>>2658767
“Johnny, circle round him, see if he does anything or if anyone pops out.”

“I don’t think this is a trap but good thinking regardless.” Johnny said. “Just a bit odd that he’s even intact.” He said, before heading over.

The skeleton paced around for about thirty seconds before dropping to a knee and tending to the man. The Cathar groaned when Johnny flipped him onto his back. There was a large charred area on the mans chest. A flame spell of some sort, Henry figured. Based on the damage, Henry figured the caster didn’t want to kill the man, but pyromancy wasn’t exactly known for being controllable.

Why bother with flame when a bolt worked better?

“It’s safe Henry!” Johnny said, waving him over. “I think we should head to the harbor with him.”

“Why?” Henry asked.

“Think Henry, there’s just been a massive commotion at the harbor, that means Cathars AND healers might be over there, or even angels if they’ve stuck around. We’re about three quarters of the way right?”

“More like two thirds, but yeah.” Henry said. “This wasn’t the monster’s work.” Henry said. “Thing can’t use magic, for one.”

“Unless it learned how to.” Johnny murmured.

“Then its stuck in town and MUCH easier for the people here to deal with, but I really doubt something without a soul to speak of could do that.” Henry said. “Someone else is in the area, just keep an eye out.”

“Ha ha.” Johnny said.


“Fuck off, you know what I mean.” ee


New Evidence:
1. Injured Cathar: The injured cathar was attacked with flame magic, something the monster wouldn’t have access to. The fact the man was even left alive is also odd. The caster could have easily killed him with the spell.


Decisions: (pick one)
1. Get the man to the harbor
2. Leave him where he is
3. Check the man’s pockets
4. Write in

>>2658771
>3. Check the man’s pockets

>>2658788
I have just realized I fucked the title up, AGAIN

fuck my life

>>2658771
Henry searched the man’s pockets, against Johnny’s instances, and found three silver coins, a badge with the name Gregory Silver stamped into it, and an IOU note from someone whose signature looked like a bunch of squiggles which had been hastily stuffed into the man’s vest pocket. The note was an apology for the injury and that the person had left silver for the medical treatment. Henry didn’t really know what to make of it. Why go to the trouble of injuring someone to just pay for their medical treatment?

Johnny merely shook his head when Henry asked him about it.

Decisions:
1. Pocket the Note
2. Pocket the Cash
3. Leave everything alone

>>2658974
>1. Pocket the Note
EVIDENCE

>>2658988
Henry grabbed up the letter, folded it, then gently placed it into one of his pouches. He’d need to figure out whose signature that was. Best case he could simply find someone to tell him, but he could also just find a match for it. The fact that the mage had used fire magic was also a potential sign as to who’d done it, still, in a city this large it didn’t narrow things down too much.

He wisely left the silver where it was, it wasn’t for him after all, and Johnny would have thrown an utter fit over it.

“So what do we do about him?” Johnny asked. “I’m willing to carry him to the harbor.”


New Evidence:
1. Apology Letter w/ Signature


Decisions:
1. “Leave him, don’t have the time”
2. “Bring him with, hopefully we don’t get there too slowly.”
3. “I’ll run ahead, you just catch up.”

>>2659012
Gonna regret this decision.

>2. “Bring him with, hopefully we don’t get there too slowly.”

>>2659012
“Fuck it, bring him with us, might as well put our best foot forwards with the local Cathars.” Henry said.

“I wish you’d just say, I don’t know. We should save his life because that’s the right thing to do?” Johnny said. “But it’s better than nothing I suppose.”

“Fuck off, it’s my good deed for the day.” Henry said, helping Johnny lift the man up.

The trip to the harbor was a bit tedious, they had to avoid a few mobs of insane townsfolk but there were already Cathars and Healers out trying to deal with it. From what Henry saw it wasn’t too bad, mainly just bums and homeless folk. People who generally had a few screws loose to begin with, usually.

By the time they’d arrived at the harbor, things had settled down for the most part, the angels had already departed save one and a group of Cathars was surveying the scene. About a minute later a group of more Cathars and some healers arrived.

The scene was pretty bad. There were several partially destroyed warehouses that had been torn apart. The boat they’d come in on had nearly been torn in half and was leaking black smoke from the parts that weren’t submerged in the harbor. The thing had sunken to the harbor’s floor, which wasn’t deep enough to reach over the upper deck. There were some injured people being gathered up nearby.

The angel seemed to be combing over the wreckage while casting white mana spells, probably looking for survivors. Eventually she stopped and shouted commands to some of the Cathars who began to clear debris. Henry flashed Johnny a look, and the man stayed put. Last thing they needed was for his getup to be damaged, they’d be right fucked.

The two of them went and dropped the wounded Cathar off. A Templar walked over and began to speak with Henry.

“Thank you, probably saved this man’s life. Where did you find him anyways?”

“Ganger Alley, just lying on the ground.” Henry said.

Decision:
1. “We’re working on behalf of the city to track down this thing, is there any information you could give us?”
2. “Are any of the ship’s crew willing to answer some questions?”
3. “What’s the damage?”
4. “Was anything taken or destroyed besides the ships and the buildings?”
5. Write in

>>2659111
>1. “We’re working on behalf of the city to track down this thing, is there any information you could give us?”

>>2659119
gonna wait for votes, I realize with me being away a while people might've gotten thrown off sync or thought I died.

>>2659111
1. “We’re working on behalf of the city to track down this thing, is there any information you could give us?”
>2. “Are any of the ship’s crew willing to answer some questions?”

>>2659111
“We’re working on behalf of the city to track down this thing, is there any information you could give us?” Henry asked, before flashing his license.


“One of those bounty hunters?” The Templar said. “Right, from what we understand the thing came from downstream, climbed onto the docks, ripped the boat over there nearly in half, then slunk off destroying those buildings behind me. The angels arrived as it was fleeing and barely managed to slow the fucker down. It swatted one of them right out of the sky, and threw another into the river, didn’t really do any lasting damage to either of them but it’s becoming a real problem now. Thing hadn’t appeared for a few days so I don’t really know why it picked here and now to show up. It left before any of us could establish a response. Not only that, but the thing is causing riots due to the noise its emitting. We got our hands full across the city right now.”


“So it used the chaos to escape?” Henry asked.


“Basically. It’s a pain in the ass but there ain’t much we can do from here. We can’t just go around cutting rioters down.”


“Anything else on what happened here?” Henry asked.


“We’ve managed to set up a perimeter, nobody unauthorized is allowed into the harbor right now, we also have about twenty wounded, mainly fishermen and other people who live around here, and the sailors of course. We also had a couple deaths due to falling rubble.”


“Are any of the ship’s crew willing to answer questions?” Henry asked.


“Haven’t had the opportunity to ask anything myself, and I need to start directing rescue efforts, might still be more people in those buildings over there. You’re welcome to ask them as long as you don’t start trouble.” The Templar said, a bit begrudgingly.


“Who was the Cathar?” Henry asked.


“Don’t know him, not one of my squad, looks like a night patrol guard though.” The Templar said.

They watched as a healer began to get to work on the injured Cathar, tearing open his charred shirt and beginning to heal the scorched flesh around the wound.


“So no idea who could’ve done that to him?” Henry asked.


“Fraid not.” The Templar said.
Decision: (pick one)

1. Ask further Questions: write in
2. Get a better look at the damaged boat
3. Check the waterline
4. Check the damaged buildings
5. Head over to where the crew are
6. Write in

>>2659216
>4. Check the damaged buildings
We might find our mysterious attacker around there...

>>2659216
>6. Write in
Ask if they know what was on the boat. Then check the boat and the warehouse.

>>2659261
>>2659264
waiting on a tiebreaker.

>>2659277
Switching to the write in here>>2659264.

>>2659286
>>2659264
writing

>>2659216
“Did you know what was on the boat?” Henry said.

“No, you’d have to ask the harbor master or the crew themselves for that one, I’m just the Templar on duty down here. I do know we didn’t post any additional security or anything for it, from what I understand it was just a regular shipment of materials.”

“What do you post added security for?” Henry asked.

“Well we grabbed everyone when the Solarch came through a while back, thank the lord above we didn’t have any incidents while he was in port. Beyond that, gold and other precious metals are guarded more heavily, as well as any weapons shipments or other such dangerous items. Lastly would be spices and other exotic materials, can’t have thieves breaking into those to resell.”

“Thanks for the help.” Henry said, before proceeding down to the boat.

The boat was an absolute mess, Johnny let out a whistle, or the best he could manage anyway. It was an odd noise.

“Worse than even werewolves could manage.” Johnny said, muttering to himself. “Seems to be something leaking into the bay as well.”

“What do you mean?” Henry asked.

“The water there is darker than the rest.” Johnny said, pointing to the breached part of the hull, underwater.


“I can’t see shit Johnny, it’s late as hell and the torchlight doesn’t carry far enough.” Henry said. “Still, this things been opened like a tin can. Thank god I decided we’d spend the extra money and NOT be on board, right Johnny?”

“Not even going to dignify that with a response.” Johnny replied. “We just got lucky.”

“That was a response, Johnny. Still, doesn’t make a whole lotta sense.” Henry said.

“How do you figure?” Johnny replied, ignoring Henry’s other comment.

“It came here looking for something, I think both of us can agree on that.”

“True, it came to this boat, grabbed whatever it’d come for, then got out as quickly as it could. Seems it could’ve harmed those angels further had it truly wanted to, though it simply choose to further flee.”

“Not my point.” Henry said. “How the fuck did it know what was on board? Cause if it saw them offloading cargo it wanted it would’ve attacked a warehouse or whatever, it had to KNOW that what it was after was here.”

Johnny got quiet after that.

“And that’s why I’m paid gold coins.” Henry said.

New Evidence:
1. Boat: Something is leaking out of the damaged portion of the boat
2. Monster: The monster somehow knew what cargo was on the boat, even if you don’t know what that cargo was yet.

Decision:
1. Check the waterline
2. Check the damaged buildings
3. Head over to where the crew are
4. Write in

>>2659310
>3. Head over to where the crew are
Ask what it stole

>>2659310
>3. Head over to where the crew are

>>2659317
>>2659323
writing

>>2659310
Henry headed over to where the crew was. Five sailors, the Capitan included, were soaked to the bone from river water and were huddled around a fire that had been hastily constructed on the quay using ruined lumber from the ruined buildings.

The group was haggard but completely uninjured from what Henry could tell. Two of them seemed to not quite be all there, probably affected by the monsters ability. He wondered if it was stronger at close range. The fact they hadn’t gone completely insane WAS highly promising however.

Decision:
1. “Sorry to hear what happened.”
2. “Mind if I ask you folk some questions?”
3. “What were you guys even carrying, monster bait?”
4. Write in

>>2659341
>1. “Sorry to hear what happened.”
>2. “Mind if I ask you folk some questions?”
>You guys tried cotton and wax for the noise?

>>2659348
Shupportan.

>>2659355
>>2659348
writing in

>that third response

I-is that sarcastic?

>>2659365
No.

...I didn't think it could have been taken as sarcasm until you mentioned it, actually...

>>2659341
“Sorry to hear about what happened.” Henry said. “Fucking crazy.”

“We’ve never had trouble in port before we took you on as passengers.” One of the sailors said. “We do that and the boat is fucking destroyed!”

“I don’t see how that’s my fault.” Henry said, looking to Johnny for help, the man had placed his hand on his short-sword but didn’t do anything else to help or provoke them.”

“E-easy.” The captain said, trying to stand before his wobbly legs gave out and he fell back to his knees.

“Blasted piece of.” He muttered before looking to Henry.

“Mind if I ask you folk some questions?” Henry said.

“Yes I do mind!” The same crewman said. “The other three… it’s like they’re god damned drunk right now, they ain’t speaking and they don’t even see me in front of em. But they ain’t been drinking, least I don’t think.”

“They’re not drunk deven.” The captain said. “That beast did something to em, and it ain’t this man’s fault so stop acting like an idiot. We just gotta hope they snap outta it.”

“Yes capt’n…” Deven said.

“You’re calm as hell considering your boat got destroyed.”

“Ain’t my boat, I’m just the captain. Its owned by the Baron of Yorkshire, well technically its owned by one of his people. Sides what am I gonna do, soil myself and cry for momma?” The Captain said. “Who are you folk anyways?”
“Right now I’ve been hired by the city to conduct an investigation, sort of my thing these days.” Henry said. “You guys tried cotton and wax for the noise.”

“No asshole, we did NOT. WOULD’VE BEEN NICE IF SOMEONE HAD TOLD US ABOUT ANY OF THIS.” Deven said, standing up before Johnny slid his short sword slightly out of its sheath. The threat alone was enough to make him back down.

“Deven enough.” The captain said. “Look, we didn’t even know about any of this until the thing let out that awful noise and charged our boat. I looked it in the eyes, most terrifying thing I ever did see, and I’ve been out in the ocean during a ghiest-tide.

“I’ll have to take your word for it.” Henry said.

Decisions:
1. “You saw it… up close? Can you give a description?”
2. “What was your cargo?”
3. “It didn’t kill you?”
4. “Was it behaving strangely at all?”
5. Write in

>>2659402
>1. “You saw it… up close? Can you give a description?”
>2. “What was your cargo?”
>3. “It didn’t kill you?”
> "First thing you've got to do tomorrow if you don't want to end up like those three is buy some cotton and wax for your ears. The damn noise can make you mad if you listen to it without protection, and unless you know a blue mage with a spell to protect your mind, that's your best bet."

>>2659441
calling it a night

off work tomorrow night so expect me back here then.

>>2659441
>>1. “You saw it… up close? Can you give a description?”
>> "First thing you've got to do tomorrow if you don't want to end up like those three is buy some cotton and wax for your ears. The damn noise can make you mad if you listen to it without protection, and unless you know a blue mage with a spell to protect your mind, that's your best bet."

Have a silver or two in hand for the cargo question. Or better thank the captain for the first questions and visibly hand over a silver. But show him a palmed one for the cargo question. Give it in a handshake after.

>>2659473
family issue arose, apologies about that, gonna get cracking on the post

>>2659402
“You saw it… up close? Can you give me a description?”

“It was large, about eight feet tall and very lanky, but it was terrifyingly strong. It had several keyholes all over it with rods spinning inside and it was emitting a hell of a lot of steam out of its back the entire time. It let a heck of a lot more out before it began tearing at the boat. I’ll never forget those dead soulless eyes it had.”

“Right, any other distinguishing features?”

“It wasn’t covered in rust in the slightest, comes off as odd to me.”

“Why’s that?’ Henry asked.

“Metal in water just soaks on rust, this thing was clean.” The captain said.

“It didn’t kill you?” Henry asked.

“Strangest thing, it could’ve done so easily, probably with just a swipe or a punch. But it just stared at us a while, let out a shriek, and then tore the boat up. It didn’t feel like it had malice in its gaze either.”

“It’s a machine though.” Henry said. “I wouldn’t expect it to.”

“Somethings behind those eyes, don’t know what exactly, but I know it isn’t just a beast, it knew what it was doing. Wasn’t like a beast at all.”

“That’s extremely helpful actually.” Henry said.

“What was the cargo you had?” Henry said, slipping a silver coin out of his pouch and subtly held it out to the captain.

“No need for that son, we weren’t carrying anything of real value. Just some iron ingots from the mining towns around Yorkshire, some mechanical parts, some coal, few shipments of copper pipes. That sort of thing, just random goods we were commissioned to bring to the various workshops and factories around here. The manifest is back in the cabin but the harbor master also took his copy. It’ll show you the full list of goods.”

Henry didn’t know what to make of that, was it trying to repair itself or something?

“How quickly did it move?” Johnny asked.

“Like a normal person, lot quicker than you’d expect considering its made of metal.” The captain said. “Thing started running off when the angels arrived, they were blasting it with holy magic but it just shrugged most of it off, carried what it could from the boat and ran off.”

Decisions:
1. *give them advice on protecting their ears*
2. *Ask further questions (write in)
3. “Thank you for your time.” (will end the conversation)

>>2661702
>3. “Thank you for your time.” (will end the conversation)
check dat manifest.

>>2661702
>1. *give them advice on protecting their ears*
>3. “Thank you for your time.” (will end the conversation)

>>2661726
>>2661730
writing

>>2661702
“First thing you’ve got to do tomorrow is buy some cotton and wax for your ears. I hope your crewmates come back to their senses tomorrow.”

“You and me both.” The captain said. “Knew a bit of magic myself, was able to protect my mind but these poor sods didn’t.”

Henry slowly walked away from the group, heading back over to the Cathars, he decided to keep what he’d found out to himself. He needed time to think all of this over anyways. As he began to head back out of the harbor, Johnny tapped him on the shoulder.

“Someones watching everything here, small figure, hooded, taking notes on a notepad. I think that it might be important. He’s in one of the alleyways on your nine o clock.”

“No shit its important, but it might be one of the other mercs.” Henry said.

“I’d rather we apologize after we’ve caught them.”

New Evidence:
1. Monster: the monster has keyholes with rods sticking out of them
2. Monster: the monster seems to have some level of intelligence, it didn’t just mindlessly slaughter the crew
3. Monster: the monster had no rust on it to speak of
4. Boat: the boat was carrying a varied cargo of Mechanical parts, coal, copper pipes and other random goods
5. Harbor Master: the harbor master has a copy of the ships manifest
6. Boat: there is a copy of the ship’s manifest still on the boat

Decisions:
1. Try to sneak up on the person
2. Rush the person, don’t give them time to react
3. Walk up and introduce yourself, maybe use the surprise to get an advantage.
4. Ignore it for the moment, see if he follows you

>>2661860
>3. Walk up and introduce yourself, maybe use the surprise to get an advantage.

>>2661860
>3. Walk up and introduce yourself, maybe use the surprise to get an advantage.

Wind up and steam. More material for parts, fuel, improvements or multiple copies? Machine work makes noise.
- identify the noisiest places in the vicinity.

>>2661873
>>2661941
writing

>>2661860
“Watch my back, I’m going to go introduce myself.” Henry said, he had a dispel at the ready just in case.

As he approached the person, he began to see their outline in the dim torchlight. This was a fairly good hiding spot and without Johnny he doubted he would’ve seen him.

“Hello there, nice night right?” Henry said, somewhat sarcastically.

The figure jumped a bit, stumbling back against a wall and fumbling around for something. Henry used the opportunity to grab the person’s hand.

“If I wanted to hurt you I would have.” Henry said

“Can you please let go, I was grabbing for another pencil.” It was a female’s voice. Odd.

Decisions:
1. Let her reach into her pocket (show of good faith)
2. “Why don’t you answer a few questions first” (pull her further into the alleyway)
3. “Why don’t you come out and join us, not good to be so sneaky.” (try to pull her towards the light and the Cathars)
4. Write in

>>2662019
calling it a night.

>>2662019
>1. Let her reach into her pocket (show of good faith)
But after Johnny gets here.

>>2662592
he already is with Henry

>>2662019
>"Lady, you've just been accosted by a stranger who saw you off to the side writing notes after a boat got torn apart. I have serious doubts you're going to pull a pencil out."
"I just want to get your account of what you might have seen. No need to pull metal or magic out for it."

>>2662994
>>2662592
writing

>>2662019
“Lady, you’ve just been accosted by a stranger who saw you taking notes after a boat got torn apart. I have serious doubts your gonna pull a pencil out.” Henry said.

Johnny reached for and placed a hand on the handle of his short sword.

“Fine, do YOU have a pencil then?” The lady asked. “I have an awful memory for these sorts of things and I need to keep track of what’s happening, every detail is critical. Even a inkwell and feather would do at this point, heck, even a piece of coal would work, you didn’t grab one from the boat did you?”

“You’re taking notes? Were you hired as well?” Henry asked.

“Hired to do what?” The lady said.

“Kill the fucking monster.” Henry said.

“Why would I need to do that?” The lady asked. “It’ll resolve itself anyway.”

Henry shared a glance with Johnny. This could go ploin shaped real fast if he did the wrong thing.

Decision:
1. *hand her a pencil from one of your pouches*
2. *let her reach into her pocket*
3. *drag her deeper into the alleyway out of sight of the Cathars*
4. *Try to drag her into the light towards the Cathars*
5. *say something* (write in)

>>2664033
>1. *hand her a pencil from one of your pouches*
> "Because if you're taking notes, particularly of what just happened, chances are likely that you're attempting to resolve it."
> "Sorry for being a little on edge. Some punk had taken out a Cathar while this whole Clockwork Man thing happened."

>>2664097
This.
Also ask her what she means about it resolving itself.

>>2664097
>>2664106
writing

>>2664033
Henry slowly reached into one of his pouches and extracted a pencil and handed it eraser first to the woman. He made a show of NOT being threatening. In all honesty he seemed to be far more cautious of her than vice versa, the woman seemed annoyed? Henry noticed some locks of brown hair under her hood, but couldn’t get a good look at her face.

“Because if your taking notes, particularly of what just happened, chances are your trying to… resolve it?” Henry said.

“Are you a parrot?” The woman asked. “I literally just said that.”

“Look, sorry for being on edge, some punk took out a Cathar while this whole Clockwork man attack happened.”

“Oh.” The woman said. “Yeah… that’s quite the bother.” She seemed to get mildly uncomfortable. “Did you see who did it?”

“He’s probably still running around right now.” Johnny said. “Keep an eye out, wouldn’t do for more people to get injured tonight.”

Decision:
1. *let go of her arm*
2. “Do you know anything about the creature?”
3. “Why are you bothering to take notes if you haven’t been hired to kill it?”
4. “Who are you exactly?”
5. *try to get a better look at her* (roll 1d100 for perception)

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>2664200
>2. “Do you know anything about the creature?”
>3. “Why are you bothering to take notes if you haven’t been hired to kill it?”
>4. “Who are you exactly?”
>5. *try to get a better look at her* (roll 1d100 for perception)

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>2664200
> "Yeah, had to drag him over to his buddies. Didn't look too good; the burns went down to the bone..."
>1. *let go of her arm*
>3. “Why are you bothering to take notes if you haven’t been hired to kill it?”
>5. *try to get a better look at her* (roll 1d100 for perception)
Use her reflection in a window to be extra inconspicuous.

>>2664267
>>2664248
writing

>>2664200
“Do you know anything about the creature?” Henry asked.


The woman thought for a moment. “Not much more than anyone else obviously…”

“Why are you bothering to take notes if you haven’t been hired to kill it?”

“Because I want to learn more about why it’s doing what it’s doing? Are you going to keep bothering me with all of these pointless questions or are you going to let me get back to work?”

“Who are you exactly?” Henry asked.

“You don’t know?” She said, almost sounding offended. “I’m oph…. Caroline… I mean.”

Henry could tell she was lying, and doing a halfhearted, halfassed job at it. She didn’t have a tinge of fear, it sounded like she was annoyed that she even had to do it.

Henry looked at a nearby window to get a view of her. She had something protruding from her back, covered by her cloak, her boots had metal bits all over them, and tubing to boot stretching up into her cloak. Her gloves had fancy patterns on them. Henry recognized them as some sort of mage gloves though he couldn’t tell exactly what kind at this angle.

He had a fairly good idea of who this was now, but he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do.

Decisions:
1. *drag her further into the alley and begin some ‘serious’ questioning.*
2. “Ophelia Von Kurtz?”
3. *draw your dagger on her*
4. *say something else* (write in)

>>2664304
>4. *say something else* (write in)
Look, I'm trying to stop this thing, if you are willing to help and provide information, I'll be willing to let you study anything I collect.

>>2664304
"...Well, 'Caroline', let's cut to the chase. I've got a relatively good idea who you are, but the Clockwork Man is clearly more of a threat. I'm willing to pretend you're who you say you are, but in exchange, I need your help and guidance."

>>2664339
..."and I will promise not to report you to the authorities."

This of course is a complete lie.

>>2664342
>>2664339
>>2664316
writin

>>2664304
“Well ‘Caroline’, let cut to the chase. I’ve got a fairly good idea who you are, but the Clockwork man is more of a threat. I’m willing to pretend you’re who you say you are, but in exchange I need your help and guidance.”

‘Caroline’ looked up at Henry for a moment, her eyes a mixture of anger and fear. “Do I have a choice?

“Not really.” Johnny said. “Way I see it you probably made the thing, correct?”

“I… yes.” She said. “I did make the thing, but I don’t know why its acting like it is, or how its even operational. It shouldn’t be quite frankly. But luckily… never mind.” She said.

“If you work with us I’ll NOT report you to the authorities, the monster has a high enough bounty on it as is, if you’re working with me… us. Then I’ll… we’ll have the edge.” Henry said. Each time he said ‘I’ or ‘me’ Johnny glared at him. He could tell when he did that, even through the damned helmet.

“Fine, should I lead you back to my workshop then?” She asked. “I don’t really think this is the place to have a talk.

Decisions:
1. “Lead the way.”
2. “You’re staying right here where I can see you.”
3. “Johnny I order you to subdue her, lets drag her somewhere we can have a much more productive… ‘talk.’”
4. Write in

>>2664367
>Offer arm to her to be a bit of a dick, and to reduce suspicion of us.
>1. “Lead the way.”
>"I'm working with others on this, so let's not take too long. I've been gone a bit as is."

>>2664367
>2. “You’re staying right here where I can see you.”
trust not yonder thot
>4. Write in.

Counter offer to you, let's go to a neutral site. I'm sure you understand why I'm nervous to head into what is your most familiar territory.

>>2664384
Good point. How about some sort of bar? Or perhaps the inn we're staying at?

>>2664391
Too public. Let's go for a walk along the waterfront with Johnny in tow keeping an eye out for folks. IIRC, his vision is pretty impeccable

>>2664406
>>2664391
calling it a night, will write again tomorrow. Off work and hopefully not addicted to Fallout New Vegas

>>2664406
>>2664384
>>2664383
These are all good.
"Claudia, this thing is clockwork and steam. It seems to be improving itself. Did you know it severely damaged an angel? What was it at first? What was it's function? Some sort of mechanical golem, but to do what? What will it do with the copper, mechanical parts, coal and other materials it has taken from the boats and warehouses? Improve itself more? Make copies of itself? Who is operating it now? It has a driver or operator doesn't it? I do wonder where the Duke is.

Phoneposting using cellular, router finally crapped out on me

Working on getting a replacement

>>2666110
Oof, that sucks. Hope you're able to procure one quickly, boss.

>>2666123
new router is in, will begin posting in a few hours.

>>2664559
>>2664406
>>2664391
>>2664384
>>2664383
writing

>>2664367
“How about we go to a neutral sight, a place neither of us can harm the other?” Henry suggested.

“I suppose.” Ophelia said. “I don’t understand why you haven’t just started shouting yet. What are you planning?”

“I’m planning on making twenty gold from capturing the thing.” Henry said.

“Ten gold.” Johnny corrected.

Henry held out his arm for the woman. “It’ll reduce suspicion.” He said, cracking a grin.

“Smooth.” Johnny said. Eliciting a glare from Henry.

Ophelia looked at Henry like he’d grown a second head, and then awkwardly took his arm. Henry led them further into the alley and towards a main street. The sounds of rioting had died down somewhat, it seemed like the Cathar’s had gotten things under control.

“Courtship, really?” She asked, a bit uncomfortable. “Bit odd for you to be trying that now of all times.”

“I…what?” Henry said, his smile fading. He decided to

“I’ve subcontracted a few people, so let’s not take too long, last thing I need is for them to come looking for us.” Henry said.

“Lot of trouble for Ticky.” She said.

“Who?” Henry asked.

“Ticky Tock? That’s his name.” Ophelia said. “I gave him that name, not ‘metal man’, or ‘the clockwork monster.’ These townfolk can’t seem to understand that. I tried telling them but nobody listens.”

“Awfully open for someone who might be hanged for it.” Johnny said, his hand had never left the handle of his shortsword, and he still seemed incredibly tense.

“Awfully annoying.” Ophelia responded. “Nobody understands how incredible this discovery is. The… minor damages to person and property are regrettable, of course. But think of the possibilities!” The woman was nearly bouncing on her feet in excitement, like a puppy whose owner had just gotten home.

“Claudia, this thing is-“

“The name I picked was Caroline…” Ophelia said.

“Cari, Cladua, whatever.” Henry replied. “Look, the thing seems to be improving itself. Did you know it several injured an angel?”

“It’s not really improving per say… Look I’m not about to share notes with you, I’m worried enough about having my ideas stolen.”

Henry asked a few more questions, but the woman didn’t say much of use. He was walking randomly, he needed to pick a location.

Decisions:
1. Go back to your inn
2. Head to a random inn or tavern
3. Walk along the waterfront
4. Head elsewhere?

>>2668070
>3. Walk along the waterfront
Hopefully no one important there to recognize us.

>>2668075
waiting on additional votes

>>2668070
>4. Head elsewhere?
Gardens, tree lined street or waterfront.

What was it's function? Some sort of mechanical golem, but to do what? It it driven by someone or some spirit in it's clockworks?

>>2668070
>3. Walk along the waterfront

>>2669256
>>2668741
>>2668075
waterfront vote wins, will write later

>>2668070
“Look, we’re going to take a little walk along the waterfront, and then we’ll figure things out from there.” Henry said.

“Fine.” Ophelia said, wresting her arm away.

Henry led the group to the waterfront. About ten minutes later they were back at the dockyards, far enough away from the Cathars to be out of sight. Johnny kept a watchful eye on Ophelia all the while.

The moonlight shone down, the moon itself still nearly full, although slowly shrinking. Henry thought back to his recent encounters in New Haven.

“So what do you want to talk about?” Ophelia asked. “Because this just looks like you’re going to kill me and dump my body in the water.”

“If we wanted you dead I would’ve snuck up on you and slit your throat.” Johnny said. “Would’ve had the same result.”

“So a little trust, please?” Henry asked.

“Fine, what did you want to ask me? I suppose you just want whatever reward those philistines offered?”

Decisions:
1. “How does the thing work?”
2. “How did you get the parts to create it without getting noticed?”
3. “Who are you, really?”
4. “Why are you bothering to take notes?”
5. Write in

>>2669751
>5. Write in
What was the original purpose of "Ticky Tock."
Do you know if he has a base of operations.
And, do you know why the clocks in town were destroyed?

>>2669751
>1. “How does the thing work?”

>>2669751
>1. “How does the thing work?”
>2. “How did you get the parts to create it without getting noticed?”
>Who would you think had the best chance at activating... Ticky while you were distracted.
>What's the deal with the screeching, why does it drive people mad, what's the most effective means of protection from the sound, and is there a possible treatment for being driven mad by it?
>Do you have a spare head for it?

>>2670430
>>2669852
>>2669755
writing

>>2669751
“How does the thing work.” Henry asked.

“I uh… it wasn’t really supposed to.” Ophelia said.

“What?!” Henry said. “A giant metal man is running around, and you don’t even understand how-“

“I know HOW it works, it just that it really SHOULDN’T have become animate like that, or rather it shouldn’t have been able to slip from my control, doesn’t make sense.”

“Sour grapes from playing with forces you hardly understand.” Johnny said. “You deserve to be hung from a tree, doubly so for callously sticking around and gawking at its trail of destruction without even attempting to fix it.”

“Easy Johnny.” Henry said.

“Why would I WANT to stop it, the thing is a true MARVEL.” Ophelia said. “I take it your some sort of church die-hard or peasant who hides behind whatever authority he can. I have no respect for that.”

“How did you get the parts to create it without getting noticed?” Henry asked.

“Now, a magican never reveals her secrets.” Ophelia said.

“What was the original purpose of ‘Ticky Tock.’” Henry asked.

“Purpose? I wanted to create an automated servant for heavy lifting that would be smart enough to obey commands. The church won’t allow humans corpses to be used for this purpose of course, so I tried to circumvent the ban, genius that I am.”

>>2671060
“And caused untold havoc, genius that you are.” Johnny replied.

“A small price to pay for progress. That fact of the matter is I succeeded!” Ophelia said, puffing out her chest in a stance of triumph. Henry wasn’t sure if he respected that or if she was out of her god damned mind.

“Why is it screeching, and why is it driving people mad?” Henry asked.

“No idea!” Ophelia said. “Isn’t it exciting?! A random case of insanity causing, I’ve been trying to find out how it’s been doing that, it’s given me DOZENS of new ideas to try out.”

“Do you have a spare head for it?” Henry asked.

“You aren’t going to destroy the old one are you?!” Ophelia said. “Don’t do that before it expires normally, I want the thing alive for as long as possible.”

“Does he have a place he stays?” Henry asked.

“I have a few hunches, but I’m not telling you, you’d just destroy him!” Ophelia said.

“Why were all the clocks in town destroyed.”

“Pfft, all of those idiot peasants thought it was the clocks that were causing the insanity during the first couple of days, since the noises sort of sound similar. That and the noise of the clocks can cause… eh… relapse? Yeah, relapse in those affected by the insanity. The church did it as a sort of preventive measure. Shame, a waste of good clockwork, they just smashed them, didn’t even bother disabling them.”

Decisions:
1. “You should be more forthcoming with me, you have a five gold bounty on your head, and I have half a mind to turn you in.”
2. “Can we resort to torture Johnny, just this once? Please? She’s a heretic, you know, so we can play rough.”
3. *ask further questions* (write in)
4. Other? (write in)

>>2671065
>1. “You should be more forthcoming with me, you have a five gold bounty on your head, and I have half a mind to turn you in.”
I brought you out here so the others wouldn't try and turn you in. If I can disable it with damaging it, I'll try but to do that you'll have to help me.

>>2671115
agree.

>>2671143
>>2671115
writing

>>2671065
“You should be more forthcoming with me, you have a five gold bounty on your head, and I have half a mind to turn you in.”

“Try that and I’ll leave you with half a mind.” Ophelia said.

Johnny began to unsheathe his sword before Henry stopped him, last thing either of them needed was a fight, especially since the local common’s government was only paying for her ALIVE. The three passed a few more warehouses before Ophelia responded.

“Honestly, only five gold? I can pay you better than that.” She said.

“Really, how do you suppose you’d do that?” Henry asked.

“I have my ways.” Ophelia responded. “I have planned for everything, even having to pay off annoying bounty hunters.”


Decisions:
1. “Keep talking.”
2. “Show some respect or I’ll have Johnny hurt you.”
3. “You know what, fuck you, I’m taking you in.”
4. “You’re a massive pain in the ass you know that?”
5. Write in

>>2671185
>5. Write in
If you're really a genius you would know where it stays, stopped it by now and understood it.

(trying to goad her into tell us any info, we know she's arrogant)

>>2671452
roll for bluff
1d100+10

Rolled 58 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2671520

>>2671597
thats sufficient, will write after I've slept.

Calling it a night here.

Rolled 53 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>2671520
Also rolling to bluff.

>>2671185
“If you’re really a genius, you would know everything about it! Where it stays, you would’ve stopped it by now and understood everything about it!” Henry said.

“Like you know anything about me or what I do, you brute.” Ophelia said. “I am TRYING to further study it, I don’t just KNOW everything. It’ll stop itself on its own once the failsafe kicks in, like I said before, so no worries there! Only a day or two left on it from what I can tell.”

“You can’t even keep track of a eight foot tall metal man yet you claim to be brilliant.” Henry continued.

“I know EXACTLY where he is, I had to seal the clocktower off to make sure the damned church didn’t just destroy him OR it, I’m not going to have both of my creations torn apart by repressive imbeciles.”

“You know, for a genius, you’re not that wise.” Johnny cut in.

It took a moment for what had happened to dawn on Ophelia. Henry savored her expression of abject shock.

New Evidence:
1. Monster: the monster is named Ticky Tock
2. Monster: the monster’s hideout is in the sealed clocktower according to Ophelia
3. Monster: Ophelia has some kind of failsafe in place on the monster, this is a problem, as if it shuts down on its own I probably won’t get paid
4. Ophelia: Ophelia is the one who created the monster
5. Ophelia: Ophelia seems to have some relation to the sealed off central clocktower

Decisions:
1. Gloat (write in optional)
2. “How does the failsafe work?”
3. “Why the fuck is its hideout the clocktower?”
4. “Where have you been staying?”
5. Write in

>>2672355
>2. “How does the failsafe work?”
>3. “Why the fuck is its hideout the clocktower?”
Also
>What is this other creation that you mentioned?

>>2672355
>"See, this is why I get hired to do these types of jobs, Miss."
Less gloating, more professionally smug.
>2. “How does the failsafe work? If we're going to minimize damage to the thing, we need to know how to trip it."
>"Finally, who do you know who had the ability to activate it without you being present, and who could have had the motivation to do it?"

>>2672372
>>2672503
writing

>>2672355
“You… you tricked me!” Ophelia said. “I… how dare you.”

“All’s fair in love and war dear.” Henry said. “This is why I get hired to do these sorts of things.”

“It’s certainly not because of his charming personality.” Johnny piped in.

“How does the failsafe work? I want to minimize damage to the thing so the corpse is recognizable. Won’t do to have a bunch of scrap metal, some of the other bozos might try to claim credit for its death.”

“First off, it can’t die, it isn’t alive in the first place.” Ophelia said.

“It’s a fucking figure of speech, good lord.” Henry replied.

“Second off… as for the failsafe, well. It won’t exactly have remains afterwards.”


“What is it going to crumble to dust?” Henry said.

“In a manner of speaking yes. It’ll fall apart, outward, very violently in fact. It’ll probably cause a whole lot of other things to fall apart too.”

“It’s going to fucking explode?” Henry said.

“Well its not TECHNICALLY an explosion, there isn’t any fire involved.”

“That’s still TECHNICALLY an explosion, you fucking nitwit… ugh.” Henry said. “Fuck, if the failsafe goes off…”

“Well… it’s gonna be really… really bad, I don’t actually intend to stay in town for it, gonna find me a nice hilltop to watch it from.”

“Fine, fuck. Why is its hideout the clock tower?”

“Well it’s sealed off for one, and magically shielded… after the … unfortunate incident with the Duke… well. It’s sealed now, sort of a failsafe mechanism. My workshop was in there as well, well my nonpersonal one. Just sorta seemed like a good place to set up after Ticky starting ticking. The thing isn’t violent towards me, so I figured it’d be a good place to lay low and study it.”

“In the middle of town?” Johnny asked.

“I can’t be bothered by such minor details.”

“How do we get inside?” Henry asked.

“None of your damned business.” Ophelia responded.

“I’d ask who activated it but it was probably you, you crazy bitch.” Henry said.

“I’m going to ignore that last part, and YES I did. Not exactly how I wanted to, couldn’t even get any tests done. Thing is a complete prototype. Shame too.”

Decisions:
1. Ask further questions (write in)
2. “You’re too dangerous to keep around, I’m taking you down.” (will begin combat)
3. “I’m bringing you in, come quietly.”
4. “So how are we going to do this, I can’t have the damned thing explode, I’ll lose my money for sure.”
5. Write in

>>2674533
>5. Write in
Signal johnny to konk her on the head, while you distract her. Fighting would suck very bad.

>>2674568
Support
Also take her notes.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2674946
>>2674568
writing

>>2674533
Henry continued the conversation for a little while, it devolved into petty insults from both him and Ophelia, the woman was growing increasingly annoyed, and Henry quite frankly didn’t think he’d get much more out of her.

“Well our little conversations been fun, but I think we’d best part ways.” He said, motioning for Johnny to make a move.

“What, no more witty comments, no more rash insults or-“ Ophelia said, turning around just in time for Johnny to land a blow on her head with the flat of his shortsword. The woman fell down like a sack of potatoes.

“Nasty business that was.” Johnny said.

“Not going to ask why I didn’t do it?”

“So your clumsy arse didn’t kill her.” Johnny said. “She’s a sinner, not going to get too bit up about harming her. I suppose we’ll be turning her in then?”

“Hrmph, you’re no fun today.” Henry said.

Decision:
1. Take the woman back to the inn, figure things out from there.
2. Try to find a place to hide her for the time being (write in)
3. Hand her over to the authorities
4. Other (write in)

>>2675066
>1. Take the woman back to the inn, figure things out from there.
More eyes to watch her. Also more chances to get information on how to disable the failsafe.

>>2675066
>1. Take the woman back to the inn, figure things out from there.
Also
>Take her notes

>>2675080
>>2675142
writing in

>>2675066
“Let’s get her back to the inn, preferably through a back entrance, can’t have people see her.”

“I suppose the riots are quite fortunate then, less suspicion carrying an injured woman.” Johnny said. “I think we should find another location to hold her once we’ve gotten the others.”

“Yeah, this is simpler assuming she doesn’t wake up.”

“She won’t for at least a few hours.” Johnny said.

Henry took the time to look over her notes as they walked back. The streets were quiet now, as they should be at this time of night. The trip to the inn was fairly easy, only a few homeless got in their way and all Henry had to do was flash his blade in the moonlight for them to back off.

Henry wasn’t able to read the notes too well in the moonlight, he’d need to get a proper light or wait till morning. He did see a few diagrams of Ticky, the thing looked dangerous to say the least.

As Henry began to walk around the back of the inn, he stopped in his tracks

The inn’s front door had been busted open, and the interior had been badly trashed. At least from what Henry could see. Henry didn’t see any sign of the other three on the first floor. A mob of crazed townsfolk must have rolled on through while they were gone. This could be VERY bad.

Fuck

New Evidence:
1. Monster: the monster’s failsafe will cause it to explode, violently.
2. Ophelia: One of her workshops is located in the clocktower
3. Ophelia: Ophelia is the one who activated Ticky, although it seems she didn’t do it by choice, or she did it under less than ideal circumstances.
Write in:
1. Head inside with Johnny, leave Ophelia outside somewhere safe
2. Head on inside alone
3. Head around back and use the back door
4. Try to find an alternative entrance (write in)
5. Write in

>>2675340
Tell johnny to tie Ophelia up and hide her somewhere while Henry moves inside from the back entrance.

>>2675371
“Johnny, tie her up.”

“With what?” Johnny asked. “We don’t have anything on us.”

“Find some rope or something, I don’t fucking know, I’m heading inside.” Henry said, rushing around back, leaving Johnny cursing to himself.

Henry snuck back behind the inn, the backside was mostly undamaged and the door was slightly ajar. No dead bodies in the alleyway thankfully. Although not being able to get emergency reinforcements would be a problem.

The interior was a bloodbath. There were five corpses in various states of harm. Some charred or others sliced and stabbed. Henry hoped that meant Larry had done his fucking job.

The bar hadn’t been completely looted, which wasn’t completely surprising, a few dead bodies will go a long way towards keeping people out. The way upstairs was partially blocked by a fallen bookcase. Underneath lay the corpse of yet another person. There was a small trail of blood leading upstairs as well.

Decisions:
1. Head upstairs
2. “ANYONE ALIVE?”
3. Pussy out (will leave)
4. Write in

>>2675472
>1. Head upstairs
Oh shit.

If Charles didn’t make it, I’m all for tearing Ophelia in half with our bare electric-wreathed hands.

>>2675472
Check the cash box or coin purses.
Then head upstairs, weapon ready and call out "Anyone alive?"

>>2675472
Additional thought: animate a few zombies and send them to wait underwater in the river.

>>2675576
In town, near a building that just got attacked that’s going to have Cathars running towards it?

Let’s not.

>>2675570
>>2675572
calling it a night, will post more tomorrow

>>2675472
Head upstairs

>>2675472
>1. Head upstairs
Also announce yourself before you get shot or stabbed or spelled.

>>2676245
>>2675614
>>2675583
>>2675572
>>2675570
writing

>>2675472
Henry made his way for the stairs, pulling out his short sword and scanning over the bodies. They were all homeless and hobos, badly dressed, badly kept up, barely bathed. One of them had sure fire signs of leprosy even, it was a miracle he’d even been able to move let alone attack, based on his symptoms. They’d probably be fine if it was just this rabble, hopefully.

Henry checked around but just found smashed glass and splintered wood, nothing of value, at least nothing of value left behind.

“Is anyone alive?” Henry called out.

“Up here, quiet!” Larry called down.


The man peeked his head around the corner at the top of the stairwell, and waved for Henry to come upstairs. Henry quickly obeyed, running up to find a hallway full of a few armed peasants and a bunch of flipped over tables and dressers, and impromptu defense.

Rosa and Charles were alright, She’d been unharmed, crept upstairs away from everything once the fighting had started and patched everyone up as things got bad. Larry himself was covered in blood that wasn’t his, Henry figured the man had killed most if not all of the intruders. The man had a bloodthirsty streak for sure, or perhaps he’d had no other choice. Rosa refused to talk about it.

Charles was in the corner, inconsolable. Larry said he’d stabbed one of the intruders and watched him bleed out, been badly shaken by it.

Honestly Larry looked a bit crazed himself, the man was pacing around and had his sword in a deathgrip. Henry didn’t really know what to think about it, and wasn’t sure whether it was a good thing or a terrifying one. The man had suffered a few slashes and scrapes, but nothing serious, and nothing a bit of healing couldn’t fix.

Decisions:
1. Speak to someone (write in)
2. Head out (will bring up location selection)
3. Search the rooms for valuables (roll 1d100)
4. Other? (write in)

>>2678218
>1. Speak to someone (write in)
Charles, it's alright. If you didn't kill him, he'd of killed you.

>>2678218
Henry took a seat next to Charles, the boy was sitting cross legged inside the room they’d rented. He’d wrapped himself up in the bedsheets and was looking out at the waning moon.

“Hey.” Henry said, sitting down. “I heard from Larry.”

“I killed someone.” Charles said. “I don’t know how to feel about it.”

“If you hadn’t killed him, he’d have killed you.” Henry said.

“I know that, I remember in New Haven, I didn’t know what to do, and we both nearly died. I, I stabbed him, and just kept stabbing. Then I watched him bleed out, I just, I don’t know how to think about it. I thought, I thought maybe he’d just die but it took a couple minutes.” Charles said, talking so fast Henry almost didn’t catch all the words.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, I… I locked up again, didn’t I? I think that’s when Rosa came and dragged me upstairs. She helped me clean most of the blood off. I could’ve slit his throat, made him not suffer so much, I heard him gurgling for a few seconds…. It was bad.”

Decisions:
1. “You just gotta live with it, nothing more I can say.”
2. “It was either you or him, toughen up.”
3. “If you want to cry I won’t judge.”
4. “Sometimes you don’t have a choice in life. You just have to make a decision and stick with it. Not good losing sleep over it.”
5. Write in

>>2678319
>4. “Sometimes you don’t have a choice in life. You just have to make a decision and stick with it. Not good losing sleep over it.”
Besides, he wouldn't of stopped at killing you. So you also kepted Rosa and the others safe.
Now, to your teammates, we have to move.

>>2678319
>4. “Sometimes you don’t have a choice in life. You just have to make a decision and stick with it. Not good losing sleep over it.”
>5. Write in
You hug the shit out of that child. Emotionally support him goddamnit

>>2678436
>>2678612
Supporting this

>>2678436
>>2678612
>>2678646
writing in

>sometimes you don't have a choice

ain't that the fucking truth, Henry knows that better than anyone

>>2678319
“Sometimes you don’t have a choice in live. You just have to make a decision and stick with it. It’s not good to lose sleep over it.” Henry said.

“Thanks Henry.” Charles said, “I guess that’s how I need to look at it. Doesn’t make me feel too much better though.”

“You can’t just beat yourself up over what you could have done or what might have been. Doubly so since everything turned out so well.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rosa and Larry are still alive, aren’t they? Heck I don’t think anyone here died, well, besides the bad people.”

“I… I guess you’re right, actually.” Charles said. “Were they really bad?”

“They tried to kill you and the others, that makes them bad.” Henry said. “Least that’s how I see it.”

Henry drew the child into a hug. He had mixed feelings, but he felt proud of the kid. He smiled when he felt Charles hug back. Emotional connections, what a funny feeling, maybe Johnny had been right, reaching out to people was rewarding.

“We need to move, it ain’t safe here.” Henry said. Ending the hug before it dragged on too long.

“Why not?” Charles asked. The kid had perked back up. But he’d probably need some sleep soon.

“Because this place isn’t all that defensible, and there might still be pockets of rioters about. Also I don’t really want to have to explain Larry’s behavior to the authorities.”

“Or mine…”

“Stop that.”

Henry quickly gathered everyone together around back, Johnny included, and began discussing plans. They had Ophelia, konked out and ready to be further interrogated or handed over, and they had an idea of where the monster might be hiding, although its plans, weaknesses and what have you were unknown.

Decisions:
1. Head out to the warehouse district, you know a guy who runs an inn near the quay and doesn’t ask too many questions.
2. Head to the holy grounds, turn Ophelia over, and try to hunker down
3. Hold out where you are, it’ll be worth the risk, probably
4. Other? (write in)

>>2678696
>1. Head out to the warehouse district, you know a guy who runs an inn near the quay and doesn’t ask too many questions.
And if the inn there is destroyed, head somewhere out of explosion range to form plan.

>>2678696
>1. Head out to the warehouse district, you know a guy who runs an inn near the quay and doesn’t ask too many questions.

>>2678705
“I know a guy, in the warehouse district, near the quay.” Henry said. “Nice view on top of that.”

“You’re not talking about Jimmy are you?” Johnny asked. “You realize our present company?”

“What?” Rosa said. “What does THAT mean?”

“Pffft, bastard owes me a favor anyways.” Henry said quietly to Johnny. “Long as we don’t go into the actual warehouse, where the ‘guards’ I helped him find are.”

“You’re awful.” Johnny said.

“Thanks.” Henry replied

“As for Rosa?” Johnny asked.

“Well its only for a night, and sides it ain’t too often a healer ventures into the ‘bad’ part of town now is it? Might do more good for us overall.”

“Fair enough.” Johnny said, relenting.

“I have so many questions!” Rosa said.

“Let’s go!” Larry said. Beginning to head off. “I don’t know where we’re going!” He said, heading back towards the group.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

“So who is this guy?” Rosa asked, as the group of five, plus Ophelia, journeyed along backroads and over rooftops towards the quay.

Write in:
1. “Friend of mine, do you really WANT to know more than that?”
2. “none of your business, all you need to know is that there is a warm bed and relative safety waiting for us there.”
3. “Maybe I should get Johnny to Konk you out too”
4. “He’s a guy I’ve done business with before, sometimes I run supplies out through him, or in towards the capital. He runs the inn on the side.”
5. *Say nothing*
6. Write in

>>2678780
>1. “Friend of mine, do you really WANT to know more than that?”

>>2678780
calling it a night boys, see yas tomorrow

>>2679289
Night boss. See you around.

>>2678780
>2. “none of your business, all you need to know is that there is a warm bed and relative safety waiting for us there.”

>>2678780
>1. “Friend of mine, do you really WANT to know more than that?”

>>2679259
>>2679450
>>2680270
writing, option 1 wins

>>2678780
“A friend of mine, do you really WANT to know more than that?” Henry asked.

“Yes?” Rosa said. “Considering we’re all going there and will potentially be spending the night.

“He has some security, don’t bother them.” Henry said. “Trust me.”

“Lay off Rosa.” Larry said. “He’s led us alright so far, I mean, we have five gold sitting up on Johnny’s shoulder there, so even if the monster explodes or whatever, we’ll still get paid.”

“Let’s try to not have it explode.” Charles said.

“Something stinks about all this.” Rosa said. “But I’ll drop it for now, you’re right there are more important things to deal with.”

The group approached the nondescript building, made of brick and stone, that sat in the middle of a fairly plain street near the river. The wind had picked up and the screaming had died down now. Henry hadn’t seen too many people outside, a couple patrols of Cathars to be sure, but no more rioters. Order had been restored.

Decisions:
1. Head on inside alone
2. Head on inside with your group
3. Head on inside with only a few people (write in who)
4. Write in

>>2681164
Head on inside alone.

>>2681246
writing

>>2681164
Henry headed in alone, it’d probably be easier to just explain the situation to Jimmy if it was just him doing the explaining. The interior had cracked plaster and old wood, but was otherwise plain and boring. The front desk had a young bored looking woman with bags under her eyes sitting behind it. She perked up almost imperceptibly once Henry stepped inside.

“Hey.” She said. “You here to pick up the package?’

“No I’m here to rent a room.” Henry said. “I hope you don’t ask that to everyone who comes in here.”

“Look pal, I’m exhausted right now.” The woman said.

“Is Jimmy here?” Henry asked.

“Who wants to know?”

Decisions:
1. “Where is Jimmy?” (roll 1d100 for speech, 30 or higher required)
2. “Who the hell are you?” (roll 1d100 for speech, 35 or higher required)
3. “Just need a room for the night, and a holding cell if you have any.”
4. “Might be a small problem, got a healer with me, wanted to go over it with Jimmy.” (roll 1d100)
5. Write in

>>2683640
>5. Write in
What happened to the security? Guards like that aren't easy to come by.

>>2683648
Seeing as I "procured" them.

>>2683648
writing

>>2683653
Just quietly say it so Rosa doesn't hear.

>>2683640
“What happened to the security?” Henry asked, looking around. “Its been dangerous recently.”

“The hell you asking that for?” The woman said. “Answering that can get me in a lotta trouble.”

“I made them. That’s why.” Henry said.

“Oh, right.” The woman said. “Henry isn’t it? Not the greatest with names.”

“Yes, so where are they?”

“In the warehouse around back, guarding all the important items. Guess Jimmy figures I’m not important enough to need a guard, tho I also don’t really need it. It’d be nice if he actually, WORRIED you know?”

“Not in the shop?” Henry asked.

“We’ve had a ‘break-in’ recently, bunch of high end industrial components got nicked. Jimmy got REALLY angry after that, got every guard we had in there. Didn’t even have one up here to protect the inn.”

Decisions:
1. “Do you have a name?” (roll 15 or higher)
2. “Is Jimmy around?”
3. “Can I rent a room?”
4. “We have a healer with us, but she’s fine. I’ll make sure she doesn’t snoop” (roll 40 or higher)

>>2683682
>2. “Is Jimmy around?”
We could possibly recruit jimmy to help defeat Ticker, with the promise of liberating his goods and other possible things.

>>2683682
“Is jimmy around?” Henry asked.

“He’s in town right now, but not here. Probably at that bar he likes so much, the foggy hen or whatever it’s called.”

“Great.” Henry said.

“He’ll be back here and hung over like usual in the morning if you want to speak with him, assuming he’s in the mood to talk.” The woman said, before yawning again.

“Is there anything else you need or can I go back to pretending to stay awake?”

Decisions:
1. “I need to rent a couple rooms”
2. “I have a healer with me, but she’s fine. I know she won’t cause trouble.” (roll 45 or higher)
3. “Do you have any spare holding cells, preferably one that can hold a mage.”
4. “I’m heading out, I might be back later.” (will leave the area and go to travel menu)
5. Write in

>>2683724
>4. “I’m heading out, I might be back later.” (will leave the area and go to travel menu)
Too risky when Jimmy isn't there.

>>2683729
gonna wait for votes on this one.

>>2683724
>4. “I’m heading out, I might be back later.” (will leave the area and go to travel menu)

>>2683729
>>2683755
writing

>>2683724
“I’m heading out, I might be back later.” Henry said.

“And I might still be awake, who knows.” The woman said, yawning again, and leaning back in her chair, she stared up at the ceiling, doing little else.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Henry closed the plain wooden door the plain brick building. He needed to head elsewhere, make sure he wouldn’t be in for a rude awakening. He could feel his group staring at him and turned around.

“So what’s the deal then?” Larry asked.

“The owner isn’t here, at his usual watering hole.”

“During the riots?” Johnny asked. “Typical.”

“I still have so many questions.” Rosa said.

“I already told you the only answer I’m going to give.” Henry replied. “Look, we’re gonna have to figure this all out on the way there, I know what I’m doing, trust me.”

“Uh-huh.” Rosa said, sighing. “Well I don’t suppose we’d be able to stay at the holy grounds, least with that woman on Johnny’s shoulder. So I guess our options are limited.”

Decisions:
1. Try to find the bar that Jimmy is at (roll 1d100)
2. Head to the holy grounds (will cause Ophelia to be turned over)
3. Try to find a location to squat in (write in)
4. Head to another location (write in)

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>2683833
>1. Try to find the bar that Jimmy is at (roll 1d100)

>>2683848
thats a winner

>>2683855
Well, it was easy enough to remember, because it was the one where the owner makes the wenches he "hires" to wear the least amount of clothing.

>>2683833
Henry led his merry band of misfits through a series of sideroads, sidestreets, sidealleys, and across the sides of roofs to avoid the dispersing bands of hobos and other trash who were still calming down after Ticky had bellowed. The whole thing was beginning to REALLY wear on Henry’s nerves, he hoped watching the thing die would be enjoyable, maybe he’d keep Ophelia around long enough to watch, who knew.

The pathway itself wound around a couple blocks, quite a journey, but Henry knew Jimmy liked the ‘atmosphere’ Of the red hen, the bar he frequented. The place attracted all sorts of lowlifes and other underworld types. Henry would fit right in. Larry and Johnny wouldn’t be problems either, especially since Larry had taken the time to wash the blood off after Rosa brought it up for the fourth time. Honestly it probably would have helped if he’d kept the blood. Regardless, both of them looked like mercs, not exactly unusual. Charles wouldn’t draw too much attention, and any attention he did draw was the sort to be answered with a bolt spell. As for Rosa… yeah bringing a church official of any capacity into the place would be a BAD idea. He’d probably just leave Charles and Rosa together, it’d be safer that way for the both of them

“So what kind of guy goes to a bar during a riot?” Charles asked.

“One who wants a stiff drink to ignore the riot.” Larry responded.

“That’s about right.” Henry said. “Fucker is the third biggest lover of drink I know.”

“Who’re the other two?” Charles asked.

“Well you’ve already met Duncan.” Henry said. “As for the first, its not exactly alcohol he likes to drink. Pray you DON’T have to meet him.”

The bar eventually came into view. It was a ramshackle looking building. A plaster covered three story build crammed into a street corner of a street nobody wanted to travel on during the best of circumstances. The plaster along the outside of the building was peeling off in places, revealing the brick underneath. The windows on the first floor were not made of glass, the owner had given up replacing them after they’d been smashed for the fortieth time. The upper stories were in better condition, mainly due to the fact that nobody except a Vampire could really reach them.

The wooden door was a series of planks painted in red pitch to give it a cozy look. It was very out of place. A sign above the doorway had a red hen with an arrow sticking through it. There weren’t any words on it due to the fact that a lot of the people who frequented it couldn’t read. Hell, their party probably had more people who could read than the entire joint put together.

Decisions:
1. Choose who will enter (write in)
2. Talk to someone in your group (write in)
3. Preform an separate action (write in)
4. Cast a spell (write in)

>>2683889
Henry and Larry walk in while Johnny stays behind to guard the rosa and charles.

>>2683946
waiting on votes

>>2683946
While I feel Larry might get us into a fight, I'll second this.

>>2684008
>>2683946
writing

>>2683889
“Johnny, watch over Rosa and Charles, use your best judgement.” Henry said.

Johnny simply nodded in response then led the two further away towards a main road with some minor foot traffic. One of the nicer things about being in such a large city this late at night was there was always foot traffic, and the relative safety that it brought.

Larry took a good look at the sign, the damage to the building itself, and other distinguishing features of this most… distinguished locale. He ran his hands over the peeling plaster before a chunk of it came loose and clattered to the ground. He looked around before kicking it down a drain.

Henry merely shook his head and went inside, knocking a couple times on the door and speaking past the bouncer. A large man with a single good eye and a single good eyepatch.

The interior was still packed, even this late at night. Henry immediately noticed a couple of pale figures in one corner, low ranking vampires more than likely. He knew Vermillion had a ‘friend’ who lived in town, but he’d never known who. But he knew that they worked for him or her, and that it’d be better to stay clear, especially since he’d never actually told Vermillion he’d be going on his little trip. He didn’t regret it, he merely thought it was… unfortunate.

There were a couple of the Scared Hands mercenaries sitting at a table talking among themselves, sharing a glass of wine.

Over in the far corner all by himself sat a man wearing a pair of weird looking eyeglasses with many lenses who was speaking with an absolute brute of a man hidden beneath a weird getup of rags. Reminded him somewhat of Johnnys. But he didn’t have time to dwell on it.

He turned around to speak to Larry but the man had already gone to the bar and ordered something to drink, fucking hell.

There was no sign of Jimmy, at least on this floor. He was somewhat of a VIP around these parts, so he’d probably be upstairs in a more secluded location.

Decisions:
1. Speak to the barkeeper
2. Try to eavesdrop on the scared hands mercenaries (roll for stealth)
3. Try to eavesdrop on the man with the fancy spectacles. (roll for stealth)
4. Head upstairs, no time to waste
5. Speak to the vampires, ask what’s been going on (roll for bravery)

>>2684053
calling it a night

>>2684053
>1. Speak to the barkeeper
Business with Jimmy and need to talk with him. His friend who knows where to find a few reliable guards. Listen- try eavesdrop on spectacles.

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>2684091
I'll support this.
Rolling for stealth.

>>2684193
Holy fuck I'm a fucking Ninja

>>2684193
welp, thats a fucking crit.

>>2684053
Henry made his way to the bar keep, trying his best to ignore the song Larry had already started to sing with a few of the other patrons. Did that man have any cares in the world? Well he did, but did he have anything serious?

“It’s Fritz right?” Henry asked.

“Yeah.”

“Is Jimmy upstairs right now?”

“Yeah.”

“Is he in any mood to be spoken to?”

“Yeah.”

“Thanks.”

With that out of the way, Henry grabbed himself a seat, and tried to listen in on the weirdo with the spectacles and the hulk of a man. Henry recognized a cog necklace around the man’s neck, a cult of progress weirdo. The hulking man didn’t have any distinguishing features or things of note outside of the rags he wore. The man had to have been seven feet tall though. Not someone Henry wanted to piss off.

>>2685304
“Why must we stay here of all places?” The short one said, “I can’t stand the noise from idiots.”

“I like the atmosphere.” The brute said. “Finest girls in the city here.”

“Typical. So you’re here for the same reason all of these fools are? I can’t believe the hand send the pointer after such a small prize, that machine is merely a gimmick I say.”

“I’m merely here to bring this specimen back to Avignon for study. I appreciate you meeting me here to discuss it.”

“Fine, fine. So why didn’t you bring it through the guild?”

“We didn’t want to leave a paper trail of any sort.”

“So that’s why you had us hire those scarred hand goons?” the short one asked. “To make it look like it wasn’t us that did this?”

“Not merely that, although they can keep their mouth shut. Everyone in town knows you hired them to stop this whole thing, and we can spin this in such a way that the grand design isn’t halted.”

“Fair point, I see your reasoning, its sound.” The short one said.

“The only loose end is this Ophelia, she created it?”

“Yes, as much as I loathe admitting it. The woman is brilliant, the sort that you only get once in a generation. It’s a shame she decided to waste her talents on such trivial pursuits working for that baron.”

“His wife is another concern. She’s called out a hit on the woman, I want her in alive, and I want you to help me bring her in.” the brute said.

“You want that brat?”

“Maybe I should rephrase this, the index wants her alive. He’s taken a great deal of interest in this little matter, from what I understand.”

“Well when you put it like that, you make a very convincing argument.”

Henry knew a bit about what they were talking about. The cult of progress was led by a group called the hand of progress. The index and the pointer were members. But he’d never heard of the ‘hand’ of progress before. That was news. Had someone taken the organization over?

“And the church?” The short one asked. “I know you have things on lock down back home, but out here, this close to the capital, we can’t just bribe them or win them over.”

“The inquisitors have been dealt with, so the church won’t be able to bring any real action for another week or so, when word of their… unfortunate accident reaches them.”

“You… is it wise…”

“Is that a question you want to hear the answer to?”

“No, not at all.”

Decision: (pick one)
1. Continue listening (roll again for stealth)
2. *head upstairs*
3. Try to get Larry to calm down before he does something stupid
4. Write in

>>2685309
The hell's Larry doing that needs calming?

>>2685335
being larry

>>2685309
>3. Try to get Larry to calm down before he does something stupid

>>2685361
waiting on votes

>>2685309
This order:
>1. Try to get Larry to calm down before he does something stupid.
>2. *head upstairs*

Save for later: let Fritz know that we have merchandise for Spectacles. Saves her from hanging by churchies or the Dukes wife.

>>2685559
>>2685361
will write in tomorrow

>>2685309
Henry pretended to finish a drink he hadn’t gotten before standing up and heading back over to the bar. Larry had begun to tell wild stories, which was getting them more attention than they needed. He managed to get him to calm down, and Henry prevented him from getting too sloppy.

“You can drink later, once we’ve gotten the money.”

“It’s a sure thing though, I’d rather get drunk now!”

“There’s a saying, good things come to those who wait.”


“Fortune favors the bold.” Larry responded.

“Fortune is an overweight hooker, now get up.” Henry said, before turning to the small crowd that had gathered around. “Shows over people, move along!”

“Hey Fritz, I might have… ‘merchandise’ for spectacles, can you pass that message along?”

“The house doesn’t get involved if it doesn’t have to.” Fritz responded. “If you got business with those two, deal with it yourself, preferably away from here. Never seen either of them before, so they’re an unknown. Sorry pal.”

“Fine, fine.” Henry said. “I’ll have to catch them on the way out.”

“Why do you want to get involved with them?” Larry asked. “What merchandise would you even have?”

“Our recent… guest?” Henry said. “Not the right word exactly.”

“You mean Ophelia?” Larry asked. Henry rushed and clamped a hand down on his mouth, before scanning the room. Luckily it was far too noisey in here for anyone to have noticed.

“Yes you utter moron.” Henry said. “Don’t say too much, we’re in a den of vipers.”

“It’s just a bunch of folk looking to have a fun time, jeez.” Larry said. “No need to be so damned paranoid.”

“Let me do the thinking going forwards.” Henry said. “Please, it’d put my mind at ease.”

“You’d burn out trying to do all the thinking I do.” Larry said standing up straight and puffing his chest out.

“Yeah, I probably would.” Henry said.


Decisions (select one)
1. Head upstairs
2. Talk to spectacles and the big man.
3. Try to spy on someone else
4. Get a drink and talk to Larry further
5. Leave
6. Cast a spell
7. Write in

>>2687361
>1. Head upstairs

>>2687422
writing

>>2687361
Henry went upstairs, half dragging Larry after him. The bar quickly back to its usual atmosphere of people getting drunk off their asses, or getting ready to get into trouble. The groups of interest, the man with the fancy specs, and the mercs, didn’t even pay either of them any heed. Everyone always had their own problems, suited Henry just fine.


The upper floor was segmented into a variety of rooms, each containing various ‘vips.’ Henry already knew where he’d find Jimmy, he’d just have to figure out how to best approach the man. Jimmy was a skittish fuck at times, and if he’d gotten himself drunk he might even be worse. But he’d LOVE to see that man shit himself from him barging in, so it was actually a tough decision.


“So whats the plan boss?” Larry asked. “This guy really that important?”


“Well if we want to have a place to stay, and a place to hold that woman, then yeah, he will be.”


“The heck do you even know him for? Bit of shady business this is.”


“Thought you wouldn’t care.” Henry said.


“I don’t, not really, just saying is all.” Larry said. “I don’t normally get involved in all this cloak and dagger stuff, I guess you figured that out downstairs.”


“Well shit.” Henry said. “I figured you hadn’t noticed.”


“I can act stupid, but I ain’t stupid.” Larry said. “Alright?”


“Yeah, sorry.” Henry said.’


Decisions:
1. Barge into Jimmys room
2. Knock
3. Write in

>>2687610
>2. Knock

>>2687610
>Knock

>>2687703
>>2688520
writing

>>2687610
Henry went open the doorknob and stopped himself. He could just barge in, sure, but even if Jimmy knew him it’d be fairly rude to just enter uninvited. As Henry went to knock he could hear talking and faint giggling coming from inside the room. He figured it was Jimmy with some arm candy or something similar.

“Who the fuck?” Jimmy said, his voice muffled through the door.

“It’s Henry Fisher, I wanted to speak with you.” Henry said.

“Come in then, fucks sake.”

Henry opened the door and was greeted by Jimmy and a couple of women draped across his arms. The man was in his mid-thirties, still boasting a full head of hair and a large ‘appetite’ for certain pleasures. There was also a guard in the room as well, one of Henry’s creations to be precise. The thing would obey its owners orders without question and without hesitation. But Henry had made the damned things, and he’d built failsafe’s into them. He could grab control in a heartbeat if need be.

The guard wore full plate, and a long cloak which completely obscured its visage. The thing was a modified corpse, Henry could perfectly remember the blueprints for it. Selling soldiers that couldn’t die so from superficial wounds had been a good market. Jimmy had always been a good buyer, and was a good contact to have. Henry really couldn’t afford this meeting to go too badly.

“So you couldn’t wait till morning?” Jimmy asked. “Fucks sake I didn’t think you’d be traveling around, don’t you normally stay locked up in the capital?”

“Bit of a special occasion.” Henry said.

“Oh do tell.” Jimmy said. The two women that he’d been with stood up and both exited the room. Henry took a seat across from the man, and Larry tried to get a good look at the guard, but eventually settled into an awkward seat next to Henry.

“Who’s the newbie?” Jimmy asked.

“Names Larry… mister?”

“Forgive the kid, giving him a bit of a trial run.” Henry said. “Larry, this is the part where you shut up and listen.” Henry said, quietly.

Larry scowled but remained quiet. This was a delicate conversation, and a delicate operation.

Decisions:
1. “I have some… goods I need stored. I came to you for help with that.”
2. “I need your help.”
3. “I’m trying to hunt down the monster right now.”
4. “You were a pain in the ass to track down you know.”
5. “I heard you had some goods stolen from you.”
6. Write in
7. *cast a spell*

>>2690775
calling it a night.

I have work till 10pm eastern tomorrow, but sunday I'll be free.

I've finally finished up new vegas so no more addiction to hold me back.

>>2690953
Looking forward to it! Sadly I have to lurk as timezones are a bitch, but I really enjoy this quest!

>>2691832
happy to hear, doubly so since I've been far too absent recently

>>2690775
>5. “I heard you had some goods stolen from you.”