File: thesun.jpg (2.96 MB, 2943x1910)

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>>42581195

>It all comes crashing back to reality.

“Was wrong?” asks the Chosen One, squinting. He doesn't seem able to handle the sun very well.

You hold in your hands the so-called “Divine Mouthpiece” a cellphone (?!) that you promised would lead the Chosen One and his fellow Rag People to salvation on the surface and blot out the sun. Unfortunately it's not doing either of those things.

Instead the tiny screen displays only the words “NO SIGNAL” over a background of rippling water. You're not sure why it says this though you have a vague idea that cellphones (if this is in fact a cellphone) work through large towers of some sort. Perhaps all the towers were destroyed by the raiders that are attacking the city around you right now or even by the mysterious Metropolyiates.

It doesn't matter. You promised the Chosen One's people that you would bring them redemption via this device and now that seems impossible. Perhaps you should tell him the truth.

But there's no time for that. The floating red clusters in the sky (you think they look like something called grapes) are continuing their bombardment of the city and you can hear the explosions growing closer.

“Let us take our leave, Chosen One. It's not safe here.”

“Yah, but where?”

You grab his grubby hand and pull him down the street, not bothering to answer his question. Just as you reach the end of the block your former hiding place is struck and the shockwave pushes both of you to the ground.

“Anywhere but here.” you tell him, spitting out a piece of gravel. Scanning the sky for further attack you note that the sun is beginning to set and, for some reason, you know that the sun sets in the West.

[1/2]

>>42581266

[2/2]

Following the setting sun West seems like a promising way to freedom but it also sounds like it leads towards the thick of the fighting and you're not sure you want to get involved in that. There does not seem to be very much city to your South but perhaps that's exactly what you want. Inversely, the bulk of the city lies to the North and the East, both potentially rich with places to hide.

>Freedom lies in the West.
>Go South, try and find passage out of this place.
>Go North, seek refuge while you work on a plan.
>Go East, maybe you can find someone to help you.

>>42581297
>Go North, seek refuge while you work on a plan.

>>42581297
>Go North, seek refuge while you work on a plan.
Where is CATS when you need some signal.

>>42581363
>>42581386
>North

You choose to go North. As you run you notice a huge number of small black orbs rising up towards the red clusters. As they get near, they start to explode and issue shrapnel that pierces the red clusters and causes them to dip or fall in the sky. As you watch, one of the black orbs detonates early and causes a group of its nearby comrades to fall in unison. They drop from your view but there is a massive explosion in the distance followed by screaming.

Still, they seem like an effective tactic against the red clusters, which are sinking or fleeing in response. Hopefully this means that the bombardment will stop soon...

As you head further North you find that the city has held up remarkably well in this direction. Many of the structures are quite ornate and there seem to be a large number of shuttered storefronts. You also note that many of the taller buildings seem to have been modified by the addition of extensive external piping and windmills.

As you look for a good place to hide out, you get lucky and spot a contingent of soldiers coming your way before they spot you. You take cover in the locked entrance to one of the nearby stores and wait for them to pass you by.

You get a good look at them as they do, noting their impressive physique, slicked back hair, complete ceramic armor, and their crude spears that look as though they were fashioned by a civilization only slightly more advanced than the Rag People. Still, they seem both haughty and dangerous and you find you are suspicious of the battered and heavy looking gauntlets they wear on their left arms.

They don't get much further before their leader signals for them to stop and draws a clunky looking device with a long antennae from his side. He listens intently for a moment before speaking back into it. Then he holsters the device and turns to his men, who have waited obediently in formation.

[1/2]

>>42581518

[2/2]

“That was Lord Arzan, he says the raiders offensive on the Western canals has been turned back.”

There is a short, unanimous cheer in response.

“However there are still helots on the loose. Arzan has dispatched riders to clean them up but he feels it would be prudent to block passage to the Park, so we're to meet up with our fellow units at 14th Street and cut them off.”

The men stamp their spears on the ground and turn collectively... towards you.

>run for it, they're in armor and you're not
>surrender, you were told you'd be caught anyway
>take a potshot at the leader, try and send them into disarray
>”This is your time, Chosen One.” (Have him sacrifice himself to cover your escape)

>>42581557
>run for it, they're in armor and you're not

>>42581557
>>run for it, they're in armor and you're not
Some antennae apparently still work, though probably not with Internet.

We still aren't nearly far enough north.

Rolled 8, 19, 12 = 39 (3d20)

>>42581607
>>42581639
>bravely run away

I need three separate rolls of a d20+4 to beat an unknown DC.

I'll roll for the Chosen One.

>>42581702
based Chosen One.

Rolled 15 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42581702

Rolled 6 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42581702

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42581702
rollin again due to lack of players

Rolled 15 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>42581741

>>42581702
>success for the Chosen One

>>42581745
>>42581763
>>42581785

>Failure for you

Writing.

>>42581856
You quickly turn tail and run for it. The Chosen One takes off in your wake, his short legs pounding the pavement as fast as they can.

The soldiers, initially startled by your appearance, quickly take off in pursuit. They're not as encumbered by their armor as you had imagined and you remember how light the armor the slave tracker wore was.

One of them quickly closes in behind you and trips you up with his spear, sending you head over heels. You watch from the ground as the Chosen One turns into a nearby alleyway and vanishes.

The soldiers kick you onto your back and crush your hands beneath their feet.

"You really thought you could escape, slave?"

>No, but the jokes on you! I was just a distraction!
>I did. I was a fool.
>I'm not a slave!
>Write-in

>>42581937
>>No, but the jokes on you! I was just a distraction!

>>42581937
>I'm not a slave!
Let's actually distract them instead of telling them that we are doing so

>>42582016
Or the claim to be a distraction is itself a distraction.

But fine.
>I am no slave.

Oops we never taught the Chosen One how to wield his Holy Rod.

>>42582044
>>42582016

"I'm not a slave!" you spit back. The soldier standing over you seems unimpressed.

"You clearly wear the garb of a slave and you are covered with the refuse of that pitiful excuse for a raid. I'll allow you one chance to tell me what you are, if not a slave."

>I'm a clone!
>I'm a Metropolyiate!
>I'm a slave catcher!
>I'm God of the Hairy Glow Slimes!
>Write-in

>>42582132
>I'm a clone!
Yeah I really don't know the proper choice here

>>42582132
>I'm a slave catcher!
Obviously I was undercover and gaining their trust!

I just didn't want to get into a stupid misunderstanding like this, see.

I killed three of them, I was just going to deliver the bodies!

>>42582167
the god of Metropoliate clone catchers, obviously.

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Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>42582192
>>42582167

>Clone v. Slavecatcher

Rolling for it. 1 for clone, 2 for slave catcher

>>42582325

"I'm a clone!"

The soldier squints with confusion.

"A what?" he says, turning to the two companions that are standing on your hands.

"Either of you two ever heard of a clone?"

"Never, sir!"

"What the hell is a clone, prisoner?"

"Well, I'm like a copy of a person. Like... a twin."

"Like a twin? We've got twins. What makes you more special than them?"

"Uh..." your mind goes blank. Disappointing after your sudden recall of the term "twin" but not unexpected. You try to explain yourself a little better.

"I came from a big crater."

"The one south of here? From the big explosion that started the raid?"

One of the other soldiers butts in.

"It wasn't really an explosion sir.."

"Quiet while I'm interrogating! You know anything about what caused that event, prisoner?"

>Nope.
>Yes. The raider's planted a secret bomb under the city (lie)
>Yes, respect was not paid to the god of Hairy Glow Slimes. (lie)
>Yes. My birth caused it. (lie)
>write-in

>>42582503
>Nope.

>>42582503
>Yes. The raider's planted a secret bomb under the city (lie)

>>42582503
Or, okay
>Nope.

>>42582649
>>42582597

You shake your head.

"I don't know anything about it."

"Nothing? Not a corporate blessed thing? Tell me the truth!"

The soldier pulls back his booted foot and gives you a hefty kick in the nuts. Your makeshift codpiece gives you some protection as he makes contact but you're still instantly in a world of pain.

"What's this?" asks the soldier, intrigued by the loud clanging. He taps your groin with his boot.

"Got yourself a codpiece? Where's a slave get a codpiece from?"

"Boys, take of this mans shirt so I can see the brand on his back. Then wrap his hands and we'll take him to the 14th street rendezvous."

The two soldiers stand you up and forcefully remove your clothes, leaving your torso bare. Your body is still covered in dust, ash, and glowslime so the burlier of the two soldiers spits on his palm and wipes your back clean.

"No brand."

"Curious... maybe the Lords will want to see him."

They start marching you down the street alone, the rest of their comrades having long since continued towards 14th Street. From a nearby fire escape you can see the bulbous eyes of the Chosen One, watching you.

>signal him to surprise these bozos so you can escape
>signal that he should lay low
>signal that he should try and find help

>>42582862
>>signal that he should lay low

>>42582862
Trip.

>>42582862
>signal that he should lay low

How many are there.

They'll be meeting with more people at this 14th street. But eventually there'll be a battle with helots.

>>42582922
>>42582862

It's me.

>>42582882
>>42582923

You make eye contact and give the slightest shake of your head. He vanishes but not without making some noise.

"What was that?"

"Probably his companion, the little one that got away."

The larger one turns to you with a smile full of malice.

"Was he your inferior, prisoner?"

"I suppose. He was my minion."

A burst of laughter from all the soldiers is their response.

"That filthy little thing? Perhaps clones don't have any taste at all."

They continue to rib you until they reach a large congregation of fellow soldiers at what you can see from the signage is 14th Street. Many of them are mounted on four legged machines of some sort and a few on animals that you vaguely recognize as horses.

The leaders of each unit seem to be communing but your captor seems to have no problem interrupting them.

"Captain, he doesn't have a brand?"

"No brand, what is he, wild?"

"No, he says he's a clone, whatever that is. Came from the crater."

"The crater... give him over to one of the mounted troopers, have them carry him down to the canal by the camps. Arzan will want to see him."

Ugh. If they transport you quickly, the Chosen One is liable to lose track of you. On the other hand, being able to talk to a "Lord" might help you make some diplomatic headway.

>Captain, I'd prefer to serve here first and prove that I'm not a slave.
>write-in
>remain silent

>>42583119
My companion will also have some information. You should bring him with us as well.

>>42583211
But he hasn't been captured.

And we don't want him to be captured. What? Who else will free us?

>>42583119
>Captain, I'd prefer to serve here first and prove that I'm not a slave.

I'm not sure how 'serving' proves you're not a slave but okay.

>>42583244
Are we servicing their dicks with X's fresh unblemished clone mouth?

>>42583119
>Captain, I'd prefer to serve here first and prove that I'm not a slave.

>>42583244

"Captain!" you shout, "I will go to the camp and meet with your lord, but I would rather go a free man than a prisoner."

The captain gives you a spurious look but gestures for you to continue.

"As you can see, I have no brand. I am a clone, not a slave or a rebel. I have no love for either of those groups and I would seek to prove it to you by joining your men in fending them off."

"With what?"

"Your man here has my backpack and my weapon."

"I do, sir. He has some sort of metal spike, a rock, an artifact of some kind, and an old gun."

"A gun?" The captain sounds surprised.

"Can you use it?"

"Absolutely."

"Very well. You'll remain with the unit that captured you and march to 6th avenue. That's where the bulk of the attack should be and you're going to stand right in the middle of it. After that, we can talk about your freedom."

>wait, I'm going to be in the center of everything?!
>nod in grim acceptance

>>42583440
>nod in grim acceptance
Allow my companion to join me, he is a good fighter

>>42583440
>>nod in grim acceptance
welp

>>42583470
Shush, he's our surprise attack outta this joint.

>>42583494
They already know he's around

>>42583515
Only in past tense. Not that he might still be following.

>>42583470
>>42583475
>nod in grim acceptance

You give your consent and the soldiers release your hands and return your backpack (and clothes). There is no further talking. The three who captured you still march close alongside you, steering you in the direction of their unit which is standing at attention on the western edge of the intersection where the Captain's have chosen to converse.

All of these men seem to have been trained to the extreme of military discipline, barely moving in response to your arrival.

“Welcome to Verazan's 9th” says the larger of your captors, “The backbone of the Metropolyiates.”

The man who interrogated you turns to the assembled soldiers.
“At ease, but keep an eye out to the West! We should be leaving in a matter of minutes.”

The soldiers break formation and abruptly begin conversing and forming groups. You imagine they could form up again just as quickly.

A few approach your captors but are waved off. It seems they don't intend to let anyone distract them from you.

>ask them about the raiders
>ask them about the helots
>ask them about themselves (the Metropolyiates)
>ask if your companion can join them
>write-in

>>42583699
>>ask them about the raiders
>ask them about the helots

>>42583699
>>ask them about the raiders
>>ask them about the helots

>>42583699
>ask them about themselves (the Metropolyiates)
>ask if your companion can join them

>>42583786
>>42583778

>ask about raiders and helots

Writing.

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>>42583939

Your captors gesture for you to sit down on the curb and then take up positions alongside you, pulling bits of food from pouches around their waists. You figure this is as good a time as any to inquire about the situation.

"So... tell me about the helots. Where do they come from?"

"The helots are our slaves, they work the floors."

"The floors?"

The soldier next to you gestures up at the buildings around you, outfitted with windmills and pipes.

"Metropolyiates are forbidden to labor for their food. The slaves work in the buildings to make the food and belong to whichever one of us owns the building."

You nod but that's not what you asked.

"Where do they come from?"

"Some are bred, most are captures from the north. Tribal peoples live there, lesser in might than ourselves. Barbarians. Sometimes they try and raid us but we capture them and make them our slaves."

"So the raiders are these northern people?"

"The ones who struck today? No. They come from down the coast. They hate us and are our sworn enemies."

You want to ask more but you're interrupted by the return of the Captain.

"Assemble! We're to march to 6th Avenue immediately and set up a defensive barrier!"

You're jostled as the men form up all around you and your captors pull you to the center of it all.

The march sets off at a brisk jog and you're out of breath by the time you reach your destination. The soldiers line up and level their spears towards the South although no enemy has yet arrived. The Captain stands on the right of the formation, his device pressed against his face again. After a moment he puts it down and shouts.

"Alright, they're coming!"

The men around you brace themselves and hold out their left elbows. Their gauntlets spring to life, creating blue energy shields of some kind.

"You better hold tight." mutters the man on your left.

Distantly you hear screaming. After a moment it gets closer. And closer.

[1/2]

>>42584239
>File: energyshield.jpg (144 KB, 839x977)
Goddamn they have the good stuff.

>>42584239
[2/2]

Suddenly a vast mob turns the corner just a few blocks away. Hundreds of brown-clothed helots charge forward, hurling rocks and other unidentifiable projectiles. Your comrades close ranks, protecting you beneath their shields and the rocks bounce off harmlessly. As soon as they relax however, the helots are nearly upon you.

You manage to get off two shots, downing two helots who are immediately trampled by the crowd. Then you're in close quarters.

You draw your dock helots knife and engage in close range melee with the nearest foe.

>make 3 rolls of 1d20+3 to see if you hit (2 from the weapon, 1 from your agility mod)

Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42584379

>>42584379
(don't forget to specify body targets if you want)

Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42584379
>You draw your dock helots knife
Oh. Dockhelot was two words?

And a category rather than a person's name.

Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42584379
throat

Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42584379
Go for the throat. Poor bastards.

>>42584413
>>42584454
>>42584456
'Bout to gank some niggas

>>42584454
>>42584430
>>42584413

Your first foe is so caught up with trying to avoid the prodding spears of your comrades that he barely sees your coming. You slash his throat open easily and he disappears beneath the crowd.

Still, one of his club wielding allies quickly zeroes in on you, brushing away spears that might otherwise impale him. You need to make a split second decision as he raises it up over you; go for the kill or dodge.

>roll 1d20+3 to go for the kill
>roll 1d20+1 to dodge

Rolled 5 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42584525
>roll 1d20+3 to go for the kill

Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42584525
>>roll 1d20+1 to dodge

>>42584525
>>roll 1d20+1 to dodge

Rolled 5 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42584525
>roll 1d20+3 to go for the kill

Rolled 18 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42584626
>>42584658

These two are linked?

Also, if you tie on this, I'm flipping to break it.

>>42584722
Yeah I failed at rolling.

>>42584722

Alright, still need one more roll for either option.

Rolled 17 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42584849
Oh alright.

Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42584849

Rolled 1 (1d2)

Flipping for it.

>>42585002
>kill success!

You notice that this particular club wielding brute has left an obvious gap in his defense as he raises the club above his head. You drive forward and under his blow with your knife and twist it into his gut.

He's tough enough not to go down immediately but as he stumbles backwards, he becomes caught and skewered on the spear of the Metropolyiate to your left.

You look over and catch a glimpse of the man who had whispered so menacingly and see him grinning, almost as though the two of you had planned that little maneuver.

There's little time for celebration however, as the attack continues. The helots do not seem to be well-trained, though they are strong. They struggle to get past the spearwall and when they do, they are pushed back by the shields of the Metropolyiates, which seem to burn them quite badly.

It's only a matter of time until this is all over.

>Push the attack!
>Hold out!

>>42585103
>Push the attack!

>>42585103
>>Push the attack!
Sorry oppressed underclass.

>>42585120
>>42585164

>push the attack

You push the attack, hoping that winning glory in battle will win you some additional favor with the Metropolyiates. You wade forward a bit and are quickly confronted by two helots, their faces splashed with blood. One wields a pipe; the other a crude axe. They're hesitant to move in on you, so you take advantage.

>roll 1d20+3 to take on the axeman
>roll 1d20+3 to take on the fellow with the pipe

All rolls will go towards the result (so if you roll 3 times for both, we'll consider it a 6 roll round and allow a greater than normal success)

Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585228
>>roll 1d20+3 to take on the axeman

Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585228
>roll 1d20+3 to take on the axeman

Rolled 14 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585228
>>roll 1d20+3 to take on the axeman

>>42585273
>>42585263
>>42585245

>axeman success

Alright, calling it there and writing it up.

>>42585228
>axeman

>>42585303
for my glory!

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>42585303

You step forward and open with a stab that the axeman nearly manages to dodge. You're dismayed but instead of impaling him with your opening thrust, you open a gouge in his side.

Still, you catch him with a follow-up slash that cuts deep into his shoulder. He cries out and his comrade moves in to try and bludgeon you off of him while your knife is still lodged in the bone.

>roll 1d20+1 to dodge!

Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42585376

Rolled 18 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42585376
So many rolls to not die!

Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42585376
>33
That guy's dead then.

Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42585376
We still have the needle right?

>>42585399
I like this system a lot actually, it takes a lot off my back for writing extended combat scenes. It needs tweaking but we've yet to hit any disruptive problems.

>>42585458
Wait no, higher is deadlier.
> To determine whether or not a potentially fatal attack results in instant death, the players roll 1d100 when prompted to meet an unrevealed value loosely based on the weapon involved and the body part targeted.

>>42585459
Yes.

>>42585392
>>42585399
>>42585458
>Failure!

The pipe hits your left collarbone and shatters it instantly. You cry out but the adrenaline allows you to pull your knife free from the man you just struck, releasing a geyser of blood that he quickly moves to cover with his hand. He's badly wounded but not dead and weakly takes up position alongside the pipe-wielder to try and finish you.

>Health [13/20]

You have time for a counter-attack against the pipe-wielder, better make it worth it.

>more d20+1 rolls

Alternately:

>retreat back to the main battle line.

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42585602
not really liking this system much

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42585602
That was a deliriously difficult to dodge pipe.

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42585602
>Try and slash that pipe cunt's fingers off

Laying pipe? How did they know my weakness.

Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

Quick roll more to save it.

>>42585660
Too time consuming? Let me know and I'll try to streamline it.

>>42585660
>>42585661
>>42585679
>failure

You do your best to make the best of your counter-attack but you're easily blocked and rebuffed by the clubber. These slaves are far tougher and more determined than you expected; even with the massive casualties they're taking all around you, they're still throwing themselves at the Metropolyiate lines.

Still, their resolve isn't unbreakable. The wounded axe-man drops his weapon and flees, clutching his shoulder to try and save his life. The pipe wielder, undeterred, comes at you with a followup strike aimed at your head.

>Roll 1d20+4 to dodge
>Roll 1d20+3 to parry and quickly riposte.

Rolled 5 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585785
Finish it quickly.

Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585785
>Roll 1d20+3 to parry and quickly riposte.
It seems like the DCs are a bit high

Rolled 6 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585785
The plumber must fall.

File: smoking (106).jpg (1.06 MB, 3590x2693)

1.06 MB JPG

>>42585807
>>42585834

Perhaps your rolls were too low. Or were. The dice are certainly temperamental today..

Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

Rolled 19 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585785
rollin again in an attempt to exploit this system

Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585919
Can we make it to six rolls?

Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>42585785

>>42585863
>>42585834
>>42585807

>narrow success

You knock aside the pipe and follow up with a downwards cut that slices open the helots arm. He drops his weapon and from there it's a simple matter to follow up with repeated thrusts to the abdomen. He falls dead, a look of shock frozen on his face.

All around you the helots are fleeing, having given up hope. You see the remnants of their forces reach the end of the block only to be plowed into by the Metropolyiate cavalry. It's over.

"They'll go back to the floors with pleasure now" says the soldier on your left.

The one on your right, one of your captors, lays a hand on your wounded shoulder, causing you to wince.

"Just like you'll go to the lord now, right?"

"Yes, of course-" you say, your words cut off by a gasp of pain.

"It seems you were badly wounded in the fight, clone. I'll see if the Captain will lend you a steed."

"Until then-" he points to the man on your left, "Smythe, don't let him go anywhere!"

Looks like they're not as impressed by your service as you hoped...

>try and convince Smythe to free you, he seems friendly
>just wait and hope the "steed" they bring you doesn't jostle you too much.

>>42586006
>just wait and hope the "steed" they bring you doesn't jostle you too much.
I'm finding it hard to care since I have no idea what's going on or what our character wants

>>42585919
>>42585936
>>42585937

There are very few IPs in this thread, so it's easy to spot samefagging.

What I may do in the future is, if you roll a 20, I'll allow you to go double or nothing and make 6 rolls. Another 20 and you can make 9. This way 20s are neatly rewarded and no one has to be concerned about the system being gamed.

I might also just allow certain events to be rolled for multiple times if they are done in peaceful conditions where X can focus.

>>42586059
The character has had little time to figure that out either. He was recently a god to the rag people, so that might inform his decisions (aka making his cellphone work, leading the rest of the rag people to the surface).

Alternately he might fall in with the Metropolyiates or try to escape from the city entirely once he gets an idea of what's beyond it.

He was awakened without completing his mental imprinting so he has no idea what his original purpose was, only a loose collection of concepts and instincts. He might seek to find out the truth about himself as well, though he hasn't been gung-ho about that.

>>42586006
>>just wait and hope the "steed" they bring you doesn't jostle you too much.
Smythe, my man.

We haven't found out how health is restored yet.

Probably not as easy as devouring the flesh of our fallen enemies and comrades again.

>>42586059
>>42586177

Smythe seems to be at least somewhat concerned about your shoulder and he makes a polite remark about your courage in the battle.

You ignore it. This whole trip to the surface has been a fiasco. You've been bombed, captured, and now wounded in combat. Life was better underground, you think.

It's only moments before the captain returns with one of the mechanical "steeds" in tow.

"Lay down flat on the platform in the middle," he tells you, "and lead from side to side to steer. The other men will stand but doing it this way will be better for your wound."

He helps you up onto the platform and whistles to two other mounted soldiers; one on a mechanical spider like platform like yours and the other on a horse.

"These men will escort you. Good luck."

"What about my freedom?"

"The men have a note from me about the deal we made. You did well in the battle and you deserve a chance to live among us."

Fair enough. He slaps the back of your steed and you take off at a quick pace. The ride is notably smooth, though your shoulder twinges when you steer from side to side.

The camp of Lord Azan is impressive; pitched tents made of composited cloth and skins of creatures you don't recognize form enormous tents that sit alongside the seawater that encroaches on the west side of the city. The area is littered with corpses, mostly of the enemy.

Lord Azan himself greets you on arrival.

"I heard you were coming via the communicators." he says, holding up one of the devices with the antennae. "You're the clone."

"Yes."

>And I seek a dwelling place among you.
>And I'm planning to leave as soon as we're done talking.
>And I want to join your army.
>And I want to know everything you can tell me about this land and the surrounding country.
>write-in

>>42586363

Resting, though lingering injury (like your collarbone) will bring down the max until you have time to heal.

>>42586435
>And I want to know everything you can tell me about this land and the surrounding country.

>>42586435
>>And I want to know everything you can tell me about this land and the surrounding country.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>42586492
>>42586506

"And I want to know everything I can tell you about this land and the surrounding country."

"That can be arranged just as soon as you tell me how you came to be in our country. Please, follow me."

The Lord Arzan is nothing if not hospitable. He walks with you to personal tent and pours wine for both of you, calling on his personal medical attendant to treat your shoulder.

"I understand you came from the crater."

"Yes, I did. I woke up in a small chamber that was opened by the explosion."

"It wasn't so much an explosion as it was a vaporizing, lad. A great chunk of our city vanished in a ball of blue energy, not unlike the energy that emits from our shields. Hundreds of men and thousands of slaves lost, just in time for that raid. You really know nothing about it?"

"I'm afraid not. I woke up after the crater had already formed."

"I see. And did anything happen to you after that?"

You detail your journey through the tunnel, conveniently leaving out the bit about the Rag People.

"It all sounds very implausible. I'll get to your request for information in a moment but if you would allow me to consult on this matter?"

It's not so much a request as a demand. The medical attendant guides you out and several captains (which you now recognize from the multicolored bands they wear around their necks). After a few moments, you're allowed back in.

>>42586666

"Clone... what is your name?" asks Lord Arzan.

In honesty, you've never really thought about it.

"It's...."

>Nine
>Catechumen
>Observation Post Support Staff
>Odysseus
>Write-in

File: worried-laughter.png (513 KB, 600x782)

513 KB PNG

>>42586666
>that coin flip
Th-thanks, satan.

>>42586726
>>Nine

>>42586726
>>Nine

>>42586726
John A. Smith

>>42586726
Khepri?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khepri

>>42586784
>Young dung beetles, having been laid as eggs within the dung ball, emerge from it fully formed. Therefore, Khepri also represented creation and rebirth, and he was specifically connected with the rising sun and the mythical creation of the world.

It sounds like they teleported the rest of the facility and all his clone siblings elsewhere.

>>42586820
>>42586784
>>42586753
>>42586747

Looks like Nine or Khepri.

Up to you guys. I've got the next prompt lined up, so tiebreaker decides it.

>>42587072
You know what, final destination.

1 for Nine
2 for Khepri

>>42587072
Nine then.

>>42587140
1

>>42587148
>>42587187

Definitely Nine then...

>>42587261
“My name is Nine”

“Nine? A... curious name.”

“Anyway, “Nine”, I'm going to give you the information you request but in light of how you came to Manhattan, I'm going to have to exile you.”

“Uh...”

“Transportation will be provided up and down the Atlantic coast or a small escort will be designated to take you inland if you desire. The alternative is immediate execution.”

“Now, I think your decision had better be informed by what I'm about to tell you, don't you?”

You suppose so.

“You are currently on the island of Manhattan, ruled by the Metropolyiates. To the east are our vassals, the buroughs. Non-native inhabitants of Metropolyia live their lives there but make no mistake, you will be executed if you are recognized there regardless.
“To the north are barbarian tribes who do not believe in an ordered society like we do. They kill and plunder as we do but without the glory of arms and a military cause. They will fall on you without reason and dance in your entrails.”

“To the south there are cities, some like ours, some not. They rely on trade and agriculture rather than strength, though some have the courage to raid us as they did today. Most however are unable to even protect themselves and can be dangerous places.”

“Inland is to the west. Much of the territory there is an enigma to us. It has largely degenerated into lawless wastes, populated by vast nomad clans that fight for the right to make a yearly pilgrimage to the coast and attack us. We free cities unite and throw them back, year after year.”

“To the East is the sea. We do not possess a ship worthy of travel over the ocean but I'm told such vessel exist, at least to the south.”

“Now, ask me what more you wish or decide, but make sure that you decide before you leave this tent.”

>ask for more info about the north
>ask for more info about the south
>ask for more info about the west
>ask for more info about the east
>ask something else about the society here
>decide

>>42587291
>ask something else about the society here
You can make a living catching slaves for you here?

And didn't there used to be tall... antenna towers?

What was on the site that got vaporized, exactly? Something underground?

>>42587291
>ask for more info about the west
>ask for more info about the south

>>42587467
>>42587495

Amalgamating these.

>>42388517
>Vat 9 Status:
>Emergency protocol executed. Catechumen-level clone released. Unable to replenish life support systems, automatic generation process is aborted until facility is restored.

But the term "Observation Post Support Staff" is new. That had to come from the subconscious.

>2% of facility remains intact.
>Quantum distress signal dispatched.
>CPU retains 7% processing power.
So they stole 98% of the facility from these primitives, if it's still out there somewhere.

>>42587526
“I know you just said I was exiled but... would it not be possible to stay and catch slave-”

“Absolutely not. Believe me, I would be happy to let you stay but my advisors and I fear another event like the one that destroyed the Trade Center and the surrounding area. I would not impose such a harsh punishment if I didn't fear dire consequences.”

Sounds like you really fucked them up. Or whatever fucked you up fucked them up.

“What about... metal towers. Big antennae, from the earth?”

“There are many antennae atop the buildings in Metropolyia but all seem useless. The surrounding land is dotted with towers of metal scaffolding that were rumored to serve an ancient purpose but no one knows what it was and most have fallen into disrepair or been destroyed.”

Not promising. You decide to get some more detail about where you might be going.

“Okay, tell me more about the South and then the West.”

“South of here the climate heats up dramatically. It isn't long before the coastline is choked with forest, so the southern cities are constantly beating back the wilderness. The nearest port is in Delaware, where a natural harbor fosters trade. It's populated by wealthy merchants who might look to a skilled fighter like you as a guard or perhaps a business partner, if you're clever enough. Be wary that if you travel further south you'll enter the Vineland and corsairs will become more and more common.”

“To the west, as I said, there are nomad clans. They live beyond the mountains in the mid-western waste. It's a land of tall tales and barbarism, though we take some trade from them in the form of Dakotan ivory. You could make your riches there or, more likely, die.”

“Do you have any further inquiries?”

>the north
>the east
>decide
>ask something else (write-in question)

>>42587858
>>ask something else about the society here
You people actually still know how to make the shields and guns?

If the raiders vaporized it, then they must know that and more?

>>42587858
>decide on west
Ask if we can bring our friends with us, and we can battle the nomad clans in the west and become kings

>>42587858
>>the north
>>the east

And, if someone I met wanted to accompany me into exile, they could?

We'll have to spin the divine mouthpiece as showing its true potential somewhere on the surface, which requires a pilgrimage to...somewhere.

>>42587989

"Yes, I noticed your soldiers used shields-"

"The Aegises are the pride of the Metropolyiate armed forces, yes. They are ancient tools from before the Ascension."

"Well, what about guns? Can you make guns?"

"Make guns? No one has made guns since... well, before the Ascension. The land has been full of them for as long as I can remember, though we spurn them here for a number of reasons."

>press him about "Ascension"
>ask about the north and the east
>ask about possible companions
>tell him you're ready to decide

(deciding will be put to a vote after you decide you're done asking questions)

>>42588152
>>press him about "Ascension"
Sounds like the Rapture.

>>42588152
>> ascension?

>>42588152
Those black orbs and red balloons in the sky though.

>>42588178
>>42588231

He seems surprised that you're so curious about the Ascension.

"It's an old myth based on a dead religion. Supposedly hundreds of years ago, a vast part of the population vanished into the sky. Their departure plunged the planet into a Dark Age and all knowledge of the time prior to the Ascension was lost."

"Nonsense really."

You turn back to the topic of travelling, asking about the north and the east.

“The North is an untamed place, full of vicious people and creatures. I'm told that if you go far enough North there are some civilized lands of a sort, ruled by a “God-king”. Personally, I don't believe in divine authority but it's said he has immense power and numbers at his command as well as control of the elements. You'd need a guide to make it very far.”

“The East is treacherous. They say that before the Ascension there was a truly enormous landmass on the far-side of the Atlantic and I've heard tales that it still exists. Never first hand accounts though...”

He pauses.

“If you're going to go that way, you'd need the kind of ship and crew you can only get in Schooltown. That's to the North and my men can take you there only in disguise. Our land and theirs are enemies; their officers lead the raiders of the South in their attacks on us.”

>possible travel companions and what he can offer you for the trip
>ready to decide

>>42588152
>though we spurn them here for a number of reasons."
Why so Britbong, Manhattan-Romans.

>>42588383
>>possible travel companions and what he can offer you for the trip
So Schooltown sent the red balloons?

That you somehow destroyed?

Maybe going north is better after all, if it can mean finding the Carmen Sandiego that stole the other 8 clones and the whole building.

>“To the East is the sea. We do not possess a ship worthy of travel over the ocean but I'm told such vessel exist, at least to the south.”

>“If you're going to go that way, you'd need the kind of ship and crew you can only get in Schooltown. That's to the North

What?


And the city to the north lead the raiders from the south.

While there are also raiders from the west.

Man everybody raids manhattan? Really wonder which one was this raid.

>>42588383
>>possible travel companions and what he can offer you for the trip

The image of Rag people in disguise is too hilarious.

>>42588459
>possible travel companions and supplies

"I'm... sorry to go. The rest of the world sounds crude and dangerous compared to this place."

"It is. Truly, Manhattan is the pinnacle and center of civilization in this world."

He says that with a level of pride that you find disturbing. Not to mention the low bar for being a pinnacle..

"At least from what I can see, I agree. You mentioned an escort?"

"Yes, I'll ask for volunteers from the 9th though given the laws, I suspect only a few of the younger ones will join you. Which is fine. They're more than a match for anyone but an older Metropolyiate."

Only a few? That doesn't sound good.

"Would anyone else be allowed to come?"

"Anyone you can find who is willing and not a fugitive from us. As it stands, I'm going to assign you a guard for the next day until you set out so that *you* don't become a fugitive. Is that clear?"

"Yes-" you stop yourself from automatically attaching a sir to your answer.

"Now, for the last time, where are you going?"

>North
>South
>East
>West

>>42588689
>>North

So there's an Atlantic-worthy ship to the north AND one to the south?

>>42588689
>given the laws,
nani?

>>42588724

There is theoretically one to the South but you'd be more likely to find one in Schooltown. Most of the best Southern ships are made and/or designed there.

Of course, you might be more likely to find a financier in the South.

>>42588402

Think about it a little. There are cultural reasons but there is a very obvious social reason they wouldn't want guns in high circulation.

>>42588689
>"Yes-" you stop yourself from automatically attaching a sir to your answer.
dat clone training ayy lmao

>>42588689
>>North
Grind toughness EXP on the Bronx tribes, or up to Boston/Schooltown/the God-King of Canada.

>>42588689
We need to collect our loyal worshipers.

>>42588765

Not sure what you're trying to say here.

>>42588724
>>42588798

North seems to be the preferred option but I'm going to see if anyone else wants to weigh in on this potentially important decision.

>>42588879
TL Note: nani means 'what'.

>>42588918

Oh, the Metropolyiates have certain customs they are expected to conform to when away from the city. Due to the city's insular nature, they're meant to keep them from travelling very far but they aren't inherently harmful (at least not physically).

>>42588724
>>42588798

>towards the pole

“North.”

“An ambitious choice. You should probably go by land, as our vessels are not the most seaworthy or welcome in many ports. I'll collect some men to go with you when the 9th arrives. Until then I'm assigning you a guard and giving you the option to travel through the city as you please. You earned that much in combat. But tomorrow the guard will bring you back here and you will leave. No matter what.”

He leads you from the tend and into the care of your two escorts from earlier. They follow you around the camp silently on their mounts, mind-numbingly stoic like all these stupid Metropolyiates.

You think you might be getting onboard with the idea of leaving this place.

>eat your rations
>head into the city to try and recover your Rag People
>ask your guards if they know any tourist hotspots
>ask your guards if they're willing to go on a journey with you

The quantum distress signal implies there's another end to receive it.

Which means there is a place of technological marvel and endless life support (food) to lead the god of hairy glowslimes' chosen people to. Somewhere.

>>42589131
>head into the city to try and recover your Rag People

>>42589131

>head into the city to try and recover your Rag People

No try, only do.

>>42589131
>>head into the city to try and recover your Rag People
>>ask your guards if they know any tourist hotspots

>>42589177
>>42589171
>>42589145
>rag people recovery

You ask your guards if they know of any quick and easy ways to get underground. They look at you as if you're crazy.

"I came out of a tunnel. I'm looking to get back to it."

"Surely you're not planning on escaping into a tunnel under our watch?"

"No, I just want to get back there. I left something at the entrance."

The guards share another look and then, unexpectedly, shrug.

You set out to find where you came from.

You soon find the walk to be a slog, though your guards seem relatively relaxed up on their mounts...

>try and convince one of them to give you a ride
>keep walking, you'll find a landmark eventually

>>42589284
>>try and convince one of them to give you a ride

>>42589284
>try and convince one of them to give you a ride

>>42589311

"Ugh, my collarbone is killing me."

"What a shame, clone."

"It is a shame. Maybe one of you could give me a lift? I need to find this place before tomorrow."

"What's in it for us?"

>"I'll put in a good word for you with Lord Arzan." (roll 1d20+1)
>"I'll grant both of you five slaves when we arrive." (roll 1d20+1)
>"I'll grant both of you ten slaves when we arrive" (roll 1d20+1)
>"I won't blow up any more of this city than I already have." (roll 1d20+1)

Rolled 6 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589471
>>"I won't blow up any more of this city than I already have." (roll 1d20+1)
Ahahahah.

Rolled 16 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589471
>>"I'll put in a good word for you with Lord Arzan." (roll 1d20+1)
Those are our slaves! I mean followers!

Rolled 18 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589471
>"I'll put in a good word for you with Lord Arzan." (roll 1d20+1)

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589471
Good word with Lord Arzan

Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589471
>>"I'll put in a good word for you with Lord Arzan." (roll 1d20+1)

>>42589284
>Ride me please

>>42589531
>>42589538
>>42589563

The pain makes you a little vindictive.

"I'll mention the exceptional job both of you did guarding me from the city and vice versa when this is all over, assholes."

One of the guards ignores you but the other allows you to ride behind him on his horse.

You should be able to cover much more ground this way but you're going to have to remember where the tunnel is soon, as the sun is getting very low in the sky.

>roll 1d20+1 to find that damn tunnel, the DC being significantly lowered by your mounted status!

>>42589615
Little bit late

Rolled 19 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589673

Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589673
That's more like it.

Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589673

Rolled 8 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589673
Honey, I'm home!

>>42589745
>>42589857
Oh boy

Rolled 9 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>42589673
Oy gevalt!

>>42589857
>>42589745
>>42589724

From horseback it's fairly easy to traverse the landscape until you find a landmark from your earlier travels and triangulate it back to the tunnel entrance. In this case the landmark is the store you interrogated the slave catcher in, though you don't bother showing your guards the body in the backroom.

When you finally reach the actual tunnel the sun has gone down and a handful of lights flicker into existence over the streets, suspended in the air as if by magic. Most of the debris from the collapsing building has mysteriously been cleared away as well.

You dismount and your guards do the same, following you closely.

"People of Rags," you shout into the inky blackness beneath the stairs, "Your prophet has returned, having vanquished the sun and purified the land for your habitation."

For a moment there is silence. Then there is a great scuffling, like a hundred rats trapped inside of a wall. The Rag People swarm around you in ecstasy, amazed to be on the surface at last.

The guards too, are amazed.

"This is what you left here?"

"..Yeah." you say, unsure how to reassure them about the Rag People now swarming around them and touching the legs of their mounts in reverent awe.

A female comes forward from the crowd.

"What happened to the Chosen One?" she asks.

"He became separated from me during our conquest of the surface but I hope we will soon be reunited. Now... if you would just follow me and my nice heralds..."

It is about an hour before you arrive back at camp, Rag People in tow. The Metropolyiates are universally disgusted by your choice of company but an attending Captain offers a single tent in which to house them as well as what's left of the night's meal to feed them.

Tangentially, you're also getting hungry.

>go get something to eat
>find Arzan, ask about your troops.
>wander about, see if you can find the Chosen One
>ask around, see if you can acquire one of those sweet energy shields
>look for a merchant

>>42590141
>go get something to eat
>wander about, see if you can find the Chosen One
Try to lure him out with food.

>>42590141
>>wander about, see if you can find the Chosen One
He may be the most skeptical of godhood now though. Given the mouthpiece troubles, and then the conversation of "I'm a clone" with the soldiers.

>>42590141
>>ask around, see if you can acquire one of those sweet energy shields
Unlikely.

>>42590141
>go get something to eat

File: image.jpg (29 KB, 320x240)

29 KB JPG

>>42590141
>Chosen ooone!
I'm coming!

>>42590176
>>42590274

>eat something

>>42590176
>>42590242
>>42590324

>find chosen one

>>42590268

>look for a sweet energy shield.

Looks like I'm combining the first two.

>>42590345
You tell the guards that you haven't eaten since breakfast and they point you towards the mess hall, a long structure that seems to be built inside the carapace of an enormous beetle. You have to walk around the protruding mandibles to get inside...

The chef, as slick and fit as all the Metropolyiates, is cleaning up after serving the last meal of the day but he admits he has some extra pineapple crab meat that could be prepared. You tell him that sounds delicious and he smiles smugly before setting a pot to boil over what appears to be a heavily modified propane grill and vanishing into a backroom.

Your guards sit down to supervise you while you eat. They look pretty tired.

>”So... how are you guys doing?”
>”Arm shields are pretty gool huh. Want to show me how they work?”
>”Feel like taking a trip up North?”
>”Uh... what's pineapple crab taste like anyway?”
>write-in

>>42590537
>>”So... how are you guys doing?”
>>”Feel like taking a trip up North?”

>>42590537
>>”So... how are you guys doing?”
>>”Arm shields are pretty gool huh. Want to show me how they work?”

>>42590537
>”Arm shields are pretty gool huh. Want to show me how they work?”

>>42590537
>a long structure that seems to be built inside the carapace of an enormous beetle.

I can't take all this worldbuilding.

>The chef, as slick and fit as all the Metropolyiates,
All of them, they got some eugenics ideal or extreme discipline going down here while hoarding all the tech. Streetsweepers, hoverlights.

>>42590537
>arm shields please

>>42590580

"So... how are you two holding up?"

"Fine."
"Good."

"You don't sound too good."

"It was a busy day. Downtown got vaporized, there was a raid, the helots revolted, we met a clone and his dwarf circus. You know. Busy."

"And we missed dinner. Don't forget dinner."

"Right, and now we've got to watch you eat."

Both the guards fix their stares pointedly on you.

You... try to change the subject.

"Um... hopefully the chef will have a little meat left over. But how about those shields of yours-"

"Aegises"

"Yes, those. They're interesting, probably the most advanced tech I've seen in my entire life. Care to show me how they work?"

"Nope."

"Well, where do they come from?"

"We're all given a shield when we pass the trials as youths. The location of the central repository is known only to the two Lords and the caretakes of the repository itself."

"We're hoping it wasn't downtown."

Somewhere in the kitchen you can hear the chef struggling with something large.

>So I can't buy a shield?
>Maybe you two would like to get away from it all, take a nice trip up North with me?
>Do you people make any actual tech? It seems like everything is found.
>Uh... do you guys hear something in the kitchen?

>>42590787
>Do you people make any actual tech? It seems like everything is found.
>Uh... do you guys hear something in the kitchen?

>>42590787
>So I can't buy a shield?

>>42590787
>>Maybe you two would like to get away from it all, take a nice trip up North with me?

File: sweatin.png (184 KB, 467x349)

184 KB PNG

>>42590814
>>42590827
>>42590881

>all the choices

Dammit guys.

I'll write it up anyway...

>>42590787
>Maybe you two would like to get away from it all, take a nice trip up North with me?
>>Uh... do you guys hear something in the kitchen?

>>42590984
Thank you Simmons-Senpai

>>42590984

"So..." you continue, ignoring the sounds of struggle from the kitchen for the moment, "I couldn't say, buy a shi- I mean Aegis."

"Not from us."

"Not from anyone within a spear length of us."

"The only way for someone like me to get one is what, to pry it from your cold dead fingers?"

Both the guards straighten up and then lean towards you.

"You could try.."

"No, no you're entirely too eager. What about any other sort of tech? I saw balloons earlier..."

"Those are made for us by particularly clever citizens in the boroughs. They copied the design from someone in Schooltown several years ago. Don't know where Schooltown got it from."

"Perhaps we could all find out. I'm going on an expedition to the North and I'm looking for people-"

"We'll go."

A pause. The older of the two guards looks over at his companion with shock.

"Are you sure? I'm told there are certain laws that inhibit you from travelling."

"I'm sure. Are you sure, Posa?"

The older guard looks disapprovingly at his younger compatriot before getting up from the table.

"Excuse me, I think the chef requires some assistance."

He takes off at a brisk pace towards the kitchen, where it's starting to sound like a full-on brawl. You can hear pots and pans clattering together.

"Don't worry," says the younger guard, "he'll come around."

>how do you know?
>what about the laws?
>what the hell is going on in the kitchen?
>why are you so eager to go North?

>>42591200
>what's the fuck is going on in the kitchen?
>also why do you wanna hang out with me for?

>>42591200
>>why are you so eager to go North?

>>42591288
>>42591263
>what's going on in the kitchen+why me/why north

Writing.

>>42591352
“That's good but-” you're interrupted by an intensely loud CRACK from the kitchen.

“What is going ON in there?!”

“It's all good! We got it!” shout Posa and the chef from the kitchen.

“Got what?!”

There's a sizzling noise and then a high-pitched squealing, but only for a few seconds.

“Don't worry,” Posa reiterates mysteriously, “it's in the pot!”

“They probably just had to subdue the meat a bit.”

“...subdue it? It was alive?”

“Probably. Dead crab doesn't taste very good.”

“I... okay.” You relax a little, trying to accept that everything that happened just now was normal.

“So, speak Clone. Tell me of your plans for the North.”

“It's Nine. My name is Nine now. And why are you so intent on traveling to the North with me?”

“That's very good, Nine. My name is Deragan and you can refer to me as that from hereonout. As for your other question...”

Deragan leans back in his chair, scratching his chin and staring thoughtfully at the ceiling before returning his gaze to you.

“It's not something I would expect a foreigner to understand... or a clone. But this place has only blood and toil. I hope to see if the rest of the world has something different to offer. Posa feels the same.”

>alright, I hope you can secure this with the army. I thought they were only taking volunteers from the 9th for me, though they said I could theoretically take anyone.
>So how gross is this crab going to be? Level with me son.
>If you're so eager, than maybe you'd be willing to do one last task with me tonight (propose trying to find Chosen One)
>write-in (last write in before crab is served)

>>42591639
>If you're so eager, than maybe you'd be willing to do one last task with me tonight (propose trying to find Chosen One)

>>42591639
>>If you're so eager, than maybe you'd be willing to do one last task with me tonight (propose trying to find Chosen One)

>>42591702
>If you're so eager, then maybe you'll help me find my lost midget.

Writing it up. Also, I seriously hope we're not actually down to just one player left.

>>42591639
>If you're so eager, than maybe you'd be willing to do one last task with me tonight (propose trying to find Chosen One)

>>42591639
>>alright, I hope you can secure this with the army. I thought they were only taking volunteers from the 9th for me, though they said I could theoretically take anyone.

Quick! I have to find my lost gun!

And, like, the beloved son who's carrying it for me.

>>42591842

"Deregan then. If you're so willing to go, maybe you'll do me a favor."

"I already did you a favor today, Nine. You rode my horse."

"In return for a good word with Lord Arzan! Which I will deliver on so you can grant me one more favor today on credit!"

He laughs then takes a glum stance.

"Nothing comes for free, Nine. Not in this city."

Your rub your forehead, exasperated.

"What do you want then?"

Just as he's about to answer, Posa returns alongside the chef carrying three plates and one enormous platter of steaming crab atop a bed of blueish seaweed. The crab has a notably mottled and orange carapace that elongates towards the rear making it substantially larger than your mental image of what a crab should be and also promising an enormous amount of crab meat within.

"I'll settle for some of your dinner."

"Agreed."

In the end there's enough to feed all three of you, though you set aside bits of your portion throughout the meal. Your favor settled, you request that Deregan and Posa join you in searching for your lost sidekick.

Posa refuses, saying that he had no part in this but Deregan is good to his word. The two of you set out into the darkness around the camp, calling out for the chosen one with a plate of crab meat in hand.

As if people didn't already think you were mad.

>roll 1d20 against a DC reduced by using bait and having a partner in your search.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>42592074

>>42592141

I feel like we've had a lot of 20s in this thread...

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42592074
Hahahah.

Also it occurs to me maybe we could have told the rag people to retrieve what they could of the three campers' bodies to sell them for the slave bounty for those mad chits.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42592074

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>42592074
I've been having trouble posting my computer is a shit.

>>42592208
>>42592231
god damn it.

>>42592208

Probably not. The Rag People ate them and slaves are identified by the brands on their backs, which probably wouldn't be identifiable after all that.

>>42592208
>>42592231
I'll let you guys extend this out to 6 rolls based on that first 20.

Also, I never thought I'd say this but I'm starting to miss my 3d6.

>>42592253
...Nevermind. I'll write up the failure.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>42592141
I guess even 4/6 won't be enough.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>42592074
this dice system is frustrating

>>42592262
I know right.

Now we lost the son of god. Who is armed and doesn't know how to use his Holy Rod.

Maybe he'll find us in the morning in a disastrous way.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>42592074

>>42592285
>FAILURE

The two of you stay out almost the whole night, combing the streets for the Chosen One. Whether through terrible luck or because he doesn't want to be found, you're unable to locate him.

After a while your eyelids grow unbearably. As you fall to the ground you wonder, is this death?

>END THREAD

I'm tempted to keep going but your terrible dice rolls (and my own exhaustion) have demoralized me.

Awakening Quest will return on TUESDAY, maybe with less dice rolling.

The twitter for updates is @QMsimmons

And as always I'm going to hang out for a little bit while I archive and sleep.

>>42592391

Wow, I dropped a lot of words in this post.

>>42592414
all archived up:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=awakening+quest

Vote if you enjoyed, leave angry words if not. I'll try and assuage bad feelings about dice, which were undeniably cursed today.

>>42592391
>After a while your eyelids grow unbearably. As you fall to the ground you wonder, is this death?

Now that's meta.

>>42592543
1d20 sucks no matter how much you complicate it

>>42592391
>And as always I'm going to hang out for a little bit while I archive and sleep.

You're going to hang out while you sleep? Your dedication knows no bounds.

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>>42592629

I was thinking of uncomplicating it.

And probably losing the d20. It seemed like a good idea at the start of the quest; lots of people complained about 3d6 being confusing in Exterminator but everyone knows their way around a d20.

I will work on an alternative. I have a few days. Could always just cross over the Exterminator system, unless anyone has helpful suggestions.

>>42592705
It doesn't make a difference, the odds will be the same either way.

There's no critfails or critsuccesses as commonly understood in most d20 systems so whether it's this or 3d6 doesn't matter.

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>>42592734

But players very very rarely roll a 3 or similarly terrible roll. And modifiers (assuming you apply them the same way) are much more relevant and powerful. Rolls are more commonly close to the average.

Plus, I'm getting pretty good at setting DCs for Exterminator now.

>>42592826
Oh wait right.

I was confusing the fact we roll three 1d20s or so with 3d8, when you roll three 3d8s anyway.

I guess it would change things up.

Sure am lucky no one noticed the metal port on the back of Number Nine's neck.

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>>42593191

I double checked and it's located in his lower back where it plausibly might have been missed if someone wasn't looking closely.

Damn you for making me check though.

>>42593261
Oh ha oops so it is.

>42581266
>that you promised would lead the Chosen One and his fellow Rag People to salvation on the surface and blot out the sun. Unfortunately it's not doing either of those things.

Aha yeah we're gonna have some spin to do in the morning when it comes to this pilgrimage we're going on and the sun is around half of the time.

>>42593261
you are probably asleep by now, but thanks for the awesome run! ill see you next time on either exterminator or awakened quest.