File: Marina.png (716 KB, 388x1000)

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>>5569223

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2HH7J-Sx80

Christ, how do you keep finding yourself in these situations? You’re supposed to be on vacation, but you just keep stumbling into trouble no matter where you go.

The events of last night are a shining example of how badly things can quickly go spiraling out of control.

A botched date turns into a firefight.

Since you’re chronically incapable of letting things go, a firefight turns into a search-and-destroy op.

Thus, the search-and-destroy op turns into an attempted hijacking.

And now, the hijacking has involved into a full-fledged warzone on the waves.

All because Set thought it’d be a fucking fantastic idea to set you up on a blind date. You’re genuinely never going to let him live that one down, even once you exact your pound of flesh.

Luckily, it seems that all parties occupying the bridge are hyperfocused on staring each other down to the point where they fail to acknowledge your intrusion.

Considering the fact that they’re an errant twitch away from going full-blast, that’s both a blessing and a curse.

A blessing, because it makes it easier for you to maneuver into the appropriate position.

A curse, because this wouldn’t be the first time that a showdown ended with all participants facedown in the dirt; the outcome that would be a worst case scenario for you.

Put bluntly, you normally wouldn’t mind letting the chips fall as they may and letting them hash their issues out amongst themselves. As cold as it sounds, none of the folks in this room mean much of anything to you.

Definitely not to the point where you’re willing to throw yourself in the line of fire to play equalizer.

But where morality fails, pragmatism serves to pick up the slack.

There’s a stack of unanswered questions that need answers, and the folks in this room are your best chance of acquiring said intel.

Trouble is, supporting any one of them is guaranteed to alienate the other two, potentially to the point of dedicated violence.

Part of you is locked in an internal debate as to which horse to back; Marina, Claire, or the bearded stranger.

Instead, an audacious alternative begins to take shape in the depths of your mind. If you can covertly form an Abyssal Shield large enough to encompass all three targets, you might just be able to gently sandwich them to the floor without giving them the Giles Corey special.

With a bit of luck, magic, and creativity, you might just be able to resolve this without firing a shot.

Granted, they’ll probably be a bit sore in both the literal and figurative manners.

But this is the only way you can ensure that everyone is willing to hash this out like mature adults.

And if not, it’ll be easy enough to finish off anyone that gets a bit too belligerent or uncooperative for your liking.

> Roll me some 1d100+10, DC to be determined. First two rolls are Marina’s, second pair are Claire’s (+20), third pair is for the bearded stranger (+10).

Rolled 74, 22, 7, 34, 26, 62 = 225 (6d100)

>>5569224

Messed up my rolls, a promising start to be sure.

Rolled 21 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>5569224

Rolled 68 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>5569224
K

Rolled 15 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>5569224

>>5569225
Blessed rolls

>>5569227
>>5569232
>>5569233

Alright, looks you successfully execute your plan and trap all three targets.

So, which one would you like to question first? (Feel free to include any specific questions you’d like to have asked)

> Marina. It’s about time that you get something actionable on the bastards that sicced her and those mercenaries on you.

> Claire. What in the hell is she doing out here? You clocked her as some kind of agent, but you still don’t know who gives the orders.

> The Bearded Stranger. He’s the relative unknown in this equation, and you need to figure out why he has skin in the game.

> Other?

>>5569242
> The Bearded Stranger. He’s the relative unknown in this equation, and you need to figure out why he has skin in the game.

You.

>>5569242
> The Bearded Stranger. He’s the relative unknown in this equation, and you need to figure out why he has skin in the game.

>>5569242
> The Bearded Stranger. He’s the relative unknown in this equation, and you need to figure out why he has skin in the game.

Seems like the most foddery, expendable merc type
Maybe recruitable?

>>5569242
> The Bearded Stranger. He’s the relative unknown in this equation, and you need to figure out why he has skin in the game.
This is the guy cosplaying as a Duty soldier from STALKER, right?

>>5569242
>The Bearded Stranger. He’s the relative unknown in this equation, and you need to figure out why he has skin in the game.
It might be just a Horus cultist, but I still wanna see if my assumption is right.

>>5569242
>> The Bearded Stranger. He’s the relative unknown in this equation, and you need to figure out why he has skin in the game.

>"Thing are weird for you right now, I know. I dont know you, I dont have anything aganst you, so what if we can talk and know each other?"

>>5569246
>>5569247
>>5569250
>>5569256
>>5569266

Calling it, give me a moment to get a brief write-up done.

>>5569276

Alright, looks like you’ll be speaking with the bearded soldier first.

Before you settle in for your impromptu interrogation, what kind of tone would you like to set?

> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.

> Calculating. Take a good long look at his body language, equipment, and possible motives so you can feed him what he’d like to hear.

> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if he cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

> Cocky. Make it plain that if he doesn’t play ball, he and his compatriots are going overboard as fish food.

> Hostile. Perhaps a visceral display of magical force will make it crystal clear that you are not someone to be yanked around.

> Other?

File: Bearded Man.jpg (2.47 MB, 4096x4096)

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>>5569286

Pic related.

>>5569286
>> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if he cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

Something tell me this guy dont like jokes. Try to not be a dick

>>5569286
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if he cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved

>>5569286
>> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if he cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

>>5569286
>Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if he cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

Rolled 58, 25 + 40 = 123 (2d100 + 40)

>>5569292
>>5569296
>>5569298
>>5569303

Alright, give me some 1d100+25

> DC to be determined.

(As a reminder, your Luck drain bonus / his malus is 16.)

Rolled 9 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5569306

Rolled 8 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5569306

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>5569306

>>5569308
>>5569309
>>5569310
Set luck

>>5569308
>>5569309
>>5569310

Well, those are some improbably low rolls. Writing.

You sling your Apokoliptian Carbine over your shoulder to free up your hands for what’s about to come.

It takes a great deal of focus and concentration to merge your Fire and Chaos magics into a cohesive form strong enough to prevent movement, but not so strong that you pancake them by accident.

In the space above their heads, a long, flat disc of obsidian material is slowly willed into existence.

As soon as you’ve generated a large enough slab, you will it to descend at a safe velocity capable of pinning the trio down.

There’s a terrible crashing and some yelling, but it’s more from surprise than from pain. Aside from a few nasty bruises, everyone is safe and sound.

All targets successfully immobilized and ready for questioning.

Now, you just need to figure out who gets the honor of going first.

Decisions, decisions.

Eventually, you single out the bearded stranger as your first person-of-interest to “interview.”

You can’t help but be curious. The others, you have at least a bit of perfunctory knowledge on; not this guy.

Could be a hitter hired by anyone you’ve ever crossed, or just some patsy that took the wrong job.

To better facilitate communication, you crouch down and address him politely, yet with iron firmness.

> “I’m going to be blunt. You’re not getting out of here until I get what I want. If you want to make this harder than it needs to be, I’m happy to oblige. But if you answer truthfully, we can both save each other a lot of trouble. Agreed?”

There’s a beat of silence as he mulls over your cooly delivered olive branch.

You must cut quite the figure, the heavily armed paramilitary operative bristling with weaponry and an identity shrouded behind a balaclava.

His response consists of a thick glob of spit that plants itself solidly on the top of your combat boots.

Well, that answers that.

The bearded soldier grins crookedly and laughs, before fixing eyes with you. Once he’s sure he has your attention, he carefully enunciates a clipped phrase in some vaguely Eastern European language that you still can’t put a name to.

Judging by the scorn in his gaze, it wasn’t a friendly comment.

Guess it’s time for you to try a different tack.

In response, you…

> Shrug your shoulders and engage in some “enhanced interrogation techniques.” You tried this the easy way, now things get a bit dirty.

> Rifle through his belongings for something that’ll shed light on his motivations. There’s always a paper trail somewhere.

> Just put a bullet in his head and move on to your next captive. Let it serve as an example to the others.

> Other?

>>5569355
>> Just put a bullet in his head and move on to your next captive. Let it serve as an example to the others.
there was an attempt

>>5569355
> Rifle through his belongings for something that’ll shed light on his motivations. There’s always a paper trail somewhere.

>>5569355
>"The money you will never get is worth of your life, soldier?"

>>5569366
>>5569358
>>5569355
This too

>>5569355
> Just put a bullet in his head and move on to your next captive. Let it serve as an example to the others.

>>5569355
> Just put a bullet in his head and move on to your next captive. Let it serve as an example to the others.
Sometimes it's about the message

>>5569355
>> Just put a bullet in his head and move on to your next captive. Let it serve as an example to the others.

> Rifle through his belongings for something that’ll shed light on his motivations. There’s always a paper trail somewhere.

>"The money you will never get is worth of your life, soldier?"

>>5569366
+1

It would seem that the chosen option is shoot this guy, then go through his gear.

As these aren't mutually exclusive, I'm happy to merge them together.

Go ahead and give me some 1d100+25

DC: 95

Rolled 71 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5569396

Rolled 56 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5569396

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>5569396

>>5569400
>>5569401
>>5569403

That's a success, writing.

>>5569404

You sigh in exasperation, and pose a rhetorical question while drawing your 1911.

> “Is the prospect of money you’ll never see really worth losing your life?”

It’s a fair question, one that’s plagued your own thoughts more than once.

To his credit, he doesn’t even flinch as you methodically line up the shot and pull the trigger.

The suppressor muffles the crack, but it’s still loud enough to startle your other captives.

Let that be a message.

Now that he’s dead, you have free reign to rifle through his knapsack for anything of value. Most of it is standard enough kit; extra ammo, knife, detonators, spare cigarettes (which you pocket), some light body armor, and an old PDA.

You shrug on the body armor and discover that it’s a near-fit. Seeing as your primo body armor bought it in the line of duty, this’ll have to do.

As for the PDA, it has some heavy encryption on it for an antiquated model, but you’re able to isolate a few critical weak points and quickly compromise its security.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUvFBvS2B98

A quick look at the message history is quite illuminating.

Looks like Marina kept this guy and his men on speed-dial for especially dangerous missions. Judging from their orders, it looks like they specialize in terror tactics, sabotage, and explosives.

That’s not the kind of training you can just pick up from a few weeks bumming around at a training camp. To make it this long, you’ve gotta have some serious experience.

Sure enough, it looks like your newly deceased pal had quite the rap sheet. Stored in one of the files is a copy of his Interpol wanted poster, a bit vain, but you can understand the temptation.

Your stiff is one Dzhalal Basayev, Chechen guerrilla fighter extraordinaire who went freelance with the rest of his unit after the Russians kicked them out of Grozny. A quick skim of his job record reveals that he and his boys pulled some real nasty shit; bombed hospitals, schools, theaters, anything packed full of Russian civvies.

Dollars to donuts, these guys planted the IEDs back at the restaurant.

Luckily, there are also a few entries about the op where you were targeted.

>>5569440

Interestingly, the written orders suggest that Marina was actively encouraged by her employer to avoid direct conflict with you.

If anything, it reads more like a fact-finding mission. More espionage and subversion than a hunting party.

And yet, she insisted on picking a fight with you in a public space.

A poor decision, for self-evident reasons.

Her employer definitely seemed to hold the same opinion, as Basayev was covertly offered a princely sum to “clean-up her mess, permanently.” Reading between the lines, that’s probably what instigated part of the conflict currently tearing the ship apart.

Well, that didn’t go quite as planned, but it wasn’t a complete loss.

Now, who’s up next for a round of 20 Questions?

> Marina. Now that you have a few pieces of the puzzle, you have better leverage to press her with.

> Claire. Hopefully your execution of the Chechen guerrilla spurs her to realize that you mean business.

> Other?

>>5569444
> Marina. Now that you have a few pieces of the puzzle, you have better leverage to press her with.
I want info but i don't want to leave her alive

>>5569444
> Marina. Now that you have a few pieces of the puzzle, you have better leverage to press her with.

>>5569444
>> Marina. Now that you have a few pieces of the puzzle, you have better leverage to press her with.

>>5569444
>> Claire. Hopefully your execution of the Chechen guerrilla spurs her to realize that you mean business.

Lets keep the best at last

>Friendly

>>5569444
> Marina. Now that you have a few pieces of the puzzle, you have better leverage to press her with.

So Marina knows us as Jonah and Claire knows us as Defcon, right? Or am I misremembering?

>>5569462

Yes, that is correct.

Speaking of which, it looks like you'll be consulting with Marina next.

What kind of tone would you like your interrogation to take?

> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.

> Calculating. Take a good long look at her body language, equipment, and possible motives so you can feed her what she’d like to hear.

> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

> Cocky. Make it plain that if she doesn’t play ball, she and her mercs are going to wish that they went out as clearly as the Chechen did.

> Hostile. Perhaps a visceral display of magical force will make it crystal clear that you are not someone to be yanked around.

> Other?

>>5569462
Claire know us as a guy named Defcon

>>5569472
> Cocky. Make it plain that if she doesn’t play ball, she and her mercs are going to wish that they went out as clearly as the Chechen did.

>>5569472
>> Calculating. Take a good long look at her body language, equipment, and possible motives so you can feed her what she’d like to hear.

>>5569472
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

>>5569472
>> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.

Just to fuck with her.

>>5569472
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.
Should have stayed for desert

>>5569472
>> Rageful. Holding our rage back by the barest amount. Straight up tell her that we just snuffed her man and that we want to snuff her and we have more than enough reason.

>>5569472
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

>>5569472
>>5569477

>> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

Change my vote

>>5569472
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

>>5569472
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.
Though I wouldn’t mind a friendly opener like
>We seem to meet in unexpected places.

Rolled 41, 36 + 15 = 92 (2d100 + 15)

>>5569476
>>5569481
>>5569484
>>5569486
>>5569487
>>5569492

Alright, professional it is.

Roll me some 1d100+25

> DC to be determined.

Rolled 95 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5569494

Rolled 19 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5569494
damn, she really can't keep her cool

Rolled 99 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5569494

>>5569495
>>5569499
>>5569501

That's a success. This feels like a reasonable stopping point for tonight, need to grab some dinner anyhow. We'll pick it up from here on Friday at 5:00 PM EST.

As always, thanks for playing! Hope to see you all then.

>>5569499

To be fair, she's had a bad go of things over the last day or so. Imagine bungling a job so badly that you've got a magic psycho trailing you, your boss wants you dead, and your rep is about to take a huge hit. I'd be panicking too.

As an aside, feel free to post conspiracy theories / shadowrun about what's happening behind the scenes.

The paranoia sustains me.

>>5569501
1 more and we make her go Stockholm

>>5569509
Hey, we aren't happy about this either! It's fucking amazing how out meltdown just made her go Defcon 1 on the spot, Sean has a strange effect on people.

>>5569509
Bitch see Sean going in a mental breakdown of a lot of shit that might not be true, and the first thing she does is bombard the wall and try to put us a bag. And she's also a professional mercenary, one would expect that Sean's breakdown wouldn't bring such tension and heat on her

That's why no men should open up about feelings with women, only the homies and strangers on the bus, baka

>>5569524
>baka
How tf does the autocorrect on my phone went from "baka" to that? I even write it wrong and the autocorrect didn't give an option even close to that, tf?

>>5569525 ok, now i'm retard

I wanted to write "baka" instead of baka

>>5569525
its the filter, I'm guessing you are trying to say f4m? It's an improvement imho

File: 8765765765.gif (1.25 MB, 500x250)

1.25 MB GIF

>>5569529
>he doesn't get it

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19 KB JPG

>>5569530
>>5569533
I was, in fact, bamboozled

Tried to write s/m/h

>>5569524
She's probably wondering if the whole thing was a set up
What kind of merc spills their guts on the first date?

>>5569542
Happens to everyone.

>>5569552
The barely mentally stable ones, it seems. It would probably work with any of the heroine babes. Not really.

>>5569552
>She's probably wondering if the whole thing was a set up
>the whole thing was a set up
>set up
>set
>Set

Motherfucker

>>5569509
I'm fairly sure she's sent by Task Force X, at least indirectly.

On the bright side, us bungling any nonviolent interaction with a woman means that we're one step closer to naked grippy oil wrestling and kissing with Pandion

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>>5569509
Live Marina reaction

>>5569592
He's a married man anon. I'm holding out for Constantine

>>5569592
Wouldn't it be hilarious if both of these ladies were sent by CADMUS? Both with wildly different methodology to ensure at least one person has an in with the guy who made Lok piss his pants in anger.

My money is on Mammon or some other fancy demon sending Marina after Jonah. That being said we should totally pick up a copy of the Lesser Key of Solomon. Some of those demons in there are alright. If you don't slip up at least. But seeing as we're definitely gonna get into a showdown with the hellish hordes that is probably a dead end to begin with.

>>5569592
>I'm fairly sure she's sent by Task Force X, at least indirectly
I don't think so

It's either Lok or Cadmus, they're the two main players that could have soldiers under their paycheck and have some contacts to a group of chechen terrorists.

But Task Force X it's not possible because Claire is right here, and from the things our team are talking about when we check on them it looks like they Claire came with other weirdos for Marina, surely on a attack or extract mission because somehow they got a lead on us and on Marina, surely to capture her and learn what she knows.

OR, maybe our the Chechens might be from Waller herself. We know Lok it's the boss right know, but maybe Waller knows how much a fuck up Lok it's, so she might swoop in and it's trying to take control of Task Force X with some contacts

>>5569572
Already made that joke the last thread m8

>>5569619
>we should totally pick up a copy of the Lesser Key
We already have a demonology book, other wont hurt.

>My money is on Mammon
Mammon is canon? I thoght that he was make up for the movie.

Nice movie, if only they have named it diferent and say that was just inspired in the comics

>>5570054
Mammon is ye olde hebrew shit. Literally means money. I didn't know he was in any movies. But that's pretty rad. I just figured the demon of greed would most likely have his fingers in mercenary pie.

>>5570063
>I didn't know he was in any movies.
Constantine, the one where Keanu Reeves make a holy flamethrower/shotgun/cross to kill demons and give the middle finger to Satan while God carry him to heaven.

>>5570109
I'm gonna be real with you, I only remember Satan having a cool design with the tar feet and white suit vest from that movie. Everything else is just right over my head.

>>5570145
>I'm gonna be real with you, I only remember Satan having a cool design with the tar feet and white suit vest from that movie.

The best movie satan ever. That he was the one that save the world in the end is just awesome

>>5569572
Set is getting a boot up his ass and latrine duty.

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>>5569509

You’ll focus on Marina next, she was your original target after all.

And while a quiet veneer of professionalism didn’t work well on the Chechen, hopefully it’ll shake Marina up a bit.

Another round of icy politeness mixed with the threat of imminent force, coming right up. Good thing she doesn't seem to recognize your voice, that would've potentially complicated matters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNb2cV8TSdk

The first of your mindgames is to consciously maneuver into her line-of-sight as you finish poking through the PDA.

Without any fanfare, you look up and give her a slight nod.

> “Not to worry, I’ll be with you in but a moment, I’m nearly finished with this little journal. Quite the page-turner.”

You flick your eyes over and watch her reactions, while outwardly maintaining your focus on the contents of the device.

Her eyes widen when she notices the PDA you’re pretending to peruse.

Good, the more you can rattle her, the better your odds of keeping her honest.

Now that you’ve set the stage, it’s time for the main performance.

You abruptly perform an about-face, close the gap, and crouch to reach eye-level.

If Marina possessed the opportunity to recoil, she would’ve.

It is also likely not lost on her that you’ve adopted the same detached posture as when speaking with your recently executed hostage.

> “Apologies for that unpleasantness, but there’s just no helping some people. What a waste.”

There’s a hint of genuine sincerity in your tone that helps to sell it. The man may’ve been a killer, but he was a skilled killer. Had things gone differently, he might’ve made a valuable ally. Oh well, spilled milk and all that.

> “Now, I assume you heard the offer I extended to our recently deceased acquaintance. Your thoughts?”

Claire makes a noise like she wants to interject, but a pointed look stops her in her tracks.

> “While I greatly appreciate the enthusiasm, I would highly recommend that you wait your turn.”

Your voice, while still calm and collected, carries an unmistakable word of warning that undercuts each syllable.

She doesn’t like it, but complies nonetheless.

> “Much obliged. Now, where were we?”

You drag out each word in your final sentence to further Marina’s discomfort.

She begins to open her mouth, but you cut her off before she can get going.

> ”Apologies, just one last thing; as you may have guessed, if you lie to me, I will know. Any attempt at deception or subterfuge will be treated….harshly. And well, I would assume that you’ve guessed what that means.”

You take a moment to rise and gently nudge the still-warm body of the Chechen.

>>5571774

Marina blanches a little at your implicit threat, causing you to grin internally.

Ah, that there’s the good stuff. Nothing spooks people more than an ice-cold demeanor, unfaltering politeness, and the certainty that you are capable of myriad acts of violence.

> “But, should you cooperate and answer my questions in good faith, I promise that this will be quick and painless. You may even be able to profit from this unfortunate situation.”

A white lie, you’re still on the fence about whether or not you’ll just circle back and punch her ticket once you’re done with Claire.

In all honesty, now that you’ve had some time to cool down, the betrayal stings a whole lot less. Ironically, the fact that she was intended to be some kind of honeypot actually makes you less angry.

Considering your own mercenary experience, you can intimately understand the concept of doing whatever it takes while on the job, no matter how underhanded it may be. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you’ll hesitate for a second if she gives you a valid reason to take her out.

She did try to kidnap / kill you after all. Can’t let that go unanswered.

> “So, what’s your decision?” Your voice adopts a harsher edge as you deliver the ultimatum.

As anticipated, she folds like a house of cards.

Now that you’ve secured a relative degree of cooperation, you just need to start pumping her for intel.

In that vein, what questions do you have for Marina? (If nobody has any ideas, I’ll just go with a list of my own.)

> ???

>>5571775
I've got nothing boss

>>5571775
>> ???
>What you know about your boss?
>What are your orders
>Have you see or feel something strange these days? Maybe about someone? Like they are too evil or your body tell you to stay away from them?
>Have you feel that something follow you?

>>5571775
Yeah not much I can think of that isn't the usual fanfare. "What are you doing here" "Who's paying you" "What is the speed of an african swallow".

>>5571775
>who are you?
>who do you worked for?
>do you know why she is here? *while pointing at Marina*

>>5571779
>>5571782
>>5571775
>>do you know why she is here? Or who she is? *while pointing at Claire*

This too

>>5571775
>who are you?
>who do you worked for?
>do you know why she is here? *while pointing at Marina*

>>5571775
>Your contractor, do you have a name for the individual or Organization that brought your team and the Chechens here?
>Are you and the other armed guys you came here aside of the Chechen your group? Or are you just a freelancer that was given the team and weapons by your contractor?
>From where is your contractor? Americans, Europeans, Asians, Middle Easters?
>Do they have ties or direct envolvement with some Goverment?

I guess that's enough. With Claire we can ask the same questions, and also ask why they attacked Marina and her team?

>>5571775
>Seems the Chechen was sent to clean you up. What’s your take on why that is?
I back all the other questions as well.

>>5571787
+1 This one too

I'll give another 10 minutes for any stragglers, then get a-writing.

>>5571775
>The Chechen's PDA says your job was to gather information on your target, why'd you try to grab him?
>Was that cyborg I broke on the way here one of yours or one of hers?

>>5571775
>I won't sugarcoat that I came off pretty strong but don't you think you might have... overreacted a little?

>>5571775
>What are the numbers, Marina?
>What do they mean?
>What is your ring size

Ask about information but also questions to rattle her
If she can't answer move on quickly yo the next question

>>5571789
Not a question but we can be sorry about our vietnam moment in the date Axie?

>>5571790
+1 except the Cyborg part. If they know or hear about Jonah, and Claire hear that name or know that we somehow manage to take it down, it might conect the dots

>>5571793
>>5571791

I have no issues with it myself, but I would assume that the general consensus is to avoid implicating yourself if at all possible.

Those questions would kinda tip your hand as to your identity.

Keep in mind, you're dressed like just another average thug in a balaclava.

Alright, time for a little Q&A.

Go ahead and give me some 1d100+40

DC: 75 / 95 / 115

Rolled 4 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5571797

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>5571797

Rolled 45 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5571797

>>5571799
>>5571800
>>5571801

That's a regular success, writing.

Damn, we rolled poorly. All we needed was a 59 to meet the excellent success.

>>5571805
You feel bad abou that you would cry the next time we fuck up in the worst moment

>>5571806
See, those are entertaining in their own right. Having Sean blow up at his blind date? Pretty funny. Anons falling apart afterward not so much, but that comes with the territory.

This was just sad.

So, I'm having a devil of a time getting all of the dialogue written up.

I'm probably not even halfway through the list at the moment, probably another hour or so before I'm close.

Just wanted to give a heads-up that I'm liable to be as slow as molasses for this one.

>>5571817
fair enough

>>5571817
take your time brother

>>5571804

> “We’ll start with the basics. Your name, if you please. Military rank as well, should you possess one.”

“Marina Meru, former JSDF Colonel.”

Guessing that acronym is in reference to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Not exactly a common breeding ground for mercenaries.

Part of you is tempted to quiz her on the reason for her separation, but you quash it quickly.

It has little to do with your investigation, and runs a high chance of causing her to clam up.

> “I’ve noticed that you and several others share similar uniforms. Are you part of a larger organization, or are you a smattering of freelancers provided with gear and a temporarily shared goal?”

“We all belong to the same mercenary company, under my command.”

> “Interesting. And the name of this organization?”

“Poison.”

You can tell that she takes great pride at its provenance from the way she says the name.

You’ve never heard of it. Don’t know if that’s a good sign or a bad one.

> “Given your methods, it’s an apt name, if nothing else.”

Before she can decide if you’re making a veiled insult, you move on.

> “Are there any metahumans or individuals with notable abilities among the ranks of Poison?”

“No, I strictly aim to recruit ex-soldiers and former terrorists with specific skillsets. Anything else isn’t worth the ego or the complications.”

Interesting. She seems to be telling the truth, which means that the cyborg and others must’ve accompanied Claire’s frogmen.

> “Now for something a little more contemporary; tell me about your client in as much detail as you can.”

As soon as the words pass through your lips, she tenses and looks away.

“I don’t know anything about that side of things. I handle the field operations, not mission control.”

She’s lying, so you press her further.

> “Come, come. You must know something. Every little detail helps.”

After a tense moment of silence, she relents and spill the beans.

“We never spoke with or met our client directly. All contact was handled through the middleman that initially approached us with the job notice. He made it clear from the start that he just the go-between for a larger entity.”

> “Did he ever make reference to this ‘larger entity?’ A government, crime syndicate, or society of some kind, perhaps?”

“No, not even once. We tried to do some digging, but the guy was a damned ghost. Couldn’t find a scrap of information on him.”

> “Yet you took the job anyway?”

“It seemed like easy money at the time. Guess that should’ve been my first clue that it was a shitty idea.”

> “What was the objective of the job he gave you?”

>>5571886

“He gave us a few headshots of some random guy in his early twenties. Apparently he was some mental case with the misfortune to piss off the wrong people. We were assured that he was a pushover. It was made clear that the job was getting shopped around to other groups, and that there was a big payday for anyone that could gather useful info on him; stuff like his fears, desires, goals, weaknesses, that kind of stuff. Like a psych profile but a bit more in-depth.”

> “Was there anything distinguishing about this man?”

“Not really. He struck me as ex-military from the pictures, but that was about it. Wouldn’t have blinked if I passed him on the street.”

> “And how did you first encounter this man?”

“It ended up falling into my lap. I was in town for a bit of R&R, looking to blow off some steam when a local contact of mine offered to hook me up with a blind date. The description of said date was eerily close to those headshots. So, I had a few men waiting in the wings in case it turned out to be a trap.”

> “And how did things go?”

“Terribly would be too weak of a word. I wasn’t even halfway through the main course, before the guy had some kind of breakdown.”

> “What sorts of breakdown?”

“The pathetic kind, mostly. He just started ranting about how he fought overseas and got a bunch of his buddies killed. If I’m being honest, I ended up tuning most of it out. I hear enough sob stories as it is.”

You resist the urge to let your anger show on your face.

See, that’s what you get for daring to open up about things. At least you’ve learned your lesson.

> “What happened next?”

“Since he was obviously mentally unstable, I assumed that it wouldn’t take much for him to have another episode, one that could escalate into a fight. So, I slipped out and ordered my men to capture him. Figured it might be worth a bonus or something. But I guess you already know how that went.”

> “I have my ways. Circling back to the middleman, how frequently were you in contact with him?”

“We only met in-person a couple times, always at night. He wanted to avoid leaving an electronic trail whenever possible, though he did request call for updates from time to time.”

> “If that’s the case, how were you paid?”

“We have a standing agreement with Calculator. The money gets routed to him, he takes a neat chunk, launders the rest, and wires it to various untraceable bank accounts.”

>>5571890

There’s something she’s not telling you, but you’re inclined to let it go. There are other topics that take priority. You’ve never dealt with Calculator, but you’ve been around the block long enough to know him by reputation.

> “So, what did this middleman look like?”

“Male, maybe late-20s, brown hair, messy beard. Never got a good look at his face, but he seemed kind of sickly. Like the wind would blow him over if he wasn’t careful. That’s about it.”

> “Anything more distinctive that you can recall?”

“He had a voice like he was a chainsmoker, raspy and guttural. Overall, he gave me the creeps.”

> “What language did you converse in?”

“English only.”

> “Is there a major government in particular that you do a great deal of work for? One that would potentially approach you for a job like this? Russia, China, Germany, Iran, England, America; something along those lines?”

Your innocent question elicits a spark of anger.

“I will never work for the Americans. As for the others, I suppose it may be possible. Although, ‘legitimate’ governments tend to give Poison a wide berth for fear of scandal. Having us on the payroll would look bad in the newspaper.”

That doesn’t rule out the nations willing to play hardball on the international stage.

> “Prior to today, have you ever encountered this woman before?” You ask, gesturing towards Claire.

“No, I’ve never seen her before in my life.” Marina mutters, returning Claire’s bored glances with a deathstare.

Both her hostility and statement seem honest enough. Guess she must’ve lost a lot of men in the last day.

> “Let’s move on. That PDA I was fiddling with has some interesting tidbits. For instance, did you know that the Chechens were being bribed to ‘clean up your mess, permanently?’”

A tremor of anger appears on Marina’s face, before she chokes it back down.

“That explains why they turned on us, at least. I run a tight operation, and I can usually see these things coming. But in this case, they blindsided me.”

> “Have you had any strange feelings or experiences lately? Maybe encountered something that defied explanation?”

“Besides this, not really.”

> “Has anyone been following you or shadowing your movements?”

“I get the occasional government agent trying to chase me, but nothing as of late.”

>>5571892

Well, that was quite the lengthy interrogation.

One major question remains though.

Based on what you’ve gleaned; who hired Marina in the first place?

You’ve got quite the enemy list after all, many of whom have the resources necessary to authorize such a strike.

In the end, your conclusion pins the blame on…

> The Penguin. Could be that he put two-and-two together and decided to get some revenge for trashing the Iceberg Lounge.

> Task Force X. This seems like the kind of shit that Lok would give his seal of approval to.

> Cadmus. You gave them a hell of a black eye in Qurac, maybe they’re hunting for you as well.

> Intergang. You’ve been a thorn in their side for months, there was bound to be some retaliation.

> The Court of Owls. If Agnor was right, their reach extends farther than you can imagine.

> The Russians. Maybe Lok leaked that you were involved in that attack that blew up their embassy.

> The Executive. You’ve never been on good terms with that asshole, and he has the connections necessary to line this up.

> Horus. Maybe this was all some kind of divine test, or punishment for aiding Set.

> Demons. According to Delrio, they were quite interested in acquiring your immortal soul.

> Other?

>>5571893
> Task Force X. This seems like the kind of shit that Lok would give his seal of approval to.
> Cadmus. You gave them a hell of a black eye in Qurac, maybe they’re hunting for you as well.
> Demons. According to Delrio, they were quite interested in acquiring your immortal soul.
in this order of probability, with the top being the most likely and the bottom being the least likely

>>5571893
>> The Court of Owls. If Agnor was right, their reach extends farther than you can imagine.
>> Demons. According to Delrio, they were quite interested in acquiring your immortal soul.

Cadmus and X are there, but the weird man make me think of something off here

>>5571893
>>5571901
Support. The raggedy man and the desire for a psyche profile don't strike me as Cadmus or Task Force X

>>5571893
> The Court of Owls. If Agnor was right, their reach extends farther than you can imagine.

> The Executive. You’ve never been on good terms with that asshole, and he has the connections necessary to line this up.

> Demons. According to Delrio, they were quite interested in acquiring your immortal soul.

Or of course it was one of the batfamily and before we cap anymore people we get beat up by batman
It was all a SET up

File: MV5BMTkyNTQyNTU4NF5BMl5Ba(...).jpg (262 KB, 1365x2048)

262 KB JPG

>>5571892
Also...

>“I will never work for the Americans."

>"Hai, Marina-san. I have a offer to you, desu."

>>5571908
Samurai tom cruise would be an alias i am willing to vote for

>>5571893
>> The Court of Owls. If Agnor was right, their reach extends farther than you can imagine.

>>5571901
>>5571906
>>5571907
>>5571918

Alright, it would appear that The Court of Owls has garnered the most suspicion, along with a slight smattering of others.

Now, it's time to speak with Claire.

You know the drill by now, how do you plan on structuring your interrogation?

> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.

> Calculating. Take a good long look at her body language, equipment, and possible motives so you can feed her what she’d like to hear.

> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

> Cocky. Make it plain that if she doesn’t play ball, she'll discover that the beating you delivered in France was basically a love tap.

> Hostile. Perhaps a visceral display of magical force will make it crystal clear that you mean serious business.

> Other?

>>5571920
> Calculating. Take a good long look at her body language, equipment, and possible motives so you can feed her what she’d like to hear.

>>5571920
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

>>5571920
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

>>5571920
> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.

She's probably not going to expect this, I'm willing to bet she's trained to withstand super frog torture

But nobody trains to deal with friendliness

>>5571920
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

After we finish interrogating her we kill Marina and leave Claire tied up in an emergency raft if she behaves, if not we'll kill her too.

>>5571920
> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

She's been watching us do this the whole time, breaking the facade is just going to make her stay tightlipped.

>>5571920
>> Professional. Break down the facts of the situation in a polite, transactional matter; if she cooperates, things will go a whole lot smoother for all parties involved.

>>5571920
> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.
We got info and a better mood, why not let it show

>>5571910
>Go to hollywood
>Become actor
>Become famed actor after your first film
>Normal people think that you are in movie when they see you doing weird shit

Our movie will be Lightbringer: City of Shadows. Is about a low level criminal that discover a secret society that control Gotham. It play as Bloodborne, all "normal", crime, blood and mistery, then come down magic, demons and a eternal battle the light is losing.

It end in a cliffhanger where we gain powers from a gray place and discover a purpose in life fighting the dark

>>5571920
>> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.

Not chippi, but relaxed

>>5571920
> Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.
Switch it up for the last one to throw her off.

>>5571945
What about a grey fireplace he relights at home? Or maybe his new home base after his previous hideout gets destroyed? We could make a fucking mint with the idea.

>>5571945
I thought it would be more nioh where a white guy comes to japan and does ronin samurai stuff

Rolled 100, 14 + 50 = 164 (2d100 + 50)

>>5571923
>>5571926
>>5571937
>>5571938
>>5571943

Alright, looks like you'll be maintaining the professional approach.

Roll me some 1d100+25

> DC to be determined.

Rolled 87 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5571962

Rolled 46 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5571962
no surprises here

Rolled 96 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5571962
I’m tempted to force a reroll since she’s probably figured out who we are and is about to escape.

>>5571954
>What about a grey fireplace he relights at home? Or maybe his new home base after his previous hideout gets destroyed?

Love it. He grow up on a gang and that fireplace is where he learn about brotherhood and honor. He always carry a lighter becasue the flame make him remember that family.

>>5571920
>Friendly. You tend to catch more flies with honey than with vinegar; after all, your easygoing nature tends to disarm people.
If Claire comes and ask "hey, why tf are you acting like this", the perfect excuse is "I expected Marina here and the Chechens. Not you, you and what looks like your people are a new factor that I didn't expect, and i'm honestly curious"

I come with the same train of thought of >>5571928, we might throw her off and end up like a weird individual.

>>5571970
Fuck

>>5571961
>I thought it would be more nioh where a white guy comes to japan and does ronin samurai stuff

That is part of the plan, we can do whatever in japon and say is for the movie. That sell of adventures and get money

>>5571966
>I’m tempted to force a reroll since she’s probably figured out who we are and is about to escape.
Yeah, I would vote for that

Rolled 62, 4 + 65 = 131 (2d100 + 65)

>>5571964
>>5571965
>>5571966

That's a critical success for Claire.

As your re-roll was spent back on Mount Olympus, it's kinda open and shut.

Go ahead and gimme some 1d100+50.

> DC to be determined.

inb4 double crit

Rolled 62 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5571979

Rolled 63 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5571979

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>5571979

>>5571980
>>5571981
>>5571982
SET!

Rolled 24 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5571979
fugg, not another lady we have to kill.

File: 1666447536124473.jpg (18 KB, 444x250)

18 KB JPG

>luck drain saves the day again

>>5571980
>>5571981
>>5571982

Okay, that's some spooky coincidence.

Three posts in direct order, get a set of sequential rolls.

And the sequence starts with the same as the highest one I rolled.

I feel like this may be a sign.

Speaking of which, Luck Drain puts you over the edge, success.

We'll pick up from here on Wednesday at 5:00 PM EST. I plan on using Monday to work on interlude stuff.

As always, thanks for playing and I hope to see you all here next time!

Boy, I feel like the over/under for crits in this quest is kinda stacked. I may have to do that math when we eventually reach a conclusion.

>>5571980
>>5571981
>>5571982
>One up from the next

>>5571979
What are the rules for rerolls? I thought it was 1 use per thread.

>>5571991
>Okay, that's some spooky coincidence.

Is not all:

>Rolled 62, 4 + 65

There where 4 rolls, and the 65 conect the last roll to the first again.

>DMWWKJ

>>5571967
How do you grow up on a gang? You mean in?
>He always carry a lighter because the flame make him remember that family.
Its needs to be an old fashion flick lighter. With a fancy Set Icon in it, just to fuck with the magic community. The new fireplace has a Hestia symbol in it. Maybe he makes a eye of horus symbol for his signature weapon.

>>5571997

Unless I'm misremembering, it's typically been one per mission, which I've substituted for the purposes of the vacation to be one per country.

>>5572001
>How do you grow up on a gang?

Is for the movie.

>Its needs to be an old fashion flick lighter. With a fancy Set Icon in it, just to fuck with the magic community.

Perfect.

>Maybe he makes a eye of horus symbol for his signature weapon.

Unless we want to fuck with Horus I dont see it, maybe as a nice detail. I dont know if make him as a villian or something else.

Set can not be or be like a shadow that follow us, someone that put you in unexpected situations. Maybe he want to fuck with the dark now that is winning?

>>5572001
The lighter has a sign of a company that made them, with a egyptian word or place. One of the gang members has an oddly similar name to Hestia that was the mom of the group and respected, but the last thing the MC knew and the gang si that she left to continue her studies in some university and the Gang lost contact with her. And a rival gang that's looking for the MC in the present use some eagle head for their symbol. Or maybe they're a motor biker gang that use the eagle head.

>>5572018
>The lighter has a sign of a company that made them, with a egyptian word or place
Oh yeah, I forgot. The mascot or symbol is some kind of Jackal

>>5572003
I mean... With how many mission they we're in each location I understand it. But I say that maybe the best option was to get a "timer", like each two missions we get the ability and reset.

Now that the idea for the movie is firm, who will be the director?

>Michael Bay
>Set
>Spielberg
>Sean
>Other

>>5572051
Peter Jackson. So we can ask him to get Viggo Mortensen in on the action.

>>5571893
>gather useful info on him; stuff like his fears, desires, goals, weaknesses, that kind of stuff. Like a psych profile but a bit more in-depth.”
It's fucking batman, isn't it? I can't think of anyone else who'd be so interested in personal matters like that, maybe The Court.

>>5572069
does batman hire fucking terrorists

>>5572051
It's going to be a A24 movie made by Ari Aster. It will be a more serious and grounded approach with some weird elements and symbolism that we're working, with dream sequences that actually reflect the mind of the protagonist that's also going to work to tell about the background and past of the mc

>>5572071
>the terrorists are him
>he buy a town
>everyone in the town is him
>make a legend of his fake name destroying ghost towns

>>5572051
Sam Raimi
Make a trilogy of movies about a hero that eventually ends up becoming memes

>>5572014
>How do you grow up on a gang?
>Is for the movie.
English isn't your first language huh?

>>5572051
Peter Jackson would be good, or whoever did the Godfather.

>>5572759
>>How do you grow up on a gang?
>>Is for the movie.
>English isn't your first language huh?

I understand English, the problem is that I'm retarded

>>5572821
I see, stupidity is infectious after all.

>>5572055
>>5572154

Good options both. We get Ari Aster as the director, with the aid of Peter Jackson as a co-director/adviser so we can have Viggo Mortensen.

>>5572495
I think that would happen anyway as along we make a cultural impact, which now make me think of which way we can do it. We aim to do a Matrix or just a good trilogy?

Also there is the love interest issue. We get one? If so, which girl? Or do we hint at some vague feelings between Hestia and us?

>>5572903
Good trilogy

For love interest lets go the VN route and have different love interests in different iterations.

>>5574097
I can see Batman having a stroke as he pours over the footage.

>>5574097
WAIT, WE NEED A BUNCH OF KNEECAPPING SCENES!

File: movie poster no credits.png (2.02 MB, 974x1501)

2.02 MB PNG

>>5574097
Haven't added credits yet, but here's my take.

>>5574097
>>5574356
Good shit

File: 1590179933066.jpg (64 KB, 640x473)

64 KB JPG

>>5574356
Love how the dark tower thing aim to the sun. Exelent

Picrel Court of Owls when the find out this

>>5574356

Now that I think about it that would be great to the last movie.

I have some names in mind.

First part: City of Shadows
Second part: Midnight Madness
Final part: Minutes to Dawnbreak

>>5574297
>WAIT, WE NEED A BUNCH OF KNEECAPPING SCENES!

Our infallible, invincible technique, passed down from generations of criminals and thugs from the dawn of time.

>>5574526
Don't forget the inevitable cash-grab spinoff film featuring classic and now public domain movie monsters "Lightbringer: Broken Moon" which ends in a conflict against count Orlok.

The name and posters reminded me that Dracula is actually canon to the DCU. Which means it's probably a good thing we aren't headed for the Balkans on our vacation.

>>5574575
>Kill Dracula
>Use his corpse as a prop

People in the magic underworld will develop a terminal, incurable case of "I laugh my side off" after seeing the film for years to come.

>>5574595
double points if instead of that we somehow convince good old vlad to actually star in the movie, imagine the entire magic community going into conniptions that king vampire himself decided to act in a movie.

>>5574097
>>5574356
>>5574595

You guys gotta stop giving me interlude ideas.

I can only procrastinate so much.

Anyhow, looks like Venture Bros is actually getting a finale at some point, blessed news.

File: 45767654653564.gif (1.32 MB, 272x320)

1.32 MB GIF

>>5574920
>tfw the credits roll and it says "Count Dracula as himself"

>>5575145
>You guys gotta stop giving me interlude ideas.
Okay, make it an actual plotpoint so it won't be an interlude then. Problem, meet solution.

Maybe we can use the Shut-Up-Or-You-Die card as a prop.

And the Steel Wolfs can come as security, extras and secondary. We can train with them and said is for the movie.

>Adjutant Tango show up to talk with them.
>"Hello brothers. I have a offer to any of you that is willing to take it. I have a old friend that will give us money to make a documentary of what we all experience in our struggle. The thing is that he is doing a movie about american staff, and want people like you, reliable and competent. If you don't want to go, I won't force you."
>Adjutant Tango go off stage, Jonah come up.
>"Hi, I'm Jonah Thema. As Adjutant say I want to make a movie about corruption in america, a book is going to be published about it, but normal people don't read books unless it's important to them. Expect really weird shit if you come with me."

>>5574920
>>5575288
>>"Count Dracula as himself"

If we are lucky he could be like Thoth. He just need to take a days off.

Even his diet is not that much of a problem, with all the guys coming out of the woodwork for our blood if we make a movie about the Owls, he will have food aplenty.

>We meet Dracula
>roll 100
>https://youtu.be/_kru56uPdzE

File: 1624553691413.jpg (50 KB, 690x418)

50 KB JPG

>>5575586
Poor guy, holy shit

Hope he dont hang himself

>>5575373
It's super easy to get blood in the modern day though. Especially in places like Gotham that are super corrupt. Fifty bucks to get let into the blood bank's back door or a quick pit stop at one of the more well supplied alleyway doctor's office for bags full of the stuff. It's a bit cold but very incognito.

>>5575754
>It's a bit cold but very incognito.

That is the thing my friend, this is an Royal European Vampire. Maybe he only drinks from glasses made exclusively for him for all we know.

But you are right, in Gotham you can get amost everything. Maybe is there one of these weird cults/orgy/roleplay group that like suck blood while they fuck? We could pay some of them to pass the night with Mr. D?

That if he like to discuss philosophy and pass time with his food though, if he just want food we just call some more-or-less healthy goon.

>>5575873
Dracula joins your WOD game and ruins it by pointing out inaccuracies constantly.

>>5576054

Dracula has a seething hatred of fishmalks.

Also, I promise that I'm actually being productive today.

>>5576057
But what is Dracula though? A ventrue? Or Bruja?

>>5576057
>Dracula has a seething hatred of fishmalks.
Based and sea-hatepilling

>>5576060

I'm pretty sure he's canonically a Tzimisce.

>>5575873
>Maybe he only drinks from glasses made exclusively for him for all we know.
Counterpoint, blood slushies.

So, I'm plugging through the JLA report on Venezuela, and while I think it's neat; it's probably going to be kind of boring if you don't think reading over import/export stats is the coolest shit ever.

Just wanted to give fair warning.

>>5576091
Import/export stats are the coolest thing ever though?

>>5576091
Man you just being a tease now. That ain't cool Axie.

>>5576091
As long as I get to laugh at some of the entries, I’m game.

Look at how much those nutters are paying to import corn when it’s also Venezuela’s main agricultural product and the true market rate is so much lower, hahaha capitalism and exploitation ho!

>>5576091
>Axie just deleted everything by mistake while editing

>>5576137

I'd say I'm like 80% of the way there. Finally managed to hit a good rhythm on a part that's been tripping me up.

It's about 7000 characters at the moment, for what that's worth.

>>5576141
>It's about 7000 characters at the moment, for what that's worth.
>for what that's worth.
>Can't write +50k per minute

OPERATIONAL REPORT ON THE STATUS OF VENEZUELA

This report is mandatory reading for all members of the JLA leadership council and all active-roster JLA members assigned to the South-American sector of operations.

The information within has been divided into multiple sections in an attempt to better demonstrate the myriad changes in the nation of Venezuela since their internal crisis.

After fierce fighting by internal rebel groups, the longstanding leader of Venezuela, Manuel Pedraza, has been taken into protective custody by a transitional military government known as the “Supreme Junta.”

The founding members of the self-christened Supreme Junta are:
- Major General Juan Rubio, chief representative of the Venezuelan Army
- Admiral Miguel Suarez, chief representative of the Venezuelan Navy
- Major General Nicolas Barrera, chief representative of the Venezuelan Air Force.

It should be noted that while eventual elections have been promised, no concrete dates have been established as of the writing of this report.

Economic Situation

Historically, foreign trade has accounted for roughly 70% of Venezuela’s GDP. However, under the tenure of the now-imprisoned President Pedraza, overall GDP and spending power per capita has plummeted despite the steady expansion of intetnational trade agreements and the loosening of tariffs.

Under Pedraza’s watch, the national poverty rate has broken the 60% mark and shows no signs of improving. Compounding this economic misfortune, the inflation rate of the Venezuelan bolivar has remained within the range of 20% - 30% for the last decade; coupled with a climbing unemployment rate from 13% - 17%.

Put bluntly, these are incredibly bleak numbers that provide a plausible explanation as to the lack of public backlash surrounding the toppling of the former President. If the Supreme Junta can provide viable and timely measures to address these issues, they will quickly establish a bedrock of national support.

One of the first dictates of the Supreme Junta was a widespread anti-corruption campaign. Intensely high levels of corruption have been a serious issue plaguing all facets of society for decades.

To that end, the Supreme Junta has instituted a comprehensive crackdown in all arenas in an attempt to weed out existing violators and dissuade future temptation.

Minor infractions are typically punished with firings, seizure of requisite assets, and light prison sentences as applicable. Major infractions carry stiffer penalties of life imprisonment and total civil forfeiture. For particularly egregious cases, the death penalty has been authorized to draw a clear line in the sand. These measures have drawn international outcry, which has been stonily ignored.

>>5576188

In terms of production, petroleum alone accounts for more than 85% of total Venezuelan exports. The remaining exports typically include acyclic alcohols, iron reductions, gold, crustaceans, and hard liquor. In regards to exports, their primary trading partners (by order of volume) are the United States, China, India, Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil.

Venezuelan imports are largely centered around electronics, refined petroleum, rice, corn, wheat, livestock, and base metals. In regards to imports, their primary trading partners (by order of volume) are the United States, China, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico.

Major occupations within Venezuela are focused on the oil, food processing, construction materials, textiles, mining, steel, and tourism industries. Despite the fact that agriculture employs about 10% of the labor force and over 25% of Venezuela’s land, it only accounts for about 3% of total GDP. The Supreme Junta have enacted a robust rural mechanization and land-grant program in an attempt to develop a self-sufficient food supply that reduces the need for foreign imports.

Effective immediately after the Supreme Junta seized power, key sectors of industry deemed relevant to national defense were nationalized. This includes (but is certainly not limited to) oil fields, refinement facilities, shipyards, factories, mines, and other valuable pieces of previously private-owned infrastructure. Many of these interests were wholly-owned subsidiaries of overseas companies, who have since petitioned the Supreme Junta in the hopes of receiving compensation for their properties.

Each and every one has been pointedly informed that “they have profited from Venezuela long enough” and that “decades of unchecked greed are payment enough.” Ever since, the Supreme Junta has made no effort to shed their command economy, and is instead shifting away from the free-market model entirely. Furthermore, global energy prices have skyrocketed after the Supreme Junta made the controversial decision to greatly lower their oil exports to both replenish the national stockpile and punish foreign interests. Predictions indicate that further protectionist measures are sure to come, with the overall goal being an entirely self-reliant, autarkic state.

>>5576190

Security Situation

The Supreme Junta has made it clear through various legal and diplomatic channels that foreign interference of any stripe into Venezuelan affairs will be met with strict diplomatic, economic, and (if necessary) military retaliation.

After purging disloyal officers from the previous regime, the Supreme Junta has reintegrated the bulk of the enlisted and non-commissioned forces after swearing them to new oaths. To bolster their nascent security forces, the Supreme Junta has also issued wide-reaching pardons to former communist guerrillas and ex-cartel hitmen, in exchange for a long period of military service.

There are already concerns that Venezuela could evolve into a haven state for mercenaries, smugglers, and other threats to global peace and security; especially now that they have dissolved all previous extradition treaties.

Considering the fact that the Supreme Junta is taking active measures to insulate themselves from political and economic repercussions via their autarkic economic plans, it’s reasonable to assume that short of internal rebellion or armed takeover, international pressure will have little impact.
Political Situation

At the suggestion of the JLA, the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have held a vote to discuss a binding resolution compelling the Supreme Junta to accede to the following major points:
- Turn Pedraza and other political prisoners over to the International Criminal Court for trial
- Hold free and JLA-monitored democratic elections within nine months
- Cease the nationalization programs and compensate the entities impacted
- Pursue a program of military disarmament adherent to the strictures laid down by the United Nations Disarmament Commission

This resolution received support from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States; yet was defeated after the Russian Federation and China vetoed the measure, jointly denouncing it as “wanton interference in the sovereign affairs of a capable nation.”

Upon learning of the failed resolution, the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a statement decrying “the heavy-handed and self-centered attempts to strip the Venezuelan people of dignity and autonomy.” The minister went on to bluntly question why the international community was so interested in the internal affairs of Venezuela at present, and not during the previous decades of repression.

>>5576192

Reading between the lines, the leaders of the Supreme Junta believe that the United States and other Western powers provided covert military support to Manuel Pedraza in a ploy to prop up his government in exchange for favorable access to oil and other natural resources. Given these suspicions, they are heavily disinclined to build inroads with the West, and will likely extend overtures to pariah states and other natural allies.

The Russian Federation and China likely view this regime change as an unprecedented opportunity to counter the influence of the United States and strengthen economic and military ties in the region.

Given the controversy of the oil supply, they stand to greatly profit if they can establish cohesive agreements with the Supreme Junta.


------------------
Personal Notes (REDACTED FROM OFFICIAL REPORT)

Another flashpoint, and another ceaseless argument.

The interventionists point to the results and claim that it’s proof that we should’ve acted sooner. That if the League had taken a firmer stance and involved itself, we could’ve prevented any of the bloodshed from happening.

Their detractors point at the results and claim that it’s proof that we did the right thing. That if we had driven blindly into a divided nation, we would’ve just encouraged further strife and instability.

At its core, the League was not designed for this. We were established to counter threats that no one else was equipped to handle.

“The Earth’s first line of defense against threats too large for humanity to face alone.”

But insurgencies, nation-building, international politics? How can we be expected to tackle every issue, everywhere, all at once?

The others share my worries, but not to the same extent. Things are changing faster than we can adapt, and I’m certain that we’re overlooking something important.

The more things that fall through the cracks, the shakier the foundation becomes.

FIN

Let me know what ya think, took me ages to finally get this one in a workable state.

Definitely not the most riveting material I've written, but I have a soft spot for these kind of reports.

Hope you enjoyed!

>>5576198
Really nice Axie.

Did you post two times or you copy paste the same post?

>>5576210

I flubbed the formatting on one of em, just refresh and the old one should be gone.

>>5576198
Yeah, this shit's good Axis. I've imagined that if somehow Venezuela IRL could topple the regime this would likely to happen.

But more in terms of a Interlude about the international politics inside a quest inspired in the DC Comics I really liked it. The pace is good and the way to run down the effects and responses of the public are interesting.

And also: NO MENTION OF OUR BOY TANGO, LET'S FUCKING GOOOO

That means our message didn't make it out of Venezuela, and unless some Venezuelan recorded it and put it in the internet we're good for the moment. We can still make our stuff before the JL get the footage and try to seek for Tango.

>>5576197
Its good
Sounds like an official report
Also sounds like if we balkanize mexico or another large country like brazil we could keep the JLA busy but unable to do anything

>>5576198
I think it's pretty great, getting info on Venezuela's actions post-Tango is interesting. They're really living up to their ideals and promises. The UN is a shit, as always. Honestly at this point I wouldn't be surprised if the Venezuelan elections pull exclusively from the military. I mean, the West and 'western ideals' effectively fucked them over, so universal democracy might not be too popular. Maybe.

And the Justicd League's cope and seethe over the issue is great. Keeping them stressed and a bit busy helps us out in the long run.

Overall, amazing work as always Axis.

So what's the next south american nation we should assist? We could always hunt for mecha Hitler in Argentina.

>>5576222
>And also: NO MENTION OF OUR BOY TANGO, LET'S FUCKING GOOOO

>Batman distrust of the space station's venezuelan maid

>>5576250
>So what's the next south american nation we should assist? We could always hunt for mecha Hitler in Argentina.

As a uruguayan I have to tell you that fixing argentina is like try to clean grease with your hands and cold water, everything turns out worse and you end up all sticky.

Mecha Hitler is in Tierra de fuego though, all tech there.

>>5576250
Brazil or (If we're counting states a bit north) Mexico could work. If we were to run down there in that way again, they'd be great targets due to their own problems and trade with the US. Less money for Uncle Sam = decreased funding for shadowrunning.

>>5576250>>5576268>>5576288
There IS a nazi occult book in Brazil that we could nab for our next artifact hunt

>>5576288
Dont know which country is worst with dark magic. In Mexico you have them on the street, but in Brazil they can get realy nasty about that.

>>5576306
>There IS a nazi occult book in Brazil that we could nab for our next artifact hunt
Yo... That sounds good.

>>5576312
>Dont know which country is worst with dark magic. In Mexico you have them on the street, but in Brazil they can get realy nasty about that.
From some time already there has been cults and magic stuff like Yoruba witchcraft, I know this because i'm Venezuelan and from some years ago that religion had a big boom around the country, and maybe that's the same on other Latinamerican countries.

Those that I do know is that there's a cult and worship of La Santa Muerte in Mexico, so if we run against the Cartel, surely we will see some necromantic bullshit or stronger Hexes than the ones we do or what we even know.

>>5576306
to be fair theres an utter metric shitload of nazi's and former nazi's in brazil.

>>5576190
>Hahahaha look at them importing the very agricultural foods they produce. Capitalism and exploitation ho!

Something about presenting a dry academic/journalistic report and then adding personal notes at the end to highlight how the author “really” thinks always tickles me. I enjoyed it, Axie.

Yeah, the League is basically a paramilitary in itself. I’m not surprised stuff like this isn’t something it has the procedures to effectively cope with.

Fun fact, by the way.

I was looking for a good title as to the new Venezuelan government that sounded kinda comic-book like but still grounded in reality.

As usual, history does the heavy lifting for me: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Junta

>>5576343
Apparently we're doomed to repeat history whether we know it or not. Dang ol history mang.

>>5576337
>Those that I do know is that there's a cult and worship of La Santa Muerte in Mexico, so if we run against the Cartel, surely we will see some necromantic bullshit or stronger Hexes than the ones we do or what we even know.

I still remember one documentary about the soldiers and thugs of Pablo Escobar and how they all were neck-deep in rituals, sacrifices and dark shit.

One militar guy talked to the camara about how he shoot them and the bullets bounced of their skin or just pass through without harming them.

>>5576343
>As usual, history does the heavy lifting for me

History is really full of moments that if where writen as a book people will think its some fantasy

>>5576197
I can't wait to break the whole charade once we give Jack his Final Sendoff.

>>5577214
Or
We could be the next gentleman ghost
Helping out other henchmen

>>5577216
We are doing both.

>>5576192
>There are already concerns that Venezuela could evolve into a haven state for mercenaries, smugglers, and other threats
Batman will be frothing at the mouth when he inevitably finds out that this already happened when he was writing the report, kek
I only wish Sean get's to see it in person

>>5577265
>Batman: You call this fixing a country?
>Tango: I am pleased with the result of my crusade, can you say the same about gotham?

>>5577310
>Batman: Crminals run amuck in the streets
>Tango: And yet they behave and function among the people, the citizens are unafraid
>Batman, there is death everywhere, your mad!
>Tango, and yet its only the criminals that cross the line to die. Its a very pleasant place actually, and when someone innocent is hurt, people can get vengeance and just equally.

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>>5577574
Got some real Armstrong energy

>>5577680
The only thing he did wrong was shake hands with a twink after all.

>>5577574
>Batman: But, but... This is wrong!
>Tango: Fucking grow up, Batman. The previous goverment got the whole country in ruins, only the military and people with conections with the goverment had good quality of life and the goverment used whole bands of criminals and prisoners to subdue the people that protested or tried to fight. This is a 100 times better now than before where last cop in a little town was corrupt. If anything, most countries in South America are country-sized Gotham.

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>>5577680
>>5577733
We have suffer many hardships, pain and now dark forces from all around the world, and beyond want to break our body and spirit, but that will be always better that living without the freedom to chase our dreams.

>>5576198
Great stuff Axis.
Really nice to see the league interacting with the politics of the world

>Fix a corrupt country
>Crime is likely going to be a small issue

Did we (and the Supreme Junta) just mog the shit out of Batman?

>>5577834
You know, it would be kinda funny if we killed all Batman's enemies for him. Leave him nothing to do. It'd just be a little bit of trolling.

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>>5578046
>Did we (and the Supreme Junta) just mog the shit out of Batman?

>>5578049
Dude literally can't survive without work. Depending on canon he broke down at the prospect of being happy. Guy needs a war to function. If we got rid of his villains he would just focus solely on us until more crop up.

>>5578148
This could be a good business opportunity
Batmans carer project dealing with street crime and isolating him to one location focusing on fighting multiple villains while the real supervillains work in peace
If we give him what he needs but not what he wants, fighting the justice league would be a lot easier

>>5578148
>"It was ME Batman. I cleaned up your city so it would seem like you're a maniac with a bunch of psycho criminal colleagues!"
Honestly he's lucky that there isn't a single judge in Gotham who understands that the mentally ill CAN be given the death penalty.

>>5578155
>Call all villains that can are not too retard or crazy
>Convince them of working "together", so they all organized to fight Batman one by one.
>They can do whatever they want, but once every two months one of them have to stir shit up in Gotham for a week in the way they can or want.
>Who get the Batweek turn will be random, maybe through a machine that gives a name. The unlucky dude get a week to plan how win the attention of Batman.