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To: Shimabuku
Subject: Re: Nice to meet you!

>Yo, Chen! Guess you could say you really have met me, huh? Ah, try to keep it a secret, okay?
[X]Why not tell Luna? And how did you two meet, anyway?

Well I started playing when I first made it big, ya know? Suddenly people were running up to me and calling me yonchoobin-nim and shit like that just because I could sing a little and looked good with my shirt off. So I get online in 'The World' and in the first area I get into there is this crazy chick standing by the ocean screamin something at it. I go over there, figurin I could try some of the idol charm, if your gunna play may as well be with cute chicks, right? So I decide to walk up to her and say 'Hey, I am new at this game. Could you show me the controls?' Or something like that and I guess I surprise her cuz she falls off into the ocean. I start panicking and she suddenly starts calling me classless and shit, you know how she roleplays? It seemed like fun so I went along with it and here I am. I don't want her to know because, well, I'm Shimabuku, not yonchoobin! I would hate for that shit to get in the way.

[] First time roleplaying?
[] Why Shimabuku?
[] Other, please specify

To: Durga
Subject Re: What are your dreams?

>My dreams, huh? I guess I would like to solve this case.
[X]Longer term than that.

Longer term? Hell, I dunno. Buy a house? Raise a family?

[] Surprisingly domestic?
[] Something fun?
[] Other, please specify

To: Vividor
Subject Re: How are you?
>I am, how you say, steamy.
[X]Does that extend to the mental/emotional fronts as well?

No, emotionally I am sexy, physically I am hot and steamy, no?

EMAIL CHAIN END
(2/3?)

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You are Chen, the Macabre dancer, and you are currently fighting a narcoleptic dragon over a bag of coffee beans for reasons you can not even totally begin to explain. You cast buffs on your allies, Luna Blackthorne and MANIA, and a debuff on the Dragon and quickly charge into the fray and as MANIA performs cunning flips and spins around the Dragon's lazy claws you actually start to feel a bit bad for the dragon. Here is a dragon who just wanted to not fall asleep at random times, and just so happened to be used in an evil grunties schemes. Your sympathy lasts for a solid twelve seconds before the dragon's tail catches you in the side and sends you sprawling into a tree. As small Chim chims fall on your head and scurry around your ankles you open your fans and start chain casting attack spells, your equipment making your cool down time almost nothing. You throw stone spear after wind storm after flame blast. As your MP reaches 0 the dragon falls over, dead. You stroll over to the fallen body and grab the coffee beans before searching the body.

You find!

NeVEr SlEEP agAIn! Armor ***** Anti-Sleep, Anti-Paralyze, Anti-Slow
ZEUS RUNE
300k
COFFEE BUFF (All guild mates may act as though under a speed charm at all times. Base Movement doubled)

You take your coffee beans back to your guild hall.

You enter your guild hall and see Lotus working on something while glancing at the fallen Trap Grunty. You make your way over to the coffee machine and prepare a cup before taking it over to the trap grunty as AIDA grunty dances around. You pour the liquid Spiritus Vitae into the grunties mouth and it quickly revives! "I-I'm alive!" he shouts grabbing the cup of coffee and taking another sip. "Thanks Chen, your alright, for a guy. Keep on bringing these fine women to the guild hall and you will be a great guildmaster!" he explains.

"Hey Chen, mind if I ask you something?" Lotus asks as you get a tap on your shoulder in the real world, likely Haruko wanting to talk to you.
(3/4)

Wat do?
[]Talk to Lotus
[]Talk to haruko
[]Go do quest with Luna
[]Talk to MANIA
[]Talk to grunties.
[]Other, please specify
(4/4)

>>24707400
"Not at all, but could it wait until later? Something really important just came up."

Then log off and talk to Haruko.

>>24707411

[x]Talk to Haruko.

>Lotus
One moment, Lotus, I need to go AFK for a moment.

>Haruko

"Hi Haruko, what's up?"

We can hold off on mentioning the guild until she's done telling us whatever. Unless she's talking to us about the guild.

>>24707528
If it is about the guild, I think we have a pretty good excuse for forming it.

Hamelin, who appears to be the person CC Corp hired to manage this incident, is already on to Lotus and MANIA, so the advantages coming from being able to modify the guild hall outweighed the downsides of being seen, especially since we're not planning of inviting just anyone.

Also the reason we didn't wait for her was because we're not sure if Hamelin knows she and us are working together, like her cover might still be fully intact.

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"Not at all, but can you give me a second? I need to attend to something for a moment." You explain, trying to get back to your RP roots. Oh how you missed it terribly.

You mute your mic and look at Haruko standing over you holding a newspaper. "Hey Anon. They published the chiefs death I thought you might... I mean, I know you two had sort of a closeness but I didn't know if you wanted to, ah here." She hands you the paper and you nod.

"So anything happen while I was at the gym?" She asks as you look over the paper.

The article catches your eye for a moment, and your headache spikes before you read over it, the words cutting and breaking into you like cold ice. Your vision swims and you put your hand to your forehead as the world seems to charge forward towards you like you are about to pass out, and then just like that, it's over.
(1/2)

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You are still sitting in your room, holding the newspaper clipping. Was it a mirage? An illusion?

You look over the article again and it is normal, nothing overly strange about it.

Haruko is looking at you with some concern. "Hey Anon, you alright?" She asks kneeling beside you and looking into your eyes.

Wat say wat do?
[]I'm fine
[]I do not know
[]I am in a bad way
[]Other, please specify
(2/2)

>>24707662
Pfft.

Like Haruko wants anything to do with the other players, especially ones infected by AIDA or Epitaphs.

>>24707684
[x]I do not know
[x]Other, please specify

Just incase Haruko is up to something we should tell her that no matter what we'll trust her decisions or something along those lines maybe? Since the chief survived by his grandson and wife we could go visit them

>>24707684
>[x] I do not know.

I'm gonna level with you, Haruko: I don't know. Most of the time I feel like my usual self, but other times I get these spikes where I act a lot more impulsive and reckless than I usually do. Sometimes... I see things. Things that are probably playing off of my deepest fears, regrets, and flaws as a person.

I know that I've been one hell of a shitty partner since I got on this case, and I'm sorry for that. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, I trust you and whatever decisions that you want to make.

>>24707684
>>24707684
"Well you remember when I had that chat with Snark?
You could only hear half of it, so I'm not sure how much you could piece together, but the long and short of it is that Snark seems to claim that he's a purely digital entity, only capable of interacting with me when I'm playing the game.

And yet nonetheless, ever since I was in that coma, things have been getting weirder and weirder for me.

I'm really not sure what to do."

"I'm gonna level with you, Haruko: I don't know. Most of the time I feel like my usual self, but other times I get these spikes where I act a lot more impulsive and reckless than I usually do. Sometimes... I see things. Things that are probably playing off of my deepest fears, regrets, and flaws as a person. I know that I've been one hell of a shitty partner since I got on this case, and I'm sorry for that. But I want you to know that no matter what happens, I trust you and whatever decisions that you want to make." You explain.

"Is it Snark?" She asks making you shake your head.

"Snark seems to claim that he's a purely digital entity, only capable of interacting with me when I'm playing the game. And yet nonetheless, ever since I was in that coma, things have been getting weirder and weirder for me." You tell her making her think.

"Wanna quit the game?" She asks making you quickly shake your head.

"We are int he middle of something here, something I can't back out of. If I pull out now all the gains I have made, all the trials I went through, will be rendered moot." You tell her.

"Okay, I understand. If you start feeling yourself slipping or what ever, just talk to me. I will kick your ass out of it." She smiles before sitting down on your sofa. "So, what else is new?"

[]Tell her about the guild
[]Tell her about Kite
[]Tell her about Hamelin
[]Tell her you have a grunty
[]Other, please specify

>>24708672
>[x]Other, please specify
-Tell her about everything!

The grunty would be the most important thing to tell her about though

>>24708672
[X]Tell her about the guild
[X]Tell her about Kite
[X]Tell her about Hamelin
[X]Tell her you have a grunty
[X]Tell her about the hallucinated article

Sorry for the delay, a dinner happened.

>>24708672

>[x]Tell her about Kite.
>[x]Tell her about Hamelin.
>[x] Tell her about the guild.

As it turns out, our online hooker has an Epitaph, and Hamelin knew about it. We managed to evade him and warp to Hulle Granz cathedral, where we met this horrible stitched-together zombie boy man thing wearing orange and dual-wielding tri-pronged swords. Oh, he was also shrouded in azure flames, and wanted to kick both me and MANIA's asses something fierce. We ran away from the cathedral again after attacking him to little effect... it's kind of odd. He didn't pursue us to finish the job or anything, more like he just didn't want me or MANIA inside of the cathedral.

Anyhow, we warped back to town, found out that Hamelin is a huge dick and is probably working for CC-corp; apparently, he was tasked to observe me for whatever reason, but got pissed off enough so that he's now going to try to destroy me despite his orders. I think he might not be one of CC-corp's flunkies, but maybe an independent contractor of sorts? Oh yeah, and CC-corp is trying to create sapient AIs, but so far is failing horribly at it and might want AIDA and maybe the Epitaphs to help them out in that department.

Then he logged out, I created a guild called bugging and hacking. I also killed a coffee dragon.

>>24708820

Oops, meant to say that the guild was named "Eclipse", and was fortified against bugging and hacking by Snark.

>>24708672
>Hamelin
I learned some more about this guy and what CC Corp is up to. He sicced those goons on me at the playground, but I think he might have done something to them first. He called them "sniffer dogs" and said they were experiments.

Apparently they were designed to track me, so that girl just was in the worst place at the worst time.

Also I'm not sure if I forgot to tell you this or not, but when I went to the training ground looking for the documents the chief left, one of the henchmen who was already searching the place referred to Hamelin as a superior.

...Not sure why he wouldn't use Hamelin's real name.

>>24708903

He used Hamelin as a threat against the other henchmen's incompetence. Like if they failed, they'd be turned over to Hamelin for experimentation.

That might imply that Hamelin might not really exist in the physical world or an individual entity, or that his/her identity is secret for whatever reason.

"As it turns out, our online hooker has an Epitaph, and Hamelin knew about it. We managed to evade him and warp to Hulle Granz cathedral, where we met this horrible stitched-together zombie boy man thing wearing orange and dual-wielding tri-pronged swords. Oh, he was also shrouded in azure flames, and wanted to kick both me and MANIA's asses something fierce. We ran away from the cathedral again after attacking him to little effect... it's kind of odd. He didn't pursue us to finish the job or anything, more like he just didn't want me or MANIA inside of the cathedral.

Anyhow, we warped back to town, found out that Hamelin is a huge dick and is probably working for CC-corp; apparently, he was tasked to observe me for whatever reason, but got pissed off enough so that he's now going to try to destroy me despite his orders. I think he might not be one of CC-corp's flunkies, but maybe an independent contractor of sorts? Oh yeah, and CC-corp is trying to create sentient AIs, but so far is failing horribly at it and might want AIDA and maybe the Epitaphs to help them out in that department.
(1/2)

>>24708820
With Kite we should mention that we heard about him from Vividor from our laughably-transparent "rumors" thread.

He mentioned a dude covered in blue fire that matched the description of 'Kite', fighting someone with black dots.

Then he logged out, I created a guild called Eclipse which is fortified against bugging and hacking by Snark, and is off CC Corps radar. I also killed a coffee dragon. The guild has two grunties, one supposed to be me and the other Snark. Then you came back and I hallucinated an article which was excessively judgmental and now we are here." You explain counting off the major points on your fingers. "Yeah, that is about it." You nod making your partner think.

"Hamelin again?" She asks with a frown making you jump.

"Oh yeah.I learned some more about this guy and what CC Corp is up to. He sicced those goons on me at the playground, but I think he might have done something to them first. He called them "sniffer dogs" and said they were experiments. Apparently they were designed to track me, so that girl just was in the worst place at the worst time. Also I'm not sure if I forgot to tell you this or not, but when I went to the training ground looking for the documents the chief left, one of the henchmen who was already searching the place referred to Hamelin as a superior. ...Not sure why he wouldn't use Hamelin's real name. Now you are totally caught up." You explain nodding satisfied.

"Okay, so you made a guild. I guess for epitaph users and AIDA users to be a part of?" She asks to which you nod. She thinks this over for a few seconds before continuing. "I think that is is a bit hasty, but a sound plan all around. Okay Anon, drop me an invite." She tells you putting her M2D on.

You do the same and see you are still standing in the guild hall. MANIA is squaring off against AIDA grunty while Lotus and Luna seem to be in conversation.

Online: Durga, MANIA, Lotus, Luna, Shimabuku, Vividor.

Wat do?
[]What are you doing MANIA?
[]Invite Durga to guild
[]Invite Shimabuku to guild
[]Invite Vividor to guild
[]Talk to Lotus
[]Talk to Luna
[]Other, please specify
(2/2)

>>24708984
First off
[X]Invite Durga to guild
[X]Invite Shimabuku to guild

Then
[X]What are you doing MANIA?

Finally
[X]Talk to Lotus ("So what were you going to talk to me about?")

>>24708984
Invite her to the guild.

Invite Shimabuku as well, since he also is AIDA-positive.

Leave Vividor out of it for now.

Also ask MANIA what she's doing.

>>24709021
I think it was Luna who wanted to talk to us.

>>24709061
Nope, it was Lotus. May as well talk to them both since they're right there, though.

>>24709101
Oh right, my bad.

...I'm starting to think we may have made a misstep when we invited Luna to join, we didn't clue her in to what's been going on yet, did we?

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You send out two invites and then turn to the most pressing issue at hand. "What are you doing to AIDA Grunty?" You ask causing MANIA to glance at you.

"Ah, Chen. This thing is quite annoying. It is like a twelve year old with poor manners." She explains making AIDA grunty laugh.

"Heh, a twelve year old with phenomenal cosmic powers. Bow to me, ape, heh!" He laughs clearly enjoying himself.

"Arguing with a child is pointless." She huffs before turning away.

"The only people who say that after getting into an argument with a child are the ones who lost, heh!" He continues making her well trimmed eyebrow twitch.

"I do not think I like this creature." She explains picking up Trap Grunty and sitting down, letting the grunty sip his coffee on her lap.

You turn to the talking girls and wave. "Sorry about that, what did you want to talk about Lotus?" You ask.

"Chen, I was curious about how you felt about participating in the guild warfare system. It is not really related to our... objective but I have been contacted regarding participation due to my status as an arena rankers guild. If you would like, we could perhaps perform some joint battles, I believe they give excellent equipment, and it is a good way to strengthen relations with other guilds" She explains as Shimabuku kicks open the door and performs a slide into the room.

"Yo! Chen! Luna! Scary crazy lady! Ice queen lady! Small pig creatures! Coffee machine!" He gives his greetings in turn. "Finally Shimabuku is freed from existential hell for a while! What's goin on?" He asks.

Wat do?
[]Talk to Shimabuku(Bout wat?)
[]Talk to MANIA
[]Agree to lotus' idea.
[]Tell her you need some time to think on it
[]Talk to Lotus(Bout wat?)
[]Other, please specify

>>24709245
>Lotus
I'll need some time to think about it, but what you said reminded me of something I've been meaning to ask. If I'm the current 'Demon Emperor', does that mean I need to defend my title, as Raum did in the past?

>>24709245
>[x]Agree to lotus' idea.

Didn't we get the member address of the guy who gave us the information on the prostitute? Is he online? He might not be suited to joining the guild but we can play some with the dude

>>24709245
>Shimabuku

Not much, hired an e-prostitute, got scared off by kid that was on fire, and pissed off the pied piper so much that he vowed to destroy me.

You know, the usual.

>>24709351
Also, since we were a team, are you the 'Demon Empress' as well?

>>24709351
>>24709395
1 for 1 against

Let's go with it we need to meet some more guilds anyway.

>>24709395
>[x]Agree to Lotus' idea.

We're going to be facing people in-game who are real powerful. While playing it safe with the other guilds is a given, getting those rare items and the PvP experience could literally save Chen and his friends' lives.

>>24709441
It might be a good way to flush out more AIDA/Epitaph users, so I guess we could give it a try, as long as it's not a huge time commitment.

>>24709396
This.

Also...Eh sure why not. Depends on how much of a commitment it is - if its not that bad then it'd be a great way to meet new people, and the more people we meet the more likely we are to either make important contacts or find AIDA/Epitaph users.

You think deeply about it for a moment. "Sure, we need to meet more guilds anyway. When does it start?" You ask causing her to sigh a little in relief.

"I do not believe the organized guild contests will start soon, but it is always good to be ready." She explains.

"Oh, I have a question. Since I am the Demon Emperor does that mean I have to defend my title like Raum did? And doesn't that make you Demon Empress as well?" You ask causing her to nod.

"Yes, you will have to defend the title as long as you hold it during select circumstances, like during palace tournaments. Otherwise it is up to us who we choose to accept challenges from." She explains.

You thank her then turn to Shimabuku. "Not much, hired an e-prostitute, got scared off by kid that was on fire, and pissed off the pied piper so much that he vowed to destroy me. You know, the usual." You explain making him nod knowingly.

"Yeah, we've all had those days. So you going to do something? Anything? I have a few hours until a scary demon comes to drag me back to hell." He smiles.

At that time Durga walks in. "Oh, hey everyone, been a while." She gives a casual wave, her muscular cat girl looking more scarred than before.

"Yo muscly cat-girl!" he raises his hand in response.

Your guild now has 6 members.

Wat do wat say?
[]Fill Luna in on AIDA and epitaphs, she is a roleplayer, it should be fine.
[]Do another guild quest
[]Call up Snark
[]Talk to someone(Who?)
[]Other, please specify

CURRENT PARTY: Chen, Luna, MANIA

>>24709639
Ask Snark if he can maybe 'assume direct control' over one of the grunties, and effectively talk through them?

It'd be nice if Haruko had a chance to talk to him without risking infection.

>>24709639
[]Call up Snark

I don't know how useful it may be but Snark infecting some npcs and putting them behind portals to our guild hall incase of emergencies might be good.

>>24709639
Maybe do another guild quest with Durga and Shimabuku?

Since our guild-mates seem like they're sticking around, it seems important that Haruko get along with them, and he seems like a good place to start.

>>24709694
>>24709716

Seconding these.

Also: Ask the Grunty if there are any guild quests that involve more than 3 people, competitive or otherwise. I kinda want to group with Durga and Shimabuku, but also want to catch up with Luna since it's been a while. If there was a multi-group quest, then that could be a good team-building exercise and also allow everyone to be a part of something at the same time.

>>24709763
While I do agree that we should hang with Luna more, I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to clue her in to what's really going on just yet.

>>24709803

Hmm. Should probably talk about that with Lotus/Durga/Shima/Snark/MANIA first, I guess. Still, a multi-group quest could be pretty fun... although that many Epitaphs and AIDAs in one place is sure to attract attention from something big.

You send out a mental Command and with a snap Snark appears. "Yo, Chen. What's up?" He asks.

"Could you maybe take control of NPCs and station them around the portals to the guild? I would rather not have any surprises. Also, do you think you could talk to Haruko through an NPC?" You ask making him scratch his head.

"Maybe? I can probably infect some NPCs to have them do what I want using some sort of AIDA seed, but as for direct communication... sorry, I don't think that's possible. At least not until I get more go juice." He explains making you nod.

You then decide to talk to the grunty who seems quite content to sit on MANIA's lap and sip his coffee. "Yo, Chen. Got to say, this is quite comfortable, what do you want?" He asks before taking a sip.

"Are there any quests all of us could take?" You ask making him tilt his head and stare at you.

"Yeah, one I think. It is pretty tough though." He takes a sip from his coffee before you hear AIDA snark come up behind you.

"Heh, don't listen to that boring womanizer. I got one for ya, that all of you can help with! Heh." He smiles at you from under his hood.

"Ah, come on Chen, don't take his quest. Here, mine will offer you an aesthetic customization menu, how about that?" He offers making AIDA Grunty scoff.

"Tell ya what Chen, I will give you a mess of rare items if ya help me out. Come on, I'm on your side you know, heh." He laughs.

Seems you have a choice.
[]Aida Grunty
[]Trap Grunty
[]Ask the other's their opinions
[]Other, please specify

>>24710061
[x]Ask the other's their opinions

Can we do both at different times or is it only for now?

>>24710061
Rare items, our one true weakness. I vote Aida grunty.

>>24710106
Only now

>>24710061
>[x]Ask the other's their opinions

Do you guys want to look fabulous as I do, or would you rather collect godly items?

>[x]Other: private message to: MANIA, Durga, Lotus, Shimabuku, Snark.

You guys think we should let Lotus in on the whole AIDA/Epitaph thing? We might be able to dress it up as RP stuff, but that might just piss her off in a huge way when the truth gets out.

You decide there is no harm is asking the others their opinions.

"I do not trust this AIDA grunty. I say Trap." Luna offers.

"I agree with Luna." Durga adds.

"I see no harm in trying for rare items. I say AIDA" Lotus indicates.

"Go for rare items. Look at the little guy Chen? How can you leave him like that." Shimabuku states.

"No opinion." MANIA adds seeming content.

Well now what?

>>24710255
[X] You guys all suck.

>>24710255
Aesthetic Customization Menu?

How can I say no to that?

Especially since 'rare' doesn't always mean 'good'. As evidenced by the Maid and Bunny outfits.

>[x]Trap Grunty

We can get rare items any time we like by doing other things. Aesthetic customization we probably won't get a chance for again.

>>24710255
>[] Go for the Rare Items.

We might get Kite's Hat, Shugo's Hat, and Sakuya's Hat.

>>24710255

Well, this is outrageous! I suppose we'll just have to re-count all of the ballots until we get to the bottom of this deadlock.

>[x] Trap Grunty

Powerful items come and go, but customizing appearances scales throughout all levels!

>>24710309
Speaking of the bunny outfit, since Durga won't wear it for us we could ask her to give it to MANIA

>>24710399
Maybe.

Plus that was really inappropriate for us to ask her to wear it.

I mean she's -already- a cat, she can't also be a bunny as well.

That's just silly.

>>24710399
Yeah, no. Screw that.

We're using it during the next Demon Emperor match.

You decide to go for Trap grunty.

"Heh, your loss. These one of a kind items are going someplace else then." AIDA Grunty chuckles before turning and leaving.

"Huh? Oh, okay. The quest for a group of six is 'Stop the Life eaters'" He explains while looking through the guild book.

"At delta Helpful Berserker's Sunday Drive there is a group of monsters called the 'life eaters'. I need you to go clear them out and take out their big boss before anything bad happens." He explains.

You have the area word, now you need to decide on group formation.

Team 1:

Team 2:

Unassigned: MANIA, Shimabuku, Luna, Lotus, Chen, Durga

>>24710444
Why not use the maid outfit and partner with MANIA in the bunny outfit?

How does the matches for Demon Emperor work anyway? We can accept challenges as we please but how do we check for them?

>>24710512
Team 1: Chen, Luna, Durga
Team 2: Shimabuku, Lotus, MANIA.

Inform MANIA to be a team player, otherwise she won't get to hold Trap Grunty anymore.

>>24710512
Hm, it would probably be a good idea to have one Tribal Grappler per team right?

Team 1: Chen, Durga, Shimabuku

Team 2: Lotus, Luna, MANIA

>>24710541
You will get an email

>>24710512
Maybe
Chen, Durga, Lotus since Lotus has been helpful on the investigative front.

And Shimabuku, Luna, and MANIA.

>>24710570

Seconding this team. Gotta grind those social links!

Plus, Luna/Durga will offer absurd knockdown capabilities.

>>24710570
This seems pretty decent for team formation

>>24710570
Yeah that sounds good.

Should we send Durga a PM about Luna being a vampire roleplayer, and tell her that it's harmless?

>>24710761

Yes. Plus, we should also say that Durga should stay in-character at all times.

>>24710803
I wouldn't go that far, just maybe ask her to generally be cool, we all have our quirks.

You decide the formation will be as follows.

Team 1: Chen, Luna, Durga

Team 2: Shimabuku, Lotus, MANIA.

You look over to MANIA. "Behave or you can't hold Trap Grunty anymore." You tell her making her raise a brow at you.

"Do you think me your daughter, Chen? That I am six and you can scold me and send me to my room without super? Or perhaps you are subscribing to the thought that women are juvenile in order to be cute? Should I call you onii-chan and protest my secret love of cute things in order to satisfy you?" She asks before tossing the Grunty aside and walking over to her team.

Did you just make her mad?

You take your team to the area and find it is a dungeon with a forking path right from the start.

Do you go left or right?

Also who to talk to and about what during adventure?

Also, please roll 2d100s. I will take best of first three as normal.

Rolled 49, 42 = 91

>>24710956
Left
Talk to Lotus about her investigations in the real world, private message of course

>>24711069
>>24710761
>>24710803
>>24710908

So you want to... form a party with Durga and Luna and not talk to them. And send a PM to Durga about Luna being a vampire roleplayer when she is in the room with you?

Rolled 16, 56 = 72

>>24710956

Team 1 will go left, Team 2 will go right.

>Luna
Introduce her to Durga, and likewise. Just get them to talking with each other, see how they jive up.

"Lady Luna, this is my friend, Durga. She's a close friend of mine, and has recently started to seek her fortunes in the fields."

>Durga

"Durga, this is Lady Luna. She has sadly passed on from this mortal coil, but finds that not having a pulse offers a unique viewpoint on life."

>PMs

For PMs, ask Durga and Lotus about their investigations. Also ask them about their opinion on whether letting Luna know about AIDA/Epitaphs would be a good idea.

>>24711145
Dropped my trip in other thread

>>24711158

Well, we were going to do that before the party was formed so that she'd get some inkling as to how Luna likes to play. It's kinda weird if it happens now.

Also, if we need other discussion topics, we could ask them about what they want this guild to be about. Like if we should be competitive, or just laid-back, or go an explore a lot of dungeons and really see the depths of The World.

>>24711183
Understood

>>24711069
>>24711156
One more 2d100 roll please

Rolled 53, 96 = 149

>>24711292

>>24711222
Sounds like a good idea

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You decide to take the left hand path with your company.

"Durga, this is Luna. Luna, Durga." You start the introductions off simply.

"Uh, yo?" Durga offers before receiving a curtsy from Luna.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Durga. As Chen has stated I am Luna Blackthorne, a member of the undying race of vampires. I walk this twisted world never alive, nor dead, yet ever hungering for that which was lost to me." She explains making Durga glance at you before giving a weak smile in response.

While the three of you walk down the pathway you decide to try and start up conversation. "So what do you want the guild to be about? Should we be competitive, laid back, what?"

"I have no preference, Sir Chen. Though I must confess I would find having to navigate internal politics of two guilds to be tiring. Having one interconnected group of individuals constantly scheming and plotting on how to best stake me in the back is quite enough I think." She states as you start picking your way through the maze.

"Uh, the guild warfare seems cool? But I thought the guild was for, you know, other things." Durga frowns as you enter a chasm.

"Other things, Sir Durga?" Luna asks.

"N-Nothing." She quickly replies looking around.

You find the life eaters to be while humanoid gel monsters with several black eyes covering their being. They are not excessively difficult, though they are annoying, more so as all they seem to drop are healing items. With Durga and Luna at your front you are able to just let them mow people down while you keep up the healing.
(1/2).

After half an hour of near constant combat you find yourself in the depths of the dungeon. Sitting before you is a large white rock with tentacles protruding from its base. Surrounding it are several of the life eaters, and as you watch, another life eater crawls out of the rock. You are joined shortly by team 2.

"Yo, Chen! That wasn't so bad. Bit conversation light on my side though." He gives you a reassuring pat on the shoulder as Lotus takes your side. MANIA evidently opts to hang back.

How do you want to take on the giant tentacle rock?

Also, a round of 1d100 rolls. Best of first three as normal
(2/2)

>>24711651
Go over to Mania, and bring her up to the group. "Alright, we're all here. Can I heal/buff people in the other party? Because that might be important."

Rolled 9

>>24711651
Chance to fuck us all over, I wouldn't miss it.

>>24711651

Rolled 25

>>24711651
"Shimabuku take on the Giant tentacle monster by your self, the rest of us will fight off the life eaters. No don't look at me like that, now is the time to face your fears of dreaded tentacles. Don't worry we'll assist as needed."

>>24711651
Rollin

Rolled 87

>>24711651
I guess we hang in the back providing buffs/debuffs.

Luna and Shimabuku can push back the life eaters.

And Durga, MANIA, and Lotus can attack the main boss directly?

>>24711790
Dice should not be capitalized Anon

Rolled 10

DM ROLL

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>>24711790
How I feel right now...

>>24711834

Its ok AzureEarth, TGD happens to most posters and dms. I'm sure your final boss will roll nothing but 90+

You look over the group and decide on a plan. "Luna and Shimabuku, you should take care of the life eaters, MANIA, Durga, Lotus You attack the boss directly, I will maintain healing." You explain receiving a nod.

The group charges the boss, Shimabuku and Luna performing fantastic crowd control as the others rush the large rock. The group starts by chopping away at the tentacles and then slowly make their way inward. Durga manages to bisect a single lashing limb without much effort, while MANIA elects to simply dodge the flailing limbs and start hammering away at the rock. It is abundantly clear after a few minutes that your group may just be a bit over powered as the large mass starts to crack and shatter under your combined offensive. Suddenly the rock shatters like a broken egg, and sitting in the middle of the good is a small pearl.

YOU GET: COLOR CHANGING PEARL!

You make your way back to the guild house and present the item to Trap Grunty. "Oh wow, good work Ladies. And Chen plus the other guy too I guess. Let me just take this and..." He starts tinkering with something and then pulls out a small orb. "Presto! You can now change your character's item colors as well as hair, and personal detail's colors! Awesome right?" He asks before drinking his coffee.

Just then AIDA Grunty walks past carrying several empty jars of peanut butter, and a rubber band gun. "Heh, sure play pretty princess dress up all you want, heh.." He chuckles before sitting back down.

"Huh, so we can change colors now? That's... cool I guess?" Shimabuku shrugs.

"Shall we attempt another Sir Chen?" Luna asks.

Wat do?
[]Talk to someone(Who?)
[]Do a guild quest
[]Log off for a while
[]Other, please specify

>>24712149
Hm

What time is it currently?

>>24712149

What time is it in the real world? If it's getting pretty late, we may want to log off for a bit and take care of RL needs like food and stuff.

>>24712217
>>24712220

Late afternoon 4 or 5ish

>>24712149
If we do do a mission, consider partnering with Lotus and Durga.

That way we can discuss the case at the same time.

>>24712248

Check with the rest of the group. Do they have enough time and such to begin another group mission? If so, we might as well see if there's another available.

>>24712351
>>24712315
Any seconding?

>>24712351
2nd, wonder if we can get the epic lootz from Aida grunty

You decide to ask the group first. "So, anyone have enough time for another quest?" You ask.

"I'm always down for it Chen." Shimabuku laughs but MANIA shakes her head.

"No, I have grown bored of you Chen. You are boring." She states calmly before leaving the party and walking out the guild door.

"What was that about?" Durga asks after she is gone.

"Whose to say? That woman is rather difficult to understand, her moods even more so." Lotus shrugs in response.

Wat say wat do?
[]Invite someone Online: MANIA, Vividor, Lotus, Luna, Shimabuku, Durga
[]Form a 3 man team and press on.
[]Go after MANIA
[]Explore
[]Talk to(Who?)
[]Other, please specify

>>24712750
Ah, shit, we tried to micromanage too much.

>>24712750
>[]Go after MANIA

well lets ask her whats fun then. hopefully she has something in mind instead of just sulking.

>>24712750
Have everyone hold on and go after Mania. Make sure we didn't hurt her feelings.

Go after Mania.

>>24712750
>[x]Go after MANIA

Something's bothering her. We should go see what ticked her off so much.

>>24712750
Ugh, I guess we need to hunt her down.

Her insight has been useful thus far, also I'm afraid of what she considers interesting.

Rolled 88, 69, 81, 33, 33 = 304

IGNORE ME

>>24712750
[x]Go after MANIA

Is that Kagesanshi fellow just offline or have we forgot about him?

>>24712912
Offline

>>24712750
Can only the guild members lead missions?

Because if not, it might be a good way for Durga to get a measure of them.

Explain that we need to make sure MANIA doesn't revert to old habits.

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"That's probably going to bite me in the ass later. Hold on a second, I need to go after her." You tell the group before following out the door.

You manage to see her back as she goes through the warp portal. On a hunch you decide to try and guess where she would be and pick the chaos gateroom. You are warped there and see MANIA standing in front of the Chaos Gate, her path blocked by a group of familiar faces.

"Look baby girl. I'm not mad. Just come back to Kestral, you remember how much fun we had pking, right?" Deevon asks, his bangs somehow getting longer and now covering the tip of his nose too.

"Yeah MANIA Onee-chan! You can join our magical love crusade! With the power of love, we will free you from-" 'Magical-Girl Ruri-chan starts but is interrupted by her catgirl friend.

"Nyaaa, mimi-chan fell~" She complains after somehow tripping while holding still.

"Oh no, Mimi-chan! Mania! Was this your doing? You can't stand to see-" Ruri tries again but is interrupted by a resounding back-hand from MANIA.

"Oh, yeah, these scrubs. Don't worry about them MANIA, come on. Just become my girl, I'm sure the Kestral guildmaster will be cool with it." Deevon smiles.

MANIA pinches the bridge of her nose for a few seconds before replying. "I am in a bad mood Deevon. I dislike children, and I dislike being told what to do even more. Surprisingly enough I found several people today who have either treated me like one, forced me to deal with them, or seek to control my actions. Under normal circumstances I would simply tolerate annoyances such as you and your companions, however not today. I am not in the mood. Move." She states calmly as the cat girl bounds over to the fallen magical girl.

"And what if I say no babe?" He smiles.

Your headache starts up again.

Wat do?
[]Stop her
[]Trust her and watch
[]Other, please specify

>>24712892
>>24712861

I think we might have really cheesed her off with this comment right here:

>You look over to MANIA. "Behave or you can't hold Trap Grunty anymore." You tell her making her raise a brow at you.

>"Do you think me your daughter, Chen? That I am six and you can scold me and send me to my room without super? Or perhaps you are subscribing to the thought that women are juvenile in order to be cute? Should I call you onii-chan and protest my secret love of cute things in order to satisfy you?" She asks before tossing the Grunty aside and walking over to her team.

Being patronizing and excluding her from the party probably didn't sit well with her.

>>24713380
[]Trust her and watch

[X] Trust her and watch

>>24713380
>[x]Trust her and watch

She's a big girl. We didn't treat her like one, and we paid for that.

>>24713380
"So I take it that this is a bad time for me to apologize?

I was out of line treating you like a kid and not trusting you, which is why you're going to be calling the shots with what I do now."

>>24713546

We're not going to give her complete control of our actions. That would be rolling over, and would probably be a bigger insult her eyes than anything else we've done.

We need to treat her like an equal, or at the very least like a person and not a child. She'll naturally try to warp us into her vision of what Chen should be, sure, but that's what she was interested in doing in the first place.

>>24713591
That's a good point.

So cancel >>24713546 and just watch.

>>24713546
>which is why you're going to be calling the shots with what I do now.

No. Hell, no. However apologizing her is fine, tell her we were just worried about everyone getting antagonized, and fights starting. Between the group.

Your headache flares up as you see a small cat sitting by MANIA's feet. "Then I will break you. No foreplay, no teaching, no playing around. I will dedicate the full of my attention onto ruining you in ways that can't be fixed." She explains calmly as the black dots start to swarm her character. "You have been a juvenile annoyance that I have only tolerated due to an unfortunately overwhelming sense of apathy. This has allowed you to grow complacent, indeed fat on the luxury of my inattention. This was a mistake." She explains as you see black cracks going up her arms as her fingers sharpen into claws and two black streaks form in her long hair.

"The- the fuck's happening to your face?" He asks, and though you can not see it yourself, from the expression of Ruri's face it is probably something horrifying.

"Perhaps it would be more efficient for me to just remove you from the equation now, since you can't learn your lesson, however I think the promise of unimaginable pain should suffice." She explains before grabbing his loose shirt with her hand and bringing him close. "Never get in my way." She tells him before throwing him into his magical girl companion.

The three of them scramble and run away and as they pass you note they do not seem to give you a headache. Slowly the black cracks vanish, and even the cat seems to fade from vision. She seems to be busy trying to recompose herself.

Wat do wat say?
[]You should not use your AIDA that way
[]He seems pretty attached to you
[]Leave
[]Other, please specify

>>24713843
[X]Leave

Not much else to do. Give her time to cool down.

>>24713843
Eh using AIDA to scare people is fine, especially since Hamelin is already onto her.

Also I'd like to do something to demonstrate contriteness/support, but I'm not sure what wouldn't offend her more.

>>24713843
>[]He seems pretty attached to you.
She didn't actually use it, but keep an eye on her. Don't say we're keeping an eye on her though. Just chat casual.

>>24713843

Perhaps we should just wait it out until she's ready to talk? Just hang out of sight. She'll come around when she's ready.

>>24713843
Maybe walk up to her until we're just like ten or so feet away and wait for her to acknowledge us?

This is a delicate procedure, and we constantly make terrible choices.

>>24714033
Depends, things may fester if left to boil. She may also get kidnapped by Hamelin/tell him something to get back at us. We need to talk to her.

When handling angry women it's best to let them stew for a while. Apologizing immediately only looks insincere.

>>24714064
>>24714101

Hmm, true.

Perhaps we should do this, then:

>>24714056

>>24714101
I think the whole "Running after her immediately" thing makes it look sincere.

>>24714101
Makes sense, but at the same time I'm not sure if leaving her alone is a good idea idea.

While she is definitely competent, she's also pretty far from the top of the foodchain.

>>24713843
Tell her that we're sorry and when she wants to talk pm us. Then walk back to te guild house to do some questing.

>>24714169
Man are you trying to make her mad at us?

You decide it is not a good idea to let this fester and walk around so she can see you. You stand about ten feet away and see she has some markings on her face, likely left over from the AIDA, but they are quickly fading. After a few seconds in which the marks finish fading completely she acknowledges you.

"Eavesdropping is considered rude you know." She states calmly causing you to just nod.

"I am surprised you immediately ran after me. You will cause the others to talk you know." She analyzes making you smirk.

"Oh, that we have some secret tryst and are meeting to confirm our love?" You ask jokingly making her shake her head.

"No, that you don't trust me. That if left alone I would burn the entirety of the world just to get my rocks off. Not an unfair assessment I suppose." She replies making you feel a bit at a loss.

Wat say wat do?
[]I do trust you
[]Apologize(How?)
[]Tell her to give up her AIDA
[]Make her come back
[]Ask where she was planning on going(Join her?)
[]Other, please specify

>>24714505
>[x]Ask where she was planning on going(Join her?)

Maybe she wanted to let off some steam. We should very indirectly see if she wants to talk about it, but on her terms.

>>24714505
"You're wrong, I do trust you. It's your cat I'm a bit more leery about. I've seen AIDA eat people from the inside out and leave nothing left but a husk.

I mean... you know. Of course you know."

>>24714505
[]I do trust you
[]Apologize(How?)
I just wanted to, I don't know see if you were alright. I didn't mean anything with the grunty comment except something cute I guess. And I don't really know much about you other than your obsessions with breaking people you sometimes reference and that you think on everything you do and say with that head tilt thing. Please forgive this fool of a dancer will you?

I say we let our fists do the talking. Head to a field and AIDA up for a fight.

>>24714615
Yeah I think this sounds good.

I'd like to see what she finds interesting.

>>24714505
"On my first day of playing the World, I 'met' Snark. I've seen monsters that seem to live inside people's souls, I'm engaged in a shadow war with a corporation that has killed before, and will likely kill again.

So how is it that with you I feel the most out of my depth."

Might be a good idea to do as little talking as possible, since the less we say, the lower the chances of shoving our foot in our mouth.

"On my first day of playing the World, I 'met' Snark. I've seen monsters that seem to live inside people's souls, I'm engaged in a shadow war with a corporation that has killed before, and will likely kill again. So how is it that with you I feel the most out of my depth?" You ask making her tilt her head in thought.

"Are you unfamiliar with girls perhaps? A phobia stemming from some trauma?" She offers.

"Maybe just... Just look I do trust you. It's your cat I'm a bit more leery about. I've seen AIDA eat people from the inside out and leave nothing left but a husk. I mean... you know. Of course you know." You explain making her slowly tilt her head to the other side.

"I do not believe I have ever infected anyone. Additionally your AIDA has been in you for much longer and possesses a higher intelligence. If anything I should be more concerned about you." She counters.

"I am awful at this." You explain making her nod in reply. "So, uh, where were you going to go? I just guessed this area, since I figured you weren't one to hang around moping on docks or something." You ask causing her to right her head.

"First I was to examine the cathedral once more, then perhaps a second or third lost ground before making some inquiries at Kestral. They are one of the largest guilds and thus have a large information network." She answers.

She was evidently planning on going back to the cathedral alone.

Wat say wat do
[]That plan sucks
[]Continue trying to apologize
[]Go with her
[]Leave
[]Other, please specify

>>24715242
[X]Go with her

Maybe there will be some challenging combat to be had.

>>24715242
>[]Other
Want some backup? I mean, you might need someone to watch your back if Kite shows up again.

>>24715242
Mind if I tag along.

I'm in the mood to yell at a chair.

>>24715301

Seconding this.

>>24715301
I don't know, do we want to make her think that we don't have faith in her ability to defeat Kite?

I mean, she can't. No one can. But do we know that?

Don't we have like, a whole crew waiting for us back at the guildhall? Ditching them like this after saying we would stick around seems like a dick move.

[X] Guess I'll come with you then. You go for Kite, and I'll wait for Hamelin to show up?

>>24715450
Good point.

>>24715450
Yeah that's a good point.

Maybe just tell her that it'd suck if she died, and disconnect the M2D if it looks like she can't help it, and head back.

>>24715450

If she prefers going at it alone, then we'll respect her decision and go back to the guild.

If she accepts our offer, we can politely tell them that we may not be able to lead any more guild events for the day. They're cool guys and gals, they'll understand. Maybe see if Durga wants to mix it up with them for a while.

>>24715450
>>24715503
>>24715544
Why not message someone, tell them we're handling the Mania thing and it might take abit. I mean, just going "Whelp, don't die. Later." and going to hang out with everyone else seems like a big foot in mouth.

>>24715595
That's a good point.

Offer to come along, and respect her decision if she doesn't want us to.

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"Want some backup? I mean, you might need someone to watch your back if Kite shows up again." You ask making her tilt her head.

"You do not believe I can manage investigation on my own, Chen? That, perhaps, I need you to hold my hand during every stage because without you around I would mess up?" She asks coldly making you take a step back.

"No, I just mean if Kite shows up, or Hamelin or what ever it might be nice to have someone backing you up." You offer trying to give the best smile you can.

She crosses her arms and seems to think for a few moments before sighing slightly. "Fine, do as you wish." She states before moving for the Chaos gate.

You send a quick message to Durga and tell her to take care of things on her end, you are going to try and get back on MANIA's good side. She send you a rudely worded reply, but she at least accepts it.

You make your way to Delta Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground and stare at the impressive cathedral before you. The oppressive atmosphere is worse than when you first came, though if that is because of you knowing that azure flamed bastard likes this place or not you can not tell.

MANIA glances at you. "Do not summon Snark, do not communicate with Snark, do not even think of Snark while inside. I wish to test a theory." She orders while walking towards the church, her voice lacking any of the general sensuality she usually puts into it when talking to you.

You are now sitting in the church, there does not seem to be anyone around. MANIA walks up to the alter and seems to be examining it.

Wat say wat do?
[]Try and talk to MANIA about why she was mad
[]Talk to Snark.
[]Standing around in absolute silence seems like a good idea.
[]Other, please specify

>>24715904
Yeah standing around in absolute silence sounds good.

>>24715904
>She send you a rudely worded reply
What? Why? She knows that Mania is AIDA infected and we need her. Goddamn, are we going to have to sit down everyone, tell them to stop this childish love triangle bullshit.

>[]Other
"...I think I get it."

>>24715971
Plus Mania is smart and apparently has nothing left to lose.

>>24715904
>[x]Standing around in absolute silence seems like a good idea.

This is her mission, we'll respect her authority.

>>24715971

I don't think it's so much as a love triangle and more of Durga not thinking that MANIA is worth it. She probably doesn't have a real high opinion of her, and has no real reason to believe that she's not a loose cannon just waiting to explode in our faces.

>>24715971
I was going to explain but
>>24716046
gets it. Plus she always swears when idle.

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"...I think I get it." Is all you say as she looks around the area, moving to where Lotus was standing when Kite appeared.

She stands around it for a few minutes, moving as Lotus did when in that position, before moving to where Areta was standing and looks around. She continues standing in that position for a few minutes before backing up, mimicking Areta's movements almost perfectly. She then goes to where you were sitting and sits down. She sits there for a few seconds before nodding.

"I am done." She states before moving towards the door. She pauses for a moment and runs a hand over the door before saying "Hm." In thought before leaving.

Wat do?
[]Ask her what she thought was odd at the door
[]Ask her what she was testing
[]Be quiet until the next area.
[]Other, please specify

>>24715904
"Why do you have such a high opinion of yourself? I don't want you to fight Kite alone because I think you're weak.

I don't want you to fight Kite because that is an awful decision, and I am speaking from a place of experience in the art of making terrible mistakes.

Whatever he is, he doesn't seem to be following the rules

Even if we had our whole fucking guild with us, I wouldn't be a fan of our chances.

Why the hell do you feel the need to pick a fight with an unstoppable Frankenstein's monster that appears to constantly be on fire?"

Not sure if we should do this or not, but we've gotta stand up to her at some point.

>>24716189
Be quiet until the next area.

Let's see if she's mad enough to not rub in that she's figured out something we don't know.

>>24716189
>[x]Be quiet until the next area.

I bet that Anon doesn't appreciate it when any investigators badger him/Durga are carrying out their delicate work. Let us practice the same restraint here.

>>24716189
Call Snark. It's time to test a theory.

>>24716210

We will, but right now we're trying to see what she's like underneath the facade of crazy. Besides, we just pissed her off in a huge way; we're not rolling over to her demands, we're just being respectful.

>>24716046
We should point out some of the thing's she's figured out.

...Really it's getting to the point where I suspect that she's in the same line of work that we're in.

>>24716262
What? Hell no.

>>24716189
Probably best not to talk in this area.

I don't know what does or doesn't trigger Kite or the Chair showing up again, but I don't want to risk it.

>>24716328
You don't want alone time with Azure Kite?

>>24716262

Let's not do this. We're not ready to take on Azure Kite, nor are we sure that he can even be reasoned with.

You decide that shutting up is probably for the best in these situations, more so as you evidently have issues talking with people lately. You find yourself being warped again, this time to the Morrigu Barrow Wall at Δ Hidden Forbidden Bulwark. She seems to be looking everywhere except the sign on the wall. She kicks some rocks over the ledge, and runs her fingers over the wall itself, but refuses to touch the symbol. You put your hands in your pockets as you look around too, though you have absolutely no idea of what you are looking for. She finally stops and turns to you. "How long did you have Snark out, or were you remaining in contact with Snark until the boy arrived? No, perhaps it would be best to assume from the time you arrived on the field to the time we heard that sound to be a more accurate measuring device." She mutters the last half of her theory clearly still in thought.

She nods to herself before summoning her small cat with the call of "Grimalkin". She then takes a seat next to the warp portal.

You are now standing in silence with an AIDA cat and a woman who you can't tell if she is unbalanced or not.

Wat do wat say?
[]Nothing, we sit here quietly. Don't want to risk anything
[]No Risk no reward, ask her something(wut?)
[]Point out the big sign on the wall she is clearly ignoring.
[]Ask her if she is trying to summon the boy covered in azure flame
[]Other, please specify

>>24716590
[X] Call Snark.

She's pussy footing around the issue.

>>24716590
>[x]Other, please specify

We can still sense AIDA and other AIDA-like things without summoning Snark, right? Let's see if we can't focus and see if there's something we missed the first time around.

>>24716590
I didn't get a chance to tell you this earlier, but I think you were right on the money when you talked about why CC Corp is keeping this whole thing under wraps.

I met an upside-down chair that corroborated your story.

>>24716798

Think I might vote for this option. It's a genuinely new piece of information that she may not know, and could possibly help her narrow down some things.

>>24716798
"Theory" instead of "story" I think.

You decide to feel around for anything out of the ordinary. You get a strong feeling from the AIDA cat and from the sign in the wall, but otherwise everything is the same as last time. You decide the silence is otherwise uncomfortable and try to talk to MANIA. "I didn't get a chance to tell you this earlier, but I think you were right on the money when you talked about why CC Corp is keeping this whole thing under wraps. I met an upside-down chair that corroborated your theory." You explain making her turn and look at you.

"Is that a joke?" She asks.

"God I wish it was." You reply.

"Did this chair have a name? What did it want? Where did you meet it?" She asks straight to the point.

"At the Cathedral, I warped to a white area with Snark. I think it wanted something about it's daughter?" You think back on the event.

"Be more exact. What did it want?" She demands calmly before standing up and brushing strands of grass off her butt.

How explain?
[]First we talk about us
[]He wanted his daughter
[]Not 100% sure I remember
[]He talked about someone named Morganna
[]Other, please specify

>>24716970
[X]He talked about someone named Morganna

May as well tell her.

>>24716970
The chair mostly talked about "Aura" who he referred to as his daughter, and also I think the Ultimate AI.

It seems like Aura was also designed to be like a surrogate daughter between the chair and some woman named Emma, though it also seemed like there was some unrequited love as well?

He also mentioned someone named 'Morganna' who I think he hired to raise her? Though apparently she turned evil or something.

Snark seemed to know more about what the chair was talking about, though he seemed pretty disdainful of him, compared the chair to an Alzheimer's patient."

>>24717182
As for what he wants? It seems like the chair let Aura down in a big way, but he wants what any father should want I guess, for her to live and be happy.

...Also he said "the living flesh poses a hindrance" which... is pretty fucking unsettling.

On top of everything else, do we have to deal with ghosts now?

>>24717182
>>24717258
While I don't think there's really any way for her to profit off this information, it might be too much.

I feel like we should ask her why she wants to know, but I have no idea how to phrase it.

"The chair mostly talked about "Aura" who he referred to as his daughter, and also I think the Ultimate AI. It seems like Aura was also designed to be like a surrogate daughter between the chair and some woman named Emma, though it also seemed like there was some unrequited love as well? He also mentioned someone named 'Morganna' who I think he hired to raise her? Though apparently she turned evil or something. Snark seemed to know more about what the chair was talking about, though he seemed pretty disdainful of him, compared the chair to an Alzheimer's patient. As for what he wants? It seems like the chair let Aura down in a big way, but he wants what any father should want I guess, for her to live and be happy. ...Also he said "the living flesh poses a hindrance" which... is pretty fucking unsettling. On top of everything else, do we have to deal with ghosts now? You explain making her nod quickly.

"I am going to assume that the chair was originally a person. Meaning the memory of the person who coded the AI was stuck in the game. Which also implies the ability to rip someone's mind from their body and put it into the game isn't some perverse side effect, but an originally intended feature of the system. As for the names Morganna brings to mind several European myths and legends." She replies.

Your back starts feeling itchy.

Wat say wat do?
[]So, about us, we cool?
[]I am sorry for _________
[]Anything interesting happen lately?
[]How do you feel about ____________
[]Other, please specify

>>24717324
[X] "I already told you about that Epitaph of Twilight deal right?"

May as well immerse yourself with work and avoid the problem.

>>24717324
>[]Other
Itch back.
"So does that mean Kite was like a guard for the chair? I noticed when he fought, he primarily attacked you and me. Is he trying to protect against AIDA? That also suggests he doesn't notice/care about Epitaphs like Tarvos."

>>24717324
>[]Other, please specify

He also mentioned something about "Morganna-Mode-Gone" being the one to raise her. So... maybe Morgana wasn't really a person per se?

Also, I'm starting to itch. I have headaches whenever something AIDA-related comes by, so I'm not sure if that means anything right now.

>>24717324
"Have you ever gotten any weird feelings around other AIDA users or similar things? Because I get headaches around them. Even when I'm not logged in.

The reason I'm saying this is because I'm starting to get a weird feeling down my spine, and I'm not sure if that means I need to change shirts, or if we're about to have a guest."

>>24717324
Do you mind telling me what you were looking for at the cathedral? Or are you still putting the pieces together?

You start scratching your back and it settles down a little. "So does that mean Kite was like a guard for the chair? I noticed when he fought, he primarily attacked you and me. Is he trying to protect against AIDA? That also suggests he doesn't notice/care about Epitaphs like Tarvos."

"Possible, but if that chair was an echo I do not believe it likely it was holding anything of value. More likely there is something else there." She replies while walking over to the edge of the cliff face.

"I already told you about that Epitaph of Twilight deal right?" You say making her shake her head.

"No, but I have already looked over some information based on what I have and learned about the epitaph." She answers in reply.

"Oh, okay." You start while thinking over something else to say as to not let the silence reign. "Have you ever gotten any weird feelings around other AIDA users or similar things? Because I get headaches around them. Even when I'm not logged in. The reason I'm saying this is because I'm starting to get a weird feeling down my spine, and I'm not sure if that means I need to change shirts, or if we're about to have a guest."

"I have not noticed anything of the sort, but I have not met any other users of the power in the real world to my knowledge." She offers as a reply.

Seems you are running out of work related topics to discuss.
[]How do you feel about coffee?
[]Why are you so interested in all this?
[]Do you mind telling me what you were looking for at the cathedral? Or are you still putting the pieces together?
[]Are you still mad at me?
[]Other, please specify

>>24717623
Say nothing for now.

Let's see if she feels any incentive to break it.

>>24717734
Seconding.

While we're waiting, let's take a brief glimpse of our real world surroundings. Try and see if all is well on our end. There might not be anything in-game creeping up on us, this is true... but we're somewhat unaware of what's going on beyond our M2D headset.

>>24717908
Check our back too.

>>24717734
I mean we are a government agent goddamnit, and one who was dangerously obsessed with his work.

No way we're going to break before she will, no matter who she thinks she is.

File: 1368076377787.jpg-(87 KB, 550x800, Azure Kite.jpg)

87 KB JPG

You take off your headset and look at your back. You don't notice anything but you get a ruler and give it a good scratch either way. Haruko has somehow contorted herself into a position on your sofa that you can not be certain is comfortable or not, so you decide to just leave it. You put back on your headset and notice MANIA has not moved. Fine, we will see who breaks first then.

After a few moments you hear the familiar sound of a tuning fork and she immediately puts her hand on the warp portal and gates out of the area, with you following the same. You are now standing in the Mac Anu chaos gate room.

MANIA nods to herself before holding still for a few seconds. She then suddenly moves and hands you a guest pass.

Wat say wat do
[]What was that about?
[]Ask her something
[]I can't stand the silence, talk
[]Other, please specify

>>24718052
Two can play the not talking game.

The fact that she gave us a guest pass to Kestral without our asking seems to indicate that, even if she's mad, she's not done with us.

So I think we're doing a good job by keeping our mouth shut.

>>24718119
I mean we know what she did, she acted on a hunch that those weird symbols have something to do with Kite, and she summoned her AIDA to see how long it would take for Kite to show up.

>>24718052
>tuning fork
So, Kite makes our back itch, then sounds like a Tuning Fork. We can use that. Also, can we try sending a friend request to Kite? I mean we saw his data, so he know he has a character even if it doesn't have anything other then a Name.

You just nod along. Two can play at this not talking game. You take your guest pass and warp to Δ Sneering Failing Empire. You are now standing in a large field which looks like the ruins of a greco-roman style temple or stadium. Around you there are countless players milling about but they do not seem to pay you any mind. You walk down the path which leads to the front of what looks like a temple, with a massive stone throne before it. MANIA walks past the empty throne and into the temple itself. Inside there is a large empty public path with more players hanging around. You follow MANIA to one small corner which leads to a shrine room, where the ruined statues to some god or goddess stands, its features broken and beyond recognition. She approaches a squat beastman sitting in the corner and you notice several of the players leave the room upon seeing her enter.

"Well, this is a surprise." The man mutters, his voice deep and old. "I thought you quit the guild."

"I kept the passes." You explain making him nod.

"And this is...?" He asks but she shakes her head.

"No concern of yours. You have information. I want it." She explains making the man laugh.

"And if I say no? I looked into it because it amused me, just like you do things that you find fun. I found what I wanted, so why on earth would I tell you anything young lady?" He asks making MANIA tilt her head at him.

"You are holding out now? How pointless." She sighs.

"If you had something to trade perhaps I might be so inclined to tell you. As it stands you have nothing I want." He explains gesturing for her to leave.

"Incorrect. You do not know I have anything you want. Assuming something does not exist just because you are unaware of it is stupidity." She counters.

(1/2)

"More like Carpe Diem. Why worry about that which you don't know when you can enjoy everything you do know and be happy?" He asks.

"That is complacency. Like cattle. Contentment is the same as surrender." She says making the man sigh.

"Fine then, what can you offer me?" He asks and after a few seconds he scratches his chin. "I see, that is interesting. Very well, I will forward the information to the usual place. I will also look into that other thing you included. Now if you are done?" He asks to which she nods and turns.

"We are done. Let's go Chen." She states calmly before leaving.

Wat do?
[]Follow
[]Don't follow
[]Ask the man something(wut?)
[]Ask MANIA something
[]Other, please specify
(2/2)

>>24718561
>[x]Ask the man something(wut?)

Ask him if he knows that one eccentric guildmaster that owes us a favor.

>>24718561
Follow.

Ha, this time she addressed us instead of just leaving and not seeming to care whether we followed her or not.

Keeping our stupid mouth shut seems like a winning strategy so far.

>>24718633

On second thought, let's just follow her. Seconding >>24718671
instead.

>>24718671

I somehow don't think it's working as intended.

>>24718713

What do you mean?

>>24718748
I mean she wasn't really giving us the silent treatment. She answered our questions when asked and seemed to indicate she was not ignoring us, just unhappy.

The way I see it, we pissed her off, didn't ask her why she was pissed or say sorry for it in any way, and then just sort of tried the silent treatment on her. If I were her in this situation I think I would be getting the vibe that we want nothing to do with her and are just following her for no reason other than to annoy her.

>>24718713
How so?

I don't think she's angrier at us than she was when we started.

>>24718789
Possible.

I'm of the mind that if she wanted to tell us what she was doing, she would.

You make your way back to the warp portal. She gives a few nods to people who wave at her, and you think you catch sight of Deevon running and hiding behind one of the pillars. You quickly find yourself back in Mac Anu. She pauses for a few moments before nodding to herself and disbanding the party. She then turns to leave.

Wat say wat do?
[]Let her leave, you tried damn it.
[]Contact someone
[]Explore
[]Stop her and talk(bout wut?)
[]Other, please specify

>>24718856

I just thought us asking would be a sign we actually cared about what she was doing and valued her input since she seemed kind of annoyed about that when she was ranting at deevon.

>>24718878
>[]Stop her and talk
Let's up and apologize, say we didn't mean to offend her and honestly we have no idea how to handle things with her. She has this whole dominatrix thing and she grinds with everyone.

>>24718878
[X] Stop her and talk

Spar.

May as well see how she gets used to fighting with the AIDA and get some catharsis in beating us up...


DEAR GOD SOMEONE HAVE A BETTER IDEA WHEN DID WE GET SO DENSE.

>>24718878
Goddamnit she is the most frustrating person we've encountered yet.

"Do you mind if I be the Watson to your Sherlock Holmes? Fair warning, my British accent is atrocious."

>>24718954

Yeah. That stuff in the guildhall was a bit over the line.

>>24718878
"You treat everyone around you, including my friends, as objects or pets, and yet it it seems like the moment I make a joke, or even show that I care about you, I wind up hurting you, and I am sorry for that but I don't know whether or not by apologizing I'm just hurting you further.

I know a person who is made up of ones and zeroes instead of cells, and I understand him more than I do you.

Out of everything I've experienced in the World, and maybe even outside of it, you are by far the most frustrating, confusing, intimidating, and interesting people I've ever met, and I just want to make you understand that you, your opinions, your ideas, your belief, even your threats, matter to me."

>>24719252
Replace 'people' with 'person'

>>24719252
Seconding this. It works well.

"Hold on, wait wait wait" You run up to her and she tilts her head at you.

"Yes?" She asks calmly.

"You treat everyone around you, including my friends, as objects or pets, and yet it it seems like the moment I make a joke, or even show that I care about you, I wind up hurting you, and I am sorry for that but I don't know whether or not by apologizing I'm just hurting you further.

I know a person who is made up of ones and zeroes instead of cells, and I understand him more than I do you.

Out of everything I've experienced in the World, and maybe even outside of it, you are by far the most frustrating, confusing, intimidating, and interesting person I've ever met, and I just want to make you understand that you, your opinions, your ideas, your belief, even your threats, matter to me."

"I see." Is all she offers in reply.

"That's it? You see?" You ask making her tilt her head the opposite direction.

"Strictly speaking, I do not see I hear." She continues making you let out a shout before sagging your shoulders and sighing.

"Do you hate us? This whole thing? Because we can turn and walk away right now. Just give me some sign it matters at least, let's start from there." You explain making her stare at you blankly.

After a few moments of thought, or implied thought as her mind seems to work fairly quickly, she replies. "Do you know why I was planning on doing what we did today?"

"I don't know, because you are interested?" You ask.
(1/2)

"Not particularly. The events that transpire during the AIDA phenomena are interesting enough, but the investigation portion I find universally dull. The actions I took, that I had planned on taking, were to assist you. I do not..." She lets out a sigh before shaking her head. "I do not belong, Chen. Be it because of my mind, or my heritage, or even the actions I take while trying to behave I am incongruous with others. I am, put simply, broken. I can either act like a broken person, and find some measure of enjoyment in it, or allow my individuality to be absorbed and defined by others, find some way to abandon everything that isolates me and become closer to the norm. I do not want that, I never want that to happen. If I am controlled by others, if I am threatened or pushed in some way I do not... I feel like who I am, the broken disgusting thing I have found a small measure of comfort in being will fade away and I will be miserable. What my AIDA latches onto, why I went mad the first time wasn't from some love of crushing others, or some perverse fetish; well maybe just a little." She admits and for the first time since you have seen her you see a genuine expression on her face. A small smile with eyes which seem impossibly sad.

"It was me latching onto the only thing which allowed me to escape from the absolute disgust I feel when ever I look in a mirror. The absolute loneliness of being the isolated creature. Broken, alone, and miserable, if I can at least get two out of three I consider it a good day." She explains calmly.

Wat say wat do?
[]Leave
[]You are too much work for me
[]Deal with it
[]Ask her something(wut?)
[]Other, please specify
(2/2)

>>24719634
>[]Other
Hug and Friendship Speech!

>>24719634
"Do you remember when Hamelin talked about his sniffer dogs, about how he sent them after me, only to find them dead in a playground? What do you think his hounds looked like, and what do you think happened to them?

You know the epitaphs that Lotus and Raum had? Snark said that they aren't just programs like him, but that they live in a special place in their host's heart.

Only with me, there's just a gaping hole, at my very core. One that's apparently been there for years.

I don't think you're broken, bent perhaps, twisted maybe, but not broken.

As for misery, I'm not sure if I can provide much more but misery.

I do know this much though, you're not alone."

>>24719820
should be
>As for misery, I'm not sure if I can provide much more than company.

"Do you remember when Hamelin talked about his sniffer dogs, about how he sent them after me, only to find them dead in a playground? What do you think his hounds looked like, and what do you think happened to them? You know the epitaphs that Lotus and Raum had? Snark said that they aren't just programs like him, but that they live in a special place in their host's heart. Only with me, there's just a gaping hole, at my very core. One that's apparently been there for years. I don't think you're broken, bent perhaps, twisted maybe, but not broken. As for misery, I'm not sure if I can provide much more than company. I do know this much though, you're not alone." You explain.

"So you killed two people in a playground? Didn't even bother having them cleaned up?" She asks after a few seconds of silence.

"That is correct. I also kidnapped a girl, but that is a whole other thing. I am bad at plans." You reply making her nod calmly.

"If I just wanted company I could have just accepted Deevon's offer at becoming his woman. I am not certain what you hope to gain by telling me this." She answers.

"Yeah, but I am far better company than him. So we good? I want us to be good." You ask making her shrug.

"I suppose." Is all she offers.

Now...
[]Go with MANIA back to the guildhall
[]Contact someone, who?
[]Exploran
[]Ask her something
[]Go for the hug
[]Other, please specify

>>24720164
Damnit, I'd like to go for the hug, but I'm not sure if she'd appreciate it or not.

Maybe just go halfway by placing an arm of support on her shoulder?

Or would that be even worse?

Whatever, head back to the guildhall, ask her if she wants to accompany us.

Since it seems to be dying here I suppose I will call it now then.

Archived, please don't forget to vote.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html

As always please respond to the Emails unless you want them to stew and select some more.

Available 3 cards.

Card to send
[]Favorite food?
[]What's your type?
[]How are you?
[]Fight me!
[]What are your dreams?
[]What is your favorite saying?
[]Nice to meet you!

Can send to:
People:
Shimabuku******
Luna Blackthorne ****
Vividor **
MANIA *********
Durandal ****
Durga *********
Lotus ******

If you have any questions please ask I will be around for a bit, assuming anyone is still here

>>24720403
Wow, we more than doubled our social links with MANIA and Haruko.

Guess we must have done something right.

>>24720428
Then they all drop to zero and you die. :D Think I might stop posting it soon since I think the players get the idea

>>24720403
>MANIA
How about your first name? Or, barring that, what made you choose to have your character name be in all-caps?

>>24707377
>Shimabuku
Do you remember what she was yelling about? Because while I once interrogated a chair, I never shouted at the ocean.

>>24707377
>Durga
What about in-between the two? I'm debating between throwing myself back into my work and putting this fiasco as far behind me as possible, or using my vacation time to actually have a vacation.

>>24720403
Back when we still directly worked for the agency, were there psych evaluations?

If so, how'd we do?

>>24720560
There were. You did well enough not to get kicked out, but you never really cared about the results otherwise

>>24720594
Well I'm going to sleep, weird how this thread died all of a sudden.

Good work as always.

>>24720688
Thanks, I think my writing got poorer at some point and people just jumped. I will try harder next time!

>>24720717
I think part of the problem may have been that there was relatively little action.

Would there be any way to stretch out the dungeon/boss battles to be more than one post, or do the dice gods frown upon such things?

You have a talent at making funny and interesting quests, I loved the coffee quest and the undead pirates, but sometimes it seems like they end in a flash

>>24720884

That certainly is an idea, but at the same time I do not want to have to roll for every move and the like. I will be thinking about finding a happy middle ground for next time.

>>24720717

Personally speaking, the reason I was kinda taking my time was because I wasn't quite sure how to deal with MANIA. And I was interrupted a few times and had to deal with some stuff.

>>24722080
Yeah I can see that.

She's pretty much a living minefield.

I know I put significantly more thought into what to say to her than most quest choices.