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

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Artificer+Quest

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

> Archives and Character Sheet are both updated and current
> This story arc is going to be something special, as it will be a crossover between AQ and Magical Girl for Hire.
> Thread is beginning shortly
>>
>>2442745
Welcome back and happy Easter OP!
>>
>>2442745

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 20 START]

[CUTSCENES START]

> “...Alright… I think the fucker’s dead; unless you want me to start chopping him into cubes…”

> “Don’t tempt me, if he has another form after blowing his skin clean off I’m going to burn this place to the ground on top of him. Just help me move the old man so I can work on him”.



> “John, should we go secure that girl? It didn’t look like she was dying, but weren’t you asked to help her?”

> “Yeah, yeah, that’d be smart. Go with her, Glad, just in case there’s another surprise lurking; Dutch and I’ll handle things here”.



> “Just stay still, Goo Hwi, we brought these bandages for a reason”.

> “Huh, you really did manage to kill him?”

> "Who? Alright, lady, step out with your hands up, or you’ll find out how fast I can fire these six-shooters”.

> "Alright, alright, just don’t shoot. Did that old asshole forget to mention me…? Whatever, doesn’t matter, you want to kill these vamps permanently right? Don’t want them to come back? I can show you how, I just need to get back to Shirahoro”.

[1/4]
>>
>>2442745
Time for some sweet crossover!
>>
>>2442750

Thanks man, hope you had a good holiday too.

>>2442757

> “Councilor… I see you have lowered your guest’s accommodations recently”

> “You have a chair, be thankful for that. Is there anything you wish to say for yourself?”

> “I… am righteous in my actions. Do… you perhaps not know you are in the wrong?”

> “...You are a smart individual, Ex-Councilor, so drop the act. The crimes you are facing are treason against the People of Shirahoro, and treason against the Council to His Majesty. Do you know what the punishment is for your crimes?”

> “I… am… righteous… Justice… lies… with me…”

> “Justice has nothing to do with the actions I have taken against you, and your co-conspirator. Justice has its place but this is not it; in these situations we must hold with the agreed upon Laws, regardless of our personal thoughts on the matter. However, it is clear that you have forgotten this”.

> “Justice...? Law...? Convenient words, when they come from your position…”

> “Perhaps, but this is how the Laws of Shirahoro state things must be done. You, Councilor Tang Wen, have been proven to have endangered the citizens of His Majesty and to have betrayed the principles of your post. I, Councilor Hwang Sun-Woo, acting in the place of His Majesty, acting as an Arbiter of the Laws of Shirahoro, sentence you to death for your crimes. Do you have any last words?”

> “He… was… Just…”

> “Goodbye”

BANG



> "...Take his corpse and put it on the pyre with the rest. Like before, he committed suicide after realizing he was surrounded. Now, I have to report to His Majesty on the status of the cleanup”.

[2/4]
>>
>>2442767
Well, I'm glad our present we made him was useful...
>>
>>2442767

> "WHAT!? What do you mean there was a mole!?”





> “You’re telling me that he’s dead, but he got a report out before his ‘accident’ and now the Bonannos, Colombos, and the Lucchese are mobilizing”.





> “...Yes, we have a… trusted individual who would be able to fulfil the role, but we do not have the personnel to fight those who would be sent nor will I be risking another breach by hiring those whose loyalty we cannot confirm”.

> "Sir, I believe I have a potential solution”.

> “Good. Yes, I may have a solution. You want a week until you’ll be able to properly secure the site? Just fulfil your side of the arrangement”.



> “Goodbye. Now, you said you have a solution? Go on”.

> “It’s something that I found years ago during my research, but I am not sure as to whether or not it will work and I know that, if it does, it will not be cheap”.

> “Do whatever you have to do now; as long as you can get the extra support we’ll need by tomorrow morning, you’ll have a blank cheque to work with”.

> “I’ll get to it immediately”.



> “Secretary, please send Dutch and Gladiator up to my office immediately for an emergency meeting”.

[3/4]
>>
>>2442767
Good to see a gift being used for good usefull stuff

>>2442772
And he said he wouldn't need it. Ah!
>>
>>2442781
I get the feeling John is not going to get much vacation time, especially with his shop all busted up...
>>
Really excited to understand this New world, as a MGH reader. Looking forward to the quest!
>>
>>2442781

[4/4]

> “Heeeyyy, look at who showed up! Between your work and that girlfriend of yours I’m surprised that you managed to escape your shop!”

> “Of course I showed up, you said it was important Dutch… The fact that we’re in a Genovese bar that you got emptied means that it is, so what’s the problem”.

> “Aw, c’mon. Quit being such a fucking killjoy John! What happened to my bud? Remember the bar crawls we’d do back in Airgrid? I miss those times… You’re just a fuckin’ neerrd now”.

> “And now you’re trying to liquor me up… Whatever, cheers”

> “Cheers!”



> “Ahh, that hits the spot. At least they supplied the good stuff this time. Another!”



> “So, what did you want to talk about?”

> “Argh for fucks sake… Look, I just got out of an emergency meeting with the Don and there’s a job that we need you on, immediately”.



> “I don’t know much, but enough was said that tells me there’s some serious shit going down. There’s a Ruin up for grab and, while the Don wouldn’t tell me what’s gotten him so strung out, there’s something in there that we need an Artificer for. And, last time I checked, there’s only one that we trust in Shirahoro…”

> “Dutch… You know I can’t keep running back to the Genovese when they call; I left for a reason, and if there’s a Ruin being fought over I don’t want to be in the middle of that shitshow. I’m lucky, but I just have to be unlucky once for everything I’ve worked for, everything I’ve done, to fall apart. I just… I just can’t risk it Dutch”.



> “...Remember that favor you owe me, John?”



> “I’m calling it in here”.



> “You’re fucking with me”.

> “Nope, my orders were pretty damn clear on this. The Don thinks you’re the guy for the job, and he told me to get you on board no matter what it takes”.

> “...for fucks sake…”

> “Welcome to the club, asshole. Glad to have you on board”.

> “Fuck you too”.

clink

[CUTSCENES END]
>>
>>2442790
I just want to know were the fuck Archmage found stuff about the intersection. Or maybe that was just Sal's work
>>
>>2442799
Damn it dutch
>>
>>2442799
God dammit Dutch!! We promised the elf waifu no more deallings!!! Dam it hurt to be a man with honour. Hopefully Siera won't find out...
>>
>>2442811
The mc in artificer has a gal name Siera?
>>
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>>2442799
>Dutch... mah boi... thiz feels almost... almost like we're onna... watsitsname...

>onna train

kekeke
Looking forward to this
>>
>>2442799

You are Miranda Styles, an Outgoer based out of the Intersection, an extra-dimensional everywhere and nowhere. Normally, you’d be heading out on a contract either solo, or with one or two of your teammates.

This time, however, you’re heading to some unnamed death world half ruined by, if your Intel is to be believed, a serious strain of virus with no less than four of your team, bringing to mind hazy memories of a life long gone. Your contract sounds rather straight forwards, go to the target area, secure it against outside forces, let a local Artificer case an Ancient Airship, and wait some amount of time until your employer scrounges up enough reinforcements to hold the site without you, but you haven't been doing this for almost a century to think a ‘simple’ mission won't go FUBAR.

Any further introspection on how many ways this mission could go wrong is interrupted when you finish your trip through dimensions and burst back into reality.

Blinking the dots out of your eyes, you take a single step forwards, calmly looking around what appears to be some kind of cleared out warehouse. The place is dark, the only light coming from a set of ceiling lamps directly overhead that, upon looking down, reveal a series of sigils and glyphs drawn on the floor in chalk of which only about a third are glowing.

“Heelloooo?!” Behind you, Owlia apparently cracks first and calls out into the darkness, “Anyone here?”

You want to reprimand her for acting out of line already, but in all honesty the curiosity of where exactly you are and where the person who summoned you is burns away at you. Thankfully, you aren't kept waiting for long.

“So, you all are the “superstars” that thing mentioned,” Practically materializing out of the darkness is a middle-aged man, the bags under his eyes making him look worse for wear, who can’t seem to keep a scowl off his face clad in simple crimson robes. Reaching up to adjust the pair of glasses over his eyes, you can feel the sheer judgement coming off the man, “Well, come along then”.

And with that, he steps to the side and motions for your group to walk forwards. With a slight shrug, you step off the teleportation gylph and lead your team into the darkness.

The lights come on right as you do, your helmet immediately adjusting to compensate, and they show that you are, in fact, in a rather large empty warehouse.

The man who summoned you still hasn't said another word, just walking over to a door and opening it, the sounds coming from the opening telling you that it goes outside rather than to another room. He turns about after doing so, looking at you expectantly.

Now what?
> Ask the man about the general situation and the contract
> Ask the man what the deal with those sigils was
> Ask the man about this virus you’ve been hearing about
> Ask the man something else
> Say nothing, walk through the doors
>>
>>2442826
Ask about virus.
>>
>>2442826
> Say nothing, walk through the doors
>>
>>2442826
>Sigils

hmm interesting is this standard procedure? or are we demons
>>
>>2442819
A elf girl and yes he does.
>>
Just as a heads up, things'll be going a bit slower than that going forwards; had some time to prewrite for this but since I am on mobile don't expect the most expedient of updates.

>>2442819

Sierra, but yep. You can thank a natural 100 for that one.

>>2442800

Remember that Archmage does the occasional research into.. forbidden subjects.

>>2442798

Welcome to AQ; remember that trains are your enemy and you'll be good to go.

>>2442790

It's been a month since Sigfried was killed; he got a bit of time off.
>>
>>2442826
> Ask the man about this virus you’ve been hearing about
>>
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>>2442811
Sierra will understand. She won't be happy, but she'll have our back.

R-right?

>>2442819
yes, an elf bartender mage, lucky roll promoted her from random npc to MC's gf
>>
>>2442850
Coolio.
Also, wut? Trains? Some kind of thing that happened or are all trains legit bad for some reason?
>>
>>2442867
... I don't know whether to envy you or to yell at you.
>>
>>2442870
Haha well im getting more curious by the second!
>>
>You can thank a natural 100 for that one.

Best roll of the entire quest.
>>
>>2442867
uhh, i think it is best summed up by "we dont like trains, trains are bad. over all if you see a train Yell like fuck and run like the blight is on your tail"

optionally, derail it/let naomi touch it and yell "FUCK TRAINS" further explanation is unnecessary.
>>
>>2442858
Of course she will. Girl is mad in love with us.But we will need to sleep in the forge for a couple of days...
>>
>>2442882
Im starting to get the feeling i should read up on AQ, but damn that's a lot of extra reading up..
>>
>>2442892
thread 4, train arc have fun
>>
>>2442867
Trains are a bad omen in this quest. If we see ANY evidence of a train shit is going down. Don't ask how just jnow that is what will happen. Fuck trains man.
>>
>>2442897
>>2442899
Aight thx
>>
>>2442867
Our first adventure together with Sierra was a routine job of helping out at a train headed for town of Shirahoro where John currently has a store.

As it turned out, it was not quite that routine. Train's proprietor hired John and his friends (Sierra and Goo Hwi the elderly killing machine) just to sacrifice them during a feigned kidnapping intending to frame the rival underworld faction, the Genovese (to which Dutch, John's bff, and Gladiator the mafia enforcer belong)

John found out thanks to his tech skills and defaulted on contract stealing a caboose, but the enterprise left him with animosity towards trains
>>
>>2442897
>forgeting about the train tracks we found with the goblins during our dungeon dive

thread 4 is just the start when the trains reveal their bad omen...fucking trains.
>>
>>2442911
Lol, starting to get the picture. Digging it too, nice to have a 'thing' like that with characters
>>
>>2442922
our thing with john is "luck" "sierra" "demon monster thing" "very scary man you wouldn't not assume is that scary"

two other MC's have their own thing, but john is the first and best in my opinion
>>
>>2442826
> Say nothing, walk through the doors
>> Ask the man about the general situation and the contract
> Ask the man about this virus you’ve been hearing about
>>
>>2442922
desu it's more of a thing with players than character(s). The arc went on for several threads and for most of the time we were worried what to do to ensure safety of ourselves and our separated companions.
>>
>>2442826
>> Ask the man about this virus you’ve been hearing about
> Ask the man about the general situation and the contract
>>
>>2442846

There's nothing 'standard' about summoning a magical girl kill team using an Eldritch horror's business card.

>>2442841
>>2442856
>>2442934

Ask some questions and start walking.

Writin'
>>
>>2442846
extra dimensional beings. With four 'x' in extra.
>>
>>2442950
>There's nothing 'standard' about summoning a magical girl kill team using an Eldritch horror's business card.
Hah, pretty concise
>>
>>2442846
>is this standard procedure?
Not really. in theory we just need an empty space to matelizalize, but sometimes sal tels the contractors to do a little ritual in order to sell the whole show of extradimensional beings
>>
>>2442950
>There's nothing 'standard' about summoning a magical girl kill team using an Eldritch horror's business card.
Depends on who you ask; It's pretty standard for the magical girls in question.
>>
>>2442950
Love how you summed that up.


Hiiiii, everyone!
>>
>>2442970
éllo
>>
>>2442970
Wassaaaap!
>>
If our gals don't look like they're straight out of dark heresy or inquisitor I'll cry
>>
>>2442988
I AM somewhat curious to if we look regular or what we look like this time
>>
>>2442988
>>2442995
Somehow i wouldnt mind looking regular for this one.

>>2442970
Ikr? My thought exactly!
>>
>>2442995
There was a reference to a helmet, so we've got some sort of gear on.
>>
>>2443012
True. May just be combat gear though, and look regular under, unlike the time we was some kind of space looking monster thingy
>>
>>2443012
maybe we got the gear we had when we dealt with the power thief.
>>
>>2443021
We chose to wear the power armor, so we likely look like we did when we killed evil superpower Captain Planet.

>>2442950
For all of the peoples we've butchered, it was the end of their worlds that would be scratched into the ashes of their memories.
For us, it was Tuesday.
>>
>>2443029
Taco Tuesday, and not any taco Tuesday, but Soft taco taco Tuesday.
>>
So, this world's got a pretty good mana regeneration rate. Depending the riders the client has bought for the contract, I think it prudent to clear a perimeter around the work site with Nebula Busters, using the mana condenser to keep us topped off.

Just go Full Belkan
>>
>>2443057
.....uhh can you say that in a version of English, so that us poor artificers may get what you mean.
>>
>>2443057
Could be good. As i recall, regen was 4k a day. And im pretty sure there were no riders purchased, which is a huge 'yippee' from me
>>
>>2443057
the mana regen is 4000 per night. and there are no riders.

THEY WILL LEARN TO FEAR.

>>2443065
Basically mana regen is how much mana our girls ...regen per day. in this case, its 4000 mana per night. nad the riders are the conditionals we have to do in order to get paid. but since we have none, we just need to protect the team the the airship however we see it fit.
>>
>>2443057
>Ruining Security
>Recommended Outgoers 3+
>A scouting team for a local organization of mine has recently located a rare Ruin, said to be containing a Hangar and an Ancient Airship within. These, along with any artifacts within, would be of GREAT interest to my organization. However, due to a double-agent, word of the discovery has gotten out, and several other groups are moving to capitalize and secure the finds within Ruin. You will be sent in with a trusted Artificer and several top operatives to case the Airship properly and secure it against outside forces.
Riders Purchased: None
>Total Payment: 120 Large Motes


>>2443065
Riders are restrictions or extras purchased by the client, such as minimum collateral, no killings, keep in character, etc. They are technically optional, but we get paid more if we adhere to them, and it can hack off the client if we ignore them.
>>
>>2443065
Mg protag uses mana for spells. This world's ambient mana means she regenerate quite a bit of it per day, so she doesn't need to be stingy with it, unlike certain other worlds.
Nebula Blaster is probably her strongest "blast spell".
>>
>>2443065
Miranda can fire a magical nuke that can level cities and destroy floating islands.

The kicker? In this world, once per day.
>>
>>2443065
Mana Regeneration Rate - How quickly the characters restore their Mana, which is what lets them use their magic.

Nebula Buster - variable yield explosion spell, most powerful attack spell in Miranda Styles' spell list. Goes anywhere from 50 pounds of C4 to low-yield tactical nuke (extreme low end).

"Riders" - clauses written into our contract that stipulate restrictions.
Example: Collateral Damage Rider means we aren't supposed to cause collateral damage to the world as part of our operation, so no wiping out the city (which we've done).

Mana Condenser Array - device that collects and condenses ambient mana, increasing the regeneration rate or storing extra mana in crystals.
>>
>>2443091
The floating island was with help, and though it's pretty powerful, im not sure she could actually remove a city
>>
>>2443091
>once per day.
Twice, if don't concern ourselves with keeping extra mana in the tank.
>>
>>2443097
However much i'd love for her to be able to
>>
>>2443097
Shockwave

Izumi is here and can boost it, so it's so true
>>
>>2443098
technically we could, but we would be very dizzy at the very least. remember that we had to stay in the airship´s reactors when we were low on mana?
>>
>>2443091
>>2443088
>>2443082
>>2443086

useful on the blight i would reckon, and slightly fearful of the collateral people we care about.

>>2443095
thanks for the break down.

Now, i wonder if any of that magic could be used in Golemancy....
>>
>>2442826

"We were informed of the presence of a virus on this world," Izumi, stoic as usual, walks over to the man and starts talking, "Unfortunately, information was not forthcoming. Would you be able to tell us about it?"

The man doesn't say anything for a moment, reaching over and closing the door before he does so, "You are talking about the Blight. We have reason to believe the Ruin you are going to is clean, but your concern is not unfounded".

He stops there, clearly taking a few seconds to put his thoughts together. Thankfully, he doesn't take long.

"The Blight is some kind of ancient scourge; of the texts I've been able to transcribe I've yet to find a past civilization that didn't at least reference it. Regardless, you'll know what it is when you see it; it's appears as a thick, black ichor that corrupts its surroundings. You all are wearing armor of some sorts, so you won't have to worry about corruption if you merely get close to it. From your boss' description, I imagine you all will be able to handle yourselves if confronted with some of the lower and mid forms of Blight. However, I warn you now that the best course of action if you encounter any higher forms is to run. No matter what you are capable of, a single mistake can kill anyone, regardless of origin".

"... Higher forms?" Mono speaks up first, sounding far more unsure of herself than you are used to.

"Yes. Now, let us go," Without waiting for a response, the man opens the door again and walks outside.

You follow him, as you don't have anything else to do, out the door and into the world proper.

The first thing that hits you is that you're currently at some kind of port, great wooden ships that look like they've come out of the Colonial Era are docked nearby while groups of men hurridly load and unload cargo. No one gives you as second glance as you follow the man, even though you look nothing like anyone else in the area.

Behind you, you can hear Owlia and Cyclia whispering between themselves, likely trying to get an idea of what this world's tech level is like first hand rather than through the information your Future Sight spit out.

With a similar thought in mind, you step up your pace until you're beside your patron, "We received a brief outline of our mission, but I would like a more in depth overview of the situation as soon as possible".

If the man is irritated at your curt words, he doesn't show it when he turns to you, "There will be a full briefing on the situation given to you when we speak to the Don; that is where we are heading now".

[1/2]
>>
>>2443109
You need to talk to Cylica and Owlia about crafting, but I bet they could do stuff
>>
>>2443065
For reference, here's Miranda's ability sheet: https://pastebin.com/eTu7U2PZ

Mana regen here is 4,000/day, which is rather high compared to other places we've been.


>>2443091
Nebula Buster is awesome, but we're looking at a potentially protracted defense; Let's not go using all our mana in the first 5 minutes.


>>2443109
>Now, i wonder if any of that magic could be used in Golemancy....
The Intersection's got a firm stance (with rather harsh penalties) on not leaking tech, sorry.
>>
>>2443095
She’s supposed to help secure the ship though, right? Better be prudent with use of explosive force
>>
>>2443118
bullshit. explosives fix everything
>>
>>2443118
We're supposed to secure the hangar and its contents. Clearing a perimeter around the hangar of any and all life makes security easier.
>>
>>2443115
I said once because that leaves us with more than half tank
>>
>>2443112
Oh shit, we’re gonna get blighted to hell and back, aren’t we
>>
>>2443132
Sal already promised to personally heal us if we get sick, so no problem on that.
>>
>>2443115
dammit no short cuts there.

But with this sheet, i suggest you use the standard low powered magic blast if you want to avoid looking out of place in a fight. fireballs are a known mages weapon even if mages themselves are not that common in the public eye.

>>2443132
If you are, then we are all fucked and we may have to use the control measures. So lets hope we don't come to that
>>
>>2443132
Nah we have a eldritch patron. We are safe. But we shouldn't run into those things.
>>
>>2443139
>i suggest you use the standard low powered magic blast if you want to avoid looking out of place in a fight.
Why would we try to blend in tough? the faster they know they are outclassed, the faster they´ll leave (or the faster we´ll erase them with the nebula buster)
>>
>>2443135
That'll mean an emergency extraction of the Blighted person back to the Intersection for medical care. It'll make the rest of the mission more difficult.

>>2443132
People didn't want to buy the preventative anti-viral nanofluid, or the skin-disease cure-all.
We'll see how well that pans out for us.
>>
>>2443144
Yeah but if Sal has to save us it's mission over and you know how that'll look on our stats PLUS we lose a big possible payday!
>>
>>2443145
the more outclassed they know they are, the more guns are pointed at the biggest threats. but point taken
>>
>>2443147
>People didn't want to buy the preventative anti-viral nanofluid, or the skin-disease cure-all.
Because it was expensive as hell, was just for one person and we had to take it in doses. it wasn´t worth it.
>>
>>2443144
>But we shouldn't run into those things.
Run into them as in won't encounter them, or as in enter melee with them?

Because blood magic using the Blight is a thing, from what one of the Artificer Quest people was saying, so we can still get virus bombed.
>>
>>2443151
Unless we get really unlucky, we could sent people back individually if they get infected.

And if someone does get infected, we should try healing magic before panicking.
>>
>>2443162
>it wasn´t worth it.
We'll see.
And that's just the Virus Cleaner. There was still the salve that would cure disease, too, as a reactive solution.
>>
>>2443168
Agreed, just it being apocalyptic shit i assumed that just a scratch of the blight would mean youre a goner
>>
>>2443112

[2/2]

You just nod, dropping back behind him again. The port area around you gradually shifts into some kind of business area, the people walking by wearing various kinds of more formal wear. For a death world, this is certainly not the squander you were expecting the people to be living in. The surprise evidently goes both ways, as you spot numerous people doing double-takes as the sight of your group. The ones that do don't appear to be running for the guard, but there's also several walking at a far more brisk pace than before.

Oh well, not like there's anything you can do for now.

Looking behind you, you confirm that your tech support is alternating between sightseeing, peering into the nearby buildings, and just walking along, hand in hand.

Aside from those two, Izumi is looking about at seemingly random. If you could guess, she's looking for any potential hostiles. Perhaps she's got a point in doing so, as a group of guys on a corner closely watch you all pass by. They're not visibly armed, but the attention is still concerning.

Last up is Mono, simply humming along as she walks. She must be enjoying the change in scenery.

Now what?
> Join Owlia and Cylcia in sightseeing
> See what's got Izumi so high-strung
> Ask Mono how she's liking the area
> Danger Scent your contractor, just to be sure
> Other
>>
Gotta run to dinner. Be back later.

>>2443176

> just a scratch

Funny you mention that...
>>
>>2443168
yes but get them gone asap. its best not to hang about blight. Otherwise she might get up as a infected and then you may have to subdue/kill her.

>>2443181
>Danger scent

this should be fun to see
>>
>>2443181
>> Danger Scent your contractor, just to be sure
>Izumi
>>
>>2443170
the angel eyes ointment? i{m iffy with that one because it seems like the blight is a disease that gets spread trough the skin, but it also affects everything else. The ointment only protected against skin based diseases. (how i understood it, it would treat skin cancer, but not a cancer that reached the skin)
>>
>>2443181
>Other: Start checking people and things with the FarSight, and see if it will now give details on the Blight.
>Other: Ask if there are any Blighted regions nearby or along the way to the Area of Operation, so that we can scan it and determine its threat to our team.
>>
Problem with blight is that it has track record of wiping out more advanced civilizations.

and things op mentioned ooc suggest it is not a force to be underestimated, or brute forced through.
>>
>>2443200
without telling you IC, the blight may or may not have covered most of the world other than this continent.

oh and this is mostly right >>2443204
>>
>>2443204
>>2443208
Guess we'll find out if we're going to get fucked over by our overconfidence and stinginess.
>>
>>2443181
> Danger Scent your contractor, just to be sure
>>
>>2443227
>overconfidence and stinginess.
you couldn´t be more wrong. Word of god literally told us ¨no¨ when we wanted to prepare ourselves better.
>>
>>2443200
Just avoid that shit. Imagine as if Nergal had a love child. The bligth would be it if not his direct influence
>>
>>2443181
>Use your danger scent
Will he smell like strawberries or will he smell like rotten vegetables?
>then join Izumi

Also I wonder if we can use Izumi's and Miranda's danger scent to sense if the blight is nearby. do the locals have any way to sense it from far away?
Either way I'm pretty sure that it will smell like hell.
>>
>>2443227
running away is a option you know?
>>
>>2443181
Ask mono

>>2443237
Im betting more of rot.

To ppl who dont know, Miranda van kinda gauge how dangerous people are based on smell - flowery or other benign stuff means cakewalk, vomit-inducing rot means run
>>
>>2443181
>> See what's got Izumi so high-strung
>>
>>2443250
So what would John smell like?
>>
Can someone give me a quick rundown on Magical Girl for Hire Quest?
>>
>>2443233
>Word of god literally told us ¨no¨ when we wanted to prepare ourselves better.
Did you even read what he wrote?
He limited information and what we could get, but it was 3 players that didn't want to buy the equipment he offered.
He still offered preparatory gear, it was players who refused to get it citing it was too expensive and that our magic can already handle it.

Overconfidence is refusing the helpful tools that the QM offers.
>>
>>2443196
> Danger Scent your contractor, just to be sure
>Izumi
Serious Randa.
>>
>>2443237
Also it will be really funny to see Miranda and Izumi sniff like hunting dogs every time we enter a new area

>>2443250
When I meant hell I meant disgusting smell of rotten flesh, rotten anything and despair
>>
>>2443269
No idea, havent read his quest, but basically if he's dangerous in combat, he smell bad. It doesn't really account for gear though, so if he got like a disintegrate gun but is otherwise weak he would smell sweet
>>
>>2443181
> Danger Scent your contractor, just to be sure
> See what's got Izumi so high-strung
>>
>>2443273
Miranda and her friends are from the Intersection, an artificially created universe where people from different timelines congregate. It is administered by the Dealmakers, higher dimensional entities who are able to do hopscotch around timelines and universes.

Miranda is in the employ of Sal, one of the middle management level Dealmakers, in his multi-universal mercenary company called Silver Eye Solutions. He brokers contracts with people that stumble upon how to contact the Dealmakers.

Miranda is a mercenary, and has spent 70 years in this business, and has a 90%+ contract completion rate. She's professional, cunning, and in this for the money.
Her morals are pretty evil by some standards, but that's only because she's seen afterlives, and so only cares about harm to a person's soul; that's the one line she won't cross (unless the payout is absolutely massive).
She will wipe out a town of innocents without batting an eye, killing every man, woman, and child, if that's what the client wants, and has done so before.
>>
>>2443269
My guess? He smells like Sulfur
>>
>>2443276
>3 players that didn't want to buy the equipment he offered.
that´s not being overconfident, that´s avoiding wasting your money. why would you buy something that your teammates can already do?

>Overconfidence is refusing the helpful tools that the QM offers.
nah. overconfidence would be to take no healing items when we have no healers, because we are untouchable. what happened was that the items that Handler offered us didn´t do what we wanted, and the one that did was way too costly for something that was temporal and we had to use it before we got sick. hell, the plasma carbine costed less and is forever.
>>
>>2443289
John can handle himself in a fight, although we’ve avoided situations when he’d be fighting alone against boss enemies.
He knows a single spell, adrenaline surge, that gives him extra combat roll (2d100 instead of 1d100).
He also has a semi dormant ability - aspect of chaos - that turns him into a literal monster at cost of eroding his sanity and personality; we kinda agreed to not use it outside of utterly hopeless situation where death of someone very dear to us was otherwise imminent.

So, depending on whether intent or capacity come into play here, I guess John could smell quite atrociously.
>>
>>2443342
So he would smell like sulfur (rotten eggs)
>>
>>2443333
I have actually no idea what that smell like. Some where in between rot and flowers on danger? Also a rather specific smell, what makes you think that?

>>2443342
That sounds awesome, i really like that 'last effort at a cost' deal. Adrenaline surge is really nice it seems as well. How does he fare compared to a regular joe? Like what is his strength and fighting abilities? I get the feeling he is less fighty and more craft/clever
>>
>>2443327
Thanks anon.
How useful are Miranda teammates?
>>
>>2443356
Hmm how dangerous is sulfur smell to Randa? Maybe pain in the ass to eliminate but you can/maybe survive the battle?
>>
>>2443339
We don't really have powers that can treat diseases. Miranda's spells just treat physical trauma, Lorelei doesn't have any healing spells, and Izumi only has a healing aura that accelerates the natural healing process, so if the disease is terminal then it won't be of much help.
Which teammate can help with diseases?

Just because the item wasn't a perfect solution doesn't mean it wouldn't have solved the problem to an acceptable degree.
>>
>>2443378
Izumi very much so, mono probably less so. The other ? Hmm, probably pretty good, havent seen them in combat yet, but lot of know-how
>>
>>2443360
He’s decent with a blade and a pistol, although he prefers to hold advantage in equipment. But he got caught with only a blade before and was able to hold his own. Definitely above average... by now.
>>
>>2443380
From how i understood it, the smell is relative to her power. So something that smell bad is serious. Not 100% on that though
>>
>>2443360
>I have actually no idea what that smell like. Some where in between rot and flowers on danger? Also a rather specific smell, what makes you think that?

The closest thing would be the smell of rotten eggs.
>>
>>2443378
Izumi is good with swords and guns and tactics. She doesn't like slaughtering innocents OR taking candy from babies.
Owlia and Cyclia are mad magitech scientists and very capable when they are well equipped, like now.
Mono is a cute puppy who can sing illusions into reality, she isn't very experienced.
>>
>>2443380
Sulfur, or brimstone, is commonly associated with hell and demons.
>>
>>2443385
Well Owlia was a commander in her world and researcher and Cylica...well Cylica was a general in her world so she should be pretty powerfull however comparing her with outgoers is kinda....unfair really.

Miranda and Izumi are the real heavy hitters. Momo is a bard Owlia is a scientist with gadgets and Cylica would be a mage using the power of crystals.
>>
>>2443405
That too. Also Sulfur used to be one of the basic element in medieval alchemy
>>
>>2443378
Izumi - Focused on combat with weapons, she's good with swords and guns. As much a professional as a warrior, she subscribes to a sense of honor and still adheres to a more principled outlook than Miranda. She tries to avoid civilian casualties as a matter of being good, rather than because she'll get docked pay if the client bought the Minimum Collateral Damage Rider.
https://pastebin.com/Tidzvf5N

Mono - new kid on the team. She's a bit of a wolf girl (beastkin) and is able to alter the landscape using her singing. She's good with assault rifles and even better with rocket launchers and energy weapons, acceptable with swords, terrible with sniper rifles, and can only use the really big handcannon type pistols.
Her hands are big paws.
https://pastebin.com/eHa6sP5S

Owlia and Cylica are magitech scientists specializing in crystals. Owlia can fight because she implanted a crystallline mana channeling array into her body, Cylica is a skilled fighter with a magitech staff, and both have a magitech power armor suit.
>>
>>2443394
Good to know. As for comparison, he probably couldnt hold a candle against Miranda in hus base form, but that other form he has sounds pretty powerful..

To give insight to the AQs, 'Randa is a good fighter as well as hella strong due to magic enhancement, once killed an npc by a solid punch to the stomach resulting in a blood vomiting case of ruptured organs

>>2443405
Yeah that's why i wondered why this specific smell might be mentioned as a guess, like if he had a deal with a demon or sth
>>
>>2443378
In a nutshell:
>Izumi & Miranda= veterans/seniors, former is a speedy weapons master and the latter is Goku
>Cylica and Owlia= Newbies, can make magice crystal tech
>Mono= newbie, sings to warp reality
>>
>>2443426
>once killed an npc by a solid punch to the stomach resulting in a blood vomiting case of ruptured organs

Remind me again which mission that was?
>>
>>2443443
I believe it was the western one, i think it was when she cleaned that one town. Just remember the image in my head, thought it was a painful way to go. Unnamed npc as a recall, a few of the deaths were described shortly but vividly
>>
>>2443378
Izumi is a 70 year old moralfag demon hunter and is a peerless blade master, firearms expert and sharpshooter. She is a fantasy /k/ommando.

Owlia and Cylica are kind of unknown. They didn't stand a chance Vs Miranda, Lorelei and Izumi on the job where we recruited them. Fact is that they lead a nation to victory in a war so successfully that their opponent had to contract a a intersection merc army to stop them. They use crystal magic, and Owlia is capable of illusions with her heirloom staff.

Mono is a reality warping siren and a half wolf. She can sing anything into creation and alter reality with her song. In the mission she was the PC we played her as a slasher villain. A guy had to run a gauntlet and if he survived he could join an evil society. We changed it into nightmare on elm street
>>
>>2443469
I feel i need to point out with all these points if reality warping that it isnt as OP as it sounds, so far it's really nothing tremendous. So far it has been kinda altering the landscape temporarily or getting people on edge and stuff. And it's only while she sings
>>
>>2443426
Feel free to peruse
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2266250/#p2270023
For a boss fight
>>
Here's what I remember of our inventory:


MIRANDA

SUPPLIES:
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 1 Large 5-Crystal Pack (250 Mana * 5)
> 3 Pairs of Murmur Stones
> Oxygen Respirator
> Mana Condenser (2500 Mana per 12 hours)
> 1 General Purpose Potions and Elixirs Pack

WEAPONS:
> 1 Flamebringer Sword (Fire/Gravity Elemental)
> 1 Mana-Enhancing Rapier
> 1 Simple Pistol
> 1 Elemental Stone Shotgun
> 1Anti-Vehicle Rocket Launcher
> 8 ’Moleworm’ Proximity Mines

AMMO:
> 31 Solid Fuel Anti-Vehicle Rockets
> 10 "Highball" Seeker Mines
> 20 Plastic Explosives
> 10 Pistol Magazines (12 Rounds per Mag)
> 2 Incendiary Pistol Magazines (160 Rounds)
> 1 Pepper (Fire) Stone Shotgun Charge (30 Rounds)
> 3 Red Stone (Fire) for Elemental Stone Gun (Unknown Compatibility or Capacity)

TOOLS:
>1 FutureSight PDA

IZUMI

SUPPLIES:
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 1 Large 5-Crystal Pack (250 Mana * 5)
> 2 Pairs of Murmur Stones
> Oxygen Respirator
> Mana Condenser (2500 Mana per 12 hours)

WEAPONS:
> 1 Mastercraft Demonkiller Katana
> 1 Bo Staff
> 1 Pair of Daggers
> 1 Assault Rifle
> 2 Automatic Pistols
> 1 Sniper Rifle

AMMO:
> 20 Assault Rifle Magazines (30 rounds per mag)
> 25 Pistol Magazines (20 Rounds per Mag)
> 40 High Caliber Sniper Rounds
> 20 Armor Piercing Sniper Rounds
> 20 Phosphorus Sniper Rounds
> 2 Incendiary Assault Rifle Magazines (200 Rounds)
> 4 Incendiary Pistol Magazines (320 Rounds)
> 1 Incendiary Sniper Rifle Magazine (50 Rounds)

TOOLS:
>1 Grappling Chain
>1 General Purpose Gun Repair Kit
>1 Sword Cleaning Kit
>1 Portable Sword Sharpening Toolkit
>>
>>2443479
She created ghosts, and she sung a good deal of stuff into being to stop that Captain planet dude.

But yeah it isn't op. Takes a lot of mana and concentration. She hasn't really been brought to her limits yet as both jobs were only against single targets, so her actual potential is unknown.

Her songs can definitely be used to bypass traps and puzzles if we can't get past and explosions are not the answer.

And I forgot, izumis magic is nearly on par with Miranda but is a bit more on the finesse side of things
>>
>>2443509
OWLIA:

SUPPLIES:
> 3 Simple Quality Shield Shards
> 1 Portable Crystal Quality Measurement Set
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 2 Pairs of Murmur Stones

CLOTHING/ARMOR:
> 1 Set of Custom Crystaltech Armor
> 1 Set of Casual Workman’s Overalls

WEAPONS:
> 1 Custom Crystaltech Staff

TOOLS:
> 1 Portable Mana Wavelength Measuring Tool
-------------

CYCLIA

SUPPLIES:
> 1 Power Crystal
> 1 Portable Crystal Quality Measurement Set
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 2 Pairs of Murmur Stones


CLOTHING/ARMOR:
> 1 Set of Crystaltech Armor
> 1 Set of Royal Robes
> 1 Set of Workman’s Suit

WEAPONS:
> 1 Royal Crystaltech Staff
--------------------

MONO

SUPPLIES:
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 2 Pairs of Murmur Stones


CLOTHING/ARMOR:
>1 Silken Singer’s Robe
>1 Basic Wanderer’s Garb

WEAPONS:
> 1 Katana (Whitefang Blade)
> 1 Blooddrinker Sword
>1 Triplicate Crossbow
>1 Throwing Dagger
>1 Strange Potion
>1 N5 Plasma Carbine


TOOLS:
>1 Metronome
>1 Hourglass
>1 Fusion Energy Generator
>>
>>2443506
Nice thx, will look into that!
>>
>>2443509
>>2443517
We were told flamethrowers would be available locally here.
Is that true?
>>
>>2443523
Pretty sure if we meet up with John and make a commission for a couple of flamethrowers, he'll make a couple of flamethrowers.
>>
>>2443517
Mono's swords are from that one mission right? I think i recall the blooddrinker to be straight up life leech, but what was with the other one? Dont remember
>>
>>2443550
Never got to use it. We ended up killing the guy with our Triplicate Crossbow.
>>
>>2443550
The Whitefang Blade was the one she got from her phantom double, I think.
>>
>>2443570
Really? I think it's from the gauntlet mission though
>>
>>2443570
Nope. It was the Gauntlet. We found it in a chest that had this whole dragon motif.
>>
Back now. For those curious about John's combat ability, he's effectively a Combat Engineer at his base. And, as Anons have mentioned OoC, he's got exactly one trump card.

>>2443294
>>2443282
>>2443251
>>2443237
>>2443228

Check to be sure, then see what's the deal with Izumi.

Writin'
>>
>>2443577
Blood drinker and the avelyn crossbow and dagger are from the treasure chests in that job. Katana is from the awoo phantom

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1928352/#p1935180
Here is mono's mission if anyone is curious about her ability. If you scroll up you can see Izumi school two higher ranked outgoers in a 1v2 show match without anything but her swordsmanship and basic spells.
Well, until they cheated and the event was cancelled. We totally had that in the bag
>>
>>2443602
Yeah that's kinda what i gathered, good to get cobfirnation though. Gonna be interesting seeing how well our set of protags are gonna complement each other!
>>
>>2443594
Hmm you're right, it wasn't named until put in our loot list.
>>
>>2443615
I'm looking forward to Owlia asking about anything nonstop and Cylica trying to make her stop.

Also looking at Johns character sheet, he has a lot of stuff, damn.
He better keep those away from Owlia because she's not gonna keep her eyes off them.
>>
>>2443615
>The team nerds and John are seen huddled around something and talking in hushed voices. Anyone who knows either party is equal parts terrified and curious
>>
>>2443687
Haha yeah i imagine that. Miranda is gonna be some proper fierce firepower as backup, and let the tinkers do the tinkering
>>
>>2443673
Tbh I expect her to steal or copy all his shit
>>
>>2443707
Maybe he won't mind if she decides to modify some of his projects WITH THE POWER OF CRYSTAL MAGICS!

I'm especially interested in a crystal enhanced grenade launcher...
>>
>>2443715
I think he'd be miffed if there was no way for him to maintain or reproduce it.
or if she touched his stuff without permission.

But they'd probably have a delicious conversation about magitech.
>>
>>2443181

If there’s one thing that you’ve learned to be during your time dimension-hopping, it that you can't be too careful. Of course, there’s such a thing as being paranoid, and at least appearing to be paranoid can cause issues.

So, the fact that Izumi’s doing her best impression of a windshield really does concern you. It would be one thing if you were in the middle of a war zone, but you're walking through a pretty clean section of this city. Sure there’s dark alleyways and all that, but no one walking by seems to be afraid of anything besides, well, yourself.

Either way, you’ll just see what’s the matter with the gal after doing a quick double check on your patron. He hasn't exactly given you a reason to distrust you, but there’s just something… off about him. Concentrating briefly on your sinuses, you focus on the man in front of you and inhale.

Blood, so old it should be stagnant yet continues to run, floods your sense of smell; the coppery fragrance feels like it is burning away at your nose until you force the effect to end.

Turning away and shaking your head, you have to hold back to urge to start gagging. Oh, man, that really cleared you up…

Forcing yourself back to straight, you stare at the back of your patron. Alright, so the guy’s dangerous, duly noted; some kind of high level mage then? Whatever, you’ll look into it more later.

For now, you should see what’s wrong with Izumi.

[1/2]
>>
>>2443731
Huh, stronger than i thought, and with a hint of maybe some blood magic or staying alive via magic or his life energy being intertwined with magic or something
>>
>>2443423
>Her hands are big paws.
Not paws, just big hands.
>>
>>2443773
Huh? That wasnt actually clear to me either

Anyway, gotta skedaddle, it's like 4 in the morning here. Looking forward to reading the rest if the run!
>>
>>2443773
Her hands are big hands?
>>
>>2443784
clawed big hands
>>
>>2443784
>>2443780
iirc it was specifically mentioned that it was just bigger than average habds rather than actual paws.
>>
>>2443731
>Blood, so old it should be stagnant yet continues to run, floods your sense of smell; the coppery fragrance feels like it is burning away at your nose until you force the effect to end.
Wow, that's actually mildly alarming; one of the most dangerous people we've smelled in quest, though pre-quest Miranda has undoubtedly smelled worse.
>>
>>2443798
Not so surprising archmage is know for studying the dark arts so it isn't a complete surprise for him to be like that. Add up he's one of the top man in the local mafia power circle makes sense he's so powerfull.

At least he hasn't gone crazy...yet.
>>
>>2443731

[2/2]

Slowing yourself down enough so that the dark-haired girl can catch up, you walk in step with her for a bit before speaking up, “Is something wrong, Izumi?”

She glances over at you, stopping for a moment before continuing her sweep, “We’re being watched, though most of them are civilians”.

“We do look like a bit of a freak show,” Slowly, the streets are clearing up as people get to work. Of course, that just means that they're gawking from within the buildings now instead, “But what’s the issue?”

“Nothing,” Izumi replies, just a touch defensively, “...There is something strange about this place, though. The people… They're not acting like they're in a desperate last stand against a horrific disease”.

You open your mouth to reply before closing it. She’s right, now that you notice it; your Future Sight plainly stated that this was some sort of ‘end of times’ era. Unless yours is malfunctioning, then something else is going on here.

Taking the device in question out, it taking the form of a rough tablet in this world, you start idly using it to scan your surroundings while occasionally using your Danger Scent to get an idea of the locals. You're not really surprised that you’ve got a nice floral smell now, but you frown as your Future Sight only gives you a general rundown of the city.

According to it, you're currently in what’s known as the Water District in which the bulk of business and trade, both above and below the board, takes place. There’s three other Districts, Earth, in which most people live, Fire, which is home to the City’s Guard, the Daimyo, based out of what’s called the ‘Main Bastion’, and Wind, where the City’s Elite and Ruling class live.

There’s a few other minor things, like how a guy named ‘Sigfried’ was instrumental in clearing the land for the construction of the city, Shirahoro, but there’s nothing that would explain the oddness of the situation.

After a few more minutes of walking, you arrive at the nondescript side entrance to a four story building.

The older man leading you walks up and opens the door, turning around to regard you all, “We’re here; the Don is expecting to meet the five of you immediately”.

“The ‘Don’?”

Turning, you see Izumi furrowing her brow. She’s not really getting caught up on that, is she?

The clearing of a throat neatly pulls your attention back to where the man is looking at your friend with a raised eyebrow, “Is there a problem?”

Your response?
> “No, lead us in”
> “No, but give me a minute please”
> “No, but Yuna do you mind doing some scouting?”
> Other
>>
>>2443798
It's if you/she throws up that something is worth a very very cautious hand around or otherwise is a sign 'you really really don't want to be in the general vicinity'.
>>
>>2443850
>> “No, but give me a minute please”
Oh boy. this might get a little bit complex
"izumi, if you want, you can stay outside "making guard""
>>
>>2443850
>“No, lead us in”
>>
>>2443850
>They're not acting like they're in a desperate last stand against a horrific disease”.


It's normal for them yeah?
everyone alive was born into this terror, makes sense that they live relatively normal lives.
>>
>>2443879

The Blight predates all but a few of this world's modern civilizations. So yes, they were born into this terror.
>>
>>2443850
>No, lead us in.
Don't worry Izumi, we know how to deal with mafia bosses ;)
>>
>>2443850
>> “No, lead us in”
Give her a bit of a glare, she's professional enough to keep a lid on it for now.
>>
>>2443850
> “No, but give me a minute please”

He wants to meet all of us.


Oh yeah Izumi is a moral fag i forget about thay.
>>
>>2443875
>>2443890
>>2443887

Beam us up, Scotty.

Writin'
>>
>>2443850

“No,” You speak up, a bit more coldly that you’d like perhaps but it’ll have to do. Turning to the side, you give Izumi a glare through your face plate before facing forwards, “Lead us in”.

Without another word, the man heads inside. Grabbing the door before it can lock shut, you lead your team in.

For what you’re suspecting is a mafia headquarters, the place is rather neat and clean; reminds you of an office building more than a crime den.

Following your contractor up several flights of stairs, you come up to a set of double wooden doors that the man knocks on before a voice from within call out. With one last look at your team, noting that Izumi refuses to meet your gaze, the man pushes open the doors and holds them for you to enter in first.

The five of you step into a rather simple, if large, office, a set of couches and a coffee table the only things in here besides a wide, polished wooden desk.

“Welcome, ladies, to Shirahoro,” Behind the desk sits a semi-portly man, a lit cigar slowly smoking in one hand as he regards your team, “I see your attempt was successful, Archmage”.

“It was,” ‘Archmage’ walks past you, sitting down on one of the couches with a small frown.

“Good, good; the expediency to which you accepted our request is something that I am personally grateful for,” Taking a drag from his cigar, the Don regards you with a thin smile, “Now, I imagine you have questions for me; ask away”.

Any questions?
> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
> Ask about the other groups involved here
> Ask about the other people being sent with you, specifically the Artificer
> Ask about payment
> Ask something else
> Don't ask anything
>>
>>2443983
> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
> Ask about the other people being sent with you, specifically the Artificer

Because we all know that escort quests are shit
>>
>>2443983
>> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
>> Ask about the other groups involved here
>> Ask about the other people being sent with you, specifically the Artificer
all of them in that order.
>>
>>2443983
> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
> Ask about the other groups involved here
> Ask about the other people being sent with you, specifically the Artificer
>>
>>2443983
>> Ask about the other people being sent with you, specifically the Artificer
> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
> Ask about the other groups involved here
> Ask about payment
>>
>>2443983
> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
>Ask about the other groups involved here
>Ask about payment
>Ask something else: A full briefing on the Blight and to scan a sample along the way.
>>
>>2443983
>> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
>> Ask about the other groups involved here
>> Ask about the other people being sent with you, specifically the Artificer
>> "When are we leaving?"
>>
>>2444015
>>2444006
>>2444003
>>2444000
>>2443990

We have questions, lots of 'em.

Writin'
>>
>>2443983
> Ask about the Ruin itself and what contents you can expect
> Ask about the other groups involved here
>Ask about the other people being sent with you, specifically the Artificer
>Ask about payment
>Ask for a document/brief explanation about the Blight and can you sense it from a far. do they have any Blight sensors or something?
>>
>>2443983

“The site you hired us to protect, a Ruin of sorts, please elaborate on that,” Cylica speaks up first, putting that silver tongue of hers to use.

The Don just nods, “The site is a Ruin two days travel by boat from here due north east. From what little the initial scouting team explored before one of them turned traitor, it consists of an underground complex containing some kind of Ancient Airship. Now, those things don't come around often, it’s been decades since the last one was unearthed, but when they do there’s a lot of power at stake”.

"What do you mean by power?” Owlia asks out of the blue. “Are they usually like, a giant warship with a bunch of weapons, a carrier with a lot of lost technology, anything like that? Something to shift the tides of a local power struggle or something?" ...Suppose it makes sense why she’d be so interested in that. Quick deja vu.

If the Don takes issue with the interruption, he doesn't show it as he puff briefly on his cigar, “Like I said, these finds are few and far between. Many times, these ancient vessels are in pieces by the time someone gets to them, but even they have worth. The technology on board, if properly researched, can be worth it's weight in gold. Unfortunately, those capable of reverse engineering technology from long-dead civilizations are not often within our sphere of influence. We’ve got a team who should be able to work on it without breaking everything involved, but they won't be able to arrive to the site until seven days from now”.

The way Owlia and Cylica look at each other is clear- they’re taking that as a personal challenge. They say nothing, just give each other slight nods of the head.

“Your primary objective is to secure that Airship. The rest of the Ruin hasn't been touched, so there’s a good chance for finding additional artifacts there. Naturally, I’d be more than willing to compensate you all for any addition artifacts you find, but they are secondary here,” The Don continues his speech, looking you directly in the eye as he does so.

Speaking up after he’s done, you ask the question that’s been bothering you, “You mentioned a leak, and it was stated in the contract that other groups were involved here; what groups are they and what can we expect from them?"

[1/3]
>>
I wonder what we can collect here for use later.
>>
>>2444173

“We were able to… contain the leak, but even still I know for a fact that the Bonnano, Colombo, and Lucchese families are mobilizing teams to secure the Ruins. I'll have a full dossier of their specialities and such prepared for you to study, but keep in mind that any specifics will not be accurate to a certain degree. They’ll need time to prepare, and even more to travel, but they’ll have long secured or looted the site before we can get aid from our main branch,” Reaching into his desk, the semi-portly man pulls out a map of what you assume to be the local region. He taps three areas in quick succession, Shirahoro, what you assume to be the place those three groups are deploying from, and the general area of the Ruin in succession, “We sail these waters frequently, so you can be certain that it will take you two days to get to the area, and four days for your competition to”.

“We will take that into consideration,” Cylica speaks up again, smoothly cutting into the conversation. “Of course, with such a delicate operation, we will have to ask about the veracity of payment before we begin”.

Without breaking eye contact, the mafia boss reaches down and pulls out a metal container, calmly depositing several platinum, platinum bars, “A total worth of 50 platinum coins, in metal, to be paid upon completion of services rendered. Enough money to retire for the rest of your lives; I imagine this is sufficient?”

No wonder this job is paying one hundred and twenty motes when your boss is dropping this much hard cash onto table without a sweat. “That’ll work nicely,” you admit.

“And the guys we’re escortin’?” Mono pipes up- you’re surprised that she managed to find her voice, but found it she has. “There was somethin’ about a group along with a ‘trusted Artificer’ or somethin’ like that. He that good?” Not a bad question.

“For being an unaffiliated Artificer, yes. He has a track record of keeping his mouth shut, despite being freelance, and has worked with us, to favorable results, in the past. We bring in anyone else, and we risk dragging even more third parties into this,” Snuffing out his spent cigar, the man spends a few moments lighting up a second one, “Now, the rest of the team will be three of my best: Archmage here is one of them, Gladiator, my head of security, is the second, and Dutch, our top gunslinger, is the third. They have all been briefed as to the situation, and are all within this building currently if you wish to speak to them. The Artificer runs a shop in the Earth District, if you want to talk to him; if you have any special requests for equipment or weapons, he’d be the man to speak to”.

[2/3]
>>
>>2444177

[3/3]

“When do we leave?” It’s Izumi that asks that one, her tightly controlled voice belying her thoughts on the matter.

“There’s a ship in port right now specifically set aside for your use. When you are prepared to make the journey, go talk to the captain. Keep in mind that once you leave, you are not coming back until the job is done,” The Don moves his cigar to the side so he can lean forwards slightly, “Am I clear?”

“Crystal,” Is your immediate response.

“Good!” Leaning back, it’s almost like the man didn't just subtly threaten you, “Feel free to prepare as you wish now. If you require lodgings overnight, I believe we have a few spare rooms here. If not, then you are free to stay at one of our beautiful city’s many inns. Good day to you all!”

And with that, you're not so subtly sent out of the room.

“I’m going to take a walk,” Izumi says out of the blue as she steps quickly away from the pack, fishing one of the Murmur Stones out of her backpack and tossing it to you. “PLEASE don’t follow me- I’ll call in an hour.” She gives you one last look- something that’s trying to be both understanding and angry- and walks out ahead.

“...What’s buggin’ her?” Mono asks blithely. You just sigh- she’ll come around, she just needs some time. She’s too good otherwise.

As for where you’re headed now…
> Go talk to this ‘Gladiator’
> Go talk to Dutch
> Go find this Artificer
> Go explore the city
> Go somewhere else
> Split up the group (send who where? Izumi unavailable)
>>
>>2444181

On that list, I gotta run off here. I got skiing to do early tomorrow, but I'll see about continuing the updates sometime late tomorrow afternoon EST. Thank you all for playing thus far, this is going to be one hell of ride.
>>
>>2444181
Should probably leave today if at all possible, even if it's late at night from visiting.

The longer we wait the more time anyone who gets their first has time to dig in or loot and run at the first sign of trouble.
>>
>>2444181
>> Go find this Artificer
>> Go explore the city
>>
Hope you lot enjoyed the run! I'm glad there's so much interest. Hope it keeps up!
>>
>>2444181
> Go talk to this ‘Gladiator’
> Go talk to Dutch

i'm kinda glad Lori isn't in this job having to deal with her and Dutch together would be a huge headache.
>>
>>2444181
Miranda
>> Go talk to this ‘Gladiator’ And Dutch
we need to coordinate security protocols strategies and such; also see what they have in mind regarding defense perimeters and what would be the expected offensive and expected ordnance they'll carry.

Owlia, Cylica and Mono
>Go find this Artificer
>Explore the city
Find the artificer, see that he (and his equipment if needed)is safe and sound, and check the nearby stores for any thing that we might find useful. Cylica should be more than capable of discerning that.
>>
>>2444211
The flirting would have been off the charts, I won't lie.
>>
>>2444181
Supporting >>2444212

>>2444185
This.
>>
>>2444213
I take it Lori's a blonde?
>>
>>2444181
>Miranda
Talk with Gladiator and Dutch

>Mono, Owlia, Cylica
Go find this Artificer. Get flamethrowers and an idea on this Blight.
>>
>>2444220
I'm curious if John's Blight wound will make him smell more dangerous than he is.
>>
>>2444213
Specialy since she should be thirsty after what happend in the robobattle world.
>>
>>2444219
Dirty blonde, edging brunette.
>>
>>2444226
...why would she? if anything, the one that got blueballed HARD was tooru.
>>
>>2444224
Considerig that his bligth wound is what allows him to turn into what i like to call "his Hide form" i believe he would.

Most likely somethign between Blood, rotten eggs and fire
>>
>>2444232
Lori is always thirsty.
>>
>>2444181
>> Go find this Artificer
We can talk to the not-mobsters en route. We don't have anything to ask them about besides their capabilities anyways.
>>
>>2444181
Idk what the hell's going on right now, but one of the 'For hire' anons mentioned golemancy so these guys are all right. Maybe they can slide some golem frames our way? Even if they're made of rock and such.
>>
>>2444229
Oh yeah, Handler? About Jago, did Lorelei alter his AI? I was kinda unsure whether or not we did or didn't.
>>
>>2444181
>talk to gladiator
Like anon said, discuss security coordination procedures.
> talk to artificer
Does he have sensitive/fragile equipment? Are ruins/artifacts fragile?
Also supporting leaving asap, don't see the need to hang around.
>>2444234
>his Hide form
Hyde?
>>
>>2444285
He mentioned once we got back that Jago counted as property, so no. Fuck knows what she has done since then though.
>>
>>2444286
Yes his "Mr. Hyde form"
>>
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>>2444288
There is only one answer for that.
>>
>>2444288
It is not mentioned whether jago was given sentience.
>>
>>2444498
>>2436543
>The swaaaaarthy fellow? Heeeeeee’s loot- unless you do that VERY nifty trick on him again. But, final decision isn’t teeeeeeechnically my call to make anymore.
>Uhhh...okay, so, just throwing it out there- I made a couple robots sapient and one I’m thinking about making sapient
A big deal was made of Pri having new thoughts and modes of thought. Jago did not. I can't be bothered going back to check if he was there when Lori was comparing Zero's and Mixer's eyes but if you were paying attention it would be clear that we never possess him. Unless it was off camera after the mission ended which doesn't seem likely given the snippets that handler included that he would skip that one.
>>
>>2444265
sorry new fag, their guild has a and i quote "very firm stance, with harsh punishments, on leaking tech"

no golems this way, looks like we are just going to take the stuff we got back from sigfried

>>2444181
>Dutch, gladiator

talk to all the people, because i want to see their reactions and because knowing two of the best none damyo fighters in the city is a good thing.

i give it 5 minutes before dutch tries flirting
>>
>>2444200
Sure liking it so far, I'm sure it'll be great.

Wonder what stick Izumi got up the arse... Eh, she'll come around, maybe just iffy she didn't get told beforehand there would be criminals involved
>>
>>2444662
She is a moralfag. She doesn't work for people she see as evil, lawbreakers or go against her morals. Mafias check all her boxes
>>
>>2444671
I just figured she was more of a "I know it's happening, and that sucks, but more importantly - I don't wanna undertake jobs where I do these things", so I figured she wouldn't mind all that much working for mafia guy, so long as she doesn't have to go and do evil shite
>>
>>2444671
>moralfag
She is a PURE magical girl who fights for PEACE and JUSTICE.
>>
>>2444671
Maybe she’ll make friends with Sun, the head of the bastion, or Gang Ryong, the local vigilante.
We’re on very good terms with the former and sort of okay with the latter, although Gang does not like the mafia men at all iirc
>>
>>2444679
the scary Councillor from the second cut scene and "the devil of the east"

and gang doesn't like us very much i don't think he tolerates us because of goo hwi
>>
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>>2444678
That sounds like the very model of a moralfag and a good person

>>2444682
Maybe his opinion of us improved since that vampiric clusterfuck? I guess it depends on whether he decides to blame us for Goo getting involved and injured, or appreciate us fighting at his side.
>>
>>2444686
i think his last words to us were "and john, if you get goo killed because of your mafia buddies, i am going to kill you slowly"

but i may be wrong. and now i am thinking about what the moral mage would have done in that ruin dive with the goblins.
>>
>>2444688
Well, it was not *our* mafia buddies who initiated the coup (this time).
>>
>>2444691
somehow, i doubt the "devil of the east/dragons lair" cares very much for semantics when the end result is the same.

if goo dies, and it is because of his link to us and our link to the underworld then we may be on the receiving end of a goku plasma ball.

for an artificer, we have far too many odd friends
>>
>>2444696
somehow I doubt the "devil of the east" is retarded enough to pin blame for vampire invasion on us, but I suppose we'll cross that bridge when we reach it.
>>
>>2444211

Admittedly, that was one of the first things I mentioned to Handler when we started talking about this crossover.

Damn shame Lori didn't come.

>>2444265

TL;DR: these girls are the extra-dimensional version of hiring deniable mercenaries, with an adjusted price tag to match.

>>2444211
>>2444212
>>2444215
>>2444220
>>2444240
>>2444286
>>2444616

Looks like we're definitely having Miranda talk to Gladiator and Dutch, but looks like we're split on what to have IT + wolfgirl do first.
> Find the Artificer
> Explore the city
>>
>>2444706
>artificer
>>
>>2444676
We weren't told who the employer was, if she had known she would have refused. Probably royally pissed at Sal for knowing and not telling. They've been at this for nearly a century, he knowingly pulled a fast one on her
>>
>>2444706
>Find the Artificer
>>
>>2444708
Probably. Miranda's vocally not a fan of Izumi’s ethics, but she's always been respectful enough to abide by them on some level at the very least.
>>
>>2444706
> Find the Artificer
>>
And if the ladies here are mercs, whats the going success rate/defaulting rate.

for the amount the don put down, i dont think they will default here, but it would be nice to know how good a track record they have
>>
>>2444717
Pretty solid for Miranda & Izumi.
>>
>>2444719
Miranda and Izumi both have an over 90% success rate. The other three are too new to really have a success rate worth worrying about.

Lorelei, the thirsty gurl we keep talking about that isn't here, is the one that's been there a while, yet has something of a low success rate. The job we just came off of was explicitly to bolster it because the higher-ups were getting leery on her.
>>
>>2444717
>>2444722
Quoted the wrong person.
>>
>>2444706
> Find the Artificer
>>
>>2444717
The Don said the pay would be enough for everyone to retire on.
Miranda should have responded that said amount would only last for two month’s rent.
Fucking yokels thinking their trinkets and baubles are the finest treasures in the world; yeah, sure, the finest for THEIR little corner of existence. Our standards are quite a bit higher.

How likely is the Don to renege on his contract?
>>
>>2444729
Honestly, unlikely. You are things conjured up by archmage, a scary individual in his own right. So pissing off mages from another world is just dumb.

Also, bad business ethic. your services may be useful at a later date so best to have a good standing.

And platinum bars like that is still a fair amount, no matter where you go. metal never goes out of fashion [in most cases]
>>
>>2444729
Yeah i laughed a bit internally when he sad that about lifetime

>>2444732
Yeah it's a pretty sweet pay, although where they go back to the pay is gonna kinda evaporate into a currency called motes, that has valued based on how much people think the converted item was worth.. so yeah plat bars will translate into a lot of motes
>>
>>2444729

The Don runs this branch's part of a massive merchantile company; if he's offering enough money you're getting paid in minted bars, he believes that what he'll be getting in return will be worth the cost.
>>
>>2444732
>>2444734
>>2444735
Still, I’d like to make a comment that the pay isn’t THAT extravagant.
It’s a nice payday, but nothing we could retire on. Maybe a vacation.
>>
>>2444739
maybe to you, but the don has no reference to your currency or world. Here that is enough to retire on, probably with a nice house.

and if it makes you feel any better, it is probably more than john and co is getting payed
>>
>>2444706
> Explore the city
>>
>>2444739
Idk man, 120 large motes? That's a heller of a payout. But yeah agreed it wont last a year, especially seeing as they have to divide it

>>2444741
I aint complaining about the pay, it's a pretty sizable sum! But yeah these gals are expensive, but usually worth the money in sheer firepower
>>
>>2444745
>especially seeing as they have to divide it
Don’t forget the cut that Upper Management takes.
>>
>>2444717
it seems like a large sum, but it averages out in 24 motes per person. the last job we had payed more.
>>
>>2444748
Well we could have take just Owlia and divide it to 2. But this way 3 rookies get more experience, and 24 is nothing to scuff at
>>
>>2444748
the currency here works on a 1 to 100 scale if i remember rightly going from bronze to silver to gold to platinum

a platinum coin is more than we have ever gotten i think. and i wonder how many coins go into a bar
>>
>>2444755
Dayum, that puts it into perspective. But yeah, 120 large motes is a heck of a lot, so im not surprised
>>
>>2444725
>>2444715
>>2444709
>>2444707

Alright, looks like the girls are meeting the Artificer.

See you all in about 9 hours, I'm off to ski.

anyone at jay peak, VT today it ooks like the tram is going to be running today; should be fun to finally get the chance to ski up there
>>
>>2444739
I think the don is using more the concept if his world for the currency worth.
>>
>>2444773
>tram

That's just a train using a modified passager car!!
>>
>>2444801
Yes, and the point was that his sense of value is that of a small economy compared to the values that Miranda is coming from.

The amount of value that to the Don seems enough to secure a lifetime of luxury is barely enough for three month’s rent (in a small apartment) at the Intersection.
>>
The weird conversion rate to motes is because when the payment is rendered and transported to the intersection, it actually transforms into mote. Motes are used by the Dealmakers to build and grow their pocket universe. It transforms the void of space-time into a habitable, physical form. Exponential growth consumes an exponential amount of resources.

The Don's money won't even plant a tree as part of the expansion. The comment wasn't calling it cheap, only pointing out that economics is bullshit.
>>
>>2444848
Yea, but that's hardly unusual for SES.

And remember money isn't the only thing with value; When those flower-based magical girls had to make up the difference on their payment, we took things they considered valuable: Old trophies, photos, toys, stuff like that.
>>
>>2444872
i wanna meet them again. I wonder if they have a plan or something like that to ¨free us from our terrible masters¨
>>
If I were to guess, an item's value in motes is determined by personal value X intersection demand since motes consists of emotion as well, hence personal items can cost as much as a bar of gold.
>>
>>2444848
More then one reason to do the secondary objective and grab as much money as we can with this job. Specialy with five girls on it.
>>
>>2444875
Biggest example is that heirloom the magical girl was willing to partways. The necklance that used to belong to her elder sister.

I was also thinking...how sad would it be if the Artificer world is one of the world Miranda was before but in a different timeline.
>>
>>2444893
we can always jam everything that isn´t bolted on into our bags of holding.
>>
>>2444901
I like the way you think anon. Maybe we can grab a magitech android for prima or Jago's core.
>>
>>2444903
yeah, my inner murder hobo is very happy with these quests.
>>
>>2444903
Yeah, after all we have two couriers.
>>
>>2444932
And a fully ruined hangar!! Boy do i hope this is a military hangar and not a boring passager hangar.
>>
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Back from skiing, was a pretty damn good day. I'll be doing some work on the next part soon, but don't expect anything an update for another hour or so since Handler isn't around yet.

And all this talk about the mote system is quite interesting. Almost makes me wonder how much a certain item in John's possession is worth.

>>2444803

You're not wrong.
>>
>>2444903
The only andriods we have encountered thus far are Giant murder bots. pretty hard to beat without immolating it to ash for you i would reckon

>>2445854
We are not handing over the multi-tool,

It came to me. My own. My love. My own. My precious.
>>
>>2445854
We should make a dedicated holster for the welder. And never leave without it.
>>
>>2445867
but what if we offered you three fiddy for it?
>>
>>2445854
>spoiler

The multi-tool? Most likely between 8 or
10 large motes
>>
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>The only andriods we have encountered thus far are Giant murder bots. pretty hard to beat without immolating it to ash for you i would reckon

Those aren't androids those are just murderbots. I'm talking about REAL ANDROIDS!
>>
>>2445885
Magic girls! Magic girls on wings! They are calling for it. They are calling for the precious.

>>2445900
Oh that? uhh........i dont think we have them. We got elves though, so if you want you can try finding your own elf. But their island may have been blighted and serria is ours.
>>
>>2445910
Oh well. Meh elfs are good enough for me.
>>
>>2445893
Seems a little high for what amounts to a fancy welding tool, though I guess it's rarity here would make it worth a little more. I'd say 2 or so L Motes.

Remember the Anais Relay from the floating Islands was only worth 3 L Motes, and it was powerful enough to change the course of a war.
>>
>>2445961
you also said emotional investment, And whoo boy we love that little device. Like our most treasured item before the gauntlet. So i think thats where the extra kick comes in.
>>
Okay, so I know a lot of people are worried about us leaving as soon as possible, but I feel like we could at the very least leave bright and early tomorrow morning just in case anyone needs to do any last-minute shopping or repairs or whatever.
>>
>>2446025
Kinda doubt we will fund anythi g usefull for us in the city. All the valuable stuff are in the ruins.
>>
>>2446025
We should be geared up; we just went through inventory management before we beamed in. Only thing we might want is to see if we can find a flamethrower, though I kinda doubt we'll actually find one.

>>2445984
Yea, that would bump it up some more; maybe 4-6 L Motes?
>>
>>2446082
fire magic and flamethrowers are forbidden in cities. so try and make it discreet
>>
>>2446065
>>2446082

Honestly, reason I'm asking is mostly because I just realized that we don't know how much ammo Monos crossbow has. If it's burst fire, then it's going to chew up bolts real quick, so I figured it's best to have some extra. John could probably whip some up easy.
>>
>>2446065
>>2446082
I dunno, I'd think that Owlia could find a good bit of use out of having her own Magitech gauntlet, especially as she's the closest thing we've got to a hacker.

And maybe a grenade launcher for Mono.
>>
>>2446091
Carrying or just using?
>>
>>2446099
>>2446097
How do you plan on paying for that? do you all have things that can make currency of the world you are in, plan on just asking for it on the house, use the dons name?

>>2446108
Well using is the crime, but I think it would be taken off you if they knew what it was. will have to ask story T
>>
>>2446114
I dont believe we have any money on team Miranda.
Also, very relevant to know the regulations of flamethrowers be4 looking into buying one, if we do manage to make some cash.
>>
>>2446091
What, why? We were kicking around picking one up before we came here for anti-blight work, but figured it might be cheaper to grab one locally.
>>
>>2446197
Not gonna happen kiddo Flanethrowers are use by...ironicaly, firefigthers. They are used to clean bligthareas and are safely stored in military compounds.

Who ever said that they could get a flamethrower must be thinking of the blackmarket. Although i guess John could make one.
>>
Also it was already stated that since we are using power armour we are safe from blight bullshit.
>>
>>2446197
we have a literal flaming sword and a plasma gun. We might not have a flamethrower, but we have means of dealing with blighted bullshit.
>>
>>2446237
Hey, isn't the Blight somewhat related to Demons? Because if it is, we've got a literal Demonslayer in our party.
>>
>>2446245
Not exactly...no demons it's just like..a chaotic thing. Think of the blight as Nurgle ultimate gift. But it does require blood magic and it's a disease(virus) thqt comes from a extra plane.
>>
>>2446212
>Who ever said that they could get a flamethrower must be thinking of the blackmarket
Does the mafia not have access to that?
>>
>>2446259
Dunno could always ask bu i think it's kind apointless with Miranda's magic blast, Momo's plasma carbine and whatever stuff Cilyca has with her.

Just because we can carry any gear we want doesn't mean we should
>>
>>2446303
Second this
>>
Sorry about the delay folks, Handler and I are a bit busy currently. I'll be back to write within a hour or so, so please be patient.
>>
>>2446303
Holy shit, a voice of reason!
>>
>>2446335
Aint no thing. Slow and steady wins the race.
>>
>>2446335
So long you keep giving quality content as you have being doing i'm fine with it.
>>
>>2443517
>>2443509
Just linking these so people have a idea of what we are carrying.
>>
>>2446303
>not gonna happen kiddo
>dunno could always ask
Those are two different things.
>>
>>2445900
...we could try putting Prima´s Core inside a body like that. would it be enough to satisfy you?
>>
>>2446406
Yes it would.

>>2446395
Wouldn't be the first time i was wrong. But then again nothing is sure until we ask. But i still think it's a waste of time since anons will most likely want to hold the carbine to save ammo.
>>
Aaaand I'm here now!
>>
>>2446303
>Miranda's magic blast, Momo's plasma carbine and whatever stuff Cilyca has with her.
We aren't sure how well a magi-blast will deal with Blight.
Bolts of plasma may burn it, but honestly, that seems like a waste of energy charges when the stuff is like Creep.
Cylica can do lightning bolts, no fire that we saw when we tested her.
>>
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Just wanted to drop in and say I'm currently going through the archives for this quest right now, pretty fun so far.

Elf best waifu by the way.
>>
Posting this update on Storyteller's behalf at the moment.

>>2444181
Well, as much as Izumi clearly still has some things to work out, she did give you something of an idea. “Alright, here’s the game plan: the three of you go track down that Artificer while I go talk to the other two members of the team. He’s set up in the Earth District, which is this city’s residential area, so I'm pretty sure the lot of you recognize what houses generally look like,” you say flatly. “Failing that, probably wouldn't hurt to just ask around.”

“Not to worry,” Cylica says airily. “I'm rather certain we can locate a craftsman's abode.” ...Yeaaah. Well, hopefully she was right about that. “I just hope we’re all on the same page by the time we leave…”

“Don’t worry,” you reassure her. “We’ll get it worked out.”

And you had off in the direction of this so-called gladiator and his allies. With a name like that, you're expecting someone rather mountainous, probably bare-chested. Maybe some kind of actual skinned fur clothing...

... Which is why you're vaguely disappointed when you see someone not barrel-chested, with a full beard and rippling muscles, but a relatively normal looking, raven haired guy in a simple long shirt and trousers. He's busy giving a number of directions to a few underlings, from the looks of things. “...don’t get complacent. We don't know what might happen back here at home, with most of us going on this little trip. Anyone might try something sneaky, or start to think this an opportunity. So don't think you can just take a few easy days!” Good advice.

He turns around, and he has... not exactly a warm smile on his face, but a non confrontational expression at the very least. That doesn’t mean you miss just how his eyes quickly scan you, making an immediate note of all obvious gear, posture, and expression.

So much for traditional looks, you suppose. “You the one they call Gladiator?”

He nods. “That’s me. I take it your the surprise Archmage was talking about? He said that there would be more of you…”

“There are,” you reassure. “They’re just going to meet another one of your operatives while I talk to you. Call me Essie.” Not the most bombastic of codenames, but it'll work well enough. “I’m also looking for another one- ‘Dutch’?”

He steps forward, not necessarily sizing you up, but keeping his ground on an interpersonal scale- his posture indicating that he doesn’t see you as an enemy, but you're still an outsider. “He’s around, but not about, if that makes any sense. So you’ll just have to deal with me for now, if that’s alright.”

(cont.)
>>
>>2446444
>Elf best waifu by the way.

She certanly is.
>>
Hm. Wonder what that means. “That’s fine- so long as I get the chance to speak with him before we leave.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure of it.” Ah. And there’s finally a ghost of a grin- wonder what about Dutch would cause that? “I’ve been told that your services cost a fair deal. Let’s hope they’re worth the cash, right?”

He at least grabs your hand when you offer yours- a firm handshake; one a bit testing, to boot. Good. Means he's covering all his bases. Means he's competent. You can appreciate that. “Don’t worry, we will be. Alright. So, if you don’t mind, i was hoping to go over a few things with you.”

Gladiator finally untenses his muscles a bit as he regards you. “Yeah? Like what?”

“Just some of the basics,” you respond as you begin taking a bit of a look at the soldiers running around. “Security protocol strategies; any ideas regarding defense perimeters, expected offensive and ordnance. That kinda thing.”

And then the grin grows into a proper smile at last. “Heh. Well, lookit that. Alright, so, here’s what we’ve got so far…”

(cont.)
---------
You are John Hoelscher, a War Artificer operating out of the City of Shirahoro, and it’s been a month since you helped put a Covenant of vampires to the sword.

> Congratulations! Your Perception Skill is now at Master Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Danger Sense Skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Build Skill is now at Master Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Build (Basic Firearms) Skill is now at Seasoned Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Build (Armor) Skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Build (Power Armor) Skill is now at Seasoned Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Build (Clockwork) Skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Build (Computers) Skill is now at Novice Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Build (Explosives) Skill is now at Adept Rank!
> Congratulations! Your General Smithing Skill is now at Master Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Smithing (Armor) Skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Smithing (Powered Armor) Skill is now at Seasoned Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Smithing (Firearms) Skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Smithing (Melee Weapons) Skill is now at Master Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Mana Sculpting Skill is now at Seasoned Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Adrenaline Surge Skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Sword Fighting Skill is now at Expert Rank!
> Congratulations! Your Pistol Marksmanship Skill is now at Expert Rank!

(cont. x2)
>>
>>2446480
It’s been a long month, mostly spent helping out Sun with rebuilding the damage done to the city during the fighting. You suspect it was more of a political move than anything else, but considering the Counselor aided you in repairing your shop you don't particularly care.

Now, after that talk with Dutch last night, you can't help the frown spreading across your face as you work. The prospect of another major contract, and another major Ruin to poke around in, is interesting and all, but you don't like how evasive he was when you tried to get any details about the job.

All you know is that it’s likely going to be a dirty dive, over what might just be a souped up Zeppelin.

“Something wrong, John?”

What was, and thinking about it since you’ve worked with her handiwork in the past it shouldn't be, somewhat surprising was Sarah who, after recovering from her time as a vampire patriarch’s plaything, immediately jumped at the chance to apprentice at your shop, much to her father’s chagrin. He’d been a mite overprotective, which you can't particularly blame him for since his previous employer sold his daughter to a vampire, about the girl but the simple fact that neither of them were going to be working on that train of theirs anytime soon persuaded him to let Sarah get some practice under you.

And she was certainly a good magineer, especially coming in handy to help you finish up that Spider drone project you had collecting dust, you just had to keep a close eye on her. Apparently Naofumi’s little ‘curse’ whenever he used magitech apparently manifested in the opposite way with his daughter; anything more complicated than a doorknob fell apart at her touch.

“It’s nothing too major,” Just shaking your head, you stand up from where you’ve been working on your latest project, putting the finishing touches on it, “I’m going to be out on another job sometime soon, though”.

“I thought you said you were done with that kind of work for now,” Kazaki, working away at the computer he helped you set up for your workshop, looks over his shoulder at you as he typed. Was a bit freaky to see him do that, but considering he is a professional and all that it makes sense. You're definitely glad to have him around and helping, as some of your recent works have delved a bit too far into computers for your elementary knowledge of them.

“I thought so too, but surprises happen,” Wiping your hands off on a spare rag, you head over to where the blue-haired easterner is working, “Once you’ve got that done let's run a test”.

“Got it,” For a guy older than you, he’s certainly got a lot of cheer to him, “And… done. Let’s see if it works…”

Turning, the three of you regard your latest works.
> A Medium Powered EXO suit
> A Combat Drone
> An Arc Furnace
> An Assembler
> A completed Humanoid Golem

(Pick Three)
>>
>>2446443
>We aren't sure how well a magi-blast will deal with Blight.

True but since the magic to summon the bligth uses blood i believe that raw mana used as a offensive will have the same effect that a well a energized bolt

The carbine is more to deal with infected if we need to clean a area from bligth we better run away

Cilyca's ligthning can ignate flamables. Hopefully we can find some kind of fossil fuel in the hangar.Also ligthning still burns stuff.
>>
>>2446487
> An Arc Furnace
> A Medium Powered EXO suit
> A completed Humanoid Golem
>>
>>2446487
> A Medium Powered EXO suit
> A completed Humanoid Golem

EXOSUIT ANONS! GOLEM ANONS THE DREAM LIVES ON!!!

> An Arc Furnace
>>
>>2446487
> A Medium Powered EXO suit
> An Arc Furnace
> An Assembler
>>
>>2446487
>A Medium Powered EXO suit
>An Arc Furnace
> A completed Humanoid Golem
>>
>>2446487
>> An Arc Furnace
>> An Assembler
>> A completed Humanoid Golem
>>
>>2446496
>>2446518
>>2446552

Looks like we're taking the EXO, the arc furnace, and the golem.

Writin' in a bit
>>
>>2446606
YOU BET YOU SWEET ASS WE ARE!! Golem and EXO suit alliance has finnaly triumphed!!!
>>
>>2444746
Honestly, I'd figured the 120 was after managements cut
>>
>>2446487

In front of you is a set of medium armor build to encompass a full EXO, servos along the arms and legs built to aid you in all manner of physical activity. Building it wasn't particularly difficult to do, only taking longer than you’d like with all the running around Sun’s had you do. Admittedly, it was for important things such as ‘we’ve got sparking wires and we have no idea why’, but still.

Either way, it’s with a sense of pride that you watch as the miniature mana reactor, based almost entirely on the one that’s powering your shop, comes online. It’s probably overkill, especially since you’re mainly using the power for the servos, the simple computer within the armor, and the display wired into the helmet, but with the power source stuck to the small of your back and encased in a layer of armor, it’s safe.

“All systems are working fine,” Kazaki reports, looking over some kind of diagnostic program, “That… mana reactor you made is holding steady, the sensors within the servos are online, and the targeting system is awaiting input. You still haven't mentioned where you managed to get that kind of hardware, John”.

“I found it on the same dive that got you that job working on those laptops.” Walking over to where the EXO is sitting, you do another look over of it. The armor itself greatly resembles the set you wore when you finally finished off the vamps, easily covering your vitals while not being too restrictive, and you spared no expense to make sure that it is just as sturdy as that set was, “The contract I was on allowed me a piece of the findings, and that targeting suite was part of it”.

The blue-haired programmer just looks at you from over his shoulder, “You're never going to give me straight answer on that, are you? Whatever, the fact that you managed to reproduce it is terrifying enough”.

At his words, you look over to where the culprit for that is, who smiles at you broadly, before looking over at the other: a strange set of frames and wires around your original forge. You’re not really sure where the idea came from, but the ability to smith without having to use fuel is a major one. The look on your supplier’s face when you told him about that…

“Hey, John? Remember when I told you that I wouldn't be able to program something that complex? Well, I was right”.

[1/3]
>>
>>2446746
>miniature mana reactor,
Miranda just had the impulse to steal something and doesn't know why.
>>
>>2446752
>Miranda

Implying it wasn't Owlia. Even so did he just created a miniature mana reactor? Man Owlia gonna nerd out with John.

Thank god she went with Cilyca.
>>
>>2446762
I'm confident that the bigger players at the Intersection have comparable if not superior magitech.
>>
>>2446766

The skyworld mission that ended with Owlia and Cylcia joining the team featured a helicarrier powered by a massive mana reactor, so you're not wrong. This one, however, is portable.
>>
>>2446752
Haha you meant Owlia is going to get her hands on that thing.
Maybe we can have a tech exchange, like Owlia tries to learn stuff from John while he learns something from her.
>>
>>2446766
Yeah, but the stuff in the intersection is pricier because it has to be "imported" (money converted to motes, then the motes to raw materials and then converted into said item). it will always be cheaper to buy things "in universe".
>>
>>2446746

With a small sigh, you walk over to where the man is looking at your final major project. Or rather, the completed form of something you tried working on before your shop got attacked.

Standing in the corner of your workshop is another, rather simple suit of armor with various wires running to it from your computer, though you know this one is far more complex under the surface than anything you’ve even imagined. You're still trying to puzzle through some of your own notes on constructing this armor golem, but you were able to complete it.

Unfortunately, it seems that there’s no way to currently get it into a working state.

“Like I said before, there’s just no way to program it to the point where it would be able to function in the field or rather, knowing you, in combat. It certainly works,” The programmer demonstrates this by taping in a few commands which results in the golem moving its arms in a rather rudimentary fashion, “But it’s useless as it is. To get it to any kind of functional state would require some kind of… intelligence from the golem itself; and that is something I have no idea how to do”.

“Well,” Sarah interjects before you can respond, “I still think it’s cool”.

Any further conversation is cut off by the sound of your shop’s door opening. That’s odd; you're certainly not expecting anyone currently…

“I’ll get it!” With a leap from the magineer, she flies out of the workshop.

Casually, you walk over to look over the golem again, hoping to figure out whatever the final piece of the puzzle could possibly be…

“Hello!-”

Sarah’s cheerful voice rings out, easily heard throughout your residence but it’s the fact that she cut her usual spiel off that concerns you.

A bit of quiet chatter leaks through, too low for you to properly hear, but the gal doesn't keep you waiting for long as she returns to the workshop, worry plain across her face.

“John, uh, there’s three ladies here to talk to you”.

That’s certainly not what you were expecting, “Got it, I'll see what this is about”.

[2/3]
>>
>>2446766
Maybe or maybe not.
>>
>>2446772
owlia already homed into John's house. She's actually guiding the team right now.
>>
>>2446779
I desperately want to say this, indeed, happened.
>>
>>2446784
then i'll keep saying it until everyone else accepts it as the truth.
>>
>>2446752
>>2446762

Miranda might be interested in one when she finds out the ones John can make produce 9,800 mana per 24 hrs
>>
>>2446770
>This one, however, is portable.
Nothing prevents the Intersection from building smaller mana reactors with more power output than John's.

>>2446775
Mote-Raw Material conversion isn't necessary.
Simple raw materials acquired by other Outgoers is enough.
>>
>“John, uh, there’s three ladies here to talk to you”.

>That’s certainly not what you were expecting,

NOBODY EXPECTS THE SES COURIERS!!!
>>
>>2446790
yeah... one (or several) of those reactors are going to end up missing by the end of the crossover.
>>
>>2446790
Storyteller stop...my dick can get so hard...
>>
>>2446790
Have you two shared all the notes, or are you actually the same guy?
>>
>>2446794 #

As far as I'm aware, and Handler hadn't mentioned otherwise, the Intersection either doesn't have the people to make something that specialized, or they're simply obsolete due to the simple fact that most people there are mana reactors in their own right.

>>2446797 #

You can try stealing from John.

I'll just say this though, it's a good thing this crossover wasn't pushed back behind the next main arc of AQ, as if it was John would have been capable of easily killing any of the girls; thus making any 'acquisitions' extremely difficult.

>>2446798 #

I aim to please.

>>2446801 #

Well, considering that Handler is actually just Sal shitposting on qst about his employees and that I'm a guy in an endless hallway between dimensions you decide.
>>
>>2446812
its not stealing if they don't notice it.
>>
>>2446815
>Handler is actually Sal.


I fucking knew it!
>>
we don't have to steal anything. We can just exchange/copy blueprints or something.

Would John even want crystal tech?
>>
>>2446819
Am nooooooooooooooot!
>>
>>2446821
Well he would definetly want a robocore like prima.
>>
>>2446819
Let's not get too meta and cause a reality failure here.
>>
>>2446821

AQ uses quartz-based mana crystals, which John is quite familiar and proficient in the utilization of them in magitech. He made a miniature mana reactor using them and a few other things; that should tell you all you need to know.
>>
>>2446879
Good thing John is already taken otherwise owlia and cilyca would try take him.
>>
>>2446776

Exiting your workshop out into your storefront, you come across what’s easily the strangest sight that’s ever graced the slightly bloodstained wooden floors.

There’s three ladies, just like Sarah said, but it becomes quickly evident why she beat feet back to you: they look like they're geared out to go to a hot zone within the hour.

The first one is wearing a heavy long coat, adorned with fur along the collar and cuffs, which isn't all that strange until you notice that she’s got wolf ears stuck to her head, the pair of them poking out through the top of an absolutely massive amount of white hair. Other than that, she’s pretty normal, a bit short maybe, with strangely yellow eyes until you look down and note blankly that she’s got unnaturally large, slightly fuzzy hands that have claws coming out of her fingers.

The next one is a tall, regal looking elven woman just shorter than you with sharp pink eyes and dark, almost purple-ish hair. There’s a set of tight, black robes around her held in place with an ornate brass clasp. It really would complete the look if she wasn't currently attempting to get her friend to put down your previous set of medium armor, still sporting the grievous wound it sustained in that last fight against the vampires, that you leave out on display.

Speaking of her, the last one is the hardest to see, given how she’s wearing a full set of powered armor. It doesn't look like anything too ridiculous, just some decorative pieces along the shoulders and a stylized helmet, until you notice that there’s a fucking mana crystal in her head.

There’s no way… Wait, no, she really did put one in her head. Unless she managed to figure out how to cut a charged mana crystal in half to get it to fit like that without exploding, which you doubt, then she did…

Now that you get a look at it, you note that it’s pulsing slightly, sending waves of, you assume, mana along lines in her armor.

She doesn't appear to react to her friend’s attempts to dislocate her from the piece, continuing to run a finger over the three groves through the chestpiece.

Well, you have no idea who the fuck these people are, but you’ll be finding out shortly.

[3/4]
>>
>>2446863
He'd literally have to pry Prima out from Lorelei's kung fu deathgrip at this point. I'm pretty willing to bet cash that Lori is currently spending most of her "rent" motes on bot accessories.
>>
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>>2446883
that shouldn't stop owlia.
Speaking of owlia, we should give her a pair of pic related with prima's analysis software included.
>>
>>2446885
>and note blankly that she’s got unnaturally large, slightly fuzzy hands that have claws coming out of her fingers.
Now this should end all those hand debates.
>>
>>2446883
Not knowing these characters, I can't tell if you mean it in the figurative or literal sense
>>
>>2446894
I'm guessing in the literal sense. Or the tech at the very least.
>>
>>2446885
this is the first time that we get an almost full description of cylica and mono, isn't it?
>>2446894
Sadly is in the figurative sense. The abductee has to be willing to go into the intersection; we can't just grab someone and force them into coming with us.
>>
>>2446894
Literal. Owlia is something of a mad scientist, and Cylica is pretty intelligent. They both love working with all sort of tech, especially crystal tech.

I wish Prima would have been a viable option for this job, would have caused something of a stir I think.
>>
>>2446902
At least in their current version on this world. Also unsuprinsily Cilyca looks like a high elf. I wonder what Sierra reaction would be.
>>
>>2446908
>Cylica is a high elf
I don't know anything about this world, but i know mostly enough about women and cylica to safely assume it will end up in a BITCH FIGHT!
>>
>>2446908
Probably to be nice to her up front and then call her some ancient elvish term for skank behind her back.
>>
>>2446913
we have universal translators. i'm pretty sure we will catch that one.
>>
>>2446913
There's more than one kind of elf in AQ?
>>
>>2446908
High elf does fit, yeah. She isn't actually one though, far as I know. Are there multiple elf types here?

>>2446910
Na, Cylica is too diplomatic for that, though she may be.. frosty to anyone she considers beneath her.
>>
>>2446916
We never saw any kind of elf beside the standard type. I'm just saying she is a hogh elf becuase she looks like nobility and has a unique natural hair colour. But then again we can pretend it's just magic.
>>
>>2446919
Or dye, for the hair colour.
>>
>>2446918
Don't forget the fact that the elven islands got bligthed so most of the 'high elfs' could be dead for all we know
>>
>>2446918
ehh... the only reason she respects (more or less) miranda is because she allowed her to grow, and bested her physically and mentally. Remember what happened with the crystal lock company? She might be classy, but she can still insult someone into the ground. Probably with word that shouldn't count as insults, to boot.
>>
>>2446928
Blight worshipping elves who aren't quite tainted enough to be squidged together masses of horror when ST?
>>
>>2446921
In a apocalipse setting? It think it would be easier to be some glamour magic.But considering there is humans with blue hair walking around. Maybe she just has a exotic hair colour.
>>
>>2446937
Darkspawns?
>>
>>2446939
It's well past the start of the apocalypse, also an apocalypse doesn't mean people's vanity stops existing.
>>
>>2446943
True true. Besides as you said could always go dungeon diving or someone might bring the use of paint and magic to change someones hair colour.
>>
(Again, posting on his behalf.)

>>2446885
Harshly clearing your throat, just to make sure they all hear you, you look the three of them over as you speak up, “You all wanted to see me?”

“Ah, yes, we did,” the tall one chimes; her voice pretty much matches her looks; regal, flowing, and with a touch of imperiousness that says that she’s used to being listened to. “I am to presume that you are an artificer of specific renown? One reputable to a certain...well-to-do businessman, that is to say?” The fact that she’s managing to keep this attitude and say this while keeping one hand on her friend’s wrist to keep her from running off says...well, you’re not sure, but it says something.

“I believe there’s a few people in this city who know me,” You can't help but narrow your eyes at the elf, “But I know who you mean; go on”.

The elf’s lips stretch into a thin smile. “He in particular has hired myself and a number of associates to provide... protective services, shall we say, for an upcoming journey I believe you’ve been informed about. I am Miss Froste, my hairy associate over there is Miss Emma-”

A quick growl is the response. “Hey-!”

But she continues like she never heard it. “And my lovably excitable partner here is Hidia.” A sharp tug on Hidia’s arma punctuates the statement as she's dragged back with a yelp from trying to get a closer look around you to the back of the store. “Say hello, Hidia.”

“Huh?” Almost as though waking from a dream, the pale-faced girl turns to you and smiles, almost a little bit too widely. “Oh, right, hi! Sorry, your stuff is just soooo interesting- I mean I’m looking at one of those rifles you have and armor- oh gosh the ARMOR it looks so novel- I’m wondering how you managed to contract the battery system but keep power to all the limbs flowing without a slipcage system, ‘cause I’m not seeing any mesh in the back-”

“Okay, cut it out, yer makin’ my head hurt!” Emma gripes, and just looks at you exasperatedly. “Sorry ‘bout her. So, you make stuff, an’ make stuff WORK, an’ you’re gonna make stuff work at that dig site or whatever, right?”

You just hold a hand up and turn back around, walking into your workshop where your two assistants are not quite listening in, “Kazaki, Sarah, thanks for the help, but we’re done for the day”.

“Aww,” Predictably, the little lady looks like you just told her she can't work on magitech ever again, “But it's still so early”.

“Sorry, but business calls. I'm probably not going to be around for a while, so consider it a vacation”.

With a look between the two of them, they stand up, gather their belongings, and head out the back door. Final goodbyes done, you walk back into the store.

“Alright, c’mon inside but don't touch anything”.

cont. (Just one more, promise!)
>>
>>2446962
Froste and Emma follow casually, while Hidia seems to have to refrain herself from skipping. “You’ll have to pardon me, I should mention; we have yet two more associates not with us at the moment. One is, ah...getting the lay of the land, while our leader- who I, sadly, am not- is finalizing arrangements and stratagems with your associates known as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Dutch’, if I'm remembering correctly. Ah, but where are my manners?” She chuckles in a way that makes you unsure if she's actually sincere or not. “I’m certain you have a number of questions. I assure you if you don’t ask them now, Hidia will absolutely inundate you with questions of her own for the rest of the night.”

“It’s true!” Hidia says without an ounce of shame. Emma just facepalms.

“So, by all means,” Froste offers.

> “I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
> “How experienced are you all, then?”
> “The Don never told me about any hired help. Why?”
> Ask a different question. (What?)
>>
>>2446964
> “The Don never told me about any hired help. Why?”
> “How experienced are you all, then?”
> “I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
>>
>>2446964
>> “I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
>> “How experienced are you all, then?”
>> “The Don never told me about any hired help. Why?”
>"Finally, how in the hell did you stick a [bold]mana crystal[/bold] in your skull and not die a particularly horrible death?"
>>
>>2446964
> “How experienced are you all, then?”
> “The Don never told me about any hired help. Why?”

> “I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
I don't get this one, we know there's more elves, and we haven't seen many.

unless we're saying we suspect her of something?
>>
Gonna have to cut it off here, at least for me. I need to hit the hay, and I have my suspicions StoryT passed out. It'll continue it tomorrow, I'm hoping!
>>
>>2446964
>> “I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
>> “How experienced are you all, then?”
>> “The Don never told me about any hired help. Why?”


In case anyone is seeing a name disconnect, Outgoers use aliases on jobs. In this case, Froste is Cylica, Emma is Mono, and Hidia is Owlia.
>>
>>2446964
>“The Don never told me about any hired help. Why?”
>“How experienced are you all, then?”
>“I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
Questions in that order, and supporting the write-in of >>2446970 as well

>>2446984
This is gonna get confusing.
>>
>>2446970
I'll support the crystal question.

one does not usually stick a generator in their face
>>
>>2446998
it doesn't get as confusing. Usually we only use the aliases instead of the real names, unless we are in private or in a situation where we need to use them.
>>
>>2447005
It will be compounded by John only knowing them as their aliases, and so will always reference them by those names.
>>
A tech trade at the end of this job. would prove useful
>>
>>2447042
wasn't that idea axed? something about the interdimensional mercs not being allowed to do that
>>
>>2447044
Purely giving yes, I would think a trade would be acceptable, considering articificer tech definitely have some value in the intersection.
>>
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>>2446964
i had to make this.
>>
>>2447070
Too ayylien for me desu
>>
>>2447070
Mono's hand reminds me of that scene in The Thing.
>>
>>2446964
> “I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
>>
>>2446964
> How and *why* did you put a crystal in your skull oh no bby wtf you doin
>>
>>2447130
I feel bad for Sierra if she see's those two in the same room.

they'll be too busy talking shop to even notice the elf.
>>
>>2446964
> “The Don never told me about any hired help. Why?”
> “How experienced are you all, then?”
> “I didn’t think there were many more elves…”
> How and *why* did you put a crystal in your skull? Please stop touching my golem...
>>
>>2446964
>pleased to make your acquaintance.
>so, what do you do?
>do you need any gear made before we set out?
>is there any new circumstances I need to prepare for?
>Elves are a pretty rare sight these days, are you connected with (Sierra’s people)?
>excuse my boldness but... what’s the deal with the crystal?
>oh and can I get you some tea or something?
>>
From the depths of the AQ archives I arrive! It was pretty good and who needs sleep anyway.
There is a bit of info I caught that people seem to have forgotten since it was so long ago.
When we told Archmage about the blood rune and the blight that came after its activation he said he's fairly certain it was a teleportation rune linked to a blight infested area and not a blight generator.
Also we (Randa) should ask the Don for some of that pay in advance because we're not leaving without buying some of the tech John has.
>>
>>2447265
Where did the bit about the portal rune to Blightland adventure park come up in this thread?
>>
>>2447265
>ask the Don for some of that pay in advance
Might be worth asking for covering expenses in top first, like we have on most other jobs.
>>
>>2447276
Some posts earlier (And in the MGFH thread) saying blood magic can create blight.
>>
>>2446964
>i didnt think there were many more elves.

>Your experiance

>How did you do that crystal thing?

>Would you like to buy something, a commission perhaps?

and then, obviously

>engadge in nerd talk with the excitable one and see how long the others take it until they try to shut us up

>>2447276
It didnt come up in this thread, but it was thread 2/3 where we got our multi tool
>>
Sorry about that folks, phone died and I didn't have my charger on me. I'll be around to write again later today. Or maybe earlier, I'm not entirely sure what our schedule for today is.

>>2446971

The deal with the elves in this world is that the majority of them got wiped out by the Blight when their homelands got infested. John knows this IC since he talked to Sierra, who her and her brother were apart of the failed defense of her hometown, about it.

>>2447042

I don't know for certain how kosher that is; you'd have to ask Handler.

>>2447070

That's great.

>>2447265

Damn, that was one hell of a binge you took there.
>>
>>2446937

Sierra's father was corrupted and ended up killing the majority of his town's best rangers if that answers that.

>>2446928

This is true.
>>
>>2447323
>>2447042

A Trade is fine; those can and have been done before and is common- many of the clothes you guys could buy were results of Trades done by intrepid Couriers. Enforcers can't Trade, but Couriers Can. You have both, so.
>>
>>2447409
>>2447323

So what exactly IS the power level difference between the Outgoers and the people in this world?

> Next arc John could have killed them all

I mean, aren't they Magical Girls that survived universe ending battles? Doesn't Miranda have a pocket nuke? Not to mention their access to post-scarcity tech almost on Culture levels? I was always under the impression that their weaknesses were mostly mission restrictions, mana access, and the fact that they ARE still mortal so if you can pierce their defenses and their up to 90 years of constant and varied combat experience, then they do still die to things like pointy bits in the soft bits.
>>
>>2447511
I don't think it'd be as easy as StoryT would think. Guns are pretty universal, and the girls generally don't just charge into a fight without intel, from what I've read.
>>
>>2447511
I think he meant more like John would have the gear / abilities necessary to actually kill any of them as opposed to now where I'd give him a fair chance to slam any of the rookies 1v1 (Without the "If I use this I am become the demons" ability), but against Miranda or Izumi I'd question it highly. And even then if it's not a straight up brawl Miranda would have the advantage of magical nukes.
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>>2447511
Yeah, I thought that was a dubious claim myself. Maybe he could do some good damage to one of them if he got the drop on them and was really lucky. But they're not just strong, they've got a lot of experience, and know how to play to their strengths.
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>>2447544
Magic does not have IFF. Spells can harm the caster and her allies.
Miranda’s Nebula Buster is restricted to long range so she doesn’t get caught in the blast herself.

>>2447555
Playing to their strengths is one thing, players not being ultra-prepared because they wanted to save money and not taking the indigenous primitives seriously is another.
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>>2447562
>players not being ultra-prepared because they wanted to save money and not taking the indigenous primitives seriously is another.

I would like to know when the players of either quest have been guilty of either of those things.

I'm not trying to start a slapfight or anything, just trying to get a perspective on what John's powerlevel is what with his "Nothing Personnel" mode.

I mean, John has access to an entire city of allies right now, being able to magi-blast a city off the map vs. setting up a trap or building a giant fuck off blight bomb are just different applications of "power".
>>
I Think this is why MC cross overs can be irritating. Because of the different systems/settings when one person claims something, they might be able to where it wouldn't make sense otherwise.

like, a level 50 barbarian should not be able to kill a level 2 space pirate because the space pirate has a gun and modern Armour. But mechanics say he could
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>>2447562
Actually, didn't Miranda recently get harmonized mana blasts to reduce friendly fire, so she can still spam then with allies around? Plus she can change the direction of mana blasts, so avoiding someone just takes a bit of concentration. Granted NB still has too big a blast radius though.
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>>2447576
i think the harmonized mana was for her mana wave attack. Now it can hurt everyone and leave miranda without making her feel sick.
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>>2447588
I thought it was so that we could use it to make different frequency sticky bombs, and then blow them all at once or in a pattern to duplicate the mana wave attack in a directed fashion.
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>>2447562
Which is why I said not a straight up brawl.
John has a place he lives in. A few hours or a day of information gathering and she would have his location. Sneak up on one of the nearby defensive wall (Or any sufficiently high building), aim approximately at it and bam it's done. Not to mention the wombo combo of double flux wave + orbital ring.
In short magic is bullshit, but not even bullshit can save you from a well placed IED when you least suspect it.

If anyone is interested here is the MGFH pastebin with Miranda's and Izumi's abilities https://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler
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>>2447596
By that same token, John could set up an IED.

Or a lot of IEDs.

Or lead them to ground zero outside the city and have the fuckoff huge guns on the walls drop artillery on them.

But I mean, in a straight up fight?
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>>2447323
>>2446977

I am excited for how the Ruins go down though. Having all the power doesn't do you any good when you have to deactivate an ancient doomsday device, or open up a door to escape overwhelming numbers, or last for extended periods of time in a mana deprived area etc.
>>
All this circle jerk of who defeats who in a fight were we can do good old business using words and money.

Besides we can always grab the scraps or tuck something inside our bag and trade with John after we end the work. Let's just stop trying to murder everyone and do good business so everyone can profit. That is always the vest option for everyone.
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>>2447595
mmm. i think we can only do those tricks with the magi blasts and the flux wave.

>>2447596
>>2447608
we´re reaching dangerous levels of keikaku bullshit. nobody wins when keikaku is involved.
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>>2447511

Depends entirely on what your comparing ability wise. The girls have far more flexibility and consistency when it comes to what they're capable of doing, but certain characters in AQ are equal or above SES within their niche; Archmage is on par with Miranda in terms of sheer mana capacity and he knows some extremely dangerous spells, Gladiator is a pure swordsman on par with Izumi, John is, crunch wise, levels beyond Owlia and Cylcia in smithing and equal in magitech, though he's severely limited to the world he is in, and Dutch, with the unique bonus he has, will eventually have the highest possible weapons modifier at a whopping +60.

>>2447511
>>2447542
>>2447544
>>2447555
>>2447562

This is something that Handler and I have talked over and this is more or less what we agreed on: John, as he currently is, stands no chance against any one of the girls outside of a duel using only weapons, even if he used his trump card, but with the next 'tech tier' he'll be getting at the next story arc, he will have the capability to severely wound/kill one of them in certain situations.

And you're absolutely right in that, even with that next tech upgrade, Miranda could easily kill John and half of Shirahoro without much effort; nothing that John will ever be able to make or gain will ever close that difference between the two of them.

But that doesn't mean that he can't cheat; or that an objectively weaker individual couldn't kill an objectively stronger one.

>>2447569

John's trump card is strong, but it is just as likely to ruin him as it is to be useful. Plus, it's not like it makes him invincible; a sniper shot to the head would kill him trump card or no.
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>yfw handler will create the /qst/ singularity.
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>>2447625
The way I see it is that John is most valuable in his ability to "buff" his allies, of which he has much more access to, or to Batman the situation by taking on Superman "with enough prep-time".

Which is a seriously under valued skill. Sort of like how in Black Company novels one low-power mage spitefully spends the whole book building a weapon specifically to fuck up a god he has a grudge against.
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>>2447630
Totes thinking that it would be appropriate to have them hit up Cinderella Sanction Quest as a one-shot summons to go into the Hedge to get back to the Intersection or something.

ABSOLUTELY they should be in Stranded Mech Quest.
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>>2447625
And there it is folks, Miranda wins the raw magical bullshit category with a magnificent Davy Crockett / 10
Meanwhile John is absolutely dominating the competition in the Asymmetric Warfare contest earning an smashing Vietcong / 10
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>>2447611
While i agree with you business is the best Solution, sometimes when you are having a drink with your new friends you start talking. And we need to have our answer straight when we reach this subject

>>2447659
*polite clapping*
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>>2447659
Just saying.

People vote for John to try to smash his way through things waaaaay too often for my comfort.
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>>2447670
To be fair. John tends to attract trouble like carrion attracts scavengers and often gets caught flat-footed by said trouble.

That said I admit you have a point.
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>>2447670
>>2447678
But do we fuck over our friends? or our partners? there is nothing to worry about on that front
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>>2447682
Well we do fuck Sierra. But she is more then a friend and a business partner so it's okay i guess.
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>>2446966
>>2446970
>>2446971
>>2446984
>>2446998
>>2447003
>>2447127
>>2447130
>>2447176
>>2447181
>>2447321

We have some questions, and something's up here...

Writin'
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>>2447678
John needs to go full Twitch.
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>>2447752
Well played.

>>2447763
I dont think we can put land mines on our back, and the only ork we have met here is dead.

Wait.......do the magic girls have something that could grant rudimentary intelligence? like a computer, stimulus A, preform action B
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>>2447770
yes, but lorelei isn´t here, and Prima wasn´t allowed to get into this mission for whatever reason. Maybe Owlia and Cylica can make up something, but i´m not sure.
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>>2447775
Damnit, Looks like the golem may need to wait a little longer. But maybe after the job is over we could discuss a trade like this a bit more
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>>2447775
>Prima wasn't allowed to get into this mission for whatever reason.
I mean, Lori gave her sentience a few days ago, and she'd be in the Intersection for about 5 minutes when we got this job, so it's not unreasonable. And I don't think Prima would have taken kindly to being disassembled anyway.
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>>2447805
i don´t even mean to her core into the golem. Prima could interface better with the machine´s software and do other things that can´t be done from the outside.
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>>2447770
Owlia and Cylica might be able to do it, since Owlia developed anti-magic drones before she was recruited.

Otherwise Miranda could look through her FarSight for a copy of “AI Programming for MagiTechnological Primitives” or if it even holds sample programs as part of its utility suite.
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>>2447808
That assumes compatible hardware and software; Not only are they from different universes, Prima is strictly technological vs the magitech golem. She's better suited as a Support bot, but that only gets you so far.
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>>2447810
now ignoring how insulted john might be, Future sight seems to be some sort of scrying. so could you in theory look for something similar to a given item,or use your magic bullshittery to look backwards in time?

and i am aware i am asking you to use future sight to look into the past, but it might work both ways
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>>2447820
counterpoint. Lori´s ability was supposed to work only on living beings, yet it gave sentience to prima. When magic is involved on either side of the problem, all the bets are off.
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>>2447828
My dude, the bot AI cores were obviously the dormant souls of an ancient civilization, stored in such a way until humans would once more reach their technological level and restore them.

Instead they became blood sport athletes.
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>>2447822
Futuresight its just a name brand, like Redbull. Its basically a multiversal wrist(?) computer it doesn´t let us see into the future and probably neither into the past, unless there are recorded books or sources of information the Futuresight can use.

>>2447833
i´m calling bullshit on that because they were made en masse. Maybe the precursors could hijack them when the time arrived, but they couldn´t be the dormant souls of the precursors.
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>>2447770
> I dont think we can put land mines on our back,

Nothing is stopping us.

> and the only ork we have met here is dead.

The only Ork we *caught*.
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>>2447822
The FutureSight is a wrist-mounted computer containing multiple universes worth of knowledge. It can scan items and provide information, as well as appraisal in Motes.
It is not a scrying device.

It is an advanced computer with enough knowledge in a form easy enough to understand, that a frontier girl with no formal education in a steampunk world and no access to industrial factories or even the automaton fabricating tools of that world, was able to build autonomous laser defense turrets and an almost complete inter-universal gateway that would have let her access other universes, and potentially get into the Intersection.

But it doesn’t scry. Not our model, anyway.
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>>2447861
It's the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy
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>>2446964

“Right…” Thinking about it, you actually have several concerns here. But, perhaps you should ease into things, “So, I understand that the Don’s playing things close to the chest here, but he certainly didn't inform me that we’d be getting hired help for this. Where are you all from then?”

Emma and Froste pause at your words, while Hidia has her focus entirely on your newly made EXO suit, straining against her friend’s grip.

You get a pang at this point that something is… off. They're not being hostile, and they're not lying from what you can tell, but something about the trio in front of you just rubs you the wrong way.

The wolf-themed gal speaks up first, after coughing into her hand, “No idea, really. Was born out in the middle of no where and just wandered about until I met our leader”.

Badlander then. You just nod and look at the elf.

“Why, I am from the elven lands, of course,” How she manages to look haughty while pulling her friend back like a naughty child is beyond you, “As how I am here… Well, I believe a hint of mystic suits me”.

“We're she goes, I follow,” Hidia responds before prompting, looking up at Froste with what you assume is a pleading look.

“And I imagine you all have experience as mercs, but have you done dives before?” You note how Hidia turns back towards you with a frown on her face, before seeing your Arc Furnace and lighting back up.

“Hidia and I are quite good at the research and utilization of mana crystals, though we have seen a fair amount of combat,” So, the mercs brought along their own tech team then. Hmm…

Emma shrugs, “I'm new to this, but where I grew up was pretty hostile so I can take care of myself”.

“That’s fine,” No experience with going into Ruins? Why the hell did the Don hire these chicks then? “Dutch and I have been through several, so we’ll be able to lead the way. Now, I've just got one more question”.

Standing up, you walk right up to Hidia, who smiles at you in a way that is eerily similar to Sarah, before speaking up.

“What the fuck were you thinking when you stuck a mana crystal into your fucking brain?”

[1/3]
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>>2447840
Right,because the targeting suite of our golem was from a robot death machine. so my idea was we make a replica or remove it from the golem,you use your thing to tell us how it all linked up

>>2447855
hmm.........personal safety stops us. But good point on the orks. Right guys who wants to booby trap the shop to high heaven?
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>“What the fuck were you thinking when you stuck a mana crystal into your fucking brain?”


Ah..i missed John's 'delicate' phrases.
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>>2447889
listening to him, his charisma is enough to convince you to do a swan dive into a blight pool
>>
You know what, I'm just glad this didn't devolve into namecalling and slowly falling apart due to disgruntled anons unhappy about the crossover setting. Hopefully it stays that way.
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>>2447898
Now you just had to jinx us. But yeah, i am happy with it as well. I think QM word settled it as well as the fact we don't plan on murdering each other
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>>2447898
Fuck you, fuckface.
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>>2447901
Also because people most likely like both quest and want to take the best result from this interaction.
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>>2447905
I think it’s more “both MC’s want a modicum of professionalism” as compared to the last one where Miranda was her professional self and Purps was acting unprofessionally about being dragged onto the contract.
>>
>“We're she goes, I follow,” Hidia responds

Oh that's cute.
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>>2447877
Note pue shop was invaded and trashed once already.

Do we gotta fortify it then Booby trap the surrounding area.
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>>2447935
But isn't the shop in a public street? Well if we get the permits maybe. But lets avoid being to paranoid.
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>>2447917
Nah I just couldn't get into purple quest.

Like. It already felt like a confusing clusterfuck of a setting and character and play even before the crossover.

So I just waited for it to end because hey other people were having fun.
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>>2447917
Pretty much. Miranda is a professional merc through and through, and is very focused while on the job. Purps... wasn't, which caused friction IC and meta-wise.
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>>2447939
I mean. We don't have to always have them armed. Outside the shop. But we don't want people getting away right?

So clearly we should sell the rights to licenses to operate our thief deterrent system. I mean a thief that escapes now knows about your traps and can come prepared to rob you. But if all the shops here pitch in we can organize a "safe" path and a "lockdown" path. Also booby trapping the roofs. Nobody needs to be climbing up there. It's unsafe in the first place.
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>>2447630
That sounds awesome and scary. Do want.
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>>2447943
With letting a principal get killed and being on the receiving end of a Dealmaker chewing out, I don’t think Miranda is going to loosen up any time soon.
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>>2447875

You get about the react that you were expecting, that being the gal in front of you looks like she’s been thrown for a loop before regaining her composure, “W-well, you know sometimes you get really crazy ideas and you just HAVE to try it to see if it’ll works and yeah I got one and it wasn't exactly safe per say but IT WORKED and that’s what’s important”.

Silence reigns the room for several seconds, only broken by the sound of Emma slapping herself again. You… You really don't have a proper response to that. Yeah, sure, you've had those times, the golem in the far corner of the shop being the biggest one, but those bursts of inspiration didn't involve you lobotomizing yourself.

“So you were inspired, and then decided to shove a crystal into your skull..” Looking over at Froste, who’s visage is perhaps appropriately icy, you can't help but look as confused as you sound, “Why?”

She has the gall to look insulted. “Well OBVIOUSLY I didn't just jam it in! I did tests. There were...questions I just HAD to answer, and, well...science was never advanced by playing it safe!”

“You risked permanently damaging your brain, or killing yourself, so you could do what exactly? Power your armor? You could accomplish the same thing with a rudimentary mana generator and a storage crystal,” Something is seriously wrong with this girl’s head if she didn't think of slapping a conduit and a crystal together…

Which makes it all the more disturbing when she relaxes out of the blue, a beatific smile on her face. “Armor? Nah, my armor’s fine. I did it…” She pauses, clearly trying to think of the right word. “...for me. To prove I could go beyond what I was. With a little help.” The look she fixes you with is one of absolute confidence. “And I did it. Hurt like the Wastes, but I did it!” Froste pats her on the shoulder as she leans in.

“I WAS concerned when I heard what'd you done,” Froste admits as she nuzzles the scientist's neck. “...But quite proud, as well. Still...don’t do it again, hmm?”

“Yeah, okay,” she concedes, a goofball smile on her face.

You just look over the obvious display of affection silently. Huh, so that’s how things are…

Whatever, it’s none of your business.

[2/3]
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>>2447957
If i remember, we were also very surprised when Owlia Magical girl´d herself in such an small amount of time. How much time it took her? one week?
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>>2447967
On the floating islands, crystal-based magic was the only magic. We (miranda) deliberately tempted her by showing off our obviously not crystal magic. She took...inspiration from seeing what we could do and yes, surprised everyone by shoving a crystal into her skull.
I think is was something like a week between no skull-crystal to yes skull crystal, yeah.
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>>2447957

[3/3]

“Do me a favor and don't shove anything into your skull while we’re in the Ruin. If you can manage that, we won't have a problem,” After looking over the two, you step back and motion towards your workshop, “As I'm sure you can see, I've got quite the setup here. If you need any weapons, armor, ammunition, or magitech, let me know and I can produce them before we leave. It’ll cost you, but you won't find anyone as good as I am who doesn't ask questions in the city”.

“Anything?” Hidia asks, looking between you and her girlfriend who, after a hard look, let's go of her wrist, “NO TAKE BACKS”.

The crystal-in-head idiot speeds past you, eliciting another groan out of Emma, and starts poking about your EXO, clearly trying to figure out what makes it tick.

You, on the other hand, take a step closer to Froste, “...I didn't think there were many elves left”.

“Yes, well…” She trails off, somewhat distracted by Hidia’s eccentricity, “We are a rare breed, after all”.

Yeah, something’s not right here, “Whatever you say”.

Without waiting for a response, you walk up just in time to grab the screwdriver right out of the tech girl’s hand before she can start undoing all your hard work. Glaring lightly, you tuck the tool into your pocket before speaking, “Alright, what’s the deal? Do you want anything or what?”

The girls ponder your question briefly before responding.
> Request something (John is capable of forging almost anything and can copy something if he has a blueprint/the object on hand)
> Decline the offer
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>>2448003
I believe Anons were asking about a flamethrower.

Also, do they/we have any gear that could use mana generators for sustenance?
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>>2448003
Flamethrowers and flame/napalm bombs for clearing Blighted areas.
Alarm magitech devices, since we need to set up a secure perimeter, as well as protect against anything that might live deeper in the ruin.
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>>2448003
Claymores?

Communications?

Mana generators?

We have q lot of stuff already.
>>
Do we even have money on us? Real money for this world?
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>>2448030
>Communications?
that's right, did we make those for us and our friends? Maybe we could make new or adapt them to whatever system the girls have.

Also that spider drone is operational / can we use it for scouting with our exo?
>>
>>2448028

John has made fire grenades in the past, but unless you have the fuel for a flamethrower it would be a bit moot.

He can, however, easily enchant melee weapons with fire

>>2448035

Spider drone is opperational, and has a link to the EXO.
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>>2448003
> Request something (John is capable of forging almost anything and can copy something if he has a blueprint/the object on hand)

did you say...anything?

>temptatively look at Momo's Carbine...
No...better not.
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>>2448003
>Owlia wants the EXO and everything related to it. Everything.

>The other girls wonder if you have flamethrowers

>Owlia starts gushing about napalm

>>2448035
The girls have murmur stones, two-way magical walkie-talkies
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>>2448034

Currently? Nope.

You can try to barter, however
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>>2448003
A grenade launcher for Mono, a Magitech Gauntlet for Owlia, and see if we can help modify them WITH THE POWER OF CRYSTAL MAGIC!

>>2448020
>>2448028
Again, flamethrowers are illegal here.
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>>2448040

John's very good at his job.

Plasma weapons aren't outside the limits of this world's tech, though they're entirely within Havens
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>>2448045
They don't know that
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>>2448037
>Spider drone is opperational, and has a link to the EXO.
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>>2448003
Anything that would be useful to repel the blight would be the priority. Like other anons flamethrowers could work but they might not be legal. So something else that causes heat/flames/sanitizing effect.
Other than that, maybe tech examination if we have time left.
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>>2448055
We have the ability to make napalm rounds or make melee weapons have a fame effect. i suggest fire rounds for range, melee for longer duration
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>>2448003
John should discuss the dangers in ruins and what counters are needed so the girls can make an informed decision.
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>>2448045
>Again, flamethrowers are illegal here.
they may be illegal in the city, but we're going to be in the ruins.
>>2448046
can we get away with making a flamethrower or would that result in Sun having an unnecessarily severe headache?
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>>2448045
Mono is good with energy weapons not heavy weapons.

If anything, a megaphone would be more effective for her.

Oooh. Does Monos singing work if it's through an intercom? Like remotely?
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>>2448064
Mono is good with assault rifles, heavy weapons, and energy weapons.
>>
>>2448062
Actually if we don't have/can't synthesize fuel there's really no point in discussing this... but doesn't town have flame squads for blight containment? Could they lend a set - actually nevermind, this IS a mafia op and we would do well to keep Sun out of it.
>>
>>2448062
>>2448058

John could make a flamethrower, but he does not have the ability to supply the fuel for it.
>>
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>>2448064
i think not. Mono´s powers are dependent on her singing, but she doesn´t need to be heard in order for her powers to alter the surroundings. I think she needs a line of sight, but i{m not sure about that.

>>2448068
If there is alcohol nearby, there is a way.
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>>2448068
Why not a flamethrower that generates flame through the Red Stones that Miranda picked up and is powered by a mana generator?
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>>2448067
I thought she was only passable with assault rifles and heavy weapons.

Need a character sheet!
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>>2448068
this guy has the right of it
>>2448073
Molotov's burn just fine. All we need is some way to thicken the alcohol so it'll stick better. It won't be fantastic fuel, but it should do the job just fine.

>>2448003
> Request something (John is capable of forging almost anything and can copy something if he has a blueprint/the object on hand)
Flamethrower.
Might as well take a proper look at the possibility.
>>
>>2448104
All you need is rubber. Natural rubber was used in Greek fire, you don't need synthesized stuff.
>>
>>2448104
>Molotov's burn just fine. All we need is some way to thicken the alcohol so it'll stick better. It won't be fantastic fuel, but it should do the job just fine.
>so it'll stick better
>stick better

Sticky mana infused alcohol?
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>>2448115
Why not just sticky mana then?
>>
>>2448116
Because i don't think sticky mana is flamable?But it was a bad idea anyway. Just putting natural rubber in the mix will be fine.
>>
>>2448092
THIS.
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>>2448003
Ah yes, >>2448045
Something for Owlia to play with.
>>
>Again, flamethrowers are illegal here.

Bag of holding we can stick the flamethrower in it.But if they are that illegal i doubt John has a blueprint of one with him.
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>>2448070
I guess trying to make Mana napalm is a bad idea eh?
>>
>>2448149
We could likely generate it with practice, but if it's not being used immediately (i.e living flamethrower) we'd need a way to store it.
>>
So far we have:

>Alarm magitech devices

>Owlia wants the EXO and everything related to it. Everything.

>The other girls wonder if you have flamethrowers

>Owlia starts gushing about napalm

>A grenade launcher for Mono, a Magitech Gauntlet for Owlia, and see if we can help modify them WITH THE POWER OF CRYSTAL MAGIC!

Although a grenade launcher seems to be overkill since we will be ina ruin and a explosiin can cause things to be destructed and beyong repair.

One thing i wanted to ask John is

>Can you make sentry turrents? Weapons eitha magazine that can be placed in strategic spots to fire at enemies?

Or is that to much advanced A.I.?
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>>2448153
I say we leave the flamethrower behing and start to enchant fire stuff into some weapons. Izumi will appreciate a flamming sword too.
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>>2448158
>Although a grenade launcher seems to be overkill

John has the knowledge to make flame rounds for the grenade launcher, unlike the flamethrower.
>>
>>2448163
>Izumi will appreciate a flamming sword too.
Good idea. That'll cheer her up a bit.
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>>2448145
We are not very legal, and give us time we could make one.

>>2448158
And too advanced, but we could make a mini gun if we had an example......maybe
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>>2448158
And making a magic flamethrower using Miranda’s Red Stones and either mana crystals that can be charged with their mana condenser or with a mana reactor.
>>
>>2448198
If a FarSight can let someone with no access to a chip foundry build a perimeter defense network of auto-targeting laser turrets with IFF capabilities, I think it could give John some rudimentary targeting programs.
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>>2448207
we have targeting, we dont have any way of making the robot make connections. Read about the golem here>>2446746
>>
Reminder to message Miranda about getting local currency for these acquisitions. Also a mana generator, maybe 2.
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>>2448241
or you can haggle, tit for tat. tech for tech

>hopeful artifice noises
>>
>>2448215
I’m not talking about for the golem, I’m talking about the sentry turrets that we’re requested.
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>>2448251
its the same tech we would use. Maybe remote controlled? but i dont think that autonomous is possible
>>
Guys, don't forget we are on something of a schedule; we don't have time to wait while he makes us a dozen items. And we will need to pay for it. We can do some bartering, but that'll only get us so far.
>>
>>2448251

Depends on if Owlia and Cylica are able to create gyroscopes. If they can, John would be able to make the other components. It would have to be remote controlled, however
>>
Aren't you gonna call the vote soon?
>>
>>2448272

Been playing pool with family friends, sorry.

>>2448158

Does a good job of summarizing your options so I'll put it to one last vote here.

Choose however many you want, but remember that it will take time for each choice.
> Grenade Launcher
> Mana Reactor
> Remote Controlled Turret
> Fire Sword for Izumi
> Other
>>
>>2448280
>Mana Reactor
>Fire Sword
>>
>>2448280
> Fire Sword for Izumi
> Grenade Launcher for Mono
> Magitech Gauntlet for Owlia
>>
>>2448280
>> Mana Reactor
> Fire Sword for Izumi
>>
>>2448280
> Mana Reactor
> Remote Controlled Turret
> Fire Sword for Izumi
>>
>>2448280
>> Grenade Launcher
>> Mana Reactor
>> Remote Controlled Turret
>>
>>2448280
>Fire sword
>Mana reactor

>>2448292
the gauntlet could come in handy too
>>
>>2448280
> Mana Reactor
> Fire Sword for Izumi
> Magitech Gauntlet for Owlia
>>
>>2448280
>Magitech Gauntlet for Owlia
>Mana Reactor
>>
>>2448363
>>2448320
>>2448310

Just thought of this, but what would you want in that gauntlet? The one John used to use was effectively an USB cable and a screen so he could hook up to tech during the train arc.
>>
>>2448386
Pretty much that, along with some sort of crystal related self defense capability, probably some sort of energy based weapon. A keypad along the arm so we can input data on the fly, a USB port that can be easily altered for nonstandard data cables with local adapters, and a durable built in screen.
>>
>>2448404
So basically, John begins work on a regular one and Owlia pokes and prods until he gives in and allow her to co-design it
>>
>>2448406
This sounds good.
>>
>>2448406
Pretty much.

Maybe we can make two of them, one for Owlia, the other for John.
>>
>>2448406

Alright, that'll work.

Lastly, is that a yay or nay for the turret?
> Y
> N
>>
>>2448415
> Y
>>
>>2448415
i think you should get it, even if only because you can teach us how to make gyroscopes

>Y
>>
>>2448415
I have no opinion on the turret, so Y I guess?
>>
>>2448415
N
I don't mind this, but would prefer to get back sooner rather than later to John's quest.
>>
>>2448415
RC turret doesn’t promise as much utility as an autonomous one... but it could be a nice accessory for the gauntlet. The turret comes with camera or similar sensor, yes?

And there will be time to sleep on the boat, so...

>y
>>
>>2448432

It'll be using a camera yep.

>>2448432
>>2448427
>>2448421
>>2448428

Seems pretty unanimous.

Writin' will resume shortly.
>>
>>2448431
considering how MGFQ tends to go, we might be for some weeks-months in this.
>>
>>2448415
>N
>>
>>2448415
Y

Though I wonder if the gauntlet will still see use after Owlia gets issued a FarSight.
>>
>>2448473
Probably. Knowing her, she'll tinker with both the gauntlet and the FarSight and probably fuse them together somehow.
>>
>>2448499
To make a fingerlonger?
>>
>>2448509
... Can we add that in to the options we put down?
>>
>>2448003

“Hey,” Emma is the first to speak up, her voice almost a murmur, “Maybe we should get I-Yuna a sword; might cheer her up”.

Froste looks contemplative at her words, before turning to you, “Yes, that’ll do nicely. A one-handed sword, curved I believe she prefers, to start. Although…”

She looks back, the two of them evidently having some kind of silent conversation that you ignore in favor of grabbing your quill and some paper.

“Would it be possible to modify the sword to make it more effective against the Blight?”

That catches your attention, and you stop what you're doing to regard her fully, “I can inscribe a sigil onto the blade that’ll allow your friend to set it on fire, but whether or not it is more effective against the Blight is entirely up to what exactly you're fighting”.

“Of course,” Froste examines her fingers, which you note are sporting some rather large nails, idly, “That’ll w-”

“AH HA!” Whirling around, you spot Hidia who, in your absence, has popped open the back of your armor and exposed the miniature mana reactor steadily glowing away.

You lunge over, grabbing her wrist and yanking her bodily back before she can start fucking with the wiring, “What did I say about touching?!”

“But it’s soo interesting!” She pouts up at you, to which you tighten your grip on her wrist, “Ow. How did you make this? I can feel the mana coming off it from here!”

The urge to bite back with another scathing remark is severely dampened when you notice the two other ladies watching with interest. Forcing several expletives down your throat, you turn back to the stubborn troublemaker, “It’s a portable mana generator that I based off the power system of a security golem I destroyed in a previous Ruin dive. It generates mana far faster than a conduit would be able to, then I run it through a converter to turn it into electric which you would have discovered had I not prevented you from touching live wiring. I worked my ass off to get this EXO done and I don't want to have to redo all the electronics because you accidentally created a power surge”.

There’s a moment where she looks like she might be thinking about her actions, before it is swiftly buried, “Can we have this?”

[1/3]
>>
>>2448660
>“Can we have this?”
that´s pretty ballsy. it would be even more ballsier if she just had ripped the generator off the suit and tossed it into her bag.
>>
>>2448676
Oh come on, she's not that crazy.
>>
>>2448660
Can i vote we put her out in the front of the shop, and bolt the door to the workshop.......or let her touch a live wire that will not damage anything important? it should stop here from breaking things for a small while
>>
>>2448676
She would. I am certain she would bag the whole suit if she could.
>>
>>2448660
> “Can we have this?”

No...but again if she gives us the money i believe we could build another...and even add some upgrades to the new model.
>>
>>2448682
considering she almost made a deal with sal(or worse, she did) for some kind of guantlet, it doesn´t seems as crazy to think she would ¨reclaim¨something in front of the owner.
>>
>>2448682
You do realize you are talking about a woman who sticked a power source to her forehead/brain right?
>>
>>2448698
Hey, if it's crazy and it works, it ain't crazy.
>>
>>2448704
no, if its crazy and it works, it is useful crazy.

If it is dumb and it works it isnt dumb. Touching an artificers things, is dumb.
>>
>>2448704
Still this is the guys shop/laboratory. I bet Owlia wouldn't be happy with people doing the same thing with her. No who i'm kidding she would be happy to explain everything the way she is...
>>
>>2448740
she left her universe and her social status, and then got a job as glorified debt collector in order to learn more. She would definitely allow someone else to take her suff IF it allowed her to gain more knowledge.
>>
>>2448740
I assume threatening to electrocute her if she touches another generator wouldn't work very well?

how do you get through to a person that the can not touch something? a sign on the wall, "do not touch"
>>
>>2448750

"Sign what sign I was too busy with SCIENCE!" - Owlia probably.

>>2448676

There would have been a very pissed off artificer with a .50 AE against her head if she did.
>>
>>2448660

“No,” Is your immediate and brutal response, “This is my personal set of armor; not for sale”.

“That… generator is quite intriguing,” Froste smoothly interjects, “Would you be capable of making another?”

“It’ll take some time, but I can yes. Do you want it attached to something or do you just want the generator itself?” After making sure Hidia isn't going to fuck with things anymore than she has already, you return to your quill and paper and start writing all of this down. You weren't expecting this big of an order.

“Oh, hey, check this out,” Looking up from your writing, you see Emma examining the single shot grenade launcher you built a while ago that was sitting against the wall, “Think one of these would come in handy?”

“They're pretty simple, though the ammo is a bit pricey since I set a mana crystal to detonate on impact. Expensive, but it packs a serious punch; managed to help finish off a vampire patriarch with that,” Putting your head back down, you just add it to the list, “If you have a clockwork rifle, I could add it on as an attachment”.

“Clockwork? No, I don't have one of those…” Her tone is confused for some reason. Guess she’s really spent all her time in the Badlands.

“This is interesting,” Now Froste has her nails on your old armored magitech gauntlet, “Archaic, certainly, but perhaps we could get some use out of one”.

“Ooh, ooh, I gotta try modifying that!” Hidia confirms it in her usual energetic manner so on the list it goes.

“Alright, I can make this probably by tomorrow morning if I work nonstop. Now the only question is the matter of payment”. At your words, the three mercs freeze in place. Of course…

[2/3]
>>
>>2448750
You tell Cilyca or Miranda to make her stop. It's the only way.
>>
>At your words, the three mercs freeze in place. Of course…


Ah John i missed you buddy.
>>
>>2448767
OR... lets keep going to see what happens.
>>
>>2448767
then i suggest doing this.

and lets get our haggling heads on
>>
I gotta go because it's damn late in europoor land, but I have to mention that whatever happens I want that mana reactor in Miranda's hands for use and would vote YES on taking an advance from the job to pay for it. A trade is very good too. Also see if he is willing to sell the blueprints.
>>
>>2448789
Or we could have a trade organised even after the job is finished, if such devices were in good demand
>>
>>2448789
>>2448795

Posting stuff we have that can trade for.


OWLIA:

SUPPLIES:
> 3 Simple Quality Shield Shards
> 1 Portable Crystal Quality Measurement Set
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 2 Pairs of Murmur Stones

CLOTHING/ARMOR:
> 1 Set of Custom Crystaltech Armor
> 1 Set of Casual Workman’s Overalls

WEAPONS:
> 1 Custom Crystaltech Staff

TOOLS:
> 1 Portable Mana Wavelength Measuring Tool
-------------

CYCLIA

SUPPLIES:
> 1 Power Crystal
> 1 Portable Crystal Quality Measurement Set
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 2 Pairs of Murmur Stones


CLOTHING/ARMOR:
> 1 Set of Crystaltech Armor
> 1 Set of Royal Robes
> 1 Set of Workman’s Suit

WEAPONS:
> 1 Royal Crystaltech Staff
--------------------

MONO

SUPPLIES:
> 1 Hyperspace Bag
> 2 Pairs of Murmur Stones


CLOTHING/ARMOR:
>1 Silken Singer’s Robe
>1 Basic Wanderer’s Garb

WEAPONS:
> 1 Katana (Whitefang Blade)
> 1 Blooddrinker Sword
>1 Triplicate Crossbow
>1 Throwing Dagger
>1 Strange Potion
>1 N5 Plasma Carbine


TOOLS:
>1 Metronome
>1 Hourglass
>1 Fusion Energy Generator
>>
Miranda is going to get bad headache when she hears what the trio had done.
>>
>>2448804
Maybe we can agree to trade knowledge?
>>
>>2448805
Depends on how bad things get. So far it isn´t so bad. It could even end up good for us!.
>>
>>2448809
Unlikely, we work by making and breaking shit. So blue prints or physical examples are best.

But if you know mana sculpting that might cover part of the cost

>>2448805
likely
>>
>>2448809
Ideally we should aim up for that. Even if we just get the knowledge regarding how to make a reactor, its way better than how we started (as in, we had no idea that such small reactors were possible, OR cheap enough to make)
>>
>>2448804
I'd rather exchange blueprints or knowledge.
Owlia better offer to make something in return. Like how she made those crystals that can't be affected with bullets nor mana or crystal guard turrets ( remember when Izumi went to that tower filled with those)
>>
>>2448763

[3/3]

“I'm sure we can come to an agreement here,” The elf, using a tone of voice that vaguely reminds you of the people that used to try to get out of paying for their shipments, looks between her two companions, clearly trying to figure out some way to cover the cost. “Perhaps we could barter? I'm rather confident we have goods of our own that might be of interest…”

You raise an eyebrow at her words, “... Go on”.

After a few seconds to various stares and expressions passed between the three they seem to come to some kind of agreement. As expect, Froste is the one to open her mouth:
> Offer Mono’s plasma carbine
> Offer a hyperspace bag
> Offer something else (what?)
> Cancel the order
>>
>>2448838
>> Offer Mono’s plasma carbine
>> Offer a hyperspace bag
both is surely a fair trade ;^)
>>
>>2448833
Of course!
>Spoiler
i´m beting we have a lot of juicy blueprints we can trade. Have faith in cylyca and her jew trading powers.

>>2448838
> Offer something else (what?)
Knowledge. we might not be able to buy the physical thing (at least yet) but we can trade blueprints for blueprints. for example, any of these two might be more than enough.
>crystals that can't be affected with bullets nor mana or crystal guard turrets
>>
>>2448842

Trading blueprints for blueprints is not the same as bartering for multiple finished products, the reactor and gauntlet being rather expensive ones at that.
>>
Pretty sure Miranda would veto giving away a hyperspace bag.
>>
I think the plasma carbine alone would be worth pretty much everything else. We can just buy another one, but we could really use that for this job.

Maybe we can give it to him if he promises to bring it along just in case we need to use it in an emergency?
>>
>>2448838
Aaand this is why I didn't want to ask for so many things. We /just/ purchased that carbine as Mono's primary weapon, it's off the table (also that overly expensive generator we bought would now have no use whatsoever). Those bags are worth a pretty penny back in the intersection, and are a little OP for this place.

Miranda is the only one with the FutureSight, but we shouldn't be selling info off that thing anyways.

Owlia/Cyclia working out an info trade seems like the most reasonable, though they'd need to discuss what tech he wants.
>>
Oh, I just got another idea. Maybe we could teach him how to make crystals? Do you think the gear that we have could at the very least do that?
>>
>>2448838
Gonna go with >>2448856, along with
> Offer a shield crystal and show how to make them
> To reduce costs, have Cyclia and Owlia help with the build

>>2448848
What exactly are the costs for what we ordered?
>>
>>2448838
>Offer something else
2 pairs of Murmur Stones.
Knowledge of Crystal system immune to physical and magical attacks.
2 Shield Shards
>>
>>2448838
>Offer a hyperspace bag
A bag of holding should be worth a lot.
>>
>>2448850
Why?
>>
>>2448838
Yea, the carbine and the bag are a no go; way too expensive and useful to get rid of.

Either info bartering or taking a rain check until we get an upfront payment from the client are the only reasonable options.

Honestly, we should drop the turret and the launcher. They are easy to squire elsewhere, and not exactly high priority. We could also ditch the fire sword, Izumi has no shortage of various arms, and a fire sword would be that hard to find in the intersection for a reasonable price.
>>
>>2448860
I think I'll agree with this, even though I know John is going to be leery about the prospect.

Rev up those dice!
>>
>>2448838
> Offer something else (Offer the sigils you made last time?)
>>
>>2448860

I'm on my phone so I can't give you an exact answer, also because we haven't rolled for how effectively John uses material but between the four items, three of which are either expensive parts-wise or are custom orders, combined with having to rush things you're looking into the 1 platinum and change range which, for John, is a serious chunk of coin.

>>2448860

The point about offering to help in making the crystals is a fair one, but John doesn't have the skill set for crystaltech and he'd still have to put his own money in to learn how to do it, so he'd effectively be paying on both sides of the deal.
>>
>>2448869
It's too high grade for this world and could break the system it has if reproduced, almost like a lost FutureSight. Plus it's worth more than the items bought.
>>
>>2448874
We have lots of bags though and for a portable mana generator? Easy.
>>2448879
I thought it was magic, is it a futurtech thing?
>>
>>2448878
Bah. We might have to admit defeat on this one. Miranda's going to be peeved.
>>
>>2448856
The bags are expensive but still less than the cost of a mana reactor.
The Murmur Stones, bags, and a potion and elixir pack came out to 20.6 Large Motes, with each person paying 4 Large each. Considering Owlia and Cylica’s second jobs, they can easily eat the cost and still make their Dues.
>>
>>2448878
>1 platinum and change
Considering we're getting 2 plat and change for this job, we're ordering waay too much. We need to seriously reconsider what we /need/, and what would be difficult to procure otherwise.
>>
>>2448881
>>2448884
Man, you’re thinking like the locals in terms of value.
>>
>>2448880
Could be either. Clarke's third law, and all that.
>>
>>2448879
1. Why the fuck should we care?
2. Why the FUCK would we give a shit about the local’s economy?
>>
>>2448874

> Trying to get a guy who used to do inspection and supervised trade deals for a Mafia family to accept an IOU.

I'm going to tell you right now that's not going to work.

>>2448874

As it stands currently in AQ, John is the only person to know how to produce those grenade launchers as well as the targeting suite that would be used in the turret, which I forgot to include in the post in my rush, so don't expect to find them elsewhere.

>>2448884

You're getting paid a cool 50 platinum coins for this job.
>>
>>2448848
Since we are making an upgraded version of our gauntlet, could we make another for John as well? Duplication of effort and all that.
>>
>>2448884
Cut it down to the grenade launcher and the sword maybe?
>>
>>2448838
>Offer a hyperspace bag
>Offer something else
>2 pairs of Murmur Stones.
>Knowledge of Crystal system immune to physical and magical attacks.
>2 Shield Shards
>>
>>2448894

*John is the only one to know how to make those items in Shirahoro.

Certain places in AQ have far higher tech levels, but not here.
>>
>>2448878
In that case, I think we're going to have to drop the Mana Generator until after we complete the job. The sword and the launcher are the cheapest items, and the Magitech Gauntlet we can work with him on improving as partial payment.
>>
>>2448891
We don't care about the economy. Just about getting our money's worth.
>>
>>2448897

The hyperspace bag alone would more than cover your costs.
>>
>>2448890
Not really relevant since we have mages here which can literally check and I'm sure Mr archmage could make up some dimensional pockets if he could be fucked.
>>
>>2448901
The sword and the launcher are also the most easily acquired elsewhere. If we're going to keep one item, it should be the generator. Easily the most difficult to acquire for a reasonable price.
>>
>>2448909
This, its better than our condensors which we rely on in low magic worlds.
>>
>>2448901
Yea, no. The generator is by for the most useful item, and the hardest to get ahold of. We could easily grab a single shot gernade launcher and a fire sword for maybe 10 L motes, max, including ~29 rounds.
>>
>>2448909
>>2448913
All right. If it'll get us past this I'll back thinning things down to the generator.
>>
>>2448909
We already have a bunch of Mana Condensers, I don't think getting an item that duplicates something that we already have but works more efficiently is worth it, especially when we can just have Owlia modify them later to be more effective.
>>
>>2448919
We get it, she reverse Engineers it.
>>
>>2448897
what the hell, is this your first time bartering? or do you not know the value of the things you are putting to trade?

---
ok, clean slate. Lets only trade only for the generator or its blueprints. >>2448909 is right, we can get the other things somewhere else way easier. Hell, we probably will get them after the first wave from the people we kill.

>>2448919
we have none at hand. Miranda has one, but its in her bag.
>>
>>2448916
Is like to point out that a hyperspace bag costs less than 5 Large Motes.

>>2448919
We only have 2 Mana Condensers but 5 people that use mana.
>>
>>2448918

Thinning down to the generator would still require bartering something in its return.

Also, since I forgot about it, I'm throwing in that turret into the pile of stuff you'd be getting without increasing the price.
>>
>>2448919
Don't forget the downside of locally acquired hardware: without being treated, they eventually convert into 'clothing'. So add the treating cost to whatever we pay for them here.
>>
>>2448932
That applies to the generator too. Still, I'm outvoted, so I'll relent for now.

Still, I'd like to revisit the other orders after we finish his mission. That fine?
>>
>>2448930
I still support info trading or working with the client to get a forward payment. We don't carry a lot of superfluous junk around to trade with; what we do carry is to useful to barter away.

>>2448936
That's reasonable. Thanks for being civil.
We don't tend to stick around long after we've gotten our payment though, so make sure you speak up near the end.
>>
>>2448945
>We don't tend to stick around long after we've gotten our payment though
We don’t stick around at all. As soon as we get payment we always teleport immediately out.

>>2448930
All of that equipment for a single hyperspace bag that costs less than 5 Large Motes seems like quite the bargain, even including the fixing cost to make them permanent.
>>
We can get another hyperspace bag in the intersection if it comes to it right. What was the cost of one again?
>>
>>2448953
Not immediately, but usually pretty close after. See: Lori's last job.

I'm not a fan of trading away a bag, but if we do, it apparently covers everything we previously wanted, so we might as well put it all back on the list.
>>
>>2448953
>We don’t stick around at all. As soon as we get payment we always teleport immediately out.

As soon as the PAYMENT teleports out, anon. I'm pretty sure we request Sal give us about four or five hours to get the rest of the orders taken care of. Besides, the Generator seems to be the most time intensive one.

>>2448945
>That's reasonable. Thanks for being civil.
No problem, you completely reasonable person.

>>2448959
I'm all right with the bag trade too.
>>
fuck I hate being late
Sorry but no no no I don't want to give anything away this fucking early.
Fucking hell newbies you NEED that hyperspace bag for the LOOT!
THOSE MOTES WILL BE WASTED!
>>
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13 KB
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>>2448965
>>2448945
Goddamn pics...
>>
>>2448971
The bags are functionally infinite storage space, provided you can fit it through the neck. We have so many because it's standard equipment for outgoers. I don't want to give up a bag, but it won't hurt our ability to actually haul things.
>>
>>2448971
We have 4 other hyperspace bags with just as big of a capacity; we don’t lose appreciable amounts of capacity you dumb fuck, in exchange for items that would be worth two to three times the worth of the bag if we had to get them back at the Intersection.

>>2448959
Lori’s job was the only exception though. Even on jobs where we wanted to do some looting after job completion, like the Mafia job, we got teleported our as soon as we got payment.
>>
Miranda better read the riot act to these three about buying shit with no money, not contacting her about it and bartering useful/important/expensive stuff off.Damnit.
I'd rather barter after this mission is over.
>>
Just putting this up since I'm talking to Handler currently.

According to Word of God that mana reactor alone is worth 11-15 large motes. Also, John's EXO suit could be worth even more depending on the buyer, but good luck getting his.
>>
>>2448993
But eh, whatever happens I will accept it
>>
I can speak nooooow.
>>2449003

Also confirming. The compactness really ups the value!
>>
Alright it looks like everyone's more or less in consensus of trading in a Hyperspace Bag for everything.

Let the Writin' return!
>>
>>2448987
>items that would be worth two to three times the worth of the bag if we had to get them back at the Intersection.
Before treatment. Treating the swords cost some 5-10 L motes each (don't remember when we did that).

>>2448987
>Even on jobs where we wanted to do some looting after job completion, like the Mafia job
On Lori's job we had something concrete, quick, and nearby. On Mafia, Spider's(?) place and the rat kids were a plane ride away, outside a city we barely got into. Not something we could just skip over and do.
I think if there's enough talk about doing something before we leave, and it's reasonable to do, the option should appear. Pretty sure it's just Handler's way of keeping things moving.

>>2449003
Still miles cheaper than anything we could acquire in the Intersection. The power armor is cool, but not hard to come by.
>>
>>2449021

Well, it'd be even cheaper, since you wouldn't be paying John 11-15 large motes in the first place.
>>
>>2449003
They’re getting at least 12 Large Motes worth of equipment and loot for the cost of a 4 Large Mote common item at the Intersection. That’s a pretty good deal we’re getting, especially as it’s all equipment that will help us in securing the primary AND secondary objectives, and any looting can already be done with the other 4 bags.
>>
>>2449020
I'm looking forward to watching John's eyes pop at the stuff we're moving when we start shifting stuff out of the bag we're giving trading him.
>>
>>2449021
Not just Spider’s Vault. There were other gangs we could have hit, we could have even hit a bank. Or taken down a Royal military squad to loot some military grade weapons and sigils.
I doubt very much we’ll be allowed to stick around after getting paid.
>>
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So, what kind of sword should we ask John to make Izumi? I was thinking something more like pic related, just to differentiate it from the demonslayer katana.
>>
>>2448838

“This should be more than valuable enough I believe,” At her words, Froste reaches under her robe to grab at…

It’s a lockbox. Looks well made and sturdy, with the edges layered with an additional layer of metal. Still, it wouldn't be enough unless she was carrying some kind of jewelry inside it.

When she grabs your gauntlet again, you're about to protest it when she simply flips the box open and puts the armored gauntlet inside.



“...What the fuck…”

Standing up, you walk over and take the box from her hands, completely missing the amused expression on her face, to see what exact trick is going on here. There’s no way in hell that actually just happened; it’s not physically possible…

A small giggle catches your attention, and you look over at Froste as she speaks up. “As you can see, we’ve access to some...particularly useful equipment.” She unclasps the lid, reaches in, and… pulls out a long, FAR too long staff, gem encrusted at the top, bit by bit. “Quite handy for carrying anything you can fit past the lip. Relatively weightless, too.”

“So it seems…” Taking the box from her possession, you spin it about and examine it over for any hint of falsehood. There doesn't appear to be anything going on here, but just in case you might as well check…

Focusing yourself, you let loose a pulse of your mana, a sudden puff of dark gray smoke emanating out from your wrist and the corner of one eye that runs over the box. Along its surface, various sigils and glyphs flicker into view in response to your call, the magical device in your hand ticking away as it, according to the equations you're able to make out, warps reality in a localized space.

Dispersing the effect, you look Froste dead in the eye and extend your hand, “You’ve got a deal”.

[1/3]
>>
>>2449086
“Lovely.” Froste leans back, satisfied grin playing on her face. “And as a show of gratitude, we’d be happy to assist in any creation.” She sideeyes Hidia for a second, before resetting her gaze. “I can assure you myself and dear Hidia are quite able, despite any...overeagerness.”

“It’s a DEEP LOVE FOR SCIENCE.” Hidia insists as she turns up her nose. “I CAN restrain myself...if I want to.”

“What if I want you to?” Froste asks.

“...kay,” she relents with only a small smile as she breaks her ‘friend’s’ gaze. “Won’t touch a thing if you don’t want, anymore. Promise.”

“Just don't stick your hands into electrical currents,” Walking over, you put the ‘lockbox” down into your workbench where it won't get in the way.

The high elf blinks. “If I might ask, and I mean no offense… why bother to convert into electricity at all? Is the wavelength generation not stable? Or perhaps you don't have access to absorption lining? I mean, even conduction lines would work…”

“Hey, I use conduction lines!” Hidia pouts. “They're way easier to adjust if I have to tweak something or increase the output.”

“You also have a recursive mesh framework so you can overdraw energy without burning yourself, so I don't think you quite count for what this gentleman is attempting to do,” she counters.

You look between the two ladies before responding, “I use converters because the electronics and motors only take electricity; there just simply isn't a way to directly use mana like you would with AC/DC. Unless there’s something you're not telling me here…”

The two look at each other, at first in confusion, and then Hidia’s expression suddenly shifts to something similar to a young child who just got told she can pick out any 10 pieces of candy in the candy store. “Weeeelll, how much do you know about Mana Crystal generation and processing?”

“It’s a specific variety of mined Quartz,” Reaching into your crate of supplies, which you note to nail shut in a second, you pull out a piece to prove your point, “Naturally forms and cut by machine. Is that what you mean?”

You're not quite certain that the girl’s grin could get any wider, but it manages to stretch an extra half inch or so. “Something like that. I'm thinking…” and slipping around into her backpack, she pulls out a small locked case of her own. Opening the latches, she pulls out something that reminds you of some sort of cross between a science kit and a miniature dissection table. “Frosty?”

“Please never call me that again,” she says, but indeed reaches into her own pack and pulls out a similar set of tools. “If you're interested, and perhaps willing to let go of a few of your own stones, I think we would both be curious to see if we could do a bit of scientific exchange.”

>While they do this, choose who’s POV you want to switch to.

>Miranda
>Izumi
>Mono (Emma)
>Dutch
>>
>>2449098

Regardless of your choice, please roll a 1d100 to see how well our mad trio do.
>>
Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2449098
Dutch
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>2449098
>>Izumi
>>
Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>2449098
>>Miranda
>>
Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>2449098
>>Mono (Emma)
She always has an interesting perspective on things.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>2449098
>Mono (Emma)
Need to get away from these goddarn nerds!
>>
The power of science is strong.
>>
>>2449102

So that's a 154 for the sword, a 147 for the generator, a 139 for the launcher, a 152 for the gauntlets, and a 132 for the turret

>>2449127
>>2449121

Looks like we're going with Mono for this one.

Writin'
>>
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>>2449121
>>2449127
>Those gawdamm nerds talking about their sciency stuff and crystal things. Bet they feel real good talking about stuff i don't understand.
>WTF, they are already selling the things we just got two hours ago
>Why i had the feeling they wanted to sell my gun?
>They are making us look bad
>my feet hurt
>my ears hurt
>I wish i was in the intersection
>>
>>2449143
Honestly, once we get back to Miranda, we should appraise our new purchases with the FarSight, and run a simple calculation on how much it would cost to fix everything + cost of a new bag vs the cost of buying everything at the Intersection.
>>
>>2449149
it will definitely be cheaper. The reactor itself made it worth it, no matter if we treat it or not.
>>
>>2449149
Should probably say something about trading company property without prior notice as well. Going to be kicking herself for forgetting to tell them to turn on murmur stone.
>>
>>2449154
>company property
It doesn't belong to the company, it belongs to them individually.
>>
>>2449098

You are Mono, currently running as Emma, a powerful Siren who left her home plane in the interest of being able to travel to your heart’s content.

And by Gine are you able to travel. The Intersection alone is incredible enough, and then there’s all the other worlds you get to travel to for you ‘work’.

The one you're in currently, some unnamed death world, is one of those interesting places. You were all worried that, from the job description, you’d be sent into the middle of a wasteland. Instead, the city you're in is rather well-built, even if you have no idea of half of what’s around you, but it still looks cool.

There’s a half smile on your face as you see a group of kids run past you, playing among themselves, though you make sure to tuck your hands behind your back until they're gone. From what little you’ve seen, this world doesn't appear to have anyone else with your kinds of… features; John didn't seem to comment on them, even if you did catch the look he gave you when you first met him.

He, Owlia, and Cylcia are currently back at his shop, working away at filling your group’s order and doing some kind of ‘exchange’. Which basically consists of them talking pretty much in a different language, for all you knew. Oh, sure, you’d gotten a bit more used to the technology and magics that the Intersection had, sure...but that didn’t mean you knew how they *worked*. Probably wouldn’t for ages, either.

It’s part of the reason why you're now wandering the streets of the ‘Earth District’; the main one being that the blonde Artificer unsettles you. You know that, even if they didn't react, Owlia and Cylcia saw what he did. That smoke… There’s no way that it’s a good omen. It might be you being paranoid, but...paranoia was kinda supposed to be a good thing in your job now, right? You don’t want to dwell on it- but it’s not gonna go away so long as you’re around the guy.

Shaking your head clear, you look around the area. A place this big, with this many people, there just has to be something to see. The only question is where to go…

> Head back to the port, see what those ‘ships’ are doing
> Head to the ‘Fire District’, sounds like a lot is happening there
> Head to the outskirts of the city, might be good to get some fresh air
> Head back to that building, go catch up with Miranda
> Other
>>
>>2449197
>> Head to the outskirts of the city, might be good to get some fresh air
>>
>>2449197
>> Head to the ‘Fire District’, sounds like a lot is happening there
Leave the girls a note telling them you'll be back in an hour or so.
>>
>>2449197
>> Head back to that building, go catch up with Miranda
we already have izumi roaming around. it is bad wuju to get everyone separated so early.
>>
>>2449197
>> Head to the outskirts of the city, might be good to get some fresh air
Might not get a chance at the Ruin.
>>
>>2449197
> Head back to that building, go catch up with Miranda
>>
>>2449197
>> Head to the ‘Fire District’, sounds like a lot is happening there
We're here to see the sights, so let's see what there is to see.
>>
>>2449197
> Head to the ‘Fire District’, sounds like a lot is happening there
Plenty of time to see ships and the Waste later.
>>
>>2449197
>Head to the ‘Fire District’, sounds like a lot is happening there
Time to go sightseeing
>>
>>2449205
>>2449212
>>2449220
>>2449221

Fire District it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2449197

You decide to keep following the road you're on. There’s a large number of people on it, each of them unique in their expressions and posture. It’s.. almost enchanting in a way.

Some of them give you weird looks as you pass, but you hardly notice as you wander off the dirt road and onto a stone brick one.

This area is drastically different than the previous one, squat stone buildings line your path and belch smoke from their tops. Walking near one, you see a man working away at a forge, creating some kind of metal weapon as he does.

The next one is the same, the ringing of hammers a constant sound throughout the area. In fact, you can't help but whistle along to the ‘beat’, being certain to not accidentally start warping reality as you do so.

Still, it brings back some good memories. Ones that are interrupted when you come up to a much larger than usual stone brick building, where a great deal of people are filtering through.

Huh, maybe that place has something going on in it?

Now what?
> Check out the building
> Keep exploring out here
>>
>>2449270
>> Keep exploring out here
>>
>>2449270

This is going to be it for me tonight. I'll see you all again sometime tomorrow. Thanks for playing everyone!
>>
Every thread before starborn on suptg is now epic.
>>
>>2449270
>> Check out the building
>>
>>2449270
>> Keep exploring out here
>>
>>2449270
>Check out the building
We need to upgrade from Murmur Stones.
They're paired only, so we can't broadcast to the entire team unless someone acts as the Comms person that has the other half of a pair of everyone's Stones.
>>
>>2449270
>> Check out the building

> In fact, you can't help but whistle along to the ‘beat’, being certain to not accidentally start warping reality as you do so.
Mono could, with surprising little effort, be the star of her own little musical number. I... kinda want to see that at some point.

>>2449285
They do the job well enough, and we're not usually out in more than 3 man teams anyway. No harm in checking out the options when we get back though; sounds like something totally justifiable to buy with company funds.
>>
>>2449270
> Keep exploring out here

i know what this building is and it's a bad idea to go near it.
>>
>>2449290
I think we would need some music lessons first.
>>
>>2449322
but mono was one of the leads in the little rolling theater she was on. She needs to learn different music style tough.

>>2449302
Adding to this, getting into an unknown building, by yourself, in an unknown city, without noticing ANYBODY, its a horrible idea.
>>
>>2449270
>Keep exploring out here
We probably shouldn't delve too much before departing for our job.
>>
>>2449270
> Keep exploring out here

Lets hop some roofs for a birds eye view.
>>
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Hey Storyteller, senpai

You ever make a lewds pastebin of MC and elf's first romantic sexual encounter?
>>
>>2449588
No! Not in front of the granny kids!
>>
>>2449322
She's a Broadway star, but that might be an acquired taste in this world?
>>
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>>2449588
I must know, did he?
>>
>>2449588
I dont think he did
>>
>>2450165
>>2449588

Sorry folks, no secret Lewds stash for AQ.
>>
>>2450165
>>2449588
Not in this timeline anons.
>>
>>2450214
But why
I feel so betrayed.
>>
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Finally finished reading through the archives and caught up with the quest.
Can safely say I was pretty blindsided by the sudden magical girl nonsense and crossover, feels incredibly out of place.
>>
>>2450681
how out of place is it?
>>
>>2450681
I trust in Story-T and Handler is a pretty descent QM they will make it work.
>>
>>2450694
Decently out of place. but i am having fun so no complaints from my quarter.

and we have a bag of holding out of it......sweet sweet tech
>>
>>2450694
Pretty damn out of place. Jarringly so.
>>
>>2450681

I'd say that's almost the point, since John was certainly not expecting to have a extradimensional kill team called in as back up, but that's a pretty bullshit excuse.

Let's see, Handler contact me back in late January about the possibility of running this crossover and, after tossing a few basic ideas around we decided on the one being used. Fun fact: one of said ideas was to have Miranda and co kidnap John to force him to work for one of the major Havens, but we decided against it due to just how likely it would be to result in character deaths and all that would intail.

Getting to the point, the reasons for running this crossover, at least on my end, are to bring in up the absolute clusterfuck that finding Airships results in (a thing I mentioned would come up last fall), to expedite John's tech progression and general timeline without having to write out everyday, and to tie up Dutch's favor, which was a plot hook that I couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do with since the beginning of the quest way back in July.

I can't speak for Handler, but I know that MGFH fans were looking to get better tech for their company and that Handler is going through a bit of a transitionary phase IRL, so having a crossover that gives MGFH readers content while the QM is able to sort things out works out.

If you really don't like it, then I'm sorry about that. I, personally, have been enjoying things thus far and look forwards to how you all will react to what's waiting in the wings, but aside from the next stuff John has to work with this crossover arc will not be as important as the main ones for AQ.

In other news, I'd like to point out that John is now the only individual in AQ to have possession of an Age of Gods tier artifact AND an early Dark Age artifact. Pretty impressive for a single, mostly-neutral person in this world.
>>
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>>2450750
>only person with age of gods tier artifact and early dark ages artifact

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_jWHffIx5E

i think this sums up my thoughts here
>>
>>2450750
>how you all will react to what's waiting in the wings

With lots of fire and screaming.

>Age of Gods tier artifact AND an early Dark Age artifact.

The golem and the bag of holding? John also has a cute female elf. No wonder he is a blue blood.
>>
>>2450767
he means the multi tool, the golem is not age of gods or early dark age i dont think.
>>
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>>2450750
I archive dived the previous threads of AQ after I heard about the crossover and I like the way this is working out
>>
>The high elf blinks. “If I might ask, and I mean no offense… why bother to convert into electricity at all? Is the wavelength generation not stable? Or perhaps you don't have access to absorption lining? I mean, even conduction lines would work…”
>The high elf blinks.

Wait did Handler fucked up or are High elfs a thing in AQ? Sierra and her brother gonna hate Cilyca...and hopefully no other elf will bump into her.
>>
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>>2450796
Let's see if you actually did read. Wgat do you think of pic related?
>>
>>2450801
*angery noises*
>>
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>>2450801
Sums it up.
>>
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>>2450801
there is only one calm and rational response here...........
>>
>>2450799
Maybe Handler was refering to a different kind of highness.
>>
>>2450829
Well she does have pink hair and seems to have a problem with manicure.
>>
>>2450842
It's a style choice, THANK you.
>>
I'm just waiting for Sierra to show up and call her on her obvious lack of elfiness.

I wouldn't be surprised if she often appears as an elf on jobs.
>>
>>2450799

There were high elves in AQ; emphasis on the WERE.

Elves as a whole in this setting have been royally buttfucked, which is why the ones left aren't really smug pricks.

>>2450930

Not going to like MGFH-Anons picked pretty poorly with having Owlia and Cylcia appear to be elves in this setting.
>>
>>2450953
It'll be fiiiiiiine.
>>
>>2450953
>Anons picked pretty poorly
We can, at best, choose what 'clothing' we wear on jobs, which can significantly modify people's perception of us. Since there are ~6 slots per person and 5 people on this job, we just used a previous 'outfit' for most everyone.
We didn't choose for her to appear as an elf.

And we're going to be away for civilization for most of the job anyway.
>>
>>2450953
>MGFH-Anons picked pretty poorly with having Owlia and Cylcia appear to be elves in this setting.
We had no control over that.
We can only pick general settings such as Humorous (do we look goofy), Intimidation, Otherworldy (how extra-dimensional we look), and Plainness.
We had no control over the specific look.

So how about you shut up about what you obviously don't know about.
>>
>>2450953

Basically it was more my fault more than anything. There were some suggestions in the prep thread that I kinda took inspiration from- but they're right; they don't give the exact look. Sorry if I made that impression on you.
>>
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>>2451008
>So how about you shut up about what you obviously don't know about.
Wew laddy
>>
>>2451008

I'm not going to get into an argument with you over a misunderstanding, one that'll really have no consequences beyond me lightly joshing you all, so please simmer down and enjoy the show.

>>2449433
>>2449333
>>2449302
>>2449282
>>2449274

Continue exploring it is.

> Roll me three 1d100's please
>>
>>2451008
Wow someone is agressive. Besides just make the girls put their power armour helmets and the elf problem is solved.
>>
Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>2451057
Rolling for salt
>>
Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>2451057
Her ei go Story-T see if John can pour some good rolls to the girls
>>
Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>2451057
>>
Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>2451057
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>2451057
>>
>>2451057
Also I'm enjoying the crossover BTW, in case you are getting a one sided impression from the arguing at the moment and previously about power levels.
>>
Oh yeah. I made this and never posted it.

MGFH Girls Stats, as interpreted by way of AQ mechanics.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kj00CtC5_cYWFCmRqc3h68q-OdQwCui3dgxQDbordEQ/edit?usp=sharing
>>
Man John gomna have improved crystal tech thanks to Owlia and Cylica AND a bag of holding.
>>
>>2451072

Surprisingly, this is going better than Handler and I anticipated. Also, the power levels argument was something I caused by not being clear enough, but it was pretty civil anyways.

>>2451063

That's a 74, let's see who you meet.

Writin'
>>
>>2451078
>Dismantle Bonuses: (+15)

Why i'm not surprised the Randa is so good at 'dismantling' stuff?
>>
>>2451088
Taking things apart? Easy! Putting them back together again? Not so much.
>>
>>2451083
I just hope it isn't a certain vigilante.
>>
>>2451078
hey boss, i think this is wrong.
But this is cylica, so it makes sense.

>(Owlia, Watch This, Darling!)- Cylica gains +15 on any combat rolls if Cylica is nearby.
>>
>>2451110
...huh. Go fig. Changing. thanks!

But yeah it kinda does.
>>
>>2451109

Dumpling deliveries take priority over strange wolf girls.

>>2449270

As interesting as that building is, perhaps you shouldn't go charging into it. The amount of city guard you see around it isn't something to scoff at, and if there was a… misunderstanding involving yourself, things could go poorly. So, turning away from the squat building, you continue on your merry way.

There’s a bit of a change in atmosphere as you venture further, the plain and bare stone of before becomes a bit more decorative, with various banners draped over them at points. Intrigued at what the change means, you keep walking until you find a sign. The logic behind it is sound, though you don't want to even think about how it works, but thanks to some kind of magic you're able to easily read the sign despite the fact that you're on another world.

‘Mercenary Guild’

Well, that certainly makes it obvious what the point of this area is, as looking around results in you noticing more signs sporting the insignias of various other guilds. Guess this is some kind of major guild ground of sorts…

“Hey!” With a slight start, you turn towards where the voice came from, noting a short blonde haired woman approaching you with a taller redhead trying to keep her in line. Huh, looks a bit familiar…

“Sam, don't be rude…” The taller girl frowns disapprovingly down at her friend.

“But just look at her!” ‘Sam’ continues on, favoring you with an easy smile, “When's the last time you saw someone with white hair? Or wolf ears?” She seems to want to try to reach out, but restrains herself at the last minute. “Oh, those are just adorable; who made them for you?”

Your response?
> “They’re, uh, real.”
> “Who’re you two?”
> “His name’s Nunya...as in nunya business.”
> Other
>>
>>2451140
> “They’re, uh, real.”
>>
>>2451140
> “Who’re you two?”
>>
>>2451140
> “They’re, uh, real.”
> “Who’re you two?”
>>
>>2451140
> “They’re, uh, real.”
>>
>>2451160
>>2451159
>>2451149
>telling people on the mercenary street what and who we are.

Just walk away...
>>
>>2451140
>> “Who’re you two?”
>>
>>2451140
> “They’re, uh, real.”
> “Who’re you two?”
Time to make friends.
Remember we can probably hum an illusion of normality at any time.
>>
>>2451140
Take a page from miranda and tell them
>> “His name’s Nunya...as in nunya business.”
>>
>>2451169
yeah, but we can't talk and hum, and it only works while we're humming.
>>
>>2451169
>mercenary
>friends

Nah we are killing these two they will obviouly be hired by the other mafia and we will end up killing then. That's just how mercenary life works.
>>
for all the people that like AQ, are abnormalities like Mono's ears... normal? or will they give us a first class ticket to being classified as a mutant and being burnt to death?
>>
>>2451140
>"Who’re you two?”
>“They’re, uh, real.”
>>
>>2451174
Remember this is a super serial place we'll be defending; whoever opposes us will likely use their own muscle. We're the exception due to literally being from out of this world, and thus aren't going to leak it's location after the fact.

Maybe we should be humming a 'everything is normal' tune while we're out and about if we're going to draw this much attention.
>>
>>2451179

If by 'mutations' you mean 'blight mutations', then you don't have anything to worry about; those who are Corrupted rather than just outright consumed are very obviously infected. The people who've seen Mono so far just think she's wearing some kind of weird, themed getup.

>>2451180
>>2451169
>>2451165
>>2451160
>>2451159
>>2451157
>>2451149

Looks like we're going with the truth, then asking our own question.

Writin'
>>
Ah, I've just thought of something we can use to disguise our most prominent abnormality while still being able to talk. I think I will call it a ... head cover? hair warmer? Hmm, how about hat!
>>
>>2451140

What the...you find yourself a bit taken off guard by the question. There’d been a lot of stares, but no one had questioned your appearance so far...you’d thought it was at least somewhat known, if maybe not common, if they hadn’t bothered to mess with you. A hell of a lot better reception than otherwise, you figured. But then again, maybe these two were just the bravest...or cared less? Still… “Uh, they’re...real?” you hazard.

Sam just blinks, apparently not expecting that answer, “They’re… real…?” And then suddenly she gives a snort of laughter and starts chuckling. “Oh, geez, you got me there; haha…”

Awkward doesn't begin to cover things, so you decide to just continue on like nothing’s happened, “Just who are you two, again?”

“Right,” The redhead speaks up first, looking slightly exasperated, “I'm Vera; the troublemaker is Sam”.

“Uh, Emma,” you offer after a second, instinctively holding up a hand to wave...

And that’s when you realize the goofup. If you didn’t really have their attention before, you sure as hell do now.

“My… I come from a family with big hands…” The excuse sounds horrible even to you. You're supposed to be a Siren dammit! Singing and, more importantly, acting is practically what you DO. Did. Gah. Maybe it’s just their...sheer interest. The fact that they’re not fans- but also not trying to kill you. That’s still new.

“Well, that’s alright…” Vera’s clearly not sure what the hell to make of the situation, glancing between you and the blonde, “We were just saying hello anyways; it was nice to meet you, E-”

“Oh, come on!” Sam suddenly speaks up, hands to her sides as she pouts, “Don't be such a spoilsport! It’s not like we’re doing anything today other than waiting for the Boss to get back”. Her eyes suddenly light up all over again, “Hey, if you're not doing anything, why don't you hang out with us Emma?”

The two of them turn to look at you, clearly expecting a response. Yeah, definitely new to people not trying to kill you.

Your response?
> “Sorry, but I can't.”
> “Who’s this ‘Boss’?”
> “I guess I can, for a bit.”
> Other
>>
>>2451250
>> “Who’s this ‘Boss’?”
>>
>>2451250
>> “I guess I can, for a bit.”
>>
>>2451250
>“Who’s this ‘Boss’?”
>>
>>2451250
>> “I guess I can, for a bit.”
New experiences! Any maybe see if we can shake off the awkwardness a little.
Boss is presumably on charge of a mercenary group, or the guild.
>>
>>2451250
>“Who’s this ‘Boss’?”
>>
>>2451250
> “Who’s this ‘Boss’?”
> “I guess I can, for a bit."
>>
>>2451250
>“Who’s this ‘Boss’?”
>“I guess I can, for a bit."
>>
>>2451259
>>2451261
>>2451263
>>2451267
>>2451269
>>2451279
>>2451289

Agree, then ask about their boss.

Writin'
>>
>>2451250

“Sure…” Looking over the two girls cautiously, you try to find any hint of malice, but aside from a slightly dangerous glint in Sam’s eye you don't see anything, “But, only for a bit”.

The blonde makes a happy(ish) noise before running up to you and linking arms with yours, “Well, that’s too bad, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun!” Why does she remind you of Lorelei all of a sudden…?

Vera gives off a very defeated sounding sigh, “Just keep it easy”.

You start walking in step with Sam, who looks like she’s walking on air at this point. As you’re not entirely sure where to go from here, curiosity over something she said before takes over; “So, who’s this ‘Boss’ of yours?”

“Boss? Oh, right, Ryouma,” Giving the shorter gal a look, Vera turns back to you, “He’s our leader, technically. Not much to lead, since it’s just the three of us, but he takes care of the political side of being a mercenary, the negotiating, the rubbing shoulders, all that stuff so he’s earned it”. So he’s kinda like Miranda with you and the others...huh.

“Yeah, he’s talking with Sun right now; after we finished that contract to help out during the vampire attacks, Ryouma’s been meeting up with him everyone once and a while. Dunno what exactly they talk about, but the Boss always comes back happy so who cares?” With a bright smile on her face, Sam continues to gab away about her leader, with Vera occasionally cutting in to correct an over exaggeration or offer her own input. Despite what’s being said, you get the impression that they’re a pretty tight knit group and… Hmm...

“Alright!” That same energetic voice jolts you out of your thoughts, bringing your attention to the area around you, “What do we want to do first?”

Your response?
> “Those stalls look like they’ve got something interesting, let’s check them out.”
> “Hey, is that a street performer?”
> “I have to ask, but are the three of you, like... fucking or what?”
> Other
>>
>>2451363

Unfortunately, this is where I have to go. See you all tomorrow.
>>
>>2451363
>> “Hey, is that a street performer?”
> "So, were you guys the ones who took down the Vampires leader?"
>>
>>2451363
>“Hey, is that a street performer?”
A performance...
>>
>>2451363
>> “Hey, is that a street performer?”


> “I have to ask, but are the three of you, like... fucking or what?”
This is so far out of character I'm surprised it's an option, though it might garner an interesting reaction.
>>
>>2451378
This.
>>
>>2451363
>> “Those stalls look like they’ve got something interesting, let’s check them out.”
>>
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
I FINALLY CAUGHT UP! TOOK ME TWO DAYS BUT HERE I AM!

>>2451363
> “Those stalls look like they’ve got something interesting, let’s check them out.”
food my dude.

> Other
Make your ears flop to show them how real they are.
>>
>>2451388
It's pretty in character for Mono if you remember her general attitude from way back on the job we got her from.
>>
>>2451534
I believe it's more of not fitting the current situation rather than it not fitting the character. At least thats what I assume from people not picking it.
>>
>>2451363
>> “I have to ask, but are the three of you, like... fucking or what?”
>>
>>2451363
> “Those stalls look like they’ve got something interesting, let’s check them out.”
> “Hey, is that a street performer?”
> “I have to ask, but are the three of you, like... fucking or what?”
>>
“Emma” doesn’t have any currency, does she?
>>
>>2451733
Nope. Apparently she has an hourglass though.
>>
>>2451739
Maybe she could sing along with the performer and impress the crowd?
>>
>>2451749
As long as there is no wizardry involved, now that would be a tactical blunder.
>>
>>2451363
>> “Hey, is that a street performer?”
>>
>>2451078

those are some good stats, now i want to see a mock duel between gladiator and miranda. Anywho story T, did we get confirmation that the vamp bitch is dead and taken care of? for good.

>>2451363
>street proformer
>>
>>2451816
Yeah I think the MCs will come into conflict about who is in charge. A bit of a display might go some way to demonstrating each others competence.
>>
>>2451828
I reckon the girls will default to gladiator or arch mage in general, but come combat they can do as they see fit provided they just follow the order.

i doubt gladiator will care how you defend the area so long as the area is unscathed afterwards
>>
>>2451835
>so long as the area is unscathed afterwards
If he was concerned with collateral damage, then his boss should have bought the Collateral Damage Rider.
>>
>>2451877
your job if i remember rightly is "Protect the airship and the workers.

that is the only collateral worth a damn, everything else you can go wild on
>>
>>2451835
>the girls will default to
I may be misremembering the last crossover but I don't think they took anyone local seriously.
>>
>>2451749
So long she doesn't warp reality were she stand.
But i would rather stop getting distracted and go do the mission.Emma is starting to get some really bad habits from Lori.
>>
>>2451919
nobody is leaving yet, they have free time to kill may as well enjoy it.

>>2451910
as irritating as that will be, gladiator is going to be their link between them and the rest of the security forces. Good co-operation is the corner stone to efficiency.
the girls are stronger but the normal humans are more numerious
>>
>>2451910
We just didn't take Purps seriously because she was all over the place.
>>
>>2451878
The airship and the workers aren’t collateral, they’re the principal.
What do you think collateral refers to?
>>
>>2451910
that's why we are talking to gladiator. we're going to coordinate forces from the get go.
>>
>>2451938
Important items that you give the bank when you need loan so they can ensure that you pay back what you owe.

I get the feeling i am making a fool of myself
>>
>>2451946
While Randa is doing the boring stuff the elf and the (crazy lady?) are nerding out witht he artificer, Izumi must be doing some steet justice because she is Izumi and Momo is doing a street peformace.

I tell you Randa gets moved from the picture everyone else just 'breaks apart'... but i guess this is the calm times before the storm.
>>
>>2451949
In this context of mercenary security contracts, collateral refers to collateral damage, damage to civilian populations and noncombatants, and to buildings, equipment, and areas not considered targets or targets of opportunity.

Since the job is to protect the airship and the workers, they wouldn’t fall under collateral damage since the primary objective is to protect them.
A Collateral Damage Rider to the contract would have meant minimizing civilian casualties; protection of the airship and the workers would have been unaffected.
>>
>>2451956
>I tell you Randa gets moved from the picture everyone else just 'breaks apart'
well, you are right on that. No one (barring cylica and izumi, maybe) likes to deal with the logistical matters, so its better to let them roam trough the city, than to let them get bored and begin to do stupid things.
>>
>>2451816

Rachel is gone for good. I wasn't able to write it out because I ran out of time, but the team went down to where the vamps stored their coffins, stabbed them in their sleep with silver, dumped out the soil, and then burned them all for good measure.

>>2451835
>>2451877
>>2451878

Just to clarify things, no one besides the girls, Archmage, Gladiator, Dutch, and John are going on this dive; the Don not taking the risk of another security leak. The only point where you'll be running into any other Genovese forces is when that team will show up in a week to relieve you of duty.
>>
>>2451991
.....I feel an odd sensation at news that our nemesis did not meet the true death at our hands. Oh well, we killed here 2 or three times
anyway.

Rest in pieces mad vampire bitch
>>
>>2451991

In addition, the contract for the SES girls only includes the airship itself. You could blow the entire ruin to dust and so long as that airship is as intact as you found it he won't care. Granted, you won't be able to get any of that extra shinny loot, but you'll still get that cool 120 LM's.
>>
>>2452001
Just the airship? Safe return of the Don’s personnel isn’t required?
>>
>>2452013
judging from >>2451991 and this:
>You will be sent in with a trusted Artificer and several top operatives to case the Airship properly and secure it against outside forces.
Apparently not.
>>
>>2452013
Shit happens, as long as it's not us doing the killing and the airship is delivered we'll get paid.
>>
>>2451363
> “Hey, is that a street performer?”

>Wag ears
>>
>>2452013
>>2452058
>>2452059

The Don believes that everyone involved are big boys and girls and as such they shouldn't require babysitting. He has full confidence that all of his men will make it through this with the added muscle of SES.
>>
>>2451828
Miranda respects competence and professionalism, so Gladiator is going to run the show unless he decides to give the girls free reign. Now if John tries to take charge and/or does something stupid sparks will fly especially if it affects Owlia's conduct.

The biggest problem is going to be Izumi I reckon. She's likely to go bananas at Dutch if they spend too much time together and she's probably paranoid about Archmage. If Gladiator shows his criminal side we are going to have to deal with everything that you'd expect out of a Lawful Good in a party of Evil and Neutrals.

Sal is gonna have to sit down and have a stern talking to when we get back
>>
>>2452119
wouldn´t it be backwards? sal didn´t tell us that we would be working for a mafia.
>>
>>2452127
Yes, we're gonna sit down and talk at him and he better enjoy it.
>>
>>2452127
Sal tends to leave out critical information, regardless of whether he is asked about it or not. As an eldritch being, he doesn’t tend to see it as too important.
>>
>>2452119
Just tell her that we are killung other bad people so she shouldn't be worried about it.Also John point of view about our current employ will make her shut up since this is a mafia group that at least has some kind of honour.
>>
>>2452238
i don´t think that'll fly for her and i doubt this would be the first time miranda or someone else has told her that line in her 80 something years of knowing each other.
>>
>>2452238
70 years of hardliner moralfaggotry ain't gonna turn on a dime. Not like this is the first time
>>
>>2452238
She's trying to tone it down lately. She'll perform the mission she signed up for even if she doesn't like who she's doing it for.
>>
>>2452307
>>2452293
God fucking dammit she is way to nice. We need to take her for one of those afterlife worlds so she can stop moral fagging!
>>
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>>2452321
i don´t think that would work with her, since that afterlife would be locked to that specific universe.
Personally i like her ideology and makes me think that its similar to pic related. it takes big brass balls to stay true to your ideologies after so long.
>>
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>>2452333
>>
>>2452402
They sgould invent the archetype Lawfull/stupid
>>
I'll be honest, I'm kind of wanted a confrontation like this with Izumi for a bit now. It's interesting to see how her viewpoints hold up.
>>
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>>2452586
>>
>>2452586
Would it help Izumi if she knew that this mafia recently helped protect city from vampires?

I mean the vampires might have had some legal claim, but they were clearly willing to resort to horrible carnage to secure it.
>>
>>2452612
Will still give get tummy ache I bet. We've not seen this problem with her as the narrator before
>>
>>2452651
to be fair, we´ve only played once as her, and the invironmnet we were in was a dreamscape, it didn´t allow us to ponder such moraity questions
>>
>>2452586
Probably a dice roll with explanations
>>
>>2452119
What's wrong with John taking charge?
he's a smart guy who can get shit done.
>>
>>2452119
Na, Izumi is a professional with a record around as long a Miranda's. Any debates and arguments were done to death a long time ago.

>>2453460
He doesn't have the authority in this case. Miranda (as the leader of the contractors) or Gladiator (as a proxy of the client) do.
>>
>>2453460
as far as Miranda and Co. know, he is an external contractor that has no say in their job and should stick to his work. They would brush him away unless they need to kill something blight related that a shitload of firepower can't.
>>
>>2453502
No clause for moments where expertise comes into play?
>>
>>2453510
if gladiator tells us to listen to him, we'll listen,
>>
>>2453460

1. He's not the guy holding the paycheck.

2. Miranda and co don't know that, aside from Owlia and Cylcia possibly. Hell, Miranda probably thinks John is the guy who is going to run off and do something retarded because fuck escort missions.
>>
>>2453690
Fair point on the escort mission.
The subject is always retarded.
>>
>>2453690
Well John first reaction when being ambushed by a group of robbers was trying to negotiate a pay and explored a dungeon that ended up causing a bligth break in a small town...so she isn't completely wrong. Although it wasn't Johns fault the rune got activated...
>>
>>2453713

It's almost funny how picking the smartest options at the time led to the worst possible outcome.

Granted, John still got that Multitool out of it, so it wasn't a total wash; it helped blunt that PTSD episode for sure.
>>
Just to let everyone know, I don't think there's going to be any updates tonight. I thought I was going to be stuck in a dead-zone for the night and I think Handler is busy. Also a bit uncertain about tomorrow night on my end, but ill see about getting at least one update out early.
>>
>>2453690
Wait a minute, it sounds like you guys talked about this!

Because I can't see how you could be wrong there.
>>
>>2446476
>Essie
>French Meaning: The name Essie is a French baby name. In French the meaning of the name Essie is: Star. A.Diminutive of Estella: Derived from the Old French form of the Latin 'stella' meaning star.
Sensible and cute nickname.
>>
Sooooo... catched up and...

Who's ready to terrify/encapture the local citizens with OUR performance skills?
Might get some coppers.
AND ensure hijinx.
>>
>>2455163
unless we begin to sing death metal in the middle of the street, we should be fine.
>>
>>2455367
Dunno 'bout that, we've pulled off worse with our voice. Like becomming a slasher movie villain, creating or own theme AND effects on the surroundings.
>>2451363
> “Hey, is that a street performer?”
>>
>>2455384
well, yeah, but that was when we were deliberately singing creepy stuff
>>
>>2455384
>>2452076
>>2451816
>>2451793
>>2451723
>>2451388
>>2451380
>>2451378

Street performer it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2456482
Oh cool you made it!
>>
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>>2456482
Time to get Spooky.
>>
>>2451363

You're able to respond when you catch a flicker of music coming from further down the street, “Hey, is that a street performer?”

“Might be,” Is Vera’s response, taking a glance over in that direction, “You want to go check it out?”

You’re already a couple of steps over before you register what she asked, but when you turn to actually answer, she just shrugs and moves to follow you. “Sorry, yeah,” you admit as you begin to walk together. “Performers are kinda somethin’ dear to me.” Not that anyone you knew would ever be on the level of you or your sister…

A wave of nostalgia washes over you, and you do your best to quash it. As nice as it was with them, it was still unendingly stifling, and towards the end there...no, this was better.

Neither of the girls seem to notice your thoughts, as they're both facing right towards where a crowd of people are gathered about, the music coming from its epicenter.

Getting as best a glance around the group as you can, you spot a trio of musicians playing along. There’s a man playing a lute, a lady on a flute, and a boy keeping time on a set of drums.

They're certainly not the best you’ve heard, clearly still working towards mastering their craft, but after what feels like such a long time without listening to something performed live you’ll take what you can get. Sighing happily to yourself, you enjoy the music as it washes over you, your ears flickering in time, until it abruptly ends.

Looking up, the lead man is packing away his instrument, explaining to a slightly disgruntled audience that his little troop has to run along, much to their dismay. Even still, a few coins pass hands before they push their way out, leaving behind most of the crowd to grumble among themselves.

Huh, maybe…

“Well, that was short lived,” Sam’s back to pouting away again, clearly part of the group that wants more.

Now what?
> There’s still a crowd, might as well warm up for the mission
> Ask the girls what they want to do next
> Call in to Miranda, see if she’s done talking to the other guys or whatever
> Other
>>
>>2456571
>warm up

hey trouble, i am just giving you a call. Please bring your friends interesting and potential for greatness
>>
>>2456571
> There’s still a crowd, might as well warm up for the mission
No bending stuff though
>>
>>2456571
>There’s still a crowd, might as well warm up for the mission

What could possibly go wro
>>
>>2456571
>There’s still a crowd, might as well warm up for the mission
>>
>>2456571
> There’s still a crowd, might as well warm up for the mission
I think there’s some space to show off a little.
>>
>>2456571
> Call in to Miranda, see if she’s done talking to the other guys or whatever
>>
>>2456591
Reality warping for startes.
>>
>>2456571
> There’s still a crowd, might as well warm up for the mission
What could go wrong?
>>
>>2456571
>> There’s still a crowd, might as well warm up for the mission

We'll be outside the city once the mission actually starts, so even if we draw some attention, it shouldn't be an issue.
>>
>>2456599
True dat, revoking my "no bendy stuff" vote
>>
>>2456597
In hopes of the artists to play it up once more,
Otherwise we could just ask them to play again.
>>
>>2456599
>>2456597
>>2456594
>>2456592
>>2456591
>>2456589
>>2456585

Warm up the awoo it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please
>>
Rolled 52 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2456609
>>
Rolled 71 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2456609
Hail the dice gods

>>2456599
police maybe? just dont break stuff and we will be good
>>
Rolled 20 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2456609
>>
>>2456618
Eh 86 ain't bad. John managed to pull some crazy shit with that much.
>>
Rolled 52 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2456609
>>
>Singing in the Rain, accidentally a local rain cloud
>>
>>2456643

Oh Handler...

>>2456618

That's an 86, Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2456661
>>2456643

Rain, rain, go a- wait, no. That's not what we want, is it?

Co-writing.
>>
>>2456676
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjUhTCqQ5ps
>>
>>2456571

This could be quite the chance here; you could get a bit of a warm up before things go down and you might just get some spending money out of the deal on top of it.

“Give me a minute,” Half telling the girls, you're already through the crowd of people and into the small clearing within.

Their attention is almost immediately on you, but aside from a momentary flutter in your chest the crippling effects of stage fright are behind you.

Clearing your throat, you run through a few quick scales as a warm up, easily getting yourself into the proper place to begin. It's been a little bit since you sang for something other than practice... Even though this is kind of practice anyway. Well, it’s good to have an audience again, so time to begin.

( https://youtu.be/D1ZYhVpdXbQ?t=45 )

And begin you do, starting off with a simple line of cheerful humming reminiscent of a man floating on the clouds of romance.

It smoothly transitions into the beginnings of a song that comes to you unbidden, following the image of an effervescent lover singing in the street without a care for what the weather is. Feeling the confidence that comes to you while performing, you truly relax and just let things flow.

The mental image carries you, the image of a lovestruck man now dancing through the soaked streets declaring to the world his absolute joy, uncaring of the degrading state of his clothing. Stomping his dress shoes to a beat only he can hear, the man continues stomping along the asphalt, sending puddles flying with ever step.

You get the very vague feeling that there's a lot of eyes on you; the sounds of murmurs of wonder pass through your head like fleeting birds. It doesn't detract from your focus any, and it just as soon as you recognize them, they’re nothing more than background noise- simple sounds to increase the immersion. You feel cool, calm, yet elated- just as you were taught, and you can even feel the raindrops splashing on your own nose as you step lightly, a tap-tap here, a spin there…

Sadly, even the man’s elation cannot last forever, and with one last proclamation to a blackened statue, he replaces his hat and walks off into the night.

You open your eyes at this point, to the wide-eyes of the entire crowd, Sam and Vera included. Below their feet are the remains of a minor rainstorm that you, somewhat numbly realize, was the unconscious result of your singing.

Oops.

There’s a fear that someone is about to run for the guard, before they start applauding like mad. Several even run up and deposit coins into your hand before leaving for whatever else they have to do today.

> You have obtained: 6 Silver Coins and 78 Copper Coins!

[1/2]
>>
>>2456824

[2/2]

Tucking the change into your pocket, you turn to look back at Sam and Vera, who are both just staring at you unabashedly. The attention makes your cheeks warm slightly, but the feeling is slightly interrupted by the buzz of your Murmur Stone being set off.

Now what?
> Say your goodbyes to the girls, see who’s contacting you
> Excuse yourself for a moment, take the call, then return
> Ask if it can wait for a bit.
> Other
>>
>>2456836
>Excuse yourself for a moment, take the call then come back unless its fubar
>>
>>2456676
Does she know “I don’t want o set the world on fire”?
What about “Ring of fire”?
>>
>>2456836
>Say your goodbyes to the girls, see who’s contacting you
>>
>>2456836
> Excuse yourself for a moment, take the call, then return
“Hate to leave you high and-uh... Anyway, my boss is calling.”
>>
>>2456846
The first would...put OUT a fire, I think, huh?
The second, not sure.
>>
>>2456836
>Excuse yourself for a moment, take the call then come back unless its fubar
>>2456846
Why not go with Purple rain?
>>
>>2456836
That was great. Makes me wish her powers weren't nerfed in the Intersection.

>Excuse yourself for a moment, take the call then come back unless its fubar
>>
>>2456836
Excuse yourself for a moment, take the call, then return
>>
>>2456836
>> Excuse yourself for a moment, take the call, then return
>>
>>2456843
>>2456855
>>2456860
>>2456863
>>2456864
>>2456889

Excuse us, there's a call to be taken.

Writin'
>>
>>2456836

Agh, nuts. “Hey, sorry, gotta take this.” You find yourself speaking a lot more casually now that you got a good session in. Really need to try and do this more often. With people around, not just for your own good.

Walking off from them a ways so that they can't hear you, you dip into a shallow alley- just enough to get out of the walking traffic. Quickly taking the stone out, you activate it the way Miranda showed you to. Utilizing your own mana freely is...beyond you at the moment, but you can at the very least sing a quick “Hello~?” to activate it.

“Hey, you there?” Naturally, it’s Miranda. “You doing okay? Should’ve said for you to call, so that’s my bad.”

You shake your head even though she can't see it. “Oh, nah, it’s fine. We found it okay, and I’m kinda out and about for a minute. The other two are back with the guy- John. Gonna haveta try an’ remember that.”

“It’s an easy name,” she points out. “Anyway, that neatly leads to why I’m calling. I contacted, well, Hidia earlier, and...would you happen to know why she responded by saying, and I quote, “I'm busy with SCIENCE here!” before hanging up?”

[1/3]
>>
>>2456969

You can't help but let out a bit of a grunt at that. “Eh, the nerds are nerdin’ it up. I figured I wouldn’t get half of what they’re talkin’ about, so I just bailed for a bit. They got so wrapped up in things they forgot they didn’t have money an’ all. Kinda my fault, too- we’re tryin’ to do somethin’ nice for I- Yuna. Since she was peeved an’ all. What’s up with that, anyway? She don’t like the mafia?”

“She doesn’t like a lot of things,” Miranda says back flatly. “She’s...I heard of somethin’ going on nearby, and she came back. Seems like she’s kinda cooled off, but I wouldn’t expect a whole lot of camaraderie coming from her towards our clients. By the by, what was that about not having money? I thought you all were going over to see if the guy had all his crap in order; why would you need money for that?”

“Oh yeah. Turns out the guy’s got some pretty cool gear,” you remember. “Like, suits an’ stuff. Like I said, the nerds got super nerdy. Wanted to buy some stuff. Ended up trading one of those hold everythin’ bags for a some stuff. I know one of ‘em was some sorta mana generator, an’ like I said, the thing for Yuna. I dunno if that’s cool or not, buuuut…”

There’s a long silence on the other end. After about half a minute has passed and you're about to ask if she's okay, you just hear a loud, aggrieved ‘huuuuuugggggh’ on the other end. “Whoa, I’m guessing that was bad?”

“No…” you hear her groan out. “TECHNICALLY, since they’re Couriers, they’re licensed to trade for what can be deemed equivalent or greater value. Soooo...uugh. I can’t ACTUALLY do anything about it. Let them know that we’re going to have a LONG talk about casually getting rid of Base-purchased supplies, though. Although...well, I guess I’ll have to see how good that generator is. Anyway, I’ve gotten things mostly planned out with Gladiator. Met that ‘Dutch’ guy, too. He’s...gonna be someone to deal with, just warning you. Kinda glad Lorelei isn’t here.”

Huh? “Wait, why not her?” She’d been nothing but nice to you...

“Because reasons. Anyway, we’re coming towards...John’s…? Way to pick you all up, then we’re gonna decide whether we want to take off early tomorrow or tonight. Be there in ten. Essie out.” There’s a -blip- as the connection cuts, and the small light in the stone dims. Well, guess you know what you're doing now…

With a bit of a sigh, you turn back to tell Sam and Vera the news.

[2/3]
>>
>“I'm busy with SCIENCE here!”

Eh Owlia you are way to cute.
>>
>>2456969
>Really need to try and do this more often. With people around, not just for your own good.
She really needs to look into one of the performance groups in the Intersection, see if there's any hobby groups. Good practice, and she clearly enjoys it.
>>
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>He’s...gonna be someone to deal with, just warning you. Kinda glad Lorelei isn’t here.”

>mfw reading this

Man the flirting with those two would be out of bounds.
>>
>>2456975
RIP?
>>
>>2456975

You are Miranda Styles- and you have just received news that two of your subordinates traded a Hyperspace Bag for a couple of purchases from the Artificer you’re going to be playing babysitter to shortly.

Not entirely sure how you feel about that. Leaning towards frustrated, though.

It’s not like what they did was illegal, but the introduction of Intersection technology to other worlds… Well, you ran into a crazy old woman who was the product of something similar. You flip open your Futuresight and write down a note to yourself: ‘make a clause of receiving a Futuresight that you cannot trade it whatsoever’.

With that particular problem solved for now, you briefly glance over at your partner who, despite running around with a few kids for the last couple of hours, still manages to look prim and properly composed. Strutting along wearing a flawless black long coat with segments of light armor over her chest, arms, and legs, the gal gives off a completely different air than the one she had a few minutes ago. Then again, that’s Izumi. She’s been scuffed up before, but it takes a damn mighty effort. You honestly have zero clue how she manages to pull that off…

Either way, you should probably have a talk with her about the stick stuck up her ass at some point. Another one. Then again, you’d managed to crack her reluctance to go anywhere not like...before. Who knows, maybe it’ll actually DO something the next time. At least she’s promised to not start anything. You can work with that, although you’re fairly certain that the only people she'll be actively trying to help are the folks with a similar mailing address.

Hopefully Gladiator and Dutch live up to the Don’s words. They’re not the worst people you’ve met, and aside from the dangerous glint in the gunslinger’s eyes when he met you, you don't think they’ll cause any issues. You just need to make sure Izumi and him don't spend too long together. Although, with the weapons he’s got… Something to consider for later.

[3/4]
>>
Here's hoping John gets upgraded from "Escort mission idiot"
to something a bit more...likeable
>>
>>2457199
Well he tends to do his part, and doesn’t fuck over people who don’t fuck him over first (or are about to), so I’d say as far as party dynamics go we should be fine.
>>
>>2457113

With your wayward friend by your side, however, you look up at the door that has a rather obvious ‘CLOSED’ sign on it. That’s clearly more meant to be ‘Do Not Disturb’, however, if the various sounds and thumps coming from inside are any indication.

“I worry what they’ve gotten up to,” Izumi admits as she adjusts her hat.

At her words, you realize that Owlia and Cylcia are within a, probably, fully stocked workshop and have been for the last few hours. The moisture on the back of your neck is from that freak rainstorm, definitely.

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you push open the glass door, eliciting a simple chime as you do so, and enter into the shop proper. It’s a pretty standard fare, wooden floor and weapons out on display on racks, though the addition of several clockwork rifles adds an interesting twist to the look. There's a single set of armor our, a medium one sporting a massive slash across the chest; your guess is that it’s a ‘look how sturdy my stuff is’ kind of display.

The sound of work in the back stops, and you're not left waiting long as a single man strides into the storefront, wiping his hands off with a rag.

The guy… Well, it’s clear that he’s spent some time in a forge as he’s not the spindly twig you were expecting when you were told about him. Instead, he stands slightly above you and neatly fills out the simple white shirt and pants he’s sporting. You spot a patchwork of scars and burns that cover his forearms, though the sleeves of his shirt block you from further observation.

“Sorry, but I'm closed for today,” His voice, low enough that it barely borders on a growl, pulls your attention up to where a set of cold, blue eyes stare you down underneath a mop of dirty blonde hair.

[4/5]
>>
>>2457274

[5/5]

You meet him easily enough- disgruntled shopkeeps are common enough. “Sorry for the intrusion- I’m just here to collect my wayward teammates. I can imagine they’ve been pretty… enthusiastic.” You hold out a hand to take- it’s only polite, regardless of his personage. “Name’s Essie, I’m the squad leader. Girl next to me is my second, Yuna.” She gives a slight bow in response, tipped hat and all.

He looks between you and Izumi for a moment before taking your hand, his rough grip that same kind of testing strength that Gladiator had, “I'm John, though if you knew where to find me you already knew that. So, this is your first Ruin Dive?”

“In these parts, but not outright,” you offer. You’ve delved into one ancient ruin, you’ve delved into...well, okay, not all, but most. “On the whole I’d say I’m fairly experienced- but if you’ve got intel on any particulars to this one, we’ll defer to you.” So long as he didn’t do anything utterly stupid, anyway.

He just nods, “Ruins tend to be a bit… unique. If it isn't the wildly different civilizations, it’s the centuries of erosion. But don't worry about it too much; Dutch and I have a system for exploring new areas, so just stick to us, make sure to keep on guard, don't touch anything that even resembles a Sigil, and you’ll be fine”.

“Fairly standard, alright.” Izumi nods as well; you’re pretty darn sure she’s had to do some tomb diving and ruin raiding herself.

>Leave it at that; let him get the girls.
>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
>Ask him about Dutch
>Other
>>
>>2457274
>[4/5]
kek
It keeps getting longer.
>>
>>2457278
>ask about SCIENCE
>>
>>2457278

>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
>>
>>2457278
>>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
MANA OVERWHELMING
>>
>>2457278
>Ask about dutch
>SCIENCE
>>
>>2457278
>>Leave it at that; let him get the girls.
it's better for our mental health to just.. not ask.
>>
>>2457278
>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
>Ask him about Dutch

can't not
>>
>>2457278
>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
>Ask him about Dutch
>Ask him what the status on Izumi's sword is, away from her hearing.
>>
>>2457278
>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
>Ask him about Dutch
>>
>>2457278
>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
>>
>>2457278
>Ask about the supposed ‘Science’ that went on.
Honestly, trade is what the Dealmakers DO. It's what they want. Doing mercenary work is just a facet of their operations.

What Owlia and Cylica did is not only legal, but since they got more in value than what they traded away, exactly the kind of thing that the Dealmakers want done.
Though not trading a FarSight is about the only restriction that they have, from what we've been told.
>>
Hey. ST? Handler?

Anybody still wanna do SCIENCE?

Anybody?
>>
>>2458509
I think they fell asleep at their desks.
>>
>>2458509

My fault, had to head out for a few hours; back now.

>>2457280

Handler and I are writing this in google docs together, but everytime we think we'll be sticking to a certain length we'll think of a question or interjection from one of the other characters and the dialog will just keep going.

>>2457802

You, as the reader, know that. Miranda does not; though that'll be changing shortly.

>>2457802
>>2457326
>>2457320
>>2457317
>>2457316
>>2457309
>>2457306
>>2457299
>>2457296

Ask about Dutch, then tentatively about science.

Writin'
>>
>>2457278

You're about to ask about what the three of them have gotten up to when a different question comes to mind, “You know Dutch?”

John just snorts in clear amusement, “Know him? I grew up with him, the bastard; haven't been able to shake him since. We worked together back in Airgrid for a few years before I… tried, I suppose is the word, to go straight. That never seems to last long, at least in my line of work”.

“You quit? Just left?” Now this is some seriously interesting information. From your experience, most guys quit the Mafia via a black body bag, not on their own two feet. “How’d you manage that?” Either he had something on them, or this Mafia was incredibly trusting...and trusting mafias generally were either Mafia in-name-only or didn’t last long.

“I had a record of professionalism and lack of fucking the Genovese over so, with a favor from Dutch, I got out of there under the implication that I wasn't coming back,” He shrugs here, apparently not having a problem with telling you this, “Then a bunch of shit happened and now I'm here”.

Well. Pretty clear what the Genovese thought of that, then. The mental image of a fish getting slack from a fishing rod flashes through your head briefly before you just nod slightly. “Fair enough. Won’t press that. As for other matters, mind telling me about just what…’science’ you and my subordinates have been up to?”

John blanches at your words before sighing, “It’d be easier if you just came inside”.

Of course. Letting out a small snort, you and Izumi follow him as he waves you in. “So, was it that bad?”

“Once I figured out the gal with the crystal in her skull wasn't brain damaged, no,” His words follow you as you step inside the workshop, the smells of hot metal and mana thick in the air, “I want to know just who the hell taught you two magitech; neither of you knew what a conduit was or how it worked, but you know how to wire mana directly”.

“Don't be jealous just because you didn't think of grinding up mana crystals and using them in your wires!” Owlia’s perky tone pulls your attention to where she’s happily in her element, pouring over a pile of papers covered edge to edge in technical notes, “Hey R-Essie! How are you doing I’m doing great ever since John here showed me his blueprints for a metal golem! It’s actually great that you're here because I need to borrow your Futuresight to take copies of all of these notes, so could you please please please!”

[1/3]
>>
>>2458824

"As long as that’s it…” an exhausted looking Mono gripes in the corner of the room, clearly disgruntled.

She’ll live. “Metal golem?” you ask idly, looking at John briefly. Well, if that’s part of what they got for it…sigh. “Fine, but lemme show you how to actually USE it…” You fish the thing out, and quickly she ushers you over, pointing out just what she wants to have pictures of. Seriously seems like they’ve been busy...although you suppose that IS good. Especially if the guy isn’t that annoyed by them.

He walks over to the forge, which you only now recognize as an arc furnace, and pulls a curved sword and a single shot grenade launcher, 30 mm from the looks of it, out of a crate. Spinning the weapon around in his grip, he hands it to you before moving onto the sword, “Oh right, need to do one last thing”.

With a bit of apt fascination, you watch as the young man walks over to the workbench, pulls out yet another sheet of paper, this one taken up by a single sigil, and places a hand over the scimitar. A deep breath is the only warning you get before dark grey smoke pours of the space between his arms and the cuffs of his shirt as well as the corners of his eyes, wrapping itself around the blade.

He’s… etching that inscription onto the metal of it in seconds and before a minute is over the smoke recedes, leaving behind the Artificer who slides the curved sword into a nearby sheath and hands it over, “Done”.

“Ugggggh, I wish I could transcribe sigils that fast,” Owlia grumbles. “I’ve just gotta be careful and use a machine. That’d be so handy! BUT!” Before you know it she’s sidled up to you, as has Cylica and Mono- and the two of them are facing Izumi. “We had it made for a very special reason!”

[2/3]
>>
>>2458827

[3/3]

“Reason bein’ you, ya sourpuss.” Mono smirks. Izumi’s only reaction is one of widened eyes and surprise. “Noticed you were kinda tweaked earlier, and we know ya like weapons, soo…”

“It’s a cheer-up sword...kinda!” Owlia grins. “Very balanced, very durable! The guy knows his stuff!” She nods like she’s suddenly an expert.

“Channel your mana into the sword, and it’ll burn immediately,” John grunts out, grabbing a mana crystal from some kind of charging station he pulls some of the latent energy into himself, “I made sure to treat the blade so the heat won't damage it, and so long as you don't stick it to an explosive and set it off it’s not going to be breaking anytime soon”.

Izumi, still silent, gently takes the blade from your hands, looking over every inch of it. With an errant thought, she sends a spark of mana through it, and just as advertised, the sword lights up- a brilliant torch with heat you can easily feel. “Ha. I guess we’ll match,” you find yourself saying with a smile.

Izumi, for her part...breaks out into a soft smile. “Thank you. ALL of you,” she says, bowing to Owlia, Cylica, Mono, and John in turn. “I’ll be absolutely certain to put this to just use.”

You heave a sight that you didn’t know was coming. “Glad to hear it. Now, we’ve got a few things to talk about, like what my subordinates traded- but that can wait. For now, time to get to brass tacks.” And so you make sure to meet his eyes as you ask this next question. “When I talked to Gladiator and Dutch, they reaffirmed that we could leave at any time. If you’re willing, I’m thinking we should leave…”

>In an hour, two at the latest. We can’t let anyone get there before us.
>Tonight, when the moon’s out. You can get any last minute issues handled before then.
>Tomorrow morning. Any final preparations, start making them, and making them good.
>Other
>>
>>2458831
If there is nothing else left to do, I suggest
>In an hour, two at the latest. We can’t let anyone get there before us.
>>
>>2458831
Has John told Sierra he's out of town for a few days?
>>
>>2458831
>>Tomorrow morning. Any final preparations, start making them, and making them good.
Kinda want to hear what Izumi got up to while she was grumping about. Did she beat up a couple of thugs? Get hit on by Dutch? Or possibly meet a certain food delivery man who moonlights as a plump kung-fu Batman?
>>
>>2458831
>>In an hour, two at the latest. We can’t let anyone get there before us.
We've got nothing that needs doing in the city, and this job is time sensitive; time to get moving.
>>
>>2458846

Yep, she's staying with her brother in the meantime.
>>
>>2458831
>Tonight, when the moon’s out. You can get any last minute issues handled before then.
>>
>>2458848
We're going to be on a boat for two days. If we want to talk to her or do any other inner-party conversation, that's the time.
>>
>>2458831
>In an hour, two at the latest. We can’t let anyone get there before us.
>>
>>2458831
>In an hour, two at the latest. We can’t let anyone get there before us.
Better stake our claim
>>
>>2458855
No elf watching the counter and selling stock while the artificer's out of town?
darn, we could have left her pompoms to advertise with.
>>
>>2458922

Sierra's still got her own work to worry about.

>>2458919
>>2458873
>>2458850
>>2458842

Get moving, nerds.

Writin'
>>
>>2458984
So, the grenade launcher and sword are finished, but how did the Magitech Gauntlet turn out?
>>
>>2459027
We might have to put it together on the boatride
>>
>>2459027
Also still missing the generator. They weren't high priority items though, so long as we get what we overpaid for, it shouldn't be an issue.
>>
>>2458831

“As soon as possible- within an hour or two, ideally. We don't want anyone getting first stake on the site.” Ideally, he be able to get there, establishing defense perimeter, and set up the trolls before anyone even got within artillery range…

But you're stopped in your mental tracks when you notice the strange look that John is giving you. “I mean, sure, but... Do you want me to make that reactor in that area before us? Not like I can do it on a boat.”

Ah. Right, that. Hm. Well...the turret was one thing, but the reactor… “Show me what the reactor looks like and I’ll think about it.” His look is one of a harried man that rather dislikes being ordered around, but he doesn’t say anything this time, simply grunting and giving a half-hearted shrug.

Regardless, you think he's got the picture that you want to leave as soon as possible, as he tromps off in the direction of his work, Owlia and Cylica following, and Mono resuming her place on the nearby seat. Although, considering what he’s already done for Izumi- smiling as she is, testing out the blade with a few practice swings…

“You want to see the damn thing or what?” Looking over, John’s got an EXO suit on the workbench which, upon further inspection, is giving off traces of mana from within. You head on over, about to say something when he simply removes a section of the back armor.

[1/2]
>>
>>2459131

Encased within is a pair of mana crystals with a whole lot of magitech strapped to them. Whatever the arrangement is, it certainly works as the amount of mana it’s producing is nothing to scoff at. Hell, for its size there’s a good chance that the Intersection doesn't have something comparable…

“And exactly how much mana does this create? You ever try to measure it?”

All that gets is another shrug out of the man, “Not entirely sure, but I've got one of a similar size powering this place, including the furnace over there, so it’s a lot”.

So much for getting there immediately, “How long is it going to take for you to make another one?”

“Between the reactor, the gauntlets, and the turret, I'm looking at an all nighter. But, if nothing goes wrong, we’ll be good to go by early tomorrow morning,” He replaces the armor covering the mana source as he responds, smoothly clicking the metal back into place.

“It’s going to be so much fun!” Owlia claps her hands together, giving you half a heart attack until you realize that your Futuresight is safely on the workbench, “We’re going to share ideas and magitech and make all sorts of cool crap! Like that gauntlet! Oh man I gotta integrate a keyboard into one and maybe, just maybe, even a WEAPON! But I can't just go with any old one, it has to be cool like a twin barrel high yield minibomb launcher or something. Or maybe a plasma heated shrapnel launcher! Well, no, maybe not shrapnel. Or plasma. I dunno! I’ll figure something out!”

“You might have to put that together on the ride over. I won’t lie and say it’s not an interesting idea, but we need to economize time,” Izumi states, finally speaking up. “So finish what you need to do here, and the rest we’ll work out.”

“A shame there’s nothing like a portable work area for us,” Cylica laments idly. “Alas, we’ll simply have to do our best.”

“I'm not working on a reactor that could explode in my face on a boat; that’s getting done first,” Walking over to a crate and pulling it open, John starts pulling out materials to work with, gathering quite the pile before he’s apparently satisfied.

“Just tell me when you're done; we’ll leave right after that,” You just hope that whatever crap those three cook up is worth it.

> And that's where we're going to end things for tonight. Tomorrow, the team will be on their way to the site. See you then!
>>
>>2459135
See ya Story -T.
>>
>>2459135
Oh crud, I forgot that these things take time.

>“A shame there’s nothing like a portable work area for us,” Cylica laments idly. “Alas, we’ll simply have to do our best.”
Maybe we should try to fix that in the future?
>>
>>2459135
Thanks for the run OP(s)!
>>
>>2459135
Thanks for running!
>>
>>2458848
>We're going to be on a boat for two days.
Ten years later
>>
>>2459438
Come on now, it’s a boat, not a train.

>inb4 op reveals it’s a steamer
>>
>>2459450
It's a berserk joke.
>>
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>>
I like boats.
>>
Back now and back from vacation, which means I've got my AQ folder of photos.

>>2460009

Heretic.

>>2459177

The idea of a pocket dimension containing a workshop/forge is an interesting one. Also a terrifying one.
>>
>>2459135

[DAY 2 BEGINS]

You are John Holesher and you’ve just spent the last fourteen hours straight working, thanks to the desires of two ladies. It was just a bit different than the last time that happened.

No, you worked straight through the night to get a pair of magitech gauntlets, a portable mana reactor, and a turret that started off as something a bit different than how it ended done done before you got onto a shipping vessel that would send you right towards the latest pissing match between the major mafia families of the West. Minus the one you’ve spent the last few months doing your best to screw over at every turn of course.

At least you’ve got two days until you get there, during which you hope to at the bare minimum catch up on some sleep. You’re not confident that’ll actually occur, but a man can dream right?

Regardless, you push yourself up from where you’ve spent the last couple of hours napping down in the cargo hold. There’s a room with your name on it for this trip, but after getting all your gear down here earlier this morning, you just decided on staying here for a bit.

Now, you’re a bit brighter-eyed, though your back’s got a bit of a tweak to it. Ah… There you go.

Giving your neck one last crack, you consider what to do next.
> Go find Dutch, see what kind of shit he’s managed to get up to already
> Go find Gladiator, talk to him about what he’s been doing since the vamps were killed
> Go find Archmage, he’s probably neck deep in paperwork by now
> Go find Essie, you need to deliver the reactor and turret to her
> Go find Hidia and Froste, make sure that everything is set up correctly
> Go find Emma, she’s been avoiding you somewhat
> Go find Yuna, see how she’s liking the sword
> Other
>>
>>2461211

Why didn't the pic follow the post...
>>
>>2461211
>> Go find Gladiator, talk to him about what he’s been doing since the vamps were killed
>>
>>2461211
>find gladiator
>find archmage

re-affirm what we know and ask arch mage about the wolf lady.

>during which you hope to at the bare minimum catch up on some sleep. You’re not confident that’ll actually occur, but a man can dream right?

john,we dont say it often but you make us proud....You are a god given gift to cynics and pessimists
>>
>>2461211
>Immediately attempt to go back asleep before having someone wake you up again.

After that...

> Go find Emma, she’s been avoiding you somewhat
> Go find Yuna, see how she’s liking the sword
See if they need adjustments on their new weapons, Emma definitely, due to her larger hands.
>>
>>2461211
>Go find Essie, you need to deliver the reactor and turret to her
>>
>>2461211
> Go find Gladiator, talk to him about what he’s been doing since the vamps were killed
>>
I've also updated the girls' lists for their new goodies.
>>
>>2461211
>> Go find Archmage, he’s probably neck deep in paperwork by now
>Who are these weirdos? Fake elves!
>>
>>2461211
>> Go find Dutch, see what kind of shit he’s managed to get up to already

finally done reading AQ
>>
>>2461211
>> Go find Dutch, see what kind of shit he’s managed to get up to already
>>
>>2461253
Sorry, but I can't seem to find the updated equipment list in the pastebin. Could you put down a link for me?
>>
>>2461291
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kj00CtC5_cYWFCmRqc3h68q-OdQwCui3dgxQDbordEQ/edit
>>
>>2461302
Thanks Handler, much appreciated.
>>
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>>2461262
You did eh? Then what's your opinion on this nice fellow here?
>>
>>2461338
the source of hate
>>
>>2461262

Welcome to the live threads, anon. Any favorite moment from the archive?

>>2461225
>>2461239
>>2461246

Gladiator it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2461354
>Any favorite moment from the archive?
finding ancient tech, building stuff, getting to now sierra
>>
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>>2461338
>>
>>2461101
Shouldn't have traded for a BoH then hahaha. John is about to invent Ikea furniture.
>>
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>>2461360
good boy, you get a cookie
>>
>>2461211

It’s been a while since you’ve talked to Gladiator, the last time was when you said goodbye to the guy after burning a vampire’s house down, so you might as well go see what he’s doing. Heading over to where the cabins are, you pass by Essie, fully clad in her power armor, pacing a rut into the wooden floors. She’s probably deep in thought, as she doesn’t so much as flinch as you walk by.

Getting to the guy’s room, you knock on the wooden door then wait.

And wait.

Guess he’s not here, which is going to make finding him a bit tougher. Given what you know about Gladiator, he’s probably doing some kind of workout right now.

Or drinking. Either or really.

So, passing by the worry-wart merc again, you head above deck.

The early morning is a cold one, making you glad to have bought a new coat a couple of weeks ago, but it is quite pretty out. Seagulls glide overhead while the skeleton crew work on keeping the ship running, the captain stoically looking over his men. Walking out into the salty air, you spot Hidia and Froste, side by side, staring out over the water. Neither of them are saying a word, so maybe they’re just remembering their homeland.

Continuing past them, you walk to the otherside of the ship and spot where Gladiator is working through a few basic exercises, glancing over his shoulder as you approach.

“John, you look like hell,” The swordsman favors you with an easy smile, sitting down on a nearby crate to take a crate, “Tough night?”

“You’re hilarious,” Deadpan fills your tone as you lean against the railing on the side of the ship, shaking your head slightly, “Plan on using those jokes against the others during the dive?”

“I’ll stick to swords,” He looks over the blade in his hands before sheathing it at his side, “So, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

Your response?
> “How did things go for you all after we dealt with the vamps?”
> “Do you know anything about our… additional muscle?”
> “Has Dutch been causing problems?”
> Other
>>
>>2461444
>> “Do you know anything about our… additional muscle?”
>>
>>2461444
>“Do you know anything about our… additional muscle?”
>>
>>2461444
>how you been since the vamps, almsot as good as you eh?

>And what about the muscle

then maybe dutch
>>
>>2461444
>> “Do you know anything about our… additional muscle?”
>> “Has Dutch been causing problems?”
>>
>>2461444
>> “Do you know anything about our… additional muscle?”
>>
>>2461484
>>2461468
>>2461461
>>2461459
>>2461454

Ask about the ladies it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2461444

“Mild concern, mostly,” Glancing about, you note that the two elves are still hypnotised by the sea, “Would you know anything about the… extra help?”

At your words, his brow furrows a bit, “Not much. I don’t have any idea where Archmage found them, and the contacts I spoke to have never heard of them. The old bastard told me that they’re expensive, but whatever contract they’ve got guarantees their loyalty, so for whatever that’s worth that’s how it is. Why, you got a problem with ‘em?”

You just shake your head, “No, no issue with them so far. I’ve just got a suspicion that’s all. You think we can just trust Archmage on this?”

“He’s a smug prick, but he’s not much of a liar. If he thinks they can be trusted, and the Don thinks they’ll be worth it, then we’ll just have to take them at their word,” Standing up like there’s nothing wrong, Gladiator gets ready to continue his training, “Anything else on your mind?”

“Dutch giving you shit again?”

He stops in place before chuckling, “He’s been his usual self, itching for a fight since the last one. Don’t know what exactly he and that merc leader talked about, but she didn’t look too happy with how it went”.

“I’ll see about keeping him in line,” Rolling your eyes a bit, you push off the railing.

With a round of goodbyes, you consider what to do next.
> Go talk to Dutch, you apparently need to have another talk with him about treating ladies that aren’t shooting at him
> Go find Archmage, if he found them then he’ll know more about the girls
> Go back to Essie, deliver her stuff and try to smooth things out
> Go talk to Hidia and Froste, see what they’re looking so hard at
> Go find Emma, she’s been avoiding you somewhat
> Go find Yuna, see how she’s liking that sword
> Other
>>
>>2461575
>Go talk to Dutch, you apparently need to have another talk with him about treating ladies that aren’t shooting at him
> Go find Archmage, if he found them then he’ll know more about the girls
Lets do at least do one of these two before talking with the girls.
>>
>>2461575
>> Go back to Essie, deliver her stuff and try to smooth things out
Okay, now I'm curious as to how that meeting went... Also, we need to deliver the stuff they ordered, too.
>>
>>2461575
>Go find Archmage, if he found them then he’ll know more about the girls
>>
>>2461575
>> Go talk to Dutch, you apparently need to have another talk with him about treating ladies that aren’t shooting at him
>>
>>2461575
>Go talk to Dutch, you apparently need to have another talk with him about treating ladies that aren’t shooting at him
> Go find Archmage, if he found them then he’ll know more about the girls

Kinda want to hear the archmage opinion on the girls.
>>
>>2461587
Obviously Dutch tried to 'flirt' with Essie. But Essie won't have none of it because she is that type of gal, and because it makes her think to much of Lori.
>>
>>2461575
> Go talk to Dutch, you apparently need to have another talk with him about treating ladies that aren’t shooting at him
Yea, that won't fly with anyone here, though it's nothing they haven't dealt with before. If Lori was here, she'd have a ball stringing him along, though nothing would ever come of it.

>guarantees their loyalty
Technically not, but it does make it absurdly expensive to be paid off. Betraying the original contract takes the income tax on the job from~15% to ~80%, so we'd have to get paid a lot more than the original contract to even consider it.
>>
>>2461575
> Go talk to Hidia and Froste, see what they’re looking so hard at
>>
>>2461656

Dutch, despite how good of a gunslinger he is, isn't a professional by any standard. As for the cost of buying off, I doubt Sal would have mentioned something to that extent to Archmage.

>>2461586
>>2461592
>>2461595
>>2461656

Find Dutch.

Writin'
>>
>>2461656
>>2461760
unless someone offers Miranda and Co. something like ~150 platinum coins, nobody should worry where their allegiance lies
>>
>>2461797
It'd take more than 4 times the original payment for us to break even, and we'd want a lot more than breaking even for all the trouble it'd cause.
>>
>>2461871
This. And also breaking a contract would be something that Randa would do only in extreme cases
>>
>>2461891
supposing they pay enough, i don't see why she shouldn't change sides. Maybe izumi would complain, but she is working for the mafia right now, so that complaint might be small.
>>
>>2461575

Leaving Gladiator to his workout, you decide that perhaps it’s time to talk to Dutch. Yeah, you’re not exactly surprised by his tendencies, but at the bare minimum he should keep business and pleasure apart.

Or at least wait for the job to be done, the little perv.

So, now you’re off to find what corner he’s run off to.

Heading back down below deck, you walk over to where he’s likely holed up in his cabin. The halls down below are quiet and empty, aside from the noise of people walking about above you, until you come upon the worry-wart gal. The merc leader is apparently done pacing at this point, now just leaning against the wooden wall, though she does look up when you pass, “John? Do you have a moment to talk?”

Slightly raising an eyebrow at her, you stop anyways, “Sure, go ahead”.

She pushes herself off the wall, fixing you with a concerned look. “Level with me; just how likely is the whole Blight issue to crop up here? You mentioned you’ve ran from it before, so... got any idea on that front?”

Your response?
> Explain some of the telling signs of the Blight
> Explain how Blight incursions tend to go; you have… experience after all.
> Ask Essie what she’s worked in the past to never have encountered the Blight
> Other
>>
>>2461940
>> Explain how Blight incursions tend to go; you have… experience after all.
> Explain some of the telling signs of the Blight
> Ask Essie what she’s worked in the past to never have encountered the Blight
>>
>>2461940
>>> Explain how Blight incursions tend to go; you have… experience after all.
>> Explain some of the telling signs of the Blight
>> Ask Essie what she’s worked in the past to never have encountered the Blight
>>
>>2461940
>> Explain how Blight incursions tend to go; you have… experience after all.
>> Ask Essie what she’s worked in the past to never have encountered the Blight

"How long have you been working with Froste and Hilda? They'd have a treasure trove of knowledge about the blight."
(Miranda's answer here)
"Well, the reason they should know about it is that their entire homeland had been taken out by it, enough so that the entire elven race is nearly extinct. But you'd know that, right?"
>>
>>2461945
Supporting
>>
>>2461940
> Explain how Blight incursions tend to go; you have… experience after all.
> Ask Essie what she’s worked in the past to never have encountered the Blight
>>
>>2461945
>>2461954
>>2461971
>>2461989
>>2462018

John's got some answers, and some questions.

Writin'
>>
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>>2461940

"Blight is... “ You draw in a deep breath through your teeth, thinking on how you’re going to explain this. How do you explain the dangers and effects of that nightmare to someone who you’re suspecting hasn’t ever encountered it? “You don’t ever forget it, no matter what. Regardless of the circumstances that you run into it in, it’ll burn itself into your memory; but that’s not what you mean”.

Unbidden, memories of that Ruin dive outside of Bo Shan come to the front of your mind, “The Blight is… strange. I had a dive where an incursion occured right into the middle of it after a Blood Magic Sigil activated. Out of the two dozen or so guys I was with, I was the only one able to get into cover before it sent a wave of Blight into the room. When I managed to recover, the Blight had just moved past me; going for a nearby town instead of finishing me off. I wouldn’t count on this… thing being merciful, but I figure you’ll find it interesting”.

“We’ll just run,” is the response as she frowns. “Priority one is securing the objective...priority zero is staying alive.”

She’s certainly got the right attitude for this, “Right, the good news is that there’s warning signs. I already mentioned the sigils, but normally you can tell if there’s Blight nearby by the presence of animals. Don’t know what they pick up on, but they’ll flee en mass if an incursion is coming. If you can hear birdsong, then you’re not going to find Blight”.

“Good, then.” She acknowledges as her posture relaxes. “We should have more than enough forewarning if it shows up. Thanks. That’s about all I need.”

[1/3]
>>
>>2462178

“Color me curious, but shouldn’t you already know this?” You know this is probably the wrong time for this, but the desire to know is warring against your common sense and winning, “You’ve got two elves on your team, and I’m sure they’d be more than willing to explain to you the dangers of the Blight since they’re old enough to have lived through the utter destruction of the elven homelands a bit over half a century ago”.

She fixes you with a funny look- like she’s not sure whether to look away, ignore you, or yell. Instead, she just blows out a breath of air. “They’re new to my team. I don’t tend to ask about past lives...although lately I suppose it’s probably a better idea to than to not. Either way, they’re with me because I like their skill with tech. Hidia more than Froste, honestly, for all her weirdness. But one wouldn’t come without the other, so...” she shrugs. “Helps that Froste ended up just as competent, though. Ended up teaching me a bit about sigils, even. Just a bit, though. I’d rather just blow things up myself.” Turning away, she begins to walk out towards the deck. “Might go talk some things over with ‘em now. Thanks again for the info.”

“You can have your secrets, just make sure they don’t end up killing us all,” Turning around to head towards Dutch’s room again, you look at her from over your shoulder, “Oh, and the mana reactor and turret are done. Let me know when you want to pick them up from the cargo hold”.

“Will do,” she offers with a lazy wave. “And don’t worry. Letting people die who aren’t supposed to is bad for business...” she leaves off there, and walks with a bit more purpose outside.

Watching her leave, you just continue to where your best friend is. Time for a talk…

[2/3]
>>
>>2462178
>She’s certainly got the right attitude for this, “Right, the good news is that there’s warning signs. I already mentioned the sigils, but normally you can tell if there’s Blight nearby by the presence of animals. Don’t know what they pick up on, but they’ll flee en mass if an incursion is coming. If you can hear birdsong, then you’re not going to find Blight”.
I wonder if mono could pick some early warnings, considering all her weird ancestry.
>>
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>>2462180

[3/3]

Knocking twice before opening his door, you find Dutch hard at work. Pants are on, thankfully.

“Heeyy, John! C’mon in!”

Your old friend’s got what looks to be every last round on him spread out on a table, slowly working his way through them to make sure none of them have been compromised. Guess he’s still only serious about those damn revolvers.

“Don’t you want to ever upgrade to something modern? You enjoy that rifle I made, why not let me make you a pair of pistols that aren’t cylinder fed?” Gesturing towards where the two worn .380’s are laying against the table, you can’t help but sigh a bit at the widening grin on his face.

“Trade in these lovely ladies? Never; I’m a faithful man don’t you know?”

“Faithful only to those who put out on demand, you mean,” Sinking into a nearby chair, you regard your friend with a flat look.

Now what?
> Ask Dutch how his talk with Essie went
> Ask Dutch if he’s been acting like the upstanding gentleman you know he can be
> Ask Dutch how the rifle’s holding up
> Other
>>
>>2462202

She might be able to. Then again, anyone with the Danger Sense skill would be capable of realizing that something is wrong.
>>
>>2462219
>> Ask Dutch how his talk with Essie went
> Ask Dutch if he’s been acting like the upstanding gentleman you know he can be
>>
>>2462219
>Ask Dutch how his talk with Essie went
>>
>>2462219
>> Ask Dutch if he’s been acting like the upstanding gentleman you know he can be
>> Ask Dutch how the rifle’s holding up
>>
>>2462219
> Ask Dutch how the rifle’s holding up
> Ask Dutch if he’s been acting like the upstanding gentleman you know he can be
> Ask Dutch how his talk with Essie went
>>
Miranda should have asked if the sealed power armor the team has will be enough to protect against the Blight or not.
I'm guessing not, not with a magical virus that seems semi-sentient
>>
>>2462253
My impression of the blight is that's it's similar to Halo's flood; sealed armor doesn't count for much when it can spear straight through the armor anyway.
>>
>>2462253
i guess it should since its airtight, but its a magic virus. Then again, its just one armor that can't be passed around. We shouldn't try to test its integrity unless its the last resource we have.
>>
>>2462219
>Ask Dutch how his talk with Essie went
>Ask Dutch how the rifle’s holding up
>>
>>2462260
>>2462263
And what about blood magic sigils that can be thrown or launched at us?
The enemy may consider causing a Blight outbreak in the hangar to be an acceptable cost if it will wipe us out or force us to retreat, since the Blight isn't going to damage the airship.
>>
>>2462297
hmmm.... you throw the sigil back at them?
we can also sterilize the area, by burning everything that comes from the sigil/ exploding the sigil.
>>
>>2462297
Then we'll deal with it as it comes. There's not really any way we can predict or prevent that, nor any reasonable defense if it does happen aside from booking it, so there's no point in worrying about it.
>>
>>2462310
Wouldn't it need to be a really big sigil or have shitload of mana?
or a lot of sigils and lots of mana?
>>
>>2462322
i don't know. i haven't read AQ.
>>
>>2462297
>>2462310
>>2462313
>>2462322

The sigil itself was etched into the floor and didn't move; the Blight it brought through a teleporter exploded over the area.

>>2462253

I believe I previously used the word consumed when talking about what exactly Blight does to its victims. I do not use this word lightly.

>>2462239
>>2462242
>>2462244
>>2462245
>>2462266

As Dutch how he's been doing.

Writin'
>>
>>2462313
We should go over the decisions we made in preparing for this mission once it's over and determine if they were good decisions or not.
>>
>>2462398
well, handler didn't want us to overprepare, so there's that.
>>
>>2462413
It was still the players who decided not to take what was offered, because they weren't perfect solutions.
>>
>>2462430
...i'm not gonna have that discussion again.
>>
>>2462435
Sure, blame the QM for player mistakes.
We'll go over this in-depth once the mission is over.
>>
>>2462446
of course, mom. Thanks for the heads up.
>>
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>>2462398
>>2462446
Could we not, please?
>>
>>2462253
He already commented on it here >>2443112
>>2462461
You're a dick.
>>
>>2462219

“I’ve heard that you had a chat with the armored up merc chick; how did that go?”

The sly grin that slowly spreads across his face tells you just about all that you need, but he starts talking anyways, “Weell, you’re right in that I had a lovely talk with the gal, but I thought it went rather well”.

“Of course you did,” Sighing to yourself, you fix your friend with a hard look, “And were you the helpful gentleman I know you can be?”

Dutch shrugs with that same shit eating grin on his face, “You know me, John, always the gentleman”.

Yeah, this isn’t going to get you anywhere, “Whatever, just don’t be an idiot while we’re on the job. How’s the rifle holding up, by the way?”

Your sudden shift of conversation causes him to falter in a way that is so deeply satisfying to see, “T-the rifle? Yeah, it’s fine”. Reaching under his bed, Dutch pulls out a case containing the absolute monster of a rifle you built for him and hands it over.

Running your fingers over the intricate clockwork mechanisms that you put no small effort into constructing, noting that there’s no signs of hairline fractures in the gears or wear and tear in the metal. Pulling the whole thing back, you’re happy to see it cleanly slide into place for receiving the next round. Returning the mechanism back to its rightful place, you pass the anti-material rifle back to him.

“At least you know how to take care of guns,” Standing up and brushing the dirt from your pants, you turn towards the door, “Just be ready to go when we arrive”.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be all set then,” He’s in the middle of putting away the rifle and returning to his revolvers when you leave, exiting back into the empty hallway.

Now, it’s about high time for you to look into some lunch...

> And that's it for tonight. Handler and I have work in the morning, so we've got to run here. Anyways, we should be on for tomorrow night barring unforeseen circumstances; hope to see you all then.
>>
We're really gonna need a new thread. Wasn't expecting to get near over 1000 posts...
>>
>>2462484
Archmage said we should be okay if we're merely close to it. That implies that letting it touch us, even when we're armored, will mean we'll get infected.

I was hoping for something more in-depth and technical from John, like whether contact with secondary surfaces contaminated by Blight while armored and sealed would be okay, while contact with pure Blight will result in immediate infection.
>>
>>2462491
That's what you get when two popular quest make a crossover.
>>
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>>2462484
4u
i already had this debate before in the beginning of the thread and it went nowhere. All argument points are already exhausted and whatever there is left is some sort of weird dick measuring contest to see who is more right and to feel better if the mission goes to shit if something goes wrong. its tiring, you don't end up learning anything and its simply not worth the effort.

>>2462485
Thanks for running!

>>2462491
i'm more impressed that it didn't reach 900's sooner.
>>
>>2462485
>but I thought it went rather well”.
I wonder how on earth he possibly managed to get that impression; Miranda is not oblique, doubly so while on the job. It's not like she's not used to dealing with this crap, but he'll find himself in a world of trouble if he takes another pass at any of them.

Thanks for running!
When this gets archived, it'd be nice if you could work in both quest names into the tags and the title, so it doesn't just look like a misarchive.

>>2462491
2 reasonably popular quests with surprisingly little playerbase crossover; lots of getting a feel for each other and getting our ducks in a row. I'm impressed, but not surprised.

>>2462512
>pic
Yep. /qst/ (and /tg/ before it) are generally pretty civil, but you can't forget what this site is known for.
>>
>>2462498

John has quite a bit of first-hand experience with Blight, but it's not the kind you go around telling others so let me answer your questions OoC.

Blight acts differently depending on the 'density' of it. At it's 'lowest' it forms a very Starcraft style Creep, spreading out over an area and corrupting it. Aside from its caustic nature that will burn you if it makes skin contact, at the point the Blight will not instantly Corrupt you even if you are unarmored or even exposed to it. It will hurt you, see: burns, but it is not the kind of disease that getting a scratch at the wrong point in time will result in death.

At it's 'higher densities', Blight forms together to create Abominations and other nightmarish creatures which are what you need to be careful of as certain ones are capable of rending through armor. Corruption is also a concern at this point, especially with the higher forms which is why Archmage specifically said to run like hell, but it is a bit more of an involved process than you might fear.

>>2462529

Dutch is well aware of the effect his attitude has.

As for the archive tags, I'll remember to do so.
>>
>>2462541
This will be helpful, thanks.
>but it is a bit more of an involved process than you might fear.
Interesting...
>inb4 all this preparation and we dont encounter any blight during the mission
>>
>>2462618
>>inb4 all this preparation and we dont encounter any blight during the mission

Honestly, I'm not really worried about it anymore; neither QM has made a big deal about it, and neither has a history of screwing us over for lack of preparation or Forgetting. If it was a serious concern, there would have been more non-player-driven opportunities to gather relevant gear and information.
>>
I'm more interested in what we are supposed to fight against.
>>
>>2463264
well we can anticipate hostile mafia teams and automated security. Maybe some monstrous escaped experiments stalking the ruins. More monsters that dug and made a nest there. Maybe some blight samples in a vat. Maybe random competing adventurers or scouts from another nation. Maybe another Aspect or something else unexpected.
>>
>>2464229
i doubt aspects, because those are "conduits for primal energy" or some such. Same goes with blight samples, nobody would go there if there was blight near it, adventurers.....likely and the only monsters in ruins we have encountered has been goblins.

And cardinal rule, if we see trains or train tracks go to high alert. This is half joke, half serious.
>>
>>2464451
>we reach the destination
>its not a ruined airship
>Its a train station.
>>
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>>2464462
>>
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Expect things to start back up in 1 1/2 - 2 hrs by the way. Working on dinner currently.

>>2464462
>>2464498

Hmm...
>>
>>2464557
it would be quite a coincidence, wouldn't it?
>>
>>2464557

>Hmm.....
right well nice knowing you lot. Now we need to back up from the ruins and bombard it until it is all ash. Can not be too careful
>>
>>2464557
Don't you dare Story-T

>>2464462
Well you had to open your mouth didn't you!
>>
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>>2464661
>ST currently
>>
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Back and writin'

>>2464661
>>2464693

Only time will tell now.
>>
>>2464661
of course i had!
>>
>>2462485

The ship’s mess hall is rather large and, thankfully, the cook on board is capable of making something of the heavily salted fish that’s a staple of meals on ships. Granted, you’re more than used to eating fish and chips, as it’s practically the dish of life in Airgrid, but eating something that isn’t either bland or a pile of oil and salt is a lovely change of pace that you wouldn’t mind happening more often.

Regardless, the place here is full of people, but due to the skeleton crew running the ship, there’s enough room that you won’t be squeezing yourself into a seat.

Looking about, you spot Essie, Hidia, and Froste sitting together, the two elves eating the fish with clear relish.

By the door, Emma is slowly nursing some kind of drink. You’re confused as to what exactly she’s doing, until you note that she’s a bit green in the cheeks. Poor gal.

In another corner, Gladiator and, surprisingly, Yuna are sitting across from one another, chatting about something or the other.

Lastly, Archmage is rapidly working on some kind of paperwork. Don’t know how the man has managed to get his work out here, but apparently he has.

Now what?
> Go join Essie, Hidia, and Froste, you should talk to the leader about the gear you’ve made
> Go join Emma, she’ll probably appreciate the company even if she’s seasick
> Go join Gladiator and Yuna, if they’re managing to hold a conversation it ought to be interesting
> Go join Archmage, see if he’s got more information on the Ruin
> Eat by yourself
> Other
>>
>>2464778
>> Go join Gladiator and Yuna, if they’re managing to hold a conversation it ought to be interesting
"So how's the sword holding up, Yuna?"
>>
>>2464778
> Go join Gladiator and Yuna, if they’re managing to hold a conversation it ought to be interesting
>>
>>2464778
>Go join Gladiator and Yuna, if they’re managing to hold a conversation it ought to be interesting
>>
>>2464778
> Go join Gladiator and Yuna, if they’re managing to hold a conversation it ought to be interesting
>>
>>2464784
>>2464817
>>2464819
>>2464825

Gladiator and Yuna it is.

Writin' in a bit, Handler'll be back from work in a couple of minutes.
>>
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>>2464778

Deciding on what to do doesn’t take long, so turn and walk over to where Gladiator and Yuna are talking to one another. Well, right now they’re just eating, but it looks like more of a break than anything else.

So, taking a seat on one of the wooden stools, you nod to the two of them before speaking up, “How’s the sword treating you, Yuna?”

She has a thin, light smile on her face as she turns to you. “Well enough, Mr. John, thank you. I have to say I'm impressed at your craftsmanship. Your skill is...beyond a number of smiths I've dealt with before. Although, I suppose the circumstances would necessitate your best.”

“Thanks. Though, do me a favor and tell the dwarf who trained me that. Might make him think twice before he yells at me for ‘substandard craftsmanship’,” Taking a moment to eat some more of your food, you look between the two of the swordsmasters, “So, what are the two of you up to?”

“Just talking about technique,” Gladiator munches on his chips, looking a bit dissatisfied with the meal, “Gal here’s got an interesting take on some of the Eastern sword styles”.

“Self-taught for some time, so my tendencies and the formal teachings have some variances,” she explains. “I threw it into my own personal style eventually, but all in all, I can't exactly say I stuck to tradition. Experience taught me better. ‘Sometimes, a demon’s claws work best against its own skin,’” she recites.

“Don’t know about any demons, but I wish I had a blade as sharp as those vampires’ claws,” There’s a wince that shoots through the raven-haired man as he says that, even if those wounds should be long healed by now, “Nothing quite as disturbing when your sword sparks off someone’s skin”.

“Mm?” Izumi tilts her head slightly. “I’d heard about the vampire incursion, but I wasn’t told you’d taken part in the defense. Mind telling me the story?”

“Yeah, well,” Gladiator’s gaze flickers to you, “We knew the Gambino’s were up to something ever since they started pushing on our holdings in Shirahoro, but they really started to play hard when they crashed a major political party a couple of months back”.

You can’t help the slight growl that escapes your throat at that reminder, “And what a shitshow that was”.

“You got lucky, John,” The swordsman pauses to shove another bite of his fish down his throat, “Never saw how you got off center stage when you were surrounded like that, and we didn’t run into you when we got the Don out”.

Yuna’s eyes are locked on you, clearly curious as to the answer of why.

Your response?
> Explain your full involvement in the mess with the Gambinos, from train to mansion
> Explain the events leading up to the party, no need to further than that
> Explain the events during and after the party, that’s the important part anyways
> Just explain how you got out of the party
> Switch topics; Yuna’s fought demons?
> Other
>>
>>2465120
>> Switch topics; Yuna’s fought demons?
>>
>>2465120
>> Explain the events leading up to the party, no need to further than that
>>
>>2465120
>> Explain your full involvement in the mess with the Gambinos, from train to mansion
>>
>>2465120
>Explain the events leading up to the party, no need to further than that
>>
>>2465120
>Just explain how you got out of the party
>>
>>2465120
>Explain the events leading up to the party, no need to further than that
>Yuna’s fought demons?
>>
>>2465120
>> Switch topics; Yuna’s fought demons?
>>
>>2465136
>>2465141
>>2465199
>>2465135
>>2465223

Leading up to the party, then ask about demons.

Writin'
>>
>>2465120
> Explain the events leading up to the party, no need to further than that

They don't need to know about Johns...er..hidden card.
>>
>>2465245
This just being me but we REALLY suck at getting our stories together this time around.
... I blame Sal. Coulda at least given us some more to work with.
>>
>>2465275
we need to know, because if he becomes a demon, or something that Miranda can asume is a threat to our payment, guess who gets a bullet to the head?
>>
>>2465285
No because we are John now not Izumi. And it was already stated that we don't use our hiddeb card ligthly.
>>
>>2465348
i said my previous post in a more OoC manner. I understand is an eleventh hour power up, just keep in mind that the girls might treat john as a hostile because they know nothing about john, or the power up or the world.
>>
>>2465120

“Well, I guess everything really started before I even got to Shirahoro,” Finishing up your fish, you push a few chips around as you put your thoughts together, “My, well, my girlfriend now, but a friend of mine got us a gig on a Gambino train to the city rather than walking through the Badlands; it was supposed to be a simple job working alongside the chief engineer as a temporary magineer, but that didn’t last very long. To put a long story short, I figured out that staying on that train was a death sentence, so I rendezvoused with my companions and hijacked the train’s caboose to escape. We walked the rest of the way to Shirahoro, where I met Gladiator here after I paid a visit to the Genovese branch there to drop off some evidence of what exactly occured”.

“Why not go to the authorities?” Yuna asks, even as she glances in Gladiator’s direction. “Were they not trustworthy?”

“The evidence was… circumstantial at best,” You frown to yourself as you remember those recordings, “Nothing more than a couple of audio recordings of a few communications between a merc team and an ‘unknown’ man. If you had a general idea of what had been occuring at the time, you could rather easily put the pieces together. Of course, that’s not enough to hold up in any kind of justice system that doesn’t presume guilt; so I went and put it into the hands of someone who would be able to do the most damage with it: the Don”.

“Mmm.” Her mouth twitches downwards as she closes her eyes- maybe she’s trying to envision it in her head? Regardless, it stops short of forming into a full frown. “Then he- pardon the pun- covered his tracks? Well enough for you to consider that course of action the only one that would deliver justice? That’s...” she opens her mouth once, twice, and then just closes it, shaking her head quietly as words don’t quite make it out, a light huff of frustration replacing them. “I suppose at least you ably defended yourself, and did what you could to punish them.” She glances at Essie- who seems particularly satisfied with the food, oddly enough- but says nothing else.

[1/2]
>>
>>2465491

[2/2]

“‘Justice’? I don’t know about that,” Gladiator grabs a bottle of beer from somewhere and pops it open, “Certainly kept the slimy bastards in line for a handful of months when the Don started dragging their lawyer through the dirt. Although, we should have known something was wrong when the guy himself never ended up making an appearance”.

“Didn’t think he would run off to a vampire covenant a couple of his own Ruin explorers unearthed sometime before the fact, but that’s exactly what he did and then he ended up giving them a fairly good shot at turning Shirahoro into a bloodsucker’s nest,” The frown on your face just curls further, “Anyways, things were quiet for a while after I handed over that evidence and I spent the time until that party training under that dwarf I mentioned. Then, I got asked a favor by one of the City’s Councilors to case a set of armor that he was acting as the procurer for for someone he knew, and that’s when the party happened”.

Neither of the two say a thing, just looking at you with apt interest as you munch on the remainders of your chips, “Now, the majority of the party was fine, aside from the standard political bullshit, until Gladiator pulled me aside to report that things were beginning to go downhill. Couple of guards went missing, I ran into a group of shady individuals on the roof of the hotel, and we all kept going on our merry way until the vamps literally kicked in the fucking doors”.

“I can imagine some things from there,” Yuna allows. “From what I was told the city was in sore trouble if the patron hadn’t been dealt with when it was.”

“We caught up with the bastard when he tried to escape the city, in some kind of safe house underground,” Gladiator knocks back a decent chunk of his drink with a sigh, “I wish things ended there, would have made everything a lot easier”.

“It’s all dead and buried now,” Finishing up your food, you wipe your fingers down as best you can, “If there’s one thing to be taken away from that incursion, it’s that those vamps are never, ever coming back now; best thing we can do now is put it all behind. I’m interested, though. You said you’ve fought demons? Where’d you manage to run into one? To my knowledge they’re folk legends…”

A thin eyebrow lifts. “Beg pardon? I gave an expression- it was told to me by a friend. It just means ‘don’t be afraid to use what’s been used against you.’ The idea is simply that they may not expect a taste of their own medicine.”

“...Right, smart advice,” Grabbing your tray, you stand up, “Anyways, I’ll talk to you two later”.

With your goodbyes said, you drop off your tray and consider what to do next.
> Head down to the cargo hold, you should do gear checks of your own
> Go find Hidia and Froste, make sure your gauntlets are linked properly
> Go find Archmage, you’d like to talk to him before you get off the boat
> Other
>>
>>2465496
>> Head down to the cargo hold, you should do gear checks of your own
>>
>>2465496
>> Go find Hidia and Froste, make sure your gauntlets are linked properly
>>
>>2465496
>> Head down to the cargo hold, you should do gear checks of your own
>>
>>2465496
>> Go find Hidia and Froste, make sure your gauntlets are linked properly
>>
On that note, I've got to run off to bed. Usual drill here.

Despite the fact that we're past the 1k post marker we're still only on page 8 which is good. If we manage to make it off the boat before dropping off the board, we'll make a new one then.
>>
>>2465496
>Head down to the cargo hold, you should do gear checks of your own
>>
>>2465496
> Go find Archmage, you’d like to talk to him before you get off the boat
>>
>>2465496
>Go find Hidia and Froste, make sure your gauntlets are linked properly
>>
>>2465496
>arch mage then gear
>>
Do not forget to vote on suptg
>>
>>2465496
>> Go find Hidia and Froste, make sure your gauntlets are linked properly
>>
>>2465496
> Go find Hidia and Froste, make sure your gauntlets are linked properly
>>
>>2466097
>>2466092
>>2465627
>>2465510
>>2465504

Check in on the tech elves it is.

Writin', with Handler joining in ~30 mins.
>>
>>2465496

Thinking on it, you should probably double check with Hidia and Froste to make sure all your gear is set up properly. You’re confident that they work, but with the ridiculous amount of information and ideas that got tossed around through your workshop you should check if any wires are crossed.

With that in mind, you head down to the cargo hold to grab your newly minted gauntlet as well as the turret. The crate containing your equipment, most of the space being taken up by the EXO suit, is right where you left it and untouched, so you reach in to grab the strange, reality warping lockbox within.

You’re still not exactly certain as to how this artifact functions, but you know enough to understand that your possession of it is even more dangerous than your beloved Multitool. The fact that the mercs have more than one, and that Froste was willing to part with one is…

No, no, that line of thought isn’t getting you anywhere.

Pulling your simple rutsack out of the lockbox and slinging the piece over your shoulder with the artifact within, you reach down to your EXO suit and easily unclip the magitech gauntlet you spent so long integrating into the armor from its place on the right arm. It’s really not much more than upgraded version of the one you used while working with Naofumi, but with the elves’ help you finally managed to get the datalink idea of yours working properly. The usage of it is a bit mouthwatering, but easily the greatest improvement is the inclusion of what Hidia called a ‘shield crystal’. She’s got hers within the gauntlet itself, but with the amount of power you’ve got to spare in your EXO you decided to fully entomb your within it. Regardless, the rough explanation those two gave you was that it would block incoming damage to a point before ‘shorting out’, at which point it would require a recharge.

After hearing that, the decision to hook it up to your suit’s mana reactor was an easy one. The gauntlet itself has a rudimentary mana generator in it, little more than a pair of tiny mana crystals and conduits, but at least it allows you to use it without having the full armor as well.

Which brings to you your next choice: you could just contact Hidia from here via the gauntlet, though your not sure if she’s got hers with her; or you could go looking about for her.

Now what?
> Test out the comm system in your gauntlet
> Go find where the elves are hanging about
> Other
>>
>>2467030
>> Go find where the elves are hanging about
>>
>>2467030
>> Go find where the elves are hanging about
>>
>>2467030
>> Go find where the elves are hanging out

And accidentally overhear more weird notelf talk
>>
>>2467030
> Go find where the elves are hanging about
>>
>>2467030
> Go find where the elves are hanging about

[Spoiler] Rutsack [/Spoiler]
>>
>>2467030
> Test out the comm system in your gauntlet
Talk to the hand.
>>
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>>
>>2467033
>>2467045
>>2467060
>>2467066
>>2467071

Take a look for the two.

> Roll me three 1d100's, just for fun.
>>
Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>2467086
Here's hoping for DRUNK SCIENCE!
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2467086
>>
Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>2467086
>>
>>2467089

Thanks for the idea on how to end this crossover.

>>2467099

And that's an 88, let's see what happens.

Writin'
>>
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5 KB
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>>2467118
You are welcome!
>>
>>2467030

After a moment of deliberation, you decide to just figure out where the two elves have run off to. You are on a ship after all; not like they could have gone far without going overboard.

So, slipping the slightly barebones gauntlet over your forearm and clasping it into place, you leave the cargo hold to track them down. The first place you think of is the main deck, where they were looking out over the ocean, but that ends up coming up empty. The next place is the mess, but again that’s a dead end.

Going with the next one on the list, you head back to the cabins below deck. Walking down the hall to where Hidia’s room is located, you’re interrupted by faint sounds of a giggle coming from within.

Are… yeah, they probably are… Ahem.

Well, that confirms things neatly. Anyways, at least you haven’t stomped in there like an idiot. The question is where to go from here.

Now what?
> Walk up and knock on the door
> Ping Hidia via the datalink
> Just leave and do something else, it’s not urgent
> Other
>>
>>2467141
>Ping Hidia via the datalink
>>
>>2467141
>Ping Hidia via the datalink
>>
>>2467141
>> Just leave and do something else, it’s not urgent
Pinging would be amusing, but pointless; I doubt she'd hear it in her current state. If we do though, we ought to get some distance first; she'll connect the dots pretty quickly if she hears us outside her door.
>>
>>2467141
>Leave a message on the datalink about needing to sync the gauntlets to each other for the job, and meet us where the generator and the turret are.
>>
>>2467170
well, its a giggle, both are nerds and they are women. they might be doing some science or painting their nails or something else. We don't need to assume they are fucking just because of a few giggles.
>>
>>2467176
John apparently came to the same conclusion I did, but I'd be happy to be wrong.
>>
>>2467175
>>2467163
>>2467159

Ping Hidia with a message, then head on out.

Writin'
>>
>>2467141

Well, there’s no real reason to interrupt their… alone time; you’ve still got plenty of time before you arrive near the Ruin, so you’re in no rush.

Tapping out a short message to Hidia, mainly consisting of a request to come down to the cargo hold so you can make sure everything is functioning properly at some point, then pinging it off, you turn around and head off to figure something else to do in the meantime.

Or not, as you’re barely out of the hallway when the gal responds, mentioning that she’ll be there in a few minutes. No mention of exactly what she’s being held up by, naturally.

Regardless, now you’re just waiting on top of a dusty crate, idly looking the strange lockbox over when she bursts into the hold, crystal in skull and all.

“I’M HERE I’M HERE!” With a bit of a panting, she looks about for a moment before locking onto where you’re sitting, “Hold on hold on, sorry! Just had to finish our last couplea turns and I was on a roll so yeah!”

“It’s fine, we’ve got time,” Sliding off the crate and onto your feet, you walk right up to the eager elf, “How’s the gauntlet? Any issues?”

“Nope! Well, aside from the power limitations; as cool as having a generator that small is, I just can’t make a good weapon with that little to work with!” So no issues then, “I mean, I could try, but lasers aren’t effective if you don’t give them enough energy and there’s not enough room for a plasma caster!”

Shaking your head slightly, you pull out the lockbox, “That’s good. I wanted to test out the gauntlet’s datalinks, see how well they handle controlling the spiderbot and the turret”.

She nods as you pull out the device. “Can do! We’ll run some standard reception tests, then maybe see how they operate under physical interference…don’t think we can get up to much more than that in this space.”

“Probably,” Placing the spiderbot onto the ground, you switch it on and link up to it via your gauntlet, “Alright, see how it works when you datalink to me first”.

> Roll me three 1d100’s please
>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2467304
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>2467304
>>
Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>2467304
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2467304
>>
>>2467308

That's a 78, pretty good.

Writin'
>>
>>2467304
>Regarding the weapon idea, have you considered something for hand-to-hand, like a taser knuckle or palm? Or how about forgoing the weapon part of it and placing a mini-wielder or angle grinder instead?
>>
>>2467335
Or, you know, high density energy cartridges.
>>
>>2467335
>mini-wielder
>angle grinder
Those two are horrible weapons. The first only works on metals and the second is very prone to breaking upon impact. You are better with an acetylene torch or a high pressure nail gun.
>>
>>2467354
>Those two are horrible weapons.
Yeah, that's why I was suggesting them as tools.
>>
>>2467365
oh. i though you wanted them to replace a weapon. it makes more sense now.
>>
>>2467304

For the next few hours, you and Hidia put the spiderbot and your gauntlet’s capabilities through their paces. They function as you predicted, though the connection isn’t strong enough to go from one side of the ship to the other without having a delay. You figured this would occur, and considering the odds of the Ruin being underground it’s a good chance that you won’t be able to maintain a signal outside a certain range.

Once you’re both satisfied with the tests, you pull out the turret and, after ensuring that the safety’s are on and the ammo bin is disconnected, the elf takes a kind of maniacal glee in testing its capabilities. You’re slightly concerned about her having this kind of ‘toy’ to play around with, but the mercs did pay for it.

You’re not entirely sure how to explain her laughter at ‘shooting’ you when Essie walks in, but she justs shakes her head before sitting down nearby to watch as you finish things up.

“This is the turret you three made, huh?” The merc leader, still encased in her power armor, speaks up after you shut it off, walking over to look at it closer, “It looks… interesting…”

“That’s certainly one way of looking at it,” You don’t blame her for the confusion, as the turret itself is a bit of a odd combination of metal, clockwork, magitech, and what Froste calls ‘crystaltech’. The tripod, framework, and even the twin-linked clockwork rifles that compose the main weapon of the turret are all rather straight forwards, but the rest of it takes some explanation, “The original idea was to just set it up as a remote controlled turret, but then things got a bit out of hand”.

“It was FANTASTIC!” Hidia’s enthusiasm is, as usual, in the excess, “We were working on it when Froste was going over her crystal turret design, then John had the idea of using that as a way of autonomously aiming the turret itself!”

“Huh. So, a sort of automated turret system that you can manually take over? Not bad,” the leader responds approvingly. “That’ll likely come in really handy. What’s the- hold on.” She pauses briefly to bring her hands up to her helmet, popping the thing off with a grunt. She shakes off a number of strands of hair sticking to her, sighing a bit. “Sorry. Warmer down here than I expected. Right, so, what’s the cooldown time on it? I don’t expect it can just go forever.”

“Ammo’s going to be the biggest limiter by far,” Running a hand over the paired rifles, you open up where the ammo bin is, “These Clockwork Rifles fire in bursts of three, so to deal with that I’ve got the firing control alternating between the two. Rate of fire isn’t the highest, arguably a good thing in this case, but the rounds these things fire can knock you on your ass through armor; I know that first hand”.

[1/2]
>>
>>2467442

[2/2]

She nods in approval. “That’ll work, then; even if it just ends up as a deterrent- and something tells me it won’t- then that sounds like more than enough for a bit of extra juice on our side.”

Closing the bin back up, you move up to where the power system, magitech, and the crystaltech all comes together just underneath the rifles, “The good news is that thanks to using this crystal turret as part of the targeting suite, it’ll be able to react to mana sources as well as than visuals. We’ve also got specialized transmitters that’ll keep you from getting shot if you walk by the turret by marking you as ‘friendly’; here’s one by the way”. You toss a gemstone-sized crystal with some tiny magitech integrated into it to the merc from a small box.

She catches it easily, looking it over briefly. “Thanks. Good foresight, too. I was going to be looking over the dossier of expected hostiles in a bit- knowing we’ve got this will help with strategy and placement if this ends up a protracted defense like I worry it will.” She blows out a breath of air as she leans over, lax. “Ideally, they don’t get close enough to even fucking spit at the hull of whatever this is, but…” she shrugs her shoulders, her expression obviously skeptical.

“C’mon, Essie~” Hidia remarks as she waltzes around closer to the turret. “We haven’t even gotten to the good parts about this yet!”

You nod at her words, looking back to the merc leader, “Due to the size of the turret, I was able to fit the next size down mana reactor, compared to the one I made for you, onto the frame. Thanks to that, we fitted the turret with one of these ‘shield crystals’ and with the surplus power to put into it it should be a rather effective one. Lastly, I made sure to design the framework to be capable of this”. Picking up the turret in one hand, you shut the systems down, pull a release and rotate the rifles until they’re facing straight up, and then collapse the tripod. Grabbing your lockbox in your free hand, you easily slide the whole thing inside before pulling it back out, “Easy set up and take down, no need for calibration or programming outside of a single release and a switch, that’s able to fit within these lockbox artifacts when collapsed like this”.

“...You’re gonna get a lot of fun use out of that thing, aren’t you?” Essie asks plainly.

“I would if it was mine. Given how it is yours, well, how you use it is up to you,” You hold out the folded up form of the turret out for her to take.

She does, depositing it into her lockbox. “I was talking about the box. Anyway, I should get going- like I said earlier. Dossiers and all. Hidia, I’ll be around later.”

“Gotcha!” she salutes.

“John.” she simply nods her head in farewell.
>>
>>2467447

> Alright, that's where things are going to be left off for tonight. Tomorrow, we'll be switching over to Miranda's POV for the second and final day on the boat. Probably going to occur on a new thread as well given how far down on this one we are. Will link the new on here if I do start a fresh one, so don't worry about missing out.
>>
>>2467447
so basically the turret is pic related with an integrated shield?
nice.
>>
>>2467459
With the wrangler shield even. Too bad we dont have rockets.
>>
>>2467614
>wrangler shield
That was supposed to be 'wrangler function'. Dunno why I typed shield.
>>
I knew something had upsettened be earlier. Just forgot what.

You can expect from Miranda and Co ABSOLUTE loyalty...

At least in terms of the mission. They protect the Airship from any other interested parties, and will try and keep John alive for his part of the mission.

Furthermore, they might even help out for different motivations, if it doesn't break the contract.

Because for the Intersection, customer loyalty is a must.

No matter how much anyone offers, no matter the price, there will no breach of contract from their side. Competitors had the chance to pay before we got contracted, now it's too late.

If a breach of contract happens, outgoers can be SEVERELY punished for their actions by their handler. Like... wow. You don't want to know.

But if a breach of contract occures from the side of the contractor... ho-boy, can they fuck up your day. The best ending for the customer is the outgoers simply fuck off and you are stuck with your payment and your problem unresolved.

But they can be more petty if they want to. Especially after a week of hardships and annoying shit.

Of course, in less severe cases, like the need to change things up because you did a WOOPSIE like a CERTAIN mafia lady, contract can be renegotiated.

But tl;dr:
Outgoers are the most trustworthy mercs there are, don't question their methods. They know better than to fuck up.
>>
>>2467447
Guys why don't we see how good of a cutter/welder we can make with the SCIENCE girls. So we're not always relying on our irreplaceable multitool.
>>
>>2467992
>No matter how much anyone offers, no matter the price, there will no breach of contract from their side. Competitors had the chance to pay before we got contracted, now it's too late.
You are wrong on this. if the pay is high enough, we can betray our original contractor. on our first mission we had the opportunity to do something like that, but we decided not to do so because chances were that the new contrator couldn't pay us.
>>
>“I mean, I could try, but lasers aren’t effective if you don’t give them enough energy and there’s not enough room for a plasma caster!”
Holy fuck. How many schematics did they make since day one?

>>2467335
Why not hook up the gauntlets to our EXO's generator? That way it can draw power from it.

>>2467442
>You figured this would occur, and considering the odds of the Ruin being underground it’s a good chance that you won’t be able to maintain a signal outside a certain range.
Did we install the datalinks?

I have a question about the EXO-suit. Is it capable of lifting several tons?
>>
>>2468143
>Why not hook up the gauntlets to our EXO's generator? That way it can draw power from it.

We do, but we're talking about Owlia's gauntlet, and she doesn't have an EXO with an integrated mana generator that produces 9,800 mana per day to hook it up to.
>>
>>2467992
If only you weren’t so wrong on so many points, your post might have been amusing. Instead, corrections have to be posted so that AQ readers don’t get the wrong idea.

Thank you, by the way >>2468139
for the correction.
>>
>>2468174
>9,800 mana per day
Huh? Where did these figures COME from?

Ok well what about the power to flip trains?
>>
Is John getting paid for this besides his best friend for life calling in a favor?
>>
If John were to figure out the mechanics to the box of holding, would making one for the turret solve the issue of ammo? Instead of dual clockwork rifles, why not quads clockwork rifles, with dual grenade launchers?
>>
>>2468184
From this guy >>2446790.
>>
>>2468190
i think that we would still need to make the ammo so it wouldn't really solve the problem unless we found a way to improve our rate of production.

Also not magic of our world, so our chances of making it or figuring out how to are slim. The fact that it probably is not worth it also comes into play. We have a great article here, so why break it to make inferior versions?
>>
>>2468219
Quantity. Do we really need to break it to understand it?
>>
>>2468219
>>2468190
...in theory you could make a belt feed ammo factory inside, supposing you have someone small enouigh to go inside and assemble the thing. But that brings up more problems.

>>2468228
chances are, yes. you need to open an engine to know how it works. Specially if its a literal one of a kind.
>>
>>2468228
probably, that is how we have learned most of the magitech thus far, taking it apart. And i dont think we can put this back together

this discussion came up with the multi-tool as well
>>
>>2468239
Now that I think about it, breaking it apart to learn how it works (If necessary) isn't such a bad idea.

Like this anon's rough idea >>2468229 we could potentially build a potable factory or work station.
>>
>>2468262
If we decide to do that, be prepared for any copies we make to be inferior to what we had. Personally, I'd rather we keep it. Our enemies don't know we have it, so we could pull out a grenade launcher from seemingly nowhere.
>>
>>2468272
you could also use it as a shield. In goes the bullet and it never comes out.
>>
>>2468280
Sounds like a good way to get shot in the hand afterwards when you try to get something out of the bag.
>>
>>2468306
the bag doesn't work like that. it basically puts in hand's reach you what you want. So unless you want those speeding bullets(wich wouldn't be speeding anymore because of friction), there would´t be any problem.
>>
>>2468308
It could also damage the bag itself if you miss the bullet and it hits the bag. If the bag's integrity fails, we could be looking at our stuff getting spat back out of it, the bag losing everything in it, our stuff being spread throughout different realities, etc.
>>
>>2468325
you could put some layer of armor over the actual lockbox. boom probelm solved.

Either way, using the lockbox as an actual shield is very obnoxious, but could save your asses. or you could use it as a literal pandora´s box and trap all the blight in there.
>>
>>2468331
That might create a super blight life form
>>
>>2468362
it can't get out, so no problem.
>>
>>2468366
>super blight can't get out
>>
>>2468366
>Spreads in an infinite space for hundreds of years
>Someone finds and opens it, letting it

Nice
>>
>>2468548
its not your problem anymore, is it?
>>
>>2468551
Nice
>>
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>>2468556
i know, right?
>>
>>2468262
but there is a chance we break it apart,fail the roll and get nothing from it.
>>
>>2468631
Then use a fate point.
>>
>>2468636
fate only works on nat 1's not say.....a 2 or a 33 or a roll just shy of the DC
>>
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>>2467459

The rifles are right next to one another to allow the whole thing to fit into the 1 1/2 ft diameter opening of the Hyperspace Bag, but pretty much.

>>2468143

> Holy fuck. How many schematics did they make since day one?

Less schematics and more spending ~14 hrs straight in a workshop brainstorming.

> Why not hook up the gauntlets to our EXO's generator? That way it can draw power from it.

>>2468174 has it right.

> Did we install the datalinks?

Yep, John's and Owlia's gauntlets are able to datalink, allowing them to see/access what the other is working on, looking at, and connected through.

> I have a question about the EXO-suit. Is it capable of lifting several tons?

The Arm and Leg servos increase John's ability to carry, lift, and run, though it doesn't turn him into a superhero.

> Huh? Where did these figures COME from?

Minor typo on my part here. That sized mana reactor generates 80 Units of power, bumped up to 96 Units thanks to one of John's Extra Bonuses. A Unit of power is 100 MP/24 hrs.

> Is John getting paid for this besides his best friend for life calling in a favor?

Yes, he's getting paid. I'm keeping it in fluff because when I started this I was stuck on mobile and couldn't be bothered putting it into crunch via an iPhone.

> If John were to figure out the mechanics to the box of holding

I'll say that John will, one day, be capable of replicating the Hyperspace bag. Unfortunately for you all, that'll be years (In universe) after the end of AQ so you'll just have to deal with only having one Age of Gods level artifact.

> Do we really need to break it to understand it?

The Dismantle skill gives a +15 bonus to any Maintenance, Modify, or Build skill rolls when you have the relevant 'knowledge', but the skill itself destroys the item in the process and, at best, reduces it to scrap.

>>2468229

> in theory you could make a belt feed ammo factory inside

Remember that the Hyperspace Bag only has an opening of 1'6" diameter opening.

>>2468280

> you could also use it as a shield. In goes the bullet and it never comes out.

Technically true, but John would have to utilize his Aspect to have the reaction time necessary to accomplish such a feat.

> Pandora's Box

Do you really want to give the Blight access to Hyperspace?
>>
>>2468687
>Remember that the Hyperspace Bag only has an opening of 1'6" diameter opening.
i think a small child can fit there.... but in all seriousness, i know that it would be very hard. like building a ship in a bottle, but several orders of magnitude harder hard.

>Do you really want to give the Blight access to Hyperspace?
...dunno. i really don't know how the blight works.
>>
>>2468687
Can we send spiderbot in to explore and/or assemble something inside?

Once we make a worker drone that is
>>
>>2468734

It would fit, but the connection won't work between the material plane and the pocket dimension.

>>2468700

Building a ship in a bottle is a very apt comparison.
>>
>>2468763
So, we’ll have to automate the process. Should be doable. Maybe it will have to be a flying drone too... Although there’s another thing. Does time progress in the pocket dimension?
>>
>>2468818
if i recall correctly, yes. Prima felt the pass of time and even tought we had forgotten her.

>So, we’ll have to automate the process.
It would have to be a process similat to the one a CNC machine, lathe or a milling machine works. you input a shitloads of coordinates and simple orders untill its finished.
>>
>>2468827
I wonder if we could build something like this inside
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OKZZEPoVb4c
>>
New thread is up:

>>2469358
>>2469358
>>2469358




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