>>5075063
>>...well, you could maybe say something, you guess. Maybe she’ll be interested in relating?

>>5075063
>...well, you could maybe say something, you guess. Maybe she’ll be interested in relating?

>>5075063
>...well, you could maybe say something, you guess. Maybe she’ll be interested in relating?

Writing!

>>5075063
>>5075067
>>5075069
>>5075080
You let out a light sigh. You’re uncertain how best to approach the issue, but perhaps she’d at least be a bit more open if you were to share some of your own woes, light though they may be. “It’s nothing too major at the moment...although, I suppose that ‘at the moment’ is the key part of the phrase. Really, it’s more a matter of feeling...well, not tired, but at the very least a touch...off kilter, as it were.”

“Off-kilter?” she repeats.

“Like there’s a great deal that I’ve gotten used to, and now all of it’s changing at once. I’m doing my best to muddle through it, but oftentimes I just feel like I’m...waiting. Walking in place. At least, for the last week or two.” Granted, it’s not necessarily because of your job, or jobs rather. It’s just...it seems like so much is going on in the background, and you feel like you should be doing more. Yet Miranda seems dedicated to doing this largely by herself for whatever reason. Not that you can tell her, perse.

“Well...perhaps there’s something else that you can use to take your mind off it?” Ai suggests. “When I’m feeling troubled, I like to either play ping-pong, or maybe do some living artistry.” Ah, right. It’s essentially painting in 3d space. Very amazing pieces when you have the knack for it, but it takes specialized equipment. “I’m sure you have a hobby like that, right?”

“Well...not really,” you admit. “There’s things I like to do, but none of them are quite like that.”

“That’s fine! As long as it’s something that soothes you! I was going to do some art myself later today, if you want to come with me!” she offers. That...might be your opportunity.

“Why so?” you ask idly.

She blushes a bit. “Well...don’t tell anyone, but on the business side of things, the restaurant’s been having some issues. Nothing major, but you know how competitive things can be!”

“Really?” you ask in surprise. “You usually get decent traffic. What’s happened?”

“Oh, nothing you need to worry about,” she dismisses, as you suspected. “Just some business quarreling. You know how it is with competition.”

Quarreling? What does she mean by that? “How long has this been going on?” you ask.

“Oh, for a number of months now,” she sighs. “Some smear campaigns and all that. It’s just been a little rougher than normal, but I know I can handle it! I just need to make sure that my food is better than Jiro’s no matter what!” ...hm.

>Ask her about more information on this ‘Jiro’. Whatever they’re doing, they’re messing with your friend.
>You’ll keep quiet. Maybe investigate on your own for once. She DID mention taking your mind off of things.
>Other

>>5075207
>Ask her about more information on this ‘Jiro’. Whatever they’re doing, they’re messing with your friend.
No other choices here.

>>5075207
>Ask her about more information on this ‘Jiro’. Whatever they’re doing, they’re messing with your friend.

>>5075207
>Ask her about more information on this ‘Jiro’. Whatever they’re doing, they’re messing with your friend.

>>5075207
>>5075212
>>5075217
>>5075221
“Jiro?” You ask. “Who’s this?”

She flinches, as though she didn’t mean to let that slip, or maybe forgot that you weren’t up to date. “O-oh, no one important, just some new guy that showed up recently. A couple months ago. He’s trying to do the usual thing of muscling me out, has a number of big names showing up. Really making waves. I don’t know why he’s so against me, but it doesn’t matter!”

That’s...concerning, to say the least. “And he’s smearing you? How?”

“Oh, well…” she blushes. “Maybe ‘smear’ is a strong word. It’s more like...he’s saying that he can be trusted for good food more than smaller places?” Her grin is shaky and not really sincere. “He’s even asked me to work for him, but...well, this is my dream, and my afterlife! I’m not going to surrender to anyone!” Well...she seems determined, at least. But it is kinda concerning. “I’ve been thinking about seeing what he’s doing, but I don’t want to go in there, either. He might take it the wrong way!”

“You mean he might accuse you of spying?” you question.

“Or he might think I really DO want to work for him!” she corrects. Ah. Fair enough. “So aside from stuff online, I can’t really figure out how to get to him!”

“Well,” you start, “I could-”

“Oh, nonono! I don’t want you to do that for me! Especially if he figures it out!” she says. True, you can kind of understand that, but still…

> ...you’ll just have to be careful about doing it. He wouldn’t really go that far, would he?
> Fine...but you’ll keep a very careful eye on this new guy and his restaurant.
> That shouldn’t matter! You’ll march in there yourself and see what he’s all about.
> Other

>>5075291
>> ...you’ll just have to be careful about doing it. He wouldn’t really go that far, would he?
Well, if Izumi can't visit his place, we could ask Miranda. Since she promised to help but couldn't do it today, maybe she could visit Jiro's place when she's not busy.

>>5075291
> ...you’ll just have to be careful about doing it. He wouldn’t really go that far, would he?
I want to take a hint out of Miranda's playbook, but we can just do this >>5075294

>>5075301
Hm? What hint?

>>5075291
> ...you’ll just have to be careful about doing it. He wouldn’t really go that far, would he?
Funny thing Miranda's even busier when she's not working.

>>5075308
You know, being as subtle as a brick and just talk to him about the problem directly. If he's near reasonable in anyway we can reach a solution.

>>5075312
Oh... Has Izumi ever been blunt about something?

>>5075317
Nope as far as I can remember, but she hasn't encountered anyone messing with her close friends in the Intersection before.

>>5075317
>>5075325
Though she doesn't seem to be one for cloak & dagger work I can imagine she atleast knows what tact is. Besides there is nothing stopping us from taking this to the boss herself, I'm sure Miranda can stop herself from doing anything too stupid in the Intersection

Writing!

>>5075291
>>5075294
>>5075301
>>5075309
Well, you can understand why she wouldn’t want to, even if she hadn’t just said it… but this is your friend you’re talking about. That just means that you’ll just have to be careful about doing it. He wouldn’t really go that far to try and trace you, would he? Well, you’ll have time to consider that later. “Alright, then. “I won’t try anything on your behalf. But still, if it gets too much, please let me know,” you insist. “I’ll not hold anything back in the defense of a friend.”

“I appreciate that,” she says gratefully. “It’ll just be a bit of a rougher time for a while, but I’m sure that I can win over the people’s hearts through their stomachs!” Ah, this girl.

For the time being, you’ll let it go, you suppose…but you’re going to do SOMETHING about it. The question here is just wha-

“Heyyyyy! We’re not too late!” Oh! That’ll be Lorelei, and you turn to see Miranda’s with her, too. Lorelei looks quite satisfied, while Miranda looks…well, herself. The former waves easily and before long, are both plopped down next to you.

From there, the conversation is far more casual- Lorelei seems to be having a great time with the acting classes, though apparently she was told that she ‘really doesn’t seem to need them’. Miranda apparently was…less praised, though she at least seems not angry about them. You’ll call that a plus. They’ve both stated that principal shooting starts tomorrow. You’re happy for them, really. “It’s oddly different than on a job,” Miranda says, though she’s not sounding too annoyed by it. “They say they want you to be ‘real’, but every time I try to be real they tell me to up my volume or exaggerate my movements or something. It’s not really ‘realistic’ at all. Kinda a shame. I was hoping it’d help on jobs.”

(cont.)

>>5077536
“It will!” Lorelei insists. “You just gotta figure out how much to dial it up and down when ya need to. Basics help, though!”

Miranda just shrugs. “Well, at least YOU’RE doing alright to them,” she says.

“That’s because I practically act like, all the time!” she chirps. “I know what I’m doing, inside and out!” Hopefully she doesn’t ACTUALLY mean all the time…

“So, what’s your role again?” you ask casually.

She laughs. “Turns out, what they wanted me for was really essentially comic relief. Like, I mean, I’m a baddie? But the whole thing is that I’m supposed to be the egotistical inept sort. Like, I’m the weirdo rando that keeps showing up at the worst possible time to screw it up for the actual bad guys. They already got me this goofy-ass jacket and chain and all, too.”

That’s…well, you could see that. “Interesting.”

“What about you, though?” Lorelei turns it back on you. “I know you said you did that thing with the little girl, but you getting up to anything else this week or are you kinda just enjoyin’ doin’ nothing?”

“I’m not doing nothing,” you note. “I still have my job at the library!”

“So nothing,” she teases as Ai drops her rice balls off, heading to the back. You're alone. For now.

>Mention the issues with Ai, and that you'd like help to see what's happening.
>No, you'll not bother them with this- you'll handle it yourself for now.
>Other

>>5077537
>>Mention the issues with Ai, and that you'd like help to see what's happening.

>>5077537
>Mention the issues with Ai, and that you'd like help to see what's happening.

>>5077537
>Mention the issues with Ai, and that you'd like help to see what's happening.

>>5077537
>Mention the issues with Ai, and that you'd like help to see what's happening.

TGAs are done. Writing shortly.

>>5077537
>>5077540
>>5077547
>>5077689
>>5078475
You sigh. “Well, I might be doing something soon,” you say carefully, preparing to gauge their reactions. “Ai’s been having some business trouble…”

“Oh, you’re not taking on a THIRD job, are you?” Lorelei groans out. Even Miranda looks put out at that.

“What? No!” you quickly dismiss. Even you have your limits. “But I was thinking about investigating the situation,” you admit. “It seems she has a competitor that’s targeting her in particular. Said his name was Jiro.”

At that, Lorelei and Miranda perk up a bit. “ ‘Jiro’s Divine Palace’?” Lorelei asks.

That’s unexpected. “You’ve heard of it?” Though considering Lorelei, maybe…

“Yup,” she confirms. “They were just talkin’ about the place like, yesterday over at the studio. Ms. Nia was saying that the atmosphere is good but she hated the service. Could choose from personalized plates or just non-stop food like a steakhouse.” Interesting. Wonder why both?

“What about the food?” you ask. She waves her hand back and forth.

“Passable, she said, but I think the girl’s just got expensive tastes. You haven’t seen her chompers, but she’s for SURE carnivorous,” Lorelei explains.

“I looked up the menu,” Miranda contributes.. Too fancy for my tastes anyway.”

Hm. “Well, that’s a concern,” you admit. “I was hoping to get into the place.”

Lorelei chuckles. “What, you want to be like, a spy?” Says the spy.

“More or less. I suppose the question is ‘how to get in’, then? Well, I suppose that might be easier answered if perhaps I could have help…” you look to them meaningfully.

“...help how?” Miranda asks carefully.

Ah, that IS the question, isn’t it? Well, you can think of several options…

> “If I could perhaps get a bit of a loan…” It’d put you in their debt, but you want to make sure you’re there for a while. You can look at your own pace and make sure that nothing’s out of sorts- or if it is, exactly what.
> "Maybe one of you would like to come with me? Split the bill?" You'll have to pick one, though you're pretty sure the other will be out of it. Just one of them might be enough and give you a lot of intel on what's going on there.
>“Well, there’s no reason not for us to have a bit of a splurging session, is there? And we’ve been making a few waves, right?” Going as the senior trio of Silver Eye Solutions and the most public, you might be able to get some first class treatment and look at everything on offer.
> Other

>>5080149
>> "Maybe one of you would like to come with me? Split the bill?" You'll have to pick one, though you're pretty sure the other will be out of it. Just one of them might be enough and give you a lot of intel on what's going on there.

>>5080149
>“Well, there’s no reason not for us to have a bit of a splurging session, is there? And we’ve been making a few waves, right?” Going as the senior trio of Silver Eye Solutions and the most public, you might be able to get some first class treatment and look at everything on offer.
Let's make a scene then.

>>5080149
>“Well, there’s no reason not for us to have a bit of a splurging session, is there? And we’ve been making a few waves, right?”

>>5080155
Wait, this option suggests that Izumi will only send one of her friends there (but wouldn't go there herself) and she'd cover half of the motes spent while they collect intel, right? Because just a few posts ago Ai warned that Jiro could catch on if Izumi went there and we voted for 'we'll be careful' option>>5075291. I especially don't get why would we try to make a scene then.

>>5080149
>“Well, there’s no reason not for us to have a bit of a splurging session, is there? And we’ve been making a few waves, right?”

>>5080149
> "Maybe one of you would like to come with me? Split the bill?" You'll have to pick one, though you're pretty sure the other will be out of it. Just one of them might be enough and give you a lot of intel on what's going on there.
I don't think making a scene or splurging would be a good idea.

>>5080149
>>5080156
Switching to
> "Maybe one of you would like to come with me? Split the bill?" You'll have to pick one, though you're pretty sure the other will be out of it. Just one of them might be enough and give you a lot of intel on what's going on there.
Voting for Miranda for this.

Meanwhile:

> "Hey, whoa, what's this? Who're you?"

> "Me, my dude? Considerin' where you are, I'm yer best friend in the world right now! You can call me Nome. A pleasure!"

> "Hm? Whaddya mean? T.P.O, you seeing this?"

> "Indeed I am. She has the appearance of a local."

> "Ha. Nice bot. An' what I MEAN is that you're in my neck of the Groovin' Woods- an' normally I'd be peeved about that, but considering you an' me are after the same thing, I might be willing to help you two out."

> "Wait...you're trying to fight off the Dark Rhythm, too?"

> "That appears to be the case, Mr. Beat."

> "Hey, the program's got the right of it! You really think I'm all for lettin' this trouble in the Background go? If we don't stop 'em from plantin' all those Mute Crystals, no one's gonna be able to carry a tune ever again! TOTAL tone deafness? Not on my watch."

> "I would suggest an alliance, Mr. Beat. I understand I may still be a new acquaintance, however..."

> "No, no, you're right. Alright, Ms. Nome. If you can help..."

> "Well, as it just so happens, you an' your smart little pink helper showed up at the right time! There's a crystal not too far from here..."

Writing.

>>5080149
>>5081207
>>5081122
>>5080155

“Well, perhaps it might be a good show if one of you came with me for a dinner. Maybe split the bill? We’d be able to see how it is at a reasonable pace, and we probably wouldn’t turn too many heads. Just friends having a nice night out,” you decide. Anything else would likely either not allow you to take the breadth of the place in, and much more would give you likely a bit too much attention. At least, you hope you’re not being arrogant when you say that.

The two of them consider it for a moment. Miranda in particular huffs. “I’m not a fan of the expense, but…well, friends and all that. You know what I mean.” You do. She’d point out anything clearly amiss, and you know she’d at least have an appreciation for the craft, considering her cooking skill. Still, you can tell she’s not entirely onboard with this. She’s already got her plate full, and as good as she is, she’s not perfect…

Lorelei just shrugs. “Hey, no prob with me, either! I gotcher back!” Right…she might have a unique perspective on things, but she’s Lorelei. With her experience, you’re positive that she’ll be able to spot ANYTHING amiss. The issue is that she might also cause…unexpected consequences, whether she means to or not, and whether the result is positive or not. Again- it IS Lorelei.

>Miranda
>Lorelei

>>5081401
>Lorelei

>>5081401
>>Miranda

>>5081401
>Miranda
Hey, she brought herself into this last time.

>>5081401
>Lorelei
>"I'm not saying no to shenanigans Lori, just saying be absolutely certain it won't come back to bite Ai. Jiro sounds like he's taken notice of her, and not in a good way."

I'll have a longer run tomorrow. Ideally, we'd get this whole bit done in a single run. Practically, that's not likely happening. But hey, who knows? Maybe tomorrow I'll finally get used to not trying to force massive posts.

>>5081401
>>5081411
This then.
I like Lorelei less but she was undeniably effective every time we brought her.

Writing shortly. Lorelei it is.

>>5081401
>>5081404
>>5081411
>>5081429
“Then Lorelei, do you mind?” you ask. You think that she’ll appreciate the food well enough…in her own way. You swear you see Miranda sag in relief a bit, too- which further assures you that you made the right decision when she nods. “Thank you. Hopefully we’ll just have a nice dinner, we’ll see what’s going on with her competition, and maybe give some suggestions for improvement.” You’d really rather not learn that something was particularly amiss.

Lorelei laughs. “Hey, always up for free food!” Just as you thought.

“Well, you two have fun with that,” Miranda says easily. “I need some me time after all this crap.”

“What crap besides-” you start, but she gives you a look that has you abandon the thought. It’s not a mean look, but a clearly exasperated one. Either way, you get the picture.

“Hey, no prob,” Lorelei insists. “So it’s a date tomorrow?” You’d rather not phrase it like that, but… “I’ll be there!”

You just hope this all works out.

—--------

This place is very…purple. That’s the first thing you notice. The second is that it’s two stories. That’s unusual, you think. The third is that there’s a coat check. You realize that it’s a high-class place; have for a while. You’d dressed into a proper suit and slacks for this; Lorelei was in a rather lovely sundress and even a hat. But you didn’t think it was quite like this. Chandeliers of nice, plain crystals hanging from gold pipes. A massive, three tiered water fountain in the center. A statue, even! Of a man, long haired, and elven, in a rich suit.

You both have been seated, and Lorelei’s already digging into a rather admittedly nice-looking lamb shank with potatoes. You stuck with some pot stickers to start. Tasty, but not surprising. Not as good as Ai’s, but decent.

"So. See anything odd yet?" you ask her. Lorelei blinks, looking back to you.

>Roll 1d100, best of 3

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>5082289

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>5082289

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>5082289

>>5082289
Seems all of these errands have finally been getting to our antisocial butterfly. Also damn Lori's sharp.

>>5082289
>>5082290
>>5082292
>>5082300
She grins, as she whispers. “A couple things. The second floor seems like it’s got the big boys and girls.” She nods to the balcony above- it’s small, but clearly placed there intentionally to let them see other people below. “Quieter, saw a couple familiar faces.”

“Who?” you ask.

“Remember those two jerkwads that tried to cheat you out before at that showcase?” she asks, and you mutter a confirmation. You do indeed. Claudi and Nero. So, they’re patrons, huh? Interesting. “Yeah, them two. They’re at the edge. Wouldn’t be surprised if they saw us already, but when I noticed them they weren’t facing us.”

So. A rankers only at the top there, maybe? Or possibly specifically VIPs… “Good to know. Anyone else?”

“A few other suits. I’m pretty sure one of them is a major name in Flashpoint, but don’t quote me on that. That’s just me and talking to Kane.” Kane? That name sounds familiar…darn, you hope she doesn’t- “Flashpoint chick. Four of us went drinking, but I don’t think ‘Randa was entirely in her friendlier phase yet. We text.” Ah. “Anywho, I’m thinking that’s the big spot for bigger folks,” she deduces. “I’m wondering if there’s anyone we might be able to see coming out of there besides them.” She pauses. “Actually, thinking about it, they might be good choices in general anyway. We KNOW we’ve got something over them,” she admits. “Going for the surefire could be good if they don’t try to screw us over.”

“What could they even do to us?” you ask. You’ve never been great at this subterfuge, but the way she shakes her head makes you think the answer is ‘more than you’d guess’. So maybe it’s better to hold out. Though you’re worried about people wondering what’s taking you all, meal-wise.

> Maybe we could talk to Kane more? She might know something.
> No, it’s good as it is. Let’s see if anyone interesting looking shows up.
> Those twins are probably our best bet, risks or not.
> Other

>>5082388
> Maybe we could talk to Kane more? She might know something.
After this much time those two still sours my tongue. Better go with a familiar face methinks.
Amanda's rank is unknown to us isn't it?

>>5082388
>Maybe we could talk to Kane more? She might know something.
>>5082393
I think she was C rank, but she was powerful enough for Miranda to sense her aura across the building during the mission where we had to pretend to be a summon for some silly rich kid.
Also Prima was present during that drunken night out with Amanda.

>>5082388
> Maybe we could talk to Kane more? She might know something.

>>5082388
> Maybe we could talk to Kane more? She might know something.

>>5082403
>I think she was C rank, but she was powerful enough for Miranda to sense her aura across the building during the mission where we had to pretend to be a summon for some silly rich kid.
From what I remember, she had some sort of dimentional zipper ability that helped her travel?Man, those were good memories, us trying to get that nerdlinger into some semblance of shape and hanging out with mothmilf...

Kane it is. Writing!

>>5082388
>>5082393
>>5082403
>>5082418
>>5082426
Thinking about it, if you want to play it sagely, maybe Kane’s the better option. You’d rather not deal with THOSE two again. Though the incident was past, you can’t deny a curl of annoyance at their names spool inside you. And waiting could end up with you being too suspicious. “I think it’d be best for us to leave before much longer,” you decide. “Maybe we can talk to Ms. Kane again instead.”

“Hmm…not a bad idea,” Lorelei considers. “She might be able to slip up some info without it being too obvious. I know she’s up for promotion to B Rank. Might be feeling froggy.”

“Oh, I’ll have to remember to congratulate her.” That’s a good idea- with a friendly source, you should be able to see if there’s anything particularly unusual about this place. In the meantime, you still have a partially full plate, and you can at least take the time to look around while you eat. You’ll have to remember to get some meat buns, and probably some of those noodles- Ai was proud of her noodles, and you know she won’t stand to be second best when it comes to THOSE.

The dishes come, and…well, you’re still unconvinced that they’re Ai’s equals, but that might be bias…

“...is it just me or does everything have, like…the SLIGHTEST aftertaste of vegetable oil?” Lorelei says with a mild grimace. “It’s not just me, right?” No, it’s not just her. This kind of cuisine is delicate, and it’s clear- at least, to you- that he’s not showing the requisite love and timing for his dishes. Well, it’s likely staffed by chefs more than just him, but still…

And that’s when you feel like someone has eyes on you. You have to resist turning, but you manage it, and instead look to Lorelei, who’s also gone silent, though she motionless flick of her eyes tells you she knows as well, and may actually see the person in question. There’s a few moments of you two passively eating, before Lorelei slackens a bit. “Guy in a suit. Matched the decor. Wasn’t the guy in the statue, but I bet they’re under the same roof. Wasn’t just us he was watching, though. Was scanning the room. Stopped on a couple others, too.”

“That’s fair,” you decide. “In that case, we need to-”

“Coming back out,” she says quietly, and you both return to your meals. A few seconds later, a man passes you both- purple and gold suit, slicked back silver hair. He’s got glasses, which makes you think of a bouncer, but he nonetheless seems to ignore you as you track him out the corner of your eye. He proceeds up the stairs leading to the second floor.

About a minute later, you notice the twins look towards someone you can’t see. Claudi seems to scowl briefly, while Nero just languidly gets up. Claudi follows, and they both vanish. “The twins are leaving,” you note to Lorelei.

(cont.)

>>5082494
…
…
…ten minutes. How long would it take them?

After twenty, you’re a bit alarmed. They STILL haven’t come down yet. “Huh. That’s ultra weird,” Lorelei admits. “Let’s bail, we can talk about this later. I’m getting the not-good tingles, and considering this is at home, I’m worried.” You can’t blame her. Although, the bill…

“Yikes, 3 Large Motes?” Lorelei gawps. It wasn’t THAT much more food! Although Lorelei seems to have been the major cause… “Good thing we’re splitting it.”

Right.

>1.5 Large Motes lost!

You both fortunately exit without any issues, and Lorelei’s quick to begin texting. It’s not long before she gets a response. “Told her where we were and tried to describe the guy. She says that she’s pretty sure that it’s a guy by the name of Torbo Gran, and that he helps coordinate Flashpoint Divisions. So yeah, big player. Says she can come over to talk more tomorrow if we want her to.”

“Right, then.” Looks like you’ve got your next task. “You’ll be with me for that, then?”

“Sure- but it’ll have to be after filming.” Oh, yeah…

>Switch to Miranda- Time to start shooting! Movies, that is.
>Keep as Izumi- This restaurant business is rough.

>>5082496
>>Keep as Izumi- This restaurant business is rough.
I want to go on a mission soon and Miranda is way too busy right now. Have we ever done a full paladin run?

>>5082426
>From what I remember, she had some sort of dimentional zipper ability that helped her travel?
yeah, she had something like that

>>5082499
Also I think we're onto something here that's relevant to Miranda's investigation. iirc Lorelei at some point mentioned a rumor that a weird group of silver-haired individuals were making waves in the Intersection, one of the twins from the movie studio is involved>>5080149, and the Interdiction twins were mentioned in the documents which Delilah found in the Library - maybe they were here to investigate as well.
But that's just a theory. A GAME THEORY!

>>5082496
>Keep as Izumi- This restaurant business is rough.
I'm worried that the favor Miranda earned from the investigator might time out but I'm enjoying this too much to switch over yet.

>>5082496
>Keep as Izumi- This restaurant business is rough.
I suggest switching to Miranda when the investigator's favor is at deadline. Or when we meet Lunaluna again.
On the other note, I'd love to take the new Sunscorch out for a ride. So aye for a short job but nay as Izumi from me, sorry.

>>5082512
>iirc Lorelei at some point mentioned a rumor that a weird group of silver-haired individuals were making waves in the Intersection
Can you link this one?

>>5082578
suptg isn't working so I can't link it right now, but I think it happened somewhere before we informed the Knights Resplendent

>>5082496
>Keep as Izumi- This restaurant business is rough.
>>5082582
Use archived.moe

File: thread 91 the greys.jpg (184 KB, 1634x643)

184 KB JPG

>>5082512
>>5082578
>>5082582
okay, figured how to get to the archives and found out I got a few things wrong (it was Lawrence, not Lorelei), but here it is

>>5082676
http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2020/4076277/#p4106613

>>5082496
>>5082499
>>5082516
>>5082524
>>5082675
You’d left it to Lorelei to arrange the situation- and as a result the day was mostly a bit of nerves, meditation, and a few katas to keep warm at first. Afterwards…well, the Ranged Training Area had finally finished construction- and what was at first a humble warehouse is, by your estimation, a clear and worthwhile headquarters. While it is still very much ‘open floor’ at the center, it’s definitely gotten more…details, perhaps is the word? Mind, it still falls well short of the OTC’s offerings, and likely not much related to the personal centers at any of the major companies. But it’s quite satisfactory now. At the moment, the range is empty, and it’s here you’ve found yourself for the past hour- largely shooting targets at the range. Pistol ammunition was no great difficulty to conjure- bullets are money, so you’d made due with shaping your mana for this. Even if you didn’t technically have to reload, the familiar sounds of the gun’s machinery at work is…relaxing, in a way.

The *pop pop pop* of target impacts is satisfying enough, and from a 30 meter range your aim is largely impeccable. For a moment, you put the gun down, making sure it’s safety is on, magazine out, dechambered. Just in case. Should you try another weapon, or…

“Hey!” Hm? You turn to see Owlia, of all people, entering the range. She’s got…something in her hand. Ah, looks like that collapsible wand of hers. “Mind a shootin’ buddy?”

Owlia was a…strange one. To say the least. However, despite her occasional social faux-pas (or more accurately complete dismissal of social norms), she wasn’t bad company. “By all means.”

“Neato! I’ve been making some improvements and need to do some testing on the tensile strain of the frame relative to the output.” You’re pretty sure you know what she meant.

(cont.)

>>5084838
Some time passes with only the sounds of firing between the two of you. A quick glance at her lane shows you that she’s surprisingly accurate- not nearly as much as you, but she’s hitting the target more often than not, and her blasts, being much larger than bullets, still have a surprisingly fast travel time. Nothing near bullets, but it’s unlikely that anything not superhuman could dodge them without lead time. After a bit, however, she stops, frowning at her piece. “...that’s not great. Residual build up is too fast. I need another way to dissipate the heat…” You can understand THAT, at least- overheating is a common problem to be avoided in many weapons.

“What’s the rate of fire so far?” you ask out of curiosity. You hadn’t been paying that close attention.

“At the best, just a shot per second. It’s not meant to be quick firing,” she admits. “But it IS supposed to last longer.” She blinks, then seems to look harder at you, grinning. “Say, you’re all gun-happy. Feel like provindin’ some critique maybe?”

“Ah.” You can understand that. Taking a glance at the clock, you realize that Lorelei and Miss Kane should be around in about an hour. You WERE hoping to tidy up and maybe get a few chores done…maybe do some investigation of your own before they showed up.

>Agree to help with her testing. It shouldn’t take TOO long, right?
>Refuse, you already have a friend to help, and it’s a bit more immediate.
>Other

>>5084839
>>Agree to help with her testing. It shouldn’t take TOO long, right?
>Set an alarm on your phone to be sure you won't be late for the meeting

>>5084839
>>5084848
Supporting.

>>5084839
>>5084848
Yeah have a reminder.

>>5084839
Can Izumi regulate how much power her conjured ammo has (to create slower sub-sonic loads for example)? Or change the shape of the projectile? Can she conjure attachments for her weapons (handles, muzzle devices or bayonets for guns, handguards or extra pointy bits for melee)?

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>>5086226
*not handles, grips

hey...is this inspired by Magical Girl Noir, by any chance?

>>5086678
It's completely OG. I read both and can say for sure that they're not even close to being similar - this has a lot more SoL in it and much lower stakes overall. It's a slow burn but worth it.

>>5086832
Ahh, thanks. By the way, is Magical Girl Noir still on indefinite hiatus?

>>5086877
It's still on a hiatus unfortunately.

Writing shortly!

>>5086226
Yes to all factors, but it's usually just more efficient to stick to ammunition.

>>5086678
As others have said, nope. Truth be told? Never actually read that quest.

I DO miss the Magical Girl boom period of questing, though. Great times, those.

>>5084839
>>5084848
>>5084888
>>5084927
“...alright,” you decide after some consideration. Ideally, it wouldn’t take too long, and you’re curious as to what might come of this. But you DO have a prior engagement, so… “Just let me set a reminder,” you state as you set your cell phone to alert you when time was encroaching. “And we can see just what you might be able to do with this.”

You never quite got used to her grin.

The inner workings of wands and the sort weren’t your forte, but you found yourself impressed at her explanations- at least when she remembered to dumb down the terminology and explain it more. It’s times like this that you remember that Owlia is actually extremely intelligent when she bothers to exercise the talent- she just seems to lack a social filter entirely. Still, details on what she’s expecting from the device are quick to come.

A multi-tool, essentially; something not unlike what could be found in stores- apparently she’d visited Lorenzo’s and Kowalski, and came to find that neither of them had ready access to a ‘multispec variable wand. Y’know, for blasting, freezing, burning, can opening, stabbing, brushing your teeth…’
How she managed to pack all that in a 1-foot-three inch long wand, you weren’t sure. You’d taken it through its paces a bit, though, and you were surprised that it, at least somewhat, managed to do all functions advertised. Except the toothbrush thing- you weren’t going to test that. At the end of it all…

“Okay! Survey time!” she says as you hand the device back. Its silver finish is only slightly marred by the heat thanks to the uneven surfaces to allow various tools to rest within. “So, tell me- what was the biggest thing you liked about it?” You’re aware that how you respond will probably directly influence the direction she goes with this thing…

> “You really did manage to cram a lot of utility tools in there. I’m impressed.”
> “I thought the ability to switch firing states so quickly was rather nice. It provides a lot of options in combat.”
> “It’s surprisingly solid for what it is. Feels good in the hand and makes a decent close combat tool.”
> Other

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>>5087183
> “I thought the ability to switch firing states so quickly was rather nice. It provides a lot of options in combat.”
A shame it can't stun, but I'd take reliability over utility.

>>5087191
I mean, I really, really wish it could stun as well, but it's already working well enough - adding more modes would make the overheating issue worse. Meaning that it could be used less often, which would be especially bad in combat.

>>5087183
>>5087191
>Does it really need a tooth-brush mode?

>>5087183
> “It’s surprisingly solid for what it is. Feels good in the hand and makes a decent close combat tool.”
> "Have you considered switching out the toothbrush function for a dremel attachment?"

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>>5087183
>>5087220
>>5087232
> "Maybe you should separate it into different models instead. One for combat purposes and the other for utility. There will be much more wiggle room that way. "
There's only so much you can cram into the wand before all the tools' efficiency drops. In fact, judging from the heat buildup, it's already crossing that line. It's way better to just create another canvas instead.

I like that she's in the process of making a Gish weapon. Maybe this will convince Miranda to finally try out a wand.

>>5087183
>>5087274
Good idea

>>5087274
Personally, I've always thought that the Baron's Rapier Miranda got from our quest with the Knights of the New Moon would be the closest she ever got to a wand. It powers up her magical attacks, and she can use it in melee just as well.

Was thinking about a request to change the name of the rapier to Duelist's Wand, actually...

>>5087183
>>5087274
Sure
>>5087232
Do they even know what that is?

Writing in about an hour!

>>5087183
>>5087232
>>5087274
>>5088157
You have to admit, there’s positives to be had here. “It’s surprisingly solid for what it is. Feels good in the hand and makes a decent close combat tool.” You’re not sure if you could see yourself using it regularly, but it’s at the very least viable. Although, there is one bit that you’re somewhat concerned about. “Does it really need a toothbrush attachment, though? I feel like that’s a bit…extraneous.”

She pauses for a moment, seeming to consider the statement- and then she pops herself on the head. “Oh, DUH. You’d need toothpast for that to be worth much! I wonder if I can fit a-”

“No, nonono!” you quickly interject. You do NOT want her getting the exact opposite idea. “I’m sayin that perhaps you might be better served splitting the combat functions and utilities into two separate wands. That way you have more wiggle room in terms of what to include.”

“Wellllll, sure I COULD do that,” she acknowledges, “but that means that you’d have to carry a whole ‘nother wand with you! The whole GOAL was for this baby to be a one-stop shop for keeping you alive and out of trouble!”

…right. Not looking to give up on the concept so quickly, then. “In that case, what about…” Hmmm…something that’s useful, might not take up a ton of space, and has a number of options…ah! “...a rotary tool? Perhaps with customizable attachments?”

The way her eyes light you, you think you’ve hit on a winner. “Izumi you mad genius.” You’re not gonna respond to that one. “BUT. We’re not done yet. Every good inventor needs to know the good and the bad,” she insists. “I know it has a bad overheating issue, but what else about it sucks? Like, especially the worst thing! Don’t be afraid, hit me with everything you got!”

Hm. Well, now that she mentioned it…while there were a couple of issues you had with it, the worst thing you found with the device was clearly-

>You found the switching speed to be grossly lacking. It took several seconds to readjust when it came to different elements, which you find unacceptable.
>The range was horrid. It seems like crystal made shots, put through this, don’t seem to hold together as well at longer ranges- past 20 meters and you distinctly noticed fall off. Nasty.
>When opening, the compartments for the non-projectile tools caused some sighting issues. You’re good enough that it didn’t throw you off, but it’s a real point of concern.
>Other

>>5090571
>The range was horrid. It seems like crystal made shots, put through this, don’t seem to hold together as well at longer ranges- past 20 meters and you distinctly noticed fall off. Nasty.

>>5090571
>The range was horrid. It seems like crystal made shots, put through this, don’t seem to hold together as well at longer ranges- past 20 meters and you distinctly noticed fall off. Nasty.
>suggest increasing the speed of the projectiles as well.
So I wanted to make it faster at switching first, but she shouldn't have any businesses at the front line anyway, so she can take her time. Now the second, that's much more versatile.
However, a longer range without better reliability isn't appealing at all, so let's fix that too.

>>5090571
>>5090587
Supporting.
If this pushes the wand into longer ranges does it still need melee tools?

>>5090571
>>5090606
Riiiight, since it needs several seconds to switch. That's like several centuries in skirmishes, time she can't afford to waste if caught in a melee.

>>5090571
>The range was horrid.

>>5090606
>>5090616
It can be used as a melee weapon
>Y’know, for blasting, freezing, burning, can opening, stabbing, brushing your teeth…’

>>5090571
>>5090583
>>5090587
>>5090606
>>5090619
You shake your head. “The range is atrocious. 20 meters before severe falloff of speed and damage potential is just nasty. Unacceptable, really.”

She frowns at that. “Really? I mean, I’d figured it was fine considering the close range capabilities-”

You cut her off there. “If something is made to shoot, it needs to be the best at shooting. I enjoy close combat, but it’s always smarter to fight at a range your opponent cannot as effectively. Generally, that’s at much longer than 20 meters. The fact that it takes too long to switch is a problem, but it’s only a bad one with that kind of lacking effective range. You need to find a way to keep falloff from happening. Probably work out some way to increase the projectile speed, as well.”

She folds her arms, considering. “Thaaaaat would make it more a designated marksman kinda thing, or even a sniper, wouldn’t it?”

“Considering the other issues with it, that’s probably the best you’re going to get,” you tell her plainly. “Having some resources for survival or an emergency engagement isn’t a bad thing, by any means, but you have to have your primary effective range locked down first and foremost. The fact that all your other tools are so slow means that for optimum usage, you’re best to engage from a long distance. Trust me- up the effective range.”

“Mmmm…alright, I’ll keep that in mind,” she says with a surprisingly sober nod. “It’s just such a shame, I had been hoping to have the variability much more at will.” And then she pauses. “Although…maybe if I were to adjust it so that the overflow energy spent from the condensing process were retained in some manner for the next shot…but that’d ruin the cooling even more wouldn’t it…no, no, not if perhaps I could do something with the frost crystal, maybe a secondary…” and with that, she wanders off, lost in thought. You wonder what she’ll come up with thanks to your suggestion…

Well, it’ll likely be useful, at least. As you check your phone, you smile. 45 minutes left. Lovely. Won’t let you get everything done, but getting some cleaning finished should be doable…

You wonder how filming went for those two.

Roll 2d100, best of three.

Rolled 8, 9 = 17 (2d100)

>>5090749

Rolled 47, 52 = 99 (2d100)

>>5090749

Rolled 84, 44 = 128 (2d100)

>>5090749
>“Thaaaaat would make it more a designated marksman kinda thing, or even a sniper, wouldn’t it?”
it would be if we were asking for it to have an effective range close to a kilometer.

>84, 52
Damn those lessons are actually helping.

So it seems! Writing.

>>5090749
>>5090756
>>5090759
>>5090766
When Lorelei saunters in, you’re not surprised. Kane is right behind her, and Miranda as well. Although you’re a bit surprised to see MIRANDA of all people strutting a bit. Well, perhaps that’s a bit heavy of a term. She’s not preening or anything. But she’s got a small smile on her face and she seems happy enough. “Went well?” you venture.

“Sure did!” Lorelei cheers. “I wasn’t given a whole lot for today, so they mostly just put me through some practice runs, but ‘Randa did great!” she insists.

Miranda just shrugs, but you can tell she’s feeling good about it. “They said I got the tone just right. I guess I’m not gonna complain.”

“She’s totally being modest,” Lorelei says, grinning. “But yeah, it’s pretty great. We’re gonna be turnin’ heads during our big scene together!”

“Oh?” you ask as Kane makes a noise in surprise. “You have one?”

“Yeah, long story short it’s like the one time in the movie I’m actually a threat. It’s gonna be great,” she insists. “BUT. We’re not here for that. We’re here for YOU,” she continues, motioning to Kane, who seems to jump a bit being put on the spot, but quickly recovers. “Kaney, spill the beans on the big guy.”

“R-right…so, first of all, the only reason I’m even saying anything is because well…no one really LIKES Gran?” She explains. Like, he came in a bit ago, but he got to his position REALLY fast, even though no one really knows his whole body of work. He SAYS he was a champion gladiator back where he was, and he was good in business, but he never accepts any requests to spar, and anything else gets stonewalled. Not to mention most days we just see him walking around. Like, he’s probably the most outwardly shady guy in Flashpoint so a lot of folks don’t trust him. Except the higher ups, anyway.” And you all know those are the important ones. “So, I’m not surprised to see him at that restaurant. He’s got an ego. Anything else you want to know? I mean, I’m not a total gossip, so I don’t know everything, but…” she trails off, but you get the idea.

Hmmm. What to ask Amanda Kane?

>Pick two.

>Does he seem to know a lot of people?
>Has he notably abused his authority with anyone?
>Does he slack off a lot, then?
>Has anyone else tried to look into him?
>Other

>>5090873
>>Has he notably abused his authority with anyone?
>>Does he seem to know a lot of people? - Anyone with gray hair?

>>5090873
>Has he notably abused his authority with anyone?
>Does he seem to know a lot of people? - Anyone with gray hair?

>>5090873
>Has he notably abused his authority with anyone?
> Does he seem to know a lot of people? - Anyone with gray hair in particular?

>>5090873
>>5090879
>>5090892
>>5090898
“Has he notably abused his authority with anyone?” you find yourself asking. He doesn’t seem like the nicest of people. “Caused much conflict?”

She grimaces. “Yeah, can’t say he hasn’t. It’s kinda an open secret he’s got preferred teams and stuff, but since they get the job done, no one can really raise a stink without getting on his bad side. But he always seems to reserve the real juicy jobs for the same three teams.”

“And those are?” Miranda prompts.

“Team 5, Second Division, Team 7, Fourth Division, and Team 8, Sixth Division.” And then her face shifts into something you can only call disgust. “ESPECIALLY Team 8. And everyone knows that’s just because they're three of the hottest girls in Flashpoint. They’re not even THAT good- I can operate rings around them even on my WORST day. They’re just, like…stupid lucky.” She pauses, letting it sink in. “No, seriously, like STUPIDLY lucky. The only decent one is Isabella, and she’s still not that strong, or fast, or crafty, or anything. She just knows a lot of rando trivia and some math.” Well, that might work depending on the job…but you can see she doesn’t really care to talk about them much.

“Weeelll, does he seem to know a lot of people?” Lorelei leads on. “Say, anyone with gray hair in particular?”

She pauses to think on it. “Well, I don’t see him all that much, myself. He likes to talk about his connections now and then- he loves mentioning his ties in the crafting industry, but I can’t say I’ve ever seen him with anyone with grey hair.”

Drat. Perhaps this is a bit of a dead end, then. You’re not sure how best this would help Ai and her restaurant anyway…although perhaps there’s a tie between it and this weirdness that’s been happening elsewhere lately. If THAT is the case- and you can’t deny that there’s a possibility- then it WOULD be prudent to follow that and see if it can’t be linked back to Jiro’s restaurant. The question is, how to get eyes on him?

>Ask her if she can try to keep a closer eye on Gran herself. It’s likely the safest way for you three.
>Ask her about the possibility of a subcontract, like what you did with Dynamic Methods. That might get you a personal opportunity if you work it right.
>No, no, you’ve got other paths you can follow. This one is already too risky, and you’ve gotten enough info from her.
>Other

>>5090984
>>Ask her about the possibility of a subcontract, like what you did with Dynamic Methods. That might get you a personal opportunity if you work it right.
I really want to go on a job, it's been six months since we've finished the last one.

>>5090984
>Ask her about the possibility of a subcontract, like what you did with Dynamic Methods. That might get you a personal opportunity if you work it right.
>"How are they "lucky"? Is it one of their team members' powers?"
Flashpoint specializes in delivery and retrieval, and Izumi here happens to be our resident speedster.

I REALLY want to do a job with Miranda to test out the Sunscorch though. Perhaps we can do a tag team to shorten it while stretching out some muscles - Izumi can focus on the looting while Miranda toasts people and be a terror.

>>5091031
Well, in case if it won't be possible for Miranda and Izumi to go together - think of it as an opportunity to test out Extreme Tension and Shape Weapon techniques.

>>5091036
Yeah, but I want to get the rust off of our best guns while testing all the those things out, and at the same time digging deeper into this subplot. A lot of work will be done with just a job.
Miranda should be finishing a portion of her acting soon, and I bet she's eager.

>>5090984
>Ask her about the possibility of a subcontract, like what you did with Dynamic Methods. That might get you a personal opportunity if you work it right.

Running in about two hours. I got time today.

>>5091320
Nice

>>5090984
>>5091010
>>5091031
>>5091151
A thought hits you as you consider this issue. Trying to get her close to him all of a sudden and out of the blue might cause…well, more than one issue. It could come off as suspicious, and trying to do it slowly would probably take more time than is feasible. There has to be another way of getting his attention, and possibly in a fashion that could get you face time with him personally.

It’s not the most elegant solution, you think, but you at least have an idea… “Do you think it’d be possible to get a subcontract with Flashpoint?” you ask her.

At that, everyone else in the room jerks in surprise, looking at you. “Hold on now, what?” Kane asks in surprise. “Really?!”

“Yes,” you confirm, before looking at Miranda. This feels like deja vu, for some reason… “Would this interfere horribly with your shooting schedule?”

“Yes and no,” your leader confirms. “I have it written in my contract that my Outgoer assignments take priority. I DO have to make a ‘good faith effort to accomplish all outstanding contracts with all due speed’, and they implied penalties, so chances are I’d have to push the matter. But aside from that, there weren't a ton of restrictions. So really, it’s up to me.”

“Ditto,” Lorelei confirms. “Probably better sooner than later if that has to happen, honestly. They’ve still got a lot of scenes without us they can film.”

Kane looks…nervous. “I-I mean, I guess I could ASK. Say you three might be looking for a subcontract around him and see what happens?” She looks around at you all again. “IS it going to be all three of you?”

> “No, just me.” You don’t want to interrupt their business.
> “Myself and…Lorelei, if Miranda’s okay with it?” She’s a good friend, and if it’s like Flashpoint’s usual stuff, you’d rather someone sneaky about.
> “Myself and…Miranda, if you don’t mind, Lorelei?” Miranda’s rational. Level-headed. Efficient. She’d be quite helpful no matter the type of job.
> “Yes, all three of us.” The more the merrier, and you like to think that when firing on all cylinders, you three are near unstoppable.

>>5091437
> “Myself and…Miranda, if you don’t mind, Lorelei?” Miranda’s rational. Level-headed. Efficient. She’d be quite helpful no matter the type of job.
As said before. Dunno if Lorelei got tagged yet in the restaurant, but Miranda is less suspicious because she never went there.

>>5091437
> “Myself and…Miranda, if you don’t mind, Lorelei?” Miranda’s rational. Level-headed. Efficient. She’d be quite helpful no matter the type of job.

>>5091437
> “Myself and…Miranda, if you don’t mind, Lorelei?” Miranda’s rational. Level-headed. Efficient. She’d be quite helpful no matter the type of job.

>>5091437
> “Myself and…Miranda, if you don’t mind, Lorelei?” Miranda’s rational. Level-headed. Efficient. She’d be quite helpful no matter the type of job.
Woo!

>>5091488
Well, this ties in with Miranda's promise to help Ai. 'Friends and all that.'

Writing!

>>5091437
>>5091447
>>5091470
>>5091488
>>5091490
“I think it would be best to mention myself, and…” you pause, considering for a moment. But it doesn’t take too long to decide. After all, she’d promised. “Miranda, if you don’t mind, Lorelei?”

“Naaah,” she shrugs. “Maybe I can get a few things done for me while you’re out.”

“Well, I’m not even sure if they’ll say yes!” Kane warns. “And even then, it might be that he’ll never actually talk to you. Not to mention this isn’t like a small operation like you guys are- we get assigned jobs, we don’t get to pick and choose.”

“No, we used to get assigned jobs, too,” you assure. “Sal is just easygoing.”

“Sides’,” Lorelei chimes in, “I’m sure if you float the name Silver Eye Solutions in front of him, he’ll perk up. IF he’s got anything to do with what we’re thinking of, that is.” She’s got a point. You don’t think he’ll reveal anything, of course, but he might see it as an opportunity. For what, you don’t know.

“I get the suspicion he’ll go for it,” opines Miranda. “Call it a hunch. We’ll wait for your response.” At least she’s got no objections for going with you.

With that, after trading contact information, the ‘meeting’ is adjourned for lack of anything further to discuss. You, for your part, decided to finish cleaning up.

(cont.)

>>5091608
The very next day, you get an email with a job listing along with a simple line of text.

>“He bit. You have two options.”

>Recommended Outgoers: 2-3
>Recommended Competencies: Mechanical Racing, Mechanical Repair, Sabotage, Subterfuge, Vehicular Combat.
>Recommended Level: B-A
>Acknowledged Risks: Civilian Casualties, Infrastructure Damage.
>Technological Specification Examples: Antigravity, Plasma-based power sources, Microchip Data Relay.
>Estimated Job Completion Time: 2.5 Weeks Local Time
>Noted Direct Opposition? No
>Personalized Posting: Normally I wouldn’t be spending so much on mechanics, but this is quite literally a race for the planet! I was told that you lot can outrun anything, so I need the absolute best in mechanics to know how to keep our gear up to snuff, prevent any sabotage- and, maybe, deal some damage to the opposition. We’re talking major, country-long races, so you need to be able to keep up! Apprentices NOT wanted.

>Riders Added: Designated Role (Pit Crew/Mechanic/Substitute Racer)
>Total Offered Payment: 60 Large Motes

Mechanical duties, huh? It’d almost require you to ask for Owlia’s help. You’re not sure HOW skilled she is in that aspect of technology, but she’s been sinking her teeth into everything, so you’re sure she’s got SOME knowledge about it. Either way, it sounds interesting- and the prize is the planet’s safety? You can certainly understand that, and it sounds worthwhile.

As for the other one…

>Recommended Outgoers: 1-2
>Recommended Competencies: Subterfuge, Stealth, Hand to Hand Combat, Vehicular Driving, Magic Detection
>Recommended Level: B-A
>Acknowledged Risks: Infrastructure Casualties.
>Technological Specification Examples: Steam-based Vehicles/Devices, Powder-based projectile weapons.
>Estimated Job Completion Time: One Week Local Time (Variable)
>Noted Direct Opposition? Yes
>What kind?
>Personalized Posting: My business has been entirely above board. It’s meant well, for certain! However, fate just loves to kick me when I’m down. Not only is there a vicious fog that’s settled down near everywhere and causing some good, respectable people and beasts to devolve into slavering, feral idiots, but there’ve been peddlers of so-called ‘cures’ that have been making the problem worse! That makes my job harder- I HAVE a cure. Or at least, part of one. I don’t have the resources to make the catalyst here. But I know who does. Take it to her- to them. They can fix this! At least, the insanity. The Fog itself will take more work…
>Riders Added: Designated Role (Courier)
>Total Offered Payment: 32 Large Motes

Oh dear. Hmmm…that sounds…dangerous. You’re not sure what it’ll take to get it delivered if you DO choose it, but it also sounds rather threatening. It’ll take careful traveling and a lot of effort, it sounds like.

>>5091611
>Courier
Plenty of targets to test Miranda's flamethrower technique on, and her familiars could be useful for that 'Magic Detection' thing

>>5091611
…I think you forgot the mission names, Boss.

Regardless, I choose the courier job. We might not be couriers exactly, but we’re definitely not racers or pit crew, even with Miranda’s gauntlets.

>>5091631

Nope, Flashpoint's Proprietary UI doesn't bother with mission names. Too many to bother with.

I DID forget the ID numbers, however.

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>>5091611
Second one, Courier job.

You're dangling Bloodborne in front of us and expect us NOT to take it?

>>5091611
We'll be delivery gals.

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>>5091634
Must be nice, being so high up in the ranks that you don't even have the time to name your missions...

>>5091638
Thank god I've been stocking up on Bloodborne fan sequel trick weapons!

Also, we should ask if either Owlia or the Coven might be interested in getting samples of goofy gas for research, or anything else they'd be interested in.

Wonder if Miranda can use this mission to gain inspiration to create a few new scenes for the movie.

Gonna give it another hour just for thoroughness' sake. I usually like to wait a bit on job votes anyway. And like people have said, it's been a while.

>>5091611
>>5091618
>>5091638
>>5091643
You take some time to consult with Miranda, but ultimately, the decision is made due to the time involved.

‘We’ll take the courier job’, you respond.

‘Cool. Remember this a subcontract so you go with someone on our team.’ …you think for a moment you’d forgotten about that. ‘Don’t worry about the pay split we’ll work that out when you get here. Prob going with a C rank since there’s not many big names available rn. Don’t think they’ll let you go alone cause that means you can claim you got it without them’ Ah. Also true.

‘Can’t be you?’ you ask immediately.

‘Probs not but I can request’ is the response. ‘Not my call.’ Right, of course. ‘Expect formal inquest in a few hours.’

‘Will do.’ Alright, that’s part of it. Now, you just need to prepare. As is often the case, wardrobe is going to be important, and so it’s first on your list. You have a couple of outfits that might work for such a locale…

> Store is Open. Available Motes:

>Izumi: 64.67
>Miranda: 100.25
>Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q

Alternatively, choose from a premade set:

>Wandering Warrior: This set is martially focused and meant to project your power and poise. Let opponents underestimate you at their peril.

>Stats:
-Intimidation: B
-Humor: D
-Otherworldly: C
-Hotheadedness:C-
-Plainness:C
—--------------------------

>Amaterasu: By your spirit, you will flush out all wickedness! Even your mere presence will cause those of wicked hearts to flee, no doubt.

>Stats:

-Intimidation: C
-Humor: C
-Otherworldly: B+
-Hotheadedness: B
-Plainness: E
—-----------------------------
>Middling Merchant: Not your usual methods, but sometimes you need to be less conspicuous. Their eyes will glaze over your with nary a care…

>Stats:
-Intimidation: D
-Humor: B
-Otherworldly: E
-Hotheadedness: C-
-Plainness: A
—----------------------------

>Darkwatch: To dance on the razor’s edge of darkness…that’s what this says to you. You’ve used this outfit relatively recently, but it may hold well here.

>Stats:
-Intimidation: B
-Humor: D
-Otherworldly: C+
-Hotheadedness: C-
-Plainness: D-

>>5091827
Damn it, of course they'd send someone over. Now it has become an escort mission.

Whatever happens, I think we should take a look at the nerds' Rental and Borrow again. That invisibility plate will come in handy.

>>5091827
>Amaterasu
The job mentions stealth, but I think this would be fun to play with. And fire/ sun affinity wouldn't hurt in this setting. Unless anyone has custom set-ups I'll vote for this.

I miiiight just let this rock for the rest of the day. Let people consider it.

>>5091847
Is there a limit on how many things we can borrow from O&C?

>>5091850
3, I believe was the limit last time. If it wasn't, 3 is the limit this time.

>>5091827
>Amaterasu

>>5091836
I'm thinking we take the Mana Extractor, see if we can pull out some of whatever is making the locals crazy. Oh, and the TransPortal Plates, especially if we're going to make a return trip.

Other than that, shame we sold off all our flintlocks, but see if we can nab the Manastone Revolver back. Might work if we claim it's an advanced prototype spell pistol.

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>>5091852
So I checked the previous job.
Is 3 normal items + 2 Crystals still appliable?
http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2020/4362744/#p4399181

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>>5091854
Oh, yeah, almost forgot, since we're going to Bloodborne-land next, Miranda should probably stop by Prianna's Perfect Permanency and pick up her Holy Moonlight Sword equivalent before the next mission.

>>5091858
Fast on the snips Anon

>>5091858
In the interests of consistency, sure.

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>>5091827
Going to suggest these somewhat matching costumes for our gals. The one for Miranda has items with interesting enchantments that could gel together. The one for Izumi turned out quite pricey, but think of it as an investment - the Divine Shoes are great, Wings would help in combat and during the travel as well and the Pleasant Necklace might help in her future jobs.
Also having matching outfits that are opposite in theme is cute. They both got fire swords as well!

>>5091827
>>5091862
Right, Miranda should probably pick up her treated stuff and borrow Lorelei's Mana Dampener that we bought for the last crossover (Izumi has her own). Judging by the job description we might have to deal with Magic Detection.
I figure voting on what to borrow from Owlia and which HQ rooms should we use would be after this post?

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>>5091827
Normally I'm keen on staying small for this but >>5091874 is really thematic and I don't want to see customs like that go to waste, so supporting. Both getups have wings even.

Anyhow, voting for these borrows:
>Mana Extractor (for sucking out the spooky bits, in case Pecker becomes a picky eater)
>TransPortal Plates
>Protection Sigil Plate (even more protection against magic), can be swapped for Vanishing Plate.

>2x Shield Crystals
>1x Assault Crystals.
Pick up all of our treated stuffs blah blah blah. Miranda should borrow Lori's damp too if she's able.

This job will be a short one, only lasting a week. So I vote for the Physical Combat Training Area instead of the usual Meditation Room. There will be a lot of close-quartered brawling.

>>5091874
>>5091884

We could have Maranda buy the Warrior of light set and keep Izumi on Amaterasu. I think they would still match with a light heroic theme. More importantly maybe is we would only need to have Maranda pay out 8 motes for;

Sun Warrior's Top 4
Genie-ish Leggings 4

Instead of having Izumi buying a whole new outfit on her tight budget.

>>5091827
>>5091884
Switching to
>Miranda on Seer
>Izumi on Amaterasu
That's my final vote I think. Still thematic enough and doesn't kill Izumi's wallet. Although I do feel like she should invest in a pair of Divine Shoes.

>>5091890
desu Izumi kept mentioning her problem with funds and I assumed that she would have around 20 Lotes or less on her. But instead she has whopping SIXTY! That's more than Miranda had at the very start of the quest. I think we have some room here.

>>5091899
*wiggle room

>>5091827
>Middling Merchant

This one seems to suit the courier job. Being an unsuspecting merchant would fit in rather well for someone meant to deliver goods right?

>>5091827
>Middling Merchant
>Seer Miranda
But modify it so it resembles Middling Doctor/Nurse instead.

Thinking about it, I'm really liking the idea of both girls having wings.

>>5091933
3-D mobility is always good, but if it comes at the cost of large wings I'm against it.

>>5091827
as much as I like the light/dark theme idea, the job is just to deliver some goods. the job also states that they would like stealth and subterfuge as recommended competencies.
So I'll go with
>Izumi: middling merchant for stealth
>Miranda: seer outfit for distraction and intimidation


If the light/dark theme wins, remember to get:
> the vanishing plate
>sigil transportal plate pair
>Assault crystals
and
>Miranda borrows Lori's mana dampener necklace

>>5091827
Finally some action!
>Middling Merchant
>Seer
I like this more, we don't need two giant attractions.
Voting for the portal plates, vanishing plate, extractor and some assault/shield crystals.

Other anons raised some good points about Izumi needing some 3D mobility. She might be faster but Miranda can fly and walk on air with barriers.

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>>5091854
>>5091862
I don't think Handler would rip off Bloodborne one-for-one. Flintlocks could be greatly outdated, replaced with percussion locks and breechloaders.
There was also a requirement for Vehicular Driving skills, so we might have to ride in a steam-powered car. Since it's a job with time restrictions, I figure there could be relatively fast ones resembling steam cars that were contemporaries of the early combustion engine vehicles.

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>>5091827
A few questions about Izumi's inventory:
Since they're made of her mana, do weapons, ammo and attachments conjured with Shape Weapon technique glow or not?
Is there anything special about Izumi's guns or her other weapons that we couldn't know from Miranda's perspective?
Are the automatic pistols in her inventory different models or are they the same? Izumi has mentioned once that she preferred not to mix technology too much, and something like pic related or this (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mateba_Autorevolver) might both fit and look outlandish at the same time in many settings. Automatic revolvers technically count as an 'automatic pistols' and models of revolvers and slide pistols exist that use the same caliber ammo.
How is the Heavy Assault Rifle that she bought for MGR crossover different from her old Assault Rifle? Is it just a term for 'battle rifle' and just uses full-size rifle ammo? Or is it a specialized CQB gun that fires bigger slower bullets that can punch through cover (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIQ7LodSFiI&ab_channel=DemolitionRanch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN-uybi9_jg&t=78s&ab_channel=LazarevTactical)? Or something like Doomguy's heavy machinegun (https://doom.fandom.com/wiki/Heavy_Assault_Rifle)?
Back in thread #75 Izumi and Prima completed an HQ-Task for Minus-One Company and we got rewarded with an armory for our base. Did they get Minus-One brand weapon as well? What is it and who has it?

>>5091827
Are we voting only for outfits right now? We're not leaving immediately after this, right?

>>5094254
From the looks of things it's general prep - outfits and R&D borrows. I feel like next post will be a vote on the room to use.

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>>5091969
desu Ribbon Wings don't turn into wings all the time - they became a jet-pack in post-apoc mecha and flying school fuel delivery missions. Looks like it'll be a magitech/steampunk setting, so it could be a fancy flying cloak or a rocket pack.
But since the Merchant set is winning and we still want 3-D mobility, let's go with:
>Vanishing Sigil Plates x2
>Sigil TransPortal Plate Pair
>Levitation Crystals x2
>>5091854
>>5092367
Also Izumi could lend Miranda one of the Clockwork Carbines that we've snatched during Artificer crossover and the boss-girl has a fancy uber-crossbow as well
and now she can become Marvelous Chester https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxX3fqFfQow&ab_channel=ZullietheWitch

>>5094268
Maybe before using the rooms can we finally do something for Gartoum? We haven't got to looking for summoner/shadow services to reward/update Gart. And does Pecker have a cage or bed to sleep on? We'll have to leave a bowl full of mana crystals before Miranda leaves.

>>5094467
I thought we'd be taking Pecker with us? He'd help us with mana detection.
Also what can we even do for Gartoum? We had an opportunity when we visited Guild of Shadows' HQ, but I have no idea what to ask.

>>5094467
>>5094469
We're taking him with us. Pecker is much more magically sensitive than Miranda (he was sniffing out and disabling illusions left and right near the last stretch of the Dragongirl job). If things get too hot he can just hide in the bag for a while, no biggy.

>>5094254
Correct. There's still time for prep after this, including weapons purchasing and any other stuff you want to do for the day. Remember, this is a subcontract, so you have to head to Flashpoint HQ.

(Semi-spoilers because it'll be in the next update: you have a day to prepare.)

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>>5094454
Wish we could have asked Mono if we could have borrowed her grenade launcher for some Vietnam convoy action before she went on her mission.

Ah well, we'll just have to do some on-site procurement, then...

>>5094608
Hope this won't disappoint Handler, since this is the first job in half a year even though it will be shorter than usual (the only move you can make to break this is to have our Flashpoint escort be exceptionally bad or unfitting desu).

We'll see. Oh, and obviously I'll be taking the weekend off. At any rate, writing in about an hour and a half.

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>>5095073
You're sayin this as if we'd complete it in a week or two of real time. There were missions that took only a few days in-character to complete but lasted a couple of months IRL: the one where we pretended to be a summon, mecha post-apocalypse one, the Mafia job and basically every crossover mission.
>>5094789
There's no restrictions to use magic in this mission, so I don't see why we should restrain and limit ourselves by using setting-specific weapons like that when we have magi-blasts.

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>>5095125
While that's true that magic would be more effective, I do think that Jago would appreciate a handheld cannon as a souvenir, plus, y'know, inspiration for the movie.

That's assuming we can loot one for free, mind. Not gonna suggest we buy one.

>>5095125
Nice combo potential.
I've been imagining that looking into leg channeling can eventually lead to actual flight instead of just jumps.

>>5095125
>pic
Can Izumi channel through her legs? Never seen her do anything like that before. I like the idea though, we can give that a try when we get a training session. It appears to be more practical than the One-inch punch.

Alright, starting writing. Seems like it's

>Middling Merchant
for Izumi, and

>Seer
for Miranda?

If so, I'll progress to proper weapons' purchasing.

Also wow they're gonna look a pair.

Furthermore, this was not (only) inspired by Bloodborne. There's more than a couple other games that inspired this, too...

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>>5095194
We did get 'Air Shift' technique during the shadow war mission + Miranda learned flamethrower technique, so maybe she can learn how to actually fly without wearing Ribbon Wings or using Owlia's Levitation Crystals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoFlqIaDJ8U&ab_channel=GravityIndustries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtvCnZqZnxc&ab_channel=GravityIndustries
>>5095198
>Can Izumi channel through her legs?
Miranda has taught her the Low-Quickening technique but I don't know if she can cast offensive spells through her legs.

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>>5095205
There's nothing to see here but a wanderer from a foreign region and her eldritch companion.

>>5095205
Sure, like Sekiro.
>>5095211
Ahh, I remembered being able to avoid terrain debuffs but I forgot or missed that. True flight is within our grasp!

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>>5095205
Have you seen Steamboy by any chance?

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>>5095211
>Also wow they're gonna look a pair.
they sure will

>>5091827
>>5095205
As you take the time to consider what you’ll be wearing, you indeed get a message from Flashpoint- a formal inquiry as to availability and request for a subcontract with them for a ‘Courier assignment of great importance.’ You roll your eyes at the puffery, but respect it in a weird way. ‘If’ you accept, they want you (and one other ‘of respectable trust and skill’) there tomorrow, bright and early. You confirm, and return to your wardrobe dilemma.

If you want to something to arrive safely, without fear of molestation by rabble-rousers or even worrisome monsters, the best weapon is to not be a target in the first place. All you need is a plain vest, perhaps some glasses, not even a hat- a simple headscarf should do fine here. Finish it with a simple and plain dress and some flat, but easy to move in beige shoes, and all’s well.

You’re certain that Miranda will come up with something worthwhile on her own, though you know she’ll probably come to the same conclusion if perhaps down a different road. While she always proclaimed she didn’t mind ‘easy’ jobs, or ones with a lack of combat, she never seemed to really complain about it when they happened…

Well, you’ll leave that be for now. Considering the location and situation, you’re also going to need to make sure you have proper armaments; you don’t think that it’ll be such a situation that automatic weapons will be…well, you might be able to use them in secret, but very much not in the open where anyone can see. That just begs for trouble. No, best to either procure on site or see what can be acquired. That clockwork carbine that you held onto might work quite well here, actually…

>...but best see what’s on sale anyway. (Weapon’s shopping.)
>...and that should take care of you quite nicely- now for ‘accessories’. (Move on to Owlia’s R&D.)
>...and really, that’s all you need, barring some last minute mental preparation. (Choose an HQ Bonus)
>...and you should be good to go. Best to take it easy today, considering tomorrow is likely to be hard.

>>5095251
Is this when we vote for ALL of these things?

>>5095256
No, there's going to b-

Actually, it would save some time if you did, huh? I hate doing multiple votes in one post because I'm always worried it'll get too cluttered. But I guess we can try it out if you want.

>>5095251
>>...but best see what’s on sale anyway. (Weapon’s shopping.)
Could you please answer these questions>>5092367? Or can we vote on what kinds of weapons she actually has? We know what weapons she already has from the list you made from Artificer crossover but those simple terms that were used for Izumi's tools of trade aren't very descriptive.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Kj00CtC5_cYWFCmRqc3h68q-OdQwCui3dgxQDbordEQ/edit

>>5095260
Oh, right.

-Yes, anything made with Shape Mana glows slightly. Think of it like a hard-light construct.

-Not particularly. What's there is there.

-They're a pair and look identical. I actually had Borderlands in mind when concepting them.

-Higher caliber rounds, smaller magazine size, slightly slower rate of fire than an assault rifle.

-I never mentioned that? Oof. Izumi was meant to get a directed energy weapon, a bolt thrower in the vein of Unreal Tournament's Shock Rifle. Prima...unfortunately, I forget. I want to say it was some sort of needler-esque weapon.

>>5095251
Right, I'm going for these borrows.

>Vanishing Sigil Plate
>Sigil TransPortal Plate Pair
>Mana Extractor
I'd want the anti-magic plate as well, but I'm not sure Pecker can handle eldritch mana.
> 2x Levitation Crystals, 1x Assault Crystal

>Physical Combat Training Area
Slugger-fests are expected.

And, just to be sure, pay a visit to the weapon shop as well.
>...but best see what’s on sale anyway. (Weapon’s shopping.)

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>>5095269
Welp, there goes the idea of creating silencers and sub-sonic ammo with Shape Weapon. And every conjured round is a tracer too.

>>5095251
Is the turret repaired?

>>5095285
Should be by now.

>>5095251
since we're doing everything at once
Owlia's R&D:
>>Vanishing Sigil Plates x2
>>Sigil TransPortal Plate Pair
>>Levitation Crystals x2
HQ Bonus:
>Physical Combat Training Area - spar with Miranda
Izumi might need some practice with her new toys that she's been gifted (the Flame Scimitar made by Artificer MC and Razor Shield from Miranda's dragon-girl mission), and Miranda could take some sword-fighting lessons.
Also for those who don't know - we have a Community Item Pool now. Check SES Headquarters sheet in the docs.
>Borrow Draining Combat Knife
>Take the Clockwork Turret

>>5095251
>>5095258
Okay, then...

>...but best see what’s on sale anyway. (Weapon’s shopping.)

>R&D
>Sigil TransPortal Plate Pair
>Mana Extractor
>Multiversal Comms
>2 Shield Shards

>HQ Bonus
>Physical Combat Training Area

Take the Clockwork Turret, the Clockwork Carbine, the Manastone Pistol (for Miranda), and the Draining Knife.

>>5095251
In case we can take two invis plates copies I'm going with >>5095288, else >>5095278
. Take the turret, knife and Lori's mana dampener.

>>5095251
>>5095278
In addition
>Take the Clockwork Turret, the Clockwork Carbine, the Manastone Pistol, and the Draining Knife.
Tag Miranda to borrow Lorelei's dampener too.

>>5095251
>>5095260
>>5095288
>Grab Manastone Pistols for yourself and Miranda and Elemental Stones for them
>Tag Miranda to borrow Lorelei's dampener too.
Unless they've been taken apart by our researchers. Kinda want to grab manastone shotguns instead but they're not as practical. And Clockwork Carbines are already in Izumi's inventory.
I hope we're taking Miranda to shop with us, she needs a regular gun with no magic enhancements - for magic-resistant enemies or jobs where we're prohibited from using magic. Also, since we'll be dealing with dangerous fog we might have to buy Divine Respirator for Izumi.

>>5095251
Probably a small thing but it will be good if the weapon shop has some good, new selections. Miranda can use something mundane but reliable like >>5095530 stated.

Writing! Let's at least get this done before the holiday weekend.

>>5095251
>>5095278
>>5095530
>>5095300
…but it’s probably best to see what’s on sale anyway, you ultimately decide. That said, looking at the situation, you can at least wager what would be good for you in terms of borrowing from your erstwhile friend and inventor.

>Vanishing Sigil Plate
>Sigil TransPortal Plate Pair
>Mana Extractor

...aaaand a couple of those levitation crystals as well, just in case. On Miranda’s recommendation, you request an assault shard from her as well- it’s thrown over as she’s too busy working on that wand- or rather a revision of it, from what you can tell. Cylica’s busy with…something, you’re not sure what, with that Seither material. It’s all swirling in some sort of device of hers…but that’s little concern to you.

With the experimental devices (and recording tool) stashed away, you decide to get armed. That Clockwork Carbine gun and the turret should be fine- you can see it’s finally repaired, and you’re glad for it. You’ll need to ask Lorelei for the Manastone Pistol- though you don’t see why she wouldn’t accept- and the Draining Combat Knife is plucked from the community chest. Handy.

Thinking about it, maybe you’ll need to ask them both a few things, really…

(Cont.)

>>5096249
—-------

“So why are we here again?” Miranda asks as you both stand in from of Kowalski’s later that day.

“You need something a bit more…appropriate,” you insist.

“I thought we already had clockwork weapons,” she notes. “Wouldn’t those be appropriate enough?”

“Yes, but would you really only carry one weapon with you into combat?” You both know the answer to that, which makes her reluctance even more illogical. “We won’t be long, just come on.”

“Fiiine,” she says as you both head in.

Kowalski’s never without the proper goods, of course, and without a problem, he brings you to the ‘Steamworks’ section. “Weapons like this ain’t uncommon, but they’re kinda for a particular audience, if’n ya ask me,” he opines. “Almost like to think they’re more reliable, some folks. Even if you can’t get near the rate of fire or caliber outta them.”

There’s a few that do indeed catch your eye…

> ‘Twin Devils’ .38 Pistol Pair: This pair of gold and silver long barrel pistols are…well, gaudy, to be sure, but they pack a punch, by all accounts.
Cost: 2 Lotes

> Crankfire Pistol: A double barrelled pistol backed by a strange wheeled design. It doesn’t actually seem to need a crank, at least, but it more reminds you of a sawed-off shotgun than anything else, even if it IS clearly smaller. Kowalski promises that it ‘hits like a frictionless truck’ and can work with multiple bullet sizes.
> Cost: 4 Lotes

>’King’s Shot’ Sniper Rifle: A mechanical sniper rifle, if with a lot of metal engravings on it and clearly meant for high society. Nonetheless, it’s effective range is a little over a mile- approximately 1.2.
>Cost: 2.5 Lotes

>’Old Sea’ Clockwork Rifle: This rifle was handcrafted, and seems to be capable of more than firing bullets; in fact, it seems to be able to double as a harpoon or grappling hook gun. Comes with said attachments included.
> 4 Lotes

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>>5096251
> ‘Twin Devils’ .38 Pistol Pair
> Crankfire Pistol

The Twins for us, Crankfire for Miranda.

Should also check if there's any specialty arrows and crossbow bolts for sale. Also, Miranda should check and see if the Manastone Pistol could use Seither crystals as ammo.

>> 5096251
Izumi should already have a sniper rifle, right?

>>5096251
Honestly, Miranda already has Golden Crossbow and that fancy 'Wonderland' coilgun that we've never used for long ranges - and no-one is supposed to see you anyway when you shoot from such distances. Harpoon gun is something that could find use only in missions where magic is restricted - her sticky mana makes it redundant otherwise. And .38 doesn't sound that powerful to me - it's almost 9mm. Same arguments mostly apply to Izumi.
The only interesting piece is Crankfire Pistol, but...
>Check out another gun section. Something more mundane.
Revolver or lever-action stuff should be able to pack a punch while looking authentic.

>>5096258
Yes, she has a sniper rifle - used it a few times during Mono's first group mission. And the way snipers operate, you wouldn't be able to tell what kind of gun they actually have.

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>>5096264
Shotguns, rifles and pistols exist for both types of action. And they wouldn't be locked into steampunk settings only.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_Repeating_Arms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTs255
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mateba_Autorevolver

>>5096258
As stated, she does.

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>>5096264
>>5096280
And another reason why I don't want Clockwork guns - they cost more motes

>>5096280
Our weapons change shape and style to fit the world. Could just let them hang on our belt when we arrive to let them adapt, if they don't have any social stats on them.

>>5096289
iirc they don't, only our clothes do

>>5096288
I'm not seeing anything about clockwork guns from that. Are you confusing them with magic guns? Besides, we absolutely can afford it.

>>5096290
The rapier changed during the Shining Hears mission to fit our bug alien look, but that was a while ago, admittedly.

>>5096295
>I'm not seeing anything about clockwork guns from that. Are you confusing them with magic guns? Besides, we absolutely can afford it.
It says that normal stuff cost around 1 L - dirt cheap, sensible and not restricted to a single specific setting. Clockwork guns listed here cost more, and the pistol pair's description doesn't even say if they are single-shot or not.
>The rapier changed during the Shining Hears mission to fit our bug alien look, but that was a while ago, admittedly.
>You look to your side, where you had placed the baron’s rapier- and that’s when you realize that it seems to be stuck to the side of you. You’re entirely undamaged, but the rapier itself is stuck to your body, as though it’s a part of you, or perhaps was velcroed on. You detach it will little fanfare, and display it to him. “For objects such as this.”
It doesn't say that the weapon itself has changed shape though.

>>5096302
They're six shot.

>>5096305
Do our weapons change their shape and style to fit the world?

>>5096305
I think he means the firing action, like are they double action or single action.

Anyways, do weapons still change to fit the missions, or is that old canon?

>>5096308
>>5096309

No, they are as is if treated/bought from the Intersection.

>>5096309
Oh. Full disclosure, I know jack and shit about real-world guns. I basically am researching this in real time and I'm rather lost, to be honest.

>>5096309
>>5096305
the description was just 'long barrelled pistol pair'. It wasn't clear if they were single-shot muzzle-loaders, lever-action pistols or revolvers of some sort.

>>5096316
Sorry for giving you shit, but it's kinda odd considering one of the main girls is a gun-nut who's told Miranda's ears off about different bullet types at one point.

>>5096319
No, it's fair, I'm just saying in the interest of full disclosure. I have a general idea about guns and how they work, but the particulars of gun makeup and whatnot are completely alien to me.

>>5096316
>>5096321
>I basically am researching this in real time and I'm rather lost, to be honest.
No problem. Most of my firearm awareness is through cultural osmosis through videogames and movies. Single action revolvers require you to pull back the hammer before you're able to fire, while double actions automatically recock so you don't have to.

So, going off by the mention of them being six shot, the Twin Devils are probably western style double action revolvers.

>>5096324
that means we're paying 1 Lote per revolver. We might find something in larger caliber for the same price without overpaying for the gold/silver plating. Also automatic revolvers is a concept that existed for over a century - they automatically recock the hammer AND cycle the drum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk-UCHsyTh4&ab_channel=RoyalArmouries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDVVUmr3lcQ&ab_channel=LifeSizePotato

>>5096324
I suppose? The idea was 'old-timey revolvers with some bling and a bit extra'. Because as I said, I didn't really DO standard guns. Like, that'd just be a general list with some Mote (not Lote) prices, I'd wager. Like, as an example, your run of the mill Colt Single Action Army (Or as I know it 'That Gun That Revolver Ocelot Likes') would cost, like, 10 motes. An AK would cost about 20.

>>5096367
Also, Izumi's standard 'Assault Rifle'? It's just an M16 but I couldn't think of the actual name at the time.

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>>5096324
>>5096367
To be fair, there's no indications that they would be double action. Usually people think of single action revolvers when wild west is mentioned. Fanning looks cool.

>>5096251
by the way, we ended up voting for Physical Combat Training Area instead of the Meditation Room - but we don't know actual manacost for Izumi's techniques.

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>>5096251
Well let's see what we have here.

> Crankfire Pistol
For Miranda. My small pet peeve is that she lacks a reliable non-magical ranged option without resorting to expensive Faemetal bolts or rocket launchers (the latter of which comes with its own set of limitations). This one is a great middle ground, and it's small and one-handed, so you can use your other hand for anything else.

>’Old Sea’ Clockwork Rifle
There's our 3D mobility for Izumi. Grappling hook guns aren't generally mass-produced because how tough it is to make reliable. But this one is handcrafted so the creator should know what he's doing.
This will also enable unconventional plays like hooking something while dragging it off using Extreme Tension. Most things will just fumble from my guess.
It also appears to have more room for customization, based on the description.

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>>5096429
>non-magical ranged option
She can have one of Izumi's Clockwork Carbines, she has two of them. Also we've bought some regular bolts for her crossbow as well.
#107
The rest of the day is similar. Your shopping spree takes you to various stores as you restock on Moleworm Mines, get a simple long-range scope and bolts for the crossbow, restore your Mana Crystals, and look into getting weapons and items treated- after finding a different permanency treatment store.

>>5096436
Oh, well the more the merrier I guess. The Crankfire for sturdier/slower targets (like the bears from Nura's debut mission).

>>5096449
I still think we should see the 'standard' guns he has >>5096264 - they should be dirt cheap according to Handler >>5096367
We came here for a reliable mundane weapon, just like before MGR crossover - are we going to make the same mistake and buy some freaky overpriced gizmo that we're never going to use? The pistol pair is literally ten times more expensive than regular revolvers due to silver/gold plating on them, there's nothing else special about them.

>>5096429
>>5096457
also the Levitation Crystals should provide greater 3D mobility, 4 Lotes is too much for very specific unconventional plays

>>5096462
You'll be surprised at how effective it is if we ever get to use it.
What are our missing niches again? I can only think of conventional flamethrowers for torching things the old way and elemental nades, frost ones, if we're really looking for modern/mundane weapons.

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>>5096477
>You'll be surprised at how effective it is if we ever get to use it.
I doubt it. It's probably going to end up in the community pool after this mission. Was hoping to find something for close quarters since we already had carbines for medium range and other stuff for long range.
Both Miranda and Izumi have fire-spewing swords that could be used as flamethrowers, and our nerds promised to start working on specialized grenades soon. But if we really want those grenades now then we could buy them.
The mission has mentioned dangerous for, so I think Izumi should get a better respirator.

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>>5096488
>close range
Like a Quad-Barrel Shotgun perhaps?

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>>5096493
it'd probably be cheaper and more sensible than the weird cranked gun or clockwork harpoon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QTeyPe0UGY&ab_channel=ForgottenWeapons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOotpWhTJMw&ab_channel=ChrisEger

>>5096503
>>5096493
and by that I mean 'Yes'.

>>5096503
It's decided then. We want the best automatic shotgun they have. Like the Russian Overkill's Schwarzer Zwerg.
https://youtu.be/COssAX7ycsc?t=289

Conventional quad-barrels suffers from slow fire speed (and the fact that no mortals can widstand the recoil of automatic shotguns). That is not the case with our ladies.

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>>5096512
We still have to fit in the setting. BUT, I just remembered that some grenade launchers have special shotgun rounds (the example in the video is the opposite case - shotgun that could shoot grenades). I've mentioned shotgun revolvers before, but grenade launchers are also a thing - probably even more well known than the former.
...Have you played Ion Fury by any chance? https://youtu.be/BD3VURPE55w?t=22

>>5096251
Not impressed with these selections Boss.
>>5096523
Honest feelings here, I don't care much about blending in. Izumi's potential as a sweeper is unexplored with her bullet enhancement so let's give her the best dakka money can buy, as an end of the year gift. We need some guns that only superhumans can use with the appropriate stopping power.

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>>5096600
>>5096523
>>5096512
I mean, even if we don't want to blend in, I don't know what kind of system can autoload four shotgun barrels at the same time. There was a mythical 3-barrel revolver, but it used rather small bullets: https://newatlas.com/triple-barrel-revolver-surfaces/22523/. I think it might've been an inspiration for the 'Loverboy' revolver from the linked youtube vidio at 0:14 here >>5096523 (fan-made 3D model: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/w6PR9X).
...Actually, Victorian Era lasted until 1901 - by that time not only lever-, pump- and bolt-action guns and singe/double action revolvers existed, but first automatic weapons as well (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzui69YPgBs&ab_channel=WEAPONSFROMGAMES). I think we're somewhat in the clear to use Izumi's self-loading pistols, they started showing up right at the end of Victorian Era (FN M1900 and Colt M1900).
And semi-auto shotguns should be in the clear as well. Doesn't sound as exciting as full-auto, but those are designed for specific powder loads to cycle properly, limiting them to 12/70 (2-3/4") and 12/79 (3") shells. Super-magnum 12/89 (3-1/2") shells could store almost twice as much pellets as the regular 12/70. For comparison:
#4 buckshot 3-1/2" (12/89) 54 pellets
#4 buckshot 3" (12/76) 41 pellets
#4 buckshot 2-3/4" (12/70) 21-28 (27) pellets
00 buckshot 3-1/2" (12/89) 15-18 pellets
00 buckshot 3" (12/76) 12-15 pellets
00 buckshot 2-3/4" (12/70) 8-9 pellets
0000 buckshot 3-1/2" (12/89) 14 pellets
0000 buckshot 3" (12/76) 10 pellets
0000 buckshot 2-3/4" (12/70) 8 pellets
Although to for big game hunting slugs are used instead of buckshot. Rifled barrels work best with them, an attachable rifled choke for smoothbore barrel could work as well (if not as effective). The downside of rifled barrels is that shooting pellets from them would spin those pellets and make the shot less concentrated: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnpjrRvFTLw&ab_channel=Iraqveteran8888. But damn, slugs can do some mean things:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NynJOLt4eTY&ab_channel=TAOFLEDERMAUS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrwDP4ht1RE&ab_channel=TAOFLEDERMAUS

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>>5100330
Wanted to add something about revolvers and lever-action guns but too tired right now, so I'll just dump some links. In general, to fit in steam-punk setting we could just do a paint-job on one of these things and we'd be good to go.
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/RSh-12 (antimateriel revolver with armor-piercing ammo, same caliber as this beast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN-uybi9_jg&t=562s&ab_channel=LazarevTactical)
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Magnum_Research_BFR (The Big Iron in 45-70 Gov't)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfeifer_Zeliska_.600_Nitro_Express_revolver (Elephant Gun caliber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmOpdZZ1F2U&t=32s&ab_channel=DjStib1)
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Mateba_Autorevolver (has six-shot .454 casull version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI7TYYlxLiQ&ab_channel=PhoenixPhart (unloaded in one second)
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOzyqiT1FFA&ab_channel=JerryMiculek-ProShooter)
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_460 (same bullet and case diameter as .454 casull) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3AQFvwwRg&ab_channel=JerryMiculek-ProShooter
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1887 (Comes in variety of ammuntion types, most notably 45-70 and 50-110 - big game and elephant gun round respectively; could be shortened, 'Mare's Leg'-style)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5dve7vAY9I&ab_channel=Iraqveteran8888
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxxmyp7ynGI&ab_channel=CostaLudus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFLXjfiklnQ&ab_channel=Leverguns50
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/MTs255 (comes in 12/70 and 12/76, smoothbore and rifled barrel versions) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixhP1FW6GUU&ab_channel=Tigerfield
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Remington_Model_1100 (could pick something like this)

Run begins in 90 minutes. That is, an hour and a half.

Also, at this point, I'm kinda just feeling done with this whole 'what gun to pick' debate. Generally as long as it's not an assault rifle or anything futuristic it'll probably be fine, I'd like to think?

>>5100455
To me it seems like a style question rather than gameplay most of the time. I think style is pretty important, but there are often enough people in here with better ideas than me. And if you just want to take it over for the sake of the game then go ahead.

>>5100455
I think going with the mundane but not really route like what >>5096600 suggested selves fine. There are also the whole shelf of goods another anon just posted.

>>5100473
Yeah, that's what I was leaning towards. Including the list posted here. >>5100348

>>5100476
Is this a vote prompt?

>>5100499
No, I'm just about finished writing the prompt- I'm just gonna give you a bucket of options that include it, though. General gun types.

>>5096251
Hm…they’re all interesting, but nothing absolutely VITAL…really, this decision is proving harder than you expected. You’re not sure what’s really most NECESSARY in this particular case. While Miranda seems to look over some sort of tuba-like grenade launcher (have to warn her to not), you’re more curious about more normal weapons. Or at least, things that aren’t going to cause a ton of issue to purchase and replace.

It’s not long before you notice there’s a number of variety packs on sale for the more mundane stuff:

>Rifle Corps Pack: A 5 pack of classic, single shot rifles that have been assured to be easy to reload. 30 Motes.

>Gunslinger Pack: A 5 pack of six-shooters, clearly intended for frontier action and similar situations which require a rapid response. 20 Motes.

>Handcannon Pack: A set of large, single shot pistols meant for stopping power. 25 Motes

>Alternately, choose from >>5100348 list and you'll be given an estimate.

>Gah, none of these are what you’re looking for. You’ll rely on your own armaments after all.

And I'm not mad at anyone but myself, but this is the last we're dealing with this- if there's no consensus, then I honestly, humbly apologize for wasting everyone's time, and I'll be sure to never bother with shopping for ordinary guns again to prevent this from happening any more, but we're moving on after this vote.

>>5100525
>Two auto-revolvers in .454 casull for Izumi
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Mateba_Autorevolver
>Revolver Shotgun with rifled barrel for Miranda, slugs and a speed-loader if he can find it
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/MTs255
Wonder if we could get some Faemetal slugs one day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIP6EQpeeFI&ab_channel=TAOFLEDERMAUS

>>5100525
Sorry for the trouble, I didn't know normal stuffs are troublesome to you.
>>5100527
These are exotic enough that they can be considered fantasy. +1. Give the shotty to Izumi though, she lacks oomph.

>>5100533
So two revolvers + shotty? Or are we skippin the revolvers?

>>5100534
Guns akimbo is cool but not as practical. An automatic super-shotgun takes advantage of Izumi's bullet generation nicely and gives her good sweeping potential. I'd ditch the pistols.

>>5100538
Mm, sure, we can go with that. She probably can make it smoothbore or rifled on a whim with Shape Weapon technique, allowing to use both buckshot or slugs effectively without trade-offs.

>>5100538
Personally, I can go with giving Izumi a shotgun, and having Miranda go with a .454 revolver in one hand and the manastone one in the other. Or just switching between the two for whichever situation comes up. That alright?