[1/2]

Having surreptitiously climbed to the roof of a nearby apartment, I finish drawing a chalk pentagram on the gravel, ready my wand, and begin waving it about in a strict pattern. “O ye of great and terrible power, Barathazul, child of Camazotz,” I say, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. “This humble witch requests thy aid, and so I beseech thee to grace this unworthy mortal with thy presence.”

I continue on in that vein for roughly half a minute before smoke bursts from nothing amidst the circle, and it clears to reveal a red-furred vampire bat the size of a particularly scary bloodhound. Instead of probing the boundaries of the circle like I expected, it excitedly hops from foot to foot.

“You actually did it right this time!” 'Barry' says.

“I'm not being chased by a bunch of gun-toting thugs,” I say. “Also, I don't have a bullet in me. That helps too.”

Barry shuffles around, squeaking in delight at his huge size. It's a peculiar sight, to be sure. I give him a bit to enjoy his hugeness before I pull a little black book out of my jacket, flip it open, and hold it in front of him.

“Yo, Barry,” I say, shaking the book. “The guys after me want this. I've been trying to figure out what this says, but it's all gibberish.”

Barry squints at it, but after a moment simply shakes his head. “No good, boss. I'm sure you can find someone else to translate.”

“Hope so,” I say, frowning as I tuck it away again. “Whatever it is, it's important enough people want to pry it off my corpse.”

[2/2]

With Barry here, I take another look down at my target. The warehouse is ringed by a large brick wall, and occasional figures wander around in the yard. Could just be hobos, but I don't think Hendricks was in much of a position to lie after our little chat.

“Think you can check things out for me?” I ask.

“Gladly!”

I frown. “Without eating anyone.”

Barry deflates pretty much immediately. “Aw, damn it. Sure, sure, I'll be good. Set me loose, already, I want to stretch my wings.”

I oblige him by smudging the edge of the circle. Barry bounds out, leaping off the roof and taking flight, no doubt scaring the hell out of anyone unfortunate enough to be looking up right now. With him gone, I've some time to work on magic for myself. Better safe than sorry, right?

------

[X] A glamor should help me blend into the shadows. People's eyes will just slide over me so long as I play it cool and don't crash into things like a moron, but if they're actively looking for me I'll be in some real trouble.

[X] Barry can bite folks like nobody's business, but he's no good once I'm inside. I want something big, mean, and with a mouth full of very sharp teeth. Plus, watching people piss themselves when a hellhound comes barreling their way is always good for a laugh.

[X] Turns out gravel, with the right enchantments, can be made monstrously tough. Fortunately, I'm on a rooftop full of the stuff. I can just forget about being quiet if I armor up like this, but that's a small price to pay to become nearly bulletproof.

>>30196196

[X] Turns out gravel, with the right enchantments, can be made monstrously tough. Fortunately, I'm on a rooftop full of the stuff. I can just forget about being quiet if I armor up like this, but that's a small price to pay to become nearly bulletproof.
Can we wait to use this until we need it? Or is this meticulous preparation stuff?

>>30196217

It's essentially going I AM IRON WOMAN, with all the suit-up time that implies. So, yes, meticulous preparation stuff.

>>30196250
Ah, alright. Well, still useful. I assume it also means people can't identify us?

>>30196380

Quite! You still have your same general shape, but considering you're almost entirely coated in the stuff, the only way someone's going to recognize you is if they see you do it.

Considering no one else is coming to vote, I'll just call it for that.

>>30196419
Hopefully things will pick up.

>>30196141
Ack! I'm late! (so glad to see this again!)

>>30196196
>Hellhound. Bonus points if it also talks smack.

I return both wand and book to their rightful places within my coat, lay my gun aside, take a deep breath, and gently plant both hands on the ground. After pushing my will into the spell, loose material starts to slither up my arms like liquid, adhering everywhere it touches. It's a singularly odd thing to watch all the gravel around flow towards me as if I were a living vacuum.

Soon enough my arms are entirely coated, leaving it to split off both ways. As gravel flows over my clothes and up my face, I carefully direct it to leave holes for my eyes, ears, and nose. Being armored up is little good if I can't see or breathe, after all. The rough stuff rearranges itself in a way that, while not precisely comfortable, at least avoids pressing too many jagged pieces into my skin. The process lasts a solid minute before I'm covered head to toe, and everything crackles as I rise up. Gravel has given way to blacktop in a large radius around me, as if some errant god decided to exact vengeance against roofing material.

I slam a fist into an open palm, screwing my hand back and forth, and pour more power into reinforcing the material. I can feel every little piece of my armor thickening, growing stronger, but it only goes so far before it can't go any further. I experimentally punch myself in the chest as hard as I can, and feel nothing.

Barry takes this moment to touch down in front of me. The bat cocks his head at my new outfit. “Going the direct route, huh?”

“You know it.” I say, snatching up my pistol.

I briefly consider calling up a hellhound as well, but my thoughts are interrupted when a man's scream rises from the warehouse's depths.

“That bodes well,” I say, dryly.

-----

[X] Whatever's going on down there can't be any good, and it seems I'm the only one around who can put a stop to it. Time to go.

[X] Whoever that is will just have to deal with it. I've still got a hellhound to call up.

>>30196807
[X] Whoever that is will just have to deal with it. I've still got a hellhound to call up.

We haven't exactly shown overly much concern for others so far. Let's continue with that.
FULL NOIR WITCH GO

>>30196807
[X] Head in without back up
I was late so I'm fine running with the other anon's choice.

>>30196807
>[X] Whatever's going on down there can't be any good, and it seems I'm the only one around who can put a stop to it. Time to go.
Hellhounds are for pussies! Or no time to waste, whichever.

Wow, three people at once! Consider it called for CHARGE

>>30196807
Already voted, but what would it take to bond an intellect spirit to our armor to give us a targeting sustem and foe identification capabilities (the suit also gets a spot check)? And no I'm not just trying to have a cheeky demon snacking in our ear during fights.

>>30197034

That would be on a whole different level of magic. For one, you need actual armor instead of something like a temporary gravel-suit. For another, you need to snatch a spirit up and bind them in the first place, which isn't a small matter by any means.

So, it'd be difficult, and you'd need to commission an actual suit of armor, but it's doable. Conspicious as all hell, though.

>>30197098
If we threw a longboat or great coat over it, or built in some glamour or other, it'd probably be less conspicuous than the gravel suit. That said it sounds like to great an investment of resources. Thanks for answering though.

“Barry, what have you got before I go in?” I ask, checking my pistol over to be safe.

“Outside? Six people keeping watch, saw 'em armed with pistols. Past that? I got nuthin.”

“Any entrances besides the main one?”

“There's a crumbled section of wall near the back. A guy goes to check on it every now and then, but he shouldn't be hard to deal with.”

“Can you distract them for me when I make my move?”

Barry shuffles around a little. “Sure, sure.”

I nod. “Glad we've got that settled. When you start hearing gunshots, that's your cue to go batshit.”

Barry squeaks. “Excuse me?”

“Well, no time like the present!” I hastily say, vaulting over the rooftop before Barry can lecture me about racial insensitivity. I land atop a fire escape and, after a quick descent, touch down in an alleyway. As I start down the street and towards the warehouse, I'm grateful I came here at night, else I'm sure I'd have already caught some unwelcome attention from my choice of attire. I avoid the golden halos emitted from the street-lamps as I skulk towards the warehouse, keenly aware of how my every step crunches through the air.

When I stand in front of the warehouse walls, the first thing that strikes me is how the main security gate lies open. I'd be very exposed taking that route, obviously, but it's quick, easy, and I can tank bullets no problem. Suppose I could also go around the back way; safer, but more time-consuming. I'll still keep some element of surprise, too.

-----

[X] STORM THEM

[X] Nothing wrong with taking the long road, so that's the way I'm gonna go.

>>30197431
[X] Nothing wrong with taking the long road, so that's the way I'm gonna go.
If there's no more screaming, he's either dead or whatever was going on has stopped, either way we have time to sneak.

>>30197431
>[X] Nothing wrong with taking the long road, so that's the way I'm gonna go.
Eh, I want to just get in there and wreck shit, but I can't justify that much hot-headedness. Lame.

>>30197431
>[X] Nothing wrong with taking the long road, so that's the way I'm gonna go.

Looks like everyone's going METAL GEAR right now. Called!

Also, remember, if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them. Feel free to speak up if you're curious about something or other!

>>30197592
Technical question. Will ammo (and/or whatever fuels our magic) ever be an issue? Been enjoying this so far.

You don't last long by barreling headfirst into every single situation you come across, and that goes doubly so when magic's involved. I skirt around the main gate, falling into a steady jog towards the back. On my way, I glance up to see Barry flying around, ready whenever I need him.

I reach the spot in short order and, true to Barry's word, the wall here is essentially one big pile of bricks. I press up against the wall with a crunch, and flinch at the sharp intake of breath on the other side.

“The hell was that?” A man asks.

Determined to make the best of this, I rap on the wall.

The man sighs heavily. “Goddamnit, I told you, we ain't givin' handouts! Don't make me come out there!”

Naturally, I keep knocking.

“All right, don't let me say I didn't warn you!” He says, and his footsteps echo off the collapsed bricks. I wait until he's just about to round the corner before I leap out, lash a boot into his gut, and, as he doubles over, slam both my hands down on his head. He collapses bonelessly, and I step over his body into the warehouse courtyard. Right on cue, another scream comes from inside the building; this one is muffled, so whoever's hurting the sorry bastard must have moved him deeper inside.

There's a bunch of discarded boxes and burning barrels and all sorts of hobo detritus around here, plenty of stuff to use as cover. I duck behind a cardboard box and peer over it, scanning for anyone else. Sure enough, I catch sight of the remaining guards. They don't seem alert, ambling around without much of a care and chatting amongst themselves.

I glance down at the box, and temptation washes over me.

It's a crazy idea, but it just might work.

-----

[X] GET IN THE BOX

[X] What? No! That's stupid! I'll sneak in the normal way.

>>30198124
>No
The box never works. NEVER!

>>30198124
>[X] GET IN THE BOX
Rule of thumb for every quest. The option in capitals is always the right one.

>>30198104

Well, for ammo, Holly packs a spare pair of magazines, which rounds up to thirty extra bullets. Magic, meanwhile, is harder to tally, but it uses up your stamina. Use too many big spells too quickly, and you'll be lucky to walk straight.

[x]Make a note, enchanting a bulletproof vest and armor to be lightweight and not so hot would be a good idea if we ever need to go "hot" like this. And it getting dispelled wouldn't be as much of a problem since it doesn't dispel the armor itself.

>>30198124
>[X] GET IN THE BOX
>>30198166
Maybe not the smart one, but the right one.

>>30198124
[x] That is dumb. Let's go in normally.

>>30198124
[X] GET IN THE BOX
I think the box has merit.

And with that last vote, I'll call it for the box. Writing!

Looks like a fun quest, I'll follow it whem I get consistent net access back!

>>30198302
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQiDzSWLIm4

>>30198193
Expanding on the spells, all we've used so far have been the Barry summon. What else do we have?

[1/2]

The back door to the warehouse is in plain sight, but I'm sure someone would see me if I went right for it. Another look at the box is enough to sway me. After I make sure no one's looking this way, I pull the box over my head and shuffle towards the door, pausing at strategic intervals whenever I think someone might be looking this way.

It actually goes surprisingly well, until I'm about ten feet away from the door.

“Oi!” A guard says, and I freeze. As his footsteps approach, I tense for action. He stops in front of the narrow slit, and nudges at my hiding spot with his boot.

“Could've sworn this wasn't here before...” He says, turning. “Yo, Dick! Thought I told you to stop screwing with the boxes!”

“What?” Another man calls back. “Fuck you, Jack, I told you it wasn't me!”

Jack spits aside. “Sure it wasn't!”

“You callin' me a liar?”

“Who else keeps movin' them, huh?”

“Come over here and say that to my face, jackass!”

“All right then, I will!” Jack says, trodding off. I wait a bit for him to get out of earshot before I throw the box off and rush the last few feet to the door. I gently push it open and slip inside, finding myself in the surprisingly well-lit main floor. There's a bunch of scaffolding and crates and assorted warehouse clutter scattered around, the warehouse's front doors at the opposite end of the room, and a stairwell leading down into a basement.

>>30198981

[2/2]

A rough dozen men fill the room, several seated at a couch and watching television while the rest talk amongst themselves. One man in a business suit stands out from the rest of the crowd, and he's talking with one of the garden-variety thugs in hushed whispers.

Another pained shout rises up from the stairs, but before I head that way, Hendricks barges through the main doors, which is quite a feat for a man who had his kneecaps blown off. I duck further as he scans the room, and he points at the suited man.

“Hey, asshole, I want to talk!" He says, stalking over. His target waves his conversational partner off, turning to face Hendricks. Everyone's turning their attentions to their imminent encounter, leaving me with a clear shot towards the basement.

-----

[X] Whatever this is, it's important. I need to listen in if I'm gonna figure anything out.

[X] Now's my best shot to get downstairs and free whoever they're keeping locked up.

>>30199022
>[X] Whatever this is, it's important. I need to listen in if I'm gonna figure anything out.

>>30199022
>[X] Whatever this is, it's important. I need to listen in if I'm gonna figure anything out.
We're more important then some anonymous screams. This info can save us some bullet holes or at least some stress.

>>30199022
[X] Whatever this is, it's important. I need to listen in if I'm gonna figure anything out.
We stay still, we should be safe.

>>30198593

Holly's a skilled practitioner, but she's more a jack of all trades than anything specialized. You want a fireball? Sure, but it'll be small, and it's not a good thing to sling around in buildings for obvious reasons. Need to find something? She can narrow it down to a general location with the appropriate bits and pieces, but that's about it. Love potions? Pay up front.

Earthcraft and summoning, though, are actually two of her stronger suits. Earthcrafting is time-consuming, but undoubtably effective, as seen with her suit of gravel-armor, and it makes you one mean mother in hand-to-hand.

Holly also has a variety of supernatural beasties at her beck and call, from giant vampire bats like Barry, to hellhounds and snakes and all sorts of other creatures, which can be all sorts of nasty in the right situation.

Fae, though, are something she tends to avoid. For good reason.

The reason is that Fae are dicks.

Anyway, without further votes, I'll call it for listening in.

>>30199265
Oh I support listening in, was just lurking since you already had three votes for it and captcha's been toying with me too much recently.

>>30199289

Captcha's been a real bitch for me too, so I don't blame you.

[1/?]

From my current hiding spot, I'm well-placed to observe as the two men stop feet away from each other. The Boss, since I'm not going to just keep calling him 'the suited man', stares down his opponent. “I don't know how you got past my people outside, but the balls on you must be massive to return here.”

Hendricks folds his arms. “First, fuck you. Second, while I'm still pissed about you screwing me, I'm willing to put that behind us.”

“Oh? What brings your sudden change of heart?”

“That bitch with the book you want so much is coming here.”

God DAMN you, Hendricks.

The Boss's smile abruptly disappears. “Really, now? And why would you come to me, of all people, with this information?”

Hendricks steps closer, and the thugs around touch their guns. “Because she blew my knees off, that's what.”

“And yet you stand before me without a mark on you.”

Hendricks thrusts a hand at a nearby goon, uttering something harsh beneath his breath, and the unfortunate thug is lifted by invisible force and thrown through a set of scaffolds. “It's magic, I don't have to explain shit to you.”

>>30199943
He's the first one we shoot. I wish I were around for the first thread, we really should have killed him then I thought.

[2/2]

Everyone else has drawn their guns, but the Boss raises a hand, his face still as granite. “I assume she isn't coming to talk?”

“What do you think?” Hendricks says.

The Boss turns to face his men, and everyone stands at attention. “Well, gentlemen, you heard the man. We have someone coming for us, so let's give her a warm welcome. I want the patrols doubled and everyone on alert.”

As the goons get to work, the Boss turns back to Hendricks, who looks like he's about to have an aneurysm. “What do you want?”

Hendricks thrusts a finger in the man's face. “My goddamn money, you son of a bitch, and I want it now.”

“If your tip proves to be valid, then I'll see to it you get paid handsomely.” The Boss says, very mildly.

“I said now!” Hendricks shouts.

The Boss doesn't so much as flinch. “If you don't step back in the next five seconds, my men will gun you down like the scum you are.”

Hendricks clenches his fists, fuming, but a glance around reveals several men ready to make good on the threat. After a moment to calm himself, Hendricks steps away.

The Boss turns his back on the wizard, pausing to look over his shoulder. “If you want to make yourself useful, then help the men get set up. I'm going to see to our prisoner.”

With that, he heads for the stairs, expression bland at the sounds coming from below. Hendricks stomps off, while everyone else keeps scurrying around.

-----

[X] I can't stay concealed for long, here, with everyone on alert. Time to get into it while I still have the element of surprise. Also, I'll get another chance to kneecap Hendricks, which is always a plus. [Please choose a sub-option]

--[X] I'm bulletproof, they're not. PUNCH EVERYONE [NON-LETHAL]

--[X] Man, screw these guys, I have a gun. [LETHAL]

[X] It'll be difficult, but if I can shadow the Boss downstairs I'll be in a nice, secluded spot to interrogate him.

>>30200016
>--[X] Man, screw these guys, I have a gun. [LETHAL]
We don't kneecap the punk, we shoot him in the forehead. Hendricks is such a bitch!

Hendricks will, of course, be shot before Holly begins laying into everyone else, regardless of whether people vote lethal or non-lethal for the assault vote. It's the only way to be sure.

Just figured I should let you know.

>>30200016
>[LEATHAL]
Let's do this!

>>30200016
--[X] I'm bulletproof, they're not. PUNCH EVERYONE [NON-LETHAL]
Fuck yeah!

>>30200016
Time to serve up some Fruit PUNCH. Gotta keep some of 'em alive for questioning...

>>30200016
[X] I can't stay concealed for long, here, with everyone on alert. Time to get into it while I still have the element of surprise. Also, I'll get another chance to kneecap Hendricks, which is always a plus. [Please choose a sub-option]

--[X] Man, screw these guys, I have a gun. [LETHAL]

Does Holly wear what the OP image does? Where does she keep her gun holstered? I assume she doesn't wear it openly.

>>30200222

Lose the ribbon on the hat, give her a proper coat instead of a capelet, keep everything else, and you've got her appearance.

>>30200016
[NON-LETHAL]
Punchy punchyyyyyyy

>>30200222

Also, since I'm apparently a damn retard who can't read, she keeps the gun at her waist, concealed by the coat. Anyway, with that, I'm gonna call it at a 3 for 3 tie. To keep things rolling, Holly'll take a mixed approach.

>>30200486
We can punch the guys to death, right?

>>30200524

With FISTS OF STONE? Yes.

>>30200016
Can we somehow go LETHAL with our FISTS OF STONE? That seems the best option.

What type of shit can we summon up on an instant? Could we e.g. summon a cloud of Moths or Flies or something to badly distract enemy shooters?

First target is Hendricks of course. Fuck him.

[1/2]

I can deal with the Boss later, but right now there's a bunch of men who need their clocks cleaned. I sight in on Hendricks first; even at this distance, he could be a major threat. It's a tricky shot. I hold my breath, slip my finger around the trigger, and fire. The gunshot cracks across the warehouse, but I curse as it goes wide. Hendricks hurls himself aside, crashing behind a crate and out of sight, leaving everyone else to flail around as they look for me. That'll teach me to try distance shots with a pistol.

I whirl on the trio of men closest to me and double-tap the nearest in the chest. He drops with a shout, leaving me to move on the next and repeat the process. The third man actually sees me, and he fires off a few wild shots before I drop him. With three of their number down, the remaining men are absolutely flipping out, screaming curses as they dive for cover. Bullets fly, some hitting me, but I shrug them off and keep firing. One goon takes a bullet to the leg and drops, crawling to cover, before I blast another three times in the chest and drop him.

My gun clicks dry, but instead of stopping to reload, I vault over my crate and charge a pair of men hiding behind the couch. I soak a load of gunfire unharmed, although chips of gravel fly wherever I'm hit, and leap over the couch to deliver a rocky boot to a thug's head. As he splays out onto the floor, his buddy blindly sprays shots into me, screaming wildly. I grab his neck one-handed, and snap it with a simple squeeze, leaving him to topple lifelessly.

>>30201528

[2/2]

I'm jerked aside by invisible force, and it's all I can do to not trip over myself. As I right myself, I catch a glimpse of my assailant; Hendricks is pulling his arm back as if lifting an invisible dumbbell, dragging me closer no matter how hard I dig my feet in.

“You want me? Come on!” He says, bringing his pistol up with his other hand and cracking shots at me. The bullets bounce off, but one hits me square on the forehead; had it been even an inch lower, I'd be out an eye.

“Oh, Hendricks, you really should have walked away!” I say, shielding my face with an arm. “You brought this on yourself!”

“Hurry up and die, god damn it!” He says, his fire unrelenting. Held up like this, I'm an easy target for the remaining thugs, who are all too happy to take the easy shots. Bits of armor start to flake off underneath the barrage, leaving me in a rapidly deteriorating position.

-----

[X] Hendricks wants me to charge him, right? I'm all too happy to oblige.

[X] Break loose and maneuver, that's the name of the game. I can win a gunfight no problem with all this armor, but Hendricks might have some trick up his sleeve if I close in.

>>30201559
>[x]Disengage.

A desperate foe is always dangerous. Don't fall for some shovelhead's ruse!

>>30201559
>[X] Break loose and maneuver, that's the name of the game. I can win a gunfight no problem with all this armor, but Hendricks might have some trick up his sleeve if I close in.
oh hendricks, you should not of done this

>>30201559
>[X] Disengage
Hey, can our vampire familiar get the drop on him while we distract?

>>30201559
>[X] Break loose and maneuver, that's the name of the game. I can win a gunfight no problem with all this armor, but Hendricks might have some trick up his sleeve if I close in.

also reload when we get the chance.

>>30201559
Break loose, manoever.

Don't think we're gonna get six people voting to attack, so I'm calling it for breaking free and resuming the gunfight.

Whatever plan Hendricks has, I'm not going for it. Still, I'm having some trouble just holding my ground against this spell; if I'm going to break free, I need to distract him somehow.

“Now would be a really good time to help!” I call out, hoping I'm audible over the gunfire.

Hendricks pales, but he doesn't fall for the bait. For a few moments, I'm stuck here, barely holding my ground against the force pulling on me.

Then Barry dives through a skylight.

With a screech, the giant bat descends on Hendricks, who demonstrates remarkable agility in jumping out of the way. With him occupied, and plenty of other goons awestruck by the sight of the prehistoric terror, I'm free to run for cover. I leap over a sturdy metal crate, hunch behind it, and work through the adrenaline shakes to reload my pistol. It takes me a few tries, but I get the new magazine in, and pop over the crate to see Barry pursuing Hendricks across the warehouse. I crack a few shots off, but they go wide as he legs it around more scaffolding.

Over the gunfire, I can barely make out squealing tires.

The thugs are all too busy shooting at Barry to pay much attention to me, but I teach them why that's a mistake when one pitches back from a bullet to the shoulder. The rest redirect their fire my way, bullets whizzing by my head and slamming against my cover. Several split off, moving towards the main doors, then setting up and firing on me long enough for the rest to leapfrog past them.

I catch a glimpse of Hendricks out of the corner of my eye, as he veritably leaps down the stairwell. Barry flies after him, screeching.

-----

[X] Screw the fodder, I'm going after Hendricks.

[X] Barry can handle himself, otherwise I wouldn't have called him. I'll mop up these thugs first.

>>30202307
>[X] Barry can handle himself, otherwise I wouldn't have called him. I'll mop up these thugs first.
We came here to learn why they're after us, ya? And Barry can't actually DIE, can he? Let's mop up and pay the boss a visit.

>>30202307
Thugs first.

>>30202307
Weren't we interested in the guy getting tortured in the basement?
>Follow and make sure Barry doesn't have a double meal.

Well, let's keep the ball rolling, shall we? Let's charge some mofuggas.

>>30202307
We're a witch, right?

Can't we, like, suck out their souls and make them our ghoul minions or whatever?

>>30202693
We're not that powerful. We're a summoner/Geomancer and our spells take prep time to cast.
In combat, a Pistol is more effective use of turn units.

>>30202693

Pff, soul-sucking is overrated. Also, ghoul minions really tend to stick out, with the dead, soulless eyes, the inability to think for themselves, and the whole fact that there are people out there who really, REALLY dislike random mages eating souls, for some reason.

>>30202774
Wait I've come up with a compromise

How about instead of eating souls

we just sort of collect them and put them into a Soul Bath with bubbles and hot water?

That way we get bodies and we don't have to destroy any souls.

>>30202774
We're Geomancers, right?

So we use our environments to our advantage.

Remember those annoying "Flying Tile" rooms in "Link to the Past?"

Do that.

>>30202882
qwerqwjkkeguilqewewrbjh

FUCK

(Votes next post)

Right now I've got to deal with all the gunmen in front of me. Barry can handle things with Hendricks, I'm sure. Instead, I focus my fire on the goons ahead, popping rounds off at the guys trying to move up. One's brain explodes out of his skull after a damn good shot, if I do say so myself, causing the rest to hunch down even further as they run.

Unfortunately, the rest of my fire isn't as accurate, and my pistol clicks empty without scoring another kill.

“She's dry! Run!” One shouts.

Think they can get away that easy, huh?

I slam a fist into the floor, and a small tile of concrete rips itself from the floor and floats up. I motion towards the running goons, and it obediently flies at the four men still standing. Several of them duck, but the tile slams right into the last one's face, dropping him like so much meat. The rest leave him as the tile flies back for another go.

While they're occupied by that, I reload my pistol with my last magazine. As I pop out again to keep firing, they reach the door, and their leader kicks it open.

They are promptly hosed down by automatic fire.

Men in black clothing and gas-masks storm in through the front doors, sub-machine guns at the ready. As the concrete tile flies their way, the leader clenches his fist, and the tile stops dead in the air before clattering to the ground.

My eyes widen at the sight; what kind of spec-ops bullshit is this?

The leader motions forward, and the five men comprising the rest of the squad move up. I don't think they've seen me, and if their boss can stop my earthcrafting dead like that, he could probably ruin my armor too.

Ah, crap, this could be real trouble.

The men pause over one of the wounded, and promptly slap handcuffs on him. Whoever they are, they're interested in taking prisoners.

[X] Sneak downstairs, now, before they spot me. I have to get to the Boss before they do, assuming the shifty bastard didn't have a secret exit.

[X] The front door's a long shot, but I don't want to be stuck with them any longer than I have to.

[X] They're the enemy of my enemy. Diplomacy's worth a shot, right?

>>30203430
>[X] Sneak downstairs, now, before they spot me. I have to get to the Boss before they do, assuming the shifty bastard didn't have a secret exit.

Lets not tangle with magical SWAT.

>>30203454
Sneak down.

>>30203454
[x] Sneak that shit.

No sense in letting them know we're still here!

>>30203454
>[X] The front door's a long shot, but I don't want to be stuck with them any longer than I have to.
All options are liable to get us dead. I say we just cut and run. Going downstairs will be fruitless if there's a secret tunnel or just leave us in a rat trap with no way out.

>>30203555
It's entirely possible that we could Geomancy a way out.

>>30203602

At the same time, how much attention do you think that would draw from the 'Magical SWAT' guys? Not that it's really relevant, given how I'm having to call it for sneaking downstairs. Writing!

>>30203727
All the attention? D=

>>30203745
>"Alright, keep an eye out for magic!"
>Giant fucking rocks erupt from the floor
>Loli in witchy outfit
>"Oh hey there's some"

>>30203430
Meld through the floor into an air duct and McClane our way out.

>>30204035
Air ducts for a 2-3 storey building are like 6 inches wide. Loli cannot into.

>>30204100
Geomancy them larger, then?

That, or wrest them from their concrete tomb like living, hissing vipers to entangle these new threats while we make our way stealthily out.

>>30204035
>>30204100
>>30204137
Either way, Basement first

[1/2]

Whoever they are, I don't think they'd take too kindly to my presence here. Call it a hunch. At the same time, though, I need to get downstairs and find some answers, before these guys get everything mopped up. So, lacking many other options, I skulk toward the stairwell.

It's nerve-wracking, ducking from cover to cover like this, but so long as I take it slow none of them seem to hear me. The six men are able to cover every angle, forcing me to wait for something to block their eyesight before I can sneak onward.

“What do you think happened?” One asks, voice distorted.

The lead shrugs. “Geomancer, most likely. See the chips on the floor? Sure sign of their trail.”

The man in the back shakes his head. “And here I thought someone just hulked out and threw that big chunk of concrete at us.”

The lead glances back. “Don't give them any ideas, Jackson.”

I continue creeping along as they chatter amongst themselves, making sure only to move when there's absolutely no line of sight. Soon enough, I'm at the opposite end of the stairs, blocked off by a railing. It's a solid ten-foot drop, at least, but I can't go down the normal way or they'll spot me. I vault the rail and very audibly land at the bottom of the steps.

Everything above me is very quiet for about three seconds, and then six sets of boots pound the ground.

Ah, hell.

>>30204536

[2/2]

I run, now, not bothering to muffle my steps. I'm in a thin hallway that terminates in a door hanging ajar, so I charge through and shut it behind me. A look around reveals me to be in a basement storage area as large as the floor above. Directly ahead is a man bound to a chair by thick ropes. From all the cuts, bruises, and burns on him, the thugs here have been giving the poor bastard a hell of a time.

Behind him, Barry is perched atop a deactivated floodlight.

“Yo, Boss,” He says, flapping a wing in a wave. “I didn't drop the wizard, but I did manage to bite him a bit. That's a victory, right?”

The prisoner looks up, his face bloodied and scarred, and squints at me. “I take it you're the bat's friend?” He says, a German accent leaking through. “And I also take it that several men in black gear are upstairs, judging by the recent commotion.”

“Who are they?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder.

The man shakes his head. “Classified, everything's classified. You're looking for the man in the suit, no?”

I frown. “Maybe.”

The prisoner shrugs. “He left, along with the wizard and the man interrogating me. There's a passage right behind me, of course; he made sure I knew it, too.”

“Well, I'll take that as my cue.” I say, moving past him.

“Wait,” He says. “My people have no love for these fools either. We can help you.”
-----

[X] I don't trust shady spec-ops groups, thanks. Time to get out of here while I still can.

[X] Whoever he works for, making allies of them could go in my favor.

>>30204573
[x] Let him go.

>>30204573
>[X] I don't trust shady spec-ops groups, thanks. Time to get out of here while I still can.
We can't really afford to trust them when our life's still on the line.

>>30204573
Geomancy includes manipulating natural elements. Unbind the chains and have them coil around your arms, under your clothes. Never know when they might be useful.

"Thanks, von Braun, but I fly solo. Except for the bat."

>>30204647
I assumed that's what the spec-ops are here to do.

>>30204573
>[X] Information for my help. Deal?
We really need to find out what we're actually involved in.

Rolled 1

>>30204687

>rope

Sorry, pal, don't think that's gonna work.

Anyway, judging by the votes, I've got two for sticking around and two for bugging out. I'm gonna just roll for it.

1 to stay, 2 to go. Rolling!

>>30204693
Whoops, misread the post!
[X] Get the hell outta dodge

>>30204987

WELP.

Considering your vote came in before I got too far into writing, I'll roll with this instead. Called for getting outta dodge, folks.

[1/2]

I frown. “Thanks, Von Braun, but I fly solo.”

Barry squeaks.

“Except for the bat,” I say.

The prisoner nods. “Very well, ma'am. I'd advise you to hurry, then, before my comrades break the door down.”

I'm already past him by the time he finishes talking, pressing my hands against the wall and pushing my will into scanning for the odd spot out. I find it in a blink, and with a quick tap of a hidden button, the door slides open to reveal a dark, dank passageway.

“C'mon, Batty,” I say, waving him on as I skulk inside the tunnel. The bat gives chase, and the door slides closed on its own a few seconds after he bounds inside.

“Batty?” He says, once we're a bit further in. “Really? That's the best you could do?”

“I don't think you want people even knowing 'Barry', thanks.” I say, brandishing my wand and pouring a bit of will into it. The tip lights up like a weak flashlight, giving me just enough to see by. It's a rough, cramped tunnel stretching on for God knows how long, but I travel down it fast as I can. Before I make it much further, the door to the basement is kicked open, and I'm glad we're hidden away as footsteps echo behind us.

“Erdhardt!” An operative says, clear relief in his voice. “HQ, we've found the target, extracting now.”

>>30205037
S-sorry, Shazam-Sempai.....

>>30205474

[2/2]

I don't wait to listen further, content to keep pressing down the tunnel. I pause a minute later when I see some blood smeared on the wall. “Hendricks?” I say, glancing back. Barry sniffs a few times, then nods. Source confirmed, I pull out a spare piece of tissue and wipe up the blood. It's not much, but it'll give me a trail.

The tunnel continues for a solid half a mile, I think, before it ends in another door. I push it open, and my nose rankles as a sewer greets us. Fortunately, it doesn't take me much time to find a manhole out, which I ascend with all due haste. Once I'm out, I find myself in an unfamiliar part of the city. I let my suit of gravel fall apart, spend some time picking out bits that got stuck in my clothes, and stretch, because if there's one thing you need to do after being encased in rock for any length of time, it's stretch.

As I set off towards my apartment, I think back on what I've learned. It's damned little, honestly.

Still, at least I've got Hendrick's blood. The son of a bitch is screwed, and he doesn't even know it yet.

And that concludes thread 2 of Urban SHAZAM Quest, everyone! It has been a fun seven hours, I'll tell you that much, but I'm glad to be done for now.

I will, of course, be open for questions and comments for a while, so feel free to ask 'em if you've got 'em.

>>30205502

S'cool.

>>30205591
Sweet thread OP, thank you for running! It was a fun while.

This is an original setting right? Why call it SHAZAM? I thought it was a franchise and felt dumb when I couldn't find it.

>>30205625

Yeah, it's an original setting. I call it SHAZAM because it brings to mind magic. Besides that, it was a suggestion from a fellow writefag, and I was having trouble coming up with something better, so I rolled with it.

>>30205591
Oh man that was fun. You have a real talent for world building and suspense. Thanks for running OP, I'm looking forward to your next thread!

>>30205591
Thanks for the thread! Do you follow any quests?

>>30205591
Good stuff, OP! Can't wait for the next one.

>>30205704

Appreciated!

>>30205720

Honestly? Not really. I mean, I check in on Magical Girl Noir every now and again, because that's a fantastic one, but besides that I just haven't been keeping up. Anyway, thanks for reading!

>>30205731

Thanks!

As for when I'll be running the next thread, I think I'll give myself some time to cool off. Quest running is fun, but God does it take a long time to do. I'll probably announce it via the quest twitter in the OP when I feel like running again.

Just a nice bit of trivia to close out the thread, but this thread had double the replies of the previous! That's a pretty good improvement, I'd say.

Also, the thread is now archived on sup/tg/! Vote it up if you want, or if you don't like it and vote it down, that's fine too.

If you downvote I will be saddened.

>>30202846
>>30202882
>>30202904


Okay, I wasn't lying at the time when I said that last post was closing out the thread. But, having reread a bit, these three posts are fuckin' beautiful and you should all be glad you made them, you wonderful people.

>>30206244
This is a great quest
and you should feel great

>>30206391

Aw, shucks, thank you.

>>30204137
>>30203834

I missed these two as well. These are also brilliant posts, and their posters should also feel great.

File: 1392275374969.png-(1.7 MB, 1050x1400, 5699ed31e2907c111f9b8d299(...).png)

1.7 MB PNG

>OP pic

>Holly.png

Isn't that a 2hu?

>>30206760

DAMN, I'VE BEEN FOUND OUT

But yes, you're right. Really, ever since the first time I saw that OP picture, I've thought "You know, she would make for a REALLY GOOD picture if I ever played a wizard." Then I started this quest and figured, hell, it's the best I've got, I'll use it.

You gotta admit, Renko makes for a pretty rockin' witch.

>>30206851
She looks like she couldn't decide between being some kind of Mediterranean dandy or going to the ice cream social.

>>30206994

...Well, there's a mental image I'm never losing, thanks! That's an accurate description if ever I saw one.

Now I'm just gonna go to sleep before anything else decides to latch onto my brain.

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108 KB JPG

>>30206994
>She looks like she couldn't decide between being some kind of Mediterranean dandy or going to the ice cream social.

All 2hus dress like that.