yooooo

>>5514202
Joey it's time to cook!

>>5514202
Aw hell yes. Best New Year's present ever!

>>5514202
WE
ARE
BACK

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You slept pretty good.
You partied AND trained pretty hard last night, but you feel alright now.

Helps that you slept in a little.

>>5514260
Obtain [breakfast], shower, not necessarily in that order.

>>5514260
Check up with the rest of the crew.

Clean yourself up a get some brekkie

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>>5514322
>>5514401
The nearest bathroom has the door closed when you approach it. You give it a gentle knock.

"Ah, sorry. I just started, I'll just be a minute!"

All good, you head to the kitchen for your breakfast.

JONES puts his glass down and fetches you a plate. It smells like a bacon sandwich. He has cut them into quarters diagonally and arranged it into a sailboat for you.

It comes with a apple and guava juice. Nice.

Jones grabs some mugs from a nearby cupboard
"How do you take your joe, chief?"

>>5514527
"Cream. Anything happening since I was asleep?"

With a bit of cream please, and thank you!

>>5514527
black as night, sweet as sin

I actually prefer tea, but I dunno if Joey does.
Jones, you're a real sweet guy.

Oh shit we're back.

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>>5514562
>>5514564
JONES puts a dash of 6% in your coffee and slides it to you. It's decent.

>"Anything happening since I was asleep?"

JONES sips his own drink

"Far as I know we're hovering over Kretch, un bothered since last night. Everyone except the muscle wizard and the male goblin has come through for their breakfast. Mykonos and Burstock came in at the same time so.."

JONES does a small, fond chuckle.

"..make of that what you will."

>>5514614
"Ah, his name's Karl."

Hmm… gonna just table that under good things to know. Anyway you good on supplies or is there anything you need or want?

>>5514614
"Alright, I'm gonna call the group in. See if we can't get something done today."

>>5514614
Go shower, freshen up, look boss.
Then proceed to the meeting room, to decide on the plan to assault the OG base.

ambatukam

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>>5514617
>"Ah, his name's Karl."

JONES does a small smile
"Sure thing"

>>5514625
>"Anyway you good on supplies or is there anything you need or want?"

JONES takes a sip.
"Nah, we're good. Ice box and larder both fit to burst even with this many people on board. We could bring on three more folks with powerful appetites before we even start to worry"

>>5514627
>"Alright, I'm gonna call the group in. See if we can't get something done today."

JONES cocks an eyebrow, not wanting to offend, he speaks evenly.
"to uh...to the kitchen?"

You finish your sandwich and coffee
>"I..no..to the meeting room, naturally. I'll tell people to meet me there in 20 minutes on the BOSS HORN"

JONES nods.
"Yes, of course"

>>5514642
You announce a meeting to the crew via the BOSS HORN in your OFFICE then mosey to one of the washrooms.

>>5514679
While washing up, flirt with reflection for practice and a confidence boost.

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>>5514716
looking good

>>5514738
Turn around, try not to be spooked

>>5514738
Rub your eyes and go find Richter and ask her if training too hard can cause hallucination

Also ITS BACK, Nice!

>>5514738
Oh, hey Everking. You're looking good today too, very regal.

>>5514738
Probably nothing to worry about. Also phuck yeah we're back

>>5514738
Look at the mirror from the side of your eye in order to catch a glimpse of what you saw.

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>>5514817
You turn around nice and cool. No one there.

>>5514916
You clear your throat and say to the room
>"Oh, hey Everking. You're looking good today too, very regal."

The shower drips.

Perhaps the EVERKING is giving you the high sign or a good natured thumbs up?

You check the mirror
>"Damn, I'm looking good."
Nope, just your reflection.

>>5515132
Your side-eye lacks subtlety, but it's functional. You don't see anything besides yourself.

>>5515044
You resign yourself to this, just as well, give it too much thought and you'll be late to your own meeting. Not an amazing look.

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>>5514856
You run into Richter in the corridors of the ship as she makes her way to the meeting.

You ask her whether training too hard can cause hallucinations.

Richter smiles gently as she maintains her pace.
"Anything sufficiently trying on the mind and body can be, certainly. Often due to lack of sleep, sustenance or water."

Dm I forget does richter now about us and the everking?

>>5515267
DM: I don't believe so.
She was there in the forest when we saw him. But as best as we can tell she didn't see his arm reach out to us or hear his voice.

We talked to BURSTOCK about the EVERKING, but that was more of a history lesson.

Ok then for now tell her what you saw and everything else about the Everking, and that it’s probably nothing. She deserves to know at least and she might know something from her travels.

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>>5515371
You tell RICHTER about your first meeting with the EVERKING, about trading spells with him. him showing up in your dreams, training you and commending you on your ability to kill things.

RICHTER nods
"That is not so unusual, surely? My understanding of the Everking is that he is neither good nor evil. He simply approves of death. Of more bodies beneath the soil. You perhaps have an aptitude that he can spot. Some connection to death or death magic"

RICHTER closes her eyes and thinks. She smiles serenely.
"Once touched by him, it could be a part of him follows you. That is possible"

She opens her eyes and glances down at you reassuringly
"Or perhaps...you simply have a fertile young mind and to have seen something so immense and powerful at such a young age has caused you to see him where he is not. You have no shortage of imagination, boy."

she pats you on the back
"Come. We are late for a gathering you yourself summoned."

>>5515421
Thank Richter for her input and hurry off.

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>>5515426
You and RICHTER enter at the same time. You notice that KARL was checking his watch.

MIKE and HIGHBALL are doing some sort of juggle among themselves, MIKE drops the ball as you enter. HIGHBALL picks it up and gives it back to him.

"Right? I'm telling you we almost have this down. I'm telling you."

MIKE smiles and nods. They stop and turn to face you.

BURSTOCK briefly looks at you puzzled, but shrugs stands to her equivalent of attention.

>>5515430
Explain that we need Old Guard off our back asap and bring Karl up to speed? I don't think he knows the shady dealings that Chesapeake and OG had before we took over. Go over what we know and what could help.

>>5515430
>>5515430
"So, we're gonna assault an OG base. We don't know much about it other than it having 100+ people there, and some heavy defenses like modern anti-troll guns. So, to have the best chance, we're gonna need a plan."
"Our main goals are to kill at least a plurality of them, then loot the depopulated base."
"Mike, Highball, do you think you could infiltrate and sabotage any ships or watercraft separately to the potion drop-off? Your main tool would be dynamite, but I don't know if we have any slow-burning fuses."

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>>5515441
You lay everything out for those not in the know. Karl especially seems to take a lot in.

>>5515453
You lean on the table
>"So, we're gonna assault an OG base. We don't know much about it other than it having 100+ people there, and some heavy defenses like modern anti-troll guns. So, to have the best chance, we're gonna need a plan."
>"Our main goals are to kill at least a plurality of them, then loot the depopulated base."
"Mike, Highball, do you think you could infiltrate and sabotage any ships or watercraft separately to the potion drop-off? Your main tool would be dynamite, but I don't know if we have any slow-burning fuses."

There is some murmuring around the room. Richter, Mike and Burstock are all exchanging glances. Richter shoots an almost pleading look to Burstock who shrugs and steps foward.

"heffe, we mean no disrespect but I think, at least in the short term - won't the explosive crate delivery be enough until further notice? It'll mess them up, even retreat, close out contract with them..because of the bozos we met last night we'd even have deniability. We could make more crates, I think, with the right supplies but.."

Mike steps forward
"Maybe we can make the delivery, then see what we have to do - if anything. They might be practical enough to cut their losses. I mean, sure, if they get an ID on any of us in the future they'll throw down, but those will be small potatoes, right?"

Highball chimes in
"If you wanna plan something, though, I mean - we're all behind you"

there is a series of nods.

Ok I say we make a democracy of this and vote, 1. Go for broke and attack 2. Just the crates and wait 3. Act natural and slide on over.

>>5515583
Yeah, I'd say the crates is the better tactic.

>>5515640

I think we still need a contingency plan for that though; it could go very bad very quickly.

>>5515525
crates with a backup plan sounds like the way to go

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>>5515583
>>5515640
>>5515701
>>5515764

You nod sagely at the council of your crewmates. You make it clear that you hear them and put forth a democratic vote.

Highball organises everyone and get's their opinion, taking notes and finding the closest thing to a consensus.

What the crew desires (at least those that care to offer an opinion) is to use the remaining week to prepare. Put a little reward money toward a runabout craft ( a small rowboat ) and a few more explosives to pump up the order.

If possible, even recruit some more crew, but that's a long shot.

The plan they like is:
Add a few more crates to the order, up to another 10 on top of the nine promised.

Before the delivery day, use a craft (or rent a bet-bet) to approach the OG camp at night and not be seen scout it for weaknesses, disable weapons, get read of their fire precautions that sort of thing. The party would all have to be people who could sneak properly.

The delivery gets made. Huge explosion. If they're dumb enough to not leave we consider a weapon for the ship or a stealth assault on the remnants.

Other options may seem appealing after collecting our 5000g bounty.


The crew seems happy. But open to a clearer plan, in the event you have one.

>>5515864
Sounds good to me, if possible we should try to arrange it so that not all crates get stored in the same place before they blow up

>>5515864
That is a good initial plan I think. We can refine it more if we can think of something before the zero hour.
I suppose ask if there is anything else anyone wants to add to the agenda and if not then conclude for now and prepare to head to Kretch.

>>5515864
If I remember correctly, the Old Guard's entire shtick is that they are very orderly. Rigid. If we can get any intel on how they would respond to a problem or attack, they'll probably still use the same play book. The Old Guard may be more underground now, but there still might be some books or hell just people that have also had to deal with them that might know something we could use.

>>5515864
So Highball & Mike could probably recon the camp, since they're all right sneaky. Karl's a detective, so he's probably good at recon.

Personally I like the idea of wiping out their local chapter, making a nice thorough job of it. It might be a bit much at the moment, but I think Joey & Co. could manage it.
An assault on the base would have to be well-planned, though.

>>5516263
I feel like we should assume these people are competent at security. We should try to get some kind of spy glass so we can do long range observation before we send anyone in close. I don't imagine they treat captives well.

>>5516341
For clarity's sake, I don't want to send anyone in to harms way until Joey has a plan which the whole crew is comfortable with.
It's just that when dealing with chapters of pseudo-traditionalist terrorists, I prefer to wipe them out wholesale rather than just bloodying their lip.

>>5516004

To my mind, the two things most likely to go wrong are 1) they open a crate at the drop point to inspect the goods and 2) they retaliate instead of backing off (especially if they target people's family/friends), so we need a plan for those at least.

>>5516826
DM: The good news is they don't got anyone but Highball's name. They've got a visual on the rest of you and that's it.

Unless they're gonna stalk and look up the details of every skinny young grel in the area, no one's tracking down your family.

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>>5515928
>>5516004
>>5516173
>>5516263
>>5516341
>>5516623
>>5516826
>>5516851

Highball manages to organise the information as best she can and begins making rough notes on the whiteboard.

"Okay, so. We make the drop in 6 days, and will do it at night. We'll make sure the OG can see, us, but we'll make the drop at night. Some where they can't get by foot."

Mike chimes in
"Before that point, me, Nep and Karl..?"

Karl nods
"I'm no combatant, but I don't mind gathering intel. I still owe you."

Mike nods
"The three of us will scout the camp. Again by night but not via the airship. We will either buy or rent a rowboat, some sort of raft or rent a bet-bet from Kretch"

Karl winces
"I would prefer not the last one..."

Highball nods
"We get rid of all their firefighting supplies, soak their blankets in mogspit, that sort of thing, lay some dynamite in the right places, soak their gunpowder etcetera. Our best option for the crate drop is to make so a few more that they'll need a lot of men OR a ship to move them back to their base easily. SO we leave them on nearby island they can get to. Real small. 8 metres by 10."

Surrey raises her hand , apologetically
"I'm afraid, I'm already quite busy and won't be much good for making explosive crates."

Highball winks at SUrrey
"Don't do a lick more than you already are, gorgeous. We can probably find a guy. We've met a few weaponsmiths already."

Highball taps the board
"Now, if we had to pummel them, where could we find some help?"

"Scadam?"

"Naw. they're still rebuilding."

"Maybe one of the nearby forest communities will help us, no that we have much rapport with them.."

Bustsock muses
"Some people train in the crags because of all the unquiet dead. Might find some muscle there."

Highball nods
"If the boss fancies it. I reckon we got a lot of muscle right in this room."

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Everyone in the room nod in approval. There is time to do this right, for sure. No rush.

Highball puts her hands on her hips proudly

" Well, that about settles it, Joey! I'm sure you gotta few words of wisdom you wanna impart, after that it's just matter of picking a party then heading down to Kretch.

>>5517001
>Highball nods
>"We get rid of all their firefighting supplies, soak their blankets in mogspit, that sort of thing, lay some dynamite in the right places, soak their gunpowder etcetera. Our best option for the crate drop is to make so a few more that they'll need a lot of men OR a ship to move them back to their base easily. SO we leave them on nearby island they can get to. Real small. 8 metres by 10."

"Sorry, let me clarify: this would be set off separately to the crates? So big base burn-down, then deliver the crates, then maybe we go in and mop up?
Or is the idea that you set the base up as a tinderbox, then they take the crates back and open them up, and that touches off the firestorm?"

>>5517004
"With the OG dealt with we'll have overcome the trouble brought on by the previous management in their folly. This team if anyone can pull it off and I'm glad to be part of it."

Ask Highball to accompany us to Kretch.
As for a second party member we're supposed to pick Jorn up here right?
Encourage others to make group up and visit Kretch at their leisure as well.

>>5517528
Pretty sure the idea is to make it so the place is a tinderbox prior to the boom

A fire prior to the boom would just put them on high alert

I’d say bring Highball and Karl to Ketch and do a little information gathering while there and get whatever else we might need. Maybe also make sure to give the crew at least one day of R&R while in port, make sure they don’t feel too stressed.

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>>5517528
You look down at HIghball who is proudly rocking on her heels with her eyes closed.

>"Sorry, let me clarify: this would be set off separately to the crates? So big base burn-down, then deliver the crates, then maybe we go in and mop up?
Or is the idea that you set the base up as a tinderbox, then they take the crates back and open them up, and that touches off the firestorm?"

Highball opens one eye and beams up at you. A sort of reverse wink.

"The second one."

Lumsden folds her arms
"We can mess up their fight water. Either drain it or replace it with mogspit."

Mike clicks his tongue and nods
"Mercenary. But creative enough they're unlikely to expect it."

You place your hands on your hips. You speak clear and proud.
>"With the OG dealt with we'll have overcome the trouble brought on by the previous management in their folly. This team if anyone can pull it off and I'm glad to be part of it."

>>5517994
>>5517890
>"Highball, Karl you come with me. The rest of you, please take a load off and enjoy Kretch or this ship as you fit. We've got a lot of work to do in days ahead."

Mike, Burstock and Richter buddy up.

Karl unwraps a suusuu lollipop and clacks it against his teeth. Karl has joined the party and now has RED text.
"Either I'm here to be a judge of character or you wanna be the tallest dude in the party for once. I kid, of course. Glad to be around."

The three of you descend the rope ladder to Kretch.

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As you approach the gates to Kretch one of the guards once again raises their polearm before the first one slaps him on the back of the head.

"They're with the thot again, see? They're cool. Mayor said."

Your team of three and Burstock's team of three enter the gates. Burstock, Mike and Richter fondly part ways with you and head straight for the waffle house.

You have the run of the town

Karl rewraps his lollipop and taps a cigarette from a soft pack. Lights it on a hotel match and exhales into the late morning air.

>>5518149
Right. Stuff to do here:
-Collect bounty on the dwarf.
-Check on Jorn.
-Visit Doctor Ash to get his insight on slimes and whatever else we might face out there in the wild.
I suppose unless anyone has other suggestions we collect the bounty first and maybe pick up news on possible new bounties or even the old ones.

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>>5518161
You enter the BOUNTY BAR.

The Mog behind the counter beams excitedly at you.

"Oh man, did you bag Geef?!"

You place the piackaxe, still with fossilised chunks of the dwarves skull on it onto the collection tray. The mog nods and sips an orange juice.

"Still good."

He counts out 5000 gold for you in 100g bills. Makes a nice stack, and it's all there. Highball leans over the money and has a flehmen reaction. Karl simply nods, but he does look at it.

You pocket it, very cool. And check the wanted posters.

SPLITROCK, a lich.
Wanted for lichdom, murder and destruction of property with intent to murder. Wanted: Incapacitated. Reward: 80'000

MANDUS GEEF ex CEO Rectangle Pants Wave ltd
Wanted for flaunting labour laws, embezzlement and withholding pay. Currently hiding in the Spielskkaard resort. Reward Alive: 40'000 Dead: 5000

HAPP ANDERSON, former mayor of Scadam
Wanted for harm with intent to kill, petty larceny, theft of transport. Last seen heading south. Armed. Reward: 350 dead or alive.

Highball smirks at the last poster.
More than he's worth. Better to sell him for fishing chum."

Karl follows her gaze
"Ah. Politician."

"And former journalist."

Karl makes a face like he just drank coffee out of a sock.

The mogwomp pats his dog.
"Vanguard are spread a little thin, I guess. More their sorta job."

>>5519164
>HAPP ANDERSON, former mayor of Scadam
Damnit, try to be nice and some folks just gotta prove you wrong.
>"Ah. Politician."
>"And former journalist."
Why do dishonorable people insist on making a mockery of honorable professions? Rhetorical question, I know exactly why, but still.

I'd like to take on some more bounties, but one thing at a time, gotta finish the enemies we've already made first. I do appreciate the skadver-sending, a good reputation is always nice.

Not important to the story per day but ask if we can pet the dog and if so give it scritches!

>>5519164
Examine Geef's poster. "Some day, he'll slip up. People like him are driven by greed and some day he'll want more."
Ask the proprietor which transport did Anderson nick in case we come across it in the future.

>>5519164
Here, let me chip in another 50 for Anderson, make it a nice and round 400. If we get him ourselves we get it back, if someone else does it, good for them. And everyone else.

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>>5519520
You ask if you can pet Sandor and the mogwomp gestures accordingly. You pet and scritch Sandor who burbles and wuffs approvingly.

>>5519559
You look at Geef's poster.
>"Some day, he'll slip up. People like him are driven by greed and some day he'll want more."
Karl nods
"Maybe. He's gonna have almost everything he needs in that resort. He'll be able to send out lacky's for the rest. His motivation to die comfy and not in prison may outweigh even his greed. Hope you're right, though."

Ask the proprietor which transport did Anderson nick in case we come across it in the future.
The mogwomp taps a pen to their chin.
"Rumbled some courier for their horse, I think."

>>5519676
Here, let me chip in another 50 for Anderson, make it a nice and round 400. If we get him ourselves we get it back, if someone else does it, good for them. And everyone else.

The mog happily accepts the cash from you.


Your business here concluded, you proceed to the fountain in the town square, reasoning that Jorn might have returned there. She has.

Karl gets what you think is a small smile at the sight of all the skvader about and throws some sort of grain about from a small bag in his pocket.

Jorn is asleep as is Lettuce. Lettuce is a much noisier sleeper.

>>5519778
While we wait for Jorn to stir, ask HB and Karl if they have any theories as to the identity the local Mayor. It's a neat little place even if guards are perhaps overly enthusiastic about their work.
Personally I find Doctor Ash likely candidate, since out of all the folks in town he seems like the adventuring type. Furthermore since we overheard the guards say that the Mayor considers us "cool" enough to allow passage, it suggests we have met them in person for them to make this assessment.

>>5519778
Once Jorn is up, greet her and ask about the Mayor. Also, pet Lettuce.

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Jorn smacks her lips in her sleep and does a small giggle.

"mmm that's good. right there."
You notice her font is blue cause in a weird way she has joined the party.

>>5520164
You turn to Karl and HB
>"So who do you think the mayor is?"

"McGillicutty." Karl's tone is flat.
"The waffle guy?" he gestures appropriately with his cigarette.

You and Highball glance at him.
"I'm a seamus, yeah? This is the one flex I'm comfortable with."

"man, I always thought it was the doctor."
Jorn is on awake and is sitting up on the bench, she places Lettuce to one side.
Jorn stretches and pushes her shoulder blades together sending an errant waistcoat button whizzing past Karls head. If he notices he doesn't react.

Jorn stands up and smiles.
"I'm all certified now. Been a busy few days!"
she holds her magic licence weirdly close to your face.

Joonda University. That makes sense.

"Is there anything you wanna talk about, or are we just heading off to tussle some fools?"

>a. I do have a few questions...
>b. Not tussling yet. But questions can wait.
>c. Lets walk around outside town and take you for a test drive.

First to three.

C

>>5520531
>Lettuce doesn't even wake up

Kek. Also C, I guess

>>5520531
Let's go with C!

>>5520531
>c. Lets walk around outside town and take you for a test drive.

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Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>5520537
>>5520562
>>5520595
>>5520608
You fold your arms.
>"Lets walk around outside town and take you for a test drive."

Jorn holds up her fists, ecstatic.
"Oh, shit yeah. Jorn is.... ready.... to kick some anus"

That would have been a pretty weird way of putting it, even if Jorn didn't pronounce anus wrong. Well, whatever.

Karl clambers onto the bench.
"That's my cue to look after the cat. You three have a ball."

Jorn's manner of walking looks more like The Electric Slide than anything resembling a walk until your party exits the town gate. At which point she walks normally.

It is eerily quiet for all of 85 metres until you walk around some rocks and encounter some STRAGGLERS.

Jorn screams like a pitch shifted elk and produces a crackling steam from her body at the sight of them.

Roll initiative! First in best dressed.

I'm rolling, too!

>>5520649
Finally, something I can do!

Rolled 39 (1d100)

;__;

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>>5520651
>>5520652
The STRAGGLERS strike first!

Each PISTOL THUG shoots into each party member. The ones that shoot at you and Jorn seem disappointed you weren't hurt more. The one who shot Highball, though, is happy enough.

One calls over their shoulder to the BRUISER, who is wielding a baton.
"Keep em busy next turn while we reload"

The BRUISER begins psyching itself up and begins to twirl.

It is your move.

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>5520659
I suggest we Kneecap the bruiser while HB does a Blade Hail on the whole group.
Let Jorn do her thing and show what she can do.

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>>5520838
You draw your trust big iron and KNEECAP the Bruiser. He growls furiously as his baton clatters to the ground and clutches his thigh.

Highball reaches into her holsters and produces dozens of steel and bamboo skewers.

Been a spell. Hope I still got it."
She does
Highball uses BLADE HAIL on the enemies. Skewering their shoulders, legs, faces and groins. They wail and look around. Starting to wonder if they messed with the wrong wanderers.

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Jorn takes a few steps back and dives at the middle thug. She makes a hideous noise before jumping through the air and kicking clean through him he POPS like balloon full of viscera. Jorns kick follows through to the BRUISER, who holds his stomach for half a second before bleeding profusely from his face and collapsing, expired.

The remaining thugs fumble with their guns, franticly reloading with bleeding fingers.

You have the floor.

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Jorn thunders towards the thug that shot her in the first place. He's still fumbling.

She delivers an uppercut that removes his head a few vertebrae and his left clavicle.

The remaining thug eyes you, still reloading his pistol.

Your move.

>>5521325
No point wasting ammo, just beat him to death.

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>>5521345
You stride up to the remaining thug and bust him across the face with your crowbar. Down he goes.

You receive
25xp
14 gold
3 substandard percussion pistols
3 bullets
some jerky
can of strawberry milk
a table leg with some nails in it

Jorn clenches her fists and breathes heavily for about another six seconds before calming down and breathing easily. A little steam dissipates from her.

"Hoo! That was great, I think? No? I had fun."

Jorn puts a hand on her hip and drinks a can of healing potion.

"Wanna do another?"

>a. Yep, lets keep going
>b. Yeah, but this time lets see what you can do when you're calm.
>c. Hold up. I have questions.
>d. I'm satisfied with what I've seen, let's head back.

>>5521372
>c
>"Holy shit, Jorn, what was that? I think I saw that guy's spine go through his head."

>>5521372
>>d. I'm satisfied with what I've seen, let's head back.

>>5521372
>>d. I'm satisfied with what I've seen, let's head back

>>5521297
>>5521325

Good shit.

>>5521372

We might want to head back for a quick heal at the very least.

>>5521372
Keep the bullets and gil, everything else can be left where it lies.

>d.

Btw, can you repost the map for the area overall? The one that shows where Kretch, Dunnlivin, the Crags, etc. are in relation to each other.

>>5521372
>>a. Yep, lets keep going

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>>5521377
>>5521380
>>5521384
You sheath your crowbar and collect the meagre loot.

>"I'm satisfied with what I've seen, let's head back."

Jorn finishes her potion

"Fuck yeah."

WHile you walk back to town, you do wonder.

>"Jorn, what was that? I think I saw that guy's spine go through his head."

Jorn does what you can only describe as the hem hem of ahems and smiles.

"That's a technique I mastered! It's called ROARING BLOOD and I cast it as a free action. It multiplies any barehanded attack damage by four."

Jorn walks slightly more into your eyeline, holding up four fingers, in case you weren't sure.
"Now, I already hit harder the more I'm hit, but this goes on top that! SO that uppercut should do 25, but it had a multiplier on it cause I got hit. That NEW number was then times by four - resulting in that overkill we saw."
Jorn is something of a hand talker.

Jorn goes back to walking normally, as opposed to a salesperson following someone.
"Only problem is it hurts to use, and only lasts 3 rounds. So I gotta bust em up quickly. Should be no problem in a party, though."

Highball stretches and beams
"Dang it felt good to be back in action!"

As you approach the gates the guards just let you in. You are back in KRETCH.

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>>5521391
That's smart looting, although if you don't want it, Jorn is absolutely taking the strawberry milk.

Anyways here's a bIG MAP

>>5521428
How about we go see Doctor Ash?

>>5521443
Thanks Chief.

Once we're done in KRETCH, but before we go buy a bunch of dynamite and mogspit to burn the Old Guard CAMP down, I say we swing by SCADAM and have Jorn apologize to the blacksmith who got mutilated and enslaved. The sheer injustice of that particular incident still has me simmering a bit.

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>>5521515
DM: I will tell you right now, Scadam is going to be under construction and off limits to town folks and construction workers for a little bit. But thats a good idea for day or four later. Might find some good businesses!

>>5521531
Oh right you said specifically in between days. Sorry oops. Moving on.

>>5521443
Sure, she can have it. Grab the pistols too, we wanted one to have in our back pocket with a trollstopper in it, if I recall. And we never know when we're gonna want to arm someone in a hurry.

>>5521548
They're of >substandard quality, and we already have some single-shot pistols.

>>5521553
Do we? I thought we gave them away

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>>5521479
>>5521479
You wander back to the bench where Karl is waiting. He scratches Lettuce and feeds them something. Lettuce doesn't wake up to eat it, but still enjoys it Purring while snoring.

"How did it go, Mr Donuts?"

"Chick's some sorta heavyweight champion of the universe. Punched a guy's conk off. A real bim." Highball gestures appropriatly.

Karl stands up off the bench.
"Not what I pictured, but sounds useful for your line of work."

Jorn's pupils dilate when she sees Karl, like she only just noticed him properly. Karl takes a small, instinctive step back.

"Same tie!"
Jorn enthusiastically grabs her own neckware.
"Same brand I mean. That's a Ruckblende, right? Pajak silk."

Karl does a relieved little smile and pats his chest.
"Oh, I wouldn't know. This here was a gift from someone with a bit more kale than me."

The four of you proceed to the office of Doctor Ash. He is reading as usual. He glances your way when you enter and stands up, inviting you in. He looks over your group.

"You keep a commendable variety of company, Mister Donuts. Even for these parts. How can I help you today?"

He crouches down and begins looking at Highball's shoulder
"Besides the obvious."

Highball smiles proudly
"This is nothin'"

Dr Ash peers down non existent glasses.
"Still a bullet wound."

>>5521554
DM: Nah, we kept at least one. We collected more than the town needed. If not let's say we did.

>>5521569
Eh, what's up doc? I wanted to ask you about how to fight some paranatural wildlife, like green slimes. I've just been running every time I run into one.

>>5521569
Show off your own minor wounds. "I would not say no to quality healthcare, but more importantly we are here to learn."

-"We came face to face with slimes who turned to be resistant to both physical damage and magical damage. We tried fire, but the creature proceeded to smother the flames. What is the most effective way to deal with slimes outside avoiding them?"
-"A whole corner of Jarka forest appears to be swarming with Dissolver beetles. We suspected the creatures might have a nest in the area, but did not want to look for it at the time. Do these beetles have nesting habits and would their nests be worth investigating."
-"Crags have come up in our discussions and it's reputed to be more dangerous location with undead than usual. What makes the unquiet dead more dangerous than say your average skeleton found in Kiani forest?"

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>>5521590
>"Eh, what's up doc? I wanted to ask you about how to fight some paranatural wildlife, like green slimes. I've just been running every time I run into one."

"Good idea."
The doctor looks up at you, approvingly.
"But not always an option, I realise. Well you're not going to want to bother with slashing or blunt weapons, no barehanded attacks, bullets or anything. No what yo need is magic or one of those fancy weapons that does equivalent damage. Those blyskawica packs the factotums use to fight ghosts might do well, for example."

He puts the last stitch in Highballs shoulder and stands up. He flick open a thin case and places a cigarette in his mouth.

"Now you might think, if its acidic you put something basic on it, if its basic put some acid on it. Neutralise the thing. And I can see why you'd think that. Its good science. Do you mind?"

Karl shrugs, sure.
Doctor ash crouches down and lights his cigarette using the tip of Karl's already burning one.
He stands up and continues pacing.

"Problem is, the slimes are designed to adapt to that specifically so they can dispose of any form of kitchen waste or scientific waste. Cant have your disposal system stop working cause you throw out some vinegar or avocados. There is a substance. A special potion made just for that. Utterly beyond me how it works but it utterly neutralises the slime. Turns it into green water basically. That stuff is pretty expensive, though. Generally sold in big cities in high end adventuring shops."

He exhales some smoke.
"I feel like freezing it might work well, if you get a potion or spell that can do that. I know they exist."

Doctor John leans on his desk and pushes the kidney bowl on it to one side of him.
"Anything else I can help with?"

>a. I may have to fight a troll. They don't bleed and magic barely works on them. Thoughts?
>b. I encountered a rottshredder. What exactly is a rottshredder?
>c. I would like to know more about [SPECIES]
>d. Could a bunch of women drowning at once actually make a really big Rusalka?
>e. You said the house in the town square was the one from when you were a kid. It looks to small to be an orphanage.
>f. What can you tell me about [LOCATION]
>g. What do you think of the Old Guard?
>h. [INSERT OWN]

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>>5521621
Show off your own minor wounds.
>"I would not say no to quality healthcare, but more importantly we are here to learn."

The doctor rolls up your sleeve and dabs at the blood.
>"We came face to face with slimes who turned to be resistant to both physical damage and magical damage. We tried fire, but the creature proceeded to smother the flames. What is the most effective way to deal with slimes outside avoiding them?"

Doctor Ash's eyes widen.
"Mercy me, really? That one must have picked up resistances. That is fascinating."
He bandages your wrist
"And absolutely horrifying."

>"A whole corner of Jarka forest appears to be swarming with Dissolver beetles. We suspected the creatures might have a nest in the area, but did not want to look for it at the time. Do these beetles have nesting habits and would their nests be worth investigating."

He purses his lips.
"Only if you're farming chitin or potion ingredients. Their fluid doesn't dissolve precious stones, but they still collect them. Gar knows why. So if you bust up the nest their COULD be jewels in it, if they've collected any. Doesn't mean they have. The good news is, they don't seem to have a queen. The bad news is, the nests go underground and hold about 20."

>"Crags have come up in our discussions and it's reputed to be more dangerous location with undead than usual. What makes the unquiet dead more dangerous than say your average skeleton found in Kiani forest?"
He draws deep, and thumbs open a book in front of you, it has basic diagrams of the undead.

"Well the ones in Kiani forest are just regular folks, adventurers or merely unlucky people who perished there. They're getting up and wandering around because the EVERKING has a manifestation in that place. They just wander and dumbly flail."

He gestures to a drawing of a much more vicious, spectral creature and a skeleton in armour with a sword.
"The draugr is bound to one spot. 8 feet by 4 feet. But they are consumed by vengeance. The longer ago they died the more their spirit, their ghost goes insane and grows infuriated. Soon, none of that person remains. A draugr is ghost but it can still see, smell, consume and inflict harm all the while the only thing that can demanifest them - even temporarily is magic or energy damage. The only way to get rid of draugr permanently is with a thanomagus. It's why they do there to train. Good place to work on their 'banish' spell."

he takes a final puff then crushes out his cigarette.
"Technology marches on, naturally and the factotums have come up with something for that too, but I don't really know about it."
he points to the armoured skeleton
"Also, the wandering skeletons at the crags are old soldiers from the war. Even old, their weapons and armour are more of a problem. They're in a bad mood too."

>>5521672
>>d. Could a bunch of women drowning at once actually make a really big Rusalka?
>h. [INSERT OWN]
"Everking is a lich who is considered to be mostly harmless as long as avoided, but there is a bounty for Splitrock who's wanted for a whole collection of crimes. Including of being a lich. What exactly is a lich and why such incongruity between the two examples given?

>>5521630
>g. What do you think of the Old Guard?
Cast Earths honesty for his answer to this one. He's almost certainly on the level, but it never hurts to verify.

>a. I may have to fight a troll. They don't bleed and magic barely works on them. Thoughts?

>>5521672
>f. What can you tell me about [LOCATION] About the Island north east from here. The one with the ruins and the mine.

>>5521763
I don't know about using Earths honesty. It's not subtle and could come off rude I fear.

>>5521769
>>5521763
Also I just realized that Doctor is a blooch so I don't even know if Earths honesty would work properly or at all. I'd rather we didn't try unless absolutely necessary.

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>>5521741
>"Could a bunch of women drowning at once actually make a really big Rusalka?"
Doctor Ash cocks an eyebrow
"You mean The Rampart? I am convinced she is real, yes. I've not seen her myself but I've had patients who swear they have. Throughout the decades there have been so many stories from credible sources with no reason to lie. I believe I have heard her. I'd hate to think of what, if not her, made that noise."

>" The Everking is a lich who is considered to be mostly harmless as long as avoided, but there is a bounty for Splitrock who's wanted for a whole collection of crimes. Including of being a lich. What exactly is a lich and why such incongruity between the two examples given?"
The doctor leans on his desk again.
"What we know of lichdom is that no one comes through it completely sane. It's simply a matter of hoping that their derangement will be harmless. Whether it is or not, it's implications, the sheer POWER one person can wield in being a lich has to be monitored and sanctioned. Even out here."

He begins to pace.
"There are three liches in this world that have been cleared for lichdom.

Shihuanaba, the Spectre General. She was cleared in the last years of the war and only because her command over legions of the undead was peerless. Most thanomagus can control maybe 3 thralls at a time. Shihuanaba could control HUNDREDS. She was granted lichdom because her armies helped win the land war against the trolls.

Ederich Crowley. Pronounced like foully not holy. Ederich was...IS an unrivalled scholar. His research. His ability to take the unquantifiable measures from the winds of magic and put them in terms our scientists could use has revolutionised the Garlands. Hud powered mechanisms . Lich prisons. The aptgangr process. We owe it in part to his research. His work must continue. Just...far away from the rest of his colleagues. He was always a little odd and egotistical. being a lich made him ah...more eccentric."

John lowers his head.
"The Everking...people just agreed to live alone. His power may be too immense to be challenged. He's such an unknown element in this world. Unknown and untested. He just...is. If something that may or not be a god. Something which has walked this earth long before even the oldest person we have today. Do you throw the first punch. Maybe someone has. No one who still talks, though."


>"What do you think of the Old Guard?"
"I think their obsession with efficiency and the old ways is short sighted. If they had their way in this office, you would be in a robe - and have to choose a discipline. The elf would not be allowed to be a wizard. The goblins would both be dead, as would I if I weren't rendered down for potions. I certainly wouldn't be a doctor."

He licks his teeth
"Leave us say I am not fond."

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>>5521763

>"I may have to fight a troll. They don't bleed and magic barely works on them. Thoughts?"
"I think I don't envy your line of work. But let's see what got. Explosives. Fire. Here's the thing, though. Magic in it's purest form does only a quarter damage. A magical blast, fire spells, smite things like that. But physical damage enhanced by magic for instance, the fist technique or if you learned the 'Hells Heart' technique...that may fair better. If in doubt, shoot at it until it dies."

You flick out your KIES POINT MAP
>"What can you tell me about the Island north east from here. The one with the ruins and the mine."

"Ah. Lookout Island. A crucial point in our nautical war against the trolls back in the day. The map doesn't show it but its actually quite elevated. There are only three places around it someone can come to shore. These were made artificially"
Dr John places an overlay on your map and marks it with boats accordingly.
"This was before flying machines. So these three points alone were the only way to get on the island and could be heavily guarded and monitored accordingly.

The southwest and northeast corners of the island naturally grow rice and bamboo, and there are wild moa and diprotodons there also.

To the south, is the mine. A rich source of iron and gold back in the day. Pivotal to the war efforts. There were tunnels in the mine that led straight to the shanty town where the soldier and weapon forgers were stationed back in the day. It allowed the entrance of the mine to be heavily guarded and meant the raw materials could be taken straight to the camp without a boat. These days the mines are all but abandoned. Filled with Wakefields and Pajaks. maybe even dwarves. Depends who you ask."

Highball points to the campsite on the map
"So there were already buildings there. Between that and the defences it's no wonder the OG set up there."

Doctor Ash frowns
"Did they now? Well, that makes sense. The buildings there are a few centuries old but most of them would still be workable with a few repairs. Throw in a few tendts and it would be perfect base of operations."

"What's up with the temple."

The docotor does a small chuckle.
"Back in the day, people asked more of the gods than they do now. This was a temple to DELAG. The dragon god of hardship, judgement and ultimately, hard justice. They reasoned it would enhance their magic and protect them from rough seas and sneak attacks. Didn't pan out. It's in ruins, now but it's still a place people go to explore. Seeking treasure or answers. Some say it's part of a pilgrimmage. "

"And the tower is some sort of observation point, right?"

"Correct. That's why it too connects to the mine. With the mine in working order, someone could get from the tower to the campsite relatively quickly. After the war, it was converted into a lighthouse but no one lights it anymore."

>>5521999
Well that's certainly useful information. If there's only three fortified landing points by sea, then it seems like an aerial infiltration might fair better than a sea-borne one. Hang-gliders by night could get Highball and Mike in, but it might bind Joey into having to assault the island in order to get them back out. Will have to ask Mike and Highball how comfortable they are with infiltration mission given new information.

"I don't suppose you have a map of the island, do you doctor? I'd be really grateful if you had an old plan from when the military still manned it or something."

You mentioned a mine, by any chance do any of the tunnels run under any of the buildings on the island? If so are the close enough to the surface to hypothetically cause a collapse that would destroy the infrastructure above it?

>>5521999
I wouldn't be surprised if the OG have at least attempted to reopen the mines to help with their own projects. It might be useful to do a little sneak and peek there just to make sure they haven't set up some kind of fucked up prison camp there with 'workers' captured from people either trying to explore the ruins or the temples.

>>5521999
since there are only three landing points, we should expect OG sentries on all three spots. If we are lucky one might be less defended than others. Just things to keep in mind for recon.

>>5521999
>Wakefields and Pajaks.
"What are Wakefields and Pajaks? I've been told that a pajak is a sort of spider person, but that there are different kinds and that they can be dangerous most of the time."

>>5522034
>Hang-gliders by night could get Highball and Mike in, but it might bind Joey into having to assault the island in order to get them back out.
Remember, renting a bet-bet was also a possibility.

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>>5522034
>"I don't suppose you have a map of the island, do you doctor? I'd be really grateful if you had an old plan from when the military still manned it or something."

Doctor Ash shakes his head.
"I like to read, but I'm afraid my own collection stops just short of such detail. You'd have more luck in the history section of a university library - maybe. Or a factotum college. But, they're not going to let a ship like yours get very close."

>>5522169
"You mentioned a mine, by any chance do any of the tunnels run under any of the buildings on the island? If so are the close enough to the surface to hypothetically cause a collapse that would destroy the infrastructure above it?"

The doctor grabs another cigarette and lights it with a paper match.
"Oh absolutely. With a big enough explosion. The mine has surface access, most likely through some sort of unpowered lift system to the middle of the campsite. Should pop up in the middle of a storage shed, assuming it's still standing. It also connects to the base of the watchtower. No lift though. Just one very long ladder."

You think out loud.
>"I wouldn't be surprised if the OG have at least attempted to reopen the mines to help with their own projects. It might be useful to do a little sneak and peek there just to make sure they haven't set up some kind of fucked up prison camp there with 'workers' captured from people either trying to explore the ruins or the temples."

Highball perks up
"Oh, I don't know they have the people to spare on something like that. From what I can gather, they're still kind of setting up here. Scouting. Recruiting. Finding weak point in existing towns, that sort of thing."

Highball taps her ears

"It's not like I was working with Chesapeake or his clients much but I over heard a lot."

She jabs the map.

"That's the thing. I spied it on a flyover one time. They got 3 people stationed full time at the ruins. One in the tower, two at the top of the stairs."

She jabs the map enthusiastically
"But ain't nobody by the mine. No one wants to have to sleep next to it
or have their back to it to watch the shoreline. It'll be tough, but we could get access to the rest of island if that's how we swagger in."

Something occurs to you
>"What are Wakefields and Pajaks? I've been told that a pajak is a sort of spider person, but that there are different kinds and that they can be dangerous most of the time."

The doctor takes a long draw.
"The Pajaks in there are most definitely dangerous. Not as fast or as large as some we get here, but with large fangs, that can bite through armour and a truly vile venom. You've heard of the Huni Tamog'i?"

Karl does a slow nod.

"Right."
He relaxes his posture.
"A Wakefield is just a large, aggressive cockroach. About the size of a doormat."

>>5522781
>It'll be tough, but we could get access to the rest of island if that's how we swagger in."
"I like it. We'll probably need a light source."
>Huni Tamog'i

Raise your hand and look toward Dr. Ash: "To my shame I'm not familiar. What is Huni Tamog'i?"

>>5522781
Ask if he can tell us anything about the two 'Unkown' locations left on our map. One next to kretch and the small island to the north.
Also ask what would we have to do to be allowed to visit the factotum college.

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>>5522893
>"I like it. We'll probably need a light source."

Highball does a small proud laugh in her throat.
"Not if your scouting party is me, Karl and Mike, Doughy. We all got adaptable eyes. Almost like a cat."

Karl stares at his shoes
"Ah yeah. I am one of the scouts huh?"

Highball drapes an arm around him.
"Ah, don't flood your winklepickers about it. Big sis will get you through it. And Mike's as good as the day is long. He's a top rate trigger man."

Karl thinks a moment.
"Pretty sure I'm older than you."

Highball beams.
"I said big sis, not older sis. besides you can always use this if things get heavy."
Highball hands Karl his gun back. His eyes widen as he didn't even notice her take it but he doesn't seem mad. More sort of amused.

Confident the goblins aren't fighting, you turn back to the doctor and raise your hand.
"To my shame I'm not familiar. What is Huni Tamog'i?"

Doctor Ash places a hand on your shoulder. It's gentle but you can sense that's through training.
"Never be ashamed of not knowing something, Mr Donuts. There is only shame in claiming and recycling knowledge you know you don't have and continuing the cycle of misinformation. To admit you don't know something means you wish to learn something."

"The Huni Tarmog'i are a clan of pajak. Taller than most people but only by a little. The male is smaller but their venom is more potent. They are largely hairless, save for their heads, and even then less than others. Their bodies are dark, with shiny plates varying from black to dark blue or a plum like colour. Their fangs are enormous and very sharp. Enough to puncture leather or pajak silk."

He gestures to you and Jorn respectively.

"The venom is incredibly potent. Symptoms include copious production of spit, muscle spasms trouble breathing and then death. It takes on average 28 minutes from the bite to feel any symptoms but people have died in less than 15 minutes. A healing potion will delay the symptoms for maybe an hour, but ultimately you will need an antivenom or a healer."

The doctor puts his hands in his pockets and shrugs a little.
"For ternion species I mean. Goblins seem to regard it as more what you would think of as a bad hangover. Sufficient difference in physiology I suppose."
he pats Highball's head she does a small breeping purr.
"You survivors, you."

He thinks.
"Owing to the nests they build, I remember... what did the elves call them? Ah yes. Funnel Webs."

>>5522992
Pajaks are intelligent. They might not be happier about the OG so close to their hunting grounds than anyone else. Perhaps a deal could be made.

>>5522992
>"Never be ashamed of not knowing something, Mr Donuts. There is only shame in claiming and recycling knowledge you know you don't have and continuing the cycle of misinformation. To admit you don't know something means you wish to learn something."
"I wish more of my professors had been like you, Doc."

>Picture
"I like that plan, Highball. You think you all could make it back there after doing your thing, so we could meet back up when we drop off the chests?"

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>>5522937
He taps the map gently at the crater near Scadam.
"That's most likely some sort of energy based disturbance. A deep crater of some sort. Could be caused by a lich awakening or something falling from the sky. Might just have been something muscle wizard related. Guess the person making the map had no idea either."

He glances at the island. He glances at you.
"Not sure. Besides the stairs it's entirely enclosed by the looks of things."
He puts a magnifying lens to his eye and looks closer.
"Yep. There's stairs but no doors. Could just be sloppy cartography. I wouldn't worry about it. Between the sea and sky patrols the GTU do there, I don't think we're meant to ask much."


>Also ask what would we have to do to be allowed to visit the factotum college.
"Well, and this is just for starters. Your ship would need to be registered - or appear to be- and then you'd have to agree to be boarded to make sure you're on the level. And while things are progressing in the cities - the big ones- pretty well."
Ash clenches his teeth and points to the goblins
"They are NOT gonna win you points with most factotums. If you are super lucky you'll get one of the properly curious sorts buuut.."

He wiggles his hand
"With the right negotiations, I am sure anything is possible."

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>>5523040
>"Pajaks are intelligent. They might not be happier about the OG so close to their hunting grounds than anyone else. Perhaps a deal could be made."

Karl rolls his tongue in his mouth
"A pajak is intelligent. Pajaks are dumb, bellicose animals like the rest of us. Even if the Huni had some good brains among them, they are notoriously aggressive."

The doctor nods
"If it were...almost any other tribe negotiations would be on the table. But, I think when it comes to the Funnel Web's, your associate is correct. They attack *everything*. No matter the size."

>"I wish more of my professors had been like you, Doc."
Ash gets a warm smile.
"Give it time. We're getting there."

>"I like that plan, Highball. You think you all could make it back there after doing your thing, so we could meet back up when we drop off the chests?"
Highball puts her hands on her hips and does another 'heh-heeen' laugh.
"Eggs in the coffee, boss."

I can't think of further questions right now so unless someone else can we should start thinking of paying the guy. Somewhere between 300g and 500g in the bowl?

Do you also think you’d be able to hide a few chest so the OG wouldn’t find them. If the go off in the mine it could cause quite the disturbance, at best maybe destroy the watchtower and or rile up the local fauna into attacking.

>>5523285
They aren't timed, just rigged to blow when opened.

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>>5523285
>"Do you also think you’d be able to hide a few chest so the OG wouldn’t find them. If the go off in the mine it could cause quite the disturbance, at best maybe destroy the watchtower and or rile up the local fauna into attacking."

Highball does a cute stretch
"Well the crates only go off when opened. They'd probably go off if another explosion is close enough to them, but I don't know if that means we can rig them. We DO have over 20 sticks of dynamite though and might be able to buy more."

"How do we rig that, though?"

Highball thinks for a moment
"We bundle up the explosives in places throughout the cave. Some under the tower, some under the town. Then leave a biiig thick line of mogspit from the explosives to the mine entrance."

Karl tilts his head.
"When do we light it?"

"Two options. Either they set it off when they make the pick up on the mine shoreline, open a box and POW! That set's off the rest. That lights up the mogspit, the fire burns down into the mine and eventually blows up the dynamite."

"ANd option two?"

"They take the crates into their boat and head back to camp. Either they open the crate en route, and blow up one of their ships or they open the crates at the base and start panicking. Especially if we have also drained their fight water and put more explosive about the place. At which point, we via rowboat or even from the ship if we get a good enough shot, ignite the mogspit trails to give them even more grief."

Jorn who has been just been practising her shoot dancing all this time finally stops and says something.

"You oughtta pile up explosives under the tower and the mine entrance, and not sweat putting any under the camp. If the inside of the mine gets all fiery and smoky and the other two entrances get collapsed, all the funnel webs will run straight into the campsite. That way not matter when they open the crates, they will have their hands full, no?"

Highball giggles
"That would be pretty funny."


Jorn cracks open a can of strawberry milk and has a sip.
"Like, you rig the mine. We make the drop, pick you up. If we see an explosion by the mine, we just don't go back, we can assume all hell has broken loose. If we don't hear a kaboom when we oughtta, we pull in close and set off the mine explosions off ourselves. At some point, one of the rigged crates will either be knocked open and go off or someone will open one to see if it will help them."

"Either way, they're gonna have to pack up and cut their losses."
Karl's repressed grin suggests there's still a lot of goblin in the little guy.

>>5523349
"I leave the specifics of what and where to explode to your digression. I don't want to micromanage, and it's probably easier to see where to hit when you're actually seeing it rather than just looking at maps or whatnot."

Folks I think we got ourselves the making of a plan!

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>>5523426
You turn to Highball
>"I leave the specifics of what and where to explode to your digression. I don't want to micromanage, and it's probably easier to see where to hit when you're actually seeing it rather than just looking at maps or whatnot."

Highball winks and gives you a thumbs up.
"We'll nut it out with Mike."
Karl hesitantly nods

>>5523137
You place a wad of bills it the kidney bowl which Doctor Ash picks up and pats his chest at the sight of, flattered.

"Goodness me. Glad to see the youth of today values information. Thank you"

You step back out of his office. You once again have run of the town.

Highball and Karl are speaking goblin to each other.
Jorn is practising making a coin roll along her knuckles but is really bad at it.

>>5523756
Let's go pick up Burstock & friends, fill Mike in on what's been planned.

Now, where can we buy a barrel of mogspit and a bulk order of dynamite?

>>5523756
Inquire if the your team is down for a visit to the schvitz house. We can pick up the others as well to make use of the group discount if they'd like.

If not then maybe pop in Say it With Stuff to see Acnok on our way out. Her supply might not have changed, but it doesn't hurt to check.

>>5524025
Sounds like a plan. I forget, does the schvitz house impart any bonuses, or does it just undo bet-bet stench?

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>>5523934
>>5524025
>>5524120
You reason, accurately, that they are most likely in the Waffle House day drinking and eating chilli. So you make your way over there. Bingo bango.

Mike ,Burstock and Richter grab some more chairs when you enter and Mike waves you down 2 beers, an iced tea and lime spider respectively. You all gather around.

You tell Mike the plan while Highball begins enthusiastically talking to Richter as Burstock listens in.

Mike nods thoughtfully. He has a serious look but doesn't he always? He finishes his beer and looks at you. His voice is low.

"We'll get it done Joonda. She wont get a scratch."

>"where can we buy a barrel of mogspit and a bulk order of dynamite?"

"The baron sells a fair bit of dynamite, and that ammo maker in scadam might be able to help us out in a day or so. For Mogspit, we should pay Ruine in Kiani forest a visit. He sells it in bulk. Can either bring the ship or me and one other person could take a bet-bet there."

Burstock raises her hand

Mike smirks.
"There we go."

You open your own beer and survey the table:

>a. Anyone up for a schvitz while we're in this town?
>b. Talk directly with [CREWMEMBER]
>c. Where can we get even more explosives do you think?
>d. We strike in 4 days. What do we do until then?
>e. Anyone know where we can get a rowboat?
>f. When it comes to Edgewater...what's the best team?
>g. Any leads on Splitrock?
>h. How do we get into Spielskaard, do you think?
>g.

>>5524336
>b. Talk directly with [Richter and or Jorn]
>a. Anyone up for a schvitz while we're in this town
>d. We strike in 4 days. What do we do until then?

>c. Where can we get even more explosives do you think?

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>>5524371
While you make a not to discuss some points with the table, you option to talk with Richter and Jorn directly first. Richter is still listening to Highball, so you opt to talk with Jorn first.

>a. We need to go back to Scadam. I want you to apologise properly.
>b. What exactly is a prudemagus?
>c. You seem pretty cheerful these days.
>d. I've never seen an elf with black hair, I think.
>e. So, you're some sort of martial artist?
>f. You're oddly vicious in combat. Not what I expected.
>g. So your outfit is pajak silk?
>h. Does Lettuce ever wake up?
>i. [INSERT OWN]
>j. Wow you've got huge teeth, huh?

>>5524336
>a. Anyone up for a schvitz while we're in this town?
>c. Where can we get even more explosives do you think?
>e. Anyone know where we can get a rowboat?
>f. When it comes to Edgewater...what's the best team?

>>5524336
>"We'll get it done Joonda. She wont get a scratch."
"Don't you get a scratch either, Mike." Check Joey's wallet, hand him a roll of bills (500$? I dunno what the going rate for mogspit by the gallon is) for buying Mogspit. "Here, for the mogspit purchase before I forget. Say hi to Ruine for me."

>b. Talk directly with [Karl]
"I really appreciate the help and all, but I don't wanna put you up to anything you aren't comfortable with Mister Nagakura, with regard to the plan and all."

>>5524397
>a. We need to go back to Scadam. I want you to apologise properly.
"I don't mean to be a jerk, but seeing the state that town was in... I'm not even someone who lived there."

>>5524397
>b. What exactly is a prudemagus?
>c. You seem pretty cheerful these days.
>g. So your outfit is pajak silk?

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>>5524418
>b. What exactly is a prudemagus?

Jorn steeples her fingers and sips her spider.
"It is a practical mage. All most all the things you would need on an adventure, alone or solo, a prudemagus can conjur from the very hud itself. Food, for vegetarians and non. Water. Bedding. Light. A work surface. Dry cleaning. Sweet shades. We're like a multitool. A magical multitool."

>c. You seem pretty cheerful these days.
"I've had a good run lately. Every one who betrayed me got scared - but not killed. I'm no longer working for a troll. I got to talk to my husband and get some closure there and can move on. I got my qualification. I'm drinking a lime flavoured ice cream soda. Things are pretty great."

>g. So your outfit is pajak silk?
"Yeah! Cost a bit but it's worth it, no? Very stylish.Functions as a wizard robe too, so hey - mana boost."

>a. We need to go back to Scadam. I want you to apologise properly.
>"I don't mean to be a jerk, but seeing the state that town was in... I'm not even someone who lived there."
Jorn finishes her drink
"I mean, I did say I was sorry and gave them a new mayor but sure! You're the boss. I will make it right."

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>>5524412
>"Don't you get a scratch either, Mike."
You slide Mike a wad of bills for the mogspit. He takes it and nods.
"I'll do what I can. Me and Volly will head off after this little sit down. We'll be back before sundown."

Burstock turns to Mike and smiles when he uses her first name.

You turn to Karl, also
>"I really appreciate the help and all, but I don't wanna put you up to anything you aren't comfortable with Mister Nagakura, with regard to the plan and all."
Karl nods.
"We can discuss that a little later."

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>>5524399
You address a few questions to the table.
>f. When it comes to Edgewater...what's the best team?
Highball pats her chest
You need crowd control and coup de grace. The troll may not bleed, but his lackies do - and the more damage you take, the more I'll do - not saying you'll take any."

Mike drums his fingers
"Between my caltrops and my boss shells, I can probably soften him up AND his cronies. But I won't do as much damage unless you use hells heart on me."

Jorn beams
"You know hells heart? That STACKS with my own damage boosting. So long as I don't die first, I could really bust somebody up."

Burstock leans on her hand ,, smiling, one eye open at Jorn
"I'm a good option to have around on the not dying front."

Richter shrugs.
"I...would be glad to fight if you want me to. My ability to absorb any damage means if things go truly wrong, I will still be standing and be able to escape with your unconscious bodies."

"I guess there's no real bad options, Joe. It's whatever you think works."

>e. Anyone know where we can get a rowboat?
Jorn does a small clap
"Swindy has one! Swindy Varrickstreet! They were my neighbour at the hotel here! They have a rowboat and a rickshaw! They use skeletons to move it! It's how they get around!"

Burstock waves down another beer.
"That or I bet dowler will build us one for the right price. The guy in Dunnlivin."
Highball muses
"Heck, the baron might just have one. Dude never tells us his whole inventory. We have to guess what he might have."

>c. Where can we get even more explosives do you think?

Mike thinks
"Besides Kiani or Scadam? Hmmm. The big city or the factotums might sell us some. But we'd need clearance to even get close."
You slump a little -heard that before. Let's make more money before we blow 10 grand, maybe.

>a. Anyone up for a schvitz while we're in this town?
Karl raises his hand.
Highball hold her hand non-commitaly until Jorn raises her hand at which point, Highball raises hers. Richter is also on board.

You turn to Richter to talk directly. She is eating a plate of 8 steaks.
>>5524371

>a. You seemed almost hesitant about fighting Edgewater, are you okay?
>b. Why are your eyebrows like that?
>c. You've travelled a lot. Do you know anything about liches?
>d. Can I know what Highball was talking to you about?
>e. Jorn has a technique that makes her do quad damage. Seems like that would be great for muscle wizards.
>f. [INSERT OWN]
>g. So...like.. what are you into..?

>>5524486
>"Between my caltrops and my boss shells, I can probably soften him up AND his cronies. But I won't do as much damage unless you use hells heart on me."
"Would your [Pin Down] work on a troll? It was amazing when we were fighting the Elder Dwarf."

>f.
"Does [Hell's Heart] work on muscle wizard techniques?"

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>>5524490
You regard Mike a moment.
>"Would your [Pin Down] work on a troll? It was amazing when we were fighting the Elder Dwarf."

Mike nods.
"Oh, sure. With his armour and damage resistance, it's unlikely to hurt him, so it will only stop him for one turn. And he's still got a gun..."

Jorn leans in. She doesn't seem to notice that she's pressing against Mike, but mike seems to.
"I got a spell! It's not a prudemagus spell, just a normal one. It makes somebody drop there weapon so it takes them a turn to pick it back up. Can't do it when I'm mad, though! I HAVE to hit stuff when I'm mad!"

Mike gently pushes her back to her seat.
"There's that, too."


You turn back to Richter.
>"Does [Hell's Heart] work on muscle wizard techniques?"

Richter closes her eyes and smiles
"It does, yes. We will do what we must."

>>5524486
>a. You seemed almost hesitant about fighting Edgewater, are you okay?

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>>5524516
>a. You seemed almost hesitant about fighting Edgewater, are you okay?

Richter exhales. She gets a small smile.

"My power is considerable. I say this not to boast, but simply because it is a provable fact. My capacity for destruction among this team is almost unrivalled. Especially against inanimate objects. Such as the generator Edgewater uses for his lightning spear..."

Richter looks a little sheepish, but smiles still
"I am worried that if I fight Edgewater, no that I wont defeat him..but that I will do too much damage. I may destroy any potential loot. That is my concern."

>>5524486
>>g. So...like.. what are you into..?

>>5524525
That's a fair point, appreciate her forethought there. For my money, at the end of the day our priority is putting Edgewater in the dirt. There'll be other loot further down the line. The specifics of that mission can be hashed out closer to the time though.

>>5524581
Anon no

>>5524685
Anon yes

>>5524581
>>5524865
I'd... rather not?

>>5524581
>Trying to make him double time our gobb.
Shame on you. That's a no.

>>5524525
>>5524525
>>5524525
Can I get a check on Joey's inventory? I wanna know what we got, especially in regards to ammo and gold.

With regards to Edgewater, Highball's damage and *GUILLOTINE* are, in my view, absolute necessities. Basically cuts Edgewater's health total in half.
Should probably take that once-per-level-up extra large team when we go after him, too.

>>5524945
You check your [POCKETS]

Revolver (6 normal bullets)

Speedloader (6 normal bullets)

Speedloader (Dwarfstoppers)

Speedloader (6 trollstoppers)

12 bullets

3 Large Health potions

1 Mana potion

1 Burnsauce

Ravenbar (super crowbar)

Mutterbottle

2 Books of Matches

Grink

5 cloudjars

2 boomflasks

9250 gold

You check your [BACKPACK]

20 Sticks of Dynamite

Rope (10 ft)

Fist Sized Sapphire

1 Glowbottle

Vodkant

Journal

4 cheeroots

1 Nowl porno scroll

1 Stocking

1 Bottle of sesame oil

6 cheap knives

4 knock off zippo lighter

Silver and amethyst necklace

2 wedding bands

silver ingot

large pearl

2 pyrite nuggets

Tarnished silver plate

Unopened Moist Towlette

26 bullets

>>5524977
Damn, I forgot we picked up some pretty good loot. Should find a jeweler or something to pick some of that stuff up.

>>5524977
Can we deposit the
>Vodkant
>4 cheeroots
>1 Nowl porno scroll
>1 Stocking
>1 Bottle of sesame oil
>6 cheap knives
>Unopened Moist Towlette
in the nearest trash bin?

>>5525058
wait, why the Vodkant? it's not good as vodka, but it has a small healing effect.
Sesame oil and moist towelettes can be useful, too, and I'm sure someone would appreciate the nowl porn, but the rest is kinda garbage, yeah.

>>5525060
The Vodkant's healing effect is very weak, and is mostly spent canceling out the alcohol. We have HP potions for heals.
The sesame oil is just seasoning, but it really should be added while cooking, and since Joey doesn't cook most of his own meals it's kind of useless.
Moist towelette is pointless now we have a Prudemagus.

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>>5525060
>>5525065
DM: You can put any unwanted items on the table to see if anyone wants them if you like.

>>5525065
It's alcohol anyway, it'll serve as a disinfectant if nothing else. And we won't be taking Jorn everywhere.

>>5525083
Sure, that works.

I say we get rid of these.

1 Nowl porno scroll

1 Stocking

1 Bottle of sesame oil

6 cheap knives

4 knock off zippo lighter

Unopened Moist Towlette

>>5525083
Put all the items mentioned thus far on the table as we unpack, then anything not grabbed can be thrown out.

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>>5525143
>>5525099
>>5525058
You decide to sort through your gear and place some extraneous items from your pockets and backpack on the table.

1 Nowl Porno scroll
Burstock picks it up.

1 Stocking
Jorn smiles
"Oh lookit. That's one of mine'

Mike turns to her
"I think one of Edgewater's cronie had it."

She stares forward, still smiling.
"Ha ha. Gross."

It's been washed. Did you want it back?"

"Nah, I like my new pair. Can't do much with one."

Mike drums his fingers
"Do you..mind if I take it? I have a use for it."

Jorn pushes it to Mike
"Go wild."

6 cheap knives
Highball collects them eagerly.
"Cheap ass knives can be sharpened into first class skewers!"

4 knock off zippo lighters.
Karl, Highball and Mike all take one. Jorn takes the last.

4 cheroots
Karl shrugs and takes them. Jorn asks for two and he obliges.

Unopened moist towlette
It sits there for a moment. Richter takes it.

Vodkant.
Mike picks it up.
"There we go. Might work"

1 bottle of seasme oil
Jorn snatches it up
"Aah! SCORE!"
She pops the cap of and drinks it like an energy drink.
>a. I have a few more questions...[ask anything from earlier]
>b. We're done here, let's steam
>c. Something just occured to me...[new question]

Time to steam!

>>5525565
>b. We're done here, let's steam

>>5525565
>b. We're done here, let's steam

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>>5525584
>>5525588
>>5525591
You agree that your business in the waffle house is done.

Mike and Burstock finish their drinks and leave the tavern together. Their gaits and posture couldn't be more different but they are definitely a team.

You slap down some bills.
>"Let's grab a steam."

You all make your way to the shvitzhouse and go for the group discount. Highball rubs her hands together as you separate into the male and female rooms.

It's a good steam and oddly nostalgic.

So....
>a. Is it goblussy or gobussy?
>b. I wrote that letter by the way. It's good to go.
>c. What was it you wanted to talk about?
>d. There's someone I want you to investigate
>e. Let's talk about you
>f. [INSERT OWN]

>>5525634
>b. I wrote that letter by the way. It's good to go.
"Thanks by the way. It's nice to let them know I haven't run off or disappeared."

>c. What was it you wanted to talk about?

>>5525634
>c. What was it you wanted to talk about?

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>>5525650
>b. I wrote that letter by the way. It's good to go.
Karl gets his version of a smile
"Your a good kid, huh? We'll get it away as soon as we're back on board."

>c. What was it you wanted to talk about?
Karl leans forward
"Classy of you to follow that up, boss. Now look, I'm not here to butter up but I don't wanna be a sour grape about this. You're giving me transport and a place to hang my hat. As such, I got no issue doing a little dick work while I'm your passenger, and I'm more than happy to loan you use of my skvaders."

Karl runs a hand through his hair

"This next job though? Spooking around and planting jelly? Funnel web pajaks? I mean, I will do it - it's for a good cause. But that's a little outside my comfort zone. I'd like a little extra cabbage for that. If that mean's I'm in your service longer so be it. But I'd like a little extra up front."

>>5525683
>But I'd like a little extra up front."
That is entirely reasonable. What rate would you usually charge for this sort of 'consultation' work?

>>5525683
"No problem, how much?"

>"I mean, I will do it - it's for a good cause."
"Honestly, I'm glad you think so. Not to get too maudlin, these guys are evil and the world and society will be better off without them, but I'm a little uncomfortable with how comfortable I've gotten picking fights."

>>5525650
+1

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>>5525702
"That is entirely reasonable. What rate would you usually charge for this sort of 'consultation' work?"

Karl sucks his teeth.
"Let's call it a flat 350. I'll buy my own jelly and that can be a deposit for the next 2 weeks of my services starting from the mission. I will stick around a little longer, you'll be able to learn things from me when you level up if you want and because you're providing me with an office - I will cut you in on 25% of any gold I earn from doing detective work while aboard your ship."

>"Honestly, I'm glad you think so. Not to get too maudlin, these guys are evil and the world and society will be better off without them, but I'm a little uncomfortable with how comfortable I've gotten picking fights."

Karl looks a little wistful
"Them's the breaks. Someone has to get tough or someone else is gonna cry."

>>5525725
"Karl, please let me pay you more than 350. Between the bounties and the potions, I am making money hand over fist, and you're doing work that is incredibly helpful."

>while it’s just us and if your comfortable telling, you keep bringing up this mysterious party who you work with but also seem to be constantly annoyed by. What’s up with that?

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>>5525730
Karl leans back an exhales. He does a very small laugh.
"Alright, 500 on the barrel. Keep a little aside and see how you feel in two weeks."

Karl tilts his head.
"She told me it'd go like this. Right down to you insisting on extra."

>"while it’s just us and if your comfortable telling, you keep bringing up this mysterious party who you work with but also seem to be constantly annoyed by. What’s up with that?"

Karl looks a little taken back.

"Have I been complaining that much? Thought I'd barely mentioned them. Truth is, if I kept bringing some other party up, it was likely one of two folks I know. One's a little bit like you. Ambitious and money minded but with a good heart and just a bit of ruthless streak. Trouble follows them like trouble was a cat and they have sardine in their socks."

Karl sighs and glances skyward
"The other one...? You know how you said you'd gotten uncomfortable with how comfortable you'd gotten picking fights?"

"They don't have that problem. They will do whatever they have to for their family and, if I'm honest, for me. They're a headache but they've saved my life enough times to ear air miles"

>>5526035
I see and is there a reason you never use their names around us? Is it because of them or because of us?

>>5526035
>"She told me it'd go like this. Right down to you insisting on extra."
"Heh. I don't know whether to be flattered or embarrassed."

>You know how you said you'd gotten uncomfortable with how comfortable you'd gotten picking fights?
"I mean, I try and be reasonable about it, stay willing to talk unless it's someone real bad or fanatical. But I think it's good to check in - make sure I'm not getting too self-righteous. You know the quote, 'He who fights drummers must see to it he does not become a drummer'... or was it monsters?"

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>>5526102
" see and is there a reason you never use their names around us? Is it because of them or because of us?"
Karl fold his arms
"It's to protect both of you. That ,and free samples are for the delicatessen . In the information business you give what you have to and what you're paid for. Wont stay afloat long with your head open all the time."

>>5526686
>"Heh. I don't know whether to be flattered or embarrassed."
"Flattered, I think. She said you were fair and generous and wouldn't allow you lowball my services. She said you were...well translated literally she said you were a 'stand up, eggs in the coffee flaming youth." but, let me assure you that just means you're the bee knees in her book. Goblin and ternion idioms don't always gel with eachother."

."I mean, I try and be reasonable about it, stay willing to talk unless it's someone real bad or fanatical. But I think it's good to check in - make sure I'm not getting too self-righteous. You know the quote, 'He who fights drummers must see to it he does not become a drummer'... or was it monsters?"

"It must have been drummers. There's no way you'll ever be a monster."

It seems as though Karl is riffing on your banter but he gets a serious look and leans forward, elbows to knees and stares at you.
"I've heard about you and I believe it. You kill when you have to or when you need to protect those you care about. Hot blooded and chompers clenched and you always try to talk when you can.'

Karl shakes his head.
"Think of the bloodshed you've caused and the lives you've ended but not done in that red haze. Not done as a last resort. Smooth and lazy. Heartbeat slower than a redwoods footsteps. Slaughter with a smile. Not an evil one, either. But a warm one, like melted butter and maples syrup one you could stare at for weeks. A smile you could feel in your hip pocket. That..."

Karl exhales and points a few time.
"THAT is a monster."[/red

>>5526930
"That does make me feel more assured I haven't strayed yet. Thanks."
"What is your assessment of Doctor Ash?"

>>5526930
We should start wrapping up our visit to Kretch. Hit the store on the way out.
We can the do a quick of the Silver Lining for Jorn, introduce rest of the team and start preparing for OG raid and fight with Edgewater.
Baron is sure to have any gear we need and we clould go do some grinding, maybe at the Crags since it's a hardcore place. If not the return to Jarka forest would also do.

>>5528045
*Quick tour of the Silver Lining* I meant to say.

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>>5528045
Well, you may as well not rush. Mike and Burstock will be back before sundown but it's like 3:30pm right now. You got like, 4, 5 hours easy.

I think your ideas are good, though!

I will be back later with a proper update and some more options!

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>>5527599
>"That does make me feel more assured I haven't strayed yet. Thanks."
"I don't think you would"

You and Karl step out from the steam room and collect your freshly cleaned clothes. You get dressed. Conversation will make this less awkward.

>"What is your assessment of Doctor Ash?"
"Smart. Smart and educated. The best sort of abercrombie. He's had to fight in the most literal sense of the word at least a couple of times. He's readier than he looks for trouble. So he's either been under surveillance, been abused or both. You can tell by his eyes and how much he moves. He's a good guy. Open minded and morally hardline."

Karl scuffs his shoes on.
"he absolutely know what the building on that island is, though. He's a very VERY good liar. But he was lying about that."

Karl buttons up his shirt and puts his tie in a basic knot.
Seeing as you're being so generous and we have time to kill, is there anything you wanted me to do while we're here"

>a. I need you to look into Splitrock. See what we can learn about their appearance and powers. Might even let us figure out where they are. [Karl goes back aboard]
>b. That Geef guy needs to be brought to justice. See if you can't research ways we can get into that resort turned fortress. [Karl goes back aboard]
>c. I wanna know what's on that island. It compels me.
>d. Do you think you can work with Highball and Mike as a team?
>e. You just wander about. Please yourself [Karl leaves party]
>f. Stick around, we're gonna go shopping
>g. Before we rejoin the group.. I gotta ask..[insert own]
>h. [INSERT OWN]

>>5528294
>So he's either been under surveillance, been abused or both.
"Unfortunately that doesn't surprise too much. People born as Blooches get a raw deal. I'd think the families suffered enough from the trolls, but I guess doubling up on them is easier than helping."

>c. I wanna know what's on that island. It compels me.
"Well now you've got me curious. You think the military patrols mean it's some project of theirs? Or maybe a prison."

>>5528294
>c. I wanna know what's on that island. It compels me.

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>>5528307
>"Unfortunately that doesn't surprise too much. People born as Blooches get a raw deal. I'd think the families suffered enough from the trolls, but I guess doubling up on them is easier than helping."

"Take it from a goblin trying to be a hero in the big smoke. People fear what they don't understand. And for every one example that their fears are unfounded, they'll get 10 examples that justify their fear, at least in their mind. It's easier, I guess."

Karl snaps his suspenders and begins shrugging on in weskit and jacket.
"Every year it gets a little better, maybe. The orphange lets the blue kid mingle with the others, more are getting picked up by decent, even doting parents. It's a thing."

Karl shoots his cuffs.
"That guy though? It's hard to tell with blooches cause they just kinda -stop- in their 30s. But I'd bet he's an easy 70. That guy had as much rights as furniture most of his life."

You hear an squeal followed by a giggle from the ladies change room. Jorn. Jorn begins to laugh hysterically as Highball joins her. You can hear Richter apologising but laughing ever so slightly herself.

Karl readies a cigarette from a fliptop box. he clears his throat.
"So anyway.."

>>5528307
>>5528328
>c. I wanna know what's on that island. It compels me.
>"Well now you've got me curious. You think the military patrols mean it's some project of theirs? Or maybe a prison."

Karl shrugs
"I can make that the next thing I research if you like. Put a few bunnies out, hit the books. Ask around. If it's a prison, it doesn't look like they accept visitors, or new inmates for that matter. Could be some sorta power station or generator...man who knows. I guess that's the point."

>>5528339
"On second thought, there's not really anything to gain from finding out. Not knowing will bug me, but hopefully it isn't anything too shady."
"...I feel like I'm forgetting something, but I don't think there's anything pressing going on. Take it easy, Nagakura."

>>5528045
We should go to the Crags to find Eccard Hilbosh, if nothing else. Then maybe go back up to Dunnlivin, buy a boat and some explosives from the Baron?

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>>5528348
>"On second thought, there's not really anything to gain from finding out. Not knowing will bug me, but hopefully it isn't anything too shady."
"If it comes up, it comes up. Might be the sorta thing where knowing could make you a target because the wrong people wanna know. If there ever is something you want me to research, you gimme a whistle. I'll be grabbing a bite at the waffle house. Hate eating in front of people."

=Your party has disbanded=

>"...I feel like I'm forgetting something, but I don't think there's anything pressing going on. Take it easy, Nagakura."
Karl is already at the door and gives you a very cool wave with his back to you.
"And you, Donuts."


Richter, Jorn and Highball all emerge from the changeroom.

>a. Who wants to farm some xp?
>b. Let's do a shop around. Might find something good in the gift store.
>c. We got some time to kill. Lets head back to the ship for a bit.
>d. [crew member] I wanted to talk with you about...
>e. I'm gonna show Jorn around the ship.
>f. [INSERT OWN]

>>5528362
>>b. Let's do a shop around. Might find something good in the gift store.

>>5528362
>b. Let's do a shop around. Might find something good in the gift store.

>>5528362
>e. I'm gonna show Jorn around the ship.

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>>5528393
>>5528401
You decide to first browse the gift store. The items they have in bulk remain as clearly fallen off the back of a wagon as usual.

They seem to be selling knuckle dusters, which upon closer inspection are actually novelty knuckleduster shaped chocolates with a foil wrap.

Jorn takes 12.

Richter blinks
"Ah. Wooden crates. We could increase our delivery size, could we not?"

>>5528806
Say hi to Acnok. Inquire about the crates and buy a suitable amount for your plan.

>>5528806
>>5529213 +1

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>>5529213
>>5529693
>Say hi to Acnok.
Acnok gives you a cheerful if kinda sleepy hello. She places a humbug in her mouth.


>Inquire about the crates and buy a suitable amount for your plan.
Acnok leans on her hand and closes her eyes.
"The crates are 3 gold each, but if you buy a dozen it's 30."


Acnok looks over your shoulder
"Oh, Jorn. You're back! Are you joining us for a while again."

Jorn wipes her lip but is still eating
"Mope! Gobbagob dow"

Acnok smiles
"Oh! you found a job! I knew finishing your course would pay off."

>>5529863
>"The crates are 3 gold each, but if you buy a dozen it's 30."
"Deal! How did you end up with so many crates?"
Fork over the money.
Buy a gravy boat for Jones. If he doesn't like it we can use it as a flower pot or something.

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>>5529894
>"Deal! How did you end up with so many crates?"

Acnok shrugs.
"Many adventurers such as yourselves come across lost shipments and buried treasure. It's not always things that they will have an immediate use for, so I take it off their hands. We're a bit like Dunnliven in that regard. We're something of a stopover city for most people."

Richter and Highball begin stacking and collecting the crates
"Devil burn me! These stores be full of empty boxes! What manner of trickery be this?"
Richter approves of Highball's pirate voice.

It's a little awkward, but the four of you get up and down the rope ladder enough times to get all the crates on board.
Once on board, Highball and Richter take the crates to the storage room.

>>5528725
You and Jorn have the run of the ship. Jorn is incredibly impressed. Where would you like to take her?

>1. The Lab
>2. The galley
>3. Her room
>4. The boardroom
>5. The rec room
>6. The training room
>7. The wheelhouse
>8. The deck
>9. Other

QM: No wrong answers , this is just to determine order and scenes that happen.

>>5529956
>3. Her room
btw QM I've been lurking because I last read the quest a year ago and don't remember what's happening, but I like it and am glad it's back

>>5529956
>6. The training room
>7. The wheelhouse
>2. The galley
>1. The Lab
>5. The rec room
>8. The deck
>3. Her room

>>5529956
>3. Her room

>>5529956
>>7. The wheelhouse

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>>5529957
>>5529960
You take her to one of the new rooms. You haven't had a chance to get it ready like Karl's but you should be able to pick up some furniture in Dunnlivin next time you're there.

Jorn makes a weird sort of gesture with her hands like she's shaping dough and summons a lovely soft bed into existence. She places Lettuce upon it, who nestles into it happily.

Nevermind?

"This place is just what I need. A fresh start. I'll take it."


========
>>5529957
QM: Thanks anon, I hope you get a chance to catch up. There should be less gaps between episodes this year.

I gotta snooze but I look forward to writing up all the reactions to
>>5529959
When I wake up

>>5529967
Yeah, okay, that works. Is there anything you want for the room that you can't just summon?

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>>5530153
>"Yeah, okay, that works. Is there anything you want for the room that you can't just summon?"

Jorn thinks
"Well the 'desk' I summon is sort of a standing desk. That could be uncomfortable or makie it look like I think I'm better than other people. But I'm not even sure Jorn needs a desk."

Jorn is inconsistent with talking in the third person, but she's trying it out.

"I can't really summon some nice art to liven the place up."

Jorn thinks
" Unless I want nothing but jack-o-lanterns. Which, if I'm honest - not the worst. But still"

>>5529959
You proceed to the TRAINING ROOM. She looks over the ballistics dummy, a little unfamiliar with the idea, but seems to figure it out.

She nods approvingly when she see the HOME GYM, good for all sorts of days.

Jorn's eyes light up when she sees the MELEE DUMMY. She takes a step back Then launches herself at it. For six seconds she throws a hail of punches it sounds insanely fast. It's damn near just a vibration.

Jorn steps back and exhales
"117! I took it easy on you bub!"

Jorn straightens the dummy back up.

>a. You did 117 points of damage? How can you tell?
>b. It's nice to know you can still do your punching without using roaring blood.
>c. [INSERT OWN]
>d. On to the next room...

>>5530556
>>a. You did 117 points of damage? How can you tell?

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>>5530574

You tilt your head.
>"You did 117 points of damage? How can you tell?"

Jorn steeples her fingers.
"No, I hit the dummy 117 times. Kale storm is such a flurry attack, so full on that I throw 120 punches, but not all of them hit. It's a little unreliable, but it generally hurts like hell. Each punch, without roaring blood does 3 damage."

Jorn does some mental maths
"So I did 351 damage. Which would be gangster, but.."

She clenches her fist in front of her face.
"Its not one big hit of damage, it's 117 little ones. So if someone is wearing armour, like mine or yours, it does 0 damage. Even heavy cloth stops it. It's more good for dealing with dregs than real enemies."

Jorn is still catching her breath a bit.
"It's anaerobic, too.."

>a. There was something else..
>b. On to the next room

>>5530608
>>b. On to the next room
Damn, girl.

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>>5530627
You go to the WHEELHOUSE

Jorn reacts before you can introduce Lumsden
"wawaWEEwa! You're a whole heap a woman! Bet nobody messes around on your ship!"

Lumsden holds her arm and smiles nervously
"Oh..uh..Not anymore, I guess?"

Jorn beams at Lumsden
"and you have great hair!"

"Thank you..?"
Only Lumsden seems to have noticed that she and Jorn have markedly similar hair except hers is longer.

Jorn rocks on her heels and looks around, impressed with the control room. Lumsden is awkward with conversation.

"So uh..you're cool now? Not gonna be working for trolls or sacking villages or anything..?"

"Oh, totally sure! I'm ready to be a hero."

Lumsden nods, slowly, but reassured.

"I'm Lumsden by the way. Xhuge Lumsden."
"Jorn Tauloppo!"
"I..yes, I know."

>a. Talk to Lumsden...
>b. Next room

>>5530672
>Talk to Lumsden...
Tell her what we learned about the island OG is on and the plan we've cooked up.

>>5530785
+1