File: John_ChaosArtificerofShirahoro.png (196 KB, 358x358)

196 KB PNG

>>2664025

[2/2]

You are John Hoelsher and maybe, just maybe, you’ve made it through the worst of this trip. There’s been mercenaries trying to kill you, Blighted abominations really trying to kill you, and an ancient airship that could easily kill you if certain systems malfunctioned.

All in all, it’s been about an average trip for yourself. Considering that you only almost died twice, this might even have been a bit above average. That’s… Well, shit, maybe there’s some kind of lesson here about not going on jobs to the middle of a wasteland.

Then you run your fingers over the frame of this ‘coilgun’, and remember exactly why you came in the first place. You could stay behind lines of walls, safe and sound within Shirahoro, but there’s only so far you can go like that. To find the real good stuff, you have to go out to the furthest reaches to dig through the muck, taking all the risks and benefits in equal measure.

At least everything’s calmed down, with the last of the mercenaries not showing the slightest inkling of reappearing and the Blight well and truly gone; Emma had been rather adamant about that point. Now, all there is left to do is to just make sure nothing makes a surprise visit in these last few hours.

And that’s precisely what you’re doing currently, sitting behind a rather large rock while you keep watch over the area. Dutch is around as well, that massive rifle you made for him resting in his lap as he enjoys a slow smoke. You’d admonish him for his lax attitude, but considering that this is the first time in several days that you’ve had anything approaching peace, you can’t exactly blame him for taking the break.

The view certainly is a nice one, with the forest, only marred in a few places that clearly show signs of some kind of explosion, laid out before you and the sun setting in the background. The only thing that sulleys the scene is that harsh silence that blankets the area, a sign of the Blight’s lingering presence.

Even thorough annihilation isn’t enough to fully eliminate years upon years of corruption. The only comfort is that your back isn’t acting up in the slightest. It’s a paper-thin defense, but you’ll take what you can get.

Beside you, the gunslinger takes one final draw before flicking away the spent cig, exhaling the gray cloud out into the air.

>Talk to Dutch, see how he feels about your ‘extra help’.
>Talk to Dutch, see if he’s ready to upgrade to modern firearms yet.
>Talk to Dutch about something else.
>Just enjoy the silence, wait until the reinforcements arrive.
>Other

>>2664030

>Talk to Dutch, see if he’s ready to upgrade to modern firearms yet.

Clockwork is God's work after all

>>2664030
>Talk to Dutch, see if he’s ready to upgrade to modern firearms yet.

So, there were a few questions that I have neglected to answer in the last few threads. Gonna see if I can answer them; feel free to link other questions if you wish.

> What would have happened if we attacked Greed?

If you just attacked Greed, nothing would have happened; literally. Any attacks would have just gone right through him, and he'd calmly ask to stop. Now, if you'd started breaking the glass containing John's memories, that'd earn you a switch kick out of John's mindscape.

> Could we bring part of the Blight back to the Intersection?

You could. I'd advise heavily against doing so, but you could.

> You know, if this planet had space travel and a biological world-eater, but there are still people around, I wonder if there's a HALO up there somewhere?

This is kinda a minor spoiler, but I can answer it anyways: the Ancients were on the cusp of Interstellar travel when everything went to shit. None of them made it off.

> Possibility of setting up more technology exchanges between the Intersection and John in the future?

Handler and I find the idea interesting, so take that as a hard 'maybe'.


Also, I've finally gotten around to updating John's character sheet; let me know if I missed anything:
Character Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lvqwQrtQ_YFvsVdcKJbSEAgpyZi9QrfJfnh_UDzvPKw/edit?usp=sharing

More information for the quest as a whole:
Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Artificer+Quest, http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire

Finally, contact information:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Storyteller_QM, https://twitter.com/MGFHandler
Discord: https://discord.gg/WA5wRv3

>>2664030
>>Talk to Dutch, see if he’s ready to upgrade to modern firearms yet.
We've learned how to make fully automatic weapons now, right? Let's see if he'd like to have us make him a pair of SMGs.

>>2664030
>>Talk to Dutch, see if he’s ready to upgrade to modern firearms yet.
Cmon, we'll build you a custom one with coilgun tech that still uses the ridiculously large bullets you like to use.

>>2664152
>>2664100
>>2664085
>>2664066

We're back to this old song and dance.

Writin'

File: Dutch_YouAmuseMe.png (114 KB, 219x304)

114 KB PNG

>>2664030

“So, are you finally ready for a weapon that wasn’t made last century?” Breaking the silence, you adjust the coilgun so it won’t fall onto the ground, you grin over at your friend.

He blinks, not entirely processing your words, before he motions to his own rifle, “I thought this was supposed to be some cutting-edge shit John? You lie to me?”

“The round is far beyond anything else in terms of rifles, but the barrel and the clockwork? Those are tried and true, but dated. Now…” Reaching down, you pat the rifle beside you, “Just from what I’ve learned from what little I’ve worked on this baby, it blows even the best clockwork-based firing mechanisms out of the water. Seriously, it’s such an obvious solution I can’t imagine how no one has figured it out before. A compact, purely kinetic mechanism that allows for continuous firing without the delicacy of clockwork. I haven’t even gotten to work on the barrel yet, but there’s no way that it’s just rifled metal with the amount of tech around it alone.”

“When did you turn into such a nerd?” Letting out a slightly exasperated groan, you nonetheless see a thin smile on Dutch’s face. Setting the oversized rifle to the side, the gunslinger shakes his head, “You really think you can improve upon this?”

It’s almost like he’s challenging you here, especially since you hear a slight hint of smugness in his tone, “And you think I can’t? Whaddya want? More sturdy and reliable firing mechanism? Magazine fed? Better range, higher accuracy, and faster muzzle speed? How ‘bout all of ‘em? Keep it up, smartass, and I’ll be charging you for it”.

Turning back towards the horizon, you still catch an eye-roll from your best friend. Yep, gonna charge him an arm and a leg for this one.

>Ask Dutch something else (what?)
>Head down and talk to someone (who?)
>Just hand around until the reinforcements arrive

>>2664352
>>Head down and talk to someone (who?)
Check up on Owlia and see if she wants to look around the factory area and get it back up and running. We could use more ammo for this gun, anyway.

>>2664352
>>2664386
Due to having no better ideas, I'll support this.

>>2664434
Same here

>>2664352
>Ask Dutch something else (what?)

Wasn't he flirting with Mono?

>>2664352
im going to support this, But i would also like to add a question from a few threads ago
are we dutches favorite blonde?

after that go see owila for some nerdy stuff

>>2664352
Supporting both of these:
>>2664640
>>2664386
It's just a single question so I'm sure we can do that before going down if we have time to go start up the factory.

>>2664352
>>Just hand around until the reinforcements arrive

still uh

still magical girls huh

>>2665139
Almost done. About one more in-quest time until the only thing left is sorting out the loot and finishing up whatever business they got left in this world.

>>2664352
>Head down and talk to someone
Owlia and Cylica. Any progress on the ship's defense systems?

>>2664352
>>Just hand around until the reinforcements arrive

>>2664352
>>2664386
Supporting this.

>>2665351
>>2665278
>>2664716
>>2664650
>>2664640
>>2664452
>>2664434
>>2664386

Talk to Owlia and Cylcia it is.

Writin'

>>2664352

As fun as it is to sit around and shoot the shit, you would like to talk to the two elves a bit more about some of the facilities down in the Ruin. You’re not going to get many more chances soon, after all. So, standing up and popping a few kinks out of your back, you think of something you talked about previously, “Alright, Dutch, were you an outstanding gentleman in my absence? Or did gain a sudden interest in girls with fake ears?”

There’s a pregnant silence at your words, before he almost doubles over laughing. Against your better judgement, a thin grin dusts your face as the gunslinger attempts to compose himself, “Who? That Emma chick? Naw, I’m not into silver-haired gals.”

“Right, blondes only,” Starting back towards the entrance to the Ruin, you stop for a second and consider something. Thinking on it for a second, you can’t resist the urge to make the joke, “So, Dutch, am I your favorite blonde?”

---

Taking your time, you carefully navigate your way down the pile of scrapped metal that is what’s left of the stairwell into the main hangar bay. You’re not entirely sure how the other Genovese team is going to react to not having an easy way down here. Perhaps you’ll have to throw something together when they do. Either way, you drop the last couple of meters, making sure to bend your knees to absorb the shock as much as you can, and dust yourself off.

Now, to find the elves. Odds are good that they’ll be in the ship, probably the engineering or weapons bay.

Making your way over to the closest remaining access to the upper catwalks that give you access to the airship, you patiently wait for the door to open before walking inside. The interior is mostly the same, though a fair amount of the debris has been removed or cleaned. Turning towards the bow of the ship, you head through the cargo bay towards the weapons bay. Knowing Hidia in particular, she’s gonna be drooling over what’s in there.

Stepping through the doorway, you’re already growing concerned at the sounds of whispered words and the occasional giggle. Biting the bullet, you walk past several pieces of heavy machinery and find the hyperactive elf excitedly looking over a ‘missile’ still in its case, alternating between running her fingers over the surface and talking over her shoulder to where you assume Froste is. Considering there’s likely explosives involved here, you step out fully into the makeshift workspace and speak up, “Do I need to worry about you blowing us all up, Hidia?”

[1/2]

>>2666129

[2/2]

She bolts upright at your words, fumbling for some tool or another for a moment before turning towards you, “Stop doing that John! I swear, even that thing in your head was a jerk.”

“My what?” There’s a thick layer of confusion in your words, going right along with a single raised eyebrow.

“Nothing, nothing,” Shaking her head for a second, the elf gives you a smile, “Just looking at this missile here. Have you seen one of ‘em yet? They don’t even use crystal tech at all!”

Looking over, you see Froste turn away from one of the consoles to look in your direction. With that same hint of haughtiness, the elf responds, “From what I can tell, they use combustion propulsion for flight. But, what’s interesting to me here is their guidance systems. If we can get a copy of the program and the systems…”

The thought of these two having this kind of weaponry at their disposal is not exactly comforting, but odds are good Essie’ll keep them under control.

“So, John, why are you here?” Walking over to you, Froste regards you with a rather even expression, “You don’t strike me as the type to just come and say hello.”

>”Was going to head down to that industrial area; was wondering if you wanted to join me.”
>”I’m curious about these ‘missiles’ as well.”
>”Just coming to say hello, believe it or not.”
>Other

>>2666132
>”Was going to head down to that industrial area; was wondering if you wanted to join me.”
Just imagine if we got that thing up and running again.

>>2666132
>>”Was going to head down to that industrial area; was wondering if you wanted to join me.”

>>2666132
>"Was going to head down to that industrial area; was wondering if you wanted to join me.”
I mean, there's an assembly and fabrication facility down there, after all.

>>2666176
>>2666141
>>2666136

Industrial area it is.

Writin'

>>2666132

The machinery and missiles in this weapons bay are rather curious, though all things considered you doubt you’ll ever get the chance to properly replicate them. As good as the terms you and Sun are on, if he found out you started producing weapons like these in his city you’re not entirely sure how he’d react, “I never did get a chance to look around in that industrial area, so I’m planning on taking a look. Interested in coming along?”

The two elves glance between one another for a moment, apparently having some kind of silent conversation. You almost don’t need a response, as Hidia gives the missile in front of her a longing look though Froste does speak up anyways, “That was the room that yourself, Dutch, and Yuna encountered the first mercenary team in, correct? I have not been able to take a look there, so consider my interest piqued.”

“Are you sure? If I just had some time and some tools I could pro-” The enthusiastic elf cuts herself off at a sharp look from her girlfriend, standing up with a hint of resignation, “Alright, I’m coming.”

With the girls in tow, you head out of the airship and cross the hangar bay to where the metal door, practically blending into the walls on either side, that leads further into the Ruin is. It opens without an issue and you lead the way down the first massive flight of stairs, a task made far easier due to the fact that there’s actual lighting on now. The trip down is a simple affair, though the one back up is the real killer.

Maybe this time you won’t take it at a dead sprint.

The bottom of the service access reveals that same odd loading area, still in a state of terrible disrepair, though you ignore it entirely and continue along this level to where your destination is. There’s the faint twinge of nervousness, especially since last time you were here you were being shot at, but you force it down when you enter into the industrial area.

And what a place it is now that the power is on, the pitch blackness from before being entirely dispelled, revealing a room filled with heavy machinery. They’re mainly along the far wall, though in the middle of the room are a set of three of those strange elongated tables, and lastly is a set of stairs leading up to some kind of room. Probably administration or office space.

[1/2]

>>2666417

[2/2]

“Quite the setup,” Froste admits. “A full manufacturing operation- near a full military air base. Risky...but terribly efficient.”

“Makes perfect sense to me. Hell, they probably supplied the entire base from here. Ammo, armor, rivets, bolts, probably even made those ‘missiles’; everything you need to run a military unit effectively. And, if anything ever went wrong,” You motion back towards where you came from, “There’s a couple hundred meters of bedrock separating this section from the other parts of the base.”

“Even if the base got taken down somehow…” Hidia opines. “They'd probably be able to recover, were they able to keep themselves hidden well enough after a retreat.”

You’d agree with her, but from what you’ve seen the only signs of struggle you’ve found here are two cases of what was clearly sabotage. Oh well, that’s someone else’s job to mull over. Right now, you’ve got much more pressing matters to attend to, “So, any place you’d like to start Hidia?”

It takes her a moment of thought. “Let's see juuust what made them so long lasting. If we could get even a sample of their preservation methods, like I said earlier…”

“Hmm…” Looking around the room, you scan over the line of machinery in the back. You have to look for a few seconds, but you do find where the raw materials are received into the system. From there, you follow the line until your vision settles on… “There. That’s probably some kind of blast furnace. Whatever they introduced into their metals, they’d do it there.”

She's off almost before you finish, giggling like the loon she is. Giving one side-long glance towards Froste, you follow after the runaway at a far more sedate pace.

> Roll me three 1d100’s please

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>2666422
Here goes...

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>2666422
oh boy

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>2666422

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>2666422
well........may as well see what i would have got

>inb4 a nat 100

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>2666422
Too late to roll?

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>2666767
Yes

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>2666797
OwO

>>2666797
we should really stop

Also...........
>Does that mean im your favorite blonde?
>Cut to the next scene

DAMMIT STORY T, stop leaving me in suspense

>>2666440

That's a 58. Well, you do find what you're looking for.

Writin'

>>2672144
translation: you find what you're looking for, but its going to be a bitch to actually get working, good quality samples or instructions


Also, yay QM's are alive again

>>2666422

By the time you approach the wall of heavy machinery, Hidia’s already climbing up the one you pointed out, a tall piece that contains a multitude of containers leading towards the center of it, and is poking at some kind of mechanical device. You’re moderately concerned, though between Froste not protesting her girlfriend’s actions and the power armor she’s wearing there’s no real issue.

Sighing to yourself, you start looking around the base for a way to look at the guts of this machine, “Alright, Hidia, what do you see?”

There’s the sound of something heavy being moved out of the way, which makes you twitch slightly given that you’re directly underneath it, before you get a response, “Hang on… There! Ooohh… Looks like some kind of automated forge in here! How do you even...nevermind, still poking around!”

Taking that as a sign of further investigation being undertaken, you find a gap in the superstructure that you can slip through. From here, there’s not much to see, though you do note that the largest section of machinery has similarities to the fuel-less furnace that you puzzled out. There’s lines of wiring leaning towards a set of arc generators, though aside from that there’s not much else you can see from down here.

“Oh, COME ON!” Echoes from the guts of the machine. “There’s nothing in here! You can't tell me they cleaned it out before they vanished! There should be SOME bits of useable residue!” There's a bit of unintelligible mumbling before she speaks up again. “Normally I'd turn it on to see how it works, but I don't think we'd get much out of it without base material! Heck, though, I might turn it on ANYWAY! Soon as I…” there's more grunts of exertion as she starts scrabbling around again, but she doesn't finish the sentence. Froste just gives a faint sigh and a chuckle.

“Do me a favor and don’t turn it on,” Calling back, you continue looking around. The part of the machinery that forges the metal itself has another section leading to the next piece of industrial equipment, “It’s an electrical furnace; one that’s got power running into it. Don’t be stupid.” Deciding to not trust the elf, you make your way out of the tangle of metal back to where Froste is watching the proceedings with a look of plain amusement. Ignoring the haughty elf for the moment, you look up to where the other has squirelled her way into the interior of this machine.

“She's always been so reckless in a way…” The way Froste makes it sound like an endearment rather than a dangerous liability is almost touching. Almost. “Sometimes her willingness to do what she needs to in the pursuit of advancement surprises even me!”

[1/2]

>>2672306

[2/2]

Looking back at her, and the clear signs of affection coloring her visage, you let out a minute sigh, “I’ve taken a few risks in my work, and I’ve got the scars for ‘em, but driving a mana crystal into my skull? No thanks; I prefer having my brain intact.”

“Oh, she's fine. Mostly.” ‘Mostly’ isn't worrying? “A bit more excitable than she used to be, for certain, but it's given her a certain...zest for life that I can't help but appreciate and enjoy. I think the whole scenario, harrowing as it was to learn of, has done her quite well. And in several ways, she's become much more than she used to be.”

Her eyes flit over to you, and when you meet them, you find that though she hasn't moved a muscle, her gaze is both playful and...searching? “You couldn't tell me that, as a man of science and engineering yourself, you'd be all that against becoming something better, were you fairly certain of the result?”

> “If it was worth the cost, yes”
> “I’d need to know the exact terms”
> “I know firsthand what it’s like to go beyond yourself; there’s a reason I’ve only done it once”
> Other

>>2672310
>“I’d need to know the exact terms”

>>2672310
>> “I’d need to know the exact terms”

>>2672310
>> “I know firsthand what it’s like to go beyond yourself; there’s a reason I’ve only done it once

>>2672310
>Exact terms

Last time i did this shit, it was bad news bears. so i need to do this shit with fixed terms and other essential knowledge

>>2672310
>> “If it was worth the cost, yes”

>>2672310
>“I’d need to know the exact terms”

>>2672312
>>2672317
>>2672356
>>2672375

Exact terms it is.

Writin'

>>2672310

Thinking on it, you throw the idea back and forth in your mind. Considering what you’ve done previously, you can’t exactly dismiss it outright but in the same vein you couldn’t blindly accept either. Really, there’s only one smart choice, “I’d need to know the terms.” Turning back towards the machinery that Hidia is still digging around in, you continue speaking, “You’re right in that I’d be interested in improving myself. But, I’ve felt what that’s like before, and I’m lucky that things went as well as they did.” Ignoring Froste for now, you call up towards the other elf, “You almost done in there? If there’s no material left there ain’t no point in fuckin’ around.”

“Uggghghhh yeah I guesssss,” is the complaining confirmation.

“Good,” Thinking on it for a few seconds, there’s a rather simple response, “Looks like everything’s automated here. Unless they did something drastically different here, they’ll have computers around to run the systems. And, considering you seem to be able to work the-”

That’s all you get out before she almost bursts out, throwing aside a plate of metal that she apparently used to get inside, “SHOW ME! OR LEAD ME! Or...gah, we’re gonna have to look around, huh?” Funny how the fire died just as quickly as it came.

“There is that administration area over there,” Jerking a finger over in the direction of the raised building, you can’t help the feeling of bemusement at just how quickly the energetic elf crambles to get away from what she was so deeply engrossed in.

Froste brushes away some of the dirt and grime that’s accumulated on Hidia’s armor during her little journey, holding her in place for only a moment or two before the excited gal can’t take any more. Tearing off at a near sprint, she makes it to the stairs in no time and is inside before you can do more than blanche.

Resisting the urge to rub your brow, you head to where there’s the sounds of things being moved about from behind an ajar door. Froste is right there beside you, and you can’t help but quip, “What was that about unpredictability?”

Froste starts to open her mouth, but then quickly shuts it, merely shaking her head.

Making it inside the administration building, you find the other elf rummaging around a set of consoles. There’s not much else in the room, aside from several rotting scraps of paper that are scattered about, so you walk over to take a look at what exactly Hidia’s trying to get at here.

You’re still not certain how either of the gals are able to read the bizarre set of squiggles running across the barely functional screen. Maybe it’s a spell of sorts they’ve picked up as magineers over the years. Regardless, it’s not exactly something you’re going to question at this point, “Alright, Hidia, whatcha trying to do here?”

[1/2]

>>2677228

[2/2]

“Iiiif we can figure out the basic order set for whatever this place is supposed to make, we can work from there and hopefully figure out where we can find the materials from these terminals!” Whatever they do to their metal to make it last so long, it’ll be well within m- our grasp soon enough…”

Giving her a moderately worried look, you nonetheless turn back to the screen as she starts randomly clicking about, ”Yeah, but why don’t you just take a copy of the hard-drive onto your gauntlet? Odds are good that things won’t be plainly marked out, and with a copy you won’t have to have access to this terminal to dig around the files.”

Before anything else can be said, Froste pauses and pulls one of those strange stones you vaguely remember seeing some of the girls using before putting it to her ear. She nods to something you can’t hear, though you’re not left in suspense for long.

“That was Essie; she says the other team has arrived, and that they’re looking for you John.”

“Tell ‘em I’m on my way.”

Back to work it is.

> Roll me four 1d100+30’s please

Rolled 67 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2677231
You’re back!

Rolled 60 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2677231
Hail, let us continue on these adventures dear allies, friends and miscreants we are allied with but want to get drunk

Rolled 53 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2677231
Cmon, John should be good at this

>>2677238
>>2677239
>>2677241
it is a strange feeling, to see 97 and still feel like we need more.......that we have failed somehow

>>2677253
Hey, I’m fine with a 97. Means we regular succeeded rather than super duper succeeded.

>>2677253
Failed to be more than just great, John should be the best. But at least it's not a roll to repair or build something.

Rolled 91 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2677231

>>2677277
see this is more in line with what i was expecting........Have the dice gods spoiled us, made us forget the desprate desire to tear and claw for good rolls? so that now i do not feel the need to yell at this anon for being late and other time tested pass times?

Rolled 45 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2677231
>missed vote again
Damn

>>2677328
>vote
I meant roll

>>2677277

That's a 121. Let's see what you see.

Writin'

>>2677231

The stairs leading back up to the hangar area of the Ruin is no less brutal than before, though at least this time you’re not going up them in a dead sprint. You pace yourself, and manage to get to the top without feeling like you’re about to vomit up your own guts. And it’s a good thing that you did, as the scene that awaits you.

Well, it’s certainly something interesting.

The space around the ancient airship is far more crowded than you left it, with several squads of Genovese ‘goons’ with full battle loadouts spread out and looking over everything with similar expressions. Sticking close to them is a single group of more plain people, who nervously glance between their guards and the surroundings.

Almost on the other side of the room stands Essie, Yuna, and Emma, who, aside from the swordswoman, don’t quite express open animosity towards the new arrivals. No one is yet baring weapons, but from what you’ve seen of them that’s really, really not a problem.

And then, practically everyone in the area turns towards you as you walk in. There’s a fair amount of confusion that crosses your head at the reaction, then you remember you’re still lacking a shirt. Gotta remember to pack a spare from now on.

Before you can speak up, several of the Genovese technicians hurriedly walk over to you, all of them looking a bit relieved at your appearance. It’s hard to tell what the rest of your extra help is thinking about the situation, but the fact that they’re watching tells you plenty.

“You’re the freelance Artificer, I assume?” One of the techs, who looks to be dressed for a day in the office not a trip to a wasteland. Really, all of them look the same in that regard, though the hard, cold glint in their eyes gives you pause. It’s not difficult to return the look, more than a few failing to maintain eye contact with you as you look them over, but it’s still not something you like seeing on your allies, “We’re the technical and analyst support; I’m sure you were told of our arrival.”

[1/2]

>>2677641

[2/2]

“I was,” Glancing to the side, you try to catch Essie’s attention. You’ve got no idea what happened before you arrived that got everyone so riled up; though you can take a few easy guesses. Considering she’s got that armored helmet back on there’s little in the way that you can make out from facial expression but a vague gesture in response provides all the confirmation that you need.

“Good, good. Now, to business; what is the status of the…” He looks up at the airship, clearly sharing your thought that what’s in front of you is far beyond the find anticipated, “...artifact, along with the secondaries that were mentioned in the preliminary report?”

In the interest of not having any further conflict, especially with the amount of people armed for a fight in the vicinity, you motion towards the nearest access to the catwalk, “We’ll start with the ship.”

---

Perspective Change:
> Miranda
> Izumi
> Dutch
> Owlia
> Cylcia
> Archmage
> Gladiator
> Mono

>>2677644
>> Izumi

>>2677644
>> Miranda
Mono is always fun, but if we want to claim one of the small craft, we should do it before they get there. Less chance for any... misunderstandings.

>>2677671

The desired aircraft have already been claimed.

>>2677644
>>2677671
in that case
>Mono
instead

>>2677644
>> Miranda
So they're finally here.

>>2677644
>Miranda

>>2677644
> Mono

>>2677644
i kinda wanna go dutch or arch mage, we don't really get to see much of their head spaces but because this is a cross over and we have to be fair

>Owila

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND GIRL? WHAT INSANITY IN THE COMPUTERS HAVE YOU GOT TO SHARE?

>>2677644
> Mono

>>2677874
>>2677739
>>2677695

Mono it is.

Writin'

>>2677644

You are Mono, a siren capable of warping reality itself with nothing more than your voice. You’ve faced down multiple teams of mercenaries, a nightmare living within the head of one of your companions, a living nightmare that swept into the Ruin you were working within right in the middle of the job, and your ‘reinforcements’ not taking the news that you were claiming a portion of the secondary findings all that well. And now, you come face to face with the worst possible hazard you’ve encountered in this deathworld.

Sea sickness.

It hasn’t even been a day since you left for the city of ‘Shirahoro’ and already you have become far more acquainted with the metal bucket in your room than you ever wished. You’re all for trying and seeing new things, but by the gods if you never have to ride on another ‘boat’ again it would be far, far too soon. The fact that the others seem to have no issues whatsoever only seems to exacerbate the problem. Worst of all, you just wish that you didn’t feel so bad out on the water like you are. The idea of traveling out to strange lands on a wooden vessel crewed by an expert captain is truly romantic.

Vomiting into a bucket because your stomach lurches in time with the ship rocking, however, is anything but. Maybe, one day, you’ll get the hang of this. Just, not today...

Still, sitting here with your head in your hands isn’t going to make it any better. Maybe if you went out for some fresh air or talked to someone it’ll take your mind off of things.

Or, maybe not. Uurkk…

>Go find Miranda. Considering how you left the Ruin, you want to make sure you won’t get swindled out of your claim.
>Go find Izumi. She’s good at meditation; maybe that’ll help you out here.
>Go find Owlia and Cylcia. They seemed almost giddy when you left; wonder what made them so happy.
>Go find John. You’ve barely seen him after he went off with those weird techs, so maybe he knows what’s up with them.
>Go find someone else (who?)
>Just go to the top deck and get some air.
>Just try to go back to sleep.
>Other

>>2678161
>Go find Miranda. Considering how you left the Ruin, you want to make sure you won’t get swindled out of your claim.

>>2678161
>>Go find Owlia and Cylcia. They seemed almost giddy when you left; wonder what made them so happy.
What are they up to?...

>>2678161
>>Go find Izumi. She’s good at meditation; maybe that’ll help you out here.
Went she get back to the Intersection, she should go shopping. Surely /someone/ there has seasickness medicine that doesn't put you to sleep.

>>2678161
>Go find Miranda. Considering how you left the Ruin, you want to make sure you won’t get swindled out of your claim.
>Sing sea shanties to help you cope with the sea sickness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjQhB1RDhSY

>>2678205
>shanties
I'd be all for that if she knew anything about sailors, or could sing without upchucking long enough for the effect to take.

>>2678259
Well, we could roll to see if it works...

And Mono's world probably had ports that she's visited, so as a traveling performer, she might have picked something up.

Mission in Pirate World when, Handler?

>>2678270
>you never have to ride on another ‘boat’ again
>'boat'
is where the sailor reference comes from, but she could have overheard one somewhere I guess.

That would be fun, though I dunno how useful we'd be stuck on a ship.
It'd also be fun to go to one of those worlds where magical girls exist, but they're integrated with conventional military as normal soldiers with some extra tricks.

>>2678178
>>2678205

Miranda it is.

I gotta get off for the night, so we'll have to continue things later. See you then.

>>2678335
We'd be so ordinary that I don't think there would be a reason to summon us unless it was just for a nebula buster or two.

>>2680478
Nah, it'd be a Black Ops mission using a deniable asset to do something very, very dirty.

>>2678161

Maybe you should go talk to Miranda for a bit; even if you can’t think of anything in particular to talk about, taking your mind off of things might help a bit with keeping your stomach settled. So, you should get going. Like, right now; urgh…

Making sure that you’re not going to need a bucket for a few minutes, you stagger out into the hallway, one hand covering your mouth, and start heading towards your boss’ room. Stumbling for a moment as the boat rocks beneath your feet, you hold yourself together and make it to your destination. Knocking on the heavy wooden frame, you focus on holding your breakfast down as you wait.

And you wait…

…

After what feels like a minute, you come to the sad conclusion that the girl in question just isn’t around. Which means you have more walking to do if you want to talk to her.

Gods help you…

Finding the nearest stairs to the top deck, you lurch up them out into the slightly overcast daylight. It is a rather nice day out, if a bit cold made worse by the constant wind, and you feel your head clear slightly. The smile it draws out last until the next roll nearly sends you to the side of the boat.

You need to find Miranda. Now.

Heading into what you vaguely remember is the mess hall, your glorious leader is there working through a plate of cooked fish. In a strange change from her usual demeanor, she doesn’t look like she’s on the job, as her slightly damaged armor is missing and a set of more casual clothing has been donned. Trying to keep your legs as steady as you can, you walk over to her table and sit across from her.

“Emma, you look… rough,” Giving you a once over, the mercenary motion towards the food in front of you, “You want any fish?”

The thought alone almost makes you fall out of your seat, “Gods no. I, uh… I think I’m better off without food right now.”

“Your loss,” she says as she continues to dig in. “Stomach still giving you fits then?”

“Yeah… Thought gettin’ out n’ about would help, but…” Deflating a bit, you watch the pile of fish slowly vanish.

“Yeah, nah,” she shakes her head. “It’s just one of those things you have to build up tolerance to. Everyone gets used to it at a different pace. Give it a couple more jobs.”

Cringing at the thought of spending more time on boats than absolutely necessary, you move on, “Did everything work out with our acquisitions? From how we left things back there…”

[1/2]

>>2683704

[2/2]

She snorts in response. “They're grumbling a bit, but they know to leave well enough alone. They'll be back when we get back.” Pausing briefly, her eyes flit over to you, her look a bit more serious. “Have to say, you held up damn well, all things considered. This one got dicey at times. You earned your take.”

“Thanks. It certainly was a bit… intense. Are jobs normally like this?” Thinking over all that’s occured, you frown a bit to yourself. At least, barring returning here, you won’t have to run into that ‘Blight’ crap again, “Aside from, ya know, the whole ‘going into someone’s head’ thing; dunno if that’ll ever occur again.”

“You'd be surprised,” she says primly. “And honestly, I wouldn't say most jobs are normally like this. At least, not the ones that I take most often. Those are just usually ‘go place, kill or beat person that we can't.’ You get a healthy mix from time to time though, so I wouldn't log it as ‘never again’. This one had a few particular issues- I've seen a number of biohazard crisis, but...nothing quiiite like this. Fire is traditional, but usually you can just shoot them with bullets anyway and they go down. This… this was something a bit more exacting.” She leans back, head lolled in thought. “Not to mention the whole damn airship. I don't know why I didn't see that one coming, but I didn't. Off day, I guess.”

You nod along, before remembering you didn’t have the slightest clue what half of what was in that Ruin in the first place, “What exactly was that anyways? I always zoned out when the nerds were talking about it.”

“Mmm…” She mumbles to herself briefly, before closing her eyes. “Basically think of it as a ship that flies. Or...hm. Ah, considering where you’re from, more like a massive carriage that flies. And is armed with weapons that can blow up other carriages.”

“It’s a bit bigger than a carriage, but I get whatcha mean. Must be pretty damn valuable to our employers,” Pausing for a moment, you tap your chin in thought, “Well, since we got hired that question answers itself.”

She nods resolutely. “Bingo. We get back, we get paid, then we pay dues and probably have a nice victory dinner out or something. I’m feeling good.”

“I’d agree but, ah… urgg…” Steading yourself as well as you can, you wait for the wave of nausea to pass before continuing. “...I’ll celebrate when we get back onto solid ground.”

“You do that. Consider yourself off duty until we hit land. As long as you don’t go spilling secrets, do as you like.” With that final word she sinks back into her meal.

>See if you can stomach some food
>Head outside and hang out on deck
>Ask Miranda something else (what?)
>Go talk to someone else (who?)
>Other

>>2683711
>>Go talk to someone else (who?)
>>Other
Check up the infirmary to see if they have some sort of Dramamine thing you could take. After that, see if your singing powers could help illusion up some relief.

>>2683711
This >>2683722
And DON'T throw up on the carpet.

>>2683711
>>Head outside and hang out on deck
The air should help a little, and you're close to the rail if it doesn't.
Traveling and seeing sights is why you're here, and boats are not uncommon.
Maybe ask some of the sailors about any tunes they know? Might help a little.

How hard is it to do something like a floating spell? or make a magically enchanted flotation gear? the reason why people get seasick is from the constant uncontrolled movement, and if the person can be floated and no longer be affected by the ship's movement, then they would no longer suffer seasickness. With all the smart people onboard, hopefully someone could do it.

>>2683711
>Head outside and hang out on deck

>>2683739
>>2683778
>>2683735
>>2683722

Head out and look for someone who might have some meds.

Writin'

>>2683711

With another wave of nausea, your decision of what to do next has been made for you rather easily. Considering that this is a passenger boat of some sort, odds are good that they’ve got a kind of medicine lying around for sick passengers like yourself.

So, saying goodbye to your boss for you, you swift exit the mess before the smell of food can further churn your stomach. Walking as best you can back out to the open deck, you pause for a moment as you watch the action laid out before you.

Gladiator, if you’re remembering his name right, is in the middle of some kind of exercise or training. Whatever he’s up to, the smooth, sharp motions the swordsman goes through are a bit impressive. You’re vaguely reminded of Izumi’s movement and style, but Gladiator has more...sharpness? As opposed to her quick, flowing style with repeated draws and circular movement, he uses more sudden, brutal movements; throwing in kicks, sweeps, and the occasional stab with a short dagger in the off-hand in concert in between more orthodox attacks. If she’s a raging river, he reminds you more of a thunderstorm. It looks no less lethal, and you find yourself looking intently at his footwork and swings- as much as to take your mind off the roiling in your gut as to actually maybe glean a few things. You don’t think you’d be able to practice in this situation...although, then again, she DID talk about putting that stuff out of your head. ‘The body is subservient to the mind’ and all that stuff, according to her.

It’s only after a few minutes of practice that he turns to you, clearly having noticed you earlier. “If you need to ask me anything, go ahead. I won’t bite, so to speak.”

“Oh, uh, nah.” Geez, you didn’t really interact with this guy much, but he’s oddly intimidating despite his looks. “I...just kinda need something t-to keep my mind offa the ship...”

He pauses, perhaps noting your paler than usual disposition, before waving you over with the training sword in his hand. Taking a drink of something, likely water, from a canteen, Gladiator speaks back up, “How much experience do you have with swords?”

Oh, man, with how you’re feeling- no, focus. “I mean, I’m...okay. I think. Uh, Yuna’s been training me. Like. I’m- I’m gettin’ better. Well, she says so anyway.”

“Hmm…” For a second, it looks like he’s about to reconsider this all. Then, that ends when he flips the training sword in his hand and offers it to you, grip first, “Show me.”

Aw, nuts. Well. No pain, no gain. Or...no sick no gain? Whatever, whatever. Just...ignore the churning gut.

> Roll me three 1d100+5’s please

Rolled 43 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2683921

Rolled 46 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2683921

Rolled 90 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2683921

File: 1364605988967.gif (475 KB, 500x375)

475 KB GIF

>>2683956

>>2683956
Beri nice

>>2683956
come on gladiator you don't need to roll higher than a 65, just let the poor sea sick girl have this.

Wait.......could she learn the sea sick equivilent of the drunken fist? the sick sword?

guys, important question.

do the girls have any beer from the intersection? if so, do you think its stronger than the types here?

>>2695385
They tend to rely on whatever supplies can be found on the plane where they job brings them to. I don't remember if there was some actual reason for not bringing intersection goods with them though.
If there are no restrictions for trading that kind of stuff I'm sure snacks and drinks could be traded for valuable items in low-tech worlds where what is normal for us is seen as luxury goods.

>>2683722
>After that, see if your singing powers could help illusion up some relief.

Yeah I had the same idea. Give herself a magic carpet or something.

>>2695557
Dunno about trade restrictions, but Lorelei go on food binges and bring back snacks from her jobs. Trash food gourmet.

I would like to know more about the intersection's history.

>>2683956

That's a 95, Success.

Writin'

>>2683921

Taking the wooden practice sword in your grip, you do your best to calm yourself before beginning. From what you remember of Izumi’s lessons, the important bits are to keep yourself composed, mind your feet, and to continue moving.

Then, the reality of your location firmly re-establishes itself as the deck is rocked by yet another wave. The feeling washes over you, and you stumble for the barest moment before you can steady yourself properly. Giving one last shaky breath, you begin.

Shifting your feet so that the right is leading, you move into the first position. Without an actual sheathe, you emulate the form by dropping your left hand to your waist and smoothly slide the training weapon into its grip. With one swift motion, you draw the fake blade and pause with it leveled straight out before whipping it up and over your head. Wrapping both hands around the grip, you throw all your weight into an overhead slash. Taking a step back, you return your left hand to your waist and return the blade there. Letting out the breath you were unconsciously holding, you glance over to where Gladiator is taking in the entirety of your action in with an unflinching, unblinking stare.

Well, he certainly wasn’t kidding…

From there, you move through several more of the forms, all of which you perform without flinching. Each one has a strange rhythm to the movements, almost like you’re performing a dance… Huh, now that you think about it…

Experimenting slightly, you being lightly humming a tune as you take the next step. It comes out as a stomp on the next downbeat, your sword flashing out with the upbeat, and you almost instinctively move to the next form without realizing it.

“Alright, you can stop now,” The swordsman’s voice pierces through your thoughts, making lower the weapon in response. Watching him as he walks over, there’s a slight frown on his face before he speaks up again, “Who taught you that style?”

The question almost confuses you, but you catch yourself. “Uh, I mean, Yuna was sort of teaching me a few things… other than that mostly kind of taught myself. Wasn't very good. Still not. Didn't really have any reason to fight anyone else with a sword up until I joined up with Emma. Until then it was sort of just, y'know, for fun. Whenever I actually needed to beat on someone… well, that was pretty rare but kind of just did it the old-fashioned way.”

[1/2]

>>2697141

[2/2]

“Hmm…” He nods along to your words, clearly thinking them over. Before long, he must come to some sort of conclusion as he flicks out that combat knife, “I’ve seen a bit of it before; mostly in tournaments or demonstrations. It’s not a bad style, though there is a reason why it’s mainly a practicing one.”

“Oh.” you're pretty sure something in you wilted at that. Might've just been your ears.

If Gladiator notices, he doesn’t show it as he moves across from you, “Now, attacking anything armored with a sword tends not to work in the first place; that is the entire point of armor. However, the Iaido’s focus on using thin, sharp blades only makes this issue worse. Run a weapon like that over a piece of plate mail, and you’ll just make it dull; get it caught on a section of armor or in something’s flesh, all it takes to break the blade is a quick twist. But that’s enough of that, now hit me.”

Although considering what he just said, you're a bit suspect, you decide to listen to him anyway. The first strike lashes out… and is smoothly deflected away by the flat of his knife. You take a moment to pull the reflected weapon back to you, looking at him for any sense of contempt from the ease of which he parried you.

There isn’t any, only a calm and collected look on Gladiator’s face is what you see as he speaks again, “Again”. And so you do.

Some time later, you vaguely hear the swordsman call a break. Lowering your arms, giving them a much needed moment to get the blood flowing back into them, you stagger over to the side and accept a flask of water.

Even though you feel like your limbs are made of lead and your head is pounding from the exertion, you do believe that you’ve had a bit of a breakthrough.

(Choose One)
>Hunter’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that increases her area awareness, reaction speeds, and sense of smell.
>Beast’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that increases her overall strength, flexibility, and balance.
>Sheep’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that gives off an aura of panic and helplessness, raising the chances of onlookers coming to her aid.

>>2697146
>Hunter’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that increases her area awareness, reaction speeds, and sense of smell.
She should pick up a plasma sword or lightsaber, maybe a monomolecular blade, at the Intersection. They'll stand up to anything short of force fields and specialized power armor.

>>2697146
>Sheep’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that gives off an aura of panic and helplessness, raising the chances of onlookers coming to her aid.

Seems techy, and unique to her. Differentiating Mono's skills from Miranda and Izumi's seems like a good move.

>>2697146
>>Hunter’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that increases her area awareness, reaction speeds, and sense of smell.
Fits in better with her wolfyness, and it helps her become more self sufficient.

>>2697146
>>Sheep’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that gives off an aura of panic and helplessness, raising the chances of onlookers coming to her aid.
An interesting variant of her reality-bending abilities.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2697146
I don't know which one to choose so I'll just have the dice gods decide that for me.
1)Hunter’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that increases her area awareness, reaction speeds, and sense of smell.
2)Sheep’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that gives off an aura of panic and helplessness, raising the chances of onlookers coming to her aid.

>>2697146
>Hunter’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that increases her area awareness, reaction speeds, and sense of smell.

>>2697231
>>2697223
>>2697165

Sheep's Blade it is.

Writin'

>>2697342

And it's a tie again.

I'll give things 10 more minutes before I roll for it.

>>2697345
Question for you: does John have a drill press? or a band saw?

>>2697146
>>Sheep’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that gives off an aura of panic and helplessness, raising the chances of onlookers coming to her aid.

>>2697355

If anons had chosen to had built the Assembler during the time skip at the beginning of this crossover, I'd say that he'd have equivalent equipment. Given how that is not the case, nope.

>>2697387

And with that , Sheep's Blade is confirmed.

Writin'

>>2697146
>>Hunter’s Blade: As Mono fights in combat, she sings a melody that increases her area awareness, reaction speeds, and sense of smell.

>>2697392
Dammit, argh, one chance to improve her overall combat and people go for something that would only benefit her if she was fighting near others. Why not consider situations when she is fighting only with her team, like the previous week?

>>2697392
Something we need to rectify, eventually.

>>2697402
Really, I think part of the problem for me is the name of the ability. Sheep Blade sounds helpless and ineffectual, like Mono’s magic effects our swordplay badly enough that random people are magically compelled to help us.

>>2697431

Mono retains full combat ability while using Sheep's Blade, she just gives the impression to any onlookers that she could use some assistance.

>>2697146

With all the recent work you’ve put into your magical songs, combined with this latest lession in swordsmanship, you’ve got an idea on how to combine them. Now, granted, on a job like this it wouldn’t help you that much, but from what Miranda’s told you you’ll be working in places with other individuals, usually unaffiliated civilians. At least when you’re solo, or with little backup; nothing that SHOULD require the kind of full team that you have here. Even so, it’s a bit daunting, the idea...

However, with a bit of… coaxing, maybe you’ll be able to convince a few individuals to help you out if you’re ever caught in combat in the open. Even if they’re not at the rank of your group, who knows who you’ll encounter during your journeys.

For now, though, your journey is leading you straight to your cabin. You apparently spent far more time training than you initially thought and, between the fatigue and your dizziness starting back up, your bed is looking far more attractive than before. At least you don’t feel like making out with that steel bucket for the moment.

Planting your face firmly against the rough pillow, you feel bliss overcome you just before unconsciousness does.

…

The next morning you blink away the last spots of sleep from your eyes, getting cleaned up as best you can given the accommodations. Strangely enough, you feel a bit better than you have previously. There’s still the sensation of your stomach rolling hitting you everytime a wave rocks the boat, but you don’t feel like throwing up right now.

It’s the little things that make you happy.

Now, what to do for today…

>Go find Izumi. With what you’ve learned yesterday, maybe you can continue training with her.
>Go find Owlia and Cylcia. They seemed almost giddy when you left; wonder what made them so happy.
>Go find John. You’ve barely seen him after he went off with those weird techs, so maybe he knows what’s up with them.
>Go find someone else (who?)
>Other

>>2697500
>Go find Izumi.

>>2697500
>Go find Izumi. With what you’ve learned yesterday, maybe you can continue training with her.

>>2697500
>>Go find Izumi. With what you’ve learned yesterday, maybe you can continue training with her.

>>2697500
>Go find Owlia and Cylcia. They seemed almost giddy when you left; wonder what made them so happy.

>>2697500
>Go find Izumi. With what you’ve learned yesterday, maybe you can continue training with her.

>>2697515
>>2697520
>>2697532
>>2697608

Izumi it is.

Writin'

>>2697500

Perhaps you should go track down where Izumi is and talk to her. After all, you have come to a bit of a breakthrough, so maybe you’ll be able to handle more of her training now.

Plus, you could mention that Gladiator basically insulted her primary sword style; maybe that’ll get a reaction out of the normally stoic gal.

With a destination in mind, you finish cleaning yourself up and exit your room. Your steps are a bit more certain, your stomach isn’t quite as heady, and you find yourself kind of wondering if you couldn’t keep together well enough to sing a bit. Maybe it’d help you get back faster...nah.

After a bit of searching, you manage to find Izumi resting near the bow; her back to the sea as she sits cross-legged. She doesn’t seem to be doing anything in particular aside from meditating. Honestly, part of you isn’t even sure she’s-

“Hello?” Oh. Well, nevermind. “Ah. Sorry. Lazy day so far. Need something?”

“Ah, uh, nothing too major,” Walking over, you join her by sitting down. The rocking of the ship is more pronounced now that you’re unable to move with it, but looking out over the water calms you a bit, “Was wonderin’ if we could do more training.”

It’s that that causes her attention to focus on you entirely. “Really? You seemed to not really take to the sea life before. If you’ve found your legs, however…certainly. This WOULD make excellent training for your posture and balance.”

Standing up, barely avoiding tripping over your own feet, you nod at her words, “Yeah, I’m feeling better right now. Was training with that Gladiator dude yesterday, and I didn’t have any problems then.”

An eyebrow raises at that. “Were you? Interesting…” her eyes flit away at that in thought. “What did he help you with?” Before you can answer, she shakes her head, standing up. “Actually, nevermind. I’ll determine it through a bit of sparring, hm? Unless… there was something specific you wanted to work on?”

>Work on going through your basic forms. Touching on everything is always a good idea. Keeps you sharp.
>Practice your footwork- dodging strikes, holding stance, and moving into positions. Like she said, the boat’s rocking should cause it to be harder than normal...which is good, right?
>Practice your striking speed and power- you need to be able to follow through on an attack even if you don’t feel 100%...kind of like now.
>Spar against Izumi. Whatever you need to work on, fighting directly’ll make those apparent real quick.
>Other

>>2697745
>Spar against Izumi. Whatever you need to work on, fighting directly’ll make those apparent real quick.
No shame in losing to a master.

>>2697745
>>Spar against Izumi. Whatever you need to work on, fighting directly’ll make those apparent real quick.
Izumi is a seasoned vet, she'll have a good eye for teaching us what we need.

>>2697745
>Spar against Izumi. Whatever you need to work on, fighting directly’ll make those apparent real quick.

>>2697745
>>Practice your footwork- dodging strikes, holding stance, and moving into positions. Like she said, the boat’s rocking should cause it to be harder than normal...which is good, right?
rare opportunity to train balance on a ship

>>2697745
>Practice your footwork- dodging strikes, holding stance, and moving into positions. Like she said, the boat’s rocking should cause it to be harder than normal...which is good, right?

>>2697745
>Practice your footwork- dodging strikes, holding stance, and moving into positions. Like she said, the boat’s rocking should cause it to be harder than normal...which is good, right?

>>2697745
>>Practice your footwork- dodging strikes, holding stance, and moving into positions. Like she said, the boat’s rocking should cause it to be harder than normal...which is good, right?

>Spar against Izumi. Whatever you need to work on, fighting directly’ll make those apparent real quick.

>>2697745
>Spar

>>2697745
>Spar against Izumi. Whatever you need to work on, fighting directly’ll make those apparent real quick.
This will probably involve at least a bit of footwork training anyway since she brought it up.

>>2697745
>>Practice your footwork- dodging strikes, holding stance, and moving into positions. Like she said, the boat’s rocking should cause it to be harder than normal...which is good, right?

>>2697771
+1

>>2697745
>Spar against Izumi.

>>2698487
>>2697996
>>2697785
>>2697781
>>2697771

Practice Footwork.

>>2697754
>>2697761
>>2697767
>>2698226
>>2698238
>>2698398
>>2698658

Spar.

Spar it is.

Writin'

>>2699095
>Practice Footwork.
>>2698614
I also voted for this.

>>2699102
doesn't matter, the result is the same.

>>2699102

Sorry 'bout that.

>>2699095

Also, since we're facing off against Izumi I need some rolls.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Rolled 74 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2699110
A vote is still a vote.

>>2699117
>Sorry 'bout that.
It's fine.

Rolled 57 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2699117
En garde, fear the fluffy sheep

Rolled 59 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2699117

Rolled 90, 35, 80, 74 + 30 = 309 (4d100 + 30)

>>2699117

[IZUMI TRAINING ACTIVITY]

>>2699122

That's a 79, let's see how you do.

Writin'

>>2697745

“Well...we can just spar and see how it goes from there?” you offer. As daunting as it sounded even to your ears, sparring seems to just kinda...work better for you sometimes. And in a situation like this? Probably best to get some real life experience, so to speak.

Izumi simply nods, smoothly standing up with a grace that almost makes you jealous, and draws her usual blade.

You, uh, suddenly don’t feel quite as sure about your decision making skills now.

Thinking on your feet, you reach into the bag on your hip and pull out the Whitefang Blade. As odd as you feel to use this sword, it’s at least something familiar and comforting to hold while you stare down the woman before you. Neither of you announces a start to the duel, but just from the change in air around Izumi you can tell that it’s absolutely on.

Swallowing down the lump in the back of your throat, you take a tentative step forwards, testing the waters with your blade held defensively in front of you. As expected, your opponent doesn’t so much as twitch in response, so you switch gears rapidly and charge head on with a two-handed slash.

Considering that you’ve fought the gal before, you remember not to make the mistake of committing entirely to the attack and keep yourself balanced as your strike is easily parried to the side. Bringing your sword back to your gut before the counter-stroke can catch you, you dance back to put some more distance between the two of you.

Irritatingly, Izumi doesn’t appear to have moved her feet even slightly through the entire exchange, calmly watching you as the boat rocks the deck. Forced to keep your balance, you recover just in time to see the swordswoman, already in a half-draw position, barely a meter from you. You manage to just barely get your blade across your body to stop the blow - but the force of it combined with your uncertain footing causes you to stumble a bit too much to the left, and with another push she topples you with relative ease. Before you can lift your head, your sword is kicked away, and her blade is at your throat.

Her eyes are sparkling now, even if her mouth is a straight line. “One- nothing. We’ll keep at it, but here a bit of a tip- if you’re not certain of your positioning, best to try to keep away until you are.” She offers a hand out, which you take gratefully. “Now, get your sword and we’ll try it again.”

Oh, fantastic...well, you did ask for this.

[1/2]

>>2699260

[2/2]

A few rounds later, of which you managed to hit Izumi a grand total of zero times, you take a break against one of the wooden railings along the side of the ship, greedily taking a gulp from the water canister you requested from a passing crewmember. Sure, he didn’t look particularly happy at the request, but to his credit he did return with one for each of you.

Enjoying the quiet moment along with your teammate, you do spy Gladiator on the other side of the deck easily going through his own set of training exercises just like yesterday. Well, this could be entertaining…

Although, on the other hand…

>Talk to Izumi more about what you need to improve on.
>Mention that Gladiator called Iaido a shit sword style.
>Say goodbye to Izumi for now, go find someone else (who?)
>Other

>>2699264
>Tell her gladiator thinks his style is better than yours, why don''t you show us.

And before that
>What can we improve on.

>>2699264
>>Talk to Izumi more about what you need to improve on.
>>Tell her gladiator thinks his style is better than yours

>>2699264
>Talk to Izumi more about what you need to improve on.

>>2699264
>>Talk to Izumi more about what you need to improve on.
I like keeping the ship in one piece

>>2699264
>>Mention that Gladiator called Iaido a shit sword style.
We won't suffer alone

>>2699264
>Mention that Gladiator called Iaido a 'practice' sword style.

>>2699264
>Talk to Izumi more about what you need to improve on.
Don’t rock the boat any more then it already was, or we’ll get even more seasick.

>>2699380
>>2699291
>>2699285
>>2699278
>>2699270

Ask what to improve on.

Writin'

>>2699264

With the bruises still fresh on your skin, you figure now’s as good of anytime to get some more constructive feedback on how you’re doing. Besides, as amusing as it would be to see Izumi and Gladiator go at it, you do want to still have a boat left for this last part of the trip.

Having to swim the rest of the way would be, ah, an issue.

So, after making sure to cap your cantine, you turn towards the swordswoman and speak up, “Well, as fun as getting my ass kicked was, I do want to get a bit more than bruises in exchange.”

You don’t get a response immediately, though given how Izumi’s in the middle of meditating again it’s all the same. “Such as?” You’re about to say something when you notice the smirk on her face.

“Oh ha ha,” you laugh dryly. “Seriously, though, just what is it that I’m sucking at?”

She pats the floor next to you to sit down, and, against your stomach’s complaints, you do. “Well, for one thing, you’re overcompensating in your motions...” And just like that, she begins to list off your issues. The lack of posture, the bad angles of approach, the hesitancy before engagement, etc. It’s rough to the old ego, but you’ve heard this before, and likely will again. Still, it’s good to get a detailed accounting, and she doesn’t just dress you down; she also mentions how she thinks your swings are more sure when you do strike, and how your defensiveness works for you. She in particular praises your natural reflexes, which you appreciate.

Before much longer, however, a whistle from nearby catches your attention; it’s that Dutch guy, calling over the both of you for lunch. Has it really been that long already? Either way, you stow your sword away and head over to the mess hall.

You almost don’t want to risk upsetting your stomach, but the thought of going without food until you get back to the city is not appetizing on its own.

Arriving at the mess hall, you tentatively grab the smallest plate of fish available and look over the folks that have gathered here.

>Since he called you over here, maybe Dutch has something to talk about.
>There’s Owlia and Cylcia. You might be able to get a few words in between them making eyes at one another.
>Talk to Archmage about how the job went.
>...Is that a zombie over there?
>A couple of the crew are playing cards in one of the corners. Perhaps you can convince them to let you in on a round.
>Timeskip until landfall.
>Other

>>2699632
>>...Is that a zombie over there?

>>2699632
>Since he called you over here, maybe Dutch has something to talk about.

>>2699632
>>Since he called you over here, maybe Dutch has something to talk about.

>>2699632
>>...Is that a zombie over there?

>>2699632
>...Is that a zombie over there?

>>2699632
>...Is that a zombie over there?

>>2699776
>>2699732
>>2699717
>>2699660

Zombie it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please. Just for fun.

Rolled 27 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2699792

Rolled 56 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2699792

Rolled 17 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2699792

Rolled 48 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2699792
Oh well, let’s see what I would have got...

>>2699827
Kind of relieved I didn’t get higher, actually...

>>2699797

That's a 61, let's see what you see.

Writin'

>>2699632

Looking about the room, you see the usual spread of suspects; Izumi and Miranda are sitting together in silence as they eat, Owlia and Cylcia are making eyes at one another between bits of conversations, Archmage working on some piece of paper, the slightly hunched form of a zombie sitting off to the side gnawing away at a piece of fish, Dutch and Gladiator discussing the finer points of som-

You feel something pop in your neck at the speed of the double-take you make, heart-rate skyrocketing until you lock onto the mop of dirty blonde hair cover the top of its head. Well, you were kinda wondering where John vanished off to for the last few days. With your curiosity piqued, you take your tray of food over to where the Artificer is doing something vaguely like eating and sit down.

There’s a moment where it looks like he doesn’t process your presence, those cold, black eyes staring off into the distance before they blink, snapping to meet yours with a semblance of life behind them.

“Emma?” His voice comes out with a slight growl to it, a sure sign of not being used for some time. The deep bags underneath his blue eyes tell you about all you need to know, “How’re you feeling?”

“Well...prolly better than you.” The words are out of your mouth before you can filter them, and you find yourself scrambling to make up for it. “Ah! I mean if you need any help or something, I can try, y’know? Or, or I dunno, a song? Cheer ya up?” Nothing. “...sorry.” Ugh.

You’re not entirely expecting the snort of amusement that escapes the man, that blank expression cracking just a bit, “Ain’t that the truth. And as for singing…” There’s an oddly thoughtful look on his face, eyes growing distant again for the barest of moments, “... why do I feel that would be… excessive? Overkill? Hmm?”

Ehhh...maybe he has a point. “Fair enough, but, uh...yeah, ya look like death warmed over. And not like it’s worth it. What kinda tripe are ya stuck with working out?”

Any ounce of amusement on him immediately fades, “... technical reports.”

You blink. “Wha? So a buncha writing? Yikes, how much do they have you doing?” you shake your head at that, realizing the answer by default is probably ‘too much’. “Eh, don’t answer. Rhetorical question. More important; it can’t wait until you’ve had a decent night’s sleep? Heck knows we’ve all had hell of it the past few days.”

[1/2]

>>2700050

[2/2]

“I could, but if I get them done now they’re still fresh in my mind. Besides, once we’re back in Shirahoro there’s bound to be more than a few distractions,” He rolls his head to one side then the other, eliciting a series of pops from his neck.

“Oooooh.” That kinda makes sense. “Kinda sucks. Boss handles all the paperwork for us, so I guess I can count my lucky stars. I just get the marchin’ orders and do what needs doin’.” If you ever had to do paperwork...ugh. You can empathize, really.

“The joys of being an independent contractor, I suppose,” Taking another bite out of his fish, John nods for a moment. Chewing for several seconds, he clears his throat before continuing, “Can’t complain. I don’t technically answer to anyone; aside from the tax collectors that is.”

“Yeah, I getcha.” Ugh, that reminds you of dues. Wonder if you’re going to need to do that when you get back. Speaking of. “So, any plans once you’re back?”

There’s a flash of something in his eyes, but it passes in the same moment that it arrives, “Got a few things to take care of, dropping off those reports being the primary, but from there… probably gonna sleep well, at the very least. Other than that, I’m sure some form of trouble or another will come up.”

You can’t help but bark a laugh at that. “Story of our lives, huh? ‘Cept it comes to you, and we go lookin’ for it...most days.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll creep up on you when you least expect it. And when it comes, it won’t be a giant guy with a sword that’s got your number. Nope, it’ll be a freakishly hot chick who’s pissed at you ‘cause you cut her head off with a power tool,” The shrug and slight smirk on his face makes you think John’s messing with you, but given what you saw in his head…

Ah, screw it. Your life as it is, who are you to say what’s impossible?

With a thin grin on your face, you consider how to continue things.

>Ask about how he met Dutch.
>Ask about how he managed to go independant exactly.
>Ask about the full story behind that ‘freakishly hot chick’; sounds like a good one.
>Ask about setting up a victory party.
>Ask about something else.
>Timeskip to Shirahoro.

>>2700050
Black eyes?
oh dear

>>2700053
>Ask if there's a freakishly hot chick who'd actually be happy to see him? Try and cheer him up with happy thoughts. and hope she's not dead considering how horrible this world is.

>>2700053
>>Ask about how he managed to go independant exactly.

>>2700053
>Ask about the full story behind that ‘freakishly hot chick’; sounds like a good one.

>>2700053
>>Ask about the full story behind that ‘freakishly hot chick’; sounds like a good one.

>>2700060

Whatever could this mean?

>>2700146
>>2700090
>>2700068

Hot chicks it is.

Writin'

>>2700053

Thrumming your fingers against the wooden tabletop as you contemplate trying to hold down some of your lunch, your mind wanders back to John’s mention of a ‘freakishly hot chick’. Given how his wording didn’t include any phrases such as ‘magical singing’, ‘troupe of’, or ‘rape’, they’re definitely not the kind you’re intimately familiar with, but it doesn’t make the story, true or false, any less interesting.

So, to further delay the inevitable, you speak up, “You know you’ve got to continue that story about that chick, right? Can’t just drop something like that and leave it there.”

“Do I?” Almost as if to spite you, the Artificer chews on another piece of fish thoughtfully. Glancing back at you, and clearly seeing something in your expression, gives off another snort of amusement before continuing, “To start off with, what do you know about vampires?”

“Uhhh...suck blood, really strong, can be ugly if they don’t use magic?” You’d never ran into any yourself, but you’ve come close enough, you think, and there were plays back ho- back there about them.

John gives a nod at your response, “That’s about the long and the short of it. Regardless, couple months back there was a pretty major attempt at a coup headed by a vampire coven. Never really figured out what the leader’s deal was, but the guy was not only a monster in every sense of the word, he had around a dozen ‘lieutenants’ that were not only were supernaturally strong and quick, but were a bitch to kill and had some method of regenerating their bodies after death. Top it all off was the fact that the coven had hordes of lesser vamps, which they had no issue using as meatshields all the damn time”

And something takes hold in the back of your mind as you remember something from earlier. “Oh...right, now that you mention it, I HAD heard somethin’ like that from Yuna talking about it. Geez. Maybe ya should’ve called us in earlier…”

“I’ve got a few contacts in Shirahoro. Let’s just say that things got a lot easier when we figured out that silvered weapons and ammunition did some serious damage to the vamps,” The shrug he gives there probably isn’t the most appropriate given his words, but, hell, not like it was your problem, “Either way, the vamps started making themselves known after crashing a major party, during which I ran into one of those lieutenants. Needless to say, the romance of the ages wasn’t born then, especially after I decapitated her with my cutting torch.”

You let out a snort at that. “Yeah, that’s a bit less than a tragic end. But wow, sounds nuts.” A thought, random, but not unwelcome, springs to mind. “I wonder if I could make a song out of that…”

[1/4]

>>2700435

“That was only the first time we fought; wasn’t until the fourth time that I killed her permanently. Next time was around a week later, when I was going out to visit a bar of all things. Made the stupid mistake of letting my guard down out in the city that late, and the next thing I know the vamps on my back sinking her teeth into my neck,” Perhaps unconsciously, he rubs a hand over the base of his neck.

Hold on, what? “Wait, then...shouldn’t that mean you were cursed? I mean, I dunno THAT much about vampires, but I heard that when they bite you, you become one!”

“You’re probably right; She sure as hell tried to do something to me, felt like I was gonna pass out for a few seconds, but I resisted whatever it was. You might be right, but my knowledge of the bastards really only went up to ‘silver works the best’,” Taking another break to eat, you risk taking a bit. It’s a strange taste and texture, crunchy on the outside and oily on the inside, though it definitely would taste better if you hadn’t let it sit on your plate for as long as you did, “Mmm. That fight ended in a kind of tie; gave her a pretty nasty cut across the chest in exchange for the bite and we went our separate ways there.”

Yikes. “Whoa. Heavy. But she died, and you’re good for certain, right? I mean, especially after that weird...mind trip thing we did? Or maybe that was something different...honestly, either way, I think I definitely want to try and make a song about this.” You can already feel the lyrics forming in your head a bit, something about dangerous love and equate it to vampires, maybe a blood-sucking…

Your lyrical musings are interrupted by him shaking his head, “Never figured out how they corrupted or converted people, but considering how I haven’t torn your throat out yet I’m sure it’s fine. Besides, I got the impression that their leader wasn’t particularly happy with me towards the end, so I doubt he would have even wanted me as cannon fodder. Now, the third time I fought her was when things got a bit heated, let’s say. See, Dutch and I got the idiotic idea to run a patrol with just the two of us around the back alley streets where the vampires lurked. Take a wild guess as to who came out of the shadows looking like I’d just fucked her best friend and sister?”

“Oof...yeah, that’s a pretty clear image.” Nothing more to be said about that… “Is that when you sliced her head off?”

[2/4]

>>2700440

“...Whoa.” There’s...not much you can say to that one. The two of you sit in silence for a moment before you find your voice again, a small upturn of your lips the only thing betraying what you’re about to say. “Sooo…’don’t be a clingy girlfriend’ is the lesson here?”

Perhaps taken off guard by your words, John nearly chokes on the last of his food, “A-hem… That’s a rather apt way of putting it, but I suppose you can’t get more clingy than ‘I want to drain you of your fluids’.”

“Yeaaah...there’s no good way to put that one. Even if you think otherwise.” Thank Gine that part of you is in the past.

...And now you’ve ruined your appetite. Damnit. “Aaanyway,” you continue, trying not to let your discomfort show, “I’m gonna maybe try to pen a new song, thanks to that.” You could use something to focus on for the rest of the trip. “Maybe call it ‘Lesson of John’ or something.”

“‘Lesson of John’...” The Artificer speaks like he’s rolling the words around on his tongue, “Can’t say I ever had an affinity for music, but if you’ve got something in mind then go for it.” Pulling his stuff together in preparation to leave, John pauses right as you take another swing of your borrowed canteen, “Thinking about it, you could just shorten it down to, ‘If her eyes are red, don’t let her in your bed’.”

Okay, THAT had you spitting out your drink with how hard you were laughing. Honestly, this guy.

[3/4]

>>2700442

[4/4]

You are Miranda Styles, a resident of the Intersection, an extradimensional anywhere and everywhere, and after a week-long mission, you’re back on solid ground. Granted, it’s not your apartment by any stretch, but the sight of your patron’s city coming into view after what you’ve been through out in the wilderness… well, civilization of almost any kind is a sight for sore eyes.

But, as you dock, you’re quick to hold the rest of your crew back for a minute. “Alright, girls, I’ll be quick about it. Long story short, we’re getting paid, but we’re to show up when he’s got some time.”

“Wait, so we gotta wait on him?” Mono asks as your team looks at you askance. “Ain’t that against the rules?”

“I talked to Archmage before we landed. According to him, the Don’s off in a meeting with some of the other major players of his organization about what they’re going to do about the Ruin; which includes negotiating our bonuses for the secondaries that we’re selling to them. So, unless you don’t like extra money, we’ll give ‘em the requested time. If they don’t end up paying up on the other hand...then we ‘negotiate’ ourselves.” You look over the assorted, and they all very clearly understand what you mean. “Until then, think of it as shore leave. Archmage will be contacting me when things are clear, and I’ll be contacting you all then. Do as you like, but don’t get into trouble. In fact, I’d suggest we all keep a low profile. Any questions?”

None. “Fantastic. In that case, have at it. I’ll probably be around what they call the Fire District if you need me in person.”

And with that, you and your crew disperses.

>The girls don’t have much longer in Shirahoro- if you want to make any last second orders or otherwise do anything in particular, now is the time; this includes if you want to bring up that idea of having other Intersection members visit this world for tech study/exchanges and Blight research with John (We’ll figure out some way to make it work. -MG/ST).

>>2700447
See if John could commission anything for a pickup at a later date?

>>2700453

Now is the time to outline what you want commissioned.

>>2700447
Is there something missing between part 2&3?


Honestly, I'm pretty much good.
I'm not actually a fan of tech/study interchanges with the Intersection. Based on what we've seen in the past, that sort of thing should be frowned upon. We've deliberately not traded in tech on other lower tech worlds; this place shouldn't be any different.

>>2700447
Well, we definitely need to set up a regular trade route here with John, so Owlia and Cylica can trade here every once in a while. Also, give Owlia some time to work on blueprints for that improved power armor design with John, and give Mono a chance to buy a guitar or lute.

As for bringing people back, I’ve got one or two ideas, like Ryoma and his partners, or Goo Hwi. The biggest problem with bringing back Ryoma, Vera and Sam is that they seem to work best as a trio and we only have one slot, and Goo Hwi is likely too morally upright to work as a mercenary.

>>2700463

Yeah, something got lost in translation there. I’ll see about fixing that tomorrow.

>>2700447
We could commission another mama generator or two, but we don't really need them. Otherwise, I don't see any reason to stick around.

I thought the intersection's policy on leaking technology to worlds that have invented them were clear. We were strongly incentivized to recover that way word farsight (too much tech too fast), and we not only took the farsight, we absolutely trashed any trace of tech made with it. And we've generally avoided using tech inappropriate for a given world.

Our final company slot is maybe open, but we've had that discussion before.

>>2700484
I'm pretty sure the rule is essentially 'You can trade things, but it can't be grossly powerful, and you can't give them the means of production'. We trashed that crazy girl's stuff because she got the info from the Farsight and was going nuts with it, but if you look at a lot of the clothes we buy, those were usually gotten in a trade, and most weapons we buy were sourced via trades before being reverse engineered.

>>2700494
Agreed. So long as nothing too high tech or something that could influence a world's history is traded, then it should be fine. Also, the girls could simply trade a bit of the very valuable platinum they obtained from right here, particularly the extra rewards from secondary objectives. That or even trade some work time for work time, like helping John make something he can't with crystal tech in exchange for something for them that they can't make as easily.

If I remember correctly, John is not as good in pure crystal tech, but much better for forging and other practical stuff right? I don't remember what else he is better at and useful for them that they might want.

>>2700494
>can't give them the means of production
And what is John really rather good at? Taking things apart to learn how to make more of them.

>she got the info from the Farsight and was going nuts with it
It wasn't where she got the tech from, it was that it grossly mismatched the local tech. Yes, she was crazy, but that'd make her less likely to spread the tech

>but if you look at a lot of the clothes we buy, those were usually gotten in a trade, and most weapons we buy were sourced via trades before being reverse engineered.
Bought in the intersection, after being reverse engineered by intersection denizens.

>>2700517
>And what is John really rather good at? Taking things apart to learn how to make more of them.
Wait, would he be able to take apart the bag of holding and learn how to make it?
This doesn't bode well.

>>2700517
>>2700524

He likely wouldn't risk it, I think. Even if he DID know how to make them, I doubt he'd have the resources for a perfect replica any time soon.

>Fair enough

>My point is that it existed outside of the Intersection at first. We'd basically be doing the same thing; getting stuff for the intersection from outside of it, then bringing it inside for our own useage.

>>2700524
story T did say he could do that, But it would be "Years after the quest has ended"

>>2700517
I doubt the Dealmakers give a shit about the local balance of power or introducing magitechnological primitives to interdimensional technology, so long as they get paid.
The problem with the FarSight getting into unauthorized hands is that it lets someone else compete with the Dealmakers, and get the home address of the Intersection, not some moral responsibility to keep advanced tech and magic out of the hands of civilizations not ready for it.

>>2700447
Coil guns and a sniper rifle version. Maybe also a combat shotgun version as well.
Getting guns from job sites is a lot cheaper than buying them back at the Intersection.

With the way that John was able to make a flaming sword for Izumi, could something similar be done with capes or boots that are enchanted to make the wearer silent or be invisible/camouflaged?

>>2697460
Just catching up here, but it also sounds like it would make her be less of a target as well since her opponent I assume would also believe that she was getting by more on beginners luck than skill.

Lucky Beginners and Masters are terrifying to fight because you don't know what crazy things they might do.

>>2700745
Plus, it makes a crowd hostile to her opponent. That can count for a lot.

It's a perfect tool for making paladins fall

I wonder what kind of drink Ryu would make for Miranda. Too bad nobody told her about his bar.

New thread is up:

>>2701298

Here's the part that I forgot to include, come in right between part 2 and 3:

“I’ll be honest, that would have been a mercy compared to what I accidentally pulled then. We got into another sword fight and, after a close fight, I impaled her into a nearby wall with a silvered broadsword. That... That really did a number on her. Maybe got a sentence out of her before whatever the silver was doing to her drove her mad,” John stops here, as if remembering how that went down alone still gives him pause. Now that you think about it, wasn’t there a broadsword in his mind with a similar scene associated with it? “Thankfully, whatever magic holding her body together failed and the vampire dissolved into dust. And the last time we fought… that really was the simplest. I shot her in the fucking face and she died. Dutch and I, with the guidance of one of the people the vampires had captured, found this room filled with coffins. Every last one of the vampires we’d previously fought and killed was there, sleeping away like they weren’t monstrosities. We… well, we killed them all in their sleep with what silvered weapons we had, broke all the coffins, dumped out all the dirt, then burned the entire place to the ground just to be sure.”

>>2700749

It would definitely make a neutral crowd likely to support Mono, perhaps even a few individuals from it would directly intervene.

However, that part about the paladins would depend on the situation. If its a world where the general population are under the impression that when paladins draw their weapons its best to get the fuck out of the way don't expect much in terms of direct aid.