>>4521576
>Elizabeth Wyvern
>A girl with dark hair, green eyes and 170cm tall

>>4521582
I'll support this but add shes flat as a board.

>>4521587
support

>>4521582
>>Elizabeth Wyvern
>>A girl with dark hair, green eyes and 170cm tall

You brush a bit of hair out of your eyes and shuffling a bit on your tired feet. Suddenly though, the train lurches to a stop and you have to hold on to a one of the hand rails to stop yourself from tumbling in to some random business man. Others are less fortunate and fall flat on the ground muttering discomforts. You're a bit confused about why exactly the tram stopped when the sound of screeching metal fills the air joined screams a moment later. There's a general look of panic in the further cars and something is tearing its way through them. You haven't even gotten settled in and it's already time to work. Today might not be as good as you thought it would be...

Choose your archetype
>Classical: Frilly dresses and magical spells. Just like the old cartoons before magical girls were real.
>New age: More reliant on tools and technology to support and augment magical abilities. Comes with a neat scarf.
>Witch : You've made a contract with a magical creature. They provide you with much power, but can be temperamental and have an agenda of their own.
Feel free to add your own suggestions to nudge in the direction of what your powers will be based on

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341 KB JPG

>>4521612
>New age: More reliant on tools and technology to support and augment magical abilities. Comes with a neat scarf.

>>4521612
>Witch : You've made a contract with a magical creature. They provide you with much power, but can be temperamental and have an agenda of their own.

>>4521612
>Witch : You've made a contract with a magical creature. They provide you with much power, but can be temperamental and have an agenda of their own.

>>4521612
Write-in:
>Alchemist: The oldest of old arts. You're magyks are homemade, extracted from the essences that make up this world. Although elemental magic may not be as strong, you are particularly skilled in crafting potions, charms, and curses of all sorts!

>>4521612
>Witch : You've made a contract with a magical creature. They provide you with much power, but can be temperamental and have an agenda of their own.

>>4521635
supporting

>>4521612
>New age: More reliant on tools and technology to support and augment magical abilities. Comes with a neat scarf.
nanoha>madoka

So far 3 votes for witch, 2 for new age, and 2 for alchemist. Gonna call it in 10 minutes

>>4521612
Hm.

I'd vote on it (New Age), but that'll just bring things into a draw, and I'm not that against Witch style.

>>4521647
You make me sad.

>>4521612
>>New age: More reliant on tools and technology to support and augment magical abilities. Comes with a neat scarf.

>>4521647
Why not both? Magic mechanical animal buddy that turns into weapons for us to use

Looks like new age pulls ahead at the last second with that vote. Writing now.

>>4521612
>>4521655
Fine fine.

>New Age.

>>4521657
Although I do like that idea.

>>4521612
>>Classical

You open up your bag and pull out your tools. A special belt that the association gave you after they discovered your potential for magic. You click it on and as you walk through the crowd rushing past you to get away from danger. Two cars forward you see the problem. Large insectoid creatures that must be seven feet tall at least. You can see four of them looking at you as you enter and more are further up. Their mantis like claws are stained red by their victims which you can see lying on the floor around the car. They let out a horrific shriek before rushing at you with intent to kill. You calmly take your catalyst and click it before sliding into your belt and shouting the activation phrase.

"Henshin!" Your fist blocks a swipe from the front runner and you kick it in the stomach. Pieces of armor and frilly cloth materialize around you as you transform into your combat outfit. The creature stumbles back into another, hissing in confusing and hate as it recovers.

>Start this off with hand to hand
>Bring out your sword and cut them apart.
>Go all out from the start and finish this as fast as possible

Since no one chose an option we'll default to 3d100 for challenges

>>4521668
>>Go all out from the start and finish this as fast as possible

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4521668
>Start this off with hand to hand
OraOraOra!

>>4521668
>Since no one chose an option we'll default to 3d100 for challenges
Wait, were you just telling us the system, not asking for a roll? My bad.

>>4521673
Oh no, I'm definitely asking for a roll here

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>4521668
>>4521676
DICE DICE DICE

File: Spoiler Image (2.23 MB, 478x360)

2.23 MB GIF

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>4521668
>Bring out your sword and cut them apart.
CAST SWORD

>>4521681
uh
>>4521680
oh
>>4521671
spaghetti-oh

>>4521671
>>4521680
>>4521681
>these rolls

So, when shall we be playing as a Witch then?

30 - Moderate failure

You move forwards and hit the first with a strong punch shattering its chitinous face. That however, puts you right next to the group. You dodge the first slash from the second mantis, but the third hits you in the side, smashing you into a wall shattering the windows. You draw your sword just in time to block a stab from one of them. Metal grinds as you hold your ground with your back to the wall against this group.

>You're just warming up, keep fighting as is
>Cast a spell to get the advantage
>Jump out the window to fight in the open street.


Tension level 1 - 40%
>The tension system is a new age magical girl feature. As a battle goes on you build tension. You can burn it to preform a finisher at any time even with a partial charge. The more desperate a fight is the faster it builds.

>>4521693
>SNAPCAST
(cast a spell, but with ~style~)

Also gah, forgot to mention roll 3d100 for whatever option

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>4521694
>>4521699
Ok I just remembered I've been trying to roll low in another thread, gotta change my mojo around for some high rolls now, I got this.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4521693
>>Cast a spell to get the advantage

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4521693
>>You're just warming up, keep fighting as is

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>4521699
Death to our enemies?

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>4521693
>>Cast a spell to get the advantage
Big numbers, c'mon!

>>4521693
Wait, the more we lose the faster it builds? What are we, the Imperial Japanese Army waiting for our Bonzi to charge?

>>4521700
>>4521706
>>4521711
>>4521712
>>4521681
>>4521680
>>4521671
... :(
7 rolls, Avg roll: 26/100.

>>4521715
You are fueled by dramatic anime combat

48 - success

You hit your tap your belt's catalyst and it whines with energy. Pressing your free hand against the aggressor's chest you focus and speak an incantation to one of the spells you know.

"Spark!" Pure electricity surges through your fingers, frying the bug and sending it collapsing back on to the ground. Your sword freed up you sweep low, lopping off the front legs of a second one and quickly rolling to the side to block another strike. The door of the next car is open and you can see three more stumble in. Somewhere outside you can hear an engine roaring nearby and coming closer, before tires skid to a halt.

Tension lvl 1 - 73%

>Back into the doorway to fight one on one
>Full assault, no more defense
>Window jumping it is

Yet another 3d100 needed

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>4521729
>>Window jumping it is
One of us has to break 50 eventually!

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>4521729
>>Window jumping it is

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>4521729
>Window jumping it is

88 - great success

This is a poor place to fight in, and you've gotten their attention. You jump backwards out the tram to the streets. The monsters move to follow, but as the first one leaps out an axe whizzes by your head, planting itself in the bug's head and making a squishy noise as it slumps over.

You look behind you and see a woman in an elegant dress with long white hair and piercing red eyes behind a set of glasses. She rushes forward and bashes a mantis that tried to gut you while you were gawking with the shield in her other hand.

"You're the new transfer? A pleasure to meet you." She says with a smile. "Sorry for putting you to work so soon, but how about we clean this up?"

The bugs chitter from inside the tram, a large group of six remaining and angry from the death of their kin.

Tension lvl 1 - 89%

>Plain and simple martial combat
>End this with a finisher
>A spell to kill them

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>4521757
>>Plain and simple martial combat

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>4521757
>End this with a finisher
RIDER KICK

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>4521757
>End this with a finisher

>>4521757
>End this with a finisher

>>4521757
>Plain and simple martial combat

>>4521757
>End this with a finisher
BANZAI!

88 - great success

“Alright then, let’s do this.” You nod and sprint in to the fray. You slash a mantis in the stomach and kick it, knocking the creature into the metal wall behind it. The woman retrieves her axe from the dead bug and swiftly twirls to hack off the arm of an attacking one. The two of you work in tandem to push the creatures back and corral them into a small group. Seeing the opportunity you step back hit your catalyst. A jingle plays from your belt as power fills your legs.

“Hissatsu overdrive: Rai-jing strike!” You take a few steps forward and leap up summersaulting into a full body kick. Electricty streaks off your foot as your slam right into one bug, mashing it into another and a third behind it until they finally impact against the tram’s wall. A crack of thunder sounds as bolts fly and metal craters from the force of your kick. You step back and turn just in time to see the other girl sending the final monster’s head tumbling to the ground.

A shimmer of bright light and she’s transforms back into regular clothes. A wrinkled looking suit and tie.

“Nice work, but I’d prefer that you keep the collateral damage to a minimum next time.” She glances over to the now wrecked tram with tired eyes and pulls a packet of cigarettes out of her pocket.

>Oh, sorry...
>Better that the tram gets wrecked than those things get a chance to fight back
>Write-in

Have to phonepost for now so updates will be slower and messier. On a side note add as much flavor toward what type of personality you want the MC to have, it’s a relatively blank slate for now.

>>4521865
>I apologize.
>I'm more worried about the cost and pain of the people.
>Give a quick prayer for the lives lost.

Serious, to the point she may seem shy or unemotional, at least professionally. Humanist, cares about humanity and human suffering. Very spiritual in times or great distress, suffering, or loss of life.

>>4521865
>>Oh, sorry...

>>4521865
>Whoops! I kinda forget how strong I can get when I'm going all out.
Dopey but well meaning.

Wait we don't got a baster?

>>4521642
TRUTH.

>>4521865
>"Awww. Sorry! I mean, it was fun, but I guess that wasn't worth it, huh? Maybe next time if they're somewhere more open..."

A bit of a hothead and prone to looking before she leaps, but not heartless and really does mean well by folks. Also likes fightings a lot.

“Sorry about that, I just get a bit excited when a fight really gets started. Not very good at holding back.” You laugh nervously and take off your belt, dematerializing your outfit. “Better that the tram gets busted up than more people get hurt though, right?”

“Don’t worry about it too much. The reconstruction committee will whine about the price no matter what anyways.” She sighs and lights a cigarette and puts a hand out to you. “Katya Vanwell, leader of the south west lower district station.”

You simply smile and shake her hand. “Elizabeth Wyvern, can’t wait to work with you.”

“Really is a shame that your trip got interrupted though... guess I’ll give you a ride to the station myself. C’mon, hop on.” She jerks a thumb back, pointing to her motorcycle. It looks pretty nice, must be high end. You end up sitting behind her awkwardly holding on to her waist as she speeds off down the road.

“So, is southwest sector always like this?” You ask, trying to make conversation.

“It’s pretty bad if you’re not from the upper district. We’re underfunded for what area we’ve got to cover and counting you we’ve got a grand total of four members now. Not that I don’t love the place, I grew up here after all.” It sounds like shes got a lot of complaints about the upper command... “So where are you from anyways?”

>North sector: A heavily industrialized place. Most workshops operate here including the one that made your belt.
>East sector: It’s the smallest of any city and the least developed. It has a very nice rural appeal though and a major connection between the outer agricultural zone.
>West sector: A massive population center and infamous for its underground and criminal history.

>>4521981
>>North sector: A heavily industrialized place. Most workshops operate here including the one that made your belt.

>>4521981
>>East sector: It’s the smallest of any city and the least developed. It has a very nice rural appeal though and a major connection between the outer agricultural zone.

We a bumpkin, but is okay. Got a friend who's pretty darn smart, came from the North sector. S'how I got my belt!

>>4521987
This but I'm also following the MHA Ushi-walker quest so maybe take my vote with a grain of salt.
50/50 North/East.

>>4521981
>>West sector: A massive population center and infamous for its underground and criminal history.

The birth of my career and the reason I fight evil. I have a lot of experience fighting and dealing with criminals.

>>4521981
>>West sector: A massive population center and infamous for its underground and criminal history.
We became a magical girl so we could track the source of the crime that plaques our home.

Seems like a tie between west and north/east for now. I’ll break the tie with a roll if there’s no votes in half an hour or so

>>4522052
I'll just change mine
>>4521992
to West. Ezpz.

>>4521981
>West sector: A massive population center and infamous for its underground and criminal history.
Here for a better life.

“West sector. Can you guess why I joined?” You comment

“Wanted to make the world a better place than that, eh? Well, maybe you’ll feel right at home here. This place is about as much of a mess only with magic, monsters, and super natural crap instead of crooks.” Katya laughs. “What is it with that place that makes people so scummy? Too crowded?”

“My dad always says that something in the drinking water makes them all violent. We always got these water filters and stuff because of it.”

“That kind of a person, huh?” She smirks.

“Yeah, he was real smart. Always looking after us like that.” You respond smiling. She looks at you with a bewildered expression for a moment for some reason before turning her eyes back to the road And muttering something that you couldn’t really hear.

“Yeah... sounds like a, uh... swell guy. Anyways, we’re here.” The motorcycle slows to a halt, stopping in front of what looks like a small apartment. When you enter the building you can see that the first floor has been converted into a sort of office. There’s not much in the terms of furniture but there certainly is a lot of paperwork spread about. Katya walks over to a desk in the back covered in an excessive amount of coffee cups and a overflowing ashtray and reclines back in her chair

“It’s not much but it’s what we’ve got.” She tosses you a keyring which you fumble to catch. “Your room is on the third floor. You’re free to go there and settle in, but if you’re feeling up to it we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

>I am feeling a bit tired...
>Where do I start?

>>4522108
>>I am feeling a bit tired...

We were tired on the ride here and we just got done kickin' ass. Dad always said work when you can an' sleep when you can, 'cause tryin' to work while tired just means you're gonna break somethin'.

>>4522108
>I am feeling a bit tired...
>Where do I start?

combine the two options, see if there's a low effort task we can sweep up to end the day with so we don't have a bad first impression of a lazy bastard

to >>4522112's point, we did start the day off kicking serious ass

>>4522150
+1

>>4522150
supporting

“Well, I am pretty worn out... Is there anything small I can do first?” You ask

Katya gives you an ominous smile at the offer. “Well since you’re so kind to offer, there’s all this to sort through.” She gives a wide sweep of her arms toward the stacks of paper filling the office. Already you feel a tinge of regret. “The other two always seem to run away whenever it comes up, so it’s nice to have such an eager helper.”

You sigh and sit down at a vacant desk and prepare for the next few boring hours.

Roll 3d100 for your bureaucracy skill

Rolled 41, 68, 66 = 175 (3d100)

>>4522230

Rolled 98, 73, 49 = 220 (3d100)

>>4522230
Uhh...papers, huh?

>>4522233
>98
Of course the first critical success of the quest is paperwork

Rolled 7, 80, 64 = 151 (3d100)

>>4522230
Paperwork? I eat that for breakfast!

98 - critical success

What surprises most people is you’re actually very good at paperwork. Most people are baffled by your abilities to sift through legal jargon and get it done in record time. It just comes naturally really. With minimal advisement from Katya you go through each paper. Write a report on that bug attack, send a forum to a team to make sure there’s no more of them, finalizes your transfer... The list goes on and on. Even if you’re good at it, it’s still boring beyond belief.

“Huh, I didn’t expect you to make such a dent in this stuff. Maybe one day I’ll actually have a clean office. I should make you do this some more another time.”

You groan and mumble at the thought. “Why don’t you have clerks to do this stuff?”

“Not in the budget!” She cheerfully replis and pats you on the back. “You did a good job though, you can head out for tonight.”

Looking out the window you can see that it’s already evening. You yawn as the fatigue finally starts to hit you. You head towards the stairs stumbling up to your room and unlock it. You flop on to the bed of your new grade 7 housing and enjoy it for a moment before you start unpacking. More space, a fridge, and most importantly your own bathroom. Soon enough you set an alarm and get in bed to get some much needed sleep.

Next update tomorrow

Feeling refreshed from your sleep you slap the alarm off and hurry to get dressed and ready for the day. You do notice that your room looks kind of plain and sparse. Should probably get some decoration eventually. Regardless you head down stairs to the office and see someone else there besides Katya talking with her. It's a young and especially short looking boy wearing an oversized green shawl. He must be four foot something, at least. The more noticeable feature though is the pair of small pointed antlers on top of his fluffy brown hair. Is he one of those Demi-kin from the outer eco zone?

Katya notices you and waves to come over. "Oh, Elizabeth, you're up. Meet our second member here, Leshi." The boy doesn't really say anything, he just looks at you for a while and gives a non-committal "Hmm"

>Nice to meet you
>How's it going shorty?
>There are magical boys?
>Write-in

>>4522672
>How's it going shorty?

>>4522672
>>There are magical boys?

"How's it going shorty?" You greet him happily. He makes a strangled guttural noise at that, before sighing.

"Wonderful... truly a pleasure to meet you..."

"I never knew there were magical boys though. I haven't seen one before"

Before he can say anything else Katya puts a hand on his shoulder and speaks up. "Yep, it's pretty rare. Most magical girls are a 1 in 1000 chance of popping up, but it's pretty much a 1 in 10000 chance for boys to get the same magic potential for some reason."

"And what do I get for being such a rare species? Nothing, not even that strong." Leshi complains loudly. Seems like a pretty disgruntled guy.

"Better off than a normal person, be happy about it." Katya cuts him off by ruffling his hair, eliciting another grumble and quickly turns to you. "Regardless you came in at a good time. We're going over the work list today." She puts a collection of papers on the desk in front of her and quickly starts listing off details. "First item, A section of apartments has gone anomalous. Usually I send in Leshi to normalize it with our other girl, Pecha to keep him safe for cases like this, but she's off on a trip in the northern sector and won't be back until the evening today. It's not like the building is going anywhere but it would be nice to have him freed up for other work."

She taps another group of files with a bunch of pictures of burnt buildings. "We also have a suspicious number of fires cropping up. I'm starting to think that it's an arsonist roaming about. Look right here." She points at a specific picture where you can faintly see a figure standing on top of a building and facing towards a raging fire. There's an orange shimmer about them that looks off. "I don't like the thought that a magical girl could be running about torching stuff."

"Final big thing is that there's a large number of people going missing over night in this area here." She displays a map with a section of 4 blocks circled in red. "People are starting to get spooked there. It might be good to set up a stakeout and see what's going on."

She shuffles them all back into neat piles and clears her throat. "Never mind that there's always patrolling, investigation, and other preventative work that can be done, but... Who's doing what?"


>Choose your workload for today

>>4522725
>Arsons

>>4522725
Well, freeing up more human resources is better for the department. Help Leshi finish his thing and then maybe he can help us with the Arsonist. It's bad PR for someone like us to have gone rogue.

>>4522732
seconded

>>4522732
+1, then we have to work on the missing persons problem though. Too much like home.

>>4522725

>thread OP is a witch in front of a fire

Yeah, I think we should go with the arsons first. Or rather, >>4522732
supporting.

You decide on your jobs of choice and speak up. "Alright, let's deal with this anomalous apartment first. Don't have any idea how I'm supposed to fix it though. If there's time left I'd like to handle that arsonist case too."

"Just let me handle it and don't let me bite it, alright? Better than dealing with Pecha probably..." The short one mumbles and Katya tosses you a handheld radio.

"Keep that handy and call in if you need anything. Get it done and stay alive, alright? By the way with all that paperwork you got done with me last night I think we can finally move towards getting a partnership with a workshop now. If you've got any suggestions tell me later, I'm making a list of potential partners."

"lets go already!" You look over to the door and see that Leshi is already standing there with a bag halfway out.
The trip is uneventful and you find yourself in front of a relatively normal looking apartment building.

"Doesn't look too weird." You comment.

"It's not the outside that's messed up it's the insides. From what the report from the RAT scout that they sent in the floor plan is heavily altered and that all light is heavily dampened while inside. That's about all before they lost contact, so there must be something pissed off inside." He explains to you while rummaging through his bag. He pulls out a small metal lantern and ignites it before opening the door and walking in. Just like he said the inside looks nothing like a normal apartment. The entrance expands out into a large old fashioned looking wooden foyer. A large staircase leads to an upper floor and around you looms a substantial fog, which coupled with the darkness makes it difficult to make out details.

>Explore the ground floor
>Check the upstairs
>Look in the basement

>>4522843
>>Explore the ground floor

>>4522843
>Look in the basement

Gribblies always hide in the dark, it's like a law
Also we can work our way up and save time.

>>4522843
If we have anything in our kit (skills or tools) to help with light-creation or general warding, let's bust that out.

"Let's check the layout of the ground floor first. No guarantee that other floors fit the same space apparently, but unless we're in really deep, we're no more than smashing open a new door or two from open air."

>>4522848
I'm pretty sure you're right about the basement, but it could also be something spooky in one of the units upstairs. Ground floor gives us maybe some time before things get real spooks.

>>4522853
I really don't want us to face with "checked ground floor, checked basement and- huh where'd the ground floor go?"

>>4522848
+1, just because of the Gribblies comment.

>>4522860
"Where'd the ground floor go, what is this white mist and why am I hearing boss music?"

File: ETxuYjkUUAEPRtG.png (319 KB, 598x510)

319 KB PNG

>>4522864
>first stage is easy...

>>4522877
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDD-iYkHBhc
Accept no substitutes.

>>4522895
I dig one-winged angel but it's a little too... idk, Fantasia? The brass and melody stuff doesn't give me that "oh I might have fucked up now" vibe anymore. Maybe just change in music taste.

>>4522897
listening to it again though, the chanting never stops giving me goosebumps, so maybe disregard.

2 votes for official votes for basement and one for ground floor it seems? calling in 10 minutes

>>4522920
I'll just go ahead and switch to basement for expedience.

"Bottom floor first?" You ask?

"Good a start as any. Can never tell what these things are doing..." He grumbles and leads the way toward the basement floor. He holds the lantern out giving you a bit of a better view ahead, and hey as a plus side you can easily look over him. The stairs down the basement are are small compared to the upper floor ones. As you walk down them the creaking floorboards shift and gradually change into stone. When you reach the bottom it expands out into a large circular room with dozens of hallways branching off. When you step on to the floor you hear a slight splash and see that it's covered in some weird viscous black substance. It's almost watery, but not quite. A bit smoky too. The fog isn't as pervasive but the darkness makes up for it and you can hear just how far this place spreads from the sound echoing off the stone.

"Time to get to searching." He mumbles. "No matter what there's always a source to these anomalies. And I'm relatively good at finding them." He takes out something else from a pocket. It's a small bell that he holds in his other hand and starts to ring. It doesn't make any sound, but he seems satisfied with something and starts to walk down a specific hallway.

While you wander through the halls...
>Attempt to make small talk about something? [insert subject]
>Stay quiet

Secondly...
>Transform and try to produce a bit of light despite the cost it will take
>Stay normal and rely on the lantern

>>4522956
>Small talk: Leshi's experiences with the force, what got him into this?

Unaware that would be a cost. I guess just have our belt ready to transform, but not actually do the shift yet?

>>4522964
+1

>>4522964
It’s draining on your stamina to maintain the transformed state, especially if you start casting spells. Also taken and writing

>>4522956
What's this about a cost? QM?

“So, what brought you into the whole civil protection career.” You ask him as you plod along the halls.

“I was specially ordered by the Defense bureau.” He mumbles shaking the bell. “Every station requires one person like me who can normalize abnormal things like this so they don’t have to send a team running around fixing junk. I’m from the Old Wood Faith organization-“

“Oh, that weird eco cult all the way out from the cities?” You chime in.

“Not a cult, a religious order!” He snaps. “As I was saying, they wanted some favors from the bureau and so they volunteered me, and since I’m only an acolyte I can’t exactly refuse my superiors.”

“Only in this out of obligation?”

“Yep, one day I’m managing the lodge’s gardens and the next I’m forced into a life and death career in the cities. I hadn’t even used a weapon until six months ago when I joined.” He sounds a bit more sad than the usual irritated tone he has at that last part.

A minute of walking later and the passage opens up into a larger rectangular room. The sludge on the ground creeps along the walls here and in the back you can see a faint figure standing there. You can’t really make out what they are from this distance given how dark it is. Suddenly you start to hear sobbing from all around and the walls begin to seep that same black sludge.

“This must be the source.” He says putting away the bell. “Now we need to deal with it. No telling what it’ll do though.”

>Rush in and attack it
>Take a cautious approach
>It looks kind of sad...

>>4523068
>It looks kind of sad...
>Take a cautious approach

It may be hurting, or a deception. Either way, rash action may not be warranted.

>>4523082
But rash action is what we're best at!

>Step forward and greet it

>>4523068
>>Take a cautious approach

>>4523068
>Take a cautious approach

>>4523132
For being based, +1. I don't see a contraindication here.

“Sorta looks sad doesn’t it.” You mention as you clip on your belt and start slowly walking forward.

“You know how witches happen, right?“ he asks.

You think about it and remember a section on them. “Those happen when someone makes a contract with some sort of magical creature.” You respond with relative certainty.

“Missing the important details. A witch is made when someone with potential that isn’t developed yet is pushed over the edge mentally. They reign those emotions in by creating their familiar out of them and solidifying their catalyst. In other words witches are all screwed in the head, another reason why I don’t like that pink haired menace...” He takes an item out of his bag and flicks it, causing it to unfold into a scythe, pointing it in the thing’s direction. “This is what happens when they fail.”

That’s a bit grim... “This guy must have been pretty depressed then... I feel a little bad about just killing them.”

“I’ve heard a few stories about people talking these things down, but I really don’t advise it. Safer to just destroy them.”

Only halfway into the room and the atmosphere feels choking. The black ooze is a lot colder than it felt a while ago.

>Attack
>Attempt diplomacy

Either choice it’s D100 best of 3

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>4523241
>Attempt diplomacy
YOLO

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>4523241
>Attempt diplomacy

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>4523246
>>4523249
Guess we're using talk-no-jutsu.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>4523241
>Attempt diplomacy

What sort of protagonist doesn't use talk-no-jutsu?

72 - minor failure

Slowly and calmly you walk towards the figure. As you get closer you make out more details. It’s big and hunched over, if it stood up it would probably be twice your height. A thick layer of black sludge covers it and beneath that you see carved stone bound with strange thorned vines. You move up and place a hand on it’s shoulder. “Calm down, there’s no need to be so upset.” You start to speak in a low voice. The sobbing stops for a moment and you continue “I’m sure we can h-“

A sudden impact hits you in the stomach and knocks the wind out of your lungs. You’re sent flying back and tumble through the black ooze a while until you stop. Luckily though it feels like something broke your fall... Then you hear muffled shouting from beneath you and realize what it was. You stumble to your feet quickly and help Leshi back up where he start sputtering and coughing.

“Gah, it’s in my mouth!... Great, now you see why I don’t try this stuff!” The muck covered boy starts furiously wiping at his face as the rooms begins to quake. Massive thorn covered vines rise from the murky depths followed by a number of decrepit statues. At the end of the rooms the colossal mass of stone slowly rises and turns toward you as A sorrowful wail fills the room.

“Alright, you tried talking to it and now we take the second option.” Leshi grumbles at you and you nod, taking out your catalyst and sliding it into your belt to transform.

>Clear away the vines
>attack the smaller statues
>Rush down the anomaly
>write-in

1d100 best of three

Tension lvl1 - 15%

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4523401
>Clear away the vines

We're not giving up yet!

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>4523401
>Clear away the vines

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>4523401
>Clear

65 - moderate success

You sword slides into hand and you begin hacking away at the surrounding vines. The plants writhe like snakes lashing about as you remove them. Next to you see a flash of light and when you turn you see Leshi standing there surrounded by shredded plants. He did say something about being a gardener didn't he... He doesn't look that different in his other outfit either aside from a lot of ribbons and a little deer skull decoration on top of his head.

The vines try to lash out at you, but you've cleared a wide swath, and most can only come within inches of you. The statue horde however comes closer, rattling unsteadily. Some look fractured and fragile while others are sturdy singular pieces of marble. None seem to have good intent though. Further away the Colossus takes a few steps forward before slumping down and making low rumbling noise.

What's your plan and another d100 best of 3

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>4523633

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4523633
Wide slash at the fragile statues, then start hacking away at the sturdy ones. Try and talk the guy down still.

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>4523633

>>4523681
Uuhhh... support?

What could possibly go wrong?

"Alright, I know you're upset and all, but lashing out like this really isn't going to help anything!" You shout out to the golem in hopes of reaching it. The other statues shamble towards you in erratic movements with one throwing a punch. You tuck into a roll and spin low to the ground shattering the legs of those around you. More come in but you hold them at bay, cutting down one every few swings.

"Are you seriously still trying to talk to it!?" Leshi tries his best to follow your lead, but he's clearly less proficient at dealing with masonry than plants. "Now might not be the best time to... Dodge!"

The sudden shout makes you jerk to side, letting you narrowly dodge the jagged rocks that burst out of the ground right under you. The statues are undeterred even if their numbers are culled. Some crippled ones even crawl on despite the damage.

>Jump straight for the big guy
>Play defensively
>Cast spells to break through
>Write-in

D100 Bo3

Tension lvl 1 40%

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>4523765
>Cast spells to break through
>Jump straight for the big guy

Well if we can't reach you from here, we might as well come to you!

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>4523765
Frankly, to stop talking now would just feel weird.

Rolled 26 (1d100)

>>4523765
>>Jump straight for the big guy

>>4523765
>Cast spells to break through

>>4523765
>Jump straight for the big guy
Hope we don't kill ourselves on our second encounter

>>4523765
>Jump straight for the big guy

89 - great success

Activating your catalyst you jump up and step on one of the statue's head tensing up as you use them as a springboard and cast a spell. "Jolt!"

Stone underfoot turns to dust and the smell of ozone fills the air as you're propelled forward like a missile towards the main threat. You swing for the fences and hear something break moments before your boots streak across the ground sending a wave of murky water out in your wake.

"That's it, that thing right there!" You hear your ally shout at you. Most of the statues have lost interest in you and the majority of them have decided that he's the better target leading to mostly dodging for his life. "The crystal grab it!" As you turn you see the aftermath. The golem clutches its chest and stumbles a little. You've left a massive wound in its side and near the center you can see the glimmer of a purple gemstone. Rivulets of black ooze drip from the cracked stone and it reverberates in sorrow as sharper outcroppings of marble being to crop up on its body.

"Alright then buddy, you either stop this little tantrum or I'm going to have to stop you myself."


>Rip that thing out with your bare hands
>End this with a finisher
>More spells
>Give peace a chance!
>Write-in

D100 Bo3

Tension lvl-1 55%

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>4524622
>>Rip that thing out with your bare hands

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>4524622
>Give peace a chance!

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4524622
>Rip that thing out with your bare hands

>>4524622
>Give peace a chance!

"Look, buddy, I don't want to hurt you but your leaving me with. I choice here!"

If it looks like our partner's gonna get unavoidably hurt, we'd have to act.

>Rip that thing out with your bare hands

>>4524671
*'with no choice here'

Damn that's a bit embarrassing.

>>4524622
>Rip that thing out with your bare hands

87 - good success

Both of you stand there for a moment and a second later both move. A surprisingly fast fist the size of your torso narrowly grazes you as you dodge to the side catching only a spray of water to the face. You jump their arm and cling on to it, grasping out with another hand and getting a grip on that crystal. "Come on... Just... Give it up!" You grit your teeth and pull at it as hard as you can. Stone jabs at your and grates against your body but you still hold on. Your hands start to go numb when it suddenly begins to feel a lot easier. Gradually it just seems to... Give up and go limp. The marble softens and you tumble backwards on to the ground when the gem unexpectedly loosens. Suddenly the rest of the constructs crumble and fall apart on their own.

"You... Are really something else..." Leshi stumbles over to you panting. "Give it here, before that thing starts to reform." You give it over and he starts chanting something that you can't quite understand. There's a shimmer of light as bands of copper form around the rough gemstone and it gradually smooths into a much prettier form. "Alright, one corrupted catalyst sealed..."

"So, is there really no hope for them?" You sit down on a piece of rubble and catch your breath.

"They're pretty much just a solid mass of unstable, corrupted emotions. Not much human left... I really don't know if I should admire your persistence or call you stupid."

>Is it that wrong to want to help them?
>Danger always leads to opportunity!
>You're a real downer, you know that?
>Write-in

>>4524742
>Is it that wrong to want to help them?
It's important to at least try

>>4524742
>>Danger always leads to opportunity!

>>4524742
>Is it that wrong to want to help them?
You’ll never get a girlfriend if you’re this much a downer, shortstuff

"Is it really that wrong that I wanted to help them?" You ask. The black ooze covering the ground slowly retreats away and the masonry crumbles to drifting dust. A light hazy fog drifts in giving it a real solemn feeling.

He sighs and packs away the catalyst. "No, it's not. I guess If you want to do that sort of stuff then go ahead. I'm just not that optimistic about it. If you try something like that and it goes wrong, then what'll you do?"

"That's my risk to take. You'll never get a girlfriend if you stay a grumpy quitter shorty."

"W-wha... Hey!" You laugh as sputters in embarrassment before just pouting in indignance.

"Anyways, what now? Does it just return to normal or..." You start openly wondering while looking at the increasingly unstable looking environment.

"Yeah... It should be going back to the way it was since there isn't an influence over it." And just as he says that the four previously stone walls fall flat around you like cardboard cutouts, revealing a foggy forest.

"Leshi... This doesn't look like an apartment." You say gawking at the new environment. Trees stretch above beyond your sight and the air has a sweet smell to it. Almost like... Honey?

"This doesn't seem right at all." He starts muttering to himself. "Wait, we didn't see any of this fog at all while we were down here. Is there really..." A droning buzz cuts him off and dozens of small flying shapes circle around you quickly. You feel an intense aura of malice as you make out what they are. Massive hornets, the size of your head.

"INTRUDERS! BRING ME THEIR HEADS MY SUBJECTS!" A horrifyingly chittery voice sings out from above and you see what must be the cause. Something that can only be described as a hybrid between a woman and a bee. She points a long spear at you, her wings beating up a storm and blowing her regal attire outwards.

"Are there seriously two of these things here!?" Leshi cries out swiping a hornet as it makes a pass at him.

The swarm buzzes furiously as it circles the two of you. You can slash one or two out of the air, but there's dozens of them and it's hard to keep track of which one is going to attack. "Is that normal?" You ask a bit nervously.

"Not at all! And don't you dare try reasoning with this one!"

>Fry the bugs with lighting
>Gamble on a partial finisher
>The small deer's plan
>Write-in

Welcome to what was upstairs. D100 best of 3

Tension lvl-1 78%

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>4524848
>>Fry the bugs with lighting

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>4524848
>Try reasoning with this one

What a great idea! Thank you, Leshi!

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>4524848
>>>Fry the bugs with lighting

74 - good success

"Alright now, hear me out here..." You begin

"Seriously, not the time!"

"Just kidding, come on and help me with some pest control instead of complaining if you can." Both of you activate your catalysts and prepare to strike. The rhythm of fluttering wings stalls for a moment and the creatures collapse on you, and in that moment both of you release your spells.

"Spark!"
"Autumnal Harvest!"
>Session spell learned: Dyna-storm Razor

The surroundings become pitch-black and half a second later the sky is filled with streaks of amber light. When day returns lumps of ichor stained chitin and scorched wing fall ground. You're not exactly sure how you did that, but it man did it get you motivated. You're practically shaking from excitement... Or maybe that's the fatigue setting in from the repeated fighting and spell casting, not quite sure. The sound of something significantly larger hits the ground behind you and you see Leshi face down on the ground.

"G-gonna have to leave this to you... Don't think I can feel my legs after that one..." He really needs to work on his stamina.

A sharp pain hits you as a pointed shape screams by and embeds itself in a distant tree, spraying chucks of woodchip everywhere. "IMPUDENT WRETCH, YOU DARE SLAUGHTER MY PEASANTRY?" The Bee anomaly is hovering just above the ground now. She holds out her hand to the side and materializes another spear in hand. Looks like it's a one on one duel to settle these things. It feels sort of exhilarating like this.

>Your sword against their spear
>Finisher time!
>Spell slinger to the end
>Write-in

Ally Down - Tension boosted to Lvl-2 22%: Form change available

>>4524952
>Finisher time!
>Spell slinger to the end
Let's try that spell again..,

Apologies, forgot to say include rolls again

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4524952
Try and talk it out, Bee to MG

Because man to man is inaccurate...

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>4524952

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>4524952
Well, I hate to do this but I'll help speed things along.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>4524952
>Finisher time!

>>4524952
>>Spell slinger to the end

>>4524952
>>Spell slinger to the end

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>4524952
>finisher time
As much as I want to try out the form change, we gotta get serious since we have a man down

Roll 77 minor success

She starts off with a flurry of jabs and you dance back and forth dodging them as much as you can. A powerful thrust leads to you parrying and attempting a jab to her chest. She however counters by slapping it aside with her hand, but that's where you get her and grab her hand with your empty one and smile.

"Spark!" Lethal volts drive through her arm giving off a disgusting burnt smell as she convulses in place against your grip. Her right arm spasms and manages to catch you in the side, making you flinch away as another poke dents your chest armor. The two of you jump back and take a moment of reprieve.

Her arm now looks like a piece of charred jerky and her mandibles click furiously at you, hurling insults that you can't really understand. You on the other hand, are really start to feel that spell fatigue. Legs are getting heavy and the sword arm is slow. She takes flight and raises her stinger at you, clearly pissed off beyond belief and intending on skewering you. Now is the time to finish this.

>I learned this one trick in an old samurai flick
>Gonna kick her face in
>Never tried out this form thing in the manual...

Tension lvl-2 40%

best of 3 1d100

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>4525685
>>Gonna kick her face in

>>4525685
>>I learned this one trick in an old samurai flick

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>4525685

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>4525685
>I learned this one trick in an old samurai flick

61 - low success

Your catalyst slides into your sword causing it to split down the middle and crackle with energy. Crouching into a low stance you take a deep breath and hold your blade ready. The only sounds you can hear right now is the beating of wings, the upbeat jingle of your belt announcing your move, and the rapid thumping of your racing heart.

"Hissatsu overdrive..."

With a cry of rage the Bee woman descends at frightening speed and you tense up. You draw and two yellow blurs connect letting off a high keening noise. The heavy fog blows away from the sheer force of your brief clash. Her feet hit the ground dragging furrows across it as her momentum bleeds off and smiles as you clutch the new gash in your shoulder...

"Clear-sky slash!"

And then you smile as her torso slowly slides apart from her legs and she collapses in two pieces behind you. Your transformation undoes itself automatically and you fall backward for some much needed rest laughing with the little breath you do have.

"Did you get them? I can't see with my face in the dirt."

Slowly you see trees wither and crumple. Grass recedes into the ground and tile flooring pushes up from underneath. The building is turning back to normal and man are you tired. Also hungry.

MISSION COMPLETE
>Wanna just call the boss and have her pick us up?
>I can still totally walk, just give me a few minutes...
>Write-in

>>4525843
>I can still totally walk, just give me a few minutes...
Hmmm can we get some drugs for combat to make us able to fight longer, small doses of meth might work or maybe something else

>>4525843
>>I can still totally walk, just give me a few minutes...
We better get a good meal after this

>>4525853
Actually scratch that cocaine would probably be best for us

>>4525843
>>Wanna just call the boss and have her pick us up?

After a much deserved moment of rest you manage to get yourself on your feet and grab the catalyst. Leshi still couldn't walk so you just carried him on your back, even if he did complained the entire time about people staring as you walked down the street back to the office. At least he's light. When you step inside Katya looks up at you from her work and chuckles. "Have a fun time out there?"

"Please make her put me down." Your living backpack complains.

>An absolute blast
>Does this happen often?
>Know any good food places nearby?
>Write-in

>>4525996
>An absolute blast
>Know any good food places nearby?
I don't see why we can't do both and it would be rude to not answer her question

>>4525996
>>Does this happen often?

>>4525996
>Does this happen often?

>>4526001
supporting

"Does this happen often?" You ask, while the short one on your back finally musters the strength to free himself of you.

"Only about every two or three weeks. Don't worry, you get used to it. Want some coffee?" You graciously accept her offer and sit down on the chair in front of her much to her dismay as you get black goop on it.

"So are there any good food places near here? Because I'm starving." The coffee is sweet relief upon your weary body and you fully enjoy it after dumping a handful of creamer and sugar packets into it.

She stubs a cigarette and sighs. "I know a few. In the mean time, get cleaned up and write a report on what happened."

"I think I'll leave that to you. I need this shower...." Leshi excuses himself and quickly leaves after dumping the two sealed catalysts on her desk, tracking black footprints up the stairs.

"Is he always like this?" You ask downing the rest of your cup and wiping the grime off your hands.

"Oh you should see him after a job with Pecha. It's- Oh speak of the devil."

As she mentions that the bell on the office door rings. The woman you see entering you can only describe as... Pink. Her hair is long braided hair is pink, her hoodie is pink, and even pink eyes. She has a big guitar case on her back which is of course plastered in stickers and trinkets. With the big smile on her face you can tell her personality from a mile away, and you're proven right seconds later.

"Oh my, are you the new transfer girl? It's so nice to meet you!" Her voice sounds sweet and bubbly, cloyingly so. She runs up and vigorously shakes your hand. "I'd give you a hug but you seem to be a bit of a mess right now."

"Great, great, now we've all met each other. Now that both of you are here I can get your opinions on a workshop partnership. I've gotten a few ready to take the offer, and that extra discount and delivery is going to be real nice. So which of these do you like best?"


>Manechi Studios: A Workshop that makes dynamic equipment that can change form and often involve energy.
>Locke and Chambers: A workshop that specializes in firearms, gunpowder, and combustion in all forms. Guaranteed to have power.
>Magi's Armoire: Spell enhancers and enchanted gear of all sorts. They offer support to casters of all kinds.
>Greensteel: A brand known for fusing organic and inorganic materials into useful products. Specializes in producing defensive items that can repair on their own and grow along with medicine.
True Man Operations: A body augmentation studio offering improved function in many forms from augmented organs and limbs to enchanted tattoo's and jewelry.

>>4526201
>Manechi Studios: A Workshop that makes dynamic equipment that can change form and often involve energy.

>>4526235
Support, as I don't really have an opinion in this matter.

>>4526201
>Manechi Studios: A Workshop that makes dynamic equipment that can change form and often involve energy.
Might as well keep with our theme

"Manechi studio sound right up my alley. Maybe a bit biased considering what I do, so not sure if you guys agree."

"Oh, I've bought a few of their products. I can recommend them." Pecha chimes in "I should show you some time. The little luddite just doesn't appreciate these things, and the boss is always on about training over equipment. I'd love to have someone I can finally talk to about gear!"

"I've told you befor, rely too much on your tools and it'll make you soft Pecha. Anyways I can work with their stuff too. And with these..." Katya holds up one of the sealed catalysts and admires it. "We can all afford something nice. They fetch quite a high price as material. And with that out of the way, what's for lunch?"

>Some good food and drinks at a bar
>Chinese takeout to go
>Wonderfully unhealthy fast food
>Write-in

>>4526314
>Some good food and drinks at a bar
Have some fun before we dig in on the paperwork!

>>4526328
+1

>>4526314
>Some good food and drinks at a bar

>>4526314
>>Chinese takeout to go

“How about a bar?” You suggest, already writing a... slightly embellished version of your mission. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Hmm, isn’t it a bit early for drinking?” Pecha asks looking at the clock.

“It’s 5 O’ clock somewhere.” Katya says plainly, clearly wanting an excuse to drink. “I know a nice place.”

“So very wise of you boss!” Pecha giggles and you agree for the sake of glorious booze.

She shuffles away her papers and gets up for a quick stretch. “Alright then, get yourself cleaned up. We’re heading out in a few minutes.”

You quickly sort out the report and get changed into less dirty clothes. The best thing about this job that you can say with utter certainty is that you now have a personal shower.

———————————————

The bar she takes you to is very nice indeed. It’s a bar and grill with a warm atmosphere inside. A lot of the furniture is genuine wood, something very rare in this day and age. The four of you are seated in a corner booth and for a moment you question what this establishment actually is for a moment when a bunny eared waitress walks up to take your orders before realizing that they aren’t fake.

Give me...
>Beer!
>A fruity cocktail
>A stiff drink
>What does “something special” mean?
>Write-in

>>4526890
>>What does “something special” mean?

>>4526890
>What does “something special” mean?
Time to get smashed

>>4526894
+1

>>4526890
>A fruity cocktail

The “something special” really sticks out to you and your curiosity demands it. “How about this?”

Katya pulls the waitress closer and whispers something into her ear. She nods and quickly writes something down before taking everyone else's orders.
“I’m friends with the owner. Guy is a master at bartending and can make these amazing personalized cocktails.”

When she comes back with your drinks you can’t say you aren’t impressed. It’s a pale gold that gradually shifts to amber at the top and fizzles with bubbles. The ice cubes floating in it are a vibrant green and shaped like batteries. How did they make something like this so fast?

Katya enjoys a bloody mary and smiles at you while Pecha drinks a viscous looking sugary pink cocktail. It hurts your teeth just looking at it. Leshi surprisingly orders something very hard with an irish whiskey.

You take a sip and it pleasantly tingles down your throat. The taste is sweet with an intensely satisfying sour aftertaste. It’s almost like candy but the warmth tells you it is very alcoholic.

>how do you know this guy boss?
>should the sassy green child really be drinking?
>Write-in

Work picks up so updates may be slower

>>4526963
>>should the sassy green child really be drinking?

>>4527003
+1

roll

“Should the sassy green child really be drinking?” You ask while enjoying your own glass.

“I’m twenty three damn it!” He glares at you with a look that’s far less intimidating than he thinks it is. The thought that he’s one year older than you is something you’re having a hard time believing

“And yet our little fawn hasn’t grown an inch. It’s a true tragedy.” Pecha sighs in mock disappointment.

“Gah!... I can still handle my liquor better than any of you here.” He grabs his mug and takes a big gulp of it before crossing his arms in anger.

“Oh my, such a bold claim. Are you going to take that sitting down, Elizabeth?” Pecha looks at you grinning smugly, clearly trying to egg you on.

Katya just sighs trying her best to enjoy her drink.

>I challenge you!
>I want to stay relatively sober

>>4527236
>I challenge you!
>I will stay relatively sober

>>4527243
???

>>4527236
>>I challenge you!
This is how friendships are born

"Alrighty then, I'll call your bluff. Can't wait to see what you look like as a drunken mess." You proclaim, downing more of your drink in response.

"You kids can have your little spat later, the food is here. At least eat it before one of you blacks out." Katya calls your attention to the waitress returning carrying plates of your long awaited delicious food. You eagerly begin devouring your plate of fried fish. If there's anything that your father taught you it's that you shouldn't trust the reptilians in the government and that everything tastes better fried... Maybe that last part isn't as relevant. Still it tastes fantastic on an empty stomach.

Katya has an exceptionally rare steak absolutely dripping with red juices. Why anyone would eat something that hasn't been cooked all the way is beyond you though. Pecha is eating a hamburger instead of just skipping to some kind of dessert, and for some reason is dropping fries into her guitar case every now and then. You were sort of expecting Leshi to have some kind of vegan dish but he has a massive plate of ribs. Not sure how he's going to actually eat it all but he's tearing into it ravenously.

>Hey boss, are you a vampire
>What are you doing Pecha
>I thought you would be a Herbivore
>Write-in

>>4527567
>What are you doing Pecha
>Steal some ribs when Leshi isn't looking

>>4527567
>What are you doing Pecha
>Steal some ribs when Leshi isn't looking

>>4527567
>Hey boss, are you a vampire
>What are you doing Pecha?

"What are you doing over there Pecha?" You ask, carefully watching for an opportunity elsewhere.

"Just giving Walter some snacks. It would be cruel to not give him anything while we're eating." She responds plainly, dropping another fry in there and you can faintly here a trill from inside.

"You seriously keep a pet in there?" The bait is set...

"It's not a pet, it's her creepy familiar. And you don't need to keep feeding that thing, it survives off your own mana." Leshi interjects, looking up from his plate.

"He's not creepy, he's adorable! You should really learn from his example. Maybe the ladies would find you appealing for once." She responds in feigned offence. The two begin to bicker back and forth as expected and you take your opportunity to snag a small portion of rib away from your small companion. Variety is the spice of life, so why not have a bit more than fish? He won't finish them all anyways.

Katya meets eyes with you clearly watching the whole thing and smirks.

The rest of your meal goes pretty smoothly, and near the end your boss calls over the waitress again and she comes back with a cart of various hard liquors and shot glasses.

"Alright then you two, settle your differences like adults and drink yourselves silly."

Roll a 1d100 Bo3 for your alcohol tolerance or purposefully make yourself a lightweight if you want.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>4527935

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>4527935

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>4527935

49 - Average drinker

"Booze of choice?" You ask, taking your glass.

"Absinthe." He responds, going for an unconventional but particularly heavy one. The waitress takes a bottle and gives you both a splash of the mellow green poison and drizzles a little dissolved sugar into it. The first shot goes down easily with a slightly bitter herbal taste. The two of you quickly jump to three shots each and to his credit, he doesn't look phased in the least. You're starting to feel a bit of a burn as your face flushes a little. By the fourth you begin to get wobbly, and by fifth you feel GREAT. On the sixth you spill a little and it goes down a bit rough. You sputter up a bit of the stuff and look over to Leshi, where he easily takes his. So far he has nothing more than a blush.

"What's wrong, reachin' your limit already?" He says smugly.

>I can schtiiilll gooo!...
>Ahm dun...

>>4528204
>>Ahm dun...

>>4528204
>I can schtiiilll gooo!...

>>4528204
>Ahm dun...

>>4528204
>Ahm dun...

>>4528204
>I can schtiiilll gooo!...
The calm 'efor da stoorrrmmmm!

>>4528204
>I can schtiiilll gooo!...

"Ahm dun..." You mumble slumping down on the table to stop your head from spinning so much. "Why are yuu so good at dis... Are yuu cheatin'?"

"I've lived in a religious farming community for most of my life, what do you think we have to do for fun out there asides from brew alcohol and drink?" He takes another shot of absinthe just for emphasis.

"Don't worry, he got me too when we first went drinking." Pecha adds

"Yeah, and you get way too clingy when you're smashed."

"Oh don't lie, you enjoyed it didn't you?" She smiles innocently, resting her chin on her hands.

"It was terrifying and I thought you were going to squeeze my lungs out. The boss had to pry you off of me!"

"Don't be like that! A lot of boys would kill to get a hug from me. How about I remind you what it's like?" She starts trying to grab the skittish deer and the two begin to squabble again. You just smile dumbly enjoying your buzz while sitting next to the boss. Oh hey, another one of those special drinks. Would be a waste to leave it there... You don't remember much after that, but someone did carry you home. Maybe the boss? Her arms feel real comfy....

------------------------------------

You wake up in bed with a splitting headache and stumble down the stairs. The coffee machine is your lifeline and you thank it profusely for its blessed juices for helping to alleviate your hangover. You recall the list of jobs that need to be done and confirm that they're still in effect. Now how should you start this day...

>Arsonist case
>Missing persons case
>Maybe you should put in an order from the workshop
>Some light patrolling
>Write-in

>>4528352
>>Missing persons case

>>4528352
>Maybe you should put in an order from the workshop
Something like armor or a ranged weapon would be nice and it's better to get this done sooner because while it's being made we can get a case done

>>4528352
>Arsonist case
Only a matter of time before someone dies. Plus less property damage.

We'll focus on the missing persons case after the immediate threat is taken care of (and keep it in mind as we investigate the arsonist).

>>4528442
+1

>>4528352
>Arsonist case

>>4528352
>Arsonist case

The arsonist sounds like something important to deal with. You read up on the files of the case and start putting together all information that you have on it currently, which isn't much.

The summary is that there's been a suspicious number of fires occurring in the lower district. Fires aren't uncommon, but there's already been six this month. No real discernable pattern to when or where they happen asides from the fact that they've been slowly moving inward to the center of the city. Along with that a figure has been caught on picture at every one of these fires. Not the highest quality but you can see that it's a young girl with red hair. That's about it, no other solid connections to give you a lead. The boss thinks that she's a magical girl and if that's the case it's certainly not good. Having a magical firebug running around torching buildings is the last thing you want.

>How will you investigate this case?
1d100 Bo3

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4528780

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>4528780

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>4528780

>>4528780
Investigate the witnesses and building burned, go though...ugh... the paperwork for something anyone has missed, see if any lizar- ahem, govement sources have anything of value with their intrusive measures against the privacy of the individuals. If all else fails, we can just go on a regular patrol in the area that the pattern of incidents are leading up to, looking out for ginger girls in the area.

73 - Good result

Okay, nothing to work on so you'll just have to get to it and find it yourself. You walk out into the overcast day and begin your work.

The first step is to investigate the burned buildings and see if anything is amiss. The rubble doesn't really give you any insight since it looks completely normal to you. Next you get more in-depth and start asking questions to witnesses and residents living nearby. You get a few answers. Several say they did in fact see the girl when the fires started, and three of them mentioned seeing her holding a wand. None of them though, know her or where she can be found. One guy says that the devil did it and that they saw a demon looming over the building but you sorta disregard that guy. There's also a belief that the third fire was an accident with a gas line and no foul play was involved.

Around the fifth site, you get something a bit more substantial. A local coffee shop owner says that the suspicious girl occasionally visits his shop. Not daily, but maybe one or twice a week. You look outside and see dark clouds drifting heavily overhead. Is it going to rain?

>Continue your search
>Sit in the shop in hopes she comes in today
>Set up surveillance and ask to stay in contact
>Write-in

>>4528990
>Set up surveillance and ask to stay in contact

We can make a dent in some paperwork while we're at it.

>>4528990
>>4529030
Wait, I meant sit in to survail.

>Sit in the shop in hopes she comes in today

If it's going to rain, the arsonist won't strike today. And we can make a dent in the paperwork.

>>4528990
>Sit in the shop in hopes she comes in today

Maybe a moment of relax- Uh, a stakeout would be a good idea. You take a seat and order some coffee as you begin to wait. May as well get some paperwork done while you're here too. Gotta get the stuff first though, and walking back to the office would be a pain, so getting it by phone it is.

First you call the boss, but her phone seems to be turned off. Probably busy at a meeting or something. Next is Pecha, who seems to have put herself in your contact list. Might have happened in that drunken blur last night. Convenient though, so you call her.

"Hmm? What is it Elizabeth?" You hear her say in that upbeat tone of hers. What's off putting though is the screams you hear in the background.

"Uh, are you alright over there?" You ask, a bit confused.

There's a crunch on the other end and you hear her speak up again. "Just doing some investigation on that missing persons case. It's a little slow going, but I think I'm getting somewhere~"

"Well, I was going to ask if you could pick some stuff up at the office and bring it over to this coffee shop, but you seem kind of busy right now..."

"Oh no, I'm just about finishing up here." You think you hear a wet thud hit the ground there. "I can be over there in a few minutes. I could use a break. See you soon~" And with that she hangs up. Not sure what to make of that so you just try to enjoy your coffee. Twenty minutes later she comes in with a pack of paperwork to chew through and orders a cappuccino. Outside the first drizzle of a downpour begins, and you've gotta say it's pretty alright in here. Has a nice cozy atmosphere.

Another 1d100 Bo3 to see if your luck holds through. Make specific conversation if you want.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>4529264
Sooo... any new leads on the missing persons case?

Also order some snacks for Walter.

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>4529264

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4529264
A mere formality.

90 - Well would you look at that...

"So, what have you learned about that case?" You ask, stirring your coffee idly and filling out forums with your other hands.

"I'm fairly certain that it's an organ harvesting operation lead by one of the local gangs." She says. The coffee cake you ordered arrives and you section it up into three. It's a pretty common thing for criminals organizations nowadays. With modern day medicine and enough new transplants you can live quite along time, so rich people tend to pay out the nose for black-market goods like that. "The person I questioned admitted that they did about half the kidnappings. Now what's left is to raid their base of operations so it should be easy enough. What about you?"

"Waiting for the suspect to drop by." You shuffle a bit of the pastry in your mouth and shove over a picture. "She's a regular here, and I'm just waiting."

"Ah, so that girl right there?" She asks, dropping a sliver of cake into her case and getting an elated chittery noise.

And just like that, the girl in question wanders into the shop. Now that you can see her through something other than a blurry photo you can make out the details. Her clothes look pretty ratty, like she's homeless or at least poor. She has a pair of tiny curved horns and a stubby scaled tail pokes out from under her skirt. It looks like your waiting has payed off.

>>4529798
Forgot to add the options like an idiot

>Open confrontation
>Get ready to follow her
>Write-in

>>4529798
>Get ready to follow her

>>4529798
>Get ready to follow her
Dragon girl?

>>4529798
>Snap a clear picture in case we lose her
>Get ready to follow her

>>4529798
>Snap a clear picture of her butt in case we lose her
>Get ready to follow her

"Well I think I'll leave you to it. Have a gift before I go." Pecha says, getting up and handing you an umbrella from her case.

"Not going to help?" You ask, a bit disappointed.

"I've got my own business to wrap up. I'm sure you can handle it yourself. Bye, bye for now~" And then she takes out her own umbrella and wanders off into the downpour.

The girl in question doesn't really stay all that long. She buys a bag of coffee grounds and sits a while before leaving. It gives you a quick moment to snap a new picture and begin following her from a safe distance. Eventually your tailing leads you further from the center of the city to the outskirts. Here all the junk and waste of the city is shoved to keep it clean and be processed at a snails pace. This part looks like an extension of the city that got wrecked in a recent catastrophe and the Restoration Committee hasn't gotten to fixing it yet. You follow her through the neglected streets and run down buildings until she stops at one in particular and heads inside.

After waiting a minute you slink inside and find her sitting at a little makeshift campfire trying to cook something. Looks like she really is homeless consider all the random stuff scattered about the room. Clothes, pots and pans, various foodstuffs, and other things.

>Seize the hobo
>Approach and talk (Saying what?)
>Stay watching
>Write-in

>>4530052
>>Stay watching

>>4530052
>Approach and talk (Saying what?)

Get a bit drenched if it's raining, then come in, asking if it's alright to dry off by the fire. We can say we got drenched before we could put up our umbrella. Try and gain her confidence, maybe try to share a couple of good campfire stories with her.

>>4530066

Post >>4530071 also works well with keep watching until the rain drenches you.

>>4530071
Supporting, maybe this time we can some things with diplomacy

You watch a while getting a little wet in the rain before walking in and announcing yourself.

“Hey, mind if I dry off here?” You ask. She turns around to look at you with suspicion and there’s a long tense silence before she speaks up.

“Fine.” Is all shes says as she shuffles to the other side of the fire to face you. Taking a seat you can see she’s boiling some instant noodles. “Not sharing.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not hungry.” You assure her and wring some water out of your clothes.

“What are you doing here? You don’t look like the type to be squatting in the outskirts.” She still seems very defensive...

>Urban exploring
>Reconstruction survey
>looking for something
>Write-in

>>4530243
>Urban exploring

>>4530243
>>>Urban exploring

>>4530243
>Urban exploring

I'm new to the neighborhood, so I'd like to get the lay of the land before I settle in. Plus, adventures always give me a bit of a thrill.

"Urban exploring. I'm new around here and I like to explore abandoned places like this."

"Exploring for what? There's nothing but trash and rubble here. Probably monsters further out too. Lousy place for a tourist." She mutters, pouring an ungodly amount of hot sauce into her pot.

"The adventure is what makes it fun. And seeing all the stuff that people leave behind is interesting. The danger is just some extra thrills."

"Sounds pretty stupid." She comments in a deadpan manner. "Must be nice to have the money to screw around so much." And then she begins to shovel food into her mouth. She's really giving you nothing to work off. Like a standoffish clam. Reminds of the kind of punk kids you knew growing up in the west sector. Usually they would join gangs to have a place to fit in, but she just seems to live out here alone.

>What to say next?

>>4530462
Actually, I never had much money to begin with. It's sort of the same reason I like adventuring. Even though my situation wasn't the best, doesn't mean I shouldn't make the best out of the situation!

>>4530485
supporting

"Well I'm not that rich really... Doesn't cost anything to really do this, and it can be profitable if I find some nice trinkets. Danger leads to opportunity!" You try to make he open up a bit by being friendly. "You've gotta do what you love right? Doesn't hurt to make a profit at the same time either. I grew up in the West sector so I've got plenty of experience wandering around old abandoned places, avoiding getting the crap beaten out of me, and getting the most out of my cash." That last part isn't exactly a lie. You... Mostly tried to stay out of the wrong crowd but it's hard when you live in a place like that.

"I can understand that... I do enjoy my work." She seems slightly less cold to you after that.

"Huh? What do you do?" You ask trying to fish out some info finally.

She looks around a bit shiftily. "Well, let's just say... Contract work." Scooting closer to the fire her eyes meet yours. "Just asking but... Do you have anyone you wanna get back at? Just absolutely despise?"

>I think I do...
>Well maybe a friend I know does
>Nope!
>Write-in

>>4530675
>The jews
Or
>Nope

>>4530675
>Not despise, exactly, but a bunch of criminal gangs from my home cause a lot of pain there...

And no, we're not talking about the lizards in the government. Yet.

We'll root them out eventually...

"Nah, not really. Maybe a couple gangs back home, but that's a whole different thing..." You complain a bit. Less a couple and more like a battle royale between the dregs of society. Trying to find out who's the exact cause of your troubles in west sector is pretty much impossible until you're dealing with the top of the totem pole.

"How disappointing. If you do happen to have anyone whos got those sort of problems though, bring them to me." She smiles. "I can take care of it for a price. Since you're not a paying customer though, I'd like it if you'd leave me be."

Outside you realize that the rain has stopped and only the steady rhythm of droplets dripping off the broken architecture remains. You've worn out your welcome and staying too long might escalate things.

>I've got enough evidence. Taking you in now
>I'll think about that, goodbye
>Write-in

>>4530860
>I'll think about that, goodbye
I'll keep it in mind. Thank you for sharing you fire with me. It was very kind of you.

>>4530860
>I'll think about that, goodbye

>>4530860
>I'll think about that, goodbye.

>>4530860
>>I'll think about that, goodbye
Might as well ask for her name while we’re on decent terms too

File: 3461475458.jpg (666 KB, 1500x1766)

666 KB JPG

"I'll think about that, goodbye." You say getting up. "Oh, and before I leave what's your name?"

She clearly thinks for a moment before speaking up. "Just call me Lucy."

While you walk back to the office you begin to wonder what you should do about this. Fairly certain it's her that's burning stuff down. Still not one-hundred percent yet but like around eighty. She doesn't seem like that bad a person really. Maybe you can get her to stop by convincing her? Then again a lot of kids are just absolutely irredeemable. Thoughts for another time.

You open the door and sigh, and then see Leshi trying to herd a goat up the stairs and Pecha laying on the coach looking disappointed.

>Goat...
>Have a nice day Pecha?
>Write-in

I think I'll start adding images occasionally

>>4531112
>>Have a nice day Pecha?

>>4531112
>Have a nice day Pecha?

We'll get to the goat later.

File: 4361743717.png (999 KB, 1920x1080)

999 KB PNG

"Having a nice day?" You ask trying very hard to ignore the shepard in the room.

"Mmm... Boss got out of her meeting with the upper district a while ago and took me off of the case saying she would handle it. It must have gone badly if she's that upset."

"She takes on more work if she's upset?" That doesn't really make sense to you.

"It's her way of venting. I feel sorry for whoever is in her way honestly." Leshi speaks up, now trying to coax his livestock with some leaves.

"Okay what's with the goat?" It's too distracting to ignore. You must know.

"I can keep pets if I want. I already have some chickens and bee's so what's the matter if I get a goat?" He says plainly, now attempting to physically lift a creature about the same size as him to the expected result.

"Okay, mind explaining the logistics of that to me? Where are you putting these animals?"

"In my room. There's a nice place for him right next to the garden." Okay, now he's just fucking with you. No way all that fits in a small apartment room.

"Well, if you're not too busy." Pecha interrupts. "I'd like to ask you something. Do you want to have a little sparring match? It's so boring to just sit around here and you must have finished up for the day if you're back already. It would be lovely to get a view of how good a fighter you are as well, right?"

>You know what sure
>I'm sort of busy with some other things
>Write-in

>>4531322
>>>You know what sure

>>4531322
>You know what sure
*grins* Same, Pecha.

>>4531322
>>You know what sure

“You know what? Sounds like a great way to spend the evening.” You give her a grin which she returns.

“We have a nice place for when we do this kind of stuff. Plenty of space and no risk of collateral.” She gets up, grabbing her case and heading to the door.

“Wait for me, I don’t want to miss the two of you beating the shit out of each other!”

—————————--

The three of you arrive at a plot of relatively clear land in the outskirts. You and Pecha stand a decent distance apart and transform. You would have expected Pecha’s outfit to look more dainty, but it’s surprisingly more like a military uniform. A longcoat, boots and leggings, and a cap, all in black with pink highlights. She stands her guitar case up next to her and leans against it casually. “We’ll go until one of us is down or gives up. Since I’m so nice I’ll give you the first swing. C’mon I wanna see what you can do.”

>If you say so
>This is bait
>Write-in

1d100 Bo3

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>4531424
>>If you say so