>>5295171
Welcome back boss
Did you forget a post again btw

...bloody hell.
-----------------------


As you allow yourself a drink, you look over everyone. You should probably at least try to make some conversation; the twins are talking about tomorrow’s shoot now, while the director and Jamie are apparently just talking about random rumors around the Intersection. Nia doesn’t seem to express any particular interest in either of them, but you notice her mouth moving slightly, muttering to herself.

>Try to interject yourself in the lizard sister’s talk about tomorrow.
>Inquire about these weird rumors the Director and Jamie are talking about.
>See if you can’t get Nia to calm down a touch. She seems concerned…
>Might be best to just stay quiet…
>Other

>>5295192
>Inquire about these weird rumors the Director and Jamie are talking about.
Delicious crumbs. Nia should cool herself down in time, management types are grumpy like that.

>>5295192
>Inquire about these weird rumors the Director and Jamie are talking about.
Welcome back Handler.

>>5295192
>Try to interject yourself in the lizard sister’s talk about tomorrow.

>>5295192
>Inquire about these weird rumors the Director and Jamie are talking about.

Writing!

>>5295192
>>5295195
>>5295202
>>5295205

It’s not much effort fortunately to turn your attention to Jamie and the Director, who both are still talking. “-nothing like that, though. It’s like, if you had a bunch of stores nearby, and they all decided to shut out this one guy because fuck that guy he ate his chips too messy in ONE store.”

“That seems odd,” you smoothly interject. They take a glance at you, before Jamie turns back to the Director, nodding.

“Thank you! Like, yeah, if he was being an ass everywhere, it’d make sense, but by all accounts he’s done jack shit. There’s some weird shit going on in the Pavilion, I’m tellin’ ya,” Jamie’s talking about something happening in the Grand Pavilion? Sounds like someone’s being blacklisted…

“Sorry, but who’s getting shut out again?” you inquire.
“Some new-ish Outgoer dude, I dunno the name, otherwise I’d ask if you knew him,” Jamie says. “ALL clothes shops on the second level. Basically the whole second level itself, honestly. For like, no clear reason. Fucking wild.”

“Iiii still don’t see it,” Langil argues. “Chances are they’re just keeping it under wraps. Like I said, Pavilion shit is kinda its own thing. He probably did something not quite worth a Tribunal and they just said ‘fuck off, don’t come back.’ No, what I’M telling you is weird is what’s up with all the A-plusers starting to pop up more often.”

“Oh for-” Jamie sighs. “That’s literally just them actually deciding to get some air. It happens!”

“But all at once?” Langil argues. “Bull. Something’s happening and I bet money they’re getting marching orders.” Nia suddenly snorts at something, and when you look her way, she’s clearly thinking about…something. The two glance at her briefly, but after she gives no other response, they again decide to mention nothing, going right back to it like she didn’t do anything.

“No, not bull, they all fuckin’ know each other!” Jamie complains. “Hell, two of them are a thing. Kinda obvious they just starting talking to each other and were like ‘we should get out more’.”

“I think you’re blind,” Langil retorts, and the two of them seem to be about to get into bickering…

>Try and steer them back towards a topic (what?)
>Let them hash it out and focus on someone else. (who?)
>Other

>>5295309
>Let them hash it out and focus on someone else. (who?)
>Try to interject yourself in the lizard sister’s talk about tomorrow.

>>5295309
>ask the two if anything else strange has occurred in the Grand Pavilion
>ask the Director about the movie's current progress so far
>ask if he's willing to hear a die-hard fan out

>>5295309
>>5295326
Methinks we should ask whats up with Nia too

>>5295309
>>5295324
changing to
>ask the Director about the movie's current progress so far
>ask if he's willing to hear a die-hard fan out
>ask what's up with Nia

>>5295309
>>5295326
>>5295333
>>5295343
“Hey, so, before all that-” you quickly interject, and they both look at you, though you only have eyes at the Director. “How IS the movie coming along? I just got back, so…”

“Huh? Oh, it’s mostly fine, now. At least the actual filming. Seems like thanks to the, uh…incident earlier, most of the rank and file really want to put this behind us. Won’t say it’s been the smoothest sailing, but we’ve had enough people put in their best.”

And that finally gets Nia’s attention. “That DOESN’T mean everything’s peachy, no. There’s been a ton of extra security requests, and thanks to that the budget’s ballooning like a Horlian Pump Frog between that and system repairs and replacement, and I don’t think I’ve gone more than four hours without having to beg my OWN SISTER to slip us a few extras here and there, or otherwise have to act my ass off to convince her to act HER ass off so we don’t have the execs breathing down our necks even further than they already are!” He soft glowing body lights are practically zipping around her now when you can see them, in clear signs of frustration. “The only saving grace is that thanks to that chaos beforehand, everyone’s scared enough to do their jobs without any fuss now. The actual shooting’s going smoothly enough to make them think we might actually reign this shitshow in when it’s all said and done. I already owe Xia literally twenty personal favors for this alone!”

…woof. That doesn’t make what you have to say next much easier. “So being willing to hear a die-hard fan out on some possible improvements to the final product-”

“I swear to whoever you might’ve worshipped if you try to bring on anyone as nebulous as a fucking superfan I WILL find a way to-” she stops abruptly as a buzz goes off somewhere on her person, sitting up ramrod straight for a moment- and just as quickly, it seems like her rage cools down from a boil to a simmer, though her expression is no less agitated. “I will be right back,” she says primly, before floating out of the seat and off to the side.

“...yeeeaaaah, this is why we try not to bug her too much off set,” Langil says softly. “Means well, though.”

“I suppose…” you trail off.

The table is quiet for a little while after that, and the food, before long, soon diminishes as everyone busies themselves with eating, with only light conversation being made. Even Nia, when she returns, seems much, much calmer, fortunately. After some time, it’s clear that the night out is beginning to wrap up.

>Ask after what happened earlier.
>Leave her alone and leave quietly.
>Ask something else. (What?)
>Other

(And done for tonight. I'll try to update at least once during the week.)

>>5295515
>Ask after what happened earlier.

>>5295515
>"I guess it's true that middle management is a different kind of hell."
>Ask after what happened earlier.

>>5295515
>Ask after what happened earlier.
>”It certainly seemed important enough to interrupt you from threatening bloody, painful suffering upon me.”

>>5295515
>Leave her alone and leave quietly.

>>5295721
I just thought of something that might help her de-stress…

>”So, y’know how you told me how you used to run things where you came from with your sister? Were you hands on, or…”
>(pounds hand with fist) “…hands on?”

I’m pretty sure she wants to fix a problem with a solution that doesn’t require her to talk to or throw money at it. Plus burning off excess energy by sparring with us might help ease the tension she has with Miranda.

>>5295515
>Ask after what happened earlier.
>”It certainly seemed important enough to interrupt you from threatening bloody, painful suffering upon me.”

>>5295515
>>5296189
Let's offer to spar then.
Although we already know she has fought with Outgoers before in her world. She told us about it in one of her early scenes.

>>5295515
>>5296490
Almost forgot, I'm supporting all of these >>5295709>>5295721. They just flow so well together.

Writing shortly. Have to admit, I didn't think it was as late as it was- plenty daylight where I am.

>>5295515
>>5295663
>>5295709
>>5295721
>>5296189
>>5296244
>>5296490
You take the time to look her way as she’s poking at a dessert she opted to try- sweet buns of a sort. “Everything alright now, then? Can you say what that call was for?” She sideeyes you, and you shrug. “It certainly seemed important enough to interrupt you from threatening bloody, painful suffering upon me.”

She pauses, looking at you fully, before she turns away and snorts. “Nothing you need to worry about. Just a bit of good news on my front, finally. The execs agreed to some…improvements in our toolset. And they’re sending more personnel. So hopefully we’ll be able to do a lot more in a lot less time soon. Which is a minor miracle.”

“I guess it's true that middle management is a different kind of hell," you offer, to which she just gives a grunt of acknowledgement. “That different from whatever it was you used to do?”

“Very,” she says, as she glances your way. “Why the sudden interest?”

“Just showing concern,” you state. It’s even true. “I remember you said you used to run things before with your sister. Were you hands on, or…” you make a pounding motion, one fist into the other. “Hands on?”

She pauses, looks at you. Up and down, as though sizing you up. “Gotta admit. I’m not sure if you’re flirting with me or what.”

THAT gets a guffaw out of the Director, and you’re a bit frozen on how to react to that before grinding out “..noooo, I- was asking for a spar.”

That gets her attention proper. “Oh? You? Hm…” she pauses, thinks about it. “Hmmmm…no. Nah. You wouldn’t be worth the time right now. Maybe later if you get stronger or some psy resistance.”

…

…

>Roll 1d20, best of three.
>Other

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5302077
Welcome back.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5302077
does Mental Barrier not count?

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5302077

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5302077
A psychic! A hardcounter for us

>>5302090
>A hardcounter for us
We should probably do something about that. We've got some psy resistance gear stashed somewhere, right?

>>5302174
We did some brain training with Lorelei's psychic training/support group. They also gave us a hairclip that warns us of attempted mind tampering.

>>5302177
Good to know we've got some. Still, could always use more.

>>5302186
Maybe we could improve it to psychically harm or otherwise disrupt a mind controller when they try to mind whammy us?

File: Shit eating grin.png (324 KB, 813x448)

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>>5302191
>Some telepath tries to screw with our head
>gets the entirety of 120 Days of Sodom beamed into their mind instead along with a massive migraine
Now there's an idea!

>>5302077
>>5302083
>>5302085
>>5302089
In. Out. Careful. Don’t get mad, she might…okay, PROBABLY has a reason to be so confident about that. Especially if she’s psychokinetic, which you have to admit you don’t really have any defenses against. Still, to just be dismissed like that…

…well, it kinda stings. No, more than that. But that’s as much ground as you’re gonna give.

The night ends without much else in the way of happenings, and you’re all on your way either home or back to the set. You’d all come in your own vehicles or via public transit, naturally, and frankly, a bit of time to yourself on Red is very much needed, you feel.

However, as you’re weaving through traffic, what you’re surprised to see is Lorelei talking with Nura as you pass one particular street. They seem dressed to the nines…well, sorta. More like they’re prepped for clubbing as they stroll, with Lorelei laughing at SOMETHING Nura said. It’s only for a moment, but you are curious what’s up with that. They didn’t seem to notice you passing by, either.

Well, good that they’re getting out and about. Actually, though, that does make you think…where ARE you sleeping tonight?

>Might as well stay on the set. You never know, and better to get started early.
>You DO like your apartment. If work calls for whatever reason, that’d be the best place to be.

>>5302202
>>Might as well stay on the set. You never know, and better to get started early.

>>5302202
>Might as well stay on the set. You never know, and better to get started early.

>>5302202
>Might as well stay on the set. You never know, and better to get started early.
Not yet, maybe after another day/week.

Was that roll meant to keep us from becoming mad? She did say sweeping Outgoers was a regular occurrence for her back home.

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>>5302085
>>5302174
>>5302177
We've used it several times already - once in MGR crossover (to block out the gloomy atmosphere of the place) and twice during dragon-girl mission (in the Church of Light when we met a strange fella and in the Fairy Forest to bypass the some passive protection system). desu I don't think we're not skilled enough yet to try something as complex as triggering feedback-loop on someone who's able to mess with our brain on the fly (instead of subtle influences), but maybe there's a way to tweak Flux Wave for anti-psychic effect.
>>5302202
>Might as well stay on the set. You never know, and better to get started early.

>>5302213
>maybe there's a way to tweak Flux Wave for anti-psychic effect
As fun as filling some mind-screwing little shit's head with trauma, targeted advertisements and headaches sounds, adding an anti-psy component to Flux Wave sounds more doable.

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>>5302213
>desu I don't think we're not skilled enough yet to try something as complex as triggering feedback-loop on someone who's able to mess with our brain on the fly
Well, we could simply tone it down to something really distracting or annoying, like having a song that the person dislikes just start randomly playing in their head.

For example...

>>5302220
I really don't like the idea of sub-side-abilities, it'd be better to upgrade the existing one or add an option for extra effects (like the secondary Flux-Wave). Miranda's list of techniques is already larger than that of all of her coworkers COMBINED, trying to remember yet another one might be too much for us AND for Handler. Can you tell me a single instance of using Leg-Channeling or leg-based versions of magiblasts/magiwaves excluding the one where we learned it? Or One-Inch Shotgun Punch?

>>5302228
That's why I suggested it as an improvement option for an item we have, not as an ability.

>>5302228
>trying to remember yet another one might be too much for us AND for Handler.
especially now that the runs are weekend-only. last month we've asked Lunaluna what to do with Investigator's favor, next week we've got an answer, and the week after that anons were asking what to do with the favor again despite the clear instructions.

>>5302228
>when have we used the shotgun punch
I think we used the shotgun in our second to last mission? And it was an option to dealing with the huge zombie turtle thing in the last mission. I mean, its supposed to be an alternative to the nebula buster so it wont see that much action by default

Afternoon, all!

>>5302202
>>5302204
>>5302207
>>5302208
>>5302213
Thinking about it, it’s probably better to stay on the set; you never know when something might need you right that second. The end result is that you arrive without any worries; before even a few, and head right to bed in your temporary abode.

When the alarm goes off, you’re up and ready before long- there’s ‘mail’ of a sort, and it’s an extra copy of your script, as well as a general shoot schedule. Seems like you have an hour or so before your shoot time, according to the schedule given. One of the first on the docket is a big meetup scene with the big bad guy coming up.

Well, again, an hour or so away. Can at least get some food in you. Now, if you recall, the canteen is off thataway…

Huh. Place has more than a few folks getting breakfast. You should eat before anything else, but afterwards…

>You should try to talk with and rehearse with at least a couple of your fellow actors. Not ALL of your scenes are actiony, after all.
>You’re going to want to focus on limbering up; the combat is really what you’re here for anyway.
>No meditation room, but you can at least try to center yourself so you don’t risk as many flubs like yesterday.
>Other

>>5302755
>You should try to talk with and rehearse with at least a couple of your fellow actors. Not ALL of your scenes are actiony, after all.

>>5302755
>You should try to talk with and rehearse with at least a couple of your fellow actors. Not ALL of your scenes are actiony, after all.

>>5302755
>You should try to talk with and rehearse with at least a couple of your fellow actors. Not ALL of your scenes are actiony, after all.
Another day on the set

>>5302755
>You should try to talk with and rehearse with at least a couple of your fellow actors. Not ALL of your scenes are actiony, after all.

>>5302755
Might as well talk to some people. Get some rehearsal in. You’re pretty good at remembering things, you’d say, but that doesn’t mean you should just rely on a single look over of the script whether it’s a major aspect of your character or no. With that in mind, you head out to try to find someone to work with.

Fortunately, it seems like you’re not the only one with that idea in mind; there’s a few individuals standing around, many with script tablets in hand. In particular, you can see a few of the guys you’re supposed to be working with shortly- a ballroom scene of some kind. You’re not going to be dancing, but it’ll require some actual emotion beyond anger. There’s also the matter of a scene that…well, you’re not very used to. Seems it’s gonna require tears, and with another one of the leads; one of the males. Apparently it’s supposed to hint at romance? Egh. Where is the- ah. The pretty boy looking dude with the purple skin and elfish face, you think. Oy.

Well, might as well. “Hey, room in that group for one more?”

Purple guy is the first to notice you. “Heeeey! Glad you made it, come on! Lemme guess, the jailhouse scene?”

“Probably a good place for me to start,” you admit.

“Yeah, yeah, we’re all running through that now.” Oh, ballroom guy’s in that one, too, right. “I’m still trying to get the despondency down, y’know? You wouldn’t be able to cry on command, would you?”

Welp, this’ll at least be helpful.

>Roll 3d10 for practice, best of three.

Rolled 7, 2, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>5302832

Rolled 4, 5, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>5302832

Rolled 2, 10, 2 = 14 (3d10)

>>5302832
Aced it

Very nice. That is a +9 to the upcoming roll.

>>5302832
Honestly, it turns out this is what you really need. Rehearsals are there for a reason, you suppose. You’re not as uncertain about the emotional aspects they’re asking for, and your fellow actors are great sounding boards for when you accidentally go a little too extreme or the like. You’re still not great at crying on command, but you can apparently take some drops or something to force it if needed. The purple guy, who you learn is named Jericho, is rather adept at getting just the right facial expression to evoke emotion in the viewer.

Before long, you’re all set for the actual shoot. You’ve got your scenes in mind at least, and a full hour of going through the script repeatedly has given you at least a fair amount of assurance that you’re not going to flub things up absolutely horribly…at least, you hope not.

Soon, they’re set up, and before you know it, the cameras are rolling yet again…

>Roll 3d20+9

Rolled 14, 18, 16 + 9 = 57 (3d20 + 9)

>>5302852

Rolled 16, 6, 4 + 9 = 35 (3d20 + 9)

>>5302852

Rolled 10, 5, 3 + 9 = 27 (3d20 + 9)

>>5302852

Rolled 1, 9, 9 + 9 = 28 (3d10 + 9)

>>5302852
That dream-sequence back in the last job really helped.

>>5302864
Oof, I forgot it's 3d20 instead.

I wonder if we'll get a permanent bonus to blend-in rolls if the movie turns out to be a smash hit.

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>>5302832
>romance scene with a drow pretty boy
I don't think Lori would let this opportunity to tease 'Randa slide. Can already see her shit-eating grin.

>>5302852
>>5302855
>>5302856
>>5302863
Blessedly, thankfully, today is far, FAR better than yesterday. Had rest, had practice and everything was good. While it took a bit of warming up at first, you only had a couple of retakes, and none of them were on you- either someone else ended up flubbing a spot, or the Director just wasn’t satisfied and wanted redos. You suppose that made sense enough. By the time you’re at the scene with the crying, you actually manage something small by nature. Not the best, maybe, certainly not the ‘large droplets’ the script asked for, but the Director seemed to like it, and you’re not gonna demand a retake yourself.

As everything else goes, you think today ended up pretty dang well. In particular, there was a scene in the middle of your shoots involving a bit where you had to race a cycle through a (simulated) rocky environment; you’d put your own little touches near the end, and the Director had thought it good enough to put in the finished product:

> You’d looped up the sides of the cavern walls you were supposed to race through near the end of the sequence; it made for a great visual as you basically did a full barrel roll around the pursuer to disorient and wreck him.
> You’d dropped the bike to near horizontal, sliding out of the cavern as a massive rock was primed to fall- certainly a bit extra since you were supposed to make it out normally, buuuut it looked cool enough.
> You’d knocked out one rider off his cycle, but the simulated physics system kept it in place long enough for you to grab one of the handlebars, swing both bikes around, and hurl the spare into a number of chasers- they were supposed to die to dynamite anyway, so hey, worked out either way.

>>5302929
>> You’d knocked out one rider off his cycle, but the simulated physics system kept it in place long enough for you to grab one of the handlebars, swing both bikes around, and hurl the spare into a number of chasers- they were supposed to die to dynamite anyway, so hey, worked out either way.

>>5302929
> You’d knocked out one rider off his cycle, but the simulated physics system kept it in place long enough for you to grab one of the handlebars, swing both bikes around, and hurl the spare into a number of chasers- they were supposed to die to dynamite anyway, so hey, worked out either way.
Sounds unorthodox enough. The second one's too tame.

>>5302929
>> You’d looped up the sides of the cavern walls you were supposed to race through near the end of the sequence; it made for a great visual as you basically did a full barrel roll around the pursuer to disorient and wreck him.

>>5302929
>You’d looped up the sides of the cavern walls you were supposed to race through near the end of the sequence; it made for a great visual as you basically did a full barrel roll around the pursuer to disorient and wreck him.

>>5302929
> You’d knocked out one rider off his cycle, but the simulated physics system kept it in place long enough for you to grab one of the handlebars, swing both bikes around, and hurl the spare into a number of chasers- they were supposed to die to dynamite anyway, so hey, worked out either way.

>>5302929
>>5302934
>>5302937
>>5302941
>>5302945
Rolling your cycle like that for a stunt had been a bit risky, but it’d paid off, and added a great bit of flair to the end of the sequence, or so the Director suggested. After that, it was really mostly bit appearances where you and the other protagonists were all together- in most of those you didn’t talk or do much of anything- they were moments for the other characters to shine. Ultimately, the back end of today’s shooting wasn’t nearly as hectic, and you find yourself with a fair amount of time to yourself as you walk out of the studio. According to your schedule you have a half-day of shooting tomorrow; the back half of it. So you should be good.

Lorelei’s probably still shooting; you’d noticed that she had a few more scenes than you expected, really. Hopefully she’s wowing them. Likely is, honestly. Aside from that, well. There’s plenty you can do to kill some time. Jobs are off the table right now, but something else could take up your time for now. Maybe finally look into that weird chip Lunaluna Grace gave you.

Then again, it might be good to check in on some of the other SES gals, see what’s going on there. Been a little bit, anywho. Hmmm…

>Wait for Lorelei. She’s probably got some ideas for something fun to do later.
>This chip’s gotta be something special. But how? Might as well start trying to crack this puzzle.
>Even if work isn’t exactly ‘calling’, you DO feel you need to keep an eye on things around there…
>Other

>>5303047
>This chip’s gotta be something special. But how? Might as well start trying to crack this puzzle.
Yes I have been waiting for this

>>5303047
>This chip’s gotta be something special. But how? Might as well start trying to crack this puzzle.
Fuck it, let's get started on this.

>>5303047
>This chip’s gotta be something special. But how? Might as well start trying to crack this puzzle.
Alright, here goes.

I wonder what happened to Rex - the main actor of this flick? Last time we've heard he was knocked out due to subliminal messages/hypnosis.

>>5303047
>>This chip’s gotta be something special. But how? Might as well start trying to crack this puzzle.

Writing.

>>5303047
>>5303049
>>5303050
>>5303055
>>5303061
You’ve had this thing for a bit now, but you take another look at it to remind yourself. A deep sea blue, with ridges on it. A smooth center, and in it is an embossed, realistic looking lightning bolt split into three forks complete with stormcloud at the top.

Whatever this is, Lunaluna Grace thinks it’s important, and she wanted you to figure out what it was, clearly. The question here is, how?

Well, thinking as if this were a clue, you’d need to likely ask around about it, somehow. See if it’s familiar to anyone. Maybe some sort of image search? Well, no, you doubt that if you tried that, you’d get anything more than meteorological results. If an A+ ranker is acting coy, then it’s gotta be for a good reason…right?

You’d be kinda peeved if this was like, an arcade token or something you just never saw before. Anywho, no reason to get off track. What, exactly, is the first step you’re going to take towards figuring out just what this coin is or represents?

>Hmmm…there’s the anything shop, Io’s Potpourri. She might’ve seen something like this before in her sales.
>Maybe a long-timer around here might know something... and it doesn’t get much more ‘long-timer’ than Sal, annoying as he is…
>Might just be a good idea to ask around a few shops and see how it takes. There’s always rumors about this and that. Another one shouldn’t cause too much trouble…
>No, there’s gotta be another way to go about this…(Other)

Done for tonight. Good luck figuring out the secret of the coin!

File: Lunaluna's suggestion.jpg (67 KB, 1632x246)

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Well, there's also an option to cash in the Investigators' favor...but let's try this first so that we could at least give them a pointer
>Maybe a long-timer around here might know something... and it doesn’t get much more ‘long-timer’ than Sal, annoying as he is…

File: #65 Agent 25.png (57 KB, 1586x600)

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>>5303102
>option to cash in the Investigators' favor
unless someone is actually interested in returning to the plot hook from thread #65 and using the favor to help with investigating the ARISU group

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>>5303102
>>5303104
also here's a quick reminder

>>5303084
>Hmmm…there’s the anything shop, Io’s Potpourri. She might’ve seen something like this before in her sales.
Let's try this first. Merchants of generalist stores are usually more knowledgeable than they appear.

>>5303084
>Hmmm…there’s the anything shop, Io’s Potpourri.

>>5303084
>option to cash in the Investigators' favor
>Maybe a long-timer around here might know something... and it doesn’t get much more ‘long-timer’ than Sal, annoying as he is…

unless we had planned to cash in the favor in other ways, it doesn't really hurt to use both options right now

>>5303084
>Might just be a good idea to ask around a few shops and see how it takes. There’s always rumors about this and that. Another one shouldn’t cause too much trouble…

>>5303084
>Maybe a long-timer around here might know something... and it doesn’t get much more ‘long-timer’ than Sal, annoying as he is…

Sal likes us so this shouldn't backfire, worst case is learning nothing.

File: #110 meeting.jpg (182 KB, 1613x733)

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>>5303084
>>5303102
forgot to link my vote

also if we won't use the Investigators' favor soon then we're going to lose their contact number.

File: A rank tips from Experiya.jpg (130 KB, 1608x387)

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>>5305721
And another thing: the leader of Knights Resplended gave us some suggestions on how to get to A rank, one of which is getting on the good side of our handler. Part of the reason why I'm voting to have a talk with Sal right now, it's been a while.

Iiiiiii am not feeling tops right now. Will try to run long tomorrow IF I'm feeling better, but I do apologize for this.

>>5308998
Shame about that. Hope you feel a bit better soon.

>>5308998
No worries boss, get well soon

Writing shortly.

>>5303084
>>5303102
>>5303437
>>5304314
Welllll…as much as you hate it, Sal’s probably your best bet when it comes to knowing random crap around the Intersection. You’re probably best off trying him, first. Fortunately, at the very least, he’s always on speed dial. “Sal?” you ring him up, and as usual…

“Mmmmyeees? And whaaaaat little reason might you have to call me?” He answers cheerily.

You sigh, and just level with him. “So…I have this thing.”

“Surpriiiisingly obtuse of you. Is it an impooooortant thing?” You can practically HEAR the grin. But you’re not gonna give him the satisfaction.

“Well, maybe,” you respond crispily. “Or at least it’s something that’s been hinted to be important to ME,” you correct. “What do you know about a blue coin with a detailed thundercloud on it?”

There’s a pause. Only a slight one, but it’s big enough to know he knows something. And he should know you well enough by know that you know HE knows that. “...Weeellll…that IS interesting, isn’t it?”

“So you know something?” you retort.

“I miiiiight. But believe me, it’s not as much as you might liiiike. Little politics and agreements and whatnoooot. Buuuuut! If you have what I THINK you have, then this is your task to figure out! And may I say I am VERY excited for it if it is!” Huh. He stopped stretching his words out. That’s…a bit worrisome. “Now then, DO let me know if that’s the case, but just to get ahead of things, I’ve got somewhere to be now- as do YOU! Of course, you’ve been there before, but I suppose you haven’t really BEEN there, have you? Ohohoho, my my my. Exciting, this is! Oh, and that’s my hint. You’ve been there before but not really. Alllrighty goodbye!”

…What.

Well that’s- fuck.

Well. Where have you been before- but not really?

>Ask around elsewhere. Like one of the shops.
>Ask someone else about this- discreetly. (Who?)
>Well, that narrows it down. Maybe... (Where?)
>Other

These might be shorter updates. Not for any particular bad reason, I just hate myself for taking hours and so I want to try something else.

>>5309838
>Ask someone else about this- discreetly.
lets cash in that PI favor

>>5309838
>>Ask someone else about this- discreetly.
>lets cash in that PI favor
...I've got no clue, this doesn't narrow our choices at all. There's just too many places to choose from.

(For the record, I don't super expect you to know it just from this. The 'Where' idea is that if something comes to you, you can try to just go straight for it to investigate the area, if that makes sense.)

>>5309838
>Ask around elsewhere. Like one of the shops.
Io’s Potpourri.

I suspected that he'd dash out the moment we ask, so I voted for the shop. Trying again, giving a merchant a peek isn't as bad as an actual government spook.

>>5309855
my guess is that its related to the main building in the intersection, but there are SO many places that we've been in but haven't really BEEN there, that we might as well go anywhere else really

>>5309838
Yo boss hope you're improving
Taking this >>5309861 I wanna try asking belethor first before going for the big guns

>>5309863
Exactly.
The reason why I don't want to go to Io first is that Alired could also provide some advice on what and whom we should and shouldn't be asking. Subtlety is not our thing.

This is a tie, looks like.

>>5309870
>>5309873
>>5309875
Switchin
We can just ask him where to look instead of cashing in

Asking Alired it is.

>>5309838
>>5309844
>>5309855
>>5309879

Okay, alright, then. That helps you incredibly little. Maybe someone else. Who would know just about anything there is to know about the Intersection and little secrets like this, but also keep it relatively discreet? Hmmm…oh! Well, you can’t use it on the other thing, sooo..
“Hello?” Alired’s prim and proper voice cuts through easily. “Considering you have my personal number, I can only imagine you’re either a friend with a new phone, or you’re someone who needs a favor.”

Huh. So that’s the case. “The latter. This is Ms. Styles? Remember, the-”

“Ah, yes, the movie set debacle. Thank you again for your assistance in that matter,” he smoothly interrupts. “May I ask for the reason you called?”

Getting right to it, then, huh? “Right. So, well. I’ve come into possession of something…unique, I think. It seems to be a piece of a bigger personal mystery, but, well, I figured I had your number, so I’m hoping to get some help figuring it out.”

“Define ‘help’,” he says swiftly. “If I recall, I owed you a favor. There’s little I’m unaware of, but some things are more important than others…” Right. He’d have to report this.

> “I’m just looking for suggestions on certain individuals who might know a thing or two about a thing or two. Particularly unusual currency.” No need to tell him the whole story.
> “Well, if you’re willing, there’s this coin…” Might as well tell him all but the exact names. You don’t THINK this is a crime…
> Other

>>5309895
>“I’m just looking for suggestions on certain individuals who might know a thing or two about a thing or two. Particularly unusual currency.” No need to tell him the whole story.

>>5309895
>> “I’m just looking for suggestions on certain individuals who might know a thing or two about a thing or two. Particularly unusual currency.” No need to tell him the whole story.

>>5309895
>“I’m just looking for suggestions on certain individuals who might know a thing or two about a thing or two. Particularly unusual currency.” No need to tell him the whole story.
Play it safu we aren't on a timer

>>5309895
No need to tell him the whole story.
Let’s not give him too much rope to hang us with.

Writing!

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I'm unable to pin the coin to any known locations; it doesn't help that, while Miranda has improved in terms of actually reaching out to other people, she remains a recluse when it comes to city-spelunking.

>You’ve been there before but not really
Is it the place where we got teleported to and met Sal's bosses? Can someone scour the archive to see if something's there, that's when we got our FutureSight iirc.
Might even want to look at the coin itself to see how many bolts there are.

>>5309915
Another point for my guess is that it's the only unusual location which Sal is aware that we were in, unless he monitors us 24/7 (which he doesn't).

>>5309915
>>5309917
>Of course, you’ve been there before, but I suppose you haven’t really BEEN there, have you? Ohohoho, my my my. Exciting, this is! Oh, and that’s my hint. You’ve been there before but not really.

>you haven’t really BEEN there

Full quote. I'm confident in this crumb.

>>5309895
>>5309899
>>5309901
>>5309903
>>5309908

Thinking about it, due to that, it’s probably not the best idea to tell him everything. “I’m just looking for suggestions on certain individuals who might know a thing or two about a thing or two. Particularly unusual currency.” No need to say the whole story.

“Hmmm. Currency, you say? Presumably, non-Mote currency? That’s not a very common market hereabouts,” he responds, though his tone tells you he’s taking the topic seriously. “That said, I’m aware there are a few collectors about. Most all of them either in the Grand Pavilion or the Learner’s District.” Huh. That’s something to note, you supposed. “You could try your luck in either place. I don’t have to deal with them often, but I believe there’s only the one in the Learner’s District, while there’s at least 2 in the Pavilion. I had to settle a bit of a feud between them a while ago.” So a minimum of 3 total, then. “Would that do well as far as information goes?”

> “That’s all, you’ve been a great help, thanks!” (Where to now?)
> “Actually… (What else to ask?)

>>5309934
> “That’s all, you’ve been a great help, thanks!” (Where to now?)
Learner's. Pavilion's huge and we still need to deal with tomorrow's shoot.

> "You should be changing your number soon right? If that's the case then how can I get in touch again? Sounds greedy I know, but something tells me this won't be as smooth as a regular smash-and-grab."

>>5309934
> “That’s all, you’ve been a great help, thanks!”
Pavillion's probably our best bet for finding the place.

>>5309939
...maybe phrase it better then a "smash-and-grab" to a detective, anon.

>>5309941
It's a slip of tongue! We're not the brightest girl in our group.

>>5309943
Miranda's not dim enough to make an authority figure wonder what exactly we might be doing with this information. Otherwise we wouldn't be the team mom.

> “That’s all, you’ve been a great help, thanks!” (Where to now?)
>Learner's District
We've never actually been there iirc...or are we supposed to visit the place that we've visited before?
Also we could sell the Holy Charter Coin that we've got from the dragon-girl mission to one of the collectors. Maybe we could start with that, to avoid suspicion from other visitors.

>>5309934
Imma take the district, slow and steady
>>5309949
Good thinking

Learner's it is. Writing!

>>5309934
>>5309939
>>5309941
>>5309949
That’s enough for now. You can get the rest of the information like addresses yourself, you’re pretty certain. “That’s all, you’ve been a great help, thanks!”

“Understood. Since it was a minor thing, I’ll not count that as my debt owed, but I would suggest you make use of it soon, if you’re of a mind to. I’ll be changing this number shortly.” Dang. Well, you might not get the opportunity, but at least you did SOMETHING with it.

“Understood. Bye.” And with that, you’re off again. You get the feeling Red’s gonna get a real workout today…

It’s not too hard to find the ‘Coinkeeper’ as he’s apparently known. Big fellow with a rather impressive mustache, and a LOT of coinage on display under very high security cases; makes sense considering his building was a literal mini-castle. Or at least, that’s what the outside looked like. Seems like this guy used to be either some fancy noble or had delusions of grandeur. “Ohoh? And what here are you brrringing me, small one? A new addition to the collection, perhaps?”

Ignoring that.

>”There’s this coin I have. Seen anything like it before?”
>Other?

>>5309998
>”There’s this coin I have. Seen anything like it before?”
Nothing else comes to mind, unless you want to try to pique his enthusiasm by handing him the Holy Charter Coin, but we won't be able to use it for the next two if that's the case.

>>5309998
>>Other
>try to pique his enthusiasm by handing him the Holy Charter Coin
If he's going to provide all the relevant info on the blue coin then there's no point in visiting the other two - so let's try this now. Also I want to see if there's any merit in collecting rare coins during our jobs, what's the payout like.

>>5309998
>>5310017

Writing! Got cookies now.

>>5309998
>>5310017
>>5310028

Well, no reason to just jump right into it- that might make him a bit suspicious. “Here,” you note, pulling out one of your gains from a prior job. It was really only in here that you were reminded you even had it, but hey- glad you do. “I was wondering what you might make of this- I got it off a recent job, and-”

It’s out of your hands before you can blink. Speedy thing for a guy so portly.

“Ohohohoho! Yesss, yes…quite even edging. Mmmm, the engraving- very artistic!” He pauses, tapping with it a fat nail. “Quite old, artifact-like, hmmm… And the purity…” He even licks the thing slightly, smacking his lips like a wine connoisseur. “Veeery! Yes, yes! A wonderful piece, and you are very correct to bring it to me! It is why I am the Coinkeeper! And why I have the riches, yes! How much!”

You blink. “Pardon?”

“I will give you…hmmm…Ah. Six! Yess, yes, Six Large Motes for this piece. Yes. I can gain that back with little trouble. As I AM the Coinkeeper. It is no issue. Six Large Motes then, is my offer!”

…For a COIN?! One he can’t even use?!

>Sold.
>Nah, you'll hold onto it for now.

>>5310056
>Sold.
I don't think anyone else would buy it now that he licked it.

>>5310056
>Sold.
>"You know anyone interested in statuettes of fairy gods?"
>"Do you want to know anything about it, like how I got it or anything?"

>>5310056
>Sold.
Aaah yes, the weird rich folks.

>>5310056
>Sold

>>5310061
We've already donated the statues to our nerds, since they were made of crystals and had magical properties and stuff. Also, HE'S THE COINKEEPER! Statues aren't coins!

>>5310068
>We've already donated the statues to our nerds
Fair enough. Might as well check the other stuff we brought back for sellable items.

>Also, HE'S THE COINKEEPER! Statues aren't coins!
But don't you see?! He probably has a relative of some sort that looks like him, but wearing a blue fur-lined cape and with a goatee!

Sold! Writing!

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Well, good to know that we could exchange rare coins for motes - might as well leave a note for our coworkers in the group chat. The payout is way better compared to what we get from donating books. Wonder if he'd be interested in crypto coins as well.
>>5310094
Speaking of crypto, has Miranda ever received ugly NFT pics as payment for her job?

>>5310112
No.

>>5310112
>>5310117
...While I would like to see one job where Miranda has to renegotiate payment because an executive decided to pay us in Monopoly Money against the recommendation of their employees, I REALLY don't want to have to think about NFT's in a thing I do for fun for more than four posts.

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>>5310117
>>5310129

>>5310129
Well... with the way mote transmutation works as long as it returns the same amount that was agreed upon, even a bundle of leaves is acceptable in my book.

>>5310056
>>5310060
>>5310061
>>5310063
>>5310067
Well, not like you’re using it. “Sold, then.” You ignore the massive grin he gives you in exchange for focusing on the trade; before you know, 6 new Large Motes are yours.

>Current Motes: 130 LMotes (Lemme know if I messed this up.)

Geh. Dues are coming up, you’re sure. Not used to having this much spare money. But, that’s for later. For now, you have another question. “Actually, that’s not the only coin I have- there’s another, but I’m less about selling this one and more just want to know about it.”

His smile dips slightly, but only just. “Ahhhh, a curiosity, you say? Enough to not wish it remanded to the Coinkeeper? Let me see, let me see!” You hold it out to him, and he…pauses. Lights up, then frowns. Then lights up again- wow, this guy has no poker face. “Ah. This…oh, this. This this this!” Aaaand red flags going off. He gets up. “Mmmm…so you have one. Yessss. Most interesting. The one. The thing, the one I could NOT get!”

He’s yelling now. Gotta nip this in the bud. “Whoa, hold on there, could you explai-”

“CYCLES!” he bursts out. “Maaaany many cycles ago. Mmmm, yess. I did not have so much opulence as now. I was a coinkeeper, but not The Coinkeeper. I had not yet earned the title when I saw THIS!” And he points at the coin. “In the hands of that girl. That- that girl!” He half snarls. “So wizened she thought herself, so clever and brilliant. She knew NOT what she dared to hold! Sheer PERFECTION! YOU HOLD THERE!” He leans forward, you step back. “Such a dingy shop in that meaningless morass of cheapery and knickknacks! - and yet they treated her with such respect! But me? They LAUGHED at! For daring to request her sale of this coin! But now- NOW! I will get my justice! And for a paltry kings sum! I have the sum of MANY kings! For I AM the COINKEEPER!”

Well, fuck. He’s laser focused on the coin now…but he at least said something about it.

>Nope. Run. Not dealing with this.
>You’ve GOT to calm this guy down before he does something he’ll regret.
>Other

One more post and then I've got to wrap it up for the night.

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>>5310141
>>You’ve GOT to calm this guy down before he does something he’ll regret.
I feel like he's talking about Io

>>5310141
>>5310146
I KNEW we should have gone to her in the first place. At least we got 6 Larges and some ham out of this misadventure.

>"Sir, you need to calm yourself down. This coin is currently mine. Don't make any hasty moves."
>"Now I'm curious about where this shop is. Who knows, maybe I can convince her to part with one more."

>>5310141
>You’ve GOT to calm this guy down before he does something he’ll regret.
Figured she'd be the one to talk to.

>>5310152
>This coin is currently mine.
Is it though? I forgot, do we have to return the coin back to Lunaluna or not?

>>5310156
It's a little ambigious when I read it again, but this guy can't risk having his ledger looked at by spooks sooooooo..

>>5310152
>>5310154
>I KNEW we should have gone to her in the first place.
>Figured she'd be the one to talk to.
Well, we've also figured out that maybe we should not show her the coin. Maybe the COINKEEPER can tell us where she keeps hers so that we could ask her directly without acting too suspicious and keeping the fact that we have one as well a secret.

>>5310141
>You’ve GOT to calm this guy down before he does something he’ll regret.
damn, looks you really like writing the coinkeeper, don'tcha?

>>5310141
>>5310152
>>5310156
He believes this one's ours, that's good enough to play this angle

>>5310162
Pretty sure we’re supposed to show Io the coin, actually, since the whole thing about this coin is to figure out who knows what it’s about to get access to the secret clubhouse. I’m more worried about this guy blabbing and getting us noticed.

>>5310161
>>5310167
Well if it's not ours then there's even more legitimate reasons that he can't have it.

>>5310169
>>5310141
Mabbe we can get him to not spill this trade if we can get him thinking we can get him one?

>>5310169
Well, the instructions were unclear - she slipped the coin without telling anything and when we met her again she asked not to ask about it. Izumi did say that she planned some sort of test for us, but we've never figured what it was supposed to be since she left immediately after hearing us out.

>>5310179
*hearing out all the clues that we've collected so far. Feels weird to expo-dump people, usually it's the other way around.

>>5310170
Yes, but if we admit that we'll leave trails to Lunaluna Grace.

>>5310179
From what I recall, Mab said something about going to the Promenade after we improved our popularity. If Io’s is located there, that’s pretty much the answer.

>>5310184
How? You think I was suggesting to spill out where we got it from?

>>5310188
No, but it's still a small crumb: the ticket to the secret club has been lent out to an outsider. By who? Easy enough to trace since these coins are so rare. Just my feelings.

>>5310186
#90
>“Then you might want to put this out of your head and go there after you’ve gotten a bit more clout,” she says primly. “Look around, take in the sights, the deals. There’s a place on the third level that’s got some real nice knick-knacks for kids...real A-rank only stuff, y’know? Now are we gonna finish this interview or what?”
Mab told us about a special place in the Grand Pavilion, Io's shop is in the Outgoers district iirc>>5310146

>>5310199
If it's really ours, then why'd we be asking him about its origin and purpose?

>>5310204
Want to know about it, not asking about its origin and purpose. We can also say that we are a relatively new owner (which is true).

>>5310211
>We can also say that we are a relatively new owner (which is true).
Then we'd be easily able to get more info in the club from people in the know, instead of asking weirdos who got filtered by them.

>>5310202
Yeah, but that definitely felt less like someone (who doesn’t like kids too much) telling us about a toy store, and more like she was telling us, “Hey, when you’ve got enough eyes on you, you should go here for more info.” It’d make sense to assume that receiving the coin is the signal for being invited.

>>5310216
I think the message was rather straightforward - go there only AFTER becoming an A-ranker. The coin might be entirely unrelated to that place.

>>5310222
I’ll just have to respectfully disagree with your interpretation, and refrain from explaining why I disagree in order to keep from having a likely cyclical argument until sunrise.

>>5310141
>Current Motes: 130 LMotes (Lemme know if I messed this up.)
Last update on how much Motes we had was when we were choosing clothes for the mission in thread #112
>Miranda: 100.25
We bought Genie-ish Leggings and Masquerade Mask, which cost 4 and 3 Large Motes respectively.

Then we went to Kowalski's and bought some mundane guns for 25 Small Motes (unless this was total price that Miranda and Izumi split between them somehow):
>Eventually, what you settle on is fairly simple, if useful fare: two high caliber auto-revolvers, and two heavy duty revolver shotguns. They’re very much intended to be for the stopping power- you don’t suspect there’ll be hordes of beasts in this scenario, but if needed, you want something with a heck of a lot of punch- for yourself and Miranda.

>The total comes out to 25 Motes, nothing to worry about.

The paycheck was 32 Lotes. And shortly after returning to the Intersection we got this message:
>From Xia X. Everstyle Entertainment,

>To One Miss Miranda Styles,

>It is my pleasure to inform you that regarding recent events, the criminal affected has been duly punished. We’re thankful for your assistance in the matter, and we look forward to your return to filming. A minor mote payment is intended to be transferred to you at your earliest convenience. Please inform us as soon as possible when you return to the Intersection. Thank you.

So, after selling the Holy Charter Coin we're supposed to have 131 Large + minor reward for helping the Investigators.
>100.25 - 3 - 4 - 0.25 + 32 + X + 6 = 131 + X

>>5310141
Nope, nope, you need to calm this guy down before he does something he’ll regret like declare a vendetta on you or something. “Sir, this is mine as of now. I haven’t offered it to you yet, so don’t make any hasty moves. Theft is still theft.”

A pause, and then he seems to shake, jiggle, undulate, even. “You too?! You dare to- to deny me the masterpiece, the missing link, the- the…” He pauses, unable to think of anything else fancy and applicable, before continuing on regardless. “How much?! All have a price. And The Coinkeeper can pay any price!”

“Look, I really don’t think I can do much for you in this respect,” you say, trying to keep things polite. Can’t tell him much more than that without spilling some probably secret information, you’re sure.

“Then why would you darken my doorstep with such things? A coin as you offered? Paltry in comparison to the artwork you’ve so nastily waved in front of my face! How arrogant! How depraved!” Uhhh… “Go away! You, just a taunter, a mocker, a laughing goat at my desperation! How dare you and-” Ah, great.

> Just…just get out of here.
> Look, maybe you’ll look for other coins out on a job? He takes them cheap and we’ll forget all about this, right?
> Other

>>5310286
>Look, maybe you’ll look for other coins out on a job? He takes them cheap and we’ll forget all about this, right?
i'd rather keep him quiet than him fuming to all his other -keeper buddies and other undesirable people about this dark skinned, teal haired girl bragging in front of his face.

>>5310286
>> Look, maybe you’ll look for other coins out on a job? He takes them cheap and we’ll forget all about this, right?
>Can you tell me what makes this particular coin so special? Just so that I know what to look for in order to find something that'd rival it.

>>5310169
I mean, we could've asked this manchild without triggering him if we simply described the blue coin instead of actually showing it.

>>5310169
>>5310318
>if we simply described the blue coin instead of actually showing it
Although there was no vote option for that and Miranda has automatically shown him the coin without our input, I don't believe Handler has done this on purpose. To be frank it's somewhat in-character for Miranda to forget what 'subtlety' is from time to time. But I still insist that we should be more careful with waving important stuff in front of people.
>>5310234
It's very likely that we'll have to wait until the next weekend for the next run, so let's keep going. What makes you think this coin is an invitation for A-rankers' club? We don't know much about it. And Io's a merchant, not an active Outgoer. Why would she need VIP access to the special shop in the Pavilion? There's no clear evidence (yet) that these two shops are connected, so I don't get how you got to this far-reaching conclusion.

>>5310286
>>5310297
>How did you learn about the coin in her possession? Do you know where she got it from?

>>5310286
>>5310297
>>5310340
Perhaps we can salvage this yet. He's unstable right now, so it'll be easier to guide him to our desired answers.

This is when we unlock the collectibles gallery if this is a game isn't it? Never thought we would become Morshu's unwilling errant girl.

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Was thinking about bitcoins again and I realized we might've overlooked something - Luna kept calling it a 'chip' instead of 'coin'. Maybe we should scan it with FutureSight.

>>5310141
>>5310259
Oh right, we've also bought a lot of food for Jessica:
>Although…maybe something in small masses isn’t a bad idea. Part of you had just assumed ‘steak’ or something like that, maybe ribeye roast…hm.

>Maybe both? Probably both. It’s a bit of an expense, but- wait, no, discount. Damn, that’s helpful.

So the amount of motes in our pocket should be:
>131 + (investigation reward) - (groceries)

>>5311168
>Luna kept calling it a 'chip' instead of 'coin'. Maybe we should scan it with FutureSight.
worthy a try, although i think she calls it a chip because it looks like a casino chip

Surprise update!

>>5310286
>>5310291
>>5310297
>>5310340
>>5310368
Right, okay, time to try and calm this guy down. “Look, I apologize, but maybe I’ll look for other coins while out on a job? A mea culpa of sorts?”

To your annoyance, he almost seems offended. “You would dare say anything you’d find would be…!” And then he pauses. He’s clearly not happy about it, but his greed seems to be overriding his anger. You’ll take the opening.

“Right? You take them cheap and we’ll forget all about this, okay?” you insist. Not really the best offer, maybe, but it’s one you can afford.

Still, he doesn’t seem convinced by the downturn of his mouth. “Ngghh…that would’ve been tempting. REALLY tempting before I saw that beauty of a coin. Oh, the dread memories…” he wails.

Okay, this is just weird. “Can you tell me what makes this particular coin so special? Like, how’d you learn about it?”

“Bah. No great tale,” he half-cries. “It was while I was trying to expand my collection. I was in the Grand Pavilion- many wayward coins from ill-fated refugees arrive there. It’s an easy place to find such lost lucre that needs a good home!” Really? Huh. Damn, Alired did mention there were some there. “It was in one of those sordid excuses for currency trade that I saw that incredible piece of artwork! And that fool cashier- no Coinkeeper of my caliber- she failed to see the artistry in it! The precision! The labor!”

“So…it needs to be well crafted, then?” you hazard. “Just so that I know what to look for in order to find something that'd rival it.”

“I doubt such a thing is possible,” he dismisses. “But yes! It’s about the details, the purity! The devotion to currency! It is a fine thing, and something that must be carefully honed!” …sure. “Bringing me something to rival that beautiful coin!? Ha! You can try all you like, but I doubt it will happen!”

“Do you even know where she got it from?” you hazard.

“Oh, if only!” he laments. “She refused to speak about its no doubt incredible history! Indeed, she was rather displeased I noticed it at all! No doubt because she knew I would take much better care of it than to relegate it to the musty, lint-filled insides of a mere POCKET.”

...Ooookay then.

> "Then we've got a deal. I'll be back."
> "Actually, something comes to mind... (anything else to ask?)
> Other

>>5313681
> "Then we've got a deal. I'll be back."
> "And please don't mention my presence here, or our agreement may be impeded."
I don't have any more questions because big guy is clearly only interested in the coin because it's shiny and he's completely unaware of its implications.

>>5313681
>"Then we've got a deal. I'll be back."
sounds like he'd be happy with an injection molded coin

Could this actually be a dealmaker coin? For the biggest dealmakers to the point that even Sal and the highest-ranking non-dealmakers either don't know about them or (since Sal had a suspicion) can't get their hands on them.

>>5313681
+>>5313690

>>5313724
Now I don't wanna scan it

File: platinum chip.png (18 KB, 190x190)

18 KB PNG

>>5313681
> "Then we've got a deal. I'll be back."
He saw it in the Grand Pavilion, huh? Guess then it wasn't at Io's after all.
>>5313483
>a casino chip
yeah, but it could one does not exclude the other

>>5313681
>>5313761
+>>5313690
*but one does not exclude the other

>>5313681
>>5313765
Wait, both of the coin shops could have girls working at the cash register
>> "Actually, something comes to mind...
>What was the name of that shop?
>That girl - what did she look like?

>>5313681
>>5313800
Let's ask two more before we leave.

>>5313724
What about a solid mote or physical embodiment of currency, note the devotion to currency line.

>>5313724
we could try to compare it to the coins sal gave us. that might give us some idea about that

Writing shortly.

>>5313681
>>5313690
>>5313697
>>5313754
>>5313761
"Then we've got a deal,” you agree. “I'll be back." He simply grunts and nods, clearly not expecting much. Well, that’s his problem. You make to leave, only to pause as you realize you nearly forgot a very important question or two. “Hey, just to clarify- where were you when that happened, again?”

He gives a ‘tch’ of annoyance. “Not even just for coins. Bills! ‘Cards’, of all things? I purged the name from my mind soon after. Something- ‘Lucre’, I think. One of those names that needs to be ‘catchy’ to invite people in, as opposed to KNOWING-”

“Right, thanks! Oh, and let’s keep this a secret between us, alright? Or our agreement might be...impeded.” You leave before he can oppose the offer. You can get any other information you’re hoping for from the store itself, ideally. Of course, there IS one little problem…

It’s in the Grand Pavilion, after all. And THAT isn’t exactly a quick jaunt around. You have a half-day of shooting tomorrow, but you still might be better off waiting until after. Then again, the sooner this problem’s solved, the better. It wouldn’t take a whole cycle or anything…

> No, better to do it tomorrow when there’s less on your plate and you have more time to dedicate to it.
> Might as well go now. You’ve got an idea of the name, it shouldn’t take THAT long for you to find it, right?
> Other

>>5317197
>Might as well go now. You’ve got an idea of the name, it shouldn’t take THAT long for you to find it, right?

>>5317197
>> Might as well go now. You’ve got an idea of the name, it shouldn’t take THAT long for you to find it, right?
No idea what else we can complete from our to-do list that wouldn't take too much time.

>>5317197
>Might as well go now. You’ve got an idea of the name, it shouldn’t take THAT long for you to find it, right?
If it takes too long can get some grub right in the Pavilion, should be a touch different from what's offered in the main cuisine district.

>>5317197
> Might as well go now. You’ve got an idea of the name, it shouldn’t take THAT long for you to find it, right?

>>5317197
Like any decent supermarket, the Grand Pavilion should have a map, right? Or is it too big. I don't want to waste time potentially failing rolls because Miranda jinxed it.

File: research.jpg (197 KB, 997x782)

197 KB JPG

>>5317208
Things on our to-do list:
>Roller Derby Event
Probably would happen only after we're done with the movie. Also we've learned during the investigation that Nia's going to attend it.
>Reward Gartoum as we've promised
Where do we even start?
>Check up on Jessica
Too soon, it's been only a day
>Use Alired's Favor before it expires
There's clearly something happening with ARISU 'assistance' group, but got no replies for this suggestions. Haven't heard any suggestions from other anons either.
>Ranged Training Room HQ upgrade is complete
>Find out what happened to Prima in her last mission
We should probably hold another team meeting and group training day
>Check the progress of our research team
We requested Owlia to make some non-lethal weapons during the last team meeting, and she was also busy with some multi-purpose wand. Nura was also supposed to create some potions (no idea if they're supposed to be old-style vials or stim injectors). And when are we going test her artificing skills and upgrade our gear?
>Movie Night with Zipper
When?

Have I missed anything?

>>5317234
It doesn't just have a map, it has paid guides/taxi drivers if you're trying to get somewhere in particular. That doesn't always mean they can get you there in a blink, though...

Anywho, writing!

File: #105 SES visits the grand(...).jpg (114 KB, 1631x722)

114 KB JPG

>>5317234
From the very first thread:
>The Grand Pavilion is never not intimidating. With at least twenty floors, despite the name, it's really more of a gigantic trading house then it is just a floor for people to have their wares.
There are maps, guides and even taxi service. And there's supposed to be inns in case if we're not finished with our business here by the end of the day.

>>5317197
>>5317205
>>5317208
>>5317217
>>5317230
Geez, it feels like this place GREW, somehow. You wouldn’t be surprised if it did, but it’s still annoying. Now, you just need to find a guide. Or catch a ride or something. The name of the place had ‘Lucre’ in it, and…wait, you’re not sure what floor it’s on. Well, there’s only a couple of them, so might as well just ask.

The taxis/rideshares are…well, they’re always in use for a reason. You kinda wish there was a trolley or something around here, but no dice. Either way, it’s not long before you find someone that might be able to help regardless- a young drow looking boy, with reading glasses. He’s got the hat and badge that mark him as a Pavilion Guide. “Pardon me?” He looks over as you approach, adjusting his glasses. “Hey, I’m looking for a…currency trading house? One with Lucre in the name, specifically. Can you help me out?”

The lad smiles softly, sharp canines protruding a bit and giving him an impish look. “S’what my job is! C’mon, lesse if I can’t get ya there!”

>Roll 1d100+10, best of three.

Rolled 77 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>5317315

Rolled 67 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>5317315

Rolled 27 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>5317315

>>5317317
>>5317323
>>5317324
>All ending in a 7
Would have been more impressive if they were all just straight sevens, but you take what you can get.

Many many sevens. Writing!

>>5317315
>>5317317
>>5317323
>>5317324
The Guide, who’s name you quickly learn is Drazil, is pretty upbeat, all things considered, as he soon deduces that the shop’s not on the first or second floors. “Says there’s a ‘Forgotten Lucre’ on the fifth floor,” he notices as he brings you to one of the express elevators. “S’probably it! Can’t get you right there, but we can get close ‘fore we have to walk!”

“That’s fine,” you dismiss as you step in, joining the morass of people packing in. You’re just glad these things are fast- having to take elevators on jobs always feels downright lethargic compared to Intersection ones.

It’s only a couple of seconds before you arrive. You get out quickly along with the others, and from there, you’re on foot; making sure to avoid both foot and vehicular traffic, he leads you off. “Shouldn’t be more than a couple blocks from here, don’t worry.” As you begin to walk, you notice that he's particularly focused on you- you suppose it makes sense considering his job, but at least twice he seems to start to motion to say something as he glances your way, but stops himself.

In short order, he’s proven right- after passing a ribbon shop, a store selling ‘Every Nut’, and something that you presumed catered to the undead regarding body parts, you find your location; the shop’s not that big of one, but there’s very clearly a sign with the name near it, though the building itself is, honestly, rather plain, with the only decorations being a featureless coin, a big ‘equals’ sign, and an image of a Mote. Well, it gets the point across in a glance, which you figure is the idea.

“And here we are!” the boy announces with a little flourish. “Not a problem at all! Thanks for using our services!” And with that, he…oh. Right.

Tips.

>It wasn’t much. 10 Small Motes should be fine.
>Give him 25 Small Motes. That should be nice.
>You can appreciate the efficiency. 50 Small Motes for him.
>Other

>>5317396
>Fuck it, give him a full on large mote.

>>5317396
>You can appreciate the efficiency. 50 Small Motes for him.

>>5317396
>You can appreciate the efficiency. 50 Small Motes for him.
>Headpat the kid

>>5317396
>You can appreciate the efficiency. 50 Small Motes for him.

>>5317396
>You can appreciate the efficiency. 50 Small Motes for him.
Don't get too overfamiliar with the kid, just drop the justified tip and go
1 large for an everyday thing is too much for me

>>5317396
>and an image of a Mote
What does that look like? I just realized we never knew what the Mote's symbol was.

>>5317493
#1:
>Money isn't just money here. The incredible psychological value that most civilizations place on it gives it immense power in the Intersection, where that said value is converted, physically, into 'motes'. Basically small glowing, hard balls full of psychological desire, want, and a host of other feelings. You've never been sure of how it exactly works, but these motes work to help power and grow The Intersection itself faster than simply trying to drag matter into it. The Deal-Makers, ironically enough, use these motes as local currency. Everyone, in whatever way, works to get motes...because if they don't, then...well, you've heard things. It's kind of like paying bills. Only if you don't pay yours on time you risk getting tossed into the endless dimensional seas.

>>5317493
>>5317578
>Regardless, the nutshell is that these motes are what you spend to get anything in The Intersection. Whether it's clothes, food, apparel, or whatever else, forking those over so that they'd look good in the eyes of the higher ups was how you got ahead here. The more you made, the more you spent, the better your existence here. Motes were marble sized, but they tended to fade out of reality unless called upon by whoever owned them. Made it easy to 'carry' them around, and couldn't be stolen, just given willingly. You just chalked it up to dimensional weirdness. At the moment, you had about twenty-five motes to spare. Decent chunk, actually. Most things around here cost one or two motes. You'd once seen a building that costs fifty.

Writing shortly.

>>5317396
>>5317413
>>5317421
>>5317426
>>5317433
Well, you can appreciate the efficiency, really. You send him 50 Small Motes, and his eyes light up. “Thank ya Ms. Styles! Pleasure to meet you, bye!” He scampers off to who knows where, and you’re left to head into what looks like a surprisingly popular service. There’s a good number of people in here milling around and waiting their turn. It’s…honestly very plain inside, too. One booth, one lady behind it who seems to be…part plant, part lizard, almost. Humanoid, but with a number of spines coming out where the jawline is among other places. She’s at least got some type of magnifying goggles on as well as some other tools. She’s looking at a handful of silver coins at the moment. “Right, right…this is worth about forty small motes.” Huh. Didn’t expect the lilting accent. “Excellent. Now, is that acceptable to you?”

The person with her- a knight with gold and white- simply nods. “Alright, then. According to trade rules, then…” The trade is completed, and that’s that.

It’s not much else before it’s your turn. “Ah, hello there. And what have you to trade in for Motes today?”

>Don’t say anything. Just flash the coin and see her reaction.
> “I was told you’ve seen a certain coin before, and I have some questions about it.”
> Other

>>5318631
>Don’t say anything. Just flash the coin and see her reaction.
>With an exhausted look of "Finding this place was a task and a half already, just please get me to the person I need to go to."

>>5318631
> “I was told you’ve seen a certain coin before, and I have some questions about it.”

>>5318631
> “I was told someone in here has seen a certain coin before, and I have some questions.”
>give a hint of the coin's design
> "If you don't know anything about it, direct me to someone who does. Preferably now please, this is important."
Let's not be hasty here, don't want to have a repeat. Even when this establishment's much more mild.

>>5318631
> “I was told you’ve seen a certain coin before, and I have some questions about it.”

>>5318631
>>5318634
>>5318636
>>5318641
>>5318646
Well, considering last time, you decide to maybe hedge your bets. “I was told someone in here has seen a certain coin before, and I have some questions.”

She raises an eyebrow. “A ‘certain coin’? You wouldn’t happen to have it WITH you, would you?” Well, fair. You probably sound weird.

“Yes. It’s…blue. And very intricate,” you mention.

And THAT gets a reaction out of her- a slight and careful widening of the eyes. Nothing major, but it’s clear to you. “Oh?” Her voice is steady. “That sounds impressive. I’m guessing it’s rather valuable to you?”

“Considering who gave it to me, yeah,” you say carefully. Let her come to her own conclusions. “They’re important to me. Probably a lot of others, too.”

“Hmm. Yeah, that’s fair.” She’s rather interested now. Posture’s a bit further up. “Well, it’s a shame you don’t have it. A lot of coins with fancy designs are worth a lot. Of course, the ones with meaning to them are priceless. You know, the ones with inspired inspiration behind them. Something where just looking at it, ideas hit you like a bolt from the blue. If you don’t think you have a coin like that, well, it’d be worth a lot less.” And she smiles. “But I’d be happy to take a look at it and determine its worth regardless!” Business is as business does, you suppose. Still…

>And if I said I was positive I had a coin like that?
>Maybe we should talk about this some other time?
>Heck with it, flash the coin and see what she does.
>Any other questions?
>Other

...when did the kid learn our name?

>>5318660
>And if I said I was positive I had a coin like that?
>"We are both aware of its significance. Simply flashing it around will cause problems, and you should know that better than I do."
>"I suggest keeping your voice down."
>give her a slight peek of the coin, taking care not to attract the attention of other visitors

>>5318660
>>Heck with it, flash the coin and see what she does.

>Something where just looking at it, ideas hit you like a bolt from the blue.
I guess that's the signal, the coin does have a thundercloud with lighting bolts inscribed on it

>>5318660
>Heck with it, flash the coin and see what she does.
Let's just please get this done.

>>5318660
>"We are both aware of its significance. Simply flashing it around will cause problems, and you should know that better than I do."
>"I suggest keeping your voice down."
>Heck with it, flash the coin and see what she does.
Waiting for the big reveal boss

>>5318660
>>5318674
>>5318676
>>5318677
You sigh. “I think we both know where this is going,” you say softly. You lean up to the counter closely, and quickly pull the coin out. It’s only a momentary flash. But it’s enough. Her eyes narrow, and she gets a look on her face that says that she’s very fascinated. “Impressive.” She mutters under her breath. She looks back again. There’s four more people waiting. “Apologies, but I’m taking a 30 minute lunch!” The groans don’t dissuade her, but they shuffle out- a hand on your back indicates the intent for you to stay.

As the door closes, you turn back to her, and she studies your expression for a moment before talking. “So. Who’s your sponsor?”

“Lunaluna Grace,” you respond. You doubt she meant for a ‘sponsorship’...but just in case. “Gave it to me a bit ago.”

“Ahh. Well, then.” She holds her hand out, and you hand her the coin. She takes it- and then reaches under the counter to take what looks like a scanner. A quick look over it, and she checks a readout on it. “Authentic. Well then! Congratulations!” she says as she hands the coin back.

“Congratulations for what?” you ask.

“Oh, she didn’t say?” The girl grins, and motions you behind the counter. “That chip means that one of the Intersection’s major players thinks that YOU deserve to stand alongside them. To eventually gain the attention of the eyes of…well, the big names, shall we say. In due time, at least. That chip means that you’ve been nominated to be a member of the Young Trust.” She leans forwards. “Normally, I’m to take you to the back and instruct you of your…duties as a member of the Young Trust. But I’m also a touch surprised that your sponsor didn’t tell you about it. So, then…any other questions?”

>Any further questions?
>You’ll ask Lunaluna herself.
>Other

>>5318729
>"What kind of duties am I expected to uphold?"
>"How big is this group? Is it established recently?"
Only have these, feel free to add in.

>>5318729
>Any further questions?
>"So, what exactly are my duties? I'd like to at least know what I should and shouldn't be doing before I screw up."
>"Could you tell me how this Young Trust started, and who started it?"
>"Mind if I ask how my sponsor got invited, or is that a faux pas?"

>>5318729
>>Any further questions?
>Tell me everything I need to know about the Young Trust and my duties.

Writing.

>>5318729
>>5318760
>>5318763
>>5318764
You take a breath. So. That’s what this was all about? Why’d she decide on you, of all people, then? What happened there? But, those are questions you know she can’t answer. Might as well focus on the ones she can. “Alright, then. So, what exactly are my duties? I'd like to at least know what I should and shouldn't be doing before I screw up."

She just chuckles. “The members of the Young Trust mostly sit in on talks of the Top Rankers and their handlers, as well as, if they aren’t already, proceeding to gain A Rank as an Outgoer. They learn the ins and outs of the specifics of the Intersection’s major sections of commerce and how it runs. After a certain point in time, they’re free to offer input on said meetings as well- though before given permission, it’s generally considered rather bad manners to give any input.” Ah. Well, good to know. “They’re free to commiserate among themselves, though it’s considered taboo to speak about Young Trust matters in public.”

“Makes sense,” you decide. “How’d this all start?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. I doubt I could say if I did. I am no founding member. I’m merely a strong associate.”

Drat. Alright, something else, then. "Mind if I ask how my sponsor got invited, or is that a faux pas?"

“Not so much, I think, but you must ask yourself,” she points out. “Again, I’m not privy to such knowledge entirely…though I believe she was invited by…” she glances high up. It’s fairly easy to figure out from there.

“Got it.” Looks like you have to talk to Ms. Grace sooner than later. “When do I have to start this, then?”

“Oh, so you accept?” You blink. That, you hadn’t expected. “Oh, she didn’t- right. Well, you DO have a choice to accept or not. However, you are, of course, forever barred from being invited ever again if you say no, and your memory of anything involving the chip will be wiped and replaced with false memories- if, perhaps, rather good ones. Less the ‘good’ if we find that you’ve been spreading tales about their existence.” …oh. Well, that’s not good. “Particularly since now you’ve come to this point. We’ll give you 3 cycles to decide.”

Ah. Ooookay. “Rrrright, then.”

>I…really need to think this over.
>I guess I have even more responsibilities now.
>This seems like something that should stay beyond me.
>Other

Actually gonna stop here for now since...well, kinda big choices.

>>5318807
Well I do know what my choice is.

>I guess I have even more responsibilities now.
>"I've come too far to back down now. Besides, not comfortable with my head being tampered with."

>>5318807
>I guess I have even more responsibilities now.
We're pretty far down the rabbit hole already, let's see who's behind the whole shakeup thing.

>>5318807
>>I…really need to think this over.
>If I were to refuse, could I recommend someone else to take my candidacy?
...yeah, team meeting alone take up a lot of time and there's other stuff to do in the Intersection. I prefer dealing with schemes during missions and keep the intermissions for light-hearted/organizational stuff. We can gain clout and get to A rank without all the extra responsibilities and obligations.
Maybe this would suit Izumi more, could help her with increasing her rank. We'll still be able to continue our investigation even if we decline and she can inform the Young Trust about our progress.
I know this seems too juicy to pass up and would be a great boon for the investigation, but - I really fucking doubt we're smart enough to make use of this and connect the dots. During the movie studio incident anons ignored obvious clues about the lizard guy and kept blaming Nia for no reason, and in this thread someone was really convinced Io was involved in whatever is happening right now and refused to provide any explanations. I'm sorry, but sometime you guys are quite stupid and if we agree we'll fill the lengthy Intersection bits with even more obligatory padding and have less time going on missions and doing our job.

We just keep adding more and more problems to our list without actually solving any and accepting more obligations and responsibilities that will last 'till the end of the quest.
First Sal gives us a middle-management position so we'll have to play team mom while he does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
The nerds asked to bring them anything interesting and there were vague promises about dozens of interesting projects, yet there's like only five actually useful things that they've made and nobody else in the team is helping with testing.
Then we get a letter that tells us that we have to mentor Care House children without an option to decline the offer.
Then some anons decided that Miranda should play a movie star and we're stuck now with this studio contract.
Now we're busy with an important investigation while more and more distractions appear in front of us. Do we really have to take this offer?

>>5318831
>in this thread someone was really convinced Io was involved in whatever is happening right now and refused to provide any explanations.
I'm sorry I had to sleep at some point, anon, and for thinking that the shopkeeper who's rumored to have ties with the Ingenious, as mentioned on her description on the MGFH spreadsheet, might have some information on the coin. I just assumed you would understand that I have a life outside of /qst/, and only checked back in when there was an update by Handler.

>>5318807
>I guess I have even more responsibilities now.
I don't think that's how it works, Lunaluna specifically picked us not Izumi
We can't just pass this along like a baton, it would be disrespectful. And who's to say that we won't get memory wiped if Izumi gets picked instead

>>5318807
>I guess I have even more responsibilities now.

>>5318867
On one hand I agree with most of that, though I consider a few of those to be bonus objectives rather than set in stone contracts. On the other, this is perhaps the most significant thing to happen to Miranda and SES as a whole. Sal probably isn't stupid enough to overburden us if we accept and we can postpone the mentoring since this is much more important.
Also think saying no isn't really an option since our boss would be Disappointed.

New thread!!!

>>5326152
>>5326152
>>5326152

>>5326154
Thanks for running.