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This is why you don’t like being a leader like this, sometimes. The paperwork. Well, not technically ‘paper’ work, but still having to log everything and making sure that everything’s on task. Sure, it’s not something that’s common due to your own Outgoer work, but it’s still annoying when you have to do it- if only to make sure that everyone doesn’t start arguing about various crap that the business has to do. “Right, then,” you tap through a few pages, looking at possibilities. Everyone’s been discussing possible HQ additions, and putting forth options…

...but none moreso than Owlia and Cylica. Eventually, something had to give. And you decided that what would give would be everyone’s wallets. “So, let’s say we purchase the Ranged Combat Training Area, as well as a Blank Room for the laboratory since the techs want a clean room in the future.”

“I assure you it’ll be worth it,” Cylica said eagerly. “A cleanroom is ESSENTIAL to good testing. It’ll-”

“I know, I know, you just got done with the spiel, I don’t need a repeat,” you cut off. “We’ll get them...but it’s going to require some donations,” you point out. “It’s 190 Large, but with everyone chipping in a bit extra, we can certainly afford it.” You at least hope Cylica’s grateful for this...

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
General Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler
MGFH Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q/edit#gid=0
Character Details: http://pastebin.com/9J70gqM2
FAQ: http://pastebin.com/8unLWUjF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGFHandler
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/Q5Q1MR92

“We all chip in 5, then it’s doable,” Izumi points out.

“Uhhh, do I gotta?” Mono asks. “I mean, is she gonna buy me lunch later?”

“I was hopin’ to use summadat,” Jago points out. “I might ‘aveta go on another jaunt to make up fer it.”

“Oh, now, would you really be so-” Cylica starts to wheedle, but you can already see the flat looks being given by certain parties. She quickly backs down with a huff. “-fine, then. I’ll just...”

“You COULD just buy us all a dinner,” Lorelei points out. “It’d just be nice, and less expensive.”

“...fine. I suppose it’s worth that, yes,” Cylica submits. Honestly, you weren’t expecting that, but shortly you receive the money in total and quickly place the order.

>YOUR RANGED TRAINING COURSE IS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS.
>YOUR BLACK ROOM IS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS.

“Anything else?” you look around. “No? Alright, then.” Moving on.

>Equipment And Loot Organization; we need to make sure we're not carrying around dead weight.
>Arranging A Training Session; we should be certain of where everyone stands, ability-wise.
>Promotional Tactics; we're growing as a company, and that means we might want to spread our name out a bit more...
>Other
>>
>>5029050
>Equipment And Loot Organization; we need to make sure we're not carrying around dead weight.
>>
>>5029050
>Equipment And Loot Organization; we need to make sure we're not carrying around dead weight.
Finally.
>>
>>5029050
>Equipment And Loot Organization; we need to make sure we're not carrying around dead weight
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5029050
>>5029056
>>5029062
>>5029069
“Alright, let’s get down to it,” you decide. “Everyone bought their bags and crap, right?” Round of nods from everyone. “Grand. Alright, we’ve got a vendor...sorta...so we should put it to use. Whoever DOESN’T want their crap or weapons, let me know now and put it on the table. We’ll tally it all up at the end and see what we can get from it all.” You give everyone a look. “Fair warning right now, this goes into the community pool for further HQ improvements, or if anyone needs an emergency loan, you’re NOT getting this back immediately. If anyone has any gear they ABSOLUTELY WANT to keep, let me know as well so I can keep a log of it.”

Prima and Jago both raise their hands. “We both got some nifty toys from th’ last trip, ‘apppens.” He looks to Prima, who nods. “Yeah, we’re both holdin’ onta those.” He brings out what looks to you for all the world like a steam powered mallet, though in his hands it’s closer to a warhammer. “Came ta enjoy this ‘un’. Nice an’ punchy when ya pull the trigger ‘ere.”

Prima shows off a weapon as well; some sort of...short pole with a disk at the end? It doesn’t look quite like a metal detector... “It is an electronically sensitive scanner. However, that includes bioelectric signals. I have found it useful for both medical diagnostics, and tracking procedures.”

Huh. Well, then. “Alrighty, anyone else?” A round of shaking heads. “Okay, then. What’s going on the table?”

>Information on gear and weapons can be found in the Spreadsheet.
>>
>>5029162
Since we're not using them much, I'm voting to give these out.

>Knight's Halberd
>Blightsnake Katar
>K5 Bolt Pistol

I'm debating on giving out the Gaia too, since whatever it can do we already have other tools for.

Also is this where we give the nerds their stuffs?
>>
>>5029162
gonna take some time for me to finish my list
>>
>>5029162
>>5029170
Adding in. This is my list if we're giving out the Gaia too:

>Knight's Halberd
>Blightsnake Katar
>K5 Bolt Pistol
>Gaia
>The Fairy statues
>Anga Totem, Yuyula Totem
>Purple Razor-Shield
>Forest Bow
>Mysterious Green Orb
>Mysterious Wand
>Cleric's Staff
>Repeater Flintlock Pistol
>Everblade
>Anga's Guandao.
>>
>>5029179
Yeah, this seemed to be the most wanted thing, so I'm expecting it to take some time. Part of me even though it might be a good idea to go out for a bit and then come back.
>>
>>5029162
Weapons:
>Multi-missle Launcher
Never use it.
>Blightsnake Katar
Cool, might make a neat costume piece, but we don't use knives.
>Switchblade
You kidding me?
>Purse Gun
See switchblade comment.
>Hunting Spear
We use the Halberd just slightly more, and we might as well keep one polearm in our inventory.


Personally, I'd keep the Knight's Halberd so we can start teaching Harp how to use polearms. Maybe enchant it or the Hunting Spear.
>>
>>5029162
I think we should keep at least one firearm, so I'd like to keep the K5 bolt pistol. Also, I don't know what to do with the new Coilgun - we don't usually engage from such distances and now we have a cool anti-magic crossbow. Maybe we can give it to Izumi? She's supposed to get to A rank with us, it might help her on her solo missions

>Community Pool - handouts
Purse Gun - one of the recruit could use it
Knight's Halberd - maybe Harp could try it later on, something like that was mentioned in the last thread
Draining Combat Knife - we have a giant faemetal sword, crystal bird and a regular survival knife, so it's become obsolete now
Gaia MBR - we were supposed to get a mundane weapon to blend in in low mana worlds, then bought a magical one and it becomes useless next mission against an anti-magic creature. what a joke
Blightsnake Katar
Precursor Multi-Missile Launcher - we already have Highball Launcher, one of our Enforcers should have it (Mono or Jago)
Anga's Guandao - for one of the minibots
Everblade
Purple Razor-Shield - I think Izumi should have it - she can both reinforce the shield and enhance the hidden blades
Mysterious Wand - give it to Jago, he has earth mana affinity
Forest Bow
Buckler
Cleric's Staff

>Sell
Hunting Spear
Flintlock Pistol
Customized Flintlock Pistol
Flintlock Repeater
Switchblade

>Lab Donations
Faemetal (scraps, liquid samples, heavyweighted sphere, futuresight scan of the fairy boy) - don't think our nerds could replicate it but maybe they can make arrow/bolt tips for bows/crossbows and bullets for guns
Fairy Statues (red, white, blue, green)
Fairy Totems (Anga, Yuyula)
Anti-magic Fiber clothes (overcoat, officer's armor and helmet, scan of the Queenstone Robe)
Mana Siphon related stuff (scan of the device and the drained earth element gem that we've snatched)
Wind Gem
Mysterious Green Orb
Healing Herbs, Sweetsap Mushrooms and Acorn?- for our alchemist
Book Scans (‘The Breath of Life’, ‘The Myriad Ways of Inner Manipulation’, ‘Transitory Nature of the Abyss and is far thinner’)
>>
>>5029162
>>5029221
Giving this my vote.
BUT I still want to keep the Coilgun. Mages aren't known for their dexterity so even though we suck at sniping it's still an option.
>>
>>5029226
I mean, our new crossbow has enchantments that enhance it's speed, range and power, and we got a new scope for it - I think we can snipe folks with it just fine.
>>
>>5029162
>>5029221
almost forgot
>Send recordings of the experimental gear tests: Synth-Seither Pills, Operation Z1 and Revitalization Barrier
>>
>>5029221
>>5029182
Going with this for the most part, with the following exceptions...

Personally, I think we should keep the Everblade for one of the kids, and find another two enchanted swords for the other two, so we can give them as graduation presents. After all, it seems like the most common enchanted weapon across most of the multiverses are swords, so it makes sense to give them each one when they're ready. Just gotta train them in swordplay for later...

Anga's Guandao, I'd like to keep around, just to say we've got a polearm to practice with Harp. See if we can enchant it with some fire magic, maybe?
>>
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>>5029232
Anga was a small fairy, the weapon's size was a perfect fit for minibots - it would be too small for anyone else.
>>
>>5029233
>Anga was a small fairy, the weapon's size was a perfect fit for minibots

Ah, I wasn't around for the latter half of that mission. In that case, yeah, give it to them and keep the Eversword for one of the kids. Maybe Noran? He's got the fairy pal in Mewla, we could have him be a more talkative Link expy.
>>
Right, I'm giving it 30 more minutes and then I'm locking and writing for >>5029221, just in case anyone has any counterpoints.
>>
>>5029162
>>5029221
This is fine. The crossbow's good for mid-ranged skirmishes but I'd like to keep the sniper rifle too for super long-ranged eliminations.
I feel like we should ask the team if they want to have dibs on any of our loot first.
>>
>>5029162
And I'd like to keep the Everblade as well.
It's a Holy weapon which will be extra effective against certain foes, like the undead.
>>
>>5029245
Guess we're keeping the holy sword and the coilgun
>>5029246
>>5029253
>>5029239
>>5029226
>>
>>5029253
We really got to start practicing wielding two weapons at once. Just imagine if we could wield our spell enhancing rapier and a faemetal forged spell-parrying dagger.
>>
>>5029275
>faemetal forged spell-parrying dagger
it's not a dagger, it's a big-ass morphing sword
>>
>>5029275
iirc we actually can, just not specialized in it. And the morph-blade's a greatsword.
I do like the idea of that however, for a "geek the mage" arsenal.
>>
>>5029276
>>5029279
Wasn't talking about the morph-blade, anons. Was talking about a possible new weapon.
>>
I wonder how our birb is doing
>>
Hey, we handed over most of the mushrooms we got on the last mission to the lab so we can grow some more, right? It's been a while, and I wasn't paying attention...
>>
>>5029291
I put the sleep-inducing Sweetsaps on the list, but not the others since they had no special effects. Should we add them as well?
>>
>>5029297
>>5029245
Why not? Our technicians always need more material.
>>
>>5029245
>>5029291
>>5029300
right, throwing in Dragonsbreath, Navamund, Longdrift mushrooms as well
>>
>>5029297
Probably should, let's keep one patch for the lab to use as components and reagents, and one patch for Mewla's snacks.
>>
>>5029162
>>5029221
>>5029226
>>5029229
>>5029232
>>5029246
>>5029253
A lot of your own gear is tossed onto the table, though a few of the others have some things to give, too. “I don’t think this morningstar fits me,” Izumi muttered while throwing it onto the table, along with a selection of daggers.

“I’ve been needing to do some cleaning out myself,” adds Lorelei as several olde-timey rifles and pistols get added. “But geez, ‘Randa. Didn’t know you were a pack rat.”

“I’ve been busy,” you mutter as the pile grows. “Just haven’t really thought about it until recently.” You’re keeping that holy sword and the Coilgun- the sword...dunno, maybe a good backup tool, and there’s several of these weapons you think would make good gifts for the kids once they’re out- and trained. “Honestly, I wonder if a lot of this might be better off in a community pool. Might not use most of it, but I think the newer ones on the team?” you mention, motioning towards Mono and the bots in particular. “They might find some use out of a couple.”

“Hey, free stuff!” Mono cheers. “I’m for it!”

“Grand. That said, there’s some stuff I’m sure I’d want to sell…” mostly firearms, as you partition it all out; some pistols and a couple blades. “As for the rest…lesse. Purse gun. Anyone? No? Community, then.” Maybe one of the kids. “I liked this Halberd, I’m thinking keeping it for one of the kids…ah. Multi Missile Launcher. Never really used this...who-”

“Mine!” Jago calls immediately. It’s slid over to him.

“Got this mini Guandao off an Elder Fire Spirit,” you say, holding it up in one arm. “Prima, want it? Could be something to help cauterize with if nothing else.” You also want it for help with self-defense, but you’re not going to mention that, not that it isn’t obvious.

“...I...suppose it might be worthwhile, then, yes,” she agrees, and takes the weapon to store it.

“Hm...holy blade. Think I’m keeping that,” you mutter. “...ah, razor-shield. Who might want that? Izumi?” You look to her.

“Hmm. Such weapons are often unwieldy in practice...but it IS novel. I’ll at least try it out,” she decides. That’s another one gone.

“Ah. Earthen Wand,” you say, pulling it out. “I hate these things. I’m not even sure it’s Earth element, I’m just guessing. Anyone here want it?” Blank stares all around. “No one? Jago, aren’t you earth affinity?”

“...yeh, but I ain’t ‘zactly one ta wave wands around an’ whatnot,” he dismisses.

“Alright...going once, going twice, into the community bucket it goes.”

>THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY POOL OF WEAPONS:

-Purse Gun
-Knight's Halberd
-Draining Combat Knife
-Gaia MBR
-Blightsnake Katar
-Mysterious Wand
-Forest Bow
-Buckler
-Cleric's Staff

>THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO IZUMI:
-Razor-Shield

>THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO JAGO:
-Precursor Multi-Missile Launcher

>THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO PRIMA:
-Anga's Guandao

(cont)
>>
>>5029306
“Right, so, moving on, got some materials and non-violence stuff, too. Just sitting there for me, but our science crew might be able to do something with them.”

Owlia shrugs, grinning. “Depends! Some stuff is too wild to take root here I’ve found out, but yeah, so long as you don’t expect anything major soon.”

“Nah, I mean more as maybe supplements to what you’re already working on,” you affirm. “There’s this faemetal stuff in particular that might interest you. If you could integrate it into any of your current projects, that’d be neat, but it’s all just curiosity stuff to keep you busy if you want it.” You still remember how she’d taken umbrage before at your constant piling on of projects for her. She (and you) are better about it now, you’d like to think, but you occasionally worry about backsliding. “Just split it amongst yourselves. Who knows, maybe they’ll come in handy.

>YOU HAVE GIFTED THE RESEARCH DIVISION WITH THE FOLLOWING:
-Faemetal Material
-Fairy Statues
-Fairy Totems
-Anti-magic Fiber Clothes
-Mana Siphon, Drained Earth Element Device Scan
-Wind Gem
-Mysterious Green Orb
-Healing Herbs, Dragonsbreath, Navamund, and Longdrift Mushrooms, Sweetsap Mushrooms, and Acorn(?)
-Book Scans (‘The Breath of Life’, ‘The Myriad Ways of Inner Manipulation’, ‘Transitory Nature of the Abyss’)

After all of that’s squared away, finally what’s left is the sellables. “Okay, so, not much to say on these, I think. We can put these out and hopefully get some decent Motes for them.”

>YOU HAVE LOST ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING:

-Hunting Spear
-Flintlock Pistol
-Customized Flintlock Pistol
-Flintlock Repeater
-Switchblade

>IZUMI HAS LOST ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING:

-Morningstar

>LORELEI HAS LOST ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING:

-Manastone Shotgun
-Carving Knife
-Western Rifle
-Western Pistol
-High Powered Magnet

>ESTIMATED RETURN: 18 LOTES

"...not a lot, but then again, we're still keeping most of the good stuff for ourselves," you admit.

"Hey, at least we don't have to worry about them anymore," Lorelei shrugs.

"Alright, then," you decide. "With that finally taken care of, should we get to the last item on my list? That being arranging a training day soon, and general catchup on physical wellbeing."

"If it's happening, I need it to be tomorrow," Izumi notes. "I don't have another day off available for a while."

"Fine with me," Lorelei shrugs. You get similar confirmations around the table.

>Any objections or other points of issue?
>>
>>5029342
Fine by me. Everyone obviously has their own businesses to sort out, so two entire days might be too much.
>>
>>5029342
how much time would it take for the new rooms to finish?
>>
>>5029353
About a week due to the cleanroom's special aspects.
>>
>>5029342
>No objections
>>
>>5029342
Voting to move on. Here's hoping we don't botch our learning rolls.
>>
Will resume tomorrow!
>>
>>5029386
Thanks for running
>>
>>5029342
We forgot something.
We didn't give O&C the Operation Z1's experiment data (that prototype unit/grenade thing that we also trashed near the finish line last job?) and the broken clockwork turret.

If these are true, I vote to return them now.
>>
>>5029575
my post with additions got tagged>>5029229, so I think we already gave them the results
>>5029342
but yeah, we forgot about the brave little turret
>>
>>5029342
>>5029575
Yup, don't see anything like that on the list.
>>
Took a while, had to have basically a day to myself. So, we'll add that experiment data to the list, and move on.

Writing.
>>
>>5029342
>>5029352
>>5029366
>>5029388
>>5029609
>>5029575
>>5029722
You look around, to see none to speak of. “Alrighty, then, we’ll schedule a full-day training exercise tomorrow, then. Owlia, Cylica, before I forget, there's a few more data points from some experiments I need to forwards the data from- Z1 in particular." She squees upon hearing THAT. "...right. Everyone make sure to get here bright and early, refreshments, all that stuff. At this point, all points that I wanted to bring up are cleared out- floor’s open for comment, if you will.”

Surprisingly quickly, Mono raises her hand. “Yeah? So I ‘kin ask somethin’?” You nod. “Right, soo...basically, I was wonderin’...whaddya do when you got a job you wanna do but don’t think you can pull it off?”

“Kinda but don’t?” You raise an eyebrow. “That doesn’t make sense. What do you mean?”

“Well, like...I ain’t got one of those fancy Future-things like you guys, so I can’t show you all the details, but it was somethin’ about a ‘dreamtime’? And stealin’ some sorta crystals or something? I’m not a hundred percent sure. An’ sure, that’s fine as it is, but the job mentioned somethin’ about a ‘Designated Role’ add on or something. I forget it, just it seems a mite rough.” She huffs. “It’s a heck of a part to play, though…”

“Go for it anyways!” Lorelei cheers. “We all gotta botch our first job sooner or later! Preferably sooner!”

“...quite the vote of confidence,” Izumi says dryly. “However, I agree in that there is no reason not to try a job that you may not be entirely confident in. Every venture is a learning experience.”

She hems and haws. “Well, maybe I should bring a partner? It was said they could afford two…” she waffles.

“Naw, go it alone!” Lorelei continues. “Never gonna get used to it if you don’t!”

“Actually, I don’t think it’d be too bad to have an experienced hand along,” Izumi counters. “She’s had one before, has she not? It’s just more of the same.”

“But that’s STILL giving her a cushion! She’s gotta fly solo EVENTUALLY,” Lorelei rebuts.

“Perhaps, yes, but not when she’s so new to not just Outgoer work, but combat and action in general,” Izumi states. “She’s still so new that I doubt she’ll understand what she did wrong if she DOES do something wrong.”

“Me an’ Cy still go on joint outings,” Owlia opines. “I kinda get Izumi’s stance on it.”

“Actually, t’was thinking on going solo meself for once,” Jago comments.

“As did I,” Prima notes.

As for you…

>You think she should have someone backing her if she’s unsure. It’ll help her learn much more efficiently with a second pair of eyes.
>Lorelei has a point- she needs to get used to not just going in solo on the easy jobs, but the dicer ones, too.
>Other
>>
>>5030565
>You think she should have someone backing her if she’s unsure. It’ll help her learn much more efficiently with a second pair of eyes.
They're still too green
>>
>>5030565
>You think she should have someone backing her if she’s unsure. It’ll help her learn much more efficiently with a second pair of eyes.
Mono seems to be unsure of her acting ability so I think asking Lorelei to go with her would be a good idea.
>>
>>5030565
>>You think she should have someone backing her if she’s unsure. It’ll help her learn much more efficiently with a second pair of eyes.

Confidence is built up over time step by step, not by being pushed from a cliff.
>>
>>5030565
>You think she should have someone backing her if she’s unsure. It’ll help her learn much more efficiently with a second pair of eyes.
>Suggest Lorelei
>Other
Tell her your experience of botching a job, this will help her confidence.

Lorelei is the most suitable since this one has something similar to a Binding Narrative and involves infiltration/theft. Mono will learn a lot with her around.
>>
>>5030565
>>5030569
>>5030572
This. Mono doesn't have a Futuresight and we all know how busted it is.
By the way, make sure you don't forget to include Revitalization Barrier's test data.
>>
>>5030565
>>You think she should have someone backing her if she’s unsure.
Don’t suggest Lorelei, though.
>>
>>5030565
>You think she should have someone backing her if she’s unsure. It’ll help her learn much more efficiently with a second pair of eyes.
>>
>>5030565
She should have someone go with her, but on the understanding that she is the one doing the mission and that they only take over if things get too dicey.
>>
Seems like it's pretty unanimous. But it seems there's a single sticking point...writing.
>>
>>5030565
>>5030567
>>5030569
>>5030570
>>5030572
>>5030681
>>5030775
>>5030921

“Hmmm...honestly, I think it might be better to have someone backing you up for now,” you proclaim. Lorelei rolls her eyes but says nothing, Jago just shrugs, Prima doesn’t seem to react, while the others nod in agreement. “Confidence is built up over time step by step, not by being pushed from a cliff- at least in my opinion. I can still recall how I felt about my first blunders, and frankly, I could’ve done without them, learning experience or no.”

“Kay, then. Soooo...anyone wanna come with?” Mono posits out to the crowd. “I mean, I’m guessin’ Lori’s out-”

“Hey, don’t put words in my mouth!” Lori objects. She then grins, starts to open her mouth to say something else- but then pauses, shakes her head. “I’m just sayin’ I think you should have some ‘you time’ on a dicey job, is all. But if you reealllly want the help, sure, I’d help. You’re family now, girl!”

“I would not want to leave my dance partner out in the lurch,” Prima chimes in, and Jago nods in agreement.

“Aw, thanks.” Mono even seems to blush a bit. “Right, then, sooo...hmmm.” She looks at you, and you just shrug. “Well, thinkin’ about it, I’d really appreciate it if-”

>You
>Izumi
>Lorelei
>Cylica
>Owlia
>Nura
>Prima
>Jago

"-came along."
>>
>>5031129
>Lorelei
Same argument as before.
>>
>>5031129
>>Prima
>>
>>5031138
This is her chance to try out her new biomech body - it was designed for infiltration. Prima's analytical skills and scanning ability could also be of help. I think they'd work well together.
>>
>>5031129
I was gonna to suggest Izumi because she's more well-rounded and they both use swords, but Lorelei's decent too.

This opens Izumi up if we take her to our next job.
>>
>>5031129
I'll go with Prima so she can test her biomech body. Haven't seen either her or Jago use it.
>>
>>5031129
By the way, doesn't Miranda have to stay in the Intersection for the filming?
>>
Prima it is. Writing!

>>5031161
It'd probably be a good idea, yes, but Outgoer jobs supercede outside projects were you to take one.
>>
>>5031164
Doesn't this warrant a tie-breaker? >>5031156
>>
>>5031131
>>5031156
>>5031158

>>5031165
I had interpreted it as for Izumi, but I can see how that could be taken for either. In which case perhaps so. If anyone doesn't vote for

>Lorelei
or
>Prima

within the next 10 minutes, I'll just flip for it.
>>
>>5031167
Yeah that was a Lorelei vote, sorry for the ambiguity.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5031167

1= Lori
2= Prima
>>
>>5031177
Ahh, that's a shame. But newbies bonding together ain't that.
>>
So when are we going to pick up our crystal bird?
>>
>>5031193
Prob when the doctor calls.
>>
>>5031129
>>5031138
>>5031158
>>5031177
“Oh! I could do that, yes,” Prima says. “Dance partners stick together, correct?”

“Kinda, yeah…” she admits with a soft grin. You have to admit, for a girl that’d never even had the concept of an automaton run through her head not that long ago, she seems to have become fast friends with one.

“Of course! Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for me to utilize my biomech suit. I have yet to take on a job that required it.” Oh, good point. “I will likely require assistance in transferring to it, however…”

“Oh, no prob,” Owlia offers. “I should be able to help with that; took a little looksee at it from time and time, and with your schematics, it shouldn’t be too hard to shift your core into it.”

“You an’ me are gonna have a heckofa time, Pri,” Mono says happily. Prima’s eyes light up in a smile, and there’s a moment of good feelings all around.

But, it has to pass. “Alrighty, then. Anything else someone wants to bring up?”

“Just that I’ll have more time hereabouts,” Cylica grouses. A look around tells you that no one else has anything more to say.

“Alrighty, then. Meeting’s over with, everyone’s dismissed. Remember, be here tomorrow for practice. I’ll send you all the time in a bit.” With that, everyone goes their separate ways...sort of. Mono and Prima (along with Jago) begin talking, and Lorelei joins in, Izumi’s off to do something, and Owlia and Cylica along with Nura start heading back to the laboratory- likely to discuss their new assignments. Ah, you still need to make sure to get them that data- and that busted up turret.

It’s as you’re handling all that, that you consider what else you need to do today…

>You’re getting your bird and going to the Coven’s HQ. You’ll be a bit early, but they shouldn’t mind...right?
>You might want to check in on the movie studio. Just to make sure things aren’t entirely turned on their head.
>Other; there's probably something else you need to take care of you've blanked on.
>>
>>5031216
>You’re getting your bird and going to the Coven’s HQ. You’ll be a bit early, but they shouldn’t mind...right?
Were we also supposed to discuss the Outgoer company ranking list we got from Delilah with the Coven? Because I thought we were going to do that at some point.
>>
>>5031216
>You’re getting your bird and going to the Coven’s HQ. You’ll be a bit early, but they shouldn’t mind...right?
>Other
Bring our bag of holding. Whatever Susie requested will require some roughhousing and being early and prepared will make a great impression.
>>
>>5031216
>>You’re getting your bird and going to the Coven’s HQ. You’ll be a bit early, but they shouldn’t mind...right?
>Other; there's probably something else you need to take care of you've blanked on.
>Pick up permanence-treated items (Bracers, Sky God's Hammer, Golden Crossbow, Queenstone Robe) and the Morphblade from blacksmith
>>
>>5031216
>>5031219
>>5031226
These, might as well make use of the extra time.
>>
>>5031226
Since we're keeping the Everblade now, should we get a price quote on premanance-treating that, too?
>>
>>5031216
>>5031229
Oh! Nice catch on that one. Let's get it treated too.
>>
>>5031232
Might as well ask Prima and Izumi if they want the Guandao and Razor-Shield treated as well so we can get a discount. Maybe tell them they can pay us back with a souvenir from their jobs if they feel like it.
>>
>>5031243
>>5031216
I think they'll know in time but, won't hurt to pass a word.
>>
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Company full of goth chicks, here we go!
>>
Alright. I'll make sure to write all that out for tomorrow. Including for the Guild, who I think'll be fun times. At least, I've had some ideas for them for a while, and considering the season, I think it's apt.
>>
>>5031288
Thanks for the run. Can't wait for this bunch.
>>
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>>5029050
My wife
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5031216
>>5031218
>>5031219
>>5031226
>>5031227
>>5031232
Well, heck with it. You’ve got some extra time, might as well go get your pet. You’ve no reason to assume the worst, you think.

Fortunately, the trip over is fairly standard; the receptionist greets you with recognition, thanking you again for sending over ‘the technician’. “It’s no problem- but at the moment I’m just here to get my bird.”

“Of course! There was nothing to worry about last I was told…” she buzzes you in, past a stoneman with a few chips in his face, and you’re seen to the recovery room.

“Mmmm...good to see you again.” The good doctor welcomes. “Your pet...is fine.” He waves you to the back, and fortunately, you can see your bird...still as plump as ever, but clearly hopping around a bit more, and it gives a tinkling chirp upon seeing you. You don’t know why you were worried it might’ve forgotten you- it was only for a day or so… “Healthy little thing,” he says with a rumbling smile. “I might suggest a feed for it, however.”

You raise an eyebrow as Pecker flaps up to its familiar place on your head. Good to be home, Pecker. “Feed? I thought it didn’t need to eat.”

“Here? Yes. Mana.” Oh, right. “But, not much. Not unless it exerts itself. Crushed mana stones will do well for it. Pebbles infused with mana. That is all. It can expend the mana well enough now.” Ah, right. Well, that’s good. And crushed or half-busted stones shouldn’t be too hard to come by. “I have a packet for it here…as thanks.” Oh, that’s nice. “One small bowl every few days. This should last for some time.” As you take it, you can’t help but wonder how that whole process is gonna work...

Still, its appreciated. “Thanks a lot.”

“No, thank you,” he offers. “Be on your way, now.”

And so, with bird on head, you walk off. Hopefully that’s that for this little thing…but there’s a bit more that you need to pick up. Well, if they’re done. “Hello? Grizzi?”

“Aye?” you hear on the other end of the phone.

“It’s Miranda Styles. Was wondering how’s progress on my gear.”

“Ach, right. You’re stuff’s set an’ done. Re-treated Morph-Blade wit’ anti-magic properties, an’ a dozen crossbow bolt casings. Come get ‘em when you’re set. An’ don’t break the blasted thing again!”

“No promises.” You hang up over the angry sputtering. Pecker just chirps in seeming amusement.

Picking up your other weaponry proves quick enough, and you have to admit, Prianna's proved...just fine. The human-sized faewoman seems to appreciate the business. But that does remind you...

"Oh, my my my...wherever did you get such a weapon as this?" she asks in her lilting voice as she examines the Everblade from every angle. "Quite elegant, indeed!" Her wings flutter in excitement. "Why, it reminds me of home a touch. Perhaps I can do this one for Seven Large Motes? Yes, seven. Seven is a good number."

>Agree
>Disagree (Haggle)
>Other
>>
>>5032061
>>Agree
Her prices are WAY cheaper compared to the old guy who treated Flamebringer and Rapier.
>>
>>5032061
>Agree
Girl deserves it, the price is good for the quality she provides.
>>
>>5032061
>Agree
Gotta admit, I'm liking her more than the previous guy.
>>
>>5032061
>Agree
No objections here.
>>
>>5032061
>>Agree
>>
>>5032061
>>5032068
>>5032070
>>5032072
>>5032073
>>5032076
Wrrriting!
>>
>>5032061
>>5032068
>>5032070
>>5032072
>>5032073
>>5032076
“Done,” you decide. She’s WAY cheaper than the other guy.

“Ohoho! Excellent, excellent! The others were fascinating, but this is nostalgic, yes! It will be treated with the utmost care!” Lovely. “Tis a shame at once that we have to part…your scent is of old friends and good times. And blood, a great deal of blood. But blood is in everyone, so that’s of little concern.” Uhhhh...hm. Right, then, you should probably get going.

>Current Motes: 104.50 Lotes

With the Bracers, Sky God’s Hammer, Golden Crossbow, and Queenstone Robe back in your possession, you have a check at the time- it’s maybe just broaching afternoon.

Getting there early shouldn’t be too big of an issue. Now, you just need to find the place…

The trip takes longer than you honestly expect- mostly due to traffic, honestly. But when you arrive...well, you suppose you should’ve expected this.

It’s a rather large, three story house. Old Victorian style, if you had to guess- your stock ‘spooky manor’ that seems to exist everywhere. Classic. Spiderwebs are everywhere, there’s pumpkins, dead flowers...but what tips you off that the place is currently lived in is the surprisingly large lawn- one that normal earners wouldn’t be able to afford. It’s enough for several people to run around and be active. That and the mailbox. It’s immaculately kept. The stone path to the house is cracked and broken, the fence is crooked and everything, the lawn decorations- one-eyed gnomes, spiders that may not actually be decoration, and gargoyles- all look standard, but the small things stick out if you know what to look for. “Guess this is the place…”

You take a singular step onto the property. And almost immediately several of the ornaments shift, slowly- looking at you.

Right, this kinda place. Snorting lightly, and taking Pecker off your head to cradle him (you’d rather not any accidents occur from his panic) you step along the path to the doorway.

...yeah, they’re watching you. You knock on the door. “Hello?” It’s Miranda Styles; I know I’m here a bit early, but you-”

The door creeeeaks open, ever so slowly, and...whoa. Inside is pitch-black. Not ‘dark’. You can see absolutely nothing whatsoever beyond the door’s frame. For a few moments, you stand there silently, and for a bit it seems like no one will be greeting you. Are you supposed to go in by-

A hairy, spindly arm- you’re not sure if it’s human or not- suddenly lunges out of the nothingness, and before you can say anything else, you’re yanked beyond the threshold.

(cont.)
>>
>>5032115
For a moment, your instincts flare up and you make to get the arm off you- but the individual lets you go just as quickly, and you hear the door shut behind you as you take in your new surroundings- very much visible, now, if maybe a bit dim.

It’s...surprisingly well-kept. The old-time aspect is still present, with yourself clearly in a foyer; to your right and left are red velvet stool seats, with a small doorway on the left leading elsewhere. Twin, ebony staircases curve up to the second floor balcony, lined by torches that provide light, but beyond on the first floor directly ahead of you is a set of double doors leading to the rest of the manor. It all very much has a rustic look to it, but again, surprisingly well kept. Although you don’t see the individual who- oh, wait.

You look straight up, and indeed are faced with someone- a spider-like individual, though unlike the ones in your jobs prior, they are no taur-like individual, no, this lady’s a touch more humanoid; her torso and abdomen (complete with spinnerets behind her, explaining her upside down position) are a touch big and shaped just oddly enough to notice; her face is one with multiple eyes and a clear set of fangs- there’s a technical term for them, you just can’t recall it- and she has multiple arms, six in fact. With her legs, eight limbs total, of course. Dressed in webbing and what looks to you like latex garb, she seems...very particular. “Helloooo!” she warbles out, her voice high and creaking. “And what...purpose have you in this den of fright? Have you come to test your mettle, and join our coterie of the grotesque and unusual, hmmmmmm?”

“Or perhaps you’ve just stopped by for a...bite?” Her grin shows off her sharp teeth, as well as drooling venom. “I would soooo love guests…”

> “What, you sell food here?” Call her on it, just to see what happens.
> “I’m here on behalf of Susie. Doing a favor for her.” Might as well get to it.
> “It’s a lot cleaner than I expected.” You’d have thought they’d have gone for total scary ambiance.
> Other
>>
>>5032129
> “What, you sell food here?” Call her on it, just to see what happens.
I'm kind of curious to see what she does, honestly.
>>
>>5032129
> “What, you sell food here?” Call her on it, just to see what happens.
>>
>>5032129
> “What, you sell food here?” Call her on it, just to see what happens.
> “I’m here on behalf of Susie. Doing a favor for her.” Might as well get to it.
>"I'm impressed actually. Been to a few HQs myself and this is an intriguing standout."
>"Say hi Pecker."
>>
>>5032129
>“What, you sell food here?” Call her on it, just to see what happens.
>“I’m here on behalf of Susie. Doing a favor for her.” Might as well get to it.
Tease her for a bit and then explain why we're here.
>>
>>5032129
> “What, you sell food here?” Call her on it, just to see what happens.
> “I’m here on behalf of Susie. Doing a favor for her.” Might as well get to it.
I think we made the right call keeping the Everblade - it still has a chockful of Elder Fairy-tier Light enchantment judging from Prianna's reaction.
>>
Posting shortly.
>>
>>5032129
>>5032133
>>5032138
>>5032146
>>5032148
>>5032267

You allow yourself an eyebrow raise; you do it often enough, and you think it’s a pretty good expression. The spook factor is high here, but honestly, the fact that you know what they’re all about kinda dulls the creepiness a bit. Although Pecker doesn’t seem to share the same sentiments, at least... “What, you sell food here?” Gotta be careful to keep him calm.

There’s a pause as the parses the rejoinder...and then a chuckle. “Ohohoh! Well, aren’t you a cheeky one!” But her smile doesn’t leave her face. “At any rate, I wouldn’t say ‘sell’...” And with a swing, and a second, and a third, she lowers herself from the ceiling like in a trapeze act, the web cutting off and herself performing a rather agile flip in midair to land near that smaller door on the left. “But I DO rather enjoy baking and cookery, from time to time. A pity that most don’t seem to want to try my dishes- I think I’m rather skilled!”

Ah. “...and why don’t they want to try them?”

“I don’t know! I use only the freshest ingredients, and I always make sure it’s well-cooked!” And yet despite the complaints, she’s still smiling. “Care to...taste test?”

“Actually, I’m here on behalf of Susie.” At the name ‘Susie’, she freezes for a moment, and that smile VERY quickly levels out. Not the reaction you were expecting. “Doing a favor for her.”

“...aaahhhh…” the smile slowly, slowly returns. “I seeee...alllllrighty then.” Huh. Might just be you, but she seems almost nervous now- her extended words aren’t like Sal’s- they’re the speech of someone who’s trying to think of what to say as they’re saying it. “Then I’ll just...let her know you’re here. You said your name was Miranda, right?” It’s a redundant question as she’s backing off, slowly. “I’ll just...go ring you in.”

Before you can respond, she slips through the double doors and you can hear her scampering off. Wonder what that was all about?

(cont.)
>>
>>5033047
A couple of minutes later, the double doors slam open, and a thick ichorous smoke pours out, enveloping the foyer in what seems to be a sickly green gloom. Suzette the Full Witch stands there...actually looking much the standard; slightly hunched over, and a doleful expression, but with surprisingly sharp eyes...if clouded by bags under them indicating at least one sleepless night. “You ‘ave arrived. Suivez-moi.” She motions to follow her as she walks back between the doors, and you quickly proceed to do so, into what appears to be an equally dark, gloomy hall...though still well-kept, with a carpeted floor, and rich wooden paneling. The doors slam behind you and DAMN you had to resist jumping for that one. You should’ve seen it coming, but… gah, nevermind that. “You are early, tho’ not too much. You may see zome of ze other individuals in our group. Ignore zem for now.”

> “Even if it’s someone we both know? Any particular reason why?”
> “I’m kinda impressed with how well you guys keep this place from the looks of it…”
> “So, details on this thing you need me to do?”
> "So, the spider-lady who met me at the door seemed kinda...freaked out? At you?
>Stay quiet. She’ll tell you when she figures it’s good to.
>Other
>>
>>5033048
>Stay quiet. She’ll tell you when she figures it’s good to.
>>
>>5033048
> "So, the spider-lady who met me at the door seemed kinda...freaked out? At you?
> “So, details on this thing you need me to do?”
>>
>>5033048
> “Even if it’s someone we both know? Any particular reason why?”
Well, the merger between Shadowwalkers and the Coven was pretty recent
>>
>>5033048
> “Even if it’s someone we both know? Any particular reason why?”
> “So, details on this thing you need me to do?”
Man hope this spook house doesn't have a bunch of downers in it.
>>
>Hey, Mono, wanna hear an Outgoer joke?

>Uhhh...depends. Are ya gonna kidnap me like last time afterwards to do somethin' related?

>Maybe! So! Here's the joke! 'So there's this Outgoer that comes into a bar one day, and he's glum. A guy nearby says, 'Hey pal, whatcha so glum about?' The guy says 'Well, I screwed up a job pretty badly.' The friendly guy goes 'Aw, that's too bad, I'll buy ya a drink and you can tell me about it! How'd you screw it up?' Well, the dude says, 'Well, the first part of it, I was asked to get a head shot of a target. They said to be quiet and careful and to use my best gear 'cause they wanted it on the sly.' The other dude's nodding, like 'Ah, and ya screwed up the shot?' But the guy shakes his head. 'Nope, I got him clean through the head. Not a trace left.' Well, this leaves the friendly guy baffled. 'Well, what's the problem?' The guy sighs, and says 'Well, I was wonderin' why they said 'photography experience recommended...' Pfttahahahah!

>...I don't get it.

>...

>...what?

>You're killing me, Mono, sweetie. Come on, we're going clothes shopping!

>W-what? Wait, what does that haveta- hey no stop! Lorelei!

>Just trust me on this!
>>
>>5033048
>>5033052
>>5033062
>>5033051

You have to admit, that’s a bit surprising. “Even if it’s someone we both know? Any particular reason why?” You were half expecting Taminy to meet you at some point or another…

“Oui. ‘Zere is a bit of...uncertainty within ze ranks for now,” she explains. “I am most loath to play ze games of internal politicking, but zey exist, nonezeless. Many zee my particular request of you az an example of power, and to zay anything that may...stir ze imagination is not what I am intending.”

Oh. You can understand that well enough, you suppose. “Oh...I thought that you both wanted this merger, though. Didn’t go smoothly, then?”

She shakes her head. “Non. Just az zere were some in ze Coven zat were displeased, such existed in ze Shadowwalkers, az well. C’est la guerre. ‘Owever, few would be fool enough to challenge me directly.” She pauses, and sighs. “...and zis problem we ‘ave is quite annoying.” Ah, and here’s the doorway. “‘Ere. As I said, you’ll not be privy to ze deeper parts of our organization. ‘Owever, we operate on great secrecy regarding our HQ.” She leans in, and for a moment you can see just how serious she is, for once. “Tell NO ONE. Ozzerwise I will not be responsible for what ‘appens.”

You blink. “Of course.”

And then she’s back to normal. “Bien. Through ‘ere.”

She opens the door, and it’s...what seems to be a large sitting room, or perhaps a living room. The lights are dimmed out, as usual, and there’s a number of spider webs in the upper corners- very exactly, however, and each with words in them too small to make out. There’s a trio of doors here; one directly ahead, and two to the sides. However, you’re forced to follow Suzette, as she doesn’t even break stride as she hangs left, putting the webs out of your vision quickly.. You can see there’s a number of shelves, flush with various trophies and items- and in a couple cases, preserved body parts. You have just enough time to spy someone in one of the rather oversized seats; a girl, with a long robe and- what look like torn rocker pants? Not sure, but you think she’s a vampire, before you pass on through.

“Zat was Isabella,” Suzette mentions after you’re through. “With any luck, she won’t be bozering us.”

(cont.)
>>
>>5033879
>>5033879
You’re led down a short flight of stairs in another short hall. “Almost ‘zere. I may az well explain now.” She sighs as she continues. “Because of our...particular nature, we ‘ave...special allowances. Zis entire facility iz zurrounded by a mana-permissible field emitter. Your powers are at full effect, ‘ere.” Huh! Fancy that. “Do NOT abuse zat fact. It iz, in truth, ze cause of our little...conflict.”

“Conflict?” you ask. “Just what IS it you need me to do?”

“Extermination,” she admits. “Zere was an...unforeseen ‘appenstance on a recent job. We brought back zomething we...should not ‘ave. It iz quick. Dangerous. ‘Ardy. And most resilient to magics, as well. We are fortunate that, for ze time, it is easily appeased. ‘Owever, that will not remain zo forever. Should we not dispatch it, we will be...punished most zeverely.” Wait...there’s a lot of questions you want to ask about that. Chiefly being- “Out ovahzeer allowed us time to rectify ze situation ourselves before zey bring about our doom. ‘ence, you. Anothzer Outgoer, with little ovahzight, trusted by at least one of us, and with physical power enough to perhaps end zis thing’s unfortunate existence.” She turns to look at you with more than a little regret in her face. “We ‘ad hoped to rezolve it before your aid waz required- zis would have been much more plezant if zo. A little cleaning, zome ‘elp with testing Nibi’s newest dishes, et voila. Alas. Fate yet makes fools of us all.”

>Any questions?
>Other
>>
>>5033882
>ask for a detailed description of the beast and its' powers.
>ask what methods they tried.
>ask what weaknesses, minor or not, they have discovered.
>"Do I have the option to request additional aid? From outside or from the Coven itself?"
>"Why was it brought here in the first place?"
This should cover almost everything I can think of. Might be missing something however, other anons should chip in.
>>
>>5033882
>Can you tell me what you know about this uninvited guest, like what it's been eating, how big it is, if it's attacked anyone here...
>If you've got a mana-permissible field emitter, would that also work with my equipment? Because I've got some gauntlets that'll help reverse damaged objects, so long as it's used within ten minutes.
>How quietly does this need to be done? Quiet enough that no-one outside the buisness knows, or quiet enough that none of your rivals knows?
>>
>"your powers are at full effect here, do not abuse that"
>*erases an entire city block with nebula buster*

>>5033882
>How intelligent is this creature? It sounds like you've been able to negotiate with it.
>>
>>5033882
>>5033892
>What did you mean by 'easily appeased'?
>>
>>5033882
These >>5033892>>5033894>>5033937
Want to add something myself, but the length is adequate.
>>
Head is killing me. Will be back tomorrow hopefully.
>>
>>5034679
No problem, Handler, hope you get some relief quickly.

See you tomorrow.
>>
Feeling better. Writing!
>>
>>5033882
>>5033892
>>5033894
>>5033935
“Wait, how did you ‘appease’ it?” you ask. “You mean you have it calmed?”

“For now, it feeds from our stockpile of raw meats. Zis is untenable, for obvious reasons,” she explains. “We need zose for...ozzer purposes. Its girth makes it quite gluttonous, ‘owever.”

“Yeah? How big is this thing?” you ask as you’re outside the door. You can hear...glorping noises, is the best way to describe it. You don’t like that…

“Large,” is the response. “Alas, it iz no creature that maintains shape and form. It is vicious, viscous, an-”

“Is this a damn slime?” you interrupt. You REALLY don’t want to beat around the bush, here.

She pauses, and then sighs. “Oui. Or a sort, it iz a slime. One that arrived ‘ere without our permission.” Wait, then how- “Or razer, without ALL of our permissions. Ze creature was being tended to by...a troublesome fellow of ourz. He forgot to release it in ze wild before we left, and zo it iz here. It at first seemed poised to attack, before itz...caretaker...mollified it. For now.” She seems singularly displeased. “We ‘ave tried both magic an’ firearms. Magic does little to it, and anyzing more powerful zat we can perform would lead to...unpleasant revelations. Bullets are similarly ineffective.”

“And I’m guessing physical attacks are right out?” you wager.

She nods. “Few of us are so inclined, in truth. Our best work iz done with spells and from afar. And ze few who are physically inclined are not zo much zo as specialists as yourself.”

“And this thing has NO weaknesses?” you ask as you hear another round of ominous burbling.

“None zat we can exploit to ze fullest. We thought perhaps electricity would be ze key, but zat only lasted for some time before it began to strike back. Et 'as a solid core, but nozing we can conjure or utilize can affect it.”

“Hmmm...could I get any backup on that front, then?” Maybe with someone who’s tried this before. “Inside, if not outside?”

“Preferably, non. Not even everyone in ze company knows of zis situation, to my surprise. We would keep it that way.” She leans over. “Can you do zis or non?”

Well…

> “Won’t hurt anything to try.” At least, you think.
> “Positive, for sure.” You’ve got some tricks, you think.
> “...and you’re POSITIVE I can’t get backup?” Because you think you’ll need it.
> Other
>>
>>5035548
>Other
>"Have you tried freezing it using non-magical means?"
Hey, it's liquid-ish. Remember how they contained The Blob?
>>
>>5035548
A magic-resistant slime, huh. Normally they fall over to elemental damage of any kind, but that explains why this one hasn't.

If we want to be direct we can bait it into revealing the core and than snipe the thing (much better with two people, winkwink Izumi).

Strong flamethrowers are on the table here.>>5035551's good too. OR we can just ask our nerds for ideas.

NO slashing weapons, slimes and oozes are known to split.
>>
>>5035548
> “Won’t hurt anything to try.” At least, you think.
> Other
>"Have you tried freezing it using non-magical means?"
>"The associate you mentioned, has he been made aware of the current situation, and how bad it might be to be the one responsible for it? Because if he had established a rapport with the creature, we might be able to use that to our advantage.
>"Would a sentient shadow with a goofy sense of humor permanently bound to a ring count as backup? Because I can get him to help out, especially if there's not much light in the basement."
>>
>>5035548
> “Won’t hurt anything to try.” At least, you think.
We did bring our bag of holding and Gartoum's ring with us, right?
>>
>>5035548
>>5035561
Eeeeh let's call the guy too, just to be safe.
>>5035564
We did, we need to store our treated things somewhere.
>>
Writing.
>>
>>5035548
>>5035551
>>5035561
>>5035567
>>5035564
“I think so,” you respond. “Won’t hurt anything to try, at least.” You can see her breath out in relief as she leans back. “Just to make sure, though- have ya tried freezing it with non-magical means? Liquid nitrogen or the sort?”

She blinks. “...non. We do not have such zings in ready supply. Do you?”

“...no,” you admit. You’re not entirely sure you could get it, either...well, actually, no, Owlia might have some, but you’re not even sure about that. Still, it’s an option, at least. “Either way, might be a good idea to bring the...owner in. Maybe we could use that to help me out.”

“...mmm. Perhaps…” she mulls for a moment. Thinking about it, she pulls out a crystal ball after a few moments. “Contact Edmund,” she rasps. The orb glows purple for a moment, before it lights up, and a scraggly, filthy looking redheaded boy in rags materializes. His eyes are bright green, and for a moment he’s glaring, but as soon as he realizes who’s on the other end, his expression shifts to something MUCH less antagonistic. “Edmund. Redemption calls.”

“...y-yes ma’am?” Huh. His squeaky voice is something awful reverent.

“You will ‘ave a chance to ‘elp clean up your mess. Report to ze site tout de suite.” Oh, yeah she’s mad.

The boy rapidly nods. “Y-yes ma’am. Does this mean-”

Now.” And without fanfare she closes the connection, before turning to you. “Will you go in now, or wait?”

> “Might as well get started, see what I can do on my own.”
> “Nah, I’ll wait for a moment.”
> “...why is that the second person so scared of you?”
> “...So, I came across some interesting information...regarding Outgoers.”
> Other
>>
>>5035591
>> “Might as well get started, see what I can do on my own.”

Is it a good time to try to magically freezing it? Even if not directly, the environment around it, so it loses heat and thus freeze naturally.
>>
>>5035591
> “...why is that the second person so scared of you?”
the conspiracy talks can wait until we're finished
>>
>>5035591
> “Nah, I’ll wait for a moment.”
> "Any chance you can tell me the layout of this floor? I've got a technique or two I can use to trap your problem, if Edmund can't convince them."
> “...why is that the second person so scared of you? Is it just you being their boss?”

Wait until after we catch the slime before we talk conspiracies.
>>
File: Freeze Blast Grenade.png (295 KB, 1024x576)
295 KB
295 KB PNG
>>5035591
> “Nah, I’ll wait for a moment.”
> “...why is that the second person so scared of you?”
Just wait a bit guys, if we go in right now we can only wail around and mostly improvise. And I HATE to have our gear dissolved and be humiliated in front of an ally.
Initially I thought >>5035595 was a decent call, but we don't have anything to protect us from the cold itself.

So my proposal is simple. Non-magical Freeze Grenades.
The concept isn't exactly novel, so there should be a vendor or two with those in stock plus we're early to boot. We force-feed it a pack or two and the problem might be solved if fortune smiles.
>>
>>5035591
So bets on Suzette being the Guild's Mistress herself?
>>
Writing. Likely will be a short run, there's a social thing I want to get to in a few hours.
>>
>>5035591
>>5035596
>>5035598
>>5035614
“Nah,” you decide. “I can wait for a moment. Besides, I kinda wanted to ask you a question.”

“And zat would be?” Susie asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Well..why is it that people seem to be kinda scared of you?” You hadn’t really seen much reason for that aside from her creep-factor, but that’s different than the clear intimidation you’d seen. “That was the second person who’d freaked out, and the first was just after hearing me namedrop you.”

“Ah.” The frown is unexpected, as she looks away. “Zis is a recent development. One I ‘ave taken advantage of, true, but...per’aps not one I would like long term.” Her expression flattens in annoyance. “Leadership iz overrated.”

...that causes you to pause for a moment as the implications set in. “...hold on now, are YOU a Division Leader?”

She blinks. “Oh. Non.” Oh. Well, then- “I am ze temporary Field Commander.”

Your jaw legit drops. You’re not sure how to react to that otherwise.

She sighs. “I know. Eet was a ‘orrible decision on zere part. I ‘ave no head for leadership,” she laments, “And it iz a position only for fools an’ ze ambitious. I am neizer. ‘Owever, of Ze Coven, I was ze highest ranked on either side who was willing to...play ball wit ze otherz, as you say.”

...ah. Wait. “Wait, how high ranked ARE you?”

“B,” she quips. “I ‘oped staying such would be low enough to prevent zis responsibility, and yet high enough to avoid busywork. Alas.” You can hear footsteps. “I must now deal with such terrors az zis.” She affects a half-glare at the boy running up to the both of you- Edmund. Indeed, he’s frazzled, and in what seems to be a cleaning jumpsuit, and you can smell bleach on him, which causes you a bit of revulsion on a deep level. There’s some bottles and whatnot attached to his waist as well, full of what you guess is disinfectant. “Yes ma’am sorry ma’am!” He [/i]bows[/i] quickly, (missing an eye roll from her) before looking between the two of you. “W-what do you need me for?”

Wordlessly, Suzie points to you. Right.

> Questions?
>>
>>5037217
>"How did you manage capture this slime in the first place? It has to have some weaknesses."
>"How did you 'mollify' it? Would you be able to do it again? Can you lure it?"
>"Is there a reason you chose this specific specimen? Is there something unique or extra special about it that hasn't been mentioned yet?"
>Pet our crystal bird to calm it down
>>
>>5037217
>”Miranda. Nice to meet you.”
>”So first thing, Suzette mentioned your friend is being fed by you, and mentioned that it calmed down when you told it to when it first arrived here and met your coworkers. I have to ask, does it show any form of sentience? Because if it is, you’ve got a major responsibility to inform them what’s happened to them and to help them find a new life here without them being Evicted. If it’s closer to animal level intellectually, you’ll need to look into basic slime pet maintenance. If it can talk and hold conversations, you’ve effectively either adopted a child, or kidnapped an adult, and will need to tell them how the Intersection works.”
God, I hope he’s now an adoptive slime-dad.
>>
>>5037217
>>5037242
>>5037245
+
Let's get on with it. Second one will need some adjustments though
>>
>>5037265
Supportin'
>>
Writing in a bit.
>>
>>5037217
>>5037242
>>5037245
>>5037265
>>5037446
You give Pecker a few pets as you can feel him move in agitation. Poor thing. Maybe not the best first place to take him after he got out of the hospital, but you’d rather him with you. “Alright. So, we’re cleaning up your mess. How did you manage to capture this slime in the first place? It has to have some weaknesses."

“Oh, w-well...that was a factor of the world we were in, y’see...I was able to contain it in a capturing device, and, well...kinda forgot to take it out.” He blushes. “It was awful hungry for a while there…”

Huh. Strange. “So then why is it suddenly loose? Can you lure it somewhere?"

“I-Iunno? Maybe? It’s not s’pose to be here in the first place! I dunno what this place might’ve done to it!” he complains. “All I did was feed it some leftover meat! It loved eating, so...I figured I’d distract it.”

There’s gurgling and growling suddenly from the room next to you. “Aaaand that might be running out soon,” he says worriedly. “I dunno what else we have!”

“Not much,” Suzie says morosely.

“Would it listen to you at all if it were still hungry?” you ask. “Because you know depending on how smart it is, you’ve effectively either adopted a child, or kidnapped an adult, and will need to tell them how the Intersection works.”

“I know!” He yells. “I didn’t- it wasn’t on purpose! I was just usin’ him to help me play pranks while we were there!” Geez, he seems plenty uncomfortable. “Can ya give me the third-degree later, when he’s not gonna start wailing in a minute?!” Well, he’s got a point there...

The warbling that erupts reminds you of the limited time you have, especially now that its food seems to be running out.

"Okay, really quick, do you have any idea about maybe freezing it?"

"...I don't THINK so. Francisca's chilly if someone passes through her, but she can't freeze anything." Damn. "I kinda thought I'd have to try and trap it again." He holds up a small, handled disk- presumably how he got it in the first place. "Even bought the capture disk with me, not that I think it'll work...

Worth a shot, at least.

>You'll keep it distracted, Edmund will try to at least corral the thing. It'll be messy, but it's what you can think of right now.
>Edmund distracts it, and you'll handle the subduing; hopefully it won't be cognizant enough to break out of anything.
>Other
>>
>>5038333
>Other
>"I'm going out to purchase a more permanent solution if that disk doesn't work. Do anything to buy more time."
I'm going with >>5035614's idea. If anyone has any better ideas I'm all ears, because I'm not liking that we're betting on uncertainties.
>"I hope you don't mind the fee coming out of your pockets Mr. Edmund. It's only appropriate."
Because some anons (like me) do not want to waste motes for this.
>>
>>5038333
>>Edmund distracts it, and you'll handle the subduing; hopefully it won't be cognizant enough to break out of anything.
If we still have pieces of the giant octopus we killed in the last mission with us those could be used to lure it. Or buy more time for other anon's option, although I don't think even that would be enough.
>“Aaaand that might be running out soon,”
>“Can ya give me the third-degree later, when he’s not gonna start wailing in a minute?!”
>>
>>5038333
From their phrasings the Guild's supply of meat is being drained, but it's not near empty. They can afford to spare more.
Supporting >>5038340>>5038346
Give them the squid bag and maybe something else to hold the line. Not sure WHAT since they're all STR-dumping nerds.
>>
Writing shortly.
>>
>>5038333
>>5038340
>>5038346
>>5038404
“Fine. If there’s no way to freeze it…” you think for a moment. “I’d like to just go and buy some sort of frost grenades, but since you don’t have those…”

“Are you positive eet would work?” Suzie asks. You nod. You’re not ACTUALLY entirely positive it’d work, but you’re fairly much so, at the least. Then if zey were express ordered, you could utilize zem?”

“Probably, but-” another roar. Great… “I don’t think we’ve got that kind of time.”

Suzie sighs. “Zen if you can detain it, I will place an order. Zat would still be within our capabilities.” She squints at Edmund. “Whezer or not they succeed, it will be coming out of YOUR paycheck.”

“Yes ma’am,” he squeaks.

“...right, then. No more waiting around,” you decide, and you take a deep breath, before throwing open the door and dragging him by the hand as you both leap in.

The door quickly shuts behind you, and what you’re left in is what appears to be some sort of stone storage room- largely empty at the moment save for some boxes, the overbearing smell of meat, and...what looks like a massive, MASSIVE, translucent jelly slime cow thing. Or maybe it’s a bear. You’re not sure, but it’s quadrupedal, with a massive, bulbous mouth, a complete lack of eyes, and a small, glowing core in the center. There’s bones and various juices off to one side, and the thing shlorping around is quick to turn to you.

And that’s when it charges.

“H-hey! Wait, Goopy, it’s me!” Edmund yells as you just dive for space.

>Roll 2d20+5 due to squid meat, best of three.
>>
Rolled 8, 14 + 5 = 27 (2d20 + 5)

>>5039206
>>
Rolled 10, 5 + 5 = 20 (2d20 + 5)

>>5039206
Welp.
>>
Rolled 6, 20 + 5 = 31 (2d20 + 5)

>>5039206
Gimme a 20
>>
>>5039213
Damn is that 20 ours or eddy?>>5039206
>>
>>5039214
That be for Edmund. Neat.
>>
>>5039220
That's a supercrit if I ever saw one. Looks like he's becoming a slime dad after all.
>>
>>5039222
>"Hey Ed... I got some news for you. I just checked Goopy with my FutureSight, and I found out he's a she, she's sentient, and also she's pregnant."
>"And that you're the father, somehow."
>>
Writing in about a half hour. We shall see what comes of this for poor Edmund.
>>
>>5039206
>>5039209
>>5039211
>>5039213
You manage to clear the thing- if barely, leading to its slimy detritus coating your legs. It’s a massive creature, and you fall into a roll, turning quickly to assess the threat before it can do much more than that- you recall you have some squid meat that should help it calm down...whatever kraken meat is called, at least.

...only to see it practically stop right before Edmund, and give what you can only presume is a long slurp; absolutely drenching the poor boy in green goop. But to your surprise, he doesn’t seem like he’s being attacked. Instead, he more seems like a pet owner getting an all-too-enthusiastic greeting. Which, frankly, is better than the alternative.

“Heeey...heeey- w-wait no don’t!” ...But as the thing pounces on him (carefully, you think), you feel like maybe you should at least try to extricate him from the colossal pounds of goop, at least. Boy might smother underneath there and then he’d be useless. You can see him flailing, and the beast doesn’t seem to so much as notice, the way it’s nudging and licking at him.

Hmph. Well, maybe you can get it off him... "Oy!" You give a whistle as you pull out a few cuts of the squid meat. The beast turns its head, and you're quick to toss a few massive disk chunks at it. It snaps them up- but you're quick to notice that it's in a sitting position now, and Edmund seems to practically be trapped, instead of the meat convincing it to move off. If only he could move to activate the device on him...but his arms are as pinned as the rest of him.

>Alright, better this than otherwise, but time to get him out of there.
>...he can endure it for a little longer while you try to get to the core of this thing to finish it off.
>...maybe the FutureSight can provide some extra information about this thing. He should live, right?
>Other
>>
>>5040771
>...maybe the FutureSight can provide some extra information about this thing. He should live, right?
Something tells me interrupting this reunion will backfire.
This makes me remember that the FutureSight is not that common.
>>
>>5040771
>...maybe the FutureSight can provide some extra information about this thing. He should live, right?
Right I guess they don't have one, if they had the futuresight they wouldn't have a problem dealing with this slime on their own.
>>
>>5040771
>...maybe the FutureSight can provide some extra information about this thing. He should live, right?
Gartoum can shadow-port Ed from underneath it and maybe Pecker could pester it as well to get it off the kid. But I'm not sure if it's sitting on top of the Edmund to protect him or not.
>>
>>5040780
It's essentially in his lap. And by 'in his lap' I mean mostly sitting on him and kinda just drooling slime all over him.
>>
>>5040771
>...maybe the FutureSight can provide some extra information about this thing. He should live, right?
>>
>>5040771
>...maybe the FutureSight can provide some extra information about this thing. He should live, right?
>Also, take a picture to send to Edmund and Suzette later. Maybe seeing him suffer might get Suzette to go easier on him, or at least amuse her. NO FLASH. I don't want to find out if it'll react like Flubber. JESUS CHRIST WHY DO I REMEMBER FUCKING FLUBBER OF ALL THINGS?
>>
Full run tomorrow. Friends roped me into Mario Party marathon.
>>
Run begins in approx. 1 hour!
>>
>>5040771
>>5040773
>>5040778
>>5040780
>>5040786
>>5040787

While your first instinct is to get it off of him, you realize this might be a good opportunity. Maybe the FutureSight can provide some extra information about this thing. He should live, right? At the very least he’s sputtering and flailing, and doesn’t seem to be losing strength, so that’s a good sign. So yeah. “Hold him right there for a minute!” you say as you pull it out.

“IT’S holding ME!” he shouts, annoyed. Technicalities. Still, hopefully this won’t take too long…

Fortunately, it doesn’t. And according to your scans…

It’s a slime beast, obviously, specie designation- Goomoo. Cute. Supposedly friendly unless its young are threatened, but can be roused to anger if provoked.

It’s omnivorous, with a strong leaning towards meat. It can engulf people and other beasts in its slime like most slimes, but it also seems to lack the ability to split and divide like most. It also seems to have growth capabilities that can lead to...well, it’s not good if it keeps growing. No physical weaknesses, no elemental weaknesses, save frost/cold, either, due to its biological processes. Seems like you’re on the right path. You do notice that it also registers that may have a sensitivity to sound, however- high pitched enough may shatter this thing- or melt it or something.

Hm. So it can be sung to death or maybe yelled to death?

>Well, maybe give it a shot? You CAN yell pretty loud...
>Best to not risk freaking everyone out- just start pulling Edmund out from under it.
>Other
>>
>>5042363
>>Best to not risk freaking everyone out- just start pulling Edmund out from under it.

If anyone feels like using sonic then they'd better add some magic to boost the volume or more likely pitch to get effective damage.
>>
>>5042363
>Best to not risk freaking everyone out- just start pulling Edmund out from under it.
>The Moo part of it’s name implies cow-like qualities… can this thing be milked, and if so, what can it do and how much could a bucket be sold for?
>>
>>5042363
>Best to not risk freaking everyone out- just start pulling Edmund out from under it.
>>
>>5042363
>Best to not risk freaking everyone out- just start pulling Edmund out from under it.
Wow, they got threatened by a docile slime cow. At least it's not sapient.
>>
Writing.

>>5042427
'Supposedly'.
>>
>>5042363
>>5042392
>>5042399
>>5042404
>>5042427

Well, that, plus how it’s supposed to be docile...you suppose you might as well just focus on getting this thing out. Although how they got threatened by this thing when it seems perfectly fine, if a bit overeager, makes you wonder just what caused them all to be so timid, barring its resistances.

That answer, you quickly find out, is that it’s not THAT docile. As you reach for the boy, intending to grab a flailing arm and yank him out, you find yourself having to jump back a bit as the creature swings its bovine-ish head- horns included- towards you. You’re not sure how sharp those things actually ARE, but you’d rather not find out as it gives off a snort that you figure is really more bull than cow.

“H-hey!” Edmund sputters out- before he’s licked and drenched in slime yet again. You’re starting to see why this is an issue. Maybe…

You still have a bit more squid. You toss it to the side, hoping that it’ll ignore Edmund to sate itself...and you can only frown as you see it notice the meat...and simply carts Edmund along with it the few steps it takes to reach the meat, eating while still having Edmund entrapped. Peachy. It’s not that stupid.

But then it shifts its weight- and that's when you realize that its lax behavior while feeding might just cause it to engulf Edmund entirely if you don't do something! And you really WERE hoping this'd be simple...

>Time to make a dash for it- you can't just let it boss you around.
>Would it be immune to it? You're not sure, but it's worth a shot.
>Can you use that anger? ...if it can't deform that much, you can play bullfighter, maybe.
>Other
>>
>>5042472
>Can you use that anger? ...if it can't deform that much, you can play bullfighter, maybe.
It can't split, and managing a bull running in a straight line seems way easier to me.
Don't think sonic yells are the way here, Suzette did say we should keep it quiet.
>>
>>5042472
>Can you use that anger? ...if it can't deform that much, you can play bullfighter, maybe.
Man, I wish we figured out if Gartoum was allowed. He could slap this goomoo's ass while holding onto Ed and have it charge us into a Great Barrier.
>>
>>5042472
>>Can you use that anger? ...if it can't deform that much, you can play bullfighter, maybe.
Ole!
>>
>>5042472
>Can you use that anger? ...if it can't deform that much, you can play bullfighter, maybe.
>>
>>5042472
>>Can you use that anger? ...if it can't deform that much, you can play bullfighter, maybe.
>Summon Gartoum
>>
>>5042472
>>5042496
>>5042516
Yeah just let him out. Plenty of shadows.
>>
>>5042472
>Play bullfighter with it
>Get Gartoum out to get Edmund
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5042472
>>5042483
>>5042496
>>5042501
>>5042503
>>5042516
>>5042517
>>5042583
Although maybe, in a way, it still CAN be. But you’re going to need some help. “Gartoum!”

“Mmmmmyes? You’ve been quiet for a bit, and I have to say, I was somewhat enjoying the quiet after all the recent action.” He practically yawns as he slorps out of the ring, to Pecker’s chirping surprise. He takes a moment to get his bearings- there’s not much of him right now, just in a thin, shadowy form with hands, but that’s enough for you. “Although...is that changing right now?”

“A bit,” you say. “Helping with some animal control at home. See that thing?” You point at the giant gelatinous bull. “It needs to get OFF that kid!”

“Aha…that’s rather the sticky situation-” he starts, but you’re already in motion.

“Just get it to charge me, go get the kid, and I’ll handle the rest!” you say as you get into position...hopefully he won’t-

“HIYAH!” the cry suddenly comes out as a shadowy whip suddenly smacks the thing on the flank- immediately causing it to rear up and bellow, looking around wildly; it’s quick to see the black morass slithering away and…

...slipping behind you before slipping into your shadow. Well, you did ask- and you have little more time to think as a pissed off oversized goo bull charges you down.

>Current Mana: 10,000/10,000

>Great Barrier! You just wish you had a brace, because this might get...dizzy.
>Can you stop this thing with your bare hands? Well, you’re about to find out, you guess…
>Light Barrier, that should hold plenty well, right? This thing can’t be THAT strong, all things considered…
>Other
>>
>>5042631
>Great Barrier! You just wish you had a brace, because this might get...dizzy
Might as well go all in, no reason to save up mana
>>
>>5042631
>Great Barrier! You just wish you had a brace, because this might get...dizzy.
Just box it in.
No touchy! Slimes are gross and we don't do clothes shopping that often.
>>
>>5042631
>Great Barrier! You just wish you had a brace, because this might get...dizzy.
>>
>>5042631
>Great Barrier! You just wish you had a brace, because this might get...dizzy.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5042631
>>5042637
>>5042637
>>5042641
>>5042653
>>5042706

Considering the speed at which it’s going, a Great Barrier isn’t gonna do much about that. But you at least want to keep yourself protected, which means- well, this won’t HURT, perse, but…

You really wish you had an anchor aside from your own two feet. Normally, you don’t have to worry about this- repelling something coming down on you, the most common issue, isn’t a problem, but when it’s coming directly at you and PARTICULARLY strong…

Well, as you go tumbling in your protective sphere, you really wish that you could anchor yourself better. On the plus side, you're pretty confident that Gartoum's got an opening to grab the kid and let him catch his breath while this thing plays pinball with you. You just need to withstand it for a bit...

For a moment you tumble ass-over teakettle, though it’s a feeling you’re sadly somewhat used to in these situations. How any damage taken never managed to actually transfer to you you’re not sure, but you’re not questioning it- though you do feel the motion of hitting something and ricocheting off of it briefly as your vision spins…

>Roll 1d20, you need to get refocused!
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5042740
Weeeee!
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5042740
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5042740
>>
>12
Not too bad but boy is miranda gonna see double
>>
>>5043432
>>5042740
It's supposed to be 11,000. 'Divine Shoes' item increases the cap by 1,500 but normally we're not wearing them inside the Intersection.
>>
>>5042631
>>Current Mana: 10,000/10,000
Isn't that suppose to be 11,000?

Sorry if I'm missing something, first time in here. I just got out of the archives.
>>
>>5043449
Thanks.

Also, these captchas are a huge pain.
>>
...Ah. Well, good to know.

Posting in about 15 minutes. Halloween get together I'm going to, but want to get a couple things out today.
>>
>>5043527
Enjoy the party. Going in costume?
>>
>>5042740
>>5042747
>>5042749
>>5042750
You slam off a number of other floors as the big beastie bats you around, and you can’t help but yelp a bit every time, in annoyance if not in pain. Spiraling through the air is never comfortable if it’s not under your own power, and THIS for sure ISN’T. Up is down, down is up, left is a circle, fuck this is confusing!

You don’t have much time to reorient yourself- you’re still dizzy, but it’s far from the first time you’ve operated in a state. Still sucks, though, and you’re not positive of your positioning or your coordination for a second as your impromptu impression of a ping pong ball finally comes to an end. A distant part of you hopes that maybe the kid managed to get his own mind in order and actually bothered to capture the dang thing. But hearing the snorts makes you realize that it’s still around. Although your eyes are still trying to stop seeing multiples, you know that’s bad enough.

“Uggghh…” you can hear him moaning and groaning, too. Fantastic. You can make out his shaky image; almost ignoring you now that you’re well and away from it, and marching back over to Edmund…

>Try to help him snap out of it! He needs to use the damn capture disk, and NOW!
>You just need to hold out until the stupid frost grenades get here so you can shatter this thing. Tell him to run and don’t stop!
>Damnit...he won’t be able to recover in time. You need to get its attention again! You might not do anything, but it’ll NOTICE you blasting at it, right?
>Other
>>
>>5043565
>You just need to hold out until the stupid frost grenades get here so you can shatter this thing. Tell him to run and don’t stop!

I don't see blasts working too well in this case, and I don't trust the capture disk to work after the slime has been feeding.
>>
>>5043565
>>Try to help him snap out of it! He needs to use the damn capture disk, and NOW!
>>
>>5043565
>Try to help him snap out of it! He needs to use the damn capture disk, and NOW!
No hurt in trying. The grenades will arive in time no matter what we do, so let's try to use the disk first.
>>
>>5043565
>>Try to help him snap out of it! He needs to use the damn capture disk, and NOW!
>>
Aaand back!

>>5043580
>>5043584
>>5043611

Well, shit. You need to snap him out of it, and fast. But all things considered, there’s only really one thing with any chance of success. Your big mouth. “EDMUND!” you yell, putting your all into it and letting the attempt help clear your own head. “WAKE UP BEFORE THIS THING DROWNS US BOTH! YOU NEED TO USE THE DISK! NOW!”

“Ughh...disk, disk…” you can barely hear him mumble. “R-Right!” You really hope he's gotten it together enough to actually try the thing. You can hear a sudden beeping, and you turn to see him hurl the thing, caked with slime, towards the big beast, who barely seems to acknowledge it...

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5043842
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5043842
Woo!
>>
I think this is one of the smallest posts I've ever made. Need to remember I don't have to hit the character limit on every single one.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5043842
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5043842
>>5043843
>>5043844
>>5043854
You can hear the ‘click’ of the device activating, and you can hear a grunt of effort as he throws it as your vision clears. The thing seems to impact, and there’s a flash of light before it seems to engulf the entirety of the creature. Then, it seems to dissipate into small beads of light, which are all sucked into the disk like a tornado. The ring of lights on the thing, all red at the moment, start beeping, one by one turning green. There’s a dozen of them, and little by little, half of them fill...seven, eight, nine…!

But then the thing shudders, and there’s ANOTHER flash of light as the beast erupts from it, first in those dots of light, then as it reforms. “Damnit! Almost!” Great, then what- “We need to weaken it somehow, but without that cold stuff…”

Right, then. Delaying actions...you’ve got an idea of how things work, now, so it SHOULD just be a matter of executing.

You leap into action again, and you can see the big beast snort again as it turns towards you. Alright, then...time to see how good you are at bullfighting. Sorta.

>Roll 2d20+3, best of three.
>>
Rolled 16, 16 + 3 = 35 (2d20 + 3)

>>5044707
>>
Rolled 12, 9 + 3 = 24 (2d20 + 3)

>>5044707
>>
Rolled 7, 12 + 3 = 22 (2d20 + 3)

>>5044707
She needs to suplex the thing.
Yes, suplexing a slime cow. It will get our clothes dirty but cmon', the opportunity doesn't present itself often.
>>
>>5044707
>>5044710
>>5044711
>5044711
>>5044716
The next fifteen minutes are hectic, a constant dodging and provoking effort as you try to whittle down the massive creature while preventing it from getting any bigger. The kraken meat isn’t much effective for a lot longer as it realizes that the meat is just bait. Even Edmund starts to gain the thing’s annoyance, though it never seems to outright charge him as it does you. Just as well; his disk needs time to recharge.

At the moment, you’re staring the thing down; it seems to be near exhausted as well, you believe, in trying to run you over. You’re REALLY not fond of the idea, naturally.

The beast charges once more, earning a yelp from Edmund, and as like before, you make to dodge its charge- only for it to shift its position just a bit- enough to change the trajectory and realize that you won’t get out of the way entirely quite in time.

It’s honestly instinct from there on. You manage to shift a BIT, at least, so that you’re not getting gored on the thing, and you can get a grip on one of its horns. It’s more solid than you expected, but you suppose that makes sense.

Honestly, part of you is insane, part of you is desperate to not be smelling ENTIRELY like goo bull for several days, not that that dream’s dying moment to moment as your strength and weigh shift. You don’t know if you can get the thing over your head…

...but you can certainly swing it off the ground using its own momentum, twisting its ‘neck’ a full 90 degrees and making its body follow suit, forcing it through the air in something of an improvised judo throw as you fall backwards, allowing the right side of its body to pass over you...aaaaaand practically showering you in goop as it crashes into the wall.

“Whoa!” Edmund voices his thoughts quick succinctly. “Did you jus- how?”

(cont.)
>>
>>5044804
Before you can say anything else, though, the door, unexpectedly, opens, and in walks Susie, in her hand being a...basket? “Ah, still alive. Bien. I ‘ave ze grenades, zo if you would-” Already on it, and she doesn’t even get out the last bit before you rip the covering off, quickly prime one, and hurl it into the dazed creature.

It gets off a confused bleat before the grenade erupts- and it instantly shows an effect, the freezing not just happening in one point of it, but seeming to spread along the whole thing...in a matter of seconds, the stupid thing is completely immobilized.

You open your mouth slightly to let out a sigh- and then immediately regret that as globs of goop end up in your mouth, causing a rather...well, you’re sure some of your intimidation factor is dead now.

The disk cleanly captures the beast with no problems now that it's frozen. As for you, as you try and grimly wipe off at least SOME of the goop (and you largely fail), you notice Susie standing there, looking at you impassively. Even Pecker, who largely just flew around avoiding the creature, seems reluctant to land on your head right now.

"You 'ave my thanks. Zat was quite annoying. With zis, we are squared away." Lovely. "...we 'ave a shower you can avail yourzelf of."

Well, there was that. "...thanks, because I needed to warn you of something afterwards."

She raises an eyebrow. "Oh? An' zat would be?"

"I'll tell you after I get out of said shower." Largely because you still need to consider HOW to break it to her.

>Tell her everything- there's a quiet conspiracy, something's going on, might involve the A+ rankers, all of it.
>Imply that there's something untowards going on, but you're not entirely certain what. Just that you know there's a reason for all the weird job displacement.
>Just a general warning to watch herself out there because someone's got their eyes on you all for whatever reason
>Other, a unique mashup of details.
>>
>>5044808
>>Imply that there's something untowards going on, but you're not entirely certain what. Just that you know there's a reason for all the weird job displacement.
>>
>>5044808
>Other
Probe her first. See if she knows something out of line about all of this.

The Knights were small names despite being on the list and is lead by an A rank, but the Guild has recently been a part of a merger (a working of this conspiracy?) and made waves because of that, and who we're talking to has a direct line to an overseer -who is no doubt watchful.
Might be my paranoia tingling up for no reason but I think we have reasons to tread lightly around this, even thought she has been helpful.
>>
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>>5044808
Luna told us to keep her involvement to ourselves, so no mention of her or the blue coin she gave us. But everything else should be safe:
>Other, a unique mashup of details.
>Something's going on in one of the libraries - someone there is keeping tabs on Outgoer companies, show her the list that we've found there
>Ask if she knows anything about 'Progenitors'
>>5044818
Guild got marked only after the merger and Knights seemed more important on the list that we've found
>>
>>5044808
>>5044828
Right on the money, I forgot that there are threat assessments on that paper. Let's go with this.

Truth be told, both of the crumbs we got came from that specific library. That library was also started by an A+. We should hammer that info down.
>>
>>5044818
>Might be my paranoia tingling up for no reason but I think we have reasons to tread lightly around this
We just need to avoid mentioning that we've warned the Knights and Lunaluna. We didn't really find much so we're basically telling the same stuff we told Experyia.
>>
>>5044808
These>>5044828>>5044830>>5044838
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5044808
>>5044818
>>5044828
>>5044830
>>5045029
You allow yourself a decent amount of time to wash off, letting the explanation swim through your head as you consider what you do and DON’T want to say. After all, there’s certain aspects you recall really shouldn’t be shared- if only because others asked you to not. By the time you’re dried and out, you feel much more confident.

You see Susie across the hall, waiting placidly. “Very well. Follow moi. Ze walls have ears, an’ zey are small, moving, and annoying. My ‘office’ (you can hear the air quotes) iz impregnable by zem.” Well, that’s good. Although the realization she was being literal is a bit...eerie.

Said office seems...not all that different from anything else, honestly. Cauldron in the right corner, a pair of old storage chests, and a desk and two chairs- but what REALLY catches your attention is what’s on the desk. An old fashioned typewriter. And… “Is that paper?” you ask in surprise. You didn’t think she would…

“Eh?” She then notices said typewriter and frowns, like she’s annoyed you saw that. “...Oui. It iz most rare indeed. Az I said, myself an’ technology are no friends. ‘Owever, before you ask, it iz supplied at great cost to myself. I have per’aps ten or so sheets.” Wow. That’s not much. “And non, I will not tell you ze supplier’s name. Zey do not have it all ze time, and it iz difficult for zem to acquire even for zem.” Well...shit.

“Alright,” you decide, keeping it in the back of your head for now as you both take a seat. “Might as well start. So, this all started at the library…” You give a quick overview of things, and hand over the sheet of paper. “Check this out. It’s got your group name on it.”

She frowns deeply as she takes it, looking it over. “...zo it does. Zis was recent, az well.” She blinks once, slow and thoughtful. “Unnerving.”

“You said it. Anything about the ‘Progenitors’ leap out at you?” you ask. “Even ever heard of them? I haven’t.”

She pauses, thinking, and muttering to herself in French as she taps a long, spindly finger. Oddly enough, for her morose attitude when you first met her, you’re starting to buy her as a leader. Eventually, she lightly sighs, and returns her focus to you. “I do not. ‘Owever, zere may be someone I know ‘oo does.”

“And who’s that?” You ask.

She sighs. “Audrey. Unfortunately. An’ she iz asleep.”

Oh yeah, you’d heard of her. She’d given Taminy her gnat powers, or something like that? She’d sounded a bit...more off than usual, to you, but it seems like Susie’s not exactly keen on meeting her. “So, when does she wake up?”

“When she pleases,” Susie mutters. “And even I do not dare to wake ‘er lightly.”

> “...is she that unstable?” You should probably figure out more about her...
> “Then, maybe we can change topics.” Like trying to ferret out where she got that paper from…
> “Then could you bring it up later, or maybe help with some research yourself?”
> Other
>>
>>5045768
>> “Then, maybe we can change topics.” Like trying to ferret out where she got that paper from…
>>
>>5045768
> “Then could you bring it up later, or maybe help with some research yourself?”
>"... how do you know that this Audrey knows about these Progenitors?"
>"What rank is she? I know you're the highest at B."
That's a slip girl.
>>
>>5045768
>>5045777
Supporting.
>>
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I hope we're not leaving the Guild right after this - if we can't talk about neither the slime nor the investigation then we might need an alibi for our visit. We came early, so there's plenty of free time until the training day. Might as well say hello to Taminy and Kira - the latter told us that she could help with magic training for Jago and Prima. And maybe we can meet more goth chicks and monster-girls.
>>
Writing shortly. A bit late tonight.
>>
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>>5046712
I'm not objecting to that, if things go well they can become one of our strongest allies.

There are still a bit after this.

- The group training.
- Improving Gartoum.
- Meeting with Lunaluna.
- Cashing in the investigators' favor.
- Helping Izumi's friend Ai with her dilemma.
- Dealing with murder mystery's ongoing aftermath.

Should be all, but I dunno if something's missing or not.
>>
>>5045768
>>5045777
>>5045888
You sigh. It sounds like she’s not someone to be trifled with at all, no. “Then could you bring it up later, or maybe help with some research yourself?”

She makes a face as though you just asked her to bite into a massive lemon. “If I remember, oui. But she sleeps for days at a time. I am not zo interested in research...but per’aps I can delegate ze request. If Audrey does not wake up in a reasonable time to ask, it may be prudent to do zo.”

And something about that twigs at you. "Actually, on that front,”... how do you know that this Audrey knows about these Progenitors?"

She shrugs. “Audrey knows much that we are surprised she does. ‘Ze Queen haz ‘er informants’, az she would say.” She sighs again. “I am personally baffled by ‘ow she divines ‘er intelligence. For all my power, I am clueless az to ze matter. ‘Er and her alone knows.” That...sounds impressive for a non-Deal Maker.

Impressive, and perhaps a bit suspicious. "What rank is she? I know you're the highest at B." If you’re recalling right. And that would mean-

“Non,” she interrupts your train of thought. “I said I was ze highest ranking zat would cooperate with ze logistics of ze merger. ‘Audrey iz…” she trails off, trying to recall something as her expression becomes contemplative, but then she shakes it, clearing her head of it. “...it iz irrelevant. Ze point is she is mozt stubborn about all zis. For all her power, she az been mewing like a kitten upon ze merger’s decision. She ‘az told us to ‘figure it out ourselves’, and merely alternates between ze bedroom and ze Room of Doors now.” You blink. “Ah, ze deployment area,” she explains. Ah. Although, that’s strange…

> “...I’d have imagined that someone with that kind of power and influence would be able to put a halt to proceedings, right? Or at least gum up the works?”
> “Well, is there anyone else we might be able to talk to in here that miiiight know something? Even remotely?”
> “...Why are you hiding her rank? You’re not trying to hide anything important, are you?”
> Other
>>
As a reminder, barring certain obvious things (like training, and the film shoot in a way), not every issue in the Intersection that's been brought up is intended to be resolved in a single arc/effort. Don't feel pressured to check off everything on >>5046764's list (indeed, if you abide by it at all) if you want to do a job before/afterwards. Just saying to alleviate any pressure early.
>>
>>5046825
> Other
>> “Then, maybe we can change topics.” Like trying to ferret out where she got that paper from…
She agreed to help, I see no reason to press that issue.
>>5046764
>Should be all, but I dunno if something's missing or not.
Part of the movie deal was actor training. We could ask someone in the Guild about Gartoum and we can visit Ai after the training session (Cylica owes everyone lunch)>>5029050, but either way that's a rather long list of stuff to do. I'd like to go on a mission before the end of this year, so maybe we could time-skip some events (like filming, actor training and waiting for Luna) or switch to another character and go on their mission instead (which could also count as a time-skip).
>>
>>5046825
>>5046844
Supporting and
>"Suzette, for the good of us all if you can get anyone in the know to cooperate do so. No one likes conspiracies when they're happening right under the Intersection, especially when they also involve our own groups without our knowing. I bet some of the highest ranks are close to clueless about this."
This will push her further without revealing our hands too much.
>>
>>5046825
These >>5046844 >>5046875 but with
> “Well, is there anyone else we might be able to talk to in here that miiiight know something? Even remotely?”
as well
>>
>>5046764
>>5046844
>>Should be all, but I dunno if something's missing or not.
Also there's a Roller Derby match. One of the X-twins would be visiting the event - it came up during the investigation in the movie studio.
>>
Run will happen in about 5 hours. Just a note since I didn't post yesterday.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5046825
>>5046844
>>5046875
>>5046936
“Alright, then, maybe we can change topics,” you relent. But before she can get much of an expression of relief, you continue. "But Suzette, for the good of us all, if you can get anyone in the know to cooperate, do so. No one likes conspiracies when they're happening right under the Intersection, especially when they also involve our own groups without our knowing. I bet some of the highest ranks are close to clueless about this." It’s a concern no matter who you are, and while you’re not sure if you want to be THE ONE to find this out, you’re still concerned.

“Mmmm…” she seems reluctant to say much else, but you can tell she’s already tired as she begins to type out something to herself. “I enjoy ze discussion of conspiracies, but not zo much ze solving of zem as I said.” She rips the paper off the top, placing it down on her desk. A list of notes to herself, you can see, filling the page, and at the bottom, a line reminding her to ‘look at corruptive conspiracy in city. Ask the usuals.’ once the paper is taken from the device. Still...ze will cause us much calamity if it iz left to fester, I am sure.” Well, you don’t know, but you’d also rather NOT be in a position to have to find out.

“That’s all I’m saying. Thank you.” You’re not going to press that topic anymore, at least. But you very much ARE interested in where she got that paper of hers. “So, anywho, moving on. How IS your team doing, on the whole? Making good motes?”

“Eh,” she shrugs, and even that is more...dare you say, animated, than before. Getting off the topic does seem to have improved her mood. “Recently zere was a rather complicated task of retaining ze livelihood of a wicked citadel against hunters of ze creatures of ze night. Eet was entertaining. I ‘aden’t used a plague spell in quite some time zat was anything beyond irritable bowels.” Ew. “I was inspired, zo I brought ze good cauldron. Juno was...less so enthused, but Francisca enjoyed it. Zen again, specter. Iz what she does.” She shrugs. “It paid quite well, zo the facilities were...substandard.” Her face goes flat at that, but she doesn't elaborate.

Neat. Now, how to get her to talk about that paper... ?

> "Good cauldron? There's different varieties?" Maybe if you can get her to talk about at least one supply source, you can backtrace a bit...
> "Is Juno feeling okay about it now? You all are pretty close, right?" Maybe you can approach this from another angle- her allies.
> "Anything you plan on doing with that kinda pay?" Maybe she'll let something slip.
> Other
>>
>>5048515
> "Anything you plan on doing with that kinda pay?" Maybe she'll let something slip.
> "Maybe you should look into getting at least one FutureSight for better coverage. You do know where to get one right?"
>>
>>5048515
> "Good cauldron? There's different varieties?"
>Might as well also ask her about what other materials she uses. If she mentions anything about using crystals (ball shaped or otherwise), we might have a way to get her more interested in helping us figure this out. Just have to remember compensating the tech team afterwards.
>>
>>5048515
>> "Good cauldron? There's different varieties?" Maybe if you can get her to talk about at least one supply source, you can backtrace a bit...
>Might as well also ask her about what other materials she uses. If she mentions anything about using crystals (ball shaped or otherwise), we might have a way to get her more interested in helping us figure this out. Just have to remember compensating the tech team afterwards.
FutureSights are given as a reward by Deal Makers, so I assume they can't be bought. Also she's a technophobe.
>>
>>5048515
>>5048533
>>5048536
+ no complains here from me, let's go for jolly cooperation. She doesn't have to use the FutureSight herself, and damn thing's way too useful.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5048533
>>5048543
We might as well ask if she knows of anything that would work similarly to a FutureSight, but through magic instead of tech.
>>
>>5048543
Well, I assume they're not THAT hard to get since our small outfit managed to have three. An up and rising group like the Guild should have no trouble procuring one if that's true.
>>
>>5048515
>>5048533
>>5048536
>>5048543
"Good cauldron? There's different varieties?" Maybe you can get her talking about her supplier in a roundabout way…

“Quite,” she says, with yet more glimmer in her eyes. “Ze common conception is zat a cast iron cauldron is all you need, ‘owever zat is a misconception. Like zo much else, et iz a simplification of what goes into a witch’s materials. Cast iron ez common, oui, ‘owever zere are spells and creations et iz far less amenable to making. Anyzing zat involves fae material iz NOT somezing you want to make in a cast iron cauldron, for example. Ze iron depletes ze magical affinity. You would do better with an oaken cauldron for zat, or perhaps simple stainless steel.” Huh. “Zere are many such factors zat go into brewing, or anyzing else to be done with a cauldron, really.”

“Where do you get specialist stuff like that? There a big market for it?” you ask.

“Non, sadly,” she admits. “While zere are iron cauldrons in abundance, few areas are zo specialised as to make zem out of alternate materials. Zey must be crafted personally or specially ordered.” Didn’t know that. “It can be...pricey.”

“Oh? Is it the same for other components?” You hazard.

She shrugs. “Some. Ozzers not so much. I tend to prefer normal steel, bone, an’ organic material.”

>Do you think Tami might need such components?
>Well, where would you even find those rare things?
>Does anyone else need these kinda supplies around here, or is it just you?
>Other
>>
>>5048598
>Do you think Tami might need such components?
>Well, where would you even find those rare things?
>"If you need anything crystal or gem related, I've got a couple of coworkers who might be able to help with something custom."
>>
>>5048598
>>5048603
This one plus
>"Said coworkers can use more niche materials themselves. I'm sure cauldrons or other magical implements aren't out of their league."
Setting up the carrot.
>>
>>5048598
>>5048603
>>5048608
This.
Tbh cast aluminum cauldrons are just as common nowadays as cast iron or steel. Basically any metal or alloy could work.
>>
>>5048598
>>5048603
>>5048608
Well we did gave them a hella lot of extra wiggle room (plus an incoming bot?). Surely they won't mind.
>>
>>5048603
Oh, yeah, almost forgot:
>Ask if she knows about mushrooms and their care and maintenance. She might have a book we could scan or borrow.
>>
Writing, then!
>>
>>5048598
>>5048603
>>5048608
>>5048612
>>5048614
“Do you think Tami might need such components?” It’s an easy in to what you really want.

“Once she improves, I may’aps even recommend trying such. Catgut string might be quite useful for ‘er, but az she iz now, she wouldn’t be able to utilize such a tool so well, if she iz able to at all. Aside from zat...” She pauses, thinking about it for a moment, but merely shrugs. “It ez up to ‘er. Zere is ze possibility she may desire a focus, buuut...it iz a crutch. A pale imitation of power an’ nozing she would be well served for learning with.” Huh. Seems she’s particularly negative on foci. “Anyzing else would be tools for spellwork, and zat is not what is needed for ‘er.” Drat. “She may be capable of using ozzer thread types, but zat requires testing, and I would not bozer unless it is of rare material.”

“Hm. Well, I guess I’m asking because while I’m not interested, I know some folks that might be, in terms of scientific study,” you explain. “Especially if it’s anything crystal or gem related. If you need anything like that, they’re your girls.”

To your surprise, she rears back momentarily and makes a face. “Répug...non,” she mutters, sighing, and the expression quickly goes away. “Well,” she says, speaking louder, “Zat is unnecessary. If appreciated, for ze little zat is worth. I ‘ave my ways of finding materials.”

“Well, where...how would you even find those?” you ask out of curiosity.

>Roll 1d20+2, best of three.
>>
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5048670
>>
Rolled 5 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5048670
>>
Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5048670
>>
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Looks like Susie here - true to her name, is a very traditional, by the book Witch.

- Curses and plagues.
- Voodoo/Puppetry knowledge.
- Spellcasting and creation using cauldrons.
- Dumps STR.

Juust missing a broom. The dislike of technology also explains the reaction when we mentioned crystals - she's an extreme purist, so magitechs or hybrids like that will definitely cause her some revulsion.
>>
Ha. That's cute. Anywho, run starts in an hour!
>>
>>5048670
>>5048685
>>5048693
>>5048699

“Mmm…” she groans again, considering. “You would not be too far from ‘zem, I would say,” she eventually says. “I am not given to travel much. ‘Owever, you could find zem in short order if you considered carefully.”

“...okay, why all the secrecy?” you finally ask. “It feels like you’re trying to hide it-”

“Because I am,” she admits with a bit more heat in her voice than you expect. “Ze more my name gets out, ze more trouble I must deal with. I loathe trouble. I would much razzer keep my limited concerns to my team members and be done with it. If you approach zem, Zhe will ask where you ‘eard my name, and I will get wrapped up in more of ‘er issues, no doubt.” Oof. That seems a bit...rough. “Now zen, iz zat all?”
> “...Yeah, that’s all. Thanks, though. (Leave, you’d rather not annoy her any further.)
> “Sorry if I’m being pushy. I WOULD hope I could see Taminy, though. Just to say hey?”
> “Well, I mean. I DID ask you for another favor. You got anything else you’d like me to do?
> Other
>>
>>5049180
> “Sorry if I’m being pushy. I WOULD hope I could see Taminy, though. Just to say hey?”
>Kira as well
Still want to ask if she can help our robots>>5046712
>>
>>5049186
*ask Kira of course, not Susie
>>
>>5049180
>>5049188
+
>>
>>5049180
> “Sorry if I’m being pushy. I WOULD hope I could see Taminy, though. Just to say hey?”
>Kira as well
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5049180
>>5049186
>>5049197
>>5049218

You decide to relent at this point- it wouldn’t do to alienate one of your potential allies. Maybe friends? Who knows. “Yeah. Sorry if I’m being pushy,” you admit.

She gives you a look you’re not certain how to parse- like she’s studying you for a moment, rather than any particular emotion. There’s a few slightly uncomfortable moments as you both lock eyes, before she shrugs- and you notice her shoulders, apparently tensed, slacken. “Meh. C’est la vie. If no one pushed anyzing we would all be little more zan worms in ze muck and grime of life. Better ze insects we are zan zat.”

...Right, then. “Appreciate it. Aaanywho, since I’m here... I kinda WOULD hope I could see Taminy, though. Maybe Kira, too. Y’know, just to say hey?”

She shrugs. “It iz of no concern to myself. Zey are...somewhere around ‘ere.” She shrugs. “I simply ask zat you do NOT go past ze first basement. Beyond zere lies our proper operational facilities.” She fixes you with a flat stare. ‘Orrible and profane zings go on down zere.”

You can’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Oui. Equipment maintenance iz pain unimaginable.” She shudders. “As for me, I will take zis opportunity to do some private study. I couldn’t fazom were Taminy iz. Ze Witchling should be ‘round ‘ere somewhere, I felt ‘er lifeforce flitter up a bit earlier. Per’aps ze kitchen or dining room? It iz...zat direction,” she loosely waves somewhere around to your left. “Ze left from where you first came in.”

“Right, thanks.” You give her a nod farewell. “See you around?”

“Au revior.” She waves a thin hand in your direction as she sighs, muttering to herself as she pulls out what looks like a thick parchment scroll and some small jars of various...spices? Whatever, not your business.

Well, you’re not confident where anything is here, baring the dining room, but...shouldn’t be hard to find out, especially if she gave you the run of the place up to the 1st basement. If nothing else, you could find someone and ask directions.

>Wander around- you might meet someone new.
>You DO know where the dining room is now, might as well start there.
>Other
>>
>>5049264
>You DO know where the dining room is now, might as well start there.
>>
>>5049264
>You DO know where the dining room is now, might as well start there.
>>
>>5049264
>You DO know where the dining room is now, might as well start there.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5049264
>>5049270
>>5049275
>>5049301
Well, you DO know where the dining room is, for the most part at least. No reason to not start there.

You make your way back through the halls. Upon reaching the reading room that you passed through earlier, however, you notice that ‘Isabella’ seems to be gone. You pay no mind to it-

“Hhehehehee…” Wait. You pause, looking around and keeping your ears and eyes peeled. Nothing. Maybe just passing through, then.

You continue on through the door leading to the long entrance hall; you kinda hope there’s something cooking there. Thinking about the dining hall has gotten you kinda hungry, actually.

A flicker of- something, like your vision blurred for a moment in the corner of your eye. You turn to catch it, but...hm. Nothing. Fast, whatever it is. You’re honestly not sure what passed by you; you can’t quite tell, but you’ve got an inkling that you’ve got someone following you. There WAS a ghost around here, wasn’t there? Great. Seems like she’s one of those sorts, if it is.

>Call her out- you're not much for spooky games like this.
>...eh, it seems harmless so far. She can have her fun.
>Other
>>
>>5049368
>Call her out- you're not much for spooky games like this.
>Pet Pecker
Stop scaring our poor birb
>>
>>5049368
>>5049375
>"You're scaring Pecker."
This must be Francisca the specter.
>>
>>5049368
>Call her out- you're not much for spooky games like this.
>>
>>5049368
>>5049375
>>5049384
>>5049398
At first, you’re of a mind to ignore it- she wants to get her kicks being spooky-ooky? Sure, whatever. You wouldn’t play along with it, but whatever. But then you feel struggling in your arms. You look down to see your pet, still there, calmed upon talking to Susie, now acting back up. You’re not sure whether he wants to get loose or bury himself closer to you, but you’d rather not risk it either way. Him getting agitated at all was unacceptable.

Which is why you look up at nothing with a scowl, petting your bird to calm him down as best you can. “Cut it out. You’re scaring Pecker.”

Utter silence for a moment, save for a clock ticking somewhere. You don’t even see any clocks in the hall.

Then there’s nothing more than a small whisper of movement out of the corner of your eye, and and just as you register that, you hear- feel - a cool breath in your ear and a whisper that even you struggle to hear. “Awwww. How precious!” The chill from her breath causes you to shiver more than the suddenness, but it’s all the same to her, judging by the giggle. You resist the urge to turn around; you’re pretty sure she’ll just vanish again. You do hear a bit of an accent in her voice- can’t place it though, it’s VERY light. “But it’s sooo hard to help it. Scaring’s fun!”

You let out a small sigh while getting yourself under control. “Yeah, well. I’m trying to find one of my friends here, so if you don’t mind…”

“Ooooh? You have friends here?” Her voice picks up to something a bit more normal. “And here I thought you were just here for an odd job.”

“Taminy Scarely ring any bells? Or Kira?” you ask.

A gasp. “Awwww, you’re friends with little Kira? She’s so sweet!” And finally something- someone- wooshes in front of you, glowing a subtle blue, but visible.

She lacks any noticeable legs, her bottom half clearly just a tattered, expansive ballroom gown that seems to float in all directions by itself. Her face is easily visible- a soft shape and with round and glowing eyes that’s the most visible part of her. Her hair is large and plaited down in a big single tail as well. “I’m Francisca!”

“Miranda. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” You move to keep going, but Francisca quickly floats back in front of you.

“Wait wait wait!” she quickly interrupts. “You wanted to find Kira, yes?”

“Or Taminy. Or both, really. Just wanted to say hello,” you explain. This was already taking longer than expected.

She grins FAR too wide for a normal human. “Welll, perhaps we can look for her together! I was hoping to find a new partner after Juno got tired of me...”

“I was going to the dining room,” you admit. “Figured she might be there.”

“Oooh, you think she might be dining with Chu?” She begins to float leisurely in that direction. “Silly spider might have roped her into another taste testing…”

> “So, what do you do here?”
> “How long have you been with this team?”
> “Suzie told me she might be there.”
> Other
>>
>>5050195
> “So, what do you do here?”
>>
>>5050195
>“So, what do you do here?”
>>
>>5050195
> “So, what do you do here?”
> “How long have you been with this team?”
>>
>>5050195
> “So, what do you do here?”
> “How long have you been with this team?”
>>
>>5050195
>>5050196
>>5050223
>>5050226
>>5050238
“So...what do you do here?” you hazard as you walk along.

“I scare things!” She cheers, before her face shifts into an exaggerated pout. “Also scouting, I guess, for the boring stuff. Buuut mostly I scare people or pretend I’m a noble spirit or something fun like that!”

“You’re saying you’re not noble?” you find yourself asking. You’d have thought her one of those uppercrusty sorts at first glance.

“Noooope! S’how I died in the first place!” she admits, grinning. You’re honestly kinda surprised she’s so forthright with it, but you guess that it had nothing to do with her coming here. She quickly proves you right. “Used to be a duchess, but it was sooooooo boring! So I played a few pranks, ended up humiliating the Queen in front of the whole city and got executed for it!”

...ah. “Worth it, then?”

“Was it ever!” she cheers. “The last prank that I set up to go off after I died was EXCELLENT!”

“Post-mortem?” You ask. “How?”

“Had a delayed animation spell smuggled on my broach on the big day,” she reveals as you make it back to the foyer. “Head came off, I stood up, took a bow! Everyone FREAKED! It was great.” She indeed seems extra proud of the event. “Shame I can’t do something like that again. Oh, we’re here!”
>>
>>5050284
As you enter the dining room- really a dining HALL, judging by how long the table is- you can smell something appetizing cooking, for sure. The hall is traditional, decked out in dark red velvets and wooden furniture. There’s a grandfather clock around the middle of it, several pictures of the Coven members on the walls, as well. A small fireplace at one end of it, not far away from a door, likely leading to the kitchen, if your nose is speaking true.

And right there- Kira, hat and all, and she seems to be in the middle of some sort of miniatures game with Goggles. They both seem to be on some sort of generic sports field- you can’t tell what any of the lines are for, you’ve never played this. But the miniatures seem to be...well, not alive, but clearly somewhat autonomous, judging from how freely they’re moving along the field, kicking and throwing a ball that makes you think of football, or maybe rugby, but there’s...far more violence, and it doesn’t quite SEEM right for either sport.

But, that’s not what’s important. You clear your throat, and the both pause to turn to you. Kira gasps in surprise. “Oh! Hello Miranda! It’s nice to see you again!” She looks to Francisca as well, giving her a wave. “And you met Fran?”

“Sure did!” she cheers.

“Hey…” you grant. “I ended up around here to help out with something, but figured I should at least be nice and say hi, so…” Aaaand now you find yourself pausing. Just what DID you want to talk with her about, if anything?

>Ask more about Suzie. She seems...nice enough. Everyone seems intimidated by her, though.
>Just ask about what this game of theirs is. They seem engrossed in it enough.
>Keep it light and ask how she’s been, nothing engrossing.
>Keep Francisca talking, actually. She was telling a kinda interesting story…
>Other
>>
>>5050287
>>Keep it light and ask how she’s been, nothing engrossing.
>Ask if she found anyone interested in teaching robots how to use magic>>5046712
>Ask how Taminy is doing
>>
>>5050287
>>5050290
Was gonna go for Susie but everyone's on high spirit atm, so let's go with this.
Aaaand
>introduce our bird
>>
>>5050287
>Keep it light and ask how she’s been, nothing engrossing.
>Ask more about Suzie. She seems pretty cool. Everyone seems intimidated by her, though.
>Ask about if she's heard of any magic casting robots around the Intersection, or if there's someone who might be interested in teaching a robot magic.
>>
>>5050287
>Keep it light and ask how she’s been, nothing engrossing.
>show off Pecker
>Ask more about Suzie. She seems...nice enough. Everyone seems intimidated by her, though.
>>
>>5050287
>>5050290
>Introduce our bird
>>
>>5050287
>>5050290
>>5050292
>>5050293
>>5050297
Probably better that you keep things light. Everyone seems comfortable right now. “Well, aside from that, kinda wanted to show off my new pet.” Pecker still seems...nervous, to say the least, but it’s at least brave enough to poke its head out a bit, looking around and briefly chirping, before resuming its sanctuary in your hands.

Naturally, Kira pretty much melts instantly. “Awwwwww, it’s so adorable!” From there, he seems to get a lot of attention from the girls, though Goggles seems mostly unimpressed, largely preferring to keep his focus on their game. You’re not sure, but you swear the figures are also annoyed, though you’ve got no way to be sure. Just a vibe you get.

This ends up leading you to tell about the job you took that got you him. In broad strokes, at least. You’re not interested in telling the whole story.

“Awwww, he really took a shine to you, huh?” Kira says, petting him. Seems he quickly managed to calm down with her, at least. He’s still in your hands, though. “That’s so great!”

“I figured ‘why not?’ you admit. “Been nice having him around, at least. Had some issues with some kinda magic congestion, but it’s been good otherwise.”

“Is he okay?” Kira asks, worried, but you’re quick to dismiss it.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Although, speaking of magic- heard of any magic casting robots around the Intersection? Or if there's someone who might be interested in teaching a robot magic? I’ve got two wanting to learn, so...” you shrug, trailing off as the door opens, revealing the spider lady coming through with a tray of covered food.

“Oh!” She straightens up for a bit as she considers it. “I...hm...no names. I SWEAR I’d heard about at least one robot that knew life and healing magic, but that...I’m not sure. Might just be me remembering what I want to remember.” She seems a bit dismayed. “Sorry. What about you, G?” she asks, turning to Goggles. He merely shakes his head. “Well, there you are.”

“Dang. I wonder if Suzie knows…” you mutter as the trays are set- some kind of soup. You’d call it wonton soup, but you’re not sure what the lumps actually ARE aside from red colored and likely some sort of meat.

Wait, everything got very quiet all of a sudden. Looking up, you can see everyone with pensive looks on their faces- save Kira, who’s looking around in concern. Right, you mentioned her. “Okay, I have to ask. What’s with everyone’s fear of Suzie? She seems...nice enough, but everyone seems to be intimidated. Why?”

(cont.)
>>
>>5050382
“Ah. Weeelll…” Kira starts, only to be interrupted by Francisca.

“She’s fun!” the ghost says, although...was it forced?”

“Ms. Suzette the Full Witch is amiable...most days,” Goggles finally admits, his voice throaty and a bit higher than you’d expected. “That is, by her own standards. She isn’t mean or taken to rage, but to gain her ire is…”

“Kiiiinda not great.” Francisca admits. “Me, if I get mad at someone, I prank ‘em a lot! But a prank’s only really a prank after it ends. When Suzie gets peeved...she, uh...doesn’t stop.”

“Ms. Suzette carries grudges for a looooooong time,” Chu says, having stopped in place upon your mentioning her. “And she’s not happy about...well, recent events. Organizational stuff, can’t say exactly what, but…”

“There were some...personnel issues, that SHE, and Ms. Suzette had to resolve,” Kira explains. “And it wasn’t fun.”

“She?” you ask.

“She Who Sleeps And Then Awakes,” Kira says solemnly.

“The Carrion Queen,” Goggles adds.

“The Little Lady From Above And Below,” Chu puts forth.

“The Patchwork Mind. Spooky, ain’t it?” Francisca laughs.

Oh, wait. “You mean Audrey?” you a-

-and almost immediately three different hands slap around your mouth as panic scrambles across all of their faces, looking away quickly as they scan the house for something...unseen. Honestly, this is annoying as shit.

“...okay, nothing. Good. Um, please don’t say her name out loud while you’re in here?” Kira begs in the nicest voice she can muster.

Everyone slowly uncovers your mouth, and you’re quick to point out an issue with that. “...why not? Both me and Suzie said her name without issue not long ago.”

“MS. SUZETTE gets to say her name as much as she wants because She Who Sleeps gave her authority,” Kira explains. If anyone ELSE says her name too much, then she might wake UP. And NONE of us want to deal with that.”

“How many times have YOU said her name so far?!” Goggles asks.

You give it a moment. “Two. While talking to Suzie. Why?” Everyone- even the ghost- blanches.

“Please not again.” Goggles begs. “That’s way too risky. I can't believe Ms. Suzette didn't say anything about it to you.” Part of you feels like they're overplaying this...

> “...then should I leave? I wanted to say hi to Taminy.”
> “...fine. What’s this stew here?”
> “I thought she was lazy?”
> “Then how about we all take a walk out?”
> Other
>>
>>5050383
> “...fine. What’s this stew here?”
>"I wanted to say hi to Taminy.”
well, we already asked Suzie about the bots when she came to tutor Tami, so that's unfortunate.
>>
>>5050383
> “I thought she was lazy? And that she fully admitted to being so?"
> “...fine. What’s this stew here?”
> "Where's Taminy, by the way?"
>>
>>5050383
> “...fine. What’s this stew here?”
> “I thought she was lazy?”
> “...then should I leave? I wanted to say hi to Taminy.”
Let's comment on it and hope this one doesn't turn out like another Mad Rat Stew incident.
>>
>>5050394
I just realized, we could ask Prima's AI Allied Assistance friends if they know any magic robots who know healing spells. Haven't met them yet, either, so it'll be good to see her non-coworker friends... and maybe figure out what Jago's been doing.
>>
>>5050399
He's probably in bars and clubs with women of negotiable affection. Pirate stuff.
>>
>>5050646
That's probably what he'd want us to think...He probably goes to Cosplay Cafes specializing in robot girls that dress up in kawamono suits and act like human women.
>>
>>5050383
>The Little Lady From Above And Below
Are we going to be bossed around by someone who's even shorter than us?
I'd like to think that she'd also have floofy hair. The titles seem to imply she has masteries over insects.
>>
>>5050383
>>5050393
>>5050394
>>5050398
“Alright, alright,” you let it go. “No more of that, then.”

They all seem to ease up on that proclamation, with Kira and Goggles in particular now more focusing on the stew and game than anything else. The figures look glad to be back at it.

You, on the other hand, are a bit concerned with what’s been placed in front of you. How she knew to make an extra bowl, you’re unsure, but there it is. “What’s in this stew here?” You ask. You’re not in the mood for another Mad Rat Stew incident.

“Oh, it’s a little recipe of my own invention!” Chu says brightly. It’s ground pork belly, fish, crickets, and a few other secret ingredients in a dough coating!” ...ah. Well then. Good to know. “Don’t worry, none of it’s poisonous!”

Goggles doesn’t seem to care, eating it perfectly normally. Kira seems to be a bit hesitant, but she eventually digs in as well- the surprised expression on her face betrays her thoughts on it- though you’re kind of surprised she didn’t balk more than that on eating crickets. Francisca...well, she’s a ghost. You know crickets are plenty edible, but…

Egh. “So. Where’s Taminy? I wanted to say hi to her, too.”

Kira shrugs, after downing a bit of her soup. “Mmm...not sure. She got back from a job not long ago. She usually gets hungry about now…”

“Ooh! I’ll go find her!” Francisca offers, and before you can agree or not, she swoops off and she’s gone.

“...right, then.” Seems like no one else is bothered about it, at least. “Well, that’s one of you.” Actually. “That brings something to mind. I know you don’t want me to talk about her anymore…” you can already hear the sighs. “I’m just trying to reconcile everything, that’s all. I just thought she admitted to being lazy, so I don’t get the fear…”

“It’s because she’s lazy that we worry,” Kira says with a sigh. “She’s...not mean or evil. But she can be reckless. She does the minimum possible unless she feels like putting in an effort, which is kinda rare. It’s just, even her minimum is pretty wild. Like, one time a while ago we asked her to help organize some animal parts- y’know, stuff that she’d use anyway? For storage. She just made them move instead.”

Geez. They’re making it sounds like she’s kinda ridiculous. Still, you doubt she doesn’t have to answer to the Deal Makers all the same. Maybe you should leave the subject be for now.

>Ask if there’s really no possibility for some cooperative work. It might be interesting one day.
>Time to quiet down. Should you actually try the soup…? Seriously, crickets.
>Ask what Kira’s been doing lately. Suzette talked her up a bit, honestly, so you’re curious.
>Other
>>
>>5051242
>Time to quiet down. Should you actually try the soup…? Seriously, crickets.
>Ask about movie night around the office, and see if you can find some recommendations for good-bad horror movies.
>Ask what Kira’s been doing lately. Suzette talked her up a bit, honestly, so you’re curious.
>Also, ask Kira if she's going to try for A rank, and if anyone else is close to it.
>>
>>5051242
>>5051248
oh come on, crickets are alright
>>
>>5051260
What? I'm saying we should eat the food. Miranda's probably eaten weirder stuff, anyways.
>>
>>5051242
>Time to quiet down. Should you actually try the soup…? Seriously, crickets.
>Ask if there’s really no possibility for some cooperative work. It might be interesting one day.
That's tempura in a soup girl, stuff of heavens. The dough will soak up the broth and enhance the experience tenfold.
>>
>>5051242
>Time to quiet down. Should you actually try the soup…? Seriously, crickets.
>ask if anyone here is close to A rank
>try to guess the ingredients
>>
Nothing tonight, I'm exhausted and turning in early. Don't make sense, but is what it is.
>>
>>5051242
>>5051248
>>5051260
>>5051285
>>5051480
Well...as it stands, maybe you should at least read the room a bit. But...you glance down at your soup. Thinking about it, you’ve had worse. Not in a while, sure...but you’ve had worse. Deciding to just go with it, you dip in, and for a while, it’s largely quiet- save for the occasional sounds of lifelike figurines colliding in that game of theirs.

You can taste most of the ingredients, you think; aside from the given ones (including a suspicious crunchiness you suspect is the crickets that at least gives it texture), you can taste some spices in there, too. Cumin in particular, and it all sends a heat through your mouth that you have to admit is fairly satisfying right now. Not what you’d have expected, but you’re willing to welcome it. The broth itself is pretty filling, too. You’re surprised at how much you enjoy it, really. “...this is good.”

“Awww, thank you!” Chu says with a wide grin. “I don’t get too many folks from outside our little club to try my wares, but I’m ever so confident in them!”

“Yeah, it’s impressive,” you admit.

Chu seems to be more than happy with the praise. “I’m sure I could jar some up for you if-”

“Eeey!” a familiar voice rings out, interrupting her briefly. Taminy, quickly followed by Francisca, walks in, sporting a casual grin in a jacket and casual t-shirt and jeans. “Didn’t expect to see ya around here!”

“Taminy. Good to see you, too,” you greet. “Was just here doing a favor for Suzie, so I figured I’d say hi. Couldn’t find you, though.”

“Nah, I was below decks for a bit,” she says easily. “Didn’t know you really knew Suzie, though.”

“It’s more of a reciprocal thing,” you admit. “Not super friendly yet.”

“Yet, huh?” She grins. “Who’d have thought? Not me.”

Well, if it happens, it happens,” you allow. “Not gonna say no to someone what seems to have her head on straight, even if she can be a little...macabre, at times.”

Taminy nods in agreement. “Yeah, I guess. Helps that she’s kinda insane, power-wise, too. She’ll bitch all day about it, but if you really need backup, she’ll be there.”

“Yeah? She did say she was Rank B.” You pause, slurping up more of the soup, before a thought occurs to you, as you turn towards Kira. “Say, what would YOU say about trying for A Rank?”

Kira nearly chokes, food clearly going down wrong as she coughs and sputtering for a few moments, necessitating some patting on the back by one of Chu’s several arms. “W-what the? Why would I?”

(cont.)
>>
>>5052941
You shrug, trying to keep a poker face even through worry.. “Figured if the student ever surpassed the master, I mean…” you trail off. Seemed like she maybe actively DIDN’T want it?

“N-no way! I...I mean, I think I’ll just keep up the tradition,” she dismisses. “Even if I did get that strong, I don’t think I’d want to shoot for A-Rank.”

“Tradition?” you raise an eyebrow. “What, is someone else close to it?”

Kira snorts. “Try the lady you were just talking to. Ms. Suzette and SHE could both be A Rank, easy.” Wait, why- “They just don’t want all the fame and pressure and stuff that comes with it. So they keep abstaining from taking the Ranking Test. Our Handler lets it go because they like how we have things in hand so far.” ...huh. Thinking about it, it makes sense. Though it’s still a bit surprising.

“So, you finished up whatever you were doing, yeah?” Taminy asks. She quickly waves off an offer of soup from Chu, seemingly preferring to talk to you. “Y’know, its funny, I got an offer a bit ago. From the Roller Derby people?”

“Oh, you too?” you ask. You do recall something like that being asked of you.

She nods. “Wanted to try and get me onto an actual part-time team. I kinda think it’s neat, but I wasn’t too big on the idea of going out there on the regular.”

“Same,” you mention. “Too little pay.”

“Right?” she laughs. It's a good time.

> Just enjoy your time with them for now. (Leave)
> There is one or two things you wanted to ask her before you left... (What?)
> Other
>>
>>5052946
> There is one or two things you wanted to ask her before you left...
All I can think of is asking Chu for the soup recipe and what she'd recommend using as a replacement if we don't have any crickets, and some horticultural advice for growing all those mushrooms we brought back.
>>
>>5052946
> Just enjoy your time with them for now. (Leave)
might as well chill for a bit, we were surprisingly busy during our off time (we still are)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIqO6u0bu7o&ab_channel=Benjarik
>>
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>>5052946
>>5052951
How about we GIVE them some shrooms for cultivation instead? Witches love fungi. Let's use them to boost rapport instead, I doubt we can get something out of them in a while.
>>
>>5052959
I'm okay with giving a few away to the witches, particularly the Sweetsaps. That being said, we should keep a few of the other ones as well, in case they have some sort of effect we don't know about just yet, and so that we don't have to vote on getting more shrooms for Mewla on every mission.
>>
>Kira snorts. “Try the lady you were just talking to. Ms. Suzette and SHE could both be A Rank, easy.” Wait, why- “They just don’t want all the fame and pressure and stuff that comes with it. So they keep abstaining from taking the Ranking Test. Our Handler lets it go because they like how we have things in hand so far.” ...huh. Thinking about it, it makes sense. Though it’s still a bit surprising.

Audrey isn't A yet is privy to such high-tier information, hmm. If she's B then why did Suzette try to hide her status from us?
Side note, this confirms my thought that sandbagging is popular in the lower ranks. Not a lot can handle the pressure and responsibilities.
>>
>>5052946
>gift mushrooms
>remind them to get a futuresight
Next is the group training iirc? What are the options?
>>
>>5053105
>What are the options?
Current abilities are listed in the spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q/edit#gid=2019626088 (pastebins are outdated)
>Miranda
We can either finish some of our underdeveloped/underpowered techniques (Flux Bubble, Flamethrower, One-Inch Shotgun Punch) or try one of the experimental ones https://pastebin.com/d1FAecB1. Although, to be honest, at this point I think Miranda should be teaching others.
There were a few interesting options during the last group training session:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4039631/#p4066860
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4076277/
Mono:
>Mental Music: There’s something about running the tune through your head as loud as possible that gives you a heavily reduced effect- but definitely still an effect, if only for self-modification. Silent, outward effects are still beyond you…
Cylica:
>Improved Mind Rewrite: You’ll pour a bit more ‘juice’ into this than normal- ideally you’ll be able to get her under your thrall faster and easier than before, allowing you more time before they *sigh* inevitably shake it off.
Also we brought back and scanned a couple of books on Endomagic + one called ‘Transitory Nature of the Abyss and is far thinner’. The Endomagic techniques that the catgirl showed us were rather simple and Miranda has learned several of them in a few hours ( Low Quickening, Nighteye,Tounge-tie), so I think Miranda could easily teach others how to do them http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4399412/#p4419327
>>
>>5052946
>>5052951
>>5053105
>>5052959
>>5052971
Not much else occurs during your time there, thankfully; Kira mentions that Suzette is considering sending her on a single job as a sort of test for her soon enough- not for a ranking, but just to make sure she understands a few things that Suzette’s been tutoring her on. Taminy, for her part, is going to be taking some time to destress from a recent job, so she’ll be around and about for a bit. “It was a mess and a half, so I need to reset,” she explains.

You decide, before you leave, to at least give a gift in the form of a couple of mushrooms; one of each that you still have, save for the Sweetsap Mushrooms, of which you give five. “I dunno if you can do anything with ‘em, but I figure you’d get more use out of them than me,” you explain. Indeed, Chu seems immediately interested, as does Kira, and they both immediately start talking about possible private cultivation efforts.

You’ll take that opportunity to leave them to it, giving them a farewell and a promise to see them later- perhaps outside of their headquarters, the next time.

As you walk out of the ‘house’, you check the time...it’s not that late, but it’s certainly late enough. By the time you get home, you should have some nice time to yourself (and Pecker) before you head to bed.

Probably would be good to prep something, meal-wise. You’re in for a long day tomorrow…

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

“Hup! One, two, three, four…” you walk in the next morning to see that everyone’s already there, surprisingly. Bots and all. Owlia, Cylica, and Nura are all doing stretches. Izumi, Lorelei, and Mono are going through combat forms, from the looks of it. Prima and Jago seem to be observing, mostly. Your new Ranged Combat Training Area isn’t finished yet, but maybe next time...

>What techniques are you planning on working on? As noted, the up to date list is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q

(It should also be noted that the book mentioned is just 'Transitory Nature of the Abyss'. The rest is a misprint.)
>>
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>>5053643
Well, since it's a group training then our girls (and Jago) could learn some tricks from each other.
Miranda
>Finish Flux Bubble and One-Inch Shotgun punch
Izumi helped with developing both of these techniques so might need her advice
Izumi, Lorelei & Owlia
>Learn basic Endomagic techniques from Miranda (Low Quickening, Nighteye, Tounge-tie)
If they're too simple then might as well try something more advanced and dig deeper into the books that we brought from the last mission
Cylica
>Violet Garden- An electromagnetic field that can disrupt nearby electronics and hinder movement, using Cylica's staff as a catalyst. The more mana poured into the attack, the more painful the field is.
Mono
>Mental Music: There’s something about running the tune through your head as loud as possible that gives you a heavily reduced effect- but definitely still an effect, if only for self-modification. Silent, outward effects are still beyond you…
Silent self-augmenting technique, seems quite practical
Nura
>Improve Shadow Clone technique
Her clones can't cast magic, compared to the ones that Lorelei has - might as well ask her help. And maybe Gartoum can give some advice as well.
Prima & Jago
>Test the biomech bodies and their special functions
>Morgan: Body type intended for maximum safe Seither output, resulting in above average physical strength and capability of raw Seither discharge. Body type requires abnormal Seither intake to power- electrical recharging to be used only in cases of emergency. Joint structure less articulated, do not utilize for high-dexterity assignments.
>Jesse: Body type intended for social interaction purposes; utilizes Seither augmentation in joint areas for maximum flexibility and stability; also capable of mild aesthetic adjustment of artificial epidermis for maximum appeal. Structural strength above-average. Electrical source required for full body recharge, Experiment Seither ExFlow system available for temporary physical augmentation.
Pecker
>Train him to get used to being shot at
Well, instead of evolving him into a cool falcon companion we ended up with fat and slow option because some anons were convinced he'd be able to tank magic and be a perfect distraction tool.
>>
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>>5053643
>>5053682
These then in the mean time, but I want to make some additions.

Pecker
>Test his absorsion speed, general mobility and firepower.
The last time he did a significant power move he fried an ENTIRE camp of men with lightning, a feat that Miranda herself can't replicate. I expect much more potency from this version.

I also have a theory that we can replicate Skyrim's Fireball using our knowledge and current experience with Fire mana.
Basically? It's going to be Spitfire, but bigger and more explosive.

>Spitfire
>This is a simple and basic firebreathing technique, forming your mana, heating the outermost bulk of it to become a magically based flame and hawking it from your mouth like a deadly loogie (with much further range and coherency). It’s little more than small gouts of condensed mana on fire, but it’s something towards bigger techniques, you having used what you learned with trying out the Fire Line to help here.

Combining the reliability of Magiblasts with the ever deadliness and usefulness of combustion. Simple enough and not complicated like a localized Flux Wave, so things should be easy. Miranda also doesn't have any splash damage in her powerset and has to rely on external weapons.

If we ever touch and finish this one it will become one of the staples like Magiblast and Magiwave.
And I THINK it should have Magma-like properties if we give it some Sticky Mana, so we'll be lobbing Magma/Napalm Balls around if regular fire isn't enough.
>>
>>5053718
Of course, we're going to channel it with our hands. A lot of problems can be solved with such a simple, down-to-earth spell, and has a lot of potential.
>>
>>5053643
>>5053682
Actually, if we can squeeze in more stuff:
>Finish Mana Tether + Electric/Fire Line
Miranda can already shoot the tether over a decent distance (reeled in a Rabbitkin scout, pulled down Blackweb sentries from their tower, caught the Dark Scion girl from Lord Kolm's tower - all of which happened during the shadow war mission with Izumi). We just need to increase the volume of sticky mana that she can release from her hands - then we can finally finish the 'Flamethrower' technique that we've been gunning for for several years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pRihxvk4YY
>>5053721
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkFU7o3IAaM&ab_channel=jaglavaksoldier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybpr3g0v7_8&ab_channel=01e9
I know that fireballs are cool, but we can try them later. Usually when we try something new it takes several steps to get there, even for supposedly easy stuff. Magiblasts, magiwaves and magibeam are already 'splash damage' techniques. Just need to charge them up for larger area of effect.
>>
>>5053742
Maybe we should drop the One-Inch punch to focus more on the fire skills? We have plenty of ways to bypass magic barriers now.
>>
>>5053745
Nah, it stays. I'd rather get some finished techniques instead of adding more half-baked stuff. We have plenty of ways to slowly smash trough magic barriers, but this would completely bypass both magic and hi-tech stuff.
>>
>>5053752
I'd rather finish something fire-related first because I doubt we can do all 3 in a single morning. An entire day? Plenty.
>>
>>5053755
I thought we'll be here the entire day?
>>
>>5053756
Maybe? Should be checked again because some anon back then suggested we visit Ai in the afternoon, leading me to believe that we only have a morning to work things out.
>>
>>5053758
I suggested visiting her after the training session>>5046844. Actually, in the last thread I was suggesting that we should dedicate more days to training instead of trying to squeeze it into one evening right after the HQ meeting. But then it turned out that other SES members can do it only today>>5029342.
>>
>>5053767
Right, so it's expected to last near the entire day then. Think we can take the trip in the evening.

>>5053643
Casual reminder that the group training lasts through the morning and the afternoon Handler.
>>
>>5053643
>>5053682
>>5053718
Peeecker
If there isn't enough time I vote to prioritize Flux Bubble and the tether. Getting really annoyed by the "wasted" training sessions on those prerequisites, but finally we're getting something usable
Don't cheap out on us boss
>>
Writing now!
>>
>>5053682
>>5053718
>>5053742
You begin easily enough- giving yourself some time to stretch and focus. You’ve got a couple of skills you’ve been neglecting, but should at least try to work on. You can see the others doing similar exercises once the stretching and warming up was over with- you have to admit you’re a touch concerned with Owlia’s sparking from her forehead (as is Cylica), but you can hear her wave her lover off, insisting that it’s ‘working as intended’. You’ll keep an eye on them, but for now, you’ll leave them be.

First thing’s first- that shield/armor bypassing technique. You’ve been hoping to work on this one for a bit, and you’re rather hopeful that, with Izumi’s occasional help, you can figure this one out.

You have to wait for a bit as Izumi’s correcting Mono’s combat forms- the poor girl occasionally strangles herself with her own scarf- but once you do, you manage to get down to it. “I’d forgotten about that, in truth,” she admits. “Let’s see if we can continue where we left off. What was the issue, again?”

>Roll 1d100+15, best of three for training the One-Inch Shotgun Punch
>>
Rolled 2 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5055120
>>
Rolled 25 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5055120
>>
>>5055120
>>
Rolled 27 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5055120
Yikes.
>>
Rolled 48 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5055120
>>
Rolled 4 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5055120
Damnit
>>
Happens every goddamn time we roll while training
>>
Welp at least we only need to train its' consistency. The bigger problem is the Flux Bubble.
>>
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...yeah, this feels familiar.
>>
...Deja Vu.

Writing.
>>
...I ended up watching a wrestling PPV, sorry. Posting shortly.
>>
>>5055227
>>5055124
>>5055125
>>5055129
Two hours later, and you’re already annoyed. For whatever reason, you’re having trouble with the magnitude of the punch, as well as the exact direction of it- you’re capable of remote, manual detonation, but it’s surprisingly rough to try and get it out as a cone of force as well as form a distance from your hand already. Izumi’s trying to get you to do some visualization exercises, but...

“Look, how about we move on for now?” she finally relents. “In situations like this, it’s common to be tripped up on an area you thought simple. It’ll come to you in time and you’ll laugh at it later on.” You really don’t want to, but looking at the others still working at it, you suppose she DOES have a point. Which means next up is your Flux Bubble. You have this one down, at least in terms of basic application, which is good. You just need to make sure that the bubble is stable, and can be erupted on command, and similarly, at a willed distance from you. Being able to essentially perform a low level ‘scramble’ of sorts like you’ve seen a few others do to mess with people’s bodies and magic will be one heck of a boon.

>Roll 1d100+25 for advancement with Flux Bubble.
>>
Rolled 43 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5055234
>>
Rolled 2 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5055234
>>
Rolled 9 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5055234
>>
Rolled 3 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5055234
>>
>>5055234
9 rolls all under 50. Wow.
>>
68. Good enough.
>>
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>>5055239
>>
>>5055234
Looks like we've made no progress compared to what we already had.
>>
>>5055246
Yeah this is bs, and upgrade sessions are already rare as is.
>>
>>5055249
just roll better next time)
>>
>>5055234
>>5055235
>>5055237
>>5055238
The hour and a half that follows is thankfully a bit smoother, though it’s not without its own troubles. The bubble seems to want to pop the further you get it from you without warning, but fortunately the disruption doesn’t spread to your teammates; it’s not quite big enough, as you’d been trying to just keep it to the size of one person for now. While you still have trouble simply ‘moving’ it, you DO manage to figure out the methods enough that you think you’ve improved the efficiency at least, so you can throw it out more before you get tired, as well as increase the effects. Overall, good enough work on it for now.

>Flux Bubble cost lowered to 1200. Can now debilitate targets.

With that, you briefly break for a snack as everyone’s starting to get sweaty and a bit tired. Lorelei seems happy enough at least. “Woo!” she says as you all file into the breakroom. “So, I got lemonade, karpa juice- it’s a fruit,” she quickly informs upon seeing the confusion on Mono’s face. “Very tasty. Anywho, that, water’s obvious...”

“We bought some fruit bars,” Owlia says with a mildly ashamed grin. “Still not great at the whole ‘cooking’ thing.”

“...I got meat sandwiches,” Mono mutters. “I like meat sandwiches.”

“Anywho, point is, eat, but don’t get too full,” you warn. “We’ll be back at it before too long.”

As everyone relaxes, you decide to take the time to question if they’re working on anything in particular; you’ve been hearing a LOT of noises in each direction, but haven’t been able to pay much attention.

Lorelei’s the first to speak up. “Oh, I was working a bit more on my Stunt Double thing.”

Mono just shrugs. “I’m still learning how to swordfight. How’d your thing turn out?” Mono asks.

>Roll 1d100+20 for Lorelei's Stunt Double improvement.

>Other
>>
Rolled 36 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5055249
Well, at least this frustration could be channeled when we'll work on the flamethrower technique
>>5055269
...nevermind
>>
Rolled 15 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5055269
Better at least. Now we truly have a Flux Wave alternate.
>>
Rolled 51 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5055269
Imma kms if this roll doesn't exceed 50
>>
>>5055274
just barely
>>5055271
Look at them 1's. Good memories.
>>
>>5055271
You've got more time, it's not over with.
>>
>>5055271
Funny thing is, I still think a traditional Fireball is better than a Flamethrower because one of our hands will be tied up if we use the latter while the former can get a similar result without the channeling part (with added explosions to boot).
>>
>>5055281
knowing how our rolls are, if we go for Fireball instead of finishing the Flamethrower we'll get only an underpowered prerequisite
>>
>>5055283
*how 'good' our rolls are
>>
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>>5055283
Yep, that's why I opted for the Flamethrower instead. I give you that a flamethrower is much better at fireballs for one thing : suppression and fear effect. The intensifying heat and blinding effect will make most normal foes panic if we keep it up.

One prime example is the 40k Flamer with morale decreasing effects.
>>
>>5055269
>>5055271
>>5055272
>>5055274
With that, you briefly break for a snack as everyone’s starting to get sweaty and a bit tired. Lorelei seems happy enough at least. “Woo!” she says as you all file into the breakroom. “So, I got lemonade, karpa juice- it’s a fruit,” she quickly informs upon seeing the confusion on Mono’s face. “Very tasty. Anywho, that, water’s obvious...”

“We bought some fruit bars,” Owlia says with a mildly ashamed grin. “Still not great at the whole ‘cooking’ thing.”

“...I got meat sandwiches,” Mono mutters. “I like meat sandwiches.”

“Anywho, point is, eat, but don’t get too full,” you warn. “We’ll be back at it before too long.”

As everyone relaxes, you decide to take the time to question if they’re working on anything in particular; you’ve been hearing a LOT of noises in each direction, but haven’t been able to pay much attention.

Lorelei’s the first to speak up. “Oh, I was working a bit more on my Stunt Double thing.”

Mono just shrugs. “I’m still learning how to swordfight. How’d your thing turn out?” Mono asks.

“Pretty okay?” She says with a shrug. “They’re more durable nowadays, pretty sure. Still can’t take a ton of hits or really speak for me, though. They’re gonna make GREAT decoys!” she cheers. “What about you?”

“Eeehh…” Mono seems iffy. “I’m learnin’, I guess. Like I said, sword stuff mostly. I’ve been wondering if hummin’ stuff in my head might help me out- self-hypnosis kinda junk, right?” You shudder a bit at that; no thank you. “I’m not really sure how ta go about it though. I mean...doesn’t really do much for me, so I might have to just try something else.”

“Awww, that bites,” Owlia says. “I was just trying to improve efficiency and overall channeling strength. I may need to make a few tweaks.”

“...won’t that be painful?” Cylica questions.

“Yup!” she says with a half-smile. Ouch. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna be careful, though!”

“I’d been wondering about my own cloning technique,” Nura mentions. “I’d been hoping to perhaps improve it for the sake of research. Many hands, light work and all. I’d had the thought before, but I feel as though it’s a bit more worth looking into now.” Interesting. Lorelei looks curious about the matter as well.

“I was considering perhaps…” Prima starts, only to freeze when everyone looks at her for a moment. “-ah. That is, my biomechanical body...perhaps it could be tested?”

“Actually, prob’ly a good idea,” Jago says, nodding. “Better now then latah.” True...

“It’ll take a bit of effort to get you into ‘em,” Owlia says. “Buuuut I kinda wanna see that!”

Cylica nods. “While that happens, then, perhaps I’ll work on a few things beyond calisthenics...

Hm. Thinking about it...

>You did want to ask someone about a bit of help. (Who?)
>You could go for helping someone else out. (Who?)
>There's no reason to delay. Back to Training!
>Other
>>
>>5055313
>You did want to ask someone about a bit of help. (Who?)
Izumi and Lorelei for our Flamethrower technique. We'll teach them Low Quickening and Nighteye/Tongue-tie in exchange.
Really have to stack our rolls to pass this one, and I do not want other options.
>>
>>5055313
This >>5055319 and
>You could go for helping someone else out. (Lend Nura Gartoum's Ring)
Try to teach Owlia as well. Although I don't know how Lori could help with Flamethrower, maybe she should help Nura instead.
>>
>>5055322
*try to teach Owlia Endomagic.
>>
>>5055313
>>5055322 oh and
>You could go for helping someone else out. (Ask Cylica if she could give Mono any tips on self-hypnosis)
>>
>>5055322
Because that's two of our "frontliners" and they need all the utility spells they can get (Lorelei should have some experience in energy projection from her Fireworks and Magic Limbs). I opted Owlia out because she doesn't need as much to be effective, and also because there are already enough chefs in the kitchen.
>>
>>5055313
>>5055319
>>5055326
These, gimme some war crimes
>>
>>5055327
I didn't mean that we shouldn't teach Lori, just that she should help Nura with her clone technique instead of helping us with Flamethrower
>>
Very well. Teaching and Assistance. Writing!
>>
>>5055327
I've pointed out from the start that Miranda should teach those three, I'm not excluding her>>5053682
>>
>>5055313
>>5055319
>>5055322
>>5055326
>>5055329
“Well, I could use some help with a few things, still…” you allow, looking towards Lorelei and Izumi. “Think you’d mind helping me out with some advice if you can?”

They both nod. “Sure, no prob!” Lorelei agrees.

“Great,” you decide. “I’ve learned a couple tricks that you might be interested in in exchange. We can trade.”

“Ooh, neat!” Both of them seem curious about it, at least.

With that, you turn to Cylica, who seems...curious about something, but not you. “Hey, you think maybe you and Mono could cooperate? She needs help with hypnosis stuff, and you’re kinda good at things surrounding that.”

“Self-hypnosis…?” She pauses, mulling it over. “I’m aware of the concept, but never really thought I’d have reason to do it myself...though I can see the possibilities. It might be an interesting exercise,” she says, looking over to the wolfgirl.

Mono, for her part, blanches. “Ay, just don’t start changin’ my personality or nuthin’...”

“Perish the thought,” she dismisses. “But in exchange…” she looks towards you, and starts to speak- but Owlia beats her to it, actually.

“Lemme sit in on whatever you’re telling to those two! I wanna see if I can’t get any inspiration!” Ah. Well, no reason to say no, you suppose.

With the plans for now spelled out, you all finish your snacks and get back to it. It’s still morning, and you’ve got plenty of time to work on this…

>Roll 3d100+35, best of three for training: Flamethrower, Low Quickening, Nighteye
>>
Rolled 1, 60, 56 + 35 = 152 (3d100 + 35)

>>5055346
>>
Rolled 47, 17, 28 + 35 = 127 (3d100 + 35)

>>5055346
>>
Rolled 72, 28, 96 + 35 = 231 (3d100 + 35)

>>5055346
Aaaaaaaagh
>>
>>5055351
YES FINALLY AFTER LITERALLY YEARS
we need to use this the first chance we get
>>
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>>5055351
Yes! Finally!
>>
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>>5055346
>>5055351
Petition to name it appropriately instead of the normal Flamethrower to fit our arsenal.
>>
Yeah, that'll do it.

Writing.
>>
>>5055359
Like what? 'Solar Scorcher'? 'Coronal Ejection'?
>>
Boy oh boy and I thought this session would turn out to be a disaster. 2 out of 3 is not bad, and we taught our other gals some tricks too.
>>5055361
>>5055362
Voting for Sunstream.
>>
>>5055346
>>5055349
>>5055350
>>5055351
“Okay, so like. You got the basics, but it’s like, pulling too tight I think,” Lorelei opines. “I mean, you can do the burning stuff already, you just need to...y’know. Push it.”

“Harder than it sounds,” Izumi had said. “Allowing it to flow without dispersal at all is a challenge, and she wants it to retain its element…”

Such discussion and trying attempts last for another half hour, before finally, you hit on something, you think. Focusing, and not shaping, but rather letting the baseline heat flow. With a shove and a heat on your fingertips, you finally, FINALLY get a proper, heavy jet of fire to burst forth from your hand. “YES!” You can’t help but do a bit of a hop- that had been bugging you for AGES.

...you can’t really avoid the looks you got after that, though. And there are weaknesses, you determine, after a few more efforts in repeating it. It’s heavy on mana for now, though the intensity of the flames at least seems powerful. A quick test shows they don’t respond to normal dousing measures as easily as normal fire, but neither do they spread. Also, they seem to have a predetermined amount of time they burn- about 30 seconds, during which they slowly die out.

>New skill unlocked: Flamethrower (Name Pending). Mana Cost: 1200+ (Roll dependant). This technique sends out a jet of fire from your hands, useful for burning opponents or objects when necessary. Gives off light and heat, obviously, but does not catch or spread like normal fire, and has a predetermined burn time. The flames do not douse when exposed to water, and perhaps other substances as well.

In exchange, you’re more than happy to tell them about Endomagic and the self-buffing it can do. Low Quickening is taught to them both, though you can’t help but feel Izumi doesn’t seem to bother much, and Lorelei shows how strenuous it is when she yelps and worries that she pulled something near the end of it, but you’re sure it’ll help them both. Nighteye is taken to much more readily (turning down the lights affording the others a bit of a break and oohing and aahing at the skill), despite the pain they both suffer in learning it. They both easily agree it’ll help them in various given jobs, especially considering the relatively low price for it.

>Do you want to re-name 'Flamethrower'? To what?
>>
Done for tonight, will resume tomorrow about the same time. And no wrestling PPVs to steal my attention away.
>>
>>5055373
>Do you want to re-name 'Flamethrower'? To what?
Nah. Flamethrower's an easy name to figure out.
>>
>>5055373
>>5055376
'One-Inch Shotgun Punch' is a handful though
>>
>>5055373
Unless peeps fork up other options I'm going with Sunstream/Sunscorch, ain't gonna let it have that default name this is historical
>>
>>5055373
>>5055378
Actually, gonna change to Sunscorch
>>
>>5055373
Sunscorch then.
>>
Sunscorch seems to be the winner but I'm gonna post other options anyway:
>mana inferno
>Galaxy flame
>Galactic blaze or galactic inferno
>Cosmic fire

What color is the flame? Sunscorch makes me think of yellow orange.
>>
>>5055626
Miranda's mana color is aqua-sea blue iirc
>>
Hallo. Writing shortly.
>>
>>5055373
>>5055407
>>5055469

It’s kind of like plasma or napalm, honestly. The flamethrower technique (which you’ve privately renamed to Sunscorch just because you can) is something you’re more than happy with, and while you can probably get a bit more practice in, you’re more concerned about how the others are going now that you’ve managed to nail down a technique you’ve wanted to. Looking across at the others, you can see that they’re yet working hard; Cylica is talking in low tones to Mono, who looks annoyed, but at least is listening; and Owlia, who’d surprisingly remained entirely silent the whole time (which honestly made you a bit suspicious) is already heading out, likely to help the bots with getting into their biotech bodies. Nura, for her part, seems to be inspecting one of her clones.

“Then if you’ll allow me…” Izumi says, and for about another half hour, you’re practicing with Lorelei and her with basic sparring- particularly Mono, who seems to still have some issues with her scarf, but seems to at least be trying to do more than slap people with it. There’s improvement, but you’re pretty sure that it’ll just have to come with practice. Cylica, for her part, requests that the lot of you attempt to withstand her theoretical ‘Violet Garden’ skill. It’s...well, it sounds dangerous, but after some consideration, you decide that it’s worth a try, though Izumi insists on sitting it out for observation and possible medical assistance.

>Roll 4d100 for test rounds, best TOTAL of three rolls.
>>
Rolled 71, 64, 41, 25 = 201 (4d100)

>>5055867
>>
Rolled 38, 54, 8, 98 = 198 (4d100)

>>5055867
>>
Rolled 88, 63, 10, 66 = 227 (4d100)

>>5055867
>>
>>5055867
>>5055869
>>5055871
>>5055872

The first shot, as she takes a deep breath and stamps her staff on the ground, nearly sends you to your knees once the field effect hits. You can see that the name ‘Violet Garden’ isn’t just for show- there’s practically a field of violet coloration blooming from her staff, with small arcs of electric energy coming from it almost like a tesla coil. You can see Lorelei, with her eyes unfocused as well with an odd grin on her face even as she sputters. Mono’s nearly flopped to the floor. It’s only Nura who manages to stay standing for any length of time; and it’s only for ten seconds. When it’s released, you all breath a sigh of relief, and Cylica looks pleasantly surprised. “My. I hadn’t expected such effectiveness.”

“Geeeez, that STINGS!” Mono quickly complains. “S’like a buncha bees all hittin’ me at once but not quite as sharp.” You HAD noticed a buzzing feeling in your limbs.

“That was...surprisingly intense,” Nura says. “Was that a direct assault on the nerves?” Lorelei looks herself over, but says nothing.

“Not at all, actually,” Cylica admits. “Merely surface responses. Well, I’m tempted to call it a success, but the whole experiment bears repeating. Brace yourselves.” You swear she said that with a smirk.

The second tap is similar, but you’ve indeed since braced yourself. Another check at the others reveals that similarly, everyone’s standing upright, if with some effort. “Hmmm…” Cylica considers the situation while the spell is still going. “The effect seems weakened. I wonder why?”

“Doesn’t mean...it don’t still sting!” Mono grinds out.

“Indeed. Could you all attempt to walk forwards towards me?” Mono cannot, and it’s only Lorelei and yourself that can, if slowly.

Nura attempts to, but seems to flinch upon trying and shakes her head. “If I try, it’s like my limbs go limp.”

“Fascinating.” She dispells it, and you all take a moment to catch your breath. That was...surprising, but it’s then that she turns to you and Lorelei. “Any comments? You’ve both been quiet.”

Lorelei just shrugs, with that weird grin on her face. “S’neat.”

“...that’s it?” Cylica almost sounds offended.

“Oh yeah.” ...right.

Cylica just sighs, before focusing on you. “And you? How do you figure it so far?”

> “It’s impressive, I’ll admit. I could see it being very useful.”
> “I guess it’s alright- IF you can figure out how to keep its effectiveness.”
> “I’d rather just shock them senseless if you can get an area of effect like that.
> Other
>>
>>5055918
>> “It’s impressive, I’ll admit. I could see it being very useful.”
Very, very useful indeed.
>>
>>5055918
> “It’s impressive, I’ll admit. I could see it being very useful.”
> “How long do you think you can keep it up?”
> "This will help a lot in delaying and defending. Although, do you have any answers for ranged threats since you'll be occupied then?"
>>
>>5055922
Was referring to how she'd be a prime target for snipers.
>>
>>5055918
> “It’s impressive, I’ll admit. I could see it being very useful.”
> “How long do you think you can keep it up?”
>>
>>5055918
>>5055922
Adding in.
>"Can you move while using that?"
>>
Thumbs up. Writing!
>>
I thought that at least someone would vote for the third option, suggesting her to amp up the power output. Having an ability to fry everyone in the room to a crisp sounds cool.
>>
>>5055937
Maybe we can ask her for pointers much later if we ever practice any lightning spells, like the theoretical Thunderdome or anything related.
>>
>>5055918
>>5055920
>>5055922
>>5055925
“Gotta admit, it’s impressive,” you give her. “I could see it being very useful. Especially in delaying and defending.” She preens at that, all too obviously. “Although, do you have any answers for ranged threats since you'll be occupied, then?”

“Oh.” she pauses as she considers it. “I...suppose not so much. That’s actually rather poignant. Rats.”

“Well, something to think about,” you afford. “I’m sure that you’ll be able to talk something out with Owlia.”

“Heya!” Oh. Speaking of. You turn to see the girl in question. “Weee’re back! And take a looksee at your new old teammates, Jesse and Marcus!”

“Morgan, fer the eighth time!” the large bodied, blue eyed male says with annoyance. It’s clear the accent’s stuck, but there’s no trace of robotic inflection anymore. He’s dressed out in a relatively simple tank top and jeans, showing off the physique handcrafted into the body. Impressive.

“So...er, how do we look?” Prima asks- or Jesse, rather. She’s much more svelte and petite, though there’s obvious muscle there, as well. She’s also in a single piece dress, one that is violet and black and actually kind of familiar…

“...Owlia? Dearest.” Ohh, that tone doesn’t sound too happy. “Is that one of my old dresses?”

There’s a pregnant silence as that information is considered. “...maybe?” Owlia says with the look and tone of a guilty soul who knows of their crime yet refuses to acknowledge it.

“...may I AND Owlia be excused?” Cylica asks primly.

> “Excused.” You are NOT getting in the middle of that.
> “...can it wait? I’d rather look more into your skill, right now, against these biotech bodies.”
> “Not before Owlia helps with diagnostics with these bodies.”
> Other
>>
>>5055959
>> “Not before Owlia helps with diagnostics with these bodies.”
>Scan them with FutureSight as well

also
>Jesse is more petite
>Cylica's old dress
Did they refit the dress or is Cylica not actually a tall person? I thought she was the same height as Owlia.
>>
>>5055959
> “Not before Owlia helps with diagnostics with these bodies.”
>>
>>5055959
> “Not before Owlia helps with diagnostics with these bodies.”
We did scan those bodies before iirc.
Let's get on with the others while O&C work with the bots. There are only Mono and Pecker left I think?
>>
>>5055962
Yes. You can refit a dress. The implication is that she made alterations.
>>
>>5055968
Oh dang.
>>
>>5055959
Oh, right, nevermind. Well, Nura is working on her shadow clones. I'm going with my previous suggestion>>5055322.
>>5055959
>>5055962
>Help Nura with her clone technique, ask Gartoum and Lori for advice.
>Check up on Pecker.
>>
>>5055959
>>5055972
+
>>
>>5055974
>>5055959
Actually I want to just send Lori and Gartoum to Nura while we test Pecker's capabilities ourselves, much faster.
>>
>>5055977
>>5055959
We can do that
>>
Right then. Writing, might be slow.
>>
>>5055959
Wait, I just realized...

>"How long ago did you make those alterations, and did you keep the leftover fabric?"
>If it was under a half hour ago, we can Gauntlet them back together.
>>
>>5056007
At least 30 minutes have passed.
>Such discussion and trying attempts last for another half hour, before finally, you hit on something, you think. Focusing, and not shaping, but rather letting the baseline heat flow. With a shove and a heat on your fingertips, you finally, FINALLY get a proper, heavy jet of fire to burst forth from your hand. “YES!” You can’t help but do a bit of a hop- that had been bugging you for AGES.
The above happened after they asked us for the test, which happened after the break. The gauntlets only work within 10 minutes anyhow.
>>
>>5055959
>>5055962
>>5055966
>>5055967
>>5055972
>>5055974
>>5055977
>>5055978
“Not before Owlia helps with diagnostics with these bodies,” you warn. Her face twists into something disgruntled for a moment, but you plow on. “I know it’s not her expertise yet, but I’d hope she can be a good sounding board, just in case.”

“Yup yup no problem!” Owlia quickly says. “Sure let’s get it going!” Cylica merely frowns, keeping her eyes squarely on Owlia as she practically drags them into the room and seems to make a show of looking at them intently, along with a datapad you’re not sure where she got from.

“...right, then,” you decide. “Let’s put your systems through their paces properly for once.”

“How would we go about that?” Prima/Jesse asks.

“Same as everyone else, for once,” you say. "I'll be doing it by myself. If Nura-" and here she turns her head to face you, "-wants any help, I've got Gartoum here and...actually, Lori, can you help her out? I recall..."

"Yeah, right!" Lori agrees easily. "Kinda a shame, though, I wanted to see my favorite notbots fight!"

"Wait, we're scrappin' 'gainst you?!" Jago asks, alarmed. "Ain't that a bit much?"

"Nonsense," you insist as you summon Gartoum. "Now just stay right there. I also want to test Pecker's abilities. See if he can't catch a few things."

"...wait, where IS he?" Owlia asks, blinking. "I swear I haven't seen him all-"

A small peep chirps out behind her-

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

-and you swear the HIGHEST pitched scream erupted out of Owlia's mouth as she practically teleported 10 feet from where she just was, stumbling over herself in her panic and crashing to the floor as she turns around in confusion and terror.

You don't get it. He'd been in the corner the whole time. Most certainly.

Sometimes you wonder about this girl. "...right, then. Once you've recovered from your miniature heart attack, let's get this underway."

>Roll 3d100, best of three for evaluation. Pecker, Prima, Jago.
>>
Rolled 79, 47, 46 = 172 (3d100)

>>5056043
birb
>>
Rolled 11, 80, 8 = 99 (3d100)

>>5056043
>>
Rolled 23, 48, 59 = 130 (3d100)

>>5056043
>>
Will post tomorrow, done for the night. Glad for the progress. Especially with that flamethrower!
>>
>>5056043
>-and you swear the HIGHEST pitched scream erupted out of Owlia's mouth as she practically teleported 10 feet from where she just was, stumbling over herself in her panic and crashing to the floor as she turns around in confusion and terror.
Interesting reaction. Wonder if she's afraid it'll peck 'er or of the possibility that they've been messing around with living beings this whole time
>>
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>>5056729
Personally, I think she simply never noticed it was here - she tends to miss things when she fixates on things. She did so during the last group training.
>Cylica merely frowns, keeping her eyes squarely on Owlia as she practically drags them into the room and seems to make a show of looking at them intently, along with a datapad you’re not sure where she got from.
>she practically teleported 10 feet from where she just was, stumbling over herself in her panic and crashing to the floor as she turns around in confusion and terror.
However I do have a theory. It has no basis and is simply a speculation - but since her own crystal is extremely sensitive to magic (like how she had urges to dunk her head into Ivonium during Nura's milk run) then maybe instead of only hearing a chirp she felt something else.
>>
>>5056770
*tends to miss simple stuff when she focuses on something
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5056043
>>5056049
>>5056057
>>5056065
From the looks of things, fortunately, Pecker at least seems to be feeling fresh. The way he’s flying- and giving Owlia a coronary- seems to speak well to his activity once you manage to tell him to do a few things. She tosses a few light bolts his way, but she seems...surprisingly skittish around it now, as she watches it seem to take the bolts without issue. Why, you’re not sure. She was fine with him earlier, so the question of what caused the change is in the back of your head now. That’s her issue to work out, though. Ultimately, she (from a distance) deems Pecker 'absorbent as expected’ though when she’d offered to test his physical resilience via staff clubbing, you’d balked. Furthermore, when you’d mentioned the lightning storm bit he’d pulled before, she surmises that that’s likely to happen after any mana type in particular is absorbed enough. Fire magic would likely lead to a massive flare up, Water, perhaps a jetstream or a big globule of the stuff, and onwards. It was entirely dependent on what Pecker became aligned with. Not that you wanted to abuse that- it seemed like he’d be out of it for a while afterwards if you did that intentionally. Again, mostly Owlia’s musings.

(cont.)
>>
>>5057645
For the next hour, you take the not-quite-bots through their paces. Prima seems to have her body under control well enough; enough to perform a dance routine or two in it; though she calls them 'simplified, and without most of the dynamic power moves. Even still, you have to admit they look a lot more...provocative...when done as a human, but you’re in no place to lambast her for it- not with Nura and Lorelei are looking on with approving eyes. That said, it appears as though her capacity for her technological skills are all but gone, now. “I appear to remain able to sense and communicate with wireless ports and other digital technology, as well as retain access to my analysis functions, as well as medical knowledge,” she notes, looking at Owlia’s datapad. “However, my Reboot, Overclocking, and surgical skills are inaccessible, or in the case of the lattermost, debilitated. It is...” she pauses, considering her words. “Fascinating. And not unpleasant, in some manners.”

“Yeaah, well, this whole getup ain’t doin’ me a ton-a favors,” Jago grumps. He’d been having more than a bit of an issue getting used to the body type, and he’s stumbling around even now a bit. “I mean, I kin see it bein’ useful on occasion, fer sure. But I kin feel it- ain’t as sturdy as I used ta. No hook, nothin’ o’ that nature…” Hm. You suppose that for a bot that’s more of a bruiser, the lack of sturdy body and not having to worry about things like exhaustion would grate at him more than others. More than once he seems surprised at his body's limitations.

“You might be better off learning to utilize your mana sooner than later,” Izumi opines quickly. Jago just grunts at that. You don't know jack about Earth stuff, though...

>Let them get used to it themselves, you want to keep working on something... (What?)
>Might as well run them through some more forms, just to be safe about it. (Timejump)
>Other
>>
>>5057646
>Let them get used to it themselves, you want to keep working on something... (What?)
Since we're near the end of the group training...
Talk with Owlia about the experiments' results. We all have these to discuss : the synth-seither pill, the Revitalization Barrier, Operation Z1 (might be missing something else? But these are all the stuffs we borrowed for the previous job). We do need to tell her that we trashed the Z1 and the turret.
>>
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>>5057645
>Other
>Help them get used to their bodies
Endomagic focuses on one's own body and is not limited to one specific element. And these biomech frames were designed to use mana (technically - Seither) to further augment themselves. Prima's new frame has an entire Experimental Seither ExFlow system built into her and Earth magic tends to involve metals - so maybe Jago could use magic to augment himself as well.
>Send Prima and Jago copies of books on Endomagic
>Ask Izumi, Owlia and Cylica to assist as well
Miranda, Owlia and Cylica have shock/electricity based techniques (Miranda's Shock Touch, Owlia's Shock Bolt and Orb, Cylica's Thundershock and Violet Garden). While nobody knows pure 'earth-magic', Izumi's Mana Infusion can enhance traits different kinds of weapons (and a large number of weapons are made of metal and some made of stone) and Cylica's Dark Decomposition affects non-organic material (like metals and silicium compounds) - maybe with their help Jago can figure out how to augment himself with magic, like making his frame sturdier.
>>
>>5057653
we already sent her the results and returned the turret
>>5031216
>Ah, you still need to make sure to get them that data- and that busted up turret.
>>
>>5057646
>>5057709
>>5057716
It was handwaved and ambiguous so I am just making sure, since a huge part of that job was to test and record all of them. I expected more reactions about the fact that we trashed her experimental prototype and the turret. Can Handler clarify?

And I'm not sold on teaching the bots Endomagic. They won't use the bioframes nowhere all the time so if we do that they need to be taught spells that can be used in both those and their original bodies.
The mere notion already implies a ton of trial and errors and training sessions. Prima can pick up some basic Endomagic spells decently because she's a combat medic/surgeon bot, but without further materials they're just half-baked. I suggest waiting until we find an actual robot spellcaster for them.

Prima is accompanying Mono on a job soon, so I'm going to suggest something more useful instead. Let's send Lorelei to try to teach them how to blend in with the fleshies when using their bioframes, so they don't immediately get caught while fooling around. Jago is already having trouble moving around.
>>
>>5057811
>It was handwaved and ambiguous so I am just making sure
Doesn't look ambiguous to me
>>5030565
>“Alrighty, then, we’ll schedule a full-day training exercise tomorrow, then. Owlia, Cylica, before I forget, there's a few more data points from some experiments I need to forwards the data from- Z1 in particular." She squees upon hearing THAT.

>They won't use the bioframes nowhere all the time so if we do that they need to be taught spells that can be used in both those and their original bodies.
Their bodies because those were build with two different energy types working together in mind - regular electricity and mana (Seither):
>Morgan
>Body type intended for maximum safe Seither output
>Body type requires abnormal Seither intake to power- electrical recharging to be used only in cases of emergency.
>Jesse
>utilizes Seither augmentation in joint areas for maximum flexibility and stability; also capable of mild aesthetic adjustment of artificial epidermis for maximum appeal.
>Electrical source required for full body recharge
Imo Jago has trouble with his body because he isn't utilizing it correctly - it relies on mana to function way more compared to Prima's. That's why I think she's able to walk around and even dance while he can only stumble around because he can't utilize that second pool of energy. Prima only needs mana for maximizing the output (the post says that she controls it only 'well enough' and the dance was 'simplified, and without most of the dynamic power moves'), camouflage and ExFlow System.
Let me give you an analogy - imagine if a car couldn't use it's electric battery for anything except starting the engine - no headlights, no blinkers, no AC, no salon lights, can't use windows or horn, no displays or rear cameras, etc. It has gasoline to run the engine and you could still drive it, but it'd be missing many important and minor features.
I think these bodies shouldn't be used only for missions - they could serve as 'training wheels' before they try using magic in their minibot frames. The Endomagic focuses on how to apply your own mana to enhance your body, although it's about living beings made of flesh and bone and not robots. But since these biomech bodies resemble one of a human then maybe it would help Jago and Prima understand how to think, feel and move your body like one instead of treating them like a simple mechanism.
At least that's my theory.
A GAME THEORY!
>>
>>5057811
>>5057831
>tl; dr
the idea wasn't to start teaching them new fancy techniques but to get their mana dependent systems running - because it doesn't look like they can use their built-in features at the moment
>>
>>5057646
If ya ask me I think we should sell those bodies to buy better parts for the bots, fast and hassle-free. These ones take too much time to get online, the bots have been doing fine with just their base bodies.
That aside, someone should help them kill the uncanny valley of their movements.
>>
You know...actually this is really underwhelming. Where are we going with this? Why bother with magic for robots at all if neither Lori nor they themselves are interested in it? And they never ever cared about upgrading their frames as well.
Why am I getting worked up about these toys? They were made as enterntainer bots that even a child could afford to buy, and yet the super secret experimental frames are so gimped in comparison.
>>
>>5057936
Prima iirc is a supporter bot and provided by the client who's also a big shot in that world, so I assume she has some top of the line parts that aren't commercially sold. Jago on the other hand was literally bought from a store so he fits that description more closely.

Maybe that's why Jago has been underperforming as a combat personnel while Prima has her own niches that none of our girls can fill. Sad to say, if we ever bring the guy to a job he'll be a weak link.

.... maybe selling those bioframes is a good idea after all?
>>
>>5058268
I thought that these biotech frames could be used as training wheels once they start studying magic (since they were designed to use mana unlike the minibot frames), but it looks like absolutely nobody else gives a shit about it, not even the characters themselves. And attempts to find a tutor for them were completely fruitless - asked Lori and the witch girl to look into it as well and neither of them found anything useful. Looks like the only practical benefits that the new bodies provide is that they don't have equipment size restrictions unlike those dwarfish minibots frames.
We got those new frames two years ago IRL and my expectations were too high I guess. Maybe I should've treated Jago and Prima on par with Care House kids - feel like they'd outmatch the bots soon, considering how fucking much we spend with them compared to people we're actually working with.
>>
Writing!

The frames were to allow them a wider variety of jobs. There's more to them than you think, however, with the magic accessibility they still have. Normally I don't like giving OOC info, but this was likely me not giving good enough hints, so I figured saying so is fair this time.
>>
>>5057646
>>5057709


“She’s not wrong,” you opine. “If you’re going to be any useful in those bodies, it’d be a good idea to get used to them ASAP, and that includes being able to utilize mana. It’ll take more than a day to do it, but we can at least get you started on it, and give you the knowledge that you’ll need to base your practice on. Otherwise your choices for jobs will likely be a bit...sporadic.” While there’d never NOT be any jobs, you’re pretty sure that ones that permit sapient machines like them are far rarer than don’t.

“Well, I mean. How the heck am I s’posed ta do any kinda wreckin’ loik this?” Jago grumbles. “I seen YOU do it, so I guess it’s possible, but…”

“Well, give me a couple hours, and I can show you,” you offer. “We’ll give you the full course- some martial training, tactics, even see how you handle magic improvements. If it all goes well, you’ll have a nice foundation enough for learning on your own when we’re not around. You’ve got enough recordings of us all up in those databanks of yours, right?”

He pauses as he considers this. “Well...ain’t wrong about that…”

Prima nods, her hair falling in her face. She fails to move it out of the way. “Indeed. We should be able to utilize prior data to optimize our training methods. Shall we begin?”

>Roll 4d100+10, best of three for training from the lot of you.
>>
Rolled 95, 19, 99, 27 + 10 = 250 (4d100 + 10)

>>5058346
>>
Rolled 76, 20, 50, 15 = 161 (4d100)

>>5058346

>>5058349
Goddamn. A 95 and a 90.
>>
Rolled 41, 4, 94, 32 + 10 = 181 (4d100 + 10)

>>5058346
>>
>>5058351
>A 95 and a 90.
Apparently I can't numbers tonight.
>>
Rolled 31, 20, 34, 50 + 10 = 145 (4d100 + 10)

>>5058346
>>
>>5058349
Miranda's styling on the newbs again. Hope Mono's the 99.
>>
>>5058349
>>5058351
>>5058352
...That'll work well enough. Seems teamwork makes the dream work.

Izumi needs to work on her basic explanations, and Owlia is too scatterbrained to say much of importance, but otherwise, very good baseline for them.
>>
>>5058358
Hope their new tricks will be usable in their original bodies too. Having recovery spells supporting her medic skills will give Prima a good future-proof powerset in any teams or outfits, not to mention her hacking abilities.
>>
>>5058358
Guess Cylica's programming skills came in handy?
>>
>>5058346
>>5058349
>>5058351
>>5058352
Blessedly, it seems like a collection of you all focusing on the two of them seems to indeed give them at the least a basic overview of the idea of utilizing mana. You’ve already gotten used to teaching children- this is little different, to be frank. Lorelei seems to have some idea of how to explain things to them as well, keeping the explanations relatively basic. Izumi, for all her worldly skill and wisdom, doesn’t seem to have the best methods to explain how to feel and utilize mana, however...or rather, she doesn’t have too many methods that aren’t couched in metaphor. Sure, YOU get them because you know the idea behind what she’s saying, but these two? Not so much.

Owlia is similarly hard to understand- but that’s largely due to her own going off on tangents that hardly have anything to do with what you’re trying to practice, whether it’s simply holding onto mana in an external manner, or explaining the difference in elements and how flexible it all is. Cylica’s usually forced to reign her in on that front, explaining it in a very no-nonsense manner that they seem to comprehend easier. The one thing you’re curious about that she mentions is mana-reliance, talking about the Seither pills that she and Owlia made that she wonders could be used in conjunction without the side effects. That’s something to consider...

Even Mono manages to contribute, using her dance and acting experience to help explain how to more behave and utilize their bodies in a way that WON’T have them weirded out or otherwise moving strangely- not that there should be such an issue anyway, but it’s good to be certain. Nura helps assist with this, with herself getting in a bit of practice as well with her cloning technique.

By the end of it all, and Lorelei flops on her back and ‘taps out’...well, you can’t say they’re experts, not by a long shot. But they’re clearly much more comfortable utilizing their bodies, and most importantly, they’ve gotten a bit more used to calling mana forth; from initial investigations, as expected, Prima’s seems to have a buzzing, numbing quality to it indicative of electric mana, and Jago’s is far more dense by nature and difficult to pierce.

Pecker seems to find both flavors satisfying enough.

(cont.)
>>
>>5058388
Naturally, Prima’s quick to want to learn how to utilize it to heal, which yourself and Izumi approve of, whereas Jago’s far more interested in body reinforcement. You’re not sure how to help that, but the concept of Endomagic is likely to be quite helpful on that front. He’s rather obsessed with learning how to harden his body. “Oh, you don’t have to worry about that,” Nura says, chuckling as she looks him up and down.

A quick pop on the back of the head stops that, you hope. You’ll do what you can to help nurture their interests, for sure. But for now...well, they should be capable of learning and innovating on their own for a bit. And ideally, they'll be able to either recreate their old skills, or at least come up with worthwhile substitutes.

They insist on doing that, in fact and Owlia volunteers to watch them for a bit longer as you check the time. It’s...well, it’s damned late. With Pecker resting on his familiar spot on your head, you decide that it’s time to call an end to things for now. Today was productive enough, you decide, and you hope that you can get them together for something like this again sooner than later.

Nura scoops up Lorelei with a chuckle, Izumi and Mono both head off for a shower, and Cylica gives a kiss to her girlfriend before leaving herself. You're out last, forcing Owlia into a last-minute promise of 'no unauthorized experiments', which she begrudgingly accepts.

You're curious what they'll learn over the near future...well, guess you'll be around to find out. There's so many little things to do around the Intersection, it seems.

>At this point, after consideration, you can choose to continue to follow Miranda through her Intersection activities...however, if you like, we can shift to another character, soon to be preparing for a job!

>Stay with Miranda in the Intersection.
>Job time with someone else! (Owlia, Cylica, and Nura unavailable.)
>>
>>5058401
>Mono
Been forever since the last time we've seen her in action especially those reality shifting abilities of hers. And she's going together with Prima-Jesse as well!
>>
Going to let this vote run until Friday, where it will close at 1 PM PST. Kinda important, and may be a long job, so I want a lot of people's input.
>>
>>5058401
>Stay with Miranda in the Intersection.
I love working with Miranda because she offers the most flexibility. >>5058404 if the next job is a long one then I do not want to be stuck with two rookies for months, and I want to try out the Sunscorch on at least a milk run.

...actually why not just have Miranda go with those two?
>>
>>5058402
Actually, gonna change that and add some suggestions - once I get back home.
>>
>>5058401
>Stay with Miranda in the Intersection.
I'd rather see the intersection tasks be done for now and see more of the city before getting into another job.

Also, according to the MGFH #107 thread we have a future "surprise" from Sal:
>“Was hoooooping you’d stay nearby for a while.”
>Okay, THAT sounds a bit suspect. “Why’s that?”
>He just chuckles. “Now noooow, what’s the fun in spoiling the surpriiiiiise? Might or might not even haaaaappen! Ah, but I’d already said toooooo much!”
>>
>>5058401
Voting to stay with Miranda or continue as Izumi.

The usual's good, but alternately I'm fine with exploring the Intersection with another perspective like Izumi. Or get on with a job and grab Miranda for another tag-team, 'cause I want to burn some people and enact war crimes.
>>
>>5058402
>>5058411
Ok, so Miranda has a lot of things to do in the Intersection (>>5031164 >>5046764 >>5046844 >>5047052), but some of it doesn't sound that exciting: have to wait for new movie script and take acting lessons, have to wait for Roller Derby event, have to wait for Lunaluna's visit to the Care House. We could switch to someone else and by the time we finish the mission Miranda would be done with the boring bits. I'm fine with switching to anyone.
I like >>5058494's idea of staying in the Intersection a bit more but as a different character, and Izumi is a decent candidate. We could do some of this stuff together with Miranda (she promised to help Ai), take an HQ Task and maybe visit some other places, then go on a mission.
>>5058401
>Stay in the Intersection with Izumi
>>
>>5058401
>>5058494
>>5058520
Hoooohh boy.
Let's switch to our good Samaritan for a bit then. Wonder how it will work since Izumi is much busier because she has to pick up more side gigs, perhaps something will pop up in the library again?

I really hope we switch back to Miranda when we go to Lunaluna though. That bit is just too juicy and plot-heavy, and it was made clear that the private meeting is for Miranda only.
>>
>>5058401
>>5058409
>>5058584
Switching my vote to this.
>>
Seems like it's pretty much a lock for staying in the Intersection as Izumi, unless I'm reading something wrong.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5058401
>>5058494
>>5058520
>>5058584
The days past have been...well, most curious, for certain. Miranda seems to be very dedicated to this strangeness happening around the Intersection recently. While you’re also curious- and a bit concerned, if you’re being honest- you also have to admit that you’re less fiery about the situation. She’s trying to hide it, but lately she’s constantly had this distant look in her eyes, like there’s something that she’s worried about but refuses to let come to the forefront. Well, save for the times she follows up on some sort of lead. Still, it’s because of that dedication that you’ll let her handle it for now. She’s clearly got more understanding than you do on the matter, and you’ll let her reveal things as she deems necessary.

That aside, yesterday was appreciated- training is always important, and while you take care to not let yourself lax in it personally, it’s good to see everyone participating as well. Those inward techniques Miranda had taught you were intriguing, to say the least. Well, mostly. There’s no substitute for your Extreme Tension, it seems, and that kind of makes you proud.

Ah, but you’re too in your own head right now. At the moment, you’re still at work, though nearing the end of your shift. Library work has proven...well, not as boring as it used to be, but you’ve spent enough time thinking about that whole mess. At least Ms. Delilah is still quite friendly with you; she’d actually asked you if you wanted to hang out later today! There was some sort of competition that she wanted to attend, and she’d wanted to invite you. You weren’t sure what it was- she was a bit reluctant to say.

The idea was nice, but there’s also the matter of dues coming up...you might want to take on a local task or two as well, just to be safe.

>Accept the offer- go with her to whatever this competition was.
>Decline the offer- there’s a few things around the homefront you really should do…
>Other
>>
>>5059866
>>Accept the offer- go with her to whatever this competition was.
Just to make sure no one's spying on her. Hope it was only a coincidence that she found several clues by herself.
>>
>>5059866
>Accept the offer- go with her to whatever this competition was.
>>
>>5059866
>Accept the offer- go with her to whatever this competition was.
>>
>>5059866
>Accept the offer- go with her to whatever this competition was.
She's still having trouble with dues. I swear this girl.
>>
>>5059942
You know maybe we'll get some explaination on why she has to work with a tighter budget soon, because I do not think she's a reckless spender. She's just fresh out of a job too, and she isn't a slacker.
>>
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>>5059950
Yeah, the old explanation was that 'good' jobs pay less and that she doesn't take them as often - but the jobs she's been getting lately were rather lucrative and in group missions the pay is always split evenly.
>>
>>5059957
>>5059950
Perhaps she doesn't do sidemissions and turns down extra rewards? She didn't take the offer of free enchantment from bearkin shamans during the shadow war mission - that's when we got that awesome restoration enchantment for Miranda's gauntlets.
>>
Took a bit, but writing!
>>
>>5059866
>>5059877
>>5059935
>>5059936
>>5059942

Well...it couldn’t hurt to chaperone her, right? Whatever this is, hopefully she’ll enjoy it. You do still have some rounds to make, but...well, she’s a friend, after all. And a hard working one, someone who’s gotten involved in something that by all rights she didn’t have to. She deserves it.

You’re sure she’ll appreciate it later.

----------

“T-Thanks again...for coming with me, I mean,” she says as you look upon the banner set up in the fairgrounds. “I don’t usually really get the chance to come to something like this with anyone but Lawrence, and he’s too worried about keeping me safe, so it’s nice to have a friend.” You’re just glad that she’s more used to talking to you now- she actually holds eye contact and doesn’t stutter or trail off like she used to. That said, as soon as you’d arrived, she’d taken off into what seems to be a park festival for something called a ‘Combra Festival’, whatever that means. Food and drink, as expected, but what initially catches your eye is a ‘Non-Powered Combat Tournament’, which could be interesting to watch. You can see there’s more than a few uniforms standing around, too- seems like Dynamic Methods is scouting, from the looks of it.

Looking around, there’s also some sort of dance and music exhibition- it’s a really fast, drum heavy beat; something to dance hotly to. Not exactly your preference, but you can appreciate it nonetheless. You...won’t be dancing quite like that, however. That seems more Prima’s speed than anyone else’s. Or perhaps Jago’s, after a fashion. You suspect, at least. There’s a pair of Arachne ladies that appear to be having some sort of a dance off, with the small crowd cheering them both on.

Aside from smaller merchant booths, however, what else sticks out is a number of people milling around a large series of dinner tables- at least room for 20, and there’s a large stage setup behind them, with a banner reading ‘Mystery Foods Competition’...

...and Delilah seems to be headed back from there, holding a ticket and an armband. “Okay! I’m back, sorry! I just wanted to make sure they had more open seats…but, is there anything you want to do before it starts?”

> Your curiosity begs you- you hadn’t known this about her. “I didn’t take you for a competitive eater. What brought this on?”
> Actually, you DID want to look into that Combat Tournament- doesn’t seem like it’s live yet, but there’s some exhibition fights, it seems…
> You suppose that dancing, while not your thing, you can appreciate. Who else might find it interesting?
> Other
>>
>>5060015
> Actually, you DID want to look into that Combat Tournament- doesn’t seem like it’s live yet, but there’s some exhibition fights, it seems…
>>
>>5060015
> Actually, you DID want to look into that Combat Tournament- doesn’t seem like it’s live yet, but there’s some exhibition fights, it seems…
>>
>>5060015
> Actually, you DID want to look into that Combat Tournament- doesn’t seem like it’s live yet, but there’s some exhibition fights, it seems…
Now this is interesting, we might be able to pick up some inspirations.
>>
It might be magic-less, but it's still art. Writing.
>>
>>5060015
>>5060019
>>5060024
>>5060030
“Well, to be honest...I was curious about that Combat Tournament that seems to be going on,” you mention. “While they might not have any special abilities, you can still learn a lot from someone’s fighting style if you know what to look for.”

She seems a bit shy about that, turning away with a blush. “Y-yeah...I guess.” Huh. Suddenly turned shy. Wonder why that is? She’s not arguing or saying no, though- and you’d like to believe that if she had a real problem with it, then she’d say so to you by now. With that in mind, you both head towards the ring- a literal octagon, with short fence walls, and a smooth base. It looks like, as you expected, there’s no formal setup at the moment, and it’s just general exhibition matches, from how people are talking and how there’s clearly an announcer’s podium that’s empty.

Inside are two individuals, naturally- one of them a young, muscular man with a wild hairstyle that covers one eye, and what looks like a shredded gi. He seems incredibly serious for someone fighting in an exhibition match…

His opponent, however, seems to be entirely the opposite- with a short shocked cut of white hair, tanned skin, and an easygoing smile to compliment his lackadasical, hands-in-pants ‘stance’, he seems to nonetheless move smoothly in and out of the fierce man’s strikes; a snake-like movement that you have to admit is impressive. A lunging punch is ducked underneath and to the side; the attack barely has time to turn, the easygoing man lashing out with a kick that seems to hit with far more force than his stance would appear to allow at first glance.

The man spins out of control, collapsing to the floor with a grunt; though he gets back up quickly enough, it’s clear that the fight was to fall, as he simply pounds the ground in frustration. The grinning man simply bows in a mocking show of gratitude. “And that’ll be that for now.” Even his voice is smooth. “Thank you for the lovely dance. Perhaps in the future...”

“Tch.” You hear someone snark next to you. “Poseur.” You turn to the speaker, and are hit with a vague sense of familiarity. He’s got green, well-kept hair, and you can recognize his uniform as someone from Dynamic Methods. He also has a monocle, for whatever reason, but upon further inspection, it seems like it serves a sort of scanning purpose, tiny digital readouts you can just see. “Such a style does nothing for actual combat scenarios.”

> “He must be using it for a good reason, don’t you think?”
> “I cannot say that’s the most efficient combat style, no…”
> Keep silent. It’s not your place to say yet- you just got here.
> Other
>>
>>5060095
> Keep silent. It’s not your place to say yet- you just got here.
Just a hunch, but I think he's not talking to us - that 'monocle' could be a comm set and he's discussing this with someone else over the line. Otherwise he'd be talking to himself.
>>
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>>5060095
> Keep silent. It’s not your place to say yet- you just got here.

>His opponent, however, seems to be entirely the opposite- with a short shocked cut of white hair, tanned skin, and an easygoing smile to compliment his lackadasical, hands-in-pants ‘stance’.
>>
>>5060095
> Keep silent. It’s not your place to say yet- you just got here.
>>
>You turn to the speaker, and are hit with a vague sense of familiarity.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1244344/#p1256959
>Green-hair(who’s name you finally learn is Thaddeus). He’s a second lieutenant, and apparently he uses normal rifle weaponry. Although he looks arrogant, you can’t deny he’s capable where it counts. As you talk to him, you get the impression he might want to take the lead more than follow, however...
We met Thad during the joint operation with DM's Epsilon Division (Air Devils). He's been a bit cocky at first but that was never an issue, and he's also evacuated Lori when she ran out of mana early on in the mission. Might as well give him a polite nod, whether he was talking to us or not.
>>
>>5060300
> “He must be using it for a good reason, don’t you think?”
>Other
>>5060095
>>
Run begins in about 30 minutes.
>>
>>5060095
>>5060111
>>5060115
>>5060163
Probably best to keep quiet for now. It’s not your place to make any comments, and he doesn’t seem to have directed the statement towards you, at any rate. At least, he’s not looking at you when he says that. “The wild one might be of some potential, provided he learns control,” he says. “However, the other one I wouldn’t recommend.” Ah, that tells you enough. He’s scouting, and relaying information back in real-time. “It’s far easier to correct form than attitude. Mhm...” There’s a few moments of quiet as he clearly listens in on something- it’s then that he tilts his head towards you a bit, giving you a small nod. You still can’t quite place his name, but you nod back. “...yes, yes, I know. This is still my job, however- I’ll ‘have fun’ when I deem fit. Yes, I’m aware, thank you.” He presses a button to his right ear, and turns to you fully. “Rank amateurs, all of them. I’m not convinced I’ll find anyone here for Dynamic Methods’ purposes.” He gives you a closer look. “...you look familiar. I can tell you’re an Outgoer, but beyond that…”

“I get the same feeling,” you admit. “Perhaps...oh!” Something clicks in your head. “Have we worked together before? I’m with Silver Eye Solutions, and-”

“Ahh!” His eyes light up a bit with recognition. “We did indeed. Thaddeus McElroy, at your service. I distinctly recall assisting with a particularly dicey situation during that joint operation…”

“Yes, yes, I remember now!” You’re glad for it, at least. “Thank you for that again. So, you’re scouting, then?”

And his face returns to its frown. “That I am. Under duress, might I add, but such is the job. And you?”

You motion to your side, towards Delilah, who gives a small wave. “She’ll be competing in the eating contest; I decided to come support her as a friend.”

“Ah.” His face moves like he wants to make an expression but is forcing himself not to. “I see, then. Best of...luck to you. For now-” A few more cheers go up, and you see another pair walk towards the ring. One a frizzy-haired, redhead girl with purple jogging pants and a bright pink tank top, and the other a wolfman with long, black fur and only cargo jeans on- though you see he’d intentionally taken off his topwear and boots for whatever reason.

The lady smiles, showing a pair of sharp canines. “Okay babe, bet’s still on?” Huh.

The wolfman nods. “You win, we get the new couch. I win, we get the new bed.”

(cont.)
>>
>>5060827
“Adorable.” Thaddeus says in a tone that indicates anything but. “Well, then. Tell me, what do you make of this?” he asks idly as he returns his gaze to the two in the ring- the wolf seems to stick to more traditional martial arts- hard strikes, clearly operating on an axis that he’s trying to get her to fight on, to allow himself the opportune moment to strike. The girl- the vampire, you’re almost certain- seems to almost be more dancing than fighting- but she seems to know him well, keeping out of his range as often as she can and dancing in and out to tap him here, hit him here. "I need to approach SOMEONE. Else they're really going to start bothering me and I'd rather not have that. They just all so...blah."

As you’re thinking about it, you feel a tightening on your arm, and you turn to see Delilah looking at the fight intently. Huh. Didn’t think she’d be so into it, if you’re not misreading it.

>Suggest the wolfman has the advantage, all in all.
>It’s likely the vampiress has the advantage, you think.
>Just a moment, you’re more concerned about Delilah.
>Other
>>
>>5060829
>Other
Suggest that he should approach them both and talk it out. They seem like an item.
plus
>Just a moment, you’re more concerned about Delilah.
>>
>>5060829
>>5060830
>Mention that whatever bet they trying to settle is counterproductive for his scouting. The guy is fighting with his boots off and the girl knows him too well. He should decide only after seeing them fight someone else, not each other.
>>
>>5060829
>>5060830
>>5060837
These.
>>
Writing.
>>
>>5060829
>>5060830
>>5060837
>>5060840
“I wouldn’t say much to either,” you admit, glancing between Delilah and the fight. “Whatever bet they trying to settle is counterproductive for scouting. The man is fighting with his boots off, and it’s clear the girl knows him too well. You should decide only after seeing them fight someone else, not each other.” Another glance back at Delilah, who seems...fidgety, oddly. “A moment, please.”

As you kneel down, you’re careful to look Delilah in the eyes. Flecks of red, but nothing too obvious or indicative of her losing control of anything. She just looks...nervous? “Something wrong?”

“Ummm...uh, I don’t- I...I’m- there’s nothing scary around, I just…!” Huh. So she doesn’t even know why she’s feeling like this? Strange. “I’m scared anyway! C-can we go somewhere else?”

Hmmm…

>Ask her if she’s felt like this before. Is this something new or not?
>Agree. (Where to?)
>Suggest she try to calm herself. Maybe with a basic meditation trick...
>Other
>>
>>5060872
>Ask her if she’s felt like this before. Is this something new or not?
>>
>>5060872
>Ask her if she’s felt like this before. Is this something new or not?
>>
>>5060872
>>Agree. (Where to?) - away from crowds and fighting. We're in a park, there gotta be some quiet spots.
>Ask her if she’s felt like this before. Is this something new or not?
>Suggest she try to calm herself. Maybe with a basic meditation trick...
might be a bit greedy to go with all three options but I have a hunch it's related to her vampire instincts kicking in - when we first met Delilah Miranda had to grab some medication for her condition.
>>
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>>5060889
>>
Stopping for today. I basically went on a hike earlier through hill and dale and though it was nice and I got some great pictures, I'm exhausted. Gonna sleep.
>>
Feeling much better. Run begins in an hour.
>>
>>5060872
>>5060884
>>5060885
>>5060889
“Alright, but...has this happened before?” you ask worriedly. “Or is this new?”

“I...I dunno! I think...I thought it was just panic attacks before, but...but they always went- I can’t- please!” She’s shivering now, and frankly the look of her breaks your heart.

“Alright, alright, let’s go,” you quickly decide. Thaddeus is quick to move aside, thankfully, as are a few others that seem to have overheard and have the kindness to show concern. There’s enough space to find somewhere quiet, and eventually that proves to be a small tree, near a few kittenfolk kids playing with a ball. It’s the quietest that you can see, anyway. As you make your way over there, you pay careful attention to Delilah. She seems to at least be calming down now, though you have to help with soft words and assurances.

By the time you reach, she’s...well, she’s still shaking a bit, and you can see a bit more blush in her cheeks as well as a bit of elongated fangs, but aside from that, she looks better. “I...I think I’m okay now...sorta…I...don’t know why...”

“That’s fine. Look, let’s sit down and I can show you some meditation techniques, alright? Maybe those’ll help calm your mind, perhaps?” She nods, and you both rest under the tree. “Now, you don’t need any special pose for this, just follow how I breath and close your eyes…”

After a few minutes, though it takes her some effort, she at least seems to calm down, her breathing becoming regular and deep...wait. No.

She’s asleep.

...you’ll accept that, for now. Well...maybe she could use it. You can sit here for a minute, you suppose. Although as you relax, you hear muttering from her- she lightly tosses and turns here and there, face scrunching up before slacking and giggling. You’re not sure if it’s a good dream or a bad one...

>You notice the Wolfman and Vampire girl come up to you with a complicated expression.
>An Arachne lady walks up to you, holding some sort of flyer…
>There’s a call out for the eating competition! Which means that Delilah needs to be awakened.
>Other
>>
>>5061604
>You notice the Wolfman and Vampire girl come up to you with a complicated expression.
Well, it's only natural. Hope the girl knows what's getting to Delilah.
>>
>>5061604
>>5061614
>>
>>5061604
>You notice the Wolfman and Vampire girl come up to you with a complicated expression.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5061604
>>5061614
>>5061620
>>5061621
A few minutes later, you notice the Wolfman and Vampire girl come up to you with a complicated expression. “Eyy…” the Vampire girl seems almost contrite? “Glad we found ya. Uh…sooo we noticed the kid there earlier?”

“Yeah, she was lookin’ a bit rattled,” the wolfman says, his rumbling voice showing his concern. “Just wanted to see if she was alright.”

“Hm?” You have to admit, you didn’t think that’d be the case. “It’s certainly appreciated. She’s calmer now- but might I ask why?”

The lady shrugs. “Well, some vamps kinda get...tetchy around either wolffolks or stronger vampires. Kinda just a thing that happens. I just wanted to make sure she wasn’t freaking out too bad.”

Oh! You’d wondered if that might’ve been the case, but you hadn’t heard of a psychological reaction like that before- just general disdain. Still things to learn, you suppose. “I see. Well, as I said, she’s doing better now. Although if I might ask, how’d you tell? I didn’t think she had any outstanding indicators unless you looked close.”

The girl grins. “Got that old-blood smell. Doesn’t even have to actually be old, I mean, but that’s what it’s called. She smells awful familiar in particular, though.” Oh? “I mean, I don’t think I’ve met her before, just...real familiar.” Huh. Is she from the same homeplace? That’d be interesting. It’d also give her someone to talk to… “You her caretaker? I don’t smell anything in you.”

Oh geez, you could see why they’d think that. “Oh! No, no...I’m just a friend of hers. My name’s Izumi. And you?”

She holds her hand out for a handshake, which you accept. “Renee Ricci." And the lug over here is my boyfriend-”

“Bryon Laghieri,” he introduces himself, also shaking your hand. He pauses, briefly. “Huh. A firm grasp. A warrior sort, then?”

You blink. That wasn’t where you expected the conversation to go. “Yes, I would say so…”

“Aha.” He smiles, like someone finding a toy in a window he wanted to look at more. “Then-”

Suddenly Renee proceeds to take her hand and pop him on the head. “Oh, no you don’t!” He actually WHIMPERS. “She’s busy and you JUST met her! Am I suddenly not enough for you?”

“O-of course you are!” he contests. “I was just trying to be polite- one warrior to another!”

“Uhuh…” she doesn’t look impressed.

> “Er, if it’s a spar he’s asking for, I don’t mind, though I should give fair warning…”
> You’re not going to interrupt a lovers’ quarrel. You and your own boyfriend know how that’s like.
> “Tell me, is there any way to stop such reactions?”
> Other
>>
>>5061657
>> “Tell me, is there any way to stop such reactions?”
>Or learn how to handle them
>>
>>5061657
>>5061663
+
And I suddenly remember that Izumi has a bf. That's unfitting to me desu, really feels like an odd relic from when the quest was new-ish.
>>
>>5061668
>That's unfitting to me desu
huh?
>>
>>5061657
> “Tell me, is there any way to stop such reactions?”
>Or learn how to handle them
>>
>>5061671
Old word filter for t.b.h, back when twitter was getting bigger (& not a mental asylum) and people in this site didn't like twitter abbreviations.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5061679
I know that tb.h means, I just don't get why anon has issues with her having a boyfriend.
>>
>>5061690
If I remember correctly she didn't have one (or at least didn't say she had one) in the earlier threads when Miranda went out drinking with Lori and Izumi.
I remember that she managed to catch some guy on one of those crazy drunken outings though so maybe that evolved into a relationship?
>>
>>5061758
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1095150/#p1102555
>“Wait a sec, do you have a date?” You can’t keep the eyebrows from raising. The blush on her face is all you need for confirmation. “How did that happen? And who, for that matter? No offense meant, but I never saw you as the dating sort…”

>She puffs her cheeks out in irritation a bit...honestly, kinda silly. “I am over ninety! Of COURSE I’ve had dates!”

>Huh. Well, she’s riled about it. “How many?” Her face doesn’t get any less red, and she’s quiet as she mumbles out a number you can’t quite hear. “Beg pardon?”

>“I SAID JUST TWO!” Yikes. Don’t need everyone in a three mile radius hearing you. “And he’s a very nice man I met at the grocery store! His name is Julius and he’s very handsome and I enjoy his company and he’s rather intelligent and-”

The date shenanigans went on for almost two threads. I'd recommend rereading them, there are a few interesting lore bits about our original trio. Also the spreadsheet doc has a page about the people we met in the intersection.
>>
>>5061657
>>5061663
>>5061672
>>5061668
Well, while you’re here, you might as well try to ask a few questions. “Tell me, is there any way to stop such reactions? Or learn how to handle them, at least?”

She shakes her head. “Nothin’ for it but exposure therapy. It’s an old ‘predator’ thing, is my guess, but I never really learned about it in detail. I’m guessing she’s new to the whole ‘vamp’ thing?”

“Relatively,” you confirm. “Though she’s working to accept herself more.”

Renee nods in approval. “Smart. Tell her to look me up if she wants a friendly face, or at least wants someone to get used to that can make a mean blood orange smoothie. I run a yoga studio not too far from here- Red Sweat Center. You too, if you want- can always use more customers!”

“She’s very skilled- how I fell in love with her, really,” Bryon promotes happily, which earns him a kiss on the cheek, which he reprociates by holding her close. “Imagine her surprise when a werewolf kept showing up for classes!”

Well, that’s actually rather nice of her. “Thank you! I’ll certainly look into it!” You'll have to remember to tell her- at the very least you put that information into your phone.

The two leave before much longer, Bryon talking about the couch they have to get and how they'll fit it into their place.

A bit later, she slowly blinks her eyes open, yawning- and then letting a small yelp out as she realizes what happened. You just chuckle, resulting in a blush from her. "S-sorry..."

"It's fine. It happens often with first timers. Besides, it was probably good of you to rest-"

"ATTENTION ALL! THE MYSTERY FOODS EATING COMPETITION WILL BEGIN IN TEN MINUTES! PLEASE, ALL CONTESTANTS REPORT TO THE COMPETITION AREA!"

"-for that," you finish as she hops up in excitement.

The two of you make your way over to the table area, where you can see a number of uniformed servers prepping, often moving behind a large, curtained off area. The contestants are filtering in, their numbers and positions being marked by those armbands, from what you can tell- Delilah is number 16.

A big, warty fellow two heads taller than you rumbles past you, snorting. Kind of reminds you more of a warthog upright, but with more mohawk and scales. You notice he also has an armband. Not the best looking of folks in this competition, but...well, is how it goes. He looks particularly aggressive. As does the other large, tanned, muscular man who looks almost like he's molded out of clay and shredded jeanwear. Similar fellows and ladies start showing up and taking their places. You glance from them to the young girl shorter than you, looking more ready than you've ever seen her.

...this is starting to concern you.

>Any questions before she goes up?
>>
That's all for tonight. Will post tomorrow.
>>
>>5061785
Nothing much for me, since we (Izumi) know jack about eating contests + any further questions will just distract her imo.
General tips like keeping herself cool and go easy on the liquids. Or asking if she has done this before.
>>
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>>5061785
>Ask if she's done this before
>Wish her luck
>Brace yourself
>>
>>5061785
>>5061892
+
>>
>>5061785
>>5061800
>>5061892
>>5061998
You’re not sure what to say about this- why she seems so eager is an utter mystery to you, and frankly, one that you’re not entirely certain you want to find out the answer to. “Remember to pace yourself, I suppose…” is the best you can get out, but she simply smiles and salutes. As the last call for contestants goes out. "Good luck."

“Oh, don’t worry! I’m ready for this! Lawrence and I trained for it!” Aaaand there she goes. Huh. Well, then. You might as well take a seat. Whatever this is, it’s bound to be a spectacle.

She’s easily one of the smallest there, the only other two being even close to her being a normal-ish looking human, save for some oversized incisors, and a bear anthromorph that looks about in his teen years- and he’s looking very nervous.

It’s then that a large man, with a rather large gut that you can nonetheless tell is muscled, steps onto the stage. He has an apron on, proclaiming himself and his business as ‘Gran Frea- Gran Frea’s Great Buffet’. Well, that makes sense, you suppose. “Attention all!” he proclaims, smoothing out his wide handlebar mustache. “I welcome you, guests of the Combra Festival, to the 244th Combra Mystery Foods Eating Competition!” Huh. You hadn’t guessed it was that long lived. Maybe you should be getting out more. “The rules! Simple! We shall bring out an assortment of 12 foods, one by one, all abnormal and not easily found in this, our wondrous home! As we serve these foods to our brave contestants, they shall be consumed with great relish- but all food on the plate must be finished, indeed, before they can move on to the next course! Whomsoever finds their spirit waving may surrender at any time- however it is only they who lasts the longest that shall receive the 1st place prize- this!” And he holds up what looks like a diamond rectangle; but you can see that it’s laced with some type of technology. “A rare and wondrous 20% ALL-DISCOUNT CHIP, for the Eatery District! Good for the equivalent of two hundred meals!”

A number of oohs and ahhs go up at that, even some shocked exclamations. If you’re being honest, including your own. A twenty percent All-Discount Chip!? For the Eatery District, and two hundred meals?! That’d save SO many Motes down the line...and it seems everyone knows it, by how hungrily they’re looking at it.

The man grins, clearly having the attention of all and sundry now. “And furthermore, for those brave souls that manage to clear all twelve courses yet not finish first?” And in his other hand, he holds something else up, some sort of medal. “This- a worthwhile prize if not quite so grand! A divine, five star course, cooked to perfection for five! Courtesy of myself, of course!” You can’t help but roll your eyes with that one. “And for those concerned, rest assured, our incomparable medical teams are standing by for any unfortunate accidents! Now then! Let us prepare...TO EAT!”

(cont.)
>>
>>5062727
A cheer goes up as he pick up an old-fashion bell, ringing it loudly and with aplomb. “BRING FORTH THE FIRST COURSE!”

A legion of servers come from the curtained area, holding immense covered dishes- the plates are at least two feet across, and large and domed. Almost uniformly, they’re set in front of all the contestants. “NOW, PRESENTING THE FIRST COURSE!” He snaps his fingers, and all the containers are lifted at once to reveal…

Some sort of massive, orange heart, at least twice the size of your head, and easily triple that of Delilah’s! It drips of some kind of soft yellow sauce, with its garnishings hardly doing anything for the appearance. “RRROASTED TERRIBAUM HEART! THE CORE ORGAN OF A MIGHTY BEAST, UNCHALLENGED THROUGHOUT ITS ARID CLIMATE! NOW FOR YOUR CONSUMPTION! RRRRREADY?”

...and to your surprise, Delilah IS. Not even a shred of worry on her face. She almost looks downright happy at it. “CONSUME!”

The second she stabs into the thing and rips off a piece, you immediately begin to wonder just what about this girl you DON’T know...

>Roll 3d100, best of three for...fortitude.
>>
Rolled 78, 2, 40 = 120 (3d100)

Heart is actually quite delicious. You can take it as really lean meat but not leathery like overcooked low-fat cuts.
>>
>>5062729
>>5062735
oof, forgot to link.
>>
Rolled 15, 60, 50 = 125 (3d100)

>>5062729
>>
Rolled 27, 20, 18 = 65 (3d100)

>>5062729
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5062729
>>5062735
>>5062769
>>5062784
Honestly, you’ve eaten a great many things as an Outgoer. Many things which others would consider ‘gross’ or at the least unpalatable. When you’re stuck in a crevasse with only maggots for sustenance while waiting for a caravan to roll over for an ambush, you learn to blunt your taste buds. It’s not that she’s eating it which surprises you.

It’s the sheer GUSTO with which she’s doing it. For a small girl that’s rarely taken more than tea, finger foods, and sandwiches in front of you, she’s absolutely TEARING into that heart, chunks of it disappearing down her vampiric maw at a rate that you didn’t think she was capable of. You notice that the two contestants next to her even paused briefly when she started in surprise, before beginning on their own plates.

It’s like watching a metronome. Stab, chew, swallow, stab, chew, swallow. She doesn’t seem to take any longer on one forkful than the other, but the consistency is impressive. She doesn’t finish first- that is the large fellow that passed by you earlier- but she makes it not long after him, and the second dish is brought out- along with the booming announcement:

“GRRRREAT ANDOSIAN PEPPERS, SPICY AND STUFFED WITH BOILED AND STRIPPED RED TIGER INTESTINE, GROUND RAINBOW DUCK, AND BLUELINE PEAS! MAY YOUR TONGUES THANK AND CURSE YOU IN EQUAL MEASURE!”

Sure enough, it’s a set of three massive, green and purple peppers that you can almost see bursting with meat. The big guy begins to chow down almost immediately, and you swear even from here your eyes are watering from the...intense pungency.

Not that Delilah seems to mind. As she digs in, however, you notice at least two on the opposite side of her pause- and almost simultaneously, they drop their utensils and bug out, the smell clearly being too much for them. That’s two down, at least…

She clears through it, as does the big guy, who’s seeming like the frontrunner for now. There’s a couple of others that are keeping pace, but the dichotomy of the two is causing the most interest, it seems. At least from your perspective, the smallest one there keeping up with the biggest is worth noting, even if she’s not right behind him. During this course, another one drops, clearly having enough of the pungent food.

The big guy finishes first again, and the bell rings as the 3rd course is formally introduced.

“CUBED AND BROILED CHUMINI BELLY, WRRRRRAPPED IN TENDER STEAMED MUGLEAF! GELATINOUS YET MEATY! THE MUSCLE OF THIS CRUSTACEAN IS NOW YOURS TO CONSUME!”

(cont.)
>>
>>5063362
And these are a LOT of cubes- rather than one big one, it’s a stacked high pile of small ones, all in one big, steaming leaf. As for looks, it’s just how it sounds. It’s got an appearance like meat, but...it’s far too wiggly and gelatinous. Not that it stops Delilah from picking them up with her fork, two by two, that same rhythm still going for her. The big guy just seems to grab a handful and shovel.

Ugh, though, that look combined with the smell of that leaf...at least, you THINK it’s the leaf...it’s starting to wear on you. You can see a more than a few others holding their noses, too…

Another two drop out during this. And it's only the third course...there's a lot more to go, and Delilah doesn't look like she's stopping any time soon.

"Where's that kid puttin' it all?" you hear someone besides you ask. "I swear she's eaten jus' about her own weight already!" You have absolutely ZERO idea.

>Roll 3d100, best of three.
>>
Rolled 74, 47, 43 = 164 (3d100)

>>5063366
>>
Rolled 17, 18, 15 = 50 (3d100)

>>5063366
I'm suprised they didn't scan contestants for supernatural digestive systems. Or did they?
>>
Rolled 14, 49, 90 = 153 (3d100)

>>5063366
>>
>>5063370
They get all relevant checks in at the time of registration, don't worry.
>>
Well, nine more to go.
>>
Writing!
>>
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>>5064382
oh boy, what is it going to be now?
>>
>>5063366
>>5063368
>>5063370
>>5063372
Delilah holds her position, such as it is, even improving slightly as her consistent pace allows her to overtake the individuals ahead of her, save for the big guy, by sheer dint of not having to chew so much. Kinda reminds you of a vacuum.

The bell rings again. “WITH RESPECT TO OUR ESTEEMED GUESTS-” who? “GRRRRILLED HYPERION SPIDER LEGS, GARNISHED WITH STRINGROOT!” Hmm. That one doesn’t sound so bad- the legs are indeed fried up, each about the size of the plate itself or so. There’s no smell, at least.

The sounds of fervent crunching take over as few by few the remaining contestants dig into their plates. Delilah takes it bite by bite, starting from one end and carefully yet quickly munching her way to the other. You can see one poor individual grab his hands to his throat and dash off- he’s quickly attended to by medical personnel; seems like he might’ve choked on it in his flurry. One more down.

The big dude gets them down easier than Delilah, and she slips back a bit in speed- mouth size is an issue, clearly. Although from what you can tell from your position, she’s still one of the first five to finish. Well, so long as she picks it back up sooner or later...right? You’re not sure how these contests are best done…

Nevertheless, the bell rings. Number 5.

“A MIGHTY ASSORTMENT OF GREENERY! HUMBILA ALLSALAD, WITH ROCKSALT TOMATOES, SALAMANDER PEPPERS, SANDOVER LEAVES, AND MANY OTHERS!” Goodness. ‘Allsalad’ is apt, once the dish is revealed. It’s a cornucopia of vegetables, leafy and non, stacked high and in an honestly kinda aesthetically pleasing assortment. But that’s not what’s the concern of it.

The concern is Delilah’s scrunched face. Whatever this assortment has in it, it’s not agreeing with her entirely…

She digs in, nonetheless, but you can tell she’s forcing it a bit. Even then, it’s a better sight than several others, who all seem to have issues with the salad- you see one individual simply drop their head in submission, and two others barely manage to get a few forkfuls in before having to vacate to the sides- clearly holding in some vomit as their bodies tap out where their spirits refused to say quit. Still others leave. You take a quick count, and it seems that already the number of contestants is down to 17. More than you thought must’ve started, but not that many more. Still, Delilah’s forced to take her time a bit more with the salad; definitely not her preference, clearly. She winds up in the latter half of the pack, due to it; the bell rings as she’s a little under halfway done.

But that’s when you smell something familiar, and clearly so does she. But she in particular is far, far more interested; to the point of pausing briefly before realizing- and going after the last half at a quicker pace, if still steady.

(cont.)
>>
>>5064417
“EXPERTLY BAKED AND GLAZED CAIMAN AND SHADEBIRD BLOOD SAUSAGE! THICK AND RICH WITH THE CARNIVORE’S BLOOD AND THE AVIAN’S DELECTABLE INNARDS!” It’s a massive one, as the big guy’s head. Yeah, that’ll do it. Her eyes actually dilate, you swear. Within perhaps another 30 seconds, the salad is finished and devoured- and the server shortly after places her piece in front of her.

He barely gets away before Delilah, fangs well and elongated, nearly slams her head into the sausage in her fevor. You’re not sure how good that is, but you ARE noticing that sausage vanishing at a VERY impressive rate- to the point that you spy the big guy giving her a sideeye for all of a half-second before turning back to his own plate. A trio of contestants drop their forks- one individual drooling half-chewed food out of her mouth as she slumps to the table, quickly being carted away by paramedics.

By the time the bell rings again, Delilah's perhaps a couple of seconds behind him. They're halfway through, now.

>You know the drill! 3d100.
>>
Rolled 18, 29, 91 = 138 (3d100)

>>5064418
Of course the kid doesn't like her veggies.
>>
Rolled 50, 95, 85 = 230 (3d100)

>>5064418
>>
Rolled 77, 52, 57 = 186 (3d100)

>>5064418
>>
I might post tomorrow after all. Still, Happy Turkey Day, for those that celebrate it.
>>
>good chunk of rolls go 80~90ish
Dang, she's got big guts huh
>>
>>5065259
I wonder if undead can even get stomach cramps. Or any kind of sick, really.
>>
>>5065664
Is she even an undead?
>>
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>>5065709
Vampires are traditionally classified as undead.
>>
>>5065770
Asking in case if she's not a traditional vampire. In some settings they're not undead, but either created (in the latest Resident Evil they're mutants) or are their own separate species (like in Witcher series).
>>
Writing shortly!

Also Delilah is essentially a True Vampire- while the race came from humans fucking with things they shouldn't have, she was born that way, not killed/converted.
>>
>>5064418
>>5064421
>>5064429
>>5064432
“STEAMED OCTOPOD NOODLES WITH DELICIOUS BOMDIL FLOWER SAUCE!” comes the cry. You’re...not the biggest fan of how they look, personally. They vaguely remind you of octopus, but just...less appetizing, for whatever reason. There’s some silver-looking sauce as well, the ‘Bomdil Flower’, you presume, which has a sickly sweet smell to it. Probably would be good, in smaller doses, but as it is now, it’s a touch overpowering, to you.

To your surprise, the big guy seems to not enjoy it much, judging from his furrowed brow and squinted eyes. He’d been chomping on everything with either indifference or enjoyment up until now, but this is the first dish he’s had to choke down. Delilah isn’t a big fan either- the noodles are clearly upsetting her rhythm, with everything up until now being relatively solid foods. The two hardly focus on anyone else as they try to get it all down, and another two people fall to the cloying sweetness.

Twelve left. Delilah and big man manage to get through early, but no one really seems to enjoy this one too much.

The bell rings. “GRRRRRRILLED STAR BELL FRUIT AND ASSORTMENTS! A VARIETY OF PLEASANTLY TINGLING AND FANTASTICALLY FRESH JUICES FOR THE PALATE!”

Ah, this was more like it- you can see them practically scarfing them down- at least, most of the others. One passes out, but the others seem to continue on without much worry- including Delilah, who seems to actually rather enjoy it all. Although, now that you look at her, you think she’s getting a touch bloated…? Or at least her shirt seems a bit tighter. Might just be you, though. The big guy is more than happy with the offerings as well- but you notice something happen- one swallow, and he suddenly has to stop to cough briefly. There’s a gasp that goes up in the crowd; if he spits anything out, that’s likely disqualification.

But no, it’s closed mouth, he’s smart enough for that, and soon he’s back to shoveling it all in- but Delilah’s barely behind him, now.

The bell rings, and now the man can barely be heard beyond the cheering. “KING DROGA MEAT DUMPLINGS! EATEN BEST WITH UTENSILS!” Oh, that sounds rather tasty, too!

Indeed, everyone seems to want to enjoy it, but a competition it is...and what’s more, three more competitors tap out, as much as they clearly wanted to keep eating. Nine left, now. There’s little else to say about it, fortunately- for a set of dumplings as big as those are- not ‘head’ big, but pretty big. The big guy kinda just...threw them all in his mouth and started chewing. Delilah, fortunately, was more composed, though she clearly enjoyed the taste as well.

And now the crowd is at its loudest. The final three dishes, and nine competitors left, with the big guy and Delilah in the top two spots now…

>2d100, best of three! Yes, this is intentional.
>>
Rolled 96, 56 = 152 (2d100)

>>5066763
>>
Rolled 6, 32 = 38 (2d100)

>>5066763
>>
Rolled 92, 26 = 118 (2d100)

>>5066763
We're taking that coupon home.
>>
Holding on.

Writing!
>>
>>5066763
>>5066764
>>5066767
>>5066768
“CRRRRRISPY AND SUCCULENT FRIED BEGER TAILS! COOKED TO AVOID THE GAMEY AND UNDESIRABLE TASTE!” Hooo. Seems like they saved the tasty stuff for later, then? They seem like they’re strips and honestly rather reminiscent of katsu, if you had to place something to it. A number of oohs and interested exclamations follow it, and you have to admit, the remaining people seem to be just as interested as well. But the major thing aside from that?

The big guy and Delilah are virtually even. And as they chomp through the long fried tools, you quickly realize that this is a point where Delilah may, possibly, have the advantage. Her methodical bit by bit style is much more conductive to clearing out the tails, where as they’re long enough that, unlike most of the other foods before him, the tails aren’t easily fitting in his mouth!

In particular, he can’t just swallow them outright like some other foods, nor can he just mindlessly stuff them in without arranging them or breaking them- they are stiff and unbending, so trying to jam them in means that he’d be leaving major pieces, a clear no-no. He’s not the most intelligent fellow, judging by his frustrations at the fact, but no outside help, of course. Delilah, on the other hand, needs no such considerations. The crowd is roaring, as for the FIRST time, DELILAH begins to actually take the lead! Which, frankly, is good for her- she’s got an expression on her face that seems like she’s actually beginning to have to force it a bit. Troubling.

Still, she clears her plate first, if only by a couple of seconds, and the bell rings for her, with the second to last food being brought out.

“GOBOLIAN PICKLED DRAGON EGGS! SUBLIME AND UNIQUELY FLAVORED!” That wasn’t too bad...was it?

The eggs come out. And to your surprise- they look like...normal pickled eggs.

But wow, there’s a lot of them. Practically a pyramid of them underneath the container. Even the big guy seems surprised at this. And then he grins. Grabbing a handful, he lifts them to his maw…

...and almost immediately several slip out of his grasp and maw, to the surprise and amused reaction from the crowd. While Delilah is not very fast, she does work to pop each one inside her mouth, while the big guy gets a warning, and has to scramble to find ALL the eggs he dropped, lest he’s disqualified. Several other contestants (that is to say, five) all drop during this- the eggs proving to be too much. You can’t blame them, even Delilah’s starting to look like she’s flagging. The big guy is scrambling to find and pick up the eggs he dropped- the fact that one or two have spilled down on the tarp seem to not concern him, to the surprise of the audience.

What it means, really, is that due to him only really having a few left...it’s all but tied- with Delilah behind by 4 seconds, by your count.

(cont.)
>>
>>5066835
Barely anything, but it could be enough. And it’s with this that the last bell has rung…

“AT LAST!” The MC crows. “THE FINAL DISH! DESSERT! AND TO WIT, A CLASSIC, TRANSFORMED!”

The chill in the air immediately sluices through you as the servers bring out two MASSIVE plates. Over three feet tall and at least two wide, tapering off at the top, each. They’re too big to cover, so it’s easy to see what it is.

“DEATH BY ICE CREAM! SCALE THIS FRIGID SWEET MOUNTAIN, AND CLAIM YOUR PRIZE!” You really hope that’s not literal, as the mass of ice cream scoops are placed.

Even the big guy seems intimidated by this mass placed in front of him, snorting like the hog he appears, and gritting his teeth. Delilah...makes some handsign you’ve never gotten the explanation for, and they both begin diving in.

>Roll 1d100, best of three.
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>5066836
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>5066836
oh god
>>
Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>5066836
He screams
She screams
we all scream for ice cream.
>>
>>5066841

That'll do. Barely, but it'll do. Writing.
>>
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>>5066841
>>5066842
It's over. Who'd have thought a little girl would top this.
Think Izumi here will have to prepare some food coma recovery aids (as well as some exercise routines).
>>
>>5066836
>>5066839
>>5066840
>>5066841
At this point, it’s really a two horse race, so to speak. The nearest competitor has only just gotten his Death by Ice Cream, and two others look on the verge of dropping out. You can tell Delilah wants to just be done with it, the way she constantly speeds up and then forces herself to slow back down, to pace herself. You don’t know if vampires get brain freezes, but you can imagine that she’d rather not experience one right this second.

The big hog guy doesn’t seem to be of a similar mindset- he’s plowing through it, and by the time she’s three-fourths of the way through (by your estimation, at least), he’d made it halfway. For a few seconds, you’re worried that this is it- that she’d take second at best, and while that was certainly laudable, you know she’d be devastated…
...but that’s when the big pig seems to halt.

He drops his spoon. Almost everyone realizes what’s happening. What this might well mean.

And like a prizefighter getting delivered the knockout punch, he grimaces. His hands go up to his head, but it’s to no avail, as what you have no doubt is the mother of all brain freezes begins to shut him down, his body tilting back, back back…

With a thunderous *whump*, his body drops from the bench and he collapses.

And now all Delilah has to do...is finish.

It’s almost a victory lap, but she can’t get too slow; she knows there competition is still going, but she eases up on the pace just a bit. It’s enough to see where the wind is blowing, however, and the clapping and applause has already started by the time she gets down to the last few scoops.

The final one, some kind of raspberry, or at least red colored ice cream. Apt. In four bites, it’s gone, and Delilah, shakily, but happily, raises her hand, spoon and all.

“D-Done!”

(cont.)
>>
>>5066876

The awards are held off until everyone finishes or quits, which, to be frank, wasn’t much longer. In the end, only 4 finished the full courses- not including the most erstwhile challenge. He’d been carted off for medical assistance.

Delilah had, too, after a fashion. She’d had enough wherewithal to find you, waiting at the foot of the stage, give you a hug, and then promptly pass out after letting out a rather worrying squeal of pain.

They’d assured you it was just brain freeze, and she’d wind up being right as rain in time for the ceremonies.

The look on her face when she was awarded the chip was heartening- actual tears. You couldn’t imagine what she could use that for. An All-Discount Chip could be used for grocery purchases or dining out, really. That is, provided said purchases came from the Eatery District. As she came back over to you, you were careful about hugging her; you still didn’t know where it all went- but you DID see that yeah, she was looking a bit...plumper, on the whole. Oddly enough, all around, not just in the belly. “Told you! Lawrence is gonna be so happy!”

You can only smile. “I’m sure he will. Are you still in the mood to hang around, or perhaps you want to head home?”

“Uhh…” and just like that, back to her more non-confrontational self. “I...I guess we can do one more thing…” she hedges. “I’m just...sleepy…”

>Hm. That dance area seems to be having an impromptu class, with an android lady teaching. Although...you swear you see someone familiar in the throng of ‘students’…
>Perhaps it’d be nice to buy something to commemorate the event, actually. You can see a few merchant booths selling some knickknacks and jewelry…
>Maybe it’s best to get going. She’s about ready to pass out, really. And you’ve got a heck of a story to tell.
>Other
>>
>>5066879
>Maybe it’s best to get going. She’s about ready to pass out, really. And you’ve got a heck of a story to tell.
>Offer to take her home
Maybe we can meet this Lawrence.
>>
>>5066879
>Maybe it’s best to get going. She’s about ready to pass out, really. And you’ve got a heck of a story to tell.
Personally, I think it'd be better for her to go home and get the food out of wherever she was storing it. And like>>5066844 said, suggest some recovery aids and exercise routines.
>>
>>5066879
>>5066884
>>5066885
+
>>
Writing shortly. We're outta here.
>>
>>5066879
>>5066884
>>5066885
>>5066980

As curious as you are about a few things, you shake your head. “If you’re sleepy, then we should be on our way,” you insist. You’re tempted to pick her up- so you do. She doesn’t object, surprisingly, simply nestling into you.

Really, part of you’d forgotten that she was, in fact, a young child, and not merely an adult in arrested development. Sometimes...no, often, really, that distinction was so horribly lost, and you couldn’t even be mad at the fact. When a boy with a 12 year old body proves that he not only knows ALL the facts of life with a straight face and can swear like the saltiest sailor, and provide identification to prove it, it becomes rather hard to disparage people treating young children like full adults just to be consistent and not cause mental headaches.

Part of you considers the idea of perhaps just taking her to your place overnight. You’re pretty sure Lawrence knows you- at least, according to Delilah, who’s told you that she’s told him about you. You’ve yet to be introduced all this time, really. Mind you, she’s never offered, but maybe that could change. Then again, part of you worries that that’s for a reason. Might be a good idea for you to just head back home, and she’ll sleep off this food coma of hers.

Whatever you pick, you’re gonna need to pick quickly. She’s fading fast now that she’s comfortable.

>Get her address, you’ll take her home directly.
>You’ll just take her back to the apartment.
>>
>>5067646
>Get her address, you’ll take her home directly.
Might as well go all the way.
>>
>>5067646
>>Get her address, you’ll take her home directly.
Might inform him about what happened earlier and tell about vampire chick's offer.
>>
>>5067646
>Get her address, you’ll take her home directly.
>>
Let's meet the mister.

Writing!
>>
>>5067678
...uh, just how old is Delilah again? Physically, I mean, if it matters...
>>
>>5067701
About 10-11.
>>
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>>5067703
...you don't say...

And this Laurence she lives with isn't Laurence Reynault of Everstyle Entertainment, right?
>>
>>5067646
>>5067650
>>5067662
>>5067674
“Hey, hold on a moment, huh?” You lightly jostle her. “I’m gonna need your address if I’m getting you home, right?”

She blearly looks up at you. “...oh yeah…” she mumbles out an address close to the Festival District; she’s not that far from it, although you’re surprised she’d be living so close to such an area. It’s not exactly suburbs- nowhere is, but...well, it’s at least quieter than the heart of it all.

The place you stumble up to is...well, if you’re being honest, it’s not the worst place. Tiny house, honestly more of a well-kept shack. It’s painted sky blue with a white roof. It’s sandwiched in between two other buildings, but they don’t seem loud at least. There’s a pair of bicycles chained up near the small steps, as well. Even has a little picket fence, though there’s no backyard that you can see. Still, picturesque, almost.

Delilah’s well and asleep by now; she’s so out of it she’s drooling a touch on your shoulder, but it’s no concern. You step through the gates with a bit of fiddling and make your way up to the door to knock.

It takes a few moments, but you can hear a thumping as the other resident comes to meet you. Odd, you kinda feel...nervous. She’s a friend, but you don’t really know him, and you’re not on the job, so…

The door opens, and you’re met by a man who’s...well, if you’re being honest, your first thought is ‘hobo but not’. For a man who supposedly has a fair job as a security guard, he keeps himself rather slovenly! He’s got a bit of a five o’ clock shadow going on, but his brown hair otherwise is more than a bit scraggly. He’s got on a pair of decent jeans, at least, though they’re also a bit torn in places, and his shirt is little more than a black t-shirt with a stain or two on it. Upon seeing you, though, his posture, which for the first couple of seconds was lackadaisical and slouching a bit, jumps to something more concerned and alert, judging by how his eyes squint. Already you’re admittedly a bit worried, but that’s at least a good sign. “Greetings. I should introduce myself, I-”

“Give her here,” he growls out, holding out one arm. You have to blink at that. You’re not sure what you were expecting, but…

>...well, fine, then. Just hand her over. No need to be confrontational about it.
>You...you’re a bit insulted. “She’s fine. I just wanted to introduce myself.”
> “That’s rather rude.” You can understand concern, but there’s such thing as manners.
> Other
>>
>>5067726
>You...you’re a bit insulted. “She’s fine. I just wanted to introduce myself.”
>tell him that she won the competition

From Delilah's word this guy is one of those hardarses with a heart of gold, so let's give him a chance.
>“T-Thanks again...for coming with me, I mean,” she says as you look upon the banner set up in the fairgrounds. “I don’t usually really get the chance to come to something like this with anyone but Lawrence, and he’s too worried about keeping me safe, so it’s nice to have a friend.”
>>
>>5067726
>>5067735
>>
>>5067726
>You...you’re a bit insulted. “She’s fine. I just wanted to introduce myself.”
> "Your training with her worked. She won first place and the discount chip."
>>
>>5067726
>>5067735
>>5067740
+
>>
Well, at least they live in their own shack instead of company barracks, communal flat or coffin apartment. I thought the situation with limited living space in the Intersection was more severe.
https://hongkongfp.com/2017/01/21/in-pictures-hong-kongs-subdivided-mini-flats-boom-as-cys-govt-fails-to-rein-in-record-high-prices/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLrFyjGZ9NU&t=462s&ab_channel=Vox
>>
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>>5067815
From Izumi's viewpoint, the house looks more than decent despite the size so I assume the interior too is well-kept.

I think accommodating living space is an easy task since they're not bound by normal restrictions. E.g. with how smooth constructing with motes is, they can just expand vertically infinitely. Foundation building doesn't face as much restrictions here also, no need to account for harsh weathers or anything soil-related, much less headaches.
>>
>>5067886
I think I remember reading that construction materials have to be brought in or grown. Motes are used to expand the Intersection as a whole, rather than for building. Probably not as bad as >>5067815, but with the population constantly growing and expansion seemingly to happen in phases, it deffiniately seems like it would be pretty congested
>>
Writing. And >>5069084 is correct. Don't get too misunderstanding, when I say tiny house, maybe a well kept shack, I DO mean just that. You'll see in a moment.
>>
>>5067726
>>5067735
>>5067738
>>5067740
>>5067748
...you have to admit, you were kind of hoping for a better response than that. Honestly, you’re a touch insulted. It’s hard to keep a professional face, but indeed you do. “She’s fine, incidentally. I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m her friend,” you continue over his growl, making sure to stress the ‘friend’ part, “Izumi Yayoi.”

His eyes squint for a moment, and you can see a twitch of his mouth when your name comes up- you’re pretty sure he’s heard it before from her. “...Lawrence,” he grinds out. “Now-”

“Yes, yes. She won, by the way,” you say as you hand her over. “Your training with her worked. She won first place and the discount chip."

That earns a pause as he arranges her in his grip; she almost naturally seems to readjust to fit, even asleep. “...come again?”

“The eating contest,” you supply. Did he not even remember?!

But it’s then his eyes widen fractionally as the memory seems to come to him. “...ah. Right.” A pause. “...didn’t think she’d make it.”

“Completely understandable. The competition was fierce,” you play up. “She showed a great deal of heart and composure.”

He jostles her lightly, giving her a close look up and down, before letting out a grunt, his frown deepening. “...she’s swelled. Gonna be a pain.” ...but why is he eying YOU like it’s your fault? “Didn’t really want her going. Just a better appetite.”

You blink. “Better appetite?”

“Don’t worry about it,” he mutters, before turning back inwards. Well, at least you- “Thanks.”

(cont.)
>>
>>5069704
“Oh.” You hadn’t expected any words of gratitude after that opening. “Well, it’s what friends do, really. No trouble at all.”

He merely grunts an approval, before heading back in. Though, you notice he left his door ope- “Coming in or what?” -oh. Well, isn’t he just a stereotypic- no. No, that’d be pot calling the kettle, wouldn’t it?

You allow yourself a small laugh at the thought as you step in, closing the door behind you. Although...it’s really not much of a place, looking at it on the inside. It’s all of three rooms, technically four if you count the loft that’s obvious; the living room area, with a tiny kitchen area off to the side built in to your right. Both actual doors are open, the one almost immediately to your left showing that one is clearly a bathroom- a full bathroom, with a tub, at least, but small otherwise. The other, straight ahead is a bedroom; you can see only one bed in it. The other is on the loft, above the living room area, but without going up there you can’t see much more than that.

Honestly, it’s maybe a bit smaller than your apartment, and you know for sure it’s smaller than Miranda’s. This whole house could probably fit in Miranda’s living room and kitchen. “Siddown,” he grumbles as he walks up the stairs to the loft- must be where she sleeps, then. “We got tea. Couple other things.”

“You have my thanks,” you say politely. Another grunt.

Before long, you’re having yourself a small cup of tea and some crackers with meat and cheese with Lawrence, Delilah’s guardian. Oddly enough, despite his attire, you’ve never gotten the impression that he’s slovenly. Indeed, this whole place, small though it is, is immaculately kept. That, and he’s not once taken his eyes off you once you both sat down.

“S’good?” he asks. You just nod. “Mm. She likes doing this. Got used to it.” And says no more from there.

Really. You’re fine with stares, but maybe you should consider trying to make conversation…? There ARE some things you’d like to know, perhaps. Things you doubt Delilah would be too mad about learning…

>Any questions?
>...no, you’d like to know, but you’ll get them from her one day.
>Other
>>
>>5069706
>Ask how long he's been Delilah's guardian
>Tell him about the incident at the Combat Tournament, mention the vampire girl's offer of exposure therapy. Her name was Renee Ricci.
>>
>>5069706
Let's start light and easy then.
>"I'd like to thank you for taking care of Delilah, she speaks highly of you."
+>>5069715
Actually, we never did get the vampire girl's contact info didn't we?
But we do know that she owns a Yoga studio, and there aren't many that are own by a vampire.
>>
>>5069720
>>5061785
>Red Sweat Center
>>
>>5069715
+1, mention the name in case he wants to scout out the place and the owner out himself.
>>
>>5069706
>>5069715
>>5069723
These.
>>
Writing!
>>
>>5069706
>>5069715
>>5069720
>>5069724
>>5069727
Well, might as well start out easily enough. “I'd like to thank you for taking care of Delilah.” He looks up at you, eyebrows slightly raised. Guy doesn’t emote easily, huh? “She speaks highly of you, I mean."

He grunts, shrugs. “Someone had to. She’s a good kid.”

“She is,” you agree. “How long have you been her guardian?”

He stiffens. Drat, that might’ve been- “...few years. Met her on the run.” Oh. Huh. Guess he was just trying to remember. “Think just about three, legally.” Oh, wow. That was...very recent. “Not sure. Don’t matter.”

“Yes, I suppose not,” you allow. “At any rate, she seemed to have fun, for the most part. So it’s appreciated that you let her go out.”

“...can’t much stop her,” he admits gruffly. “Glad she won, though.” You’re about to respond, however, when his eyes snap up. “...what’d you mean ‘for the most part’?”

“Ah.” Huh. Perceptive, but you suppose in his line of your he had to be. “Well, nothing major, she just got a little frightened by another vampire, and a werewolf fellow.” You can already see his expression begin to darken, and you hold up a hand to forestall his argument. “Nothing like what you might think- she’d simply...well, I supposed ‘sensed’ their relative strength to hers- they were in the middle of a sparring session, you see- and she had a minor case of nerves because of it.” More a panic attack, but that little detail wouldn’t help much. “I got her away from the scene, and she had a little nap afterwards.”

“She was okay?” he asks bluntly. “Nothing hurt? No stress?”

You shake your head. “None. In fact, while she was asleep, the two in question approached me to apologize. They noticed her issue, and came to explain to me that in some vampires, the reaction is somewhat instinctive in those cases.”

He turns his eyes away, considering what you just told him as he downs more of his tea. It lands with a heavy clack as he sighs. “...vampires, huh? And wolfmen?”

“Quite,” you acknowledge. “However, I was told that it was a reaction that can be stifled via exposure therapy. The two I spoke with were, in fact, lovers.” That actually gets his attention, the way his expression shifts. “The vampire, in particular, invited Delilah to visit her place of employment. She runs a yoga studio called the Red Sweat Center. Her name’s Renee Ricci, if you’re interested.”

(cont.)
>>
>>5069796

There’s a moment of thinking, but then he nods slowly. “...I’ll check it out. Thanks.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” you insist. “Anything to help. I rather enjoy improving people’s lives.”

To your surprise, he snorts. And then he looks at you with an expression that...does not sit well with you, but you can’t quite parse it, somehow. “Sure you don’t mean endin’ them?”

You blink. “Beg pardon?”

He doesn’t respond for several moments, but this is something you want to hear. “...Del told me what you do. Common here.” He sniffs, looking at something not you. There’s a few more moments before he continues. “Too common. That kinda job...can’t do it unless you’re a type.”

A ‘type’?!

> You won’t dignify that with a response. Maybe you should leave.
> “I’ve managed to perform fairly well enough, myself.” That was rude, but you can at least be calm about it.
> “Then are you? Like recognizes like, as they say.” You’re not one to let such besmirchment stand.
> Other
>>
>>5069799
> “Then are you? Like recognizes like, as they say.” You’re not one to let such besmirchment stand.
> "Frankly, plenty of people here seem to be a type, regardless of their current employment."
>>
>>5069799
> "Depends on what you're referring to. Too often our roles are necessary, even more so in the Intersection."
+ >>5069812
>>
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>>5069799
this >>5069812
If Lawrence arrived to the Intersection together with Delilah then I guess he's just too new here. Also it looks like the majority of A+ rankers aren't eccentric unscrupulous mercs but heroes instead.
>>
>>5069799
>>5069822
Yeah reading it again I guess they're still new (compared to us).
Changing >>5069815 to
> "I think we're starting off with the wrong foot. What are your impressions with the Intersection so far, and of 'us'?"
>>
>>5069822
yeah, I think I'll change my vote as well.
>>5069799
>"I meant what I've said. I don't take every job - otherwise me and Delilah would've never met."
Izumi got this side job at the library because there were not enough contracts that aligned with her moral standards.
>>
>>5069799
>>5069822
>>5069846
>"I meant what I've said. And I don't just take every contract on the offer. This is part of the reason why I had to take a second job. Otherwise me and Delilah would've never met."
edited my write-in a bit
>>
>>5069989
Did Izumi really meet Delilah for the first time in the library? My memory is foggy, but I swear Izumi met her in one of the early off shot threads (she was doing a dungeon/maze iirc).
In fact if that's true then is it even canon now?
>>
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>>5070067
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/634647/#p640806
never said they met for the first time at the library. the dungeon/maze happened later and it was a crossover with a character from another quest
>>
>>5069799
> "I think we're starting off with the wrong foot. What are your impressions with the Intersection so far, and of 'us'?"
>"I meant what I've said. And I don't just take every contract on the offer. This is part of the reason why I had to take a second job. Otherwise me and Delilah would've never met."
>>
Writing shortly!
>>
>>5069799
>>5069836
>>5069989
>>5070123
You sigh; you’re not sure what impressions he has of Outgoers, but you can tell that they’re skewed a bit. Leaning back, you fix him with a straight stare. "I think we're starting off with the wrong foot. What are your impressions with the Intersection so far, and of 'us'?" It sounds like he’s a transplant for certain, so you’re not sure what his disposition might’ve been beforehand.

He meets your stare with his own, before grunting again. “...Hell. But an alright hell.” You imagine that if he had a cigarette, he’d be puffing on it right now. “...whatever you’d call that.”

“Limbo,” you supply. It’s...not the most inaccurate term you’ve heard. “But continue, please?”

He snorts lightly. “Kids workin’ adult jobs. Everythin’ feeds the machine. Overlords what you kill you as you blink…” He pauses, and you’ve by now started to feel like talking isn’t something he does often. Still, you wait. “No real sun. No real sky. Things you used to think was just in dreams...or nightmares...” Another sip of his tea. “Folks what go out an’ do horrible things fer their bosses if need be.” He sighs, leaning back, and looking at you. “But, she says it’s better than before. So good enough. Was worth it.”

As always, those forbidden thoughts crop up. What spirited them away here? How did it happen? ...how tragic?

...but, you banish such thoughts. "I see. Well, regardless, I meant what I said. And while there ARE some unscrupulous individuals-” Miranda’s stern face flashes through your head- “-I don't just take every contract on offer. This is part of the reason why I had to take a second job. Otherwise me and Delilah would've never met."

“...yeah, that’s true. She likes you.” His expression transitions to something...perhaps not soft, but approaching it. “...said she was tryin’ to be braver. Like you.” Another sniff. “She’s changed. A lot.” He looks away. “More than with me.”

You allow a small grin. “Yes, she was rather shy before. But she’s coming into her own, now.”

“...wasn’t even sure of what she was when I met her,” he mumbles. “Didn’t know, but she thought she was dangerous. ...I just thought she was a scared little girl that was doin’ what needed to be done.” The tea cup shakes a bit.

>Insist he shouldn’t revisit these memories. It’s always been an unwritten rule for such reasons.
>Keep silent. Seems like he has a lot to get off his chest, and it’s not your place to hush him.
>Other
>>
>>5071024
>Keep silent. Seems like he has a lot to get off his chest, and it’s not your place to hush him.
He seems like he'd prefer to talk to someone he thinks experienced similar situations rather than a trained therapist. Does Izumi know any Monster Hunter groups who offer group therapy sessions?
>>
>>5071024
>Keep silent. Seems like he has a lot to get off his chest, and it’s not your place to hush him.
>>
>>5071024
>Keep silent. Seems like he has a lot to get off his chest, and it’s not your place to hush him.
>>5071040
Izumi WAS a monster hunter (ish) I remember.
>>
>>5071051
Demon Hunter (maybe Oni, if it matters), actually, but I'm pretty damn sure the Venn Diagram has a large overlap between the two.
>>
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>>5071051
Demon hunter, to be more accurate
>>
>>5071024
>Keep silent. Seems like he has a lot to get off his chest, and it’s not your place to hush him.
Hoooh boy, wonder if pre-quest Miranda was like this guy.
>>
>>5071024
>>5071040
>>5071044
>>5071051
>>5071082
You can recognize when someone has to get stress out. You’re only a bit surprised that it’s now. But either way, if he needs to vent any stress, or even if this is just to elaborate...well, you’ll be happy to provide company.

You wait, and patience is rewarded. “Found her on the streets. Bloody. Bruises everywhere. Half starved. Had stumbled into my place. Old abandoned station. Homeless at the time... girl didn’t even notice me before she passed out. Didn’t care as much as now, but thought lettin’ a kid die in front of me was bad juju. Lotta that going around those days.” Oh dear. That sounds...well, horrid. Wonder what he means by ‘bad juju’. “Won’t bore you with details. But she didn’t trust me much at first. Didn’t trust herself, either. But I gave her some advice. Guess that was enough for her to come back.

“She left?” you ask, quietly. That wasn’t expected.

But he doesn’t seem to be thrown off, shaking his head. “First chance she got afterwards. Came back with a pair of lamb sandwiches two days later to thank me. Heh. I cuffed her for bein’ an idiot.” Well, stealing in any circumstance is wrong, you suppose, but you can understand why people would be desperate... “Figured I’d keep her from gettin’ caught from then on. Time I thought she’d rat me out. City didn’t look kindly on squatters. But we worked out. She kept distance at first. Lookin’ back…” he pauses to consider. “...probably all the mess was ‘cause she was half convinced she’d drain me dry one day.” He chuckles once, lowly to himself. “Remember one time I caught her sleeping. Callin’ herself a ‘beast’. Thought it was melodrama.”

“...and she didn’t realize she was a vampire then?” you find yourself asking.

“Never had much in the way of knowledge,” he explains. “Her mom...weren’t good. Never told me about ‘em. Never asked. That’s all she says. S’why she left.” Oh no. “She hid it for a good while. Didn’t click until...well, things happened.” He shrugs. “She paid me back for savin’ her that day. Was a good day. Things got better for a while...then got worse. Pushed until we couldn’t. Kept on pushin’ anyway. Then we ended up here. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Fair,” you say quickly, looking back up at the loft. You can hear light snores.

“...still too young,” he mutters. “But it's better for her. For now.” He sighs. “No runnin’ from this life, though. One hell for another.”

Hm. You’re not sure how you’d best respond to that.

> Action?
> Perhaps there is none. “With that, perhaps I should take my leave, then.” You’ll leave him in peace for now.
>>
So, how should we warn him about something bad going on at the library?
>>
>>5071271
>"I've lived long, Mr. Lawrence. Your circumstances are not uncommon."
>"Sooner or later peace has to be made, both for yourself and for Delilah. You have to think of it as a new start, not a new hell. You'd have already ended up with a worse life then."
That's all I have.
>>
>>5071278
Think so, the lil' girl is important to him. But maybe after this post.
>>
Looks like they both came from a grimdark world. Classic.

>>5071278
Eeeeeh I dunno. With the guy being near self-destructive as it is letting him know will just push him to make rash decisions like pulling Delilah out of the library. She needs all the social interactions she can get and they both need all sources of income (their home is smaller than Izumi's).

>>5071271
>>5071295
>"What if she doesn't need to run anymore? You and her both."
As it stands right now, the man is full on doom-and-gloom. We have to make him consider that there are alternatives first, then we can work from there.
>>
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>>5071379
I don't see him as self-destructive, more like he still has some habits from the days when he used to be an actual hobo.
>>5069706
>Oddly enough, despite his attire, you’ve never gotten the impression that he’s slovenly. Indeed, this whole place, small though it is, is immaculately kept.
We don't have to tell him everything we know, I think mentioning the recent changes in the Intersection, how strange they are even for someone as old as we are and telling him to keep looking after her would be enough.
>>
>>5071271
>>5071295
>>5071379
Supporting these.
>>
Writing in a bit.
>>
>>5071271
>>5071295
>>5071379
>>5071428
>>5072007
There’s a few moments of silence as you consider what to say. The tea’s almost done, on your end. When you put it down and speak at last, there’s hardly a sliver left in it. "What if she doesn't need to run anymore? You and her both."

The question is relatively simple, you think. And yet the way he looks at you is like someone who just got told to answer a math problem they weren’t told the rules to. You’re starting to understand this man, now. One of the sorts that expects the worst and prepares for it accordingly, even if the worst never comes. “...Dunno whatcha mean.” Yeah, that settles it.

Taking a breath, you make sure you have his full attention. "I've lived long, Mr. Lawrence. Your circumstances are not uncommon. People thinking that this is heaven, or hell. Somewhere they must withstand, lest something untoward happen to them, in whatever way they believe. But that’s not often the case."

A pause, as he digests that. “Imagine not,” he finally says thickly. “Could be worse.”

You nod. "The simple truth is, sooner or later peace has to be made, both for yourself and for Delilah.” You turn briefly to check on the girl in question- seems like she’s still sleeping, from what you can hear. Good. Don’t want to wake her up. “You have to think of it as a new start, not a new hell. You'd have already ended up with a worse life then." That, or none at all, not that you’re willing to say so to him right now. “But look at you now. Gainfully employed, a roof over your heads. Food on the table. More of that coming, no doubt,” you say, motioning to Delilah again.

“...guess I owe her again,” he mumbles. “Still hard to believe.”

“Completely understandable. But all I ask is that you open your mind to get used to it for now, hm?” It’s not unreasonable, you think.

He seems to agree, grunting as he nods. “...guess so.” Another pause, and at this point, you suppose it’s time to get going. Maybe- “Where’s that place, again? The other vampire?”

“Red Sweat Center, ran by Renee Ricci,” you restate. “I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you and Delilah.”

“Mmm...guess so. We’ll go tomorrow after work,” he mutters. “Thanks again.”

“My pleasure,” you state, and you mean it.

(cont.)
>>
>>5072180
The rest of the day went fairly peacefully. The next couple of days were fairly quiet- Delilah was quick to mention that they’d visited the yoga studio, much to her surprise- while neither of them were very good at it, Delilah was interested after Lawrence had mentioned you...and then she’d, in her own words ‘had an episode’. At first you were worried, but apparently Renee calmed her down somehow. “Then everything made sense for a little bit.” You’re not sure what that means, but she seems reluctant to elaborate. Still, she says they’ll be going back, so you suppose that’s good.

By the time the week is over with, you’re feeling a touch...wound, actually. Prima and Mono are off on their job, Miranda’s taking acting classes for that movie, Lorelei is apparently tagging along, and you?

>You’d decided you’d hung around long enough. You need to get back out there and do what you do best.
>You’d wound up at Ai’s restaurant again. It’s not like you to mope about, but you’re not yet inclined to head out on a job at the moment.
>Other
>>
>>5072180
>>You’d wound up at Ai’s restaurant again. It’s not like you to mope about, but you’re not yet inclined to head out on a job at the moment.
>Invite Miranda if she's able, she promised to help earlier when you were with her kids
>>
>>5072183
>>5072185
Sure, let's do this.
If Lori's tagging along too that means all 3 are going right?
>>
>>5072187
I think the last sentence meant that Lori is taking acting lessons together with Miranda - she got a minor villain role , remember?
>>
>>5072183
>>5072185
Yeah, I can go with this one.
>>
>>5072183
>>5072185
+ glad that turned out fine.
>>
>>5072185
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4886989/#p4902889
>>
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>>5072195
forgot the pic
>>
New thread will be Sunday. Going to be out all day tomorrow.
>>
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Well, since we're going to play as gun-obsessed magical girl, this short break is a good opportunity to wiki-binge gun articles, lurk on /k/ and watch gun youtube channels.
Or just read up on swords and other melee weapons if guns seem too complicated.
>>
New thread will be up after I get food.
>>
>>5075063
>>5075063
>>5075063

New thread!



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