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You are Alfonso Barbatti, retired sailor and not-so-humble butcher. After becoming famous thanks to a play inspired by the northern expedition you were part of, you started to believe you were actually as heroic as your character. Always eager to defend the honour of your captain and your ship, you held tightly to your delusion even after said captain was accused of conspiring against the Doge.

In this age of rapid industrialization where heroes and magic are left behind, a simple disease commonly called 'the Plague' has ravaged the City. Teaming up with the veterans of the SSN Polaris, you fight every day for resources and help people if you can. You are currently trying to rescue Dotorre Bernardo Pastori, an alchemist researching a cure who was imprisoned for his radical views on Demihuman Rights. Raphaella, his half-human half-racoon mistress, has accompanied you to a reception by Don Giovanni in the Noble District where you will surely find help...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKNdw-Bq0CY
>>
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The Plague

It's a multiple stage disease where a patient can relapse and progress to the next stage even if he was treated. There is an appropriate level of treatment for each stage and different type of contamination that you learned.

Stage One
>High fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, headache, coughing, and feeling tired.
You contracted it as well as several people of your community. Symptoms get worse each passing day unless you have a proper meal with meat and enough vitamins then get to rest in a warm place. Infected can relapse. In that case, they will progress to the next stage. Still unsure about the mod of contamination, you speculated that it was airborne and like many people try to use a cloth around your mouth.

Stage Two
>Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, with bleeding.
Hugo, a child from your community, contracted it. He was bedridden the whole time and you couldn't approach him. His sister, someone with unusual knowledge on the disease, took care of him without getting contaminated. She, however, contracted Stage One. You were explained that coming into contact with body fluids is the requirement to contract Stage Two.

Stage Three
>Necrosis. DEATH.
Only those two words were written on the newspaper, leaving no room for imagination. You encountered people with black spots on their body, they were instantly killed by the Militia. A lot of bodies in the Dead Zone presumably died of Stage Three and turned into ashes. Rodents can be found dead everywhere in the canals but somehow they move in deadly swarm inside the Dead Zone.

Alfonso's community

Mario (Stg I, treated): gunsmith of the SSN Polaris, an old friend with alcohol problems and anger issues about 'knife-ears'
Luigi: the reasonable carpenter of the SSN Polaris, he just wants to make it through with his pregnant wife
Valentina: Luigi's wife in pregnancy, not so fond of her husband's friends but has her pride as a housewife
Amicia (Stg I, treated): daughter of the murdered director of the Academy, deeply thankful to you for saving her little brother
Hugo (Stg II, treated): Amicia's brother and musician prodigy, too famous to get outside

The City

Every place you discovered should be here, it's mainly to keep tract of your secondary objectives and opportunities as well as obstacles and danger areas. For example, you encountered a maniac vegetarian Elf captain in the Elven Commandos who banned the consumption of meat as well as guns on 'his' territory. You don't want to get caught with our meat ration or your flintlock pistol.

Previous thread: >>4136452
>>
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The night is still young and you have plenty time to fit in. At least, as much as someone wearing a pig's mask can fit in an assembly of other people dressed like animals. You still can't believe your eyes. The Western part of the City is in chaos, overcrowded hospitals, guerilla fights in the slums, meaningless caused by stampedes, screams and dead rats part of the scenery... and here in the Noble District people are partying. They even have a buffet of fresh shrimps and sliced oranges while you have to rely on your ration of industrially processed whale meat.

"Is that mayonaise?" salivates Raphaella "I haven't seen any farm product since the beginning of the quarantine."

The racoon girl has absolutely no manner, you wonder what would have happened if you brought Valentina or Amicia, but right now you can only see the buffer.You are still recovering from Stage One after all

"N-No, this is bad..." the Demihuman slaps her cheeks "I came here to save Bernardo."

You did not come here to eat, you are looking for help to free Bernardo Pastori, the racoon girl's lover and also a savant working on a cure. You first believed you had found people sympathetic to Demihumans but their progressive ideas seem to be only a facade. On the front lane, some groups are gathering around certain people like that beautiful redhead, some men are leading conversation groups, probably rich industrials, bankers or influential people. Among them the unmistakable fat figure of the businessman you tried to help. Clenching hard on the piece of wood serving as your clutch you dream of bashing his skull in, maybe you can get some sort of retribution.

"Wow, that redhead really stands out." you can help but comment

She really gets your attention, as if there was some sort of magical charm around her. But the sight of her two Fishmen bodyguards was enough to make you want to look elsewhere.

"Those are definitely real Fishmen." you remember "Who would want to disguise as something as disgusting?"

What's next for Alfonso Barbatti?
>fill your dish at the buffet
>discussion group around some influential man leading the conversation
>wow, that redhead is really beautiful, maybe you can just see why people are gathering
>vendetta against the businessman, it's time to duel as according to the etiquette
>go inside
>>
coof
>>
>>4168750
>fill your dish at the buffet

This shouldn't take more than 2 minutes, right? It's important to stay well fed right now.

>discussion group around some influential man leading the conversation

Best chance for helping Bernando, instead of chasing grudges.
>>
>>4168750
>>wow, that redhead is really beautiful, maybe you can just see why people are gathering
>>
>>4168750
>wow, that redhead is really beautiful, maybe you can just see why people are gathering
COF COF COF
>>
>>4168787
Seconding
>>
>>4168787
Supporting this. Shouldn't take long to grab some food, and we need the food variety. Business man was a jackass, but I believe it was mentioned last thread, that bringing him his belongings actually helped our reputation. Best not to fuck it up here now. Also, we're on a healing leg. We have no gun or ammunition for a ranged duel, and a melee duel would be at a negative dice modifier.
>>
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>>4168780
>>4168787
>>4168789
>>4168793
>>4168801
>>4168904
You fill a plate with some shrimps, a spoon of mayonnaise and some fresh fruits that should not grow in winter. People are gossiping behind your back, how rude to get straight on the food without talking to anyone. After getting your share, you head with Raphaella to the nearest group of persons.

"I can guarantee you" boasts a short man wrapped in wool to mimic a sheep "my tonic can cure almost anything."
"Yes, yes of course." a woman sighs near him "Each time we discover a plant in the New World you make a remedy and try to sell it."
"I will have you know most of my remedies are on the list of the navy's pharmacopoeia."
"Oh please tell us again how your great-great grand father introduced lemon juice to cure scurvy." ironically teases the woman
"Don't say it like that! Without the Goodhealth family contribution we would have never expanded into a Thalassocracy."
"And many powerful wizard from my family helped to fight back Fishmen to take this land. This so-called science is a joke for people with no talents for magic or alchemy."

"You, young man." he addresses you "I see you have an injured leg. My remedy can cure anything, I assure you even better than a healing potion. Don't you trust science? Would you like to try?"

This trustworthy merchant is right, you think. After all, you were a sailor and you recognize that bottle and brand. There must have been some Goodhealth remedies in the ship's surgeon cabin. Amused, the people all around you are judging your reaction.

>"Yes, I trust modern medicine over magic." try the remedy, support the merchant
>"I could use a healing potion." refuse the remedy, support the wizard
>it's hard to remember, but you have seen that exact same bottle and brand somewhere (Mental)*
>"we need both, magic and medicine" (Social)*
*+xx bonus depending on your write-ins

Inventory
-Pig's mask
-1 cleaver (hidden)
-costume
-wool tunic
(-Raphaella's dress and mask)

Physical 65
Mental 50
Social 35

-10 in stress situation in a crowd
+10 accuracy
-25 to some action due to broken leg
+10 social thanks to fancy costume
-5 social on some topics because branded as a furry
-5 social on some topics because seen as freeloader
>>
>>4168992

>it's hard to remember, but you have seen that exact same bottle and brand somewhere (Mental)*

If we can't remember we prefer the potion. Magic is tried and true.
>>
>>4168992
Is this world similar to Arcanum? Does technology and science get fucked up by nearby magical energies? I assume not, right? We have that artifact thing that provides an accuracy bonus with firearms. If it is like Arcanum, then I'd rather support >>4169018 over a write-in that doesn't make sense in setting.
>"we need both, magic and medicine" (Social)*
"Signore e Signori! Listen here, and listen close! Where would we be, as a society without one or the other? Science and the Arcane should go hand in hand!" Then draw out the accuracy artifact, to use as a demonstration. "Gaze upon this! A magical artifact, that causes the wielder to become more accurate whilst using a firearm! Both parties compliment one another while used together, and each has their own merits. We, as a society need both, together."
Hopefully this social roll isn't fucked into the dirt by all of those negative dice modifiers we have here. Assuming it even gathers support, or the tiebreaker roll is a two.
>>
>>4169084
Hm. My post appears less sick looking. I wonder if they change in appearance based on how much you shitpost, or the post's relative "toxicity". Sort of like trying out a flagging system under the guise of the April Fools event, for use behind the scenes assuming this event has been successful.
>>
make him cooooof
>>
>>4169018
>>4169084
ok, roll 2d100
first for trying to remember which can grants you a bonus for the second roll, must be under 50
second for conciliation, must be under 50 (35+10 with the costume -5 because freeloader showing his loot +10 for write-in)
>>
Rolled 60, 16 = 76 (2d100)

>>4170330
>>
Rolled 11, 34 = 45 (2d100)

>>4169104
>>
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>>4170338
>>4170378
>rolled 11 and 16
success

How cold you forget! Of course, it's Mister Goodhealth famous elixirs, every sailor has at least taken one of his remedy as a substitute to an expansive alchemy potion. Easier to mass produce they were the perfect match for a rapidly growing navy. He even mentioned being a supplier for the navy. You even took one elixir made from a plant of the New World to fight malaria induced fever.

However, you doubt that a non-magical elixir can do anything but ease the pain of an injury. And that's exactly what you needed to make your point about conciliation.

"Signore e Signori! Listen here, and listen close! Where would we be, as a society without one or the other? Science and Magic should go hand in hand!"

The sceptical lady with crow feathers decorating her dress as well as the shot enthusiast merchant wrapped in wool are listening carefully. You have their attention as all eyes are on you. Drawing out the accuracy artefact you have two solid example to expose.

"Gaze upon this! A magical artefact, that causes the wielder to become more accurate whilst using a firearm! Both parties compliment one another while used together, and each has their own merits. We, as a society need both, together."
"Are you saying that I can't cure your leg?" react the merchant "I cured the arthritis of the famous painter Leonardo. What's a little feet injury to my elixir? Coca is gift from Sol itself, a miracle plant."
"Miracles belongs to the Church of Sol and trained scholars like me." the lady continues
"You are both right." you conclude "I had once contracted malaria in a trip to the New World in my youth. And as much as I had like to give all the credits for mister Goodhealth remedy for treating the fever, I didn't make a full recovery. I felt weak and diminished for a while after. I could have use a healing potion to make treat my liver."
>>
>>4170737
Masked guests are nodding as if knowing exactly what you were talking about. Most of them never contracted an exotic disease such as malaria, at best tuberculosis which was eradicated a few years ago by a Dwarven doctor.

The lady dressed in black feathers hide a smirk behind her fan and mister Goodhealth is rubbing his hands, it seems they both find you interesting in their own way. Raphaella pokes you with her elbow in your flank.

"Hey, we are not here to have fun." she whispers "How are they going to get Bernardo out of jail?"

Mister Goodhealth should have some contact in the Arsenal or perhaps the Militia, now that the navy has been temporary disbanded. Also, the mysterious lady who pretend to be a wizard from one of the founding families should have some connexions too.

"This artefact and you getting an exotic disease..." the lady ponders while checking you from head to toes "are you perhaps an adventurer?"
"Of course not." the merchant answers for you "He is a businessman travelling the world to make profit. The age of adventurers and mages is over."

Merging-in is quite stressful, you are, after all, just a commoner
>why, yes how could you tell, I'm an adventurer
>I'm running a small business indeed
>maybe it's time to come out as a strong advocate for Demihuman Rights and good friend of Bernardo Pastori (Social)
+xx bonus depending on your write-ins
>>
>>4170738
currently reading last thread, looks like a promising quest! Will vote when I know what is going on
>>
>>4170738

>maybe it's time to come out as a strong advocate for Demihuman Rights and good friend of Bernardo Pastori (Social)
>>
>>4171543
>>4170738
Rewriting this, as I left a lot of half finished thoughts in the last post. Twisted amalgamation of thoughts that detract from the original idea.

>>tuberculosis which was eradicated a few years ago by a Dwarven doctor.
Don't think I'd miss this, OP. Glad to see a nod back to that.

Write-in.
>>"Prior to this epidemic, I was indeed running a small business. I opened it after some of my travels in my youth, hoping to settle down. However, I have been out and about as of late in the midst of this crisis, so I suppose the adventurous spirit has never really left me. Although, I still hope to return to running my business, after some good people manage to step up, and get the situation under control here. Speaking of which, I have been trying to establish contact with my good friend Dottore Bernardo Pastori who has been locked within The Citadel for his controversial views on Demihuman rights. If anyone knows how to find a remedy to this foul sickness, it would be him."
A bold claim. I am hoping to appeal to both of them once again. The previous write in seems to have got them onto some common ground, hoping to keep them both interested in what we have to say, rather than choosing one or the other, so as to not get on either of their bad sides, or get them arguing again. Keep it stable. Don't lose either of them as assets. Both could be essential. The write-in seems fine to me, besides the mention of Pastori and his ability to likely find a cure potentially upsetting Mister Goodhealth, as it would imply that he has been unable to. Feel free to add anything. Assuming this gets traction. Or even taken by OP, as I essentially combined every option for this write-in.
>>
>>4171203
>>4171483
>>4171593
roll a 1d100,must be under 50 (35+10 thanks to costume -5 because seen as furry +10 because nof write-in)
>>
Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>4172134
>>
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>>4172137
>rolled 23
success

"Prior to this epidemic, I was indeed running a small business." you start thinking about your butcher's shop

This is not lying but you do not play in the same ground as a noble annuitant and a rich businessman. However, you were clearly an adventurer. Not one of the legend who fought against monsters for rewards or explored ruins for powerful artefact, but a modern adventurer.

"I opened it after some of my travels in my youth, hoping to settle down. However, I have been out and about as of late in the midst of this crisis, so I suppose the adventurous spirit has never really left me."

The businessman clearly understand that you are leaning on the lady's side, frowning his brows and crossing his arms to make them disappear in the massive wool costume. Thankfully, he does not seem more upset than that as business and adventurous spirit are not necessarily antonymous.

"Although, I still hope to return to running my business, after some good people manage to step up, and get the situation under control here. Speaking of which, I have been trying to establish contact with my good friend Dottore Bernardo Pastori who has been locked within The Citadel for his controversial views on Demihuman rights. If anyone knows how to find a remedy to this foul sickness, it would be him."

There it is, you dropped the bomb. People start chatting in your back using the word 'furry' and pointing out the strangely realistic tail and ears of your companion. Some left and others, like the noble lady and the rich merchant stay.

"While it's true the quarantine is bad for imports" shrugs the merchant "There still are some juicy opportunities. But if you happen to know when it will be lifted or can 'precipitate' the end of the quarantine, come to find me at the Pearl of the Ocean, a fine establishment in the Relight District."

Without any more details, the merchant leave you with the noble lady and is heading to the redhead surrounded by Fishmen. Wow, she really is standing out, you never saw someone so beauti-

"Don't look." interrupts the lady while you receive a discrete elbow strike from Raphaella "You may be an adventurer but you never saw a mermaid before. If you fall in love, your heart will explode."
"I'm already married to the sea, like every sailor."
"Oh?" the lady pauses, intrigued by your personality "I thought sailor were married to their ship. Isn't it why they call their embarcation a 'she' ?"
"Only knife-ears do that. It's degenerate."
"I see... Would you like to accompany me inside. Maybe I could present you some people you could find... interesting for your adventurous enterprise."
>>
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>>4172209
Leaving the front lane, you pass under the porch of Don Giovanni mansion, giving your empty plate to a servant. Raphaella has to hold back a squeal as you both get under a massive Mystical Stone chandelier. Droplets falling in the stones to make them shine. There is even a circle of heated metal under to make them levitate, using the two properties of Mystical Stones. That must consume them in no time. To use such precious material so casually, this Giovanni must be richer than the Doge.

"Tchh... The Giovannis..." the lady comments "This new nobles have no taste, almost as worst as businessmen."
"That looks very expansive. I bet they didn't even search for artefact inside the Mystical Stones before putting them here."
"I see adventurers have their priorities set straight. I like that. Let's get upstairs."

You climb one floor higher to get a little but under the chandelier in a place bathed in dim light, the perfect place for discrete conversations. There are even couches to have a rest from standing during all the party. Someone with a lion pelt welcoming guest and presenting himself as Don Giovanni is still downstairs.

"We are not talking to him?" asks Raphaella "
"There is still time" you answer "plus it would be impolite to leave her like that"

One of the guest is that businessman you tried to help and who robbed you when you were sick. Seeing him makes your blood boil, how could you let him go like that. Are you not and adventurer if not a hero?

"So, back to our topic of discussion." the lady gets your attention "I happen to know some people who are quite pissed-off by the situation."
>I really need that cure, some people I know have been infected and could relapse
>who isn't, I can't just stand by idly, I'm an adventurer as I said, I solve problems
>'pissed-off' is that how people react when there are so many deads in the street?
>>
>>4172210
>>who isn't, I can't just stand by idly, I'm an adventurer as I said, I solve problems
>"Some of those "problems" being sick in my midst, they've recovered now, but could relapse if the situation deteriorates further."
>>
>>4172237
support
Man. That is some luck succeeding those social rolls
>>
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>>4172237
>>4172265
"Who isn't, I can't just stand by idly, I'm an adventurer as I said, I solve problems. And some of those "problems" being sick in my midst, they've recovered now, but could relapse if the situation deteriorates further."
"I like selfish people." she smiles, forgetting to cover her mouth with the fan

Downstairs, the Elven ambassador just arrived making all conversations stop as the mermaid from before just approached him and slapped him in the face. There is something really serious going on down there.

"Oh this is actually perfect." the lady claps her hands enthusiastically "I needed that diversion so badly."
"A diversion?"
"Well, let me demonstrate you how my skills and my friends can help you. Can you see that man near the punch fountain?"
"Ah... yes... I see HIM."

She pointed the business man who beaten you with his can while you were feverish and weak. Is the related to him? You hope not because there is nothing more you had like to see him dead.

"I want him dead." she claims almost reading in your mind
"Huh, pardon me?"
"Well it's more a client who wants him dead. That's what my friends and I do. We are experts in this field, you might have heard of us."

She reveals the back of her fan where a gondolier in a black cloak is drawn. You recognize of course Charon, the god of Death but can't really understand what it implies. Then she turns in back and makes appear a small out of nowhere. A knitted doll of an uncanny resemblance with the businessman.

"Let me make you a demonstration." she continues "This man over there is a slave trader. He was supposed to only spend a night in the City but got trapped here because of the quarantine."
"Yeah... I've heard about it."
"Oh, really?... Well, my client heard about that and filled a contract, but do not worry. The days when we jumped off from the roof to plunge a dagger in our target are long gone. We developed more refined techniques."
"And you will use them on him?"
"Right but before that, I would like you to bring me something that once belonged to him, it can be anything he touched but the more personal the better."
"And what if I do?"
"Then, we will both have some fun from this great loge and I will present you to my friends."

You have a new opportunity and can go downstairs to complete that small harmless request or talk to other guests. But maybe you will not be able to do something more after dealing with the businessman.
>get something from that businessman and go back to the lady
>screw magic, you are going to duel according to the etiquette with him, maybe she will like that
>you should go talk to Don Giovanni
>maybe try to see what is going on between the mermaid and the Elven ambassador
>now that you are inside, why not try to sneak in some room
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>get something from that businessman and go back to the lady
>>
>>4172375
>>screw magic, you are going to duel according to the etiquette with him, maybe she will like that
She DID mention liked selfish people. He's slighted us. He beat us to death's door beforehand. This is our fight. He may not even be a slave trader, she could've just strung us a line of bullshit, bringing him up in some eerie coincidence. If he's not even involved in slave trade, then a duel would end with us restoring our honor, still result in his death, and not kill a potential innocent (albeit an asshole) who actually isn't involved in any shady shit at all. Then again, this is a really risky option due to the negative dice modifier due to the fucked leg, so we'll be at a huge disadvantage unless we can borrow dueling pistols from somebody. But for that, we'll look like even more of a freeloader, as we do not have our own. The lady may even get upset if we kill her target for her, we don't know the etiquette of her organization. Plus, if we botch the roll and fuck it up, we'll look like a jackass for failing. Risky option. Up to the rest of the voters to decide if they want to support it.
>>
>>4172375

>maybe try to see what is going on between the mermaid and the Elven ambassador

Wasn't interested until elves got involved
>>
>>4172634
>>4172641
>>4172675
If in 1h there is no tie breaker, I will make you approach the businessman and we will see what is the best option.
>>
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>>4172634
>>4172641
>>4172675
The mermaid didn't really have your attention at first, but now that the Elven ambassador is involved it's something else. By Sol, everyone who slaps a knife-ear deserve your interest. However, you are more certain that you should take care of the businessman before anything else.

Unsure about how to approach him, you consider what a direct confrontation would imply. First, the lady didn't specifically mention that she wanted to kill him herself but that she wanted him dead. Then, there's your honor at stake.

"Ahah, and then I beat the crap out of that filthy commoner before he even asked for a reward." the fat businessman laughed

He was detailing his encounter with you, embellishing his treason into a confrontation with a robber. Can you really call yourself a hero, let alone an adventurer if you let him talk like that? You let a lot of people roll over your these past days, both figuratively and literally. The stampede, the Elven Commando, the clothes merchant... Swallowing your pride, you realize how far you have come, maybe it's time to drop this delusion of yours and accept your place as just a nobody who tries to survive by lying and using coward schemes.

"I don't really get it but..." starts Raphaella watching your internal struggle anxiously "you just need something from that man? I think I can help with that."

Too bad you didn't keep that bullet you on you, it belonged to him. So now you will have to try getting something he touched during the party or steal something on him. Now, should you choose to provoke a duel, you would not be able to move freely in the party after as all eyes would be on you, if you succeed, that is.

How do you confront him?
>provoke a duel (Mental)
>steal something on him (Physical)
>try to look for something he touched (Mental)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

If you choose to bring one of his belonging to the lady, do you use Raphaella as a distraction?
>yes
>no
>>
>>4172946
>provoke a duel (Mental)

Should be easy if he's bragging to others, he won't want to back down in front of them.
>>
>>4172946
I should have said (Social) for "provoking duel" but it's too late now
>>
>>4172962
This. All in.
>>
>>4172962
>>4172986
ok,so it should have been the Social attribute, but I said Mental and I won't back down on that but I will let you use the Social bonuses

roll 1d100, must be under 45 (50 -10 for stress situation in a crowd +10 thanks to fancy costume -5 because seen as a freeloader)
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>4173010
>>
Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>4173012

>>4173012
watch me roll even higher
>>
Hammer is coming down. Or maybe this guy's cane. Again. We're fucked. Pray for another anon to come in and roll.
>>
>>4173012
>>4173021
>rolled 76
total failure

Pushing aside Raphaella you fill your lung with overconfidence and make your way in the heavy packed crowd around him with your clutch. One step after the other the oppressive environment remind you of the terrible stampede on the bridge and you feel all that confidence flushed out of your body.

"R-Re-Remember me?" you stutter "How does it feel to beat up defenseless people?"
"Who the hell are you?" he points his cane at you
"You will get what you deserve.Get outside and fight me."
"Who let that punk come to the party? Get lost poor man. Oh wait, you are that fellow who went straight to the buffet, here take this." he throw at you a small bag "Sugar from my plantation in the New World. It's just a sample thouhgh."

Everybody laughs at you for acting with no class atll, leaving you a limited amount of option if you really want to deal with him yourself.

>attack him (Physical)
>remove your mask, revealing your true identity
>insult him like the thug you are
>tell another version of his story and lie about him acting like a coward
>fall back to plan B and try to find something he toucher/steal something from him
>>
Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>4173010
>>
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>>4173082
>>4173083
>10 second difference
>>
>>4173082
Fuck it. On this ride until the end.
>>remove your mask, revealing your true identity
>>tell another version of his story, the true version
>"I am Alfonso Barbati, of the SSN Polaris. I found this wretch blathering on outside of the hospital, begging to be admitted and given a bed, while there was clearly others about who needed it much more than he did. I stepped up to him, and offered my help in returning his belongings to him from his office within the Dead Zone. After a perilous journey in which I broke my leg, I returned to him with his possessions, battered and bloody, yet triumphant in bringing this man's property back to him. He then proceeded to beat me to death's door with his cane like a stray dog. This man has insulted my honor, and I formally challenge him to a duel. Man to man"
This should work. Hopefully. Subtle insults, along with some slander. Doubt he'll back down. Hopefully he doesn't end up having someone else fight for him and his honor, rather than facing us himself.
>>
>>4173082
Backing >>4173123
>>
>>4173123
>>4173223
Raphaella painfully watches as you get ridiculized, you completly busted your chance to provoke a fair duel between two stranger. So now, you will have to give up on something for this party, being your anonymity by removing your mask or your reputation by insulting him.

You decide to abandon both and reveal who you are.
"I am Alfonso Barbati, of the SSN Polaris." you dramatically unveil

Thema had their effect. This is a mondane party between educated people, everybody goe to the theatre, everybody know the SSN Polaris and everybody has its own personnal opinion on the Doge and your captain who tried to murder him.

"I found this wretch blathering on outside of the hospital, begging to be admitted and given a bed, while there was clearly others about who needed it much more than he did. I stepped up to him, and offered my help in returning his belongings to him from his office within the Dead Zone."

And you also clearly identified yourself as the 'robber' from his story. However, trying to clean your honour by revealing the truth or to dirty someone reputation by telling lies, because in the end it's a matter of whose version you thrust, you appear as the worst kind of person for these people.

"After a perilous journey in which I broke my leg, I returned to him with his possessions, battered and bloody, yet triumphant in bringing this man's property back to him. He then proceeded to beat me to death's door with his cane like a stray dog. This man has insulted my honour, and I formally challenge him to a duel. Man to man"
"Ah ah, look at that, a traitor of the Polaris is again trying to murder a noble." he claims
"What is going on here?" Don Giovanni calmy interrupt

The man with his lion pelt causes all chatters to go silent and make place for him, as if embodying the animal he was dressing as.

"This is a pretty serious accusation siniore Barbatti." he starts
"Don Giovanni, you are not going to trust a... a... a commoner!" the merchant asks shocked
"Silence Piccoli. I don't remember inviting yo-" Giovanni stops after seeing you with Raphaella "hmm... I see... Signore e Signori! There is nothing worse for us to have our reputation dirtied like that. I suppose neither Piccoli or Barbatti could go such an affront unanswered."
"Don Giovanni, you are not..."
"This is why I intend to entertain you with a duel. Gentlemen, if you please."
"B-But no... you can't possibly belie-"
"It's useless, signiore Piccoli. Useless." he snaps as a servant approaches him with a wooden box

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV6-ZoB3Hag
>>
>>4173604
Then it's on. The businessman, a certain Piccoli apparently, takes one pistol from the box and goes wait outside. The crowd seems interested and press themselves around you in the front lane. You can hear the protestation of Raphaella tryting to find a better place.

"Y-You are not seriously going to challenge someone?" she insists "Not with a broken leg."
"It's not a street fight. I don't really need my let."
"Why... I just don't understand you... You told the merchant you were siding with the Elves, swallowing your pride and now you have to duel someone for honour?"

Your inconsistency is hard to follow but you came to terms with yourself. Piccoli is placed back to back with you and Don Giovanni himself is counting to ten. Whatever happens, you will not be allowed to roam freely in the mansion after or go by unoticed as you approach the embassador or anyone elese. It's fair to say that the party has come to and end for you even before the result of the duel. Yet, you cant feel but intrigued at the reaction of Don Giovanni when he seemed to recognize Raphaella. He, after all, invited Bernardo Pastori, her lover. Finally, thelady dressed as a crow is nowhere to be seen. Let's hope she will recontact you if you are successful.

>fair fight (Mental)
>dodge and shoot (Physical)
>turn back before the end and shoot
>>
>>4173605
>>fair fight (Mental)
Clearly the best option. Should have the highest dice threshold, unless I am mistaken. We'll clearly piss off most people here if we take the option to just murder him, breaking dueling etiquette. Let's roll the dice.
>>
>>4173628
roll a 1d100, must be under 50 (50+10 for accuracy artefact -10 because of crowd)
first blood rule here, decide if you should shoot to kill or to just wound him
>>
Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>4173688
Kill. It's what the mysterious woman asked us to do in the first place. Less honorable, but we agreed. Suppose we could get something that belongs to him after we wound him, but she's seemingly gone now. We'll see her again if we succeed either way, but I don't know about showing up with a job half finished. Anyways. Nat 1 incoming.
>>
>>4173707
Fuck. Always with the shit rolls involving this guy.
Hope somebody else can come in and save this.
>>
>>4173605
>fair fight (Mental)

Swallowed our pride to side with Elves? There is no shame in recognizing that Elves are the master race.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>4173688
Kill, woman wants him dead and he's a dbag who will probably try to kill us later if we don't settle things now
>>
>>4173810
>Rolled 1 (1d100)
The wine and the laughter flows.
Called it.
Nice fucking roll, anon. I don't recall any successful rolls involving Piccoli.
>>
>>4173810
>>4173831
>>4173810
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EujDcc2xEUI
"10"

The waves gently washes over the shores not so far from Giovanni's mansion, making gondola creaks in the canals. You take a deep breath as he starts counting.

"9... 8... 7..."

Every steps clear the atmosphere of any unnecessary noise, the voices go silent and only the cold wind of winter can be heard whistling in the Noble District. The clouds slowly drift away to reveal a full moon lighting up the scene.

"6... 5... 4..."

At first comical, your steps using the clutch make the scene even more theatrical, women start to pray for you, calling unto Sol for this poor injured man to not die. You hold your pistol high to not let the bullet or gunpowder fall off.

"3... 2... 1..."

You turn, facing the pretentious fat liar, his face distorted by anger, foam on his lips. He throws his cane at your feet in a desperate moment of rage seeing how cool you are taking this. But you already adjusted your weight, aiming just above his head and relieving your breath. This shift the pistol just a few inches lower, a trick learned by every soldier and sailor.

*BAM*... *BAM*

"And the winner of this duel who was willing to put his life at risk to clean his honour shall receive our trust.é Don Giovanni says "He survived the harsh winter of the North Pole and battled bear bare handed, he survived the Dead Zone and its swarm of rats. Twice denied the fame he deserved, but no more."

The crowd cheers and chant your name "Alfonso! Alfonso! Alfonso!" This will probably a topic of discussion for everyone in the Noble District, expect it to have repercussion. "HAAAAAAA he's dead" someone screams.

Hero status restored for you and for others
Physical 70 (+5)
Mental 50
Social 40 (+5)

"He knew the risks." claims Don Giovanni "But let's not this small incident waste our party. Piccoli was a despicable man and we all knew it... Let's all go inside while my servants watch over his body."
>>
>>4173942
You receive many pats on the back from wealthy men and women all wanted to shake your hand, even that mermaid smiled at you which made your heart skip a beat. The Elven ambassador looked at you with utter disgust while talking with a Dwarf in uniform who just arrived.

"Hey siniore, I see you are an expert with firearms." a rich entrepreneurs says
"I know my way around."
"I have a workshop in the Craftsmen District. I would really like you to come pay a visit. We work on some fine state-of-the-art pistol. Not two, not three, not four, but six-shots! Can you believe it?"
"Impressive but, isn't it a bit heavy to have six barrels and six triggers?"
"Ha ha ha, precisely, we developed a mechanism to have only one barrel while having 6 bullets. Here take my cart."

Don Giovanni who bid farewell to some guest a little to emotive about seeing a dead came back inside. You handed him the pistol but he refused to take it back.

"Please, Alfonso. It's bad luck to keep pistol which killed someone in a duel."
"So...?"
"You can have it, you earned that."

+1 flintlock pistol
+1 bag of sugar

The conversations continue but mainly focus on you, then on duels in general, then firearms, Demihuman slavery and regress in trivial opinions. It's as if you were forgotten.

"That was insane!" angrily reproach Raphaella who waited for everyone to leave you alone "You killed a man..."
"He deserved it."
"Yeah... I heard he was a Demihuman slaver" she calmly continues with teary eyes "he must have sent them in his New World plantation"
"Is that the kind of smuggler you were supposed to meet here with Bernardo?"
"Bernardo?" her face shines hearing his name "No... I don't know, he was the only one to know."

Right, this party is supposed to be mainly for people sympathetic to Demihumans and important people on the political game. What is this really about, maybe you can ask Don Giovanni and advance the party to its next stage. However, the noble lady who sent you to kill or get an item from the businessman is silently clapping on the top of the upper floor watching down on you in the shadows.

>ask Don Giovanni
>get back to the lady
>the discussion between the Elven ambassador and the Dwarf
>wow, that mermaid is really beautiful, maybe she likes you
>>
>>4173951

>get back to the lady

Wrapped that up neatly for her. Maybe she'll give us a bonus?
>>
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>>4173983
You climb the stairs, leaving the bright and noisy reception room to sit back on the comfy couch. The woman who sent you to retrieve an object from Piccoli doesnot hide her smile behind the fan any more.

"Initially, I thought you were going to use that cleaver of yours and butcher him like the bear in that play."
"Are you disappointed?"
"Not really. I had fun tonight, but you didn't get to see my talents and this is really frustrating."

She puts the knitted doll on the table and hit it with her closed fan. Just as if a wizard used a magic wand, the doll stood straight animated by its own will. At first confused about its existence, it assessed its surrounding and got scared after seeing your face. But you didn't put your mask back, there's no reason to...

"What have you done?" you ask
"Fear not, this is only a fraction of Piccoli spirit. I'm not so careless that I would try a full possession spell without at least a ritual."
"How cute." exclaims Raphaella seizing the doll "Look how it's fighting back."
"My, my, aren't you the cruel one, little racoon girl." laughs the lady "Isn't it ironic that a slave trader is now the possession of a Demihuman?"

This woman showed you the sign of Charon, god of Death, the one who help souls to go into the afterlife or allow them to get out. She referred to this as a contract and said her friends used to commit murder in plain sight. You are starting to have the gist of it. But why are they 'pissed off' by the situation?

>so you are a Death Cult, that makes you enemy of the Church
>is the plague bad for the assassins business?
>I thought you were part of the founding families
>I deserve a reward, don't I?
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4174022
>>is the plague bad for the assassins business?
Lets not piss her off by mentioning the "enemy of the church" thing. Though, I assume she would just find it amusing. She seems the type. Just some small talk, no need to demand a reward. That roll and the stats going back to normal is reward enough. Never have I had such a great rush of euphoria while reading a quest. Great job writing that, OP. Great choice of music as well. I went off to get drunk, but I'm back now and will be for most of the night.
>>
>>4174130
"Is the plague bad for the assassins business?"
"What a straightforward approach" she bursts out laughing badly hiding her mouth "I really like you... Alfonso, is that right? I am Lady Cremosa, but you can call me Lisa."
"And this is Raphaella." you point the Demihuman playing with her new toy
"So, as you noticed with the quarantine, Elven trade has been cut off. Our dear Piccoli here is... was in the grain market speculation. He constantly lowered the price of sugar export by getting slaves in his plantations."
"Oh, I was started to doubt he was actually a slave trader, I went to his office after all."
"Are you working for the knife-ears?"
"Please, Alfonso. We have principles. Our client only wished to deter the use of Demihumans as cheap workforce. Sometimes that deterrent means supporting Demihuman Rights, sometimes it means supporting terrorists, sometimes it means hiring us."
"And I suppose as more people are jobless your 'client' want less Demihumans on the trade market."
"Yes, of course. So as you see we act as a regulation force in this situation."

Lady Cremosa shares a warm smile with Raphaella using her doll. She doesn't look like someone who will want all Demihumans dead, nor gone. But does it mean her client is part a guest? This is starting to make sense. Why Bernardo was invited as well as a slave trader, nobles pretending to defend Demihuman Rights while being repulsed by them... Is Don Giovanni a hypocrite or is he serious, or maybe something else...

"Let's talk about your friend Bernardo, since you said he was your friend earlier."
"Yes, I want him out of the Citadel to work on a cure."
"Fantastic, the sooner we cure that thing the sooner the Inquisition will leave."
"Can you help me with that... that magic?"
"Not only that but as I said my friends would help. Consider yourself lucky to have the favor of both Lady Cremosa and the Assassins guild."

She stands up, ready to end the conversation.

"We can be found in the cemetery in crypt of the Cremosa family. You can come every night even now if you like. We will discuss the details of your little operation there."
"Anything else I should know?"
"Hmmm... as long as that doll is intact, the soul of our poor Piccoli will be denied his reunion with Sol... So feel free to take care of it."

The wizard lady leaves the party in her private gondola, with an uncanny gondolier. She said that both her magic and assassins could be used to free Bernardo which overjoyed Raphaella despite the implications. Demihumans really have a different perception of life and death.

The party is about to end, there should be enough time for one more thing before the closing speech of Don Giovanni. The discussion between the Elven ambassador and the Dwarf in uniform has taken a more heated turn, the half-man is clearly angry, angry about Elves. Meanwhile, the mermaid is being courted by someone.
>Don Giovanni
>Mermaid
>Elf and Dwarf
>>
>>4174203
>Lisa
OP, don't fucking ignore me, here. I've been getting LISA: The Painful vibes from this since last thread. Did that partially inspire this?
>>
>>4174233
Not played, it looks like a nice game, though. A friend came up with her name.

Switching to slow mode now, expect 1 update every 1h-4h and back to 1 update every 20m-1h at 2PM EST
>>
>>4174242
I'd give it a try if I were you, man. Really resonates well with your quest here. I love your stuff, man. I'll certainly keep my eyes open for future quests by you. Drunk. Got sidetracked, but I'll get to voting.
>>4174203
>>Don Giovanni
Best to see him. Seems alright. A 1 on 1 conversation would be cool.
>>
>>4174203
>Don Giovanni
>>
>>4174254
>>4174271
"About that pistol, Don Giovanni, I didn't thank you."
"Don't mention it, Alfonso. I see you came with Bernardo's companion."
"G-Good evening Don Giovanni." she stutters waging he tail and revealing her true nature
"Raphaella, right? Bernardo told me about you, a pleasure."

Completely aware of her being a Demihuman he hand-kisses Raphaella causing her to blush furiously. Maybe that clear him of being a hypocrite. And apparently it was him Bernardo should have contacted. That makes sense, Raphaella would totally go unnoticed in such party with everybody wearing masks and fake animal appendages.

"I understand you were the one to meet with Bernardo and Raphaella?"
"Correct Alfonso. My family had enough connection to help them leave the City and find a new home in the New World, however... the events we all know unfolded."

You have indeed a lot of questions that can only be answered in a one to one. But should you really question his motives or focus on what he can offer to help freed Bernardo? Guests are starting to leave the party, maybe you should hurry because of the curfew or if you want any leftovers from the buffet.

Pick as many as you like, but the clock is ticking
>So you are a smuggler, does that means 'family' as in mafia?
>What are your thoughts on Demihumans?
>Can you help get Bernardo out of jail?
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4174292
>>What are your thoughts on Demihumans?
>>Can you help get Bernardo out of jail?
Too drunk to come up with a write in. Go with these for now. If anyone comes in with a good question and I'm not around to vote, then I'll support it.
>>
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>>4174300
Not knowing where to put herself, Raphaella pulled back, eyes glued on the ground. That man for a 'Don', someone whose family has exerted power over the City in the past before the Doge and even before the College was established, he is very young. Probably even younger than you but the good health of noble usually make them appear younger. And yet, he already has so much influence and thus, probably, world view.

"What are your thoughts on Demihumans?" you ask clueless
"Me, Don Giovanni, I had a dream." he starts dramatically "One where the Beastskins we abducted from the East were not slave but free. I dream about the day they will not be forced to work for nothing in our dangerous factories. A dream where they had their own land far beyond the sea in the New World, far from the oppression of the East and us."
"Is that where Bernardo and me were supposed to go?" Raphaella enthusiastically asked "A country for Demihumans and Humans to live as equal?"
"Yes my dear Raphaella. I intended to lead you and our beloved to this country and maybe more would have followed."

You nod. Yeah, totally selfless. This a good politician, there are no politicians like him. He should totally replace the Doge. Wait, are you usually this easily convinced?

"This is wonderful." you conclude "But we need Bernardo to work on a cure, can you help him out of jail?"
"Hmm... I see. It would be much easier for you to leave if the quarantine is over."

How strange to be interested in the cure only for that. But surely he can't think anything bad, right? He gifted you with a pistol and is ready to help.

(Optionnal) Maybe he is hiding something
>Don Giovanni is so charismatic... must... resist (Mental) -20 because he is too fabulous

"I can have my... employees to help you get him out of jail. I can't do anything legally, you understand I'm sure."
"I have no plan right now, it would be a frontal assault. Plus I'm injured and not really prepared."
"Just come find me when you are ready, but I never saw anyone get out of the Citadel alive after more than 2 weeks of captivity."
"But it's been 7 days already!" notices Raphaella

It's time to go now, at least if you want to grab leftovers. All guests have left the reception room and are currently waiting for their private gondola on the front lane. Wait, you don't even know how you are going home with the curfew. There is no private gondola for you. But you don't to appear helpless in front of Don Giovanni, so are you going to ask for help for such a trivial matter?

>"Can we stay here for tonight? We don't have a way to go back." (will not bring leftovers to your community)
>"You are smugglers, right? Can you help us get back unnoticed by the Militia?" (will bring leftovers to your community)
>Try to find a group you can merge with, people really appreciated you (Social) (will bring leftovers to your community)
>>
>>4174458
>>Don Giovanni is so charismatic... must... resist (Mental)
He's certainly hiding something. Those thoughts have me curious. We seem all to receptive to him. He seems good-natured, but if those thoughts are anything to go by, he seems to have some sort of enchantment or artifact enhancing him. I doubt we'll succeed here, so hopefully he won't mind much when we botch the roll. Someone like him certainly must be used to people trying to peer into him.
>>Try to find a group you can merge with, people really appreciated you (Social)
This should be fine. Probably. We did good tonight. Lets not fuck it up and appear incompetent in front of our new ally.
Good thing we brought Raphaella. Not quite as mannered as Amicia, but I'm sure Don Giovanni was more receptive to us due to recognizing her.
>>
>>4174458
>Don Giovanni is so charismatic... must... resist (Mental)

Why would we not try this?

>Try to find a group you can merge with, people really appreciated you (Social) (will bring leftovers to your community)

We got cheered pretty hard after winning that duel, we can probably pull this off.
>>
>>4174631
>>4174635
roll 2d100

first to try to unveil Don Giovanni real intentions, must be under 30 (50 -20 confronting your first boss)
second for finding a gondola, must be under 45 (40 +10 thanks to fancy costume -5 because seen as furry -5 seen as because freeloader -5 because actually a freeloader +10 for duel advantage)
>>
Rolled 69, 69 = 138 (2d100)

>>4174651
>>
Rolled 25, 83 = 108 (2d100)

>>4174651

>>4174655
wow, a double 69. Lewd.
>>
>>4174659
>double 69
bonus dice modifier for Lisa next time we meet her for that one, right OP?
>>
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>>4174655
>>4174659
>rolled 25, close one
a glimpse of Giovanni real intentions

Reflecting on everything you learned so far something has been bugging you about Don Giovanni's intentions. Initially you thought it was a party for people sympathetic to Demihumans, maybe it was intended as such but the first people you encountered felt only disgust at Raphaella. They just bear their so-called open-mindedness as a badge. There was also that slave trader who speculated on grain price using cheap Demihuman workforce which apparently displeased several people in the room including Lady Cremosa client. Maybe... Just maybe, wanting the Demihumans gone is a more economic issue disguised as a racial one.

Don Giovanni's attitude can only be explained like that, at least, for the moment.

>rolled 69, failure

After stuffing as many leftovers as you can in a napkin with Raphaella also taking her share, you head for the canal where only young people are still there. Drunk and noisy, they intend to continue to party some more. It's hard to believe you will return to a district where people are self quarantining themselves.

+2 chicken breasts
+2 oranges

"Heeeeeeey!" a drunk young noble throws at you "if that ain't Alfonso Barbati."
"Cazzo! The man himself." his companion continues "Is it true that your captain was a fury just like you?"
"You bet. He ain't no segaiolo, look at that fine racoon ass. Alfonso, my man can you share some? It will spare use the trouble of going to the Redlight District."

The second man who mentioned your captain pukes in the private gondola and the first one has a very hard time maintaining his balance. Their boat isn't very well decorated, nor does it have an Iceburst Stone steam engine, it was probably stolen in another district. You could have found someone better to go home but it's too late now. Raphaella has a hard time containing herself, courtesans do know how to handle drunkard after all.

It's midnight and you have a broken leg, in winter. You wool tunic keeps you warm but you would not want to make the journey on foot past the curfew.
>"we are going somwhere near the Redlight District, can we hope in too?"
>first and foremost, teach these brats a lesson
>maybe Raphaella can handle them
>>
>>4174743
>first and foremost, teach these brats a lesson

damn this hero mentality
>>
>>4174769
They're probably going to end up in the canal. Supporting this, but let's try to avoid drowning somebody.
Also, question for you, OP.
Is the bullet we have compatible with the flintlock we got from Don Giovanni?
>>
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>>4174769
>>4174775
This party propelled you in different world where you interacted as equal with nobles. Sometimes wearing a mask, sometimes showing each other your true colours, disdainful, prideful, but also ambitious, mischievous and even lighthearted. You killed, you made friend but overall you stated true to yourself.

You have done enough, there was no need to get so low as to fight with drunkards. But that was before they mentioned your captain. Raphaella could have handled this, after all you still don't know what she is capable of.

"What did you say about me che cazzo, you little culattone? I'll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Phalangists, and I've been involved in numerous mission in the deadly jungle of the New World, and I have over 300 confirmed polar bears killed."

You describe an arc in the air with your clutch toward the first drunkard who lose his balance and end up in the canal. He does not drown, it's not deep enough in this part of the City but his friend rushes to save him as if he was in a life or death situation. The sense of danger comically exaggerated by alcohol made them look like the most stupid pair of drunkards you ever saw. Truly pathetic.

"Let's go Raphaella."
"Are they going to be alright?"
"Yeah. Let them enjoy the cleanest water in the canals of the City."

With no further delay, you silently take the direction of the West, passing between the Ducal Palace and the City a palace all lighted up by a complex fountain of Mystical Stones. Truly the jewel of the City. Right after, you can see the Elven Embassy where they have planted enough tree to obscure the view of anything man-made. Just above the giant Dwarven Airship silently floating like a big cigar.

Finally, you can see the red lights of Raphaella district. The water vapour is freezing on your hand, without that wool tunic you would have caught a cold for certain. This is going to be a rude winter. The racoon girl plays with her dool to relieve some anxiety.

"So, we have to devise a plan to free my Bernardo, now?"
"I guess... I could go straight in the Citadel myself if I wanted but it's better to have help."
"The assassins from Lady Cremosa, the mafiosos from Don Giovanni... We can use both the individual and their resources. I wonder if they would cooperate."
"I still have to think about it and before that I have to heal my leg and maybe gear up."
"I just wish we could end Bernardo sufferings sooner. I'm not sure he will support another week like that."

>dock at Raphaella brothel and accompany her
>let Raphaella go to her brothel and dock near Luigi's house
>dock farther at Luigi's house with Raphaella

Inventory
-2 chicken breasts
-2 oranges
-Piccoli doll
+1 flintlock pistol
+1 bag of sugar
-cleaver
-Pig's mask
-costume
-wool tunic

Physical 70
Mental 50
Social 40

-10 in stress situation in a crowd
+10 accuracy
-25 to some action due to broken leg
+10 social thanks to fancy costume
>>
>>4174775
no, the bullet is not compatible, it's a full metal jacket bullet and both pistols you own are flintlock pistols requiring paper cartridge with gunpowder and lead ball, so you can adapt it but it will destroy the full metal jacket bullet

who say you can't make gunpowder with the materials you have in this world? maybe try looking in certains places or with certains people for a recipe
>>
>>4174875
>let Raphaella go to her brothel and dock near Luigi's house

don't wanna make Raph go the extra distance but we gotta check in with our peeps
>>
>>4174883
Supporting this. Drop her off, then head home to our place.
We don't want to deal with this cold for too long. Don't want to relapse.
>>
>>4174883
>>4174925
Raphaella jumps on the dock and climb the stairs to the level of the street. You are about to continue in a canal leading inward but realize she forgot her doll. While she is crossing the bridge just above, you can throw her the toy where Piccoli soul is trapped.

Should you let someone else have the responsibility of a soul you separated from its body?
>give Piccoli doll to Raphaella
>keep it for now and think later of what to do with it (free his soul or not)

After making that decision you are finally near Luigi's home, noticing shadows jumping on the rooftops... Wait, you have meat and firearms with you... on the Elven Commando territory. Didn't they said earlier that their mission is precisely to forbid anyone from unloading the ships quarantined in the Harbor?

Maybe you can outsmart them with your silent vehicle and acute knowledge of this part of the City. Thankfully it has no steam engine. Another way to avoid trouble would be to abandon your loot.
>hide the firearm and the meat
>just wait them out patiently (make it home in the morning)
>evade the Elves Commandos (Mental)
>>
>>4174944
>>4174944
>keep it for now and think later of what to do with it (free his soul or not)
Free it.

>just wait them out patiently (make it home in the morning)

>hide the firearm and the meat
Elves are too powerful to evade
>>
>>4174944
>>keep it for now and think later of what to do with it (free his soul or not)
We can decide later. Obviously morally wrong to keep his soul trapped, and could incriminate us in front of the inquisition. If we free it, I assume Lisa would think less of us for that. I'm more interested in throwing my lot in with her and her people over the Don. No interest in an all out assault on the Citadel, that'd make us a major enemy of the militia and Doge. Not worth it. Subterfuge is the better option in this case. So, lets avoid letting our reputation with her taking a hit.
>hide the firearm and the meat
Assuming that hiding the gun and meat means stashing it somewhere, then returning to get it later, I vote for this. Waiting is not an option due to the cold and likelihood of relapsing into stage 2 due to it. Evading Elven commandos is unlikely. Lets just head home after stashing the items safely, and we can send Mario and Luigi to get them in the morning before we send them off to whatever else we decide to have them do.
>>
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>>4175018
>>4175084
Fo now, you will keep the doll which has kept on trying to jump out of the gondola. It really wants to get out. Then, it gets discouraged and start to bump his head of knitted wool against the gondola. How strange.

To not get your precious reward getting confiscated by the Elves, you find a back alley to hide the firearm and the wrapped leftovers. Ready to be searched you head back to Luigi's place to rest for half of a night. Only after changing of street for the second time you hear a familiar commanding voice.

"You. Stop right there. I reek of dead meat and... of gunpowder!"
"I have nothing on my that you banned in this district, just let me-"
"Don't interrupt me fat smelly greasy barbarian!"

It's the Elven captain but without his second to keep him in check, only two other commandos. The rest must be busy keeping an eye on the waters between the Harbor and the Redlight District.

"Do you think the curfew is a joke? What did you bring back from the quarantined ships? A poor exotic animal that you will fry alive?"
"I thought you said I smell of dead meat, so why bring it ali-"
"I know what I am saying. I. AM. NOT. CRAZY."

He fires an arrow which ricochet on the pavement right next to your feet. It's already past midnight and your sleep schedule is completely disturbed, it's cold and you don't have the strength to deal with that knife-ears.

>comply to a search at distance by removing your clothes
>try to bribe the captain with sugar
>I was at a party with your embassador (Social) -20 because he is crazy
>>
>>4175377
>I was at a party with your embassador (Social) -20 because he is crazy

We can describe the ambassador to him if he doesn't believe us. Go into how he got into an argument with a dwarf so he can cross reference our story with witnesses.
>>
>>4175410
Supporting this so no tiebreaker is necessary.
>>
>>4175410
>>4175474
roll 1d100, must be under 30 (40 +10 thanks to costume -20 it's only for bosses and main characters, I'm not tryng to undermine your efforts to gear up)

no bonus, you didn't talk to the ambassador :/
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>4175486
the ball was too short to talk to him :(
>>
Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>4175486
Fair enough. I figured it was too risky to speak with him, he seemed upset after the duel took place.
>>
>>4175498
REDEMPTION
>>
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>>4175496
>>4175498
>rolled 29, success
joker

"Ah Ah Ah. You?!" laugh the captain "A masqued ball with OUR ambassador?"
"Oh no, no, no. Let me guess captain." an archer join the fun "He kissed a mermaid and won a prize after a duel."

They burst out laughing, not aiming at your any more, so loud that people are opening their windows to see what is the cause of this turmoil. Not considered as a threat by the Elves you are free to go. Hiding the firearm and meat was a safe move, but who could have predicted this outcome? Preparedness is key.

Exhausted and humiliated you climb the stairs to Luigi's apartment and without even noticing Mario welcoming you, fall on a straw mat. You dream about punching that knife-ears face or maybe having a duel with him and trap his soul in a doll like Piccoli.

Oh right, you killed a man. By Sol, you killed for the first time and that is all the effect it had on you? It's not the first time you see death, you even indirectly caused one a week ago, but you killed. Does a Human being really deserve to die for slave trading? Nameless horrors, that you only see on the battlefield, happened the City. So maybe you became unable to feel anything about death now. Are you prepared for what is to come? There are so many white crosses on the doors outside, oh right that tenor Parotti waiting to die at home... alone. Sister Susanna! Is she alright? Bernardo, you have to save him!
>>
>>4175624
"Hey Alfonso! Wake up." it's Luigi "It's already noon and it's ration day."

Something is tickling your pocket, oh it's the doll. You have yet to decide what to do with him. Lady Cremosa said that only a fraction of his soul was trapped inside, preventing him reunification with Sol. Does that mean you can communicate with him? That could be useful.

>attempt to destroy the doll to free his soul from this world
>give it to Hugo, maybe that will keep him busy
>communicate with him and try to 'tame' it

"Amicia" complains Hugo "Why are we going to ration without sister Susanna?"
"We have to eat, Hugo. That's all."
"Where is sister Susanna? Where are dad and mom?"
"Hugo, I..."

It seems that Amicia didn't have 'the talk' with her little brother, or he can't cope with what is happening to him. The poor boy had a near death experience after all, he probably sat in Charon's gondola for a while. Luigi is briefing you on yesterday events.

"So the bridge is done." he proudly claims shoulder to shoulder with Mario "We finished just an hour ago."
"What did you eat?" you ask
"It was a close call. We were 5 and earned 4 cans of meat and 2 Iceburst Stones. But hanks to Mario skilled hand we also won some fruits at the Mystical Stone refinery."
"So a warm meal for everyone. Are you alright? You had to skip a meal, I remember."
"I'm full... Well, I haven't eaten today yet but ration is coming. Thanks to Mario again who only took his fruits despite recovering."

That last part got you worried. Mario had a warm home to rest, vitamins thanks to the fruits he earned but not meat. Is it alright? You still don't know it yet, and he is horribly silent, even shaking a little.

What is going on with Mario?
>observe Mario behaviour (Mental)
>you should take some rest today, stay here after ration distribution

Since it's ration day, everybody should go out to request their weekly ration. But you risk someone discovering your loot. There is also the fate of Parotti you promised to see every day.

Assuming you want the most people out for doing as many tasks as possible, who should stay at home while everyone else is waiting in the line for ration or doing something, else?
>Mario
>Luigi
>Valentina
>Amicia
>Hugo

Should someone try to retrieve the loot?
>someone, write-in
Should someone attend Parotti's solo?
>someone, write-in
>>
>>4175626

>attempt to destroy the doll to free his soul from this world

Slavers might deserve death but not this unnatural torment.

>observe Mario behaviour (Mental)
Have him rest if we can't figure it out


>Amicia
>Hugo

Stay home

>We retrieve the loot since we know where it is
>Tell people about Parotti's solo, whoever wants to go can, make sure at least one person goes though even if it's also us.
>>
>>4175676
rolld 1d100, must be under 50
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4175733
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4175733
>>
Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>4175733
>>
>>4175740
>>4175764
>>4175858
>rolled 36, success
auto-diagnose

Hands shaking, shortness of breath and you wouldn't be surprise if he developed fever. Still, in no way it would be a relapse, Mario simply has alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Good thing you noticed them early otherwise you would have been totally panicked.

"I'm sorry Mario. I said things that forced you to stop drinking suddenly."
"I... I can endure. Y-You need me right?"

You will have to find alcohol for him or face the consequence of a delirium tremens, and there is no way to tell how the infection will react to this. He can still accompany you to the ration distribution but his fever will probably get worse in the afternoon. Since you remembered so well he has alcohol withdrawal, a certain remedy from the pharmacopoeia of the navy come to your mind. Mister Goodhealth could probably help or you can try for an Apothecary in the Craftsmen District.

"I have to tell everyone something... I met Parotti the tenor."
"The Parotti" Valentina squeals
"Siniore Parotti?" ask Hugo
"Yes, I think he is not taking the quarantine very well. He has plenty of food and is self-treating himself for a Stage One , but I promised that I woul come to listen to his solo every day."
"I miss Siniore Parotti." Hugo sighs

Apparently, two people of your group are huge fans of the tenor. The pregnant woman and the little boy. One who was supposed to come to ration distribution and the other you wanted to stay at home. Since you will retrieve the loot, it will make 3 people available for ration distribution. Thus, you will only have 6 cans of meats and 3 Iceburst Stones for 6 people. Just two day of rations.

Who should go for his solo
>send Valentina to Parotti (4 cans of meat and 2 Iceburst Stones)
>send Hugo to Parotti (6 cans of meat and 3 Iceburst Stones)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Should you give up ration distribution to retrieve your loot?
>yes (-2 cans of meat and -1 Iceburst Stone, but +2 chicken breasts and +2 oranges with the pistol)
>no (+2 cans of meat and +1 Iceburst Stone, but might lose your loot)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4176163
Would it be possible to stop and visit Parotti on the way to grab our loot? We'd have to stick around for the entire preformance, so the loot still may get stolen, but it should be less of a risk to do that rather than heading to ration distribution, which would likely take several hours.
We can bring Hugo along if that is the case. Sending him alone is a bad idea, as he is obviously very young. And I believe it was mentioned that he could not leave the house because he is too famous. Or something. Piano prodigy, iirc. Parotti would likely recognize him. We should still get a mask on him so no passersby recognize him.
If stopping to visit Parotti ourselves isn't an option, then send Valentina along by herself, while we grab our loot. We can work for more meat, but we can't work for more oranges. The food variety could prove essential.
Also. If they do not already, ensure Luigi and Valentina have cloth masks. It won't be much, but they have not been infected yet, we can't afford to be taking care of more sick right now.
>>
>>4176236
I'm ok with that
>>
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>>4176236
It's already noon but the sun can hardly be seen anywhere, a permanent cloud of water vapour is looming over the canal, hiding Sol knows what. On the other hand, using a gondola is way more discrete than walking in the streets now.

"I will take Hugo to Parotti while getting some food I have hidden in a back alley for us."
"Ok, so we will get the cans of meats. I hope it's better than whale meat, I'm starting to get tired of that."
"Oh you bet it is. You should make cloth masks out of my old shirt."
"I'm not going to do that" protest Valentina
"Come on mi amore." Luigi tries to reason her "We don't have anything left her."
"Can... Can I have at least get the piece the farthest away possible from the armpits?"

Putting your pig mask on the little Hugo, it's time to let him out of the house. Is that Amicia you hear sighing in relief? How hard it must have been for a fourteen years old girl to take care of her little brother. She might be educated and even knows about the disease but it was simply too much.
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>>4176384
Valentina, Mario and Luigi POV

"Let's go Luigi." says Mario shaking under the cold
"Why La Stampa stopped the weather forecast article?" complains Valentina "It's the only part I read."

The coughs. So many people are coughing in line to get their ration. And while most of them are covering their face, some get really upset when they are told to put something on their mouth. Everyone looks tired, looking at the pavement in front of them or waiting for the sword of Damocles to fall down on their neck.

One of the person in the line squeezes his flanks painfully, after a long internal struggle he decides to leave the line and rush to the canal. Hidden by the cloud, what he is doing now leave only little space for imagination. Another man vomit blood right on the back on the person in front of him before getting beaten to a pulp by said person.

"Hear ye, hear ye, citizens"

The chief of the Militia with his ridicule outfit and mounted on his stilts address everyone. The bright purple and yellow of his perfectly tailored yet baggy outfit are the only thing that didn't change in this chaotic scene.

"The honourable Doge of the city is sorry to announce that workers for the Cannery can only be Demihumans for sanitary reason. If you have a slave send him, and we will give him the exact same ration you would have received."
"Damn Demihumans" shout the crowd "Are we not good enough for you?"
"Demihumans are immune and that is a fact. Fishmen who provided us with whale meat have doubled their price so all noble families offered the help of their slave to reduce the cost of the workforce of the Cannery."
"Viva the Doge!" someone screams

The crowd has mixed feeling about this, many were planning to work just after ration distribution to get a supplement.

"Finally, by order of the Doge, it is now mandatory to cover your mouth. If you don't have anything to put on your mouth stay at home. Offender will be sent to disinfection camp."
"What is this again? You want to kill us all far away?"
"... Starting from now, every people suspected from Stage Two will to sent to a camp. And remember, denouncing saves life and is rewarded."

Militiamen who carefully disposed themselves all around are using their pole with fork at the end to pin down everyone with blood on their clothes. Sometimes, a strike miss and end up in a bad place, sometimes they hit the throat on purpose, always laughing, like in a safari.

"By Sol..." Valentina says clinging to her husband
"Let's get our ration and back to the apartment."
>>
>>4176389
Alfonso and Hugo POV

Hugo acts like he has not seen the outside world for weeks, which is probably true. Getting distracted by the slightest detail and asking unseasy questions.

"Why is that woman waiting on the sidewalk?"
"She... She is waiting for a friend."
"Is that a butcher's shop? Why is it closed?"
"The... the owner had more important things to do."
"Is that person sleeping on the street?"

A woman lies in the gutter, her head resting on the beginning of the pavement using it as a pillow. In her sleep she spilled blood on her stone bed and got into an uncanny position for a Human being, her articulations taking absurd turns. It's the woman whose husband forced her to self-quarantine on their balcony.

If only your leg was not broken you would have taken Hugo into your arms, but right now you can only pull hard on his hand and try to divert his attention.

"S-So , how did you know Parotti?"
"Siniore Parotti and I performed together."

You truly have no culture. Of course, Amicia said he was a prodigy.

"Oh my audience, is that you? And now you are two?" a powerful voice echoes in the street
"It's me siniore Parotti."
"Bambino!" he exclaims "I thought you crossed the Styx long time ago with the assault on your mansion."
"I'm well and my sister too. But we are still looking for our parents."
"Oh... I... I see." Parotti responds confused "But come. Come inside. I stuffed myself with everything in my granary until I was cured. Thanks sol for those dried fruits."

You are invited in the large apartment of Parotti. A well decorated place with lots of windows and heavy curtain mimicking an opera. Letting go of the children, he rushes in the arms of Parotti.

"Oh thank you siniore. Not only do I have an audience to perform in front of but a partner.Here take a chair. Hugo, I have a piano over there."
"What are we playing?"
" 'What' you ask? What else?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWc7vYjgnTs

It's a sad song at first and you are tempted to interrupt him. This time, people are opening their shutters to listen to the melancholic sound of a piano. The harlot who waited for someone to feed her in exchange for her service went under Parotti's balcony even as a client was about to come to her. But the slow and deep whipping of the tenor slowly turn with the melody into a powerful cry of victory. Even Sol's rays pierce the thick layer of cloud to visit his apartment.

In the grand finale, tears are forming on the corner of the harlot's eyes, and she realizes the woman in the pavement has still a breath of life in her. Despite her imminent death that everybody ingnored she rushed to her side to hold her hand in her last moment. On this moment, people of the Worker District realized there was more important things than surviving.
>>
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>>4176416
Everyone makes it back safely to Luigi's apartment. The group which went to ration distribution appears clearly disturbed by what they saw, Mario even shaking harder has to grip firmly the sink of the kitchen. Valentina panicked takes all the cloth masks and toss them in the gutter among the pile of garbage that started to forme weeks ago.

+6 cans of meat (12 meals)
+3 Iceburst Stones (burns non-stop for 8h)
+2 chicken breast (2meals)
+2 oranges
+1 flintlock pistol

diner tonight

Now that your bridge is finished. You can access the Abbey with its Dispensary and the North Slums. There is also the assassins in the nearby cemetery who should have their passage across the Grand Canal. Maybe it's time to save Sister Susanna or Dottore Pastori. Someone outside is nailing the new La Stampa poster, this will surely determine your next action.

[/i]La Stampa Public Edition Settimo : Historical agreement to be made between Elves and Dwarves

The fate of Professore Tornelli is now settled. Despite the effort of their leader and best agent the Fishmen, his project of a submersible boat will probably never profit their people. His so-called miraculous algae of the deep is now forever out of our reach. Indeed, the Dwarves, thanks to a generous compensation, will exfiltrate Tornelli to the Dwarven Kingdom.

Grichka Galilleof, overwhelmed by the death of his twin and badly injured has vowed to never refute the heliocentrism theory. He claims that 'black hole' never existed and even if they did they are in no way a representation of Charon, god of Death. The fate of the nun who tried to rescue them is still unknown.

Finally, against all odds. Dotorre Bernardo Pastori made a miraculous recovery in his cell where he agonized after a suicide attempt. However, he still holds the same view about Demihumans according to the Militia.

We apologize for the lack of weather forecast since the Academy semaphore pressure measurement network was disrupted but as you all notice: Winter is coming.[/i]

"Masks need to be changed daily" notices Amicia
"Ah right." you acknowledge "Why did you not get Stage Two while taking care of Hugo?"
"As long as you don't touch their..." she hesitates "fluids, it's okay. Soap or gloves will do the trick."
"So waterproof clothes too?"
"Definitly."

Maybe someone skilled enough could help with corpse retrieval. The pay is better.

Should someone be sent to work for more resources?
>corpse retrieval
>archeological center

What's your main priorities?
>check on Raphaella
>save sister Susanna
>gear up (potion, gun, equipment, artefact...)
>find essentials (gold, soap, cans of meat...)
>meet with Lady Cremosa/Don Giovanni
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Do you want to spend one hour to turn the full metal jacket bullet into a paper cartridge for your duelist pistols?
>yes (can no longer be used in modern guns)
>no (can fire one round with a pistol)
>>
>>4176533
>>archeological center
Amicia should. I don't feel safe with anything related to corpse removal.

>meet with Lady Cremosa
We might as well get the ball rolling

>no (can fire one round with a pistol)
There's no need to right now.
>>
>>4176533
Backing >>4176767
Except did we ever build that bridge? If so save Susanna. 2 heals/day OP.
>>
>>4176533
Should someone be sent to work for more resources?
No. We're fine for now. Corpse retrieval is too sketchy without seeing the deal with it ourselves, to better understand proper protocol before sending someone out to collect bodies with information that we only understand partially. And Amicia cannot work in the archeological center. I don't think Hugo should either. He's probably too young to travel on his own, and Amicia may be recognized by the foreman.
>>save sister Susanna
Pastori seems to have much more time now, going by the news paper. It seems our visit with Raphaella was a really good call. We have no idea about Susanna. It has been a while already, we should get her out as soon as we can. Or at least investigate the Abbey and try to find news of her fate before doing anything hasty.
>>yes (can no longer be used in modern guns)
There still is that gang after us. It would be much better if we had an actual gun to kick off the eventual confrontation with. We have two flintlocks, but that would just act as a bluff at most, and I doubt they'll back off again.
While we're near the North Slums, we should talk to them and see what they ask for, for potatoes. We should visit the alchemist and buy some recipes. Namely, one for gunpowder. We have a good amount of Iceburst stones now.
>>
Due to the cannery now being off the table, and the archaeological center being fickle work, corpse retrieval is going to be the next logical step. We should head to the tailor at some point and pay off what we owe him for the wool shirt, and additionally buy some masks and gloves for that kind of work. Maybe some additional protective clothing as well, if we see anything that would qualify.
>>
>>4176767
>>4176966
>>4177016
"We should be good with food for now. We even have some orange and fresh meat, so just Amicia should go to the Mystical Stones refinery."

At first surprised as if she was about to protest, Amicia finally doesn't refuse, a sad smile on her face she gives you a resigned look with a small formal bow.

"I will do my best siniore. We owe you a lot."

The heart of teenagers is hard to understand, why would she want to avoid the Mystical Stone refinery? Hugo was easier to satisfy and is now playing in a corner on a fake piano. Oh right, you met her at the archaeological center where she was being beaten by the foreman.

Anything to say?
>someone else should go, write-in
>you can do it, encourage her (Social)
>you should stay/go somewhere else, write-in

Since you already build a bridge to the Abbey, it's time to pay a visit to the Dispensary. The procession healing in the South Slum already happened at noon, so as far as you now it would be the only place where you would meet servants of the Church of Sol. You will be able to assess Susanna situation.

Bring someone with you? (Select as much as you want)
>Mario
>Luigi
>write-in

With the potato field now available, you will be able to trade, maybe even make your own field using a rapid harvest potion to further multiply your gain. Who knows, the knife-ears might like that. Speaking of territory regulating authorities, the Militia said that wearing a mask is now mandatory but you don't have any more cloth but the two layers you are wearing right now. Visiting the tailor should be on you list later today to buy masks and pay what you owe him.

About masks
>some parts of the fancy costume for a mask
>rip off extra cloth from someone else clothes
>it's the first day, maybe they will be forgiving

Bringing the guns will be enough for a deterrent or to be use as a bargaining tool and you can visit the Alchemist to learn how to make Gunpowder in exchange for some fries.

What should you bring with you? (Select as much as you want)
-6 cans of meat (12 meals)
-3 Iceburst Stones (burns non-stop for 8h)
-2 chicken breasts
-2 oranges
-Piccoli doll
-2 flintlock pistol
-1 bullet (only work on
-1 bag of sugar
-cleaver
-Pig's mask

Before going, you notice Piccoli doll jumping from a table to the ground, getting back up, climbing back and jumping again, and again, an again... Is it trying to commit suicide? What a horrible fate you have bestowed him. To think a Human soul would be trapped on vessel without being able to talk or die. What if everyone in the City is dead and Piccoli become the sole 'survivor'? Roaming a desolated land for eons before the knots get loose.

+10 Sol's alignment (this and the Nessun Dorma opera >>4176416)
-5 Charon's alignment

How should you dispose of it?
>drown it in the canal so you can tear off the wool
>undo the knots of the wool dool
>bring it with you to the Abbey, maybe the Church of Sol will know
>write-in
>write-in
>>
>>4177240
Encourage her, bring Mario and Luigi, bring it to the abbey
>>
>>4177240
>>you should stay/go somewhere else, write in
Home for today. She seems capable enough that we could bring her along with us for some things. On top of that, she speaks Elvish. We've dealt with their curfew and that prick captain many times. Her pacifying him is a big reason to bring her along. In the future, however. We're heading to the Abbey, and the Inquisition has it out for her if I remember right. We can't send her to corpse disposal, and sending her to the archaeological center is a bad move.
>About masks
>rip off extra cloth from someone else clothes
This and take one of the layers off from our mask. The fancy costume will lose some of that social bonus, which we should try to keep as high as we can.
>Bring someone with you? (Select as much as you want)
Mario
Luigi
>What should you bring with you? (Select as much as you want)
3 cans of meat. (1 for the debt, 1 for 10 masks, 1 for 5 pairs of gloves)
A flintlock.
The bullet. (barter item, somebody in the Slums warzone may be interested.)
Sugar bag (barter item.)
The cleaver.
>How should you dispose of it?
I believe burning the doll is the best move. Later, that is. Fire falls within the same vein as Sol, and if we bring it to the Abbey, we are sure as shit going to get questioned, or persecuted. And shifting that blame to Lady Cremosa is a bad move as well. If we burn it, then I assume we'll get more Sol's alignment, but lose more of Charon's alignment. I vote to keep the doll, until after we are done dealing with Lady Cremosa. I'd prefer to keep it even longer, but voting for that would be against Alfonso's character now due to that last section of text.

Question for you as well, OP. I checked last thread for the prices for the masks and such, and noticed the leather armor for a gold coin. Can we wear that over the fancy outfit, reinforcing it in some key areas, or is it more of a one or the other sort of thing? Are we going to be wearing both the wool tunic and the fancy costume unless we state otherwise from now on? Or will we have to choose to put it on?
>>
>>4177240
kiss the cute nun
>>
>>4177330
>Can we wear that over the fancy outfit
I'd say no, maybe a mail underneath or a cuirass over but it would be in "another shop". If you want freedom of movements, there is a mithril mail at the tailor shop.

You wear the wool tunic by default as a coat over the costume, you can replace it by a gambeson at "another shop".
>>
>>4177240
>you can do it, encourage her (Social)
>Mario
>it's the first day, maybe they will be forgiving
tell them we're literally on our way to the tailor for mask cloth

>burn the doll
>>
>>4177330
>>4177386
>>4177407
>you can do it, encourage her (Social)
roll 1d100, must be under 50 (40 +10 thanks to costume)
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>4177417
nat 1 to kiss the nun
>>
Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>4177417
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>4177417
>>4177429
Please. If anything I'll be hitting that nat one to kiss the cute assassin, bre.
>>
>>4177444
>trips
I am awaiting the next meeting with Lady Cremosa.
>>
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>>4177444
>>4177435
>>4177429
Luigi nods after you said you wanted to rip someone else clothes and suggest using Valentina's long dress. The pregnant lady will not need so much fabric if she stays inside.

"What? No, Luigi!" she protests falling on their straw mattress
"Just a bit Valentina." he insists playfully
"No. No. No. We can't, we have guests."

Luigi tears off vertically on the dress three inches deep and get all the fabric beyond that. Valentina's calves are now exposed, and such depravity has clearly impacted their couple.

"Why didn't you use Alfonso's costume?"
"Don't make this more difficult than it already is, Valentina!"
"And now that monster wants to send the poor Amicia to work!"

-5 when using a skill of Luigi as support
+4 masks

>rolled 44, slight success

You take the teenage girl by her shoulders, she needs to go working while you are out looking for Susanna. That can of meat she will get may be the bargaining item you will use to save someone.

"Alfonso, I..." she starts with teary eyes "you are always so thoughtful of us, I will trust you."
"Uh... bene..."

The girl's burden might have been underestimated. She had to take care of her little brother, hiding him the death of their parents, taking care of him while he excreted blood from all orifices and what you already know at the Mystical Stone refinery. She was so eager to let someone else think for herself that her will vanished.

-5 when using a skill of Amicia as support

An uneasy silence begins as all the men exit to the bridge for the Abbey with their masks. You take 3 cans of meat, a flintlock pistol, the sugar bag, the bullet and your cleaver. Adjusting your clutch you walk to your mates' realization.

A bridge made of planks and gondolas, you are not sure this is stable enough for someone with a broken leg. Beyond the bridge, on the consecrated land, the sun's ray shine on the dispensary through the grey clouds. Here nobody can get infected.

You brought the doll so far but it's time to free Piccoli's soul from the doll. With the church so close, it could help with the fake funeral you will give him. Using the flint of the pistol on some wood chips you light a fire. And so according to the Church of Sol teaching, you give Piccoli a proper funeral.

"Ah ah, look at him go." complaisantly launches Mario as he continues to shake from alcohol withdrawal symptoms

The living doll hold as much as it can to your hand, scared of the fire. You could almost guess the horrified face it is making with his crude facial features. Forcing the doll in the fire with the barrel of your pistol you watch Piccoli fight the fire as it consumes him. Then, suddenly, the doll stops moving and goes limp.

Sol's blessing already granted in advance

How to cross the bridge?
>carefully (Mental)
>have Mario and Luigi help you (Social)
>get a gondola supporting the bridge to cross it
>>
You are lucky I forget the -10 because of Amicia's gold coin wasted for the costume
>>
>>4177513
>carefully (Mental)

Unless the gondola will be fast and not consume resources
>>
>>4177513
>>carefully (Mental)
The social roll will probably have that new -5 to Luigi's support in effect. Fuck that option. We are Alfonso Barbatti, a schizophrenic whose decision making is impacted from the veritable symphony of voices he hears in his head on a regular basis. We can pull this off and make it in this condition. We've gotten this far, after all.
>>4177515
Hey now. "Wasted" is a very harsh term, OP. We're looking slick in this outfit, if Valentina and Amicia cannot appreciate some fine craftsmanship when it is right before them, then that is on them. I only wish I decided to do a precautionary write-in as a fallback option, in case the vote for sending Amicia to work won out over my vote against it. I really must thank you for continuing to run this with so few players. You've got a unique style of running things here, and I appreciate that you take input from all votes instead of just rolling to break the tie.
>>
>>4177542
I assume it will make the bridge less stable, which is definitely a bad move. I figured we'd build a bridge instead of just using a gondola to cross the canal for a more permanent, faster method of crossing it. If we have to hastily retreat from the Abbey after freeing Susanna, we're going to need the bridge intact. Potentially collapsing it if the Inquisition is in tow.
>>
>>4177542
>>4177543
>>4177550
roll 1d100, must be under 50
>>
Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>4177563
>>
Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4177563
>>
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>>4177570
>>4177587
>rolled 17, sucess

Hoping on the bridge you cross it one step after another without any weight shifting, as navigator moving a compass on a map. Meanwhile, Mario holds his flank looking anxiously around him. Everyone finally made it on consecrated land without loosing any of the items you brought or falling in the canal. Despite the light bathing the Church, the atmosphere feels quite heavy here, opressing even. Thick column of black smoke are rising in the sky an merging with the grey clouds.

"You..." a solemn voices stops you "What unholy stones did you bring here?"

A knight, a real knight in a black armour, is dismounting his horse. Straight out of the legends of the past, in this age of industrialization. Fascinated by this uncommon sight, you remember how you wanted to be a hero in your youth. His presence makes your knees weak as all of you see his mace representing Sol with pikes everywhere.

"I smell heresy in the air. You will not make it to the Church without getting rid of that."

He is clearly referring to Mystical Stone and Iceburst Stone, industrialization and technology was never really appreciated by the Church. They even called the plage a curse as a response to Humans trying to imitate Dwarves and loosing themselves in Vulcan's way.

>get rid of the accuracy artefact (artefact giving +10 in accuracy you looted at the Academy)
>someone get back to Luigi's house with the artefact
> can you convince him you are on Sol's side? (Social) (-20 because facing Sol's champion, -10 because of the double unholy nature of the artefact)
+xx bonus depending on your write-ins
>>
>>4177627
>someone get back to Luigi's house with the artefact
can't we just shoot him ?
>>
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>>4177652
You have this type of bullet and only flintlock pistols. You didn't choose to turn it in into a paper cartridge.
>>
>>4177627
>>someone get back to Luigi's house with the artefact
We have no ammunition anyways. We don't exactly need it this time. Instead of Luigi's house, send Luigi with the artifact to stash it somewhere. Cross the pontoon bridge to keep the artifact off of holy ground, and hopefully out of the notice/care of the Inquisition. The bridge is just planks of wood secured onto gondolas, right? Just have Luigi stash it under the planks of one of the gondolas near the shore of the factories district. Should be fine, right? They seemingly weren't disturbed while building the thing, and while Luigi may be seen, but hopefully no one will come tamper with the bridge to see what we're stashing there.
>>
>>4177627
>someone get back to Luigi's house with the artefact

ugh, how did he even know
do they have holy radar?
>>
>>4177652
>>4177665
>>4177711
"We are sorry, siniore knight. We will dispose of it right away. Can we pass, now?"
"You shall pass, but on my faith if you lie I will send you to Sol personally."
"T-Thank you siniore knight."
"Don't try to mess around with the Inquisition. I am Sol's lightning he guides me to his enemy wherever they are."

artefact giving +20 in accuracy now hidden under the bridge

As Luigi come back after hiding the artefact in a gondola, the grim knight mounts his horse and head for the North Slums. You still have a long way to go before you are able to choose between the potato field and the Dispensary where Susanna and the last Gallileof are held captive. Here bodies laying in the streets are burned right away, all according to Sol's teaching, but nobody has time to find them a decent grave. Maybe this new bridge will be useful to the locals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa85ONU_bus

Your journey on consecrated land makes you pass in front of procession. With their incense, trying to purify the air, they engulf the whole area in white smoke. Only their lamentation remain. You stop just in front of an auto-da-fé where once stood a library. A charred corpse which you suppose belonged to the librarian lay next to his equally devastated shop. In normal times, defiance toward the Church encouraged people to seize opportunities and open business here but since the Inquisition came everything changed. Nobody expected them.

The crowd angrily throws books into the fire, you can read some titles embroidered in gold shining in the ashes at your feet.

Treaty of Gnomish Alchemy and Humouralism: altering the mind and body
On the theory of Black Holes and its implication for divine magic
Study of a 2-cycle Dwarven engine for Iceburst Stones: application in naval propulsion


A cloud of white incense smoke hides you for a brief moment, you are sure you can take one book without being noticed. The knight's blessing cannot identify a book content, right?

Pick 1 book from the ashes
>alchemy
>divine magic
>technology
>none, too risky

After that you have to decide where to look for sister Susanna or if you want to trade at the potato field first
>to the Dispensary
>to the Church
>ask a local (Social)
+xx bonus depending on your write-ins
>trade for potatoes andmaybe more first
>>
>>4177731
>alchemy
Fits with our route so far.

>ask a local (Social)
Mention there's a young pair of siblings very concerned about her.
>>
>>4177731
>>none, too risky
Lets avoid this. While I have my doubts about his holy radar being able to detect how heretical a book is, he was pretty reasonable. He could have easily made us turn away, or demanded the artifact so he could have destroyed it himself. He obviously knows we didn't do much to dispose of it, but we can pass regardless. Assuming others overrule my vote, then my fallback vote is alchemy. The divine magic interests me more, but assuming we'd grab the black hole book, that would be the largest heretical tome option. Sol seems to be represented by fire and the sun, and Charon by this black hole we keep hearing about. The Gallieofs were tried for their theories on that.
>>ask a local (Social)
>>trade for potatoes andmaybe more first
Ask the guy we're trading with if he has heard anything on the matter. Due to the burning of the library books, it is safe to assume most here are zealots. Zealots that may report us to the Inquisition if we botched the roll. The trader would likely be a lot less inclined to rat us out to anybody if he thinks he got a good deal from us before we ask the question. Also do what >>4177745 suggested while bringing her up. Though, assuming we do end up with a book (which we definitely will, I don't see my post gathering support) then we should stash it somewhere before heading to the North Slums. That is exactly where the knight rode off to. We may get punished if caught by somebody else, but that is the Champion of Sol, and seems to be a boss character due to his larger negative modifier during the last update. And he already mentioned how he'd punish us if we had lied, so if we head in that direction and have a book, we certainly should stash it beforehand.
>>
>>4177745
>>4177755
roll 1d100, must be under 50 (40 +10 thanks to costume)
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>4178093
>>
Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>4178093
I preferred the first post
>>
Seems like we're taking that alchemy book since no one came in and broke the tie.
Probably a good thing regardless, we might get fucked over here, but we should definitely look over it before heading to the alchemist next. Check the index for recipes, so we don't have to buy them from the gnomes. Rip out the interesting ones/copy them down, then sell off the book to them or use it as a barter item.
>>
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>>4178095
>>4178111
>rolled 18, success
Alfonso P.E.

Hiding the alchemy book under your wool tunic you check left and right that nobody saw you. Then, after a while you also look up in the air and get attentive to any horse sound. Nothing. You ask the first habitant to emerge of the white smoke about Susanna.

"Have you heard about a nun held captive by the Inquisition?"
"That witch? Course I do, swear on me faith. Tried to rescue the two heretics in the jails."
"So, she is imprisoned with them?"
"The Great Inquisitor made it personal. She's serving under his supervision."

New development unfolds, Susanna is not captive in the jails as you could have initially thought but at the Church. But does that means she is not restrained? Then why does not she come back to the Orphanage or tried to contact the children? Now that you think about it, you never went back there either.

You take the direction of the Church, a tall primitive gothic cathedral. It's really standing out on the flat skyline of the City, as much as the Clocktower and some factories. It has been several hours since the mass but the line for confession is stretching outside. Here, people are not wearing masks and are closer to each other. The disease is the least of their worries on consecrated land against the fear of displeasing Sol.

"Feels more like the waiting line to cross the Styx" comments Mario "I could use a miracle healing. Oh Sol... the shaking. I'm afraid Alfonso"
"I will find you alcohol Mario, don't worry."
"Please, I don't want to feel that tonight as well."

Inside the cathedral, four confessionals are active with sometimes an intense light coming out of the small wooden cabins. People coming, out appear, relieved more lively. It's as if they were granted a miracle healing. You also know that during the mass they use a high alcoholic beverage to light the fires of Sol, there should be an afternoon mass.

"Eh maybe she is in one of those cabin. That Susanna." notices Luigi

Whether she will serve during the mass or is serving actually in a confessional, it's up to you to find out. It's 3PM, one hour before the mass.
>the 3 of you confess your sins, leaving one confessional left, to try to find if Susanna is in one of them
>maybe you can look around the cathedral to check for Susanna before the mass (Mental)
>an offering for the Church that would require access to the pantry (can of meat, sugar bag (Social)
>you have business with the Great Inquisitor, someone to denounce maybe, write-in
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4178194
>>the 3 of you confess your sins, leaving one confessional left, to try to find if Susanna is in one of them
Gut feeling. This screams out to me. LSD trip tier option. We have time to kill before mass, so why not? Maybe get through it quickly so we can try and gain access to the pantry. Snag some drink for Mario. He's taken this well. If not, hopefully the confessional will have some effect on him, so if we can't score alcohol before curfew he isn't completely fucked.
>>
>>4178194
>the 3 of you confess your sins, leaving one confessional left, to try to find if Susanna is in one of them
>>
>>4178213
>>4178214
The waiting line takes one hour of your time, you can see the mass in preparation with nuns bringing candles and jar of alcohol from somewhere else. However, since you have no idea of what does sister Susanna looks like you can't do anything with it.

Luigi gets coughed on and you can see him holding his breath, despite being on consecrated land. Mario receives a bit of someone else's blood while that person puke before being conducted forcefully outside by servants. Apparently Stage Two must go to the Dispensary first.

"Sol's light be upon you my child." the male voice in the confessional welcomes you "What are the darkness surrounding you so that you need his guidance?"

Let's hope Mario and Luigi had a better chance, but meanwhile you can choose to confess your sins. That light was intriguing and with your broken leg you could use a miracle healing. Plus, there is something fishy going on here. Doesn't Susanna have only two miracles per day? You didn't saw any change of shift in the confessionals.

Let's try to not bust your allies confess something unworthy of Sol Invictus
>Piccoli doll that you 'found'
>begging for a Fishman to save you
>gondola you stole to the nobles
>working in the Mystical Stones refinery
>"do you know a Susanna?"
>lie, write-in
>>
>>4178258
>>gondola you stole to the nobles
This entire line up of options makes me uneasy. This seems to be the safest bet. Best not to mention the doll, or Susanna. Even the mystical stones refinery. We don't know much about Sol. Best not say anything that incriminates other people. In any way. Avoid the subject entirely. We already had a guy immediately sense an unholy artifact. I want to avoid the options even potentially linked to people (Amicia and Cremosa, namely) that are persecuted by the Inquisition. Some kind of holy lie detector may be in the picture.
Piccoli Doll: Linked to Cremosa, even if we leave her out of it, I'm still not certain we should even bring this up.
Fishman: Linked to the Fishman, potentially the Ogress in the RL district.
Gondola: Linked to Raphaella. Potentially.
Stones Refinery: Linked in a way to Amicia, we found her there after she was being assaulted by the foreman. Amicia is being persecuted by the Inquisition along with Hugo, due to their parents.
Susanna-Linked to the entire operation. It may be straight forward and actually get an answer, but I still feel paranoid about this.
Should've definitely went to the damn potato field first. Already 4PM, we're going to lose more time looking for her after the confession, even if we find her then we have to deal with getting her away from here, and by then the potato field will hardly be an option. It's not like we can stroll up to the Great Inquisitor and ask if the woman considered to be a witch can leave with us.
>>
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>>4178298
"I stole a gondola to some drunkards to get back home." you confess
"I see. Sol Invictus doesn't reward stealing, it's the way of the weak and thief, of Laverna." he explains patiently "Why did you steal that gondola, my child?"
>they insulted my honour
>I needed the gondola to get home
>they probably stole it first
>lie, write-in
>>
>>4178319
>I needed the gondola to get home

was why we stole it, but we didn't feel too guilty because

>they probably stole it first
>>
>>4178319
>>they insulted my honour
"I had approached them peacefully, attempting to build a rapport with them so I could travel with them across the canal to a mutual destination, but instead they tossed insults toward me."
>>I needed the gondola to get home
"It was past the curfew, and the cold began to bite. In these dark times one cannot afford to be out late, in the cold. I needed to return home to my brothers and friends before they began to worry. While those men insulted me, I fear for them. They may have been out all night freezing, assaulted by the winds."
Avoid the last option. It seems like a petty shift of the blame. Bad move. Especially in a confessional.
>>
>>4178324
>>4178343
"To take what ones need is indeed the way of Sol. Human were given the Art of War by Sol to be forever victorious and claim the world theirs."
"I needed the gondola to get home" you answer no more details
"But you said they were drunk. To take advantage of the weak is not virtuous."
"They stole it first." the word spontaneously come out of your mouth "And they insulted my honour."
"If we only rob people who are weaker than us, than we are no different from savages and orcs. It creates resentment and a vicious circle of ill-intent. You should meet them again and settle this when they are at their peak. What did they saiy?"

Strangely, you can't spill out more than a few words, your throat feels swollen by remorse or something when you are here. You think hard about convoluted ways to depict things to your advantage but only the truth comes out of your mouth. Maybe with a lie made from scratch it could work.

>they insulted my friend
>they insulted my captain
>they were just really offensive
>lie, write-in
>>
>>4178352
>they insulted my friend

Raph is a friend
>>
>>4178355
Supporting this. Remain vague about this friend's identity, however.
Leave the captain out of this. Would be best to avoid revealing who we are here.
>>
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>>4178355
>>4178361
"They insulted my friend" you spill
"Fighting for the weak is a great responsibility, my child. But do not use it to cause unnecessary fights"
"I understand" you answer, relieved
"May you be forever victorious in battle and just participate in fair fights."

You hear something dropped in water and a light fills the cabin. However, your broken leg still hurts. As you meet up with Mario and Luigi, you can't help but notice a change in their behaviour.

"Hey, Alfonso" cheerfully welcomes you Mario "I think Sol likes me."
"What happened?
"I had to confess that I worked in the Mystical Stones refinery, and I was dragged away to talk about the bridge" he admits in shame "but then I told them about the Elves we fought a week ago, and I was granted the light."
"Good. So, you are cured of your addiction?"
"I can always come back if needed" he shrugs.

Then why does your leg still hurt? Do they grant a miracle healing just when they are pleased of what you did? What was that light, then? You turn to Luigi who has a more serious tone than usual.

"Alfonso, I..."
"What is it Luigi?"
"I think you should apologize to Valentina."
"What?"
"We should have use that fancy costume of yours. After all, you live under my roof."
"Wait, what did they say to you in the confessional?"
"That I should not let myself be ruled like that and defend what is mine."

>apologize to Luigi and promise you will too to Valentina
>no, it was the right move, the costume is too important

They really turned him against you. That confession has its risks, rewards and its own set of rules. You have to be more careful next time if you want to have a free miracle healing. Maybe doing something more heroic than battling a bunch of drunkards. The mass is about to begin.

>trade for potatoes and maybe more at the North Slum
>try to ask one of the nuns preparing the mass about Susanna, then attend the mass
>you have business with the Great Inquisitor, someone to denounce maybe, write-in
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4178385
>>apologize to Luigi and promise you will too to Valentina
We fucked up here. At least Mario is better off. Hopefully his healing alleviated any risks that came with the blood that was coughed onto him.
>try to ask one of the nuns preparing the mass about Susanna, then attend the mass
All in now. We came here to find her. It was mentioned that she only had two heals. Searching for her there was a bad move. Maybe those manning the confessionals are more senior members of the church and so can bestow more? Either way, it seems like that was a bad mjavascript:;ove.
>>
>>4178385
>apologize to Luigi and promise you will too to Valentina
>try to ask one of the nuns preparing the mass about Susanna, then attend the mass
>>
>>4178401
>>4178403
"Bene, bene..." you conceed "I'm sorry Luigi. I just thought it was the right thing to do. I will apologize to Valentina."
"R-Right" he seems relieved.

Inside, you can't help but feel like you deserve this costume, it's like a hero costume like in the play about that masked hero of the New World who defend peasants. You have done him wrong, though, unlike a hero you didn't think enough of how people around you might think.

"Let's attend the mass." you tell your mates

Everyone grabs a candle that will be lit on Sol's altar. The nuns have poured all the alcohol in a large bowl where the holy fire will start. Mario can't help but focus on that large pool of divine nectar. The servant you have taken the candle from bestow you a large smile, seeing that you come back from the confessional.

They are all fairly young, probably unwanted daughter of nobles who went really early in a convent or orphans who didn't want to leave the Church. How are you going to mention Susanna? Will you bet on their good-natured smile or their fear of the inquisition?

>hear about Susanna, the orphans miss her
>I hope that Susanna witch will not attend the mass
>>
>>4178417
>hear about Susanna, the orphans miss her
>>
>>4178417
>>hear about Susanna, the orphans miss her
This will not end well.
>>
>>4178420
>>4178424
"Have you heard about Susanna?"
"Susanna?" the nun gasps, her pupils dilating
"Yes, the orphans miss her."

That last sentence makes her drop the crate of candles and get the attention of the mother superior. You stop a rolling tube of wax with your clutch which she picks up while maintaining close contact with you. Her religious headgear brushes against you as she adjusts her standing position to get close to your ear.

"The Great Inquisitor has her in the Sacristy before the mass." she whispers

Impossible to get more from her without getting the mother superior to scold the poor nun, she looks angry enough of this impious contact with a believer. The mass is about to begin however, you can even see a flash of light coming out of the Sacristy. This is your only chance, while everyone is attending the mass, but you will look suspicious going out after getting your candle, especially when you stand out as that one guy with a clutch.

>pass a message to Susanna, write-in
>send Mario to access the Sacristy from outside
>send Luigi to access the Sacristy from outside
>everyone attend the mass
>>
>>4178446
>send Mario to access the Sacristy from outside
>>
>>4178446
>>send Luigi to access the Sacristy from outside
We may not be on the best terms with him right now, but is the safest bet if we still want to contact Susanna. Mario essentially asked if Amicia was hot last thread, before we mentioned she was fourteen. Luigi is married. Lets go with this. Mario is better off now, but some paranoia about this is seems to be a good call.
"Luigi, my brother. While Mario and I attend mass I would like you to access the Sacristy from outside, to meet Susanna. I want you to tell her that we have met a pair of orphans who know her, and how have helped them recover, and are now looking after them. Also mention that we would like to try to meet her again alone once she has a chance to talk.
Careful not to mention Amicia or Hugo by name. We know they're persecuted by the church, and we don't know who is listening.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4178466
>>4178467
>>
>>4178258
>>begging for a Fishman to save you
There's a bunch of fishmen out there. They won't know who they're messing with.
>>
>>4178466
>>4178467
>>4178515
You send Luigi outside to access the sacristy of the cathedral and take place with Mario on a bench. The nuns have all gathered in a choir to start a chant as the organ plays with them, feeling the huge edifice with a grim atmosphere.

Loud bangs echoes rhythmically in the cathedral, far above the chants and the organ. These are the sound made by the cross of an old man coming out of the sacristy. Bend and disfigured by many scares, an undying flame dance in his only eye left. The Great Inquisitor himself is leading the mass.

"The Lord show me the way; I shall not flee." He starts slowly, as everybody follows in unisson.

He gives me the sword and the shield. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your light and your warmth, they comfort me. You put my enemies in my reach; you give strength to my arm; I shed their blood for your glory.

Satisfied with the response of his flock he starts his sermon using his staff

"Rejoice believers, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God but redemption is coming. I sometimes hear 'O Great Inquisitor, why did Sol punish my son? Why did he kill him when he was just a child?' But never do I hear 'I will avenge my son.'"

The crowd get agitated, discussing between them.

"Be angry!" he screams shivering after striking with his staff turned in a rod of light "Do not wait for someone else to solve your problems. We all know who is responsible. Who packed you in those cities, away from the battlefield. Those who conspire day and night to craft a life of idleness for all."
"Kill them" the people answer "kill the savants."
"Yes. Yes. Yes! We shall welcome this curse. It makes us stronger. And with Sol's guidance, Mankind shall rule over all being."

Everyone gathers to light their candle on the divine fire that the Great Inquisitor started with his staff. The mass end with a second psalm.

"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the cold river of the Styx away from the warmth of Sol, which is the second death."

+5 temporary Sol's alignment
-5 temporary Charon's alignment
>>
>>4178519
The believers rush outside with their candle, being very careful to preserve the divine fire. You use that turmoil to meet with Luigi. He looks confused.

"So did you saw her?"
"There was a nun, chained to some sort of throne."
"Was she alright?" you inquire panicked
"Yeah, totally fine. No burns, no bruises but that doesn't really mean anything for the Inquisition when they have healing magic
"What did she say?"
"She thought this was a trick from the Inquisition to make her talk. I don't really know Amicia and Hugo well, so... Anyway, I could not break the chain. Maybe with a tool or a loaded gun."
"I will go myself then."
"Ah... I only got out of there when I heard the Great Inquisitor coming back."

Susanna is alive. And now you know that she is left alone by the Inquisition during the mass. Since there is one at dawn, noon and one that ends one hour before sunset there should be plenty of occasion. You just have to come prepared and this is precisely what you intend to, heading to the potato field.

You get there at around 5PM and curfew is in one hour, too late to visit the tailor. The knight in black armour is there, watching silently the fight between the North and South Slum, but not participating. Since the last time you came near the warzone, the violence clearly escalated. More building have been turned into ruins, incendiary device are thrown on this side every minute but on this side...

"What a mess." comment Luigi
"They sure have spirit these Northerners, I like them." Mario adds

Here, people on the verge of death are healed back to life by priests for free. And they return fanatically to fight as if it was nothing, their determination unaffected. However, the servants of Sol does not take part in the fight either, they are just healing them. One child who was treated for a broken leg run to the position he occupied before he received the huge rock that turned his leg into a pulp. Dulled by the healing spell he falls and break his teeth front. Yet, unaffected he rises.

What do you ask him?
>ask about the potatoes
>can they heal your leg too?
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
switching to slow mode for updates, faster pace at 2PM EST
>>
>>4178523
>can they heal your leg too?
>>
>>4178523
>>can they heal your leg too?
>>
>>4178523
>can they heal your leg too?

minus 25 malus OP
>>
>>4178529
>>4178824
>>4178880
"No 'f'ance mate." he mumbles between his broken teeth "Only for the bra'f'est, the 'f'osen ones who fight. 'F'hey turn us into 'f'ampions of Sol here."
"So I only if I get hurt in your warzone, right?"
"Damn right."

Now that you have seen the to sides of this battlefield, it's easier to understand their war microeconomy. The South, having access to the Craftsmen District have gunpowder and potions and only need guns and food. Meanwhile, the North receive free healing with the Church and don't need food thanks to their potato field.

You look at the exchange of gunfires and incendiary devices, it mainly comes from the other side while yours is just throwing rocks. Some fanatics are charging with makeshift lances and only come back with one or two bullet holes, sometimes they don't.

Since a miracle healing won't be useful to Mario or Luigi, you can try to do your part.
>you can climb a ruin and throw a rock at the other side (Physical)
>you can throw you cleaver from a safe position (Mental)
accuracy artefact would have been useful here
>you will find another way to heal your broken leg
+xx bonus depending on your write-ins
>>
>>4178988
>you can climb a ruin and throw a rock at the other side (Physical)

I mean, we don't even need to hit them right? Just try?
>>
>>4179008
roll 1d100, must be under 45 (70 -25 due to broken leg)
>>
Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>4179052
yup, it's healing time
>>
Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>4179052
>>
File: falling down.png (491 KB, 615x755)
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>>4179064
>>4179115
>rolled 31, success
it's a success, right?

"Bene." you sigh 'Hold my stuff you tell Luigi."

Walking alongside the enthusiast toothless kid with your clutch like two wounded warriors going back for more, you find yourself a wooden edifice that has not been torched yet. The kid fills a basket with rocks from the pavement that is long gone and pull a rope tie to a pulley in order to bring it to the rooftop.

Meanwhile, you climb the stairs using your clutch. One step after the other. The sun is already starting to pass beyond the horizon so it's very dangerous but you don't miss any step. A rock hurls through the stairs, propelled by an artisanal mortar from the South. Finally, making it to the top, you are ridiculized by a bunch of children.

"What's going on siniore?" one laughs "You fell in your bathroom."
"Have some respect little coglione."
"Ok, bo-"

He does not end his sentence, a bullet right in the chest make him lose his balance and fall from the building.

"Pfff, what a stupid death." another comments "This is why, I, will be Sol champion."

Taking a few rocks from the basket you aim as far as you can in the general direction of the gunshot. Altering between taking cover and throwing insults and rock at the Northerner, several baskets are emptied, like your perception of the value of life.

After an hour or so, the children no longer insult you, neither do they pay you respect. Throw a rock. Take cover. Throw a rock. It's like clockwork. You hope that nobody on the other side saw you. It would be hard to explain your presence on both side of the warzone. Climbing down carefully, you request a miracle healing with the boy who lost his teeth.

A similar light than the one you received in the confessional blinds you for few seconds. Though the pain has disappeared, your leg feels numb from being suspended for so long, you remove the splint and realize you still need the clutch.

"Huh... Are you alright, Alfonso?" asks Mario
"... Bene" you answer calmly

You bone is healed, but something else was broken inside you. It's something to kill a bad guy in duel, it's another to let someone drown in a canal and watch a child fall from a rooftop. But you are a true warrior, now, aren't you?

-25 due to broken leg removed

The curfew has started and people taking care of the potato field are probably in a tavern, now. Will you try to find them to trade for the precious tuber, or will you just sink deeper and steal them?

>steal potatoes (Mental)
>find them in a tavern (1 hour)
>let's turn back at least to the bridge
>>
>>4179120
>>find them in a tavern (1 hour)
Stealing in a warzone would be incredibly foolish, even if we succeed the roll, I doubt we'd be able to come back here in the future without some difficulty. It may be too late to head to the tailor's shop at the end of this unfortunately. Hopefully we won't have repercussions for waiting another day to return to pay him what we owe.
>>
Changing my vote to:
>let's turn back at least to the bridge
Lets return home as soon as possible, grab dinner and apologize to Valentina. Then look at our options after that.
>>
>>4179120
>find them in a tavern (1 hour)

That French fry fanatic alchemist makes them worth their weight in gold.
>>
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>>4176533
>diner tonight
>around 5PM
>this spoiler
>>
>>4179120
>find them in a tavern (1 hour)
>>
>>4179147
>>4179152
>>4179228

Despite the lack of Mysticacal Stones streetlamps in the district, candles are doing a great job at pushing back the darkness. The first tavern you visit is the closest to the warzone, where priests as well as Southerners are drinking until they are knocked out.

"To the Elven Forest I went,
Wishing to spend Saturnalia.
But those heathens tree huggers,
Didn't decorate their pines.
AND SO I MADE KNIFE-EARS GARLAND
KNIFE-EARS GARLAND, KNIFE-EARS GARLAND
BY CHOPPING THEIR POINTY EAAAAARS"

That was something... Mario really enjoyed the song, but you and Luigi didn't find anybody who might know about the field. The second tavern you come into is quieter. They are busy discussing theology and divine magic. Then a heated debate start at the mention of the Gallileof brothers.

"Freezing water of the Styx! What did you say you filthy heretic?"
"Sol is the strongest because our world revolves around his celestial body, but that doesn't..."
"Sol is the strongest because he is the strongest!"
"Yes, but what if there was another sun? Or no sun?"

No chance here and it's almost 7PM, the law enforcers will be without mercy if they see you out. The last tavern seems to be the one, there is no religious discussion or priest. Even better, some people at the bar have dirt on their forearm. One is trying to negotiate a bag of potato with the barman.

"Come one, you can make a few bottles of alcohol with that." he complains
"I don't care, there is already plenty of booze for winter." the barman responds
"Can we at least exchange potatoes for alcohol? Or your ration of meat? I am getting tired of potatoes every day."

What are you willing to trade for the potatoes?
-3 cans of meat
-1 flintlock pistol
-1 sugar bag
-1 bullet
- cleaver
-alchemy book
-3 candles with divine fire
>>
>>4179326
-1 can of meat
>>
>>4179326
>1 can of meat
Offer the sugar bag and/or the bullet, depending on the deal. If he isn't happy with just one can, that is. Try to get as many potatoes as possible.
"Greetings signore, I overheard your conversation with the barman. Would you like to trade your harvest for some meat? Or perhaps something else may interest you. I'm sure we can come to an agreement"
>>
>>4179336
>>4179339
Still feeling a bit numb from what you saw and because of your leg, you just hammers a can of meat on the counter, pointing at the bag of potatoes. The farmer states his prices for each item your propose and his very interested in that bullet.

-1 can of meat for 2 potatoes
-1 bag of sugar for 2 potatoes
-1 bullet for 4 potatoes

"I harvested everything I could because I don't know when the cold is coming this winter?" he complains
"Oh?"
"Someone should repair that the Academy weather forecast machine."
"I heard about that."
"I don't care about heresy, that was damn convenient. These potatoes grow in one week if the sun can keep the soil warm for seven days straight."

These New World's potatoes are extremly convenient but since winter is coming it will be hard to have seven days of clear sky.
>what's your offer, write-in
>ask something about weather forecast, write-in
>ask something about potatoes, write-in
>>
>>4179375
>what's your offer, write-in
Trade the bullet and the can of meat.
I'm sure we can find someone more interested in that bag of sugar somewhere else.
>ask something about weather forecast, write-in
Ask more about the machine's capabilities. What is the extent of what it can do?
Have they heard about just how broken it is?
What happened to those who know how to repair it? Are any specialists left in the city?
>>
>>4179375
>>4179388
Backing and ask who normally repairs it when it breaks down
>>
>>4179388
>>4179397
"Tell me more about the machine." you asks
"Eh? I'm just a farmer." the peasant shrugs "But I read La Stampa to get the report and know when it will rain or when it will freeze."
"What happened exactly? Can they repair it?"
"I don't know, everything happens at the Academy of Natural Philosophy but everybody knows what happened to them."
"Fine, I will just exchange this bullet and a can of meat for six potatoes."
"Deal. I still a plenty in stock if you want more."

Someone else might be more interested in this bag of sugar you think. Also, maybe that it can be used to craft some alchemy potion but you will have first to decipher the book or buy a recipe at the alchemist store.

Your group get out of the tavern after an afternoon half waster. You know about Susanna whereabout, got some potatoes but don't know if you can grow them and got your leg healed. However, you did not save the nun or buy masks like you intended to and you got exposed to some merda.

"It's not like we could have rushed head first into the Inquisition jails with no plans" reproaches Luigi
"Hey Alfonso is doing is best." Mario supports you
"I hope we are not just going present ourselves at the Citadel like that. We don't even have gunpowder."
"Well, are you an alchemist? Because even I can't make gunpowder. I just know that it's made with Iceburst Stones."

Noticing their argument with indifferent stare, you feel a drop of water falling right on your head, than shoulder and hand, now it's pouring on all your body. Lighting strikes on the Church's spear, announcing the start of a torrential cold rain. Your group manage to make it to the bridge completely drenched where you luckily find the artefact back.

+10 accuracy restored

"I could use one of the resist cold potion we had on the Polaris right now." complains Mario
"My feet hurt, I just want to go home. I'm hungry." adds Luigi

The nearest safe place is probably the crypt of Lady Cremosa's family, but you don't know if your friends will be welcome. You can use a large plank of the bridge to shield all of you from the rain, with at least two people to support it, hoping the bridge will not mind one missing structural component. Alternatively, you can use a gondola and a plank to get to your house faster but the bridge will definitely collapse.

How should your group go home
>use a plank to shield you from the rain
>use a plank but also a gondola to make the trip faster
>those who don't go home get to the Cemetery

If you choose to go to the Cemetery, who accompanies you?
>Mario
>Luigi

-1 cans of meat
-1 flintlock pistol
-1 sugar bag
-6 potatoes
- cleaver
-alchemy book
-3 candles with divine fire
>>
>>4179704
>All go to the cemetery
They're our brothers in arms
>>
>>4179704
>>use a plank to shield you from the rain
Best to visit the cemetery once we're alone. They're our brothers in arms, though I doubt they'll be keen on the idea of us meeting Lady Cremosa, an assassin aligned with Charon. And we shouldn't head there anyways with this hit to our reputation with Charon. We should at least wait until this -5 rep wears off before visiting there. Not to mention, she may not like us bringing them along.
>>
I'm still uncertain about what could happen during dinner tonight. We should not vote to spend our time with a lame fuckaround, a waste of time.
We should head home a soon as possible. Even if we get cold on the way back, we'll have an Iceburst stone waiting for us at home. If we head to the cemetery we'll be squatting in a cold mausoleum/crypt for who knows how long.
>>
>>4179704
Use a gondola, don't bother with the plank unless it's wide
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4179730
>>4180097
>>
>>4179716
>>4179730
>>4180097

It's definitely safer to go home you think. Using a large plank that both Marion and Luigi rise above your head you make it home around 10PM. Completely soaked from your previous exposure, your shielded yourselves from more unnecessary cold rain. Like a wet dog coming its tail between his legs you rush upstairs and undress to use the warm Iceburst Stone evaporating as a chimney fire.

As promised you muster a few words of apologize to Valentina, but she is fascinated by her husband who came home with new food and after trying to liberate an imprisoned woman. He is totally the hero of the day and collect his reward in a private area of the small apartment.

"Welcome home Alfonso." Amicia says with a monotone voice.

The three divine candles that you managed to protect from the rain are still burning. They are the only light that you carry since the one behind your eyes has vanished. Amicia welcomes you with a cooked can of meat and equally dead eyes, just a sincere smile. Like a small child she is probably waiting to be praise for getting that can of meat from the Mystical Stone refinery where she was previously beaten. What horrors she had to face? After coming back, Hugo and her had chicken for diner, recooked by the woman of the house who really enjoys spoiling them.


Eating your ration silently, you do not care any more and get to sleep, expecting Mario to take the first turn and Luigi the second. You dream about the two children under your protection, a nightmare to be precise. Amicia pushing Hugo from a roof, then hugging you with a big smile showing well needed relief. The corpse of Hugo is then trampled on by a crowd of fanatics. In this valley of despair, far away a fire is burning pushing away the forces of evil. Luigi bursts out of a smoke screen to reach it first but your legs have been replaced by knitted wool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMrc4kxot6M

Too many bad experiences leading you astray from the path of a true hero
>will you reach the light first? (Mental)
>or stop Luigi first?
>>
>>4180395
>>will you reach the light first? (Mental)
Luigi is one of our brothers. We should not concern ourself with stopping him, or sabotaging him. We can reach the end together.
>>
>>4180410
roll 1d100, must be under 50
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>4180487
>>
>>4180501
>rolled 13, success
consequence: no -5+5 to your main attributes

You let go of Amicia and dash toward the light. If there is a hero here, it's you, not Luigi but you are not going to sabotage him. On the contrary, the better your opponent and the more arduous the task is, the better the prize is. The girl behind you cheers from the top of your lung, getting you out of your stupor. That's right, these are not your legs, you recovered now. And Hugo is not dead! He is safe under your roof, wait... he is actually playing piano?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPZRb4_G7sc

The final push of the craziest race you ever done in your sleep end with you winning. You wake up sweaty, you hand expanding to the dying flame of the last candle. Did the divine light show you the way? Your clothes are completely dry now, near the stove where the Iceburst Stone has evaporated during the night.

temporary +5 Sol's alignment ends
temporary -5 Charon's alignment ends

"Are you alright Alfonso?" ask Luigi offering his hand
"Like a baby" you throw in come back giving him a firm grip to stand up
"G-Good... You were kind of agitated, so I and Valentina couldn't... well... glad you are back."

The hand grip turn into a firm handshake. Seems like you are back in the game but you don't want to experience that level of despair ever again. At least not for something as selfish as saving yourself, you are a hero, right?

This morning the fog has overextended from the canal and taking root in the streets. Streetlights appear as floating orbs of light in that mist, more are missing each day in the district. As soon as you get back from the window, Amicia and Hugo are on your tail.

"What should I do today, Alfonso?" the girl ask with abandon.
"Siniore Alfonso, can I meet Parotti again today? Or my parents, can you find my parents?" Hugo whines.

Amicia looks at him with a smirk, knowing that she will no longer have to deal with this since you are here. Is there something you want to say to Amicia?
>Sorry I sent you to the Mystical Stones refinery
>You should take care of your little brother (Social)
>You had it rought, eh? Let's have 'the talk' with Hugo
>>
Since rolls seem to appear easier to you, note that I can only guarantee a positive outcome on what you roll for.
>>
>>4180547
>Sorry I sent you to the Mystical Stones refinery
>>4180548
>Since rolls seem to appear easier to you
what did he mean by this ?
>>
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>>4180555
"Sorry I sent you to the Mystical Stones refinery"
"Oh..." she says tenderly "You don't have to apologize. "
"But it must have been hard to-"
"PLEASE NO." she sobs "You make the decisions, the best decisions. I don't want to think any more."
"Are you alright, signorina?"
"I know... let's escape. There must be the remains of a balloon in the Academy that can support two persons."

She is not fully back to previous herself but looks more combative now. It's an improvment, fore sure.

Yesterday you found out where sister Susanna was, but you need more expertise on her restraints chaining her to that wooden throne. At least, there is a window of opportunity to try something in the sacristy before the mass. There is one in two hours at dawn, one at noon and one that ends one hour before dusk.

The fate of Bernardo is also to be considered. He seems to hold up to the hope that Raphaella will come for him but who knows what terrible ordeal the Militia is giving him. In both cases, you need a plan first. Thankfully your leg is healed but it's not like you assault the Citadel or the Church like that with an empty gun.

Paradoxically, you need an alchemist to make gunpowder and save an alchemist. Or maybe you can try the Craftsmen District. There are also those potatoes you can turn into fries for the Gnome or maybe plant in a small garden. They can be harvested in one week if the weather is good enough. Speaking of weather, you heard several times about a problem with the Academy forecast system. Finally, there is the problem of masks, you only have one left before tearing off your own clothes or completely stripping someone of a vital piece of clothe for outside expedition.

Should someone be sent to work for more resources this afternoon? (Luigi, Mario, Amicia, Hugo, You)
>corpse retrieval
>archeological center

What's your main priority today?
>check on Raphaella and come up with a plan to save Bernardo
>come up with a plan to save sister Susanna
>meet with Lady Cremosa/Don Giovanni regardless

And what are your secondary objectives?
>to the tailor store to repay your debt (-1 can of meat)
>read the alchemy book with the help of Amicia (whole morning)
>gear up (potion, gun, equipment, artefact...)
>find essentials (masks, gold, soap, cans of meat...)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Also
>send someone to Parotti, write-in

[Inventory]
-4 cans of meat (8 meals)
-2 Iceburst Stones (burns non-stop for 8h)
-2 oranges (vitamins)
-2 flintlock pistol
-1 bag of sugar
-cleaver
-Pig's mask
-6 potatoes (6 meals, vitamins)
-alchemy book
-wool tunic (protect you from cold)
-fancy costume (+10 social)
-accuracy artefact (+10 accuracy)
-1 mask (mandatory outside)

Physical 70
Mental 50
Social 40

+10 Sol's alignment
-5 Charon's alignment
-10 in stress situation in a crowd
+10 accuracy
+10 social thanks to fancy costume
>>
slow mode until 2PM EST
>>
>>4180580
>archeological center
Luigi
>come up with a plan to save sister Susanna
>read the alchemy book with the help of Amicia (whole morning)
>>
>>4180580
>>archeological center
Send Luigi.
>check on Raphaella and come up with a plan to save Bernardo
Lets clear up the plan for this before we clear up the plan for Susanna. I'm sure both have a time limit, but Bernardo seems like he's running out. We can deal with gearing up today.
>to the tailor store to repay your debt (-1 can of meat)
>trade in the craftsman district (alchemist/weapon shop/blacksmith)
For masks, could we tear up our old clothing completely? Like, the shirt we tore the sleeves off of to make the first masks.
>send someone to Parotti, write-in
Alfonso. In the morning, on the way out to his business. If ripping up our old shirt is an option and we have the masks to spare, bring Hugo and Valentina. She mentioned wanting to see Parotti the day before. This could be a way to make it up to her for yesterday. Or set her off more due to being seen outside in her shredded up dress.
>>
>>4180580
>archeological center
Mario

>check on Raphaella and come up with a plan to save Bernardo

>to the tailor store to repay your debt (-1 can of meat)

>find essentials (masks, gold, soap, cans of meat...)

>Everyone who wants to go to Parotti can, as long as Hugo has a babysitter.
>>
>>4180592
>>4180962
>>4181103
Under your fancy costume you have the shirt Luigi gave you after your ruined the one previous one to make masks. Not needing that extra layer since you have the wool tunic, you chose to tear it apart to make masks.

"hmph" comments Valentina visibly annoyed "You can make concession after all."

+6 masks

The weather outside is cold but not freezing, not yet. Someone could venture in that mist for half a day but will probably need to get in a warm place after that. It would be different with a waterproof coat. Speaking of warm place, you think about the brothel where Raphaella and that Ogress are. It's time to save Bernardo, maybe you could find useful stuff after that.

"Luigi, can you go at the Mystical Stones refinery?"
"Sure thing, mi fratelli."
"Bene." you rejoice "Then anyone who want to go see Parotti at noon can. Huh..." Valentina is tapping her feet on the ground to show her annoyance "Oh right, you can't go outside like that."
"No indeed, porco." she ironically throws "I'm not that sort of woman, plus it's too cold with this ripped off dress."

Since you want to stop by the tailor, you could do something about, but you need at least one can of meat to repay him for the wool tunic. Then you will be looking for essential items, like masks, gold or soap, maybe more cans of meat. There's probably more gold in the Dead Zone that nobody dare to steal. Soap can probably be home-made but you don't know the recipe, maybe the Alchemist or an Apothecary like mister Goodhealth can help or sell something similar.

Also, if you want that grumpy old Gnome to make you a healing potion, you will have to find gold. Otherwise, fry some potatoes using the fat of a whale meat can and an Iceburst Stone, then you will be able to buy any other available potions or recipes.

What do you take with you on your way to meet Raphaella and then the Craftsmen District?
Inventory
see >>4180580

Do you want someone to come with you? (Mario, Amicia)
>someone, write-in
>>
>>4181153
>Amicia

Make sure she's ok
>>
>>4181153
>Inventory
-2 flintlocks
-2 cans of meat
-Using 1 more meat can, ask someone to cook up as many potatoes as they can with it. However, do not fry more than 3 of them, we can attempt to use an instant harvest potion after trying to make a garden with the remainder. And bring the freshly fried potatoes as long.
-Sugar bag
-Cleaver
-Accuracy artifact
>>Do you want someone to come with you? (Mario, Amicia)
>Amicia
Ensure that Amicia wraps her face in more cloth, even if it takes multiple masks worth of cloth to do it. To disguise her identity and gender. The situation is deteriorating outside, and fast. We don't need to have her harassed by someone. Looks like she needs some fresh air, and we could use her help. We can also use this as an another opportunity to speak with her about Hugo, or what might be on her mind. She seems close to her breaking point, unfortunately. We should try to help with that.

Maybe send Mario to the stones refinery as well. We'll need the food after today's trading, and it seems like his withdrawl symptoms have diminished, so his hands should be a lot more stable, and able to handle the precise work necessary for the job.
>>
>>4181158
>>4181179
You take 3 cans of meat, preserving the last to fry one potato right under the eyes of the grumpy Gnome. Nobody likes cold fries anyway, so you will take an Iceburst Stone as well and finally your bag of sugar.

To defend yourself, or intimidate aggressor, you take all the guns and your cleaver with the artefact. After carefully putting two masks Amicia and one on yourself.

-3 masks used

As Valentina guessed it's quite cold outside, it should be hard on your companions but you will be fine all day with that wool tunic. But only if the temperature does not drop and that is something you are far from certain.

"So, uh... Amicia. You had it rough, right?" you try
"..."
"I understood that you didn't tell the truth to Hugo."
"..."
"You can't tell him what happened, but you can tell me... About what is going on in this big head of yours."
"...'kay..." she whispers softly

The fog is so thick you need to hold Amicia's hand, giving her a false sense of security. You can't see more than five feet in front of you, so maybe the Elves will ignore your pistols.

"You gave me the disease, whore!" an angry voice explodes before a loud slapping sound
"No, please!"
"If only there were still Demihumans brothel. You will pay for this."
"At least not the face, not the face!"

Amicia grip tightens as you enter the Redlight District. You stumble on something on the ground, ignoring the minor obstacle. But the second after, you turn with horror to Amicia who also stumble on it too. A corpse. You pull her away before she can realize what happened.

>ignore the call for help
>head where the voice come from
>>
>>4181222
>>head where the voice come from
Turning a blind eye to this will not help Amicia's psyche. Or ours for that matter. Lets try and help out.
>>
>>4181222
>head where the voice come from

it's raph
>>
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>>4181231
>>4181237
Dashing through the mist you discover a couple fighting. Far from a simple husband and wife quarrel. The man has a knife in his hand and the woman, a Human, is desperately holding her aggressor wrist as the blade slowly carve a wound on her face. You recognize the man who tried to rob you, it's the leader of the thugs who tried to rob you.

>threaten him with your empty gun hoping he will take you seriously (Social)
>attack him with your cleaver (Physical)
>call for help
>>
>>4181254
>>attack him with your cleaver (Physical)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGqB6JIUzBo
That gun trick isn't going to work again. He essentially swore vengeance on us, and now we've got the drop on him. It's time. Lets not try reasoning with someone brutally carving a woman's face up. It's time.
>>
>>4181254
>attack him with your cleaver (Physical)

At least make it nonlethal though
>>
>>4181279
>>4181290
roll 1d100, must be under 75 (70 +5 thanks to cleaver)
why do I even make you roll?
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4181295
So you get to rejoice after I hit another crit fail?
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>4181295
We may be doing well now but we failed a lot of rolls in the beginning
>>
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>>4181296
>>4181301
>rolled 3, crit

"It's you! Andare a puttane!" he barks tossing the woman on the pavement.
"That exactly why I'm here and I just find one." you throw as a witty come back

The thug plays with his knife circling around you while you shield Amicia. He noticed your pistols and gets a little nervous. But that inattention proved to be fatal, you make your cleaver fall on his collarbone, his finger stiffen letting fo the knife.

"Che cazzo!" he grumbles falling on his knees "How could this have happened to me?"
"Watch your language, there are children here." you heroically throw.

The despicable man will bleed out in a few seconds. It's not as gruesome as someone getting his skull cracked open or vomiting blood. With his opposite hand trying to contain the haemorrhage, it's as if he just broke his collarbone. He falls unconscious far from Amicia's eyes.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you." the woman desperately repeats "I thought *cough* *cough* he was going to kill me."
"I'm just doing the right thing signora."
"I should *cough* *cough* go now, I don't want to contaminate you."

+1 flick knife

You did the right thing by stopping this thug, right? What was his problem anyway? He wanted to punish a prostitute who continued to work while infected? Wanted to avenge his comrade he thought you drowned in the canal? Nothing to worry a hero like you, anyway.

After a few steps in the direction of the Exotic Brothel where Raphaella awaits, the teenage girl suddenly stops pulling on your hand. You brain goes on override like a Dwarve steam engine. Did you make anything wrong? You hide that from her, right?

"If only..." she starts "If only you were there when..." the tears runs for the first time on a painful expression.

Too long she has been holding back those feeling. She clings to your costume, a torrent of remorse coming out of her mouth. About what she should have done, about all the wrong thought she had. In the end, she is just a child who lost her parents to a groupe of zealots and watched her last familly member agonized all alone. Her knees are failing her, getting all of that out of her took a lot of energy but the brothel is just in front of you.
>>
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>>4181354
From the shore you can see the Clocktower standing like a massive grave in the Dead Zone, it indicates 8AM. You try to push the door of the entrance but it's not responding.

"Ah ah... Alfonso, it's a slide door." Amicia laughs at your lack of knowledge on foreign cultures "You open it like thi-"

She stops abruptly after sliding the paper door away. Not understanding why, you take a look inside sensing a danger. There is none. It's the complete lack of danger, the absence of life. A white sheet is covering an uncanny form on the ground.

"Raphaella! Raphaella!" You scream putting Amicia behind you.

You are about to completly loose it. All those efforts go to waste just because you brought a child to a dangerous district. But Amicia pushes, or at least try to push, you large body.

"Calm down Alfonso." she reassures you "Look! On offering."
"What are you doing? It's dangerous!"
"I'm sure we are not on enemy's ground if they make an offering for the dead."

Rapid stomps can be heard hurtling down the stairs. You start to recognize the unmistakable clumsiness of the racoon girl.

"Alfonso! Alfonso!" she screams trying to throw herself at you before getting denied by your little bodyguard
"She's a friend, Amicia." you are the one to reassure this time "What happened?"
"The Demihuman hunter." she sobs "He came back when Saten was alone while we were out at the party and... and... she agonized for hours yesterday finally crossing to the other side overnight."

So her name was Saten. You never get to know what was her problem with gold but it surely had something to do with Raphaella wanting to get out of this City and the appearance of hunters. She told you someone cut her horn for superstitious medicine remedies earlier. However, she was very kind toward you. Sol may not welcome Demihuman, but she will definitely find her place in the Elysian Fields.

>change of plan, hunt the hunter
>"it's not safe, let's get out of here Raphaella" back to Luigi's house
>go upstairs, you came to discuss a plan to save Bernardo
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4181386

>change of plan, hunt the hunter

>But also plan to free Bernardo
>>
>>4181379
>>change of plan, hunt the hunter
LOOT OPPORTUNITY
WELCOME TO CSI NOT!VENICE
First, ask Raphaella how Saten was murdered. If it was by a gunshot, we will absolutely need to hold off on this until we can get some ammunition for our own flintlocks before attempting this. Maybe while we are gearing up today.
The hunter may have a firearm anyways, even if the wound does not seem to be from one, but the chances likely would be far lower, taking the Elven firearm ban into consideration. But even then, this could be risky.
>>"it's not safe, let's get out of here Raphaella" back to Luigi's house
This place is compromised. We cannot let Raphaella stay here. We can plan to free Bernardo tonight, after our business today is done.
>>
Also. We should probably ask Raphaella if there is something suitable to wash our new flick knife in here. It was being used to carve up the face of an infected person. We may face consequences and get infected if she was stage 2. We should definitely at the very least wipe it clean, at the very least.
>>
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>>4181391
>>4181393
Saten. Female. Demihuman: Ogre. That's all you know about her for the moment you take a mental note. Now it's time to investigate more about her case and complete your imaginary journal. It's time for retribution. You owe her that.

"I understood that you both wanted a way out of the City." you ask as you crouch lower
"Yes... Bernardo would have paid for me but I wanted to help Saten find enough gold to pay her ticket too."

And Demihumans wanted to get out because the quarantine despite being immune... well in fact precisely 'because' they were immune. You carefully pinch a loose part of the white sheet, eyeing anxiously Amicia reaction.

"Amicia, can you go with Raphaella upstai-"
"Oh... right."
"You know, t-to gather everything useful. Something to wash my hands."
"Y-Yeah."

That was awkward. You both understood that this was merely a pretext to get her away from a dead body. Now alone, you pull the sheet to reveal Saten's body. There's a stitched wound on her stomach. The cut is large enough that it could have been the reason of her death. Since there is no trace of blood in the room, she must have been attacked outside.

"Did you find her like that?" you shout
"Yes, with the stitches, outside and where was no sign of fight."

This is what a dead person looks like up close. Her eyelids have sunken with her eyes deflated, her mouth is dry and her flesh cold to the touch. You feel slightly uneasy doing this but your obligations toward her help you get pass this obstacle. Strangely, her fair skin is undamaged. No traces of bruises, which is surprising for a prostitute, oh right... She was not into that kind of play you remember, thinking about the pig mask. Then, her murderer just made that cut and vanished?

You lack a proper insight to find anything else to examine on her body
>examine the wound (Mental)
+xx bonus depending on your write-ins
>what about her broken horn

What else can you ask Raphaella?
>where did you find her?
>did the hunter had the same approach for her horns?
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4181494
>examine the wound (Mental)

>where did you find her?

She lost her horn a while ago right? It shouldn't be relevant.
>>
>>4181494
>>examine the wound (Mental)
Due to demihumans being known to be immune, it may have been possible the killer cut Saten open, potentially to harvest some kind of organ, or search for something else to use as a superstitious medicine remedy. She may have died due to internal bleeding, or having an essential part of her body removed.
Also check the sides of the wound for discoloration, something to indicate poison or infection. We may have to open the wound, to see if anything is missing. That should be the extreme, last ditch option however.
>where did you find her?
>did the hunter had the same approach for her horns?
>Did Saten leave behind a list of clients?
One of her clients may have been involved, we should take note of the most recent visitors on the list/transaction log. If there is any.
>>
>>4181505
>>4181543
roll 1d100, must be under 60 (50+10 for write-in)
>>
Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>4181550
>>
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>>4181552
>rolled 5, crit
elementary

"You really wear that?!" Amicia shouts upstairs
"D-Do-Don't touch that." Raphaella sceams panicked "Aaaaah... I want to die."

Rapaella and Amicia seem to get along very well. It was about time that the teenage girl find another girl to talk to. Valentina and Susanna must have reminded her the mother she lost to the hand of zealot. She needed to get out indeed.

"Where did you find her?" you shout
"Front door, just when I was coming back from the party"

The plot thickens, it's even questionable that the one who made that cut had the intention to kill her. After looking closely, it appears that the cut was not made by a metallic object. As a butcher, there no denying that. It's as if the tool had an uneven blade, a piece of broken metal or a sharp stone.

You press a finger on her flank feeling some a depression where her kidney should have been. Using the knife the open the wound, you find well clamped bessel where the kidney was supposed to be. Instinctively, as if you were skinning an animal you check the other kidney and while no fresh wound can be found it's also missing. However, after looking very carefully you discover an old scar, something has pierced her flank years ago. Her other kidney was probably already damaged.

Did she die because the 'murderer' did not know she had only one kidney left? All evidence leads to someone with no killing intents. Except for the crude tool used to perform the incision, the work shows an extended knowledge of surgery. Her horns also show the teeth marks of a saw, a very irregular saw.

"This doesn't make any sense." you sigh covering her body as the girls get downstairs
"Alfonso, I found alcohol. Did you know alcohol to wash your hands. It was in her belongings, two small phials."
"We are probably moving out of here. What else did you find?"
"We gathered all the rice we had left. Cheered Raphaella. "And also some clothes." she added on a more quiet tone

+1 bag of rice (4meals)
+2 alcohol phials (2 wash)
+3 oriental dresses
+Raphaella's party dress
+Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you

"I suppose you don't have a list of clients?" you ask not expecting too much
"We are... were" correct Raphaella "a discrete and professional establishment."
"It might help to catch her murderer."
"Then... I think Saten keep hairs of her clients in a special box. I will notify corpse retrieval now."

Should you move on for now?
>let's get back to Luigi's apartment
>we will devise a plan for Bernardo upstairs
>continue to the tailor shop

Or, keep hunting?
>anything to ask Amicia in order to take advantage of her knowledge, write-in
>maybe the weaponsmith will know what type of irregular blade can be this sharp
>if she was "harvested' for a remedy, maybe you can try to look for people who sell them
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Wash your hands and the knife?
>yes (-1 phial of alcohol)
>no, just rub them on the sheet
>>
>>4181648
>we will devise a plan for Bernardo upstairs

We put this off for too long, let's get it out of the way

>yes (-1 phial of alcohol)
>>
>>4181648
>>if she was "harvested' for a remedy, maybe you can try to look for people who sell them
Lets get our goods and Raphaella back to Luigi's apartment, then head to the craftsmen district. The alchemists may fall into the "people who sell them" category, and they're worth checking out. We should see them anyways, and see what we can barter for before planning the breakout, so we can work any new gear acquisitions into the plan. The alchemist is bound to have a few game changers that we could buy. Then press on to the weaponsmith and tailor, to continue the hunt while doing some shopping.
>anything to ask Amicia in order to take advantage of her knowledge, write-in
Lets ask about her potentially ever hearing about medicinal remedies created by demihuman organs.
>>yes (-1 phial of alcohol)
>>
We should take the box of hairs as well.
We may not have access to a forensics lab, but Lady Cremosa may have some kind of sorcery at her disposal that we could make use of. After all, despite not seeing it first hand, she seemingly had a way to kill Piccoli if we had brought her one of his possessions. This could fall into the same vein as that. Only if we run out of leads, though. If there isn't some way to sort out the older/more recent hairs it will be nigh-useless.
>>
>>4181662
>>4181686
I've written both outcomes, I'd really like a third player to vote since it will set your routine for this afternoon and possibly the following days. Unless there is a third voter, this will be today last update.

I will start tomorrow at the same hour and roll if there is no tie breaker.
>>
>>4181686
+1
>>
>>4182413
Well. I'd love to move things forward, so I'm sorry to say this, but I'm not moving on my vote.
I just don't see the point in planning this during daylight. If we're moving Raphaella in with us anyway, planning it after we head home tonight once curfew sets in just seems a lot more sensible. It also gives us a chance to acquire new gear, both from shops and whatever else we manage to get ourselves into before the day is out. New gear means new variables, and instead of having to potentially adjust the plan after our acquisitions, we could just plan after heading home while taking them into account.
>>
>>4181686
This desu
>>
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>>4182484
>>4182464
>>4181686
>>4181662
"Who would sell those remedies?" you wonder hoping to catch the culprit
"I can't believe alchemists like my beloved can do such things." protests Raphaella
"I don't thin so either." joins Amicia "They have standards, for all we know it's more the work of an apothecary. Some stuff they sell make sense like citrus juice for sailors but apart from that it mostly snake oil."

Anyway you will go to the Craftsmen District where you might find an Apothecary and also an Alchemist to prepare for the assault on the Citadel. Maybe the Weaponsmith could identify what weapon could leave such a strange scare.

"So, I understand that you don't really know about those 'snake oil' elixirs?"
"Just the ones made from the New World's plants. You know, Coca, Poppy, Quinquina..." then she sighs thinking about who would harvest organs "There are several cultures who harvest organs though. Ironically Ogre are part of one of them, also some tribes of Giants think of it as a delicacy. They do not harvest them, but mermaid kidney are said to produce pearls."

Profiling, who is your main suspect that will drive your investigation?
>another Ogre or someone playing a bad joke
>a Giant who wanted some kidneys snack
>someone who usually hunt mermaids

You all leave the brothel for Luigi's apartment, but not before washing your hand with a phial of alcohol. This is a really ineffective way of washing your hands you thought, so much alcohol lost. Let's hope the Apothecary or Alchemist has something better. Crossing the misty Redlight District using the scarce Mystical Stones street lamps, you made spend two hours and meet with Valentina, alone. It's 11AM.

[red-1 alcohol phial[/red]

"Where are the others?"
"Why are you bringing a rat in my home?!" she goes crazy over the racoon girl
"Wait, I just want-"
"Luigi is working for us, Mario brought Hugo to Parotti. And now get that rat out of here."

The violent racist reaction toward the Demihuman has you completely by surprise. Pure hatred born from centuries of war against non-Humans. You just leave the unescessary items here. It will be rush hour when you arrive at the bridge. At least the weather gets better and the fog dissipate, but that means no more hiding from the Elven Commandos.

Prepare to cross the bridge
>go to the other bridge Luigi and Mario made and take a gondola (4 hours)
>just go to the bridge, you will improvise there (2 hours + waiting time)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Who comes with you? (Amicia, Raphaella)
>someone, write-in
>>
>>4182537
What do you take with you?
-1 bag of rice (4meals)
-1 alcohol phials (1 wash)
-3 oriental dresses
-Raphaella's party dress
-Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you
-4 cans of meat (8 meals)
-2 Iceburst Stones (burns non-stop for 8h)
-2 oranges (vitamins)
-2 flintlock pistol
-1 bag of sugar
-cleaver
-Pig's mask
-6 potatoes (6 meals, vitamins)
-alchemy book
-wool tunic (protect you from cold)
-fancy costume (+10 social)
-accuracy artefact (+10 accuracy)
(-0 mask (mandatory outside))
+1 flick knife
>>
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>>4182537
>You know, Coca
NOW I AM DAMN WELL INTERESTED
HELLO COMBAT STIMULANTS
HELLO APOTHECARY. WOULD YOU CARE TO OFFLOAD SOME OF YOUR STORES OF NOSE GOLD?
Profiling, who is your main suspect that will drive your investigation?
>An experimenting doctor, trying to find a cure via superstitious medicines
Or Plague Addled Jack the Ripper. Either or.
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
Head to the official bridge anyways, attempt to search for a gondola along the canal once we arrive, instead of waiting to be processed through the line. Taking a gondola from OUR bridge would only result in it collapsing. We took that plank earlier, to shield us from the rain.
What do you take with you?
>the alcohol phial (washing on the go)
>2 Oriental Dresses (bartering with the tailor)
>2 cans of meat (leaving one remaining, since we used the other to fry the potato)
>the potato we fried earlier (5 left)
>2 Flintlock pistols (bluff skills/barter item)
>The Cleaver
>Sugar Bag (barter item)
>Accuracy artifact
>The tunic (while wearing with our slick ass outfit)
>The best goddamn fancy attire one gold coin can pull you in this Sol forsaken city
Are we still wearing the masks we already have? Please don't tell us we'll have to cannibalize one of those new dresses.
If we do, make sure it is the remaining oriental one.
>>
>>4182578
Are we still wearing the masks we already have?
yes, it's just unavailable until you discard it tonight or really want to get it off
Please don't tell us we'll have to cannibalize one of those new dresses.
no, it's just that everyone who went outside had to wear one (except Raphaella)
>>
>>4182602
OP, could you post the Opera you planned on using if we had vised Parroti today?
I've come to enjoy it, quite a bit.
Also. Could we potentially make a peace offering between Valentia and Raphaella and offer up one of the less racy dresses to her, to replace the one we ripped into?
>>
>>4182609
initially planned this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTk79LAd0eM
initially
>>
>>4182622
>Figaro
Nice to see that Parotti's spirits have risen.
The Pagliacci stuff was pretty bleak.
I appreciate your use of music in this quest, OP.
You've got some good taste, man. The Full Metal Jacket soundtrack, the Ennio Morricone music (during the showdown), the opera.
Love every post that has a music link in it. Some really great stuff. I had an amazing rush back during the showdown, with The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly song. An incredible euphoria I hadn't felt in years rushed through me. I appreciate it, as well as this quest.
>>
>>4182578
"Piano, Valentina, piano." you try to calm her "Here you can take one of the dress to replace yours."
"I..." she starts with a conflicted face torn between anger and shame "I will not wear these rags, they are probably infested with fleas."
"Look, it's a really nice dress. Almost like a bathrobe, it will keep you warm if you want to go outside all day."
"F-Fine... But she will not sleep here."

She tears off the dress from your offering hand push all of you outside, Amicia included, minus all the stuff you let behind. On your way to the main bridge, you meet the corpse retrieval team. A bunch of fully equipped people in waterproof clothes slowly emerging from the remains of this morning fog. They are perhaps Human but wear strange face masks looking like a bird's beak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Poc3MF8GFk

They are currently taking care of a house marked with a white cross. One of them has his arms filled with personal belongings, clothes, jewellery, trinkets... Among them, some Lizardmen not wearing protection and carrying bodies that they throw in a nearby gondola. A muffled voice commands the Demihuman from a window, ordering him to catch something he will throw in the street. A baby.

"Amicia, don't-"
"..."
"A-Are you alright?"
"I guess that... things happen."
"Yeah, it's happening."

She looks quite shocked but not traumatized, maybe she has not realized what she saw yet. Your silent procession continue for two hours until you reach the bridge, as if mourning for the unnamed people of that building. Aren't thing escalating? You have your answer when you see the bridge. Militiamen on stilts, now just pushing in the canal everyone with blood on his clothes. The crowd silently awaits there judgment, to pass or not.

It's 1PM, the rush hour to the Hospital on the other side. You want to look for a gondola but the attitude of the Militia is revolting you. Perhaps you could offer some hope for this people, they don't know about your bridge to the Dispensary.
>look for a gondola (Mental)
>tell them about the access to the Dispensary
>>
>>4182695
>look for a gondola (Mental)
>>
>>4182695
>>look for a gondola (Mental)
We should not mention the bridge to a huge crowd of people. We already damaged it to use part of the walkway as an umbrella.
If everyone knew about it, then it may get destroyed, or even thugs trying to take it over, to hold it up and demand a toll. Anything could happen to it. I'm all for offering these people another route across the Canal Grande, but now is not the time. It needs to be repaired.
>>
>>4182705
>>4182713
roll 1d100, must be under 50
>>
Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>4182717
>>
>>4182722
>rolled 41, near crit
in the end it's the result that matters

"Let's look for a gondola." you decide
"We can't do anything about them." concludes Amicia
"Y-Yeah..."

You are surprised by the teenager's resilience. In what type of person will she grow into after these events? What's happening is definitely shaping her perception of life and you are, until she finds better, her role model. It's not like you could help those people. If they cross your bridge, they might break it, right? And what good will it make to save a few people today? You are aiming for the long run.

It takes you two hours to find something worthy enough to be called a gondola. You want to be sure your party does not drown but the only boat you can get a hand on has no pole, you will be forced to roam with your hands and just to cross the canal. However, because of the tide you drift away from the bridge at the level of the Hospital.

It's 5PM when you make it back to the bridge which is now less crowded and you have finally access to the stores of the Craftsmen District.

Where do you go first?
>Tailor (repaying debt, buying mask, sell dresses, buy more protecting clothes, ...)
>Alchemist (making fries and trading them for potions, gunpowder, soap?, ...)
>Apothecary (investigating Demihumans organ harvesting, coca elixir, soap?, ...)
>Weaponsmith (identifying the weapon used on Saten, buying weapons, equipment, ...)

Inventory
-1 alcohol phial
-2 oriental dresses
-3 cans of meat
-1 Iceburst Stone
-1 potato
-2 flintlock pistols
-cleaver
-sugar bag
-accuracy artifact
-tunic
-fancy costume
>>
slow pace until 2PM EST
you can plan ahead for your shopping spree
>>
>>4182774
>you are, until she finds better, her role model. It's not like you could help those people. If they cross your bridge, they might break it, right? And what good will it make to save a few people today? You are aiming for the long run
Welp. I just made Alfonso go off the deep end, gg lads. Unless. He already was off the deep end. Not sure.
>Shopping spree
First off, the tailor.
Lets try to stabilize our mental state a bit, by paying off this debt. Man of honor, and all that. We also could barter off the dresses before hitting the other shops, so have more to spend.
Then, the weaponsmith. Hopefully with our newfound coinage, we can buy something, but at least we'll see his prices, and what is on offer.
Then, the apothecary. We should look into getting some soap to clean our new gloves/used masks, as well as the motives of the "murderer" and maybe some sweet, sweet C-C-CO-COCAINE
Then finally, the Alchemist. We'll be able to score a potion with the potato, and maybe more. And. it's nearest to the bridge/the gondola we used to cross, so we can head back quickly. On this spree, we should keep an eye out for a suitable paddle, so we can use our gondola to cross the canal instead of fucking around with the bridge. Maybe hide it somewhere as well.

Also. It went from 1pm to 5pm. The fuck, man? I get that we didn't have anything to use to paddle, but fucking hell. That seems goddamn brutal.
>>
>>4182774

>Tailor (repaying debt, buying mask, sell dresses, buy more protecting clothes, ...)
>>
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>>4182825
>>4183051
Three people just come out of the tailor shop, their hands filled with masks. The owner looks contraries and takes a breath outside, probably to escape the infernal noise from the newly installed sewing machines on the backshop.

"Oh it's you..." he sighs "Sorry, dear customer. We had to move more machinery from the closed textiles' factory to meet the demand."
"I see people are still buying masks" you ask
"Yes, all they want is mask, even more so since it has become mandatory." he leans closer "I will tell you what, I bet some of them are selling my product for double the price."

He looks at you from head to toes and after sniffing some unpleasant smell take one step back.

"You didn't wash the costume I sold you? As beautiful my creation is, people might not be as impressed as they should if you smell like that."
"Oh huh... Can you wash it?"
"Please, who do you think I am?"
"Hum..."
"Of course I can and without soap and in just a second, you will not even have to wait for it to dry."

How convenient. Raphaella unpack all the oriental dresses on the counter and goes look at the clothes with Amicia. Ears and tail aside, they look like sister on shopping for a marriage. Meanwhile, the owner presents you with his merchandise.

Consumable
10 masks - 1 can of meat (if Stg 1 is airborne like you think it is, grant you protection) thrown after one daily use
10 gloves - 1 can of meat (if Stg 2 is transmissible via body fluids like you think it is, grant you protection) thrown after one daily use
leather cape - 1 can of meat (if Stg 2 is transmissible via body fluids like you think it is, grant you protection) thrown if in contact with blood

Outfits (need to be washed otherwise the effect wears off) - 1 gold coin each
see pic
your current outfit is still effective for now

What do you want to sell? (Mental)
-2 oriental dresses
-wool tunic
-fancy costume

What do you want to buy?
>write-in (if you think there should be an item that is not there, name it)

Other actions
>oh right, I owe you 1 can of meat (-1 can of meat)
>wash your current outfit for 1 can of meat (-1 can of meat)
>do you need anything, like more machinery or fabric?
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>This is really convenient, how can you wash clothes so quickly?
>>
>>4183379
>>This is really convenient, how can you wash clothes so quickly?
This, first and foremost. Anything to ensure we don't have to throw out the consumable clothing after a day.
>do you need anything, like more machinery or fabric?
>oh right, I owe you 1 can of meat (-1 can of meat)
>10 gloves - 1 can of meat
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
Ask if he sells those beaked masks we saw the corpse retrieval team wearing. If not, then ask if he knows anyone that does.
>What do you want to sell? (Mental)
Both oriental dresses, as well as asking if we could trade in our current outfit for another.
I'm eying up the assassin's outfit. That would make a good replacement for the party outfit. Still get half the social bonus, as well as a bonus to the rest of our stats.
That Sailor's raincoat could be good too. If we buy that along with the gloves, then corpse retrieval would become a lucrative opportunity.
>>
"This is really convenient, how can you wash clothes so quickly?" you ask
"You really want to know?!" he reacts surprised "Usually people are just fine with the service and don't ask question."
"Yeah, I was... uh curious"
"Perfect, then follow me."

He leads you in the back shop where female workers are sewing masks on a race against time with their sewing machines. The infernal sound dulls their senses, reducing the poor women to Human husks, as if they were just one with the machine. Repeating the same task, over and over.

"This" he slaps a white sheet covering something "This is how you combine the refinement we have access thanks to the age of heroes with new technologies brought by the industrialization."
"What is it?" you ask unsure of what to expect
"Behold!" He pours a black liquid on the sheet and pulls on it

Under this cover was a transparent box filled with a stagnant liquid. The tailor opened this strange container and put the now dirty sheet inside. After that, you notice the liquid starting to adapt to this new addition. The level does not just rise but all the liquid gather in an orb around the stain, which disapear soon after.

"It's a slime!" You realize terrified
"Correct dear customer." He proudly acknowledges "One of the last of its kind."

You make a step back. Then another. Your heart rate beats faster. This was not an encounter you were ready to make. The jelly-monsters are said to be the most fearful of all parasites. They can devour an entire pig in mere seconds. What kind of man would keep that thing here? And what if it gets loose? This is not a simple rodent, this is an insensitive, brainless and relentless calamity.

temporary -5 social because first monster encounter

"C-Can we get back to trading?" you stutters
"Sure. You don't want to wash your outfit?" He says showing the now clean white sheet
"Here, I owe you something... Also, do you need more sewing machine? Or something?"
"Well I could use more sewing machines, they are in the Factories area. Oh, and I have this shipment of rare fabric that is in the Harbor since the beginning of the Quarantine. But I doubt the Elves would let you pass. It's on the Silk Road."

-2 can of meat
+10 gloves

"A-Also, I would like to sell these two dresses, maybe trade to exchange my outfit."
"Eh... We are not a rental service, dear customer." he protests
"What?" Raphaella exclaims "You are going to sell Saten clothes?"
"She's d-de-dead Raphaella, what d-did you expect?" you explain
"Wait a minute dear customer." the tailor reacts panicked "Clothes of deceased brings bad luck, I'm note sure this a good deal."

Little mistake here, bargaining is of course using the Social attribute.
roll1d100, must be under 30 (40 -5 because temporarily scared -5 because bad deal)
>>
Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4183564
>I doubt the Elves would let you pass
We have Amicia with us. Amazingly. She may be able to get us in, since she knows some Elvish.
>"S-signore, y-you can c-clearly see that th-these dresses are v-very exotic, a r-re-real r-rarity in these lands, you w-would no d-doubt be able to t-turn th-them around for a n-nice p-profit"
Might work well enough as a sale's pitch, if the dice agree and the stuttering doesn't put this guy off.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>4183564
>>
>>4183619
>>4183620
>rolled 8, success

The merchant examine the fabric of the oriental dresses on the counter, feeling the thickness between his thumb and finger, tasting the softness of the silk with his palm. He stops to make a decision, or just to pretend. He already knows he is going to buy you those dresses, but not if they are worth one or two gold coin.

"Rhaaaaa ok" he rubs furiously his neck "I take back your party outfit too but for five cans of meat only."

+2 gold coins
+5 cans of meat

-2 oriental dresses
-1 party outfit


You can buy two outfit the gold coins and many more consumables with the now 6 cans of meats.
>buy outfit, write-in
>buy consumable, write-in
>let's go to the next store (you are not naked, just a wool tunic)
list:>>4183379
>>
>>4183637
assassin outfit
>>
>>4183637
>Buy sailor raincoat
>Buy 20 masks
>>
>>4183637
>>buy outfit, write-in
I'm leaning toward the assassin outfit. I like the bonuses.
>>buy consumable, write-in
20 masks.
>>
>>4183660
>>4183663
>>4183667
temporary -5 due to first encounter with a monster over

"The assassin outfit." you point with a renewed confidence
"Oh please dear customer. It's not 'an assassin' outfit. This is 'the assassin' outfit from the famous Vendetta play. You never go to the theatre?"
"I knew I saw it somewhere."
"Because the play was so popular I decided to reproduce the costume. However, this is not a carnival costume! No. No. No. I reinforced some parts with leathers, and used silk for the joints to improve agility, embroidered saffron coated string for the golden effect which give off a nice aroma and look at this tone of black..."

As he continues to comment on his creation, you put it on yourself. This is really a nice outfit, the spices he used for colouration help you get a new perspective on some things. The Demihuman is avoiding your gaze and blushing but Amicia gives you a big childish smile with a thumb up. After hoarding on 20 masks for your own use or to sell them later, you flip the half cape of the costume and exit the shop.

losing the +10 Social bonus
+5 in Physical, Mental and Social

Inventory
-1 gold coin
-1 alcohol phial
-6 cans of meat
-1 Iceburst Stone
-1 potato
-2 flintlock pistols
-cleaver
-sugar bag
-accuracy artifact
-wool tunic

Where do you go next?
>Alchemist (making fries and trading them for potions, gunpowder, soap?, ...)
>Apothecary (investigating Demihumans organ harvesting, coca elixir, soap?, ...)
>Weaponsmith (identifying the weapon used on Saten, buying weapons, equipment, ...)
>>
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>>4183702
>>Weaponsmith (identifying the weapon used on Saten, buying weapons, equipment, ...)
Weaponsmith is the next logical stop, without having to backtrack later.
>>
>>4183702

>Weaponsmith (identifying the weapon used on Saten, buying weapons, equipment, ...)
>>
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>>4183718
>>4183722
Not far from here, the weaponsmith should be selling guns and blades. It seemed like the appropriate place to go next in this hard times. When you think about it, maybe you should have visited on the first day. Aren't people going to hurry to buy something to defend themselves? There is indeed much more aggression in the street than usual in your neighbourhood.

"Look who's here" the owner warmly welcomes you "Alfonso, the man who rights the wrongs. The protectors of Demihumans. And the most skilled person I ever saw with a gun."

Right, you impressed someone during the party thanks to that duel, and he invited you to his shop to try a new mechanism for pistols.

"Buona sera, signore. I was just passing by to see what you have to sell and ask some question."
"Of course. Take all the time you need. Well..." he stops and lean on the counter to look at the sky outside "At least until the curfew."

What do you want to buy?
see pic

What do you want to sell? (Social) (+5 because friendly)
-2 flintlock pistols
-cleaver

What do you want to ask?
>about strange cuts made by an irregular blade (Mental)
>"did you sell a blade to a strange person in the Redlight District?" (Social) (+5 because friendly)
>"you only sell guns and short blade, where can I have 'this'?", write-in
>>
>>4183797
1 paper cartridge
>"did you sell a blade to a strange person in the Redlight District?" (Social) (+5 because friendly)
>>
>>4183797

>"did you sell a blade to a strange person in the Redlight District?" (Social) (+5 because friendly)

>Sell a pistol, buy 10 paper cartridges
>>
>>4183797
A set of paper cartridges.
Also sell the pistol that was given to us by Don Giovanni. The very same pistol he complimented us for using so well. Might be able to pull a bit more profit than that. And since it formerly belonged to the Don's set of dueling pistols, it must be good quality and may even be engraved or decorated in some way.
>"did you sell a blade to a strange person in the Redlight District?" (Social) (+5 because friendly)
>about strange cuts made by an irregular blade (Mental)
Something seemingly toothed, or jagged. It was mentioned that some sort of strange saw was used to cut Saten's horns, my guess is that it was also used to cut her open. It's worth asking, just so we can see if we've got a lead, but if it was just a weird saw, and this guy has no idea what we're talking about, then we might be better off heading to the hospital to ask around there. There was construction work being done there, and the "killer" seemingly has an extensive knowledge of anatomy/surgery, so it wouldn't be too far fetched to assume some doctor/surgeon took a strange saw from the tools in the area, and used that for his demihuman organ harvesting spree.
>>
>>4183817
>>4183827
>>4183840
roll 2d100

first to not offend him by asking about his clients, must be under 50 (40 +5 because friendly +5 thanks to assassin outfit)
second to try to describe the cut to him, must be under 55 (50 +5 thanks to assassin outfit)
>>
Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>4183852
>>
Rolled 55, 41 = 96 (2d100)

>>4183852
>>
Rolled 74, 52 = 126 (2d100)

>>4183859
Forgot my second roll. Not sure if you'll actually take the new first roll here.
>>
Rolled 79, 47 = 126 (2d100)

>>4183852
watch this double 1
>>
>>4183797
forgot to say that the revolver was initially 20 gold coins but thanks to your duel the price is halved

Amicia is running everywhere, only occasionally stopping to glue her eyes to a glass and admire a gun. Whereas Raphaella stands uncomfortably in a corner, eyeing discrete a specific shelves dedicated to oriental weapons.

"I just wanted to buy paper cartridges for my pistols."
"That will be 1 gold coin for 10. A great choice. You will not regret it." he hands you a box of ammunition "These days people are ruining themselves just to buy a dagger."
"Not pistols?"
"The cut in trade of Iceburst Stone caused a shortage of gunpowder. So they assume I will run out of ammunition. How foolish!"

So, people are starting to arm themselves. The people who marched to the slaughterhouse on the bridge did not look like people ready to defend themselves, though. The most prepared are maybe hiding in their house, waiting for their hour to come, or lurking in the shadow, a bit like you.

>rolled 55, failed
offended

"You see my outfit, signore merchant?" You boast, leaning back on the counter "Do people as dangerous as ME come here to buy guns? Or I don't know... blade, maybe?"
"I don't know you are trying to say, Alfonso Barbatti." he frowns confused by your lack of manners

lost the +5 because friendly

"N-Nevermind..." you voice quietly, removing yourself from the counter
"Something else?"

>rolled 41, slight success
is this a joke?

"As a matter of fact, I would like to tell you about a strange cut I saw." you start enthusiastically "It goes like that whoosh" you recreate the shape of the wound with your hands "and it's deep but clean"
"I... see..." he comments confused
"W-Wait..."

Describing it just with words is not enough, but if only he could see it like you did. Or it's just you who isn't literate enough to describe a it. After all you are just a butcher, if it cuts, it cuts. As pathetic as your explanation was, the merchant does not just brush aside your problem.

"Hmmm... if you could bring me a photography this could help. But judging by the irregular cut, if this was a damaged blade, try to look if some shards have been lost in a bone."
"Really? You can help?"
"I don't know yet. I can't recognize a metal by its damaged fragments. You should try the blacksmith. I heard he is a Nobleforged and sell some old-fashioned stuff."
"Grazie!"

You exit the store, it's 6PM and the sun is already passing beyond the horizon, so the curfew will start soon. The sky is clear, meaning that it will not rain and the moonlight will reveal your presence.

Where do you go next?
>Alchemist (making fries and trading them for potions, gunpowder, soap?, ...)
>Apothecary (investigating Demihumans organ harvesting, coca elixir, soap?, ...)
>Blacksmith (new) ('old-fashioned' weapons?, bring him a shard of the weapon used but find it first)
>the only place where you could find a camera is the Academy, so to the Academy
>>
>>4183859
>>4183861
>>4183870
I try to ask all the questions you want but only buy and sell what you all agree on
>>
>>4183939
>Apothecary (investigating Demihumans organ harvesting, coca elixir, soap?, ...)
Raphaella mentioned notifying corpse retrieval. Hopefully Saten's corpse isn't gone by the time we can find a camera.
Lets continue the investigation, but at the apothecary. I don't think Amicia would do well in the Academy. Her parents ran it, yeah? Heading there may provoke some memories that set her off. We can head to the alchemist on the way back from the apothecary. It's on the way to the bridge anyways. Returning before curfew sets in may be pretty difficult, however.
It's a shame we didn't sell that pistol. Had hoped to get some gold to spend from that. Hopefully our sugar bag can be sold at a good price.
>>
>>4183968
The shadows are stretching on the pavement and shutters can he heard being slammed back on windows. You just need one last stop before going home. Now that you leg is healed, this won't cause a problem. Getting to the Academy might be a bad choice you assume with Amicia in your team and since Saten's body will be collected by the corpse retrieval team, that camera might be useless.

As you push the door of the 'Mister Goodhealth Apothecary, Amicia can't help but to tut, showing her disbelief of the brand. It's snake oil she said after all. On your part, you were treated with a quinquina elixir against malaria and drank citrus juice during long trip on the sea.

"Ciao?! Is anyone here?" you shout
"KYAA" Raphaella screams of surprise

Someone who was hiding from the entrance just pulled her tail. A short woman with messy hairs and thick glasses who seem captivated by the Demihuman.

"Nice reaction" she says "Demihumans sense are often dulled by the city life"
"Who are you woman?" you ask with a firm authority tone
"Hello, hello, hello. I'm the shop's owner. What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to as-"
"Did you know that despite our shipment being hold in the Harbor we still have some of the most expansive stuff still available."
"...to ask ab-"
"I shouldn't tell you about it..." she starts before whispering as if someine was listening "but some of our products can actually cure the disease! GYAHAHA."

What a despicable noisy woman. Exactly the type you tend to avoid because they will never find a husband. She is probably a foreigner like mister Goodhealth. But her little act has Amicia put on the edge.

"Don't try to sell us snake oil, you quack." she threatens pointing her finger on her greasy glasses
"I'm not miss. The Hospital is already buying us citrus juice and onions soup to feed their patients enough vitamin and protein to treat Stage One."
"Oh yeah? And what about Stage Two? You think you can cure that by eating your veggies?"
"Oh my... Looks like the old world is angry. You should take a deep breath and relax."
The woman then shove a bunch of leaves in Amicia's mouth who was leaning to close. The sudden intrusion made her gag as the woman laughed.

"*cough* *cough* I have enough of this charlatan, Alfonso give me a pis-" she stops inhaling deeply "What... What did you do?"
"It's eucalyptus. This help you breathe. So? What's going on? Cat's got your tongue?"

Amicia turns silent and gets lost in her thought, not responding to your injunction.

"Amicia? Are you alright? Should I punch that woman? Will that make you feel better? Amicia?" you ask
"I... I need to think Alfonso. I may have an idea but I'm not sure."
>>
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>>4184150
You came her to ask about organ harvesting, but she only sells plants judging by the shelves and elixir presumably made of them. There is also this coca elixir mister Goodhealth tried to make you drink to forget the pain in your broken leg on the counter. The price of each of the elixir is indicated under.

What do you to ask?
>you mentioned your shipment inaccessible because of the quarantine
>what's wrong with you, woman (Social) (-20 because crazy) don't think too much about it
>I can't wait for Amicia to find an answer, tell me what's the deal with Eucalyptus, people are dying!
>you don't use animals parts in your elixirs?
>do you know who could use Deemihumans parts to make elixirs?
>something, write-in

What do you want to buy
>see pic

What do you want to sell?
>something, write-in

Inventory
-1 alcohol phial
-6 cans of meat
-1 Iceburst Stone
-1 potato
-2 flintlock pistols
-10 paper cartridges
-cleaver
-sugar bag
-accuracy artifact
-wool tunic
-assassin outfit
note that there must be an equivalent between gold and the cans of meat, but you don't know it yet
>>
>>4184197

>you mentioned your shipment inaccessible because of the quarantine


>do you know who could use Deemihumans parts to make elixirs?

>tfw too poor to buy anything
>>
>>4184197
>>do you know who could use Deemihumans parts to make elixirs?
>>you mentioned your shipment inaccessible because of the quarantine
>Sell the sugar bag
>Buy 1 Chamomile elixir
The sugar bag seemingly would pull the best price from her, out of the other shops we've seen.

>coca
>ridiculously expensive
checks out
points for realism, OP
>>
>>4184197
IMPORTANT
I just want to say it clearly so that you will not be dissapointed : the effects of an elixir, just like potions, are temporary
>>
>>4184249
Appreciate the clarification.
I doubt that anyone is going to come in and break the tie anytime soon, so I'll ask a question. Or several.
What are your plans for running this quest? You mentioned running this for as long as this real-world lockdown is in effect last thread.
You ended up running the Dwarven Fortress siege quest through until the end, but that was just a oneshot, and The Quarantine is now on its second thread. Is this just planned to be a oneshot as well? Do you plan on running anything else in the future? Your forte seems to be "protagonist attempts to survive in a city undergoing a catastrophe, gradually doing more questionable actions as the situation deteriorates." I enjoy these as well as your writing style, but it would be neat to see you run something in a quest where things are less time dependent. I dig that, but things just feel pretty overwhelming at times. So many options that we are under-prepared for, looming on the horizon as the days pass by. Seeing all of these items in the shops we passed through today has been pretty neat, but the main thing that I'm interested in would be a pocket watch. As well as listings for the time it would take to complete an action. The time jumps are seemingly incredibly sporadic, and are my main criticism. Beyond that, I've loved the quest so far, and will be around until the end.
>>
>>4184241
>>4184249
>>do you know who could use Demihumans parts to make elixirs?
>>you mentioned your shipment inaccessible because of the quarantine

"You only sell elixir made out of plants. What about animals parts?"
"Ewww..." she holds her stomach "We only sell organic stuff. That's the condition to trade with the Elves."
"So, do you know who might use Demihumans organs to make elixirs?"
"What?! Don't call that elixir" she panics "we will be bankrupt if the Elves hear about that."
"Oh? But since they are immune to the plague, isn't it uh... 'logical' to... uh experiment on them?"
"I get it, people are desperate and want to try anything but whoever does that on an individual scale, once elixir made out of Demihumans organs will start sell in the street we will be the first to suffer from it."
"Really? You can't just deny it publicly?"
"With all the Demihumans plantations Mister Goodhealth owns in the New World they won't believe him."

You a starting to get a little lost in that investigation. First, the fact, someone hunted Saten for her horns and presumably the same person killed her for her kidney. Culture that are now to collect organs are Ogre, Giants and Fishmen. The cut was made by a strange blade, broken or irregular by nature. You now lost Saten body and can't look for remains or take a photography/make a sketch/have someone look at the wound.

The main suspect according to you should be someone with knowledge in anatomy who was able to subdue the Ogress without leaving marks, so maybe a client. That led you to the Apothecary where you learned that it would be terrible for mister Goodhealth to let know that elixir made from Demihumans exist. If influencial people are somehow involved, a mad killer might not be a good guess.

You next lead should be
>the box with Saten's clients hairs
>try to prevent the incineration of Saten's body by joining the corpse retrieval team
>maybe you should talk to Mister Goodhealth at the Pearl of the Ocean, a brothel
>the Hospital might be the lair of the suspect
>>
>>4184234
>>4184241
Interesting. If indeed you can get your hand on the merchandise you... No that's not worthy of a hero. Maybe you could trespass on them on confront the Elves but only for a good cause. You request a chamomile elixir against a can of meat.

-1 can of meat
+1 chamomile elixir

"Alright, here you go, sir."
"Grazie."
"This elixir is really helpful if you have stressed children at home. Especially with Demihumans blood."

Raphaella who was sniffing a flower in pot turns around like caught red-handed and blushes then her ears go flat revealing her mood. Yes, you did try to find Saten's murderer all day but meanwhile Bernardo is still captive.

"One last thing before we go. How much for this sugar bag?"
"Eh? You sure about this? It's an useful alchemy ingredient you know. I'm more interested in those potatoes. I can make alcohol ouf ot them, one for a can of meat."
>yes sell sugar (Social)
>sell some potatoes, write-in
>no keep everything, you need sugar for alchemy and potatoe for alcohol
>>
>>4184346
>Fishmen
Well. There was that one who had saved us who seemed to know Saten. We woke up there, after all. But they seemingly were on good terms. It may have been him, but I doubt it. Maybe we could question Raphaella later about the nature of Saten and the Fishman's relationship.
>>the box with Saten's clients hairs
Raphaella must be pretty upset about the whole "not focusing on Bernardo" thing.
Lets head home (if it is too late to head to the alchemist), plan out the assault on the Citadel, and potentially go visit Cremosa if it is not too late by then. I doubt visiting her during the day would be opportune anyway, so we'd have to sneak out during the night. She may have some kind of voodoo witchcraft that could help with the hairs. This is an uncertain lead, but it overlaps with saving Bernardo, so seems to be the best move. But that corpse will be incinerated. Probably before the end of tomorrow. And with it, our chances of identifying the murder weapon will go up in smoke.
>no keep everything, you need sugar for alchemy and potatoe for alcohol
That potato is our currency to spend at the alchemist. We fried it this morning, no?
If we buy an instant harvest potion, we could set ourselves up a garden, then sell potatoes to both the alchemist, and here in exchange for meat. Then we would not have to concern ourselves with working, and could have Mario and Luigi focus on other things, or come with us.
>>
>>4184346
>the box with Saten's clients hairs

>sell some potatoes, write-in

We have 6 potatoes right? sell 2
>>
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>>4184413
You are not to keen on accusing the Fishman since he saved you. But it's the only relation outside Raphaella you know Saten to have, she must have known him. That's a lot to think about and you had better reflect on that at home, maybe use the chamomille elixir for yourself and relax to help. Keeping the sugar and the potatoes you bid farewell to the strange woman and MIster Goodhealth's shop.

Raphaella must be pretty upset about you forgeting Bernardo but don't voice it clearly. She is torn between the desire of vengeance for her friend and wanting to save her lover. Something you have in common with that Demihuman is at least your taste for vengeance, you think, caressing the handle of your loaded pistols.

La Stampa Public Edition Ottavo : Assassins! Assassins in our street again!

The corpse retrieval team found a Beastskin who has been murdered in the Redlight District. Organ harvesting has gone rampant in the district, a cruel practice on Beastskin based on the belief that their immunity can be transferred.

The Ogress was found without her horns and a large wound confirmed that she was also harvested for her organs. Contacted at the Pearl of the Ocean, MIster Goodhealth refused to comment despite being the main producer of elixir in the City. Who knows what his going on in his racist plantations of the New World.

We would like to give our thought and prayers to the brave sex workers of the Redlight District and condemn the usage of the racist word "Demihuman".


On your way home you have to pass the checkpoint at the bridge and realize with horror that you are carrying an Iceburst Stone. The lone Militiaman is waiting on top of his stilts. The curfew just started, and he might find it weird that you turn back right now.

"Hey you, with the Demihuman slave." her barks "What are you carrying? That's a lot of cans. What did your pet do to earn all that?"
"I earned it myself." you defend her
"Fiouuu." he whistles "Look at that culattone..." he pats your back with one of the stilts "Now show me your all you got or you get over the bridge."

>discard the Iceburst Stone in the Grand Canal discreetly
>bribe him with one of the many can of meat you are carrying (Social)
>vengeance for the people they throwed over the bridge, shoot him (Mental)
>he is alone on stilts, run
>>
>>4184334
>jumps
scale added, don't broke your leg or fail gondola rolls again
>plan
don't expect the cure will magically pop into existence once a savant is free
>one-shot
why should the quest end even if you find a cure? the city is in turmoil
>in the future
conditionned to the number of players
>We fried it this morning, no?
>>4181222 "Nobody likes cold fries anyway, so you will take an Iceburst Stone" it was implied you would have to fry it there
>>4184538
sorry, just finished to write the update
>>
>>4184544

>bribe him with one of the many can of meat you are carrying (Social)

guh
>>
>>4184544
>>bribe him with one of the many can of meat you are carrying (Social)
>>
>>4184544
>>bribe him with one of the many can of meat you are carrying (Social)
>>
>>4184553
>>4184568
>>4184571
roll 1d100, must be under 45 (40 +5 thanks to assassin outfit)
>>
Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>4184582
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>4184582
>>
Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4184582
>>
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>>4184585
>>4184591
>>4184609
>rolled 40, slight success
humiliated

Putting one single can on the ground, you stare silently at him, trying to make this quick and painless. However, the man high on his stlits will have none of that. He leans forward and ask you on a perverse tone.

"What's that? I can't hear you properly."
"Take it." you spit
"No, no, no. Why should I take that?" he says mocking you "It belongs to you and you worked reeeeeeally hard to get it."
"Listen, I don't have time for that."
"Ha... Ha... Ha... Beg me, segaiolo."
"Please, take this can and let us pass."
"Please who?"
"S-Signore."
"That's right, you can go now culattone. Next time you will let me have some fun with your slave."

-1 can of meat

The two girls and yourself cross the bridge in a hurry and get to Luigi's apartement on the outskirt of the Elven controlled area. Raphaella is used to being called a slave but still look annoyed, however Amicia doesn't understand why you let it pass. You who saved a woman earlier. Then she remembers that you should focus on surviving, even if it means letting people die or being thrown in the mud. Being the model of a teenager is hard work.
>>
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>>4184650
You only have the time to throw Amicia's and your masks on the pile of garbahe outside.

"Alfonso, mio fratello!" Mario exclaims welcoming you
"You seem well."
"Of course. But why did you not tell use you met the great Parotti?"
"You enjoyed his performance?"
"When I told him I was from the Polaris he opened his best chianti for us. You don't remember? He played your role in the play inspired on the SSN Polaris !"
"Oh right... wait, are you drunk?"
"I feel so much more alive when I drink, Alfonso ..." he lounges on you "I never want to feel so helpless again." and fall asleep

Luigi informs you that he earned only one can of meat at the Mystical Stones refinery, not finding any artefact. Valentina, in her newly acquired oriental dress, kneel like the eastern women she saw at the theatre and ask you if you had like diner now. This raises a concern since Mario is asleep. And should Raphaella sleep here despite Valentina hating her just a little less?

Should Raphaella stays?
>yes
>no

Tonight menus by Valentina by optimal choices since she is a kitchen fairy (not literally)
>[can meat economy] 2 oranges and half of the rice bag for Amicia and Hugo, 2 potatoes for Mario and Alfonso, half of a bag of rice for Luigi and Valentina, use 1 Iceburst Stone
>[item economy] 4 potatoes for Amicia, Hugo, Mario and Alfonso, half a bag of rice of Luigi and Valentina, use 1 Iceburst Stone
>[Iceburst Stone economy] unavailable, someone will relapse due to lack of both a warm home and vitamins

Also, today you brought two girl window-shopping, and they were very close to the windows. You might want to wash your hands since you didn't put the gloves you bought right away. But there is only one alcohol phial and no soap. But you really need to eat since you might be relapsing if you don't take a full meal and rest in a warm place. Raphaella, sharing half of her essence with an animal is not bothered by such problems but if you send her home she will have nothing to eat.

Who get to wash his hands?
>Amicia
>Alfonso

Who can eat, regardless?
>Amicia
>You

Inventory
-6 potatoes (6 meals, vitamins)
-2 oranges (vitamins)
-1 bag of rice (4meals)
-6 cans of meat (12 meals)
-1 alcohol phials (1 wash)
-Raphaella's party dress
-Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you
-2 Iceburst Stones (burns non-stop for 8h)
-2 flintlock pistol
-10 paper cartridges
-1 bag of sugar
-cleaver
-Pig's mask
-alchemy book
-wool tunic (protect you from cold)
-assassin outfit (+5 Physical, Mental, Social)
-accuracy artefact (+10 accuracy)
+1 flick knife
I forgot to add them to your inventory when you bought them
-20 mask (mandatory outside, daily usage)
-10 gloves (daily usage)
-chamomille elixir (help to relax)
>>
>>4184683
Should Raphaella stays?
>>yes
Tonight menus by Valentina by optimal choices since she is a kitchen fairy (not literally)
>>[can meat economy] 2 oranges and half of the rice bag for Amicia and Hugo, 2 potatoes for Mario and Alfonso, half of a bag of rice for Luigi and Valentina, use 1 Iceburst Stone
>Who get to wash his hands?
Amicia
>Who can eat, regardless?
Is this in relation to letting Raphaella stay here? Like, would she take another person's meal if we said yes? Just use a can of meat to feed everybody. We can spare it, and we shouldn't have anyone go hungry.

Can we spend time planning the citadel assault now, instead of going to sleep immediately? It shouldn't be THAT late by the end of dinner, right?
>>
>>4184710
>Is this in relation to letting Raphaella stay here?
No it's just to know if you want Amicia or Alfonso to risk eating without washing their hands, prompt for the racoon girl coming after.
>>
>>4184718
Ahhh. Okay. Yeah.
Alfonso eats regardless, then.
>>
>>4184722
You hand over the last alcohol phial to Amicia for her to disinfect her hands before she can sit with her brother and peal her orange. The two siblings are silent to each other, it's up to Hugo to open the conversation.

"You know Amicia, uncle has really a nice voice."
"..."
"You should come to."
"..."
"Like when we went to the opera with mom and dad."
"Tch... You are like a little baby Hugo."
"Why are you so mean Amicia?"
"Watch this instead."

The girl shows him her orange skin pealed in a perfect spiral, the little boy who was about to cry open wide his mouth in surprise. He is genuinely impressed and his big sister smirk at him, also thinking genuinely that he is a hopeless little baby. There is nothing to indicate you if this relation is healthy or stable enough.

Valentina brings you the cooked potato that you wobble up in three bites. You then fix your hand anxiously, the one you used to row in the Grande Canal. Will you be ok? You didn't lick your finger or used them to eat in the cans. What about the cans you received from the tailor? W-What about that jelly-monster he keeps in his back store? The fear has taken root in you today and not the kind you are used to, getting wary of an invisible enemy and a non-sapient monster. You were also humiliated on your way home. But you killed that thug and went on a hunt for a murderer. That should qualify you as a hero.

"Oh Raphaella, why don't you join us."
"R-Really? I don't want the signora to get angry at me."
"I will deal with it."

What should Raphaella eat?
>open half a can of the hard earned meat for her (-half a can of meat) (Social) (-5 because of prejudice against Demihumans)
>everybody who want it can share some food with her
>cook a potato for her (-1 potato)
>>
>>4184772
>>cook a potato for her (-1 potato)
>>
>>4184772
>cook a potato for her (-1 potato)
>>
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>>4184780
>>4184790
Requesting Valentina to cook one of the potato you earned thanks to the bullet your exchanged in the slums she accepts, tolerating the presence of the racoon girl. Raphaella looks the potato with teary eyes. Demihumans are strange you think, but some are nice people.

"It's my first meal with other people since..." she starts "since Saten..."
"I should have checked earlier, I'm sorry" you apologize
"She was in real pain you know, kidney failure is... " she sobs "kidney failure is no joke."
"I... see." you add unsure of your role here
"B-But we have to save Bernardo now, I can't loose someone else."

Raphaella swallows her tears and put her serious face back on. Despite looking so childish and ill-mannered, she has an unsuspected reserve of strength inside her. Maybe it's her life as a prostitute or the faith in her love.

>a hardened core tempered by a life of dangers, that's what makes someone strong
>love makes us stronger, maybe you will find someone to make you strong like her

On their corner, the two siblings are back at it with Amicia just ignoring Hugo when he talks about their parents. You stand up to find a place for a strategic meeting or to have the 'talk' with Amicia and Hugo but stumble on a book : Treaty of Gnomish Alchemy and Humouralism: altering the mind and body. This is the book you picked in the auto-da-fé.

You can sleep now to take a turn for tonight watch or
>plan on how to free Bernardo from the Citadel despite not being equipped like you wanted to
>have the talk with Hugo and Amicia, maybe prepare to use the chamomile elixir
>read the alchemy book with Amicia's help (Mental)
>no, sleep for tonight's watch

Who takes the first/second turn?
>Luigi
>You

Inventory
-3 potatoes (3 meals, vitamins)
-6 cans of meat (12 meals)
-1 alcohol phials (1 wash)
-Raphaella's party dress
-Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you
-1 Iceburst Stones (burns non-stop for 8h)
-2 flintlock pistol
-10 paper cartridges
-1 bag of sugar
-cleaver
-Pig's mask
-alchemy book
-wool tunic (protect you from cold)
-assassin outfit (+5 Physical, Mental, Social)
-accuracy artefact (+10 accuracy)
+1 flick knife
-20 mask (mandatory outside, daily usage)
-10 gloves (daily usage)
-chamomille elixir (help to relax)
>>
slow pace until 2PM EST
>>
>>4184808
>>love makes us stronger, maybe you will find someone to make you strong like her
>>plan on how to free Bernardo from the Citadel despite not being equipped like you wanted to
We should do this now. We've been procrastinating in dealing with it for far too long, and Raphaella has been taking this situation incredibly well. We owe it to her to free Bernardo. And, luckily It's a good time for it. No daylight wasted, we can plan while on watch, and we are much better off gear-wise. (Despite not having any alchemical gamechangers)

>You, first
>Luigi, second
We can probably multitask and be on watch and plan at the same time.
Our current standing with Luigi is also uncertain, so lets not try to upset him.
>>
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>>4184822
Raphaella has Bernardo, Luigi has Valentina, Mario has alcohol, you should take more care about your sentimental life. Getting lost in role of hero might make you miss on opportunities. So, it's decided, you will rather fight for love than take part in an hazardous odyssey to get stronger.

"Can we discuss the plan about saving Bernardo?" you timidly try
"Really?!" her ears twitch and open wide

Taking a piece of paper from somewhere between her dress and a part of her anatomy making Amicia depressed and Luigi blush, she spread it on the floor to reveal a drawing of the Citadel. Only Amicia is available, your weapon expert is sleeping and Luigi is trying to get some sleep with Valentina for his turn.

"There is around 15 Militiamen in the Citadel at all time." she details "The Militia is dispatched in various barracks around the City to avoid getting infected at the same time."
"What? How?" Amicia asks surprised "How are they guarding the prisoner?"
"They are not. The Doge freed all common criminals."

That explains a lot. First why you encountered these thugs who tried to rob your butcher's shop and then steal the gold of the businessman before scarifying a prostitute. Does it mean you will meet more of them?

"There are three main buildings beyond the wall where Bernardo is moved every day."
"So five guards per buildings minimum?" you calculate
"Yes, if we have enough firepower and are skilled enough we can take out five guards at a time and swipe all buildings."
"Hmmm... Even with Luigi and Mario I'm not sure we can do that."

There are three buildings with presumably five people in each. The Citadel is built flat on a separate island to resist magic and naval bombardment. They are self-sufficient in food but need a daily supply of potions passing through the main gate. Apart from their guard duty ten men have to operate the coastal battery but since the quarantine is well respected there's no ship to aim at.

How are you going to enter the Citadel?
>infiltration by the main gate (Mental) (-20 because it's the Citadel) /OR/ find it yourself
>passing over a wall by night, write-in (Don Giovanni's smugglers, grappling hook, by air...)
>fontal assault

How are you going to swipe through all the buildings to find Bernardo?
>maybe a diversion (Mental) /OR/ find it yourself
>find alternatives methods to deal with them, write-in (Lady Cremosa's magic, poison them, a certain potion...)
>more firepower

How are you going to get out?
>a faster mean of transportation (Mental) (-20 because it's the Citadel) /OR/ find it yourself
>quietly or discreetly using the confusion (xxx*, disguise as Militiamen, a certain potion, ...)
>cause a mayhem

You should probably take into accoutn the weather and timing depending on your approach.

*yes, there is still one underworld boss missing
>>
CORRECTION
>>4179375
>These potatoes grow in one week if the sun can keep the soil warm for seven days straight.
to
>These potatoes grow in one week if the sun can keep the soil warm for seven days.
It means the growth will stop if there is no sunlight, but can resume the next day or a few days later if the sun comes back.
>>
>>4185015
>maybe a diversion (Mental) /OR/ find it yourself
Every roll that you make here has the "(-20 because it's the Citadel)"
>>
>>4185015
>There are three main buildings beyond the wall where Bernardo is moved every day
Taking into consideration that when we visited the citadel with Raphaella, Bernardo signaled us with some sort of mirror/metal, and that they move him daily, could he be moved clockwise? Like, for example say he was in building C when he signaled us, then he was moved back to A, then B the following day, then back to C and so forth. Using this theory, we could hopefully pin down what building we *think* he is in for the day of the assault, to hopefully narrow it down so we do not have to deal with sweeping through all of them. Of course, I have no idea what building he was in as he signaled us, and he could even be moved counter clockwise, or just completely randomly.
>passing over a wall by night
Don Giovanni's smugglers. If he doesn't want to lend their help to us, then we'll have to find a grappling hook somewhere.
>find alternatives methods to deal with them, write-in
Lady Cremosa's magic. Though, she may want to lie low because of the latest La Stampa headline mentioning assassins in the city. Alternatively, the problem could be solved via liberal application of the flintlocks, and the looting of the freshly fallen corpses and storerooms.
>quietly or discreetly using the confusion
Using some explosive concoction provided by the alchemist, we could blow the stores of ammunition for the coastal battery, creating a distraction. Or we could set the most flammable looking building alight, to put the remaining militia men into the role of volunteer firefighters. Or both. Bernardo is sure to have something explosive we could use in the distraction, as he has been tasked with making gunpowder for the militia, so we may not even need to buy some kind of explosive from the alchemist.

There it is. Pretty solid. Definitely not air tight, but pretty solid. If a grappling hook is not an option, we could attempt to make (or steal) and use some kind of unmanned decoy boat to attempt to break quarantine, to get most of the forces distracted before our assault.
>>
>>4185015
>passing over a wall by night, write-in (Don Giovanni's smugglers)

>find alternatives methods to deal with them, write-in (Lady Cremosa's magic)

>cause a mayhem
>>
writting the the final result with all your ideas and secondary prompts
>>
>>4185405
>>4185993
Taking the gate as reference, you suppose Bernardo is moved through the building in a clockwise motion. Depending on the day of the assault, you could guess where he will be. If your theory is correct, he should be currently in building C.

"Let's pass over the wall." you say casually
""W-What?" Rahpaella's almond eyes go wide "But how? These are very steep wall, not made to be escalated."
"The only reason they are not straight is to deviate the canon balls or spells" Amicia comments "you will need some equipment or a serious help.

Without Luigi's carpenter knowledge, you can't really have more ideas than what is already passing through your head.

"Maybe we could ask Don Giovanni and his smugglers network." you shrug "Or else I've been wanting to get my hand on a grappling hook to move on the rooftops for some time."
"I told you about the balloon in the Academy, right?" Amicia tries "It's not as advanced as the Dwarven Airship but Tornelli used it to reach the outer between the sky and aether."

What is the first option you will prepare for passing over the wall?
>Don Giovanni smuggler network
>grappling hook
>check the balloon in the Academy
>write-in

"I hope Lisa will help us to deal with the Militiamen inside." you wish
"You mean using Charon's Divine Magic?" asks Raphaella
"Something like that. If she can control the flow of souls and influence them from a distance that could prove useful." you mark a pause
"Why not just kill them?" Amicia asks coldly
Taken aback by the sudden change of values in the teenager you add "I... I wish Mario was awake, he could indicate have informed us on what weapon they are using."
"She may want to lie low because of La Stampa accused Assassins of killing our people for Mr. Goodhealth." Raphaella comments.

What is the first option you will prepare for dealing with the guards?
>Lady Cremosa Charon's Divine Magic
>none, you will take some time to look for additional firepower inside the Citadel
>write-in

"Then the escape plan..." you finally come to
"Yeah let's just explode them." Amicia cruelly suggests "They didn't move an inch to protect my parents."
"Maybe we could just set an explosive near the ammunitions of the coastal battery." you refrain her enthusiasm
"That or you could just burn them." she spits
"My Bernardo could make an explosive in no time." Raphaella cheers "He was after all arrested for providing to some shady people."
"I'm not sure in what state we will find him." you sadly remind Raphaella "Maybe it's safer to prepare one with the Gnome Alchemist."

What is the first option you will prepare to create a mayhem and escape?
>requesting an incendiary or explosive device to the Gnome Alchemist
>make an incendiary device yourself and lit up something flammable
>write-in
>>
>>4186396
With the current options you have, you find it best to act on a
>cloudy day
>windy day
>sunny day

You should also taking into account your timing, clouds might hide the moonlight, the sun would help you endure the cold of waiting outside as opposed to a strong wind.
>at dusk, you can move freely until the curfew
>at dawn, you can try to lurk in the shadows then strike
>plain day
>>
How immediate is a healing potion, OP?
And what is the extent of their effects?
If we had a normal sized healing potion, could it bring someone back from (presumably) near death, and would it take a while for the dose to set in?
Is overdose a thing, and could that be reached with two healing potions?
Are these questions even answerable due to Alfonso's limited knowledge on the subject?
>>
>>4186449
Yes, it all depends on the amount according on the fairy tales you heard while a child. As for the time and overdose, since you never participated in a major war, you don't know.
>>
>>4186396
What is the first option you will prepare for passing over the wall?
>>Don Giovanni smuggler network
The grappling hook being a fall back option. We don't really have the gold to spare for one, and I'd like to spend the profit from the sugar bag either on healing potions, or canned meat to trade for healing potions in the South Slums.
What is the first option you will prepare for dealing with the guards?
>>Lady Cremosa Charon's Divine Magic
What is the first option you will prepare to create a mayhem and escape?
>>write in
>Acquire a healing potion (warzone/gnome) to give Bernardo upon reaching him so he can create the explosives himself
No one is said to have survived over two weeks in The Citadel, and it has been several days since we heard that news. 3-4. We'll be spending the next day or two on some last second prep work, so Bernardo will be nearing that two week record by the time of the assault. It's safe to say that he will be near death. Possibly unable to even move on his own. Instead of fucking around with smuggling an Iceburst Stone to the alchemist to buy an explosive with potatoes, we could simply take the legal sugar bag to him, and sell it. The crazy apothecary woman mentioned it was a valuable alchemy ingredient. Taking into consideration the 5 cans of meat we were given by the tailor for our party outfit presumably being less than what a gold coin is worth, we could use our newfound gold to buy 5+ cans of meat, then take that to the South Slums to trade there for healing potions. It was mentioned that they had healing potions and gunpowder covered due to being adjacent to the Craftsmen District, and they simply were interested in food. Of course, they may not even be willing to trade in the first place, so we should head there prior to heading to the alchemist, to make sure that they are, and how many cans of meat they demand per potion. If they aren't, we'll have to settle for the more expensive option of just spending an gold coin at the alchemist for a potion. Or however many we get from the sugar deal. Due to the uncertainty of Bernardo's condition, and the likelihood of one (or more) of our allies being injured in the assault, I'd say the optimal number of healing potions would be 3, just to be safe. We should settle for no less than 2. Healing Bernardo would get hopefully get him into a good enough condition to make the explosives necessary for the distraction, and ensure that we did not need to carry an injured man out of an area swarming with hostile forces.
>>4186397
>cloudy day
>at dusk, you can move freely until the curfew
Moving home in the daylight after the assault would be suicidal. I suspect the third underworld boss (the mermaid?) may have made that a more viable option.
And if we're relying on Lisa's Charon magic, I assume that it works better at night anyways.
>>
>>4186526
Amicia and Raphaella are aslepp and you reflect on the options you have during you shift. You will of course first meet with Don Giovanni and Lady Cremosa again beofre gearing up for alternatives. Then, a healing potion might be the key to have a strong ally on your side depending on the state of Bernardo after a week and three days in the Citadel. You will of course require additional potions to the Gnome or at the Warzone.

Finally, you decide to act on a cloudy day at dusk. However, without any method to predict the weather that could be today as well as in one week.
>>
>>4186561
Satisfied with the plan, you spend some time at the windows to look for any trouble in the neighbourhood. The afternoon has been really sunny and quite warm for winter, after the whole morning engulfed into the fog. More people than usual went outside, and so, marauders too.

"Stop right there, you barbarians." an angry nasal voice echoes in the distance
"Minchia! they are on us." two kids on the street level panick
"You stop or you die!"

It was the captain of the Elven Commandos, jumping across rooftops in an animal motion while carrying his bow in one hand, he gets a strange arrow from his quiver and aim at the two kids who were taking down a street lamp.

"Leave the Mystical Stone, there's no time."

They were getting the glowing rocks out of the street lamps. That's the reason why so many have been missing lately. Taking this for a major crime, the captain stands straight and draw his bow, while... chanting?

"Spirit of wind, free like the birds strong like dragons, carry my vengeance to my enemies."

The arrow is unleashed in the night, then a gust of wind made you shut your eyes and the second you open them you see the two kids on the ground, agonizing. But only one arrow was used, how could it be? The Elven captain jump from his rooftop, landing without a sound like a feather.

It's the first time you see him with such details, he has an eye darting to the side making him look like an idiot. An very angry idiot. He arms his boot above the head of child's skull and repeatedly stomps it.

"YOU. WILL. RESPECT. MY. AUTHORITY."
"Captain stop!" his subordinate just arrived
"Look at them. Already 30 and they don't know how to respect a curfew."
"Captain, they are Humans! These kids are like 10!"
"Oh..."

The subordinate takes a red phial of medium size from his belt and unload the liquid on the first kids' head. Gurgling in his blood and broken teeth, the liquid washes everything to reveal a perfectly normal face, but he stays unconscious. He does the same to heal the other kid's leg and tell him

"Your friend jaw will take some time to heal even with the potion. You only had flesh wound so you will carry him. Now get inside before he changes his mind."

Looking bored, the captain kicks in one of the glowing rock that fell out of the street lamp and jumps back on a balcony, then a roof, soon joined by his subordinate. What a strange night. As long as the delinquency will stay at that level the Elven Commandos will manage but learning that all common criminal were freed had you worried.

You wake up Luigi for his turn, confused by the wild ride your emotions took watching this scene, as if trapped on a Dwarven cart. There a weight on your chest. The actions of the three groups charged with law enforcement are really starting to get on your nerves, but you will rather lie, bribe or beg for your life. At least you saved someone today, right?

roll 1d100 (Mental)
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4186564
>>
>>4186572
Goodbye mental state.
We'll be at the level of sanity of that crazy fucking commando by the end of this.
We should attempt to establish contact with his far more reasonable second in command alone, and throw out the suggestion of a mutiny to him.
>>
>>4186572
>rolled 65, failed
should have been of course under 50 since Mental roll without any modifier

You dream, again, grovelling at the feet of a twelve feet tall Elf under the mocking stare of Amicia. She turns back, clearly indicating that you are useless to her and that she only seeks strong people, not caring about the weak. Much later, or maybe just after, you find yourself lost in the mist. It's then that you see him. The thug you killed this morning.

Throwing yourself on him like a wild beast, beating him to a pulp to forget your humiliation and helplessness. Preying on the weak while fleeing the strong, this is the proper definition of a beast" an unknown feminine voice tries to stop your rage. "Come find me" she adds.

>it has the mischievous slow tone of Lisa
>it's the soothing empathic voice of a nun
>it's a commanding, perverted unknown voice

Physical 75 (+5)
Mental 45 (-5)
Social 35

A wet cough takes you out of your nightmare. You have trouble breathing and feels quite feverish. Exactly like in terminal Stage One. How could this have happened? You only forgot to wash your hands once. The Stage Two of the disease could not have spread this fast in the City. When are you going to vomit blood or get diarrhea. You need a healing potion but you are not sure how long you can endure this, however you might infect others with your fluids. You have to get or risk staying here with a mask.

"It's late Stage One" Amicia notice while hiding behind a wall "you are about to transition to Stage Two because you were in contact with the Stage Two strain."
"But how..."
"The Grand Canal, you put your hand in the water to row the gondola... I... I'm sorry, you should have been the one to wash his hands. Because of me..." Amicia feels conflicted about what to say

If you want to keep on with the plan, where do you go next?
>Don Giovanni, Noble District
>Lady Cremosa, Cemetery
>Gnome Alchemist, Craftsmen District

Or do you want to focus on something else?
>come up with a plan to save sister Susanna
>read the alchemy book with the help of Amicia (whole morning)
>gear up (potion, gun, equipment, artefact...)
>find essentials (masks, gold, soap, cans of meat...)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Should someone be sent to work for more resources this afternoon? (Luigi, Mario, Amicia, Hugo, You, Raphaella)
>corpse retrieval
>archeological center

Should someone attend Parotti's solo?
>someone, write-in
>>
>>4186619
OP, what jobs provide an Iceburst Stone? iirc, we're out and we don't need anyone else to relapse.
I assume this question should be fine with the information Alfonso has at his disposal.
The payments for the jobs would be advertised, right?
>>
>>4186637
>The payments for the jobs would be advertised, right?
I mentionned Corpse retrieval having a high reward, but you can assume it's the bingo (can of meat, vitamin pill, Iceburst Stone).
>>
>>4186619
>>>it has the mischievous slow tone of Lisa
Definitely.
>Or do you want to focus on something else?
Give Hugo the Chamomile Elixir. It's time to break the news. Amicia is unstable, but he will be in hysterics without it.
Then, we could take them both to Parotti. Their relationship has been strained, spending some time together like this will hopefully patch things up somewhat.
Then we can return home with them, and decide on what to do from there. Due to my feeling that I will completely fucking botch the roll for this, I ask that OP waits for some other person to come in a save it before writing the update. Or roll a crit fail. Either or.
>Should someone be sent to work for more resources this afternoon? (Luigi, Mario, Amicia, Hugo, You, Raphaella)
>>archeological center
Send Raphaella and Luigi.
It's a hard choice here, but the labor isn't terribly strenuous, and Raphaella's hands being more delicate should hopefully mean that she does well enough with the dusting off of artifacts. Luigi didn't do so well last time we sent him to do this, but he hopefully will do decent enough this time. Also to ensure that Raphaella isn't harassed, like she was at the bridge last night. Luigi may not be the best choice to send to protect her, as he is married to Valentina who has some questionable views on Demihumans, but Mario should come with us due to Luigi's negative modifier in support roles. Send him with with the flick knife, just for some extra security. Also gloves. Since it was being used to carve up the face of some infected woman.

Mario can come with us, after we return from Parotti's. Hopefully Parotti can cheer Hugo up.
>>
>>4186666
Chamomile Elixir removed

>Give Hugo the Chamomile Elixir.
roll a 1d100 for the initial shock (Social), must be under 50 (35 +5 thanks to outfit +10 thanks to chamomille)

then, entering slow pace for updates until 2PM EST
Preparing a waifus edition for next thread which should be after this weekend
>>
Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>4186684
>spoiler
Oh fuck. I find this both incredibly amusing and slightly unsettling.
Uh.
Was the choice for choosing who the dream voice belonged to related to this?
>>
>>4186691
Fuck my rolls tonight.
Got 65 last time.
Dice gods are fucking with me.
>>
>>4186691
>question
No.
>>
>>4186696
Ah, so the question involving Raphaella and what strength comes from, then?
Don't get me wrong, I find it amusing/unnerving due to the assumption that I caused this in some way due to no one voting against it. I wholeheartedly support the decision, but I assume others may not. I like how you run things, OP.
Also, you mentioned earlier that any future quests you run being dependent on the number of players around to vote. Do you have some method of contact you could give me/others, so we could hear from you when you decide to run a new quest? It's amazing I was even browsing /qst/ and just happened to find another quest by you to begin with. If you provided any method of contact, I and others could know once you decided to run something else, which may result in a higher player count for your next quest.
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>4186619
Alright! I just caught up, and I have to say, pretty good work QM! Will definitely be following.
>>
>>4186619
>it's the soothing empathic voice of a nun
Also voting for this but otherwise supporting >>4186666
Evil digits.
>>
>>4186959
>Evil digits.
Relax, man. It's just Charon.
Sol fell asleep on the job and can't give me 7 quads.
>>
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>>4186691
>>4186954
>rolled 44, success

Tightening a mask around your face and putting on gloves as recommanded by Amicia, you are ready to treat some psychological wounds, failing to take care of your own health. The chamomile elixir has and instantaneous effect, if you could have come across a drunk child in your life, Hugo would definitely look like one.

"Listen, Hugo, we want to tell you something." you start
"What was that drink, signore?" Hugo answers absent-mindedly "I feel funny now."
"You remember fleeing from your house more than a week ago, Hugo?"
"Yes, then we went to meet Sister Susanna, I hope she is alright." the children's voice fades at the end of his sentences "There are so many things I want to show her at dad's workshop. She really like science."
"You will not be able to do that."
"But whyyyyyyy? Sister Susanna is a really nice person. She gives one of her miracle for free on her way to the Dispensary. Daddy will like her."
"They are dead Hugo." Amicia hammers down, breaking her restraints
"You... You're lying." Hugo denies
"She's telling the truth" you continue "You will not see them again."
"You already knew it Hugo. Stop acting like a baby!"

The child looks confused, loosing balance with his head floating on clouds thanks to the chamomile. He squints his eyes, trying to look for something in some invisible land left and right, loosing his train of thoughts.

"N-No... the bad guys they... You're lying, I... I ha-"

He tries to flex his muscles to express his anger but loose it to a deep sorrow and start to cry. All aggressivity has been taken away from his body and seem to get out with his sobbing. It could have been better but also much worse than that.

Amicia's -5 modifier when using her as support removed
>>
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>>4187038
ou instruct Luigi to equip the flick knife and get ready for an afternoon at the Mystical Stones refinery with both gloves and mask. He will go with Raphaella, hoping that her agile fingers will get the bonus in vitamins with the standard can of meat.

It's only 9AM, you can visit Parotti earlier or try a home acitvity but you are on the clock if you want to see Parotti for noon. There is no fog outside, the sun is already shining. Anyon wearing normal clothes should be ok if they have a warm home to return to tonight.

>go see Parotti with Amicia and Hugo now
>study the alchemy book with the help of Amicia (+10 thanks to Amicia's help, -5 because of time constraint)
>plan to free Sister Susanna (-5 on the possible rolls because of time constraint)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

If you choose to get out now with Amicia and Hugo, how do you equip yourself?
Inventory
-3 potatoes (3 meals, vitamins)
-5 and a half cans of meat (11 meals)
-1 alcohol phials (1 wash)
-Raphaella's party dress
-Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you
-1 Iceburst Stones (burns non-stop for 8h)
-2 flintlock pistol
-10 paper cartridges
-1 bag of sugar
-cleaver
-Pig's mask
-alchemy book
-wool tunic (protect you from cold)
-assassin outfit (+5 Physical, Mental, Social)
-accuracy artefact (+10 accuracy)
-18 mask (mandatory outside, daily usage)
-8 gloves (daily usage)
>>
Reassuring you on tonight's dream:

It was just to take the temperature and see what should I prepare for. Just like I sometimes ask what are your opinions on X because you have some time to think.

I see how not prividing any contact info in the previous quest resulted in this situaiton. I will continue to run this quest and hope more players will come.
>>
>>4187048
>>go see Parotti with Amicia and Hugo now
Also get Mario into a mask, pass him a flintlock and half of our paper cartridges, and take him with us.
After the opera, we can have him lead Amicia and Hugo home, then head off to meet us at the bridge. As we head off to go meet Lisa. She spoke to us in the dream, and told us to come meet her, yeah?
>If you choose to get out now with Amicia and Hugo, how do you equip yourself?
-2 flintlock pistols (One of them going to Mario.)
-10 paper cartridges (Five of them going to Mario.)
-Sugar Bag (Trade with the alchemist)
-Cleaver (Back up weapon)
-Wool Tunic
-Assassin Outfit
-Accuracy artifact
-3 cans of meat. (South Slums healing potions won't cost more than this, hopefully.)
We don't need gloves, as we already basically have stage 2. Get Mario into some gloves, though. We don't know what could happen.
>>4187048
>-1 alcohol phials (1 wash)
I'm going to have an aneurysm.
>>
>>4187067
>-1 alcohol phials (1 wash)
yes, forgot to remove it from the inventory
>>
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>>4187067
Mario takes one of the pistol and five paper cartridges . Also equipping himself with gloves and a mask, he looks just like a highwayman, with the deadly precision of navy gunsmith. Amicia and Hugo get masks but the girl insists that you keep your gloves.

"I can't let you do something so reckless." she protests "We don't know how fast the Stage Two could progress if you got more exposure. This isn't a curse. It's measured science."

The girl does have a point. You are expected to have abdominal pains soon but you could start vomiting blood if you get something more concentrated on your skin than diluted excrements of the canal.
>keep the gloves to prevent a jump in Stage Two symptoms if you come into contact with infected blood
>remove the glove to save them for later, you are already a Stage Two and can endure several symptoms before it gets worse

Regardless, you equip yourself with a pistol and the remaining paper cartridges, using your trusty cleaver as a back up weapon. Your outfit can still go one day or two unwashed. As for the trading items you get the sugar bag and three cans of meat. Accuracy artefact and wool tunic are a given.

When you are all set, on the step of the door, you notice a unique scene happening in the room. Amicia is offering her hand to Hugo, still annoyed by having a crybaby as a brother, he is still her brother. The boy instinctively seeks the comforting hand of his sister while sobbing and your party heads out. Amicia has softened her edges a little.
>>
>>4187426
>keep the gloves to prevent a jump in Stage Two symptoms if you come into contact with infected blood
>>
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>>4187456
Walking through the morning fog proves to be harder than usual with even less street lamps to guide you. Hugo stopped whining and Mario held his hand. They form a chain, giving him a false sense of security even in this blinding wall of vapour.

The hazardous navigation combined with your chest pain make your trip last one hour. The humidity does not play in your favour. Indeed, every breathe drain your forces which leave your body with the long vibrating wails of your sticky lungs. The nasty deep cough you make could reveal your position. By chance, apart from the Elves nobody wants your head here. The thugs should be confined in the Redlight District.

"Mario, is that you my friend?" a deep voice echoes from a balcony "It's just 10AM, you came for a drink?" he laughs
"I brought friends!" he shouts
"Hey bambino, you came with your sister! Buongiorno signorina, what's... what's happening to Hugo?"

The tenor invites all of you in his large apartment. He warmly welcome Mario and especially you, Alfonso Baratti, the characters he played in the play inspired on the Polaris expedition. Maybe you should have told him sooner. There are a lot of discussion about Hugo depression, he does not feel like performing with Parotti but the tenor knows exactly what might help him make his mourning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpYGgtrMTYs

Emotion started coming back on his face, at least he stopped being apathic, or the elixir stopped to conceal his anger. In the end, we all return to Sol.

"Maybe they are not dead." he argues "Maybe they are just badly injured."
"Hugo, you..." Amicia starts "we will have to offer them proper funeral anyway. You are right we should check on them."

The pair really works well to balance each other temperament. But maybe this is too much for you. Do you really need to take care of them? Meeting Amicia was a coincidence, learning about Sister Susanna too. They are all out of danger for now and Parotti knows them.

>they can stay at Parotti's apartment
>Hugo can stay at Parotti's apartment
>let's take care of them a little bit more
>>
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>>4187558
It's now 11 AM and the fog has completely dissipated outside. You intended to go for a healing potion in the South Slums but you are unsure about the conversion exchange rate of cans and gold. The only certainty is that banknotes are worthless. Also, the Southerner didn't mention wanting anything but weapons. Are you ready to give up a pistol? To the people you threw rocks at by siding with the North for a miracle healing?

Should you focus on treating your Stage Two?
>go to the South Slums and try to bargain regardless
>go to the Alchemist and try to bargain for a healing potion but also stop by Luigi's apartment to get a potato for the Gnome prized fries
>go to the North and require a miracle healing after participating in more fights
>go to the Dispensary and require a miracle healing for two cans of meat

Or do you want to focus on preparing the plan to save Bernardo?
>meet Lady Cremosa at the cemetery
>meet Don Giovanni in his mansion
>go to the Alchemist and try to bargain for a healing potion or more but also stop by Luigi's apartment to get a potato for the Gnome prized fries

Other
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4187558
>let's take care of them a little bit more

I think having people around would be good for Parotti, but Amicia is kinda fucked in the head rn. Sort her out first.


>go to the Alchemist and try to bargain for a healing potion or more but also stop by Luigi's apartment to get two potatoes for the Gnome prized fries

2 healing potions, one for us and one for Bernando.

We do still have 2 potatoes right?
>>
>>4187684
Heading for the bridge, you let Amicia and Hugo get back to Luigi's apartement on the way. Mario is worried about your condition. You start to feel a faint sourness in your stomach, like a sailor on his first day.

Does Mario continue with you?
>yes
>no, take back the pistols and ammo
>no, let him keep the pistols and ammo

After considering being accompanied or not, you notice how rare and expansive ammunitions are. Gunpowder is difficult to make, but you can probably melt lead at home, and paper is easy to be found. Speaking of paper a free sample is being nailed on a wall, it's today La Stampa edition.

La Stampa Public Edition Nono : Hospital refusing to surrender Stage Two patients to the Militia

As the Doge ordered Stage Two patients to get immediately transferred to disinfection camps, the Hospital has refused to surrender their patients. A safe haven for infected.

Contacted by La Stampa, 'Franz' the leader of the Militia, refused to comment, instead resorted to violence against our journalist. This type of barbaric behaviour was to be expected from the infamous hero who spent the last months ruin-dwelling in the colonies of our Thalassocracy.

On a side note, due to a lack of personnel and maintenance, a building collapsed in the Industrial District. This incident required the intervention of the corpse retrieval team.

The latest figures showed that around 500 people died last week.


For the first time you can get a grasp of the situation on this City of around two hundred habitants. Until now, you only perceived the tragedy taking root here and there but these numbers while accurate and official were strangely cold and uninformative. Five hundred is not a number at the scale of a man. You would have to take the entire public of a theatre and shot them on a Piazza, then you would have a good idea of what "500" means. But who can pretend to know five hundred faces?

In front of your eyes, the bridge is packed as usual at noon. The Militiamen, high on their stilts, have inspired enough fear for Stage Two to not show up at the checkpoint. At the level of the crowd, someone in the colourful uniform of the Militia is wandering poking people with the sheath of a sword.

"Hey Hey Hey! I said three to six feet. You don't know how to count, filthy commoners?"

The stern voice belonged to a short-haired woman wearing a badly laced up uniform. No mask, no gloves, a provocatively revealing cleavage... Apparently 'Franz' was for 'Francesca'. Her presence made it harder for Militiamen to act like they did previously, improving efficiency with her charisma, the waiting time has been greatly reduced.

>cross the bridge through the checkpoint (1 hour)
>find a gondola that you could keep for today (Mental)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Inventory
-3 potatoes
-2 flintlock pistols
-10 paper cartridges
-Sugar Bag
-Cleaver
-Wool Tunic
-Assassin Outfit
-Accuracy artifact
-3 cans of meat
>>
>>4187766
>>yes
We take the lead. Everyone else stays behind us. Just in case the projectile vomiting of blood takes place.
>find a gondola that you could keep for today (Mental)
We're going to fuck this roll again, but I don't like the idea of waiting in a line with an unsettled stomach. With the militia leader right there. We head in, puke all over some guy, a fight breaks out, the militia realizes that we have stage 2, then it's off to one of those "disinfection" camps. We'd also probably just happen to pass over the bridge while that fucking prick who humiliated us the night before is on duty. Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
>>
>>4187952
Support.
>>
>>4187766
>yes
but practice social distancing

>find a gondola that you could keep for today (Mental)

We can't pass the checkpoint, we literally have stage 2
>>
>>4187952
>>4188005
>>4188051
roll a 1d100, must be under 40 (35 + 5 thanks to outafin outfit)
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>4188108
>>
Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>4188108
Uhh.
I thought our mental was 45, after the hit it took after the roll failure last night.
Wouldn't this be 50, with the help of the outfit?
>>
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>>4188148
tou're right DC was 50
Also, I forgot to make you take an Iceburst Stone to fry the potato so let's say you took it before leaving if it's ok with you.

>>4188131
>>4188148
rolled 61, failed

Looking for a gondola takes you one hour. There is a hole on the front so both you and Mario have to stay close at the rear. When you pass under the bridge, Franz contemplates you raft with disdain her sword supported on her shoulder. You are not worth her time. This experienced adventurer who roams carelessly among the infected knows her luck wouldn't fail her so instrad of fighting you she takes a well deserved break by mocking the two of you.

"Ciao! Taking a romantic cruise?" she teases, a freet planted on the parapet
"Dawn, the signora is hot." Mario comments while rowing with a last minute found piece of wood

Arriving at the Alchemist's shop, you loose balance when Mario gets out of the boat and pushes the front of the ship in the canal. There is just enough time to get on the street level while the gondola sink because of the hole. You will have to walk from there. The stress made you puke in the canal, a clear liquid. At least it's not blood.

"Oh it's you." the son of the Gnome notices behind his counter
"D-Do you have a healing potion?" you desperetly ask coughing
"I told you that we can sell you anything from recipes to actual potions we have for some fries but the healing potion will cost you a gold coin."
"Even a small one? Isn't there an equivalent in cans of meats?"
"Let's see if we can come ton an arrangement..."
"Do I really have to use an Iceburst Stone to fry a potato for you father?"
"What? You don't know how to put out an Iceburst Stone fire? Please tell me you didn't try to put it in water? You have to bury it in sand, or dirt or anything."

What do you want to buy?
>see pic for prices
Current suggested recipes :
-+10 fortify Physical, Mental, Social
-speed potion to get to another place faster (halve travel time)
-instant harvest potion, can grow a tree as well as a potato plant
-gunpowder (5 worth of ammunition)
-incendiary
-write-in (no really write-in, if it comes to your mind I will add it to the list but adjust the effect to balance with the others)

What do you want to sell?
Inventory
-3 potatoes
-2 flintlock pistols
-10 paper cartridges
-1 Iceburst Stones
-Sugar Bag
-Cleaver
-Wool Tunic
-Assassin Outfit
-Accuracy artifact
-3 cans of meat

Do you have any questions?
>I found an alchemy book, the title was "Treaty of Gnomish Alchemy and Humouralism: altering the mind and body" is it any good?
>Do you sell soap? I used alcohol to wash my hands but it was really inefective
>Tell me more about alchemy, why recipes, I can make them myself?
>What do you use this ingredient for, write-in ingredient?
>I have a question about you supplying the Citadel with healing potions, write-in question
>effect of healing potion, write-in
>>
>>4188283
-instant harvest potion, can grow a tree as well as a potato plant

Grow our remaining potato into multiple potatoes

Save the second potato worth of fries until we get answers to the below

>I found an alchemy book, the title was "Treaty of Gnomish Alchemy and Humouralism: altering the mind and body" is it any good?


>Do you sell soap? I used alcohol to wash my hands but it was really ineffective

>What do you use this ingredient for, bag of sugar?
>>
>>4188300
Supporting this.
Keep the Iceburst Stone ready to fry another potato.
After we get our answers, of course.
>>
>>4188324
Slipped my mind, but also ask about healing potion dosages.
The capabilities and extent of the potion's healing ability for each dose, the subject of overdose, and if a small potion could help an adult recover from Stage 2. We've seen it cure a Stage 2, but that was a child.
Taking this >>4186564 into consideration, they seemingly are not completely instantaneous, and bones setting seems to take even longer. If that jaw thing was anything to go by. It's a good thing we didn't drink that potion after breaking our leg. Wouldn't have done much to help us there immediately.
>>
>>4188300
>>4188324
"Do you sell soap? I used alcohol to wash my hands but it was really ineffective." you ask
"Hmm..." the small being takes his time reflecting "I am currently working on a new recipe behind my father's back." he quietly starts
"Who is here?" a voice loudly explodes from the backshop
"It's nothing dad, just more beggars" he continues
"The idea is to make jellyfield alcohol to spread it more evenly on your hands, thus you will only need a fifth of an alcohol phial to wash them."
"What's the problem?"
"Securing a steady line of alcohol production of course. Everything goes down in booze, but I'm sure it will benefit the City. Also, we would need to negotiate the fat from the cannery."
"You are more benevolent than you father."
"This time I don't want to let the place I live in die."

He could make one using alcohol, fat and a Mystical Stone, or many if you help him kick the production. You remind yourself about a certain alchemy book you took near an auto-da-fé and also wonder about the trading value of sugar.

"So, I found an alchemy book in-"
"A book?" he interrupts you "Like a real alchemy book, not just some recipe note lying around in a house or a ripped page?"
"Yes, is it any valu-"
"Of course. How much? One gold coin? Two? What's your price?"
"I actually don't have it on me."
"When I think of all those recipes" he drools "Everyone tried alchemy at their home at the beginning of the quarantine so there are a lot of recipes lying around... but a whole book!"
"I... see... There is also that sugar bag, I wonder how much you will pay for it?"
"You can make a more powerful explosive than gunpowder with it, so maybe five cans of meats."
"I suppose you will not tell me the full recipe, do you at least sell explosives?"
"Yes, we sell them... We sell one to be exact. It's not really the kind of stuff the Militia will let us keep."

You could sell the sugar and then buy the explosive or buy the recipe and try to make one yourself. Now that all the questions has been answered you are back to square one. But there is still one things bugging you.

"Can you describe healing potion effects?"
"Eh... really? You haven't heard about them in legends? Small ones can heal most external wounds, but damaged organs and bones totally out of the question, that would be for medium. Depending on the extent of the trauma, you could have to rest a few hours. Large are the big game, they contain enough to brink you back from the Styx... well not literally but you get the picture."
"Any addiction?"
"A-Ahah o-of course not dear customer... Ah crap, I'm not like my father. Of course there is addiction. Most of the present day adventurers or ruins dwellers keep they dangerous line of work just so that they could buy and use them."
>>
>>4188354
What do you want to buy?
>see pic for prices >>4188283
Current suggested recipes :
-+10 fortify Physical, Mental, Social
-speed potion to get to another place faster (halve travel time)
-instant harvest potion, can grow a tree as well as a potato plant
-gunpowder (5 worth of ammunition)
-incendiary
-write-in (no really write-in, if it comes to your mind I will add it to the list but adjust the effect to balance with the others)

What do you want to sell?
Inventory
-3 potatoes
-2 flintlock pistols
-10 paper cartridges
-1 Iceburst Stones
-Sugar Bag (5 cans of meat)
-Cleaver
-Wool Tunic
-Assassin Outfit
-Accuracy artifact
-3 cans of meat
>>
>>4188356
>-+10 fortify Physical, Mental, Social
should have been written like this
+10 fortify Physical potion
+10 fortify Mental potion
+10 fortify Social potion
>>
>>4188362
And also forgot to tell that the Apothecary sells soap, you didn't get the option to ask when you were visiting Mr Goodhealth's shop because I also forgot to add them to the prompt back then
>>
>>4188356
Voting to ask another couple questions.
>How long will the speed potion last?
We have a lot of places to go today. We need to make some better time.
>How much is this explosive made from the sugar going to cost us?
>How much would it cost to buy the recipe for the aforementioned explosive?
>>
>>4188400
Unsure about how to spend your hard earned potatoes you ask a couple more questions.

"How much is this explosive made from the sugar going to cost us?"
"Just some fries. We don't really have clients now. But like I said, this is our last one."
"How much would it cost to buy the recipe for the aforementioned explosive?"
"Just some fries too. It's not like we could make more. Did you know we were raided by people from the South Slum?"
"How long will the speed potion last?"
"One day. Twenty-four hours starting when you drink it to be precise. So, are you going to buy something or not? I have to take care of my father."

The young Gnome gets impatient, you should at least buy or sell something to prove you are not just looking the merchandise.

Options
>same >>4188356
>>
>>4188356
Fry 3 potatoes. Buy an instant harvest potion and a speed potion. And some gunpowder.
Sell the sugar bag. We'll have 6.5 cans of meat after that.
We can trade the gunpowder off at the North Slums for more potatoes. Or even send Mario or Luigi to do it tomorrow, then set up our own potato field. We got 4 of them last time, for 1 FMJ bullet. While a paper cartridge worth of gunpowder isn't worth as much as a jacketed bullet, we're still likely to make a good profit of food.
We could then use the instant harvest potion to grow a tree, then use it as a bridge across the Grand Canal, so we do not have to deal with the bridge/militia every day.
>>4178988
>Now that you have seen the to sides of this battlefield, it's easier to understand their war microeconomy. The South, having access to the Craftsmen District have gunpowder and potions and only need guns and food. Meanwhile, the North receive free healing with the Church and don't need food thanks to their potato field.
>>4188445
>Did you know we were raided by people from the South Slum
Opportunity knocks. We may be able to get a significantly cheaper healing potion here. They probably shouldn't recognize us from the rock attack. We're in a mask, and we have a new set of clothing.
>>
>>4188481
Keep one potato to grow, maybe leave out the gunpowder. Otherwise support.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4188481
>>4188528
tie breaker on gunpowder unless someone else break it before the update, writting
>>
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>>4188481
>>4188528
+1 instant harvest potion added
+1 speed potion added
+1 dose of gunpowder added

-3 potatoes
-1 and a half can of meat
-1 sugar bag


The smell and sound of boiling oil have the father comes to the counter. He starts to protest but realize that you are about to put potatoes in disgusting whale fat he despises.

"O sweet golden nugget." he turns his grumpy voice into a senile lamentation "I longed you for weeks."
"Glad to see you so enthusiast, dad." his son rejoices
"Stupid son, why did you not let him enter sooner." the father does not show his sweet side more than that "Give him what he wants... Except healing potion, I'm too tired to make one."

You watch as the angry Gnome shoves the fries into his mouth, leaving grease on his white beard collar. His wrinkly face loses all tension. The son watches tenderly his father and teacher, holding back an unspoken sorrow.

The next stop should be at the Warzone in the South Slum, hoping to exchange your pistol or enough cans of meats for a healing potion. You drink the speed potion and get there in half the time normally needed. It's 1PM and you arrive just to watch the daily procession getting back to the North.

"Damn it." Mario curses "We could have you healed there if we were quicker."
"Oh right... Wait is it me or does the atmosphere seems a little more zealous than last time?"

People kneeled to pray at the sun long after the procession was gone. The whole area was bathed in a warm embrace. Since you entered the slums, you noticed more libraries in ruins and Demihumans hanging from those same ruins' charred beams. Like rotting organs on a skeleton. Witnessing that scene made you throw up in the canal. Or maybe it's the disease. When you rise your head, you see a thick column of black smoke rising on the horizon, from the amphitheatre far in the north.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_v17J8qKM

There is a Demihuman, a Ratfolk running away from it. He is being stoned by several people of the slum. Despite being faster, he trips on a rock that landed just in front of him let one of his bag spills metal type sorts on the ground.

"Wait! I'm just a journalist doing his job."
"Filthy Demihuman look at you bringing the plague to our neighbourhood."

He will probably get the same treatment as the hanging Demihumans. There are three aggressors, only two armed with pistols and the last one with a harpoon. All behind him, exhausted after running. Should you help him?
>yes, healing potion can wait
>no, you have to get your healing potion
>>
>>4188570
>>yes, healing potion can wait
I've changed my mind 7 times now. A difficult decision.
This will make the Southerners absolutely hostile if we end up fighting these guys, and while we may still be welcome here if we talk them out of it, they may not sell us anything. Or if they did, they'd jack up the prices.
We'll likely lose access to a valuable trader here, and the alchemist is apparently too tired to sell us a healing potion.
So, if we get injured we'll sure as shit be headed up to the Abbey to get a miracle heal. Massive waste of time.
In a straight fight, we probably have pretty good odds. Mario knows his guns, and we have the accuracy artifact ourselves.
>>
>>4188629
Seeing you getting ready, Mario gently caresses the grip of his pistol, his fingers are all relaxed like an experienced lover. Alcohol withdrawal will show its symptoms tomorrow. For now, he is ready to back you up whatever you decide to do, brutally executing one of the two hostile armed zealots or threatening them.

The narrow street trapped between a canal and the ruins of a library. In the distance, gunshots are being fired from the Warzone.

You have the advantage of surprise
>have Mario shot one zealot
>throw your cleaver (Physical) and have Mario shot another
>shot one zealot (Mental) and have Mario shot another
>threaten them in order to buy time for the Ratfolk to get back on his feet Social (-5 because outnumbered)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

If you choose to attack them, which ones first?
>first zealot armed with a pistol
>second zealot armed with a pistol
>zealot wielding a harpoon
>>
>>4188652
>throw your cleaver (Physical) and have Mario shot another
>first zealot armed with a pistol
>second zealot armed with a pistol
Best to be safe. They have pistols.
>>
>>4188652
>>throw your cleaver (Physical) and have Mario shot another
>Attack both zealots with pistols
We at least have a chance to dodge the harpoon if the remaining guy decides to throw it at us. Gunshots? Not so much.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4188659
>>4188665
roll 1d100, must be under 80 (75 + 5 thanks to assassin outfit)
>>
Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>4188668
>>
>>4188669
>rolled 16, success
Arming your cleaver like you were cutting Sunday's meat from the sacrificial ox, you signal Mario to shot at the zealot on the left. Your butcher's tool and his shot find their target. The one receiving your blade has his ribs broken and his already coughing blood. He is trying to scream something before letting go of his pistol.

The harpoon wielder throws his dangerously sharp lance on you and jumps on a pistol on the ground. Meanwihle the Ratfolk stood up but is still in shock of what has happened.

How do you deal with the remaining zealot?
>this is too dangerous, dodge the harpoon first (Physical)
>fire your pistol at him fast enough to dodge after (Mental) (-5 battle pressure)

Instruction for the Ratfolk or Mario during your action (pick one)
>"don't let him grab the gun" for the Ratfolk (Social) (-5 because in shock)
>"get the other gun" for Mario
>>
>>4188688
>>this is too dangerous, dodge the harpoon first (Physical)
Instruction for the Ratfolk or Mario during your action (pick one)
>have Mario get to cover and reload
The remaining zealot will probably focus on us rather than the ratfolk. If he just jumped on a pistol, he could easily shoot at Mario while he is going to grab the other one. We'll probably be fine from the harpoon, but lets not get Mario shot.
>>
>>4188693
Support
>>
>>4188693
>>4188702
roll 1d100, must be under 95 (75 +5 thanks to assassin outfit +10 thanks to speed potion)
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>4188703
>>
>>4188704
"Mario, take cover!" you scream as you leap forward

The harpoon pass above your head, hurling as if tearing through an invisible creature made of wind. This thing was really dangerous, there's something strange about that weapon. Mario has now reached the ruins of the library, trying to reload as fast as he can to back you up.

Meanwhile, the remaining zealot has taken a pistol, kicking the panicked Ratfolk in muzzle. The delay provided by that unintentional distraction allows you to act before him. Maybe you should have trusted that giant rat. There's also a faint whisper in the background, something like a prayer.

The remaining zealot
>shoot at the remaining zealot first (Mental)
>tell the Ratfolk to hold his leg while he aims (Social) (-10 because of shock)
>>
>>4188718
>shoot at the remaining zealot first (Mental)
>>
>>4188718
>>shoot at the remaining zealot first (Mental)
>>
>>4188721
>>4188723
roll 1d100, must be under 50 (45 +5 because of assassin outfit)
>>
Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>4188724
What about the Accuracy Artifact?
>>
>>4188728
correct, DC is actually 60
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4188718
>>
>>4188728
>>4188740
rolled 45, success
out of combat

Aiming as fast as you can you fire point-blank at the zealot. The cloud of gunpowder obscures your vision as the tension rises. Did you miss? Is he aiming at you? The whisper you heard before and thought was a prayer can still be heard.

Mario has finished reloading and the Ratfolk has taken shelter behind you. When the cloud dissipate, the zealot you were aiming at can be seen trying to escape, a trail of blood leading up to him. And moreover, the first you attacked with his ribs broken and the cleaver still encased in his chest as taken back his pistol. He is painfully aiming at you while praying, the barrel wobbles from left to right.

This is insane, where does he find such strength to hold a pistol? To even breath?
>Mario has to shot him just to be sure
>take back the cleaver to finish him
>the Ratfolk will deal with him (Social) (-5 because he calmed down a bit)

The escaping zealot (use someone not already performing an action)
>Mario shoots him
>You throw the harpoon at him (Physical) (+10 thanks to accuracy artefact)
>>
>>4188746
>>Mario has to shot him just to be sure
>>You throw the harpoon at him (Physical) (+10 thanks to accuracy artefact)
It's pretty brutal, but we shouldn't let them escape. Everyone will hear of this.
>>
>>4188748
roll 1d100, must be under 90 (75 +5 thanks to assassin outfit +10 thanks to accuracy artefact)
>>
Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4188753
>>
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>>4188754
Mario gets out of his cache on your sign. Crouching next to the injured zealot on the verge of death, he grips his hairs and pull his head to have his barrel aiming upward.
*BLAM*

Parts of skull and brain are propelled in a geyser of blood. The Ratfolk gasps. You saved yourself the even more brutal scene that would have been you butchering down the remains of an injured person. Nice. But what about Mario?

Some fluid ended up on your costume while you aimed with the harpoon. Throwing the strange weapon, you land a hit right between his shoulder blades, taking him down. You now have increased your kill count considerably. But these were honourable, death, right?

"T-Thank you, th-thank you signore. I-I-I-I" The Ratfolk stutters "I-I-I-I owe y-you one."

You should clean up this mess now, question the Ratfolk are just proceed with your current objecting which is acquiring a healing potion before you start throwing up blood.

The scene
>ask the Ratfolk something, write-in
>take the pistols
>take the harpoon
>arrange the scene like this, write-in

The bodies
>in the canal
>leave them be
>>
>>4188766
Current Inventory
1 instant harvest potion
1 dose of gunpowder
2 flintlock pistols
7 paper cartridges
1 ignited Iceburst Stones (5 hours remaining)
Bloody cleaver
Wool Tunic
Stained Assassin Outfit (+5 Physical, +5 Mental and +0 Social, needs to be washed)
Accuracy artefact
6 and a half cans of meat

Home Inventory
-2 and a half cans of meat (11 meals)
-Raphaella's party dress
-Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you
-Pig's mask
-alchemy book
-15 mask (mandatory outside, daily usage)
-7 gloves (daily usage)
-flick knife

Congratulations on your first real fight. I hope you liked it. Slow pace until 2PM EST I guess. So you can argue over what to loot and what you will buy at the Warzone.
>>
>>4188766
The scene
>ask the Ratfolk something, write-in
Ask him if his name, and if he is alright.
Ask about his journalism, and what exactly he had been doing here.
>take the pistols
>take the harpoon
>arrange the scene like this, write-in
Drag the bodies to some kind of nearby alley. For rummaging through their pockets for spare ammo/coins away from the prying eyes of any other zealots. Get Mario to help out, only if he is already in blood stained clothing as well. He has no gloves on, but if his clothing is already caked in blood, the lack of gloves becomes less of a concern. If anyone asks about the blood stains on our clothing, we were doing corpse retrieval work. The bloody cleaver may be a bit harder to explain, so wipe it (and anything else bloody) clean on the clothing of the now deceased zealots.
The bodies
>in the canal
After looting, of course.
>>4188781
>Congratulations on your first real fight. I hope you liked it
Great improvements to combat after the last quest. I also enjoyed seeing that image you used in the latest update again. I believe you used it for one of the first people we killed in the Dwarven Fortress siege quest. The guy we brained in the head with our pickaxe as he was about to rape, iirc.
>>
>>4188814
Support.
>>
>>4188814
Support, though not sure about the looting though. Is that really the honourable thing to do? I think we'll be fine with taking the weapons however.
>>
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>>4188814
>>4188977
>>4189066
Dragging the bodies in the library's ruins with Mario's help, since he is wearing gloves, you proceed to search the bodies for anything useful. A single FMJ bullet, a pair of Elf's ears and of Fishmen's fin.

"What? Why they don't have paper cartridges for their flintlock guns?" Mario complains "This is not the right type of ammunition."

After running your hands over their freshly deceased corpses, you find only personal belongings. An erotic photography of a wife made on a small silver surface and pages from the Book of Genesis, a strange combination for zealots. When will the situation deteriorate so badly that even a nude woman's picture will not be able to save this marvellous Human's achievement from the auto-da-fé?

"N-Nice picture." Mario comments "Can... uh... Can I have that?"

The erotic photography
>give it to Mario
>nah, keep it for... reasons

The firearms are both flintlock pistols, of course unloaded, and the harpoon is... When you removed the blade from the escaping zealot's back you finally had the time to take a closer look. For a sharp blade, it sure made a lot of scrapping noise against the bones.

+2 flintlock pistols

"By Sol" you gasp "who made that thing?"

The blade was made of an unknown material, part metal, part rock, like a partly smelted ore. It's raw natural form preserved it felt even more dangerous. It's not the kind of weapon you forget once you see it. A blacksmith could find that interesting.

Do you want to keep the strange harpoon
>yes, take it with you to the Warzone
>no, hide it there

Finally, you wipe your cleaver taken out of the gaping torso of the zealot. A much cleaner wound you think. But there was nothing less to expect from a butcher's tool. Using that in combat would prove to be difficult however in a one-on-one blade's fight. Without further delay you toss the bodies in the canal. Hoping the tide will bring them far away, they are denied a proper cremation as they float endlessly on this poor imitation of the Styx.

+10 Charon's alignment (now +15)
-10 Sol's alignment (now 0)
>>
>>4189203
"Who are you?" you ask the Ratfolk
"My n-na-name is Alphonse, from La Stampa's journal. Y-You know... the poster on every street?"
"Thanks for the toilet free paper." Mario bitterly interrupts him
"What were you doing here?" you continue
"I-In-Investigating..." apparently stuttering is part of his natural verbal tics "O-On the real number of d-de-deaths."

It's true he was coming from the amphitheatre. Now then, La Stampa has been quite useful lately in providing leads in its public editions, but you are still a bit sour about how they treated the Polaris crew. As he was collecting his metal type sorts, Mario stumbles on a 'R' and toss it in the air like he found a coin, showing him a nasty smile.

"P-Pl-Please, I need that for my work." he begs "I-I-I can run errands for you i-i-i-i-i-i-i-if I'm being affected to your neighbourhood."

Having a Ratfolk every noon waiting for you at the nearest La Stampa poster could be useful. They run fast and can escape anyone (except when they spill their metal type sorts on the ground)
>"Serves you right, now get out of our sight"
>"Northern Worker's District, everyday at noon. Mario gives him back his stuff."

About the loot, what do you want to keep?
>FMJ bullet
>pair of Elf's ears
>pair of Fishmen's fin
>pages of the Book of Genesis
>>
>>4189203
>give it to Mario

hands where I can see them buddy

>yes, take it with you to the Warzone


>"Northern Worker's District, everyday at noon. Mario gives him back his stuff."

>FMJ bullet
>pair of Fishmen's fin
>pages of the Book of Genesis

We must respectfully bury the Elf ears.
>>
>>4189203
>>give it to Mario
>>no, hide it there
Such a unique prize would easily be recognized. It's wielder was likely known around the warzone.
>>"Northern Worker's District, everyday at noon. Mario gives him back his stuff."
>>FMJ bullet
>>pair of Elf's ears
>>pair of Fishmen's fin
>>pages of the Book of Genesis
I wonder if we could trade the Elf ears off at the warzone.
>>
Rolled 1, 2 = 3 (2d2)

>>4189210
>>4189461
First roll
>We must respectfully bury the Elf ears.
>trade the Elf ears off at the warzone.

Second roll
>take it [the harpoon] with you to the Warzone
>no, hide it there

unless someone show up to break the tie
>>
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>>4189210
>>4189461
Mario doesn't like the idea of helping someone from La Stampa the least, those stronzo liars should rot in the Styx forever. But he got that photography, a good consolation prize. Such is your companion.

+5 when using Mario's skill
-5 when using Mario's skill

You set up a meeting with the Ratfolk. He should be easy to find now, nailing posters in your neighbourhood around noon. After watching him get out of the slums, you clear out some rubbles from the library to find dirt. There, you give a proper burial to the Elf ears.

-5 Sol's alignement

Elves are strange. Why burying the dead without burning them first? Well it's in their culture so you are not going to question that. You bid farewell to your prized trophy, a mark of conquest on the non-Humans and get your consolation prize, like Mario.

+1 pair of Fishmen's fin
+Pages of the Book of Genesis
+1 FMJ bullet


However, the harpoon could attract attention and whether you decide to sell it or keep it later, you should not bring it to the Warzone. It's now 2PM and you finally made it to the same kid who distribute healing potion to the injured Northerners. There are more of them coughing and less of them wounded, though. The field hospital changed a lot.

"Oi!" he points at the smelly collar of Fishmen appendages "Where did you get that?"

>the more dead Fishmen the better, who cares?
>are you doubting my honour?
>I don't remember
>killed one myself, swear on me mum
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4189501
>>killed one myself, swear on me mum
Okay. Uh. We may be fucked here. It's a good thing we left that harpoon. That would've buried us.
>>
Note : these were all Social rolls, everything you could have said would have triggered a Social roll

>>4189524
roll 1d100, must be under 30 (35 -5 because of the Fishmen's fins)

no '-5 because of blood on clothes' because you said you killed the Fishman yourself
>>
Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4189546
>>
>>4189501
correction
>injured Northerners
*Southerners

>>4189551
rolled 36, failed
bad poker face

"Killed one myself!" you shout a little too enthusiast "I-I s-sw-swear on me mum, isn't that what you say her in the Souf?"
"Yeah right... You probably stole it on one of our fighters." he squints his eyes "I know only one guy who killed a Fishman."

This is not looking good. You lied and it didn't pass, worse you risk being treated like a thief or a murderer if they discover what happened.

-5 when dealing with the South part of the Warzone

"I don't like you stranger." he spits on your feet "State your business or leave."
"I don't have any gold though."
"Ah Ah Ah. I don't want your piss metal, stranger. Here it's all about things you can use. We are ahead of the curve here. It's THE SOUF."

What do you want to buy from their potions stock?
-small healing potion - 5 cans of meat
-medium healing potion - 1 pistol
-large healing potion - 2 pistol
-other potions (between 5 cans of meat to 10)

What do you want to buy from their arsenal, each for 1 pistol :
-10 paper cartridges
-6 FMJ bullets
-gunpowder (~5 ammunitions)
-dust bomb
-incendiary bomb
-explosive
-smoke bomb
-rocket fuel

What do you want to sell?
>something, write-in

Current Inventory
1 instant harvest potion
1 dose of gunpowder
1 pair of Fishmen's fin
Pages of the Book of Genesis
1 FMJ bullet
2 flintlock pistols
7 paper cartridges
1 ignited Iceburst Stones (5 hours remaining)
Bloody cleaver
Wool Tunic
Stained Assassin Outfit (+5 Physical, +5 Mental and +0 Social, needs to be washed)
Accuracy artefact
6 and a half cans of meat
>>
>>4189610
>Current Inventory
>2 flintlock pistols
We have four, right? The ones we just looted?
>>
>>4189203
correction
>+10 Charon's alignment (now +15)
*(now +5)

Despite the number of players this quest univers and system is expanding more than anticipated. I have now started to create sheets and documents to keep track of everything. Things should get better soon but don't hesitate to correct me.

>>4189625
Like this. Yes it's 4 flintlock pistols and a clean cleaver
>>
>>4189610
the souf?

>2 medium healing potions

I want that incendiary bomb but alchemist can probably get it cheaper

also they have rocket fuel???
>>
>>4189630
Supporting this.
>>4189501
>There are more of them coughing and less of them wounded
Between this and the suspiciously good deal on the potions, they may be watered down with something. Making them less effective. Or they may be contaminated. This is concerning.
>>
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>>4189630
>>4189635
"You have rocket fuel?" Mario rejoices "I remember in the navy we used to fire them out of boredom. Too bad there was no major war to use them. It can burn the sails of any ship in seconds."
"Don't get too excited, Mario" you calm him "Remember my little problem?"

You hold your flanks, feeling abdominal pain and the sourness ravaging your stomach. Everything else can wait. Let's hope they are not watering down the potion or that they are not contaminated. It's unclear if the number of 'patients' could be explained by the severity of the plague and the intensity of the fights or something else. There are less than twenty persons here and La Stampa said that last week '500' persons died.

Here, you can put a face on everyone. It's like the crew of a brig. As if all your mates from the Polaris were gathered in a single room and bedridden. That should put the epidemic in perspective. Now imagine twenty time that, shot dead every single week and cremated in a hurry. No, you can't.

-2 pistols
+2 medium healing potion

Do you want to drink the medium healing potion now?
>yes
>no, I can endure some more symptoms

Next, you wanted to continue the preparation for breaking Bernardo out of jail, where should you go next?
>Lady Cremosa
>Don Giovanni
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4189656
>no, I can endure some more symptoms

>Don Giovanni

He probably needs the most prep time
>>
>>4189656
>>yes
Bottom's up. If our condition worsens, it's safe to say the other potion is fucked, and probably isn't safe to give to either Bernardo, or anyone injured in the assault.
>>Don Giovanni
We should stop off near some soil on the way there, and bury the active Iceburst Stone there, so we can return and get the half-used Stone on the way back from Don Giovanni's. We probably should've buried it next to the Elf ears/harpoon to grab on the way back from the Warzone, but whatever. Too late now.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4189658
>no
>yes
unless someone break the tie
>>
Rough plan of things going forward.
-Visit Don Giovanni
-Bury Iceburst Stone on the way
-Get our clothing washed at the Tailor's on the way there
-Potentially visit the blacksmith on the return trip so he can scope out our Harpoon.
(There's something strange about it. Possibly enchanted? I'm reluctant to sell it because our throws would use the Physical stat, and with such a massive threshold of success, it'd practically be a guaranteed hit every time)
>>4189676
Based on this winning out over my vote to be a guinea pig and drink it ourselves, We could also stop at the alchemist at some point and ask the son if he could see any impurities in the potion, to verify if it was safe to drink.
>>
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>>4189658
>>4189678
You accept the pain and hurry back where the harpoon is buried. There, the Iceburst Stone takes the place of the strange weapons in the rubbles. Entering the Craftsmen District at 3PM on your way to Don Giovanni mansion, you have the occasion to top by several shops without making a huge detour.

Tailor to wash clothes instantly for 1 can of meat
>yes
>no

Blacksmith to examine the harpoon
>yes
>no
>>
>>4189689
>>yes
Important to keep up appearances. Lets not appear on the Don's doorstep covered in blood. We can hit the blacksmith on the return trip.
>>
>>4189689
>yes
>yes

If both are in the area might as well get em done now.
>>
>>4189698
Fuck it. I'll swap my support to this to move things forward. The speed potion is still in effect, so it isn't that much of a detour to hit the blacksmith, then loop down to the tailor, then finally to Don Giovanni's.
>>
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Rough map of the route I have in mind. To Don Giovanni's, and back. With possible secondary stops. No massive detours necessary. Retrieving the buried Iceburst Stone is not pictured, because I have no fucking idea where it is.
>>
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>>4189694
>>4189698

The tailor warmly welcomes his favourite customer, complaining again on the demand of masks and enquiring about your daily adventures.

"Did someone threw up on you?" he asks concerned about the infection
"Eh... you might say that."
"Do not worry. The slime can probably get rid of this. Actually I never had any complaints about people getting infected after washing their clothes with my technique."
"This is really convenient."
"You should buy soap at the Apothecary though if you don't to stop here every time. Not that I am tired of your visits, but you should take care of my creations."

-1 can of meat
Assassin Outfit now (+5 Physical, +5 Mental and +5 Social, needs to be washed)

Your next stop takes you to the famous Dwarven blacksmith of the City. Behind the glass, shining pieces of armour are exposed but not a single weapon. This last part has you worried, you intended to ask him about the harpoon but if he does not sell any, or worse make any, you might have come her for nothing.

"Hey look Alfonso, a phalangist helmet!" Mario admires a faithful reproduction from the 300 Phalangists the play "As expected of our City, if there is a blacksmith, he MUST be a Dwarf. What would tourists think otherwise?"

Mario was right. Having a Dwarven blacksmith makes perfect sense. The owner came out to look who was causing all that noise in front of his shop. Arms crossed, firmly planted on his strong legs, he let out his powerful voice defying the sky.

"Are you clients or..." he suddenly stops looking at your weapon "Hey where did you get that harpoon?"
"Ah this is-"
"A fine weapon indeed. Forged by the most skilled Fishmen in the thermal vents of the deep. Look at that blade, the colour does not lie. This coral contains traces of copper... How much?"
"What you want to buy us a weapon? But aren't you selling?"
"Nah. I have no selling licence of weapons but I can make all the armours you want. Anyway, it's not like there are adventurers here. People are just collectors. But look at that blade, it crumbles but only gets sharper."
"I'm not sure I want to sell it."
"Look at my shop, each item is for 1 gold coin."

How can the Dwarg help you?
>buy something (each item for 1 gold coin), see pic
>negotiate the price for the harpoon (Social)
>ask something about the harpoon, write-in
>ask something else, write-in
>>
>>4189744
Current Inventory
1 instant harvest potion
1 dose of gunpowder
1 pair of Fishmen's fin
Pages of the Book of Genesis
1 FMJ bullet
2 flintlock pistols
2 medium healing potions
7 paper cartridges
strange harpoon
(1 ignited Iceburst Stones (5 hours remaining) hidden)
cleaver
Wool Tunic
Assassin Outfit (+5 Physical, +5 Mental and +5 Social)
Accuracy artefact
5 and a half cans of meat
>>
>>4189744
>negotiate the price for the harpoon (Social)

If the thing really will bring us trouble if we're seen with it, we may as well get a good price for it here. Plus we'll need the gold to afford that crusader helmet.

>Buy Crusader helmet
>>
>>4189744
>>ask something else, write-in
He may not have a license to sell weapons, but what about grappling hooks?
>>ask something about the harpoon, write-in
Could he fashion it into a grappling hook for us? Not by changing the blade however, we wouldn't want it to lose its strange qualities. A rope attached to this thing would be pretty slick.
Say we did sell it to him. What would he be willing to pay?
>>
>>4189771
>>4189779
"A grappling hook you say? Aye, I can do that."
"Can you turn the harpoon into one?"
"By Vulcan, what is this blasphemy coming out of your mouth?! I can't and I won't."

The Dwarf has a surprisingly spontaneous side to him, almost childish. It's true that his beard is not fully grown. He rubs the overly extended sideburns he groomed to appear more mature and slaps the back of his neck in desperation.

"I saw you eyeing the crusader helmet. I can offer you a deal. The harpoon for the crusader helmet and some cans of meat to compensate. Is that a deal?"

>yes, crusader helmet and some cans of meat for the harpoon
>no, just cans of meat for the harpoon
how much cans of meat will be determined by your roll
>>
>>4189822

>yes, crusader helmet and some cans of meat for the harpoon

The plus 10 vs projectiles and no malus makes it worth I think. We can't open carry the harpoon and it's not really convenient in any way to have.
>>
>>4189822
>>yes, crusader helmet and some cans of meat for the harpoon
Fuck it. I'd prefer to have kept this thing, it seems amazing, but eh. It'd attract a lot of attention.
And we just got a lot closer looking to The Man With No Name. I'm not a fan of Kettle Helmets, but this offers some decent protection, and looks close enough to a cowboy hat. Between this, our duel, and the Slums Shootout, I'd say we're well on our way there.
>>
>>4189835
>>4189838
roll 1d100, must be under 40 (35 +5 thanks to assassin outfit)

yay for the first meme of the quest
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>4189845
>>
Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>4189845
>>
I guess this is why OP makes us roll :(
>>
Scrounging together enough coins for that revolver is going to be on the agenda. Definitely not a priority, absolutely on a back burner, but on the agenda.
Some throwing knives would be pretty slick too. To give us a dedicated, concealable throwing weapon, silent, and likely come in a set. Didn't see any at the weaponsmith last we were there, but it could be worth another visit. Either that, or Lady Cremosa may have some assassin gear she'd be willing to sell us.
>>
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>>4189851
>>4189852
>rolled 61, failure
you can't outdwarf a Dwarf

"There, I think one can of meat should be a fair offer to st-"
"Niceeeeee" you let out, forgetting your guard in negotiations
"Oh really? Then it's a deal. One can of meat and the helmet for your harpoon."

You will never know how high he would have pay for the harpoon. Too eager to get rid off this annoyingly unconcealable weapon, you jumped on his first offer without a second thought. And now that he has in between the hammer and the anvil, there's no escape.

>fine, I take it (remove harpoon, acquire helmet and 1 can of meat)
>no, I will keep it
>>
>>4189864
>>fine, I take it (remove harpoon, acquire helmet and 1 can of meat)
Shit deal. It's whatever, though. We're committed now.
>>
>>4189865

>fine, I take it (remove harpoon, acquire helmet and 1 can of meat)
>>
>>4189868
>>4189885
"Niceeeee" the dwarf imitates you "My mother will never believe when I told her I put my hands on a thermal vent forged coral weapon. And she is a all like 'Nobleforged should focus on science instead of antics'. I will show her, I will show them all!"

He runs his index and thumbs on each of his sideburns while contemplating the new addition to his collection. You really made his day. The crusader helmet fits neatly on your head, like any standard issued order. Bowing slightly forward, you notice how fast your head can he shielded from opponents by the rim of the helmet. However, any attack from the side will be devastating.

+1 crusader helmet
+1 can of meat

-1 strange harpoon

"Knife-ears should watch themselves when big iron is in town." you let out holding your flintlock upward
"Va bene, fantastico." Mario joins you euphorically

Continuing your trip to Don Giovanni, you are struck by sudden abdominal cramps and need to relieve your bowels in a canal. You were near the Arsenal and at 5PM, the curfew will start in about an hour with the sunset. You would have never made it this far without the speed potion. Don Giovanni's mansion can almost be seen with that huge public hothouse in an adjacent park, you would almost touch it.

"Hey porco." a stern female voice explodes "Can't you act like a decent Human being?"

It's 'Franz', the leader of the Militia. At first, you thought she was riding a horse, but it's more like an earth dragon on second thought. Then as she jumps on the pavement, the beast stands up and you realize it's actually a Lizardman. A sapient being as used as mount. Swaying her hips in the poor laced up outfit she leans over your pathetic self as your put your trouser back on.

"Don't you know there is a tax for that?" she smiles deviously

How do you respond?
>"O-ok, I will pay"
>call for help, Don Giovanni is not far, he will probably hear you
>try a witty comeback (Social) (-20 because guess what, it's a boss)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4189935
On the bosses
I only hinted a specific mechanic proper to bosses but I think you noticed. Elf captain has his OP arrows and agility, Inquisitor knight his heresy radar and for that one, you will have to find it yourself.


Confronting them directly is still possible and in line with the freedom I intend to give in this quest, but you will have think if a more subtle and planned approach might be a better option.
>>
>>4189935
>"Decent human being? Bah! Did you just get off of your shift at the Redlight District? You certainly seem dressed for the part, signora. I'll damn well pay your 'tax', as soon as you lace up your shirt. Shouldn't there be a tax for indecent exposure as well? You're the commander of the militia. If you want people to stop shitting in the canals, setting a better example in your city would be a good start."
A bit of option 1, a bit of option 3.
I have faith in my write in. The dice? Not so much.
>>
>>4189958
roll 1d100, must be under 30 (35 + 5 thanks to assassin outfit +10 for write-in -20 because leader of the Militia)
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>4189989
nat one incoming
>>
I need at least a second roll
>>
:^)
>>
Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4189989
I gotchu op
>>
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>>4189993
>>4190042
>rolled 18, succ- *IGNORED*
>rolled 91, failed
what? why? how?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c56YDp2WuRU
yes, her power is ignoing the best roll

Swallowing back your shame, you craft a comeback worthy of your costume and hard journey until now. It boils like a pressure cooker, ready to burn her on that indecently exposed skin.

"Decent human being? Bah! Did you just get off of your shift at the Redlight District? You certainly seem dressed for the part, signora." You spit

She doesn't seem worried the last, on the contrary, she swing her sword to rest it on her shoulder and listen to you. Neither annoyed nor frustrated.

"I'll damn well pay your 'tax', as soon as you lace up your shirt. Shouldn't there be a tax for indecent exposure as well? You're the commander of the militia. If you want people to stop shitting in the canals, setting a better example in your city would be a good start."

Short breaths are drawn out of your infected lungs. You are satisfied with all you just unleashed on her but it's like you fired blank. Did she just *IGNORE* your attack?

"Alright. Are you done?" she asks sarcastically "I am Donna Francesca Quattrociocche, the luckiest woman who ever lived. Last of the adventurers and soon to be first woman to be Doge ."

The large exposed area on her chest reveals dice pendant. Before you get the time to take a closer look, she throws her sheathed sword at you. The massive object cuts your breath and you are left clueless, armed to the teeth in front of that woman.

"Try to give me a lesson if you think I should act different." she smiles devisouly again

>surrender
>call for help, Don Giovanni is not far, he will probably hear you
>it seems she wants to spare with you bare handed (Physical)
>Mario should fire his pistol at her
>>
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>>4190072
>*IGNORED*
Not even upset.
Appreciate you not reducing my write-in to a bunch of stuttering, OP.
>it seems she wants to spare with you bare handed (Physical)
Alright. We can play along. Even with her ability and -20 modifier, we still will have a dice threshold of 60, if I'm not mistaken.
>the luckiest woman who ever lived
I don't really like what this could mean, outside of ignoring our rolls. It's either that, or somewhere on the scale of Bane Johns bullshittery. Lets pass our possessions to Mario. We should be a bit lighter on our feet after that, and they should hopefully be safe enough with him. I don't want our two healing potions to mysteriously shatter or fall into the canal, I don't want our flintlock to randomly discharge.
Just us, our clothing, and the sword. No gear weighing us down, and no Mario stepping in to assist.
>>
>>4190109
Support. Based all guardsmen reader.
>>
>>4190072
>it seems she wants to spare with you bare handed (Physical)

nothin personnel female
>>
>>4190109
>>4190117
>>4190123
roll 1d100, 65 (75 +5 thanks to assassin outfit -20 because leader of the Militia +5 after putting down your belongings using the full extent of the speed potion)
>>
Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>4190127
>>
Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>4190127
ok, below 65
it's doable
>>
>>4190117
Save us Guardbro.
>>
fuq
>>
>>4190129
>>4190141
>rolled 40 * IGNORED*
>rolled 74, failed
failed but not catastrophic

Leaving everything that might slow you down, you enter an imaginary gladiator's arena and describe a circle around the woman. The speed potion unleashes your full potential, for an unskilled swordsman at least. Your quick steps might not be enough to win this as you notice she changed her stance to a bare handed fighting of the colonies.

Without thinking, you charge at her, the tip of the sheathed sword forward. Franz *IGNORE* all the effort you put in your attack, step aside and trip you on the ground with a raised calf backward. You fall on the ground, abandonning the sword behind. When you rise your head, there's a void just beneath you. It was a close call, you could have ended in the canal.

"Eh..." she shrugs "I like the enthusiasm." she picks her sword back "Come find my when you are ready little man."

On this last words, she mounts back her Lizardman he sets for the Arsenal. At least you didn't loose anything but your pride. But more importantly, you learned about her routine at night. If she is busy in the Arsenal, she is not at the Citadel.

"Damn, she's hot" Mario comments helping you to stand up

Maybe it's time to use that healing potion
>yes
>no
>>
>>4190181
>>yes
We're pretty sick. We're lucky she didn't think we were stage 2 and take us in to one of those "disinfection" camps.
The contents are uncertain, but should hopefully pick us back up.
>>
>>4190181
>yes

I didn't see a malus on the roll to beat her from sickness, but ok
>>
>>4190186
>>4190194
Under the last rays of light, the red liquid appears as thick as blood. If this is an indication of the product quality then it must be high grade. Gulping it down, you wonder if you would be able to craft one with the same quality using the Alchemist's recipes. Are the sock going to run out?

The potion soothes the pains in your throat from all the gastric excretion. At first, you think it's the refreshing temperature of the liquid but the effect spread to your stomach, soon it's entering your blood washing away all tension and pain. Swallowing you spit, you feel it running down on a perfectly healed oesophagus and stomach. The cold now invades your nostrils helping you through deep refreshing breaths.

Alfonso's community
Valentina : not infected
Luigi : not infected
Amicia : cured from Stg I
Hugo : cured from Stg II
Mario : cured from Stg I
You : cured from Stg II
>>
>>4190216
Entering the Noble District, you can't help but notice Militiamen guarding the hothouse. There, young nobles are playing in swimsuit under the orange trees.

"Are they here to measure the distance between her knee and her suit?" Mario jokes "Even, I could do that. What a bunch of clowns."
"Y-Yeah they are all clowns. Except that Franz."

Even when there is no event organized, the huge mansion of Don Giovanni dominates the surrounding with his marble columns sinking on the ground. When there's party, it's imposing the noise to the neighbourhood, when there's none, it's commanding silence. They live to the rhythm of the master of the house.

You knock on the door and are greeted by a butler who invites you in the same ballroom the reception happened. Waiting uncomfortably for Don Giovanni, you notice several painting representing the Giovanni family. Generations after generations of Don who ruled in the shadow through the College, but that was before the Doge.

"Did I make you wait, Alfonso?" a limpid serene voice surprises you
"Don Giovanni. I came to discuss about Bernardo."
"Yes of course." he lets himself sink in a sofa in front of your small airmchair "Have you designed a plan to get him out?"

It's the first time you see him completely without a costume. He was indeed very young, maybe too young for someone so important. Not that inherited power does not exist, but it's usually poorly handled by people who inherit said power too early.

"I would like help to get inside the Citadel. Maybe your smuggler network could help."
"But of course Alfonso." he takes an inspiration to pause and think "The problem is dealing with the guards and getting out."
"I have plans for that too."
"I see..." he rises from his couch "Then come with me, your quiet friend too."
>>
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>>4190265
You are introduced to the backyard where people with aeronauts suits who usually operate balloon with their leather helmet and thick google are jumping from the roof.

"Wh-What no, don't jump !" You try to stop them, being a hero and all

Don Giovanni's men, while carrying an oversized large backpack lands like feathers on the ground. Clueless about what just happened you turn to Don Giovanni.

"Do you know about the Mystical Stones properties?" he asks

Well, do you?
-roll options
>"yes", lie
>"get to the point"
-non-roll options
>"yes, it has this property", write-in
>"no"
>>
>>4190270
>>"Only what I've heard. On top of being heretical in the eyes of the church, they emit light for our streetlamps, and are used in Dwarven Airships."
Not sure if this is knowledge Alfonso would have. Besides the streetlamp thing. Just what I recall from the last quest.
If this isn't okay with you, just take my vote as "no" instead.
>>
>>4190270
>They float when heated?
>>
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>>4190291
>>4190311
"Only what I've heard." you humbly concede "On top of being heretical in the eyes of the church, they emit light for our streetlamps, and are used in Dwarven Airships."
"Hmmm... I see" he looks slightly annoyed to not have been able to impress you "So that's why you was not impressed by my chandelier during the reception >>4172210"
"Yes, I know that they float when heated."

Putting a noble at his place really feels great but you are unsure about how far you can go with this newly found ally whose motives are unclear. Maybe this will force him to reveal his true nature a bit.
>I have seen the Dwarven Airships, that... that was impressive (Social)
>You're men, here, are equally as impressive as a Dwarven Airship
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4190317

>You're men, here, are equally as impressive as a Dwarven Airship

At least I hope they are, if we're relying on them to get us into the prison.
>>
>>4190317
>>write-in
>"Your men here are very impressive. You're pioneering something great here, Don Giovanni. You could master man portable flight here in the coming years."
>>
>>4190334
>>4190338
"You're men, here, are equally as impressive as a Dwarven Airship" you compliment
"Hmmm?" he does not look impressed by your flattery
" You're pioneering something great here, Don Giovanni. You could master man portable flight here in the coming years."
"I hope too." not flattered the least "You see, I, Don Giorgo Giovanni had a dream. A dream where fast transportation could revolutionize the way we see the world..." he swings his arm presenting the aeronauts "My men were delivering prohibited goods across vast nations before the quarantine, bombarding secluded areas with pamphlets of our finest philosophers. One day... One day our time will come again."

You are completely hypnotized by the noble's words. Yes, it all makes sense. There's no point in refuting a single of his arguments, you already gave up this idea.

"So, can we land in the Citadel with them?" you ask
"Fortunately the Citadel was built to resist terrestrial assaults and naval bombardments. I hope that we could land inside from a high position like the Clocktower." he pauses, hesitant about dropping his next sentence "or even better the Dwarven Airship currently above the Elven Embassy."
"The plan is to let a group of people 'fall' from a high position with heavy equipment?"
"Pretty much. You will be equipped with enough heated Mystical Stone to slow down your fall, then the rest is up to you."
"Perfect, I'm on my way to solve the other problems then."
"Before you go, do you want to take a device with you? They are pretty heavy but if it can spare you the trip back here."

Do you want to take a device?
(about half your weight, will slow down your walking speed by two)
>You take one on your back (not combat ready if you are attacked)
>Mario take one on his back (not combat ready if he is attacked)
>You and Mario take two on your backs (none will be combat ready if attacked)
>no I will come back
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4190393

>no I will come back

Not only will they lower combat readiness but they'll make us targets for mugging.
>>
>>4190393
>>no I will come back
It's already getting late. Lets use the rest of our speed potion to get home as quickly as possible. So we can still have time for another action or two before curfew seriously hits us. If we're moving home with one or more of these devices and are stopped by either the Elves or Militia, while trying to enforce curfew, we will be fucked. We don't know how many people will be joining us on the assault either. So, we'd probably have to come back and get more anyways.
>>
Looking into the weight capacity on a gondola, they seem to be able to carry 6 people, with a weight limit of 230lbs (105 kg) per person. Assuming Alfonso is around the the average weight of a man, then these would be around ~50 kg. We'd be able to safely transport many of them via gondola. We'll have to keep an eye out for a suitable gondola to use, however. Or task one of the people in our community to do so tomorrow.
Don Giovanni seems to be more receptive to Raphaella. We could send her along with Mario or Luigi to pick up the devices from him after a gondola is found.
>>
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>>4190405
>>4190407
Yet, again, you find yourself far away from home when the curfew is about to start. It's almost 6PM. With the sun disappearing, you could try to sneak your way to a safe place but no clouds are here to hide the moonlight. You could run using the effect of the speed potion. But not Mario who has kept the same pace as you today, partly because you carried all the merchandise, will be left behind. Finally, you could try your luck stealing a gondola, again.

>sleep at Don Giovanni's house
>make it before the curfew to the ruins of Academy and sleep there
>proceed according to plan and sneak back to the slums to get your Iceburst Stone back (1 hour walking, 1 hour sneaking)
>leave Mario behind and run to the bridge before the curfew
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4190460
>>proceed according to plan and sneak back to the slums to get your Iceburst Stone back
I don't think we have one waiting for us at home. Depending on how work today went. Someone could relapse if we sleep in an unheated room tonight.
>>
>>4190460

>proceed according to plan and sneak back to the slums to get your Iceburst Stone back (1 hour walking, 1 hour sneaking)

Assassin outfit helps?
>>
>>4190466
Support. Sorry I missed the roll earlier.
>>
>>4190466
>>4190483
>>4190484
You walk back across the Arsenal under whistles of the Militia. They are starting to get heated up as their night shift of patrol duty will soon start. The alcohol is already overflowing as well as the gunpowder that they stack in their satchels.

"Look! Look at him. Francesca showed him who's the man."
"Hahaha she took his ball, hey finocchio!"

Humiliated and racing against time you try to ignore them as they question your manhood and make it to the Tailor. The shutters slam against every windows on the street, it's the curfew, or perhaps the fear of curfew enforcement spreading like the disease but even faster.

As much as you would like to keep it quiet, Mario shoes are scrapping against the pavement, no understanding the basic concept of discretion.

You should now be wary of any patrol from the Militia for you last hour of march
roll 1d100 (Mental) to sneak, must be under 45 (45 +5 thanks to assassin outfit -5 because Mario is not fit for sneaking)
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>4190499
>>
>>4190484
No worries.
Didn't end too poorly for us, even with the fail.
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>4190499
>>
>>4190505
>>4190529
>rolled 32, success
walking on eggs

Moving only on interior streets, far away from the canals and the moonlight, you are able to reach the slums where law enforcement is pretty lax. The Iceburst Stone is still here. Now come the difficult task of crossing the Grand Canal, under the curfew and with that prohibited merchandise, namely the Iceburst Stone and your healing potion.

>force the bridge checkpoint (sub-options coming after)
>try to negotiate at the bridge (sub-options coming after)
>steal a gondola and cross it (Mental)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4190554
Can we scope out the bridge checkpoint before deciding to force or negotiate? How many guards are there and how well armed are they are big factors.
>>
>>4190568
Support. Although I really think we should go with a gondola
>>
>>4190568
Supporting this. Also, while moving to the bridge to get a headcount, lets keep our eyes open for a gondola to use as an alternative.
While there was only one militia man at the bridge the night prior to this, Franz was there today personally coordinating the checkpoint. They seem to be tightening security, there may be a larger force there now. Due to it being a militia run checkpoint, it's probably safe to assume any mystical stone lampposts near the bridge are still secure, so counting guards on watch shouldn't be a big deal.
Forcing the checkpoint is pretty appealing from a petty revenge standpoint (and a loot standpoint) but if we do that now, they'd likely crackdown even harder. Both here, and the citadel. Lets avoid setting the militia off before the assault, to keep them nice and relaxed.
>>
>>4190581
I was actually thinking causing a fuss here would draw their forces away from the prison. It's not like it would be too much of a surprise in a city going to hell where common criminals have been released.
>>
>>4190584
Did not think of it from that angle. I dig that. Spread them even thinner.
If we can't find a gondola on the way to the bridge for a headcount, I'm all for going with force.
Take them out, grab their guns, and cut and run to the neutral territory in the factory district before any patrols can close in on the gunfire.
>>
>>4190574
>>4190584
>>4190599
>scope out the bridge checkpoint
roll a 1d100, must be under 40 (35 + 5 thanks to outafin outfit)
>>
Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>4190708
What stat is this roll based off of?
Mental, for stealth, right?
Shouldn't the success threshold be higher?
Also. Stick to the shadows once we get closer.
Have Mario hang back a ways, so his lack of stealth doesn't ruin our attempt at observation.
>>
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yes it was under 50, hopefully you can correct the DC before the update most of the time

>>4190721
>rolled 20, success
Leaving Marion on a back alley near the bridge, you try to guess the number of Militiamen on it. The task is quite easy since Mystical Stones lamps are intact. There is one continuously on the move, going back and forth with his stilts and a pike, shooting him will be difficult. Squinting your eyes, you can even notice a rifleman in the dim light on your side.

Bribing one Militiaman was hard and humiliating, but two will be another level. There's no telling if this two men policy was not precisely implemented to avoid that. It's getting too dark to find any gondola but you didn't lose too much time looking for one.

It's now 9PM and you have to choose a way to get home if you want to take vitamins or sleep in a warm place to avoid a relapse. You didn't buy the healing potion and drink it for nothing. You decide with Mario of what is the best course of action.

"S-Sorry Alfonso, I think I'm a little cold or something." he says shivering
"Don't worry there are other options to deal with this. We can use the instant harvest potion to grow a tree and make it fall across the canal."
"W-With what? I'm no lumberjack, and we don't have enough gunpowder to blow it up."
"True, but what else do we have?"
"A d-diversion?"

>shoot at the 4 street lamps (4 Mental) (-5 because night, -5 because far away)
>shoot at them (2 Mental) (-5 because night, -5 because far away, -5 on the moving MIlitiaman)
>attempt to bribe both anyway (Social) (-5 because there are two of them)
>use an instant harvest potion to grow a tree, then try to make it fall across the canal
>dash through the checkpoint (Physical) (+5 because of speed potion, Mario is not taken in account in the roll)
>scarify one of you to make a diversion so that the other can go home with the Iceburst Stone, write-in
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4190827
Do Iceburst stones glow at all when they're active?
>>
>>4190839
Only when they are wet, streetlamps are just Mystical Stones on which drops of water falls from time to time.
Iceburst Stone just evaporate, generating heat when the reaction has been initiated and you just learned only by burrying them you can stop the reaction.
>>
>>4190827
>>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
Activate the Iceburst stone, and hand it off to Mario. We don't want him shivering to fuck up his aim. And we have the wool tunic, so we should be fine. Give him some time to warm up before acting.
Assuming the stiltwalker is walking up and down the length of the bridge, wait for him to cross to the other side before taking our shots. It will take him time to cross the length of the bridge to either get into range with his pike, or draw his own handgun to take a shot at us. So, we'd probably have time to reload before he gets nice and close.
Once Mario is nice and ready to take a shot, he and Alfonso both take aim at the rifleman. Strike from the shadows, hard and fast. Two shots being taken should improve our chances of actually dropping him. Then, get to cover. Reload. If the stiltwalker closes in before we actually manage to reload, then ready the cleaver to throw at him.
Go over the plan with Mario as he warms up.
>>
>>4190865
roll a 1d100, must be under 40 (45 -5 because of the night -5, because he is far way and you only have pistols, +5 thanks to outfit)
I will make you shoot only if Mario misses after all the preparation and under the conditions ennonced
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>4190884
>>
>>4190884
correction
*roll a 1d100, must be under 50 (45 -5 because of the night -5, because he is far way and you only have pistols, +5 thanks to outfit, +10 thanks to accuracy artefact)

The Iceburst Stone is ignited using the flint of your pistol. You try to warm up Mario and, while at first it can be denied the warmth help him, it appears that he is afflicted by something else. Right now, you don't have the luxury to think too much about it, so stabilizing him will be enough.

And enough it was not. At least to aim correctly, his hands trembling he can't keep the barrel straight and misses his target. It's up to your now to get the rifleman as the stiltwalker is on the other side. Despite the darkness and aiming while caressing the accuracy artefact you almost forget to use. You feel the call of the night.

+5 Charon's alignment

He receives the shot in his chest, falling on the ground. The other Militiaman who heard this turns back and start rushing back to his companion, making disturbing stacatto noises on the bridge like a giant spider.

>Jump on the rifle first before he arrives (Physical) (+5 thanks to speed potion)
>Reload and shoot him before he gets the rifle (Mental) (-5 because of the night -10 because he is rushing)
>It's just a man on stilts, you and Mario can make him trip over the bridge. Wait for an opportunity and make him trip.
>>
>>4190908
>>Move to a new hiding place, have Mario stay where he is to reload and fire, we'll wait until he closes the distance, and steps into the light before throwing our cleaver at him.
>>
>>4190959
roll a 1d100, must be under 80 (75+5 thanks to assassin outfit)
>>
Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>4190971
>>
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>>4191007
>rolled 16, clear success
he doesn't know it, but he is already dead

The stiltman gets to his wounded colleague in no time while you hide in the darkness, waiting for your time. He may look like a spider, but you are the predator here. Panicked when he sees the fatal wound, he dismounts the stilts as fast as he can to get to ground level for the rifle.

And that was his mistake. Under the spotlight of a Mystical Stones lamp, he notices too late your presence and stiffen. Like a lamb paralysed at the sight of a wyvern. You launch the cleaver and hit him. Mario does not need to fire his now reloaded pistol. He had no chances.

+5 Charon's alignment

+1 flintlock rifle
+5 paper cartridges


The scene
>take the flintlock rifle
>take the pike
>take the stilts
>arrange the scene like this, write-in

The bodies
>in the canal
>leave them be
>>
>>4191029
>take the flintlock rifle
>Throw the rest of the gear in the canal
Quick question, how long are the stilts? Would they allow us to walk or wade in the canal? If yes, then take them. If not, dump them.
>Dump both bodies in the canal
Not very heroic, but I don't think there's anything else we can do.
I always dislike having to kill people and dump them, but in a case like this, it's necessary.
>>
>>4191029
>>take the flintlock rifle
>>take the pike
Take them and bail out as soon as possible.
Don't dump the bodies. Metaphorical river Styx and all that. We've got enough Charon alignment from the kills already. Dumping them will result in more, and loss with Sol.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4191048
>drop
>>4191053
>don't drop
unless another player come break the tie breaker
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4191048
>Throw the rest
>>4191053
>take the pike

Note on looting, buying and selling items : I generally take all propositions unless there is a clear disagreement
>>
>>4191048
>>4191053
+10 Charon's alignment (now +15)
-10 Sol's alignment (now -10)

Yet, again, you abandon the bodies of other fellow Humans. Forever denying them their reunion with Sol through a proper cremation. May you never sails on the cold water of the Styx to meet their bloated rotting faces. At least nobody will find out. You throw the pike, actually a halbard, totally concealable in broad daylight but keep the twelve feet long stilts. You will have to probe the Great Canal for such depth but small one are definitely more swallow than that.

+1stilts

Without any other minor incident you make it home to find safe place for the night. Safe but cold, they already took their diner but without anything to cook their meals it was just the cold cans of meat. You are offered a can of meat to share with Mario.

Luigi and Raphaella inform you that they found artefact and were both rewarded with a bag of exotic beans. While this could be a source of vitamins, the problem is now to choose who is going to have them in your pool of already infected persons. Or to make it short, whose life to put at risk. Stage One and Two can relapse if their needs are not satisfied, but maybe Stage One can deal with one need not fulfilled like not having vitamins, but a warm place and a simple meal.

Who get the vitamins?
Valentina : not infected
Luigi : not infected
Amicia : cured from Stg I
Hugo : cured from Stg II
Mario : cured from Stg I
You : cured from Stg II

Do you want to warm the place for 4 hours using the Iceburst Stone?
>yes, 4 hours
>no

As you sit for your meal before deciding if you should pursue tonight's expedition to Lady Cremosa, you notice Hugo and Amicia playing a hand game. So much for being prone to call her brother a baby, Amicia is still a child. Upon noticing your stare, she blushes vividly and stops, coming straight at you.

"I-I was just passing time." she justifies herself "Now that I had some time to think, I have a idea regarding the elixirs of the Apothecary, do you have time?"

It's getting late, do you want to stop your expeditions, despite the speed potion effect and partake in a at-home activity?
>listen to Amicia's idea (1 hour)
>read the alchemy book with Amicia's help (4 hours)
>read the pages of the Book of Genesis (1 hour)
>no, I will just sleep/take a watch
>no, I will meet Lady Cremosa at the Cemetary

Regardless, who takes the first/second turn?
>Luigi
>Mario
>You
>>
Inventory
1 instant harvest potion
1 dose of gunpowder
1 pair of Fishmen's fin
Pages of the Book of Genesis
1 FMJ bullet
2 flintlock pistols
2 medium healing potion
10 paper cartridges
1 flintlock rifle
1 ignited Iceburst Stones (4 hours remaining)
cleaver
Wool Tunic
Assassin Outfit (+5 Physical, +5 Mental and +5 Social)
crusader helmet
Accuracy artefact
-7 and a half cans of meat (15 meals)
-2 serving of exotic beans (vitamins)
-Raphaella's party dress
-Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you
-Pig's mask
-alchemy book
-15 mask (mandatory outside, daily usage)
-7 gloves (daily usage)
-flick knife
-stilts 12 feet long

Stats
Physical 75
Mental 45
Social 35

-10 Sol's alignment
+15 Charon's alignment
-10 in stress situation in a crowd
+10 accuracy
+5 Physical, Mental, Social
+10 protection against projectiles
+5 on some action because of the speed potion, take half the time to get somewhere (15 hours remaining)
>>
Nice session. Hope you liked your boss fight and found it more fun than frustrating.

There is a lot of planning, training and gearing up that awaits you to beat them. I will make the characters' sheets to help you, as well as a pastebin with the description of all rabbit holes.

I know it's usually players who ask question, but :
-Would you be interested in crafting?
-Would you be interested in magic?
-Is the world building to your liking?
-Is there anything to improve?
I am now far beyond any quest I have ever ran as a QM. We are into the unknown, thanks for tagging along.

Slow pace until 2PM EST
>>
>>4191069
correction
>2 medium healing potion
*1 medium healing potion
>>
>>4191066
>Who get the vitamins?
>Mario
He was cold tonight. Lets go with this, just to be on the safe side.
>Hugo
We only have 4 hours of Iceburst tonight. Lets go with this.We don't know what it'd take to cure a Stage III yet.
>Do you want to warm the place for 4 hours using the Iceburst Stone?
>yes, 4 hours
>listen to Amicia's idea (1 hour)
It's only for an hour. We can head to visit Cremosa afterward. Let's warm up at home, listen to what Amicia has to say, and then head off to meet Cremosa.
Regardless, who takes the first/second turn?
>You, as we are talking with Amicia.
After the hour is up, wake up Luigi. Mario should get some rest, just to be on the safe side. We have had the wool tunic to stay warm. Even if we're a bit chilly, we should probably be fine to go visit Lady Cremosa, after warming up for an hour.
>>
>>4191211
Support.

>>4191079

In answer to your questions QM:
-Would you be interested in crafting?
A bit, though to me it's not too important
-Would you be interested in magic?
Sure. Magic is always cool, and generally fun.
-Is the world building to your liking?
Definitely. It helps with the story, and really gets us into the mindset of the characters. Helps us choose their decisions and actions.
-Is there anything to improve?
Nothing much on this account. Maybe a timetable of the day, but that's not too important.

Thanks for running!
>>
>>4191079
>Nice session. Hope you liked your boss fight and found it more fun than frustrating.
I certainly did. Looking forward to a rematch with her.
>I will make the characters' sheets to help you, as well as a pastebin
I'd recommend posting Pastebin links in the OP of the waifu edition thread. Along with links to the archive, so new players can find old threads a bit easier.
Maybe a link to the archive of the Dwarf Fortress Under Siege quest there as well? Is that even archived?
>-Would you be interested in crafting?
Yes. A more fleshed out crafting system would be neat, and assuming we get into alchemy/alcohol crafting, an actual crafting system for other items could be based off of your plans for that system.
>-Would you be interested in magic?
Yes. I'm not quite sure about how it actually works in your setting, that's up to you to explain to us. All I can guess is that certain magic would be linked to gods, and our alignment with them. As our body count rises, it seems like our Charon alignment is going to be taking huge leaps. We should stop chucking every single corpse we create into the canal. I'm not certain what would raise our Sol alignment back up without lowering our Charon alignment. Maybe reading the pages of the Book of Genesis could shed some light on that. Do our companions also have their own alignment stats? If we enlisted Mario to aid us in the dumping of corpses today, he should maybe avoid the Abbey. I'm not certain how far that heresy radar goes.
>-Is the world building to your liking?
Definitely. This and your other systems help encourage write-ins, and thinking of how to handle things in character. It seems like this quest kind of jumped out of its original scope. It's nice to see how it expanded over time, and I'm looking forward to seeing how far exactly you'll take things.
>-Is there anything to improve?
The addition of the distance/time scale on the map was a huge improvement. Thanks for that. Maybe an actual timetable, as well. Like >>4191228 suggested.
Besides that, maybe the addition of a proper combat system would be a step in the right direction. You've already improved in this regard since the Siege quest, but the quest is quickly becoming more combat focused. Maybe bounce some ideas around about how you'd want to do things before starting an official vote in the thread here as to if the other players wanted a more refined combat system in place. Before actually making the system itself, so you don't waste any effort making a full system if the vote turns out as no. Maybe include a list of features you'd plan to include, to better explain what exactly we were getting into, and to ask for additional input, if necessary.

Thanks for running, have loved the quest so far.
>>
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>>4191211
>>4191228
Not knowing what would be needed to cure Hugo from Stage Three, you give him the vitamins. Mario is still shivering and sweating. Lost in some kind of delirium, he holds feverishly the silver plate you gave him earlier. He seems to find comfort in the sight of the lady on the picture, wait... Is that Saten?

"Mario, you should take care of you."
"T-Thanks, I don't know what's happening."
"I think it's the disease. I don't understand either, it was not that cold today."

-2 serving of exotic beans

You instruct Valentina on how to extinguish an Iceburst Stone and that she should warm the house for one hour only. She finds amusing the fact that water can't put out the fire. While you regain some strength, Amicia will tell you about her idea before you venture into the night meeting the lady dressed in crow feathers. Luigi will be the one to keep a watch for home invader.

"You seemed to have fun with Hugo, Amicia." you tease the previously edgy girl
"It helps me to concentrate!" she wags her harm in embarrassment "Hum! Anyway I was thinking about how to use a cocktail of elixirs for Stage Three."
"What?" you are impressed more than shocked "You can cure Stage Three?"
"Not as much as a large healing potion..." she sighs "In fact less than a large healing potion."
"I don't get it. What's wrong then?"
"You see, healing potions repair damaged tissues." she explains while you nod according to your limited knowledge "My father believed that because the disease deteriorates the body so badly, it cannot fight the infection back."
"Make sense" you still nod but at a slower pace
"Because people are so weak at Stage One, the disease evolves using these conditions as a catalyst. The same happens at Stage Two and Three."
"I... I lost yout."
"What if we fight the symptoms?" she gives you her wide smile, proud of her reasoning beyond your comprehension "That's basically what your treatment for malaria did! I can't 'cure it' since the body will still be badly damaged but if we treat the pain, fever and breathing problems than we could stabilize the symptoms."
"Please, Amicia, my head hurts..."

You get a little lost as she explains the properties for anti-inflammatory plants like eucalyptus and the part played by quinquina in the body temperature regulation. She completely crushes your mental capacity with the theories on poppy and opium.

Knowledge learned:
Eucalyptus elixir can stabilize Stage I
Eucalyptus + Quiquina elixir can stabilize Stage II
Eucalyptus + Quiquina + Poppy elixir can stabilize Stage III


Summary
The Plague: https://pastebin.com/Zu47npJ6
Rabbit Holes : https://pastebin.com/tLLeFY9E

One hour has passed and you are all warmed up. It's midnight. The sky is clear and it's cold outside. You had to throw your gloves and mask to eat, would you like to equip your new items?

How do you equip?
Inventory and stats : https://pastebin.com/vppFmxtd
>>4191069
>put gloves
>put mask
>something, write-in
>>
>>4191329
>yes mask
>yes gloves
>yes helmet

definitely leave the stilts at home

We need more potatoes and also to meet with the lady
>>
>>4191401
Support.
Bring:
>A flintlock
>5 paper cartridges
>The cleaver
>Wool tunic
>Assassin outfit

>We need more potatoes
I was thinking we'd send Luigi/Mario up to the North Slums to do some trading. Maybe sell off that dose of gunpowder, or have Mario convert it to paper cartridges before selling it off.
>>
OP, does the cannery still pay with an Iceburst Stone after a day of work?
Or is it just a can of meat now?
>>
>>4191556
>Iceburst Stone
Yes but only open to Demihumans now
>>
>>4191401
>>4191533
You put a mask on with a pair of gloves for maximal protection from all types of threats. Keeping the helmet and your outfit with the wool tunic, you look exatcly like a highwayman of the New World.

In the heart of the night, you escape the Workers District for the Factories that will lead you to the Cemetery in about an hour. You fear no one with your cleaver and pistol. The last time you went into that area, it was raining, so you were not able to assess the threat level. Deserted warehouse, heavy machinery rotting in their greasy lubricant, wails of the rusty metal parts shivering under the night wing. You were already in a cemetery, the remains of Human civilization, defeated by a simple disease.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEql5rc9X0A

Arriving at the cemetery, you find a more lively scene. Corpse retrievers in their heavy suits are digging trenches everywhere, shoving ashes of cremated corpses into mass graves. Some of them have taken their mask off to breath more easily while digging.

>ask at the gravedigger house, he must know (more options)
>maybe you can remember a detail about Cremosa to help you find the crypt (Mental)
>you have the speed potion, you can probably look at all the graves in less than an hour (Physical)
>steal the mask of a corpse retriever first (Mental) (+5 because of night time)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)
>>
>>4191653

>ask at the gravedigger house, he must know (more options)
>>
>>4191653
>>you have the speed potion, you can probably look at all the graves in less than an hour (Physical)
Gravedigger is cheating.
Besides, what would our excuse to him be? And we didn't exactly bring anything along to pay him with. Lets use a stat with an actual good success threshold instead of a social role.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

tie breaker unless another player shows up
>>4191668
>>4191689
>>
>>4191668
>>4191689
roll 1d100, must be under 90 (75+5 thanks to outfit +10 thanks to potion)
>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>4191712
>>
Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>4191712
>>
>>4191715
>>4191728
rolled 22, success
just in time

With a sustained pace, you walk through the alleys. The corpse retrievers do not notice this hurried trespasser and keep shovelling ashes into the mass graves. Who runs in a cemetery? It's a place of contemplation where relatives mourn on the remains of their deceased relatives after their soul were freed thanks to the holy fire. Thankfully they were too busy to even care.

You find a tall crypt with a crow statue on top and "CREMOSA" engraved under. Now that you think about it, she disguised herself as a crow, maybe this is their family emblem or something. But you could be wrong, this is too small for a lair. Slightly pushing the grid, you notice steep stairs going down with equally spaced lighted Mystical Stones. You hesitate about going down but after all you-

"You don't know it, but you're already dead." a voice whispers

A blade just passed under your throat. A cloaked sentinel just appeared at your side. But this does not make any sense, he was not here a second ago, he couldn't have appeared out of thin air. He doesn't look like someone who just stepped into the scene either, there's an Iceburst Stone crackling with a can of meat on top. How come you didn't notice that?

"I am cloaked by the cold embrace of Nyx first daughter of Charon." It first sounds like a deep female voice "I am the night. I am... vengeance!" but it's definitly an adolescent male
"Enzo!" A familliar voice explode from downstairs "Stop that! He is a guess."
"Tch." he takes back his blade in front of your stiffened body "You are lucky mother likes you."
"I'm sorry Alfonso. Welcome to our crypt."
"I... Uh... Thank you. I guess?" you hesitate still on your guard
"It's me. Lisa." the woman adds

It's true you never saw her without a mask.

"We just finished the midnight mass for Charon" she apologizes "so I will not be able to present you my other accomplices." she winks
"He is not entirely devoted to Charon or his children" the young 'Enzo' adds "I can sense it..."
"Will you... Will you just shut up Enzo." she sighs desperetly as the teenager ruins her character "Damn I can't deal with this kid anymore. Let's head downstairs Alfonso."

1/2
>>
>>4191789
Under the crypt, a gallery network leads you, the woman and her child to a dimly lighted room. There're no torches here, only Mystical Stones. The kid kneels ceremoniously in front of the altar, a large cauldron just like for Sol except that no fire is burning. It's just water. Lisa sits on a bench with all the grace of a pious woman attending Sunday mass and invites you to do the same.

"Go play with the familiars, Enzo. For the love of Charon..."
"Fine, I should hone my skills then... mother, signore." he excuses himself... wait who excused himself? You were alone this whole time with Lisa, right?
"You look confused Alfonso." she tilts her head "Aren't we going to talk about a little enterprise of yours?"
"This is all so sudden for me Lady Cremosa, I-"
"Dear Alfonso, I already told you, it's 'Lisa'." she commands your silence one finger on her lips "The disciples are so young they all call me 'High Priestess', or Lady Cremosa or even worse 'Venerable Elder'. I could use a break. How can we help an adventurer like you?"

>I need help to free someone from the Citadel
>I need to neutralize several guards at the same time
>I have questions first, and a lot (more options)

2/2
>>
>>4191861
>>I have questions first, and a lot (more options)
>>
>>4191864
"Wait. I have question first, and a lot."
"Hmm? I thought you were more the type to jump straight into action." she turns her head to the altar, hesitant about something "What do you want to know?"

She was more eager to talk in the reception. Maybe more opportunities will happen in the future to have a more lengthy discussion. To not lose her interest, you will have to ask one question only in each of the following topics.
>about Charon, write-in
>about Assassins, write-in
>about her magic , write-in
>about a specific faction, write-in (Inquisition, Elven Commandos, Militia, Don Giovanni,)
>about a specific person, write-in (anyone you could name and you think she might know)

Note : You can leave a category out for another player to fill. If I can aggregate your questions in one or use them to make a more specific question I will, otherwise there will be a roll for each category with a tie
>>
>>4191925
>about Charon, write-in
Just a basic overview. We're not very religious.

>her magic
What is it capable of?

>About the Inquisition faction
They're kinda her rivals right? She'll be biased but also have the best info on them.
>>
>>4191925
Ask in this order.
>>about Assassins, write-in
>"The situation in the city has been rapidly deteriorating. The three main factions of the city are clamping down, becoming more hostile. I'm in the market for some more subtle weaponry and tools that I assume your organization has access to. The question is, would trading between us be possible?"
Open with this. Something dry to start with, but the follow-up should hopefully draw her back in.
>>about her magic , write-in
>"You mentioned back at the Masked Ball that you were disappointed that you hadn't gotten a chance to demonstrate your abilities to me. I may have a couple opportunities for you to do so. The demihuman mistress of an exotic brothel was murdered the night of Don Giovanni's Masked Ball. I'm investigating her death. She kept a box of her client's hairs. I was wondering if your magic could help lead me to their owners. If that is not interesting enough for you, I have a more exiting opportunity that may pique your interest. I'll get to that later, however."
Ending with something vague. To hopefully keep her interest throughout the rest of the questions.
>>about Charon, write-in
A basic overview, as >>4191974 voted for.
>about a specific faction, write-in
The inquisition.
>>
>>4191974
>>4191978
You clear your throat for a row of questions, you hope will not affect how she perceives you as a bold adventurer. She really liked how theatrically you executed Piccoli after all.

"The situation in the city has been rapidly deteriorating." you expose "The three main factions of the city are clamping down, becoming more hostile."
"I noticed indeed. More profit to be made... our treasury could need a bailout."
"I'm in the market for some more subtle weaponry and tools that I assume your organization has access to."
"Hmm... I see why Goodhealth picked an interest in you."

Preparing your disguised request, you unleash the bomb, hoping to make some profit of this associaiton.

"The question is, would trading between us be possible?"
"Ha ha ha" She bursts out laughing, poorly hiding her teeth with her fingers "Don't make me laugh Alfonso." her sudden reaction makes you hold your breath "I thought you were going to sell us weapons."
"But aren't you a guild of assassins?"
"We are THE cult of Charon. And our art is only supported by our talent. In fact..." she pauses staring at the poorly decorated room "Look at what we have been reduced to. Do you think we could still exist if we relied on little expansive toys?"

You lost some of her consideration. Don't adventurers just cope with what they have? At least you learned about her treasury problem and their modus operandi.
>>
>>4192120
"You mentioned back at the Masked Ball that you were disappointed that you hadn't gotten a chance to demonstrate your abilities to me. I may have a couple opportunities for you to do so."
"Oh wonderful" she claps her hands "Teaching and managing is so boring, I have been dying to practice."
"The Demihuman mistress of an exotic brothel was murdered the night of Don Giovanni's Masked Ball. I'm investigating her death. She kept a box of her client's hairs. I was wondering if your magic could help lead me to their owners."

She crosses her harm and pinch her nose's bridge, this request has her very interested.

"Definitely Mercury... perhaps a bit of Invidia." she rises her head "Yeah I can do that. But to affect people from a distance I would need a ritual and that means some supplies I don't have on hand right now."
"Good, I think I know what that would imply for the other task I came her for." you tease her
"Don't hide things from me." she playfully slaps your thigh.

This definitely helped you scored some point in her esteem. She likes to demonstrate her talents like she implied during the Masked Ball. It's a good thing you remembered this.
>>
>>4192126
"I heard you mention some gods and Charon how does this all translate into magic?" you then slow your tone to not offend her "I'm not uh... really religious."
"You should read the Book of Genesis." she simply says, discarding long uninteresting conversations. "I already teach all day. But to make it short, some gods let you borrow their powers based on your affinity with them. And said affinity is determined by your action corresponding to their domain of predilection."
"'Domain of predilection'"
"Something tells me you already know what I'm talking about."

You talked precisely about what she wanted to avoid in the worst possible way. She looks annoyed enough she wants to die, her eyes rolling upward, desperate for a way out.
"About the Inquisition faction..."

She straightens her back and stiffen her grip on the bench in front of her. This topic sure has her fired.

"I swear, we will get the last surviving Gallileof out of jail. It's too late to save their researches but other savants should not be intimidated when questioning the gods power ranking."

You found at least two of her organization's problems and put a finger on one of her more personnal problem: she's bored and exhausted by her disciples.

>I need help to free someone from the Citadel
>I need to neutralize several guards at the same time
>>
>>4192144

>I need help to free someone from the Citadel
>>
>>4192144
>>I need help to free someone from the Citadel
>>I need to neutralize several guards at the same time
"I've already put together a plan for the assault, and I was hoping for you to join me, or aid me with your magic. I need to neutralize several guards at the same time. They relocate the savant to one of three buildings daily. We'll have to sweep through and search each one of them for the savant, and there is about five guards in each building. Though, I killed two militia men guarding their bridge checkpoint tonight, so they may heighten security at the Citadel, or spread themselves thinner. Should be a change of pace for you. That is, if you're interested."
Show of skill with the two kills, letting her know we've planned things out and have some idea of what we're doing, and an offer for something exciting to do, a change of scenery from teaching and religious ceremony. Should probably draw her in.
>>
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>>4192153
>>4192182
You present her the plan devised by you and Raphaella with the advices of Amicia. Lisa stays quiet. She listens attentively as you detail her part in the grand scheme, subduing the MIlitiamen in the barracks. When you think about her ranged magic, she didn't need to know the reasons behind your motive, but you told her anyway.

"... and that's how I plan to save Bernardo."

She takes the drawing with the utmost care, like manipulating fine porcelain. A conflicted or maybe frustrated expression shows up on her face.

"If only we had someone like you to help us free the Gallileof, maybe..." she sighs "During the Masked Ball I tried to take care of Piccoli by linking his soul to a doll. That way I could have inflicting him enough pain to 'neutralize' him... indefinitely."
"Oh, the knitted doll." you remember
"Yes. Since I use them frequently for my contracts, I already have a bunch half made. I only need a personal belonging of the Militiamen you want to affect with this magic."
"Something personal?"
"A ring, a weapon, a sock, anything... I suppose you could try looking directly at their home or maybe the Arsenal if they showed up here before."
"It's really specific."

She rises from the bench hearing footsteps. It's just Enzo coming back. Wait, how did you forget about him? Where did he go this whole time?

"Then there are other options, but aside from the dolls I already made, I'm limited to three miracles." she gives you back the drawing
"Like for example?"
"I could make you a familiar out of a freshly deceased corpse, or create a cursed thurible of discord to make them fight each other. The latter would require very specific ingredients if you have the time to collect them."
"I good at running errands" you say sarcastically remembering your exhausting routine
"Then it would require an apple of course and a snake as a ceremonial animal... A Lizardman would do. Also, right now... I'm furious at La Stampa for using the word 'assassin' so I guess anything belonging to them would do."

She scolds the child for using a miracle but you didn't see anything wrong, in fact you have not seen him since you entered the crypt. What did he do wrong?

"Thank you, Alfonso, I'm looking forward to practice. I will have a nice view of the Citadel from my mansion, so I can use the dolls there."
"He asked about the gods!" Enzo shouts "Who does not know about the gods?"
"Silence little rascal. I can't lend you a disciple right now, we are training to assault the Inquisition."
>>
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>>4192267
It's getting late and you can decide right now or come back later. In any case, you need to get back to your home as Lady Cremosa will also leave the crypt.

>find personal belongings of the Militiamen inside the Citadel and let Lady Cremosa use her dolls to kill them (infiltrate the Arsenal or loot their home after learning who is in charge of the Citadel)
limited miracles, maximum of 3
>familiar, resurrect a corpse to fight at your sides (find a deceased body, the stronger was the opponent the better, and bring it here)
>thurible of discord (find an apple, a willing Lizardman or a snake, and something closely related to La Stampa)
>decide later and go home now
>>
>>4192278
>thurible of discord (find an apple, a willing Lizardman or a snake, and something closely related to La Stampa)

Apple should be easy, and we have our ratman La Stampa contact so we're just missing a lizardman.


If we can:
>find personal belongings of the Militiamen inside the Citadel and let Lady Cremosa use her dolls to kill them (infiltrate the Arsenal or loot their home after learning who is in charge of the Citadel)

but that seems a lot harder
>>
>>4192278
>>thurible of discord (find an apple, a willing Lizardman or a snake, and something closely related to La Stampa)
Lets roll with this. If we run into trouble finding the materials, then the familiar could be a fallback option.
>apple
Hothouse? Maybe Goodhealth's trade ship?
>Lizardman
Who Franz was riding, maybe? Fight rematch over it? Convincing it to come aid us in the ritual?
>La Stampa
A certain ratfolk may be able to help out.
Before leaving:
>"You know, Lisa... If my assault on the citadel ends well, I believe I could be considered a certified expert in the field of Savant Rescue. I may be able to help you with your Gallileof problem. After the Citadel, however. Bernardo does not have long."
>>
>>4192305
>>"You know, Lisa... If my assault on the citadel ends well, I believe I could be considered a certified expert in the field of Savant Rescue. I may be able to help you with your Gallileof problem. After the Citadel, however. Bernardo does not have long."
We can work out the details with Lisa later. We could probably use this opportunity to free Susanna as well. I considered bringing it up in the write-in, but she obviously has no love for the Church. And Enzo is present, and he certainly seems volatile. Bringing our desire to free a nun may upset Lisa, and end with her retracting her offer to help. Even if said nun attempted to help the Gallileof. We can throw the idea her way later, after the Citadel.
>>
>>4192331
Bringing our desire to free a nun up*.
>>
>>4192334
Support. I'd like to free Susanna as soon as we can, though I suppose it'll have to wait until after we free Bernando, considering that he might be dead soon. When is the two weeks cutoff date again QM?
>>
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>>4192290
>>4192305
>>4192331
>>4192409
Considering your option, you don't want to discard right away the dolls but want to focus on the two more easy obtainable items for three thurible of discord.

"You know, Lisa... If my assault on the citadel ends well, I believe I could be considered a certified expert in the field of Savant Rescue. I may be able to help you with your Gallileof problem. After the Citadel, however. Bernardo does not have long."

"Yes, It' a real shame we didn't meet earlier. We could have prevented the death of Igor Gallileof."

"And since you don't like the Inquisition, I'd like to free another captive from them."

"Is there a spell binding him to a place somehow or is it in the jails?"
"I only know that she is chained."
"Please, make sure it's not a miracle being used there. Otherwise, I would need to conceive a dispel counter measure."
"I... don't know."

Luigi just said that Susanna was chained but you did not debrief him, maybe you should have gone yourself. However, at that time yuo were using clutch and was very noticeable. Not taking more of her time, you watch the wizard Lady and her disciple leave the crypt.

After one hour of walk you made if back to the house and find Luigi on watch. There's nobody else to take the next turn and you are exhausted. Mario is still shivering, even in his sleep. He talks in his sleep agitated and feverish, not getting better the least thanks to the vitamins. You have waster precious resources on him and risked a relapse for you.

It's 2AM. The coldest part of the night.
>sleep
>take the next watch
>warm up with the Iceburst Stone (3h remaining)
>>
>>4192624
>warm up with the Iceburst Stone (3h remaining)
Use an hour

Maybe we need to think about getting some wood for fires so we don't need to burn Iceburst stone which is more precious.
>>
>>4192642
Sorry, prompt was unclear. Should have been:

It's 2AM. The coldest part of the night.
>sleep
>take the next watch

Warm up with the Iceburst Stone (3h remaining)
>yes
>no
>>
>>4192648
Adding sleep then
>>
>>4192674
Support.
>>
>>4192674
This. Pump the Iceburst all night. Mario seems unwell.
We can have the ratfolk on cannery duty tomorrow for more Icebursts. That is, unless he is totally unable to get something belonging to La Stampa that Lisa could use. Though, she did say ANYTHING.
We ought to buy more wool tunics for everybody that will be along on the Citadel assault. Mario certainly, at the very least. We are striking at dusk if memory serves, so it won't be THAT cold around then, but if we're going to be soaring down from either the clocktower or Dwarven Airship, the winds will bite.
>>
>>4192624
Thinking about it, could Mario's problem be alcohol withdrawal? How long has it been since he's had some?
>>
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>>4192674
>>4192681
>>4192717
After an hour awake beyond your normal sleep deprivation capacity, you get to your straw mattress.

In you dream, you run after Amicia and Hugo. They are happily holding hands, walking among dozens of corpses and you don't want them to look under their feet.
All bodies lies in swallow cold water. A first one jumps at your leg, holding you down but his heads explode before slowing you more. A second one with a fish face rises and spread its arm wide to block the passage, you thrust a nearby halberd in him The third one is not on your passage, standing on the side on a tree, but you arm the halberd like a javelin and pierce his chest. After your killing spree in that cold swamp, your perception of time changes.

Everything happens slower.

So does your meeting with Franz, the scantily dressed female leader of the Militia who walks even slower toward you. Trying to evade her in a direction only get you somehow teleported closer to her and looking in her direction at the mercy of her predator's smile. You finally trip over at her feet after many unlucky attempt and have to endure the humiliating laughs of several other person all around you, including Militiamen and your friends.

Physical 70 (-5)
Mental 50 (+5)
Social 30 (-5)

You wake up at 8AM, just with the sunrise. 'Sunrise' is just an expression with all the fog surrounding the city, it's even thicker than previously as if there were white curtains on the window. And it's still as cold as yesterday at the same time.

Weather conditions:
Heavy fog
Cold

Valentina approaches the drunkard she yelled at so many times before. Taking his shivering hand, she squeezes it hard out of sheer compassion and closes her eyes, seemingly lost in her thoughts.

"Delirium tremens." she whispers
"Alcohol withdrawal?" you gasp surprised
"I'm sorry Mario..." Valentina sheds a tear "I shouldn't have call you like that. I know it's not your fault."
"I will find him a healing potion and..."
"No. You don't understand. It's not a wound. My father died of alcohol withdrawal trying to survive an abrupt withdrawal. It's the alcohol! His body needs it now."
>>
>>4192739
Should someone be sent to work for more resources this afternoon? (Luigi, Amicia, Hugo, You)
>corpse retrieval (Iceburst Stone, exotic beans, can of meat)
>archeological center (can of meat and only exotic bean if you find an artefact)

What's your main priority today?
>finding alcohol in this City running dry since the start of the quarantine
>come up with a plan to save sister Susanna
>finding the ingredients for Lady Cremosa's spell

And what are your secondary objectives?
>read the alchemy book with the help of Amicia (4 hours)
>read the pages of the Book of Genesis (1 hour)
>gear up (potion, gun, equipment, artefact...)
>find essentials (masks, gold, soap, cans of meat...)
>write-in (write-in are always available but I may or may not choose them)

Also, you can personally attend only one of those events
>send someone to Parotti, write-in
>meet with the Ratfolk from La Stampa near a poster for something, write-in

Locations : https://pastebin.com/tLLeFY9E
The Plague : https://pastebin.com/Zu47npJ6
Inventory&stats : https://pastebin.com/vppFmxtd
>>
>>4192735
Isn't delirium tremens caused by overconsumption of alcohol and not withdrawal?

Also any chance we could add this status sheet to the plague pastebin?

Valentina : not infected
Luigi : not infected
Amicia : cured from Stg I
Hugo : cured from Stg II
Mario : cured from Stg I
You : cured from Stg II

We might want to work corpse retrieval since we already went through stage 2 and we need another Iceburst Stone pretty badly.


>finding alcohol in this City running dry since the start of the quarantine

>find a scribe who can make a copy of the alchemy book

>If Valentina has decent clothing again send her and Hugo to Parotti, with Luigi if necessary.
>>
>>4192744
>>finding alcohol in this City running dry since the start of the quarantine
Lets focus on this.
Maybe we can visit Mr. Goodhealth at the Pearl of the Ocean some time today. It seems like a classy place, based on him staying there.
They almost certainly would have alcohol left over to sell us. That is, if they even sold any to begin with. And we could work out an agreement with him for potentially getting the merchandise stuck on his trade ship in the harbor free, to go to his Apothecary. And to see if he has any apples on board that ship. Though, he may not be in a good mood since he was basically slandered in La Stampa. Which may impact negotiations.
>meet with the Ratfolk from La Stampa near a poster for something, write-in
We'll probably find him easily enough soon after leaving. Sending him to work in the cannery today, for an Iceburst stone. The meat doesn't really matter as much, if he needs food and we need to negotiate with him, we only want the Iceburst.
>send someone to Parotti
While we're on our way to visit Mr. Goodhealth, we can stop here. It's cold, and we do not have an Iceburst stone. We shouldn't send anybody that doesn't need to go outside today, outside.
>>4179326
>"I don't care, there is already plenty of booze for winter." the barman responds
If the Pearl of the Ocean doesn't actually have any alcohol to sell us, we could use this as a fallback option.
The bar we met the potato trader in. I'd give us a chance to buy more potatoes, as well as some alcohol if we seriously cannot find any before this becomes necessary. But the question is, will Mario really last that long?
>>
Secondary options if we find Mario some alcohol before we lose too much daylight:
-Growing a tree with the instant harvest potion to use as a bridge. We'd fell it with Luigi's remaining carpentry tools. Preferably far away from Elven Territory.
-Trading some for some potatoes with paper cartridges or the dose of gunpowder
-Converting the dose of gunpowder into paper cartridges
-Using Amicia's knowledge of Elven dialects, bypassing the Elves at the harbor to gain access to the textiles ship and or Goodhealth's ship.
-Searching for a suitable gondola to use to transport Don Giovanni's devices
-Finding a scribe to copy down the alchemy book, as suggested by >>4192751
>>
>>4192751
>>4192791
>>4192751
Current Inventory
1 instant harvest potion
1 dose of gunpowder
1 pair of Fishmen's fin
Pages of the Book of Genesis
1 FMJ bullet
2 flintlock pistols
1 medium healing potion
10 paper cartridges
1 flintlock rifle
1 ignited Iceburst Stones (3 hours remaining)
cleaver
Wool Tunic
Assassin Outfit (+5 Physical, +5 Mental and +5 Social)
crusader helmet
Accuracy artefact
7 and a half cans of meat (15 meals)
Raphaella's party dress
Raphaella's clothes-that-she-will-rather-die-than-show-you
Pig's mask from Saten, belonged to a client
alchemy book
15 mask (mandatory outside, daily usage)
7 gloves (daily usage)
flick knife
stilts 12 feet long

Who can come with you?
>Amicia
>Raphaella

How do you equip?
>take this, write-in
>this person takes a mask
>this person takes gloves, write-in
(default : yesterday's equipment and a harvest potion)

Getting alcohol for Mario is your top priority and you already have some ideas. While the taverns in your district are closed, the slums seem to be less affected by alcohol shortage. There is also the brothel where Mr. Goodhealth is at.

Thinking about the potential transaction with the businessman you browse through the alchemy book. There are tons of geometric drawing and alchemy circles, there's no way a Human's hand could make a copy of all that. If you study the book hard enough, you could understand what the recipes are about, but you would still need it as a template.

Again, you can visit Parotti earlier with Valentina, Luigi and Hugo, but the more people outside, the fewer masks and gloves you will have.

Getting the instant harvest potion, you will also try to grow a tree accross the Grand Canal. Then you could byu more potatoes but that would mean stepping on consecrated land, potentially triggering the blessing of Sol's Champion if you bring any unholy item.

First stop
>Pearl of the Ocean
>Parotti with Valentina, Luigi and Hugo
>North slums to buy potatoes and alcohol

Before today's expedition
>get a La Stampa poster and nails to craft paper cartridges (1 hour of Iceburst Stone to smelt the nails) (Mental)
>>
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>>4192872
Who can come with you?
>Raphaella.
She knows her way around a brothel, she may be able to give us some good advice with dealing with the staff, or get us a better deal, assuming the alcohol is there and sold. Not certain if she will be welcome due to her being a demihuman, but lets chance it.
If we decide to go to the harbor today to try and talk our way into access to the trade ships, we can go back and get Amicia. Something tells me that bringing her along to a brothel may be a bad idea.
One thing, though. Neither Amicia or Raphaella should come along to the Abbey with us, if we decide to go there today. Amicia's parents were given a trial by fire, and they may be looking for her and Hugo as well. And we've seen how the Inquisition has been treating demihumans lately.
>How do you equip?
>Attire
-Crusader Helmet
-Assassin Outfit
-Wool Tunic
>Combat Related
-1 Flintlock Pistol
-10 paper cartridges
-Accuracy Artifact
-Cleaver
>Barter/Misc
-3 Canned Whale Meat
-2 Gloves (extra pair, trade maybe? I don't intend to have these as the gloves we're wearing)
-2 Masks (see above)
-Pig's Mask (Maybe we can sell it off at the Redlight District? Keep it hidden from the Elves, however.)
-Instant Harvest Potion
>How do you equip?
>Alfonso-Just a mask
>Raphaella-Just a mask
We'll have two spares, and the pair of gloves in our inventory for use when necessary, or when we find an opportunity to trade with them
>Group going to Parotti's-All get a mask
First stop
>Pearl of the Ocean
We still have the speed potion active (hopefully), so lets get a move on. We don't know if the tavern in the slums is open, and the potato traders are going to be working the fields, and may be difficult to find in this fog. Also the Pearl of the Ocean is substantially closer.

If Amicia would like to go along with the group heading to Parotti's, I don't see why she couldn't go with them. We probably shouldn't send nearly the entire household out like this daily, though.

Also. Added to the map where I believe the tree-bridge should probably go.
-About a 30 minute walk away from our home (at worst)
-Near the hospital, providing a much needed detour for those of the Workers district
-In the Factories area, hopefully far enough out of the way for any Elves to not come to the tree's aid
-Gives us a way to avoid dealing with the bridge checkpoint
Thoughts? Additional input from the rest of you would be good.
>>
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>>4192945
Amicia, Hugo, Luigi and Valentina gear up to meet Parotti at noon. Leaving Mario all alone on his terrible ordeal that is alcohol withdrawal. Meanwhile you and Raphaella will pay a visit to M. Goodhealth at the Pearl of the Ocean.

"It's a very high luxury brothel, Alfonso." Raphaella comments "I'm sure we will find plenty of alohol there... but stay on guard."

As expected with a fog this dense, you have to hold hand with Raphaella to head to the Pearl of the Ocean. Back to the Redlight District. There, you had to fight some thugs and killed their boss to save an infected prostitute and the Demihuman organ harvester might still be active, so you stay on guard for any troubles.

"I-Is that really necessary?" Raphaella inquires timidly "... to hold hands?"
"I can't even see you, of course we need to."

She does not realize how catastrophic it would be to lose someone in that fog with the canal filled with dead rats and Human excrements. You can't see further than the tip of your nose. Hopefully the trip to the Pearl of the Ocean should not take less than an hour or so if you don't stop on the way.

"Please! Someone help." a voice calls somewhere in the mist

It's the prostitute you saved, at least her voice. Should you help her again, it would be at a great disadvantage if this level of visibility.

Do you want to help her again?
>answer back, try to ask what's going on
>just go where her voice comes from (Mental)
>ignore her pleads and continue

Inentory&Stats
https://pastebin.com/vppFmxtd
>>
>>4193000
>>answer back, try to ask what's going on
Seems suspicious. A trap, maybe? Draw our cleaver, and lets move immediately after the reply, so anyone waiting to ambush us cannot pin down where our voice came from.
>>
>>4193022
"What is going on?!" You shout "Where are you?"
"It's that ricchione!" a male voice explodes in the mist "See? You can be useful after all, puttana."

Not wanting to be surprised in an ambush, you draw your cleaver and let go of Raphaella, but a human figure bursting out of the mist separate you and the Demihuman. You also lose the cleaver. Without hearing any metal shattering, you suppose that Raphaella probably caught it.

Sounds of footsteps quickly surround you. You ready your pistol, but they had you cornered without any chance of escape. It was a trap. Someone appearing to be the leader of the pack steps toward you.

"IT'S... YOU!"

He has blood on his clothes, most of it on the chest and looks very weakened but as dangerous as someone with a flick knife can be. You recognize him. The first person to have ever assaulted you during the quarantine for cans of meat.

"First you kill Tito, then the boss... I will make you pay!"

He sure moved up the ladder. But if they all look like him then it's the ladder of a very poor fighting force.

>"Wait who are you? I forget insignificant people" provoke him and wait for an opportunity (Social)
>"Don't make it look like a vendetta, you are the one who killed Tito" try to win time for Raphaella (Social)
>Wait for the closest one to attack you and make a deadly parade (Physical)
>fire your pistol at him (Mental) (no modifiers, he stepped in front of you)
>fire your pistol at one of the shadow hiding in the fog (Mental)
>Call for help, Elves are doing all the law enforcement here after all
>>
Unless a new player shows up in the next hour, let's wait until 2PM EST to continue.

Don't be upset, they had this prepared in advance.
>>
>>4193072
>>Wait for the closest one to attack you and make a deadly parade (Physical)
Odds seem like they're against us, but this doesn't have to be our final dance.
We're in the Elven territory. Lets avoid any shots going off. Let's hope we're accustomed to unarmed brawling. The distant shadow in the fog may have a firearm. Lets grapple the first attacker to close in, and use him as a human shield. Then pull out our pistol, and put it to his temple. Then we can attempt to social roll after we've got a hostage. If not, well lets hope Raphaella can pass us our cleaver. Though, if we can see the distant figure in the fog, then they probably can see Raphaella. Lets seriously hope none of them have guns.
>>
>>4193082
Doubt anybody else will show up, but I'll be lurking on the off chance that someone does.
Thanks for running.
>>
>>4193072
>Wait for the closest one to attack you and make a deadly parade (Physical)
This is our best stat.
Try and provoke the leader afterword.
>>
>>4193098
>>4193240
roll a 1d100, must be under 75 (70 +5 thanks to outfit)
>>
Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4193686
>>
>>4193691
>rolled 73, almost failed
that was awkward

"Uh? Nothing to say ricchione? Wetting your pant, I bet." he barks "Get him!"

You patiently observe their reactions, waiting for an opportunity. The attack comes from behind. Of course, they were not going to play this fair and instead maximized their chance.

*BLEUUUUARG*

There is a warm sticky fluid hitting your back just before the attacker headbutt you.
His move was surely unintentional, warned of his presence you turn just in time to avoid getting headbutted. However, he can still make you lose balance and let go of your pistol. Thankfully it did not go off by itself. An awkward moment ensue where you jump hastily on the weapon while grabbing the man who puked on your back by the collar.

Finally, you use him as a hostage but the boss already took out his flick knife. This could have been catastrophic, maybe if you had a weapon more fit to close combat than a pistol or a cleaver it would have been enough to push you just over the edge. Your hostage is weak and shivering, burning with fever and covered with sweat, he surely has the disease like his boss now that you think about it.

Now you have a hostage and you can notice the faint gleam of your cleaver behind an attacker. If you are not wrong there are three in front of you, plus the boss and the one you are using as a meat shield.

>fire at the boss using your meat shield as protection (Mental) (no modifiers, he stepped in front of you)
>fire at one of the shadow (Mental)
>throw your hostage at the boss in front of you to make them both fall on the ground (Physical)
>intimidate, trying to get out of this with a hostage, write-in (Social)
>negotiate, possibly lie to gain an advantage, write-in (Social)
>>
>>4193792
>fire at the boss using your meat shield as protection (Mental) (no modifiers, he stepped in front of you)

pew pew
>>
>>4193792
>>throw your hostage at the boss in front of you to make them both fall on the ground (Physical)
Try and grab the flickknife after they go down.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4193804
>>4193861
>>
>>4193804
>>4193861
roll 1d100, must be under 65 (50+10 thanks to artefact +5 thanks to assassin outfit*)

*forgot to mention it, so it shouldn't count until the end of the fight, but since he threw up blood on you you lost all modifiers of the outfit
>>
Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>4193871
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>4193871
do I even bother with rolling now
>>
Rolled 96 (1d100)

rolling to convince OP that we actually had the Duelist Outfit this whole time so this crit gets ignored
roll 1d100, must be under 5 (-25 final boss)
>>
>>4193890
this doesn't count, right
>>
>>4193875
>>4193883
>rolled 79, failed
missing an elephant in a corridor

You aim at the thug right in front of you. First he tried to rob you from your rations, then he lied to his boss about you killing another thug he threw at you but ended in the canal, he will not get in your way anymore. The cloud of gunpowder rises from your pistol. The clear sound of his flick knife hitting the pavement make it through the fog and the new veil of uncertainty created by your shot. Much more later after the detonation a muffled moan tears up the blinding fog, than another, followed by the same noise of flick knife hitting the ground.

The cloud dissipates and you can see that two shadows are missing, only one remain, moving frenetically left and right and the boss holding his shoulder in pain.

"At least... I will take you down with me!"

>throw the meat shield at him (Physical) (-5 because no more pisotl to pressure him)
>release the hostage and get the flick knife on the ground (Physical) (+5 thanks to speed potion)
>throw the weapon at him to delay his attack (Mental)
>throw the weapon at the last shadow (Mental) (-5 because in the fog)
>>
>>4193902

>release the hostage and get the flick knife on the ground (Physical) (+5 thanks to speed potion)
>>
>>4193902
>>release the hostage and get the flick knife on the ground (Physical) (+5 thanks to speed potion)
Uh. Thanks OP.
>>
>>4193908
>>4193912
roll a 1d100, must be under 70 (70 +5 thanks to outfit, -5 because unloaded pisotl)
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>4193915
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>4193915
Alright I got the 97 out of the way, time to do well now
>>
>>4193918
>>4193926
>rolled 50, success
gruesome fight
You toss the weak shivering thug on one side while simultaneously jumping on the knife.

This will be your last stand. A battle of for survival, a confrontation between your raw live to survive and his to end your life. You get a solid grip around the handle of the knife and turn on your back just in time to confront him. His eyes, injected with blood, plant beams of pure hatred right into your soul.

So, this is what a fight to the death means. You had it easy until now. Only facing death after incident or because of the disease.

Meanwhile, your newly acquired knife plunges in his throat, releasing a stale stream of blood on your outfit, completely ruining it. His body convulses with the last gasps for air, his face now confused between anger and fear.

The fight ends as you pushes his body aside, trying to forget this horrible vision. Never a sailor had to fight this close before.

There are still men, a shadow in the fog and the hostage on the ground. If you had pushed him, harder he might have fall unconscious, but he is now ready to fight back.

>jump at the released hostage and plunge your knife in his chest (Physical)
>throw the flick knife at the shadow (Mental) (-5 because of the fog)
>provoke the shadow for the same effect but risk being attacked in a bloody knife vs knife fight (Social)
>intimidate the shadow to delay his reaction long enough in order to suffer the same fate as the two other shadows (Social)
>>
>>4193945
>>intimidate the shadow to delay his reaction long enough in order to suffer the same fate as the two other shadows (Social)
We don't know what gear he has. We need to buy time.
>>
>>4193945

>intimidate the shadow to delay his reaction long enough in order to suffer the same fate as the two other shadows (Social)

"Hey about half of you are gone and I'm untouched. Whatever you think your odds of success are here, I'd reconsider."
>>
>>4193966
This.
>>
>>4193947
>>4193966
roll a 1d100, must be under 40 (30 +5 thanks to the outfit +5 thanks to write-in)
I think I will call these guys the flick knife gang
>>
Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>4193970
Could bloodstains on our outfit remove the social bonus for positive checks, but leave it for intimidation checks?
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>4193970
>>
>>4193975
>>4193976
>rolled 53, failed
I don't have time for you

"Hey about half of you are gone and I'm untouched." you spite "Whatever you think your odds of success are here, I'd reconsider."

Looking more desperate and angry than threatening, this only distract him for a brief moment. Nothing happens except for the hostage you released. He rushed in the fog and came back with a flick knife, throwing himself at you, foam on his lips with a horrifying howl. Just like with the boss previously, the distance is too close to throw anything at him and your weapon is not made to parry.

Hit him first or dodge.

>dodge (Physical) (+5 thanks to speed potion)
>hit first (Mental) (+5 thanks to speed potion)
>>
Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>4194010
>hit first (Mental) (+5 thanks to speed potion)

the best defense is a good offense?
>>
>>4194010
>>dodge (Physical) (+5 thanks to speed potion)
best defense is a good defense
also a higher stat to base the action on
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4194018
>>4194020
unless a player break the tie in 10 minutes
>>
>>4194018
>>4194020
roll a 1d100, must be under 75 (70 +5 thanks to outfit)
>>
Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>4194053
>>
>>4194053
dice+1d100
>>
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>>4194054
>>4194069
>rolled 43, success
bloody fight

Extending your reach the farthest you can, you stab him in his guts. His arm arches under the pain and only misses your shoulder by an inch. Your hit, however, is not enough.

While you feel the tension in his body around the fresh wound you just inflicted, you have to pull back the knife form his abs and stab him, again and again. In a bloody frenzy, you discover the gruesome reality of knife fights. With such small blades, it's the bleeding and the pain that determines the end of a fight, in a terrible battle of attrition using the fighters' will to end each other's life as fuel. Thankfully, this is not a fight, but an execution.

+10 Sol's alignment
+5 flick knives

sticky, smelly, bloody outfit unable to give you any bonus
>>
>>4194099
Meanwhile, the last shadow falls to the ground. And as you let the motionless body of the thug collapse on the ground, you see Raphaella emerge from the fog with your bloody cleaver. What? She knew how to fight? It's true that you never asked. There is too much information to process, your hands are still tightly clamped on the bloody knife. This will leave a scare, but at least you fought loyally to defend yourself.

+10 Sol's alignment
+5 flick knives

sticky, smelly, bloody outfit unable to give you any bonus

A last shadow emerges from the fog.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."

It's the prostitute you saved earlier and who was put to contribution for this ambush. There are black stains on her now, indicating a Stage Three. Your hands are covered in infected blood and you fear a relapse or worst a direct contamination by Stage Three. Your outfit protected you but is now ruined. The bodies on the ground clearly indicate that they have all the symptoms of Stage Two. The prostitute probably contaminated them.

Maybe the boss you killed much earlier while he was punishing the prostitute for contaminating him was right. Can you really assume you will do a better job at managing a whole district than the thugs who lived there for years?

The scene
>arrange the scene like this, write in

The bodies (pick as much as needed)
>throw them in the canal
>loot them

The prostitute will probably spread the disease more, you have to take a difficult decision
>fate of the prostitute,write-in

Raphaella (pick one)
>"What? You can fight?"
>"Just... who are you?"
>"Thanks for the help."
>ash something, write-in
>>
>>4194099
>half light
based
>>4194102
>>loot them
Quickly. Focus on the leader's corpse, and loot two others. The Elves will probably be investigating that shot.
>fate of the prostitute,write-in
>Let Raphaella decide
Killing her would be best for stability in the district, but I'm reluctant to do that in front of Raphaella. Being a former prostitute and all, she'd probably hold sympathy for her.
Raphaella (pick one)
>"Just... who are you?"
>>
Taking the machine factory into consideration, I wonder if they make a broad range of machines, instead of specializing in one. Like, a printing press for example.
If not, I wonder if the academy would have one. We might be able to copy the alchemy book down this way.
>>
>>4194122
>printing press
propose that again in the morning as one of the priorities
>>
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>>4194109
Not wanting to get caught by the Elven Commando patrolling in this part of the City, you just focus on the leader's corpse as well as the nearest two bodies. Your search revealed nothing of particular interest except for resources and essentials. They were just normal simple thugs.

+2 gold coin
+1 dry sausage (2 meals)
+1 alcohol phial (1 wash)


The alcohol you just found could help you wash your hands, after that maybe you should consider wearing gloves at all time. Or you can keep the alcohol for Mario.

Alcohol
>use it to wash your hands (outfit will need soap or use the Tailor washing service)
>no, keep it

Gloves
>put them
>no, keep them

Still shaking because of the adrenaline, you turn to Raphaella who hands you the cleaver, smiling shyly like she always does. There is no radical change of character. She looks like one of those person who excel in a specific field but lack proper Human skills... well... Demihuman in that case.

"Just... who are you?" you ask trying to reconnect with the normal world
"I am Bernardo's joy." she happily cheers
still giving that murderous aura you insist "Just. Who. Are. You?"
"I am... I am not a very good courtesan, aren't I?" she covers her face in shame "I grew up in the ghettoes of the Eastern Empire, so I don't know how to act like a proper lady, but Bernardo, he... he's the only one who like me for who I am."

She's far from mastering Saten's elegance, but she did a good impression at the Masqued Ball. Maybe her shyness is part of her charm that helped you in social situation. And now, you learned about her combat abilities. Demihumans are indeed known for their acute perception, so one who is an experienced killer is a serious threat. She could be useful for stealth takedowns.

"What are we going to do about her?" you let out in a single expiration like a wild beast
"Oh, I know. You want me to deal with it, right?" Raphaella pick up one of the flick knife "A much better weapons for close combat than your cleaver."
"Please..." the prostitute begs

-10 Sol's alignment

With the knife, Raphaella swiftly cuts open her throat, avoiding any necessary scream to alert the Elves. A nervous spasm makes your shoulder rise and head tilt. Now, you should hurry since they might have heard the gunshot earlier.

>continue to the Pearl of the Ocean with your current clothes since you are halfway through
>fall back on Luigi's apartment and change your plans since you are only halfway in
>acquire soap to wash your clothes at the Apothecary (need to cross the Grand Canal with your current clothes)
>take the washing service at the Tailor for 1 can of meat (need to cross the Grand Canal with your current clothes)

Inventory&Stats : https://pastebin.com/edit/vppFmxtd
>>
>>4194241
>keep it
there was that method of extending a vial for multiple washings, we can do that and give Mario the rest

Not sure what the glove options are, what does put them mean?


>take the washing service at the Tailor for 1 can of meat (need to cross the Grand Canal with your current clothes)
>>
>>4194241
>>use it to wash your hands (outfit will need soap or use the Tailor washing service)
>>4194102
>There is too much information to process, your hands are still tightly clamped on the bloody knife. This will leave a scar
We have an open wound, right? And infected blood of those who were in contact with a stage 3. Mario may be going through withdrawls, but we will seriously be at risk. We can continue on to the Pearl.
>Put on the gloves
>continue to the Pearl of the Ocean with your current clothes since you are halfway through
Crossing the bridge may be risky. We murdered two militia men there last night. Those on duty may connect the dots, and there sure as shit will be more of them on duty. Before we cross the canal again, we should make that tree bridge. Finding a gondola in this fog would be difficult.
>>
>>4194241
>She could be useful for stealth takedowns
I wonder how good she is at throwing?
Some throwing knives for us, and her may be a good move.
Besides that, I wonder what her skill with firearms is.
Questions to ask her later, I suppose.
>>
>>4194283
What dots are there to connect?
>>
>>4194304
>two militia men missing from their post in the morning/shift change
>their corpses may have been found in the canal
>nearby patrols may have heard gunshots last night
>militia probably on edge
>same guy who was humiliated by Franz yesterday shows up, clothing covered with blood
Not to mention the "disinfection" camps they have for those over stage 2. Don't get me wrong, I like your idea about giving Mario some of the alcohol phial, and converting the rest into hand sanitizer. It's just that this wound has me worried. And the uncertain nature of reinfection.
I'll switch over to your vote to cross the canal in some way, but I want to give Mario half of the phial before we go. We don't know how long we have.
>>
>>4194251
Switching to this. But first, return home with Raphaella, give Mario half of the alcohol phial, and grab the stilts. We can use them to cross, but will have to go alone. We can stash them where we crossed, so we're not fucking around in militia territory with a pair of 12 foot stilts giving us away.
Don't bother with the gloves, the blood on our hands will dry and get them stuck to it. They're already pretty fucked anyways.
>>
>>4194325
Did we actually get wounded, or is it mental?
>>
>>4194333
Support. We go home, give half the alcohol to Mario, then get our clothes washed. Seems good.
>>
>>4194335
>>4194333
I don't think we got wounded, just vomited on and bled on.
>>
>>4194335
While today was brutal, we killed 5 people yesterday as well.
I didn't really pick up on any mentally unstable thoughts in the posts after we killed them, and I'm just going to assume that we gripped the bloody flick knife too hard, and cut open our hand until OP confirms otherwise.
>>4194102
>There is too much information to process, your hands are still tightly clamped on the bloody knife. This will leave a scare
Not quite sure what was meant here.
>>
OP, could you post a reference image for a mystical stone?
>>
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>>4194251
>>4194333
>>4194337
You calmed down a little and while physically unharmed, your first experience of a knife fight left a scare in your soul. Stabbing someone repeatedly in the guts with a short blade is very different from a one hit with a cleaver.

With the newly acquired phial of alcohol and infected blood on your hand, you decide to get to the other side of the Grand Canal to wash your clothes and maybe turn the alcohol into a jelly at the Alchemist using a Mystical Stone and a can of meat.

At home at around 9AM, you give half of the sweet nectar to Mario seeing rise from the dead before sinking back into the bed, drunk and at peace.

A state of mind you wish you had.

"What happened?" Amicia shouts
"Killed." you just let out
"Is that your blood or infected blood?" she gasps horrified

Valentina upon seeing you covered in blood lets out a scream. This triggers an automatic reaction and you scream with her at the abyss of Human madness, a primal conversation. She faints in the arms of Luigi but letting that out helped you calmed completely for now.

"S-Sorry." you realize what just happened "but doesn't that happen only if I put my fingers to my mouth?"
"But" Amicia pauses, troubled by your reactions "But it's a serious threat. Do you know how often we touch our face?"
"Once a day?"
"Ten times per hour! You are lucky the blood did not make directly to your eyes or mouth."
"I will be fine."

It's only 9AM.

You could try to cross the bridge normally or use the harvest potion on a tree that you will have to cut down with gunpowder or enough manpower. Finally, there are the stilts and you have to probe the Grand Canal first.

>find a seed at the public park to build a natural bridge
>cross the bridge normally since it's not rush hour
>grab the stilts and probe a suitable section of the Grand Canal to cross (Mental) (+5 thanks to being a retired sailor)

Who can come with you? (Raphaella or change of plan of Luigi, Amicia)
>someone, write-in (nobody can accompany you if you cross with the stilts)
>>
>>4194555
>>grab the stilts and probe a suitable section of the Grand Canal to cross (Mental) (+5 thanks to being a retired sailor)
Mario is out of it. We don't have the manpower, or the gunpowder.
Lets go alone. We steal a mystical stone from a streetlamp while we still have the speed potion active. If we're seen, we can probably just outpace the pursuers. Shooting somebody in broad daylight is not a good idea.
Also. Lets put the gloves on. Just to be safe. If we're going shopping, we'll be spreading that blood onto everything we touch.
Bad idea if we're going shopping, we'd contaminate every thing we touch.
Also. We haven't seen the ratfolk yet today. We should do that before we cross the canal. We need him to get us an Iceburst from working in the cannery.
>>
>>4194572
Support.
>>
There seems to have been a confusion and complaints about the "mental scare". Sorry, got too lyrical.

What I meant is that knife fights with small blades are a bloody mess that rarely end up with a dead. Despite already facing opponent, you just insta-kill them with a cleaver which can deal fare more damage than a short blade but is really unfit to a fight if you want to parry or not get disarmed.


Yes, I subtly incited you at getting a better blade
[s]test[/s]
>>
>>4194599
>Sorry, got too lyrical.
No worries.
>Yes, I subtly incited you at getting a better blade
I'm eying up the dagger for that social bonus. Maybe we can head to the weaponsmith some time today and trade off those flick knives.
>[s]test[/s]
Just use CTRL+S
>>
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338 KB JPG
>>4194572
>>4194596
Outside, the fog dissipates. This will make it easier to steal one of the Mystical Stones from the street lamps but you will be very noticeable.

Change in weather conditions
from Heavy fog to Cloudy
Cold

You need one to make that alcohol gel at the Alchemist along with a can of meat and an Iceburst Stone. You gather the stilts after putting the gloves on. They seem to be retrofitted stilts from the carnival requisitioned by the Militia. These twelve foot long sticks will help you cross the canal but you will need to check for a passage with a swallow depth first, risking to being swept away by the tide.

roll 2d100

First (Mental) to scavenge the remaining street lamps for a Mystical Stone (+5 thanks to stilts +5 thanks to speed potion -5 because first week of scavenging)
Second (Mental) to probe the Grand Canal for a suitable passage (+5 thanks to being a retired sailor)

The Ratfolk only met you and Mario and will be waiting at noon near a La Stampa poster. Do you want to send someone to meet him? (Amcia, Luigi)
>someone to tell him this, write-in
>>
Rolled 7, 18 + 5 = 30 (2d100 + 5)

>>4194621
Don't know what to do with the ratfolk, how about getting him to gather as much intel as he can on the citadel, and the Inquisition's imprisonment of Susanna.
>>
Rolled 33, 88 = 121 (2d100)

>>4194613
>The Ratfolk only met you and Mario and will be waiting at noon near a La Stampa poster. Do you want to send someone to meet him? Luigi.
"Luigi, I want you to tell the Ratfolk I saved in the South Slums that you're a man from my community, and that Mario and I are busy today, so we cannot meet him ourselves. Tell him that we'd like him to go work in the cannery today, for an Iceburst stone."
>>4194625
>those fucking rolls
Holy shit. Nice.
Gathering information on the Citadel would be nice, but sending him to deal with the Inquisition would probably only result in his death. They're persecuting demihumans over there.
>>
>>4194629
*though I'm sure someone involved with Journalism could gather information about the Citadel/Susanna without personally heading to the Citadel/Abbey themselves.
>>
Also. Grab the Flintlock Rifle while we're talking with Luigi. If we head to the weaponsmith today, we can sell it off and make a killing. We should probably wash our clothing first for that social bonus before attempting to barter, though. Though we will look incredibly suspicious with both the stilts, and the rifle. Shortly after crossing the canal, we can stash the stilts. Also, take note of where we crossed. If it's shallow enough to work the first time around now, then crossing there again in the future should work.
>>
>>4194625
>>4194629
Instructing Luigi to meet a Ratfolk while his wife is unconscious, still in his arms, was not very smooth from you. He accepts but can't help feeling bossed around. The poor lady never saw this much blood before, of course she was going to be shocked. She's a simple wife. Now, only Hugo and Amicia can go to Parotti.

>Amicia and Hugo meet Parotti with no escort?
>yes
>no

-5 when using Luigi's skills as support

>rolled 7, clear success
are you a Dwarf or something?

Using the stilts to stay at the level of a streetlamp Mystical Stone, you can cover a much greater distance without having to climb each post. Most of them have been stolen by other scavengers, like the children that night the Elf captain went mad.

6kg of Mystical Stones
-24h hours of bright light per kg when completely immersed
-lift power after being heated by a standard fire : 2kg/kg

Now the street near you house is going to get totally dark at night if there is no moonlight. It could prove useful to hide you from the Elves, but will also help people ambush you.

>rolled 12, clear success
rising above

You reach the Great Canal in about an hour and start to probe the riverbank with a stilt. It's swallow and stable. Satisfied with the depth, you sit on the dock and attach the sticks to your legs. Then, you rise, waltzing above the stale water not intimidated the least by the dead rats and Human faeces floating around. If there was a body you didn't see it.


Crossing this fast help you get at the level of the Hostpital around 10AM. The stilts are neatly hidden for your way back and you now have to reach the Tailor with... bloody clothes... looking like an infected at the last phase of Stage Two.

"A puker!" a voice barks "Get him!"
"What are you doing with that rifle!" another joins him

It's the militia and as they were instructed they are going to apprehend someone with blood on his clothes and conduct him to a disinfection camp. There are three of them, all armed with with pikes and protected by a cuirass. Those who don't hesitate to throw people in the Grand Canal, extort cans of meat and treat Demihumans like animals. You blood boil thinking about all what you endured and witnessed. Is it time for retribution?

>surrender and let yourself be conducted at disinfection camp, it can't be that bad once they realize you are not currently ill
>try to justify yourself, it's not your blood! (Social)
>escape to the Hospital (Physical) (+5 thanks to the speed potion)
>get the stilts and rush back to the other side (Mental) (-5 because in a rush)
>fight them (more options)
>>
And this was probably the last update of this thread.

We will continue with the action you choose in the next one, or maybe offer the same prompt again. Resuming on 8PM EDT (note the change, now using EDT instead of EST) which means 8PM time of New York in spring. Link will be posted here with a notification to all players.

I will only post sheets and documents here until then, also answering questions. Glad we have enough players for you to argue over the best decision and make this a fun experience. Since this is the last update, feel free to continue debating or commenting the quality of the quest.


Inventory&Stats : https://pastebin.com/vppFmxtd
Locations : https://pastebin.com/tLLeFY9E
The Plague : https://pastebin.com/Zu47npJ6
Characters sheet : https://hostpic.fr/uploads/20200414/b1cdf7c502d6a517719cbcd27ce2f16c78049fda.jpg
>>
>>4194649
>>Amicia and Hugo meet Parotti with no escort?
>yes
Amicia should don two masks to better mask her gender, but yeah. Let them go. We made the district a bit safer this morning. Though, maybe they should stay at Parotti's place until Luigi can come escort them back himself.
>>run the fuck away (Physical) (+5 thanks to the speed potion)
The militia and hospital already have bad blood between them, since the hospitals refused to hand over the Stage 2 patients. A suspicious looking puker toting a rifle evading them to go hide there may worsen things between them, and bring about a clampdown on a lot of innocent people. Instead, just run off. We can shoot one of them, and maybe get a headshot in, then we'd have to deal with two others wearing a cuirass. With pikes. With a cleaver.
They'll get what's coming their way in due time, but this is a fight that we will not win easily.
>>
>>4194657
Support, though I'm a bit iffy on sending the kids to Parotti's. But still, a promise is a promise, and Parotti's someone we want to keep happy.
>>
>>4194688
>Parotti's someone we want to keep happy
We ought to ask Hugo how his performances are going, if they're telling a story, and if that story is coming to a close any time soon. It'd be nice to not have to deal with sending someone to attend his operas every day, though they undoubtedly help keep everyone's spirits up. We'd do well with asking if he'd like to come join our community, or if we could potentially relocate to his place.
It's certainly on the agenda, along with getting back into Luigi's good graces. We should apologize to Valentina once we get home again, though I doubt it'll do much to restore that -5. It didn't the last time it happened. I just assumed sending Luigi to meet the Ratfolk would be a better option than sending Amicia alone.
>>
>>4194655
Thanks for running OP, looking forward to the next thread.
>New York
Stay safe OP. Heard things are pretty rough there. Though, It's probably going to be a while before crackheads start stealing copper wiring out of the streetlamps there.
>questions
>>4194514
-If not, then was the Dwarven City Under Siege quest archived?
I'm sure you posted a reference image there. I've attempted looking for it on suptg a few times, no luck.
-How many months has Valentina been pregnant?
Dealing with a childbirth during this crisis would certainly be dramatic, but also one hell of a hassle.
-What's the official name of this city?
-What inspired you to use a fantasy version of Venice for the setting of this quest?
-What situation did you plan for Alfonso to be in, had we chosen another playable character?
Being able to find and interact with the other options (Susanna and Corym) for a playable character we had at the beginning of the quest is very unique. I enjoy it.
>commenting the quality of the quest
>critism
The only thing I can really criticize is the occasional misunderstanding due to something being phrased a bit strangely. There's also occasional small typos, but it's easy enough to understand what you had meant, nothing really has been as big of a deal as the scar/scare issue. I'm not asking you to religiously proof-read every post. Far from it. Communication is key when these misunderstandings happen.
>compliments
I enjoy your writing, the music occasionally used, the setting, and the amount of freedom you provide for write-ins. You're a brutal, yet lenient QM. It's certainly unique, and makes for a good combination. Moments of generosity typically slip one's mind, when the harsher punishments are recalled bitterly. It makes something going well feel even sweeter. Most major decisions/rolls we make seem to have consequences/benefits later on in one way or another, which is a great thing to see.
>requests/proposed improvements
Could you at some point organize the Inventory Pastebin? As in, add a few categories to sort the items into? It's been growing pretty substantially as the days go by. It's fine now, but if that keeps up it's going to be a slog to skim through every time we need to find something.
Also, not actually knowing whether or not Raphaella could fight got me thinking. Some more interactions between us and our community would be cool. The options to vote for them are there occasionally, but we usually have a much more pressing matters to deal with. Everything is very time dependent here. If we're going to lose an hour talking to somebody, then there's not that much incentive to do it. So we're not wasting time, maybe during periods of travel with a companion, we could use that opportunity to ask them questions, or get to know them rather than through passive observations only. Rather than immediately arriving at the destination, or obstacle. They'd gain more depth as characters, and we'd get to know them.
>>
>>4194729
>Dwarven City Under Siege
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3955938
>How many months has Valentina been pregnant?
There are these skinny women who look like they have a balloon under their skirt. Because she is so slender and malnourished, you can't really tell. Although, if it shows, you can suppose she is beyond five months.
>What inspired you to use a fantasy version of Venice for the setting of this quest?
Janua Vera, Assassin's Creed, Dishonnored for the location, The Plague (Camus) and A Plague Tale for the theme. Intended to run this before the coronavirus was cool
>misunderstanding
I will work on that. Pacing my sentence length, aiming at less elaborated metaphors and solely using a text editor to write the updates instead for 4chan's quick reply window. You will have the occasion to talk with "companions" while walking now, I will categorize your type of responses to match the Sol/Charon alignment. Also, while talking you might miss an enemy coming at you. Major characters will have more social options in events such as the Masqued Ball.

Other characters : https://hostpic.fr/uploads/20200414/5d7d7a630997b439321bc00d074be95ee91f9aff.jpg
Ingredients : https://hostpic.fr/uploads/20200414/2ddbf576e3e2b295ceccbbf6fe0e231c1866cddf.jpg
>>
test
>>
>>4194688
>>4194657
>>4194339

new thread :

>>4195533
>>4195533
>>4195533



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