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>>4180544
>that op pic

>>4180563
KUTKED

>>4180563
Delete this
Rathian is pure

>>4180598
Rathian is a whore that puts out for kings and researchers.

You headed back down to the Tradeyard with your hefty prize of Zenny. Along the way you saw Atricia and Vivianne picking up some things from the Botanist, various fruits grown there. You called your Palico over and she came running, dazzled by your four hundred thousand Zenny reward. You tasked her with taking it back home, and she readily takes it, promising to get it done despite the visible strain she showed carrying such a heavy purse.

You trusted her as you moved on yourself. You headed up the stairs and went off towards the office of the Doctor looking for Brigg. You saw him earlier and you were surprised to see he had made a full recovery already just today, so you wanted to catch him before it was too late out.

As you approached the door, you saw it open first before you touch the handle, and there Brigg is exiting the office just in the nick of time. He had multiple wrappings around his arms and legs.

"Vance!" He greets you, raising his arm.

"Brigg, just the man I wanted to see." You say back, grabbing his hand for a shake. "You got through it well enough."

"Da. The Doctor knows his way, he had some tricks he picked up after a few hundred years of practicing medicine. I'm almost back in tip top shape thanks to him."

"So how soon do you think it'll be before you get back to hunting?"

"Mmmm.... Give it a measly couple days, I'll be back in the field. I just wish poor Senzo could say the same, he got it far worse than me..."

"How is he holding up?"

"Well... the Doctor said he isn't hunting..." Brigg tells you with a pause. "Ever again."

"For real....?"

"He lost some vital parts of his body to that Nakarkos. What is more, the wounds had been infected with a disease onset by exposure to Dragon Element. The Doctor had a grievous time healing him, and it's a miracle he even managed as much for poor Senzo."

"Damn. That's a shame." You say.

"The Doctor said he'll need some rest for tonight, so he closed the office down. Senzo is still in the infirmary. I suppose I'll meet him again tomorrow, the Doctor said he should be good enough to walk on his own by then."

"I see."

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"Other than that, I was pondering what to do when I'm sufficient enough to hunt once more. I did still have that Sand Barioth in the Wildspire. Oh, and Atricia was going to depart tomorrow to the Recess for a Seething Bazelgeuse. What about you, now that you've pulled off quite a big hunt this day? What was the creature called again?"

"Amygdala. It was... the most difficult hunt I've been in yet. Even had the Star there, even he was under the weight. You can't imagine anything like it." You say. "As for what I'm going to do? I guess I'll get back on trying to do Urgent Quests, or anything else interesting."

"You could try your luck getting on board with the extraction team they're putting together in the Guiding Lands. A Hunter named Jun Lu Fen got kidnapped, they need some men to get him back."

"Yeah, I heard about that one." You say, leaning against the railing. "Say it was Ahtal-Ka or something that kidnapped him."

"Strange if it is. Hopefully they'll get to the bottom of it." Brigg says, stepping down and yawning.

"Well, it is getting late. I should retire to the barracks. I have to keep on these." He says, showing a green bottle of vitamin pills he had. "The Doctor said I have to take them daily at morning, can't miss a dose."

"Alright, maybe I'll catch you again." You say.

"Of course. I'll probably be at the Canteen first thing tomorrow." He said, beginning to walk off. "So long."

"Night." You wave him off.

Good to know it isn't serious, you and him will get to hunt together again one day. Senzo on the other hand? As you said, a shame.

What will you do now?

>>4180619
I was hoping to put that order for the Amy equipment in but we gave our purse to Vivi. I say we tell Shara about our hunt and turn in for the night.

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>>4180598
Wrong.

>>4180619
Go see Atricia now.

>>4180628
We could just go get the amount we need from our house and then go order it.

>>4180638
We could do that too.

You left the Doctor's office, traveling down the stairs on the way to your room, where you open the door to find Vivianne enlisting Shara's help with stuffing your reward money purse into your trunk.

"Such a good listener!" She pats his snout.

You thank Vivianne for for getting your purse back and come over, opening it to the sight of glimmering golden Zenny coins sparkling within.

"Pawlways on the case, Meowster!" She says vibrantly.

Vivianne then leaves again, blurting something out about going to get 'Miss Atrish'.

You fish out the amount you needed and leave yourself, going on back up to the Smithy where the Second Fleet Master sat in wait for you.

"Well lad." He leans forward. "Will we be doing business after all?"

Now you had to make a choice on these Amygdala materials. It would take the Second Fleet Master a whole month to do both the set and weapon. But alternatively you could get one in half that time while conserving your cash if you only ordered one.

>Buy the lot. (290000 Zenny)
>Order only the set. (200000 Zenny)
>Order only the weapon. (90000 Zenny)
>Take your materials back, you'll hold on for now and come back when you've built up more money.

>>4180689
>Buy the lot. (290000 Zenny)

"Yeah. I'll take the whole deal." You say, sliding the right amount across the belt to the Fleet Master.

"Marvelous." He says, scooping it into his arms to set aside. "Those materials you brought all freak me out, lad, but I'm sure that working with them as I go will help ease my nerves. It may not look like it, but they're all shot for me as we speak!"

"You aren't the only one. That battle was... something else for me."

"Hmm, I'm sure it was if the parts alone make me shudder. Urghh."

"Well, I'll leave you to it." You say, raising your hand and turning away.

"Aye. Come back in exactly one month's time and I should have it all ready." The SFM says, waving his hammer.

It was just right at night now, the closing of nine, should be. It'll be ten in a few minutes.

You walk down the stairs leading off from the Smithy. You saw Vivianne and Atricia near your door as you descend. Atricia hands off a basket of fruits to Vivi before going back to her own room.

>Lets go in and sleep now.
>Lets go visit Atricia at her room.
>We haven't seen Tabitabi yet, lets go by the arena.
>Lets talk to Shara.
>Write in.

>>4180732
>We haven't seen Tabitabi yet, lets go by the arena.
She might end up using us as a teddy bear, though.

>>4180732
Actually,
>Lets go visit Atricia at her room.
Let's wish her good hunting.

>>4180766
I'mma support this

But I say we get to TabiTabi soon after that

She needs some company

>>4180732
I sure hope you guys have a plan for that equipment.

We need to test out our swaxe swag and figure out what the moon light greatsword can still do later.

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>>4180732
>Lets go visit Atricia at her room.

>>4180563
You posted the wrong bull anon, Rathian only takes rad boys not ugly bastards.

>>4180766
Support.

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>>4180802
If that's so, then why does this really angry bird exist? Cause Rathian let Kut-Ku coo her then screw her.

So we're asking Atricia out when we talk to her right? I mean, its already been suggested and we can't just be going to wish her good luck with Bazel and that's it, can we?

>>4180878
>So we're asking Atricia out when we talk to her right?
Wouldn't that raise a "x doesn't come back" flag?

>>4180732
>>4180878

No, I wanna go help her out.

So you walk down that way yourself and pass by your room, coming over to Atricia's door and knocking upon it. There is a muffled squeak from the inside followed by the sound of something solid being dropped to the floor. Did you spook her?

"Coming!" You hear from the inside.

There is some shuffling of things inside before the door unlocks and pulls open to reveal Atricia.

"Hey!" She says brightly. "That was quite the hunt you had today with the Star! To think, you and him are the first people in the New World to slay a First Class Monster, and a new one at that..."

"Yeah, I've been hearing that a lot. First Class Monster though? I'm only now just hearing about such a thing."

"Yeah, not a lot of people know about it outside of the biggest Guild cities and districts. In Dundorma, we have the Elder Dragon Observation Team and the Scriveners, who compile lots of information about those things and make it public. There's about two known First Classes in the Old World. Alatreon and Merphistophelin."

"Interesting..." You say. "Well, I'm beat. What about you?"

"Eh, sorta. Vivi seemed responsible enough so I let her stay here with Shara for the day while I ran a gathering quest for some Researcher. I better rest up, my big day is tomorrow."

"Yeah I know. Hey, you'll do better now that Amygdala is out of the way."

"Yeah! I also wanted to thank you for that, the restriction on the Recess should be lifted now, so I can go there to do my thing in peace." Atricia says.

She dips her hand down into one of her pouches and then pulls out something which she hands you. It is an Antidote Jewel+ 4 Decoration. You graciously accept it.

"It isn't much. I thought I'd give it to you as a gift."

"Thanks, Atricia." You say, smiling under your helmet.

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"So, you'll be hunting a Seething Bazelguese. You sure you can handle it?"

"Hah! Of course, I've been doing my fair share of preparation for it. I'll be A-Okay."

"Will you though? You're going all by yourself."

"Don't worry about me, Vance, I've already hunted two Kirin before in my life all on my own. A Bazel shouldn't be any worse, even if it is astronomically angry."

You nod.

Atricia smiles at that.

>"So.. Atricia, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you..."
>Request she let you come along so you can watch at the least tomorrow.
>Bid her a goodnight and then return to your room.
>Write in.

>>4181544
>>"So.. Atricia, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you..."
Do It Faggot!!, Ask her out for a date! You already looked death too many times today this is nothing.

>>4181544
>Request she let you come along so you can watch at the least tomorrow.

I am curious.

>>4181544
>"So.. Atricia, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you..."
Like I said in the last thread, picnic date.

>>4181544
>"So.. Atricia, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you..."
inb4 unfortunate coincidence

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"Say, Atricia?"

"Hm? Yeah?"

"I had something else I've been meaning to ask you..." You say.

"Oh? What is it, Vance?"

>(Input your exact words.)
>"Uh... n-nothing. Never mind."
>Write in.

>>4181610
>Request she let you come along so you can watch at the least tomorrow.

somebody beat it to us probably~

>>4181610
Oh yeah. changing.

>Show me how to GS good!

>>4181610
>>(Input your exact words.)
We know each other for like a long time now like almost a year or so... and you're a pretty swell gal... and like both Shara and Vivi like you... well nevermind the last part what I wanna say is... after your business with basel is done, would you like to go out with me???

>>4181610
>"I was wondering if you'd like to go somewhere together sometime."
insert pauses as you see fit

>>4181625
Supporting

>>4181636
This. Make it simple and to the point.

>>4181625
This reads like a marriage proposal.

>>4181731
Well this is the first time our boy Vance is asking a girl out, spaghetti drop is to be expected.

>>4181625
>>4181610
That is a bit much.

>>4181764
So is that a vote for my suggestion?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4181625
>>4181636

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"Well..." You start with a pause."

"I've been... well, I was..." You get out quickly before slightly shaking your head. "I was wondering if you'd like to go... somewhere together sometime."

Atricia looks at you quizzically. "Go together sometime?"

"Yeah."

"Mmm?" She taps her chin. "You mean... like a date?"

You gulp quietly. "Yes. L... Like a date."

Atricia gives you this look with a small frown and blank eyes, and you fear you might have messed up somewhere along those lines. But your fear resides as it dawns on you just how unknown this expression was. You couldn't tell right away what it was, though you could tell she was studying deep in thought.

You feel yourself become eased as she smiles.

"Sure! I'll go with you." She states.

"...You will?" You say too fast, regretting such a line then in your hurry.

"Yeah, I can make some time. I think it'd be interesting. Did you have a day and a place?"

Hmm... well, there was many options. Depending on how well she does after slaying Seething Bazelgeuse, you could try for that afternoon or night. But where would you take her? The canteens are rather... corny.

Pick one.
>We'll see about later tomorrow, during the day.
>Tomorrow night.
>In two days we'll decide.
>In three days we'll decide.

Pick another.
>The canteen is more practical however.
>The Seliana canteen is quite nice.
>We'll take her out on a picnic in the Ancient Forest.
>We'll take her out to the Lambent Bay for a swim.
>We'll go to the Guiding Lands on a safari.
>We'll go sightseeing together in the Confluence.

>>4182189
>In two days we'll decide.
We're probably gonna go out to check out the Sand Barioth tomorrow, maybe kill Akantor or find Chameleos(?).

>We'll go to the Guiding Lands on a safari.

>>4182189
Two days
Picnic please

>>4182288
Backing this, also I fully expect our boy Vance to immediately either cheer or drop his spaghetti entirely once Atricia is out of sight. Think we can ask our meowscular buddy to whip up something nice as a sort of gift for pumping him up to face Granny all that time ago?

"Sure, we'll meet up in two days back here." You say. "How does having a picnic in the Forest sound?"

"Wonderful actually. I know plenty of good spots there we could use there." She says, accepting of that suggestion.

"But of course, you are the Scoutress after all."

"Yep!" She says proudly.

You looked up at the moon now rising in the sky and crack your knuckles to stretch a bit. "Well, I guess I'll be seeing you."

"Yeah, you too." Atricia says with a yawn. "Aahhh.... goodnight."

"Night." You say, walking to your room as she closed the door to hers.

You stopped just as you touched your handle and thought for a moment about what you've just done. You were always on the move in your life, so you never stopped to consider women before. Now you were in one place here in the New World no longer on the move, and you've just successfully took the first step towards courting a nice girl.

Come to think of it, your mother and father always did want you to one day find a nice wife, though you weren't so open to the idea then personally. You are sure they would be proud that you've made a start here towards entering a relationship, and you are sure they would have liked Atricia.

You like her, no doubt, so you raised your fist in pride over being able to have asked her out. "Yes."

Entering your room, you lock the door behind yourself and throw your armor off before hopping into bed. You were full of confidence, and you were sure she'd be able to handle herself tomorrow.

For now, you rest easy.

Come morning, you rise early, at about eight.

Vivianne was already moving about and had prepared coffee with the furnace. Shara was eating some fruits and scratching at the lotus scales of his neck.

Your armor was all left lying about on the floor lazily from last night. You quickly assemble the suit part's back together and get dressed in it before coming over to the window and opening the blinds as you had a cup of the brew Vivi made.

Outside, you saw Astera operating as normal, so you wordlessly step out and look around.

First to your left, you see a notice hanging on Atricia's door. It was signaling that she was out, having already left for her Seething Bazelgeuse hunt. She rose much earlier than you could.

Besides that, you spot another thing that catches your eye. That figure that was with the Commander yesterday was near the docks, where the Argosy was staying put for now. He was conversing with a man using a crutch on the dock as the crewmen of the ship packed up some things, presumably belongings of the man using the crutch.

Just who was that guy exactly? Was he the 'Guild Representative'? And what was he here for? What could make him travel across the ocean just to find? And who was that guy using the crutch?

Hmm...

Maybe you should just go get onto doing those Urgents.

>Accept an Urgent Quest.
>Accept a normal Quest.
>Go out on an expedition.
>Go out on a recon to the Recess. You want to stealthily monitor Atricia's battle, she could still get hurt and might need help.
>Walk down to the docks to investigate.
>Talk to Shara.
>Go see Tabitabi.
>Write in.

>>4182543
Can we check what the Yama Set has? Every ED set has negative dragon resistance, if I recall correctly.

>>4182543
>Talk to Shara.
Sure he might be a little curious about what the fuck we have been involved with yesterday then go visit Tabitabi.

Curiously, you turn back into your room and see something you didn't before near your changing separator. The parts to your Yama Tsukami armor, the Carnage Set. Each piece was beautifully crafted and masterfully made.

You look the pieces over, comparing them to your Cainhurst Set received from the Hunter's Dream...

+======+

Carnage Set β

Set Bonus: Yama Tsukami Divinity; Grants near total resistance to Paralysis and greatly boosts stamina recovery.

Skills: Speed Eating, Evade Extender, Tremor Resistance, Windproof

Def: 760
Vs. Fire: 15
Vs. Water: 20
Vs. Thunder: 10
Vs. Ice: -15
Vs. Dragon: -10

Compare to;

Cainhurst Set β

Set Bonus: Vileblood Heresy; Allows the wearer to grant two more usable carts to the quest when all pieces are worn.

Skills: Bleeding Resistance, Critical Eye, Earplugs,

Def: 810
Vs. Fire: 10
Vs. Water: -10
Vs. Thunder: -10
Vs. Ice: -10
Vs. Dragon: 30

+======+

Which set will you wear?

Additionally, will you exchange your now inert Holy Moonlight Sword for your Usurper's Roar Gunlance?

>>4182594
>Carnage Set β
>Usurper's Roar
I'm looking to help Brigg with the Sand Barioth and maybe hunt Akantor or Chameleos. I also want to see how it looks on us.

We could probably talk to Shara after dressing up.

>>4182618
Support

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Stepping behind the separator with your new gear, you switch out, putting the Cainhurst pieces into storage as you slip on the easily equipped Carnage armor.

You step out and get a feel for the flexible and comfortable yet sturdy set. Then you turn to the mirror.

Hmmmmmm......

You cannot help but feel this armor makes you look a bit... fatter. The frame is quite bulky for all the other qualities it has. The design is quite fascinating however, depicting the image of some sort of road Ogre or other Oni of legend like what you'd find in Yukumoan or Pokken culture.

The lack of a visor really helped to show off your handsome features too, like your [INSERT COLOR] eyes.

"What do you guys think?" You say, doing various poses in the armor.

"Scary and fierce, Meowster!" Vivianne says cheerfully.

"It looks much like the wear of prehistoric humans who inhabited the Steppe in olden days." Shara commented

What about you though? What did you think?

>We look stylish and stunning.
>We look strong and unstoppable!
>We look decent.
>We look pretty silly, not gonna lie.

>>4182817
>visible face
Immersion: Ruined

>We look decent.

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>>4182820
>Immersion: Ruined
Do you prefer it this way then?

>>4182832
is joke

>>4182817
Like the other guy said, we look good.

>your [INSERT COLOR] eyes.
I'm leaning on Vance's eyes being a darker shade of green.

>>4182817
>[INSERT COLOR]
Hazel.

>>4182852
Hazel's sort of a dark green.

Decent. Yes, we look decent, much like your average Hunter whose slain some big and strong beasts before.

You looked down then at Shara as you grabbed your Usurper's Roar.

"Hey buddy, how are you holding up?"

Shara scratches his neck excessively. "I am doing well, if slightly discomforted by my moulting."

"You're moulting right now?"

"Indeed. My juvenile scales are to fall off as the new ones replace them almost instantly. It is like the blossoming of a flower, I've been told. I scratch myself to help loosen them."

"Could I... make any use of them? Do you want to keep them or...?"

"My childhood scales? They will be about as useful enough to make a necklace with for you. These tenderplates and scales are too soft compared to what will replace them, they will have no practical use in forgery for you. I do not care what you do with them."

Just then, Shara kicks another scale off of his neck, sending it fluttering to the floorboard. You reached down and picked up said scale, feeling how mushy it was now that it was moulted off.

You look at the spot on Shara's neck where it fell from and see the beginnings of the adult scale growing in it's place. You can almost see the skin of Shara's flesh below the scales in the tiny gaps.

Curiously, you reached down and poked that spot with your finger, making Shara jolt in surprise, though he stays silent as you prod it. The area was quite sensitive, not enough so to feel unpleasant.

"So, did you feel that thing yesterday?"

"The rumblings as the sky went red? Yes, anyone could witness it. I can only imagine how nightmarish the thing you killed was"

"You can't even imagine it. I feel like in that fight... I died.. more than once, but not for good. It was like hopping between worlds..."

"Hmm.... That sounds so akin to what it is like to face the Ancestor."

"I think it's different though, but I still don't know for sure. I have a lot to learn."

"Time will tell just how much you uncover."

"Mm."

>Ask Shara something else.
>Experiment, pet the soft spot on Shara's neck to see his reaction.
>Go visit Tabitabi now.
>Accept an Urgent Quest.
>Accept a normal Quest.
>Go out on an expedition.
>Go out on a recon to the Recess.
>Walk down to the docks to investigate.
>Write in.

>>4182874
>Go visit Tabitabi now.
It's been a long time, let's see if those idiots are keeping her healthy for once.

>>4182874
>Experiment, pet the soft spot on Shara's neck to see his reaction.
Cause I want to see him be pouty with us, it'd be cute.

Then
>Walk down to the docks to investigate.
Cause we saw a guy with a crutch there. No way that isn't Senzo, which means we should check on him.

>>4182874
>Experiment, pet the soft spot on Shara's neck to see his reaction.
Hope it ain't a reverse scale.

>Walk down to the docks to investigate.

You didn't lose your curiosity as you looked at that patch where the scale used to be on the back of Shara's neck. It was a strange sight and so out of place with so many other childhood scales surrounding it. It was just big enough you could fit your fist on the spot to cover it.

Reaching down, you decided to experiment a little. You wondered just how he might react if you were to...

"....Hmm...? Hm...!"

You started to pet that spot on his neck softly, like he was some kind of overgrown Poogie.

"H... Human! What are you...?!"

"W... Wha... Huegh... huhhhh..."

Shara was now practically purring like a Felyne as you pet him, his spine was lightly vibrating and everything, like he really was just a big pet.

"Hah!" Vivianne snickered as you assaulted Shara's neck with your human touch. "I mew he loved the pettings! He'd turn a blind eye to me every time I tried laying a paw on him, but I just knew he loved it deep down!"

"Grr! I.. I am n- not a mere p-pet!" Shara said, dragging himself away out of your reach.

"I don't know, you seemed to like it!" You gibed at him through the connection, smirking at his embarrassment as he went over to huddle in the corner and shoot you a glare.

"No! I-I did not like it! I swear! You are not to put your hand on me again like that! It is humiliating!"

"Heh heh heh, okay, okay! Simmer down, I won't do it again." You backed off as you stood up. Shara only pouted and snorted in response as you went towards the door.

"Hey, Vivi, I'm going out for a while. You know the drill."

"You can count on me, Meowster!"

"Right. I'll tell you if I'm going anywhere." You say, closing the door behind yourself.

You still chuckled as you walked out. That was amusing, you thought.

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The first thing you did after stepping outside was go down to the docks. That sighting of the mysterious man you saw with the guy using the crutch has really piqued your interest, so you must simply know what is going on.

As you approach the dock, the mysterious man says one last thing to the crutch guy before turning away to leave. You stood still at the end of the dock as that mysterious man came by. He looks up at you and stops, allowing you to get a good look at him.

At once you realize you've ran into this man before, back at The Fort in the Guiding Lands. You were going to the Colonel's office when this guy came out. He was a Wyverian wearing a distinguished Guild uniform and the hat of a Guild Knight. He has a pair of round glasses with red shades which he lowers to look at you with his own two eyes.

"Hmmphf...." He does it again, just like the last time.

However, he adds some more as he speaks then in a gruff voice.

"You... you're the Hunter I heard sits the baby Elder Dragon. Vance, was it?"

"Yes, my name is Vance." You say, offering your hand. "And you are?"

He doesn't even regard your hand as he sets his glasses back up.

"My name is Damen. I'm the Warden."

You expected that answer fully. "Ah, so you're the Guild Representative then. It's my pleasure to meet you, sir."

"We'll determine if it's mine as well soon enough, Vance. I've been planning on having a little chitchat with you anyway ever since I caught wind of what has been going on around here. Anticipate a call to my office sometime soon." The Guild Warden Damen tells you, making you feel slightly nervous.

"Take care of yourself until then. You wouldn't want to end up like Senzo back there."

He walks away without another word.

You watched him trail off for a minute before looking back at the man with the crutch. It was Senzo after all... he looks back at you with this expression that seemed a mix of regret and sorrow.

You step up to him.

"Vance.... Hi..."

"...Senzo... What's going on?"

He sighs as he looks down at his right arm. The whole arm was covered in tight wrappings since he lost his right hand to Nakarkos.

"I'm set to leave, back to the Old World. I'm... not coming back after that either. I've been discharged from the Guild, my licenses have been revoked."

You are taken aback.

>What will you ask or say to Senzo?

>>4182986
Holly fuck Nakarkos fucked his shit, let's have a talk with him maybe asking ehat are his plans when he gets back and such.

>>4182986
Nod and ask him...

Ask him what his plans for the old world are?

>>4182975
We will most definitely be petting him again sometime.

>>4182986
All right, now I really think the warden is suspicious.

As for Senzo, ask him if the warden fired him, ask him why he's leaving and what he'll do when he gets back. Also ask about that time he seemed jealous at the canteen.

"Why are you leaving, Senzo? Was the Warden the one who laid you off?"

"Yeah." Senzo sighed. "He told me I was no longer fit to be a Hunter, so he ordered me to go home. He took my cards and stuff, so I'm just a civilian now."

You only nodded silently.

"I see." You start.

"...Where are you going to?"

"My home village, Kokoto." Senzo answered.

"...What are you going to do when you get back into the Old World?

"Huh, I guess I'll have plenty of things to choose from. I'll have to adapt to left writing since I don't have my right hand any longer." Senzo said, looking over the stump.

"My village was agrarian mostly, so I guess I'll meet back up with some relatives and see what I can do to help on one of the farms."

"I'm sure you'll do well." You say, searching for a few words.

"Hey... probably. Gog knows if I can swing a Longsword, I can plough a field. You know, my dad always did tell me I would never cut it going into the Guild, he always wanted me to be a big farmer like him. Me, being a kid like I was then, told him he was wrong and that farming wasn't exciting enough. Guess he was right all along, eh?" Senzo says, cracking an inkling of a smile.

You didn't say anything as you looked Senzo in the eye. His semblance of a smile disappears once more as he sighs and readjusts himself on his crutch. You squinted slightly, feeling bad for him. But another thing crosses your mind about him and you just have to know the answer.

So you ask him.

"Hey, Senzo...?"

"Yeah, buddy?"

"That time at the canteen..."

"...."

"You acted... different."

"Ah... ah... yeah. I did, didn't I?"

"You seemed jealous."

Senzo says nothing.

You paused with him for a moment.

"Why?" You asked.

"..."

"Because... I was jealous, and... I shouldn't have been. It was just... dumb." He says.

"You were jealous of me?"

"Yeah, I was."

Senzo looks down in shame.

"I got here kind of like you, except I was on the Fifth. I wanted renown kind of like you, but I just couldn't get it. Why? Cause I'm not good enough. I'm an awful Hunter."

"Senzo..."

"No! Really, I am. I'm terrible. I barely got through the training. I mean, just look at that time I got outwitted by the Gajalaka of all things. You and the others had to save me. You're better than me, Vance."

"Before you arrived, I made so many mess ups I became a laughing stock for a while at the Canteen, and when I was out in the field I could never hunt a big creature without someone else to help me. You know what I spent my days hunting mostly? Kulu-Ya-Ku. Just big birds, with rocks!"

"That tiny Dodogama 'Big Jaw'.... that... well, you helped me with that in specific a bit didn't you? You told me to give it to the Researchers. They appreciated it for a little while... but then they just went and forgot, and some other Hunters laughed at me again."

"I'm sorry Senzo." You say.

"No, you shouldn't be. Really, I should be the one saying I'm sorry. I was already failing and by the time you rolled around I started thinking you were the problem. You came from nowhere and suddenly you were already making big accomplishments, like slaying fracking Ukanlos while I was here longer and never did anything special."

"I thought that last quest was my final chance to do something big, and look how that turned out..."

"You couldn't have known what you were in for." You try to reason.

"I could have gotten an idea, trying to take a Master Rank Quest while still being Low Rank." Senzo points out. "I was practically marching towards a cliff blindly. I just can't keep up with anyone."

"Look, I don't blame you, that would just be... stupid of me. These injuries? Everything else? This was all my fault. I should have never became a Hunter." He says.

There is another moment of silence.

"...Well, I learned my lesson. In the end, some people are just more unlucky than others. All I can do is chin-up, and pursue some other background when I get home." Senzo says.

"Vance. I'm sorry, for being so petty to you that time."

You look Senzo in the eye.

What will you say?

>>4183774
Is there really anything to say besides "It's alright"? I wish we took him along with us on more lower-rank missions, maybe then he'd only have been marginally injured like Brigg.

>>4183774
Forgive him for it and then wish him good luck in his travels back home.

I feel like he could have been better in some way, he just didn't find that way. Or maybe this is the universes way of punishing him for using the LS, I dunno.

>>4183774
I dunno, kinda seems a waste for just give up, sure, he can't be a hunter but there other things he might do, maybe he should try to talk with the smithy or one of the guys at research station or try to talk with other people of the fleets to see if can find something else he can do, I mean we wish him the best in whatever he ends up doing but he should't simple give up and pack his stuff unless that's what he really wants.

>>4183984
That'd be dandy if the Warden didn't essentially kick him out of the Guild, which the Smithy is a part of.

>>4184018
I'm calling it now, the Warden is more sinister than he sounds.

File: Senzo Unarmored.png (17 KB, 512x351)

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"Senzo, it's alright." You say, raising your hands. "I don't harbor any ill will towards you. You just felt... held down I guess."

"Yeah, I had some pretty irrational thoughts. Then and now."

Senzo shifts on his feet again.

"At least I have a few memorable moments here."

"Heh, yeah. You got so angry seeing me bedridden you charged off all by yourself to the Guiding Lands." You recall.

"Yeah, to squash that big bug. Eh, I'm kind of glad I didn't find it though, cause then I'd have been bedridden too, hah." He jests. "Hey, you'll at least be able to lend a helping hand in crushing the Ka, huh?"

"Yeah, can't let that thing run loose and wild."

"You'll do good." Senzo says.

You reach forward and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, Senzo. I'm sure you'll also do good when you get back home man. Just because you lost a hand doesn't mean you should give up on trying anything."

He nods. "Yeah, I won't. I'll be giving it my all."

He raised his stump of a hand and you raise your fist as well, bumping his stump in a gesture. He flinches from the aching sensation of having his wound tapped, but he doesn't let it get to him.

"You know, I actually always did have a penchant for writing, like poetry and stuff, I used to write about the things I saw. Maybe I'll try diving back into that when I figure my way around my leftie."

"Not a bad idea. The world could always use more good writers."

"Yeah, and nobody from my region has ever been known for their writing. Who knows, maybe I'll be the first."

"More power to you." You say, giving his shoulder a pat before removing your hand.

"Thanks, buddy." Senzo says.

>>4184033
You know if we ever go to hunt down squidward, we should send Senzo one of his mats through mail with a message something like "It's done buddy" or something like that.

You thought for a second and your mind fell over Brigg and Atricia. They were Senzo's friends too.

"Do the others know?"

"Kolash and Atricia? Yeah, but not right now."

"What do you mean?"

"I got a little help from the Doctor writing some goodbye notes to them since this all just happened so fast, what with the Warden breaking the news to me in the office suddenly and giving me a time to prepare. I don't have much longer, so I won't be able to talk to either of them."

"I left the notes with the Housekeepers and told them to only deliver them after the Argosy leaves on the voyage. And I left some big cuts of my profits here with the notes too for them. It's a weak way for me to apologize for dragging Brigg into that mess and leaving on Atricia's important day, but it's pretty much my only option now."

"Won't you need that money? Going back to live in your old village? Those areas aren't as exactly prosperous as towns and cities." You point out.

"It will work out." Senzo dismissed it, shaking his head. "My village always had a balanced economy, so essentials are cheap, and things like ink and paper too. I could live out my whole life there and get whatever I need or want anytime I want with only half the money I made here anyway."

"Besides, I can't cling to coins, I don't covet money, just not my thing. I'd rather make something people like and remember and be poor than be rich."

You nod. "I get it."

"Thanks."

Just then, a bell on the deck of the Argosy rang out. A crewman came over to the rails and looked down at Senzo.

"Eou! Your cabin'be prepped."

"Alright, I'm coming now." Senzo says up to the matey.

He looks back at you.

"Take care of them for me, will you? I could never, but you? You can."

"You know I will." You reply.

Senzo smiles and leans on his crutch to raise his good left hand. You take it into your palm firmly and shake it before Senzo has to turn away and limp over to the ramp. You offered to help him, but he manages to get up all on his own well enough.

"The ship will be leaving in about five minutes." He says to you over the deck. "I'm glad I got to know you and the others a little before this whole Hunter thing went downhill."

"Me too." You say.

"Maybe we'll run into each other again one day down the line, like if you ever come back to visit the Old World again."

"I plan on it."

"Good to know."

Senzo waves with his stump. "So long buddy."

You wave back as he treads off and goes to his cabin, waiting for the ship to leave. You stood there for the next four minutes watching.

Eventually, the Argosy lifts it's anchor and unties it's binds. The ship begins to push away out to the sea and the sails unfurl, let loose to the wind when it finally gets far enough away to go on it's voyage. That was the last you saw of him. Hopefully, better tidings were awaiting him in the Old World, rather than bitter ones.

You sighed faintly to yourself as you left the docks. There were Urgents to be done.

What will you do now?

>>4184113
Let's see Tabitabi then maybe head out to the fortress. We haven't tried listening to her thoughts yet.

>>4184113
Rip jackie chan, he didn't want any trabbu but still got trabbu anyway.

Go see Tabitabi now.

>>4184148
Support.

But you couldn't go on one of those Urgents yet without taking some time out of your day first to see your other, other girl, Tabitabi.

You took a Mernos on a quick flyover to the Arena, where you stopped down in the prep deck where the operator usually sat at. He wasn't here today, but the arena was definitely lively as you heard something from within the confines of it nearby.

You came over and looked down to see Tabitabi out within it, being directed by that younger Wyverian Researcher assigned to her over various obstacles which she crosses easily enough. He looked to be having fun guiding her around.

You hopped down inside yourself. Tabitabi's head reared up in confusion as she heard you drop, and she came running over instantly upon smelling you. You were almost downed by her head ramming into your torso, demanding you pet her hair.

"Good girl." You called her as you ran your fingers over her head and neck.

"Oh, hello there!" The Researcher said, coming over in a hurry with a pant. "I've got some good news!"

"Really? Well lay it on me."

"Of course." The Researcher said, going over his notes. "Firstly, it seems that my efforts have helped cultivate the Tobi-Kadachi's sense of direction splendidly! I've, at this point, tried out nearly two hundred different obstacles with her that I set up myself using what I had here in the arena with the cranes and things."

"That's good?"

"Yes, quite. I believe she has heightened acrobatics as a result, making her superior even to other members of her own species. Observe."

The Researcher snapped his finger, causing Tabitabi to look at him in alert. He points up to the the air, at an iron ball hanging by chains from one of the arena's cranes.

"Uppem'!" He says.

Immediately, Tabitabi bolted away from both of you. You watched as she sprinted fast to gain some momentum before she leaped off of the wall of the arena, using her psuedo-wings to glide over to the ball and grab on.

The ball spun around in the air, and you were amazed to see her use her own body weight to make it spin faster before she went and leaped over off of it to another hanging by the second crane. From there, she climbs the chain until she is standing on top of the crane arm.

"Uhh... isn't that a little too high for her?" You ask, getting worked up at the sight of her all the way up there.

"Nonsense, I've helped reinforce her control over her pseudo-wings. Watch." The Researcher said, clapping his hands.

Tabitabi jumped off then, and you looked on almost horribly as you thought she would plummet down to the ground hard from terminal velocity working on her larger frame.

But contrary to what you thought was incoming, she instead used her pseudo-wings to ease her fall down to the ground, descending at a slower pace before she lets go, landing on all of her feet perfectly in front of you and the Researcher.

You were speechless to see how agile she has become.

"Impressive, no?"

>Answer.

>>4184393
Amazing.

"Indeed. Simply amazing."

"Now, for the other part..."

You raised an eyebrow at the Researcher. "Other part?"

"Yes. Being as that we've researched her long enough, and that the Ancient Forest is now safe from the threat of an invading Rajang or Deviljho, my superiors have elected to reintroduce her back to her original habitat." The Researcher says.

"Oka- Wait, what? You mean they're going to let her go? Back out into the wild?"

"Yes. The head Biologist has deduced that there is no longer anything else we have to learn from her about Tobi-Kadachi. She has become so unique a specimen and different from the rest of her kind that she is almost a dead end for learning things about her species. We no longer have any use of researching her."

"However, as she is such a special case that we have documented, it is also in our best interests to continually monitor and caretake her as well while allowing her to live in an environment she is comfortable with. Interestingly, we think she shows signs of sadness over being locked in the cage often."

"...And when she is back in the forest, what about you?"

"Well, I'm still assigned to her, so I will now be spending time in the camps around the Ancient Forest to monitor her, as well as feed her so she doesn't bother anyone else. Remember, this all began because of someone's lunch!" The Researcher tells you.

"You consider yourself her technical 'owner' don't you? Are you personally okay with this?" The Researcher asks, wanting your opinion.

>Answer.

>>4184492
Our reason for keeping her has passed and if she's feeling homesick then it might be best for her to go back. We can still visit her now and then.

>>4184596
We could also try asking her how she feels about going back to the Ancient Forest.

You glanced between the Researcher and Tabitabi multiple times as you reviewed the question at hand in your mind and came to a conclusion soon after.

"I don't see why I wouldn't be. She won't be in any danger out there anymore, and you helped her get better at being able to run away too." You say, patting Tabitabi's snout.

"Ah, I'm glad to hear as much." The Researcher says. "She does seem quite homesick. Perhaps out there in the wild again I might also be able to get her back on fending and hunting for herself, so she won't need to plunder so much of our food, hah hah hah!"

The Researcher then looks at you and bows his head slightly.

"I must also thank you for being easy on me, Hunter. I know that given the circumstances of usual research methods and experimentation her very being here in storage is frightening to you. I know that could not have been made any better by the time we accidentally caused her to get infected by that Jagras disease either...."

"Hey, I don't fault you. You were just doing your job." You say.

The Researcher Cadet just slightly bows again.

As you scratched Tabitabi's chin, you wondered about something, since you had Shara's 'Connection'.

"Hey." You project outwards.

Tabitabi's pupils thin and the Tobi-Kadachi just stares at you blankly like she just saw a ghost.

"How are you doing?"

You listen in carefully, waiting to see if you'll get an answer back.

...

...

...

"FRIEND!"

Tabitabi's expression returns to the usual jovial one she had.

It seems she recognized that was you. You cannot however decipher if that word you heard was something she herself thought up, or just what she felt manifesting as a response for you to feel in return. This 'connection' stuff was still cloudy to you, if easy to use.

Hmm, now what if...

"Hey, Tabitabi, food." You project.

"FOOD?!"

She looks up in alert and scans the surroundings all over.

"FOOD!"

"FOOD?"

She was still just as animalistically primal in thought and function as any other Monster, just friendlier. You weren't about to forget that.

"Well, I'll leave you to it." You say, turning the reigns back over to the Cadet as you pet Tabitabi one last time.

"Of course. I'm going to have her fed and washed before we release her back out soon." The Researcher Cadet says, clapping his hands so Tabitabi would follow.

You watched as he led her back over to the gate at the other side of the arena for a good distance until you use your Slinger hook to get back out to the deck above.

You fly back to Astera proper from the Arena and land at the Canteen. It is getting close to nine in the morning now.

What will you do?

>>4184793
>Hiding In Plain Sight.

>>4184804
support.

>>4184793
Hiding in plain sight I suppose.

Whats this hunt for?

>>4184932
Chameleos most likely.

You decided it was time to tackle your first Urgent since Ukanlos. You had it in mind to help deal with the 'sneak thief' at The Fort in specific.

You grabbed a quick meal at the Canteen, Chef's Choice as usual, and then called for a Mernos to transport you away.

It would be a long flight from here by Wingdrake...

File: The Fort.png (122 KB, 512x351)

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When you eventually arrived in the Guiding Lands after your long flight, you touched down on a pad marked for landings with some Wingdrake posts nearby on one of the solid roofs of The Fort. One of the Defense Corps Troopers on lookout was there to greet you and tell you where the Colonel was.

You passed down into The Fort by a flight of stairs, coming out to the second floor which was lined with railings and walkways suspended by the design of the architecture. You looked down over the rail and saw the main hall of The Fort below with it's inhabitants going about their daily routine of operation.

You strolled on up ahead and came out to a balcony, one of multiple others that was built onto the mortar walls. You came upon the Colonel looking down at the shorelines, he turns to face you and you salute.

"Colonel sir, I'm here to deal with your 'sneak thief' at last." You address him.

"You've arrrrived at a good time then. It would appearrrr that just moments ago, the thief has let himself in again. My trrrrrroops have been up in arrrrms, looking everywhere for disturrrrbances to find it, to no avail. They have all rrrrreporrrrted multiple strrrrange happenings arrrrround while on theirrrrr patrrrrols."

"Some of them arrrre saying that things in the trrraining yarrrrd are going misplaced, while another rrrreporrrts items vanishing frrrom the storrrage units. Otherrrr than that, the sailorrrrs and worrrkerrrrs have noticed that we have a shorrrrtage of cannonballs herrrrre, despite the deliverrrries I orrrrderrrred all arrrrrrrriving on time. Those orrrderrrs were quite sizable in quantity too!"

"Yesterrrrday, one of them rrrrrran out of the showerrrrs in fearrrr, squawking something about a big scary 'black thing' he saw in therrrre."

"Hm, mhm... mmmn... I see." You say, taking mental notes of everything he tells you.

"The Forrrrrt is a verrrry larrrge locale lad. Take your time. Pick a place to starrrrt and get investigating. When you find the sneak thief, don't hesitate to use your flarrrre, my trrrroops will come rrrruning to help you take it down. Now off you go." The Colonel says.

You nod and turn around, leaving the balcony.

There have been disturbances in the Training Yard, the Storage Units, the Delivery Dock and the Showers here. Other than those places, there was the East, North, West and Southern walls, grounds and watch towers, the two gatehouses, the main atrium, the barracks and the steam boiler chamber.

Where will you begin your search at?

>>4184980
Maybe start at the Storage Units.

>>4184980
Let's start at the Storage.

>>4185021
>>4185372
Support

The Storage Units were best to start your search off at for today. You went out of the Main Atrium after taking a ladder down and came out to the easternmost section of The Fort, where the Storage Units and Steam Boiler were located at.

There were a few workers here and there, as well as two of the Defenders looking over the units.

There were two unit houses for all of The Fort's cache of supplies. On the left hand side you saw the first unit, which mostly contained things such as restoratives and enhancements like Potions and Demondrugs. The right hand second unit contained things such as tools, traps, phials and supplies for ballistae.

In the first unit, you see some shelves missing things, large boxes that look out of place in the corner, a smashed crate and a crooked crude chandelier of candles hanging from the ceiling.

In the second unit, you see some ballista bolts embedded in the wall with one of the boxes of the bolts broken with the ammo spilled out over the floor. There is also beds for where cases of cannonballs are supposed to be, but there are no cannonballs in the unit at all, and presumably none in The Fort itself, which meant this place was a sitting Kelbi for a strong enough Monster.

Upon closer inspection, you see the unit buildings, while made of the same cobblestone and mortar of the walls, are not built onto the wall or intermingled with it, there was space between them and behind them.

The Defenders stood by, ready to receive any questions you might have.

>Inspect the cleared shelves.
>Inspect the large boxes.
>Inspect the smashed crate.
>Inspect the crooked chandelier.
>Inspect the ballista bolts.
>Inspect the cannonball beds.
>Look behind the units.
>Question the Soldiers.
>Look over another area.

>>4185736
>Inspect the smashed crate.

>>4185736
>Inspect the smashed crate.

File: Crate.png (94 KB, 512x351)

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Walking inside the first unit brings you to the sight of the smashed crate in there.

The crate was rather large, like it were an important shipment. It had metal casings to double the sturdiness of the wood, yet it laid there splintered easily. Whatever did this wasn't weak.

The crate in question was also ripe with a strange fluid leaking about it. It was greenish and yellowed in appearance, as if a mixture of two things in one. But besides that fluid, the crate had two other specks you could not recognize on it as well. There was a greyed out substance and a blue slimy secretion on it that was partially shiny to the candlelight.

You could take some samples as evidence. The more evidence here at The Fort you collected would strengthen your Scoutflies' ability to track the mystery perpetrator behind all of this, giving them better sense of it to sniff them out.

You had only a few sample bottles that were clean however... you could not use all of them.

>Take the mixture as evidence.
>Take the substance as evidence.
>Take the slime as evidence.

>>4185887
>You had only a few sample bottles that were clean however... you could not use all of them.
This is tough...

>Take the slime as evidence.
Where is everybody else?

>>4185887

>Take the slime as evidence.

Sleeping the sleep of the dead.

Using your carving knife, you scrape up as much of the blue slime as you could find and shovel it into the bottle.

Examining it further leads you to believe it is a creature's saliva. The Scoutflies turn over to their blue shade upon looking it over. They seem to want to lead you, but there may still be evidence elsewhere.

>Will you investigate something else or follow them?

>>4186090
>Blue Scoutflies

This could mean that whatever hijacked these things is pretty damn strong. Or maybe it’s just to differentiate the trail from things that are irrelevant to the scent.

Let’s question the soldiers. You’d think that whatever stole this many things would have made quite a ruckus.

>>4186090
Let's check the training yard.

Don't see why we can't do both.

Stepping over to two of the soldiers, you decide to question them. The two listen and answer about as well as they are able to.

"What time did this all happen last?" You ask.

"Well sir, before today, the latest intrusion was during the middle of the night yesterday. The Fort was all locked down tight and everyone was asleep. There's usually natural fog that blows in from the north, and it happened to be foggy out that time when we woke up to the sounds of wood being smashed and something rumbling inside the storehouse. When we got there, all we found was that crate like it is now. The thing missing were gone days before that." One of the Defenders says.

"I think the Monster breaking in is using this all as a good chance to eat for free. That crate was full of jars of honey and potions." The other Defender says.

"I see." You say, thinking for a moment.

"How did it get in? The doors to the units are human sized." You ask.

"No idea. The shuffling stops before we even reach the units when we hear something. Either that thing is smaller than we think, can shapeshift... or maybe it's still in there..." The first Defender says.

"Come to think of it, there was some cracks in the wall at the back, but they don't look bad enough that the wall would collapse. Nobody knows what caused them, but the engineers say they're only from the structure settling." The other Defender says.

"Hmm..."

>>4186252
I wonder if the cracks are large enough for a Palico-sized individual to fit through?

I’m wondering if this is the work of that one Ahtal-Ka monster. But there’s not a lot of telltale signs of an arachnoid monster being here, unless it has acidic saliva. Since it’s intelligent enough to make a sophisticated mechanical suit, I wonder if it might also be intelligent enough to recruit Galakaja or some such to do some pilfering of some harder to acquire materials without exposing its presence.

That acid stuff is a bit puzzling. Maybe some kind of alchemical mixture? Galakaja can make poisons and bombs, it might not be so hard to teach them to make acid mixtures to eat away at structures without making a lot of noise.

That fog makes me wonder if it might not be something a bit less mundane, though.

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"Thanks, gentlemen." You tell them before stepping off as they saluted quickly.

You went off now to the Training Yard through one of the inner gates of The Fort.

Inside the training grounds you saw three of the Defenders working to rearrange everything that had went out of place. There were dummies and weapon stands overturned and flipped about with all of the contents spread out far and wide.

The poles that scale hides were hung on for use in practice were torn down and apart to smaller pieces scattered all over like confetti, yet there was one pole which looked entirely unscathed. There were a few wooden devices here as well as obstacles for the soldiers to use in their training, such as for acrobatics and movement in different terrains, but two of them were broken down, just as smashed as the crate was.

This seemed to be where the Scoutflies were trying to take you, but as they arrive with you, they become confused. You see the swarm all flutter about as if trying to decide what to check out, but they eventually give up and return to your lamp.

"This keeps getting worse and worse!" You hear one of the troopers complain.

"This is the fifth time it happened too!" Another says.

"Tell me about it. We spend more time cleaning this place up than we do actually using it! Maybe we should all just become... janitors or something." The last says.

What will you do?

>Investigate the torn hides.
>Investigate the overturned stands.
>Investigate the ruined obstacle courses.
>Investigate the untouched pole.
>Ask the Defenders something. (Specify)

>>4186284
>Investigate the torn hides
>Investigate the overturned stands
>Investigate the untouched pole

There’s clearly something different about the pole that stands out from the others, and a common thread between the broken items. I wonder if whoever was here was acting on some sort of poorly relayed instruction and just breaking open wooden things with a certain smell and hoping to find something inside?

Do the defenders know if any of the broken containers and broken objects in this room are made of the same material? Like made out of the same wood? Do they do any artillery training or handling when using the obstacle course?

>>4186284
Also to ask: have there been any recent interactions with local Grimalkyne tribes? Any ones that stand out in particular?

>>4186302
The training equipment, cannonballs and ballista bolts have something in common: they're all related to combat. Whoever is galavanting around the fortress knows what those objects are and their purpose, they want to limit the Defenders' combat effectiveness.

>>4186284
>Investigate the untouched pole.

>>4186333
Not just that, but they’re also targeting stuff that’s effective against large targets or a lot of targets en masse.

>>4186333
Also, come to think of it, Honey and potions combined together make Mega Potions, don’t they?

Whoever did this really didn’t like the idea of hunters having a stockpile of curatives nearby.

You step over to the Defenders leading the clean up. You realize these were the same three you took with you to slay Basarios, as they possess a Warhatchet, Insect Glaive and Heavy Bowgun.

"Hey! Long time no see! I guess now that you're here we'll bag that thief soon enough, huh?"

"I'll do my best. Right now I have to ask something." You reply.

"What is it, sir?"

"All those broken containers and objects, they're made out of the same stuff right?"

"Well yeah, strong wood from the forests of the Old World. We also might use some stuff from here in the Guiding Lands. The Colonel once said everything here was 'more powerful', whatever that means. We haven't truly began any lumbering though."

"If you're wondering about the crates, they're built strong so Monsters like Great Jaggi can't get into them so easy if they ambushed a caravan and some cargo was dropped. But now anything bigger might get in easily, though that isn't the case with caravans since traveling merchants always stick to the known roads, they don't ever come across anything bigger than Great Jaggi unless they're extra unlucky."

"Could a Gajalaka break in?" You ask.

"Well, that's a bit iffy. Those Gajalaka aren't as strong as Humans, they rely on their fighting styles to survive since they're experts at making coatings inducing sleep and stuff. I don't think anything but a chief would be strong enough to break that crate, and even then it might still be hard."

"Has there been any contact with local tribes? Are there any to note?" You ask.

"Yeah, there's some Grimalkynes out there in the forest region, but they're not unfriendly, we did exchange some food for tips about getting around with them. There's also some Gajalaka, but they haven't come near yet and we generally avoid each other."

"Okay. Also, do you guys have any training with heavy weaponry? I've noticed you lack stuff to learn artillery." You point out.

"Of course sir. We all learned that back on the main continent. The Defense Corps drills recruits in artillery and stuff much much more than it does closer ranged combat. If we didn't know artillery, we wouldn't be here. While we need to improve in other areas... which you yourself know from experience... we aren't really expected to face Monsters up close and personal unless absolutely necessary. The Fort's main armaments of cannons are our concern."

"Okay. Thanks." You say.

File: Claw Marks.png (10 KB, 512x351)

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The first thing you looked over was some of the overturned weapon stands. Your Scoutflies flickered blue at something you noticed about them all that remained consistent.

Each one had claw marks on their back ends. You could not right away match this with any Monster you knew, though there were certainly many candidates as the claws were rather small, or it's possible these marks only show what the tips did if the claw that made them are bigger. You knew there were Jaggi in the Guiding Lands, since you came across a pack once, so there are Great Jaggi out there.

But a Great Jaggi couldn't have made this, a Great Jaggi is still bigger than the doors to the storage units and you're sure they couldn't get into The Fort any other way than the gates because they can't exactly climb the walls.

File: Broken Jar.png (77 KB, 512x351)

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Next you came over to the unscathed training pole, which was farther over in the corner.

This pole in specific wasn't dug into the ground for stability like the others, it wasn't being used by anyone yet. It was also situated near some taller patches of grass that hadn't been shaved yet to flatten out the walking ground.

It seemed rather mundane, and it made you curious as to why this one went unharmed unlike the others, until you get down in a squat to examine the scene here.

You see by some grass blades leaning down more than other blades that something's large foot was assuredly over here, but some of the blades of the grass are bent in folded ways that make it look like whatever stepped on the grass was in a hurry to relocate.

You trail the folded blades over until your hand stops near something on the scale sheet. It seemed to be the dried and sticky contents of a potion that leaked down the sides of the scales, right through the tall grass. You trace it back until you spot another juicy clue.

There is a broken glass potion bottle here with little of the dried content inside laying in the patch of tall grass.

There are some small drops of a red dried substance too. Blood from the looks of it. Whatever had the potion might have cut itself on the glass while in a hurry.

You collect the sample into your second bottle. The Scoutflies are flickering again, but they aren't able to pick up a trail to lead you.

What will you do next?

>>4186366
Are the floors dirt, or are there any signs of burrowing or disturbed earth that are close to the buildings? Tunneling might be less obvious to detect than climbing or sneaking.

>>4186387
Let's head to the Dock next.

>>4186390
Dirt burrows would likely be noticeable, unless there's another Everwyrm running about.

You took a minute more to look at the composition of the ground here in the training area.

The space was mostly dirt and gravel with trimmed grass, but there were walks with smooth stones and cement there as well. Overall, this area would be quite noisy to tunnel in for a Monster that could go underground, unless it was an expert digger. In any case, tunneling here would alert The Fort without a shadow of a doubt, so the culprit of your investigation being a digger was out of the question, maybe...

Well, that was all there was to see here. It was time you moved on.

The next place you went to check out was the Dock, where all of The Fort's shipments came in by boat.

File: Dock.png (20 KB, 512x351)

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The Dock was quiet and almost completely empty. Save for a small tool shed, this place was unremarkable.

There were two workers you saw there sharing some plant they lit while they drank booze. You approached and the two as you could tell were intrigued to see an actual Hunter, they most likely didn't get around much on their jobs otherwise.

"Good day fellows. I'm investigating a little, can you tell me some things?"

"Shoah hoss, what would ye' be needings?"

"When were the last shipments to The Fort made?"

"Some two days ago mos' likely." The first one said.

"And before that?"

"Aboot a week back. Mosta us had weak backs draggin' inna haul." The second one grinned in between a cough.

You smiled innocently at his snark little joke he cracked.

"Okay. What was shipped then on those two occasions?"

"Well, the shipment aboot a week back had lotsa' potions and otha' healthy spells. But I'd be guessin' mosta' those got got by that thief anyow'." The second one says with a puff of smoke.

"And two days back we hadda' batch of balls for the cannons. I dunno how they can say they ain't gots no boom balls when we jus' gottem' some newunes. The cart we rolled em' in on shuld' be there still. I thoughts they already unloaded em'...."

"Okay, good to know. Thanks, guys." You say.

"No problemo friend."

"Hey, kickitz ass for us all, willa'?"

You give them a thumbs up as you walk off.

As you go to leave the Dock, you look over and notice a bubbling from the shallow water down past the edge nearby....

File: cannonball.png (69 KB, 512x351)

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You lean over and look down within the shallow water. You take your binoculars out and peer deeper until you are able to notice a shape in the water not too far down inside.

It is a cannonball, abandoned right there. Some bubbles slid up the side from under it to the surface, mostly because of the open pocket in the sand beneath the ball, which rested on some rocks and conch shells.

You reach down within and fish it out.

"Hey fellows, how did this get down there?"

The two workers are perplexed as they come over to look at the cannonball.

"What in thah wurld...?"

"I ain't got no idea, hoss!"

"Hmm..."

Strange.

What will you do now?

>>4186508
Check the sand pocket, I guess. If nothing comes up then off we go to the showers.

You peer back down below at the pocket of sand to see if anything else is about. There is nothing there, the pocket is merely the indention made from the cannonball rolling off the deck to that place.

You keep the cannonballs with you as you walk the trek back to The Fort, at a slower pace due to the weight of the heavy ammo.

Upon getting back, you set the cannonball off to the side, near the delivery cart the rest of them all arrived on. There was a tarp over the cart and it looked to be loaded with more cargo.

File: Showers.png (37 KB, 512x351)

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Now it was time to hit those showers and see what might come up.

You approach the showerhouse, which had a very large opening covered only with a curtain that was hanging off to the side, almost torn off it's hinges.

Inside the shower house, you come to the scene of a destruction that took place here. It looked that the showers were each stalls separated by thinner wooden walling, but they were all crushed almost flat. The debris that used to be the showers was brushed aside as well to make space in the middle.

Some water was leaking from the heads of the now snapped nozzles. This place had drainage at least and a way to siphon water from the outside too. You wondered if they also had a filter since they had the means to power one using the Steam Boiler...

"Messy sight isn't it?"

You look back and see a Defender in the room you hadn't noticed before, he was sitting on a bench near the corner where there stood many lockers. He stands up and walks over closer to the rubble.

"I was in here yesterday early in the morning when mostly everyone else was asleep since I rise fast. I was just having a peaceful wash when suddenly I heard this... squelching." The irate Defender says.

"When I looked out, I got a blast of steam to the face! There was some kind of... large imposing black form in the room with me! It shoved itself into the stalls and broke everything down!"

"Hope you held the soap." You snort.

"Soap? If there was any to hold, it wasn't there long."

"What do you mean?" You crane your head.

"That thing went and... somehow collected all of the soap in the whole Fort and brought it in here. There certainly wasn't any left in Storage!"

You raised your eyebrow.

"I remember digging myself out from the debris only to be met with a splash of water as it slapped the shower heads right off the wall. Then, there was a big bubbly explosion! That thing used all of the soap and water up in one go! I'm not kidding you when I say there was so much soap, it was filling the room up and spilling outside!"

"So... the thief was... washing itself? Using your showers?" You scratch your chin.

"I don't know, maybe? I did remember seeing lots of black stuff come off of it as it lathered up in the soap and rinsed off. It was gone before I knew it."

"Any idea where all the drainage ends up at?"

"If I had to take a good guess? Somewhere out in the woods. You know how The Fort faces, right? Well we're in the northern part, so the jungle and woods are just right outside the wall of the shower house here."

"So if I go out and follow the way facing off from the wall and into the woods outside I'll eventually be able to find where the drainage comes out to?" You question.

"Probably yeah. The pipe is a straight shoot. But it might be a little longer than you'd think, so who knows how long you'll be walking out there."

"Got it." You say.

The Defender gives a lazy salute and walks out.

If you find where everything that goes down the drain culminates at, you might be able to scrounge up more samples for evidence to find the thief, more substance to feed your Scoutflies' sense with.

Will you attempt the potentially long and treacherous trek to find it or will you do something else within the confines of The Fort?

>>4186573
>he was sitting on a bench near the corner where there stood many lockers
Good thing we didn't bring our Khezu set.

>>4186578
>Will you attempt the potentially long and treacherous trek to find it?
Yes.

>>4186578
>Will you attempt the potentially long and treacherous trek to find it
Sure, still a relatively fresh clue.

File: Woods.png (129 KB, 512x351)

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If there was a time to do it, it was now.

You leave out the nearest gatehouse of The Fort and circle around, going off on your way to the wall where the Showers sat behind the mortar.

You back up against the wall and use something you haven't used for a while now, not since you left the Old World, your Compass. The finicky little thing bobbled in it's glass as you opened it. The arrows on the compass pointed in each direction and you kept your eyes on it as you began to walk forward, going north into the Guiding Lands.

You followed it, delving deep into the foliage of the woods, the arrow never dipping off of the northern northern direction even as you turned the compass.

You just hoped you didn't run into anything bad while you were out here.

>Roll a 2d50.
>1-9; You find the drainage point without trouble.
>10-29; You encounter a small Monster(s) along the way.
>30-49; You find the drainage point without trouble.
>50-69; You encounter a friendly face along the way.
>70-89; You encounter a large Monster.
>90-99;Y ou find the drainage point without trouble.
>100; You are both incredibly lucky and unlucky in what you end up finding.

Rolled 26, 50 = 76 (2d50)

>>4186690

Rolled 16, 42 = 58 (2d50)

>>4186690

Rolled 27, 37 = 64 (2d50)

>>4186690

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>4186693
>>4186701
>>4186706

>>4186714
Oh, wait, I misread those rolls. Seems there's two for the forth option's range so I'll go with that.

File: Velkhana innawoods.png (161 KB, 512x351)

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As you walked deeper into the forest region of the Guiding Lands, it became ever more apparent to you that there was a certain nip in the air. Things were getting chillier now, and you were still far away from the tundra region of the lands. What was this bite?

Then you hear a rustling and stop at a patch between four trees. There was something coming through the woods, something large.

You kept still with your hand ready to grasp your Gunlance should you need to fight as you thought of what it might be. Worst case scenario it could be a large and strong Monster such as Yian Garuga, Deviljho or Basarios, and best case scenario it could be a weaker Monster you wouldn't have any problem with, such as Banbaro or Jagras.

You waited as the rustling got closer, and it came up until you saw some branches falling over ahead that you were able to realize what it was.

Brilliant blued and purplish scales come out of the brush and you now discern the form of Velkhana of all things, sporting some form of frozen armor. Was it the same as the one you knew?

The Ice Dragon happens to glance off to the right and spot you, which brings them to a stop as they sniff the air to catch a whiff of your scent.

"Hmmm? Mm? Human?" She projects outwards, facing you with her neck.

"Oh. Uh, hi. I didn't expect to see you of all people here."

"Mmm, I had no other choice than to come here so I could moult in peace. The land I use ordinarily for that has become haunted by something I could not face, nor stand against, until recently however."

"You can thank me for that. I went there with some allies and killed the being that roaming there. We called it Amygdala."

"Amygdala? What a funny name." Velkhana says before her eyes grow wider. "And you say you slew it?"

"Yes. It was a tough battle, maybe even my toughest ever."

"Truly?"

You nod.

"Ah! What terrific news. I had thought it only just moved on elsewhere, it had me quite fearful. Now I can use the area again safely. Thank you, Human."

"Don't mention it." You wave your hand.

"Anyways, where are you headed?"

"I have smelled something wonderful off this way and I go to see what it is."

"Eh, you might not want to do that. There's a human settlement off near the shore, a fortress. They could shoot at you if you got too close."

"Oh? So you say. Well that is a shame then, I was very well keen on knowing what that smell was. I suppose I will leave then, as I have nothing more to do here."

You couldn't smell what she was talking about, you just smelt forest all around. But you do remember smelling something nice at The Fort when you were there. Maybe someone was cooking something strong up, you didn't know.

>Ask her to tag along. Monsters avoid Elders generally so it will be beneficial to you for now.
>Let her leave. You don't know when someone else might show up and you don't want any confusions, because then something bad will surely happen.
>Write in.

>>4186788
>Let her leave. You don't know when someone else might show up and you don't want any confusions, because then something bad will surely happen.

We can handle this alone. We really don't need a big dragon following us around right now.

>>4186788
>>Write in.
Ask her if she saw anything weird recently, explain to her we're looking for something which has been raiding the fortress.

>>4186834
This right here

>>4186834
Supporting

>>4186834
Dis do it.

"Have you by chance seen anything out of the ordinary while you were here?"

"What do you mean?"

"There's a Monster of some kind that's been stealthily pillaging the settlement back that ways. I'm out to take it down."

Velkhana shifts her neck as she thinks over it.

"Well, I'm not sure how related it may be, but I have seen webs strewn about in some places. These webs were golden, and held very fast. I'm sure even I would have trouble getting out if I were to fall in a pit of the stuff."

"Golden webs? Must be Ahtal-Ka... how much have you seen?"

"Not much honestly. The web is scattered in odd places that take a moment to notice right away. It is as though whomever made the web hid it in plain sight."

"I would watch my back out there if I were you."

"Alright, thanks."

>Continue along alone.
>Ask her to tag along.

>>4188086
>>Continue along alone.

>>4188086
>Continue along alone.

>>4188086
>Ask her to tag along.
We didn't bring any backup with us.

>>4188112
It won't end well bringing her along.

File: Pipe.png (136 KB, 512x351)

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Velkhana left then, picking herself up with her wings to fly away as she no longer had any reason to be here. You were sure she'd make it back to her home safely.

You continued up ahead through the woods to get back to searching for what you needed to find.

As you went along the trail your compass pointed to north, you noticed a pattern repeating itself here. There were rocks you could see here in abnormal places in stacks of three each here and there... the way they were all placed made them look like... a line.

That's it though, it clearly was a line. The rocks were all aligned perfectly leading down into the forest, they were obviously placed by Human hands or something or...

Wait, you see something out of the corner of your eye, up there in a tree. A patch of golden web...

Could Ahtal-Ka have placed these? If so, why? What purpose did this long line of stacked rocks serve? You didn't know, but you did finally reach your destination.

You come up upon the sight of a large dirt mound in the middle of the woods. The whole place is wet and muddy, and you see a spot dug out in the mound from which a bent metal pipe stuck out from, held higher into the air by... more golden web.

This had to be the drainage for the shower house, but you could tell it was targeted in specific by Ahtal-Ka, leading you to more questions you didn't have the answer to.

The smell is awful, but you see what you came for in the dug out spot, a puddle of old suds and everything that went down the drains when that occurrence at the shower house with the thief happened. You hold your breath as you step closer and get a sample into another bottle, minding the fact your legs almost sank down to the calf in the mud before you step away with now slightly dirtier armor.

Your Scoutflies react to the sample, blinking blue at it. You got what you came for, you're one step closer to ratting the thief out.

That line of rocks continued far past the mound and the pipe.... Where did it end...?

>Return to The Fort to continue your search.
>Follow the trail of rocks further into the woods.

>>4188206
>Follow the trail of rocks further into the woods.

>>4188206
>Return to The Fort to continue your search.
We really don't need to run into Ahtal right now.

>>4188206
>Return to The Fort to continue your search.

File: The littlest Altaroth tha(...).png (128 KB, 512x351)

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Well, you didn't have time to find out, you needed to get back to your job.

You turn away and leave the place where the drainage ended at. You'd have to report your findings so they could get that fixed up.

You walk along back the way you came through the woods as fast as you can so you can get back to The Fort. You were very close now.

As you walked along the path back following your compass, you spot something to your right.

Looking over... you see a troop of Altaroth marching through the woodwork... carrying metal parts.

What was... Ough! This just keeps getting more and more confusing by the minute!

You didn't have time to check it out though, so you continue on your way.

Man, what was the connection all of this shared? Why were those Altaroth carrying metal parts? Why did Ahtal-Ka uncover the pipeline?

Who was the sneak thief really? Could it be Ahtal-Ka? It would certainly make sense, given the kidnapping that happened and all the web you've seen about. But you didn't find any evidence that it was Ahtal-Ka at The Fort, not even footprints, and the claw marks didn't match Ahtal's pinchers.

You get back to The Fort while you think and come out to the Western section of the place.

You've already searched the storage units mostly, the training yard, the dock and the showers. The only places left were the gatehouses, the barracks and the steam boiler.

There was that mention of cracks on the wall in the storage unit though... and that cannonball cart.

The Fort's cannonballs were all stolen from storage too. But that cart should be the new untouched delivery to resupply them, so they definitely have cannonballs, right? What happened to the older supply?

Hmm...

What will you investigate now?

>>4188358
Check the cracks.

File: Wall.png (166 KB, 512x351)

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Entering the Storage Units again, you walk past the shelves and all the supplies to the back where you come to the dead end of the wall with the cracks.

The cracks are not so noticeable first until you run your fingers along the wall and feel the cracks. They are tiny, almost like they were cut into the wall with precision...

For clarity, you go into the other unit and check that one's back wall, seeing it also has cracks in it, ones much similar to the last.

Could these walls... fall back with enough force? You could try pushing one... but the Colonel might not be so happy if you do, you know you'll definitely have that taken out of your paycheck.

Will you push one of the walls or leave it alone?

>>4188424
>push one of the walls
Sometimes is better to act first and apologize later.

File: Wall.png (34 KB, 512x351)

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Reaching forward, you push into the wall to see the results you'll get from it.

The cobblestone begins to slide back further as you press against it with your hands, just as you thought it would. The cracks were not cracks at all, but cuts right through the stonework. There's no way it could slide perfectly like this if it were just minor cracks.

The wall comes out of it's place, dislodged as apart from the rest of the building. You watch it tip over backwards, falling into the disconnected wall of the fortress right behind it.

To your surprise, the mortar wall of The Fort itself also comes loose from similar cuts, coming right down to reveal a secret passageway out and in. This had to either be made by Ahtal-Ka, the thief if they aren't Ahtal-Ka, or someone at The Fort itself...

The thing that sticks out the most is how almost soundless the fallback of those two wall pieces were. The noise was muffled with a plap from the ground outside due to how wet it was. This was probably a rain forest The Fort was situated in, explaining the moisture.

File: sink.png (181 KB, 512x351)

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Your Scoutflies come out immediately after you reveal the secret passageway. You step over the cobblestone and follow them outside as they fly ever closer to the rim of the rain forest.

It is there you discover more evidence in the form of a smell left over on the ground.

It permeates from a sink in the ground where there was plenty of mud. It looked to be that something large was rolling here, waddling around in the mud. This was a clever trick for intelligent Monsters to use as a method of masking their scent, dirtying themselves up with a cover.

Your Scoutflies wanted to go deeper into the forest as you scraped some of the mud into your second last phial.

You chose to follow them.

>Roll a 1d100.
>1-9; You are led by the Scoutflies to discovery.
>10-29; You are ambushed by tribals.
>30-49; You are led by the Scoutflies to discovery.
>50-69; You encounter a small Monster(s) along the way.
>70-89; You encounter a large Monster.
>90-99; You are led by the Scoutflies to discovery.
>100; You find something... special.

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>4188607

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>4188607

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>4188607

File: Cannonballs.png (138 KB, 512x351)

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Going through the wet landscape of the forest, you duck under branches and push your way through vines to follow the Scoutflies as they blink their blue glow and flutter on to their destination.

You find footprints then, wide ones in the mud you did not recognize straight away off hand, but they were enough to keep your Scoutflies on the move and you with them.

You pass by trees and jump over a stream, getting deeper and deeper into the woodland until at last you reach your distant target.

You move some large leaves from the brush aside to reveal an open area there.

In the middle of that area, you see them all. Dozens and dozens of cannonballs lying out here in the middle of nowhere. This was what your Scoutflies were leading you to using what you found from the waddled in sink.

Looking closer in over the cannonballs reveals their carrying cases all splintered aside below them. The cannonballs had a slimy substance over it, the same saliva like what you found in the Storage Unit. You gather it into the previous bottle you used back there and cap it off.

This was all you needed. You had enough evidence to produce a scent the Scoutflies could follow, one that would lead you straight to the thief as soon as you combined it.

For now, you returned off back the way you came, going to return to The Fort...

File: Cart.png (26 KB, 512x351)

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Upon getting back, the first thing to greet you was The Colonel himself along with most of his troops waiting in front of the Storage Unit for you.

"Frrrrreelancerrrrr, I don't suppose you have a good rrrrreason forrrrr kicking down my wall, do you?"

"I didn't make that actually, it was already there. Those walls weren't cracked, they were carefully cut out, in such a perfect way it could be opened and covered back up easily without anyone being the wiser." You explain your case.

The Colonel furled his eyebrow. "What?"

"Yeah, it's true. Even better though, I found your missing cannonballs."

"You did?! Where are they at?!"

"Dumped, right out in the forest in a place you wouldn't stumble upon easily. Whoever moved them took their time and did it quietly." You say, shaking around the sample bottle you just filled as proof.

"Hmmm.... well that is a good find then, we'll be able to rrrrrecoverrrr them. Besides that, has your searrrrch amounted to anything yet?"

"Let's find out." You say.

Taking out your sample bottles one by one, you pour all of them together in one bottle and mix all the evidence around by shaking it, creating a concoction with a much more powerful scent.

Upon being exposed to it, your Scoutflies emerge and begin to fly off, right past the Colonel and his troops, over to the large cannonball cart that was delivered two days ago.

When your Scoutflies get near it, they all stop... and then blink red before flying right back to your lamp...

Everyone got tense then. The Defenders all drew their weapons nervously as they eyed the cart.

The Colonel squinted. "Hmm... now that I think about it, that carrrrt is... not as flat as I rrrrremember it being a few days ago. What gives? I thought it was unloaded of cannonballs alrrrready?!"

The Captain of the Defenders in the greenish tabard looks very much confused as well despite his face being obscured by his helmet visor. "W-Well sir.. it was..."

"I saw it flat and unloaded yesterday. I don't remember it being like this until today." One of the other Defenders testified.

"How many of you have been arrrrround herrrrre today?" The Colonel asked.

All of the Defenders speak up and raise their weapon.

"All of you have been arrrrround today? And none of you buffoons noticed? You'rrrre telling me not one of ye's stopped to look at that carrrt and mulled overrrrr how differrrrent it suddenly was?! Do you not even memorrrrrize yourrrr own station...?"

None of the Defenders say anything more.

"Gaagh!" The Colonel stomped "Okay.. I'll ask this... do we have any sparrrre cannonballs?"

"Yes sir!" The captain said. "We have three."

"Frrrrreelancer, yourrrr call." The Colonel tells you.

"Yes sir." You say, stepping forward two paces towards the cart.

>Approach the cart alone.
>Signal the troops to surround it and back you up.
>Get them to prepare traps around the cart to be sprung.
>Ask they push a cannon around and shoot the cart with their last balls.
>Write in.

>>4188714
>Approach the cart alone.

>>4188714
>Ask they push a cannon around and shoot the cart with their last balls.
Take no chances

>>4188743
It's clear that whatever it is is intelligent, maybe even sapient; the fact that it hasn't actually injured anybody up to this point is telling.

>>4188747
Just because nobody has been hurt (yet) doesn't mean we shouldn't show it we mean business. It's been stealing for this long now and has to be taken out. You just know that even if it is sapient the Colonel is still going to order us to kill it, and we aren't in any position to disobey him.

>>4188714
>Approach the cart alone.

>>4188757
If it's intelligent enough to practice discretion then it may be reasonable. We might be able to plan a way out of the fortress if we don't immediately go guns blazing.

Stepping up along after easing the others back with a gesture, you stand near the cart and steel yourself for whatever you were about to unveil.

You were ready for a fight if you needed to act in that capacity. The others weren't so composed as you were, but they weren't about to run away like sissies either... right...?

Well here goes.

Placing your hand on the tarp covering the wagon, you pull it off fast and hard! Revealing the...

File: Chameleos.png (34 KB, 512x351)

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....sneak thief?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TIGvB7X-0Y

File: You.png (20 KB, 512x351)

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....

File: Chameleos2.png (95 KB, 512x351)

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...

File: You again.png (34 KB, 512x351)

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.....

File: Chameleos.gif (184 KB, 512x351)

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"Wh-"

"SCCCCHHHHRRRRIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGH!" The creature before you suddenly screeched!

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Came all of the Defenders, who dropped their weapons and huddled behind the startled Colonel.

File: Escape.png (35 KB, 512x351)

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The thing lost all calmness as, becoming dizzy on it's feet as it tried to stand up, only succeeding in shattering the cart it lay on. You fell back as it twisted around and bumped you off of your feet with it's strange tail. You swear you saw it become teary eyed before it got some momentum flapping it's wings to take off.

The thing flew right away, going off towards the forest region of the Guiding Lands in a hurry.

"I had a feeling!" The Colonel says, coming over with his Defenders, who help you up to your feet.

"We've got a rrrrreal prrrroblem on ourrrr hands herrrre. That is Chameleos, a bizarrrrrrre Elderrrr Drrrragon known for it's ability to turrrrrn invisible!"

"Invisible? Like, completely invisible?"

"Yes. That thing could be standing next to you invisible and you wouldn't even rrrrrealize it. That makes it a top prrrrriorrrrity to take out." The Colonel says.

He then looked at his men, who shrunk in fear under his gaze and he growled. "I'll deal with YOU clowns later!"

"Frrrrreelancerrrr! You arrrre to slay that thing no matterrrrr the cost. I will gladly lend you anything I can herrrrre to get the job done. Am I clearrrrr?"

"Yes sir." You salute.

"Good. Now, what arrrrre you thinking?"

>It can't escape my Scoutflies now with this evidence. I'll go out and face it in it's lair.
>I'll need a helping hand to accompany me, and some things. (Request three Defender types to join you as subordinates, and ask for items of your choosing.)
>We should set up here and wait until it shows up next to do something. Let's lay a trap for it to walk right into.
>Write in.

>>4188979
>It can't escape my Scoutflies now with this evidence. I'll go out and face it in it's lair.
Hard no on taking Defenders with us.

>>4188979
>Write in.
Let's get some hunters to help us, we got its scent now so whetever it goes we can track it.

>>4188979
>It can't escape my Scoutflies now with this evidence. I'll go out and face it in it's lair.
Is it just me or does this Chameleos seem like a coward?

I'm surprised that the chameleons managed to drill the wall open

And why the hell you want a wagon of cannonballs and potions, you crazy lizard?

>>4189076
Well the colonel did talk about the guild wanting to colonize the guiding lands one day. Maybe Chameleos was preparing for gorilla warfare to save his home.

>>4189084
Oh shit, viet-chameleos

In a more serious take, it seems smaller that the Usual, it might be a young chameleos or somewhat hurt, if he keeps stealing potions and honey

Or it could be tabitabi 2.0 elder boogalo

>>4188979
>It can't escape my Scoutflies now with this evidence. I'll go out and face it in it's lair.

Theres still something weird going on here.

Those atronachs.

>>4188979
>It can't escape my Scoutflies now with this evidence. I'll go out and face it in it's lair.
>>4189164
And those rocks that were lined up.

>>4189300
i have a few ideas on what can be, but i cant peg down what it can be

>>4189124
>viet-chameleos
Kek

>>4189164
Those Altaroth are obviously working for Ahtal-Ka in some capacity.

>>4189522
but why whould she want potions? she didnt get beaten back that badly, was she?

also theres the cannonball thing, why any monster whould want these explosives? if it was a teostra, that eats gunpownder from time to time, sure, but aint none here

this aint some standard situation

>>4189534
Chameleos is the one plundering potions, the Alteroth were taking metal parts, which makes me a bit worried since we didn't check the boiler.

>>4189543
We could ask the Colonel to check the boiler while we're gone.

>>4189547
Yeah, lets do that.

>>4189543
im with you withthe boiler, but didnt the metal parts have ahtal-ka silk?

"First Colonel, I think you need to have a check ran. Get people you can rely on to scan every room in The Fort, make sure everything is as it should be, note differences and ask questions."

"Aye. I'll have the worrrrkerrrrs do that while these henchmen fetch the cannonballs." The Colonel says.

"And make sure nothing is wrong the steam boiler room either. I have a bad feeling that was also touched."

"Got it."

"So what will you do?"

You begin to walk away to find the nearest gatehouse.

"I'll hunt the Chameleos. You hold down The Fort." You say, raising two fingers as you picked up pace to hiking speed.

"Verrrry well, I'm counting on you! Now, men, chop chop! We've got worrrrrk to do!"

Letting your Scoutflies out of their lamp, you let them lock back onto your bottle of evidence as you pass out the eastern gatehouse to The Fort.

The useful little bugs turn blue and fly off into the woods. You follow them at running speed...

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Eventually, the Scoutflies take you almost all the way through the forest region of the Guiding Lands as you followed them.

The place Chameleos had ran off to hide at was an enormous tree near the border of this region. It wasn't large enough to be a Great Tree yet, but give it a few more centuries of living here off the energy of the land and it just might.

The tree, much like the Great Tree in the Ancient Forest, had a big hollowed out opening in it which you use to duck down inside.

You are taken off guard by the fact the way down was a sudden fall, but you'd found where you needed to be; An expansive subterranean chamber full of mossy rock.

And ahead of you was your target.

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The Chameleos was seemingly minding it's own business there until you fell into it's home.

This weird Elder gave you a look with it's bulging, bulbous eyes. You couldn't see any initial trace of hostility in those orbs, it was like the thing was more afraid of you than you were of it.

You hear it sniffle as you stood there. Slowly, that sniffle turns into a defensive hissing.

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You see Chameleos open it's jaw then, spraying out a misty fog from it's throat that clouds up the whole place fast.

You see it begin to fade from sight...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9cFG6Zg4Ro

>>4189735
we could try a talk with him, if not
diplomacy has failed and its time its kick its invisible ass

just keeping the guard up

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It seemed Chameleos was preparing to attack you... but from where?

You drew your Gunlance and strode forward to stop in the middle of the chamber. You'd have better ground to defend from any direction there. You heard the footsteps of the thing coming from all around at once before it stops...

You can only either attack in a direction, or defend in one at the moment, or use an item from your inventory. There is north, east, west and south.

What will you do?

>>4189750
>Defend to the West(assuming left=West)
>try to ask why it's stealing from the Fortress
Time to begin the Elder Dragon Harkness Test.

>>4189750
Try to use telepathy. See if its sentient and why its messing with the camp here.

Also. Its to your left.

Is this thing a baby? I though they were bigger.

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You hear the scraping of a claw to your right, which would be the left universally.

You think quickly and turn to that direction with your shield high, blocking a strike from the mist as Chameleos lunged forward with it's snappers. It's teeth bit down on your shield, but the thing lets go and backs off, partially visible to your eyes.

"So, there any particular reason you've been raiding our stores?" You asked through the connection.

The Chameleos stops in it's movement briefly, blinking blankly at that. The Elder was pondering this response you gave it, as far as you could tell.

You were hoping for an answer, but all you get in return is another hiss as it shakes it's head and backs away into the fog. It sprays more out, further obscuring the field of view. You hear it pace away and stop somewhere. It wasn't moving an inch now, but you did not know where it was.

If you waited around here too long, it might attack as soon as your guard is down. You had to find it by searching in some direction.

What will you do?

>>4189817
He's Southeast.
"I'm trying to give you a way out of this. Give me a sign that you're reasonable."
If he insists on attacking us then we have to put him down.

>>4189817
>"I don't want to kill you if I can avoid it, but if you don't answer me I have to."
>Check south-east, keep our guard up.

>>4189848
supporting

i think we are getting somewhere

>>4189848
I like your phrasing better, support.

>>4189848
Try to get the word out before he attacks us. If he attacks us after, full burst him.

>>4189863
Actually, don't this yet.

Think mentioning the Everwyrm would help?

I think I can revise it.
"I'm a friend of the Old Everwyrm; I'm trying to give you a way out of this. Give me a sign that you're reasonable."

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"I don't want to hurt you. If you won't answer me, I'll be forced to, just give me an answer. We don't have to do this."

You walk towards the southeastern direction then. You were sure you saw the mist moving to some force over there.

As you approach that direction, you hear something. It is a light voice with a nervous tone. You couldn't tell if it was masculine or feminine at first, but as you really focus into the tone, you realize it is male. It is full of slurred ess's as well, you might even call this voice... goofy?

"Can't trusst Human!"

"Huh?"

"Massster sssay Human bad!"

"What? Master? Who is your 'Master'?"

"I... I not ssssay! You mean! You get out!"

Suddenly, Chameleos reveals itself in front of you again, taking you off guard as his tongue shoots around. You felt it rip something out of your satchel before moving away again. There is a crunching of glass and you hear it drink down whatever it just stole from you before there is a sound of the glass falling to the ground.

He sprays out another fume into the fog then. It is a yellowed mist that makes your hands feel less stable being in it. You back away as Chameleos positions himself somewhere else. You think you hear it crawling on the ceiling now.

You've got to shoot it down, but you don't know where it is.

What will you do?

>>4189897
all right, so its probably a young chameleos under a "master"

do we have a flashpod to knock him down or something?

>>4189897
guard up to the north east

>>4189897
>It is full of slurred ess's as well, you might even call this voice... goofy?
Oh no. It's retarded.

Northeast across the arena. Out of range, though, not sure if a Flash Pod can get him past the mist.

Tell him that we have a sort of "Master" as well; the Old Everwyrm, a dragon much older than he is.

>>4189897
Your master is correct.

So why arent you listening to him and staying away from them?

Your endangering yourself by drawing the humans attention.

Dodge projectiles. Our shield cant block poison.

"If your 'Master' told you we were bad, why do you come around then?"

"I not fall for word trick! I not talk! I hurt you, make you leave!" Chameleos growled back from above.

You went farther in to the north, passing through the yellow mist quickly in the fog. You hear a snap and step to the side then suddenly, avoiding a stalactite that was dropped at you.

Chameleos was right above your head, so you popped a Flash Pod into your Slinger's slot and aimed straight up, shooting it at the ceiling. You hear the Elder hiss, disoriented and blinded but still latched firmly onto the ceiling. You could see only his eyes visible now.

You raised your Gunlance and fired a shell up at where you thought his claw might be, but you end up hitting his arm instead. That seemed to do the trick though, as Chameleos falls right from the ceiling, down onto the hard mossy rock on his back.

He twists, still disoriented from the impact.

You guessed the best choice you had now was to simply beat some sense into him until he was willing to talk.

>Attack his belly.
>Attack his head.
>Attack his tail.
>Attack his tongue.
>Write in.

>>4189948
Attack the tongue

>>4189948
Tickle him!

Should have brought some traps.

ok for real though.

>Attack his head

>>4189948
>Attack his head
To break the tie.

Also try to make it so the next item he tries to steal is a Dung Pod.

>>4189948
>Attack his head.

You stride forward, aiming to attack Chameleos' head!

+==============+

Chameleos' Sense: 0

You gotta beat some sense into this sneaky forest slicker! Get the bar to 1000 to succeed!

+==============+

>Roll 1d100.

>>4190045

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4190045

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>4190045
Whooops

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>4190045

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>4190045

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>4190045

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As you got up to him, Chameleos rolled over onto his side and shook his head before looking up at you raising your Gunlance, facing it around to the blunt end.

"EEP!"

You didn't let his cry get in the way of you smacking him over the head repeatedly with it, beating his thick skull while he squirmed there on the ground!

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You could tell he felt that. He didn't seem all too big up close. You estimated he was only about larger than being a small crown for something around his size. Still bigger than the Kirin you saw once in the Highlands, but not by much.

Just then, Chameleos manages to get in a hit himself, bring his tongue around to slap you right in the face! And damn! It stung! You'll give him some credit for that at least.

He sneaks off again into the fog, which is lessening up around you by some degree.

It seems he is muffling his movements now, you don't hear anything, but you know he isn't being still as dust falls off of the walls and ceiling.

What was he trying now...?

You'd probably have to shoot him down again, but maybe another item might work...

Where was he...?

>>4190202
Use a flash bomb.