>>2618113
>Head to the lead craft’s crash site
Extra prisoners.

>>2618113
>>Head to the lead craft’s crash site
If we're lucky, the pilot or copilot is still alive and we can get some info about this assault. Or if we're really lucky, something worth looting, though that's a long shot.

>>2618113
>>Go finish off the last of the mercs

>>2618113
>Head to the lead craft’s crash site
Without air support the rest of them won't be able to do anything to our friends.

>>2618113
>>Head to the lead craft’s crash site
Gotta get to them before they move away. A known position is a far better target than having to search for them in an area, or needing to watch out for enemies skulking about.

Posting these just in case.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Artificer%20Quest

>>2618113
>Head to the lead craft’s crash site
Here's hoping they have a pintle-mounted minigun for some Predator style fun.

>>2618113
>Go finish off the last of the mercs

>>2618113
>head to the lead crafts crash sight

or boys and girls can hold the line here, but information waits for no man/woma/magigirl. Lets get archmage some people to mind rape

>>2618113
>Head to the lead craft’s crash site

>>2618210
>>2618198
>>2618155
>>2618142
>>2618141
>>2618134
>>2618132

Crash site it is.

> Roll me four 1d100+30's please

Rolled 56 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618231

Rolled 10 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618231

Rolled 49 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618231

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>2618231
lets go

Rolled 46 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618231

>>2618236

That's an 86, let's see what you see.

Writin'

>>2618113

Without air support and with Izumi and Owlia backing them up, Archmage and Mono should have no issues with finishing off the remaining mercenaries. In the meantime, there are the two wrecks of choppers that you downed and, unless something else has occurred, the crew of the lead craft should still be alive. If you can capture them you might be able to persuade them into telling you a bit more information about their forces and where they’re basing themselves in the area.

Heading off in the direction of where you can see a small trail of black smoke in the distance, you keep your eyes open for any other signs of enemies. Considering how organized these mercs have been, odds are good they’ll have CSAR inbound to evac the crew. If you want to chat, you’ll have to get there first.

Navigating the dark forest isn’t too hard, as you’re well adjusted to the task, and within a minute or so you come across the wreckage of the crashed helicopter. It’s in far rougher shape than when you struck it out of the sky, with the lower half of the chassis crumpled and buried in the churned soil. Thankfully, there’s no fire smoldering away here so that’s not an issue, but you do see that both cockpits have been blown out and neither of the crew are here.

The thought of having to track them down flickers through your head before you spot a trail of blood running away from the wreck. Getting low and quiet, you follow the stains across the dirt for only a few seconds before you spot, from the look of his uniform probably, the pilot kneeling over the other, desperately attempting first aid on his copilot. Given the way he’s shredded his fatigues in the process, odds are good that he’s got nothing in terms of proper bandages on hand.

Hm. Could allow for extra intel if you were to be willing to offer assistance- there had to be some way they got all this gear when it’s plain that it’s uncommon, not to mention anything else...then again, it might be better off to just kill them both here and now and save you and your allies the trouble and risk. Decisions…

>Head over and offer to heal the injured crew. Maybe some good will will go a long way.
>Knock out the unhurt crew and heal the other. You can talk to them later.
>Kill them both here and now. No reason to waste time.
>Other

>>2618366
>Knock out and heal, then she hulk jump back to base.

We do not want to be seen, the mercs may see them as a security risk and focus fire on us

>>2618366
>Head over and offer to heal the injured crew. Maybe some good will will go a long way.

>>2618366
>>Head over and offer to heal the injured crew. Maybe some good will will go a long way.
Carrot will be more useful than stick for getting info I think, and we can always KO them after.

>>2618366
>Knock out the unhurt crew and heal the other. You can talk to them later.

>>2618366
>Head over and offer to heal the injured crew. Maybe some good will will go a long way.
Make sure to warn them that retaliation WILL merit lethal force, pat them down for weaponry and comms, then to restrain them and lead them back to a secure location after that's over and done with. It's one thing to be merciful, it's another to be dumb

>>2618366
>>Knock out the unhurt crew and heal the other. You can talk to them later.
previous thread isn't archived yet

"do you want to die for your Don?"
"This is not a trick question."

>>2618366
>>Knock out the unhurt crew and heal the other. You can talk to them later.
Don't question people in the field! while being nice feels good and all, that risks them getting rescued by their side or even running. Better to get them back ASAP and get them interrogated safely. Might even be useful as hostages.

>>2618375
>>2618393
>>2618404
>>2618417

Knock 'em out.

> Roll me four 1d100+30's please

>>2618366
>other
Knock out the live crewman, kill the other, then bring both back. When the living one comes to you can tell him they tried to terminate him to prevent an information leak.

Rolled 100 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618452

Rolled 15 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618458
Nice

>>2618452

Rolled 53 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618452

Rolled 4 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2618452

>>2618458
We knocked them out so well they aint ever waking up!

Wait...

>>2618458

Well, that's a natural 100.

Writin'

>>2618366

The choice to either just walk over and offer to heal the injured crew as an act of goodwill or to just kill them both and get it over with bounces around your head for a few seconds before you decide on the middle ground. Knock the guy out, heal his buddy, and then explain to him what you did after you’ve restrained and woken him back up. You’ll let him decide whether he lives or dies after that; mafia goons were usually either loyal to the death, or sniveling rats. Toss up as to who you get this time.

The man in question is so focused on trying to resuscitate his buddy that you barely need to bother attempting sneaking- but you do anyway, sticking to the shadowy and clouded areas as best you can before coming up on them. From what you can make out in the little moonlight that makes it through the treeline, the other one’s pretty busted up- there’s a leg at a wrong angle, cuts and scratches in numerous places, and more than a couple of gaping wounds on the torso- there’s clearly more than that, even, judging by the various patches of cloth that wind their way around the soldier’s arms and torso.

Yeah, they’d be dead soon, if only through blood loss. Well, if you weren’t there.

The pilot takes a moment break from his desperate work, and it’s at that point that you strike. Snaking an arm around his neck, you lock the hold before he can react, holding him down as he struggles for a few seconds before going limp. Waiting a second to make sure the pilot is truly out cold, you slowly pull him to the side and lay the unconscious merc to the side. With a bit of breathing room now, you focus on the faint, weak pulse of life coming from the copilot. Perhaps it’s the fact that his body can’t put up a fight to your intrusion or maybe you’re just getting the hang of healing others, but you easily adjust your mana to the proper degree and begin getting to work.

Now that you’re, well, [i]under his skin[/i] you get a glimpse to the full extend of the injuries you’re dealing with here. Aside from the obvious gaping chest wound, there is also a multitude of internal bleeding and cracked bones along his back and the back of his legs on top of the clean break. Being careful to stabilize him as best you can with a broken leg, you’re eventually confident enough to set it back into place without worrying about doing more damage. Smoothing over that particular injury, you move onto the chest wound. Thankfully, his internal organs are intact, mostly, and it looks like his lungs haven’t been pierced. Still, you take your time to ensure that these wounds aren’t just going to rip open again the moment you try to move him.

And that’s when you look up and see just about the last thing you wanted to see in this situation.

[1/2]

>>2618617

[2/2]

Four of those Blight Direwolves are picking over the wreckage of the downed chopper, clearly looking for the crew. Or, perhaps, they’re here for something else, as one of them hops onto the top of the twisted heap and appears to begin [i]melting[/i]. It’s a moderately disturbing sight to see, especially as that black ichor drips down onto what’s left of the chassis and quickly breaks down whatever it touches. In the meantime, the three remaining monstrosities spread out and start poking around the area. By some miracle they’ve missed the bloodstains leading right to you, but your luck won’t hold forever.

You’re far enough away, and the copilot is stable enough, that you could just grab the two crew and get out. On the other hand, with them so spread out, and one indisposed, you could just annihilate them where they are currently before they could retaliate. Or, you could test your luck and stay where you are just to see if anything else as ugly as these mugs show up.

>Grab the crew and go.
>Take the four Blight Direwolves out.
>Wait and see if anything else is around.
>Other

>>2618620
>Take the four Blight Direwolves out.

>Grab the crew and go.

Just knowing that they're around is a huge advantage, so long as we let mono and archmage know to look out they'll probably just fuck up the remaining ground troops.

got warned for trying to crosspost this to soc? sites acting up again

>>2618620
>>Take the four Blight Direwolves out.

>>2618620
>>Take the four Blight Direwolves out.
BURN THESE FREAKS ASAP

>>2618620
>>Take the four Blight Direwolves out.
Oh hell no, whenever possible and we have an opportunity, Purge the Blight! Better to take advantage of this opportunity when we have the upper hand and they are scattered to kill them, and thus not have to face them later when they come as a bigger group.

>>2618651
Should we use Orbital Ring on these flyboys so they can't escape?

>>2618620
>>Grab the crew and go.
We're too exposed out here on our own. Let's git.

>>2618620
>Take the four Blight Direwolves out.

I don't want to see the results of whatever that one is doing to the chopper

>>2618623
>>2618643
>>2618651
>>2618654
>>2618761

Put the beasts down.

Writin'

File: BlightDirewolf2.png (720 KB, 875x646)

720 KB PNG

>>2618620


It’d be easy to just throw these two guys over your shoulders and book it out of here, but the idea of leaving a group of these creatures around in the area, especially one that’s doing… well, what it is doing to the wreckage, is just not one that you can put up with. Especially since you’ve seen what they can do first-hand.

So, after making sure that the unconscious crew are both hidden away as best you can, you slink back into the foliage on your way to the first beast. It’s slowly coming towards you, that vaguely human head poking through a bush when you come up upon it. The last thing it sees is you smashing its body to pieces with a full-charged magi-blast. Despite how effective your technique is, it certainly gets the attention of the other two looking about, as they snarl before beginning to come your way.

Of course, all that accomplishes is that they’re moving in a nice straight line for you to drill them with two more blasts, splattering their corpse-like bodies across the ground. Stepping out of your ambush position, you look over the remaining Direwolf. It, in turn, looks down at you, but apparently can’t move from whatever process it is involved in currently.

Doesn’t matter, it’s body explodes like the other three without an issue.

Just to make sure, you thoroughly burn the wreckage as best you can along with the remains that still persist. After what you’ve seen this stuff do, there’s no reason to take stupid chances.

With the most recent incursion of Blight taken care of, you return to where the you left the two crew. After making sure they’re still stable, you listen in to the dwindling sounds of gunfire in the distance and decide on calling Izumi for a status report.

Pulling the murmur stone out of your bag, you wait a few seconds for the connection to stabilize before you speak, “Yuna, what’s the status of their ground troops?”

“Mostly taken care of,” There’s a pause in her report and another burst of gunfire crackles through the stone. Another set, much closer this time, barks back before she responds, “Just moping up the last of them now”.

“Managed to link up with Emma and Archmage?” you ask. “I was on my way, but I got sidetracked. More Blight- and two captives.”

[1/2]

>>2619355

[2/2]

“Correct. We’re sweeping the area to make sure they’re all dead,” She stops again, though this time it’s more of a pregnant pause than anything else, “...What was that about the Blight? And captives?”

You’re trying to talk as you make your way towards them, now. “Four wolf-like creatures, not sure how they showed up. But did while I was securing two soldiers. One heavily injured, one less so. They were a lot less threatening than before, at least. Made sure to eliminate it all entirely, but I’m not assuming everything’s fine-”.

The sound of something deep and bestial rips through the air at your words, giving you pause. It almost shakes the trees around as it echos around you, but you can feel the power from it even if you have no idea what direction it’s coming from.

“...Forget I said anything. Any idea what direction that came from?”

“Not in the slightest. The last of the mercs are cutting and running now, but should we even bother with them?”

Ugh. Your task was to keep the principle secure. If these mercs are running…

It’s all you can do to resist an annoyed groan. Of course things wouldn’t be that simple. “No, we need to group up and get back to our prepared lines of defense.” And an aching in your ribs reminds you of your own problems. “And I need to heal up. I’ve taken moderate injuries.”

There’s a small noise of concern from the stone. “Ah. Understood. You can locate us, then? Do you need me to get to you?”

“Meet back towards the entrance- you go my way, I’ll go yours, we’ll meet in the middle.” Whatever was coming, you hope it was at least far enough to afford a few minutes. It’s unlikely, but...hey. Girl can hope.

> Roll me three 1d100’s please

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>2619359

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2619359

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>2619359

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>2619359
>The sound of something deep and bestial rips through the air at your words,
I'm sure it's nothing.

>>2619359
>>2619371
Oh, yeah, can we grab that super sized axe from earlier?

>>2619391

That's a 90, very good.

Writin'

>>2619359

Your side is starting to ache again thanks to your ‘cargo’ as you get back to the now-familiar clearing of the ruins entrance; you’re not too surprised to see Izumi there, hat under her arm, reloading a pistol magazine. She looks none the worse for wear, which was kind of expected. Archmage is nearby as well, with Owlia besides him- although she’s silent for now, moreso focused on inspecting her staff. Archmage, as far as you can tell, seems to be eying it as well, though he’s also mum.

To your pleasant surprise, you see Mono, looking rather able as well- there’s a few bullet holes in her wide coat, but for the most part she’s surprisingly active. There’s no doubt on her face at the moment; rather she looks a bit torqued- ah. Adrenaline rush finally kicked in. You were wondering when that would click- took a few jobs, it seems.

Naturally, she’s the first to speak up as they notice you. “Hey, boss! We handled it!” She sounds proud of it, too. “It was kinda scary fer a minute there but woo! Yeah.” Yeah. That battle high...

“Glad you made it,” Izumi offers before turning her eyes down at the two unconscious soldiers. “So, what have we here...?”

“Shot ‘em down,” you say to the rest of the gathered. “Healed one, knocked out the other. Then the Blight showed up.”

“Yeah, got told about that!” Owlia pipes up, right before she shivers. “Eugh. I don’t even wanna know what’s still stalking out there…”

Another roar, this one deeper and more subdued but still seems to come from every direction around you, echoes out through the night.

“Hey Archmage…” The peppy tech sounds extremely subdued as she speaks up again, “When you mentioned ‘higher forms’, did you mean…”

“Yes,” The crimson magus adjusts his glasses, glancing about the forest as he does, “Whatever is out there is likely one”.

You’d assumed that was the case, but hearing it…

The ground suddenly shakes from an impact, and you can see something that is just barely taller than the trees lurking off in the distance.

Whatever you’re going to do, you need to decide soon.

>Take yourself, Mono, Izumi, and Owlia and hunt this beast down. You can’t risk the primary with it around.
>Trade one of the surface team (Archmage, Mono, Izumi, Owlia) for someone in reserve (John, Dutch, Cylcia, Gladiator).
>Head back down into the Ruin. If you’re not nearby, perhaps the beast won’t go after you.
>Other

>>2619542
>>Take yourself, Mono, Izumi, and Owlia and hunt this beast down. You can’t risk the primary with it around.
We can't risk it following us down and damaging the primary.

>>2619439
We're going to go back and snag it once things have cooled down.

>>2619542
>Take yourself, Mono, Izumi, and Owlia and hunt this beast down. You can’t risk the primary with it around
The hunt is on.

>>2619542
>>Take yourself, Mono, Izumi, and Owlia and hunt this beast down. You can’t risk the primary with it around.

>>2619542
>Take yourself, Mono, Izumi, and Owlia and hunt this beast down. You can’t risk the primary with it around.
>Get archmage and someone from the team below to guard the entrance.

>>2619542
>>Take yourself, Mono, Izumi, and Owlia and hunt this beast down. You can’t risk the primary with it around.

>>2619542
>Other
Nebula Blaster it first, THEN take yourself, Mono, Izumi, and Owlia to hunt it down.

>>2619542
>Other

NOW let's use the Airship to get enough distance that Miranda can Nebula Buster the Boss.

>>2619557
>>2619577
>>2619590
>>2619639
>>2619679

Here we go.

> Roll me four 1d100+30's please

Rolled 97 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2619720

Rolled 47 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2619720

Rolled 30 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2619720

Rolled 92 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2619720

>>2619730

That's a 127, Success.

Writin'

>>2619700
Alternatively, we can work with Mono to help lure it away from the Ruins, Then nuke it!

>>2619834
Yes

>>2619542

With a Blighted monstrosity lurking about on your front lawn, there’s only one way to go about this, “Archmage, I need you to stay here and make sure no one, or nothing, gets into the Ruin. If you need extra help, send for one of the others. In the meantime, we’re going after that thing; we’re too far into this to just let something like that to just wander around.”

“I’m too old to be running after monsters in the dark,” The mage looks back towards the entrance. He does give you a nod over his shoulder, “Good luck”.

Mono looks like she’s unsure whether to be excited or scared; Owlia just plain looks concerned. Izumi, as you’d guessed, simply checks her gun, then sword, and nods in agreement.

Letting the older man walk off, you turn to the rest of the team and motion towards the dark woods in the direction of the dark figure in the distance, “Let’s go”.

Spreading out enough that you won’t get caught together if you’re ambushed, you begin sweeping through the foliage. Despite the fact that there’s not even the stars out tonight you’re still able to keep the vague outline of the monster ahead. It’s moving further away, though you can tell that you all are catching up. It’s mostly the fact that the ground shaking from a single step of your upcoming opponent is getting more and more severe as you go, which is not a particularly good sign, but none of you so much as flinch in response.

Suddenly, there’s several cracks of rifles going off before they’re cut off by a savage slam, the sounds of breaking bones and earth being churned emanate from up ahead. Izumi gives you a look from her position at point, one that you respond to by telling her to keep going.

[1/2]

File: DeadringerofVuston_Beasto(...).png (782 KB, 500x705)

782 KB PNG

>>2620019

[2/2]

And then you come out into a recently-created clearing, pools of Blight that almost blend into the rest of the surroundings scattered throughout, you look over the thing in front of you. It doesn’t radiate twisted insanity and cruelty like the thing within John’s mind, but this monstrosity is simply a beast taken to its furthest form. Standing nearly two stories tall, its head easily looking above the treeline, thick, sap-like ichor slowly drips off a body covered in layers of muscle and torn skin. Teeth the size of daggers line its wolf-like mouth, not quite as human looking lessers, open slightly and letting out raspy, hissing breaths. Limbs the size of ancient trees, with one single, withered arm and another massive, elongated arm that ends in a trio of vicious claws, support the destructive mass as it turns to fully regard you group. Despite having two deep, black pits for eyes, you can almost see them gleam with something beyond savage hunger, then it lets out a howl that gives you goosebumps.

[DEADRINGER OF VUSTON]

It’s honestly surprisingly nostalgic. In both good and bad ways. But if it IS a beast, then you’ll have to be very careful…even if part of you wants to go ahead and charge in like before, you find yourself looking back at the people with you- Izumi standing ready, burning blade in hand. Mono practically dancing on her feet, ready to do SOMETHING. Owlia floating just a bit off the ground, gem lit and a scowl on her face as her staff poised at the ready. You’re not just the surprise muscle like back then- you’re the leader.

A tiny voice kinda wishes you had something cool to say to start the fight, but you quickly quash that thought before barking out orders.

>ACTION!

So, is this place far enough from the ruin to use Nebula Buster safely?

>>2620063

The Ruin is directly behind you.

>>2620083
Ok then. So some way to lead it away is needed. In fact if it's this close to the ruins, even if we weren't using the Nebula Buster I'd vote to get it away to prevent collateral damage affecting the Primary objective.

While Izumi fights at close range, Owlia can blast at mid, and Miranda can fight at any range, the team can try to distract it while Mono sings to twist space to ensure that it's constantly being led to move away from the ruins. If I remembered correctly, Mono did something like that previously during that mission to test the ninja/assassin, with fog and sounds.

Basically, the idea is that no matter where the thing tries to move towards while it's fighting, it gets forced to move away from the ruins with each step it takes.

To the people that have experience with MGFH, is this worth trying? or is there a more efficient plan, like just try to kill it while Mono sings something to slow it down while speeding allies up.

>>2620035
>NEBULA BUSTER!!!

>>2620035
It's a big target, but just because it's big doesn't mean it's slow. We should expect it to be fast and maneuverable.

Izumi should use her Spirit Slash and Mana Infusion on her guns to fight the thing.

Mono should shape the battlefield so that there's a mountain in the way between the monster and the ruins, and plains on the opposite side, to make it move away from the ruins. Preferably make the battlefield into a valley so that the team is up on the sides while the monster is at the bottom and gets funneled away from the ruins.

Owlia can use Shock Orb, or Power Beam, but she needs to keep moving to not be a flying immobile target, so they may not work.
Have Miranda loan Owlia her missile launcher and missiles; they pack more punch than the spells that Owlia currently has, and they let her shoot and scoot.

Miranda herself should use magi-waves, given the size of the Deadringer. Aim for limbs to reduce its ability to move and attack first and foremost.

Everyone needs to stay away since, as a higher form of Blight, it can affect people by proximity.

>>2620035
Spread out so that if that fucker does a sweeping arm and coats the place in blight then he can not take out more than one or two people per swing. try to keep his attention on the gunners and ranged fighters who keep their distance so that izumi can get into CQC without fear of being smacked on the way in.

Also, target the elbow of the weaker/smaller arm try to remove it and see if it has regen powers. then aim for the legs

>>2620035
>Miranda
Orbital ring(s) to keep it in place
>Izumi
Keep cutting its limbs to stop it from moving and attacking
>Mono
Sing a hot bed for the enemy like in John's mind
>Owlia
Power beam from long range and hope it starts having an effect on the boss before she runs out of mana

Here are MGFHandler's pastebins if anybody is interested in checking out what techniques the girls have: https://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler

>>2620214
Support

>>2620035
Nebula Buster, a side from that do >>2620214

>>2620126
It's more like Nebula Buster is a REALLY big explosion and just because the site is behind us doesn't mean it's outside the blast radius.

Blight is attracted to energy sources right? Would nebula buster maybe not be the best idea?

>>2621238
I thought that while the attack is created via magic, the damage and effects are physical, since it's basically the generation of a miniature black hole?

>>2621238
How about we Megaphone Izumi for a couple of seconds and we get her to use her Demon's Roar technique?

Hello, I'm here to test things.

File: Mura_TakeaSeat.png (116 KB, 390x263)

116 KB PNG

>>2620126

I meant that entirely in terms of direction. In terms of distance, you're about 500 meters from the entrance to the Ruins.

Alright, we've got a few different choices here. Pick one to go with:
> >>2620126
> >>2620161
> >>2620214
> >>2620553
> >>2621271
>Other

>>2621371
>> >>2621271
This is a good opener.

>>2621371
I quite like >>2620214

>>2621371
Start with >>2621271 for Izumi and Miranda and >>2620214 for Mono and Owlia.

>>2621404
>>2621429
>>2621468

Alright, we've got a plan.

> Roll me four 4d100's please

All Four for Miranda at +30, All Four for Izumi at +30, first three for Mono at +10, first three for Owlia at +10

Rolled 98, 38, 17, 83 + 30 = 266 (4d100 + 30)

>>2621600

[DEADRINGER OF VUSTON ACTIVITY]

Rolled 10, 63, 79, 59 = 211 (4d100)

>>2621600

Rolled 46, 49, 62, 79 = 236 (4d100)

>>2621600

Rolled 27, 10, 48, 41 = 126 (4d100)

>>2621600

Rolled 19, 65, 16, 6 = 106 (4d100)

>>2621600

>>2621613
>>2621614
>>2621618
>>2621631

Alright, we've got a 76 for Miranda, a 95 for Izumi, an 89 for Mono, and a 93 for Owlia versus a 128. Failure across the board.

Writin'

>>2621645
Hahaha, seems we're firing nebula buster after all.

>>2621662
And launch a magical tacnuke right on our doorstep? Let's at least get this thing to move away from the base first, so we don't risk the primary objective..

Rolled 76, 49, 94, 22 = 241 (4d100)

>>2621600

File: 1386340389065.jpg (26 KB, 274x237)

26 KB JPG

>when you're hoping a magical girl dies

File: 1523126560880.gif (1.63 MB, 360x270)

1.63 MB GIF

>>2621751
I've been wanting that to happen since this colab started.

File: DeadringerofVuston_Leader(...).png (1015 KB, 859x930)

1015 KB PNG

Within a split second, a rough outline of a plan forms in your head. Unfortunately, the Blight abomination reacts before you can shout it out, charging head-on at your group with a lopsided, but still breakneck, gait. Out of time, you can only shout out the first part of your plan, “SCATTER!”

No one questions your order, moving in every which direction as the beast swings out with its massive arm. The claw catches you in the middle of your dash, spinning you around as it carves a gash into your armor. You wince at the screech of metal that fills the air, but the sudden change of surroundings from forest to plains captures its attention for long enough to get entirely away. The high-pitched whine of Mono’s singing draws the monster towards her, accomplishing the task of keeping it away from the Ruin but sending it straight for your support. Izumi catches your attention with a quick motion, neatly conveying her intentions in the same one. Focusing on your mana and plugging your ears at the same time, you set your sound-amplifying Microphone spell upon the swordswoman just before she unleashes a shriek.

The entirety of the surrounding area seems to shudder as supersonic waves of force tear out of her- the bellow causing the upheaval of the immediate grass and ground like a giant itself tearing it out by the roots in an instant. There’s no cover for it, and nowhere to escape to as the enhanced force flays at the giant like a grater, sloughing ichor and chitinous pieces off of it en mass. You can see your allies clutching their own ears- Mono in particular looks pained, but you’ll have to apologize later, and to be fair she and your others at least seem to still be on their feet.

The belting only lasts for several seconds, but that’s enough to rend the ‘plains’ dry, and as for the creature itself…

The rubble that covered the creature tumbles off as it stands and turns towards you, simply ignoring the bolt of energy that slams into its exposed back on the account of Owlia’s magic. Clearly, it has identified yourself and Izumi as the real threats here. You can see the diseased flesh falling off of its back, but if it’s hindered by its state at all you can’t tell.

All the warning you get of something coming is a vaguely wolf-like snear before spikes explode out of its over-sized arm. You’re once again clipped on the armor, this time the impacted area simply rips off and sends you sprawling into the dirt from the force of the strike. Rolling with it, you come to a stop on your feet and check over Izumi.

She’s alive, thankfully, but she is fairing a bit worse due to a lack of heavier armor. Pulling a particularly brutal spike from her stomach, you vaguely note her getting to her feet as you do.

Bearing down on your is the sneering monstrocity, raising its massive claw as if to finish you both off with contemptuous ease.

[DEADRINGER OF VUSTON]

> Action?

>>2621865
>>2621751

I mean, if there were crits involved...

>>2621871
> Nebula buster

>>2621871
Keep kiting away from the Ruins until we've got enough distance, then have everyone else pin it down for a few seconds while we spin up a Nebula Blaster.

>>2621871
Great Barrier and Rajomon to tank the approaching hit.

Next phase:
Miranda to link up with Owlia and give her the missile launcher and some reloads, so that Owlia can contribute to the fight. Then try to set up an Orbital Ring on the beast, as well as pulling out the Rapier for amplified magi-blasts later.

Izumi to use Spirit Slash and Mana Infusion on her gun to help kite the thing away from the ruins, far enough that we can safely use a Nebula Buster.

Mono to keep moving and singing.

>>2621919
Add in for this: have Mono pull out her new grenade launcher and start firing while she sings.

>>2621947
>>2621919
>>2621906
>>2621901

Alright, looks like Miranda and Izumi are going full defense while Owlia and Mono continue chipping away for part one.

> Roll me three 2d100+10's please

These are for Owlia and Mono respectively. Considering they're both utilizing extremely powerful barriers, I'm ruling that M and I don't need to roll here.

Rolled 47, 79, 11, 67 + 30 = 234 (4d100 + 30)

>>2622073

[DEADRINGER OF VUSTON ACTIVITY]

Rolled 9, 61 + 10 = 80 (2d100 + 10)

>>2622073
WE CAN DO EET!

Rolled 7, 3 + 10 = 20 (2d100 + 10)

>>2622073

Rolled 85, 18 + 10 = 113 (2d100 + 10)

>>2622073

Rolled 44, 66 + 10 = 120 (2d100 + 10)

>>2622073

Mono and Owlia need some heavier hitting weapons after this, either looted from worlds or bought at the Intersection.

Just because they're support doesn't mean they shouldn't have some heavy weapons, as this fight is showing.

>>2622089

Yikes.

>>2622101
>>2622081

That's a 95 for Owlia and a 71 for Mono both versus a 109. Both Failures.

Writin'

>>2622112
They're only Couriers, this sort of thing isn't their wheelhouse. We should make sure they have something (company-owned?) they can snag for larger missions like this though.

Rolled 2, 77 + 10 = 89 (2d100 + 10)

Man I hate being late. Let's see if I would have fucked up.

why haven't we used the nebula buster? Its only purpose is to deal with situations like these.

>>2622276
I don't think we're at minimum safe distance yet from the ruin. Don't forget that it's not just the entrance to the maintenance shaft, but also the hangar doors in the ground that we have watch out for.

>>2622319
we are about 500 meters from the ruin entrance, that sounds like a good enough distance

>>2621871

Current Mana: 8000/11000

Ignoring the fresh wave of pain lancing through your side, you grit your teeth and force yourself to your feet with a single hand raised. Shimmering into existence above you is the palpable layer of mana that consists your Great Barrier, flaring wildly as that massive claw slams into it. The sheer weight behind the blow forces a scowl onto your face as the beast presses down with its entire mass, letting out a gleeful growl through its twisted maw as it begins to slowly break through the shield.

Then, the strain against you lessens as another barrier layers itself within your own. Glancing over, you see Izumi, with a hand nursing the wound in her chest, raising a hand of her own to aid your defense. Despite the injury she’s sustained, the swordswoman appears to be holding herself together just fine. Good, you’ll ne-

Another bolt of energy punches into the back of the Blighted monster, making it take a step forwards before a burst of plasma ineffectually splashes against its bone plating. The sudden lack of resistance from it turning around to face your ranged support makes you stumble for just a moment, and that’s all it takes as you’re forced to watch the abomination scoop up a tangle of dirt and rock before flinging it in their vague direction.

The covering fire stops, obviously, as your allies dodge, but more worryingly is the fact that the illusion around you flickers and stops. Quickly charging a pair of magi-blasts, you lob them against the exposed back of the beast to little effect, though they accomplish the exact purpose as it turns and begins chasing you. Taking a long, circular path away from your team, you don’t even need to look behind you to check for your pursuer as you can feel the ground shaking from every lumbering step. You’re around halfway through your arc when a heavy gunshot pierces through the air. The beast stops, and you feel the tremors slowly fade into the distance as it chases down Izumi now. Not taking the opportunity for granted, you sprint for the last position of your support.

“MIRANDA! OVER HERE!” Owlia’s voice catches your attention and you adjust your course to where she’s peeking around a corner. You’d chastise for the breach of operational security, but now’s really not the time, “C’mon c’mon!”

Coming around the trunk of a particularly wide tree, you find Mono propped up against it, her carbine still held tightly in her grip even as she’s practically bleeding from a dozen different places. Without a second to waste, you pry the weapon from her hands before beginning work on healing her, “Emma, I need you to stay awake; can you hear me?”

[1/2]

>>2622375

[2/2]

“Uhh… Yeah?” Her voice is heavily slurred, but she does manage to roll her head in your direction at your words. She tries to reach up to her wounds, but you push her hands back down before continuing healing her, “Shit… wha… what happened?”

“You took shrapnel, now stay quiet.” Dammit, you REALLY wish you’d had some heavier firepower at the moment...ah. Speaking of, actually. “Here, Hidia, take this,” Reaching into your bag, you pull out the multi-missile launcher you’ve got stashed away and toss it to the techie, “Should pack more of a punch than that thing is expecting.”

Her eyes almost boggle as she looks over the weapon, the situation is about the only thing keeping her from squealing in glee. Thankfully, her meger professionalism holds.

Pulling out a few of the more serious pieces of debris, you run over the wounds one more time before deciding that they’re healed enough for now. Giving the wolfgirl’s shoulder a hard shake, you help her to her feet until she’s able to stand on her own, “Stow the carbine for now, Emma, and use the launcher John made. I don’t know why plasma is barely affecting it, but it doesn’t matter.”

“Okay, okay…” Shaking her head to get the cobwebs out, Mono grabs the weapon in question, little more than a tube, a pistol grip, and a trigger, and readies herself, “How’re we doing this boss?”

>With these heavy weapons, you should be able to just blast this thing into bits with enough concentrated firepower. Hopefully.
>If you can keep it off of Izumi for long enough, she should be able to carve it to pieces. You’ll have to keep a close eye on her, though.
>Distract it yourself, give Mono time to drop a serious reality warp on it. Just so long as it manages to hold.
>Try to cut it down to size, hit and run on the joints so that it can’t focus on anyone in particular. It’ll be hard to keep anyone in your sights, though.
>Cripple it with the heavy weapons, then finish it off with a Nebula Buster. Who knows how that’ll end up, though...
>Other

>>2622382
>>Distract it yourself, give Mono time to drop a serious reality warp on it. Just so long as it manages to hold.
I want to see what she can really do.

>>2622382
>>Distract it yourself, give Mono time to drop a serious reality warp on it. Just so long as it manages to hold.

For the Reality warp option, what would it do if it worked?

If it also required rolls though I don't see Mono's mods being all that high vs the enemy's, or would it only need to hold the boss back for a certain amount of time?

>>2622382
>Other
Pop one of the elixirs from our Potion Pack, have Mono take another one, and palm a third to throw to Izumi when we get in range of her again. Don't hoard these things, use them. We can always buy more back home or tell our girls to loot some on their next mission.

Then have Miranda take out her Rapier for amplified magi-waves and magi-blasts, and while Mono, Izumi, and Owlia distract the beast, hit it with an Orbital Ring.

On this note, I have to run for the night. See you all tomorrow.

>>2622410

I haven't ever mentioned this, though I suppose this as good of a point as any. In fights like this, the individual who is in direct combat with the enemy rolls directly against their rolls while others who are either providing support, ranged or magical, either roll against the opponent or against a DC. In this case, Mono would be rolling against a DC.

>>2622382
This >>2622428, we can always buy more potions.

>>2622382
> Nebula Blaster

>>2622382
>Distract it yourself, give Mono time to drop a serious reality warp on it. Just so long as it manages to hold.
Like the other anon said, pull out the rapier to boost our magic.
Do we even have any potions with us?

>>2622961
>Do we even have any potions with us?
We got a pack of potions before we left the Intersection and they’re in our bag of holding.

>>2623273
did you pack any batman issue "giant monster repellent" perchance?

>>2623273
I see. I wish the pastebin mentioned them.

Rough goin', huh...

>>2623935
Yep. Here's hoping we survive long enough that we can either use Nebula Buster or fire up the Airship to launch a cruse missile at this fucker.

How're things going for you, MGH?

>>2623957
Trying to figure out how to get some bigger things of mine cross-country. Otherwise okay.

File: iwaitedforyou.jpg (60 KB, 496x274)

60 KB JPG

>See you all tomorrow.

File: Indignation.jpg (56 KB, 342x628)

56 KB JPG

>>2624508

>>2624508

Sorry about that, I ended up being busy with paperwork for where I’m working in the summer.

>>2622406
>>2622410
>>2622803
>>2622428
>>2622961

Looks like we’re taking some potions, then giving Mono the chance to drop a serious illusion on this thing’s head.

> Roll me four 4d100’s please. Same mods as before.

Rolled 47, 69, 81, 51 = 248 (4d100)

>>2625298

Rolled 90, 46, 89, 65 = 290 (4d100)

>>2625298
Please dice gods, let us die in glory or not at all

Rolled 73, 82, 48, 6 = 209 (4d100)

>>2625298

Rolled 41, 26, 40, 8 = 115 (4d100)

>>2625298

Rolled 89, 18, 91, 67 + 30 = 295 (4d100 + 30)

>>2625298

[DEADRINGER OF VUSTON ACTIVITY]

>>2625340
That +30 mod is absolutely wrecking us.

>>2625412
we won two, failed one and narrowly failed another. we will not be doing shabby this round

120, 112, 99, 75
vs
119, 48, 121, 97

or if its highest because i can forget we may be fucked

>>2625412
Naw, the fact that it's constantly out rolling our 2 fighters' Bo4s with equivalent mods with it's own Bo4 is what's screwing us. Our luck is shit this time.

>>2625496
It's the highest and we're fucked.

>>2625502
>>2625504
........There is only one thing we can truly do here.
Pray to the dice gods, sacrifice a virgin goat and yell at john to get his ass over here and share some of his luck.

>>2625509

Now that I think about it, John's effectively shirtless at this point and is using an assault rifle. He could go full 80's-Action Movie if he does get called in.

>>2625412
>>2625502
>>2625496

I was entirely expecting the Scourge to put up more of a fight than this side-boss. Meanwhile, SES is currently 0/3 against the Deadringer. All in all, this one's definitely giving the girls a run for their money.

Meanwhile, wanna know a fun fact?
Bo4+30 isn't the cap for enemies in this world.

>>2625301
>>2625303
>>2625308

That's a 120 for Miranda, a 112 for Izumi, a 99 for Owlia, and a 75 for Mono all versus a 121. Failures across the board again.

Gonna start working on the next post now.

>>2625748
Wait, shouldn't we be getting Miranda's bonus increased to a +40 by now?

>>2625781

From now on against the Deadringer, Miranda's getting a +10 thanks to her Chunni extra bonus. If she manages to succeed against it, she'll also get an additional +10 thanks to her Double Tap extra bonus.

>>2625748
a couple of threads back didn't you say that dutch had the potential to get a d100+60 as the cap? or am i sleep deprived again.

>>2625922

Correct. While he's performing a 'daring act' in combat, his base weapon mod is doubled. At end game, he'll be cap'd out at Bo4+60 while using his revolvers.

That spoiler was specific to enemies. Really just the Blight

This is really starting to suck. If Izumi ends up having to be Evaced, that's more or less mission failure right there. She's the only other heavy-hitter we have. And these things are attracted to mana, right? If we Nebula Buster it, who knows what else might happen.

I'm not sure what else we can do here. Someone suggested get the ship and blow it up, but I don't even know if that would be good enough.

We should try to get a scan on the Monster with the FarSight. It might expose some weaknesses, or provide info on the Blight.

>>2626098
Things aren't that bad enough to need an Evac yet. I think if we can pin it down long enough, Nebula Blaster is the way to go here. I don't trust thousand-year-old missiles to even ignite, never mind actually make it to the target.

>>2626110
The Farsight isn't really used for that. It's got general world info, including tech specs, but monster weaknesses are a little out of scope.

>>2622382

With the sounds of gunfire and howling coming from the distance, you motion Mono and Owlia to follow you as you begin running towards where Izumi is fighting, “Listen up you two, here’s how we’re playing this. Hidia, you’re with me. We’re gonna give this thing something to think about. While we’re doing that, Emma, I want you to do your level best to kill it with whatever reality warp you can pull off. Whatever you go with, just make sure it’s strong enough to do some serious damage.”

The two just nod silently; they seem to get the picture that this is best handled quickly and quietly. As discussion is over and done with, you pick up the pace into a dead sprint, narrowly avoiding the trees as you fly by. There’s several close calls, but you don’t slow up in the slightest despite it.

The blur of movement tells you that you’ve returned to the fight, as the beast simply slashes through the area in the pursuit of your friend. Izumi’s keeping ahead of the attacks, but you can see that, for some reason, she’s moving far slower than she should be. Something to think about later, perhaps. Now, though, you bring your hands up and launch a pair of magi-waves at the monster. With your own strikes as the precursor, Owlia and Mono open up with their own attacks, several trails of the missiles streaming off into the night along with one 30mm grenade slam into the partially exposed back just after yours wave rip into the diseased flesh.

That certainly catches its attention, the bipedal wolf monster whipping around to bear its teeth at you. Taking one massive step in your direction, it lunges forwards right at you. By the barest margin, you manage to dodge the massive arm’s attack, though you get flung to the side from the close-miss. Rolling to your feet, you spring up to your feet just in time to avoid the next strike, Owlia helping to cover you by pumping several more missiles into its legs.

Sadly most of them miss, but the ones that do hit cause it to turn around just for long enough for you to fling a magi-blast at its face. The lump of mana collides with its jaw, moving the snarling maw to the side before it looks back to you, a bit of smoke trailing off of its flesh the only tell that it hit. Still, you’ve got it paused between two targets, and that’s exactly what you were trying to do.

[1/2]

>>2626459

[2/2]

The sound of metal scraping against itself fills the air, nearly making you double over in pain. Forcing your head back up, you see a multitude of iron spikes driving out of the earth, piercing the monstrocity’s body in several place. Black ichor drips out of the wounds and begins pooling beneath it, though you look up and see that it managed to dodge a trio that were aimed for its head.

Far behind it, Mono struggles to maintain the spell as the beast begins to pull itself free from the metallic prison. With a howl, half of pain and half of rage, it rips away from the spikes, the wolfgirl catching herself before she collapses, and looks between the three of you rapidly.

That ends when Izumi, sword aflame, slashes against its back, eliciting another howl in response before it viciously backhands the swordswoman. She ragdolls through the air before getting herself reoriented, digging her heels into the dirt to come to a stop. Snorting dismissively, the Blighted form starts stopping its way to you.

Even as you can feel your blood warm at the challenge in front of you, you can’t help but grit your teeth at how little of an effect you’ve been having. Whatever decision you come to, you’ll have to make it quickly.

>Keep fighting like you are, hit and run. Regardless of how strong this thing is, you can just chip at it until it dies.
>Call everyone in reserve in. You don’t want to take any chances here.
>Head back to the Ruin. If you can get the ship flying, you can use its weapons to shred this thing.
>Try and bait it away. There is the ocean nearby, perhaps you can use that to kill it.
>Other

>>2626463
>>Call everyone in reserve in. You don’t want to take any chances here.

>>2626463
>Keep fighting like you are, hit and run. Regardless of how strong this thing is, you can just chip at it until it dies.

>>2626463
>Keep fighting like you are, hit and run. Regardless of how strong this thing is, you can just chip at it until it dies.
>Other: Use the elixirs from the Potion Pack on Miranda, Mono, and Izumi.

>>2626463
>>Try and bait it away. There is the ocean nearby, perhaps you can use that to kill it.
Enough is enough, let's get it away so we can use the Nebula buster safely.

>>2626463
>>Try and bait it away. There is the ocean nearby, perhaps you can use that to kill it.
We're being ground down as fast as it is.

>>2626463
>Try and bait it away. There is the ocean nearby, perhaps you can use that to kill it.
I doubt we can outlast this thing.

>>2626463
>>Other
Prepare to hit it with at Nebula Buster

>>2626463
>Ocean

even if we don't kill it on the fall you can still amp up your weaponry without fear of collateral damage.

and if anyone can fly now would be the time

>>2626463
>Other
Hit and run style fighting towards the ocean. Use Nebula Buster when at a safe distance from the ruin.

>>2627657
>>2627547
>>2626885
>>2626830
>>2626643

Bait to the ocean it is.

> Roll me four 4d100’s please.

Same mods, aside from an extra +10 for Miranda.

Rolled 22, 33, 70, 35 = 160 (4d100)

>>2628009

Rolled 37, 47, 97, 39 = 220 (4d100)

>>2628009

Rolled 15, 39, 41, 69 = 164 (4d100)

>>2628009
Well there goes our 120 motes...

Rolled 32, 6, 79, 72 = 189 (4d100)

>>2628009

Rolled 82, 81, 36, 67 = 266 (4d100)

>>2628009

>>2628034
fuck i was too late..........sorry guys

>>2628034
Fuck... can my roll not count...

File: 1503789119195.jpg (37 KB, 752x375)

37 KB JPG

Rolled 55, 28, 86, 79 = 248 (4d100)

>>2628029
>>2628034
ya damn dinguses

>>2628070
i was only a few seconds late.........

dice gods forgive me

Rolled 44, 33, 38, 24 + 30 = 169 (4d100 + 30)

>>2628009

[DEADRINGER OF VUSTON ACTIVITY]

>>2628016
>>2628017
>>2628025

That’s a 77 for Miranda, a 77 for Izumi, a 107 for Owlia, and a 79 for Mono all versus a 74. All Successes.

This gonna be an interesting on for certain.

So the boss finally rolled low. I was hoping this fight would last forever.

we can finally vaporize it

>>2628149
What a shame, I really want them to die.

The one time we miss out on great rolls the boss rolls low.........

the dice gods have a fickle sense of humour it seems

>>2628356
Whats with that hostility of yours

>>2629935
Some just want blood for the blood gods.

>>2629935
Mystery loves company.

This is one big ass update

>>2630825
They do it for F R E E

>>2630825
Hopefully it includes some Nebula Busting

>>2630825

Sorry about the delay. I’ll be out of work in about 5 hrs and since it’s a Friday I’ve got nothing else to do but write.

Alright, I'm back home now and working on the next update.

If you guys haven't seen Handler's latest tweet, he's in the middle of moving so he's not gonna be around for a bit. Not sure if he'll have time to proofread this one, so I'll be playing this by ear.

>>2631523
Cool beans, ST. Just wanted to ask, how far are we in this crossover are we? It seems like we're kind of reaching the end of the arc, and from what it sounds like, Handler might still be out of commission for MGFH, unless Miranda and co. have another job for them on this world.

>>2631711
you are always welcome to stay and help murder shit.

and don't think we will let you leave without trying to drink you under a table, get dutch drunk and put a cucumber inbetween his ass cheeks for the laughs

>>2631711

The end of this fight marks the end of day 6 out of 7, so we're getting close to the end of the crossover. Now, granted, the girls aren't going to immediately 'port out at day 7, as they need to go back to Shirahoro to pick up their payment from the Don in person, so there's going to be a bit of time after the job is done. So, if the MGFH players want to wrap up anything else, commission more work from John, or just go get smashed at a bar, they'll get the chance to do so.

As for additional jobs on this world? Nope. SES ain't cheap, and once the frigate, and the Ruin, are secure the Genovese aren't going to write another blank check for the Don to fill short of something apocalyptic happening to their organization.

>>2626463

There’s a moment where you simply stand there, looking up at the monstrocity stomping its way towards you. This thing has shaken off magi-blasts, blades, missiles, and now even reality warping. There’s a frustration that bumbles up within you, and you begin channeling your mana to simply wipe the Blighted abomination from the face of this damn planet.

Then the next step rocks the ground, snapping you out of your thoughts and bringing you immediately back into reality. Snapping your arms up, you launch two barely-charged magi-blasts right at its face. This time, you get a pair of solid hits off on it, both nearly striking home into it’s pitch-black eyes. The beast staggers back for a moment, bringing up its massive arm to protect itself and that’s all you need, “EVERYONE REGROUP!” You’re the last person to turn and run, just to make sure everyone else disengages, Izumi in particular, without issue, but once there’s nothing else within the clearing beside the monstrosity you waste no time in bolting.

Easily catching up with the other three, you start to lead the way back towards the coastline you originally arrived at, faltering for a second in your stride when you see the sorry state that Izumi is currently in. Her coat has a few new tears in it, along with the armor underneath it, but the real kicker is the wound from where she took that spike to the stomach is a bit larger and has been cauterized closed; somehow, she’s still on her feet, but that won’t last forever. With the new knowledge that you’ve got a time limit, you look over at the other two girls before speaking, “Does everyone remember where we came to shore? Yes? Good. Hidia and Emma, I want both of you to get there and set up firing positions. Yuna, you’re with me in making sure this abomination follows us to there. Once it’s there, we’re blowing it to pieces. Any questions?”

The hurried nods, evidently no one else wants to risk biting their tongue just to respond, answers you, and Izumi falls into line with you as Mono and Owlia pull ahead. Turning over your shoulder, you can pick out the monster following you from the vague, dark silhouette in the distance and the trees being torn apart as it sprints after you. The bestial snarls and ground shaking beneath your feet also help to confirm the obvious. With the target gaining on you, you raise a hand up to send several magi-blasts at it. They easily pierce through the night, lighting up the area as they travel, only to impact into that oversized arm that it holds in front of itself like a shield.

Safely secure in the knowledge that the abomination is firmly on your heel, you turn back around and focus entirely on making sure you won’t be run down. Izumi keeps pace with you, but from the wince that occasionally travels through her expression it’s no simple task.

No matter. Either she’ll hold it together or she won’t.

[1/2]

>>2632263

[2/2]

The better part of the next hour is spend at a dead sprint, retracing the trail you took on your original journey to the Ruin, until you spot the first of the short cliff-faces that make up the coastline in this area. There’s also Mono, standing directly ahead, motioning for you to slow down. The question of what exactly she’s trying to pull here is interrupted by the howling beast behind you breaking through the treeline, entirely tunnel-visioned on you. Thankfully, it’s moving far too quickly to turn when the three of you break to the side, though it does manage to dig its feet into the dirt to slow down.

And then, without warning, the ground beneath it vanishes, revealing the illusionary terrain as it steps onto it. There’s a twisted look of surprise on its face as it falls, swinging that muscular arm around to dig into the actual cliff-face. The earth you’re standing on cracks, then shatters from the weight of the Blighted creature straining it, and the three of you suddenly find yourselves sliding down the broken terrain, following the monster as it crashes into the water below. Bracing yourself, you easily drop down to the shallows, the waves lapping against your shins, and look up as Izumi and Mono join you.

Then, out comes the monstrocity from where it fell, pushing itself to its feet with its good arm. Salt water slides off it in droves, catching the dull moonlight breaking through the night and making its snarling visage look ever more bestial. There’s a shuddering, ragged breath that it lets out, clearly preparing to let loose another roar, when a missile hits it right in the face. That certainly gets a reaction out of it, something that could be called a scream if it wasn’t being produced by such an inhuman maw.

Whipping its head back around reveals that half of its face has been damaged, revealing the blackened bone underneath the disease flesh, and it looks down at you with those black pits that compose its eyes.

[DEADRINGER OF VUSTON]

>With Owlia providing fire support, you can blast this thing into oblivion. Hit it with magi-blasts and explosives until there’s nothing left.
>Between yourself and Izumi, you can tear the monstrocity to pieces and burn it away. Give the swordswoman a chance to put that sword to good use.
>Give Mono another chance to put her reality warping to good use.
>Have the others give you time to prepare a Nebula Buster. It’s the best way to make sure that it won’t survive.
>Other

>>2632267
>>Have the others give you time to prepare a Nebula Buster. It’s the best way to make sure that it won’t survive.
y
e
s

>>2632267
>>Have the others give you time to prepare a Nebula Buster. It’s the best way to make sure that it won’t survive.
If possible I'd want Miranda to chant a full-chunni Aria to further boost the power of the magical attack.

>>2632267
Do this
https://youtu.be/g5e3qoREpuA?t=118

>>2632267
>Have the others give you time to prepare a Nebula Buster. It’s the best way to make sure that it won’t survive.

>>2632299
>Just realized we already pulled a Tremors and it didn't take

Goddamn it, Nebula Buster it is, then.

>>2632267
>>Have the others give you time to prepare a Nebula Buster. It’s the best way to make sure that it won’t survive.

>>2632267
>>2632281
Oh I forgot something

>Izumi use Ki Union to boost the buster

>>2632376
Should we also use our rapier to boost that as well?

>>2632388
Yes, you don't even need to ask.

We're gonna vaporize enough water to cause a tsunami

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>>2632281
>>2632291
>>2632336
>>2632330
>>2632341
>>2632376

It's time.

> Roll me four 1d100+50's please.

Rolled 84 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>2632498
Fuck it, I know my rolls have been shitty in this thread, but I refuse to believe I can't get even one good one.

Rolled 84 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>2632498

Rolled 54 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>2632498

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539 KB PNG

>>2632518
>>2632525

Rolled 96 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>2632498

>>2632546
\o/

Rolled 82 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>2632498

>>2632518
>>2632525
>>2632546
Shit dudes high fives all around

>>2632535
>>2632573
Wait, do we do anything special for rolling doubles here?

>>2632546
>>2632525
>>2632518

And that's exactly how you end a fight.

146, Extreme Success.

Writin'

>>2632518
>>2632525
>>2632546
Fuck yes. Make it 200 percent dead.
The dicegods really wanted us to use the nebula buster huh?

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95 KB JPG

>>2632518
>>2632525
>>2632546

>>2632267

Staring down the snarling, twisted monster before you, there’s really only one choice. When you want something really, really dead, there’s a spell that you keep tucked away for just such an occasion. Mono pauses beside you as your mana begins radiating from you by degrees, though Izumi realizes what you’re about to go for and drags the wolfgirl out of the way.

Without anyone else in the area of effect, you let your power build up, mana reserves eagerly supplying your with the sheer raw energy required for this technique. It rushes up from within, gathering together at the barest tips of your fingers as you spread them apart. The water beneath your feet is pushed away, trembling at the edges from the side effects of channeling this much power at once.

The abomination howls out, preparing to charge and disrupt you, only to be cut off by another missile to the face. Most gunfire further suppresses the target, giving you those last few seconds of time to finish your preparations. Mana, so thick that it’s almost palpable and so potent you don’t even need to try to smell the ozone filling the air, coalesces around your arms and ripples out. Then, you raise your arms and bring them together.

It's just when it manages to face you again that you let rip, the unified streams of mana exploding outward into a single thick beam. You can hardly hear yourself over the rush- just as well, you doubt anything you say right now really captures just how DONE you want this thing.

The beam practically slams into like a linebacker, the creature actually getting taken off its feet, and carves a massive swath through the ocean of near biblical proportions...at least until it stops, the gravity well triggered and beginning to form.

It's almost like a water spout forming in fast forward, the amount of ocean being torn from its natural state, only to gradually form a crushing sphere in mid air- the water’s natural crushing weight only amplified by your mana. The sphere grows ever larger, a convalescent mass of water and mana, to the point that one might call it a little planet if they weren't aware otherwise.

There’s a sickening wail as the pressure doubles, and doubles again as the collection condenses and becomes small beyond belief, the beast as the unfortunate epicenter. And then…

[1/2]

>>2632855

[2/2]

The roaring of nature overtakes the roar of the beast as the final part takes hold, a massive explosion of mana, water, ichor, and likely more than a few unlucky schools of sea life. The enormity of it sends yet another massive set of shockwaves across the sea as the creature seemingly vanishes in vapor, and you can hear shouts as it reaches the shoreline.

The rush of it floods your veins before suddenly vanishing in the same manner, nearly causing you to collapse from the strain. Thankfully, you do catch yourself before falling on your face, though you have to move out of the way of the wave that crashes into the shoreline from your attack. For a moment, you can hear nothing. And then.

“...What the FUCK was that?” You have to sigh as you turn around to face your wolflike junior. “That was…”

“That’s what Nebula Buster is for” you respond. She doesn't say anything else. Which is just as well, because everyone probably needs a hell of a rest right now.

Shame you've got to trudge back to the Ruin.

> And that's where we're gonna leave things for the night. Gonna put things on pause for a bit, as this is a good point for it, while Handler gets himself set up. Thanks to everyone who has played so far, and we'll let you know when everything is sorted.

>>2632875
Miranda, Mono, and Izumi need to use Elixirs from our Potion Pack to heal up and stave off any infection by the Blight, as well as having Izumi use her Heavenly Aura. And everyone is going to need to be plugged into the mana condensers and mana reactor to recharge.

We also need to loot the dead mercs and their crashed helicopter.

But most importantly, we need to make sure we don't look half-dead when we meet up with the rest of the team. We have a reputation to uphold. We need to be able to brush this entire fiasco off as 'just enough to work up a light sweat', or even easier.

>>2633422
We don't need to crack anything take costs Motes yet, though we should keep them ready if some else shows up. Nominally, this last merc group that got wrecked by us and the Blight was the final group.

>>2633470
If we took out the elites and the choppers, most of the direct threat should be gone. But considering how one of their choppers survived and that jet was never damaged, this might not be the last of them. Even without their elites, the advanced tech they're deploying means they could still have one final card to play, like say some kind of bunker buster bombs or ballistic missiles they would send to destroy what they can't have. If the 120 mote job is at risk, I'd say spending a few motes worth of potions to get the girls on their feet quickly would be worth it.

Besides, who says this would be the last of the blight we'll see? After all this is day 6 and we still have to hold out until after day 7 for our Genovese reinforcements to arrive. If anything will happen, then it will happen on the last day.

>>2632875
That's how you kill something dead

Good shit

>>2633422
With the monster down we can use our healing magic as we recharge. I don't think we'll pull them out of our pockets, a vote was called earlier to use the elixirs but then they weren't even mentioned in text.

Alright, we're working on the next update right now.

>>2633422

There were two crashed helicopters; one disintegrated mid-air and the other almost made a crash landing, though keep in mind that Miranda very thoroughly burned that one to eliminate the Blight attempting to dissolve it.

>>2645298
OH YEAH, I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SINCE FRIDAY

Also, we're still bringing that axe back home, right?

>>2645332
I thought it was too big to fit in the bags? or would holding it while returning work?

>>2645340
I figure we'd be able to bring it back to Shirahoro on the boat. Worst case scenario, we could dump out the dead mercenary in the red power armor, jump in it, and pick it up that way.

Really, I figure if we can get it back to the Intersection, we could resize it to fit our hands, or put some sort of magic on it so it could be wielded by a normal person. There's places that treat magic weapons to be stable in the Intersection, why wouldn't they have other modification options for unique weapons?

>>2645340
It was too big to fit in the bag and was too heavy to lug around as loot during the fight, but now that the fight's over we can properly secure it.

>>2632875

In the heat of combat, you didn’t quite notice just how far you ran to get to the coastline. Now, that you’re away from that threat and only worried about any other last second surprises, it’s an absolute slog. Not that the terrain is particularly difficult, pitch black night aside, but after firing off a Nebula Buster you’re going to feeling the mana drain for some time.

Arriving at the Ruin, you note the sun beginning to peak over the horizon, telling to just how long you’ve been out. At the entrance is Archmage and John, comfortably wielding that coilgun, who have a certain pair of captured pilots trussed up.

“I see you’re all alive,” The crimson magus is the first to speak, clearly looking over at the damage you’ve incurred. If he’s surprised to see you still standing, he doesn’t show it, “And I imagine that abomination has been dealt with?”

“Quite thoroughly,” you respond. “A bit of a scuffle, but it just required a bit more elbow grease.”

“Indeed. And, it appears we have some… guests.” Letting off his usual glare, you see a small hint of weariness behind those spectacles before it vanishes again, “Not something usually entertained in an area of conflict like the one we’re in, but with the main attack thwarted and them thoroughly subdued I see no issue with locking them away until our reinforcements arrive. I imagine there are no arguments from you all?”

You look around towards anyone else to see if anyone might disagree with it, only to find no complaints, or the very least no one saying otherwise. “Think we’re good.”

The mage nods in response, “Good. Now, you all should get yourselves patched up. I see no signs of infection, but exhaustion I see aplenty.”

“I suppose I can’t deny that we’re a bit winded,” Izumi says, even half dead as she is. Master of the understatement as always. “We could probably do with a short rest.” You have a partial mind to try and correct her, but instead you decided to just nod. Not exactly in the mood to argue the point...

“Then head down, unless there’s something you’d like to take care of first?”

>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.
>Wake the prisoners up and interrogate them for what they know. Any relevant information you want asap.
>Take Izumi and make sure that she’s doing alright. She was acting a bit strange when you held that meeting before.
>Just head down and get some rest.
>Other

>>2645461
>>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.
After that...
>Take Izumi and make sure that she’s doing alright. She was acting a bit strange when you held that meeting before.

Keep those two flyboys asleep for now. See if there's some sort of brig we can put them in. Don't forget to check them and pull off any weapons, tech or comms you see.

>>2645461
>>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.
then
>Just head down and get some rest.
Job's not over yet. We should grab some rest while we can.

>>2645461
>>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.
LOOT

>>2645461
>Take Izumi and make sure that she’s doing alright. She was acting a bit strange when you held that meeting before.
Good job Izumi, everyone survived!

>>2645461
>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.
LOOT
>Just head down and get some rest.

>>2645461
>>Take Izumi and make sure that she’s doing alright. She was acting a bit strange when you held that meeting before.

>>2645461
>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.
Bring Izumi with us so we can do the other option at the same time.
>Take Izumi and make sure that she’s doing alright. She was acting a bit strange when you held that meeting before.

>>2645461
>Take Izumi and make sure that she’s doing alright. She was acting a bit strange when you held that meeting before.
>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.

>>2645461
>Claim the salvage
though maybe give john and the techies a look in on the armour......blue prints are blue prints after all

>Talk to izumi

Hey, should we see if the mercenary in the blue armor had his axe survive the explosion? It might be a nice souvenir for Izumi, or we can bring it back to John for him to dismantle and make schematics.

>>2646951
>dismantle axe to understand how it works

anon...

>>2646963
Not the red merc's axe, anon, the blue one's, remember? They were a pair, and they both had axes.

>>2646967
I was making a point about how you don't need to dismantle an axe to understand how it works; It's an axe.

>>2646977
I was thinking there was some sort of tech in there that could have increased it's damage potential, like some sort of vibration emitter, but I can concede that it might have just been the armor doing that. No reason not to make sure with the MagiSight, though.

>>2646977
unless it had advanced functions added in, such as an electrified vibrating blade, or a powerfield that rips apart anything it touches at a molecular level.

On second thought that sounds more like an exotic dildo, and John doesn't need to care about it.

>>2646982
I'm fairly certain it's just really heavy, but there's no harm in looking it over.

>>2646988
I dunno, could lead to some fun times in the bedroom with Sierra...

>>2647003
you are thinking with portals now

And i do think that we should salvage as much of the shit as we can. If we have duplicates one goes to the techies, the other can stay with the victor.

Its the armour that interests me, shrugging off a bombing run but still being able to walk? Either the girl was strong or its an exo. And if its an exo we want to dismantle and figure out how it was made, if the girl was strong we can do the above but make an exo with the same durability and maybe a speed increase.

Thank fuck I've caught up again.
>Take Izumi and make sure that she’s doing alright. She was acting a bit strange when you held that meeting before.
>Go claim that elite gal’s battle axe and what’s left of her armor as salvage. It’ll make one hell of a trophy.

>>2646951

John can already make compatible/superior quality weapons as is.

Also, no strange tech about it. It just weighs 200 kg (440 lbs).

>>2645481
>>2645487
>>2645491
>>2645494
>>2645606
>>2645959
>>2646071
>>2646229
>>2646295
>>2648002

Consensus is take Izumi with us while we go find the battle axe.

Writin'

>>2645461

It’s tempting to just head down and catch a nap, as well as get your armor check to see what the extent of the damage is, you’re not quite done yet, “There is something else I need to take care of. Hidia and Emma, head on down and get some rest; Yuna, you’re with me.”

“Whatever you have in mind, take care of it now,” Archmage doesn’t appear to have any objections, simply nodding before turning to bring the prisoners inside the Ruin proper along with John.

Neither Mono or Owlia hesitate in following them, both eager to get to safety for different reasons. Without any other issues, you motion for the swordswoman to follow you and you walk back towards where you faced off against that elite merc gal.

It’s only after you’ve cleared the treeline again that Izumi speaks up. “May I ask what else you need me for? I was under the impression that we were about finished.”

“We are,” you admit. “But the bitch that got in that good shot on me had a pretty nice axe. I figured we could at least take a look at it. If you want it, it’s yours. If not, I figure the artificer might get some usage out of it.” You pause briefly as you realize something. “That is, if I’m not taking it myself. Still unsure.”

“Ah.” Her eyes flit to you in understanding...and a bit of something else. What that something is is made clear with her next words. “And as for the second reason?”

Figures she’d catch on. “Right…” Well, no use in pussyfooting around it. “You’ve been fairly ornery this entire job. I get it. I get why. Or at least I’m pretty sure I do.”

“You wouldn’t mean the subversion of my personal decisions and attempted erosion of my morality, would you, Miranda?” she quips, ice lacing her voice.

Well. At least there weren’t any honorifics. She’s mad, but not at you. Well...not ENTIRELY at you.

[1/2]

>>2655911

[2/2]

Doesn’t stop you from frowning in mild annoyance at the situation...and maybe a bit of second-hand embarrassment. “Yeah, that. Look, Sal’s nicer than your usual, but…”

“He’s still Sal,” she finishes. “Perhaps not a demon like I know, but…” she sighs, letting the statement hang for a few moments. “I’m getting lax, I fear. You know how I feel about this sort of thing and yet...”
She doesn’t seem to want to finish. “...what?” you prompt. “You working through some new issues?” As it leaves your mouth you realize it sounds harsher than you intended, but oh well.

Her look is pensive, and she doesn’t seem to want to meet your eyes. “I’ve always thought I’d be angrier if this situation actually happened.” Wait, she’s NOT angry? “And I am, make no mistake.” Oh. “However…I’d long thought this situation- this or something like it- would be something I’d be willing to resign over. And yet the idea of leaving, with so many new changes happening...the thought of it churns my gut.” She frowns fully now, looking down at her feet- a far cry from the confident warrior and friendly face you know. “It’s damned confusing, infuriating and now I’m worried I’ll be ymmm, gah, nevermind.” She shakes her head, and resumes looking forward, although now you’re wondering.

She cut herself off...you’re not certain you want to know what she was about to say. Or even if you do, how to respond to it.

> ”Do you really think you’re going to be ‘corrupted’ by a job here and there?”
> “I’m glad you wouldn’t be leaving. You know how much I value your skill, right?”
> “Seriously, you need to stop worrying and go with the flow. We’ve had this talk before.”
> Just stay quiet.
> Other

>>2655919
>”Do you really think you’re going to be ‘corrupted’ by a job here and there?”
What's even her issue? Is describing who we are working for as a crime family even accurate?

>>2655919
>> ”Do you really think you’re going to be ‘corrupted’ by a job here and there?”
>> “I’m glad you wouldn’t be leaving. You know how much I value your skill, right?”

I actually like Izumi's firmness of stance on her morals, but it is an irritant to Miranda.

>>2655919
>> “Seriously, you need to stop worrying and go with the flow. We’ve had this talk before.”
Is there really an absolute good and evil? Morality is defined by society, and depending on where we go the evil we know can be good in other worlds. Adapt and fit in. Just as how you are able to change weapons to adapt to the battlefield, so should you adjust your morality to fit the perception of new situations. Besides, a living person grows and changes over time, while staying stagnant is for the dead.

>>2655986

The Genovese are more of a syndicate that dips into the illegal rather often, mostly in terms of stuff like smuggling and the like, as they are primarily a mercantile group.

Now, the Shirahoro Branch is almost entirely above the board for two main reasons. One, they've got a very good relationship with one of the major leaders of the city, thanks to a meeting John set up, and two, they ended up eliminating their main competition in this area because said competition tried to perform a hostile takeover by allying with vampires.

They're not 'good' people, but they are merchants first and foremost; if going clean is what's going to make them money then that's what they'll do.

>>2656002
Remember who you're talking to.Despite having a lucrative career as an Outgoer, Izumi still has to have a second job to make ends meet because she won't take certain types of jobs. And she's been in this business almost as long as Miranda has.

>>2656056
Yes, so it's about time she grew out of that obsolete mindset. Having preferences is fine, but holding onto such rigid morality helps no one if it only hinders her. She needs to loosen up and accept more types of people in her life.

>>2655999
>>2655986

Do you really think this changes you?

Writin'

>>2656054
So they're not a true criminal organization, they just often perform crimes because they have no actual morals. That's not really helping their case.

>>2656094
>She needs to loosen up and accept more types of people in her life.
Why? She's still getting along just fine, and the only one it 'hurts' is her. Sure, it can make her annoying to work with on occasion, but I'd bet she thinks the same about us, and everyone has something irritating about them.

>>2655919

You can’t help but let a snort through. It’s all so familiar. “You really think that you’re going to be ‘corrupted’ by a job here and there? That taking a job for some less-than-legal folks here and there will suddenly ‘corrupt’ you? Huh.” You let your thoughts wander a bit. “I thought your morals were stronger than that. Wonder was I wrong...”

Izumi stops cold, and it takes you a solid 2 seconds to realize that fact. “Izumi?” you ask turning around.

That last bit hadn’t meant to come out. But thinking about it...it’s actually true. She’d always been this- this impressively strong girl to you in most senses of the word, and honestly, up until now you’d reluctantly considered her whole ‘system’ to be a source of that strength. You’d seen and heard enough people who’d been said to have abandoned everything to think that, well...what you believed in is a source of strength. No matter what it is.

And you still do. In a way, at least. However...now you can’t help but put all your thought into it.

With the now slightly-shaking girl in front of you, fists clenched, eyes downcasts, you get the feeling that the next words out of your mouth will matter a great deal. It’s...a heavier feeling than you’re used to with her. You don’t like it.

But you’ll say something all the same. She’s due that.

(Pick One)
> “Izumi...are you scared of yourself?”
> “...Who are you upholding those morals for, again?”
> “If you’re not as strong as I thought...I guess I can make up for it.”
> OTHER

>>2656160
>who are you upholding these morals for?
Maybe a reminder will help. The guilt trip option is tempting but might be a bit much.

>>2656160
>> “Izumi...are you scared of yourself?”
We don't like others digging into our past, so it's only fair to avoid it with others. And leaning on us sounds like it's asking for trouble.

>>2656160
>“Izumi...are you scared of yourself?”

>>2656160
>> “...Who are you upholding those morals for, again?”
Why do you even have these limits? For what reason?