Yerin just nods, silently continuing to cook.

A few minutes later she places down a platter of dumplings in front of you without ceremony, the fried food immediately going into your stomach. It occurs to you now that you forgot about having lunch today.

Now what?
> Ask Yerin where Gang Ryong is
> Ask Yerin who taught her how to cook
> Ask Goo Hwi something else (what?)
> Ask the mercs something else (what?)
> Just finish your food then leave

> Ask Yerin who taught her how to cook

Small talk is best talk

>>2331289
>> Just finish your food then leave

But leave the poor girl a nice tip, I bet she's exhausted.

>>2331289
Eat up, listen in the atmosphere, maybe make some smalltalk.

>>2331289
>> Just finish your food then leave

>>2331289
>Ask about gang ryong
then leave a tip for yerin and
>Leave

>>2331289
>> Just finish your food then leave

>>2331741
>>2331664
>>2331615
>>2331549
>>2331427
>>2331308

Make some small talk then its time to go.

Writin'

>>2331289

"Who taught you how to cook anyways?" Curiosity gets the better of you as you continue to demolish your meal.

Yerin looks over her shoulder as she drops another batch of dumplings into a steamer, "My grandmother did".

Considering how busy she is, you're not too surprised at how curt she's being. You can imagine what her response is going to be, but you might as well ask anyways, "And where's Gang Ryong? Can't imagine he wants to be gone for too long".

"Out".

That gets a chuckle out of you and a strange look out of Yerin. You just wave her concern off and, after leaving a tip, exit the Dragon's Lair.

> You have lost: 1 Silver coin!

Heading outside, you weigh Goo Hwi's gauntlets in your hands. If you head back to the shop now, you should have just enough time to forge some kind of silvered add-on for them. Then again, you could inscribe a Conjure Fire Sigil on them, though you'd have to work around the existing inscriptions to pull it off.

Now what?
> Head back to the forge
> Go find Sierra
> Go to the Main Bastion, talk to Sun
> Other

>>2332329
>Head to the forge

Since the fire sigil should be insulated from the glove itself, maybe we could modify the glove so that it's socketable with a glyph according to what the situation calls for. And a fire "cartridge" for it.

In any case we better make separate glove for testing before we tinker with the old one, especially if it's already inscribed.

>>2332329
> Head back to the forge

>>2332347 seems like a good plan

>>2332347
Supporting this.

>>2332329
>> Head back to the forge

>>2332347
>>2332352
>>2332372
>>2332432

Head back it is.

Writin'

>>2332329

Yeah, you've done enough running around for tonight; time to head back.

The night is cold, but at least you don't get jumped on the way to your shop. It's the little things, like not getting your throat ripped out, that you have to look forwards to here in Shirahoro.

Your place is still standing and, after you do a quick sweep, without additional residents. Now, considering you don't have much time left unless you want to relight the forge, it's time to make the choice.

Now what?
> Upgrade the Gauntlets with Silver
> Upgrade the Gauntlets with Conjure Fire

>>2332530
>Fire
In case we run into something else than vampires. We kinda promised him fire, not just silver, too.

>>2332530
> Upgrade the Gauntlets with Conjure Fire

>>2332530
>Upgrade the Gauntlets with Conjure Fire

>>2332530
>> Upgrade the Gauntlets with Conjure Fire

>>2332541
>>2332675
>>2332682
>>2332683

Fire it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+7's please

Rolled 20 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>2332697

Rolled 66 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>2332697

Rolled 61 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>2332697

Rolled 58 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>2332697

>>2332710

73, Bare Success.

Writin'

>>2332530

Sitting down at your workbench with a sigh, you place the two gauntlets onto the ground and get to work.

After one last cross reference to the piece of paper with the Conjure Fire Sigil, you close your eyes, run your fingers along the existing inscriptions, and focus. Slowly, like a spring uncoiling from within, you draw out your pitiful mana reserves and shape out the beginnings of the Sigil.

Unconsciously, you frown as you're able to fully realize the extend of the original enchantment these gauntlets received. To the credit of the original inscriber, whoever they are or were, the effect is thorough and prevalent throughout the entirety of the weapons, but that doesn't really leave you much room to fit this one.

You're going to have to get a bit creative with this one...

What you assume is several hours later, judging by the bone-deep weariness that plagues you when you finally open your eyes. Looking down, you see the last wisps inky smoke pull away from the gauntlets and return under the cuffs of your shirt. The metal itself has a strange, red sheen to it now, though it fades as your mana stops fueling the effect.

All in all, you're feeling a bit better about your odds. Which is good, considering you're leaving first thing tomorrow.

That's the last thought that passes through your head as you pass out at your workstation, right then and there.

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 18 END]

> Will start the next part in a minute. Brb.

Dread Knight continuation when?

File: CheckthoseSkills.png (730 KB, 1406x744)

730 KB PNG

>>2333323

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 19 START]

"Rough night, huh?"

You give a half-assed glare towards Dutch; the smug bastard returning it with a grin. There's the temptation to tell him off, but considering you're sure he slept the night in a nice cot while you've got a sore neck from spending the night making out with your workbench.

On top of getting some new clothing, you really, really, need to get a new bed. Fuckin' vamps...

Off on the side, Sierra and Goo Hwi are looking over the recently modified gauntlets you returned to the old man this morning. He was, and you guess still is, equal parts impressed and confused. Apparently, inscribing a Sigil within and around another isn't a normal thing.

You don't get what the big deal is. Then again, you're a bit exhausted from the shitty night's sleep your just got so that's probably clouding your judgement.

Currently, the four of you were at the Genovese HQ, waiting on Gladiator to get cleared to come along for this raid. Everyone's loaded down with all the supplies and weapons you'll need to hopefully murder a rather resilient vampire leader; you're no exception.

Gear List:
> Excellent Quality Longsword (Silvered) - 3d100+10
> Mastercraft Quality Heavy Pistol (7 Normal, 2 Silvered Mags) - 3d100+10
> Great Quality Single-Round Grenade Launcher (2 Fire Rounds) - 3d100

Part of you wants to hold onto the ammo you made just for Dutch, but the entire rest of your being wants to be able to walk around the city at night without the risk of undead monsters jumping you.

He does make a slightly amusing noise as you throw the two small boxes of freshly produced ammunition into his gut. Any misgivings that your old friend has are gone the instant he peaks at their contents.

"Just try not to miss now," That's the only advice you give Dutch, any retort on his part is cut off by the man in question strolling into the room with the sword you modified strapped to his side and a pack of his own belongings over his shoulder.

"Everyone ready to leave?" The warrior certainly sounds a lot better than he did just after the previous fight against the vamp leader, so that's good. Everyone just nods in response to the question, "Good; let's go hunt some vamps".

With that, the five of you set out to do just that.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 87 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2333399
When can we make the grenade launcher an under barrel for the clockwork assault rifle?

Rolled 86 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2333399

Rolled 99 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2333399

>>2333383

Part 19 is the final part to this story arc. Once this is done, DQ will continue then. So maybe this coming weekend? Gonna try for that anyways.

>>2333404

Once you get your rifle back, or make another one, you'll be able to make the modification easily enough.

>>2333406

That's a 109, Great Success.

Writin'

>>2333399

This entire trip is slated to take your group two and a half days, possibly less if you maintain a brisk pace but, while no one wants to say it, you call all tell that Gladiator is really pushing himself to stay at the head of the pack for the first day. The next morning, though, he appears to be in much better shape so that's one good thing at least. You also feel a bit better, owing to the fact that sleeping on a bedroll with your girlfriend curled up next to you is far more comfortable than a desk.

You're only surprised that it took until halfway through the second day for something to go wrong.

It was subtle and faint, but you definitely catch a whiff of what smells like burnt rubber as you walk through the forests. Your newly minted Heavy Pistol is in your hands in an instant as you glance about.

"John?" Sierra is the first to question your actions, mostly because she's the person closest to you currently, "Something wrong? Or did you spot something?"

"Can't you smell that?" Your, admittedly strange, question gives the rest of your group pause, though you can see each one of them wrinkle their nose a bit as they catch onto what you've noticed, "Yeah, that. C'mon, let's see what it is".

[1/2]

>>2333417

[2/2]

Sweeping through the forest, you lead the five of you on what could easily be a wild goose chase. It's a long shot, but you can feel a pit of dread slowly growing within your stomach that keeps driving you along.

This all comes to a head when you make it to a clearing and you pause in place at what you see.

Flipped over and half in a ditch, there's the mangled and scorched body of some kind of automobile. The ground surrounding it, however, is what really catches your attention as it is stained with blood. Whatever happened here wasn't recent, as you can see where the weather has slowly eroded the evidence of what has occurred, but it doesn't take a genius to realize what's happened.

"...the hell is this?" Dutch is the first to break the silence, just looking over the scene with a disbelieving eye, "Who the hell was running one of those... things way out here?"

Your response?
> "...I think we found those missing mercs"
> "Don't have a clue, Dutch"
> Say nothing, go check out the wreckage
> Say nothing, keep going

>>2333428
> Say nothing, go check out the wreckage
after searching the wreckage,
> "...I think we found those missing mercs"

>>2333428
>> Say nothing, go check out the wreckage

>>2333428
>> Say nothing, go check out the wreckage

>>2333428
> Say nothing, go check out the wreckage
I'm torn I want to drop the bombshell, but does john even know they used a car? Since he missed the actual train job since he stole the caboose.

>>2333428
> "...I think we found those missing mercs"

>>2333428
>> Say nothing, go check out the wreckage

>>2333429
>>2333432
>>2333441
>>2333500
>>2333519
>>2334332

Any lead at this point.

Writin'

>>2333428

Without a word, you walk over to the wreckage. Trying your best to ignore the bloodstains at your feet, you kneel down and start looking.

It's not hard to do, either, as when you pull the door aside it falls right off the rusted hinge. Pushing the scorched hunk of metal to the side, you start rooting around the interior.

The reason for the extensive damage that was clearly done after the fact becomes apart quickly enough when you come across the slagged remains of a computer that was installed within the dash board. Despite the fact that there's no way to recover any of the data that was once within it, you can easily pick out the custom parts and layout that immediately calls to mind the datalinks you pulled out of the train all those months ago.

"Well," You speak up, pulling yourself out of the remains of the vehicle before turning to the rest of your group, "I think we found those missing mercs".

"What mercs?" Gladiator looks over the wreckage before glancing at you, "We specifically checked to make sure no one was hired by these freaks".

"They're from that train incident a while back," Motioning towards the remains of the vehicle, you continue your explanation, "They were hired to kill the three of us and then make it look like the Genovese were the culprits. Guess this is, or rather was, Rider's ride".

Silence reigns for a few moments before Gladiator continues leading the way towards the vamp stronghold.

All five of you try to ignore the bloodstains that trail in the same direction.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 13 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2334689

Rolled 89 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2334689

Rolled 5 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2334689

>>2334740

That's a 104, Success.

Writin'

>>2334689

Despite how high strung everyone is from the crash site, the rest of the day's journey pass without an issue. You didn't believe it either, but all the group of you make it to camp unmolested.

The next, and final, day of the trek is by and far the tensest. You and Dutch both lead the group with guns drawn, Sierra and Gladiator in the middle, and Goo Hwi taking up the rear. No one says a word for the last several hours, not wanting to risk it as you venture further and further into the darkest part of the forest.

And then, after so much walking, you come to the outskirts of the stronghold.

At one point in time, this was probably an elegant, old-styled chateau. Now, however, it's half-collapsed and just in a state of general ruin. The remains of the homestead is slightly sunken into the ground, though the main entrance way is still intact and clear.

On the other hand, there's a part of the collapsed section that you might be able to squeeze through.

Lastly, there's a higher story window that looks like you'll be able to climb up to.

It all comes down to how you want to make your entrance.
> Head in through the main entrance
> Head in through the collapsed section
> Head in through the upper window
> Other

>>2335111
>Upper window

avoid any glass still there in the frame but we need the high ground

>>2335111
>> Head in through the upper window
least likely to be watched

>>2335120
>>2335128

Top floor it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 61 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2335145

Rolled 92 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2335145

Rolled 46 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2335145

File: 1407273571740.jpg (320 KB, 1024x683)

320 KB JPG

>>2335111
Well taking the place apart from the topside down should mean we are not gonna be jumped from behind. Let's go with the window but let's be careful to not trigger any traps.

>>2335150

That's a 107, let's see what you see.

Writin'

>>2335169

That's a pretty good photo. Another good reference, the one I mainly have in mind, is the Old Chateau from Pokemon.

>>2335111

You decide on heading for the upper floor. You'll be exposed for a while to get there, but it won't be as much of a trap as walking into the front door is and you won't have to worry about getting bogged down in the collapsed section.

As best you can, you lead the group the long way around through the forest, coming out back into the open next to the standing wall. Motioning for Dutch to cover you, you holster your heavy pistol and start pulling yourself up. There's several points where the stonework is crumbling, but for the majority of the wall it is still within good condition. Whoever made this was probably a master mason, for the structure to last this long.

You make it up to the open window and slip in, quickly scanning the room with your weapon drawn. The room is some kind of spare room, several dirty sheets draped over rotting furniture that you make sure to search under and around before giving the all clear to the rest of the group.

It takes a few, extremely nerve wracking minutes for everyone to catch up to you. You're very firmly within enemy territory now, where these freaks have had who knows how long to entrench themselves.

Thankfully, the five of you all collect yourselves from the climb, the others looking around the room while you walk over to the doorway. The door itself is still intact, but has clearly been weathered over the years. Experimentally, you pull it open a bit and glance about the hallway. There's no one else around, and you don't hear anything moving for that matter, but the atmosphere mixed with the smells of rotting wood, long stagnate air, and something else doesn't comfort you.

On one hand, the hall leads down towards the main entrance and, you presume, the main rooms of the house; the dinning room, the lounges, and so on.

On the other hand, the hall also leads off in the other direction; probably to where other storage room are, but perhaps there's something else hidden away in these dusty corners.

Now what?
> Head for the main hall
> Look around the storage rooms
> Other

>>2335227
>> Look around the storage rooms
multitool? multitool.

>>2335227
Storage room

>>2335229
this is our goal

>>2335248
>>2335229

Storage rooms it is.

Writin'

File: 1334358223081.jpg (1.01 MB, 776x961)

1.01 MB JPG

Den of stinkin' evil! Cover your nose, Sierra, we will leave no crevice untouched!

Or, should it be... "untorched"?
In either case, as rule no.1 says: pillage THEN burn

>>2335306

That's pretty badass.

>>2335227

No point in rushing things too much; might as well see just about everything you can first.

The halls are still disturbingly quiet, even as all five of you slowly creep through the halls. One by one, you check in on the other rooms, mostly in hopes of finding the magitech you had stolen from you.

Unfortunately for yourself and your gear, you don't find anything of note within these storage rooms. all that is within them is just old furniture and rotting linens, left to slowly decay in the forgotten corners of the manor.

Your sense of direction tells you that you're being turned back towards the main entrance, though you can see another hallway that isn't quite so dusty heading off in another direction. When you take a closer look, in fact, it seems that it's been recently disturbed; the fact that there's places without dust where someone has walked telling you as such.

You're at yet another fork in the road.
> Head to the main hall
> Look for whoever has been walking around
> Other