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The adversity between the shining Dragon and the Black God was tangible... or was that just the intense, sweltering heat you felt in the air circulating from around, coming out of the deeper magma chambers? Whatever it was, it was getting harder to breath.

The two just stared at each other....

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.....

File: Akantor Eye.png (208 KB, 512x351)

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....

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And then without warning, the vicious Black God Akantor charged at Kulve Taroth with his fangs ready to disembowel her! Elder Dragon or not, the deific twins Akantor and Ukanlos will never back down from a battle. Those fangs can deal horrible damage out to anything...

What action does Kulve Taroth take?

>Kulve goes for the neck, parrying Akantor to the side and exposing the soft under-shell!
>Kulve meets Akantor's fangs with her impressive rack of horns, forcing him back down to Earth!
>Kulve swings her tail, batting Akantor away with her golden cape of armor!
>Kulve rolls to the left, giving her the chance to sideswipe Akantor and attack!

Nice image.

>>4239001
Oh fuck, we're actually controlling her.

>Kulve goes for the neck, parrying Akantor to the side and exposing the soft under-shell!
It would be nice to have second opinions, especially since her life is in our hands.

>>4239001
>Kulve swings her tail, batting Akantor away with her golden cape of armor!

>>4238977
Slash and shell until it is done.

>>4239001
>Kulve meets Akantor's fangs with her impressive rack of horns, forcing him back down to Earth!
Hehe Kulve's impressive rack.

>>4239034
I don't think we can get low enough to grab Akan's neck, he's visibly smaller than Kulve, plus we shouldn't get near those fangs with exposed ends. Kulve's horns are giant and armored, she can fight him away with those like a buck.

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>4239034
>>4239068
>>4239076

Alright, roll me some 2d5000s.

Rolled 718, 460 = 1178 (2d5000)

>>4239084

Rolled 2836, 2874 = 5710 (2d5000)

>>4239084

>>4239068
pls roll

Rolled 2463, 3447 = 5910 (2d5000)

>>4239084

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In response, Kulve Taroth bellowed a cry and charged Akantor down as well with her massive horns.

The fangs of fire and horns of gold collided harshly, sending sparks fluttering as they grind against each other. The Mother Goddess' set of horns was scratched in it's golden coating and grated down by the rough form of Akantor's mighty tusks, but she herself was not moved back by Akantor. Both of them held a stalemate for the moment, pushing in more directions than one to try and get the drop on the other.

But with neither having more success than the other, they both pulled away, raising their heads and charging again point blank. Akantor and Kulve Taroth rammed their skulls against other other, the tusks and horns colliding again in a powerful crash that sends them both back down.

Both back up, having dealt an equal blow to one another...

+=========+

Akantor Health: 13043

Kulve Taroth Health: 14043

Both opponents receive 1957 damage.

+=========+

Who will take the next action?

>Kulve Taroth
>Vance and the Gajalaka.

>>4239118
>Vance and the Gajalaka.
Can't leave mommy to do all the work by herself.

>>4239118
>>Vance and the Gajalaka.
Let's see if we can connect with her and plot a team attack against Akantor.

>>4239118
>Vance and the Gajalaka.
If we can fuck those tusks up... I don't think I can stay up.

Peering over at the towering Glorious Dragon, you shout out in your mind, attempting to see if you can use the Connection on her as well. Your shouts reverberate throughout the chamber as you sound off as loud as you could think them to be, but they garner no response ultimately. Kulve Taroth was too focused on Akantor to even notice you.

But faintly, you did hear something from both of them.

"ᵀᴱᴿᴿᴵᵀᴼᴿʸ... ᴹᴵᴺᴱᵎ"

"ᴮᵉᵍᵒnᵉ ᵖʰᶦˡᶦˢᵗᶦnᵉᵎ"

"Damn, it's no good...." You say to yourself.

You looked down at the Gajalaka who were cheering for Kulve's victory and snap your fingers, gaining their attention as they look up at you with curious yellow dots in the dark of their masks.

"Hey, you guys up for a little intervention?"

They look at each other, unable to understand your meaning initially.

"What I'm saying is, we should help out! We should get up in there and do what we can to assist the lady. What do you say?"

The Gajalaka pull out the bazooka devices from their backs.

"...I like the way you guys think." You say.

>Soft-fire yourself up to attack Akantor's eyes and tusks.
>Get the Gajalaka to make you a bomb to throw into Akantor's face.
>Run up and set your Shock Trap up to disable one of Akantor's limbs.
>Write in.

>>4239178
>Get the Gajalaka to make you a bomb to throw into Akantor's face.
This looks like the one with less chance to use our last cart.

Hastily, the Gajalaka scrambled together something at your direction. Using parts hanging from their backs by strings, they loaded a mix of red and black powders into a canister before shaking it, encasing it inside the red painted wooden carving of a Gajalakan bomb shell.

They light the fuse with a simple match before handing the thing over to you before running off towards their Mother Goddess.

You ran too, carrying the bomb above your head. You were going to throw it into Akantor's mouth as the thing prepared it's sonic ray!

>2d2000 for accurate throw.

Rolled 1299, 1641 = 2940 (2d2000)

>>4239210

Rolled 1257, 1811 = 3068 (2d2000)

>>4239210

Rolled 524, 1365 = 1889 (2d2000)

>>4239210

You waited until you had ran just close enough before you pulled both arms back and then let the bomb fly out of your hands, spiraling through the air! Akantor opened his jaw to let the sonic beam out, only for the Gajalaka bomb the two assembled for you to fall right onto his tongue, getting caught in the middle the sonic blast as Akantor unleashed it.

The bomb exploded with twice the fury of any cannonball barrage you've seen in Akantor's throat, dispersing his air and stopping him from launching the ray. What kind of folk science allowed the Gajalaka to produce such a bang? It is perplexing.

Now with Akantor stunned, the Gajalaka crawled atop the head of their Mother Goddess, firing a volley of tinier explosives out of their bazookas at Akantor's eyes, blinding the Black God.

Kulve recognized her devout followers and let them down gently before she moved at Akantor, driving her shoulder into his neck and sending him back. The Black God squirmed as her tail came around, sweeping him up and carrying him along until he was thrown into the side of the wall with a strong flick!

You felt it from here, Kulve Taroth hit Akantor with much more force than he could muster!

+=========+

Akantor Health: 11568

Kulve Taroth Health: 14043

1475 damage dealt to Akantor.

+=========+

Upon recovering, the first thing Akantor did was use his tusks to burrow, fleeing underground and into the next chamber. Kulve Taroth followed suit, chasing him that way.

You ran behind, trying to keep up with the vigorous pair alongside the Gajalaka!

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Akantor's tunneling could clearly be heard. All the crunching and mulching of rock was quite loud, just until it ceased halfway into the fiery magma chamber. Yet despite following Akantor by the noise, Kulve Taroth continued on within past where it ended. You already foresaw what was next!

Akantor burst out of the rock behind her, magma spewing up with him as he attacked her golden armor with his fangs! Kulve Taroth moaned in pain as the tusks dug into her tail, ripping through it and the golden armor, tearing bits off and spilling it into the magma, where it melted down into a liquid form!

Akantor was not done there! The ferocious Supremacy Wyvern dug his claws into Kulve's armor, using it to climb onto her back, causing her to fall to her belly as she could not sustain his immense weight alongside her already heavy armor!

Akantor freely swiped away at Kulve Taroth as he pleased with his claws, sending bits of gold flying with each strike! His claws made short work of the particularly soft material. Gold was not so durable after all...

+=========+

Akantor Health: 11568

Kulve Taroth Health: 12803

1240 damage dealt to Kulve Taroth.

Kulve Taroth's armor is half-destroyed. If her armor is all gone and Akantor's tusks have not been destroyed, she will receive increased damage.

+=========+

>Get up there and do all you can to break Akantor off attacking it's legs or arms!
>Gather all of the Gajalaka's knives and climb to implant them into Akantor's skull!

>>4239304
>Get up there and do all you can to break Akantor off attacking it's legs or arms!

>>4239304
>Gather all of the Gajalaka's knives and climb to implant them into Akantor's skull!
Seems like the more practical option to remove ugly bastard from mommy

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4239306
>>4239314

Kulve Taroth's coat would be dust before long. You needed to lend another hand!

You pulled out just your Gunlance and got a running start, sprinting as fast as your legs could take you and waiting for the right moment.

Akantor's claw came down and smashed off more golden bits, but it wasn't right yet. The Black God raised it's claw again, and you knew it was time as you jabbed your bayonet into the solid ground and went to vault. Messing with the mechanism allowed you to soft-fire your Gunlance, which you used to propel yourself high up into the air as Akantor hit Kulve's armor with his claw again.

You flew over, landing on the hand of Akantor. The Supremacy Wyvern was taken by surprise as you jabbed the bayonet down, piercing his finger. Akantor hissed in pain as you drove the Gunlance down into the finger deeper, stomping it in with your foot, digging it between the flesh and the sharp claw itself. Planting your feet down around Akantor's wrist, you held on as you wiggled the Gunlance, pushing it while Akantor swung his claw to send you off!

>Roll 1d100.
>Reversed roll.
>Failure will result in Kulve taking more damage.

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>4239327

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Try as he might've, Akantor could not loosen you from his hand, and you were able to do what you were aiming to by pushing your Gunlance so hard.

Akantor's middle claw gradually slid further and further out of the socket of flesh that held it. The bone of his finger was separated as the last strings of sinew holding it snapped, equivalent to someone's nail being whisked off painfully.

You took that as your sign to get away now, so you jumped off as Kulve Taroth rose, gaining back control of the fight.

Akantor slid over her shoulder as he payed too much heed to his blood spraying finger wound, which allowed Kulve Taroth to get a reach around her clavicle. With one brisk motion, she pulls the Black God down and drives him into the rock hard!

The Supremacy Wyvern is overturned, his soft belly exposed to the Glorious Dragon as his spines kept him firmly trapped on his back Kulve Taroth could now land a serious blow!

What park does Kulve Taroth break?

>The right fang.
>The left fang.
>The tail.
>The back spines.
>Akantor's chest.

>>4239390
>The right fang.
You can do it, golden lady

>>4239390
>The right fang.

>>4239390
Break his teef!

I've got a bad feeling, not over Kulve and Akant but our companions. There is STILL a Savage Deviljho out there after all.

>>4239412
Didn't he get nearly ripped to ribbons by the toothy moron?

>>4239415
Nope, he came right back to the scene and survived everything.
>>4237338

>>4239390
>The right fang.

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Kulve Taroth did not hesitate.

One arm slammed into Akantor's shoulder, flipping the Black God over to it's side again. Akantor tried to lunge from that position, but Kulve rammed her horns into his snout, backing him down as she brought both of her hands forward, planting one onto Akantor's head to hold the Flying Wyvern down.

Akantor struggled uselessly as Kulve put her other claw over his right fang and pressed down with all her force. The fang was subject to immense torsion, cracking and splintering as she applied her superior strength.

Akantor's right tusk snapped off, breaking from the Mother Goddess' pressure!

+=========+

Akantor Health: 9228

Kulve Taroth Health: 12803

2340 damage dealt by breaking part Right Fang.

+=========+

Akantor was in great pain after losing the tusk. He swung his head upwards, freeing himself from Kulve Taroth's grip with renewed spirit to fight for the territory. The Supremacy Wyvern twisted around, catching her with his tail and staggering the Mother Goddess.

Next thing you knew, Akantor was pushing her back, having rammed his head into her chest. The remaining tusk appeared to have pierced her hide, and she was roaring in pain as Akantor took her with him, right into the wall!

The Black God dug up the ground with his claws, spilling magma out to help melt her armor with! If he could get one good bite on her neck...

"GAJAAAA! GAJA KAKA LAGAKA LAGAJA!" ("Hurrrry! We need to assist Mother again!")

Right, no time to stand around gawking.

From behind, you heard the roar that would always remain ingrained in your mind, Savage Deviljho's roar.... It might have been attacking your friends again. Maybe you could somehow attract it down here to pull Akantor's tail again...

What will you do?

>>4240271
Let's follow Akantor, our team can handle the jho, we can't waste the best chance we got of getting rid of Akantor.

>>4240271
They're keeping Savage Jho occupied for us.

>>4240271
Let's find a way to break Akantor off.

You were intent on ensuring Akantor's demise. No matter what, the Black God could not be allowed to get away, not when it was this close to meeting it's end!

The wall Akantor shoved Kulve through began to melt as well from the heat of the magma all around. Kulve Taroth was forced through, falling down and sliding along with an enormous puddle of molten gold that Akantor had melted, taken away into another chamber along with the Black God.

By now, most of her golden armor had been melted as well, leaving her completely bare and naked, more vulnerable to Akantor's tusks. She tried to move, but the molten gold made her slip on her back, which allowed Akantor to drive his tusk in deeper to the spot he had pierced. Kulve was gored on the side of her abdomen, and then thrown back into a spiral pillar in the middle of the new chamber they entered.

You slid down the puddle as well, into this place which was teeming with gold over the walls and ceiling, it was insane how much was here!

But that isn't what you payed attention to. You fixed your eyes upon the Black God as you slid and threw the two Gajalaka with you away from the puddle.

"Shoot my foot!" You shouted, getting some ridiculous idea.

With the momentum you had sliding, you rolled forward, using your shield to jump off of a loose rock in the stream of molten gold. As you did with one outstretched leg, the Gajalaka pulled their bazooka, firing a stray shot that connected with your sole.

It stung badly, but it helped to propel you even higher, allowing you to land on Akantor's head!

...But things go amiss immediately!

You couldn't even get a good grip before Akantor's rage had been incited. The spikes on his shell stood up as his hide burned red with fury. The Black God lost it! It was out of it's mind!

The Supremacy Wyvern swung it's head side to side, and you held on only by the remaining tusk with your two hands! You couldn't keep on it! You are thrown off to hit the wall! The gold on it shatters as you made an impact, some pointed bits poking you through your armor!

+=========+

Akantor Health: 9228

Kulve Taroth Health: 8267

4536 damage dealt to Kulve Taroth.

You are Fatally Wounded and stunned.

+=========+

You stood up, grasping your ringing head as Akantor stalked closer. Things were not looking good here!

Thankfully, Kulve Taroth had regained her stature. She was going to make a counterattack on Akantor. Only one thing she could do would save you now...

What action does Kulve Taroth take?

>Bellyflop onto Akantor and wallop him!
>Melt the ceiling to fall on Akantor and bury him!
>Slam him from the side with impressive rack, then strike at shallow armpit flesh!
>Pin Akantor against the wall and go for the last fang!

>>4240474
>Bellyflop
Onto those spikes? No thanks. He could just burrow anyway.
>Melt
Burrow and collateral damage
That leaves Slam and Pin.

>>4240474
>Slam him from the side with impressive rack, then strike at shallow armpit flesh!
Impressive rack never fails.

>>4240474
>Slam him from the side with impressive rack, then strike at shallow armpit flesh!
We're literally against the wall, so pinning might be a bad idea.

>>4240474
>Slam him from the side with impressive rack, then strike at shallow armpit flesh!
Armor: Destroyed.
Injuries: Sustained.
Fury: INCITED.

>>4240474
>>Slam him from the side with impressive rack, then strike at shallow armpit flesh!

So Kulve Taroth took a stance to prepare, tightening her muscles up to help mend her bleeding before she charged Akantor from the side with her massive horns inclined onto the beast!

The Black God roared, and was nearly about to lunge at you with his terrible fang, but he was brought to a stop as Kulve Taroth tackled him! She bashed him upwards once with her horns, leaving him on two legs to stand on before she piledrived into his chest, sending him into the golden wall. Akantor's own spikes were once again his undoing as they embedded into the wall, keeping the Flying Wyvern stuck with most of his belly exposed.

Kulve was relentless in her attack! She was going to show this interloper who ruled El Dorado!

Her teeth were like many small razors as she knocked his arm up and bit down on the soft flesh of Akantor's armpit, ripping a chunky portion away! The Black God howled in anger and pain, Kulve was digging into the most vital part of his anatomy! His flesh was shredded into blankets by her teeth as she minced veins up and nearly reached to his heart!

It was then that Akantor went totally limp. You had recovered, and you thought he might be dead at last. Kulve Taroth did as well, stopping her assault to raise her head and look over the empty eyes of the being. There was not even a twitch from the Supremacy Wyvern....

+=========+

Akantor Health: 0

Kulve Taroth Health: 8267

3486 damage dealt to Akantor.

+=========+

Could he finally be dead...?

Kulve Taroth seemed to think so. She forgot about Akantor completely as her view came to you. The Glorious Dragon peered at you with curiosity, trying to discern whether or not you were friend, or foe... she has faced hunters before, so it is only normal she might be wary of you....

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You thought you might try to communicate passively again now that she wasn't so riddled with a sense to fight.

So you stepped forward and raised your hands to signal friendliness. You went to speak using your Connection again, but you picked up something... a beating noise starting back up... from Akantor!

"Heh heh... heh heh..."

""WWWWWRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH"

Akantor jolted up then suddenly! Blasting the entire chamber with it's most powerful sonic roar yet! The ceiling began to shatter, caving in and falling in spots while the floor heated up, magma beginning to stream out in small pockets across the chamber! Kulve was disoriented briefly by it as debris fell onto her snout!

You hopped place to place, trying to avoid the burning sensation on your feet where smoke was rising from! And you could not hear anything else! That bastard Monster Akantor somehow... stopped his heart momentarily! He faked out! He got her attention shifted by playing dead!

+=========+

Akantor Health: 5742

Kulve Taroth Health: 8267

You are receiving fire damage.

+=========+

Akantor stood back up, pulling himself out of the wall. He was preparing to blast Kulve Taroth with a sonic ray! The Gajalaka were rolling on the ground, shaken by having endured his roar. You were moving much more slowly now...

Kulve Taroth was not deafened or paralyzed like you, only a bit blinded by the falling golden debris. She could still act.

Who will take the next action?

>Vance.
>Kulve Taroth.

>>4240613
KULVE KULVE KULVE!
MOMMYS GOT THIS IN THE BAG!

>>4240613
>>Kulve Taroth

What action does Kulve Taroth take?

Only one option will help her here....

>Collide against Akantor's sonic ray with fire breath in a struggle!
>Melt the floor under Akantor's feet with fire breath to sink the Black God!
>Roll to the side out of the way to avoid the ray and then attack!

He could probably just turn his head, though.

Disregard >>4240639 for now.

>>4240632
Wait. How big is that open wound, Level?

>>4240651
Which wound? The one Kulve got or Akantor's armpit wound?

>>4240656
Akantor.

>>4240632
>Melt the floor under Akantor's feet with fire breath to sink the Black God!
Might make him slip and miss

>>4240660
Big enough that Kulve can fit her snout inside up to the eyes, but Akantor is covering it with his arm right now.

>>4240662
Alright.

>>4240632
>Melt the floor under Akantor's feet with fire breath to sink the Black God!
Like a scuba suit with a hole in it.

>>4240632
>>Melt the floor under Akantor's feet with fire breath to sink the Black God!

If Kulve Taroth rolled or tried to dodge, she most likely still would have been shot by Akantor. The Black God seemed to be able to hold the sonic ray in his throat until he needed to fire it.

Kulve wasn't about to fall for that trick!

She knelt and let out a torrent of flame at Akantor's feet instead! The already boiling floor only increased in severe temperature and melted down, both the gold and the rock, mixing into the magma and becoming a sizable puddle under Akantor's feet.

The Supremacy Wyvern began to sink down, falling some feet deeper into the melting terrain as it turned over to a pool of the heated substances. Akantor misfired his sonic ray, hitting the ceiling instead as he splashed about in a panic, throwing specks and blobs of the molten mixture about.

Kulve Taroth was going to attack again, but the sonic ray stopped her after all. Where it hit on the ceiling struck a large vein of gold, blowing the gigantic chunk out and causing it to fall down, plummeting onto Kulve Taroth's head and smashing over her.

The Glorious Dragon was repulsed by it, but not kept down.

Luckily for you, the room also began to cool down as the heat centralized at Akantor's position.

+=========+

Akantor Health: 5742

Kulve Taroth Health: 6254

2013 damage dealt to Kulve Taroth by falling hazard.

You will faint to any stray hit you receive.

+=========+

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"Freelancer!"

You had to hold yourself up against what remained of the chamber's spiral pillar in the middle. You looked up and saw Pierre and Sun Lin near the entrance helping the Gajalaka out.

"Come with us! It's too dangerous for you to stay in there! You'll suffer a heat stroke if you remain any longer!"

It was very hard to breath now, you really should take their advice, but Akantor was so close to kicking the bucket now! You didn't want to leave until you saw that thing was completely, entirely dead! Dead as stone! Dead as dust!

Kulve Taroth was getting ready to do something again...

The molten mixture Akantor swam in was beginning to cool down, it looked like it would turn solid soon, leaving the Black God open to any form of attack... That meant everyone could wail on him at once in a team attack! Or, you could try to break the last tusk yourself.

"Freelancer! Come now! There is no time! I'm ordering you as the lead of this quest! Come with us!"

What will you do?

>>4240728
Better safe than sorry, return back to our companions, heal and get the rest of the team to finish of Akantor with Kulve Taroth.

>>4240728
>Kulve Taroth was getting ready to do something again...
If only we knew what.

>>4240728
Go with them.

Test

Sorry, I'm lagging right now. Captcha is fucking my shit again.

You could not remain much longer in these conditions, and especially not caught in the middle of the fight between the two anymore. You took a daring opening you had and sprinted across the chamber, avoiding falling gold as you ran to your companions, away from the two giants.

You collapsed from exhaustion just as you got up the ramp, but your companions were there to help you. Pierre and Sun Lin hoisted you up by the arms, getting ready to take you out.

As they did, the two Gajalaka said something in their Lynian tongue to Pierre that he did not understand, but he comes to realize their meaning as they point down to the chamber and so he nods calmly at them.

The pair go off, returning to the final chamber of El Dorado to ensure their Mother Goddess puts Akantor down.

That was the last you saw as Pierre and Sun Lin carried you out...

File: Angry golden stare.png (315 KB, 512x351)

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Finally...

....

What action does Kulve Taroth take?

>Try to hold Akantor under and drown him in the solidifying pool. (Has a slim chance to instakill Akantor)
>Tear Akantor's last fang off and bite his neck.
>Rip away the spikes and destroy Akantor's shell.

>>4240879
>Tear Akantor's last fang off and bite his neck.
Surprised nobody voted.

>>4240879
>Tear Akantor's last fang off and bite his neck.

>>4240879
>Tear Akantor's last fang off and bite his neck.

Kulve Taroth did not mind the humans as they retrieved one of their own, she only cared about her two gilded children staying behind to watch over her as she faced down the blackened intruder.

It was time to finish the Black God off now, so she acted fast.

Kulve Taroth took advantage of Akantor's position stuck in the pool. She held the beast's head down into the melted mixture while using her free claw to press down onto the last tusk of the Supremacy Wyvern. He of course thrashed and gyrated, but it couldn't him him as the Mother Goddess broke away that last fang, crushing the bits to various pieces she splashed about.

Now Akantor was totally defanged, disarmed of his biggest advantages against other large Monsters, and all the weaker for it.

Loosing the fang sent a jolt through Akantor's body, activating it's emergency senses, it's survival instincts. A rush of adrenaline preceded Akantor lifting himself up against Kulve Taroth's grip, slowly beginning to gain more ground against her heavier weight.

Kulve Taroth shot down, latching her jaw around Akantor's neck, trying to stop the Black God from evening the odds out again!

>1d1000 to keep Akantor down!

Rolled 161 (1d1000)

>>4241859
gentle_persuasion.png
Stay down.

Please, please, PLEASE, somebody else roll!

Heh heh heh...

Oh, for fuck's sake.

File: 1557461737926.jpg (44 KB, 367x375)

44 KB JPG

I should've waited for somebody else to roll.

Rolled 113 (1d1000)

>>4241859

Rolled 402 (1d1000)

>>4241859

...But despite her best efforts, Kulve Taroth could not keep the reinvigorated Akantor down. He was not healing, and was indeed still suffering from his wounds, but his stamina surge was overwhelming even to the Glorious Dragon.

He flipped his head up, freeing himself of Kulve Taroth's grip and making the Glorious Dragon stumble backwards.

In that frame of time, the Black God pulled himself free of the pool, breaking out before assuming a hunched stance. Kulve Taroth tried to repeat the same trick again, blasting Akantor with her fiery breath, but it did not work with his shell blocking the way.

Akantor dove forward, powering right through her breath! He gets a lock on her neck!

File: Overhead slam.png (223 KB, 512x351)

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+=========+

Akantor Health: 4386

Kulve Taroth Health: 3086

1356 damage dealt to Akantor by breaking part Left Fang.

3168 damage dealt to Kulve Taroth by Akantor's Neckbreaker.

+=========+

Kulve Taroth's landing was grating, she hit the ground hard. Gold bounced off of her neck and she felt a cutting pain on her throat. Akantor's jagged tusks had sliced away some scales and breached the skin, bleeding her, but only lightly. Had Akantor still possessed his full set of tusks, she would have been skewered as he handled her like he did.

She expected him to attack again, charging her weak and battered form down, but to Kulve Taroth's surprise, Akantor is actually moving farther away when she rolls back to her stomach and looks up.

The Supremacy Wyvern was now using what semblance of tusks he had left to try and dig the wall out, in the weak spot that Kulve did when she needed to escape even further underground. The coward had enough, he was trying to get away.

He was making admirable progress, slinging chunks of rock and gold aside as he scraped with his teeth and fangs, but it wasn't enough to allow him to escape as fast as he might have liked.

Kulve...

>Presses the attack!
>Allows him to escape and flee elsewhere.

>>4242141
>Presses the attack!
If he can't dig himself into the wall, then he can't dig himself out of gold.

>>4242141
>>Presses the attack!

>>4242197
On second thought, changing to
>Allows him to escape and flee elsewhere.
Let's not risk Kulve's safety, now Akantor is weak enough we might be able to finish him off ourselves, and now than she is back we might be able to slay akantor on a safer territory.

Well, is he going underground?

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I just want to post, for the love of god I just want to post but captcha tells me NO

Should I just cave in and buy one gookmoot's passes? I'm really heavily considering it.

I'm on mobile now using my wifi, my mobile isp is range blocked all the time. I seem to be able to magically post here but the computer is a no go, I literally cannot pass captcha on it. Sometimes I get fucked on mobile as well.

>>4242263
"No."

>>4242271
Well next update in ten years when I can post off the pc again I guess.

>>4242263
Don't do it Level, we can always wait till you can post again, don't fall to that slant eyed bastard tricks.

>>4242275
I'm failing to see how it is such a big deal though. Its a 20, that's pocket change to waste to me. I hate that fucking kike as much as the next person but really I want to be able to update again for you guys and this is all so frustrating.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4242147
>>4242254

Testing to see how well posting using another browser works.

Huh, I think I can solve this problem easily by just posting from Chromium instead of Palemoon, devourer of ram.

Kulve Taroth was still fuming with anger, she really desired the demise of that ruffian. How dare he come here to her home, try to evict her, bodyslam her and treat her so improperly? She was a lady! Not a mere Dragoness. She deserved high respect!

Ahh, but she was tired now. She could not afford to fight, just as the Black God. She settled herself down, moving away and leaving the confines of this golden chamber. Her Gajalaka followers came with, eager to follow her to the very ends of anything. Akantor was too preoccupied digging through the bedrock and gold to really care.

Outside, Kulve Taroth pounded at the formation of the subterranean innards, collapsing the mouth to her golden chamber with piles of rocks, sealing it and Akantor away, leaving the Supremacy Wyvern to tunnel as it pleased to escape. Who knows where it would pop up at next?

For now, Kulve Taroth sunk down to the volcanic floor of El Dorado's magma chamber, resting as the Gajalaka danced around her head and gave their loud vocal praises...

Though the Caverns of El Dorado were simmering before from Akantor's presence, things began to cool down now, coming closer to a stop as the Black God fled to save his hide from the wrath of Kulve Taroth. Though he had landed a mighty blow against her at the close of the fight, it was only a stroke of luck. She would have killed him had he remained, there is no doubt.

You were the first to notice and point out the change in the air as you strode through the now deserted caverns with your teammates. Savage Deviljho had attacked, but Ferdnt managed to fight the thing off, compelling it to seek food elsewhere. Everyone was mostly unharmed.

Except for the poor Tigrex Hunter. He had been gored badly by Akantor's tusk. His abdomen was painted with his own blood and he had lost his prized weapon as well. Pierre was panicking over his condition, raving at how he may not make it, fearful of his career and anything that might happen should the Tigrex Hunter perish. It never ended well for a team leader if a Hunter they led on a quest died in their fold.

You were worried too, everybody was, but what stayed on your mind the most was what was happening now with Kulve Taroth and Akantor, you wanted to know who was on top. Thankfully, confirmation comes to you and the others. One of the Gajalaka runs up and gains everyone's attention.

"Oh! Oh! Oh oh! Gaja! Gajalak gajaja! Galakaga gajakag! Kagalaja jalagaka kakagalaj!" ("Humans! Human friends! Mother has defeated the evil! She has banished the darkness!")

Nobody as usual understood the words of the little crimson Lynian, but Pierre was good at discerning the implication.

"I think he is trying to tell us that Akantor has been defeated, or killed."

"Yeah," Ferdnt backs him up. "I don't hear anything now."

"The fighting stopped." Sun Lin remarked.

You weren't sure yourself, but they were right. There was no more struggle heard from where everyone came from, no more roars of fury and vibrations in the ground from the wrestling of the two giants.

"We need to leave soon, he won't make it." Pierre tells everyone.

"If anyone has anything left they want to do, do it now and do it fast. We need to get back to Astera on the double." He says.

What about you? Did you have anything you wanted to do before leaving El Dorado?

>>4242590
The wounded takes priority.

>>4242590
If we return to El Dorado later, will we be able to find Kulve again?

>>4242695
Yes. Akantor will eventually appear elsewhere in the New World.

Also I'm gonna go sleep for now. Will get back as soon as can. Silly me, I almost sold out and bought a pass.

>>4242696
Thanks Level. Been here since the beginning, enjoyed every moment of this quest.

>Get the wounded back to Astera ASAP, we can come back to try and talk with Kulve later.

>>4242696
Glad you sorted it out man, I was worried for you there.

>>4242721
Support. We need to get back for our date too.

"No time to dally. Lets get him to the infirmary, he needs it." You say to the others.

Pierre nods. "Right. Well let us be off then."

Your group got back on the move, leaving the Gajalaka to remain with their idol and getting back out to the camp in El Dorado, where each of you were able to signal for the wingdrakes to carry the now unconscious Tigrex Hunter with. He was loaded up and hitched to the Mernos, tied by restrains wrapped over his wrists like cuffs.

The multitude of small Monsters banding together made for a quick means of transportation like always, allowing your whole group to leave all at once, flying off fast to the home destination, Astera.

Today was a thrilling and dangerous hunt, Akantor had taken each of you off guard in ways that Ukanlos hadn't. Strange, considering how the brass viewed Ukanlos as the greater threat. Maybe the White God's close vicinity to Seliana was the reason, he could have wrecked the place easily had he been given enough time to discover it. Akantor was more manageable and farther away, and Astera was so much more vast than Seliana.

You were still slightly disappointed, you did not know the exact fate of Akantor, though you held onto the hope that the black beast was now lying dead at the hands, or rather the claws of Kulve Taroth.

Today was not a long day yet, you had only been down in El Dorado for up until at least two hours till evening now. It should be around four. You had much sunlight left...

When you and the others landed in Astera, it was near the Canteen, that was where Pierre directed everyone to land and unhitch the Mernos at.

The Tigrex Hunter was barely holding on, clinging to his life unconsciously. It was a good thing you all arrived instead of staying behind, otherwise he might not have much more time left.

"I'll take him." The Diablos Nero Hunter, Ferdnt, says.

"I'll help." Sun Lin persisted.

Together, the two hoisted the Tigrex Hunter up after unwrapping him of winding cords and rope, taking care to lift him by his shoulders and legs to avoid putting pressure onto his grievous abdominal wound. They carried him off, going down the Waterfall suites to reach the office of the Doctor. You and Pierre were left standing there.

To your right, you see the Commander appear on the lift near the workshop. You and Pierre walk down the Waterfall Bridge to meet him.

"Hunters." He addressed both of you. "I got wind of what Quest you both undertook, I came back from the Research Base as soon as I could."

"Tell me, is Kulve Taroth still alive?" He asks.

"Yes sir. Taroth lives." Pierre answered him.

A look of relief washed over the Commander, but he kept it subtle.

"Good. I assume you both dealt with Akantor as well?"

"Well actually... we don't know what happened to Akantor, last we saw, he was fighting Kulve Taroth. We had to evacuate immediately to get our injured teammate medical help." You say.

"So you saw her, but then she disappeared again...? Mnmm...." He grunts, hushed.

"Sir, I can go back and see about that if you'd like." You offered.

"No, no need. You've both already experienced enough. I'll have a scout I can rely on do it instead in reconnaissance." The Commander declines.

"Sir, if I may ask... why is it a good thing for you? To hear I mean?" Pierre asks.

"....No reason. It.... is simply that Kulve Taroth is valuable to the Research Commission. That is all." The Commander tells him with a stern face.

"Hmm... Very well."

"Yes, well... You should both relieve yourselves of hunting duties for now. I've got more work to do as well. Dismis-"

"Excuse me." A new voice interjects from behind.

Everyone turned their attention away to the voice.

It was the Warden, coming down from the lift line reaching up to the Gathering Hub. He plants his feet on the bridge and adjusts his handkerchief, stepping up to face everyone, but most of all the Commander.

"I could not help but overhear as I descended news that the golden gilded Dragoness of El Dorado still lives. Commander, have you anything to say to me?"

The Commander sweated a bead and searched for words. You and Pierre were dumbstruck to see his reaction, and you were uneasy, wary of the Warden's words.

"S-Sir." He starts. "I... we must have made a mistake down the line or..."

The Warden shakes his head.

"Forgive my interruption," Comes Pierre. "But what exactly am I missing here hearing all of this?"

"You wish to know? Then I'll tell you." The Warden says.

"When I received the first reports of Kulve Taroth's existence across the sea, the first action I decided should be taken here was her slaying. Colleagues of mine agreed with me that it was the right course, and so ultimately they resigned the problem to fall entirely onto me to deal with. I recognized a special danger unlike anything the Guild has ever been faced with before in Kulve Taroth."

"I have sent multiple requests over the year to the Commander and Admiral both to assemble their best Hunters to do the job, yet I have received nothing back. Hearing that my orders have been blatantly ignored for.... some reason, does leave me quite... dissatisfied."

Silence...

Pierre breaks it. "What danger does Kulve Taroth propose to the Hunter's Guild, Warden sir?"

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"Economic damage, inflation and possibly collapse." The Warden answers.

"You see gentlemen, the Caverns of El Dorado are much wider than meets the eye. The Research Commission has done a splendid job getting the dimensions right for me to see in oversea reports. El Dorado is two hundred and ninety four square kilometers of pure gold. That is enough wealth to be worth... twenty six Guilds. The Guild's economy is vast. The existence of El Dorado is a threat and Kulve Taroth is as well."

"It is no secret that the Hunter's Guild one day plans on trying to formally colonize and settle the New World, our first project starts with the elusive Guiding Lands, that much you know. If the day ever comes that cities stand in places like these and civilization stretches here, we will have a serious problem to deal with in El Dorado. The Caverns are too big to regulate, even with security. People will go corrupt with heinous greed learning of it."

"There was already Poachers that made their way here from across the sea, people will that would be able to plunder El Dorado as they please, and worse... fight over it. The gold will be bloodstained as rabble scramble to get it, turning the place over into a bloodbath where everyone is a separate belligerent. Zenny is gold, it would be devalued completely if the Guild claimed El Dorado in any way."

"I'm sorry for the rant, gentlemen, but the danger must be known." The Warden says.

Neither you nor Pierre say anything else. You both remain quiet as the Warden sets his sights back onto the Commander, who closed his eyes and listened with scrunched brows.

"Commander, I'm afraid I won't ask again. I am in no place to spare a concern for your... attachment to the Elder Dragon. See to it that Kulve Taroth is slain and El Dorado is secure for being hidden as part of my plan... or I will be forced to take some action against your position." The Warden threatened.

The Commander opens his eyes and gives the Warden a blank stare.

"Take your time to give me an answer." The Warden says, waiting patiently.

You and Pierre were both on the sideline, and really, neither of you should still be here, it wasn't the place of Hunters to hear of these intricate Guild politics and problems.

"We should... go about our day." Pierre whispered to you.

He raised his hand in front of you and tried backing off with you carefully.

What will you do now?

>>4243721
I feel sorry for the commander, but, maybe later we can talk with Kulve and see if we can reach an agreement. For now let's prepare for our date, first ask Vivi, to watch Chamo for the night, then request some nice takeout with from the chef something nice for a picknick, then take a bath and try to get some clothes, something casual, but sturdy enough for the travel.

Supporting >>4243734

Also, I agree with that idea, we can try and at least inform Kulve of this at some point for sure

>>4243721
How hypocritical of the Warden, to speak of exploiting El Dorado and complain about greed within the same breath.

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>>4243721
>he wants to kill mommy
We know who to kill next at least.

While we're at it, we should ask him what his 'plan' is.

>>4243745
I'm not seeing where he said they would exploit it. I think his plan is just to secure the caverns so they can be hidden from public knowledge. You could assume he means to exploit it, but he clearly has all the resources he need from the guild, so it wouldn't make much sense from a logical standpoint.
Still not killing Kulve though.

"What is your plan?" You say aloud then, not stopping to be formal about it.

"I beg your pardon?" The Warden says.

The Commander and Pierre both look at you with surprised glares.

"I asked what your plan is." You reiterate.

"...."

"Did I not already say? Ah, it won't hurt to expand somewhat." The Warden says.

"My plan is to ensure El Dorado is sealed off to the public, and to the Guild even. Once Kulve Taroth is dealt with, extensive constructions projects will be held by Wyverian workers alone to erase nearly every possible entrance and exit to the Caverns. We will collapse tunnels and set up steel walls to keep every manner of intruder and Monster out. What ways in that will be left behind after that will be checkpoints that I plan to have manned by the Guild Knights and Royal Guild Guard, the highest intel and security service and the personal enforcers of His Immenseness himself."

"Under the supervision of my cabinet, the caverns will remain completely untouched, nothing will ever go in or out. I will have the last entrance locked tight and accessible only through a specific key that will be guarded with me at all times."

"The world economy at large is threatened by massive shifts that El Dorado could cause, let alone the Guild's enormous economy already. So long as El Dorado remains a closely guarded secret of the Guild, it can never be exposed to harm the world."

"Does my answer suffice to you now, Hunter?"

You crane your head up a little.

"Of course. But one more thing I want to know - Why does Kulve need to die?"

"She is sedentary and nomadic at the same time. Though she spends most of her time in El Dorado, it has been documented that the Glorious Dragon leaves on occasion to wander for incredibly extended periods across the surface, leaving behind numerous traces of gold and her existence. She is currently only known to exist here in the New World, by few individuals whose names I will not disclose back home and by the Commission here. Her wandering could be... problematic. There is no reasoning with an Elder Dragon, she must be slain. If we let her run free, who knows what might happen, she may even procreate in time."

"Now, gentlemen, please return to your activities. Commander, to my office with me, pronto."

With that, the Commander slowly left, going up the lift to the Gathering Hub. The Warden stayed behind, watching him go up before looking at you and Pierre. He fixates his red shades and nods before going up himself...

You didn't agree with the notion that Kulve Taroth had to die. You may not have personally known her, but she surely couldn't be so bad. You know for a fact she is not feral, because you heard something coherent from her with your Connection.

Well, that is something to think on at another time. For now, you silently part ways with Pierre and decide to walk over to the Chef's station at the Canteen.

Meowscular Chef has been on a roll ever since that one time you encouraged him. You see him putting his mind to the job with much focus, and his skills to the test. He gets platters out so much faster now than before.

"Seems you're doing good." You say to him as he finishes preparing one more platter from across the table.

"Mew've said it! I've been rocking this joint day and night with my guns! Nobody won't get their gains on meow watch!" He boisterously says.

"More power to you." You say.

You step up and walk around the stove, he leans on his cleaver and looks to you curiously.

"Say, Chef? I need to ask a little favor..." You begin.

"Well shoot! Hit me with it! I might even pawt it on the house!"

"Well I wondering, could you do me something to take out?"

He scratches his chin.

"Takemeowt? Prrrmmmm... Well, I don't really know if we have any foils... but I 'spose I could make due with something else. What did ya' have in mind?"

"See I was planning on going on a picnic a-"

"OH! A picnic? Why didn't mew just say so! I've got a basket from Grammeow, I'll let you borrow it!"

"Really? Thanks, that works just fine."

"Don't meowntion it."

Meowscular Chef flicks his blade across the stove top and swings a match, fanning the fire.

"So, what were mew thinking?"

>What do you want to order as takeout?

>>4243901
Sandwichs, wine if he have otherwise some booze but also pack some juice as an alternative, some sweets cookies maybe, a salad and a fish dish? Is that good enough anyone has any ideas?

Need to take a quick break. Should be back in like twenty minutes.

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>>4243904
>meowscular chef
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>salad
Pic related. Get something sweet instead, geez.

We should probably get a double order in case Tabitabi plays third wheel.

>>4243877
I don't see much logic in this reasoning for killing Kulve, but then again they did kill Namielle for just making lights.

>>4243904
Should be good enough.

>>4243904
>salad
Except for that. Remember what the loading screen last thread said, never ask him for vegan stuff.

>>4243904
OK, then Sandwichs, for drinks, wine or booze and some juice as well, sweets, cookies and a fish dish, anyone else wanna add something?

Had to walk my dog too sorry.

"Eh, just some basic things for a simple picnic. Some sandwiches? Maybe a few extras like fruit or a fish dish. Oh, and throw some cookies in too."

"That'll be all?"

"Yeah."

"Good, good. Now you'll choke to death without a beverage. What'll it be?"

You pursed your lip and thought for a moment. What did Atricia like? You didn't really know, but you did see her drink rum and booze like all the others. Maybe she might like something more... refined for this picnic trip perhaps?

"Uhh.... Hm, I guess some wine and rum will do?"

"Prrrm, gotcha." He snaps his thump, pointing at you.

"Well that settles it. I'll have that basket batch ready in a half-meowr at the least!"

"Great. I'll be back to pick it up." You say, nearly going to walk off.

"Say," He stops you. "What's the picnic for? Mew going with someone?"

"Oh yeah, I was going to take the Scoutress out to the Ancient Forest." You tell him.

You're pretty sure you hear a distant glass break.

"On a date?"

"...Yeah, on a date." You say, doing your best not to sound awkward.

"Ohhh, mew don't know, do ya'?"

"Huh? Know what?"

"Eh, I think it's better you see yourself, skinny. Go check out the lady there by the booth and ask about dating, she'll let mew in on what you should know."

You were perplexed by that, but you thought nothing of it.

"Okay? Thanks, I will." You say.

"Sure! Now if you'll excuse meow..."

You left Meowscular Chef to get to work on your order.

You take a short walk off from the Canteen and come to the booth at the entryway to the Waterfall housing. The attendant Felyne inside stops sharpening her claws to look up at you and smile.

"Hello again! How may I pawfer my assistance?"

Your eyes dart back to the chef momentarily, then you look down at the Felyne secretary and assume a relaxed stance.

"Uh, hi. I was told to ask about dating here?"

"Oh, that..." She says, trying not to sound exhausted just from the subject alone.

"What should I know?"

"Mwell... there are some ridic-.. Er, there are some rules..."

She fishes out a pamphlet and hands it to you.

"Here's all mew need to know."

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"Huh? A dating guideline book?"

You nod to the attendant and let her be, walking over to the Canteen and taking a seat at an empty table, where you begin to read this pamphlet...

'DATING IN ASTERA'

'Got scoutflies in your stomach? Feeling fuzzy? Warm? Have that special someone in your life you want to take out? No problem. However, there are a certain set of rules you should remember and abide by here in the New World while exploring such benefits of relationship with a partner.'

Okay, okay. Seems simple enou- Wait, don't say that. Just read Vance, just read.

'RULE 1#. First of all is our first and most important rule, you should be aware of this one at all times. The vow of abstinence.'

'The New World is treacherous and far isolated away from the society you knew and enjoyed in the Old World. This makes one thing unacceptable and too much of a hassle; Pregnancy and births. The Research Commission does not sport the space nor resources to be able to efficiently or ably handle pregnancies and birth in it's female members, and it does not have the time to deal with rowdy Hunters getting far too ahead of themselves. For this reason, it is requirement that you take a vow of abstinence to help prevent the problems pregnancies and birth incur here in the New World. You can do this by signing your name onto the line below and cashing this paper in with the Doctor. Mandatory checkups are held monthly to ensure everyone is on board with the vow. Those found disobeying this rule are subject to the judgment of the chief staff.'

'Upon cashing these papers in, Hunters and Huntresses are to receive a supplement of correctional medicinal pills that help to suppress urges for sexual activities. These pills work as a safe method of celibacy that do not give permanent lasting effect and wear off in time. Commission staff and members who violate this vow by refusing dosage of the medicine are sent back to the Old World and prohibited from returning to the New World from that point onward.'

'Addendum: You may not use the case of the Field Team Leader to argue against this guideline.'

'RULE 2#. Hunters and Huntresses or any Commission staff thereof engaging in relationships should not be found out after dark. Activity is logged by the House Keepers and Attendants. Those found disobeying this rule will be reported to the chief staff.'

'RULE 3#. Commission members, Hunters and Huntresses may not engage in activities related to their relationship while on a quest, while carrying out orders and duty or on the job in general.'

'RULE 4#. Any two partners of a relationship must be ready to accept that marriage is not an option and prohibited in the New World.'

'RULE 5#. Flirting is not advised in public. Flirtatious speech should be relegated in more private areas between two individuals. Anyone caught flirting may receive a penalty fine of up to 50 Z.'

'RULE 6#. Dinner dates at the canteen are not allowe-'

You stop reading right there and set this... preposterous paper down.

This was... this was...

What the FRACK were you reading? This cannot be for real! Rules? For dating?! Really...? Surely nobody took this seriously or truly abode by it, did they...?

....Wait, you remember something... back on the Argosy, one of the crewmen mentioned everyone going to the New World having to take a 'special medicine' before they could go. That might be the supplement the pamphlet mentions... You didn't have to do anything like that though...? Hmmm.... mayhap it was the fact you payed your way here on the Argosy directly. Does nobody realize it yet? That you aren't... drugged like everyone else is?

You thought Hunters here would be just as fast to relish in fooling around like they do in the Old World, but come to think of it, you never noticed any such thing going on between Hunters and Huntresses. They must all be truly suppressed of those things by the drug.

This was worrying... what if they caught you? They could... send you back if you weren't following this crazy pamphlet's rules! Weren't taking a chaste drug like everyone else!

Calm down Vance... calm down Vance... don't make it look like you're stressed, those House Keepers and attendants could be watching at any time, from Gog knows where...

You've been aloof of this... mess your whole stay here. Maybe it is just best you remain calm and forget about this all...

Well, what will you do now?

>>4244062
Calm down Vance, let's keep going with the date, if they haven't caught before they won't caught up now as long as we keep the spaghetti in our pants, for now keep with the rest of the preparations, go talk with Vivi to babysit Chamo, take a bath and grab some clothes.

>>4244062
I mean... I understand its to prevent overpopulation and what not, but couldn't we just you know... pull out method that shit?

Fucking (((((Wyverians))))) forcing people to take castration pills. We got to take those fuckers down top priority

>>4244060
this thing is fake as shit.

well deal if it ever matters.

Yeah, just remain calm. This pamphlet isn't going to ruin your day...

You just crunch it up and stuff it into your pocket, making sure you do so discreetly so nobody notices. You're sure Meowscular Chef wouldn't divulge anything over your asking earlier. You weren't sure about that Attendant though...

You just had to leave it up to luck that nothing would happen. Nothing has happened yet, so why would anything happen in the future?

You get up, deciding to freshen up before your date with Atricia.

The first thing you did was head back home and see Vivianne. You told her about your plans and asked her about watching Chamo for you just until you were done. She expresses her desire to go on a Hunt with you again soon, but obliges your request, saying that she'd do it.

You thank her, you could always rely on her.

Gathering up your casual clothes and removing your armor, you decided to head down to the bath house for a wash, you needed it right about now, your skin was damp with the smell of sweat from El Dorado's heat after all...

The wash was quick and relaxing as always. That Mizutsune soap came in handy to rid all the germs and grime and dirt, as well as leave behind an alluring smell over your body once you were done washing. Usually, this was where you stopped at, but now was a more special occasion, you wanted to take the extra step in freshening up.

You had paid beforehand for the privilege to access a more uncommon assortment of things to use during your wash. Once you were dry you applied an abundance of things to your body that helped revitalize your skin and prep yourself better, such as cologne and deodorant. You were right fancy, since Hunters didn't use things like this frequently.

Your clothes came through a tray on the wall after the workers finished washing them for you. You quickly donned the casual wear and exited.

Now what were you missing? You felt like there was something you've glanced over...?

Ah! Of course, you see now as you happen to glimpse a mirror. Your hair!

>We should get a haircut. (Decides Vance's style)
>On second thought, we're cut out. (Defers to default MHW hairstyle)

>>4244187
Well, I am without any ideas for a cool hairstyle, so I will go to:
>>On second thought, we're cut out. (Defers to default MHW hairstyle)

>>4244187
>We should get a haircut. (Decides Vance's style)
Give him the pompadour

>>4244187
>On second thought, we're cut out. (Defers to default MHW hairstyle)

Aw come on guys, the default hair looks like the JUST hair, you really want that?

>>4244261
Better than a pompadour but fine.

>>4244187
>We should get a haircut. (Decides Vance's style)
Anything but a pompadour.

>>4244274
Oy oy, what do you have against pompadours?

>>4244275
I just don't want one, too much work.

>>4244282
Okay, how about something simple like a slicked back style then?

>>4244288
Came argue with dubs.

>>4244306
Speaking of dubs, I just noticed that the last three threads all had dubs in the post number. It must be a sign from the heavens that I'm doing something right here fellas.

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Fortunately, the wash house also provided a hair care service for the Hunters and Huntresses. Two well trained barbers manned their station at any given time. You saw one and decided to cut your hair, which was at a length that branched on being long, reaching down your neck, though you did well to conceal it in whatever you wore.

You viewed a book full of different styles of hairs and after a time you found one you liked, one that was of no difficulty to manage either. You decided to get shorter hair that you could slick back easily with some pomade.

You pay a small fee for both the cut and the pomade and sit in a chair for a while as the barber goes to work.

Eventually, he pulls you around to a mirror and shows off his handiwork. You thought you looked excellent. Atricia will definitely like this.

Are you truly satisfied with this slicked back style?

>>4244368
Where our face at?

>>4244368
Sure.

>>4244378
Up to the player's interpretation remember?

>>4244383
I don't like it. Draw him a face.

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>>4244384
Okay fine here. What think?

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Okay I joke. This real one. What think?

>>4244397
TWINKIE HOUSE

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>>4244397
Pic

>>4244402
I like it, Vance pulls off a mean smug look.

>>4244406
Cool

Good enough, you look handsome. A man should always value his masculine beauty just as women do their feminine beauty, at least that's what Ma and Pa always told you.

You throw a little tip more the way of the barber, leaving the wash house area and ascending the stairs back up to the tradeyard, and then to your home.

Vivianne had packed a few things with herself in a little satchel, and she kept her casual vest on as well, she was ready to go see Chamo now and would go anytime you willed for her to. You would send her on her way after you picked out another important thing. The clothing you would wear.

Admittedly, you didn't hoard many articles of clothing, you always wore the same thing at least twice before washing it on any given day, there was no smell that would accumulate in that time so it seemed alright to you.

Everything you had was as fresh as you so you only needed to choose what to wear. You did not know what Atricia was going to wear though, so you don't want to look too out of place, but then again you can do whatever you please.

>Keep on casual wear type one. (Red one sleeved vest and shorts.)
>Wear casual wear type two. (Green small vest and shorts.)
>Put on the Samue you bought in Jumbo Village from your travels.
>Purchase a Gala suit from the Gathering Hub to be extra spiffy.
>Wear something else. (Write in)

>>4244436
>Put on the Samue you bought in Jumbo Village from your travels.
They look neat so lets go with that.

The indigo Samue you had, it was comfortable, easy to wear, and looked good enough to don for many occasions. You decided to wear this for your date with Atricia, trading in the casual wear you were issued by the Guild.

Now all ready and set for your date, you have a small chat with Vivianne, giving her instructions to finding Chamo and some tips about what she should and should not do while watching after him. She keenly notes everything you have and salutes for the charm of it.

"I'll keep him in line, Meowster!" She swears.

You nod, trusting that she will.

And so with that, both of you left the house. Vivianne trailed away and followed the path you gave her, disappearing down the walk and heading off towards the secluded area where Chamo was.

You on the other hand only walk a few feet down, coming to the door of Atricia's room, which you knock upon, waiting for an answer.

You hear some things get moved around from within before the sound of stepping, followed by the door's locks being flipped.

Atricia opened the door, wearing the same dress you saw her in earlier today. Her eyes scan you down from head to toe and she smiles.

"You've been busy."

"I thought I'd try to look my best." You say.

"Yeah, you even did your hair. You didn't gloss over the small things, huh?"

"Not this time, you know how us Hunters are though." You say with a small, nearly flat smile.

"No judging here, I'm the same way." She reassured you.

But then Atricia's smile fades and she seems to become sheepish instead, reaching one hand around her back to rub her other bicep.

"Hm? What's wrong Atricia?"

"It's just... I haven't even done half of what you have. I thought you might be more relaxed... like, you know, going out in our armors. I didn't expect you'd groom so much for this, you said it yourself, we are Hunters and Huntresses...." She states.

He beats you to the punch, speaking again. "Not that I'm saying this is bad! I'll just have to get to work so I can get ready too now. Did... you want to go out this instant?"

"Yeah, that was my plan. I'm having the chef make us something, I'll pick it up in a few minutes." You tell her.

"Ah, good, so I have some time then..."

She nervously rubbed her temple. "Ohh... I don't even know what I should wear though..."

>Offer to help her choose something to wear on the date.
>Give her some space, go to the Canteen and get your stuff while she readies herself.
>Write in.

Hello?

>>4245894
Hi there.

>>4245743
Our Atricia is being bashful, adorable, let's try and flirt with her a bit while we're at it.
>"I am sure you would look great in what you chose, but, if you're in doubt I would love to help you make your pick.

>>4245894
I was asleep. Supporting >>4245926 to prevent a tie, though we may fuck the delivery up.

>>4245926
Support.

"I'm sure you would look wonderful in whatever you choose, but... if you're in doubt, I would love to help you make a pick." You offer.

Atricia's demeanor changes right then. Her cheeks become slightly rosy and she smiles.

"Well, I don't see why not. Maybe you can choose something to look the part with you." She says, pushing her door open and inviting you into her room.

You step inside, being greeted with a brighter interior than your own room. Atricia's layout was much different than what you knew, but she many of the same things as you, such as a ceiling fan with few candles more than your own, some storage pieces and furniture. But besides that, her room had three carpets more than you, painted walls and an actual stove to accommodate the furnace. Makes sense, she did have Handler training for cooking, she said as much.

You walk over with her to a tall dresser next to her bed and she opens it, giving you a view of her wardrobe. It was about as limited as most Hunters and Huntresses had it, but she had some more articles than you at least.

"I actually used to collect a lot of clothing, I have an obsession with fashion in general! Course, most of my stuff is back home with my old folks. Maybe if we ever both get to go back to the Old World, I can take you to Dundorma and show you, your jaw would drop seeing how many dresses I hoarded!" She talked on.

"I didn't know you had such a penchant for fine clothing." You say, examining the things she has already, which is all on a bar above what anyone else here in Astera must have.

"When I'm not Hunting at least I always wear nice things, maybe too nice to call laid back. I don't know what makes me so addictive to it." Atricia says, confounded of her hobby.

"Well..." She shakes her head. "What do you think? I'll probably stick with your choice."

She had a fine silk kimono with pink floral patterns, a plain sky blue yukata with shorter sleeves, a decent padded jacket to wear over a thin sweater with breeches, a Milardese style casual wear set, a sleeveless summer dress, and two varieties of Guild casual wear sets which were the same as the ones you had.

She also had a strange.... Astral dress, as she puts it, that she won from an event. And as well she owns a peculiar long crimson jacket and a blossom dress.

What do you think best suites Atricia?

>Fine silk floral patterned Kimono dress.
>Plain sky blue Yukata dress.
>Decent padded Jacket with sweater and breeches.
>Milardese style casual wear.
>Summer dress.
>Red Guild casual wear.
>Green Guild casual wear.
>Astral dress.
>Crimson jacket.
>Blossom dress.
>Something else entirely. (You get to draw it.)

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>>4246224
>Summer dress.

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>>4246245
GOD

>>4246224
>Summer dress.

>>4246224
>>Summer dress.
Hell with it.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>4246224
If I roll higher than 90 you must go with my choice
I choose padded jacket and breeches

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>4246276
If higher than 90 you die instantly.

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>>4246296
Based Level

>>4246296
Fuck

"Hmm...."

Slowly, you reached out and grabbed a hanger from the wardrobe, the one holding Atricia's Summer Dress. You were going out with her to the Ancient Forest, and it was bright and sunny there most of the time, almost like summer back home, so you thought this dress was most fitting for her to wear, given that you were wearing summer attire as well.

"How about this?" You say, handing her the dress.

"Oh? My summer dress?" She takes it, looking it over. "Hmm... Sure! This seems like a good choice. Oh! And I can wear my suffer scarf with it as well, she says, retrieving an olive wraparound from the wardrobe.

You give her some time, stepping away near the door as she went to change behind her divider.

"I wonder, will nobody question our choice of clothing when we go out?" You say to yourself.

"Nobody should, really." Atricia says across the room, having heard you.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. You wouldn't believe the things people wear around here sometimes, especially since that fancy 'Layered Armor' stuff was invented. I've seen Hunters and Huntresses wearing all pink sets made from the Behemoth Monster the Star slew, purple and green mixes of armor pieces, people wearing Wiggler costume hats and I even once saw a Hunter go out and hunt in his underpants alone! Course, it didn't end well but still...."

"...Sounds like nobody have any gripes. Great." You say.

"Yeah.... Hey, wait, why would you worry about that though?"

"Well uh... I was just concerned because.... uh..."

"Is it those ludicrous guidelines?" Atricia says, making you perk up.

"Yeah, I learned today. I can't believe that actually exists."

"You're not the only one. Most fleet members threw a fit when they had to undergo all of that before setting sail. Those pill things they give you last a while, they're in big supply, but..."

"...But what?"

"Heh, well, quite a lot of us here in Astera don't take them, we chuck it and cover it all up. I know a few around who do, but I wouldn't tell because tattling is just low, am I right or am I wrong?"

"I agree, but wait, are you saying you don't take them?"

"Look over at my nightstand. See the black bottle with the garnet label?" She tells you.

You look over and see a sizable glass bottle half full of the supplement you read about in the pamphlet back at the Canteen.

"I don't take any. I've made it a little activity of mine to throw two pills away every two days, that way the Housekeepers or some stuck up prude staff member doesn't suspect me. Pretty much anyone in their right mind does. As for how I dispose of it..."

Atricia snakes her hand up over the top of the divider and points to near her dining table. You follow and look down that way, seeing a tiny hole in the floorboard near one of table's legs.

"In each place I've stayed at in Astera now, I've carved out a hole like that with my knife, and I cover it up with something when I'm not using it. I drop the pills through and let them fall down to the ocean or whatever. And eh... I'm positive the Housekeepers won't think much of it anyway if they did find it."

"Bravo. Thank Gog I didn't end up having to be apart of that. If I do though in the future... well, at least I have a smart idea to shamelessly steal." You comment, smirking.

"Hey, I don't blame you."

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A few more minutes go by of silence, but eventually Atricia speaks up again.

"Sorry, I had to replace some wrappings, for my wounds, you know."

She steps out from behind the divider. The summer dress and scarf she wore was wavy, soft and light around her body, reaching down to her ankles.

She picks up the dress and twirls a little with it, showing it off.

"So, what do you think?"

>Gorgeous.
>Stunning.
>Alright.
>Not actually as good as I thought it would.
>You need something to wear on your head too.
>It doesn't look good.
>Wait, I change my mind, I want you to wear something different.

>>4246512
>>Stunning.
I wanted to say Gorgeous, but I think she may think we might be forcing but Damn, I never noticed but Atricia sure has a big nice pair

>>4246503
Thought so. No way they can keep everyone in line with that bullshit

>>4246512
>Stunning
Lets stay on a level here, we'll give her better compliments the more we've dated her. Shes got big jugs holy crap

"Stunning. Simply stunning." You say.

"Oh," Atricia averted her view at you and closed her eyes. "Thanks, Vance."

You just smile at her.

"Well, I have my clothes set out, I just need to do a few more things, like fix this." She says, ruffling her hair.

"Sure. I'm gonna go pick my things up. I'll meet you by the gate?"

"No, just go ahead to the southern camp, I'll meet you there if I don't beat you there." Atricia says, going back off to her wardrobe.

"You're on." You say, hurrying out of her room and back out into Astera.

You were quick to make your way through the tradeyard and up the lift, bringing yourself back out to the Canteen.

You saw Meowscular Chef had gotten himself caught up handling more orders from other people, and so he had only completed at least half of your picnic basket order at this point, that much was evident from one assistant chef stuffing the last of a few wrapped items inside the basket, which had much more space left.

You wanted to try and beat Atricia to the Ancient Forest, but at this rate you might just be beaten yourself. Either way, it was no contest, so you sit at the same vacant table as before and decide to wait until your order is done.

You lean against your table, peering around to see what you could see in any place that was visible to you from here. Your eyes fall over the guests of the Canteen, many Hunters, some drunken. You spot the Warden near the airship station across the bridge... he is watching you, but looks away as you see him, he must have been pretending he wasn't staring.... creepy...

Ah, but speaking of creepy, what really irked you was a person you saw at the back table near the Canteen gate staring your way. He looked to be a Hunter, but not one you've ever seen before. He was wearing a Jagras set? But it was... very darker than it looked like it should be. He was smiling at you, and for a moment you just stare back at his grinning expression with stern eyes. You hated it when people stared like that...

Now, he was raising his head and hand up. He gestures you over to his table with a finger. You aren't just about to wander off to see what some random person so gloomy looking like him want-...

Huh? Now he was jangling a purse he pulled from his pocket. It was a purple purse, not exactly big, but it appeared to have something very heavy inside. He gestures you over again...

>Walk over and see what the strange person wants.
>Ignore him, find something to pass the time with.
>Talk to somebody else you saw at the Canteen. (Brigg, Balthazar, Strong-As Earth)
>Write in.

>>4246765
>Walk over and see what the strange person wants.
Damn it, I just can't ignore a mystery box.

>>4246765
>Walk over and see what the strange person wants.

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You take a quick peek over your shoulder, seeing the Warden was now gone from sight. You scan around quickly to make sure nobody else is paying you attention before you stand up and begin walking over that way to the man you saw.

You stood next to his table, he motioned you to sit. You take a seat across from him and look deeply into his face. His skin was pale, and he was tainted with a shadowy look even in the broad sunlight.

"I don't suppose you wouldn't fancy obtaining another medium, would you, Vance?"

"...I don't know. What is this medium you're talking about? And more importantly, who are you?"

"I'm not that important to you now. I am just a man who wants to help out."

He drops the purple purse onto the table. Whatever was inside clanked with a metallic tinging, and it was quite weighted.

"The contents are something you should not view until you are in total darkness. Wait until nightfall, and be among the First Wyverians. Ask them to concentrate for you. Do not let anyone else know you have this." The tenebrous hunter waves his finger.

"You know about the First Wyverians? What is..."

"Shhh.... shh shh shh shhh." He hushes you. "Don't ask questions, just do. Trust me."

The tenebrous man stands up from the table and nods to you. He went to walk away...

You felt an... unnatural aura about that person. Like... you felt somehow... compelled to listen, but as he left off, that feeling faded. You glanced down at the purse, and when you looked back up for him, he was gone already.

'Probably more Ancient shite finding it's way to me...' You bemoaned mentally.

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Though, you were curious about what exactly was inside the purse. But, your Hex...

If it was what you thought was accurate to anticipate, you probably shouldn't... but then again, it isn't like seeing it will be a trouble. Nobody here will know but you, so nobody will be subject to the danger that Zuhramon warned he would give...

But, you probably shouldn't let this ruin your day, you only had a few minutes or so left and these kind of things weren't what you wanted on your mind right about now...

>Curiosity killed the Felyne, let's not bother and pocket it for now.
>Damn it, maybe a peek wouldn't hurt, what is this mystery item?

>>4246844
>Curiosity killed the Felyne, let's not bother and pocket it for now.

>>4246844
>Damn it, maybe a peek wouldn't hurt, what is this mystery item?
Vance thinks its fine so why not, lets see what the glowie gave us

>>4246844
>Curiosity killed the Felyne, let's not bother and pocket it for now.

>>4246844
>Curiosity killed the Felyne, let's not bother and pocket it for now.

>>4246844
>Curiosity killed the Felyne, let's not bother and pocket it for now.

Deadly is the path the man who plunders a Rath nest walks. You weren't about to go looking inside, you were uninterested, it shouldn't matter to you at this moment in time, not with the happenings going on today.

You take the purple purse and keep it on hand, shoving it down inside the inner pocket of your shirt. It would be ignored there for the remainder of today.

You got up and returned to your own table and waited there for the Chef and his cooks to finish your basket. It takes them some more time of shoving things inside, but eventually Meowscular Chef completes your order and finishes the picnic basket. He walks down to personally deliver it to you.

"So, what do I owe you?" You say, diving your hand into your pants pocket for money.

Meowscular Chef just raises his paw. "Nothing. I'll put it on the meowse for now, think of it as my generosity. Here."

You take the picnic basket and nod. "Thanks, Chef."

"Don't mention it."

The picnic basket was not light, it weighed more than a standard platter of the Chef's making for sure, it was full to the brim with food and confections. Perfect.

Lifting it up over your shoulder and walking to the Canteen gate nearby, you whistled for a Wingdrake and saddled up, flying off to the Ancient Forest.

Your date would begin now.

You flew down over the safe areas of the Ancient Forest, landing in the southernmost camp like you were told to. When you arrived, Atricia was already there waiting, sitting near the tent. She gets up and marvels at the basket you have before giving you an earnest smile.

"I got here at least twenty minutes ago, so you're not totally late." She teased you.

"You girls know your way around hair, huh..."

"Of course."

You took a look around and listened to the ambience of the forest. It sounded pleasant out.

"So, where to go now I wonder." You say.

Atricia hands you a folded up mat she had and steps off to the entrance of the camp, looking out over the Aptonoth grazing grounds. You follow.

"There are plenty of nice spots to go out there, I know almost all of them, and even better, I know pathways that Monsters stay away from, ones just big enough for us to take so our travel will be safe." She says.

"Great."

"Yeah, you learn a few things when you've been here a long time. Anyway, I'll tell you about where we can go."

Atricia begins explaining nice places in detail.

Where will you and her go?

>The grazing grounds will suffice, its close to camp and has a good view of the sun. (Closest)
>She knows a place on the Great Tree with a view of the whole forest. We'll go there. (Highest)
>She tells you of a flower garden to the west at the top of a high shoreline ledge. That's the ticket. (Most remote)
>A rock bed pass with some creeks flowing with mountain spring water exists deeper in the woods. She says it has pools, and is entirely barren of Monsters. (Safest, yet hardest to get back from)

>>4247996
>A rock bed pass with some creeks flowing with mountain spring water exists deeper in the woods. She says it has pools, and is entirely barren of Monsters.
Last thing I want is a random monster ruining our date.

>>4247996
>She knows a place on the Great Tree with a view of the whole forest. We'll go there. (Highest)
We could see everything.

>>4247996
>She tells you of a flower garden to the west at the top of a high shoreline ledge. That's the ticket. (Most remote)
Sounds nice.

>>4248005
I dunno man, you'd have thought the south pole being cold as fuck that Velkhana shuddered at it even wouldn't have any monsters yet there were plenty. Why should this place be any different? Besides, we need to stay farther away from the woods because Leshen is out there somewhere.

>>4248126
Because Level said it's the safest place of all the choices? Your pick says it's remote but what if the reason it's remote it's because a nasty creature is making that place his den? better not risk.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

>>4248005
>>4248072
>>4248126

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There wasn't any debate had about it, you and her both unconditionally agreed that the creek was in fact the best locale to venture out to, and so both of you departed the camp along it's shortcut.

She took the lead, foraging ahead with her greatsword hanging by her back. When you ask, she tells you that you 'can never be too sure'. You like that, she was always ready to fight. You only had your bland carving knife on hand, so at least you could provide backup if both of you ran into some trouble along the way. Though, you didn't worry, she was taking you through safe passages, allegedly.

She leads you through one of the many undercrofts of the Great Tree, taking you out to a jumble of vine smothered trees until both of you reach a stream of water flowing through the forest. That was the way you and her took from there on, following the stream through the forest until eventually the creek is reached.

The creek was more like a large pond in the middle of the forest, but it was truthfully a connecting point where dozens and dozens of other streams flowed to and met, coming from rivers and other creeks all over the Ancient Forest and beyond. It had shallow and deep ends like small baths and pools, and there were rocks standing up all over, close and numerous enough that the pond could be stepped over on them.

The area was moist, much like the rain forest at The Fort, and there was growth everywhere, handing from the walls and from above by the many trees surrounding the otherwise open creek, but there were still some spots dry enough to sit everything down at, on some raised ground overlooking the creek with flowers and plants abundant around.

It was like a paradise in the woods and in your opinion, much more beautiful than the spring Inagami lorded over.

You found an ideal spot on the raised ground to set everything up at. You come over to a large patch of dry grass and unfold the mat Atricia gave you, spreading it out before setting the basket down and motioning her to sit first.

"What a gentleman." She says playfully, stepping past you and relaxing.

You join her, sitting down with the basket in between both of you and kick your feet out, enjoying the view of the creek.

"So what do you call this place anyway?"

"Some of us have taken to calling it the 'watery bastion', wasn't my idea. Oh, but I think you'll be surprised to know that I was actually the one who discovered it first." She says with some pride.

"Really? How'd you do that?"

"I was just wandering, trying to find a good spot to fish, so I followed one of the streams and next thing I knew, I ended up here. It can be a popular spot on the weekday."

"Man, the New World is amazing, ain't it?"

"You can say that again, I hope I'll be able to see it all before I leave." She agreed.

"So," She says to change the subject. "- what did you get in this anyway?"

You open the picnic basket, showing her the array of fresh foods inside. "Some basic things, nothing extravagant."

"Hey, I don't mind. Not everything needs to be high cuisine like we're dining in the halls of Castle Schrade way back when." She says.

You and Atricia dug into the picnic basket, rearranging things and busting out the wine inside. She claimed the steamed fish platter and you took one of the chef's stovetop sandwiches. It was a very crunchy item, the Chef even fried the bread on his stove it seemed.

"Cheers." She says, raising her glass. You raise your own and tap hers as well.

This would a time, best to start it up. Maybe you could spark a talk over another subject.

>What will you do now?

>>4248428
Let's talk about her a bit, this is a fine spot she found here in the Ancient Forest, what other nice spots she found in the other areas? Has she used other weapons beside great sword? we would love to show her some moves she decides to go gunlance someday. She said she like to try all sorts of clothes anything special she would like to try? Any recomendations she thinks would suit us?
Anyone else has any other ideas for topics?

>>4248435
What about what she does on her downtime?

"So Atricia, I already know you explore a lot. Anymore places like this you've found?"

"Hah! Definitely. I've been around. Most of the places I find are either in the forest or the desert out here in the New World."

"Tell me about it."

"Well, besides here... I've found a cave with glowing crystals, a big natural slide down into the Great Tree's river, a magma vent, a Paratoad nest and I found an old small graveyard full of Elder Dragon bones and a bunch of shedded Kushala skins."

"Neat." You say, taking another bite of your sandwich, washing it down with wine.

"So, you ever try any weapons besides the Greatsword? You always looked more like you'd do well with the Dual Blades or something to me."

"Well, I have, but I just can't get the hang of it."

"What weapons have you tried?"

"Bowguns, the Insect Glaive, and I tried the Magnet Spike once too back home, but I didn't have any luck with them. Bowguns are just... boring to me. Insect Glaive? I kept launching myself into things. And the Magnet Spike? Might as well just use a Hammer or Horn at that point." Atricia explains.

"But the Greatsword is what I decided to never lose. I did great with it. The Greatsword is just so streamlined, powerful and thrilling. Getting up close with a big Monster toting around that giant is the apex. I think Hunters and Huntresses can have a right good fight with just about any weapon, but the Greatsword? That makes a fight that'll be sung by musicians and bards in taverns and inns." Atricia says with excitement.

"I think I know what you mean. I felt the same when I used my Greatsword."

"Yeah, and you even fought that Amygdala Monster with it too! I wish I could have seen. That Monster must have been a Monster of the ages, the Commission listed it's species as 'Eldritch' on the info books. Nobody really knows what it is. Gah! And I read that it has a bunch of arms and eyes! That sounds scary!"

"Hah hah... yeah... it was..." You say, zoning out briefly in silence, reflecting over that heart pounding experience.

You shake your head and take another swig of your wine to get your mind back on track.

"I like the Greatsword, but I love the Gunlance. I feel the same as you do about Gunlances, they're quite thrilling too. Fun even." You say.

"Certainly looks fun, you did really well against that Odogaron that one time using your Gunlance."

"Hey, if you ever want to try another weapon again, you should try a Gunlance. I could even teach you a few tricks." You brag.

"No doubt about that. Maybe I'll take you up on that offer one day."

You thought over what to talk about next... You look down at yourself, at your clothes for inspiration.

"You sure like clothes huh?" You say in the middle of finishing a sandwich. "Anything you might think would fit me?"

"Oh! I did do some exploring in male fashion as well in my time back home. I think I might know a few things...." She says, setting her empty platter aside and studying you.

"Hmmm.... You look like you'd wear... more 'haute' things publicly."

"Haute clothes? I've never had such tastes actually." You replied.

"Maybe you might not have practiced it Vance, but you got the looks to compliment it. I'd say, for example... you would look good in a nice tunic, maybe some boots, straight trousers. You should pick up a necklace, maybe a ring or bracer. Oh, you might also look good in some Val Habaran articles I've seen."

"I'll keep that in mind." You say.

Admittedly, you did like the idea she gave of wearing a necklace, it would take you back to the good old days in Moga, where necklaces were commonplace. It fell out of style with you somewhere along the way after you left, but it wouldn't hurt to get back into it. Though, you weren't so keen you would really look good in Val Habaran wear, most of it was Wroggi-Boy stuff anyway.

"So, what do you do when you aren't Hunting? How do you pass the time?"

"I do some things at home, or I'll swing by the Canteen and Hub to see some friends. I like to read, that much you already know." She says, accepting a refill from you.

"What about when you don't feel like reading?"

"I'm trying to get into painting." She says, taking a sip of wine. "I've been taking some lessons from one of the Veterans. You might know him already, his name is Pierre s'Cie Alanparte, he's the Velkhana Hunter, and also a very skilled artist. I hear he was born into a popular family of famous painters back home. He'll review whatever I draw and point out my flaws, then he'll give me tips and show me a few things he does with the paint."

"Oh yeah, I met Pierre. Actually, just before we both came here, I got back from a quest he offered to partner with me in."

"Really? What did you two go do?"

"We went to try and slay Akantor. Things went a little... wrong, but at least everyone survived. We even saw Kulve Taroth."

"Wow... she's still alive after all. I'm kind of glad to hear that actually. You know, I think if we should ever leave a Monster alive and protected forever, it should be her. She doesn't do any harm." Atricia states, shaking her glass around.

"I agree. But, sadly I don't think some of the higher ups do."

"You mean the Guild Representative? We all found out a few months ago the Commander was intentionally ignoring overseas orders to slay Kulve Taroth. It isn't exactly a secret, he really likes that Elder Dragon, so it shouldn't come as a surprise."

"Why does the Commander like Kulve Taroth so much? I've been meaning to find out myself." You ask.

"I don't know how many know it, but I heard it from gossiping back then. The Sapphire Star accidentally spread around a rumor that the Commander had been making personal trips alone to El Dorado after Quests to harvest Kulve Taroth's horns. The rumor goes that the Star returned because of something, something he might have forgot, and he saw the Commander interacting with the big girl like they knew each other. She was really passive around him even after getting pounded hard by the Star and other Hunters." Atricia tells you.

You raise an eyebrow and smirk slightly. "Now this is definitely not what I thought I'd hear. I heard from the Commander himself that she's just 'important to the Commission'."

"Sometimes when the chiefs talk about the Commission, they're also talking about themselves, heh." Atricia says, leaning back slightly. "The Commander says a lot that Kulve Taroth reminds him 'of that time'. I can't help but wonder what 'that time' is myself.... Maybe we'll never know."

You knew what you were going to ask Kulve Taroth about when you got around to being able to attempt communication with her.

>Bring up another subject to talk on.
>Pick out shapes in the clouds with Atricia.
>Break out the booze.
>Ask if she'd like to swim in the pond.
>Tell her your best joke.
>Go searching for materials, make matching necklaces for you both.
>See if you can attract Tabitabi to the scene.
>Talk about your life with her.
>Play a game with her.
>Wrap the date up.
>Write in.

>>4248619
>Ask if she'd like to swim in the pond.

>>4248619
>Break out the booze.
>Talk about your life with her.

>>4248633
Slow down tiger.

>>4248619
>Pick out shapes in the clouds with Atricia.

Actually, supporting >>4248661. We already got ourselves way off the beaten path because of a tie.

>>4248704
Fine supportin this then.

>>4248619
Switching back to
>Pick out shapes in the clouds with Atricia.

File: 1589230786098.png (15 KB, 1266x688)

15 KB PNG

Hey Level, you should make one of these for this quest.

>>4249362
With whom?

>>4249502
Duremediura choking Velkhana.

>>4249502
Us choking the Creepy Biologist.

>>4249502
Ukanlos choking Velkhana or Shara choking Zuhramon

File: Ukanlos choking Velkhana.png (74 KB, 1266x688)

74 KB PNG

>>4249540
I'll add proper colors later.

>>4250036
Nice. The angle's off but I understand why you did it.

File: 1554314701986.jpg (53 KB, 750x559)

53 KB JPG

>>4250036
Excellent

>>4250036
Excellent.

"What'cha staring at?" She asked off hand.

"Huh? Oh, I was just wandering." You say, looking back at her.

Atricia doesn't seem to mind. She looks up at the sky as well. There was a good view of the sky from here, no trees in the creek were blocking the way. She leans back and lays with her hands behind her head, staring at the clouds going by.

"You know, people think too little of doing this kind of thing." She says.

You decided to lay back as well, watching the clouds with her.

"Yeah, it's not as boring as most think." You say.

"Say," She comes. "What do you see up there?"

>1d20.

>1-4; Something vulgar
>5-8; Something familiar.
>9-12; Something funny.
>13-16; Something fierce.
>17-19; Something inspiring.
>20; Something truly spectacular.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4250119

File: Cloud.png (161 KB, 512x351)

161 KB PNG

"I don't know... it kind of looks like a man... holding a banner or something." You say, pointing out a cloud in a shape akin to what you describe.

"Nice." Atricia comments.

"That one sort of looks like a Flying Wyvern." She says, pointing you to one such cloud she spotted.

+======+
Date Points: (23/100)
At least a score of 85 must be reached for the date to be considered a success.
+======+

>Bring up another subject to talk on.
>Pick out shapes in the clouds with Atricia. (Can be used only once more)
>Break out the booze.
>Ask if she'd like to swim in the pond.
>Tell her your best joke.
>Go searching for materials, make matching necklaces for you both.
>See if you can attract Tabitabi to the scene.
>Talk about your life with her.
>Play a game with her.
>Wrap the date up.
>Write in.

>>4250185
>Break out the booze.

>>4250187
On second though. I changin to
>Pick out shapes in the clouds with Atricia.
Let's do it now since we're still watching the clouds.

>>4250187
>Pick out shapes in the clouds with Atricia. (Can be used only once more)
What >>4250194 said.

>>4250194
Support

Roll another round of 1d20s.

>1-4; Something vulgar
>5-8; Something familiar.
>9-12; Something funny.
>13-16; Something fierce.
>17-19; Something inspiring.
>20; Something truly spectacular.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4250206

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4250206

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4250206
RNGesus, take the wheel!

File: Cloud.png (155 KB, 512x351)

155 KB PNG

Your eyes wander across the sky until you catch the sight of a cloud that stands out to you especially, one that reminded you of home.

"Hey! Look at that one!" You exclaim.

"Oh? Whats that one supposed to be?"

"It looks like a Shakalaka." You say, experiencing nostalgia again.

"Oh yeah! It does now that I think about it." Atricia says.

"Hey, isn't your home village known for Shakalaka?"

"Yeah," You answer. "-there was a hero who had Shakalaka companions."

"Ah, now I remember. That tale went pretty far out there. I always liked it, that Hunter hero was so deviant from the norms."

"Yeah. I always enjoyed it, made me have wishes about getting a Shakalaka friend when I was younger."

"You don't have to give that one up just yet you know. Remember, we found a Shakalaka village near Tilokpia." Atricia suggests.

"I know. You went there with someone else. I'd go, I'm just not decided yet. I've already been with Vivianne forever now, you know?"

"Vivi's wonderful. Maybe one day I should befriend a Palico companion myself, seeing you two really makes me want one." Atricia ruminated.

"I could help you with that when the time comes." You offer.

"I don't know who else I'd ask." She says.

+======+
Date Points: (29/100)
6 points for sparking rumination.
+======+

>Bring up another subject to talk on.
>Break out the booze.
>Ask if she'd like to swim in the pond.
>Tell her your best joke.
>Go searching for materials, make matching necklaces for you both.
>See if you can attract Tabitabi to the scene.
>Talk about your life with her.
>Play a game with her.
>Wrap the date up.
>Write in.

>>4250264
>Bring up another subject to talk on.
Since we're talking about tales from our homes ask something about her's.

>>4250264
>Break out the booze.

>>4250264
Supporting >>4250271.

"There aren't many tales and legends about my home, but Atricia, I'm curious, any of yours?"

"Dundorma? What kind of question is that? Of course there are! Too many, way too many! After all, that city was founded by His Immenseness himself. He started everything there, the Guild and all two thousand years ago."

"Any you know right off hand?"

"Oh boy... I'd have to fetch a book for that.... Well, actually, I know of one." She says, mixing herself up.

You lean up. "I'm listening."

"There was a heroic Huntress back then who was known around Dundorma and beyond. She was relatively recent in history. She was famous for slaying the terrible Elder Dragon Shageru Magala at least sixty years ago and helping to stop a plague that was circulating back then of the Frenzy Virus, something that makes Monsters become even more monstrous. They call her 'Hiruino naiyashin', which roughly means 'Unrivaled Ambition' in Wyverian."

"Would I be right to assume you've taken some inspiration from her tale?" You asked.

Atricia giggles. "Maybe. I would always bug mother to tell me it over and over again as a bedtime story when I was a kid. I loved that tale, my favorite part was where the Huntress faced the mythical Dalamadur."

"Both of us have a role model, huh?"

"We do, don't we?" Atricia smiles.

"So how did her story end?"

"Tragically, but it was the end she would have wanted." Atricia says with no change in demeanor.

"What happened?"

"In the end it was said she died in an impossible battle over twenty years ago before I was born. She saved a town and hundreds of lives sacrificing herself to defeat another mythical Elder Dragon; Garuba Daora. I think it's poetic, she gained her notoriety defeating the golden Shagaru, and her story ended defeating the golden Garuba. She went out on her own terms, taking down that Elder."

"Always great when they go out with a blast, I suppose."

"I hope I'll go out like that too honestly. I live for this stuff, and I want to end with it." Atricia says with a smile of adoration over her face.

"..." You said nothing, thinking it morbid for the moment.

She looked at you with that same innocent smile and tilted her head.

"...Heh, me too." You say, returning with your own after a moment.

+======+
Date Points: (42/100)
13 points for relating with common traits.
+======+

"Anything else? Like maybe... something recent that happened in Dundorma?"

"Something besides 'Hiruino naiyashin'"?

"Sure." You say.

"Nmm... That's a hard one, the latest I know of still probably involves her."

"What was the latest occurrence in Dundorma?" You asked, listening well.

"Oh, that would be when G..." She stopped, suddenly choking in the middle of speaking her sentence.

"Hm? Atricia? Something wrong?" You tilted your head.

Atricia looked away, down at the mat, distressed by something. She curls her legs up and just clears her throat, pulling her scarf a little to ease her breathing.

"I don't want to say I'm bothered, but I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't..."

"If you're not at liberty to say what you were going to, it's fine." You raise your hands to reassure her.

"No, no, I can tell you, I'm just... I get frightened when I think about it. It sticks with me." She says.

"What happened?"

"It happened forty two years ago. Dundorma experienced a reckoning it hasn't recovered from completely. The damages were so costly and grim that rebuilding still happens all the time even today, and it will continue like that years from now. Dundorma is a giant place, and it takes a great effort to rebuild it all when it was almost wiped off the map."

"Something almost destroyed Dundorma? By itself?"

"Yes. Back then Dundorma came under attack by one of the most powerful Monsters known, an Elder Dragon, Gogmazios." She says.

"Wait... Gogmazios is real? True? I thought... Gogmazios was just religious stuff." Says you, bewildered.

Atricia has a sour look. "I hate that, you really have no idea. Dundorma was nearly extinguished in one day and years ahead all that people elsewhere remember of it is some stupid religion that was made of Gogmazios that came out of nowhere. People actually believe it..."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I had thought..."

"That it was the other story some Guild Districts made? That Gogmazios didn't exist and it was actually an 'army' of nomadic Elder Dragons? That one isn't true, and even if it was and that was the case, Dundorma wouldn't have suffered as much as it really did."