>>34411496

You spin around on the ground, ready to do dangerous stuff when you get a look of who it is you’re confronting. The dude wears a nondescript gray hoodie with the hood up, ragged cargo pants, and beaten up boots. He has one of those single barreled grenade launchers in hand, and his face is hidden by some kind of faceplate or gas mask or something.

Something’s not quite right though – everything you run into, you have a pretty good inkling of how hard it’d be to kill it or how much magic it’s got wafting around. Whatever the thing is in front of you, there’s something off about its presence, something you can’t quite put a finger on.

It’s not the first time you’ve seen something like this, and now that you’re thinking about it, you think you actually recognize this guy – or at least his voice and the gas mask. It’s Zote, that thing that was tagging along with Derick that one time you saved America from Boneskin and his bad government goblin hoard.

“Drop the gun!” Waldric shouts, pointing his weapon right at Zote’s faceplate. For his part, Zote just aims pretty much in your general direction. He doesn’t need to be too accurate since you’re all in a hallway and like, at point blank range, and like, because he’s got a grenade launcher. Still, if he’s got an explosive shell in there, he’s well within the kill-range as well.

Zote doesn’t flinch. “Seff gei waten stauer!” he demands.

>Do something (?)
>Other (?)

>>34411501
How dark is the room? Got enough shadows around to try to twist the grenade launcher out of his hands or at least get the barrel pointed in another direction?

>>34411555

It's dim enough and you're powerful enough you could do something like that.

>>34411501
Fucking creepy robots from Etenrhine.

I'd say to corrupt the grenade launcher, but I don't think it would work. Zote probably doesn't give a fuck about corruption damage.

>>34411501
I suspect an illusion.

>>34411501
>>Do something (?)
Try to diffuse the situation through diplomacy.
Could use powers at the same time.

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>>34411599
What if we flip the little latch thing and force it open so that it can't shoot?

>>34411599
Fuck it, solidify the shadows *inside* the barrel. Or at least around the cap. Also around his feet, but all subtle like so that if he focuses on the sudden solid clump at the end of his gun and tries to run, he'll trip and then we can be all over him like a fat kid at a buffet.

Also, summon our land-beast to sniff out the other guy/stand guard. These dudes specialize in illusions so I don't want to leave them alone if possible.

>>34411501
How quick can we materialize a summon? Would we be able to poof the Shalbaan in right in front of the barrel to be a meatshield?

>>34411619
Easy fix, Waldric doesn't know Zote, so just ask him to describe what he sees. Also, we can check to see if we're getting any emotional scents off of him/it.

Why make yourself look like someone else, when you can make something else look like you looking like someone else.

>>34411501
Priority 1 is getting that grenade launcher out of his hands or at least making it unable to shoot.

>>34411501
Ask Waldric if he sees a guy in a gas mask.

>>34411690
Use shadows to plug the big barrel. Minimal effort, maximum effect. Grenades have a low muzzle velocity, so it shouldn't be too hard.

>>34411665

You could summon the Shalbaan between yourself and Zote.

>>34411704
Obviously he sees someone. Don't mention details or else they can adjust it so we see the same thing.

>>34411711
Can we put a cap of solid shadow on the end of the grenade launcher? I'd rather not just use Shelby as a meat shield if we have other options. It's rude.

Also, can we sense if the illusion/person is giving off any emotions?

>>34411711
Could we put it right in front of him so that he can't just aim higher to get around the thing?

>>34411720
Well ask him what he sees then.

>>34411501
1. Reveal yourself, might be he remebers us and we can scare him into submission
2. try this >>34411651
3. if 1 and 2 dose not work disarm him with shadow while summoning Shalbaan just for a good mesur

>>34411599
Ok, I like that.

>>34411501
Just talk to the guy. We're friends, right?
>Zote! Don't shoot! It's me, Sierra. You know, from the goblin lair.

>>34411795
>We're friends, right?
No, he hates us and said "We should have killed her"

>>34411501
>>34411739
try to plug the weapon with shadows

guys remeber that this could be an illusion,
>>34411501
>start by confirming that we and waldi see the same thing

I'm not confident in our ability to plug the barrel of the grenade launcher. Why would we do that instead of trying to get the thing out of his hands completely?

>>34411795
Yeah, if this is an illusion to make us feel more friendly to the guy, they fucked up indeed by picking someone WHO WANTED TO KILL US.

I'd go with "I didn't wreck your shit last time, so back down and no-one gets hurt."

Okay, so our course is confirm this is not an illusion, then see if you can negotiate, and if not, you'll summon the Shalbaan and execute shadow business.

Dices.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>34411849
>critfailculese

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>34411849

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>34411849
plz gods of dice !

>>34411824
Because it's easier since he's not going to be able to a) fight us by pulling against the shadows, and b) still fire an AOE weapon during the struggle.

Why do you think we can't plug it? Like I said, grenade launchers have a relatively low muzzle velocity, and if the grenade is designed to explode on impact then worst case it just blows him up and we're good.

I mean, our other plan is to meatshield our awesome summons.

Fuck, we could shadow-walk behind cover if it came to it. Wally can handle himself. Half of the player base hates him, anyways.

>see if you can negotiate
Ok, for everyone that voted for that, I think you need to be reminded that this is a magic robot thing that doesn't speak English and hates us.

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>>34411857
>>34411864
>>34411866

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>34411849

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>34411857
>>34411864
>>34411866
You suck at dice. You must invoke spirits to roll well.
ph'nglui mglw'nafh PPQ HMQ wgah'nagl fhtagn

>>34411864
Ok, I believe the last time we rolled like this, it resulted in getting caught during lockpicking. Pretty sure we're better at lockpicking than detecting illusions and negotiating with robots.

>lube up, errrybody

>>34411959
yes i see how well that worked out for you

>>34411974
No time for lube, they'll be going in raw.

>>34411929
>roll 4
Of course.

god..... it's hard to wait

Knowing what you’re up against doesn’t make this any better, since all you really know about Zote is that he doesn’t speak English and hates you. (+5 Stress: 15/100) But you know, you don’t really feel anything coming from him. But you don’t feel anything else coming from him either. Wait – what if this is an illusion? You know, Stygians and all that.

“Waldric, do you uh. What do you see right now?” you say, getting off the floor and into a crouch, one hand ready to draw Zelathis.

Waldric picks up what you’re putting down. “I have no idea,” he says, “but it has a grenade launcher.” But he doesn’t seem ready to dismiss what he’s seeing as fake.

“Gei yostace, an genon tann!” Zote (or illusion Zote?) barks, taking a menacing step forward.

You look him in the eye (or at least the black glass eyeplates he’s got fixed over his eyes). “Zote – we’re on the same team. Remember?” you ask, slowly standing.

Zote doesn’t spare you a moment’s consideration. It looks like as far as he’s concerned, you’re not on his team at all. “Ech blauf, halthite,” he growls.

>>34411974
I mean, I guess we just need them alive, not necessarily in one piece. Or both of them, if it comes to it.

>>34412276

You get a bad feeling. This isn’t working out. Now since he’s got a grenade launcher, the first thing that seems to need doing is getting something between you and him and trying to disarm him. You summon your Shalbaan, and shadows race out from the cracks to give the creature form.

But though it only takes a moment for the creature to appear, Zote’s reactions are faster. And unfortunately, his speed takes even you off guard. He fires his weapon – Waldric fires back at the same time.

And then there’s a deafening crack and concussion and everything’s confusing. (-3 HP: 24/27)

You pull yourself off the floor and find that you can’t see anything for the thick, brownish black fog that envelopes everything. It burns your eyes and skin and catches in your throat. The smell of the smoke or fog or whatever is everywhere, black, acrid, and painful. Your eyes water and you can’t see, and you can’t breathe. (-1 HP: 23/27)

This is pretty bad, but it feels like your Shalbaan is still kicking around at least.

>Find a corner and step out of this mess.
>Try to locate Waldric.
>Call the Shalbaan to your aid.
>Try to get in the apartment and go after Zote.
>Other (?)

>>34412307
>Try to locate Waldric.
Every time we get fucked, it's because we try to go it alone.

>Call the Shalbaan to your aid.

>>34412307
Use emotions to sense Waldric (possible? Do people have emotional signatures we can recognize?) if we can, alternatively corner step the fuck out and regroup. We're blind, can't smell, and apparently deafened. Also, we can't breathe, I don't know how our Shalbaan will be dealing with this.

>>34412307
>>Try to get in the apartment and go after Zote.
Isac is almost definitely on his way.

>>34412307
rip, kill and maime,
shits gotta die yo

>>34412307
>Try to locate Waldric.
He's a lot less durable than us.

>>34412307
>Try to locate Waldric.
>Call the Shalbaan to your aid.
And pull your shirt up over your mouth and nose, at least. Any filter is better than none.

>>34412307
>Try to locate Waldric.
Waldric is not as durable as we are, we should check up on him.

>>34412307
Send the Shalbaan after Zote.

>>34412307
>Try to get in the apartment and go after Zote.

>>34412307
Corner step out, then find Waldric. Since we're fucking blind and surrounded by gas ATM, I also highly doubt he stayed still instead of ducking for cover.

Hell, the illusionists are probably trying to get away, I'd say corner step further in and pressure them towards/support Isaac

>InB4 saving Waldric makes us have an Uncle Ben moment with Isaac

>>34412307
Can we summon the imp and have it look around in the apartment? Maybe have it try to track Zote and/or the hellborn?

Okay, the current vote seems to favor finding Waldric, teaming up with the Shalbaan, and then heading after Zote.

Roll dice.

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>34412761
Thought you'd started writing 20 min ago ;_;

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>34412761

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>34412761

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>34412761

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>34412761

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This quest is turning me into a Verwelkaboo.

Being submerged in toxic gas is not doing anything for your peace of mind. (+4 Stress: 19/100) You keep a clear head, though, figuratively speaking. Zote obviously meant to slow you down, not kill you, so he and the hellborn are probably using this opportunity to make a break for it. That means you need to be after them.

You’ve learned enough lessons in your time to know, however, that it’s best to have company when doing this kind of thing. You need to find Waldric before you chase anybody. You bring your jacket over your mouth to use it as a kind of filter against the poisonous fog, and squint through tears as you get up and try to find Waldric. You latch onto a feeling of surprise and anger from nearby, and home in on it.

You and Waldric almost collide into one another - he looks more or less fine, though he’s also stuck in the same situation you are. (Waldric: 20/22 HP; 25/30 PP) He jerks his head in a direction, and you follow him out of the thick of the obscuring fog and into the dark entryway of the apartment, where your Shalbaan waits.

Waldric coughs and waves the dark wisps of choking gas away, reading his Glock again. You draw Zelathis this time, ready for just about anything.

You burst into the room where you heard everybody talking before, but the place is empty. Also, it’s filthy.

>>34413115

Geeze, there’s difference between clutter and stuff that’s just gross. There’s moldy bread sitting on the table and like, columns of ants marching across the floor. Blankets and clothes seem strewn everywhere.

More notably, the window is wide open and you can hear the faint pounding of feet making a rapid ascent.

“Smart enough to have an exit plan,” Waldric says, scowling and rushing toward the window. “What the hell was that thing?”

>Him? That was Zote. He’s from Etenrhine.
>I’m guessing they don’t have a get away from me plan.
>>After them!
>>Try to head them off. You could probably manage it, seeing as you can walk through corners and stuff.
>>Have Waldric go after them as well.
>We got their house – you think we can figure out where they’re going from here?
>Send your imp after them to keep track of where they are.
>Send the Shalbaan after them.
>Give Isaac a call, not that he doesn’t already know what’s going on.
>Other (?)

>>34413137
>Him? That was Zote. He’s from Etenrhine.
>I think he's like a magitech robot or something. He's also an ass.

>I’m guessing they don’t have a get away from me plan.
>>After them!
>>Have Waldric go after them as well.

>Send your imp after them to keep track of where they are.

>Give Isaac a call, not that he doesn’t already know what’s going on.

>>34413137
>Send your imp after them to keep track of where they are.

Get away from smoke, illusionists + smoke are bad news. Trow pebbles/junk at everything. There might be disused traps.

>>34413137
>Him? That was Zote. He’s from Etenrhine.
>Send your imp after them to keep track of where they are.
>Give Isaac a call, not that he doesn’t already know what’s going on.
>I’m guessing they don’t have a get away from me plan.
>>Try to head them off. You could probably manage it, seeing as you can walk through corners and stuff.

>>34413137
>Him? That was Zote. He’s from Etenrhine.
>Send the Shalbaan after them.
>Other:
Also we should try to check if they are still in the room and just hiding behind illusions or something similar. Go full landmaster mode and try to find them.Could we control Shalbaan while in landmaster mode?

>>34413137
>Him? That was Zote. He’s from Etenrhine.
>I’m guessing they don’t have a get away from me plan.
>>Try to head them off. You could probably manage it, seeing as you can walk through corners and stuff.
>Send the Shalbaan after them.

>>34412920

This is nice.

>>34413137
Seeing Zote here again means we should have a little talk with Mr Crowther when this is over.

Looks like our Revolutionary might be look for alternate means of funding his cause.

>>34413270
I didn't draw it, but thanks I guess?

I doubt its actually Zote. Probably just an illusion since waldo didn't know what was holding the gun.

>>34413321
That just means that he doesn't know what Zote is. Hell, we don't know what he is either.

>>34413137
>Him? That was Zote. He’s from Etenrhine.
>>After them!

>>34413347
Zote looks like a dude in a gas's mask. Waldric said he didn't know what he was looking at. Just knew it had a gun. I bet he saw some kind of monster.

>>34413137
So we roll under floor seams. Do we climb through ceiling cracks?

>>after them!
>>try to head them off
>waldric too, so that they're distracted from below while we ambush from above.

>>34413137
>>Try to head them off. You could probably manage it, seeing as you can walk through walls and stuff.
>Send your imp after them to keep track of where they are.

>>34413442
Or he was weirded out because Zote doesn't have any kind of emotional signature and his [BE] sensory stuff wasn't giving him any info and he hadn't run into something like that yet.

>>34413137
>You saw a dude in a gas mask, right? If you did, that was Zote. He's a something from Etenrhine.
>You did see a dude in a gasmask, right? That wasn't illusion fuckery?

>>34413481
Well I guess we'll figure it out when we stab it

>>34413532
My money is on Isac doing it.

>>34413137
>If you saw the same gasmask german guy I did, then his names Zote, from Etenrhine.
>Sick the imp after them
>Call Isaac
>>Try to head them off. You could probably manage it, seeing as you can walk through corners and stuff.
>>Have Waldric go after them as well.

>>34413826
>If you saw the same gasmask german guy I did, then [then it is supposed to be] Zote, from Etenrhine [if it isn't an illusion]. [The voices sounded different before they noticed me]
>Send the imp after them.
>Have Waldo call Isaac.
>Chase them with shadow cheats.

Just remember that even if Pichard saw the same thing as us, it still COULD be an illusion.

>>34414138
*Waldric
And time for me to go to sleep.

>>34414138
>>34414146
Had a giggle. Good night, Anon. Sleep well.

>>34414699
That is no lawn. That is a field. Much more tame.

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>>34414146
>>34414466
And flights of demons get thee to thy rest.

Waldric kind of reminds me of Pritchard from DE:R.

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I hope Lawnguy is ok.

>>34414856
He surely haven't abandoned us.

Though we walk in the valley of the shadow of lawn we shall fear no overgroth.

Sorry, I got distracted burying a hillside in mulch.*

*True story.

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>>34415154
What are you?

I looked out through my window this morning, and through that sullen portal the whole world seemed tinted grey. All I could see was lawn, wild and overgrown as if the world had abandoned this particular grove, and though I could hear nothing I knew from the gentle swaying of those towering grassy blades a breeze most mournful was blowing.

>>34415169
He is the gardener. He gardens.

>>34415196
>he is an earthbender. He moves mountains.

ftfy

>>34415267
He is the wrecker, his name is ralph

>>34414736
Where's this from? Surprisingly fitting. I mean, I see it's Patreon. A comission?

>>34415508
Google image search:
http://www.patreon.com/JoeEngland

“I have no idea, but his name’s Zote,” you say, glaring at everything around you in suspicion of more illusions. “He’s from Ferra. Also, I think maybe he’s a robot? Because that’d explain why you didn’t feel anything from him.”

“He’s not a construct – I didn’t sense any magic from him,” says Waldric.

“Not a construct, a fucking robot, geeze,” you say. “Just – get after them! Call Isaac, I’ll head them off. Tiger thing!” you shout at your Shalbaan. “Hunt!” And for good measure, you snap-summon your imp and will it to get eyes on the fugitive. You probably need to come up with names for these things at some point.

The Shalbaan takes off in a loping gate, swinging out the window and skittering up the fire escape. Waldric ducks out of the window after the creature, and your imp swoops out the window past him and flies off to do your bidding.

Okay, you may have been caught flat footed, but now you know what you’re up against. You’re a lot more badass than you used to be, so this shouldn’t be too much of a thing. You sheathe your sword, zip up your hoodie, and then turn to face the wall.

This is about to get a little weird.

You jump up on the table, and then leap up at the wall. You manage to get your claws over the top edge of the corner where the wall meets the ceiling, and hoist yourself up into somebody’s living room. (-2 PP: 26/32)

>>34415554

The TV’s playing a shark documentary, and you can smell something tasty cooking in the kitchen. The scent of cooking meat does well to expunge the ghastly taste of chemical warfare from your mouth. (-1 Stress: 18/100)

But they probably don’t have enough for you if you stick around, so you keep on your objective. You run up the back of the couch and jump up through the top edge of the ceiling again, unfortunately probably leaving scratch marks and shoe prints on the wallpaper as you go. (-2 PP: 24/32) You scramble your way into a darkened bedroom, now seeing the virtue of Ranthix forcing you to do any number of pull-ups. This stuff is pretty tame in comparison to his ‘training’.

Not even breathing hard, you jump up on the bed, climb up on top the dresser, and boost yourself up overtop another corner. (-2 PP: 22/32) A white, overcast sky greets you as you come up out on the roof. You look around, and don’t really see anything besides regular roof stuff and building tops, like chimneys and big old AC units. You close your eyes and tap into the invisible line that connects you and your imp.

And then you see. Your vision is orange and weirdly focused in some places, and incredibly blurry in others. You’re sailing above the skyline, and your attention is focused on two individuals. One is clearly Zote, as he’s still hefting his grenade launcher.

>>34415576

He has no trouble keeping pace with the other person, who would probably make a great defensive lineman if he applied himself. If he didn’t apply himself, he’d still probably make a great brick wall. Seriously, dude’s big. He’s wearing a light jacket and a baggy pair of jeans, and has wild, unkempt hair the color of mud. He has a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and clutches a shotgun in his other hand.

Some distance behind them you see your Shalbaan swing itself over the edge of the roof and take off after them in an asymettrical gait that’s deceptively fast. Waldric’s not far behind, and he moves with speed and grace that leaves his hair whipping out behind him.

You will your imp to look in your direction, and find that you’re kind of off to the side of where they’re going, and slightly in front of them. You could manage a sweet intercept if you booked it.

Demony-ness
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Screw glamors. You need to be scary for this kind of crap.
Tactics
>Manage sweet intercept.
>Focus on following them, and be all stealthy. Nobody should make a move till Isaac gets in position.
>Get ahead of them and set up an ambush trap.
>Concentrate on finding the other guy. They’re not getting out of sight with your imp on their backs.
Minions
>Have your imp try to find the other guy.
>Get your imp to relay the command to the Shalbaan to find the other guy.
>Other (?)

>>34415598
Are our shoes our sweet Jordans?

>>34415625

Not this time, they're just regular tennis shoes. But you could retrieve them later, so it's not a loss.

You may want to consider shedding your sweet jacket though, because battle damage happens.

>>34415598
Demony-ness
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
Tactics
>Focus on following them, and be all stealthy. Nobody should make a move till Isaac gets in position.
>Get your imp to relay the command to the Shalbaan to find the other guy.

Waldo's actually pretty cool when he's not getting tortured or being an ass.

>>34415598
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Screw glamors. You need to be scary for this kind of crap.

>Manage sweet intercept.

>Have your imp try to find the other guy.

>>34415598
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Screw glamors. You need to be scary for this kind of crap.

>Manage sweet intercept.

>Have your imp try to find the other guy.

>>34415554
First round is always flat footed huehue

>>34415598
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Screw glamors. You need to be scary for this kind of crap.

>Manage sweet intercept.

>Get your imp to relay the command to the Shalbaan to find the other guy.

Maximum cool. Rule of cool in full effect. Cooly cool.

>>34415598
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Also drop the jacket, no need to ruin it if we pop our claws.

>Get ahead of them and set up an ambush trap.

>Have your imp try to find the other guy.

>>34415598
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Ditch jacket
Tactics
>Get ahead of them and set up an ambush trap.
>Wait for Isaac to show if you can
Minions
>Get your imp to relay the command to the Shalbaan to find the other guy.

>>34415598
>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Lose the jacket
Does the tail help with balance? If so, may as well bring that out too.

>Focus on following them, and be all stealthy. Nobody should make a move till Isaac gets in position.

>Get your imp to relay the command to the Shalbaan to find the other guy.

Corner step is fucking badass. I'm glad we got it. Other anon who said he's a verwelkaboo isn't alone.

>>34415598
Can imp drop fireballs from above? Have him aim them slightly in front of them, so they run slower, if they avoid them.

Also see if you can get good brick/rock to trow at them.

Also see if you can get some bullet resistant cower.

>>34415598
>Kick off your shoes. You'll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>Focus on following them, and be all stealthy. Nobody should make a move on them until Isaac is in position.
>Have your imp try to find the other guy.

>>34415598
>>Kick off your shoes, you’ll need all the pointiness and speediness you can get.
>>Screw glamors. You need to be scary for this kind of crap.

>>Get ahead of them and set up an ambush trap.

>>Have your imp try to find the other guy.

>>34415554
>You probably need to come up with names for these things at some point.
I like "Tiger" as a name for the Shalbaan. The imp feels like a Charlie to me.

>>34415598
Just in case we have to, does Stain of Sin make the Lightning Bolt attack of Zelathis deal corruption damage instead of electric?

>>34415900
Corrupted lightning bolt would be super cool.

>>34415900

Stain of Sin unfortunately does not work for Zelathis's electrical damage.

>>34415997
Can we get ability that allows us to do that?

Like corrupt magic/magic item?

>>34415997
So what we have to do is corrupt the sword, stab someone with it while releasing lightning. That's three types of damage right there.

>>34416049
No, just 2. SoS changes the stab/slash damage to Corruption.

>>34416069
Oh, yeah, you're right. Got too excited.

Still gud though.

So we're ditching glamors, safeguarding our jacket, and sending the imp off to scout.

And there seems to be a three way tie between stealth following, getting ahead and ambushing, and straight up going for the takedown, so include your sweet strat when you roll dice.The highest of the three rolls determines which one we do.

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>34416133
Ambush

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>34416133
Ambush, hopefully giving waldo enough time to catch up

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>34416133

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>34416133
Ambush

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>34416133
Sneaky stealth

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>34416133
Go for the intercept, we should be fast enough to pull it off and we can just stop them immediately and let the Shalbaan catch up and keep them down.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>34416133
I'd rather we find the missing dude. If not, set up ambush for these guys.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>34416133
Stealth follow

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>34416133
Ambush, but be sneaky about it. Distraction + overwhelming ranged attacks. Try to be in cower from shotgun.

>>34416254
I'm suspect 'Zote' is just one of the Stygians glamoured up

>>34416380
Let's stab him and find out

>>34416380
Trow rock taught them to see if they are illusions.

Invisibility + illusion doubles are way to go if you are illusionist. Expect that. Also Glamored up tings that go boom when you touch them.

>>34416380
I'm not so sure Zote is an illusion. Given that Sierra has meet him, and Zote is speaking his native tongue, gives me the impression that this is far too elaborate for an illusion. Especially for one that has been essentially made up on the fly.

If Zote is actually an illusioned up hellborn, then this is the biggest WHY moment of the quest for me. It seems like an awfully high-tier spell that isn't really doing much of anything for them if it's that.

>>34416445

Or it could be some illusion that automatically fills in the blanks with something they weren't expecting to see. I'm pretty sure that if Zote were actually there, Wally would make some remark about a dork with a gasmask if we asked him what he saw.

Well, seeing as you know kind of where they’re going, you think you can get ahead of them and cut them off before anything gets too out of hand. To do that though, you’ll need to go pretty fast. You quickly step out of your shoes and carefully pull your jacket off over your claws and leave it atop your stuff. It’s too valuable to face destruction in such an anti-climactic way.

Pushing a few annoying strands of hair out of your eyes, you deploy your natural appearance. You savor the freedom of your tail being out and the gravelly roof stuff beneath your clawed feet, as well as the subtle weight of your horns. Now it’s time to get to business. You take off in a sprint. As you leap over obstacles and execute parkour, you send out the command for the imp to scour the scene for your missing hellborn person. You’d rather take care of that now than worry about it later.

Anyway, you’re way faster than the lumbering half-stygian guy is, so you concentrate on getting ahead of the pack, forcing your legs to push you further, faster. You’re pretty sure of the direction they’re going as far as running on rooftops, so you just outdo them in that, and try to stay out of sight for the most part.

You leap off a ledge and make the six foot fall with ease, thanks to the balance your tail affords you, along with your blackened, barred foot-claws. You continue running. You stay low and behind a long line of ductwork, and quickly come up to a roof access shed thing big enough to hide behind.

>>34416649

You plaster yourself to the wall and listen. You can hear your quarries coming up - hopefully they don’t suspect you being where you are.

Briefly, you check in with your imp. You get the impression that other hellborn is nowhere to be found. So, them being illusionists, that leaves a few possibilities. Either he slipped out of the way somehow and got away, or he’s somewhere nearby. If he’s nearby, maybe he’s disguising himself as Zote? But why? And how would he know anything about Zote to begin with? Seems like a lot of effort for like, no return. Or possibly he’s just gone invisible, which is probably worse.

In any case, you’re definitely going to get them by surprise when you jump out. The only question is what you’re going to do.

>Hit them with Zelathis. The blowback should stun them enough for Waldric and the Shalbaan to catch up.
>Leap out and grab the hellborn guy to use as leverage. He’s big, but he won’t be moving once you get your claws to his throat.
>Hit the hellborn guy with a depression sphere. That should slow him down.
>Try intimidating them into stopping.
>Attempt reason. It’s not like you’re here to kill anybody, though if this kind of thing keeps up, that might just happen anyway.
>Try to keep an eye out for hellborn number two. (Dice)
>Other (?)

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>34416661
>Hit them with Zelathis. The blowback should stun them enough for Waldric and the Shalbaan to catch up.
>Try to keep an eye out for hellborn number two. (Dice)

>>34416661
Corrupt their shotgun and grenade launcher

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>34416661
>Hit the hellborn guy with a depression sphere. That should slow him down.
>Try to keep an eye out for hellborn number two. (Dice)

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>34416661
>Hit them with Zelathis. The blowback should stun them enough for Waldric and the Shalbaan to catch up.
>Try to keep an eye out for hellborn number two. (Dice)

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>34416661
>>34416661
>>Attempt reason. It’s not like you’re here to kill anybody, though if this kind of thing keeps up, that might just happen anyway.
>>Try to keep an eye out for hellborn number two. (Dice)

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>>34416687
>>34416699
>>34416746
What's wrong with the dice today?

>the law of averages

>>34416661
>Leap out and grab the hellborn guy to use as leverage. He’s big, but he won’t be moving once you get your claws to his throat.
>Attempt reason. It’s not like you’re here to kill anybody, though if this kind of thing keeps up, that might just happen anyway.

>>34416765
Fuck, I can't even link the right posts properly

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>34416661
>>Attempt reason. It’s not like you’re here to kill anybody, though if this kind of thing keeps up, that might just happen anyway.
>>Try to keep an eye out for hellborn number two. (Dice)

>>34416699
I dunno if corrupting the GL will work because Zote is weird, but making the hellborn drop the shotgun would be awesome.

>>34416661
>Attempt reason. It's not like you're here to kill anybody, though if this kind of thing keeps up, that might just happen anyway.

Dice for reasoning. Although, you may also want to include reasons, because if you have good reasons maybe you won't need a good roll.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>34416935
law of averages

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>34416935

Rolled 54 (1d100)

this quest has very few Nat1's.

Anybody have anything to say to Zote and Scott (and/or Alan)?

>>34417016
Stop, this is IRS, We have questions about your defined income!

>>34417016
"you know, like maybe we got off on the wrong foot. Lets all just like calm down and stuff, Kay?"

>>34417016
"The butcher is coming for you, so you can either deal with him or me."

That sound good? Maybe rephrase it better?

>>34417049
second

>>34416935
"Sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I'm a hellborn too, see? Anyways, I work for the new baron-lord-person of San Fransisco, and I'd prefer not to take another grenade launcher to the face."

>>34416935
>We just want to talk
>Zote shot first, don't let this dick fuck things up for you and your bro
>All we wanted to say was to cut out the blatantly magic bank robbing shit
>Things escalated way more than they needed to already
>If we wanted to kill you, we wouldn't have bothered with all that nonsense about disarming the shotgun and opening the locks so Waldo could talk to you


If we want to go the intimidation route, we could say something about how we killed a bunch of Meckor's goons, and they don't really stand a chance so just knock it the fuck off before they get themselves hurt.

>>34417016
I was looking for a guy named Freely, first initials I.P

>>34417049
I miss Tax Quest too.

Also seconding.

>>34417050
>>34417064
These. But I'd leave out immediately announcing the "working for the baron" part.

>>34417064
Let's leave out the hellborn part, let's let people think we're a full demon until they ask.

>>34417049
Lead with this, though.

>>34417016
Even if you were to escape us, you're about to call demonbane down on your head. Is that what anyone wants? Put your weapons down and we can talk about this like civilized demons.

>Pick the be reasonable option
>Nobody actually has a really good thing to say
>So they vote for shitty IRS joke

>>34417064
"Hey, dudes, chill out. We're demons too. We're just here to chat, y'know? Well, to warn you, really. Your bank robbery was so damn clean it got the Magic Cops suspicious. Seriously, you guys are so lucky I've got contacts that helped me find you before a demon killer did. So, like, just talk to us for a few minutes, kay? We might have a business opportunity for you."

Probably too late, but eh.

>>34417332
Hey, if you have better ideas, share. At least I had a (shitty) joke.

>>34417369
Also IRS is serous business.

>>34417357
This is pretty much perfect.

>>34416935
Should we mention that we met Zote before?

>>34417388
>>34417357
Except that Isaac is about to show up and when he does they will freak out because they see him as one of those demon killers.

>>34417425
I don't think he's going to rush in immediately.

Once things calm down a little bit we can let them know that there's a Demonbane with us. Which might spook them a bit, but not as much as the Butcher showing up without warning.

>>34416935
>Nobody wants to hurt you now, but if you keep this up then they will
not exactly that good but oh well

>>34414766
That was what I unintentionally implied before I went to sleep.

>>34415659
We should buy extras, they are mass produced and we can afford it.

>>34417641
That ruins it.

>>34417641
we should simply not wear any expensive clothe that we can't afford to rip to shreds

>>34417646
How?

>>34417677
It's a special jacket, and having more of the special jacket makes it unspecial. It's like you don't even into clothes.

So I was thinking, can we use our shadow power to fire a gun?

Probably wouldn't be that accurate but could work as suppressive fire.

>>34417705
I think he was talking about the shoes

>>34417677
If you need an explanation as to why having several exact copies of a favorite article of clothing ruins that article of clothing, then you won't understand the explanation.

>>34417705
People are thinking that the jacket somehow doesn't give us super secret bonuses to rolls for style and panache.

>>34417728
I get the feel that our shadow self rape rods are rather big and thick, don't think we could handle a gun with them, tho it is worth a "shot"

>>34417756
That is why you save it for the social rolls, and don't risk losing it in silly combat situations.

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>>34417739
>>34417705
Enjoy the stress spike if... when it breaks.

>>34417739
No, I think you are actually are going to explain it to us non-fashionista types, for I suspect your reasoning may be spurious.

>>34417768
The idea isn't "Lets use shadow powers to shoot them in the head" and more along the lines of "Lets fire some bullets in that general direction to keep them pinned down while we rush up to them like the little ball of melee death that we are."

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>>34417705
>Implying jacket bonuses don't stack.

>>34417851
Same type bonuses don't stack, silly.

>>34417815
we'll we can try it out at some later point,
I also want to bring up taxing the gangs of SF with Waldric later, don't wanna loose out on the irony of taking protection money from gangbangers

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>>34417915
>I also want to bring up taxing the gangs of SF with Waldric later, don't wanna loose out on the irony of taking protection money from gangbangers

>>34417862
What did you think made the jacket so special?

>helbornquest 144
>you are Sakheris, the greatest fashion designer Halth has ever seen.
>your Earth regional manager, Waldric, has just reported a loss of 12% in this quarter due to knockoffs.
>you have stopped returning Moriah's calls. I mean really? A love potion?

File: 4536465345634653.jpg (1.64 MB, 1920x1200)

1.64 MB JPG

So why didn't we bring Ranthix along for this?

>>34417851
Unique item bonuses don't stack.

>>34417915
Not like they were going to do anything good with the money anyway.

>>34417958
Refering to >>34417705
Having more of the jacket would negate all it's bonuses.

>>34418035
Yeah that is why we buy several, then it isn't unique and can therefore stack.

>>34418057
But its bonuses come from being unique. If you buy more then the bonuses disappear.

>>34418018
>Overkill
>He has his own shit to do

>>34418047
>>34418080

Why would ownership of a duplicate article of clothing, make said clothing inferior?

That doesn't make any fucking sense.

>>34418047
This is some OCD shit if I ever seen it.

You jump out, sword raised. The guy with the shotgun blanches at your appearance and pulls up short, probably because you’re scary as hell. Zote skids to a stop and raises his grenade launcher.

“Quit freaking out!” you shout, raising your free hand in a non-violent gesture. You ignore Zote because you figure there’s no reasoning with him since you don’t speak whatever gibberish it is he speaks. You instead focus on the big guy that’s with him. You can feel his delicious fear and uncertainty from where you stand. So much fear.

You catch yourself dwelling on it. Cut it out, you berate yourself. You set yourself and speak quickly before anything else stupid can happen. “We’re demons, man,” you tell Scott. Or is he Alan? It doesn’t really matter. “We’re not here to kill you.”

The hellborn guy starts getting his shotgun up, so you corrupt it. (-2 PP: 20/32) He tries to hold on to it, but can’t manage the task. He hisses and drops the weapon, which clatters to the ground.

Zote takes a menacing step forward and aims at your chest. “Seff gei veockt,” he orders.

The hellborn gets a hold of himself then, seeing Zote’s courage. Though you’re not sure you would call Zote courageous. “He doesn’t trust you,” he says, cautious.

“Yeah well, Zote thinks I screwed him over one time,” you reply dismissively. “And yes, I kind of did, but that’s not the point. I’m here to warn you and your brother. Are you Scott?”

>>34418189

The hellborn narrows his eyes slightly in a way that doesn’t say no. “How’d you find us? Who are you?” he asks. He backs off a bit as Waldric and the Shalbaan come up behind them. He and Zote exchange a glance. They’re considering doing something drastic. You can tell by the way their posture has changed.

The problem is that you really have no reason to fight or kill them, even if you might be able to. You’re just here to give them a heads up. The problem is, though, if they run, you’re about 68% certain that Isaac’s waiting somewhere up ahead, ready to smite them. He said he was going to do it if they ran, and you know he will. Isaac does what he says he’ll do.

“I had to do a lot of stuff so I could find you before some demon hunter did,” you say. “Just – stop running for a couple minutes, okay? Let's talk this over like people.”

Scott takes a step to the side, and Zote takes a step to the other side. “A couple minutes is a long time,” he says, glancing back at the approach of your backup approach. “If you want to help, get out of the way.”

>>34418215

You really hope they don’t do anything drastic, but you’re not sure that’s happening. You can feel his determination settling in place. (+3 Stress: 21/100)

>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.
>Come on, Scott. I’m trying to help you. I’m trying really, really damn hard to help.
>Laugh at him for being an idiot, and then call him an idiot.
> Look at me for like, one second, and use your brain. I’m like, a freaking powerful demon thing. You can't outrun me, and you can't fight me.
>Look I’ll – I can give you my word. You want me to swear on my name or whatever? I can do that. Just don’t do what you’re going to do.
>Other (?)

>>34418240
>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.

>>34418240
>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.
>Come on, Scott. I’m trying to help you. I’m trying really, really damn hard to help.

>>34418240

>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.

Man, these guys are such pussies it's unreal.

>>34418240
>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.

>>34418240
>>Laugh at him for being an idiot, and then call him an idiot.
>> Look at me for like, one second, and use your brain. I’m like, a freaking powerful demon thing. You can't outrun me, and you can't fight me.

>>34418240
>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.
>Come on, Scott. I’m trying to help you.

>>34418240
>Look I’ll – I can give you my word. You want me to swear on my name or whatever? I can do that. Just don’t do what you’re going to do.

>>34418240
>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you because you pulled that bank robbery off so cleanly it tipped them off. Good luck.
>Come on, Scott. I’m trying to help you. I’m trying really, really damn hard to help. But if you run, you're gonna get killed.

>>34418240
Can waldric incapacitate Scott while we break zote's robo-knees? Alternatively we should ask them what Marcellus Waldric looks like and furthermore if he looks like a bitch.

>>34418240
>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.
If that fails, corrupt his socks.

>>34418240
"Listen, you're scared, confused and panicking I get that but i'm the good cop in this situation, if you run you have to deal with the bad cop. You think I'm scary? Then you really don't want to meet him.

>>34418240
>You will die if you try to flee from here.

>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.
>Laugh at him for being an idiot, and then call him an idiot.

>>34418240
>>Fine. You want to get yourself killed? Go for it. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. Good luck.

You groan to yourself. This whole thing is so stupid. “I tried to help, Scott. I tried really damn hard, but whatever. Fine. Not like you’re getting another get out of jail free card anytime soon.” You bow out of the way for them. “Go on and die. There’s a demonbane waiting for you. You know, the one Meckor was running away from like a bitch when he got killed. Good luck.”

Zote and Scott seem wary, but go to take advantage of your allowing them passage.

Waldric comes up then, just as they walk by. “Why did you let them go?” he asks, not really even breathing all that hard from running. Your shalbaan stalks past you and settles on its haunches, clearly unfulfilled from not being given the chance to kill anything. You’re kind of disappointed as well. If they’re going to die anyway, might as well be you who does it.

You grit your teeth and think away the thought. You and violence, man. It’s not healthy. Or maybe it is? “Because Scott’s an idiot,” you say. “Unfortunately the smart one probably didn’t understand anything I said. I guess they’re dead.”

Waldric considers the situation. “Sometimes you lose a few,” he says, not sounding too upset.

Then a shout comes from a few paces away. “Zeil!” You look, but don’t see anything.

Zote stops and grabs Scott by the arm, preventing him from taking another step forward. He turns around and fixes on the point of origin of the voice.

>>34418240
> I'm on behalf of the new baron. Figured saving you from the Demon Bane would be a nice introduction, but if you want to throw that away fine. This is the last chance for you to talk to me, and after this I walk away and you can deal with him instead.

> Of course, that means I walk away THIS time, I don't know of any baron that likes being snubbed. So maybe the Demon Bane gets you today. Maybe someone else gets you tomorrow. But right now, you have a chance to make sure at least two of those aren't gunning for you.

>>34419366


Derek appears from nowhere, looking generally worse than he did when you first met him. His hair is grown out more from the buzz cut he was sporting when you and him escaped from that goblin vault, and the dark circles beneath his eyes are darker, and you can feel frustration coming from him. He’s in normal street clothes and has his funky lightning rifle thing still slung over his shoulder, though the leather strap holding it in place looks like it’s a few tugs away from snapping.

The way he stands seems off. When he turns to look at you the way he holds his weight seems off. He’s in obvious discomfort, perhaps brought on from so much running, and you can smell his blood from where you stand. (Frederick: 8/10 HP; 24/26 PP) Whatever illusion he’d been under, it was good enough to keep you from smelling him out.

“What do you want, Marshal?” he asks, his voice dark.

You are somewhat surprised by his sudden appearance.

Waldric looks from you to him, and offers a hand in greeting. "I've heard good things," he lies.

Derek gives Waldric a flat look. "Don't try to touch me again," he says. "I know what you are."

"Don't blame me for trying," Waldric says, smiling lightly. "Think of it as a test."

>Say stuff (?)
>Other (?)

>>34419443
A bit late there

>>34419456
>Wait what?

>>34419456
> Jeeze, you look like crap. Need some help? Oh, there's a Demon Bane around here, and you're hanging with one hellborne already, so don't take the high-horse approach with me. Wallys kind of a dick, though, I agree. There, two pieces of information for free, to do with as you will.

> BTW, have you met the new Baron?

>>34419456
Let's ask him why he's still on this plane.

>>34419456
>Say stuff (?)
Maybe ask what they're doing with bankrobber hellborn?

>>34419529
Because we fucked him over, that's why.

>>34419456
"I'm not here as a marshal, I'm here as a demon. Your new friends are bringing too much heat down on themselves. People much less understanding than us are going to descend on this town like flies, if they keep this up."

>>34419456
>We wanted to talk to Scott and Alan about them stopping with the bank robberies.
>Now I'm wondering what in the world you and Zote are doing with them.

>>34419456
Me and the baron here came by to talk to Alan and Scott. The shit they've been pulling lately is probably going to get them killed.

They sure are taking their sweet ass time going home.

Sierra's gonna have to tear a hole in reality with her land well for them to get home or something.

Well, first she's gotta see if she can or not.

>>34419621
I don't like this.

>>34419626
I really don't like this.

>>34419621
>>34419664
I like both of these

>>34419456
> So, are bank robberies just kind of your guys thing? Because this is the second time I've run into you because of it.

> Anyways, you guys have managed to raise the profile enough to bring yourselves to the notice of the Marshall, the Demon Bane, and the new Baron. Congratulations. Wouldn't it be nice to make friends for once instead of enemies? Because this is your chance right now.

>>34419456
"Well, fuck. Hi Derek. I'm kind of not a deputy marshal any more. Long story.

Since you guys are robbing banks, I'm guessing to fuel your resistance, I take it the Magister refused to help you guys at all? I mean, I know he didn't give you the flag, but I thought he would have done something. And look, I know last time I was fuck all help on the matter, but this time, I might be able to help. This is Waldric. He's the new Baron. We were originally here to talk to the Scotts about the Magic Police knowing they were responsible for bank robberies, try to keep them from getting murdered. I mean, I'm not a deputy any more, but I still got contacts there, and I'm a demon too, y'know? Maybe Wally can help you both out.

Oh, and for the record? I'm really sorry the Magister didn't come through for you guys."

>>34419621
i like this

>>34419834
The heat is already brought. We already said there's a Demonbane after them.

>>34419621
>I'm here as a demon
Instead of saying that, how about we say something like "I'm here as someone who was in a kinda similar situation. Just wanted to see if they'd be willing to let people help them instead of continuing to do things that'll just make people see them as a problem to be gotten rid of."

>>34419456
>>34419621
>>34419902
>"I'm not here as a marshal, I'm here as someone who was in a kinda similar situation. Just wanted to see if Scott and Alan would try to work some things out instead of continuing to do rob banks and stuff that'll just make people see them as a problem to be gotten rid of. Your new friends are bringing too much heat down on themselves. People much less understanding than us are going to descend on this town like flies, if they keep this up."

>>34419800

I like this idea. Mix it up with
>>34419902

>>34419963
>>34419456
Supportan' the reasonable approach.

>>34419456
Would this be the time to mention that Isaac will most likely not go all smite happy if they just stop for a second and don't try to shoot anyone? I mean, the dude more or less said that he doesn't give a fuck if they skip town, he just hopes that they don't be a problem in whatever new place they go to if they do.

>>34419366
>Your shalbaan stalks past you and settles on its haunches, clearly unfulfilled from not being given the chance to kill anything. You’re kind of disappointed as well. If they’re going to die anyway, might as well be you who does it.
Dat bloodlust

Does anyone else get paranoid every time the votes are writein only? Feel like everything is going to implode?

>>34420404
Nah, it's got nothing on Hollowquest or Banished Quest for stupid ideas.

>>34420654
Now now anon, they're not ALL stupid. Once a while, we actually have a few vets who scan the archives and come up with stuff so cool we don't even need to roll, or something that makes the DC trivial.

>>34420654
The mask and the portal were both fantastic ideas /s

>>34420654
But anon, I'm the guy who wrote the Ryouichi taunting lines and many, many of the other horrible writeins which have caused bad shit. And people seemed to like my suggestion, or at least suggested similar things themselves, for this one update.
Granted, I voted against telling him we killed his parents because that was retarded, but I sure as hell wrote all the lines that Risa spewed at him that pissed him off more all the way up until he killed her.

>>34420404
Not really. I trust Languid not to sabotage/misinterpret player input on purpose like certain other QMs have a tendancy to do.
And even though I do not always agree with the direction the other players want to take this quest, it's never bad enough to ruin the story.

>>34420776
WHAT HAVE YOU DOOOOOONE!

Nah, fuck Ryouichi, he was a dick. Besides, we are not the best at maternal things, that's Jager-bombs role. He was destined to get eaten eventually.

I mean, we are selfish and spoiled, and kind of a jerk, but we're also adorable so we get away with it. Or eat our way out of it. Or run away from it. Regardless, no longer our problem.

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Who here husbandoing some idealized version of Orias that the real version can never live up to?

All he needs is to get some descriptions of doing cool stuff like Waldo but without the smug assness. If we can't have even that, I hope he's at least a cutie.

“Wait, what?” you ask, narrowing your eyes at Derek. “I thought you went back to Etenrhine.”

Derek’s expression darkens. “I did. And then I decided to come back here,” he says. You get the feeling there’s a whole lot more to the story than that. “Let me guess. You want to arrest these idiots for theft.” He looks warily at you, though you don’t think he’s against the idea.

Zote finishes dragging Scott back to your party. He growls something to Derek, and Derek says something back in their weirdo language.

You snort, and set your claws on your hip. “Actually, no? I’m not really here as a marshal,” you explain. “I mean. As somebody who’s been in a similar kind of situation, I was just trying to find your hellborn buddies and warn them. I mean, if they pull off another perfect heist, the magic cops are going to come down hard. Like, as in, they will smite them with extreme prejudice.”

Scott seems a degree more reasonable than he was a moment ago. “You weren’t bluffing about the demonbane?” he asks, looking at you with horror.

“No,” you say. “Amazing, huh. He’s not going to trouble us unless you start being stupid again, so shut up and listen. If you keep this kind of thing up, a bunch of crap is going to come to this city and hurt a lot of people, more than just you two.”

“It was the only way to get the kind of money we needed,” replies Scott, sounding pretty final on the matter.

>>34421010
“If you want money,” Waldric says, putting on his sunglasses, “there are easier ways to get it. I know Nabuth valued you and Alan – as a new Baron, I’m looking for all the able hands I can find.” He smiles at him. “I can offer generous compensation your time and talents.”

Scott glowers at the Belphegoran. “I know who you are. We don’t work for demons anymore,” he says.

You laugh at him. “Well you’re not really going to work for anyone anymore after a demonbane cuts your head off,” you say. “Seriously though. Cut it out with the major crimes thing.”

The hellborn shrugs off your warning and tries to be all aloof and stuff.

Derek sighs. “I apologize. If I’d known how they planned to get the money, I would have turned elsewhere.”

“You have them funding your revolutionary war?” you ask.

“Not exactly, but they have thrown their lot in with Etenrhine,” he says. “I realize they’ve made mistakes, but everything they’ve done, they did for a good cause.”

Waldric watches impassively, content with absorbing what minor details he can of the situation and letting you deal with it.

“The good cause of robbing banks?” you ask. “Because, you know, this is like the second time I’ve ran into you in conjunction with, you know, stealing everything that’s not nailed to the floorboards.”

Scott gets mad at your snarkiness. “The money’s not for us!” he says.

>>34421031

Frederick rubs his jaw, obviously not too pleased that Scott’s let that one slip. “Thank you, Scott. Stop talking now.” Scott seems conflicted, but holds his peace as Derek continues. “Look Sierra. I agree with you that their actions were out of line,” he says, giving a disappointed look in Scott’s direction. “Your warning hasn’t fallen on deaf ears. I’ll see to it that they won’t do anything like this again.” He looks back at you and Waldric. “Unless there was some other reason, I take it we’re free to go then?”

>Yeah, I guess.
>By the way. Sorry about the flag thing. I kind of messed that up.
>Where’s Alan, anyway? He invisible or something?
>Question first.
>>Why’d you come back here?
>>If they weren’t stealing the money for drugs and whores, what’s it for?
>>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.
>>How goes the struggle?
>>How long’re you going to be around?
>Other (?)

>>34421051
>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.

>>34421051
>Where’s Alan, anyway? He invisible or something?
If they weren’t stealing the money for drugs and whores, what’s it for?
>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.

>>34421051
>Yeah, I guess.
>>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.

He isn't enthused to see us, let's avoid dragging up the past with empty apologies.

>>34421051
>Where’s Alan, anyway? He invisible or something?
>Are you ok? I can smell your blood.

>>34421140
This

>>34421051
>Where’s Alan, anyway? He invisible or something?

>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.
>You, uh, doing more or less ok? Like, I just...
then use that to try to lead into
> Sorry about the flag thing. I kind of messed that up.

I totally want to go steal that shotgun. I know it's probably kinda shit, but I want it.

>>34421051
>Nuh-uh. We still haven't talked about what you're doing with the money, why you came back, or what's going on. I can smell the blood, you're injured or you've injured someone else.

> You can't just come and wreck shit in our backyard. Let us in on what's going on, and maybe this time we can actually help, it's our call now not the Wardens.

>>34421051
>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.
>How goes the struggle?

>>34421051
>Question first.
>>How long’re you going to be around?
>>And I guess Scott & Allen are going to be going with you when you go?

>>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.


>Where’s Alan, anyway? He invisible or something?

>>34421051
>By the way. Sorry about the flag thing. I kind of messed that up.

>>34421051
I feel like we shouldn't apologize for the flag. It wasn't ours to give, and it wasn't our decision not to give it to him. Also, it seemed pretty crazy on the risk side.

>>34421051
Why doesn't he want us to know what Scott is talking about? I don't trust Freddy. His goals are not our goals, and he barely worked with us last time. The guy is desperate, he'll fuck us in a heartbeat if he thinks it'll help his war.

>>34421633
>Implying we're not going to fuck him.
With shadow tentacles

>>34421753
Misquoted >>34421656

>>34421051
>Question first.
>>Why’d you come back here?
>>If they weren’t stealing the money for drugs and whores, what’s it for?
>>What happened to you? I can smell your blood.
>>How goes the struggle?
>By the way. Sorry about the flag thing. I kind of messed that up.
>Exchange phone numbers

“I just have a couple questions,” you say. Seeing Derek again has stirred up your curiosity. You don’t want to keep him too long though, seeing as he’s not really that enthusiastic about meeting you again. “I mean. Where’s Alan, anyway?” You look around, but see no one. “He invisible or something?”

“He’s invisible or something,” he says. Derek gets distracted by your tail, which is swishing around as tails tend to do. “By the way. Did you always have… that?” he asks, sounding disturbed.

You glance backward, and bring your tail about to look at it. “Not really,” you answer, looking back at him. “It’s whatever. But so. For you, I mean, are you okay? I can smell your blood.”

“I’ve been better,” he replies, not sounding too happy with the idea. “I’ve also been worse.”

“What happened?” you ask.

Derek is smiles, but there’s no humor in it. “I’m not the only one that knows how to get to Terra,” he answers. “Anyway, you have my word about the hellborn. They won’t draw any more unwanted attention. And if there’s a next time, knock first,” he tells you. He looks to Zote and says a few words in his native language.

>>34421888


Zote nods, and walks Scott back the way they’d been running.

Waldric watches them leave with a vague interest.

>I don’t know if you noticed, but I don’t need to knock anymore, Frederick.
>Just don’t do anything else stupid and there’s no reason I’ll have to bother you.
>If this is all about something as dangerous as you stealing that flag, I’m just going to come out and say you should come up with better schemes.
>What’s this whole thing about? You’re definitely not telling me something.
>Whatever you’re doing, make sure whatever business your plane has doesn’t come over into this one.
>Before you go anywhere, I need your number so I don't have to go through this whole thing again next time I have business with you.
>Other (?)

>>34421941
>What’s this whole thing about? You’re definitely not telling me something.
>Before you go anywhere, I need your number so I don't have to go through this whole thing again next time I have business with you.

>>34421941
>What’s this whole thing about? You’re definitely not telling me something.
>Before you go anywhere, I need your number so I don't have to go through this whole thing again next time I have business with you.

>>34421941
>Before you go anywhere, I need your number so I don't have to go through this whole thing again next time I have business with you.
>What’s this whole thing about? You’re definitely not telling me something.

Whatever we do, don't say the thing about not needing to knock anymore. That's just complete "please put spikes and shit along the walls" bait for these paranoid fuckers.

>>34421978
>>34421982
>>34421987
Great minds think alike

>>34421941
>What’s this whole thing about? You’re definitely not telling me something.
>Hey, lets exchange phone numbers. because reasons.

I'll be back in two hours or so.

>>34421941
>>Whatever you’re doing, make sure whatever business your plane has doesn’t come over into this one.
And you know, try our best to be freaking threatening. Perhaps mention off handedly that a full blown fucking angel has a home of sorts in town. (I assume Waldric knows about her, because it would be really stupid of Isaac if he didn't mention her)

>>34422035
Welp, time for me to go to bed

>>34422035
FUCK THAT FUCKING LAWN MAN

>>34422073
Ditto.
I have my alarm set for 3 hours from now. I could use a nap.

>>34421941
>Before you go anywhere, I need your number so I don't have to go through this whole thing again next time I have business with you.

>>34421941
> Did you bring your war here, Fredrick? I'm going to have to assume you did. Fredrick, that puts me in a very difficult position here. This isn't something you can hide.

>Seriously, you better have something very reassuring to tell me right now, or we're going to have a problem. I'm not talking me, Wally, and the Demonbane problem. I'm talking about bringing down the whole nation of demon-hunters on your ass, and by proximity my ass, problem. I don't see a foreign war being fought on American soil being something that's going to get graced over here.

> Best case scenario, we help you against whoever "else" came over here and end this quick. Next best, we go to the authorities first and get them focused on your enemies. Worst case, you jerk us around the fight gets indiscriminate, which is going to screw everyone.

Fuck, I fucking hate idealists.

>>34422137
>Demon hunters giving a fuck about humans fighting eachother

>>34422172
inter-dimensional humans decked to the gills with magitek hiring demons out to do their dirty work, on the other hand...

>>34422403
Either way, sounds better to not just say "demon hunters" in this situation. Go with saying something less specific, since all the problem people drawn in by this mess wouldn't just be demon hunters anyway.

>>34422172
Okay, we mention that the US of A will definitely be involved, any demons in the area might be making deals with their enemies, and that demon hunters will be coming in as well. If they want to keep operating here, then they will have to do so as allies.

Also, if the alternative is having them fight a war in our world, the government might just choose to ally with their enemy (whom we still haven't had any contact with, only going on their words that they're big bads, and quite frankly they endear themselves to me less and less each time we meet.) and help hunt them down just to maintain neutrality.

They need allies, or they're going to get their shit pushed in. It's like they're Israel, but without a strong foreign power base backing them.

Seriously, start to question if we can even know that they're actually the good guys, the way they've acted.

>>34422490
>>34422490
I'd rather we didn't use that speech at all.

After what happened the last time we inserted ourselves into Derek's business, I'd really rather have our tone be more concerned than confrontational.

And >whole nation of demon-hunters

Really? One whole outside demon hunter showed up after we fought Meckor and twentysome muggles died.

>>34421941
>Other?
"Hey, Scott? Lose the glamour. I wanna see what you look like."

>>34423256
Rude.

I am back and writing.

>>34424663
Praise be to mower!

File: 1296535186163.gif (805 KB, 200x130)

805 KB GIF

>>34424663

You pick out the important part of what he’s said. “Wait, so someone from the opposing faction followed you over here?” you ask, surprised and a little confused.

Derek obviously does not want to talk about this. “It’s complicated,” he says.

You put your foot down. “Freddy. Demons robbing banks is one thing. But a bunch of crazy guys with lightning guns going all Wild West in the city – that’s another level,” you say. “I don’t even know what kind of response that’d bring, but that’s not even like, random demon hunters. That’s like, a national state thing.”

You don’t like how serious this business is. (+3 Stress: 24/100)

“I know what I’m doing,” Derek states, “and so do they. There are very specific rules of engagement here.”

“They?” you ask incredulously. “It’s not even one guy, is it. And what kind of rules of engagement are you talking about?”

“The kind that preclude collateral damage,” he responds. “The things you’re worried about won’t happen.”

You glare at him. “How many of your wanna-be assassins are here?”

He frowns. “Two. They always travel in pairs.”

“Well man,” you say, trying to sound more concerned than mad, even though you’re kind of mad, “I mean, I don’t know what’s up with you. I don’t know anything about you. But your business is my business if you’re up in my business,” you tell him.

>>34425060

“You seem pretty okay, and you know, the flag didn’t really say you were a terrorist, so I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. But I need you to tell me what’s up, or I’ll have to go to the Magister on this one.”

Or maybe you’ll go to the Magister on it anyway. You don’t really have a plan.

Derek is hesitant, and glances at Waldric, then back at you. “I understand if that’s how you feel. But I’d rather keep the details between you and me,” he says, “at least until you know the whole picture.”

Ugh. More clandestine meetings. “Fine, whatever,” you say. “Give me your phone number and we’ll figure this out.” The last thing you need is to be involved in more intrigue, but that seems just to be the kind of life you lead. And maybe it’s kind of fun, just a little bit. But it’s only a very little bit.

Frederick agrees, and you swap numbers.

“Until next time, Marshal,” he says, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

“What fun,” Waldric says blandly.

Derek doesn’t deign to reply.

>Uh. Right.
>Actually, I’m kind of not a Marshal anymore.
>Okay, just don’t die until you explain yourself.
>So… like, what kind of people are the guys trying to kill you, anyway?
>Other (?)

>>34425088
>Actually, I’m kind of not a Marshal anymore.
>Okay, just don’t die until you explain yourself.

>>34425088
>Actually, I’m kind of not a Marshal anymore.
>Okay, just don’t die until you explain yourself.
>So… like, what kind of people are the guys trying to kill you, anyway?

>>34425088
>>Actually, I’m kind of not a Marshal anymore.
>>Okay, just don’t die until you explain yourself.
>>So… like, what kind of people are the guys trying to kill you, anyway?

What purpose does
>Uh. Right.
even serve?

>>34425088
>>So… like, what kind of people are the guys trying to kill you, anyway?

>>34425088
>>Actually, I’m kind of not a Marshal anymore.
>>Okay, just don’t die until you explain yourself.

>>34425088
Lets also call Isac so he knows we're all okay.

>>34425209
And isn't a worried papa bear

>>34425088
if i were a kawaii hellborn princess this mans skull would be pulp by now.

>>34425140

I imagined it as confirming that you are a marshal.

Don't read too much into the suggested options. They're just whatever I think of at the time.

>>34425088
>Just don't die until you explain yourself.

Guys... what if our dad is one of the assassins? Or just connected to this dimensionhopping shit? The best conspiracies are interwoven with every event in our past, making us feel suitably self-important.

>>34425088
>Other?
"Well, we didn't kill each other today. I'd call that a win."

>>34425393
Well, screw that. We're not going to lose the moral high-ground on this one. Lets up and tell him we're not a Marshal anymore . . . especially since that frees us of any obligation to tell the Magistrate, and lets him know that we have that freedom. He'll be more forthcoming that way.

If he gives us shit, ask him who appointed him a member of the rebellion, and remind him that you don't have to be in a position of authority to do the right thing. That should shut him up right quick.

>>34426120
I do like that.