Well, this is a welcome surprise. I know it was pretty slow, but damn do I still want to see the end of it.
>>4353278
>Rush to the side of Annika. She is hurt!
We have a temporary window here where only a few mooks are focused on us and the the two heavies can't see us or aren't focused on us. Use it.

>>4353414
Yea, that's on me. Thanks for persevering.

>>4353278

>Dash to another column, to try and find that coilgunner

Neutralize the enemies first

>>4353278

>Rush to Annika

Protect the waifu

>>4353278
>Rush to the side of Annika. She is hurt!

File: Annika.png (1.28 MB, 1280x1268)

1.28 MB PNG

>>4353871
>>4353722
>>4353414

You crouch-sprint over to Annika, bullets spitting over your head. The temple stone rains down on you. Sliding to where she lays, you look at the wound. Her hand is pressed tight against a long and jagged tear along her side. She looks up at you,
"Jævla! I am alright, Henry. Take them out!" Glancing once again, you see that the wound itself is shallow. The pale skin sends your thoughts racing, but the cracking boom of the coilgun brings you round again.

The crew, along with Mr. Nordvik and the rest, are slowly advancing. The flametrooper explodes in a gout of fire, while the remaining troops lie pinned, some firing at you, others outward. Peering around, you see the coil gunner has positioned themselves higher on the steps, using some stone as cover from your position. To reach him would expose you to gunfire from the soldiers at the base, and you can't get a clear shot.

>Return fire (choose your target - Scarab's soldiers 5/7)
>Dash to another column, to try and sneak up on the coilgunner
>Get Kumari and Annika to provide covering fire while you and Richarde charge down the steps
>Retreat into the palace, to regroup
>write-in

>>4354030
>Return fire (Scarab's soldiers)
Good work boys. Now start clearing a path to the heavy. The more mooks we can take out, the more the others can focus on him (her?).

>>4354030
>Return fire (Scarab's soldiers)
Let's focus on keeping the mooks down.

>>4354439
>>4354083

>Shooting (15) + Agility (48) - DC 63
>d100, Bo3

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>4355265

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>4355265

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>4355265

Poke poke, OP. Everything all right over there?

>>4355883
Can I get a d10 intensity roll?

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>4360708

Hey QM, I usually lurk but I just want to say this is the first quest I ever participated in. My first vote on qst was in the 4th thread. Thanks for running it. Anyway, back to lurking.

>>4360714
Cheers mate. On a roadtrip, hence the spotty posting. Will be somewhere stable later today

>>4360714
You emerge from cover, your battle-staff flares nova bright, and there is a thunderous flash of light and heat. Ripples of thermal energy pulse off the stone, and three hapless goons burst into flames. Their shrieks are horrible to hear. The remaining two throw down their weapons. Apart from the coilgunner, who has disappeared, it seems this little scrap is finished.

>Regroup with the crew and Mr. Nordvik, and push back into the palace slowly.
>Turn back into the palace now, the Scarab is in there, and time is of the essence
>Hunt down the coilgunner
>Pause and rest with the crew.
>write-in

>>4360784
You might want to consider getting yourself a trip if your tag is going to be changing frequently
>>4361400
>Hunt down the coilgunner
This man still poses a danger. The Scarab has likely fled already, but he is running out of places to hide, and we can chase him down later. The task of securing the palace shall be left to the others at their own pace. He may have all sorts of nefarious traps in the palace that pressing too fast risks blundering into.

>>4361428
It'll shift around, but mostly because of the phone posting. Will be somewhere settled by tonight.

Grabbing Richarde, for there is no time to lose, you rush to the side of the palace. Shouting back to Kumari to take the prisoners, you peer over the edge. There, in the tall grass! The gunman, alongside a nattily dressed gentleman, wearing a top hat. The gunman is rushing along a woman and young boy. Of course, the governor of Cape Town. His wife and son were taken by the Scarab as leverage against the poor gentleman. At the far side of the field of grass, you can see a small aircraft, perhaps a dirigible of some sort.

>Rush after them, through the grass. The villain is almost in your grasp!
>Stop, and try to snipe one of the two targets
>Follow cautiously and slowly, for there could be hidden danger
>write-in

>>4361477
>Fire at the dirigible
We've got a staff that essentially shoots a heat-ray. The airship will be full of hydrogen, since helium hasn't been invented yet. I presume the airship is a large target, and if we can disable it (read: Hindenburg it), that gives us more time to think and catch them, at the cost of not having the chance to capture the craft.

>>4362614
>Good idea!
>Shooting (15) + Agility (48) - DC 63
>d100, Bo3

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>4364051
also, where you at other people?

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>4364051
Tally ho!

>Will take this to move it along

The staff flares again, the white line drawing a bead between you and the distant dirigible. Their is a momentary pause, before a large conflagration bursts forth. The party in front of you turns, the coil gunner taking point. The well-dressed man, who you assume is the Scarab, is wearing a mask with a series of ornate incisors jutting from the jaw.

[i]"That's far enough, my intrepid hero."[/i]
The voice emerging from the mask is urbane, cool, confident, and with a ting of an English accent.

Your headlong pursuit has led to the edge of the long grass, leaving some 30 feet between you and the Scarab's party. The coil gunner stands with the gun aimed straight at you and Richarde, while the Scarab stands behind, a small pistol aimed at the head of the Mrs. Wodehouse, whose tearful eyes dart there and here.

[i]"Impressive as it may be that you have pushed me from my nest, and ruined my plans to extract the rest of the Lemurian wealth, this does little to stop me. I am fully capable of killing these two innocents. You, I am sure, are not. I ask that for the safety of Mrs. Wodehouse and her son that you escort me to the elevator, unharmed. Should I notice anything untoward, I shall shoot the child, and so on and so forth. Let us not make this any more ghastly than it has to be."[/i]

>Accede to his demands. The safety of her Majesties subjects is paramount.
>Accede to his demands, but look for a way to turn the table on him during the walk to the elevator
>Do not give in to his demands, and attack. His capture or death is worth far more to the crown than the two unfortunates.
>write-in

>>4366501
>Accede to his demands. The safety of her Majesties subjects is paramount.
We shall meet again, villain.
I am not responsible for anything your ex-lieutenant does, though.

>>4368330

Nodding through gritted teeth, you and Richarde walk with the grouo back towards the elevator. The crew, elated in victory, all rush towards, before Richarde shouts them back. Your emotions, already drawn to a snapping point, almost break when you see Annika's face. She is cold, lily-white, and stock still as the Scarab pulls a mocking bow in her direction. Kumari, too, is spitting and furious, and the less said about Mr. Nordvik the better. Still, the danger of losing the hostages keeps everyone back.

Finally, you reach the elevator. With a contemptuous snarl, the Scarab thrusts the governor's son towards you, and inputs the command to begin raising the elevator.

"I must keep the darling wife. So sorry, but I don't trust you that much. Tata!" With a cheery wave, the Scarab and his lackey begin to ascend.

You have but moments to act.

>Leap onto the platform, and attack!
>Let him leave. Still too dangerous.
>write-in

>>4373445
>Leap onto the platform, and attack!
Two can play at this game, dickwad. Cue elevator fight scene. If Richarde is also here, it'd be great if he could jump on too.

>>4375486

This shall not stand! With a mighty leap, you hurl yourself forward, with Richarde at your side. The elevator has already ascended several feet, and you land heavily. Right behind you, barely a moment behind, is Annika. Her pale form races past you. Why, she must have gone at a dead sprint. Her speed carries her bodily into the Scarab, and they topple to the ground, cursing and swearing. Mrs. Wodehouse begins to scream and the coilgunner raises his dread weapon in your direction. In short, complete pandamonium.

>Attack immediately. Let's see who fires first!
>Dive to the side, hoping to avoid the bolt!
>Rush past the coilgunner, to Annika's aid
>write-in

>>4375533
>Attack!

Fuck these guys

>>4375533
>Attack immediately. Let's see who fires first!
IT'S HIGH NOON, BITCH

>>4376947
>>4376927

Draw!
>Agility (48) + Shooting (15) + American Steel at Noon (1) - DC 64, d100, Bo3

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>4377079

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>4377079

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>4377079

Rolled 79, 17 = 96 (2d100)

>>4377545

>>4377622
test

>>4377622

The guns boom, and the coilgunner drops, bright crimson showing on his chest. The speed at which you fired was astounding! But as you glance about, you are horrified to see the Scarab standing tall, his cane-sword drawn, skewering Annika to the floor. With a roar, he kicks off the edge of the elevator!

>Dive to grab her, to save her from the fall
>Attack the Scarab, trusting that Annika will have caught herself
>write-in

>>4377757
>Attack the Scarab, trusting that Annika will have caught herself
Every time it seems like she's in deep shit, she comes out fine. En garde, sir.

>>4379911
(Also - Richarde, go get her)

>>4377757
>Attack the Scarab, trusting that Annika will have caught herself

>>4379959
>>4379911

>Agility (48) + Shooting (15) - DC 63, d100, Bo3

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>4380482

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>4380482

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>4380482

Rolled 38, 73, 99 = 210 (3d100)

>>4380507
>Success! Four damage.

>>4380570

>Oh. Oh dear. Can I get someone to roll a 1d10 for Richarde and his critfail?

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>4380573
Alas, poor Richard

>>4380590

>>4380590

The Colt bucks, and the Scarab staggers back. Richarde lunges!
"Eh la!' he cries. The Scarab straightens at the last moment, lashing Richarde with his sword. The valiant Frechman reels, clutching at his face and neck, a crimson torrent blossoming. From the side of the elevator, you hear a cry.
"Henry! Help! I cannot hold on much longer!"
The Scarab, still standing, chuckles, gesturing to his sides.
"Choices, my dear boy, choices. Do you save your friend," pointing to the mortally wounded Richarde, "or the lady fair?" nodding towards Annika. "In so doing, you'd leave me free to escape." With his words, you see the elevator has neared the top. You must choose.

>Richarde. He has been a close ally, and must be saved. Annika might still possess the strength
>Annika. She will fall, and Richarde may be able to hold on to life
>The Scarab. You cannot let him escape, even if it means the death of your friends

>>4380640

>Annika. She will fall, and Richarde may be able to hold onto life

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>4380993

>Give me a Brawn (40) + Saving a friend (20) - DC60, d100, Bo3

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>4382650

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4382650

>>4383970
>Gonna take this, and write it up tomorrow.

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>4382650
Eh why not a 3rd

>>4386017

You leap forward, reaching desperately. Behind you, the cruel laugh of the Scarab echoes as he departs. Flailing your arm, you reach and grab Annika just as she begins to fall. You are almost wrenched from your perch! Your feet slide, and than catch on an outcropping. Annika, her pale blonde hair blowing in the wind, looks up at you with tears in her eyes. With a mighty heave, you pull her to safety!

Shuddering, the two of you hold each other. Despite the peril of the situation, the feeling of her lithe form pressed against you brings most improper thoughts to your head. But wait! Richarde! The both of you turn, to see the Frenchman lying on his back, in a pool of blood. You rush over, and see he is still breathing, albeit barely. You press your hands to his wounds in desperation, stemming the slow trickle. Annika hurriedly runs to the console, and the elevator descends. The final sight of the Scarab is one of his back turned, strutting arrogantly towards to his zeppelin, and freedom.

Down in Lemuria, you are greeted with gasps of praise and horror. Kumari rushes to the aid of Richarde, and as you are pulled away by Edward, Will, and John, you cannot help but feel a great anger. You were so close! The Scarab was nearly in your grasp!
Still, the feeling of your bosom friends around you brings you back. John, is his suit of armour looks hail and hearty, Will has a large smile on his face, and even the stoic Edward is beaming. Glancing around, you see Mr. Nordvik embrace his daughter, with tears in his eyes. He quickly wipes them away with some embarrassment. Mrs. Wodehouse is reunited with her son, and there seems to be almost a carnival air developing. Richarde, too, seems more stable, and Kumari says he will be fine, with her Lemurian arts.

Quite quickly, an impromptu party erupts. The crew breaks out the grog, and someone finds a few instruments stashed away. The Primordials, who came to your aid in the final assault, even join in, their simple faces wrinkle with pleasure and disgust to the drink. With the artificial Lemurian sun 'setting', you glance about the happy crowd, and decide to...

CHOOSE THREE
>Find your friends, and enjoy a game of whist and drinking in great companionship
>Find Annika. She is dear to you, and you wish to express your admiration
>Find Kumari, and let her know how much she means to you
>Party with the crew, and descend into a wild Bacchanal
>Search the temple for any clues left by the Scarab
>Sit with Mr. Nordvik, Mr. Hughes, and Runcibald, and discuss the future
>Find Mrs. Wodehouse, and ensure her safety and comfort
>write-in

>Congratulations! You have saved Lemuria, rescued the princess, and stymied the plans of the Scarab. He is still out there. The quest is almost finished! The choices here could affect the next adventure!

>>4386425
>>Find your friends, and enjoy a game of whist and drinking in great companionship
>>Find Annika. She is dear to you, and you wish to express your admiration
>>Find Kumari, and let her know how much she means to you

>>4386425
>Find your friends, and enjoy a game of whist and drinking in great companionship
>Sit with Mr. Nordvik, Mr. Hughes, and Runcibald, and discuss the future
>Find Annika. She is dear to you, and you wish to express your admiration

>>4386428
+1

>>4389162
>>4386428

You find Edward,John, and Will sitting next to the bed-bound Richarde. The Frenchman waves, and smiles as you approach, his neck swaddled with bandages. He can't speak at the moment, but you see the brotherly love in his eyes as you clasp hands in firm handshake.

"Henry, join us!," bellows John, "I've been trouncing these fools!" he says as he lays down his hand.
"Yes, well, I've never been one for these sorts of games," responds Edward, quite primly.
"Ah, you just need to loosen up. Here, have a belt," Will chuckles as he pulls out a flask. Pulling up a chair, you watch with surprise as the vicar's son takes the flask and swigs it with nary a grimace. Grins turn into laughter as the four of you begin to drink and play. The expedition has been trying for all of you, and it brings you a great joy to see their faces healthy and whole. Edward, your moral compass and firm ally. Will, the rogue who helped you out of more than one scrape. John, who was grievously burnt, but still is as strong as ever. Richarde, the stalwart Frenchman who stood by your side against all dangers. A man could not ask for better companions. Feeling bold, from drink and game, you stand and say, "My friends. It has only been a month since our departure from London, but during this time, we've grown closer now than ever before. I could not have asked for truer companions to have at my side. May we never forget where we stood, and what we stood for, in our coming years!" Your toast is met with a loud huzzah.

Fortified by liquid courage, you wander out from the group, waving them off as they protest. You are looking for Annika. The lady, once an enemy, has become quite dear to you. You find her sitting on the edge of the camp, staring outwards. Her sides are bound in bandages, and her pale blonde hair catches the light most fetchingly. She looks up at your approach.
"Why, Henry, so good to see you," she says, a faint smile on her face. You are faced with her beauty, a faint upturned nose and fetching eyes. You stop, briefly, but then steel yourself.
"Ms. Nordvik, may I sit by you?" you ask, perhaps a little more formally than needed. She laughs, "Ms. Nordvik? Please, Henry, you know me too well."
"Fine...yes...of course...Annika, I must confess something. I had it all planned out in my head, but now, it's gone. I...care for you...deeply. You are..." Whatever you were going to say is cut off by the sudden and extremely pleasant feeling of her lips being placed over yours. She pulls away, breathlessly, and whispers, "Just shut up, you stupid boy." She kisses you again, this time with feeling. You lean into it, lost in a bliss beyond compare. You reach around her trim waist, and pull her towards you. Her small gasp and the feeling of her body against yours is heaven.

>Continue, and lead her out to a quiet place to continue this 'discussion' at length
>Continue, but pull away, and promise to come back later. There is still Kumari to thank
>write-in

>>4389684
>Continue, and lead her out to a quiet place to continue this 'discussion' at length
We can just get away sit and enjoy each others company for a while on our own. Sometimes, that's the best thing to do, an I'm not sure we've really had much opportunity to do that so far. Unless she's really insistent, that is.

>Continue, and lead her out to a quiet place to continue this 'discussion' at length

>>4392397
>>4391518

"Annika, let...us...continue this discussion somewhere a bit more...private," you manage to say in between her ardent caresses. She pulls back, brushing one of her locks back behind her ear, before blushing a deep crimson.
"Yes, of course. Please, Henry, forgive me," she says, half a whisper.

The two of you head out into the night, finding a small rock to look out at the 'night' sky, the great dome of Lemuria. The two of you speak slowly, talking of your childhoods, the things you enjoy. Annika, or Annie to her friends, was always chasing after her famous father. But he was protective, especially after the death of her mother. The expedition where she was kidnapped was the first he had allowed her on. Imagine that! Still, despite her wounds, and her terrible treatment by the Scarab, Annika is whole and happy. Happy with you, it seems, for as the night winds on, she begins to hold you close and kiss you. Taking you by the hand, she leads you to the tent, where she stops and says, "I mean to marry before bedding a man. I am no hussy like that Kumari. You are a good sort, Henry. Perhap, in a few years, or less, you could call on me." With that, she turns to leave. You...

>Kneel, and ask for her hand. She is lovely, and you are bold!
>Let her leave, and be off to bed. No need to rush the inevitable
>Let her leave, and head over to that 'hussy' Kumari. She still is dear to you, and your heart is not yet set in stone
>write-in

>>4392987
>Let her leave, and be off to bed. No need to rush the inevitable.
We're only just old enough to even be posting on SteamChan after all.

>>4392987
>>4395367

+1