>>39813270
He looks at the salvage in your truck bed, and lets out a whistle. “Heard that Pytor was one of the best. It must be nice, working for someone like that, scary bastard that he is. Okay, raise your hand.”

You raise your hand.

“Do you swear, as a visitor to the Genesis Township of Salome, to recognize the sovereignty of Genesis? That you acknowledge that by passing though these gates, you are submitting to the authority of Genesis? Do you swear to abide by our laws, and take no hostile action against Genesis, or its people?” He says.

“I do.” You say.

“As a visitor to the Genesis Township of Salome, you are NOT considered to be a Genesis Citizen. Should you wish to apply for Citizenship, you can apply at the blue tent, at any time in order to obtain Probationary Citizenship. Know that being a Citizen, even a probationary one, has massive benefits, including free shelter and many options for food. If you choose to remain a visitor to Genesis, you are not permitted in Citizen Only areas. Do you understand?” He says.

“I do.” You say.

“Do you also understand that if you provide just cause, we will apply force against you, from incapacitating to lethal, and all of your belongings will be seized?” He says.

“I do.” You say.

“Please know that ‘just cause’ means cause trouble in any way, shape, or form.” He says. “This also includes trespassing in Citizen Only areas, as a Non-Citizen.”

“I know.” You say.

“You’d be surprised how many don’t.” He holds out his clipboard. “Sign here.”

You put in ‘Lupa’ in Civ symbols.

“Welcome to Salome.” He says, and salutes you.

You both roll into the airlock. The first gate closes behind you.

(cont)

>>39813324
After a bit, a different Genesis soldier comes up to talk to Pytor. Then she comes up to you.

She smiles at you. “So, you’re Pytor’s girl, eh?”

“Yes.”

“So, you’re the one who almost killed Citizen Thomas Bells!” She laughs. “In my opinion, you SHOULD have killed him. Bastard deserved it! Did it really end with all three of you in a fountain?”

You groan and bang your head on the steering wheel. “Birdbath.” You mutter.

“Wicked. Anyway, weapons check.”

“One knife.” You say. “All the rest is in the RV.”

“Thanks, luv.” She says as she writes on her form. “And can I just say that we’re always thankful that Pytor’s never given us that whole ‘my body is a weapon’ bullshit. Every other shit tries that on us. It’s not funny. Last thing we need is buggers who think that the end of the world’s one endless dick measuring contest. That man, scary as he is, raised you right. I get so tired of yobs acting like they could slag me with a flick of their wrist. Just let a girl do her bloody fucking job.”

“Yeah.” You say, trying to resist the urge to smirk or show her what happens when YOU flick your wrist.

“Alright, you know the run, luv. Raise your hand.” She says.

You sigh and raise your hand.

“Do you vow to not use your weaponry in any case but immediate self-defense?” She says.

“I do.” You say.

“Any attack against Genesis Citizens, or Visitors, will cause you to be detained, and an inquiry will be made into the assault. Should you be found in the right, your personal belongings, and freedom, will be returned to you. If you are found at fault, you will be arrested and tried, and all of your belongings will be confiscated. Do you agree to this?” She says.

“I do.” You say.

(cont)

>>39813368
“If there is an assault on Salome, as a visitor to this Genesis Township, you will be called upon to defend it, using any and all resources at your disposal. Compensation for resources used during these times will be managed after the assault by the Security Advisory Council, and may not be immediate. Refusal to aid Salome in times of need, may result in your arrest and full seizure of your belongings. Do you agree to these terms?”

“I do.” You say.

“Sign here.” She says, handing you another clipboard.

You sign ‘Lupa’ in Civ, with a flourish.

“Welcome to Salome, luv.” The soldier says, and waves at the gatemen.

The second gate opens and the pair of you roll into Salome.

Salome’s biggest industry, for now, is trading with salvagers. People come in far and wide to dump all the crap they get here. Salome takes it, sorts it, and ships the goods off to wherever in Genesis that they’re needed. Then Salome spins on her heel and tries to get back all the goods and scrip that they just gave to the salvagers.

Salome is a scrap town, but it’s also a great market town.

That big parking lot, is a huge open air bazaar. There’s people selling all sorts of salvage, unique goods, and foods of various kinds. Kids run around and play. There’s a large green tent for gambling, and it looks like the Red Caravan’s here, judging by the cluster of red tents in one area. There’s a lot of people running around, hauling boxes, sorting metal scrap, and other grunt work. Those are the Probationary Citizens, one year of indentured servitude, and then you’re one of the all-powerful Citizens. It’s a basic job, and you get free shelter, food, and warmth. You understand why people do it, but it’s not a life for you. Not yet, at least.

(cont)

>>39813388
You and Pytor pull up to the loading dock of one of the big buildings. This is the Salvage Depot, or one of them. Pytor knows the man who runs this one, and that means he gets a fair enough price for his goods.

You park the truck and jump out. Pytor nods at you, and starts the process of getting all of the studio salvage off, and out, of the RV. You help, along with getting everything unloaded from the truck as well.

After about ten minutes, the pair of you are looking at a huge pile of stuff.

> Stay with Pytor as he deals with the Scrappers.
> Go see what the Salome market is like today, maybe scope out something nice.
> You’ve got some scrip to burn, let’s check out the gambling tent.
> Pop by the Red Caravan tents and say hello.
> Ask about automotive repair.

>>39813425
> Pop by the Red Caravan tents and say hello.

>>39813425
> Ask about automotive repair.

>>39813425
> Go see what the Salome market is like today, maybe scope out something nice.

>>39813425
>> Go see what the Salome market is like today, maybe scope out something nice

Pytor wasn't kidding about these people being tightasses.

We might want to consider joining up with the Red Caravan to get into the Citizen areas. They'e allowed iirc.

>>39813425
>> Pop by the Red Caravan tents and say hello.

>>39813729
This is actually extremely tame, I was expecting far worse.

Fucking captcha thought coffee was ice cream.

>>39813425
>Drop by the red caravan before going to the market.

File: Arthur Rozen.jpg (181 KB, 800x1654)

181 KB JPG

>>39813585
>>39813677

You nod at Pytor, and motion that you're going to go look around the market. He waves you off. Watching Pytor haggle is dull anyway.

You walk out among the spread out blankets, flimsy tables, and cloth covered boxes that are all crammed together, fighting for your attention and patronage.

However, the big crowd isn't at the grills, or the stills, like usual. The majority of people are crowding around one of the tall buildings. There's something going on out in front of it.

When you get a little closer, you can see what's holding the attention of so many.

A gallows.

"-lty of these crimes, we declare this man to be a traitor to Genesis Township!" A man with an eyepatch says, as he reads from a clipboard.

You know that man, by reputation at least. That's Arthur Rozen. Head member of the Security Advisory Council. This is one of the people who rule Genesis.

The man with the noose around his neck tries to scream, but he's gagged.

"Drop him." Rozen says.

Someone pulls a lever and the trapdoor in the platform opens and the man falls and SNAP. He goes still.

The crowd makes sounds of approval, and there's applause. Food and drink vendors with trays hanging from their necks walk through the crowd, hawking kebabs and cold drinks.

"Clean that up, and get the next one." Rozen says.

The body is removed, given a knife to the skull, to make sure. Then another man is taken from what looks like a guarded shipping container, he's struggling and sobbing.

A few people from the crowd throw things at the man, but Genesis soldiers block anything harder than a tomato with 'riot shields' that are more like 'trash can lids + welded scrap.'

Rozen looks out at the crowd. "Anyone who attempts assault with a thrown weapon will be detained, and fined. Ejected if they aren't citizens!"

The crowd lets out a rumble.

"They'll get what they deserve." He snarls. "But we will NOT be savage about it." He nods at the soldiers. "Put him on his knees."

(Cont)

>>39814217
"John Saulman." Rozen says. "You are guilty of crimes of treason against Genesis."

Rozen starts to get a little hard to hear, as he talks to the man, and reads from a clipboard that he's holding.

The crowd is not quiet either. There's shouting and boos. Most commonly heard is 'Hang 'em!'

You see a man with what you assume is his son, riding on his shoulders. The boy is clapping and cheering at the fun. It's nice to know that Genesis provides fun for the whole family.

> Back away from the crowd and go to Pytor
> Leave and go to the Red Caravan area
> Grab someone and ask them what's going on.
> Try to get closer to the gallows.

>>39814300
> Leave and go to the Red Caravan area

>>39814300
>Grab someone and ask them what's going on.

>>39814300
> Grab someone and ask them what's going on

>>39814300
> Grab someone and ask them what's going on.

Might as well try. I'm not expecting to like their answer.

>>39814389
>>39814385
>>39814338

You tap the shoulder of the woman standing next to the father and son. She turns to look at you.

"What's going on?" You ask.

"You don't know?" She asks.

"Visitor. Just arrived." You say.

"Oh, well it's good that you're seeing this." She says. "Those are the bastards that ran Sheba Township. Citizen Rozen is making sure that everyone knows what's going on. So you can tell people you meet that Genesis does what's right, and tolerates no form of corruption."

"Corruption?" You ask. "What did they do?"

> Roll 1d8

>>39814300
>> Leave and go to the Red Caravan area
Lets not be a hero here.

Rolled 2 (1d8)

>>39814505

Rolled 1 (1d8)

>>39814505
Why are we rolling. Concern.

Rolled 5 (1d8)

>>39814505

Rolled 4 (1d8)

>>39814505

>>39814534
BARELY. Nice save.

>>39814551
Your welcome.

>>39814534
"I don't know all of the details, but Sheba's mayor was caught abusing the probationary citizens. Using them like slaves." She shakes her head. "Rozen's furious, and he arrested nearly every Citizen there. Even the Council Members. Then he took them all here, so he could make a big show for everyone."

"That's all you know?" You ask.

"Well, that and there's now going to be new Council Seats and property available in Sheba. That's another reason why we're here." She winks at you.

> Try to learn more of the story from another member of the crowd
> Push to the front and watch the proceedings
> Leave and go to the Red Caravan
> Leave and go to Pytor
> Leave and get some food and browse.

>>39814706
>Leave and get some food and browse.

>>39814706
> Leave and get some food and browse.

>>39814706
> Leave and go to the Red Caravan

Neato, they deserve it. Unless that's a lie.

>>39814783
Okay, so this is just politics. Not something you need to be too worried about.

You're hungry, so you decide to head over to the grills and see if there's something fresh.

The nice thing is that with everyone at the hangings, the lines are short. You get a cup of cider that smells like it's actually been in contact with an apple at some point. Then a fresh off the grill kebab of meat chunks, carrot, and potato. You don't ask what kind of meat, in this day and age that's considered rude. (Unless it tastes like pork, in that case, someone better show off a pig carcass FAST)

You sit down at one of the picnic tables and start to eat, when someone sits down across from you.

> Roll 1d4

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>39815056
>someone better show off a pig carcass FAST
Cannibalism is funny.

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>39815056

Rolled 4 (1d4)

>>39815056

>>39815056
>Okay, so this is just politics. Not something you need to be too worried about.
You should be worried about this, but try to stay uninvolved.

>>39815103
The Kobe killer disagrees with that humans taste like pigs.

You would think respect for the dead would be one of the first things to go when shit hits the fan.

>>39815235
Shit hit the fan 100 years ago. This is Genesis. They're trying to be better than that.

>>39815266
Not to mention cannibalism comes with all sorts of nasty side effects with prions and whatnot.

>>39815338
Not if you are smart about it.

File: Lupa2.jpg (105 KB, 1066x750)

105 KB JPG

>>39815103
>>39815140
A red-headed woman, wearing a red party dress, with plastic red rings on her fingers, and red costume jewelry sits down across from you.

You continue to eat your food, until the woman pokes your head. Specifically, your barrette.

"No thank yours for making you the prettiest Salvager in the Penninsula? I'm hurt Little Lupa!" The woman says.

You look up and smile when you recognize the woman under the wig, it's Molly. Well...Molly-Dolly if you want her to talk to you. "Isn't that much red a little...much?" You ask.

Molly shrugs. "People here like it when the 'savage outsiders' look the part. So, I dress up as the cheapest looking Lantern Lady they've ever seen."

"So, business has been good?" You ask.

Molly nods. "Business is always good. We're heading on a Township tour, and we've already covered taxes and tolls. Plus..." She nods towards the hangings. "One of our stops just went from 'too expensive' to 'Free.' So, that's a plus."

> Molly has work to do, and you probably should check in with Pytor, so you don't have time to talk to Molly about everything. Pick 2 topics.

> Ask Molly if she knows anything about Sheba and the Executions.
> Ask Molly if she's heard if anything's happened to the Confessors since you left them
> Ask Molly if you can buy back the Mirror and the Comb you sold her
> Ask Molly if there's a cheap way to get to East Gate, that DOESN'T involve working for them on their tour.
> Ask Molly if she knows anything about the Righteous Path.
> Ask Molly if the Red Caravan has ever ran into the Small Joy girls.
> Write in

>>39815439
> Ask Molly if she knows anything about the Righteous Path.
> Ask Molly if she knows anything about Sheba and the Executions.

>>39815439
> Ask Molly if she knows anything about the Righteous Path.
> Ask Molly if she knows anything about Sheba and the Executions.

>>39815439
> Ask Molly if the Red Caravan has ever ran into the Small Joy girls.
>Ask Molly if she knows a place selling good combat gear

> Ask Molly if she knows anything about Sheba and the Executions.
> Ask Molly if the Red Caravan has ever ran into the Small Joy girls.\

>>39815488
>pick 2 topics

>>39815439
>Ask Molly if she knows anything about the Righteous Path.
>Ask Molly if the Red Caravan has ever ran into the Small Joy girls.

>>39815439
>> Ask Molly if she knows anything about Sheba and the Executions.
> Ask Molly if she knows anything about the Righteous Path.

File: hanayo.jpg (27 KB, 600x338)

27 KB JPG

>>39815488
>Pick 2 topics.

>>39815409
It depends on the specific prion disease some result in the particles being distributed throughout the body such that there is no way to avoid them.

>>39815631
You could say the same thing about air.

I just want to point out that there's a possibility that this world doesn't work like ours. Though it does seem to be mostly like ours except for the clean energy and everything that came from it.

File: 1431000358716.jpg (50 KB, 373x554)

50 KB JPG

>>39815705
>Except for the parts were it is radically different, its kinda the same.

>>39815766
It kinda is. It's like if we found a new energy source, exploited the FUCK out of it, then had an apocalypse. That seems to be what happened here.

>>39815439
> Ask Molly if there's a cheap way to get to East Gate, that DOESN'T involve working for them on their tour.
> Ask Molly if she knows anything about the Righteous Path.

File: 1429291179174.gif (1.91 MB, 300x300)

1.91 MB GIF

>>39815840
Correct me if I am wrong, but don't people crack and have their blood turn into a demon slug, that magical girls fight?

>>39815891
That's a byproduct of the new energy source, yes. Shit's pretty magical.

>>39815475
>>39815496
>>39815548

"Do you know anything about this?" You point at the gallows.

Molly nods. "Pillow talk can tell you a lot. Sheba was abusing their probationary citizens, extending their year of servitude, charging them for food and shelter that they could never make up, paying them in scrip that only worked in Sheba, and beating anyone who spoke out or tried to escape. Also, they let other people become Citizens if they were bribed." She shook her head. "Bad move, stupid move too. Don't know how they thought that they'd get away with it without someone blowing the whistle. Gossip is that Rozen marched in and beheaded the mayor, right there in his office, fed his body to the pigs."

You let out a low whistle.

"This is just figuring out who else was responsible, who was just following orders and looking the other way, and who were blackmailed or threatened into silence." Molly grins. "Rozen had this great line when he sentenced a bunch of soldiers to 5-years hard labor in Ester Quarry."

She covers an eye with her hand and makes a gruff voice. "You were only following orders, which is why your lives will be spared...and now you will USE those lives in Ester Quarry, where you will ALSO follow orders without question. Apparently you're GOOD at that.' The crowd ate it up."

"Is it true?" You ask.

Molly nods. "Yeah, Sheba was kind of a shithole. They'd cause trouble, and refuse to pay. We avoided it when we could. Fuckers still owe us money actually." She shrugs. "But I doubt the complaints of non-citizen whores will fall upon the ears of Citizen Rozen. Anyway, that's all I know about this whole circus. Although, we should show up to more public hangings. Nothing gets people more willing to pay us money, than seeing death up close."

"Glad to know that someone's benefitting." You say with a smirk. "Molly...do you know anything about the Righteous Path?"

Molly's eyes go wide. "You aren't dealing with those lunatics, are you?"

(Cont)

>>39815956
"They attacked the Confessor Ranch, and Pytor and I had to scare some of them off at our last salvage." You say.

"Little Lupa, I know what happens when Pytor Strakel 'frightens' people." She says. "No need to go sugar coating the world for my sake."

"Alright, do you know anything about them?"

"Well," She frowns. "They're like the Red Caravan, a collection of vehicles and trailers that move around. Ours are nicer though, of course. The guy who leads them is this man named Plath. Also, the last time we let one of them have our services, the girl got sick and died about a month later."

"What did you do?" You ask, very concerned.

"Grand Dame didn't want to risk anything, so we burnt her trailer. Good thing we did, we found this dead snake, filled with maggots, in there when we were done. That girl had filthy pets."

You let out a sigh of relief.

"Anyway, they have one of the stranger beliefs that I've heard. I mean, the Confessors are annoying, but they're not crazy. These guys are nuts." She shakes her head. "They believe that this world? It doesn't exist, or shouldn't exist. One of those two. That at some point in time, something went wrong. There's the world that 'God' is still present in, and it's light and wonderful, and everyone's happy and orgasms last for an hour. Then there's THIS world, were we all live. The Righteous believe that they can leave this 'wrong' world, and it's sad shadows and escape to the 'right' world or bring this world TO the right one. I don't know, they're nuts."

"Sounds like standard crazy you hear in small settlements outside of Genesis, or in the city."

"Yeah, but the nuts part is how they view everyone else that isn't part of their club." She smiles. "You'll love this. Alright, so...this world is wrong, and never should have happened. So, everyone else...doesn't technically exist. We are by products of a world that will disappear, and never should have been in the first place."

(Cont)

>>39816355
"I don't exist?" You ask.

"Neither do I." Molly says. "So, when they fuck us, or steal from other people, or kill other people. It doesn't count, because we don't exist. THAT'S how crazy they are. Which makes them incredibly dangerous."

"Yeah. I can see that." You say. "Should I be worried that they might come after us?"

Molly shrugs. "I really don't know...Plath, the one leading them, is...a bizarre man. He runs his cult like his own personal harem, and he spouts crazy like the best. However, he moves them smartly, he bargains intelligently, and he's been careful to not be so much of a threat as to make Genesis want to spend the effort to wipe them out." Molly nods. "I think Plath might not have drunk the same cider as the rest of the Righteous. Also, he must be doing something right, because he hasn't aged that much over the years. He was running the Path since I was your age, or younger...not that that was TOO many years ago."

You give her an indulgent smile. "Of course."

"But yeah, hair hasn't turned color...wish I knew THAT secret...probably found a massive hair dye stockpile in a barbershop he salvaged."

"Huh." You say.

"Well," Molly gets up from the table and rubs your head. "You be good, and careful, Little Lupa. I have to go see if anyone else wants to lose money for us."

"Hey Molly-Dolly," You ask. "When will the Red Caravan be getting to East Gate?"

"East Gate? Why'd you want to go there?" She asks.

"I...I got a new truck." You say.

"Ah, and you want to customize it. East Gate is the place for that." She frowns and then shakes her head. "Not for at least two weeks, maybe longer. There's bigger settlements to hit before we get there."

"Alright," You sigh. "Thanks."

Molly walks away. You focus on finishing your food.

Afterwards, you wipe the grease off and...

> Take in a free show by watching the executions.
> Go to Pytor and see what the split is on the Salvage
> Go to the mechanics and see what the options are for your truck

>>39816601
>> Go to the mechanics and see what the options are for your truck

>>39816601
> Go to Pytor and see what the split is on the Salvage

>>39816601
>> Go to Pytor and see what the split is on the Salvage

>two weeks or longer
Stupid whore routes.

>>39816601
>Go to Pytor and see what the split is on the Salvage

>>39816601
>> Go to the mechanics and see what the options are for your truck

What kind of truck is it?

>>39816705
We got a description last thread.

And the OP really should link moe or something. Just previous thread is weird.

File: The Righteous Truck.jpg (15 KB, 225x169)

15 KB JPG

>>39816790
There are archive difficulties.

>>39816705
It looks like this, but with tires.

>>39816638
>>39816650
>>39816665

Citizen Rozen seems like a cool guy. Genesis seems like a pretty solid group.

>>39816901
That is kinda shit.

>>39817188
That's the point. You aren't gonna get a brand new car off the lot in this setting.
MC'll be lucky if she can get it fixed and tuned up some more.

File: Pytor.jpg (53 KB, 470x800)

53 KB JPG

>>39816650
>>39816665
>>39816638

You head back to the salvage depot, and you find Pytor sitting on the steps to his RV. He's enjoying a smoke. You smile. That only happens when things are REALLY good.

"Good take?" You ask as you come up to him.

"Very good." He says. "Working generator was the jaw dropper. The rest was all prime list material." He says.

"What was the take?" You ask.

"Well." He kicks a large duffle bag at his feet. "We have more than enough scrip to buy almost everything we want, AND have toilet paper." He puts out his cigarette and grinds it with his boot. "But, there's another way we can spend this, apart from the usual things, and you using your share to get your car fixed properly."

"What?" You ask.

"This is enough to get a Merchant's Travel Pass." Pytor says.

Your eyebrows go up. That would allow you and Pytor to travel through Genesis territory without having to become Citizens. You'd still have to pay fines and bridge tolls, but those things are nothing.

"Of course," Pytor says. "I'd have to dedicate my share of the take to getting this."

"And you aren't sure?" You ask

"No. I'm not." He says. "For one, I doubt that two people going in opposite directions could use one Merchant Travel Pass. Also, I'm not spending all that money just to go to East Gate so you can meet someone.

"That said...I'm not getting any younger. Maybe slowing down in Genesis territory isn't a bad idea. I could travel from town to town and be a 'specialist' salvager. Get shopping lists from Citizens, go out, and come back. Easier than ripping out an entire building's copper wire for a handful of scrip.

"But what's the difference between that and being [i]employed[/i] by Genesis?" He says the word with utter revulsion.

> Try and convince Pytor to buy the Travel Pass
> Just take your cut of the Scrip and think of another way to get to East Gate.
> Why do you even WANT to go to East Gate? You have a shit-ton of money, be happy with that!

>>39817278
> Just take your cut of the Scrip and think of another way to get to East Gate.

>>39817278
>> Just take your cut of the Scrip and think of another way to get to East Gate.

Pytor settling down? Hell no. You're dying fighting before this quest is over and you're going to like it.

>>39817278
>Just take your cut of the Scrip and think of another way to get to East Gate.

>>39817278
>> Just take your cut of the Scrip and think of another way to get to East Gate.

>>39817278
>Just take your cut of the Scrip and think of another way to get to East Gate.
Live the wild life!

It is kinda weird that Lupa wants to go to East Gate. She doesn't have the someone's gettin' assassinated knowledge we have. I guess she can smell plot and wants adventure?

File: Abandoned-truck-4caf815fb(...).jpg (2.93 MB, 3648x2736)

2.93 MB JPG

>>39817253
Was kinda hoping for something like this.

>>39817422
We've wanted to go to east gate to meet the other joy in heart for two or three threads now.

>>39817422
Well we do know a possible Joy is there. That's gotta be worth something, right?

>>39817458
I'm really looking forward to the "What the hell are you talking about?" scene when we get there. Then we exhaust our options for possible please become a Joy triggers and just look crazy.

Then Hubris attack, because Plath likes to make things convenient like that.

>>39817383
"Pytor," You say. "We both know that you'll never be happy 'settling' ANY part of your life."

He nods and gets up. "You wish to see me dead in a blaze of glory, not quietly in bed, surrounded by whores and liquor." He shakes his head. "You're a vicious one Rum-"

"DON'T YOU DARE!" You shout.

Fucker almost said your real name!

Then you cool down as you realize that he was just getting back at you.

You HATE your real name...another reason why you aren't crying over your mother's death.

So, Pytor hands you your cut, five full stacks of scrip. That's more than enough to get the Righteous Truck tuned up and fixed. Although, if you push it, you could take it to East Gate. They do specializing in repairing and customizing cars there.

You feel a buzz in your head. You know that's Joy trying to make herself heard. She's BEGGING for you to get a better car that the Righteous Truck.

"So what should we thi-"

And that's when you hear the gunfire, and the screaming.

You and Pytor run out into the plaza, and see utter panic. Citizens are running everywhere, merchant stalls have been knocked over and people are scrambling to get what they can/what's theirs.

You smell blood, but you also smell something else...

> Observation Roll 1d10

>>39817629

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>39817629

File: ゆりむ - ジト目ルーミア (33361696).png (203 KB, 900x756)

203 KB PNG

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>39817629
Lupa is now Rumia.

>>39817655
>>39817629
derp

>>39817684
and again

>>39817660
nice

>>39817655
>>39817684
...

Do we care about blowing our Ashes cover? Probably want to think about this before the vote to transform comes up.

>>39817745
I would really rather not blow the cover after everything we did to keep it intact at the confessors.

>>39817655
>>39817684


So. Much. Fail.
I'm done. See you all tomorrow.

Someone else still needs to do another roll.

Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>39817629

>>39817763
I thought that was more because she didn't want to be worshipped than anything else. It's fairly easy to justify a different response in a different situation, if we want to.

>>39817910
We really don't know how Genesis would react I would rather not be thrown in jail.

>>39817660
That's the smell that happens when you use your powers, same with the Small Joys. This time though, it's stronger, deeper. You're just a little hint of fragrance from a flower...this is dunking your head in a vat of perfume.

You see that one of the shipping container prisons is wide open, and there's two dead guards on the ground.

That's weird, because you remember that there were three guards to a container.

That's when you see the scorch mark, and the husk of a body that looks like its curling in on itself.

Rozen and all of the other Genesis soldiers have taken cover behind barricades, and the gallows.

You see that they've got sharpshooters pointed at the darkened glass of the lobby of the large building that the gallows were in front of.

"What's going on!" Pytor says, grabbing a fleeing Citizen.

"The Sheba soldiers got out and got guns!" The man says. "They've even got one of those crap guns working! They took hostages!"

You see Lantern Girls screaming at Genesis soldiers as they try and hold them back. Your eyes go wide as you realize that you can't see any tacky red wigs, or bald heads, on them.

Molly-Dolly's one of the hostages!

And to cap it all off, you see the last of a small group of people, squeeze through a gap in the wall, on the Genesis Territory side. They're taking off while everyone else is dealing with the hostages.

Pytor puts a hand on your shoulder. "We should get into the RV, where it's safer."

> Follow Pytor into the RV
> Fuck no, you're rescuing Molly-Dolly and the hostages. (The people who crawled through the wall will get away.)
> Absolutely not, you're going to stop those pricks who are escaping as you stand there! (This will leave the hostage situation in Rozen's hands.)

>>39817978
> Absolutely not, you're going to stop those pricks who are escaping as you stand there! (This will leave the hostage situation in Rozen's hands.)

>>39817978
>Absolutely not, you're going to stop those pricks who are escaping as you stand there!

>>39817978
>>39818017
>>39818048

I don't know guys, Rozen seems like the kinda cold motherfucker who'd just shoot the hostages. Plus, a working Civ gun means a power source, which means some kinda joy.

>>39818118
You make a good point.
>>39817978
>Fuck no, you're rescuing Molly-Dolly and the hostages.

>>39817978
>> Fuck no, you're rescuing Molly-Dolly and the hostages. (The people who crawled through the wall will get away.)


>>39818118
I suppose you're right, they pobably do have the gun.

>>39817978
>> Absolutely not, you're going to stop those pricks who are escaping as you stand there! (This will leave the hostage situation in Rozen's hands.)

>>39818118
I don't think it's a joy. The scent is too strong.

>>39817978
> Absolutely not, you're going to stop those pricks who are escaping as you stand there!

Anons aren't voting to flee and make enemies of genesis.

>>39817978
>Fuck no, you're rescuing Molly-Dolly and the hostages. (The people who crawled through the wall will get away.)

>>39818118
>I don't know guys, Rozen seems like the kinda cold motherfucker who'd just shoot the hostages
Shit you are right.

> Absolutely not, you're going to stop those pricks who are escaping as you stand there! (This will leave the hostage situation in Rozen's hands.)

>>39818235
I think either of the non-flee options get us in temporary trouble with Genesis. Cause neither of them are self-defense.

>>39818349
No we would be working for the defense of a Genesis settlement therefore it is what we are supposed to do.

>>39818349
There is only one.

You twist out of Pytor's grip.

"I have to stop them!" You shout pointing at the hole.

You take off towards the gap in the wall.

The last thing of Pytor you see is him heading towards Rozen and the Genesis soldiers.

Alright, you're after the small group of people that probably set free the Sheba people to let them do this.

They got through the first wall quick enough, but the outer wall is tougher, so that'll take them some time.

You crawl through the hole in the wall, just like the others, Genesis is busy with other things than to notice you.

Thankfully it's also easy to see which way they went, seeing as there's a watchtower in one direction, and a semi-blind spot, now completely blind, in the other.

> Be as quiet as possible and hug the wall, you don't want to see them coming.
> You don't know if they're already through. Take off.
> Open Your Heart To Joy. (REMEMBER, this always involves a flash of light!)

>>39818560
> You don't know if they're already through. Take off.

>>39818560
>You don't know if they're already through. Take off.

>>39818560
> Be as quiet as possible and hug the wall, you don't want to see them coming.

Maybe we can see what we're up against before jumping into this? I expect them to get away though.

>>39818560
(Okay, I've noticed that the vote changed a LOT as I was writing that out. And now it's back to being even, with Hostages winning the first to three.

So, are we okay with going forward with this plot?

Either way is fine with me. Both fights are tough.

If you let the people get away, something bad is going to happen in East Gate.

Rozen only cares about the safety of hostages that are Citizens.)

>>39818767
I am fine with this plot however I also voted for this plot.

>>39818767
I'm fine with bad things not happening in East Gate.

Sucks about Molly.

>>39818767
Well with that in mind, I'll change >>39818154 to
>Absolutely not, you're going to stop those pricks who are escaping as you stand there!

>>39818662
>>39818668

You take off through the gap, and when you round the bend, you see them.

There's four of them, and they are not Righteous Path zealots. These people look like...well...you and Pytor. They've got masks, gear, and Civ Self-Heating body armor.

Also, they have a Civ gun. They're using it like a welding torch. A small, very bright, pure white, flame is coming out of the tip of the 'barrel' of the gun.

They're going to see you in about three seconds.

> Tackle the one with the gun
> Flatten yourself against the wall where you sorta blend in and hope they don't see you.
> Open Your Heart to Joy

>>39819097
>Tackle the one with the gun
Lets try to take out the one who can really hurt us before we alert them.

>>39819097
>>39819143
That's dumb. Really dumb. But I want to see it.

>Tackle the one with the gun

More people better vote if you don't want this winning.

>>39819097
>> Tackle the one with the gun

Biggest threat.

>>39819097

> Tackle the one with the gun

>>39819143
>>39819212
>>39819230

You charge forward as fast as you can and hurl yourself, shoulder first, at the one with the gun.

> Roll 1d20

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39819264
I can't believe we're doing this.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39819264

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>39819264
we gonna die, aren't we

>>39819294
Apparently. Maybe if we're lucky they know Lupa is Ashes and will capture her.

>>39819278
>>39819279
>>39819294
Well this isn't good in the slightest not that I can judge the 3 was me.

Rolled 9, 6, 5 = 20 (3d20)

>>39819278
The person sees you coming and dodges out of the way. You bang against the wall.

"Fuck! I thought we had more time!"

"Holy shit, it's the other one!"

"What? You're shitting me."

"Set the gun to stun." The man whips out a stun baton, and two others follow suit. The third, who you think is a woman, is fiddling with the gun.

"Quick, before she embraces!" The man says.

>>39819308
Don't blame the dice. This was plain weird decision making.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39819357
Thankfully, you're damn fast even as Lupa. You duck, spin, and jump out of the way.

Only one thing to do now. If Lupa gets hit by one of those things, you're going to be in trouble.

'Where do you find Joy?'

"Joy, Ashes, NOW!"

There's a burst of light.

> Roll 1d6

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>39819418

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>39819418

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>39819418
HWG

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>39819418

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>39819418
roll

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>39819418

>>39819418
Wow the d20s are just bad all around right now.

These guys are going to be fucked if we Ash Cloud. Don't even have to do anything, just delay them until Genesis shows up.

>>39819670
On the other hand, they know how to use their gear and it's powered up. There's probably a way for them to see through the cloud in those suits somewhere.

>>39819455
You feel something hot, bright, and fast streak by your cheek and singe part of your hair.

That's also when you hear shouts, and as you look at the others, you hear a siren start to blare.

Well, good news, you've officially fucked their escape.

Also, Genesis soldiers have NOT seen Lupa, but they DID see Joy-In-Ashes appear out of a burst of white light.

"There's two guns." The man who recognized you says. "We have one. The Sheba people have the other. It only has a small charge, but it'll last until the end of the day...or until that's gone tits up.

"She can deactivate the thing from here." He says. "She does that, we run that way, you run that way." He points in two directions.

> Deal
> Deal (Lie)
> Fuck you. (Express your joy/knives/foot to their faces.)

>>39819747
>> Fuck you. (Express your joy/knives/foot to their faces.)

>>39819747
>Fuck you. (Express your joy/knives/foot to their faces.)

>>39819747
>> Fuck you. (Express your joy/knives/foot to their faces.)

Hahaha, fuck off. You're getting interrogated.

>>39819747
>knives > foot

>>39819747
> Fuck you. (Express your joy/knives/foot to their faces.)

>>39819808
You narrow your eyes at them.

The sirens keep on wailing and you know that Genesis sharpshooters are taking aim.

You REALLY hope they don't decide to shoot you!

"ATTENTION! STAND DOWN ALL OF YOU, OR YOU WILL BE SHOT!"

> Ash Shot
> Ash Cloud
> Ash Knives
> Ash Armor
> Kick

>>39819977
>Kick

>>39819977
> Ash Armor

>>39819977
> Ash Armor

Why is there no stand down option? I don't think people would pick it though, so...

>>39819977
> Ash Armor

>>39819977
> Ash Armor

Rolled 1, 2, 3 = 6 (3d6)

>>39820020
You hold your arms up, as you jump backwards, as your ash solidifies around you.

>>39820198
>Rolled 1, 2, 3 = 6 (3d6)
Is this rolling for the opposition?

>>39820220
I assume so we usually roll for ourselves.

Rolled 15, 16, 7, 13 = 51 (4d20)

>>39820198
Well, apparently the three men haven't thought about what's going to be happening very shortly, as none of them run.

One of them draws a pistol and shoots at you. (Aiming below the waist, he's trying to cripple you, not kill you.)

The other two men try and club you with their batons.

"Get out of my head! Stop talking, stop talking! I don't CARE about your fucking HAIR COLOR!" The woman snarls, and fires the Civ gun at you.

Ah, so apparently Joy's in the other woman's head...that explains her silence. Also...is that woman acting...like a siphon?

>>39820220
>>39820240
Sometimes it's our allies. Like those cats. Poor kitty #3, you will be missed.

>>39820270

Ash armor activates Ash Dodge.

> Roll 1d20 to Ash Dodge the bullet and the baton strike.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39820291

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39820291
HWG

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39820291

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>39820270
>"Get out of my head! Stop talking, stop talking! I don't CARE about your fucking HAIR COLOR!" The woman snarls, and fires the Civ gun at you.
Hahaha, you brought this on yourself lady.

>>39820291
These 3's are going to kill us.

>>39820291
Well we are armored so we should be ok, even if hit.

I just realized that if these people are interrogated Genesis finds out we''re Lupa. They'll reveal us out of spite.

So I guess don't worry so much about the identity thing. We're prettymuch fucked on that front.

>>39820418
Or we could just kill them.

>>39820418
Magical girl shows always needed more casual murder.

>>39820428
And pass up on what they know? That doesn't seem like a fair trade.

Rolled 8, 6 = 14 (2d20)

>>39820331
You try to dodge, but it's hard without Joy handling other things, you get tagged in the leg, and a faint jolt up your arm. They both sting and hurt, but you don't go down, and your armor's taking the most of it.

"The...weird...ash girl...she tried to stand down, but the other four attacked her." The sharpshooter says. "Orders?"

"The ash girl is not acting hostile?" Rozen says.

"Repeat, she tried to stand down, and is being attacked." The Sharpshooter says. "Orders?"

"You have authority to fire upon the one with the firearm. Don't shoot the non-hostile. Once area is secure, order non-hostile to remain where she is. Support is en-route."

"Roger, sir."

The Sharpshoot raises their rifle, and fires. Twice, quickly.

>>39820522
wow, bad rolls everywhere.

no ones rolling high tonight

>>39820522
The woman hits the dirt, at the right time. Also, with faster reflexes than a normal person can. That smacks of Acceptance.

"Damnit." The Sharpshooter says, as they reload. "Soldiers take note, female target is highly skilled, take caution."

"Roger."

> Ash shot
> Ash knives
> Ash cloud
> Kick

>>39820566
> Ash knives

>>39820566
>Ash knives

>>39820566
> Ash shot

>>39820566
> Ash cloud
We dont let anyone see what we can do

>>39820656
They'll know we can cover ourselves in ash and make ash clouds, and we'll be sacrificing the sharpshooters completely, and if we kill them in the cloud they'll totally know we did it and hate us.

>>39820566
This is just a clusterfuck in more ways than one. Even if we do manage to polish these bozos off, Genesis is probably going to try and gang press us into military service or something.

>>39820717
Nothing we've seen about Genesis suggests they're the kind of dicks who do shit like that.

>>39820746
>“Any attack against Genesis Citizens, or Visitors, will cause you to be detained, and an inquiry will be made into the assault. Should you be found in the right, your personal belongings, and freedom, will be returned to you. If you are found at fault, you will be arrested and tried, and all of your belongings will be confiscated. Do you agree to this?
They certainly will try to hold us if we do something like that, for some time at least.

>>39820746
Hope not. I might just be paranoid. They DO seem to run a hell of a tight ship, though. Which ain't that bad, I guess.

>>39820788
They will, but I think going through with it will end better than running, because
>>39820791
Gaft has people in Genesis. Probably people high enough up to bail us out of trouble.

Any group the Righteous Path and those People of Joy dicks in front of us consider their enemy probably isn't ALL bad, in any case.

>>39820585
>>39820598

You're being currently attacked by two people with stun batons, so you chuck your knife at one, swinging your arm in a wide arc. Ugh, you REALLY need Joy, this takes a LOT of focus.

Thankfully, it seems to work, and another knife appears as the mirror of the other one, sailing for the other guy.

> Roll 2d20

Rolled 8, 19 = 27 (2d20)

>>39820832

Rolled 19, 16 = 35 (2d20)

>>39820832

I hope my roll isn't as bad as everyone's been tonight...rough goings today.

Rolled 19, 9 = 28 (2d20)

>>39820832

>>39820838
>>39820843
>>39820863
so a 19,19
finally something good

Rolled 3, 6 = 9 (2d20)

>>39820843
The men howl as knife stab into their chests, through their vests.

The knives crumble to ash, and blood pours out of the open wounds.

"Sir..." The Sharpshooter says. "I...uhh...I believe the ash girl is armed."

"AND IF YOU DON'T RELEASE MY CITIZENS, I WILL FUCK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR DOGS UNTIL THEY ARE DEAD, TRAVIS KINCAID! THEY WILL BE MADE INTO LUNCHMEAT AND I WILL MAKE YOU EAT THEM! YOU WANT THAT?!" Rozen is screaming over the radio. "Was that aggressive enough for you?"

"Yes, sir." The negotiator says. "KINCAID, LISTEN TO ME...I AM YOUR ONLY FRIEND HERE. ROZEN WANTS TO CHA-"

"SIR!" The sharpshooter says.

"What?" Rozen says.

"The ash girl is armed and she's fighting her attackers." The Sharpshooter says.

"Alright, fine. I'll inform the others. Let's assume she's trying not to die, you have authority to continue firing. Target anyone with firearms, especially if they're Junk Guns."

"Confirmed sir."

The two baton men swing at you, and the man and woman shoot at you.

Rolled 20, 18, 2, 15 = 55 (4d20)

>>39821020
The batons both miss.

The man and woman fire, and the Sharpshooter cracks off two more shots at the woman.

>>39821038
Ok our foes are good, shit.

>>39821020
>"AND IF YOU DON'T RELEASE MY CITIZENS, I WILL FUCK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR DOGS UNTIL THEY ARE DEAD, TRAVIS KINCAID! THEY WILL BE MADE INTO LUNCHMEAT AND I WILL MAKE YOU EAT THEM! YOU WANT THAT?!" Rozen is screaming over the radio
I like this guy already.

>>39821066
I don't, because he's not saying anything about the Red Caravan people.

Apart from that, he's cool.

can we please not kill the other two opponents

>>39821085
At this rate, we're going to have to if we don't want to die ourselves. I'm immensely worried what that nat 20 is gonna do.

>>39821020
"AND IF YOU DON'T RELEASE MY CITIZENS, I WILL FUCK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR DOGS UNTIL THEY ARE DEAD, TRAVIS KINCAID! THEY WILL BE MADE INTO LUNCHMEAT AND I WILL MAKE YOU EAT THEM! YOU WANT THAT?!"

R.I.P Molly

>>39821038
You can't ash dodge it. The blast HURTS. A lot. It's exactly the same kind of sting as when the Hubris were eating you.

Also, another bullet hits you in the leg.

The woman lets out a scream as a bullet from above hits her in the chest. It's not a kill though, her armor prevents that.

At this point, you are really starting to feel the pain, and the stress.

Your armor is gone.

You hear from BOTH sides of the gap between the wall, the sounds of approaching footsteps.

> Wounds: 2

> Ash shot
> Ash cloud
> Ash knife
> Kick
> Try to Ash Dodge through the inner wall and away from this clusterfuck.

>>39821141
>Try to Ash Dodge through the inner wall and away from this clusterfuck
Genesis should be able to handle themselves from here.

>>39821141
>Kick

Fuck it. Kick them until they stop moving.

>>39821141
> Try to Ash Dodge through the inner wall and away from this clusterfuck.

>>39821141
> Try to Ash Dodge through the inner wall and away from this clusterfuck.

>>39821141
If you haven't sent prayers to the dice goes, do it now...

> Try to Ash Dodge through the inner wall and away from this clusterfuck.

>>39821272
You're hurting, and you're going to be surrounded by Genesis forces in a couple of seconds. You've gotta bail.

You press up against the inner wall, a lot of it is mesh, chain link, and there's gaps here and there. Still pretty impressive, but it's obvious that they care more about the outer wall.

Right now though, you're very glad that human nature is just slightly slipshod.

You focus.

> Roll 1d20

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39821345

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39821345

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39821345
hhw

Here's hoping they don't decide to attack us next time for vanishing on them.

12...so we made it?

>>39821421
I'd give it a solid... maybe.

>>39821363
You just barely manage to do it. You collapse to the ground, and you spit out a mouthful of blood.

Yeah...oh yeah...you're pretty sure that something passed through something when it was slightly more solid than it should have been.

If you die in the next five seconds, you'll know exactly HOW solid is TOO solid.

Your new friends seem to be having a fun time with Genesis though.

"ON THE GROUND! ON THE GROUND NOW!"

"FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK!!!! GET OUT OF MY HEAD YOU BITCH!" There's a flare of light, and there's now a hole where the inner wall was, and the woman is glaring death at you.

Then she gets shot by at least six people, and drops to the ground.

"CAROLINA! NOOOO!" The gun man says. "YOU BAST-" And that's where he stops, as he made the stupid mistake of pointing a gun at the Genesis soldiers, and was promptly shot in the back and front about eight times.

You hear scuffles as what you presume is the other two being 'detained' by Genesis.

'Holy shit! What the fuck WAS that girl?'

'Oh good, we're all back together...am I dying?'

'No...but don't drink any booze. I think your liver is still...trying to decide to be your liver.'

> Wounds: 3

You slowly stand up and take a few steps away.

"Don't move!" You hear a voice says.

You look up, the sun's in your eyes, but the Sharpshooter can see you...and probably has you dead in their sights.

"Remain where you are. Obey Genesis directives, and you might be able to walk out of this." The Sharpshooter says.

> Ash cloud
> Ash dodge away
> Try to talk your way out of this
> Submit

>>39821524
> Ash cloud

>>39821524
> Try to talk your way out of this
Stall. Get your body to be your body then we can think of escaping.

>>39821524
>> Submit

We're not in shape to do shitballs right now.

>>39821524
> Submit

>>39821524
>Try to talk your way out of this
I am merely doing my duty to protect the good citizens of Genesis. They were trying to escape after doing damage to the walls I was simply doing what any good citizen would do.

>>39821524
> Try to talk your way out of this

Frankly, I don't know why they're pointing a gun at us. We're not the bad guys, they KNOW we're not the bad guys- hell, we tried to stand down before, and they know this.

>>39821592
They need to talk to us to figure out what happened. I don't know why you guys are trying to talk our way out of this, they're fully in the right to point guns at us to get us to stay the fuck here.

>>39821524
> Try to talk your way out of this

>>39821524
>> Submit

>>39821592
If we tried to stand down before, why are we not standing down now?

>>39821524
>Submit.

>>39821682
Actually,I'm >>39821592 which
is >>39821558. I agree with you. I'm just wondering why they got us at gunpoint.

>>39821558
>>39821572
>>39821674
>>39821696
Why? We're going to get press ganged by them now.

>>39821717
No, we're not. Have some fucking faith. And it's not like we can't escape if that happens.

>>39821586
>>39821578
>>39821542

'Okay...we can do this.'

'Yeah, we've dealt with Genesis before.'

"I was merely doing my duty to protect the good citizens of Genesis. They were trying to escape after doing damage to the walls, I was simply doing what any good citizen would do."

"I don't remember seeing any Genesis Citizen like YOU before." The Sharpshooter says.

"Why are you pointing a gun at me?" You ask.

"I'm not, I'm pointing my RIFLE at the car window, next to you. As for why, I think a girl who can walk through walls, grow elephant skin, and create knives out of thing air demands a little caution." The Sharpshooter says.

'Okay, good news is that our liver is back up. It's not happy, and neither is most of our body, but we aren't going to die horribly...provided we don't take one between the eyes from this asshole.'

'Any ideas?'

> I want to talk to Citizen Arthur Rozen.
> I request to be escorted safely out of Genesis, as is my right. (This is true.)
> I volunteer to assist in the defense of Salome.
> Write in

>>39821524
> Try to talk your way out of this

>>39821741
> I request to be escorted safely out of Genesis, as is my right. (This is true.)

>>39821741
> I want to talk to Citizen Arthur Rozen.

I'm only voting for this so we can try and get some cred with him and give him a heads up on these shitballs.

>>39821741
>I want to talk to Citizen Arthur Rozen.

>>39821741
> I volunteer to assist in the defense of Salome.

This is what we were doing anyway.

>>39821741
>> I volunteer to assist in the defense of Salome.
For the duration of this situation with the hostages. Gotta show him we're on his side

>>39821780
Not permanently. Pretty sure that's what this implies.

(If not then that's fine.)

>>39821798
I don't think that's what this implies.

>>39821741
>I volunteer to assist in the defense of Salome.

>>39821741
> I request to be escorted safely out of Genesis, as is my right. (This is true.)

>>39821741
>> I request to be escorted safely out of Genesis, as is my right. (This is true.)
>>39821717
Pretty sure we can (literally) kick the shit out of anyone who tries.

>>39821771
>>39821827
Why? We kind of need to be inside Genesis to get to East Gate.

>>39821852
We can re-enter as Lupa. And get in touch with Pytor, maybe even help Molly out.

Can't do that if we agree to join the Genesis Volunteer cannon fodder squad.

This is >>39821774, changing to

>> I volunteer to assist in the defense of Salome.

If it's only for the duration of the current crisis.

...If that's okay.

>>39821892
No, we can't. Because Lupa entering, somehow ending up outside, and entering again without exiting? No. That's dumb and we don't want to do that.

>>39821892
>We can re-enter as Lupa

Actually, and you know this, that might cause a problem. Lupa's signed into Salome. Twice. If she suddenly appears on the outside walls again, THAT is going to cause someone to talk to you.

>>39821915
Is the defense thing temporary?

>>39821961
>Is the defense thing temporary?

Maybe. You know that no one's ever press ganged Pytor after he's helped Genesis townships in problems like this.

"You're still in the middle of a crisis. Yes?" You say. "The Sheba soldiers have Citizens, and other people, hostage, right?"

"So?"

"So, you've seen what I can do. I volunteer to assist in the defense of Salome. That's what visitors are required to do, right?" You shrug. "I want to help. I HAVE to help."

"Sir..." The Sharpshooter gets on the radio. "That ash girl...she says she wants to help with the hostages."

"What? No. We've got people on it. It's going to be fine, we've got a plan. The Citizens will be released soon. Just keep her there, and we'll see what she's doing."

"I can help all of them. Not just the Citizens." You say. "Please...Genesis is supposed to be a place where people can be safe. Citizen or not."

"Sir, she's an expendable asset." The Sharpshooter says. "She says that Genesis is supposed to be a place where people can be safe. Citizen or not."

There's a pause.

"Send her up." Rozen says.

"Go."

You walk through Salome. Yep, everyone's getting a good long look at Joy-In-Ashes.

Finally, you're path is blocked by Citizen Arthur Rozen. He's a distance away from the barricade, and the doors to the lobby.

"Why aren't you there?" You ask, pointing.

"I had the negotiator send me away, after my little hissy fit. It makes him seem in control, rational, and able to make deals." He looks you up and down. "Alright, you can go in after we've secured the Citizen hostages. My men tell me it's likely that they'll turn over three Citizens. That leaves two Probationary Citizens, a Lantern Girl, and a Salvager. Anything happens to the Probes, YOU end up in chains. You get them out, I'll let you walk out of here."

"Is there already a plan?"

"We're trying to hotwire a car with explosives." He says. "We get them to release as many hostages as possible, as the car wont fit that many. They get in, BOOM."

"And any hostages in the car?" You ask.

Rozen shakes his head.

(cont)

Hmm...this will be interesting. Anyone in here take public speaking classes?

>>39822415
Why would we need them? That's the negotiator's job. Our job is to ash dodge in and wreck the shit out of them before they know what hit them.

>>39822266
"How many are we talking about?" You ask.

"Five...no wait, four. One saw good sense and surrendered once it was clear they were surrounded." He smirks. "Now it's just 10 years hard labor."

"Arms?"

"One has a Junk Gun that works, and the other two have a .357 and a rifle that they took from the guards they killed. Assume full clips."

"Any ways into the building?" You ask.

"The main door to the lobby is the only one on this floor. There's an air vent, but it's pretty rusted and broken, and small. Also, if you can jump," He points at open windows on the second story of the building. "All residents have been moved to higher floors."

"You have soldiers on the upper floors?"

He shakes his head. "Hall monitors more accurate, just people with a hat and a stun stick to break up domestic disputes. They wouldn't stand a chance against armed, and trained, Genesis soldiers."

"Am I allowed to use deadly force?"

"They are traitors to Genesis, and have committed acts of Murder and High Treason." Rozen says. "I would leave their bodies for the crows, but pig feed is expensive. You have my permission to enact lethal force."

"Very well...let me know when I get my chance." You say.

Rozen nods. "You're the Angel Girl that the Confessors went on about. Aren't you?"

You don't say anything.

He adjusts his eyepatch. "Those people you helped catch, they aren't related to these men at all are they?"

You say nothing.

Rozen nods. "This...is something I should touch very lightly. Shouldn't I?"

"That might be best." You say. "Let me help, and then let me leave."

Rozen nods. "If we cross paths again, you will tell me more of this." He puts his hands on his hips. "Can I at least get a name?"

> Say Nothing
> Joy-In-Ashes
> Ashes

>>39822436
>> Ashes

>>39822436
>Ashes

>>39822436
> Joy-In-Ashes

I want to know if this leads anywhere. Maybe they recognize it. But Ashes is fine too.

>>39822436
> Ashes

>>39822436
>Ashes

>>39822446
"Ashes." You say.

He nods. "I suppose that's appropriate. Alright, we'll stall as long as we can, and again, securing the Probationary Citizens us your primary goal."

You nod.

The two of you just stand there for a while, waiting. Suddenly Arthur's head jerks up, as if he's thought of something, he turns to you. "Out of curiosity, have you ever heard of a place called OLYM-"

"Sir!" One of the soldiers waves him over.

Rozen turns away from you and heads over to his men. He points at you, and nods.

The Citizens have just been released. You're on.

> Go in through the front
> See if you can't make that air vent entrance work.
> Test out your jumping ability, and go to the second floor window.

>>39822568
>> Test out your jumping ability, and go to the second floor window.

>>39822568
>> See if you can't make that air vent entrance work.

>>39822568
> Test out your jumping ability, and go to the second floor window.

JUMP. JUMP!

>>39822568
>Test out your jumping ability, and go to the second floor window.
We got mad hops.

>>39822568
>The two of you just stand there for a while, waiting. Suddenly Arthur's head jerks up, as if he's thought of something, he turns to you. "Out of curiosity, have you ever heard of a place called OLYM-"

Ooh. I really want to chat with these guys. They're probably as well informed as we are if not better.

>>39822568
>>Test out your jumping ability, and go to the second floor window.

>>39822568
>> Test out your jumping ability, and go to the second floor window.

>>39822568
>See if you can't make that air vent entrance work.
Subtlety dammit, subtlety. The bastards are probably jittery as is and we don't need to set them into a panic just yet.

>>39822585
'We are jumping to the second story of an ancient office building.'

'Yes, we are.'

'That's a height of about...25 feet.'

'Yes it is.'

'So, we jump, Ash Dodge, and land in the window. Hopefully, with our liver in one piece this time.'

'Yeah.'

'Okay...deep breath...and get a running start...'

You start running towards the direction of the open window, at the moment Joy tells you to you push down with your boots hard enough to cause the pavement to crack, and push off!

> Roll 1d20

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39822709

Pleeeease work, pleeease work...

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39822709

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>39822709
All gods are bastards.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>39822709

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>39822709

>>39822709
>you push down with your boots hard enough to cause the pavement to crack
Whoa what. I thought the upper limit was NOT cracking the ground, and we're nowhere near the upper limit.

>>39822750
I believe the upper limit was not cracking the earth, and we are pushing down on very old, and in all likelihood cheaply done concrete.

>>39822766
Most concrete (that isn't roman empire concrete) goes to shit after 50 years. I doubt 100 years and an apocalypse have been good for it.

>>39822799
That was more or less what I was going for by saying very old, we are in agreement.

>>39822818
Yeah, I just wanted some specifics.

>>39822723
Well, the good news is that you're on the second floor. The bad news is that you landed on your face. See you reformed from your ash dodge a touch too soon, so you were literally flying through the air, and then the steel tipped toe of your boot hit the edge of the floor, of the open floor to ceiling window you were sailing through, and you smashed your face on the second floor.

Hard.

You wipe the blood off of your face from your smashed nose, and feel your body painfully pop it back into place.

'Well, it wasn't the liver this time.'

You dazedly stagger towards the top of the large staircase.

Alright, what you can see is that there's a large empty lobby. It has, in the middle, a circular reception counter made out of peach-colored marble.

The hostages are all sitting in front of the desk. One of the .357s and the Junk Gun are in front of the desk. The other .357 and the rifle are behind it.

The doors are opaque glass, that look black from the outside, but clear from within.

"-nd if I see Rozen's face again, I swear I'll put a bullet in one of the Probies." The Junk Gun man says as he turns off the radio that he has. (Probably took it off the guard he killed.)

"And tell me why we can't just force the doors to upstairs? Get more bargaining chips?" Rifle asks.

"Tight quarters." Front .357 says. "Stun sticks are better in that situation than guns, and if we go up, Rozen marches people right up behind us, and we're fucked."

"This whole thing is fucked man." Rifle says. "You REALLY think they're just going to give us a car?"

"Shut up!" Junk gun says. "Just stay calm, and we'll be out of here. Free and clear."

So...what now?

> Ash cloud the front two
> Ash cloud the back two
> Fire an ash shot at one of them
> Ash dodge into the middle of them and start kicking and throwing knives.
> ???? to try and Ash Could the entire lobby
> ???? to Ash Cloud only ONE of the soldiers

>>39822944
> ???? to try and Ash Could the entire lobby
new spell time

>>39822944
> ???? to try and Ash Could the entire lobby

>>39822944
>> ???? to try and Ash Could the entire lobby

>>39822944
>???? to try and Ash Could the entire lobby
Alternatively we could Ash Cloud the hostages so that they won't be shot by the people with guns.

>>39822944
I don't like this...

>>39822944
Wait, would it be possible to armor up the hostages?

>>39822961
>>39822971
>>39822974
>>39822977
You are TRYING to get people shot now.

>>39822944
>> Ash dodge into the middle of them and start kicking and throwing knives.

Ash Cloud seems like it'd just make them shoot at where they know the hostages are. A nice surprise attack, that's the way.

People have a hard time resisting the mystery box option. Really really easy to fuck with people with that knowledge.

> Ash dodge into the middle of them and start kicking and throwing knives.

>>39822944
Can I change to
>> Ash dodge into the middle of them and start kicking and throwing knives.

>>39823036
Whoop, link >>39823036
to >>39822944

>>39823036
This isn't really a mystery box. We know exactly what it's supposed to do.

We're armored up now, right? It'd be really stupid to start fighting without that. It's silent as far as I remember.

>>39822961
>>39823069
First things first, you focus and draw up your armor.

When that's ready you take a deep breath, and you focus.

You want to put the whole lobby in darkness, fill it with ash. Then, hopefully, you can get down there and take out people before they start shooting.

You really really hope this works.

> Roll 1d20

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>39823168
kk

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39823168

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>39823168

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>39823168

>>39823178
the dice are being kind for a moment i see.

>>39823178
Phew. That SHOULD clear...

>>39823178
You focus and push out your cloud.

You wait the one second...

and nothing. No explosion of ash like always.

'What happened?'

'We...don't know. It was just as before, we saw the room, and those four assholes, and it helped that we were stationary and not being shot at. So we focused our energy and pushed like normal.'

'Well, it didn't wo-'

.357 coughs. He puts a hand to his throat, and blinks his eyes. Then he coughs again. A grey cloud of ash puffs up from his lips.

Rifle coughs now, he wipes his eyes, which are now bright red and puffy.

The other .357 leans against the counter as he holds his chest, he coughs, ash flying from his mouth.

Junk Gun openly vomits on the floor. A grey-black mix of horrible looking gunk.

All of them continue to hack, cough, and wipe their eyes.

'Holy shit...we did fill something with ash. Their fucking lungs and stomachs!'

'Did we get the hostages?'

'No...no look. They're...okay we think we hurt their eyes a bit, but nothing worse that people usually get standing around us.'

'Oh good. Now, say that we can do this again.'

'In combat? Probably not more than one person. Go! Go! It's wearing off!'

> Run/Ash Dodge out and slash some throats
> Ash dodge/Run out and start kicking
> Run out and grab the hostages and get them out.

>>39823303
Run/Ash Dodge out and slash some throats

Quick, deadly, efficient.

>>39823303
> Ash dodge/Run out and start kicking

>>39823303
>> Ash dodge/Run out and start kicking

Love dem kicks. Smash 'em real good.

>>39823303
>> Run/Ash Dodge out and slash some throats
Gotta make sure these assholes don't get the chance to start shooting, I say start at the front, or with whoever has clearest line of sight with the hostages

>>39823303
Run/Ash Dodge out and slash some throats

>>39823329
Does this count? It's linked, but not greentext.

>>39823303
>Ash dodge/Run out and start kicking

>>39823303
Run/Ash Dodge out and slash some throats

Slashing throats takes more precision than just lashing out with superkicks. We can kick them all faster than we can slash all their throats.

>>39823303
>> Run/Ash Dodge out and slash some throats
Quicker to kill the gunmen.

>>39823364
Or we just start ash-dodging them right out of this building.
Or just take their guns

>>39823303
>> Run/Ash Dodge out and slash some throats
This is how we get the good collar bones.