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>>4455735

As if struck by a wave of clarity, the patron nods thoughtfully. "You're right, damn right, but I'm telling you." The clarity proves fleeting. "I've got this sort of plan in mind, wherein — where'n I —" He grabs his drink and wiggles it around for a bit, possibly to coax some wisdom out of the glass. He hiccups. "All right. What I was saying is that I've got a plan that can't fail. The trick is I check the same area I seen it all day, track him down to where he sleeps — hic — and plant the old knife in him good, 'many thrusts as it takes to fell 'em."

The bartender just scrunches up his nose. "Well, seeing as we're all booked up for the night..." He looks across the room at the small squad of soldiers by the fire. "...can't keep ya here. But I really do suggest you go home to the old lady and just call it quits." The concern is apparent in his voice.

"Fine," the patron concedes with a disappointed sigh. "Maybe got a little — hic — deeper in the stuff than I thought."

--

~9:30 p.m.

The working-class man stands just outside the shack he calls home, his head drifting up and down gently. His knees and conscience work in tandem to keep him vertical, though it's clear by his relaxed gait that he'd rather just sink into the mud. He raises his hand to open the front door, but stops abruptly. "Sorry," he says either to the door or to the idea of his wife, and walks away from the house.

Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfMpMZuLEU8&list=PLTHf0Ok7IXKx0ZncyYs0FeXIHouDPiSdw&index=4

The fellow's gait starts to change once he's cleared some distance from the house, and the shamble turns into a jog. Then, he bolts off like a man gone wild. A mixture of alcohol in the bloodstream and frenzy in the mind allows him to shrug off the relentless torrent of rain as he gallops west.

Eventually, the self-styled hunter locates his mark: a beast with tremendous antlers, even larger than he remembered, feasting by a pond. The man creeps up slowly and reaches for his belt, only to stop suddenly when his hand grasps nothing but air. Realizing that he forgot his knife, the man then glances back homeward. His alarm quickly turns to relief as he comes to the realization that his kill will be even more personal and visceral than anticipated. With a grin, he turns back to the quarry... only to find that it is gone.

(2/3)

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>>4455736

He turns left, right, and left again, and starts to scramble toward the game's last known location. He narrows his eyes at a heap of something left behind, kneels by the object, and runs his fingers across it only to find that he's touching a line of entrails, leading up to some small, bloody mass of hair and skin that's been torn open. "Moose couldn't have been eating this," he remarks to himself, unaware that those words would be his last.

Only a moment of acute pain, then darkness. The man's head is deftly impaled, brained by something intensely sharp. His lifeless face looks dumbly at the ground as he crumples. Though his mouth is agape, he doesn't make a sound as something else embeds itself into his back.


--

~9:30 p.m., Valene's Cabin

(Physical State: Fortified +11, Mental State: Fortified +13, Emotional State: Fortified +13)

Valene, the woman lost somewhere in time with whom you've agreed to stay the night, doesn't take her eyes off of you as she sits by the fireplace. Despite being an anomaly herself, she seems fully fixated on something about you — possibly your appearance, or your bearing. Every motion she makes is a blur, yet you notice that she doesn't blink or move her pupils at all, as if her eyes are the only part of her operating on the same timeframe as you.

She breaks the silence. "I-always-slow-down-at-night-but-this-is-different. I-never-thought-I'd-speak-to-anyone-again. Maybe-you-do-something-to-my-heart." Her eyes blur for a second — maybe she fluttered them, or finally blinked. How long did she just go without blinking, anyway? You wonder. That must have been... what, ten minutes her time?

>Ask her how she even survives. She must have the dietary requirements of at least 20 men.
>You have to know more about this time thing. She was cryptic about it earlier, but maybe she'll be clearer now that you can properly speak with one another.
>Ask if you can physically examine her. That's not an innuendo. (physical roll)
>Just observe her and make some mental notes. Try to figure out the current time dilation ratio, for one. During the day, you estimated that she exists at about 45:1 speed. (mental roll)
>It's inappropriate to dwell on, but you can't help but notice that she's enamored with you. Go ahead and bring that up — but ask yourself, are you feeding your curiosity or your sense of self-worth? (emotional roll)
>Write-in.

Two choices maximum, these actions will each take several hours and you need to sleep eventually.
Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4394197/

(3/3)

>>4455737
>>Ask if you can physically examine her. That's not an innuendo. (physical roll)
>>Just observe her and make some mental notes. Try to figure out the current time dilation ratio, for one. During the day, you estimated that she exists at about 45:1 speed. (mental roll)

Yes Sal, beenn waiting for this.

>>4455737
Glad to have you back!

>Ask her how she even survives. She must have the dietary requirements of at least 20 men.
>Try to figure out the current time dilation ratio. During the day, you estimated that she exists at about 45:1 speed.
>Ask why she's going around naked.

>>4455785
Allow me to predict btw: she's naked because her metabolism produces too much heat.

>>4455737
>It's inappropriate to dwell on, but you can't help but notice that she's enamored with you. Go ahead and bring that up — but ask yourself, are you feeding your curiosity or your sense of self-worth? (emotional roll)
Why not both?

>>4455737
>>It's inappropriate to dwell on, but you can't help but notice that she's enamored with you. Go ahead and bring that up — but ask yourself, are you feeding your curiosity or your sense of self-worth? (emotional roll)

>>4455737
>Just observe her and make some mental notes. Try to figure out the current time dilation ratio, for one. During the day, you estimated that she exists at about 45:1 speed. (mental roll)

>You have to know more about this time thing. She was cryptic about it earlier, but maybe she'll be clearer now that you can properly speak with one another.
But rather try to understand what her story is. Why would someone want this gift/curse so badly? As far as I understand, she's not doing much with it.

>>4455787
...but that would be immodest. She's not a witch, is she?

All right, I'll call this in about 30 minutes and go with the two options (possibly two options and a time-friendly write-in) that are the most popular.

>>4455764
>>4455785
>>4455914
>>4455920
>>4455921


I need three 2d100s. DC to beat is 65, 62 (50+15, 50+10). Your mental and emotional state will confer bonuses to your rolls.

1st roll (emotional):

+25 = You rarely discuss passions with patients, and when you do it rarely involves you.
-10 = As an invited guest, you should have some leeway to make things awkward.

2nd roll (mental):

+15 = The conversation may distract from your observations.
-3 = You have your trusty timepiece.

You will also ask about the clothing situation and bring up >>4455921's concern.

Rolled 3, 94 = 97 (2d100)

>>4455961

>>4455961
The second roll should be 50+12, not 50+10.

Rolled 91, 83 = 174 (2d100)

>>4455961

Rolled 95, 35 = 130 (2d100)

>>4455961

>>4455963
>>4455966
>>4455974
Writing now.

>>4455976
Some IRL stuff got in the way, slight delay.

>>4455764
>>4455785
>>4455914
>>4455920
>>4455921

Success, Technical Success.

"Why the lack of clothes?" You ask. You quickly save the inappropriate question by tactfully amending: "I mean, if you don't mind me asking."

"You-can-ask-me-anything," Valene says with apparent excitement. "I-don't-wear-clothes-because-I-don't-feel-cold. And-I-don't-have-anyone-to-impress." One eye blurs almost imperceptibly, possibly a wink. "Or-I-didn't-until-now."

As you continue to speak with your host, you start to casually touch on her hobbies, namely painting and gardening, and eventually start to open up into broader philosophical topics. Her belief, as you find out, is that there is always something greater: every one of life's questions is beyond the scope of people. It reminds you of various spiritual pseudo-religions you've heard about in the past, but her version is so vague that you can't quite compare it to anything specific. In her belief system, humans not only lack understanding of life's answers, but they fail to ask the right questions as well. She is, as she puts it, still in the "seeking the question" phase.

"And this is related to the time manipulation, correct? You need more time to find the question, so you've found a way to..." You fail to find the words. "I'm sorry. I just don't understand how living faster than everyone else will benefit you, except to prevent distractions."

Valene becomes a blur for a second, then appears closer to you. "I-don't-mind-some-distractions," she says, her eyes totally still as they gaze into your own. "You're-right-though, that-is-an-advantage. But-living-faster-is-only-half-the-plan. Just-as-I-have-found-a-way-to-do-this-I-will-find-a-way-to-extend-my-lifespan-as-well. No-worldly-circumstances-will-get-in-the-way-as-I-seek-the-question."

You mean to ask the woman how she is so certain that there is a "question" at all, but the question stops in your throat as you meet her eyes. While you look back into her eyes with respect and curiosity, you realize that she must be straining her eyes to look at you for the same amount of time. You clear your throat. "Ah, I'm not sure if you realize, but you haven't been blinking much."

"Oh-yeah," she replies mundanely, changing nothing about her demeanor. She remains still for what must be minutes in her own time, probably waiting for your input. As you think of something to say, you realize that your heart is beating quite quickly. Let's just do some quick math and distract from all this awkwardness, shall we? Your brain seems to say, as you fumble your hand around your pockets searching for your timepiece.

(1/2)

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>>4456092

You swallow and gaze down at your watch. "Well," you mutter, filling the void as you come up with some way to approximate the time difference. "Do me a favor and recite your letters at a normal speaking voice when I say 'go.' Enough to articulate each letter well." In your own head, your recite the letters according to your instructions and come up with roughly seven seconds.

"A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z," she replies dutifully. A wide, playful grin appears on her face a moment later, as if you've just let her in on a joke. You clock her at about 3 seconds, maybe a little less. There are surely more precise tests you could conduct, but the mounting awkwardness of the situation impedes your ability to do proper math. -3 to Mental State.

After more silence, you finally blurt it out: "Are you... interested in me, ma'am? I don't mean to assume... I mean, in writing earlier, you did say..."

Valene's eyes widen and her lips part, but she gives you no response. Her features start to fade from view.

"Wait!" You exclaim worriedly, feeling that you may be at fault for this sudden change. "I really didn't mean to offend." -4 to Emotional State.

You stand, preparing to excuse yourself. Valene appears once more, looking just as worried as you do. "My-heart. It-just-started-racing," she explains. "It's-true-doctor. I-know-I've-been-improper-but-you-just-seem-so-intriguing."

"Well, I just haven't spoken much about this sort of thing since..." Your voice trails off.

You don't have to get into that, you shout internally. Be professional. Just end this ordeal. A headache starts to build, as if in warning.

(Physical State: Fortified +11, Mental State: Fortified +10, Emotional State: Secure +9)

>Go into it. (difficult emotional roll)
>Don't. Go to sleep. (guaranteed emotional bonus, slight mental malus)

(2/2)

>>4456095
>Go into it. (difficult emotional roll)
She's asking for it!

>Go into it. (difficult emotional roll)

>>4456095
>Go into it. (difficult emotional roll)
Excited to fail in the most hilarious manner

>>4456095
>Go into it. (difficult emotional roll)

Welcome back salmon, good stuff so far.

(general message that goes out to everyone who's said hi or welcome back: hi, thanks for coming)

>>4456099
>>4456101
>>4456105
>>4456111
All right, going to call the vote here. Next update should be in an hour or two.

In the meantime, I need 3 1d100+9s. DC to beat is 76 (50+26).

+40 = Difficult, mostly repressed memories that you'd rather not bring to light.
-10 = It's been a long time since you've dwelled on them, at least a decade. Maybe they should come out anyhow.
-4 = If the recent goings-on in Whitebridge are any indication, there are greater tragedies than what you've been through.

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>4456131

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>4456131

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>4456131

Oh yeah, that last one was two successes, not one technical and one success. Luckily, there wasn't much of a difference between the two outcomes.

For the current roll, there is a very important distinction between the levels of success.

Will start writing in 30-60 mins.

>>4456193

Writing now, will reply to everyone when I'm done. Should be the last update of the night (probably).

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>>4456099
>>4456101
>>4456105
>>4456111
>>4456183

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

Technical Success, but only because you didn't shut down entirely. -8 to Emotional State.

There's still time to back out, you tell yourself. But your lips are already moving. Maybe you felt you had to get it out some time or another. "I don't much like talking about attraction, or... what it entails." Your lips tremble, and you struggle to even think clearly, much less speak. You turn to the floor and close your eyes, and your mind assaults you with an image of the last woman you were attracted to. You remember her imperfections most fondly and vividly: her eyes were somewhat far apart, her smile was crooked, her eyebrows were bushy. When you left home for the medical school, your studies would suffer as you struggled to paint a perfect mental image of those imperfections.

You blink rapidly to hold back tears. Realistically, the tears wouldn't come anyway, as they've already been shed. Valene just waits patiently — it must be an awful long wait on her end, since you're starting to tire yourself out just building up the energy to speak. "I had a woman once. Well, she wasn't mine, or shouldn't have been. I fell in love at the worst possible time."

Her hand touches your shoulder. As painful as the resulting burn is, you appreciate the sentiment and feel strangely energized. -2 to Physical State, +2 to Mental State.

(Physical State: Secure +9, Mental State: Fortified +12, Emotional State: Appropriate +1)

"Why-was-it-a-bad-time?" Valene asks, her speech now noticeably slower than before.

"It was the worst time. We fell in love months before I left for medical school. She wrote me while I was there, and..." Here it comes. You don't have to say this part.

But you find that you do have to say it. All this self-pity is making you sick. "Well, I stopped getting letters. It worried me so much I went to her... house." Every word is quieter than the last, and they only become harder to say. "She had some sort of sickness, something severe. I told her grave..." The word 'grave' causes a pain in your chest, but you press on. "I told it... her, that I would never love anyone again. I wish I could have told her that on her death—" You try to swallow and fail. Nearly choking, you mumble "deathbed."

(1/2)

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>>4456309

Just as you predicted, the tears won't come. Maybe that's for the best, you consider. Can't cry forever. There are living people worth worrying about. Your reassurances are empty, and there isn't a word among them that you haven't already told yourself at least a hundred times.

"I-shouldn't-have-made-you-uncomfortable," Valene comments. She touches your shoulder again, and this time the pain is a little more bearable. Either you're getting used to it, or she's somehow slowed down even more.

"It's not your fault," you say coldly. "I made myself say all that. I'm not sure why."

--

Moments later, you lie down in Valene's bed. She just sits near the fire quietly with some book in hand. After God-knows-how-many hours staring at the wall, you eventually drift to sleep.

--

At the front steps of the medical school, you pull away from your lover for the last time. She musters a smile, but you see the pain in her eyes.

"This isn't goodbye," you promise. "We'll write each other, and meet again when all this is over."

"It is goodbye, John. You don't even remember what I look like."

That's all for today, hope you enjoyed. Awakening sequence and choices will come tomorrow, then there should be another update or two after that.

(2/2)

And another thing I should make clear, I am willing to write romance, some intimacy, etc. I won't lock you out of those options if you want to pursue them.

>>4456312
Thanks for running!

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>>4456099
>>4456101
>>4456105
>>4456111
>>4456183
>>4456309
>>4456312

~7 a.m., Friday

Your head lies against the pillow at an angle nearly fit for suffocation. For a minute, you forget that you are far away from home. Then, all the circumstances that brought you to this place return to mind. You enjoyed the respite while it lasted.

A letter appears in your right hand. You grumble and dryly exhale, and try to focus your eyes well enough to read it from a comfortable angle. When the intricate lettering proves too difficult for your hazy eyes, you sit at the side of the bed and read it, moving your lips to match the letters as you process each word.

Dear Doctor,

I apologize for being a poor host. It was incredibly unladylike of me to impose upon you as I have. I do hope you will continue to visit me at night, and we can continue to discuss our interests and worldviews. You have such a wealth of knowledge, and such an open mind, that I believe in my heart that we can benefit each other by maintaining both a cordial and professional relationship.

If you don't want to speak about your past again, I am happy to accommodate. If you want to work through absolutely any problems that plague your mind, I am happy to help that way as well. Please, do come back.

Your new friend,

Val

You feel strangely at ease as you're reminded of last night's fiasco. For obvious reasons, you feel quite embarrassed about your behavior, but you feel surprisingly little grief as you dwell on the conversation topic. Although you will never fully overcome the pain of losing your first and only love, you have achieved some degree of closure by acknowledging that loss as fact and confirming it with another person. To the best of your recollection, that may have been the only time you've ever talked about your romance with someone other than yourself. +1 to Mental State.

(Physical State: Secure +9, Mental State: Fortified +13, Emotional State: Appropriate +1)

(1/2)

>>4456401
Thanks for reading!

>>4457551

Would you like to reply to the letter?

>Yes, cordially. Address her as "Val" and apologize for being distant. You have to let some people in eventually.
>Yes, professionally. Address her as "Valene." You will resolve to visit her for advice and study from time to time.
>No.
>Write-in.

How will you begin the day?
>By going home to pick up your first week's payment, of course. It's Friday, which means $50 for you and $12.50 for your assistant and supply of fresh meat. (+would you like to inquire about your delivery options for the samples and letters you prepared last night?)
>By going to the hunter's lodge. You still have yet to meet the folks who prepare your meals, and you have a lead in mind: apparently, no hunters have been killed yet. Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe it isn't.
>You'll pick up your payment at home then head to the general store immediately. You're well enough stocked on food and medicine, but there may be some other items worth buying. (for example: you need some place for patients to sleep if you want to keep them overnight without forcing them to sleep on the narrow operating table)
>Write-in.

(2/2)

>>4457558
>>Yes, cordially. Address her as "Val" and apologize for being distant. You have to let some people in eventually.

>By going to the hunter's lodge. You still have yet to meet the folks who prepare your meals, and you have a lead in mind: apparently, no hunters have been killed yet. Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe it isn't.

OP drawing attention to something anon pointed out in the previous thread (http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4394197/) by providing relevant choice makes me paranoid about our meat.

Yesterday evening Elaine mentioned she will visit Val in the morning. Was hoping for her finding us here.

>>4457604
If you want to wait here for her to show up, you can do that and still choose another option for the morning.

>>4457558
>Yes, cordially. Address her as "Val" and apologize for being distant. You have to let some people in eventually.
>Go to the hunter's lodge. You still have yet to meet the folks who prepare your meals, and you have a lead in mind: apparently, no hunters have been killed yet. Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe it isn't.

>>4457558
>>Yes, cordially. Address her as "Val" and apologize for being distant. You have to let some people in eventually.
>By going home to pick up your first week's payment, of course. It's Friday, which means $50 for you and $12.50 for your assistant and supply of fresh meat. (+would you like to inquire about your delivery options for the samples and letters you prepared last night?)

>>4457558
>Yes, cordially. Address her as "Val" and apologize for being distant. You have to let some people in eventually.
>You'll pick up your payment at home then head to the general store immediately. You're well enough stocked on food and medicine, but there may be some other items worth buying. (for example: you need some place for patients to sleep if you want to keep them overnight without forcing them to sleep on the narrow operating table)

I'll call the vote in an hour or two and get another vote out tonight.

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Condolences

>>4457558
>Yes, professionally. Address her as "Valene." You will resolve to visit her for advice and study from time to time.

>By going home to pick up your first week's payment, of course. It's Friday, which means $50 for you and $12.50 for your assistant and supply of fresh meat. (+would you like to inquire about your delivery options for the samples and letters you prepared last night?)

Yes, we should inquire about the delivery options. We'll need to know this now, so that we know in advance for future samples we get.

>>4457895
oof

>Yes, cordially. Address her as "Val" and apologize for being distant. You have to let some people in eventually.
>By going to the hunter's lodge. You still have yet to meet the folks who prepare your meals, and you have a lead in mind: apparently, no hunters have been killed yet. Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe it isn't.

>>4457895
All right, wifi's back but I'm still experiencing power troubles. Will write as soon as I can.

All right, the cordial and hunters' lodge options are locked in. You'll stop by and pick up your payment as well since that can be done within a reasonable amount of time, but you'll have to assess your delivery options at a later point. Keep in mind that there is no postal service that extends to the colonies, but you can have letters sent with supply convoys (slower, lower risk) or pay someone to do it (faster, possibly higher risk depending on who you choose).

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>>4457582
>>4457633
>>4457650
>>4457731
>>4457900
>>4458013

It's true, you're quite the introvert. Mostly by choice, given the nature of the people your job used to put you in touch with. Many were devious socialites who viewed any form of social interaction as a political undertaking, never as a way to establish genuine connections with others. However, you have little reason to believe that the woman you met yesterday has anything to gain materially from getting in your good graces. You may as well reciprocate.

"Dear Val", you start. You start to write an "e," but quickly mark it out and convert it into a comma. Her friends call her "Val," and you mean to be her friend. Accordingly, you write a conciliatory message and echo her hopes that the two of you can share perspectives. The sentiment makes you feel warm inside — you're glad to end this little vacation on a positive note. +2 to Emotional State.

(Physical State: Secure +9, Mental State: Fortified +13, Emotional State: Appropriate +3)

--

~8 a.m.

When you arrive at your home, you catch the mayor just as he's walking up to your front door. He smiles radiantly and extends his hand. You meet it with your own, and nearly get thrown off-balance as he firmly grasps your hand and supports a vigorous handshake with his other arm.

"There he is!" The mayor, Theodore Brown, shouts as he draws you in closer for a side-hug. His wide smile is still affixed between both cheeks.

"Yes, here I am." You confirm, politely excusing yourself from the hug to stand at a more comfortable distance.

"I took the liberty of slipping your first round of payment under the door. I expect you'll put it to good use, John."

You are caught off guard by his casual use of your first name. That's a rare one, most people just call you "Doctor." You suppose this is the sort of social posturing you were thinking about earlier this morning... or he's just a charismatic fellow. Don't be too cynical, you warn yourself. He's been around some good people, surely. This place isn't like the city.

"Ah, I appreciate it," you say. The sentiment is true, you really didn't expect him to deliver it personally. "Is there something you require of me?" You only realize that the question may sound somewhat impatient after it escapes your lips. Truthfully, you're just astonished that he's going so far out of his way; people usually do that when they want something.

Luckily, the mayor doesn't bat an eye at the question. "No, no. Not require, but I do have a request of you. I'll be playing cards with the esteemed hunter Mr. Loam, and..." He bites his lip, but keeps up the smile. "My other friend, Father Young, will be there as well."

"Ah... cards? Is it poque, or whist?" You have trouble thinking of any popular card games. Truth be told, you're not well acquainted with them.

(1/2)

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>>4458130

"No, nothing so fancy. The working men like something simple, so the saloon provides blackjack cards." He leans in close, as if to whisper something scandalous. "The people around here like something they can drink to, my friend. Anyhow! I hope you can join us tonight. Any beverages are on my tab."

The mayor points at you with both hands, makes a sharp click with his tongue, then waves goodbye in one fluid motion.

You open the door, collect your payment, and walk off to the hunters' lodge.

--

~8:25 a.m.

The lodge is a moderately-sized cabin flanked by a small shed on the southeast outskirts of Whitebridge. You remember this as the first couple of buildings you passed when the convoy first escorted you into town.

Just as you reach the front of the building, a large, hairy fellow wearing a heavy fur coat and beaver-skin hat steps through the front door. Towering above you, he is forced to crane his neck somewhat to see you. He squints, as if trying to figure you out.

"Oh, ya almost caught me off guard. Thought you was a governor boy or something. I'm Jon Loam, and I run the lodge." The hunter exits the doorway and shuts the door behind. "You're my newest customer, I take it. Horace's old lady been picking up food on your behalf." He casually spits some brown substance and squints off into the distance. "Yep, I like that woman. Like her husband too, like to hunt with 'em time-to-time." He gently pats the rifle slung over his right shoulder. "I'm about to go bag some moose, or try to. The other boys are already out right now. You need something?"

You shrug, unsure of how to best broach the subject without sounding conspiratorial. "Well, I just heard that no hunters have been killed or otherwise adversely affected by recent... goings-on."

"'Adversely affected?'" He repeats, although his tone strikes you more lighthearted than it is mocking. "Got some fine vocabs there, bud. Like the mayor. Yeah, we ain't been 'fected too adversely. We've got a 'process' that we stick to, sort of local thing you probably haven't heard of down south."

"And this process keeps you out of harm's way?"

"Well, sometimes I scrape the old leg or piss off the ornery predators we gots up here, but yeah. The process works, I've got faith in it. Tell you what, you should come with me and see it for yourself." Jon sniffs, glances around, and otherwise fidgets around as he awaits your response.

>Agree to join him, and offer to help him hunt. Even if you don't learn much about the "process," you should learn some valuable survival skills.
>Agree to join as an observer. You'll learn more about this so-called process without distractions.
>Reject the opportunity, just ask for a brief explanation.

(2/2)

Ayyyy, the good shit's back in town!

>>4458132
>Join as an observer.

The "stay whole of body and on your rocker" process must be tedious or especially esoteric if hunters are the only ones who stick with it. But perhaps it could be adapted into an intervention or health regimen.

>>4458132
>Agree to join as an observer. You'll learn more about this so-called process without distractions.

>>4458132
>Agree to join him, and offer to help him hunt. Even if you don't learn much about the "process," you should learn some valuable survival skills.

>>4458132
>>Agree to join as an observer. You'll learn more about this so-called process without distractions.

>>4458132

>>Agree to join as an observer. You'll learn more about this so-called process without distractions.

Time to get some learning in.

>>4458132
>Agree to join as an observer. You'll learn more about this so-called process without distractions.

Finally caught up, great looking quest OP.

>>4458132
>>Agree to join as an observer. You'll learn more about this so-called process without distractions.

All right, should just be one update today (later on) but I'll try to do 2-3 tomorrow.

>>4458484
>>4459082
Appreciate the support, thanks guys.

>>4458484
>>4458569
>>4458612
>>4458708
>>4458790
>>4459082
>>4459105

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

"Well, why not. I'm just going to stay back and watch, if that's all right with you," you answer.

"No problem, m'friend. In fact, you're better off not introducing any 'city' to the process — no offense. Give me a second as I grab something from the shed, then I'm gonna show you show it's done." The hunter guffaws and walks to the front of the shed and pulls open one of its two large doors. He returns with a small, stinking cloth bag.

Silently, you join him as he proceeds toward a large swath of woodland just south of town. As he walks, you notice that he's been chewing something all the while.

"Is that tobacco in your mouth?" You ask, walking in step with your would-be mentor. "I partake myself."

Jon wrinkles his nose. "No, ain't got that kind of money. Some dried herbs I chew for the aches I get 'round winter time. About the only thing the herbalists is good for."

You raise your eyebrows. "Ah, they seem quite popular around here. You're no friend to the herbalists?"

Jon spits out more brownish salliva, then steps over a fallen branch just at the edge of the tree line. "No." He stops in his tracks. "Well, yeah, they can be good peoples. Just don't much like folks' obsession with them, don't think it's right to give ordinary folks so much attention. That and I don't much buy that you can cure much more than a headache by grindin' up plants. Figure they profit too much offa' sending the message that you can avoid death and disease by buying their products. Really, people should be moving around. It's rot what kills people, not a lacka' plants."

(1/3)

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>>4459491

"Rot?" You repeat, unaware of any such condition.

"Yeah. Or rust, or whatever-by-Styx you wanna call it. When you stop moving, stop soaking sunlight, stop living. That's why ya couldn't pay me all the money in the world to work in a mine." He hocks up the last of his chewing herbs and wipes his mouth on his sleeve.

You decide to change the subject. He mentioned Horace, you think. It'd be interesting to hear about him from someone other than his wife. "So, you said you're a friend of Horace's?"

"Love him to death, like his old lady too, but he made the wrong damn choices." Jon inhales sharply through his nose and shakes his head. "You know, being a hunter in this town means you take an oath and become a 'brother.' Lord knows I want him to be a brother, but that wife of his don't want him to. Says it's too dangerous, and she don't want him to leave the house. That woman — God love her — don't know what's good for a man, and he don't know what's good for himself."

"He'd have to leave the house, you say?" Come to think of it, might be that the phrase 'hunters' lodge' is meant to be taken more literally than I initially thought, you consider.

"Every one of us does," he confirms. "He'd be able to visit her, sure, but I think she wanted him around the house more offen than the lodge would let 'em. We work all day long, most every day, and only take a day or two as a break every week."

--

~11:20 a.m.

Eventually, you reach a gentle stream with your new acquaintance, who squats on a flat rock on its bank. Besides the drawn-out cries of finches, and the occasional buzzing of some insect or another, the area strikes you as quite calm.

(2/3)

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>>4459492

Jon produces the bag from earlier, which he had been holding over one shoulder until now. He grabs some assorted fresh meat from the bag, mostly cuts from small game such as rodents and birds. "The 'process' is something we hunters do, picked up from the natives out west. They call it 'vah-gah-loo-tsya,' means something like 'return.' We pay tribute to the predators. Any time we locate a predator's home range, we mark the area down on a map and visit it the next day. Ideally —" He throws a rabbit's leg across the stream. "— We find the predators, and offer 'em some meat. But when we can't, we put the offerings out where we know they'll find 'em."

You scratch your head. You're no hunter, but you fail to see how this process keeps hunters sane or prevents predation. "And then what happens?"

Jon grins. "Well, you see that I don't got scratches on me, don'tcha?"

>Ask to partake in the "process" directly. Maybe you'll glean more about what makes it effective. (physical roll)
>Ask more about "vah-ga-loo-tsya." It sounds like he's describing some sort of animism practiced by savages. (mental roll)
>"Well, I just wanted to see the rest of the process." Press him for more — there's definitely more that keeps hunters sane and safe than throwing scraps to predators. (mental roll)
>This is clearly some sort of joke, or a deliberate red herring. Call him out. (emotional roll)
>Write-in.

(Physical State: Secure +9, Mental State: Fortified +13, Emotional State: Appropriate +3)

(3/3)

>>4459496

>Ask more about "vah-ga-loo-tsya." It sounds like he's describing some sort of animism practiced by savages. (mental roll)

It makes a curious sort of sense, distracting predators from you and the hunt. There may be more to this aspect of it though. It's almost certainly him fucking with us, but I don't mind playing the cityslicker to egg him on a little.

>>4459496
>This is clearly some sort of joke, or a deliberate red herring. Call him out. (emotional roll)
>Raise an eyebrow. "Tribute's all well and good when entering another's territory. But the victims were not so venturesome. What predator considered them trespassers in the town proper?"

>>4459496
>>4459522
+1

>>4459496
>"Well, I just wanted to see the rest of the process." Press him for more — there's definitely more that keeps hunters sane and safe than throwing scraps to predators. (mental roll)

>>4459496
>Ask more about "vah-ga-loo-tsya." It sounds like he's describing some sort of animism practiced by savages. (mental roll)
>"Well, I just wanted to see the rest of the process." Press him for more — there's definitely more that keeps hunters sane and safe than throwing scraps to predators. (mental roll)

>>4459496
>This is clearly some sort of joke, or a deliberate red herring. Call him out. (emotional roll)

>>4459496
>This is clearly some sort of joke, or a deliberate red herring. Call him out. (emotional roll)

>>4459516
>>4459522
>>4459683
>>4459685
>>4460072
>>4460136
>>4460205

I need 3 1d100s. DC to beat is 64 (50+14).

We'll integrate a little of every option, but with primary emphasis on calling him out.

+20 = This action will come off as presumptuous if you're not careful with your words.
-4 = Questions about predators, tributes. (write-in)
-2 = "Playing the cityslicker," i.e. playing along. (write-in)

Will be writing the next update after some studying and exercise, probably 1-2 hours.

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4460417

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4460417

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>4460417

Writing now. It'll be mostly for the emotional roll option but with some attention paid to the other options that were popular.

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>>4459516
>>4459522
>>4459683
>>4459685
>>4460072
>>4460136
>>4460205


Technical Success.

There is some sense to everything the man suggests. Animals can be territorial, which could explain why unexperienced wanderers fall victim to them. Animals are also primarily concerned with basic survival needs such as eating and having a safe place to sleep, and providing them meals could surely pacify them for a while. All that aside, this theory does nothing to account for attacks on the town's outskirts, and it doesn't make mention of the delusions that have been affecting the locals.

Before continuing the excursion, you decide to press Jon for some answers. "Right, so I consider myself uninitiated in all this," you begin. Jon nods in agreement. "So forgive my ignorance when I ask, but what predator considered the victims trespassers in the town proper?"

As Jon ponders the question, you clarify: "Tribute's all well and good when entering another's territory, but some victims were not so venturesome."

"It ain't so much that you feed the animals for the animals," Jon replies cryptically. "More that ya do it for your own wholeness, and for the wholeness of nature. Sorta that you give back to the cycle as much as ya took from it. And I guess it don't make too much sense if you're not involved in the lodge," he concedes.

The answer isn't very satisfying, so you try to refocus the conversation. "My point was more that the victims didn't necessarily do anything to offend nature, or at least not in a way that nature would notice. Surely they're not taking so much that they need to make a point of giving back regularly, and some victims aren't even killed far enough from town for the issue to be territorial."

Jon sniggers and exhales sharply from his nostrils. "You're givin' too much credit to the idea that we own anything 'round here. It's all territorial. If they want to march on the town hall tomorrow and tear us all to shreds, they will."

But I've never heard of any predators that would organize to do such a thing, you want to say. However, you decide to drop the conversation, uncertain whether you'll ever know for sure whether the hunter was speaking in earnest or trying to make a joke of you. -2 to Emotional State.

(Physical State: Secure +9, Mental State: Fortified +13, Emotional State: Appropriate +1)

(1/2)

>>4460657

At the very least, you've added a new vague theory to your repertoire of vague theories. Perhaps a friend or colleague of the hunter could expand on it.

The surrounding air starts to cool as the wind picks up. Your clothing isn't ideal to continue in these conditions, but your guide certainly knows how to survive in worse. It's your call.

>Continue the hunt, and just focus on being helpful. Maybe you should just accept that you're not always the smartest person in town. (physical roll)
>Continue the hunt and ask if he's ever felt that his mind was out of his control. (mental roll)
>Continue the hunt and ask about Horace. (any specific questions?)
>"It's been an education. Good day, sir." Return home (or go somewhere else, write-in).

There will be another update today.

(2/2)

>>4460660
>Continue the hunt and ask about Horace
Why didn't Horace use their "process"? It's not like it's secret, as we've found out.

>>4460660
>Continue the hunt and ask if he's ever felt that his mind was out of his control. (mental roll)

>>4460660
>Continue the hunt, and just focus on being helpful. Maybe you should just accept that you're not always the smartest person in town. (physical roll)
I feel satisfied by the answers we got today.

>>4460665
supporting

Will be calling the vote after dinner (should be done cooking and eating a little over an hour from now).

>>4460665

+1

Vote's locked in. Writing.

>>4460665
>>4460670
>>4460708
>>4460747
>>4460763

~11:45 a.m.

Somewhere along a natural gap between two treelines, Jon looks your way and breaks a long period of silence. "So ya know something about hunting, right?"

You frown. "Not a thing."

Jon snorts in response and points out a series of tiny tracks. "Well, that's common shrew. Prob'ly one of the animals we see most offen, so we like to throw 'em back to the predators. We're hunting moose right now, so we want to find big tracks that look like teardrops, two slanted ones that come toward a common point at the top."

"Ah, I'll be on the lookout," you say tokenistically. You're more interested in the first part of the statement regarding the process, seeing it as a fitting way to broach a subject that's been on your mind. "So, Horace knew about this whole process you've been talking about. Like throwing shrews to the predators, correct?"

"Well, yeah. He didn't see the point in it though, and we couldn't make 'em do anything seeing as he's not a member of the lodge."

"And you were willing to hunt with someone who violated code?"

Jon gives off another one of his patented guffaws, which you have come to recognize by their loud, monosyllabic "hah" sound. "Bud, I don't make folks do anything they don't want to. Only members of the lodge follow code. Like how I ain't gonna make you scatter anything 'less you want to."

Doing your utmost to avoid sounding accusatory, you say: "You hunted with him often, though. He didn't want to accommodate your wishes, at least?" You feel it necessary to press the issue — you may be onto something after all.

"Like I said, he didn't believe it would do anything." Jon frowns, and you detect a hint of uncertainty in his answer. "The wife didn't want 'em to get too attached to us. I don't know, maybe that's why."


You decide that this answer is good enough for now, although your decision is mostly driven by the fact that your mentor seems to be slightly agitated by all the questioning. Thankfully, he seems to get in higher spirits as you both stumble across a line of moose tracks impressed deep into the mud that pass through a dense thicket. Rather than assuming that you've somehow annoyed him through the nature of your questions, you just reason that the sheer volume of small talk is a little unusual for a hunt.

The hunter turns back to you and presses a finger to his lips.


(1/2)

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>>4460933

--

The two of you crouch at a safe distance from a massive, antlered mammal feasting on shrubbery by a stream. As you remain still, your teeth begin to chatter and you realize just how cold it's getting. -2 to Physical State.

(Physical State: Secure +7, Mental State: Fortified +13, Emotional State: Appropriate +1)

Thanks to your fortified mental state, you are able to take control of the situation quickly by keeping calm and still. Won't be much longer, you reason. I'll just watch this fellow shoot this thing and then we'll be done.

Though you feel quite silly pondering the ethics of it, you are struck with a small pang of guilt at the thought that you will be party to the infliction of harm. For obvious reasons, your heart doesn't bleed over the thought that an animal will die, and you have been desensitized to gore for years. The only dilemma is that you swore an oath to never cause harm and to prevent it where possible, and you try to stick to your word whenever possible. Since you are unable to recall any mention of animal-related ethics, you are able to eventually dismiss the thought.

Meanwhile, Jon lines up his rifle to take down the quarry. His face is the image of focus, his breathing is stable, and his body is inhumanly still. In a blink of an eye, his gun cracks and he stirs slightly from the recoil. You turn to face the result and see that he has swiftly ended the creature's life.

Jon releases his breath with a smirk. "Another lesson for ya. If you can't make a killing shot, don't shoot at all." He leads you to the carcass, where you instantly see the entrance wound somewhere in or between the front and middle sectors of its torso. "This was a broadside shot, an' I went for the heart."

You stare at the dead beast. It's a large one, seemingly peaceful, although it has an ornery look on its face. The creature reminds you of some of the folks you've met lately: tall, hirsute, and rough around the edges.

>Ask about something else: the blackjack game later tonight, how best to deliver mail south, his relation to someone local (who?), something supranatural, etc. Depending on how sensitive the question is, a roll may be required.
>Offer to help move and butcher the creature. The best anatomy lessons are hands-on. (physical roll)
>Thank him for taking you along and move on. You have places to be. (Go to your home to check for patients, the general store, saloon, or anywhere else you'd like.)

(2/2)

>>4460934
>Offer to help move and butcher the creature. The best anatomy lessons are hands-on. (physical roll)

>>4460934
>Offer to help move and butcher the creature. The best anatomy lessons are hands-on. (physical roll)
We are a doctor.

>Offer to help move and butcher the creature. The best anatomy lessons are hands-on. (physical roll)

It would only be right. No point in making Jon have to carry the blasted thing back by himself, it's just not proper.

>>4460949
>>4460970
>>4461119
Locking in the vote here. I need 3 1d100+7s, DC to beat is 60 (50+10).

Somewhat busy today, so should probably just be one update that comes later.

+15 = Unfamiliar with field dressing.
-5 = Recently used surgical tools.

Rolled 46 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>4461944

Rolled 94 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>4461944

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>4461944

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Success. +2 to Mental State.

(Physical State: Secure +7, Mental State: Excellent +15, Emotional State: Appropriate +1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lu_JpCp9Xo

"Suppose you've got to get back now," Jon remarks as he produces a huge knife from his belt that appears to be worn from daily use.

As you gaze back in the direction of the town, your mind instead focuses on the huge lump of flesh at your feet. You've got a free anatomy lesson here, and those are in short supply, you think, turning back to the hunter. "Actually, I'd like to help as much as I can. I figure it'd be cruel of me to leave you handling this by yourself anyhow."

Jon chortles, but waves for you to come near. He crouches by the moose and turns it onto its side. He pulls a bag from shomewhere in his kit and hands it to you. You hold the bag at your side and watch studiously as Jon skins back half of the animal's hide then spreads it across the ground.

--

Once the hide has been removed, Jon methodically works his way through the moose's body until its internal organs have been thoroughly stripped and deposited into the bag. Near the end of the process, he hands you the knife and mentors you through the process of removing the skull plate and antlers.

With its guts, hide, and antlers extracted, the moose is left without any distinguishing traits. Now, it is merely a skinless, pink blob composed of muscle and fat. You end up finding the whole process to be far more insightful than it is disturbing — you can't help but appreciate the fine art of cutting, and you gain a newfound respect for the host of the hunt and his craft.

As you make small talk with Jon regarding the nature of his work, you come to view him as a kindred spirit. You both work morbid jobs that are rarely glamorous, where any degree of failure has the potential to ruin lives.

(1/2)

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>>4462153

>>4462154
Didn't paste the update with the picture, woops.

--

~12:45 a.m.

The process of quartering and transporting the animal is finished. At the end of the field dressing process, Jon linked up with the remaining members of the Lodge, a group of three men named Clay, Monfort, and Rich. With their assistance, you manage to bring the carcass to a covered camp in the woods where its hide and individual pieces are hung on racks. The other three men quickly depart to continue their own work.

"The day ain't over for me yet," Jon announces after hanging the last piece of meat. "But you did a pretty good job. Sure 'preciate the help."

"Sure appreciate the education," you reply. "I'll see you soon."

"Oh yeah, and take some meat as you go. It's only right to pay ya for helping."

>Might as well cook the meat as soon as possible, and you've got other things to work on anyhow. Return home.
>You're among skilled hunters, so you're in the ideal condition to enjoy this perfectly untamed stretch of nature. Why not take the opportunity to relax a little? Maybe you could pick some of those herbs you've been hearing about as well. (??? roll, if you'd like to look for something specific just mention it and you'll get a positive modifier on finding it)
>Go somewhere in town. (saloon, town hall, general store, etc.)
>Write-in.

(2/2)

>>4462155
>Might as well cook the meat as soon as possible, and you've got other things to work on anyhow. Return home.

nature is fuckin gay lmao

>>4462155

>Might as well cook the meat as soon as possible, and you've got other things to work on anyhow. Return home.

Fresh meat is best meat. Plus, we still have to work out delivery processes and the like for future samples, and I have a feeling someone might have left a message for us since Elaine is headed over to talk to Val.

>12:45 a.m.

Pretty sure that's supposed to be p.m. Jon probably wouldn't have wanted us quartering a moose until past midnight.

>>4462222
Yep, thanks for catching that. It's early afternoon.

>>4462155
>Might as well cook the meat as soon as possible, and you've got other things to work on anyhow. Return home.

>>4462155
>Might as well cook the meat as soon as possible, and you've got other things to work on anyhow. Return home.

>>4462155
>You're among skilled hunters, so you're in the ideal condition to enjoy this perfectly untamed stretch of nature. Why not take the opportunity to relax a little? Maybe you could pick some of those herbs you've been hearing about as well. (??? roll, if you'd like to look for something specific just mention it and you'll get a positive modifier on finding it)

>>4462155
>Might as well cook the meat as soon as possible, and you've got other things to work on anyhow. Return home.

Pretty clear majority there, writing now. I'll try to get another update out before the day is done.

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>>4462215
>>4462222
>>4462237
>>4462470
>>4462859
>>4462908

~1:10 p.m.

Returning to your home at a fairly brisk pace, you manage to avoid any interruptions by taking the same path you arrived on. Your ears pick up a shrill bird call echoing through the river valley, and the occasional rustling, but you see few animals in your path beyond the occasional red squirrel scrambling into the trees as you pass by.

You breathe a sigh of relief upon arriving to your empty home, happy to see that you will be able to eat lunch in peace. Although you have quickly become accustomed to Elaine's punctuality, you are unperturbed by her absence. Must be figuring out the situation with her sister, you assume. You only hope that your assistant will return in decent spirits, or at least well enough to function — more for her sake than your own.

With a contented sigh, you set up a pot over the fireplace and begin preparing a cut of lean moose meat. Your involvement in producing today's meal makes you feel fulfilled; in fact, it's enough to make you forget some of your recent troubles.. +6 to Physical State, +2 to Emotional State.

(Physical State: Fortified +13, Mental State: Excellent +15, Emotional State: Appropriate +3)

--

~1:50 p.m.

Following the meal, you clean your hands in your room's washbasin as your thoughts begin to wander. Blackjack, you think. I don't think I've ever played that one.

The internal small talk ceases when someone comes through your front door without knocking or otherwise announcing his presence. You turn to face the entrant, ready to scold him for the intrusion, but quickly recognize that the offender is none other than your assistant, Elaine. She glances at the hearth where some utensils still remain out of their usual storage, then back at you.

With a flat affect, she asks: "You already ate, right?"

(1/2)

>>4463062

You nod in confirmation. Elaine just takes a seat on one of your chairs and covers her face with both hands.

What will you say?
>"You can take the day off. Just collect your part of the pay and come back tomorrow."'
>"Well, how did it go?" (emotional roll)
>Nothing. If she doesn't want to talk, you'll only make matters worse by engaging with her at all.
>Write-in.

What will you do?
>Take the mail and samples to the general store. You'll have them delivered with the next supply convoy. (low financial investment, low risk, long wait time)
>Take the mail and samples to the town hall. The mayor is connected, and he can surely recommend someone who will take care of them. (unknown financial investment, unknown risk, shorter wait time)
>This is a town of laborers. You should have no trouble finding someone who will cheaply and efficiently deliver these letters. Considering recent events, there should be folks desperate enough to take a break from this place that you'll have no trouble hiring one. (low to medium financial investment, highest risk, shortest wait time; a roll will generate the quality of the candidates)

(2/2)

>>4463068
>"Well, how did it go?" (emotional roll)

Be prepared to offer the day off.

>Take the mail and samples to the general store. You'll have them delivered with the next supply convoy. (low financial investment, low risk, long wait time)

not too hopeful about what we'll get back desu

>>4463068

>"Well, how did it go?" (emotional roll)

Regardless of how shit goes down with this roll, we should offer the remainder of the day off with pay. It'll likely be late enough that any non-emergency calls will have shown up if they were going to.

>Take the mail and samples to the general store. You'll have them delivered with the next supply convoy. (low financial investment, low risk, long wait time)

It'll take a while, but it's more important that the samples get to the destination. Plus, if the arm continues to not deteriorate as it is, it should pique the interest of who gets it as not being a fake.

>>4463068
>"You don't have to deal with this alone."

>Take the mail and samples to the general store. You'll have them delivered with the next supply convoy. (low financial investment, low risk, long wait time)

>>4463068
>"You don't have to deal with this alone."
>This is a town of laborers. You should have no trouble finding someone who will cheaply and efficiently deliver these letters. Considering recent events, there should be folks desperate enough to take a break from this place that you'll have no trouble hiring one. (low to medium financial investment, highest risk, shortest wait time; a roll will generate the quality of the candidates)

>>4463771
Support

>>4463068
>"Well, how did it go?" (emotional roll)
Ulterior motive: subtly make her even more emotionally tortured

>>4463811
What the fuck

>>4463083
>>4463418
>>4463714
>>4463771
>>4463785
>>4463811

Need a roll, we'll go with a mixture of the write-in and the emotional roll option. I need 3 1d100s, DC to beat is 62 (50+12).

+20 = She would rather not speak.
+3 = Encountered this issue shortly after the incident with her husband.
-6 = Appropriate write-in. ("you don't have to deal with this alone")
-3 = You've shown her a great deal of compassion in the past, so she has plenty of reason to believe that you care.
-2 = Offering to let her go home with pay. (write-in)

You will be taking the mail to the general store for delivery.

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4463927

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>4463927

Also, I haven't been mentioning this lately, but your current physical/mental/emotional state factors into rolls depending on their type (you get the +3 bonus to this emotional roll, for example) .

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4463927

Should be one update later today, and I hope to do two tomorrow.

>>4463083
>>4463418
>>4463714
>>4463771
>>4463785
>>4463811
>>4463934

Technical Success.

Although the thought of leaving Elaine to her grief crosses your mind, you find yourself unable to move on without at least offering some assistance. You approach your assistant from the side and stand beside her, providing just enough distance for her to breathe freely and leave if the need arises. She makes no reaction to your advance. At this distance, you can barely make out some subdued sniffling — you'll have to approach the matter delicately to avoid making the situation any worse.

Well, here goes. "Elaine." You speak softly. "You don't have to deal with all this on your own."

"I do," she flatly protests. "My husband wouldn't even understand. I can't talk to that man anymore. He's gone. My sister is gone. I have no one."

You consider placing a hand on her shoulder, but veto the idea as her body language suggests she would not be open to any physical interaction. Instead, you take a seat by her. Fortunately, she remains seated herself, so she is not making any active effort to avoid you. "Your sister isn't gone. In fact, you can hold a conversation with her at night if you like. I'm not gone either."

Elaine shakes her head. "Who's to say she won't die before then? We don't know that this condition won't kill her before her time." She ignores the part where you offered your own assistance, but you don't take it to heart; she's more focused on her family matters at the moment.

"I agree that we don't know much about her... problem." You search for something hopeful to say but only come up with a few optimistic banalities that you don't even believe yourself. Instead, you decide to bring up your findings. "I believe I have a timeframe in mind. I know it corresponds to the time of day. Chances are good that I'll learn more about her condition in time."

Elaine finally stops rubbing her face and moves her hands down to her lap. "I hope you find something," she says, drearily.

"I hope so too." You grab your mail and samples, which you've arranged into a single pile, and head toward the front door. Without turning, you announce: "If you want to leave early today, just take your portion of the pay and go home. I won't be bothered."

You don't receive for a response, so you decide not to wait for one either, figuring that she will make whatever decision she is comfortable with. You're not sure how much your words have convinced her, but you consider the lack of an emotional outburst to be some sort of success. People don't often recover from trauma that quickly anyway, you reason.

(1/3)

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>>4464557

--

~2:20 p.m.

The general store, a surprisingly sizable establishment across the street from the town hall, is a livelier place than you've yet seen in this town. As you walk toward the building, you witness a total of two entries and one exit. The individual exiting is none other than the deputy Mr. Holden, who begins walking away at a brisk pace the moment he notices you. Ever since your first meeting with the man, he's been remarkably bashful towards you — even after leaving you out to dry before yesterday's encounter. As a mature, functioning adult, you can't bring yourself to dwell too heavily on the drama, but you certainly do feel a tinge of irritation.

A thick, dark smoke billows from an array of pipes that run up the side of the building that appear to originate from the ground, suggesting that smoke is being somehow generated from the basement. A curious thing indeed, but you are dry on theories.

The interior of the general store is strikingly full. The shelves are totally packed, mostly with clean cans that seem to have been either polished thoroughly on the spot or transported over a short distance — they show no signs of wear and tear, and the labels are all intact. You pick up a can labeled "Haywood's Fresheries," accompanied by a sketch of a bunch of currant berries. Comparing the can to another, you find that each one has been individually labeled, and each sketch was made individually by a skilled artist. You draw two conclusions: firstly, someone is doing these sketches full-time, or at least for several hours in a week. More importantly, there is more to the mayor's description of this fellow — "canner and general store owner" — than you predicted. This town has some degree of industry.

Standing at the front counter, you notice that the folks who entered the store only moments ago are nowhere to be found. You didn't notice them leave, but you suppose that they could have done so while you were absorbed in the cans.

(2/3)

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>>4464558

You watch a clock tick by on the other side of the counter. After about ten minutes, someone finally comes in through the back door.

A stern-faced man, likely in his fifties, walks to his station behind the counter. His cherry-red face, wrinkled shirt, and stain-covered apron are all drenched in sweat. If you didn't know any better, you would assume he just spent some time lounging in a sauna with all his clothes on.

"We're missing a worker today, couldn't spare anyone to cover the front." the man blurts as he rapidly wipes his hands on the sides of his apron. He has "I'm the shopkeep. Do something for you?"

You set the items to be delivered on the counter, and the shopkeep immediately grabs the deformed arm and inspects it from top to bottom. "What is this? A curio? Give you five dollars for it."

If you weren't so bemused, you would probably chuckle at the suggestion. Instead, you stutter: "I— ah, well,"

"Six dollars, then, and that's final. What is this supposed to be, an art piece? Is this from a real man? Circus act from the city?" Another barrage of questions, and the man seems no less impatient.

You struggle to respond in a time that would satisfy the shopkeep. "Okay. Ten," he offers. "I'll admit. It's good, real interesting. I got an import of something strong a few months ago, keeps you awake good and long. I've given everyone a sample of it for free. It's five dollars if you want a week's supply. Want some?"

This time, you respond quickly to prevent further interruptions. "I just want this mail, the arm, and the hair samples delivered with the next supply convoy. They have all the locations I want them delivered written on the back."

The shopkeeper stops all movement — from his expression to even the rising and falling of his chest — as if to exclusively focus on what you've just told him. In a comparatively professional tone, he just asks: "Will that be all?"

Do you want to try a sample of "something strong?"
>Yes.
>No.

Will that be all?
>"Yes, I'll get back to you in a bit." (receive a list of items currently offered at the general store)
>"No, that's all." Give him the items to be delivered and pay the $10 fee.
>"Actually, I want to take you up on that offer." Pawn the arm instead. (do you still want to have the letters delivered?)
>Write-in.

What will you do next?
>Return home and relax as you wait for work.
>Look for the deputy. You need to know why's making a point of avoiding you.
>Visit a person or establishment. (who/where?)
>Write-in.

(3/3)

Seems like your face generator sampled a little Jordan P.

Well, that was abrupt. Like, all of it. What an intriguing man. But let's take this chance to sort things out with the deputy before heading home.

>>4464561
>Maybe later. Deputy to catch.
>"No, that's all."
>Look for the deputy.

>>4464561
>Yes.
one small sample never hurt anyone

>"Yes, I'll get back to you in a bit." (receive a list of items currently offered at the general store)

>Look for the deputy. You need to know why's making a point of avoiding you.

kabedon him

>>4464645
>T-posing on two officers of the law in as many days

anon noooooo

>>4464561
Woops, meant for the responses to be "No, I'll get back to you in a bit." (meaning you do planning on buying more) and "Yes, that's all." Sorry if that's unclear.

>>4464666
Thanks Satan, that wording was a bit confusing but the parentheses helped me figure out what you meant. I want a list of general store items.

>>4464561
>Maybe later. Deputy to catch.
>"Yes, I'll get back to you in a bit." (receive a list of items currently offered at the general store)
>Look for the deputy. You need to know why's making a point of avoiding you.

>>4464561
>Yes.
>"Yes, I'll get back to you in a bit." (receive a list of items currently offered at the general store)
>Look for the deputy. You need to know why's making a point of avoiding you.

>>4464561
>Yes
We know someone who's "awake good and long," to say the least. Don't pass up on the shot so we can study this shit.

>"Yes, I'll get back to you in a bit." (receive a list of items currently offered at the general store)

>Look for the deputy. You need to know why's making a point of avoiding you

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>>4464672
>Thanks Satan
yw

>>4464643
>>4464645
>>4464774
>>4464846
>>4465400

Clothing
Pair of Thick Fur Gloves: $1
Marmot Fur Hat: $1.50
Thick Fur Coat: $2

Curiosities
Intricate Bird Cage: $3
"This Bow of a Genuine Savage": $5
"Maelstrom", painting signed by "V": $10
"Hatred Blend", small tonic: $12
"Alternate-Planar Compass", shows "up, down, left, right," engraved "V": $50

Food
Bag of Hard Candies: $0.80 each
Canned Potato Bits (1 week): $1 each
Canned Berries (1 week): $2 each
Canned Corn, Imported (1 week): $3 each
Canned Beans, Various, Imported (1 week): $3 each
Canned Beef, Imported (1 week): $3 each

Medicine and Wellness
Bar of Soap: $0.50 each
"General Relaxant", small tonic: $0.50 each
"For Head Aches", box of assorted herbs for smoking or chewing: $1 each
"For Bone Aches", box of assorted herbs for smoking or chewing: $1 each
"For Stomach Aches", box of assorted herbs for smoking or chewing: $1.50 each
"For True Pain", box of assorted herbs for smoking or chewing: $2 each
"Vigor Booster for All Ails", box of some powder: $2.50 each
Vial of Morphine, Imported (good for one shot each): $8 each, only 5 in stock

Tools and Weapons
Box of 20 Rounds, Musket: $1
Box of 30 Rounds, Revolver: $2
Hunting Knife, Low Quality, Imported: $2
Standard Infantry Bayonet, Imported: $3
Standard Fishing Pole: $3
Fly-Fishing Pole: $5
Hunting Knife, High Quality, Made by Local Smith: $8
Standard Infantry Musket, plus box of 20 rounds, Restored, Imported: $12
Genuine "Fole" Army Revolver, plus box of 30 rounds, Brand New, Imported: $20

Vices
Cigars, box of 20, "Sunset Company": $1.25
"Rocque" Corn Whisky, 1.5 pints: $1.50
"Brothers Wimble" Sweet Whisky, 1.5 pints: $2
Premium Cigars, box of 20, "Upmann's Silver": $3
Box of Tobacco (2 months assuming daily use): $4
"Vigor Blend", also known as "something strong": $5
"Roth Vineyard" Wine, 1.5 pints: $10

According to a sign on the top of the counter, the general store will also "middle-man for special requests to local builders, smiths, artisans." You assume this means that they can receive requests and payments for specialized orders.

--

OOC:

If you could reasonably assume an item would exist in this store, let me know and I'll add it to the list next time you visit.

If you would like to buy or closely examine any of the items above, please reply to this post with your requests. You will purchase them after chasing down the deputy.

Keep in mind that you currently have $48 to spend after paying the $10 fee for your deliveries. Each week, you receive $50 from the local government to spend as you please (after payments to the hunters' lodge and your assistant).

If you don't want to view or purchase any of the items above, just say ">Continue."

>>4465468
>Buy up all the morphine
That's not something you inject without doctor's orders.

>>4465468
>Bag of Hard Candies: $0.80 each
>Bar of Soap: $0.50 each

4 soaps and one candy bag
Investigate the Alternate Planar Compass

>>4465468
>Shopping
Bless your heart OP. Reminds me of Banished Quest.

>"Maelstrom", painting signed by "V": $10
Bet two bits this is Val's. Same with the compass. (Is Val in another plane of existence?) We should ask her about both even if we don't buy them.
>Bird cage
Related to the dream triangle thing?

>>4465478
>>4465492
I'll support these both. I suspect the quest items curiosities aren't going anywhere.

Vote will be locked in about 2 hours from now, then there will be another update tonight.

With the current selections, you'll spend $42.80 and have $5.20 left over. Keep in mind, you can charge people at your own discretion, offer additional services, sell items, etc.

$5.20 is still a decent amount of money to have, especially since your living situation is mostly paid for.

>>4465478
>>4465524
Voting against buying all the morphine and against buying Maelstrom painting.

If someone wants to get high on morphine they should be allowed to. Who are we to tell them otherwise?

I feel like buying a painting from Valene would cheapen our relationship, whatever it is. Im pretty sure we can get her art if we ask her nicely.

>>4465468
Voting for buying
>Pair of Thick Fur Gloves: $1
>Marmot Fur Hat: $1.50
>Thick Fur Coat: $2
>Intricate Bird Cage: $3
>2 vials of Morphine
>every single item listed under Vice category

>>4465910
Maybe I read his post incorrectly, but I think >>4465524 was just commenting on the curios rather than suggesting we should buy them right now. Regarding the point about the morphine, you're the foremost medical authority in town and you were appointed by the mayor himself, so you can cast just about any medical judgments you please.

Anyway, I'm going to extend the vote another 30 minutes to an hour. If there is no support for >>4465910's suggestions in that time, we'll be at the following count:

>Buy all the morphine: 2 support, 1 against (so 1 vote, effectively)
>Hard candies + soap: 2 support
>Thick fur gloves, marmot fur hat, thick fur coat, intricate bird cage, 2 vials of morphine, every single vice: 1 support

With the current votes, you will still buy some morphine no matter what, since the voter against buying all the morphine still suggested buying two vials.

>>4465924
maybe not all the morphine
2 or 3 sound better

We're going with candy, 4 bars of soap (will provide a bonus on certain medical rolls as your space and tools will be cleaner for as long as they last), and 2 vials of morphine. This will leave you with $37.20.

You will also briefly investigate the alternate-planar compass, "Maelstrom," and the bird cage. Writing now.

(Most items will remain, and several new ones will be added the next time you visit, so it's no big deal if you miss out on something now.)

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>>4465478
>>4465492
>>4465524
>>4465910

Alternate-Planar Compass: This seems to be some sort of novelty item. Although you see no obvious practical use for having a navigational device that always points toward the sky, you can see where the value comes from: the item is intricately-crafted and smooth to the touch. The design reminds you of a map's compass rose, supported by a thick silver ring that circles between the "left" and "right" points. Upon closer inspection, you find that the points are attached to a smaller, moving ring on the inside, suggesting that this invention may serve a practical purpose after all.

Maelstrom: This is a black and white painting depicting what you can only assume is a human head with some sort of cyclone or vortex on top. It's a scandalous piece; although you recognize its quality, you fear that the unusual nature of the painting would frighten some patients. Either you're woefully uneducated when it comes to contemporary art, or this item doesn't adhere to any generally-accepted styles or themes.


Intricate Bird Cage: This is a finely-crafted steel bird cage, just like the human-sized one in your house provided by Joshua, noted metalsmith and eccentric. The main difference between the two is that this one is actually made for birds. A feathered friend, you think. Now that would be interesting. But potentially more trouble than it's worth.


--

Reaching into a front coat pocket, you say: "No, I'll be back in just a moment to pick up a few items I have my eyes on. What's your delivery fee?"

The shopkeep reaches under the counter and produces a small sheet of paper, about the size of a handkerchief, with a thin line of some whitish-gray paste on top. He sets it on the counter and responds, "Ten dollars. Do you want the sample?"

You nod in agreement as you flick through the cash with your index finger and thumb, counting out ten, then set the amount on the counter. Grabbing the paste, you tell the man: "I'll be back some time soon to buy some items I have my eyes on."

You make a mental note of the items that catch your fancy: a bag of hard candies, two vials of morphine, and four bars of soap. This purchase will be taken care of during the next timeskip. I have updated your available funds: you are at $37.20

The shopkeep grumbles in acknowledgment, grabs the ten dollars, and hurries back through the door he arrived in. In a rush yourself, you head out the front door.

(1/2)

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>>4466082

--

~3 p.m.

Following the road in the direction that the deputy took when he crossed your path moments ago, you quickly find a tall, broad-shouldered male figure flipping through a small book in front of the saloon. He mumbles to himself, occasionally glancing up from the book to view the front of the building. He turns in your direction as you get close. Obviously taken by surprise, he starts to shift his body to walk away but reconsiders. He looks you in the eyes and takes a deep breath. That's him all right, you think as you take in the man's familiar features — the square moustache and beard, the deep lines on his forehead.

You announce your presence. "Deputy Holden, sir," you address him politely. "Good day to you. I wanted to say hello to you a moment ago, but I don't think you noticed me."

Mr. Holden breathes a relieved sigh. You suppose if you were as ignorant as he must want you to be, you wouldn't think anything of it — instead, you see the sigh as an admission of guilt. "Mhm, good day to you too, sir. I'm investigating a missing person right now, so I can't really talk much right now."

How would you like to approach this?
>Give him the benefit of the doubt and focus the conversation on whatever he's investigating; make a point of being helpful. Maybe you read him wrong, he could just be a busy fellow who's a touch antisocial.
>Just be upfront about your suspicion. Stand tall — it worked well with the last lawman. (physical roll)
>String him along; continue playing the ignorant card. He's hiding something and you know it. (mental roll)
>Write-in.

Reading the last thread may prove useful if you would like to bolster one of the roll options with some write-ins.

--

I will not be active tomorrow since it's my birthday. I'll see everyone soon after that, possibly the day after (or maybe not, if I'm too hungover).

(2/2)

>>4466084

>String him along; continue playing the ignorant card. He's hiding something and you know it. (mental roll)

Time to play some 4d chess with the deputy,

>>4466084
>String him along; continue playing the ignorant card. He's hiding something and you know it. (mental roll)
Happy birthday

>>4466084
>String him along; continue playing the ignorant card. He's hiding something and you know it. (mental roll)
He also avoided us yesterday, right before the sheriff gave us grief. Then we assumed that he mentioned us in support of the herbalist's theory, but the sherif was unimpressed.

The theory, as we heard it last thread:
>"It would be a theory indeed, had I not heard the proof with my own ears, from people I have known my whole life."
>"They gave names. Three people, one my next-door neighbor and... friend."
>"Oliver Reed, Beatrice Reed, and Finn Walsh. All newcomers to town. Oliver and Finn were hands recently hired by the owner of the --->general store<--- (emphasis mine). Beatrice was Oliver's wife. They all went missing."
>"The victims, who were each recovered shortly after they went missing, in the early morning..." "They were all in so much pain. But they named names. Finn spoke of 'monsters.' I... all I know is, there is a pattern. And the sheriff has no reason to ignore it."

>>4466084
>String him along; continue playing the ignorant card. He's hiding something and you know it. (mental roll)

>>4466084
>String him along; continue playing the ignorant card. He's hiding something and you know it. (mental roll)
Happy birthday salmon!

>>4466084
>String him along; continue playing the ignorant card. He's hiding something and you know it. (mental roll)

I thought they just gave up on the missing people

happy birthday btw

>>4466138
>>4466264
>>4466307
>>4466475
>>4466801
>>4466945

I can take 1d100s for now. Your current Mental State is 15, so a +15 bonus will be applied. DC to beat is 67 (50+17).

+25 = There's a fine line between playing your cards close to your chest and being outright dishonest. It would be hypocritical, but he could become just as suspicious of your act just as you are of his own.
-5 = Held your own against the sheriff.
-3 = You remember some crucial details that should give you an edge in this encounter. (write-ins)

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>4466973

Rolled 87 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>4466973

Rolled 94 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>4466973

All right, tomorrow's looking like it'll be a better day for an update or two. I'll get to the results of this vote (and possibly another one) then.

Will begin writing next update at 6 PM CST (7 PM EST).

busy days

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>>4466138
>>4466264
>>4466307
>>4466475
>>4466801
>>4466945
>>4467008


Success. It takes a smart man to act so foolish... well, you may be laying it on a bit thick. Nevertheless, +1 to Mental State.

(Physical State: Fortified +10 (-3 due to near-constant activity), Mental State: Excellent +16, Emotional State: Appropriate +3)

"Well, seems you're hard at work. I would help if I could, but it seems you've enough on your plate as-is without having to fill me in," you say in hopes that he will unwittingly provide some information about his engagements.

The deputy shuffles around nervously and glances past your shoulder. "Right, if only I had the time," he responds half-heartedly. "Unfortunately, you'll need to step aside. I'm trying to keep the area clear so I can think about —" With his eyes wide, Holden suddenly shuts his lips tight and slinks through the front doors of the saloon. You look back to see the sheriff crossing a road innocuusly and walking away from your sight. His stride is quite casual; it is unlikely that he is even aware that you or the deputy have watched him.

He may not be afraid of me alone, you consider. Perhaps he doesn't want to be seen with me.

The deputy returns from the saloon. His face is pale and marked with worry, but he composes himself enough to speak in an even, professional tone. "I think it'd be best if you returned to your own business, sir."

"Hey, was there something behind me? I looked all around, but I didn't see anyone," you remark, completely sidestepping his suggestion.

"No," he answers quickly and confidently. "There was nothing. You need to go, quickly."

You sigh with fake exasperation. "Are you sure there's nothing I can to do help?"

"There's nothing you can do to help. You're not supposed to be here." He clenches his eyes tight right after he says this. "Well, it's not that you're not supposed to be here." He's attempting to save face. "You just shouldn't be here."

Shrugging, you start to walk off. You glance back to see him standing behind a post, glancing around frantically for some supposed skulking threat. Feeling that you have little to lose, you make one final move. "Say, if you need some help, I can save you some trouble and let the sheriff know," you offer calmly.

"No!" Holden exclaims. "I mean, no. I have it covered, sir." Impatiently, he adds: "Thank you. I don't need any help. Goodbye."

That should be enough to work with, you think. I can now confirm that he dreads seeing me. Or dreads being seen with me.

(1/2)

>>4470661

--

~3:30 p.m.

On your way home, you stop into the shop to pick up the items you kept in mind. Altogether, you spend $10.80 on two vials of morphine (which sets you at roughly 47 doses), four bars of soap, and a bag of candy. All have their uses in a doctor's office, even the sweets.

Feeling somewhat conflicted, you stop at the front door of the general store and mull over your options. Although you would like to take some time to relax, or at least man the office, you have a few other things on your mind.

>Mind your own business and return home. You can't keep upsetting local law enforcement, and you may have work to do anyhow. (??? roll)
>Watch the deputy from a safe distance. (physical roll)
>Seek information from the sheriff. (physical roll)
>Pursue this case in some other way. (write-in)

It's been busy lately, but I'm going to try to do an early afternoon update tomorrow.

(2/2)

>>4470664
>Mind your own business and return home. You can't keep upsetting local law enforcement, and you may have work to do anyhow. (??? roll)

I was gonna hassle the sheriff but we've probably rustled their jimmies enough for one day. Better let them cool down a bit before continuing.

>>4470664

>Mind your own business and return home. You can't keep upsetting local law enforcement, and you may have work to do anyhow. (??? roll)

Let them stew for a while longer, and hit the sheriff up tomorrow. Plus, if Elaine did decide to take the rest of the day off, we should head back and start getting the clinic ready for business. Don't want to be caught with our pants down if we have anyone show up for a check-up or another surprise caller like Horace again in the night.

>Mind your own business and return home. You can't keep upsetting local law enforcement, and you may have work to do anyhow. (??? roll)

>>4470664
>Pursue this case in some other way. (write-in)
>Go back to the general store, pretend to be interested in the curiosities
>Strike a conversation with the owner. He mentioned they're missing a worker? Is he sick? Maybe we can help?
The herbalist's theory is pointing to the general store workers.

>>4470664
>>Mind your own business and return home. You can't keep upsetting local law enforcement, and you may have work to do anyhow. (??? roll)

>>4470664
>Mind your own business and return home. You can't keep upsetting local law enforcement, and you may have work to do anyhow. (??? roll)

I just need one 1d20. First come, first served.

Will begin writing at about 1 pm CST.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>4471374

>>4471382
I regret everything.

>>4471382
>>4471384
Don't worry, the quality of the roll doesn't matter in this instance. You just rolled a name out of a spreadsheet.

>>4471387
My relief is immeasurable.

>>4470702
>>4470774
>>4470811
>>4471024
>>4471063
>>4471198

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh8mM8xeDXA

As much as you would like to follow up on your suspicions, you know well enough from experience and from peers' horror stories that even medical failure looks better than neglecting your duties as a doctor. The condition takes a good portion of the blame in the former case; in the latter, you will be blamed entirely if the patient dies waiting for treatment.

When you arrive to an empty home, you use the quiet time to set up your new purchases. You place the bars of soap by the washbasin and water barrel, the bag of candy on a counter in the office, and the two vials of morphine along with the rest of your medicinal storage. Once you've arranged the house to your liking, you take a seat and check your timepiece. It's 3:50 p.m., you infer by the positions of the hands. Did the mayor even say what time they'd be playing cards? Maybe I should check in later.

The moment you get comfortable, your assistant comes in through the front door. She brings a heavy breeze in tow. Shivering, you stand up and bring your chair closer to the fire. "Should I prepare a chair for you as well?" You ask, unfazed by her unannounced arrival. In fact, you're quite impressed that she would show up at all, even after you've given her your blessing to take a break.

"Yes, please," Elaine says, although the response is unnecessary as you'd already begun to move the other chair prior to her input.

You sit back down and allow the warmth to ease you back into comfort. +1 to Physical State.

(Physical State: Fortified +12, Mental State: Excellent +16, Emotional State: Appropriate +3)

The chairs are positioned so that you can easily switch your view between your guest and the fire. You clamp your hands together and sit upright. Seeing that Elaine will not make the first move, you decide to do so yourself. "What brings you back?"

"I'm not sure," she answers slowly, with a clear pain in her face. Unlike the last time you spoke with her, this pain seems somewhat physical as well. Her nose is wrinkled, and her breaths are short yet audible and frequent. "I can't get anything done around the house, but I can't sleep either. My son can hardly focus seeing his parents in such... confusion. He told me that the store is hiring folks of all ages, and suggested he take care of both of us."

(1/2)

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>>4471648

--

Your assistant rubs and squeezes her head forcefully with fingertips as she searches for the rest of her thought. Finally, she remarks: "I'm not going to be weak. I'm providing for my husband and my son now."

"And you don't want your son working yet?" You ask. There are certainly worse places for a young man to seek employment than a general store, but the one in this town appears deceptively high-maintenance.

"He works around our house now, and he works hard. I'm just not ready to let him —" Elaine clenches her forehead tightly, looks down, and drools slightly as she tries to control her breathing. "You said you could help me with this. That's why I came back."

>This is most likely the sort of issue her husband would be resolving if he were in his right mind. Just let her complain and be a good listener. (mental roll)
>Try to sympathize with her problems. (difficult emotional roll, can be mitigated by suggestions)
>Treat her as you would a woman experiencing problems with "the menses." Being a problem that pains women both physically and emotionally, it's the closest comparison you can think of to what currently ails her. (physical roll)
>This simply isn't your field of expertise. You can't fix her brain, but you can recommend one thing that helps absolutely everyone: sleep. Offer her some whisky or morphine to assist. (which?)
>Try some other treatment, direct her to the herbalists (now that you're here, minor pains and mood issues should be their problem), or simply tell her to leave. (write-in)

(2/2)

>>4471651
>This is most likely the sort of issue her husband would be resolving if he were in his right mind. Just let her complain and be a good listener. (mental roll)

>>4471651
>Try some other treatment: try to get the physical symptoms under control first.
Offer her some whisky as a sedative and painkiller. Guide her through controlling her breathing into the normal rythm. Tell her that feeling distress and anxiety doesn't mean she's weak. Give her a distracting task like announcing every time charring completely covers a piece of wood in the fireplace.
(I have no idea what I'm doing)

>>4471651
>This is most likely the sort of issue her husband would be resolving if he were in his right mind. Just let her complain and be a good listener. (mental roll)
+support for whisky and let's pour one for ourselves too while we are at it. Warm fire on the eve of dusk combined with whiskey and good company work wonders on the psyche.

>>4471651
>Try to sympathize with her problems. (difficult emotional roll, can be mitigated by suggestions)

>>4471678
>>4471767
+1

>>4471651
>(physical roll)
S'happening here? Massage and sweet nothings?

>>4471959
You'd try a variety of techniques used on women who experience heavy menstrual pains until something soothes her. One of these is massaging, another is a cold salt bath (you have salts, you don't have a bath but there is surely one in town somewhere, possibly at the saloon).

This doesn't necessarily mean you think she's on her period, just that you think the symptoms are similar so the same treatments may apply.

>>4471651
>>This is most likely the sort of issue her husband would be resolving if he were in his right mind. Just let her complain and be a good listener. (mental roll)
we're already helping her plenty, it's more respectful if we trust her to handle her own shit

May not be updating today, just warning everyone now.

Mental roll vote (passed):
>>4471665
>>4471767
>>4471942
>>4472441

+Support for offering whisky (passed, small write-in)
>>4471678
>>4471767
>>4471942


Try to get the physical symptoms under control (including activities):
>>4471678
>>4471942

Emotional roll vote:
>>4471885


Physical roll vote (I think, either that or he was just asking a question about it):
>>4471959


I need 3 1d100+16s. DC to beat is 63 (50+13).

+10 = This plan doesn't involve a lot of action on your part.
+8 = This is hardly your area of expertise — you can't really tell if there's even a physical component to her problems.
-5 = Whisky and a crackling fire could soothe anyone, even a cynic.

If there's an update today, it'll probably be around 7 PM CST.

Rolled 67 + 16 (1d100 + 16)

>>4472967
You got it, boss.

Rolled 42 + 16 (1d100 + 16)

>>4472967

Rolled 5 + 16 (1d100 + 16)

>>4472967
feelin good about this roll

>>4472971
>>4472976
plebs

No update today, but I'll get one out (at least) and start writing at about 1 PM CST tomorrow.

>>4472967
Confirming that wasn't a vote for physical.

Writing now.

File: glass.jpg (1.76 MB, 1500x1125)

1.76 MB JPG

>>4471665
>>4471678
>>4471767
>>4471885
>>4471942
>>4471959
>>4472441

Technical Success.

"I may have something that will help," you state, standing up and walking briskly to your liquor stores. When you're unable to identify a problem, but you are at least sure that it involves some degree of pain or discomfort, you often dive into the whisky cabinet. It's no cure-all, but it works well as a temporary treatment until the problem is more easily identified.

You pop open a new bottle — this one sugared, thus better suited for womenfolks — and take a whiff of the brew. To your surprise, it smells faintly of biscuits. Being weaker than your usual fare, you assume it will make for a good, lighthearted drink.

With the bottle in hand, you grab a couple of pint-sized glasses from a nearby cabinet and pour a little more than a quarter of the way. You expect that Elaine will fall into one of two camps in her current state: either she'll sip politely and properly to humor you, or she'll quaff the thing down as though her life depends on it.

"Whisky?" She asks cautiously as you hand the glass over.

You sit down slowly, careful not to risk spilling any of the precious drink. "Not to your taste?"

"Most alcohol isn't, but..." She takes a long, pondering look at the glass, then sighs and takes a large swig. If you had bet on her reaction, you would have lost; you pegged her as a sipper for sure.

(1/2)

>>4474465

--

~4:45 p.m.

"...And I fear for my son, most of all. What if I lose him next?"

You nod along as your assistant speaks, locking your eyes tightly with her own. The whisky has certainly opened her up emotionally, but it has done little to alleviate her worries. On a positive note, she is no longer so distant, nor is she demonstrating any signs of physical anguish. Whatever was afflicting her in that way must have been cured, either as a firsthand effect of the whisky or by its reducing of her inhibitions. You're happy to finally see some progress, but following along with the one-sided conversation has tired you out somewhat. -1 to Physical State, +2 to Emotional State.

(Physical State: Fortified +11, Mental State: Excellent +16, Emotional State: Secure +5)

Her glass is empty; she's cleared it to the last drop. This time, you were the sipper; yours still has a good amount remaining.

"And another thing, doctor, is..." Elaine says, raising her voice to indicate that she's ready for another rant. She then goes silent, tapping a finger on her chin. "Is that... actually, I don't know. I think we covered everything."

You clamp your hands together and scoot to the edge of your seat. "Do you feel any better, Elaine?"

"Well, I feel that I've tired myself out at least."

"Do you consider that a victory?"

She closes her eyes in contemplation, then nods half-heartedly. "I'll be ready to work tomorrow, at least. Thank you for listening to me whine."

Would you like to say anything else to Elaine?
>Yes. (what?)
>No, just politely lead her out the door.

What's next on the agenda?
>Return to the general store to speak with the owner some more.
>Inquire with the mayor about tonight's card game. Maybe it starts soon — he didn't give you a time, or even insist that you come.
>Try to find the deputy again.
>Visit the sheriff.
>Focus on some other lead, relax for some time, check storage, etc. (write-in)

(2/2)

>>4474468
>Yes. (what?)

She ought to try visiting her sister at night at least once before considering her lost.

>Inquire with the mayor about tonight's card game. Maybe it starts soon — he didn't give you a time, or even insist that you come.

>>4474468
Supporting >>4474483 regarding Elaine

>Return to the general store to speak with the owner some more.

>>4474468
>"More whiskey?"
If not, I think exploring towards west is a grand idea.

Just letting everyone know that I will be unable to update today and possibly tomorrow as well. Helping out some family with a project.

In the meantime, let me know if you have any feedback, questions, concerns, etc. I will update again as soon as I am able.

>>4476230
No problem, chief.

Welp, I recently ran into some work and I'm going to have to put that first right now. I will try to start another thread around mid-October when things start getting a little less complicated. Thank you to everyone who joined me for this one!

Add slammin salmon#4030 on Discord to get a DM when the next thread goes live or watch for an update on the /qtg/ (I advertise new threads there). I plan on continuing this quest as soon as possible.