>>3792568
>from previous thread

“Is there any indication that the slimes are burrowing underground?” Henry asked.

“Well of course, their hive is located below ground, that’s how they’ve been designed to react.” Moldov replied.

“I mean do you know if there are other exits or if they’ve made further colonies and escaped?” Henry asked.

“Incredibly unlikely. For one we’ve had mages scrying over there for about four days now and we’ve detected nothing. Secondly it’s impossible for a second queen to form in the colony while there is an existing queen, consider it a failsafe. I’d go into specifics but you don’t need to understand the exact mechanics. Anyhow, we are very aware how dangerous such creatures could be if they were able to breed freely. I want you to forget anything you may have heard about the Cult and insane scientists. We take our security and procedures very seriously. The only reason they escaped were due to extraneous circumstances.” Moldov continued.

“So why were they able to escape? Is your security flawed or did someone else spring them out? If there are other groups involved I need to know, I’m not going to risk my people’s lives unless I know as much as possible.” Henry said.

“Outside influence? Hardly, Operation Firebird has proven to be far harder to control than expected… ah.” Moldov said, realizing he’d let something slip.

“Operation Firebird?” Henry asked.

“Nothing you need to worry about, and something you haven’t been paid to think about, so don’t. All you need to know about that is that it’s not your problem and that the Ooze colony needs to be properly exterminated.”

“So you can’t get the queen back then? Seems that if the queen died then you’d lose out on all that research?” Henry asked.

“Well, going back to the production of a new queen… once the current queen is dead, all we need to do is insert one of the queens seed bugs into a generic ooze and a new queen will be formed in a matter of hours. We have samples on file already, so we really just need the queen killed and the seed bugs destroyed. The colony will naturally collapse after that, given a few weeks anyhow. Having uncontrollable weapons running loose is something we generally try to avoid. Do you have any further questions? Time is not something I have an infinite amount of.”

>>3792572
“No further questions, let’s head out then.” Henry said, placing his hands onto the table and pushing himself up out of his chair.

“Excellent. Give me a moment to finish my tea and we’ll be off.” Moldov explained.

As Henry and Charles waited outside the house, Henry took a moment to get a good look around. Nobody really seemed on edge, in fact most of the guards looked bored as hell. The walls had looked in good shape from the outside and the interior sections looked well maintained. Hell there wasn’t even any garbage or anything inside the Cult of Progress’ perimeter. They took good care of their little area.

“So what did you think of that man, Henry?” Charles asked.

“I don’t trust him.” Henry said.

“Oh, why exactly? Is it because he’s with the cult, or his information is different from Ludvic’s? Do you think he’s going to double-cross us? Maybe he’s not human?”

“Any man who drinks tea like that is either an insufferable boffin or into the wrong kind of camaraderie.” Henry explained.

Before Chares could wrap his head around what Henry had said, Moldov emerged flanked by a single guard. The group entered into yet another carriage and departed. Henry didn’t even bother reading the sign that hung from the Hamlets gate, he doubted he’d be returning there, no need to remember its name.

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

>>3792661
>1
The journey took a couple of hours, far longer than Henry had expected. The terrain was fairly rough as well, but eventually the carriage embarked down a winding valley trail and the destination came into view. A large collection of stone buildings placed onto a mountainside was the fortified location the Cult was using as a laboratory. Moldov explained that there were even more locations underground as well. The place had been a town at one point until being overrun twenty years back by a corpse baron. After the church had mopped his forces up, nobody had returned to resettle. The Cult moved in five years later and had been using it for the last fifteen.

The carriage came to a stop at a small wooden gate and Moldov hopped off. Henry and Charles followed closely behind. The two were led through a couple of winding pathways until ending up outside of the town’s church. Henry noted that the belltower lacked a bell, and that the interior had mostly been gutted and turned into a meeting hall. The entire town felt odd, and after checking mage site Henry understood why. There were skeins of red mana everywhere. Trails of power arcing through the entire town. Whatever project firebird was it was probably related.

“Alright then, I suppose I should formerly welcome you to Ishwell. Our little slice of paradise.” Moldov said, sweeping his hands out. Henry noted that there were a couple of people waiting for him. Both were seated at a small table, waiting for Henry.

“So he’s the mage who utilized a mortar spell singlehandedly?” One asked.

“No that was one of his compatriots. His accomplishments are still fairly impressive however.” The other said. “Henry, correct?”

“Yes.” Henry said. “And you?”

“Something that’s on a need to know basis I’m afraid. Moldov here is your contact, we’re just here to provide additional information and explain what the task is going to involve. We’ve been made aware of several developments that will have an impact on the mission at hand.”

Decisions:
1. *listen*
2. “Look, we’re squashing bugs here, it’s not like we can’t handle it.”
3. “Why the hell does it look like the town’s about to become a crater?”
4. “Firebird, the Ooze, how many horrors does this place have exactly?”
5. *Ask questions* (write in)

>>3792665
>“Why the hell does it look like the town’s about to become a smoldering crater?”

>>3792673
This

>>3792673
>>3792798
writing

>>3792665
“Why the hell does it look like the town’s about to become a smoldering crater?” Henry asked.

“Ah, that.” The first man said, stroking his beard.

“Well it’s because it almost was.” The second man said, adjusting his iron helmet so it sat correctly on his head.

“What these gentlemen mean is that it’s not something you really need to know. Isn’t that right, Mark, Lev?” Moldov asked.

“Fine, can’t talk about anything to anyone.” Mark replied.

“Look you’re hired to destroy an Ooze colony. Let’s keep Moldov happy so the snitch doesn’t get in our hair.” Lev said.

“Fine, what can you tell me?” Henry asked.

“Well, we’ve noticed a couple more types of ooze, it seems the hive is beginning to adapt to its surroundings. Here they were properly contained and thus had little chance to evolve, its honestly fascinating, shame the lead researcher died during the incident. We’re hoping to get the project right back on track and well-“ Mark said.

“Stay on topic, please.” Moldov interrupted.

“Well we’ve noticed a form that is able to extend spikes out from its central mass. In addition these spikes seem to be hardened in a similar way as the biters teeth. They roll around and attempt to skewer. anything that comes too close to the nest itself.” Lev continued.

“Secondly we’ve noticed another mutation, a ooze that’s able to fire off a suppressive spray of binding material.” Mark said.

“A gunk shot, they also try to stay at range and avoid close combat entirely, showing a new level of intelligence from the standard ooze forms. This evolution in behavior is exciting and we’d like to request you capture one of them.” Lev said.

“While that would be nice we’re not making it mandatory.” Moldov said.

“But we could be looking at a breakthrough.” Lev complained.

“Yes yes, but I’d like to see some actual results first.” Moldov said. “This location has been oh so disappointing in that regard. So please don’t go adding things to the to-do list until you have your own house in order, understood?”

“Yes sir.” Lev said.

Decisions:
1. “So what’s your job Moldov? You don’t seem to actually work here.”
2. “Fantastic, great. What’s next? Exploding Ooze?”
3. “No further questions.”
4. *ask questions* (Write in)

>>3792974
>“As far as you have been able to scry out, the ooze have not left the area even underground, right? Is your perimeter that tight, or did the ooze develop anti-scrying measures behind your backs?"
>“You got a map of the place? I need to know what rooms there are so we don't overlook any while clearing it out. Surprise attacks from sections we assumed were cleared is not something I want to have happening while we're doing this job."
>"Are the bone blades and teeth the ooze generate actually bone, or is it something else entirely? And are they also flammable like the rest of it?"
>"I was told the queen has the ability to consume mana from spells outright. Does that apply to any spell in a given range of it, or does it have to be something that strikes it properly?"
>"Do you have any high-power crossbows I could borrow, and metal bolts for that? I had an idea just now, that's all."

>>3793500
writing

>>3792974
“As far as you have been able to scry out, the ooze have not left the area, even underground correct? Is your perimeter that tight or is it possible the ooze evolved to avoid scrying techniques?”

“You have to understand that we designed this species, and that we made sure that the colony would only ever be a certain size. Secondly, even if the slimes were able to develop such a resistance, which is incredibly unlikely, we’d be able to detect the tunnels they are digging and thus where they are able to get to.” Lev said.

“We’re utilizing dowsing techniques, and fairly advanced ones.” Mark continued. “While the mutations observed are unusual, they’re not without precedent. We did observe some similar yet far less severe changes back in our labs. We hypothesize that the evolution is due to the increased amount of resources and the varied environment the colony has come into contact with. Perhaps something in the ooze’s essance has been triggered, we aren’t completely certain at this point.”

“That uncertainty is part of the test, of course. We can handle everyday events in house.” Moldov added.

“Do you have a map of the place? I need to know what rooms are there so we don’t overlook any while clearing it out. Planning routes of entry and escape would also be nice. I don’t want to have any surprises if I can help it.”

“We can do you one better. We have a three dimensional blueprint of the colony, we were instructed to provide a copy upon request as well. So that shouldn’t be an issue. We’d offer photos but we don’t allow cameras inside any of our research outposts.” Lev said.

“Security is of utmost importance, it’s why we met at that village, easier to see if anyone’s following you when the terrain is flat, you’re a good distance from the trade roads, and you know everyone in a fifteen mile radius.” Moldov explained.

“Are the bone blades and teeth the ooze generate actually bone? Or is it something else entirely? Are the bones flammable like the rest of the ooze?”

>>3796663

“Ah yes, the calcium growths. They’re not really bones per say, just made out of the same basic materials. Bones tend to be more porous but these growths are completely solid and the queens in particular are incredibly dense. Tougher than high grade steel and very durable to boot. In fact one of our projects was find a way to farm and then to craft tools and weapons out of the material, of course that is going to be delayed now.” Mark said.

“They’re not flammable, obviously. To burn them up completely would take hours, perhaps a day, and I don’t suspect the queen would sit still long enough. For your purposes, assume the growths are not flammable.”

“I was told the queen has the ability to consume mana from spells outright. Does that apply to any spell in a given range of it or does it have to be something that strikes it properly?” Henry asked.

“From what we determined through our tests, not quite. It’s the queen’s main body that is the absorptive part. Its blades can only deflect spells. We’re not really sure what it does with the mana but we’ve never attempted to figure out the upper limits of its abilities. We believed it was too dangerous to test, and the threat of chaining containment breaches was a major concern. It may kill the queen, or it might make the creature far more dangerous. We’re uncertain.” Mark explained. “Thankfully the creature lacks any ability to channel mana, so you do not need to worry about conventional blue mage spell craft.”

“One last question. Do you have any high-power crossbows I could borrow? Full metal bolts perhaps? I had an idea just now, that’s all.”

“I suppose we have the ballista prototype but the thing hasn’t gone through extensive testing, I doubt Moldov would allow it either. We also have full sized ballistae but you’re not seriously considering using one of them are you?” Lev said.


Decisions:
1. “I have enough people to operate one so yes I would. I’m not against using a boulder to crush an ant.” (Full sized ballistae)
2. “If you wouldn’t mind lending out the prototype then of course I’d like to use it.” *roll 1d100* (prototype handheld ballistae)
3. “Just a regular crossbow, I don’t need anything too fancy. I have enough things to worry about, I don’t want to have to compensate you for broken equipment.”
4. (write in)

>>3796663
>We’d offer photos but we don’t allow cameras inside any of our research outposts
They have cameras and recording technology in medieval/industrial times in Chime?

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>3796666
>“If you wouldn’t mind lending out the prototype then of course I’d like to use it.” *roll 1d100* (prototype handheld ballistae)
>"If it helps, my idea is to land a metal bolt deep into the queen, and maybe channel a bolt spell or something else through it straight into the thing. Maybe give it more juice than it can handle and pop it from the inside out. Worth a try, right?"

>>3796688
early level photography.

>>3796696
supporting

>>3797350
>>3796696
writing

>>3796666
“If you wouldn’t mind lending out the prototype then of course I’d like to use it.” Henry said.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I know Lev recommended it but-“ Mark began.

“Excellent idea, it will save us some time in testing. I give my approval.” Moldov exclaimed. “Mark, please see to it that our contractor is properly armed.”

Marked sighed, gave both Lev and Moldov a glance, then headed off. He turned back one time and began asking if they were really entrusting a prototype to an unknown factor but he was quickly shut down by Moldov.

“Don’t worry about the prototype status. The weapon is completely safe to use assuming you aren’t on the operating end, and you don’t stick your hand into any of the mechanisms. Why exactly did you want to use it anyway?”

“I was thinking that I could land a metal bolt into the queen then channel a bolt spell or something similar into it through that. Might be able to overpower its absorption with it and overload it, it’s worth a shot and having a miniature ballistae will mean we don’t have to get too close.”

“Well Henry, assuming you are able to complete the task and survive, I will want you to bring the remains of the queen back here as proof and for further study. I’ll arrange transport and other considerations of course, but until then we won’t be able to pay you the full amount for your services. If you succeed here you will have big things in your future I can assure you.” Moldov said.

“Wonderful, I look forward to speaking with you again.” Henry said, shaking the man’s hand.

“Well gentlemen, if there is nothing else for me to attend to, I’m going to get right back to work.” Lev said.

Decisions:
1. *ask questions* (final time)
2. *write in*

>>3798353
>2. *write in*
Rejoin the party and go over the tactics we're going to use.

>>3798353
This >>3798358

>>3798353
This>>3798358

>>3798358
>>3798371
>>3798745
writing

>>3798353
>a
Henry sat down for a little bit longer, listening to Moldov drone on about how the Cult would ensure his future would be bright and yadda yadda yadda. Henry didn’t buy into any of the Cult’s bullcrap, he was just there for the coin. Of course he bit his tongue and hoped Charles wouldn’t buy into any of it. After another hour or so of talking, Henry and Charles departed alongside Moldov back towards Avignon. Henry pocketed the three dimensional map, which was honestly just a bunch of spheres and egg shaped clay pieces stuck together to form a honeycomb of tunnels and chambers. He figured the big chamber near the bottom was where the queen lived. He needed to plan with the others so this would go well. If they got trapped down there they were as good as dead.

The carriage continued on, occasionally making a turn or adjustment as it headed back towards Avignon. Henry hoped the others had been successful.

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

Arriving back at the rented building, Henry found that Larry and Xavier were playing a game of cards while the kitchen was abuzz with activity. Rosa and Alice were watching as Ophelia worked on some sort of chicken dish. Henry sat down next to Larry and immediately noticed the man had a new shirt, he wondered if something had happened and managed to catch Rosa’s gaze. The woman looked at Larry for a moment, then back to Henry, then rolled her eyes.

“So what are you playing?” Charles asked.

“Rummy.” Larry said. “Never even played this before but it got Xavier out of his shell.”

“Har har.” Xavier replied. “He woke me up from my nap when we got back, figured I wasn’t going to be able to sleep.”

“You mean you’re Hasizt period?” Henry asked. Refering to Vampiric slumber.

“Yes.” Xavier said. “Not like I can sleep any other way.”

“No you need to do it like this! I can’t believe you never learned to cook properly!” Ophelia said loud enough for Henry to hear.

“I know how to cook! I… just nothing this fancy before.” Rosa said.

“I don’t see what the big deal is, food is food.” Alice complained.

“No food is an artform, a science! I’m going to be teaching the two of you!” Ophelia continued.

Henry looked on in mild shock. As Ophelia continued her work, it actually looked like she knew what she was doing.

“I couldn’t believe it either, but can you pick your jaw up off the floor?” Larry asked.

“Yeah yeah.” Henry said.

Decisions:
1. *get everyone together for a quick meeting to go over everything*
2. *pull everyone together for a strategy meeting*
3. *play Rummy with the boys*
4. *see what in the actual hell Ophelia is doing, she doesn’t actually know what she’s doing, does she?*
5. *Go practice some magic with Charles*
6. (write in)

>>3802831
>3. *play Rummy with the boys*
Get charles to play also, and when the foods all done, we start the meeting

>>3802831
this >>3802837
gotta relax before we all get slimed

>>3803632
>>3802837
writing

>>3802831
Henry plopped down next to Larry on the bench he was using while Charles dragged a stool over and the four began playing a bit of Rummy. Larry placed a couple of copper coins in the middle and Henry did the same. Xavier managed to produce a couple from his jacket.

“I don’t have any coins.” Charles said. “Sorry.”

“Nah its fine, you don’t even know how to play. Just watch and learn as I clean everyone out.” Larry said.

“Pretty cocky for someone who got chewed up by living chunks of water.”

“Right, says the man who’s only ever fought rats.” Larry said.

“Ha, well, want a cig?” Xavier said, pulling a cigarette out of his coat pocket and lighting it. He then offered one each to Larry and Henry.

“No thanks, I’ve seen what those things do to people’s lungs.” Henry said, politely declining.

“Huh?” Larry asked.

“Turns people’s lungs black as coal, ain’t no way in hell that’s healthy.” Henry explained.

“Well shite.” Larry said.

“If a bit of soot does me after all the shit I’ve had to put up with, then wouldn’t that be funny.” Xavier exclaimed, “More for myself.”

“Right so we’re playing to one fifty alright?” Larry said.

“Sounds good.” Henry said.

“Watch and learn how a professional plays!” Larry said, smiling.

Charles stayed quiet and tried his best to learn.

Decisions:
1. *play cautiously* (will give you a roll of 50 automatically)
2. *play normally* (roll 1d100)
3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)
4. *write in* (trash talk encouraged)

Rolled 36, 39 = 75 (2d100)

>>3805031
>3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)
>4. *write in* (trash talk encouraged)
"Yeah, a professional dumbass."

Rolled 18, 2, 94 = 114 (3d100)

>>3805046
rolling for other players

Larry, Xavier, Charles

>>3805058
seems Charles has beginner's luck

>>3805046
>>3805058
writing

>>3805031
“More like a professional dumbass.” Henry said.

Charles stifled a laugh while Xavier chuckled at Larry’s expense

The four players each played a round while trading verbal jabs.

“Shame you can’t play as well as you… shit.” Larry said, dropping to a mutter for the last bit.

“Fucking hell did you deal me the worst hand possible Larry?” Xavier asked. “Fucks sake.”

“Did I do good?” Charles asked.

“Yeah you did Charles. Fucking hell I guess beginners luck is real.” Henry exclaimed.

Decisions:
1. *play cautiously* (will give you a roll of 50 automatically)
2. *play normally* (roll 1d100)
3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)
4. *write in* (trash talk encouraged)

Current Score:
Larry: 18
Henry: 39
Xavier: 0
Charles: 94

Rolled 70, 4 = 74 (2d100)

>>3805078
>3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)
Inform Charles that verbal banter is part of the game, and he should also try insulting the others.

Rolled 83, 76, 27, 60 = 246 (4d100)

>>3805079
>crit fail

big oof

Rolling for others

Larry = best of first 2 rolls
Xavier = 3rd roll
Chalres = 4th roll

>>3805079
unless someone manages to roll a crit no points will be awarded

Rolled 39, 5 = 44 (2d100)

>>3805078
>3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)

Rolled 36, 41 = 77 (2d100)

>>3805031
>3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)

>>3805617
>>3805458
>>3805079
>2 crit fails
seems the gods of fortune hate you, no points awarded to Henry this round.

>>3805078
The next round did not go well for Henry, in fact it went horrible. Xavier suddenly perked up and Larry began cracking jokes about how the vampire had spoken too soon about the worst hand in history. Even Charles chuckled a little bit before being cowed into silence by a strong glare from Henry’s direction.

Charles himself did well, accumulating more points which Larry surged forwards, showing that he indeed had quite a bit of skill and luck at the game. Xavier for his part continued to perform awfully, something Henry used during their trashtalking.

“Seems your apprentice is gonna clean us out Henry!” Xavier said.

“Shut up.” Henry replied.

Decisions:
1. *play cautiously* (will give you a roll of 50 automatically)
2. *play normally* (roll 1d100)
3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)
4. *write in* (trash talk encouraged)

Current Score: (2 rounds remaining)
Larry: 101
Henry: 39 (no points awarded for round 2)
Xavier: 26
Charles: 154

Rolled 10, 50 = 60 (2d100)

>>3806921
>3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)
in for a penny.

Rolled 100, 92, 41, 11 = 244 (4d100)

>>3806980
rolling for other players

first 2 rolls are Larry
3rd roll is Xavier
4th is Charles

>>3807073
>Larry's rolls
fucking hell he wasn't just boasting

>>3807073
>>3806980
writing

>>3806921
The next round went poorly for Charles in particular, but nobody expected Larry to do so damned well. Henry’s hand wasn’t awful by any stretch, and Xavier’s was just below average. But Larry managed to get about as perfect a hand as possible and god damn did the man not shut up about it.

By the time Larry was done spouting off about how he’d told them how good he was, the game continued, and Larry continued to do better than he had any right. It wasn’t until Xavier went and pulled at the man’s sleeves that Larry let up. He wasn’t even cheating. But boy did it feel like it.

Final Round Decisions:
1. *play cautiously* (will give you a roll of 50 automatically)
2. *play normally* (roll 1d100)
3. *play aggressively* (roll 2d100)
4. *go for broke* (roll 3d100)
5. *write in* (trash talk encouraged)

Current Score: (1 rounds remaining)
Larry: 201
Henry: 89
Xavier: 67
Charles: 165

Rolled 6, 58, 98 = 162 (3d100)

>>3809013
>4. *go for broke* (roll 3d100)

Rolled 36, 38, 26, 86 = 186 (4d100)

>>3809022
final roll
Larry is 1st roll
Xavier is 2nd and 3rd
Charles is 4th

>>3809013

Henry went for broke, he had nothing to lose except third place. He wanted to at least try for second, and while he managed to have a very very good hand it was a case of too little too late. Larry and Charles were already way too far ahead. Xavier wen next and threw his cards onto the ground in disgust before stomping off.

“Nobody likes a sore loser!” Larry said.

“Fawk off!” Xavier called back.

“Jeeze. Well boys it looks like I’m taking home a few more copper coins after tomorrow.” Larry said, laying his cards down. It wasn’t a great hand, but it didn’t matter, after the prior round Larry had gained a commanding lead. It would take a damned good hand for Charles to win, and the boy barely knew what he was doing.

Then a miracle happened, Charles managed to pull ahead with a final decisive hand. Larry sat with his mouth agape in shock while Xavier triumphantly taunted him. Charles looked confused for a moment before asking a simple question.

“Did I win.” Charles asked.

“Yeah, I’m ashamed to admit. Seems you had an angel on your shoulder cause it’s been years since I’ve lost at this game.” Larry said. “Ah well, it’s refreshing to see someone as lucky as you.”

“Oh I uh.” Charles said, grabbing the five copper coins up off the table and presenting them to Henry.

“Nope, they’re yours Charles.” Henry said, passing them back.

“R-really? Yes!” Charles said. “W-what should I get!?”

“We should get him his first drink down at the pub next to the inn!” Larry said.

“I hope you’re not offering alcohol to a child.” Rosa said.

“Er… no of course not!” Larry said, chuckling nervously. He leaned in close to Charles, “Don’t worry we can go when nobody’s around.”

Henry just shrugged, what a day.

>-2 copper coins due to loss

Decisions:
1. *say something to someone* (Write in)
2. *go to dinner* (default)


Final Score:
Larry: 237
Henry: 187
Xavier: 105
Charles: 250

>>3809089
>*say something to someone* (Write in)
(to Charles) "Congratulations on winning your first game. It might not seem like it, but a simple win like that could mean more than you imagine. It might mean your life, everything and everybody you hold dear."
>get flashback to winning THAT poker game
(to Charles) "I'll tell you about it one day, when I feel ready, but let's just say I was as new at it as you were when it happened to me. For now, think about what you want to buy with your first winnings. Could be anything for anyone."

>>3809254
sopporting

>>3809254
Suppin'

no posts tonight due to studying/grad school shit, got to get stuff done

>>3810167
>>3809994
>>3809254
writin

>>3818152
postponing till tomorrow, my brain no work

>>3810167
>>3809994
>>3809254
writin

>>3809089
Henry turned towards the kitchen but noticed Charles looking over the set of five copper coins in his hands. It was odd to think that a son of a king could be so enamored by pocket change. He waited a few more seconds before speaking up, wanting to break the unhealthy fascination Charles seemed to have with the coins.

“Congrats Charles, you earned it. I guess it seems like a lot to you but the places we’re going, a gold coin is gonna be nothing. Take it from me, winning is always more valuable than the money.”

“Thanks!” Charles said, pocketing the change and heading towards the kitchen.

Henry reminisced about his fateful poker game. The fucked up thing was he didn’t even know if he’d won that game fairly, no matter how many times Johnny had explained that it couldn’t have happened any other way. He still got the feeling he had been meant to win that game.

“Look Charles, one day I’m gonna tell you a story about a card game, and I think you’ll gain an appreciation for it.” Henry said. He immediately winced, he shouldn’t have said that, perhaps Johnny had been doing too good a job reigning him in.

“Thanks Henry!” Charles said, barely paying it any thought. Seemed the boys over excitement had saved Henry a bit of trouble

“Henry!” Rosa said, running up to the man and embracing him tightly, “It’s good to see you again after todays… excitement. I hope you stayed safe during your trip.” The woman shot an icy glance over at Larry and the man vacated the area in response.

“Dinner will be served at six o clock sharp!” Ophelia said. “Assuming everyone remembers what I taught them of course.”

“Whatever you say.” Alice replied.

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

>>3823299
Dinner was an eventful mix of social pleasantries, Larry and Ophelia’s boasting about battle prowess and cooking ability, Charles playing around with one of the copper coins, Rosa asking prying questions in an attempt to figure out where Henry had actually been, and Alice trying to make as small an impact as possible. Xavier ate privately, all he needed was a small amount of food and a blood-bag prepared by Henry and Ophelia. Henry rubbed his arm where the needle had gone and hoped that Xavier had been right when he’d said it’d last him a good week or two.

“So can I have your attention.” Henry said, finally.

“Yeah?” Ophelia asked. “Finally going to discuss this plan tomorrow. I really hope I don’t get half my ribs broken again.”

Henry coughed awkwardly as the room had gone silent, and then continued.

“We’re going to be invading the nest of a hostile swarm of slimes with a varying degree of abilities.” Henry said.

He slowly went down the list, noting that while the queen was the most dangerous, none of the creatures should be underestimated. Larry mentioned that the bitters weren’t actually that bad but he was shut down by Rosa mentioning that he’d have died of blood loss if she hadn’t been there. Apparently the biters had a decoagulent in their fangs. Any wounds caused by them continued to bleed until death. That wasn’t the sort of news Henry really wanted to hear but nonetheless it was useful.

Decisions:
1. “we should try to collapse the tunnels completely”
2. “we should go for a extermination mission”
3. “can we try gassing the tunnels Ophelia?”
4. “Can you stay topside and use scrying spells Ophelia?”
5. (write in)

>>3823302
>“We should go for a extermination mission. It's the only way to be sure. If we aren't absolutely sure that all the slimes are annihilated by the end of this, bad things will happen. A survivor could spontaneously mutate into a queen behind our backs, because why the fuck wouldn't it with the kind of luck we keep having?"
>"As much as I'd want to collapse the tunnels on them, they're slimes. It probably wouldn't be enough even knowing how fragile they are, and they mentioned the slimes could fuse into stronger forms 'under stress.' I don't know about you, but I had a clock tower fall on top of me. I can't imagine how bad a cave-in must be for blobs with almost barely any ability to think."
>"Ignoring the stress factor, what if a tunnel collapse opened another way for a few of them to escape outside the scrying perimeter? Slip through a tiny crevice or something? It's simply too big a risk to take."
>"Based on what Ludvic told us, I had an idea for killing the queen that just might work." (tell them the crossbow overcharge plan)
>"Although, now that you mention it, this could also be a chance to get some samples from the slimes. If we know what they produce is good for and how, we can make more of the stuff. And that means more ways to help us survive future jobs intact, and that also means more money for everyone."
>"The Lanterns and the Cult are at each others' throats too. Maybe a missing research document here, a few lost papers there, could at least give us something to use if trouble turns our way. Could always chalk it up to the slimes consuming them for whatever they use."
>"We're going to need fire. Lots and lots of controlled fire, and ways to kill things that might be inexplicably fireproof."
>"...So, any ideas? Don't hold back; almost anything that sounds stupid can work if we do it right."

>>3823358
This
And ask about the gassing

>>3824152
>>3823358
writing

>>3825000
I have been bamboozled

>>3825133
tf2 is my cryptonite

>>3823302
“We need to go on a full extermination mission. So we’re going to need the flame caster as well as the oil and burning materials we brought along. Best case we can coat the tunnels and light them up. We need to make sure we get every last one of the buggers so the best idea is to collapse the other tunnel entrances. Leave only one exit for the things.”

“Why’s that?” Rosa asked. “A regular ooze shouldn’t pose much harm to even a child.”

“Issue is any of them can mutate back into a queen under the right circumstances, the queen lays egg pods which can hatch inside any other ooze once the original queen dies. We don’t squash this completely we’ll be back to ground zero. Also, the process only takes a few seconds from what I understand, with our luck we could have a queen form behind us and dice us into bits.” Henry responded.

“Right so why not collapse the tunnels?” Larry asked. “Save us the trouble.”

“They’re ooze, a tunnel collapse might not even kill them, and if any of them survives we’re back to square one again.” Henry said. “Not to mention I was told they’ve been observed fusing into stronger forms under stress.”

“Lovely.” Ophelia muttered. “Thanks for letting me know ahead of time before sending us out!”

“I just found out myself.” Henry said, glaring at the woman.

“Based on what Ludvic told us, I have an idea for killing the queen that might work.” Henry said, relaying the overall plan to the rest. Ophelia and Larry were on board while Charles just listened and nodded. Rosa seemed less than impressed however while Alice just twiddled her thumbs.

“And if you miss?” Rosa asked.

“I won’t miss. The thing is the size of a cow and we’ll be fighting it in an enclosed space.”

>>3825310
“Also Ophelia, you’re welcome to take samples but don’t go telling our employers. If we know what they produce and what its good for and how, we can make more of the stuff and that means pulling future jobs off intact. More money for everyone that way.” Henry said.

Look, way I figure it the lanterns and the Cult are at each other’s’ throats right now, all its gonna take is a spark before a conflict bubbles up. Maybe something goes missing, or a few lost papers here or there. Could at least give us something to use if trouble turns our way. I’d like some insurance is all I’m saying.”

“We’re being employed by the cult of progress?!” Rosa said.

Shit. He hadn’t actually told her had he.

“L-look, we’re going to need fire, lots of it. The things are alcohol based so they’ll go up easily. Just in case they aren’t I’d like some spears and spike traps.”

“Things ain’t too bright, we saw em constantly bumping into walls.” Larry said. The man shifted away from Rosa, the woman looked to be boiling over.

“S-so any ideas…?” Henry asked. “Fine, Rosa, do you want to say something?” Henry said.

“In… private…” Rosa muttered, murderously

Decisions:
1. “no, we’re a group Rosa, you’re going to say it here and now.”
2. “The cult is paying us, why is that a problem, they’re not heretics.”
3. “What is your problem with the cult anyways?”
4. “Fine, let’s have a talk Rosa.”

>>3825311
>4. “Fine, let’s have a talk Rosa.”
Just as long as I can walk away from the talk

>>3825314
as in, still have the ability to walk afterwards

>>3825311
This >>3825314 >>3825317
I'm not sure if she would get the innuendo, but it'll be funny if she does. Or gets ideas from it...

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>3825310
>“I won’t miss. The thing is the size of a cow and we’ll be fighting it in an enclosed space.”
>(unsheaths critfail)

>>3825465
>innuendo
She is upset at us, so I don't want to be beat

>>3825314
>>3825317
>>3825465
>>3825490
>>3826247
writing

>>3825311
“I’m not going to miss the shot, Larry. I know how to use a crossbow, and I bet I’m a better shot drunk than you could ever hope to be.”

“HENRY!” Rosa said, stomping her foot and causing all eyes to turn to her. The woman was being inordinately stubborn.

“Fine, let’s have a talk Rosa.” Henry said. He realized he’d fucked up and was about to get an earful, but honestly he had to bear it, as much as he’d like to tell the woman that he could do the job without her, he needed her help. Having to depend on someone that much caused Henry’s paranoia to flare, all the possible ways this could go wrong sprung to the surface.

“Have fun.” Larry said, chuckling as Henry and Rosa left the room.

Henry led the woman to the door, rapt his knuckles against the frame a few times, and then opened it. Xavier had been sitting near the entrance but was now nowhere to be found. At least he didn’t have to explain why a man was drinking from a blood bag to Rosa. Honestly, of all the lies he’d told the woman this was probably the least offensive. Sure the cult was odd and had some less than reputable practices, but they weren’t heretics as defined by the church.

“I’m still going to be able to walk after this, right?” Henry asked.

“What? Oh, I’m glad you can continue to joke about this!” Rosa said, quite loudly.

Decisions:
1. “Look, its fine, really.”
2. “We’re doing an extermination mission, what’s the big deal, exactly? The church and nobility offer them all the time to private companies.”
3. “The last contract was for the cult as well, Rosa. We all need the money, that’s thirty five gold we’d be turning down and a broken contract on top of it.”
4. “We could end up dying without a healer there Rosa, I want to make sure everyone gets home safe.”
5. (write in)

>>3826721
>2. “We’re doing an extermination mission, what’s the big deal, exactly? The church and nobility offer them all the time to private companies.”
"If it makes you feel better, any research we come across we can 'find' that the slimes has destroyed, and if we find anything bad in there, we can turn it over to the church."

>>3826721
This >>3826775
>"Aren't you glad we're going RIGHT into a vacated Cult of Progress den full of nasty things they don't want the wrong ears hearing or the wrong eyes reading? And they left every bit of it out in the open because of the ooze taking over? What do you think we could do with very incriminating evidence like that?"
>"...Wait, what's with that look?"

>>3827324
>>3826775
writin

>>3826721
“We’re doing an extermination mission. What’s the big deal exactly? The church and nobility offer them all the time to private companies.” Henry said.

“This is probably a problem caused by the cult in the first place; they should be the ones to clean it up!” Rosa declared.

“Look, they’re paying us to do it which is essentially the same thing!” Henry said.

“You lied to me!” Rosa stated, anger and the beginnings of tears evident on her face.

“You never asked!” Henry said. “I didn’t even know you cared!”

“You don’t even know what I’m getting at do you!” Rosa said.

“Look if you want we could grab up anything incriminating we find and turn it over to the church, I’m sure they’d be very appreciative!” Henry said.

“Oh yes, a bunch of documents which maybe exist.” Rosa said.

“Calm down, it isn’t this horrible thing. The cult has their problems but they’re not all that bad.”

“You don’t know a thing about them, they care nothing for the people out here, nor for the commons. All they care about are their machines and their coin. If they had their way they’d just replace everyone with a machine!” Rosa said.

“I honestly don’t give a toss about morals here, Rosa, you accepted the coin from the last job, and you’re with us now. We need your help, I don’t want to lose anyone during this trip…. Whats with that look.”

“Are you trying to use their lives to convince me!?” Rosa said.

Decisions:
1. “I know it’s hard to believe but I care about them too, Rosa.”
2. “And if I was?”
3. “I know you’re too good of a person to leave them to die, at least do it for them if not for me.”
4. “You can walk away if you want.”
5. (Write in)

>>3828649
>5. (Write in)
"NO! No, no I wasn't."
Look sad and unsure of yourself.

>>3828649
This >>3829801

>>3830027
>>3829801
writing

>>3828649
“NO! No, no I wasn’t.” Henry said.

“Don’t you dare try to lie.” Rosa said, tearfully.

“I… I’m not.” Henry said, uncertain.

Had he been trying to? This was his new family, right? He couldn’t… no he really couldn’t. He wouldn’t.

Rosa shivered and looked around, then stared Henry down.

“God punishes us in ways we deserve Henry. But guilt is far worse than anything he can dish out.” Rosa said.

Decisions:
1. “I’m not going to force you. If you want to walk away, then go. Head back to Avignon. We’ll find someone else.”
2. “I refuse to beg.”
3. “Don’t you dare talk to me about god.”
4. “Whatever you say Rosa.”
5. *say nothing*
6. (write in)

>>3830384
>Writein

Look Rosa, I love you and believe it or not, I really do care about the team. I need you, we need you.

>>3830384
Yes this >>3831033
Henry is all "We're gonna loot a lot of shit from this mission, at least some of it incriminating the big weird cult you hate. Why are you mad? I'm not trying to endanger any of us here, you know we need you with us. I sure do." And the best part is he's genuinely clueless about why Rosa's mad, thinking it's because the job is for the cult. Then she should be okay with the evidence looting thing, right? Or maybe I'm the one clueless here from Lorekeeper's narration, and maybe it's somehow transferring into cluelessness or confusion on Henry's end?