>>3658718
>You can hear him well enough. Tackle him once you peg his location and start dropping bombs. You need someone a bit better for this.

>>3658718
>Try to see if you can’t double-up on that whole expanded senses thing. If you could see without seeing to dodge, that’d be helpful…

Glad to see you are back boss.

>>3658718
>Try to see if you can’t double-up on that whole expanded senses thing. If you could see without seeing to dodge, that’d be helpful…

>>3658718
>You can hear him well enough. Tackle him once you peg his location and start dropping bombs. You need someone a bit better for this.

>>3658718
>Try to see if you can’t double-up on that whole expanded senses thing. If you could see without seeing to dodge, that’d be helpful…

I was literally just about to flip for it.

Writing!

>>3658825
Stumbled on new thread by accident, since there was no twitter notification.

>>3658825
Good thing we still have people that don't want to just ditch the trainning.

>>3658718
>>3658752
>>3658779
>>3658822
>>3658822
You don’t think he can tell when you use mana inwardly, and as far as you’ve known you don’t give off any obvious signals...so maybe you can try a little something here. You’re not keen on expanding your hearing TOO much, but that, plus your scenting smell...you have to think a bit on how else- maybe your zone scanner? If you were to take the feedback and signal and just kinda…

There's...something there. And then a lot of somethings. For a moment, your head is blasted with a number of signals; some natural, some less so that you've trained up, and you've got to straighten them all out realllly quick-like.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

>>3658842
The problem wasnt the training, but trying to do magic and try a completely new skill in this very moment.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3658884

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3658884
welcome back.

>>3658884

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3658884
I didn't expect a run for the entire weekend. This is a nice surprise.

>>3658884
>>3658888
Nothing more potent than training in the forge of necessity.
Though the stakes here a little low, Miranda would suffer if she were to LOSE to anyone here.

>>3658888
It's fine we did it.

>>3658896

>>3658896
Hell yeah! We daredevil now, boys.

>>3658884
>>3658896
There’s something approaching a headache that grates on you, but you can just barely start to filter out all the noise, in favor of the one that’s closer, approaching with tangible intent. It’s almost like seeing a faint, foggy cloud in nothingness; not anything particularly defined, and if you weren’t looking for it, you’d miss it. He approaches, and you can hear him, and suddenly the smoke extends a bit- something from the lower end, and you jump in response, driving a knee into his sternum with a wicked off, knocking him off his feet and onto the ground as the crowd explodes-

Which immediately starts driving you nuts and forces you to shut it off, your head pounding and your glasses quickly finding their place back on your head. The big guy quickly tromps over, raising your hand in victory as the rest clap and cheer. “OUR WINNER!” He proudly announces. “Little Miss…?” he turns to you in questioning.

“Lane,” you respond.

“LITTLE MISS LANE!” he finishes. “Anyone else dare to step up!?”

To your surprise, no one seems to bite- many outright shaking their heads with a smile before heading off. He doesn’t seem too surprised, but instead pats you on the head as Pattycake and Trench come over, the former laughing. “Hahaha! Can’t believe you! Put Pup right on his ass!” Turning to the sprawled Scrapper, staring blankly upwards, she points and laughs. “NO ONE is going to let you live this down. NO ONE!”

“Leeeave me beeeee…” He moans out in a near singsong. “Leeeeet me dieeeee…”

“Fine,” Trench says, clearly finished with the situation. “We need to get her back. She’s got work in the morning.”

“A shame,” Spooky says. “Her talent for withstanding pain is fascinating. What drives her notion for violence, I wonder?” he muses to himself as you find yourself shepherded off as the crowd disperses.

If only he knew.

Jago looks at you and nudges you slightly. Yeah, he’s in on the joke.

The night passes with little fanfare. Come morning, you awaken, just as Pattycake knocks. “MORNIN’! TIME TO GET TA WORK!”

“You don’t have ta yell,” Jago gripes. “What are we doin’?”

“You get to work th’ pits today!” Pattycake says all too happily. “C’mon, I’ll lead ya down there.”

Of course, she was accompanied by Grudge and Trench, although Spooky was nowhere to be found. “The pits are what we call the area where most of the generators and filters help keep us alive are. They’re made of a lot of little fiddly bits, and some areas are a pretty tight fit to help save space, so a kid with your size and grit? Should be perfect.”

> “How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”
> “Wait, you expect a kid to do engineering work?”
> “How dangerous is this, by the way?”
> Other

>>3659052
> “How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”

> Other "Were is Spooky? Don't tell me he is one of those that only come out at night because he thinks that it's extra spooky."

>>3659052
>"How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”

>>3659052
> Other
Where’s my share from last night bet you made?
> “How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”

>>3659052
>“How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”

>>3659052
>“How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”
>After everyone is gone, have jago contact prima to see how she's faring

We should probably ask of they are going to keep breathing in our neck while we work.

>>3659052
>> “How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”

>>3659052
>“How long am I supposed to be down there, again?”

We aren't a mole person. Writing.

>>3659052
>>3659074
>>3659075
>>3659076
>>3659083
>>3659091
>>3659111
>>3659114

Bah. Well, you’ll just have to work it through somehow. “How long am I supposed to be down there, again?” Not that you want to be stuck there, plus you recall something about going on a food run of sorts.

She shrugs, looking nonplussed. “Probably a few hours. Dunno what you’re used to, but you’ll probably mostly be getting into the smaller tunnels, cleaning and replacing dust filters and junk like that. You’ll probably want to talk to Clockwork down there- he’s basically head of engineering. You’ll also get to meet the weirdo and a few others, too.”

Huh. Interesting. “Alright, then. Anything to watch out for?”

“Just listen to Clockwork and don’t cause too much trouble for him, really.” Seems simple enough.

You’re lead through a number of tunnels, during which you notice that distant whirring noise getting bigger. Must be the source of it all, which is expected enough. You end up crossing through an actual steel door, with a notable warning on the side- ‘Mechanical Area, Authorized Access Only’. Pattycake pulls out a pin of some sort, and sticks it into a hole on the side like a key- the door buzzes, then opens into an area that’s notably lined with wood like a well kept mine shaft. “Almost there,” she says, and from there you move on down a few more halls.

Another door to go through, and the whirring is as loud as it gets as you enter somewhere that could almost be called modern. Six large turbines are spinning here, and there’s at least two individuals in the room- one of them bent over, looking at some gauges on one of the turbines, and another, taller, nearly bald individual that seems to be walking and writing; this one looks up at you, revealing a slim, wrinkled face with a set of bifocals. “Ah. You must be our little surprise from the other evening. Excellent, you’re three minutes early.” He speaks in a more proper accent that makes you think posh- despite his lack of professional clothing, he certainly makes you think of an upperclass gentleman. “Good to meet you. I’m...well, they call me Clockwork. For my punctuality, I suppose. I make sure to keep everything mechanical here in top working order; along with any volunteers or the sort that come down here.”

(cont.)

>>3659394
“Lane,” you say as you offer a handshake. He takes it firmly. “My AICA is Falcon.” Jago merely gives a huff and a halfhearted salute.

“Charmed. I must admit, I wasn’t not expecting you to bring the robot.” He acknowledges as he turns back to his paper. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get right to work. We’ve a number of issues we need to take care of today, and the sooner, the better. The Seither filters on reserve generator three need replacing, for one. You should be fine so long as you don’t dawdle with that...I also need some help with cleaning and replacing a few pipes and tanks in a couple of the general water purifiers a bit deeper down; a couple are starting to crack and the others just need general maintenance, but if you’re a good swimmer it’ll be easy for you. There’s also some moving of a few machines and whatnot that what needs being done, and I suppose you could start on that, but to get everything, that’ll take all three of us- oh, pardon. I forgot to introduce someone!” He looks over to the individual watching the gauges. “This is Em...or so he calls himself. Em, could you say hello?”

Turning around, the mystery individual is pale, astonishingly so. His eyes are a rich, deep blue, and the hair on his head is scattered, like it just grew in not long ago. His clothes are so loose as though they’re hanging off of him, and he lacks defensive plates, you notice, unlike most of the others you’ve seen down here.

“...hi,” he says raspily. He seems almost like he’s scared to talk. Or at least that he finds the idea very awkward.

“Don’t mind him, he’s a fellow of few words,” Clockwork says easily. “Now then, I’ll let you have your pick of what to work on first. We’re on a timetable today, so I won’t stand for dawdling!”

>Work on the Seither filters.
>Work on the Water pipes.
>Work on the moving.
>Other

(Will be away for a while. Might actually wrap it here for today.)

>>3659397
>Work on the Water pipes.
Let’s try out that water breathing doodad we got.

>>3659397
>Work on the Seither filters.
then come back and help
>Work on the moving.

>>3659397
>Work on the Seither filters.

>>3659397
>Work on the Seither filters.
Maybe we can refill our Condenser here.

>>3659397
>Work on the Water pipes.

>Work on the moving.

>Other" Your name is Em? As in E=mc?"

Jago can work on the moving since he is a bot and we can work on the water bits using our glove to fix anything broken. Then if we use our mana we go to the place with seither and drain to recover some of it.

>>3659397
>Work on the Seither filters.
Goddamit, I really hope we can find a chance to try the experimental comms in a quiet unmonitored area at least once. I do not like the idea of returning the equipment unused&untested to owlia.

>>3659397
>>Work on the Seither filters.

>>3659434
Calm down, the mission just started.

>>3659397
>Other: Falcon can help with the moving

Don't know you're into game dev Handler? What kind of work can you do with that rig of yours?
Not to discourage you or anything, but I've only heard bad things about such (salary/benefits/environment/everything). It's a thing that most people had gone in thinking they were doing it for love and passion but dropped the mentality after a while and treated it just like another boring job. Also your customer is hard to please compared to others, unless you know exactly who your audiences are.
Again, not stopping you. If you're a coding specialist, consider branching out to other areas.

Some notes from the last thread.

Lawrence G. - dead scientist found on hidden floor of Orion/NewStar Abandoned Facility.
Shell Design names: 10-1a 'Alex', 11-2m 'Morgan', 12-3f 'Francis', 13-4j 'Jessie'.
The weirdo is probably 14-5e or m.

>>3659397
>Work on the Seither filters.
Jago can help them on the moving. And if he's still at it when we're done with the filters, go help him finish up.

Writing. Last couple of days have been...

Meh. At best.

>>3659781
Do you mean the character rig someone gave a while back? Not as much as I'd hoped. Do you mean my computer? A decent bit. I have a product on Steam nowadays in Early Access.

>>3668553
Yay!!! we get a update!!

>>3659397
“I can try my hand at the Seither filters, if you want.” you offer. Sounds like the easiest job of the lot for you, honestly.

“Excellent. I always have some trouble getting the little pins in; maybe you’ll have a bit more success with that. Come now, we’ll get you in a suit and I’ll show you to the area.”

“I’m already in a suit,” you point out.

He pauses, looking you up and down as though only just now actually noticing the fact. “...so you are. Well, you’ll still need a helmet. Shouldn’t take long.”

“What about me?” Jago offers. “I’m pretty ‘andy!”

“Maybe you could start moving things?” you suggest, turning to Clockwork.

He hums for a moment as he thinks it over. “I suppose I can’t find a reason why not. So long as he doesn’t break anything. There ARE delicates in there.”

“Not a problem! I got excellent balance!” Jago promises, and Clockwork frowns, but nods. Turning towards you, he beckons you forward, and the both of you proceed to follow him deeper in.

Down another stone slope or two, and you’re met with a makeshift locker. “We don’t have much opportunity to get fully Seither resistant items out here, so I suppose it’s fortunate that you won’t need a great deal.” He casually plucks what resembles a scuba helmet off a rack. “Here. This should suffice, judging by your suit’s dimensions. May be a touch big, but such is life.”

(cont.)

>>3668656
>>3668656
You take the thing wordlessly- it does seem a bit big, but it slips over your head, and when he presses a button on the side of it near the neckline, it seems to suction at your neck, doing its best to vacuum seal. “Now then, the reserve reactors are just ahead.” He motions to a door ahead of you- steel, surprisingly. As he walks up and opens it, you find it’s just... a small room. With some cylindrical, turbine-like objects; three of them. There’s a small glass window that allows you to see inside, and through that you can see that they also have strange rings inside them with a thin film. There’s also long fans between the sets of film circles...and they’re all as long as you are tall, and nearly as wide. At one end is a thinner nozzle-like tube, clearly for attachment. “Those are the filters. You’ll need to go through another couple of doors to get to the generators, and replacement is really quite simple. You’ll see similar cylinders on one end of the generators, likely colored red. Simply make certain that you TWIST the filters on and off, clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. Bring the full filters back out once you’ve made CERTAIN that the valves are shut tight, understand?”

“Got it,” you say easily. Seems simple enough.

“Good. Now, for obvious reasons, I can’t go in with you, so I’ll be introducing your AICA to its own duties. I will be back in approximately twenty-five minutes, so I fully expect you to finish this task in twenty. Those filters ARE a bit heavy...roll them if you must,” he concedes. “Right, then, we’re off. Do be careful!” With a nod and a wave from both, Jago and Clockwork leave you be for now.

“I will!” you call after them as you look back towards the filters. Picking one up, you scoff a bit; they’re not heavy at all. You can get this done pretty quick, no doubt...probably quick enough to afford you a bit of time doing something else now that you’re not as supervised…

>Go try to talk to that Em guy. He might have some interesting knowledge.
>If you’re careful, you can get a quick scouting session in thanks to your Vanishing Plate…if it works as advertised.
>Now might be the time to see just what Seither is all about, in regards to your own constitution.
>Other

>>3668661
>Now might be the time to see just what Seither is all about, in regards to your own constitution.
We can also try our healing gauntlets on the machinery.

>>3668661
>Now might be the time to see just what Seither is all about, in regards to your own constitution.
>Other"See if you can recharge the condenser using the ambient Seither"

>>3668670
More curious if we can put mana inside the empty seither bateries

>>3668661
>Now might be the time to see just what Seither is all about, in regards to your own constitution.
>See if you can recharge the condenser

>>3668661
>>Now might be the time to see just what Seither is all about, in regards to your own constitution.

Writing.

>>3668661
>Now might be the time to see just what Seither is all about, in regards to your own constitution.

>>3668661
>>3668670
>>3668670
>>3668670
>>3668672
>>3668672
>>3668688
>>3668688
>>3668696
>>3668815
All things considered...maybe you can finally answer a question you’ve had for a while. Your ‘friendly shadow’ mentioned that he felt it was mana, but ‘spicy’. You have to admit curiosity for what exactly that means. Taking one of the cylinders with you under an arm, you head through the second door after closing the first- you’re pretty sure it’s their bootleg version of an airlock, but whatever.

The room is simple, but there are four MASSIVE generators in the room, surprisingly quiet save for a slight humming noise, unlike the six that are rumbling and humming from earlier. Upon closer inspection, you realize why- while the generators are on, they seem to not be outputting anything, rather just...on. Obviously they’re doing SOMETHING, but you’re not exactly an omnirange engineer. There are some spinning turbines you can see, but that’s about it, with the large pipes going into the ground...somewhere. You’re kind of surprised there’s lower, but whatever. There’s clear numbers on the sides of the generators, so finding number three isn’t hard. Sure enough, it’s chock full of red, through the glass window that you see. Alright… grab, twist here, and...the filter pops out, and you grab hold as gravity asserts itself on the filter, setting it down easily as whiffs of red begin to wisp out of the now empty valve. And that means…

You grab the sides of your helmet and pop it off, fortunately easy. Leaning a bit closer, you can’t help but hum a bit...there’s not exactly a ton offffff…

...whew. WOW. Wow wow wow wow wow! That’s some...that’s a bit of alright!

Taking a breath, you blink once, twice as things seem to sharpen ever so slightly. You don’t feel drunk, or high, or anything like that...but you sure as all getout feel yourself getting more and more ENERGETIC. Like...like a lot of energy.

Like holy SHIT a lot a lot of energy like WOW. You feel like your mana is spilling over but in a good way...and as you look at your arms, you realize that you’re unconsciously venting mana. A small huff shows a slight puff of red mist from your mouth, like on a cold day. You don't feel tense or headachy or anything...but damn, you feel like you could fire off a half-dozen Nebula Busters and not even be winded!

This...this is interesting.

>Current Mana: 13000/12500 (Rising).


(Done for the night. Ha.)

>>3668880
Oh hey, we found drugs.

>>3668880
Well, time to open up the bag of holding and put all the seither in there!

>>3668880
Thanks for running!

>>3668886
It was mentioned that there are crystalyzed forms of Seither. If a small whiff of gas overcharged us, maybe they could be used for better, more potent Mana Crystals?

>>3668895
i was thinking into grabbing samples for synthesization purposes, but that sounds better. Actually, this is the perfect moment to contact owlia and ask for advice.

We should just take a Reactor before we finish the job.

>>3668904
what. Those don't fit in the bag.

>>3668880
Uhhhh what just happened?
I hope this isn't dangerous to us

>>3668907
Scan it?Maybe the Future Sight will download the blueprints for us.

>>3668911
We just took a sip on some red bull. We are OVERFLOWING!!! With mana.

Obviously we should grab some of these Seither on our way back. Meanwhile are there any tricks we can do at the moment with infinite mana regen?

>>3668880
Could we fill up some of our Mana Crystals with the Mana Condenser collecting Seither?

>>3668928
Not sure what you mean, but we can practice our new Mana Over-Channel technique in order to improve its manacost efficiency.

>>3668937
I think that Lorenzo's Condensers filters and harmonizes mana, so the unique effect of Seither might be lost. Not sure though, just speculating.

>>3668937
No because we haven't spent the mana in our mana crystals. But i would rather get the natural crystals and bring to Owlia so she can take a look at it.

>>3668938
>our new Mana Over-Channel technique
Unless you mean some skill that i don't remember, i don't think that what its happening to miranda right now is a skill. Seems to me that its our body literally trying to get rid of the excess mana. Like sweating to get rid of the extra heat but for magic

>>3668917
eh, why not. But we already have an engine that converts mana into electricity, i don't think this one will be better (supposing it generates energy instead of just getting rid of seither, of course).

>>3668928
We could try using our magic gauntlets on the machinery or try to use the daredevil skill we tried to develop on last night's fight.

>>3668966
>skill that i don't remember
We learned it on the last mission when we tried to learn how to make a Flamethrower technique. Over-Channel is a super version of Mana Channeling, it greatly increases Miranda's strength and other physical abilities. It cost 1500 to cast and 100×1dX mana upkeep per post (X is the dice, it depends on action in the next post). It's missing from the pastebin though, along with the new Flamethrower prototype and the Mind Barrier.
I'm just being stupid though, didn't notice the 'at this moment' part of that anon's post and been thinking about ways to abuse Seither-filled areas.

I seriously hope we dont explode when we try to actually test this out later and overdose or something. Be careful guys.

>>3668895
Or use them to become drug dealers in the Intersection

>>3669138
Not everyone can snort mana like randa

>>3669149
She's not the only magical girl in the Intersection. You don't need the whole population of the area to be your customer to make a profit.

>>3668880
Well, isn't that interesting...
I'm glad it was Mana, and not something actually harmful. That would have been a stupid way to die.
I wonder what makes this different from the mana reactor the flyboys had. We could hang out in it all day and it wouldn't overcharge us.

>>3669454
probably its the design.The helicarrier reactor had to had its own mana tank for when there is no ambient mana, while these generators have the seither all around them. we also never stayed inside the helicarrier's reactor for long and when we did it was because we were very low on mana.

I had a delivery today. I'm pretty sure it got stolen.

Writing, anyway.

>>3671430
That sucks. Did you inform the post office of how shit they are?

>>3671430
Porch pirates should be treated like pirates: give them a short rope and a long drop.

>>3668880
>>3668880
You’re tempted to take another big breath, but even in your heightened state, you realize that there’s probably SOME kind of effects on you, even if not the same, right? Will it kill you? Likely not, but it’s probably not smart to keep breathing it in.

...DAMN, it’s tempting, though. Maybe you should at least try something before you do- certainly before you lock this away in a filter. Damn shame most humans here can’t do anything direct with this stuff, it’s kinda great. If you had a decent amount of this, you could probably bury this entire cavern by yourself. Heck, wonder how potent this stuff could be in CRYSTAL form. That’d be neat.

>Current Mana: 13250/12500 (Rising)

> Settle for one more whiff, lock yourself back, and get back to work. You’ll have opportunities in the future, and you don’t want to get too needy.
> Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…
> You’re pretty sure this won’t kill you at least… maybe a couple more minutes of intake wouldn’t hurt anything.
> Other

>>3671605
> Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…
Open the bag of holding and let all the seither in!

>>3671605
> Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…

>>3671605
> Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…
Nghhhh, I want to go with the third option so badly though.

>>3671605
> Settle for one more whiff, lock yourself back, and get back to work. You’ll have opportunities in the future, and you don’t want to get too needy.
Remember our freaky eyes?

>>3671605
> Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…
And began Miranda's slow descent into a dealer. At least it paid better.

>>3671605
>Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…

What do we call it if we can can this stuff? Red Rush? Hyperrouge? Ugh, you're not great with names.

>>3671605
>> Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…

>>3671605
>Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…
I'd be wary of this since we might accidently break our stuff, but if this is what other anons want to go for...
Just wish we stopped here and settle for a crystal later. With preferably seither resistant armor between us and it.

>>3671605
>> Okay, if nothing else this would be interesting to see how some of your tools work with this stuff, like the condenser. There’s got to be a way to bottle this stuff to save…
Damn, I missed when this started running again.

>>3671605

Well, you can at least take a look at it, maybe figure out how to bottle this stuff. Maybe you should read into it a bit. Wonder what the FutureSight says…

> Caution: High-Energy Mana Detected. Potency estimated at approximately 150% standard mana energy output at equalized levels. Absorption beyond estimated safe amounts may lead to muscular strain and mana leakage due to overwork and exhaustion of internal mana conduits.

...Ah. Well. Concerning, but not too bad! ‘Safe amounts’, though...hm. Nebulous. Probably because everyone has different ranges. Still worth seeing what’s what with this stuff. Maybe the condenser can give you some answers.

It takes only a few minutes to collect a bit from the canister- they didn’t bother taking your bag, thank goodness. It doesn’t take much longer, however, to notice the once maroon red already fading to a lighter color. Damn, so much for that idea. You don’t think you can just...open the bag and let it in, can you? Heck, would that damage anything else in there? You don’t want that. You might have to get back to this- there’s no immediately available containers for Seither at the moment, you think. But it’s definitely something you’re going to be on the lookout for, now.

Taking the empty Seither filter and hooking it up with a twist, you sigh in annoyance, the puff of Seither exiting your mouth easily again. Damnit, you just kinda want to go for a run or do some training or blast someone to pieces right now, fuck…no, seriously, that’s great stuff. Owlia would love to hear about this.

>Current Mana: 13500/12500

>You can finish this up and then go for a quick (invisible) jog. Vanishing Plates ahoy!
>You can head to Jago, help him, maybe get a few rounds in the Pit with someone unlucky before they ask for you again...you think.
>(Meditation) Maybe you should calm down a bit...you’re too antsy. A nice antsy, but it’s not quite...no. You need some space.
>Other

>>3671879
>(Meditation) Maybe you should calm down a bit...you’re too antsy. A nice antsy, but it’s not quite...no. You need some space.
Let's calm down before any of the punks notice something unusual.

>>3671879
>Other
>Call owlia trough the interdimensional comm.

Done for the night. Work is getting heavy. This is fun to write.

>>3671879
>(Meditation) Maybe you should calm down a bit...you’re too antsy. A nice antsy, but it’s not quite...no. You need some space.

>>3671879
>(Meditation) Maybe you should calm down a bit...you’re too antsy. A nice antsy, but it’s not quite...no. You need some space.

>>3671879
>>You can finish this up and then go for a quick (invisible) jog. Vanishing Plates ahoy!
While the meditation does sound effective, I'd like to test the Vanishing Plates while we have the opportunity to safely do so in a non-combat or emergency situation. Maybe get a feel of it's limits without dangerous consequences.

>>3671879
>Other
>Put your helmet back on already
>Test Owlia's Comms. Don't forget about the recorder.

>>3671879
>>(Meditation) Maybe you should calm down a bit...you’re too antsy. A nice antsy, but it’s not quite...no. You need some space.

>Meanwhile, elsewhere...

> "Right, lesse here...new jobs, new jobs...I can do a solo gig by now, right?"

> "I'd say so."

> "GAH! Damnit, 'Zumi! How'd you sneak up on ME like that? These aren't for show!"

> "Practice. Practice that I'm sure you'll eventually get. Looking up something to do?"

> "Yeah...dance crew trainin's done for a bit, and I'm runnin' low on scratch, so..."

> "Ah. Understandable. Anything catch your eye?"

> "Not yeah. I heard that you guys do a bit more than just... y'know."

> "Oh, a good deal, yes. It's not ALL utter violence, by any means."

> "Right, so I figure something what might need someone with a good set of pipes would be nice...bam, here. 'Battle of the Bands.' Sounds right up my alley!"

> "Mmm...'Battle between the megastars of Earth and the Tune Dimension for the fate of the world, need an emergency singer also capable of martial combat'? Yes, that's rather for you, I'd say. Lorelei might be annoyed she missed out on this one."

> "Where is she, anyway?"

> "On her own job. Something about stealing some artifact or another from a dragon that's declared itself lord of the land. She mentioned trying to see if she can't 'roll a Nat 20 on seduction', and frankly I'm mildly embarrassed I know what she meant."

> "...nice. Anything you plannin' on doing right now?"

> "A shift or two at the library, I'm afraid. Far less...exciting, but Delilah could use the help."

> "You talk about her here and there. Seems like a nice gal, yeah? I wanna kinda swing around, say hi."

> "Err...peerrrhaaaaps?"

> "What? You don't think I'd like her?"

> "Ahh...hmm...welll...I guess it depends? I mean, you wouldn't...that is to say, you're not...eh...ah, oh dear! I forgot I have to leave right now!"

> "What the- hey! What are you- GET BACK HERE! ANSWER ME!"

>>3671879
>>You can head to Jago, help him, maybe get a few rounds in the Pit with someone unlucky before they ask for you again...you think.

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>>3671941
>She mentioned trying to see if she can't 'roll a Nat 20 on seduction'

>>3671879
>You can finish this up and then go for a quick (invisible) jog. Vanishing Plates ahoy!

Burn off some energy!

>>3671941
Lori best girl. Also i don't get does Momo have something against vampires? Or maybe it's Delilah that has something against succubus.

>>3671879
>You can finish this up and then go for a quick (invisible) jog. Vanishing Plates ahoy!

>>3671992
Izumi likes delilah

>>3671879
>You can finish this up and then go for a quick (invisible) jog. Vanishing Plates ahoy!

>>3672008
No.

>>3672008
maybe. as a step great granddaughter.

>>3671992
> Lori best girl.

Objectively wrong. She's not just a roastie, she's a full Brisket.

>>3671879
>(Meditation) Maybe you should calm down a bit...you’re too antsy. A nice antsy, but it’s not quite...no. You need some space.
If we go for a jog on Seither people will complain about the hurricane sweeping through the facility. the hurricane that also happens to be leaking concentrated seither everywhere. everyone treats this stuff like it's radioactive, and for all we know, it might be.

>>3672224
Mana IS radioactive to normals. Remember the job were we git Owlia and Cylica? So far it was show that magical girls are able to live near high concetrations of mana.And in Gartoum case beings made out of it.

>>3671879
>Put the helmet back on
>Test Owlia's Comms. Don't forget about the recorder.

>>3672064
>muh purity
If Lori was male you'd be singing praises on how Chad thundercock her male counterpart is.
or reeeee on how much of a disgusting degenerate manwhore he is, I don't know.
Whatever fag, she's still a great character.

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>>3672465
Lorelei is a bad person, except for when Anons assume direct control. She's done some Ilsa the She-Wolf shit for motes and didn't give a fuck.

I dunno, I guess I prefer my murderers and genocidal monsters to at least have been forced into it by accident like Miranda was.

It's not Loreleis magically pubescent pussy I was referring to, but the state of her soul.

She's shit. Your waifu? Shit. Your taste in magical pussy? Shit. Your favourite colour? Shit. Your hands, sweaty on the keyboard after not washing post-washroom? Shit. Seriously on the last one I bet that if you put flourescent powder on your asshole in the morning that your house would light up like a shit sun with handprints all over it.

Because you yourself are pure shit.

I honestly thought waifu talk was naturally assumed to be just shitposting, don't tell me you take this shit seriously.

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>>3672465
Maybe I've gone too far with my previous post. Let me pic related you.

>>3672465
>>3672685
>>3672687
Hey guys, let's drop this topic, it's not going to earn us any motes or something

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>>3672706
Waifuposting tho

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>>3672722
No

>>3672382
Right well, we're bleeding seither, so, shouldn't run around the base killing everyone. Probably. Good to know we have an easy genocide option though.

>>3671879
>(Meditation) Maybe you should calm down a bit...you’re too antsy. A nice antsy, but it’s not quite...no. You need some space.
Also supporting this: >>3671912

I think we can calm down while operating the equipment at the same time. At least it'll take Miranda's thoughts away from her overcharged mana.

>>3672685
Lorelei is probably the most interesting of the OG trio to me; it's like she knows what she is but kinda doesn't like that...but she acts like that anyway because it's all she knows how to do. She has moments of kindness, but she's still selfish and hedonistic at her core- probably because she's still in her natural lifespan, I think? Likely once she gets a few more decades under her she'll mellow out.

>>3673375
>she's still in her natural lifespan, I think?
wasn't she somewhat of an idol in her world?

>>3673375
No doubt she's an interesting girl, but have you ever actually dated a girl like her?

A+ tier protag, D tier waifu.

>>3674275
You have a point. Doesn't scream 'faithful', although I don't think she'd be malicious about it.

>waifuwars
What the heck. Suppose it means the quest is a success and we're just desperate for more

>>3676190
It's just 2 knuckleheads starting shit. Hell one of them even admitted it was shitposting.
I already filtered them all, and you should too.

>>3676190
>Implying that's a waifuwar
You are like a baby

>>3676470
Yeah, this is just good natured kidding around.

After all, Izumi is undeniably best girl. Just straight up. I wouldn't want to waifu her because she's too pure.

Not sexually, like she's just a good person.

It's a shame people.

>>3676974
look, i wanna disagree with you, because its in my nature, but i literally can't. So i'll just settle by calling you a fag, you faggot.

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>>3677095
I'd be offended at your language, but it's okay for fags to use that word and, well, the rules about being here are dusty but not totally forgotten.

>>3671879
It’s only after you think wrestle with what to think about her ideas with the situation that you recall yourself. You need to focus. Calm down some...this whole Seither mana thing is making you...well, not twitchy, but...jittery? Isn’t that the same thing? Damnit, you’re wired, fine, you just didn’t want to admit it. But you’re mentally together enough to at least realize that. You need to calm down. Center yourself. Focus.

And put your damn helmet back on.

It’s a matter of maybe a minute or two to bring in the other two filters and attach them to their respective places on the generator- like he expected the lifting of them to be much more daunting than they turned out to be. You’ve got at least ten minutes left before he comes looking, maybe more, even. Plenty of time to reel yourself in before you start bouncing off the walls and calling it ‘training’.

There’s a brief moment as you shut the second door behind you- a small alcove just behind the ramp leading down here is as much privacy as you’ll get without raising suspicions, you guess. Settling down, you breathe out, in, out...in…

Your mind, which was in a rushing fog you didn’t even recognize, begins to fade, clear. It’s apparently just how nutty you were about to go, even if it didn’t seem that way at first. You might not have been hallucinating or anything obviously negative, but that kind of energy clearly DOES affect your mentality. It might still be useful in small doses, or maybe large ones used very quickly, but it seems that even for you, Seither is indeed a concern. You can still feel some of it inside you, even, simply roiling at a chance to be used.

>Current Mana: 13000/12500 (Draining)

“Hello? Hello?” Clockwork’s voice calls out, jarring you slightly. “Are you finished? I would hope so by now…”

“Under here,” you call. No reason to keep him waiting. “Yeah, I’m finished.”

“Ah, good,” he says, relieved. “I understand those filters can be a touch heavy, but I’m sure you figured out the trick to them.” He doesn’t give you a chance to respond as you continue. “Now then, your AICA was surprising helpful- if bellicose. He’s not quite done yet, and I’ve someone on the purifiers now, so if you want to help him, by all means. Pattycake and Trench are outside, and Grudge is preparing for the food run, if you want me to take you there.”

>Sure, might as well catch up.
>Actually, mind if I ask you a couple of questions? (What?)
>Other

>>3681047
>>Sure, might as well catch up.

>>3681047
>>Sure, might as well catch up.

>>3681047
>Sure, might as well catch up.

>>3681047
>Let's go help Jago, while making shitty "Do you even lift" jokes at his expense.

>>3681047
>Sure, might as well catch up.

This please:>>3681093

I'm kinda curious about the history of this place and all but i guess we should just move on with the plot.

>>3681047
>>Sure, might as well catch up.

>>3681047
>Sure, might as well catch up.

Let's wrap this up. Writing!

>>3681047
>>3681051
>>3681076
>>3681076
>>3681091
>>3681110
>>3681117
>>3681123

“Sure, might as well catch up,” you decide. Wordlessly, he nods, and beckons you to follow him. Trench and Pattycake give you a wave, but neither of them seem in a talkative mood right now, Pattycake simply looking dirty and annoyed at something, and Trench simply glaring at you and everyone else that passes him.

“He’s a rather...interesting model,” Clockwork ventures as you move along. “Clearly customized beyond any real recognition; part of me dares to say he was an entirely custom job, but I’m uncertain, and you don’t strike me as the type to admit one way or the other, hm?” You nod. “Thought as much. I’m curious as to how you acquired such a unique- and uniquely capable- set of items, however. While the artificial personality is perhaps a bit gauche, I suppose I cannot fault you for desiring companionship wheresoever you might get it. Ah, right here.” He steps up to a room with its door open; clearly just a storage area, but there are five or six small crates, and within is Jago, pushing out one that has a number of metal pieces in it- looks to be scrap. “Ah, you’re just about done, as I surmised. That’s going to the construction area, if you recall?”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it. Down the hall to tha left, end of the hallway turn right, then left, then three doors down. Almost set ‘ere.” He seems only slightly annoyed as he passes you, turning to you briefly as he lifts the box up. “Shouldn’t be much longer. This ‘ere’s the heaviest thing left.”

“The rest of them aren’t exactly light, either, so just be patient,” Clockwork says as he heads off yet again. “He’ll be done in no time. Well, my estimate is approximately fourteen minutes, actually, but still. Relatively soon.”

“We got this, brainiac,” Pattycake says dismissively. “Don’t worry.” He nods, and leaves quickly enough. After he’s out of earshot, she turns to you. “So, kid. Folks are settin’ up for the run. Doubt you’ve ever been on one of our trade runs before, so I’ll give you the skinny before anything else happens.”

“It’s necessary?” Trench asks.

“Of course it’s necessary, ya dingpot!” Pattycakes admonishes. “Now, as I was sayin’, you mighta been on a run or two with whoever you ran with normally. With us, though, it’s a bit different. We try not to attract much attention since we’re a lot smaller than most clans. What that means is that we do a lotta this stealth-like. We got a meeting place set up, so really, we just need to get there, make the trade, and go our separate ways without any fightin’ breaking out. The way things are gonna be set up, us AND them are gonna have folks in the back waitin’ to shoot if anything gets raw, so don’t start pokin’ at people. Especially ‘cause YOU’RE gonna be the one frontin’ the exchange, which means it’s YOUR ass that gets got first if anyone starts feelin’ too uppity, get it?”

> “Got it.”
> “Don’t you think that’s a bit risky?”
> “Wait, question. (What?)
> Other

>>3681304
>> “Don’t you think that’s a bit risky?”
Bringing a stranger out on a diplomatic mission were everyone has itchy trigger fingers seems strange, especially as a form of payment.

>>3681304
> “Don’t you think that’s a bit risky?”

>>3681304
>“Don’t you think that’s a bit risky?”
>"What are you gonna do if things go sour?"

>>3681304
>> “Got it.”

>>3681304
> “Wait, question. (Do i at least get a [weapon]? Have you done trade with these guys before? What if they start shooting first? Should i just run or get even with anyone who mess with the trade? Anyone else gonna be with me in the front? Were will you and Trench be? We can cover each other.)

>>3681304
>“Got it.”
What an odd choice to give use -a complete stranger- such important job, but ok.

>>3681304
>That's ridiculous. Forget it

These guys are morons

>>3681369
It's also the job were we are most likely to get shot at.

>>3681383
They are raiders so makes sense.

And if these guys are as traitors as people think they are. They will probably shoot the others expecting to have us killed so they keep the AICA and the Walker.

Or i'm just being paranoid.

Wait, this doesn't make sense.

Writing.

Or we and Jago are going to be one of the itens to be traded.

>>3681397
You are right. We have a really shiny mech and look like a kid. Definitely a prime target for murder.

>>3681403
I mean do to the Scrappers behaviour i'm surprised they managed to keep thenself alive for so long doing this trade deal if this is the usual tactic they go for.

>>3681420
I mean, It's the post-post apocalypse. You'd be hard pressed to find a more amiable trade system.

>>3681420
They can also be outright lying and instead of going to a trade, they taking us to a remote location where they can take care of us.

>>3681446
Still i'm kinda scared these guys had 100 people armed outside and they are considered the smallest group around. How many people do scrappers have with then??!!

>>3681454
That too. Could kinda ask of Jago is comming with us. If they say no, we now assume they are lying and are actually trying to kill us fall out new vegas style.

I agree with you guys, this is probably some kind of trap intended to get us killed. I'm not yet sure if it's them killing us directly or indirectly by getting somebody else to do it.

>>3681491
Is it wrong that i'm kinda hoping they do it? I know it will be a paing to kill 100 armed people but i just think how fun it will be and also a good trainning for Jago and his new shooter.

Jesus, this whole mission has been anons getting way too worked up over the possibility of getting screwed over at the drop of a hat. Just chill out and let things happen. The possibility of betrayal gets old when it's brought up in almost every single update.

>>3681498
Thinking like a true murderhobo, I'm really proud of you, anon.

>>3681498
I don't know if it's wrong to hope for it but I'm hoping for it too.
And I think Prima and Jago aren't yet aware of what Miranda can do in a real battle. If I recall correctly she used magic when training them in the Intersection but that's nothing compared to a real fight. They'll be in for a big surprise.

>>3681516
If we expect a betrayal but the people don't betray us, does that count as a different type of betrayal?

>>3681525
Yes, not from the characters, but from Handler's callous disregard of how the narrative anons expected was supposed to go.

>>3681304
>>3681342
>>3681345
>>3681351

Wait a tic. That doesn’t make sense, even with the threat. “Don’t you think that’s a bit risky? A complete stranger being put into a role like that by myself?”

“Yes,” Trench says harshly. “It is. I don’t like it.”

“Either way, you may be at the head of the line, but that’s only to literally haul the goods out,” Pattycake elaborates. “Remember, all the word dealin’s been done. Not to mention, we’ve done business with these guys before,” Pattycake says. “So they mostly know who’s who. You start acting out of line, they’re gonna rather hit the devil they don’t know first. But really, it’s just making sure you don’t try anything funny. Just get what we want, and everything’s square.”

Hm. You still don’t like it, but if you raise too much objection, they might take that the wrong way…

Jago’s finished earlier than expected, after you offer to help with the last goods. With your two guards’ supervision, you team up on the remaining boxes to conserve and mask a bit of strength, and from there you’re taken to...not outside, as you might’ve expected, but rather a room with some paper maps, a few small screens showing various camera feeds around the canyon, and a couple of small computers and storage cabinets. Inside is both the leader, Prometheus, who nods when he sees you, and another, new face. This one is a large, bald fellow- flame scarred in his right eye and some shoddy stitching across his forehead. He’s a big fellow, though not too muscular, just large- around seven feet plus, if you hazard a guess. He scowls when he sees you, but says nothing. “Lane, was it?” Prometheus asks. “This is Crash. I take it you’ve been told how we operate?”

“Told her on the way over here,” Pattycake affirms.

“Grand. So, you’ll be retrieving, with a couple of others. Crash here will be making sure you don’t stray from the task, and will be assisting in defending the team in case they get any...surprises.”

“I expect you to do as you’re told,” Crash says, his voice a rough, guttural thing. “Slacking's one of the many things that gets you killed out here.”

“He’s right,” Prometheus agrees. “Now, you make it back from this and we’ll consider everything done with. You go your own way, and we keep on ours. Fair’s fair. I suggest you get something to eat soon. We’ll be leaving in about an hour. Any questions?” He stares down at you, clearly expecting you to have none.

> “Nothing.”
> “Yes, actually…” (What?)
> Other

>>3681549
> “Nothing.”
>Prepare your Shield Shards and Vanishing Plate.

>>3681549
> “Nothing.”
Let us just get on with it.

>>3681549
>Who's the buyers? How can we tell it's them?
>How long have you been trading with them?
>What's the product being sold? Who else might be interested enough to pose as the buyers or ambush us to get the product?
>Mind if Falcon comes with? He's programmed for combat operations.

>>3681549
>> “Nothing.”
Make sure to keep an eye on our "teammates" as much as the opposite side.

>>3681549
>“Nothing.”
>Sneak a shield shard out of the bag so we don't die to a random lucky stray bullet

>>3681549
> “Yes, actually…” (Can i bring my AICA too?)

If they say no then this might be a problem.

We'll keep quiet.

Writing.

>>3681549
“Nothing,” you decide as you turn away. You’re not sure how you feel about this all, still...but you didn’t live this long by not being suspicious. Best to keep a close eye on you ‘allies’ until they’re all firmly in your rearview mirror. “I’ll go get some food like you suggested.”

“Pattycake, go with her,” Prometheus says casually. “Make sure she gets the chef’s best, hear me?”

“Sure thing, boss,” she says with that a dearth of emotion as she turns to you. “C’mon. Grub’s this way. We’re leaving right after, pretty much, so eat your fill.”

As you exit the room, Jago speaks up. “Anyone need any help out there?” He asks as he falls into step next to you.

There’s a pause as she stops in her tracks, and looks at him carefully. “No, you’re staying here,” she says evenly, before turning to you, ignoring his indignant squawk. “Standard policy when it comes to trades. We don’t want anyone on the other side thinking we’ve got stuff we’re not sharing...well, better stuff than usual, that is. He’ll be safe and sound here, though, so don’t worry.” Shrugging, she continues to lead you while you frown.

Jago looks at you behind her back in what you’re pretty sure is concern. Yeah, there’s some alarm bells going off in your head, too. Whether they’re warranted or not remains to be seen, but…

The food is...honestly, bland. Vegetables and fruits; not much in the way of meat aside from some old frozen strips of...something that you really aren’t sure of. It’s not the worst meal you’ve had, but it’s far from ‘decent’, for certain. Afterwards, Jago’s led away- protesting all the while, as you’re led upwards, in a different direction than you came down. Eventually, the path opens up into a large, cavernous area with rocks strategically placed at the far end to act as sort of a set of hangar doors, and you can see they’re rigged up so that they can be pushed or pulled apart via manpower and ropework. Inside is a large number of personal bikes, some old pickups, a trio of old flatbed trucks, and to your surprise one or two transports like what you rode in. You can see a number of Scrappers running around, prepping something or other, including Grudge, and Crash near him, talking. Stopping now, Pattycake hands you a half-mask, vest device that you’re pretty sure is a rebreather. “We’re going to need to wear breathers out here- that or helmets,” she affirms. “Seither’s gonna be a worry today, and wagons don’t do a great job filtering.”

“Wagons?” you ask incredulously. Clearly not literally, but…

“They’re rickety enough they might as well be,” she insists. “S’all we got, really. Gets the job done, though.”

“Right…” you put on the device, and though it fits awkwardly, it’s relatively light weight means it shouldn’t hinder you TOO much. As you walk over towards Crash and Grudge, they both give you a singular nod.

“You’re with me,” Crash says bluntly as he points to one of the flatbeds. “Get in, get quiet.”

...Well, here goes.

>Roll 2d20, best of three.

Rolled 15, 4 = 19 (2d20)

>>3681690

Rolled 6, 6 = 12 (2d20)

>>3681690

Rolled 14, 16 = 30 (2d20)

>>3681690

Rolled 18, 19 = 37 (2d20)

>>3681690
I still feel like we could've avoided all of this side-tracking if we just voted to pull up.

Rolled 20, 12 = 32 (2d20)

>>3681690

>>3681690
Seems like we're gonna have a problem here lads, who's ready to die burning in magically induced fire, all the scrappers? Nice.

>>3681701
It doesn't seem like a place we MUST be at but to be honest I'm liking this little visit to a scrapper clan so I don't mind.

>>3681709
We're fine, we've got a 15 and a 16. Chill out.

Caution is the order of the day...

Writing.

>>3681715
>>3681701

It wasn't a necessary visit sure. But it gave us some good distraction and i kinda wanted to loot the seither canon so the nerds we work for can turn it into a weapon for our mech.

Besides that we also got a chance to practice blind figthing a little.

>>3681690
The road is long and bumpy, but fortunately, not exceptionally difficult. There’s strict silence from Crash, aside from the occasional dirty look. You’re mostly just keeping an eye out as you ride down the dusty plains. There’s a large cloud of Seither in the distance, you notice- far, far west, but big enough to be obvious even from this range. You’re headed towards it on an angle, and before long you notice the occasional odd rock formation in the nearer distance...although clearly much shorter, and glimmering like crystals…

>What’s with that massive cloud of Seither? Is it a storm or something?
>Those are Seither crystals, right? How’d they get that big? And isn’t it dangerous getting too near them?
>So, anything I should know about these traders?
>Say nothing. He doesn’t seem in the mood.
>Other

>>3681842
>>Those are Seither crystals, right? How’d they get that big? And isn’t it dangerous getting too near them?

>>3681842
>Those are Seither crystals, right? How’d they get that big? And isn’t it dangerous getting too near them?

We should maybe grab a couple.

>>3681842
>Those are Seither crystals, right? How’d they get that big? And isn’t it dangerous getting too near them?

do want...

>>3681842
>Those are Seither crystals, right? How’d they get that big? And isn’t it dangerous getting too near them?

>>3681842
>>Those are Seither crystals, right? How’d they get that big? And isn’t it dangerous getting too near them?
>>So, anything I should know about these traders?

So what's up with these crystals? Asking for a (slightly insane) friend.

Writing.

>>3681906
Is he gonna tell us about twitch? A old frie d of his that liked to snort seither crystal dust?

>>3681759
>i kinda wanted to loot the seither canon so the nerds we work for can turn it into a weapon for our mech.
...but why? We don't even have a mech and there are better options out there for weaponry.

>>3681842
It’s those that catch your eye enough, and is what convinces you to risk communication with the man. “Hey, those are Seither crystals, right?” He just grunts. Undaunted, you continue. “How’d they get that big? And isn’t it dangerous getting too near them?”

“Yes, because the aliens caused it, and yes.” He growls without looking your way. “Crystallized Seither has way more juice than the fog. Less deadly gettin’ near it than breathin’ in Seither, but you don’t touch it. Once you do, you’re pretty much dead. Ain’t nothin’ on the planet what can use crystallized Seither right now, and it just kills anything near it, so we just leave it the hell alone. Now if you’re done asking stupid questions...”

You get the picture, though you frown at his attitude. So, crystallized Seither is more dangerous to touch than the gas stuff? It makes some level of sense, but still. Maybe for THAT, you’d have to be careful in acquiring some...

The rest of the trip is quiet, and you find yourself approach a large, natural rock formation that reminds you vaguely of a boot. You’re driving towards the heel of it, and before long, you can see that there’s a natural cavern of sorts right near the edge of it.

You all park a bit of a ways away from it; enough to still see just inside, and you can barely make out some dots opposite you. Some of the folks nearby, Grudge included, stay put as guards. Yourself, Crash, and another individual he called Sloan; he’s wearing a helmet, and so you can’t see his face. As he gets out and shouts a few orders, you quickly palm a shield shard into your pocket, before he turns around. “Alright. This is simple. We go in, there should be crates of food and supplies, and a dolly, or a walker or something.” He points to a second flatbed as he gets out, which has closed crates that a couple of people are unloading. “We drop these on one side, take what’s on the other. Easy. You’re going in first, clear? Sloan and I will watch your back.” You nod. “Alright, then. They’re gonna ask where you’re from.” He fixes you with a cautious, serious look. “You say ‘The caverns and sands of Hades’. That’s all you need to do. So get out here and get going!”

Hm. Right then. ‘Hades’, huh?

(cont.)

>>3682321
Marching in, you keep an eye forward, as you hear the wheels of the crate transports behind you. There’s little noise but the wind and dust, and after a minute or two, you can indeed see glints of metal behind rock outcroppings around the cavern entrance. Guns. They’re all trained on your party, it seems…

Before you get within twenty feet of the entrance, where you can finally see three closed crates, you hear someone shout. “Hold, lead!” You stop, as do Crash and Sloan. “Man on your right! Where do you come from?”

“I come from the wailing death of the old world!” Crash yells back assuredly.

“So it is! And you look a citizen!” the man yells back. “Man on the left! Where do you come from?”

“I come from a pile of dead dreams and broken hearts!” He responds just as loudly.

“So it is! And you look a citizen!” the man yells back again. Some sort of code, likely. So…

He speaks up again. “Girl in the center! Where do you come from?”

> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.
> Other

And done for the day. I'll try to update tomorrow. I've been having a lot more...well, 'life' lately. Harder for me to run, but I still want to. Still have a lot planned for this story- I've grown quite attached to it.

>>3682323
>“I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

>>3682328
Thanks for running, handler!

>>3682323
>> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.
Doesn't sound like it's marking us out different from the pattern. Our suspicions are only suspicions at the moment.

>>3682323
>> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

Welp, if this was a trap, a bad pass phrase would be one way to start this fight.

>>3682323
> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

Night, boss!

>>3682323
> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

>>3682323
> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

>>3682328
Glad that you're not faltering. A lot of people have grown attached to the quest as well, me included. I wish you luck with your chosen career.

>>3682323
>“I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.
>>3682328
Thanks for runnin' and good luck with the life thingy.

>>3682323
>> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

>>3682328
This is one of the most consistently good quests I follow

>>3682323
>“I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

>>3682323
> “I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.
Night! Best of luck finding some free time

>>3682323
>“I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

>>3682323 #
>“I come from the caverns and sands of Hades.” Whatever it might mean.

>>3682323
If he doesn't say "So it is! and you look a citizen" can we activate our shield crystal?

Are we halfway there on our job or we just barely scratched our objective? Or better yet, almost done?

>>3688629
>not liking giant robot fights
Something is wrong with you anon. Or you mean this current job and not the arc in general, then probably nearing the end.

>>3688635
Don't get me wrong. I like the scenario but I don't know if we are almost done. It's more like I don't get what kind of source material (or show) this came from.

>>3688652
The world feels "real" instead of "super", so probably Armored Core?

>>3688703
Not really familiar with armored core. Is this from video game or a show?

>>3688652
Maybe it doesn't come from a source? Handler usualy creates unique worlds so we won't be going for know worlds of TV series .

However, so far i can see elements of Macross/Robotech and Armored core.

>>3688706
Videogame

>>3688707
Now if only Mono were here

>>3688652
I'm 90% certain that Handler created this setting

>>3688864
He takes inspiration from a lot of games and tv, but I'm pretty sure that every setting we've gone to was original. Some more than others. Roboworld was a pretty thin Medabots expy, and he's been upfront about his inspiration sometimes.

>>3688629
Huh, in my opinion we're only 20-35% of the way there - we've only finished one task, met the 'protag' a day ago and have yet to complete their sidemission. We still have no idea what aliens up to, and the client can't do much with only a single clue.

>>3688629
nah. we're only beginning. a mission usually takes around 4 irl months. We're still at the very beginning.

We've still got a ways to go. God, I hope not 4 whole months, though.

Writing.

>>3693979
Hooray!

>>3693979
Welcome back, boss!

>>3693979
Welcome back, you have being missed.

>>3682323
“I come from the caverns and sands of Hades!” you yell back. There’s a brief quiet; one that didn’t happen when the other two announced themselves, and you feel the hair on your neck stand on end…

“So it is!” Phew. Okay, then- “And yet not quite a citizen! Still on this earth, as all of you are!” He looks to his left, to his right. “Continue on!” Oh, thank goodness. Honestly, you were thinking there was going to be a fight. Or an execution attempt. Still good to keep an eye on things, but otherwise, so far so good.

The three crates are pretty large, honestly; twice as tall as you and three times as wide. They’re not all, by far. The cavern extends further back, where there’s here’s a few more large crates, not as big, but at least a dozen, and a couple of canvas bags of supplies hidden behind the boxes, to boot.

“Hold on.” Crash says quickly as you all eye everything. Then, he frowns. “Sloan, give me a count.”

There’s a pause as he walks around. You look to him in question. “Fifteen crates of edibles, ten of materials, with a few miscellaneouses. This doesn’t look right.” Sloan continues to inspect the crates, and you’re wondering what might be going on, yourself…

“Hey, hey! Can’t take your time in there!” A shout comes from outside. Crash frowns, but says nothing.

Sure enough, Sloan comes back stone faced. “Short four. Two food, two boxes of mats.”

He snorts. “Damnit. Figures the one damn time they get cute.” He prompty checks the gun at his side, before motioning to Sloan and yourself, walking back out.

Funny, you thought you were ‘leading’.

>You can at least say something about this. Would rather not start a firefight.
>Let him do whatever he’s going to do. You’ll adapt either way.
>Offer to go out yourself. You stand the best chance of getting out of things alive if stuff gets violent.
>Other

>>3694208
>>You can at least say something about this. Would rather not start a firefight.
We could try starting an impromptu fighting match for the last four crates.

>>3694208
>Offer to go out yourself. You stand the best chance of getting out of things alive if stuff gets violent.

>>3694208
>>Let him do whatever he’s going to do. You’ll adapt either way.
This is his show, we're just muscle here. And maybe it'll finally give them a chance to see we're more powerful than we look.

Welcome back.

>>3694208
>>Let him do whatever he’s going to do. You’ll adapt either way.

>>3694234
>see we're more powerful than we look.
I don't think they'll be happy about finding that out. Maybe we should stick with our gauss pistol.

>>3694208
>Let him do whatever he’s going to do. You’ll adapt either way.

>>3694208
>Let him do whatever he’s going to do. You’ll adapt either way.
Let's see what happens.

>>3694208
>Let him do whatever he’s going to do. You’ll adapt either way.

>>3694208
>Let him do whatever he’s going to do. You’ll adapt either way.

Locking, writing in a bit. Want at least two tonight.

>>3694208
>>3694234
>>3694236
>>3694276
>>3694276
>>3694284
>>3694289
>>3694289
>>3694312
Well. You’re just help on this. No reason to step on his toes- you’ll just let him do whatever he’s going to in order to deal with this. You’ll adapt either way.

As soon as he steps out with no crates, there’s already a shift in the air, as though everyone’s waiting with baited breath to see how he reactions. You can’t see the reactions from the folks in the truck, but you can see a couple more get out, which is already worrying. Crash, for his part, doesn’t draw his weapon, but he does keep his hand close as he looks back upwards where the others were. “We’re short!” He yells. “Any reason why that might be?”

“Couldn’t say!” The man responds with what you swear is a bit of cheek. “But from what I recall, the last time we had a trade, you didn’t quite give everything you were due! You wouldn’t consider this evening the scales?”

“The hell?!” Crash yells. “I was right there during the last trade- you didn’t say shit! You just left! You shittin’ me?! What’re you tryin’ to pull!? What the hell you think we left out!?”

“We’re not trying to pull anything, my good man!” Yeah, he’s being cheeky on purpose. “But if you recall, you claimed that we’d be permitted a bit of use of a couple of yours for a bit!”

“And they fuckin’ went! Some of ‘em came back with less parts, too!” Crash is red in the face now, and you can already tell tensions are rising.

“Which they certainly didn’t have permission to do so early! And your lead never seemed to ask, and what a shame for it! Now look, if you’re going to get all uppity on false accusations, then we MAY have to renegotiate our deal!” Well, great. “I would suggest you take what’s being offered and move on!”

“Lying bastards!” Sloan says heatedly, and his hand moves to his own hip-placed armament. “You goddamn well think you can fuck us over jus’ because you had shit luck and fucked up some of ours!?!”

“Sloan!” Crash yells once.

Too late, though- he draws, and you swear inwardly. “You fucks better-”

A gunshot rings out, and time seems to slow as Sloan’s armored chest seems to splinter open as he’s thrown back by the powerful shot.

>Action!

>>3694529
Can we have a map, please?

>>3694529
Okay, changed my mind
>Cast Starburst and Sun's Flare
>Then use Body Armor technique and Vanishing plate
>Start popping bastards with your pistol

>>3694529
>?
Get in cover and start working on flanking them and moving to melee range, terrain permitting. If cover is scarce, pull the bolt pistol and start cracking off shots. How many rounds do we have for it again? If we run it dry, We've still got a few odd guns in the bag, right? This would be a good chance to put them to use.

>>3694542
No overt magic for now; save that for if things get really hairy. And a magical flashband will blind our allies as much as the enemy.

>>3694569
>No overt magic for now
Actually, thinking on it, we might be able to pass off one or two spells as "picked it up from a ruin". The Body Armor could be passed off as a personal energy shield maybe, for instance. But that would also mark us as having rare powerful tech on us, even more reasons for our "allies" to mug us later.

>>3694569
We only have a pocket small caliber pistol - everything else is melee/explosives. Oh, and a bow, but I dunno if it'd work here or not.
>Natural rock formation
>Cavern nearby
>Our guys mentioned that these guys could bring a Walker
These bastars expected things to go biolent, they probably prepared to ambush the whole convoy. It think this counts as a green light to use some magic. Kinda hard to tell their positions without a map though.
Besides, I didn't say that we should use offensive magic techniques, just a flashbang - we could easily shift the blame on the ambushers.

>>3694573
Personally, I don't think that they plan tk mug us - otherwise they would've demanded us to hand over our weapons yesterday and prohibited wandering around their base.

>>3694576
*violent
Dammit

>>3694573
If we're gonna do magic, let's stick to stuff like Flare and Fireworks. We can just yell "Flashbang out!", and Crash and Sloan (if he's not dead yet) would probably avert their sight, leaving us free to blind the guys.

>>3694582
Sloan is dead though

>>3694576
Are you referring to the magrail pistol we got in this world, or the purse pistol we got on the Mafia job?

>>3694588
Purse pistol from the Mafia job. That anon was asking what ranged weapons we had except for Gauss Pistol.

>>3694590
We do have that missile launcher and the mines, but I'm pretty sure Crash would be wondering about those.

We really need to pick up something larger than a pistol and capable of automatic fire while we're here... Maybe an SMG or an assault rifle? Or even an LMG?

>>3694603
We can pick it off these ambushers.
I still think that we should use Body Armor and/or Vanishing Plate. These guys are acting quite brazen, and they don't have our goods yet. There are probably a few dozens of them hiding in the cavern and the rock formations, ready to jump the convoy.

>>3694576
>It think this counts as a green light to use some magic
Not until things get to that point. If they are that prepared, especially if a walker is in play, we will need magic, but lets not go blowing our cover untill we have a need to.

>just a flashbang - we could easily shift the blame on the ambushers.
We could, but the point was that it would render everyone but us blind. Yelling a warning for a flash would give the enemy enough time to avert their eyes as well. Though we might be able to use that to slip past something more overt.

>>3694579
I think we have a very shiny toy they'd love to get their hands on, and that we shouldn't give them more reasons to want to rob us, even if they're not planning on it at the moment. You don't go into a bad part of town and splash a bunch of cash around unless you want to get mugged.
It's possible they decided to take a measure of us before deciding if it's worth the risk.

>>3694576
>We only have a pocket small caliber pistol
Unless I've misunderstood, the bolt pistol gotten on this job is a heavy pistol. It should be fine for this combat, but I don't think they have us much ammo for it.
>>3694590
Oh, that's what you meant. I thought we'd picked up a few here and there? Or maybe I'm mixing up different character's inventories.


If coming back alone wouldn't get us into just as much trouble, I'd suggest going full ham on the enemies, then our "allies" to cover our tracks.


>>3694603
We hardly have need of guns, but a basic select fire rifle in one of the larger intermediate rounds would be a solid, flexible addition for the rare times we do. A submachine gun with a large magazine would also be a nice secondary for closer quarters and larger groups of weaker enemies. If Randa used guns more, an LMG also would be a good addition, but for her if an LMG is needed, might as well go all the way up. Randa is strong, which means she could carry and manage recoil of much heavier weapons. A HMG might work, or a beefier MMG, or a minigun in a smaller caliber. Maybe even single shot cannons in the 20mm+ as sniping weapons.

>>3694637
>A HMG might work, or a beefier MMG, or a minigun in a smaller caliber.
Now I'm thinking about Soviet 12,7mm machineguns that were placed on tanks. Though they'll be too big for our magical girl, even if she can wield them. And I remember Handler saying that Miranda doesn't like sniper rifles.
About more guns - there were magistone spell-guns, but we donated all of them for Owlia to reverse engineer.
Still, we need a flashbang to get in cover, the ambusers got the initiative and we're right in the open.

>>3694652
We are in a cave.

>>3694658
We've just steped out of the cave.
What are guys even suggest to do? You don't want to use body armor when we're in danger because you're afraid that the guys that came with us will try to rob us for some reason. You don't want to blind enemies when the only friendly close to us is Crash. And offensive spells and rocket launchers are out of the picture too.

File: an attempt was made.jpg (2.08 MB, 3052x1717)

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Okay, so I tried to make a shitty map for this encounter:
>The rest of the trip is quiet, and you find yourself approach a large, natural rock formation that reminds you vaguely of a boot. You’re driving towards the heel of it, and before long, you can see that there’s a natural cavern of sorts right near the edge of it.
So we're at the 'heel' of the formation, the cavern is near the edge.
>You all park a bit of a ways away from it; enough to still see just inside, and you can barely make out some dots opposite you. Some of the folks nearby, Grudge included, stay put as guards. Yourself, Crash, and another individual he called Sloan;
So the only ally around is Crash, Sloan is dead. Our guards are some distance away from the heel, watching the 'negotiations'.
>As soon as he steps out with no crates, there’s already a shift in the air, as though everyone’s waiting with baited breath to see how he reactions. You can’t see the reactions from the folks in the truck, but you can see a couple more get out, which is already worrying.
The closest cover is the cave, but there's a risk of convoy being overrun, so we'll have to return to the base on our legs if everyone dies here.
No idea what can hide behind or on top of formation, but these guys started shooting first and weren't planning to negotiate in the first place. The situation is shit, so I think we got a warrant to use SOME magic. Maybe we should worry about the robbers right in front of us instead of shooting down ideas with contrived "what if"s.
We can pass Body Shield as a part of our Power Armor, and the flashbang would hurt them more then our escorts. The Fireworks could cover us from people firing from above, but I'm not sure that Sloan was killed by them or some sniper hiding in a foxhole. We can also use Power Boost if we turn invisible with Vanishing Plate, otherwise we'll have to explain our inhuman speed. I think our allies wouldn't mind if we pick up Sloan's gun, though we need to cover ourselves to get it in the first place. Mana is of no concern - we were overflowing earlier, HQ boost shaves off 20% of manacost, and there was Seither dust on the road - we can just take off our breathing mask and inhale some of it.
I need to vent. And take a nap.

Lets use the sticky bombs as "grenades". Maybe launch them on the top of the cave to create a localized collapse, but i'm not sure if that won't fuck us as well. Although, given that we are inside a cave, the sun flare might be more useful, but it requires us to get out on the open first.

>>3694674
We can get away with the flashbang I think, using the time it buys us to get us into cover and to do something more overt. But going full magic for this fight is going to result in some hard questions. We'll need full magic if the deck is as stacked against us as it looks, but so far it doesn't look that bad.

>>3694765
If I'm reading that right, the negotiators are above the cave entrance?
The vanishing plate is a good idea for either after the flashbang or once we're in cover, out of sight.
I wager a foxhole. With that reaction speed, the sniper was already aiming at him, and the negotiators hadn't drawn on us.

>>3694529
Sun's Flare, Vanishing plate, then find that sniper and acquire hardware. Determining direction shouldn't be too hard, we've got experience with/about gun wounds

>>3695149
Sloan's chest(?) split open, i don't think we can determinate a lot of information from that, than "it came from that general direction"

>>3695215
Sound, directional forces, and gun flash for direction, and the wound tells us what hit him if not more. It looks like either a blunted/hollow point round big enough to shatter armour, or ExAP rounds maybe?

>>3695367
>Sound
Its a cave, the eco will fuck with the direction and we don't really need to know nothing more -and can't under these circumstances-, since we saw how sloan got pushed back by the impact

>ExAP rounds maybe?
Anti materiel rifle; it doesn't matter what kind of round was since it was able to open up sloan like a baloon. any round that is .50 or bigger will be able to do that with ease and to us as well.

Look, if we really need to fight them, the ideal thing to do is to use the sun flare ASAP. The sniper won't see us as a threat right now, and that gives us enough time to literally blind them all and effectively end the fight.

>>3695405
>Anti material rifle
If the round is that big then it would have popped out the back and we'd have a direction.
Also, we agree on tactics, I already said I voted for Flash, Vanish, Kill the sniper.

>>3695367
>Sound, directional forces, and gun flash for direction,
Even for professional soldiers, unexpected sniper fire is hard to get even a direction on until the second shot. Seeing as he was hit in the front, we have a vague direction, but nothing else until he fires again.

For armor pen, you want small, fast, hard munitions to pierce through. Hollow points are explicitly bad for armor; their whole point is is soft tissue damage and avoiding overpenetration. They expand and fragment on contact with any sort of resistance.
Your point stands though. It's likely a high powered weapon of some kind. If we're lucky, that means a longer reload time.

>>3695423
but we do have a direction, since the hit was powerful enough to send sloan back, the shooter is in front of us. Where? well, thats a hard question that >>3695426 answered.

>it would have popped out the back
Maybe it did, but keep in mind that handler probably isn't a /k/ommando and simply omitted that part.

>>3694529
Okay, so what's the general consensus here?
>Flashbang
>Vanish
>Take down the sniper(s)
Correct?

And some other things that need clarifying:
>Body Armor - Yay or Nay?
>Pick up Sloan's gun - Y/N?
>Toss Crash into cover - Y/N?

By the way, I think you're being extremely paranoid about the scrappers that we are stuck with. They had a lot of opportunities to kill or rob us - they could've shot us right we when we jumped out of our Walker, jumped us when we were sleeping, poisoned our food or locked us in the Water Pipes or Seither Filtering Chamber. Yet they didn't. I don't think that they'll try to rob us if we use SOME of our knick-knacks, they'll probaby thank us for being such a great help in this ambush.
I'm not saying that we should become their best friend and jump out of our skin to save them, it's just that some anons worry too much about potential issues of showing off our Armor (even though we can pass it as a part of our Militant Power Armor that we're wearing) instead of dealing with the ambushers in an effective way. And this is really tiring.

>>3698217
>Take down the sniper(s)
Snipers last. The flashbang stun duration won't last that much and the sniper is hidden. Its more efficient to leave it for last and focus on the visible targets.
>Body Armor
>Pick up Sloan's gun
>Toss Crash into cover
Not the time for that, we need to take care of the aggressors first.

>That last paragraph.
I'm pretty sure everyone stopped suspecting anything when sloan got popped up like a piñata.

>>3698217
Phone posting.
I do not want to armour up in case it negates the vanishing plate. Our barriers glow and all.
I also think they should be taking cover regardless, so we shouldn’t need to help them with that.
I’m more interested in the sniper’s gun since once we have it we can start killing with impunity. Sloan was described as using a pistol, so it’s probably like ours.

>>3698245
I assume that we can use Body Armor on the go and it won't be seen if we vanish. There's also the benefit of getting more Technique EXP for barriers.

>>3698271
>I assume that we can use Body Armor on the go and it won't be seen if we vanish
there is nothing that sustains that claim though, and if we go invisible, the body armor is literally useless. At least with the vanishing plate we can run and kill everyone in melee, or use it to gun down people from a different position. The body armor makes us a very easy target because like >>3698268 said, it glows.

>>3694765
is pretty accurate. The cave lip is more outstretched, though- enough for them to stand on comfortably and peek their heads out.

Starting a new thread.