>>1095150
>Swing around some stores in the Outgoer’s District; maybe something will catch your eye.
We need things like enhanced imaging goggles, plasma pistols, assault rifles, energy cells, countersniper rifle or stigma rifle (even though Miranda doesn't like them it pays to be prepared), grenades of various types, mana crystals, and maglock/lockpick gun.

>>1095150
>>Finally look into getting that Flamebringer sword treated.

>>1095150
>>Swing around some stores in the Outgoer’s District; maybe something will catch your eye.

5 minutes till call.

We goin' shoppin', folks.

>>1095150
Mmmh. Well, there’s plenty you can do to relax in due time. Might be an idea to swing past some of the Outgoer shops, see if any new toys in particular jump out at you. You’re not the biggest fan of weaponry, but you can’t say you mind other gadgets at all. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Time to drag Ruby out for a spin.

There’s more than a few stores out here, all of them competing with each other trying to catch the attentions of the Outgoers- with generally more disposable income than most, they also tend to have more expensive goods. All of them claim to be useful out in the field, though. Like any market, however, there’s some clear standouts you should consider before the rest.

Lorenzo’s Artificing and Magecraft is the premier magic shop, full of various devices for anyone with the slightest bit of mana to use. Magic staffs and wands, orbs of power, spectral containers, mystic tabards, and the like are all available at Lorenzo’s, be it technologically simple or advanced. He used to be a lot more haughty, you remember. Then apparently something had happened, and now he was just a jittery fellow. You didn’t ask questions.

Kowalski’s Supply Depot is allll about the milspec gear, across all timeframes, and ranges from traditional physical projectile launching weaponry to energy devices, and anything in-between. Kowalski’s a decent guy; you’ve met him once or twice before. Just can’t get away from the merc mindset. Still, his armory is second to none, and he has a healthy appreciation for explosives, which you can respect.

You could also try Io’s Potpourri. Names so because she can get just about anything and everything to sell, whether common or rare. It’s interesting how she seems to have her hands in a lot of pies, and you’ve occasionally heard rumor that she’s tight with one of the Ingenious; though of course she vehemently denies such accusations. The only thing about her, is that her stuff tends to be more expensive than the others, although she claims that’s because ‘it’s just that much more special!’

The question now was just where to hit first...

>Lorenzo’s Artificing.
>Kowlaski’s Supply Depot.
>Io’s Potpourri.

>>1095307
>Lorenzo’s Artificing.
Some mana crystals and a mana condenser array so that we don't have to mind the mana budget on a low-mana world would be nice.

>>1095307
> Kowalski's
Get some mundane munitions for when we can't rely on magic or want to surprise someone who expects magic.

If we can get a cold gun from somewhere, that could prove to be versatile.

What was the plan for the Flamebringer?

>>1095307
>>Lorenzo’s Artificing.

>>1095324
What is a mana condensing array?

>>1095329
It draws in ambient mana and is used to charge mana crystals or provide a steady mana power source.

>>1095307
10 minutes until vote lock, then writing!

>>1095307
Thinking on a few things, you decide to drop by Lorenzo’s first. It’s a vanilla-colored, two story building, packed to the gills with a wide variety of magical devices- mana runs thick in the air here, and you can constantly see a number of people coming in and out to purchase his wares for one reason or another.

As you step in, your entry being heralded by a tiny chiming, you can see the open floor immediately. It splits off into several rooms, and you can see a couple of associating wandering the floor, talking to various potential customers, or demonstrating the functionality of some of the less dangerous devices on the show floor. You can see a number of people crowding around one such demonstrator showing off...something. You're not sure what, but it's glowing, which is probably reason enough for some.

Before you can mull on it anymore, one of the presenters quickly comes up to you- an elfen girl, about a head and a half taller than you, redheaded and freckled, and dressed in the all-blue two-piece all his employees wear. The nametag on her chest says her name is ‘Lefry’. “Hello there! Welcome to Lorenzo’s Artificing and Magecraft! Is there anything I can help you with today?”

You’ve got an idea of some of the stuff you want, but you could browse a bit; or just get led straight to the condensers. Last you checked they were somewhere around 5-8 large motes, depending on the model. You get what you pay for when it comes to those things. A couple of emergency mana crystals...you’ve never needed them before since your capacity was so high, but you keep getting this nagging feeling they’ll come in handy now. They’d run you about 1 Large Mote per. Anything else, you’d have to probably ask about.

>Go straight to the condensers.
>See what's up with the crowd.
>Browse a bit first (Put a list of what you all might want here, and prices will be developed)
>Ask the lady a question. (What?)
>Other

>>1095372
Hey are you locking us out of the other options or is this just picking the order?

SO guys what are we after? A bag of holding (must be guaranteed to work perfectly with a lifetime warranty. Ain't gonna be caught dead with my hand in a bag), electronic lockpick, thermal/nightvision goggles hopefully with magnifiers built in. Binoculars. A respirator that can protect against mundane and magic shit. I believe we are less adept at sensing magic than smelling enemies, so a magic detector that can identify traps and magic maladies would be a superb addition.
A kit of antitoxins and other advanced first aids helpful against magical and mundane injuries.

Get Izumi's advice on reliable firearms, the intersection should have some good old guns that can be loaded via magic and regular ammunition both. Try to learn to create magical ammunition from her. Anti-magic field generator or anti-magic grenades because nothing kills an ancient undead lich like neutralizing the magic that stops it from falling into a pile of bones.

>>1095418
>Largest condenser and two emergency crystals

>Browse a bit first (Put a list of what you all might want here, and prices will be developed)

>>1095427
This stuff, and I also just thought of active camouflage or an invisibility cloak.

>>1095418
>Ask the lady a question.
An magical extradimensional storage case, see what they have in stock. Ask what conditions they'll work under, warranty, what happens if they're damaged, that sort of thing.

>>1095427
You mean the stores themselves? It's just order. Miranda's got time to do stuff, like I said in the first couple posts. This is a free time/prep thread, like I said before. At least, that's the primary idea behind it.

>>1095456
Yeah, sorry, I didn't actually see that line in the OP.

5 more minutes to call. Any further input?

>>1095427
Our FarSight is a magitech PipBoy with a multiversal library. We should see if it can be loaded with offensive and defensive utilities and and an interface dongle so we can hack both isolinear chip-based computers, baseline IC computers, runic control circles, and everything in between.

>>1095547
Magic communication gear with a 500 mile range.

>>1095558
Good call, it's a bit ridiculous that we were without contact in the previous job for days because there were no telephones.

Alright, that's a pretty hefty shopping list. Might take a bit to write that all out, but writing I am!

>>1095565
The mundane stuff is cheaper and more reliable, likely, but limited in range if we're in a world without satellites/aerial network drones, or we'd need a backpack unit and that's too big for the way we operate.

Unless people think a 5-10 mile range is good enough?

>>1095427
Half of this stuff I think we should pick up at the mundane store. Scifi would be just as good and cheaper.

>>1095595
Yep, I wrote the list before we arrived at the magic shop, it wasn't meant to be a magic store shopping list.

>>1095588
You know we can just buy and bring our own aerial drones. Look at the hobby drones we have available today in the real world, we have access to soft sci-fi tech here so we can probably find a telecoms drone the size of a fingernail with a 500 mile range with tracking sensors that lets it track us and adjust its own location that the communication devices are always in range, and that's not even the really crazy supertech alternative.

>>1095642
I wonder if the FarSight can access a store catalogue and do price comparisons.

That way we could price out and compare relatively equivalent gear between scifi and magical.

>>1095666
If it doesn't have that feature, I'm forcing Sal to go to every damn store and take notes for us.

>>1095427
It takes a bit of time browsing, but you find a great number of things you might want. Your impromptu guide tends to show up every now and again, telling you about various items as you look at the prices.

>’Big Times’ Storage Bag- 3 Motes (Large): A simple, purple looking drawstring bag, claimed to be able to hold any number of things. It requires a small portion of mana to ‘attune’ yourself to it, and after that, you simply reach in and desire what you want. The bag can hold anything that can fit in the opening, which has a roughly one and a half foot diameter.
According to the saleswoman, if it breaks/tears, everything just spills out instantly. You ask about a warranty, and she does state that there’s a repair warranty if it tears without outside influence barring regular usage for 40 small motes.
>’Real Divinity’ Respirator- 50 Motes (Small): A respirator that requires an influx of mana, but can allow you to breathe in anything short of vacuum.
>’Lorenzo’s Own’ Magic Hypersense- 2 Motes (Large): A device reminiscent of a pocketwatch that the saleswoman claims Lorenzo invented and is capable of detecting even the faintest of unnatural magics on or near your person. It is capable of telling the intensity of the magic used, as well as the exact location said magic if invisible. It needs time to attune to a specific world, however.
>Murmur Stones- 80 Motes (Small): These are simple, oval, cup looking rocks that fit in the palm of your hand, but are pair-bonded to each other. You talk by infusing mana into them actively, and ‘answer’ by doing the same when you feel it vibrating. You can’t help but imagine them as magical versions of a comm headset. They come in pairs, and work over 800 miles at last test- although she warns they can be fragile, and reception has a delay depending on the distance- max distance has a 5 second delay. What’s more, if one is broken, they’re both broken.

You ask about things like medical kits and other first aids, but the saleswoman just shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but we don’t carry anything beyond some basic emergency healing salves. If you want anything long lasting or thorough, you’ll want to visit Health and Happiness- it’s about a block down, same street, going towards the center of the city. Can’t miss it!”

Hm. Well, that answered that.

>Buy everything
>Only buy some (what?)
>Ask (what)
>Other

>>1095666
It can.

>>1095879
>You ask about a warranty, and she does state that there’s a repair warranty if it tears without outside influence barring regular usage for 40 small motes.

What happens if you enter an anti-magic field or it's affected by something that nullifies magic? Will everything try to spill out at once or are the items safe inside of it? If the enchantment is broken, can anyone attune to it and steal the items stored inside? What about insurance for lost or damaged goods as a result of tearing?

>Buy Lorenzo’s Own’ Magic Hypersense
>Buy Murmur Stones

Need more info on the bag before I'm prepared to purchase and I want to see what the sci-fi shop has for alternatives to the bag and respirator.

>>1095879
Mmmabye I'm missing it in the pastebins but how many small motes make up one large one?

I'm fine with everything except the "Magic Hypersense" which I think you magical nose makes up for? Also the murmer stones don't replace a mundane comms set since people who can't channel mana can't use them.

>>1095931
And what happens if you put a bag of holding in a bag of holding?

>>1095940
Our nose can't sniff out traps and magical items, as far as I recall. It's been a long time since the first mission. I want to purchase it and use it as a minesweeper.

>>1095940
I'm just going with the 100=1 standard conversion because I've been trying to straighten out the currency in this quest.

Me and math don't get along well.

>>1095931
Apparently, the magic isn't the cloth itself, it's an area inside the cloth. As long as the drawstring is closed tight, everything is safe. If if opens, it's as if it tore, and everything with expand inside and probably tear it apart.

If the attunement is broken, then yes, someone can attune and take what's in it. They offer no insurance for lost or damaged goods as a result of tearing.

A bag of holding in a bag of holding just means there's a bag of holding in a bag of holding. Apparently this is a known trick and can be done up to five times- any more bags just seem to 'not go in'.

>>1095879
10 minutes and we'll move on if there's no other consensus or debate.

>>1095966
Alright, I'll stand by my previous post. Buy the Hypersense and Murmur Stones, check the scifi shop for tech equivalents of the bag and respirator.

>>1095879
Get
>a storage bag
>Respirator
>murmur stones

Ask about mana restraints, like, some handcuffs that restrict mana usage or something of the like.

Okay, so the Murmur Stones seem like a lock at least, and
>>1095940
>>1096045
are for the Storage Bag and respirator as well.

Next post will be the last for a little bit, then I'll be taking a couple hours break, then continuing later tonight.

Mana condensers aren’t too common, but they are useful. Again, you hadn’t really seen the need for one yourself, but all things considered, it might be nice to have one on hand, along with a few crystals just to be safe. Condensers generally take the form of a back-mounted device that essentially looks like a large tube with wires connecting to it, and one leading to a patch- you connect that to your skin, and there’s a small knob you can turn to regular the flow of mana.There’s a number of condensers out there, but there’s a couple popular brands:

>’Lorenzo’s Own’ Extreme Mana Condenser- 7 Motes (Large): Lorenzo’s done his best to develop a condenser that can take in even the smallest amounts of mana and compress and store it to reasonable levels. It's only decently fast, can’t store as much as a couple others, but it does something few others do- it can convert mana to a form similar to your own, allowing you to utilize it more naturally. Can store up to 1500 extra mana.

>’Jubilee’ Mana Condenser EX- 8 Motes (Large): An extra large mana condenser, that can absorb a great deal of mana from the environment. Noted for not being very fast at it, and the thing will be obvious on your back; however it lets you carry a LOT, and it's practically a shield on your back, it's so well-built. Can store up to 2500 extra mana.

>’Extra Sweet’ Emergency Mana Condenser- 6 Motes (Large): A basic condenser, but a lot smaller than normal, and rather quick at gathering mana, even in low-mana worlds. Very fragile, but easily hideable. Can store up to 500 Extra mana.

>’Hard Times’ Mana Condenser- A stock mana condenser, decently sized in both capacity and physical space, but it’s cheap, and rather slow. Can store 1000 extra mana.

Buying this grants you the ability to Mana Overcharge. Powerful, but can be dangerous.

>Buy Extreme Mana Condenser
>Buy Mana Condenser EX
>Buy Emergency Mana Condenser
>Buy Standard Mana Condenser
>Don’t buy any.

>>1096207
Whoop. Hard Times Condenser is 5 Motes (Large).

>>1096207
>’Lorenzo’s Own’ Extreme Mana Condenser- 7 Motes (Large)

Familiarity is not to be underestimated, and there is always the risk of having something bulky on our back will be a hindrance. Being able to simply trickle mana into it for continuous refill is damn handy.

For clarification, Lorenzo's is not so large that it will get in the way in combat or, say, if we need to squeeze through a crawlspace or something?

>>1096207
>>’Jubilee’ Mana Condenser EX- 8 Motes (Large): An extra large mana condenser, that can absorb a great deal of mana from the environment. Noted for not being very fast at it, and the thing will be obvious on your back; however it lets you carry a LOT, and it's practically a shield on your back, it's so well-built. Can store up to 2500 extra mana.

Very large mana. A lot of magic

>>1096239
(On my phone.)
It's about the height of a backpack and half as wide. The top would hit the bottom of your neck and the bottom would hit around your backside. For comparison, the EX would hit above your head, and the emergency condenser could fit in Lorenzo's.

>>1096207
>’Lorenzo’s Own’ Extreme Mana Condenser- 7 Motes (Large): Lorenzo’s done his best to develop a condenser that can take in even the smallest amounts of mana and compress and store it to reasonable levels. It's only decently fast, can’t store as much as a couple others, but it does something few others do- it can convert mana to a form similar to your own, allowing you to utilize it more naturally. Can store up to 1500 extra mana.

>>1096286
Would a Storage Bag inhibit their functionality; and if not, would we be able to use them from inside the bag, or do we have to be in direct contact?

Also, which of them would be able to fit inside a Bag?

>>1096286
Just to be sure, the Condensers can be used to charge mana crystals as well, right?

>>1096308
Let's get a longer wire connected to the patch and have the condenser in the bag, just don't zip it up all the way.

Giving players prep time is the single worst mistake one can make.

>>1096324
I'm wondering now, if we challenged Lorenzo to combine a Bag (which as an artificer he should presumably know the workings of) and his own Condenser into a sort of Condenser contained in a self-powered fold in space, would he do it, and how much would it cost?

>>1096308
It would.
>>1096324
Honestly, I knew what I was getting into. At least on this one.

Also if I'm being honest, I'd rather you overthink things rather than under think. I've always been one of those players that enjoyed making ridiculously circuitous plans with others.

>>1096333
Hah! I thought so too but I was thinking Handler wants to have sane powers... the poor lad.
Yeah let's hit up the owner and tell him we'll pay a premium if he can conk that out.

That said, you're only getting this much time on the condensers because I have to go to work. Part time job.

>>1096207
>>’Lorenzo’s Own’ Extreme Mana Condenser- 7 Motes (Large): Lorenzo’s done his best to develop a condenser that can take in even the smallest amounts of mana and compress and store it to reasonable levels. It's only decently fast, can’t store as much as a couple others, but it does something few others do- it can convert mana to a form similar to your own, allowing you to utilize it more naturally. Can store up to 1500 extra mana.

>>1096207
>Buy Emergency Mana Condenser
We can leave it at a base of operations to charge mana crystals that we use. No need to carry it around with us all the time.

>>1096398
Isn't the niche of emergency mana condencer being small to carry around and hide easily?

BACK.
>>1096857
and yes.

So yeah, writing real quick, might be the last one because friends asking me to play some games.

You peruse all of them, looking them over bit by bit. Although eventually, you simply decide on the Extreme Mana Condenser. It’s a pretty slick looking thing, and the mana pack itself isn’t too large or cumbersome. Ideally, you’ll be able to fight just as well as normal with it on- these things were made to last, of course, although some, like the EX, were well and beyond the norm. The transference wire wraps snugly around your arm- you have to admit, you’re curious what it’ll look like when on your next job.

>You now have 15 (Large) 80 (Small) Motes remaining.

There’s also the matter of mana crystals- small shards of crystallized mana in a shell you can utilize simply by impressing a bit of your mana in them in order to fill it for ‘later’. Doing this, and letting yourself recharge allows you to have some extra mana, which you can use by channeling your energies through it. While the condensers didn’t exactly make them itself, they could at the least be recharged pretty handily in combination with one. Most small gauged crystals weren’t too different from each other, and they all went for about 40-50 Small Motes apiece. They also offer packs of 5.

Singular (Holds 150 mana):
>Small Mana Crystals: 40 Small Motes
>Large Mana Crystals: 80 Small Motes
Packs:
>Small 5-Crystal Pack: 1 Large, 50 Small
>Large 5-Crystal Pack: 3 Large, 50 Small

>Don’t buy any mana crystals.

--------

Done for tonight! Back tomorrow, same time!

>>1097612
What's the difference between small and large mana crystals if a single one of either type holds the same amount of mana (150)?

>>1097612
What >>1097646 said, but I think we should buy in packs if anything. Way cheaper and we won't have to buy them later.
Also we still didn't buy any physical guns, we should take that into account.

>>1097669
...The large ones hold 250. I dunno how I forgot that.

>>1097612
>Large 5-Crystal Pack: 3 Large, 50 Small

Together with the condenser this is enough for four uses of either Healing spell and combinations of the other cheaper magic. We could probably finish an entire job without using our own mana only with this.

If we buy another 5-pack later on we can even use a nebula for free and recharge our mana back to full.

>>1097612
>Large 5-Crystal Pack: 3 Large, 50 Small
We have to be careful with our purchases, but hopefully we can start doing more jobs with bigger payouts to make up for these purchases.

There's still the mundane store and the special magic store.

>>1098353
We should give Izumi a call and ask her to accompany us if we're picking up a gun.

>>1097739
Do the small ones have some detriment that makes buying 2 of them worse than buying 1 large one?

>>1098502
Less energy apiece, which means less mana to work through them, and more time spent to get the energy out. Like the difference between having two smaller magazines and one bigger one. Mostly just time value.

I think I did the prices wrong, but I'm not sure. Just call it market fluctuation.

You eventually decide on a Large 5-Crystal pack. Their capacity could serve you well in case of an emergency, or probably for strategic purposes. They’d take longer to fill, of course, and require more mana from you, but they payoff would more than likely be worth the effort.

>You now have 12.30 Motes remaining. (12 Large, 50 Small)

By now, the crowd surrounding the man has all left- it seems like they were all part of one group, and he’s walking away with a big grin on his face. That’s about all you can get here, so might as well head out. The rest you can get elsewhere, if you still want it. You’re starting to get a touch low on motes already...relatively, anyway.

You end up heading back out, and before you get too far there’s a familiar vibration in your pockets...wonder who’s calling right now. “Hello?”

“Uh, hello? Is this a Miss Miranda Styles?” Huh. Don’t recognize this voice. Low, male, kinda drawling.

Might as well see what’s up. “Speaking. Who is this?”

“This is Ben J, Dynamic Methods operative resources.” Wait, what? “We’ve come into the information that your organization might be interested in joint operations with us. After speaking with your superior, he’s expressed considerable interest in the idea, but has elected to leave the final decision to the operatives themselves. We’re contacting the three of you independently to get your feelings on the subject.”

Huh. That was...unexpected. Dynamic Methods, though? They’re all about squad tactics, low key smash and bang action, and typical works. If anyone would be calling, you’d thought Flashpoint would be it. Wonder how these guys got your attention. Still...can’t say they’re not bigger than SES. You dunno how well you’d do working with a squad, though...you’re better at giving small orders than taking them, and beyond that, you’re just more a lone operative in general.

>No, yeah, I’m interested. Tell me more details?
>Who told you anything about us?
>Sorry, but I can’t really say that’s my style.
>Other

>>1099428
>No, yeah, I’m interested. Tell me more details?

>>1099428
If Sal thought it was a waste of time, they wouldn't be calling us, so its likely to be beneficial.

>No, yeah, I’m interested. Tell me more details? I almost exclusively work alone, though, just so you know.

>>1099428
>>No, yeah, I’m interested. Tell me more details?

>>1099428
>other
Treat with extreme suspicion. Tell them nothing relevant. contact sal for further info.

>>1099428
10 more minutes to call.

>>1099489
Sure. Let that guy do the talking, we only have to listen. Still I don't think there is anything suspicious going on, you don't mess with Deal-makers or their employees.

>>1099547
We don't know if this us a dealmaker or not, we haven't gotten a name or anything. I guess there's no tangible risk, but we din't get here by not being cautious.

>>1099568
No, I was referring to Sal, he's our Deal-maker.

Alrighty, whaddya got for us?

Writing.

>>1099428
Hmm...well, if Sal seemed interested, then heck, you can at least hear them out. “Alright, yeah, I’ll say I’m interested. I normally work solo, though, so I have to ask. What are the details of the operation, then? Or people I’ll be working with? Y’know, the important stuff.”

“You’d be working with Epsilon Team. All I’m authorized to mention about the operation itself is that our team is relevant; Epsilon Team are flight and aerial combat specialists.” Hmmm. So you’d be in the air, then? Not something that happened very often for you, but you weren’t exactly too against the idea.

You can’t say that’s not interesting in a weird kind of way. “And where would we come in?”

“Heavy combat infiltration and support.” Is his blunt response. “We’ve determined that your skillsets would be extremely valuable to our operation, while at the same time more affordable than other contemporaries.” Interesting… “Any further details would only be given upon agreement to the collaboration.”

>Any further questions?
>Accept
>Decline.
>Other

>>1099743
I say accept for now and then check with Sal to ensure that we're not being scammed somehow.

>>1099743
"When is the operation set to begin? I have jobs lined up, so I will need to call you back. Depending on when I will have to cancel or hand them over to my colleagues."

Call Sal as soon as this guy hangs up.

>>1099743
>>Accept

>>1099743
>Accept

>>1099743
5 minutes if anyone has any other concerns.

>>1099743
Hm. You’re still very curious about what’s going on with them, but this is a pretty solid position to be in...if it’s legit. “Alright, then. I think I’ll take you up on that offer, then. When is the op?” Of course you were going to verify it, though.

“Ahhh, fantastic. Are you aware of the location of our headquarters?” You are, and you quickly say so. It’s honestly not like it’s entirely hidden; it’s basically a blue-colored building that looks like a barracks. They’re so about the military life there it’s kinda nuts. Then again, a lot of folks that show up here are of that mindset...there’s a reason they have the largest bodycount when it comes to personnel.

“The op will take place in twenty-four hours, dimensional time. Be at base within six hours of the op at the latest, and ask for Captain G’nearth.” And then there’s a click, and the phone’s dead. Interesting. You weren’t expecting THAT of all things, today. And it sounds like you’ve at least got two days to prepare. There’s a lot you should probably get done in that time, if it’s legit.

Actually, on that point:

“Sal?” Juuust to be safe. “I just got a call from Dynamic Methods.”

’Oh yeaaaaaahhhh. Then did you acceeeeeept? I thought it was rather iiiiiinteresting that they approached us. Much lesssss why.” Well, that answered that immediate question.

“Yeah, I decided to take them up on it. What about the others?” If all three of you were going to be on this- and it sounded like it judging by the phrasing that Mr. J used- then there’d be a lot to do for you three before things really got busy.

’Caaan’t say yet. They haven’t gotten back to meeeee. Miiiiight be worth it to pay them both a bit of a visit, maybe see if they need a little eeextra convincing.’’ Yeah, you could see where that’s coming from. Considering Izumi’s second job and stances, and Lorelei just finishing up a job with you, they may or may not be all that interested in what’s sounding like a big deal of a job. But then again, you still had shopping to do, possibly…

>Continue shopping.
>Look for Izumi.
>Look for Lorelei.
>Other

-------------

Will continue later tonight. Around 9 PM CST or so.

>>1100024
>Continue shopping.

All the more reason to kit up.

>>1100024
>>Look for Izumi.

>>1100024
>Look for Izumi.
We need her expertise on mundane weapons for the next stop anyway.

>>1100024
>>Look for Izumi.

we still have time to shop later.

>>1100024
Can we do a conference call with both of them? If not Lorelei is probably relaxing so we should go bother Izumi

Back.

>>1102016
Yes, but it seems like majority is for Izumi.

>>1100024
>Continue shopping.
wait wait wait, guys, weren't we supposed to buy guns? you know, things that use gunpowder or batteries, things that doesn't need our mana, and stuff.

>>1100024
Egh. Might as well look up Izumi. Might be nice to catch up with her for a bit, presuming you can find her. Probably at work if not at home. You’re kinda wondering how it’ll go with her; at first blush, it’s entirely possible Izumi might be for it, but she’s still got those morals of hers...and you didn’t get any specific word on what you’d be doing. Might make it hard to convince her.

You wind up finding her at home, fortunately- although you catch her just walking out the door. “Oh! Miranda.” She nods in greetings. “I’m glad to see you, but I’m a bit, uh...preoccupied, at the moment. I’m guessing you got the phone call as well?”

“Yup.” You quickly give her a once-over; she’s actually dressed fairly well; an ankle side cut, black dress with a black jacket over it, earrings, and lipstick? Honestly she looks like she’s about to head out on a…

...

Nooooo…Izumi? A date? Really?

>None of your business. Just ask about firearm recommendations and leave it be.
>“Wait, do you have a date? How? Who?” You can’t deny you’re a bit curious about this one...
>“So is this a third job or what?” You’re not great at jokes, but this sounds funny enough in your head!
>Other

>>1102555
>“Wait, do you have a date? How? Who?” You can’t deny you’re a bit curious about this one...

>>1102555
>None of your business. Just ask about firearm recommendations and leave it be.
uh...moving on!

>>1102555
>“Wait, do you have a date? How? Who?” You can’t deny you’re a bit curious about this one...
Enlist Lorelei in stalker shenanigans. We must protect our team.

>>1102555
>“Wait, do you have a date? How? Who?” You can’t deny you’re a bit curious about this one...
Ehehehe, teasing time.
Yes, we must tell Lorelei.

>>1102551
we have two days to buy stuff. more than enough time

>>1102555
>>“Wait, do you have a date? How? Who?” You can’t deny you’re a bit curious about this one...

>>1102555
Calling in 5.

DETAILS it is. Writing!

>>1102555
“Wait a sec, do you have a date?” You can’t keep the eyebrows from raising. The blush on her face is all you need for confirmation. “How did that happen? And who, for that matter? No offense meant, but I never saw you as the dating sort…”

She puffs her cheeks out in irritation a bit...honestly, kinda silly. “I am over ninety! Of COURSE I’ve had dates!”

Huh. Well, she’s riled about it. “How many?” Her face doesn’t get any less red, and she’s quiet as she mumbles out a number you can’t quite hear. “Beg pardon?”

“I SAID JUST TWO!” Yikes. Don’t need everyone in a three mile radius hearing you. “And he’s a very nice man I met at the grocery store! His name is Julius and he’s very handsome and I enjoy his company and he’s rather intelligent and-”

“Whoa, whoa!” you back up a step. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you. Was just curious.”

“Ah, right...well, I mean, yes. This would be our first date. We’re going out to The Veranda.” Ah. The Veranda was one of those high class, fancy-pants cafes. You’d been there all of twice, and didn’t like it either time. Portions were too small, everything was bland. Not sure how it stayed in business, really. “I’m terribly terribly sorry, but I have to get going!” She bows, and quickly scurries off. “We can talk about the job tomorrow, I promise!” Before you can say much else, she’s already off- fortunately she doesn’t have on heels...not that you think they’d actually have slowed her down, if you’re being honest.

Still...only been on two dates? You’re not exactly the foremost expert on dating, yourself, but you couldn’t help but worry a bit…

Before you know it, your phone is ringing. Did you call? You look at your phone and it seems like it...you dialed her unconsciously? “Lorelei?”

“Yeaaaaah. Sup.” She sounds lethargic as all getout. “Didja get that thing about the Dynamic Methods job thing?”

“Yeah, I was just about to talk to Izumi about it.” You look back in the direction she took off. “Couldn’t, though. She was on her way to a date.”

“GAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSP.” No, seriously, she actually SAID the sound effect. “IZUMI going on a DATE? Like a date-date? Really? No joke?”

“Yeah,” you confirm. “With a guy named Julius. She and him were going to a place called The Veranda.”

“GASP AGAIN! I know where that is!” Okay… “ ‘randa, meet me on the corner of Cupcake Avenue and Cherypicker Street in the Eatery District in like, twenty minutes!” Wait…

“What? Why?” You had a bad feeling about this…

“We’re gonna spy on her date, duh!”

Oh no.

>>1103342
this is gonna be fun.

>>1103342
Oh yes.

>>1103342
It doesn’t take a whole lot of wheedling on her part; admittedly part of you was intensely curious. But you were both basically stalking the poor girl now. You both had more casual shorts and t-shirt clothes on, although you now had glasses and a hat both provided by Lorelei. She had similar, and together you were both watching what seemed to be...well...a very awkward first meeting.

She holds out her hand just as he goes in for a hug- then she reconsiders and goes in for a hug right as he pulls back to grab her hand and...eugh. It’s already a bit of a mess. What’s worse is that she’s completely redfaced, while the guy Juilus- a spikey-haired, bespectacled youth in a dress button up shirt and black slacks- seems to just smile bemusedly.

“Oh noooo, ‘zumi…” Lorelei frets as she watching the initial greetings. “You can’t fall apart at the first introduction!”

They both start to beckon the other in, before catching themselves yet again and laughing...and then they start up again, each trying to beckon the other in. It finally ends when they both go in, both red-faced and shy.

The urge to facepalm is might, but you resist, turning to Lorelei. To your (not so severe) surprise, she’s got a determined look on her face, which she soon focuses on you. “We HAVE to help them.”

> “...as much as I hate to say it, yeah, probably. Any ideas?
> “We can’t interfere in their date like that! That’s just rude.”
> “Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”
>Other

Agh, that'll do it for me tonight.

Tomorrow...won't be running this. I might run a one-shot. Dunno.

>>1103445
> “Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”
Hopefully Zumi won't drop all the spaghetti. Only need to step in if she does. We're not stalking, it's team building!

>>1103453
Thanks for running boss.

>>1103445
>> “Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”

the small but important stuff.

>>1103445
>“Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”
Maybe we can be helpful waiters? Or clumsy citzens who drop their weighty wallets so she can show off how ethically minded she is.

>>1103581
i think she would immediately see trough our disguises and immediately get pissed at us.

>>1103445
>> “Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”

>>1103445
>> “Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”
Time for highjinks

>>1103445
>> “Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”

>>1103445
>“We can’t interfere in their date like that! That’s just rude.”

>>1103445
>“Maybe if we keep it light. Behind the scenes, you know?”

also
>They both start to beckon the other in, before catching themselves yet again and laughing...and then they start up again, each trying to beckon the other in. It finally ends when they both go in, both red-faced and shy.
oh gosh, this is great.

>>1113236
Thanks.

People will be around in 2 1/2-3 hours? Sorry about the other day, been a bit queasy the past day or two. Still not the greatest, but I'm 90% sure I can run. Wanted to even try a one-shot, but yeah, that didn't happen.

>>1113481
I will be here.

>>1113481
will probably be here

>>1103445
Granted, it DID seem pretty bad, but you still weren’t all that eager to interfere in her business...well, not overtly. Maybe there’s a way to compromise. “Maaaaybe if we keep it light. Y’know, behind the scenes kinda stuff.” Even you weren’t entirely sure what you meant by that, but knowing Lorelei…

“Hmmm...yeah! Sounds like a plan!” Lorelei’s eyes light up- you almost swear literally. “We’ll keep it on the sly, and if anything tries to interfere with her and her date, we’ll make sure to handle it! In fact…” You’re starting to rather dislike that look on her face. “I’ve got me an idea!” Oh, fantastic.

It’s not all that hard to get around to the back, and Lorelei proves easily capable of copying the clothing of one of the waiters. You…well, you’ll give the girl her tips at the end of the night or something. She’ll probably appreciate making money for doing nothing but sleeping.

It seems like it’s a busy night tonight, as well, so that just helps you two out in terms of not getting spotted, at least…

“Alright, we’ve gotta be careful!” Lorelei says as you both slip in the back way, whispering to yourselves in the small hallway right before the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. “Anyone asks, we’re temps.”

“They do that?” You ask.

“They’d better! Now, they probably haven’t been served yet. Stay close.” She responds as she picks up a tray and starts carrying glasses like a pro- taking a single glance at a piece of paper right above what seems to be plates of food before she heads out. Part of you is surprisingly nervous. You’re...not really the waitress type, last you checked.

Guess it’s up to luck for now. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too bad, right?

>Roll 1d20 for waitressin’! Best of 3!

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>1113851

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>1113851
Oh, this is going to go badly.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>1113851

>>1113864
I hope so. I used to do waiter stuff myself, so I know ALL THE WAYS things can go horribly behind the scenes. I'd love to share my suffering.

>>1113851
...ohhhhh the temptation.

THE TEMPTATION

File: 417bOy6tuqL._SL_250_[1].jpg (26 KB, 500x500)

26 KB JPG

>>1113851
>Miranda
>Not assuming the bar back position.

>>1113973
No open bar here. Aside from that, no complaints about the implication.

Oh, was writing, almost done!

>>1113851
Okay, okay...so far, so good. It’s been maybe twenty minutes, and you haven’t broken anything yet- the worst problem you’ve caused so far is a bit of plate mix-ups, and that’s easily rectified by a quick shoutout to the crowd, which no one really seems to mind- in fact they seem kinda eager to get you over to them. Izumi and Julius haven’t ordered anything beyond appetizers yet, but you saw Lorelei walking past them at least once, so hopefully that meant something. It was hard keeping an eye on them while holding onto a tray of entrees.

At least you seemed to be making some decent tips. Not that they’d be going to you, or anything...

You’d been given a couple of curious eyes by the long-timer waiters, but at the moment it seemed like no one was inclined to point you out or anything in the back; and that was perfectly fine with you.

“Doin’ alright out there?” You quickly turn around to see Lorelei standing there with a grin on her face. “You look stressed, but I haven’t seen anyone yell at you so far…but enough about that- they finally ordered!” She shows you the ticket in question. “We need to make sure one of us gets this order out to them asap!”

You nod- hopefully that’d be easy enough. “Right. You think they’ll be able to notice if we just go up, drop it, and leave? If we stick around for too long...”

She nods. “Good point. We’ll have to-”

“Hey, hey! You two!” Oh, crap. You both turn around to see a taller guy, tanned and bald, but with a particular sharp light in his eyes. His baritone voice is easy to pick out, and his badge that says ‘Waiter Captain’ leaves no guesswork as to his status. “I need you both out and workin’ those sections, not talkin’! Come on, you’re killin’ me here, you’re killin’ me!” He starts piling on plates for the both of you and physically starts shoving. “Sections eleven and thirteen, the full parties! Get to it, gals, get to it!”

...You already didn’t like him, and you share a glance at Lorelei- who just shrugs helplessly- you get the feeling she doesn’t enjoy him all that much, either.

Ugggh. You’re barely even getting a chance to do what you came here for! Damnit, you’re gonna have to hope this doesn’t take too long...

>Roll 1d20! Best of 3! Again!

It should be known that renegade options and action suggestions are welcome.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>1114002

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>1114002
Shit, Lorelei needs to get that order into the back in a hurry. We really don't have the utility spells needed to make this job any easier, either.

One more roll?

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>1114002
Frankly, I've never been a fan of the 'let's spy on their date' cliche.

Maybe just ensure the food Izumi gets is actually good? Disparage the head chef and the Sous until they learn to cook? I dunno. I usually skip these episodes.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>1114002

File: Kamen Rider OOO - Cake Bo(...).jpg (79 KB, 600x456)

79 KB JPG

>>1114046
Oh! I got it! Free cake!

>>1114046
>>1114057

...well then.

>>1114002
Alright, careful...you’ve got this. Do you?

These orders here, those orders there, ‘sorry about the delay, thank you for waiting’, hope you enjoy your meal…’ Ha! Yeah, you do have it! This stuff’s not all THAT hard. Not that you’d take this as a day job or anything- you can easily see you’d get tired of it way too quick- that and you and food orders still don’t get along all that well. But, you have to admit, you think you’re handling this pretty darn well.

Lorelei seems like she’s doing solidly, too, serving up dishes all too casually, cracking jokes (judging by the laughter) and looking like she’s done this for years and years. Before you know it, you’ve gone back and forth enough times, and the party is clear and eating. You manage to take the time to casually saunter past the Izumi and Lorelei’s table- and they seem to be having some trouble meeting each other’s eyes. Izumi just looks utterly embarrassed, while Julius is looking left and right, like he’s either trying to escape or change the topic…

>Alert Lorelei somehow.
>Try to interject in their ‘conversation’ yourself.
>Fein an accident to distract them, maybe?
>Suddenly, BIRTHDAY.
>Other

>Other

Go to the kitchen and ask the chefs why their surprise 5 course meal isn't ready yet. Have they forgotten that it was planned two weeks ago?

>>1114187
>>Suddenly, BIRTHDAY.
Have lorelei do little fireworks too. I guess also sing?

>>1114187
>Suddenly, BIRTHDAY!
Summon the Cake Boss for the ultimate Cakedown of culinary history.
Good food, bad jokes, and explosions!
Let them eat cake.
Whisper to Izumi:
Let him eat cake.
Wink wink
Nudge nudge

>>1114187

BIRTHDAY (even if it's not your birthday) time!

>>1114187
Hmmm...okay, how to get them out of this? What could be so distracting at a restaraunt as to immediately refocus embarrassment at other people into embarrassment at- oh.

Duh.

You immediately continue heading towards the back and quickly call out: “Birthday girl, table…” ...wait, shit, what was her-

“Table seven!” Lorelei quickly covers for you, giving you a speedy wink.

A chorus of groans and mutterings go around the busy kitchen, to your mild surprise. Geez, THEY hated it, too? Well, they’re muttering to themselves and there’s a noticeable pall in the ai-”

“Alright, alright! You called it, you SING it! Lori, Jane, Alex, you’re with the new girls!” Wait, what? There’s a smattering of laughter going around at your expense, but it’s quickly qwelled. “Hey! The rest of you, get back on it! You’re killin’ me over here, you’re killin’ me!” Ohhhhhhhh…no.

She knows. She’s GOT to know. There’s no way she doesn’t know now. The way she looks at everyone bewildered, and then she looks at him, and then LORELEI, and they’re both clearly embarrassed as all getout, probably as much as the lot of you, despite the fake smiles and cheering and a half-off coupon, plus a free sparkling (courtesy of Lorelei, covertly) desert or something…

You’re pretty damn sure it’s not actually her birthday, but she doesn’t seem to be in any mood to correct.

Still...when you walk away, you actually hear one of them laughing. You turn around, and it’s Julius- with his hand on Izumi’s shoulder gently. You can see her gently peek out from under her hair...and there’s a smile there. Embarrassed, but a smile.

You can hear them both talking as you walk away...and it sounds pleasant at least.

As you get through the door in the kitchen, however…

...suddenly there’s several people looking straight at you both. And two familiar faces, one in street clothes, now glaring at you.

You and Lorelei both look at each other. She grimaces, then takes a deep breath, as she turns you around as her eyes glow. “None of you saw anything!” You get the sense of a strobe flashing, and-

“Hurry up and undress, they’re not gonna be stunned for long!”

As you rapidly disrobe, you hope they won’t worry too much. Especially since you kept the tips in the girl’s uniform...

>>1114427
“They’re gonna be pissed.” You’re not happy about that escape, but Lorelei seems beyond giddy.

“Oh, come on! It was totally worth it! And we didn’t cost anyone anything really, so they’re not gonna yell about it! Besides, we’re too valuable for them to REALLY bitch at us.” You’re not all that positive about that factoid, but you knew where she was coming from, at least...still.

“Okay, so, now we just stake things out and when they move on, so will we!” she announces with a cheer.

“Wait, what makes you think they’re going to do more?” The look she gives you is incredulous, like someone who needs the basics of life explained to them in the simplest terms available.

“You do NOT get dolled up like that just to go to dinner! They’re going to at least take in a show or go dancing or something, I GUARANTEE it! Those clothes are ‘look-at-us-and-gawk’ clothes, not ‘don’t-mind-us’ clothes.” She speaks with the air of a consummate professional, and you’re hard pressed to deny her. “All we have to do is wait until they’re done.”

You just sigh. Really, you’re not sure about the rest of this…they seemed to be doing alright...well, after you helped, at least. Maybe you could lay off for now? Then again...they might still need some help...unless that means you don’t trust them from here on? I mean, what you’ve done already could be risky, but it WAS in their best interest...ugh. This friendship thing is hard.

>Maybe we should call this off. How about we just go do our own thing instead?
>Let’s just...not hijack someone’s job the next time, okay?
>Other

>>1114485
>Other
Okay!
I mean the last time worked fine (thank dice gods!).

>>1114485
>Maybe we should call this off. How about we just go do our own thing instead?
I think if we get seen interfering again, we might tip Lucas off. Besides, if Izumi can't shake off the crippling awkwardness at this point then maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

>>1114551
*Julius

>>1114485
>Let’s just...not hijack someone’s job the next time, okay?

>>1114485
>>Other
If they go to a show, we had better either be in the production itself or as close to literally being the chairs they sit on as possible.

This week, we learn that Miranda has no legitimate sense of personal space!

Taking a dinner break! Be back in an hour or so!

>>1114485
>>1114541
Nothing good ever happened from sitting around

>>1114485
You think about it for a bit...but ultimately just let out a snort. “Fine, okay. I guess things worked out well ENOUGH.” You keep your eyes on the door. “Wonder what’s up next, then.” You both hang out outside, about a street or two away from the restaurant entrance.

It takes a bit, but the two eventually walk out- they’re both quiet, but it seems as though they’re walking closer together, at least. That’s a good sign! Now, let’s see...where are they going nex- ah. Just judging from the direction they’re walking, it seems like they’re headed towards the Festival District. Well...you’re glad you didn’t bet Lorelei on it, at least.

You two follow from a distance- you can see them turn towards each other every now and again- they seem to have smiles on their faces as they converse, even if Izumi is blushing up a storm. Fortunately, it’s that same fact, you’re well aware, that’s likely keeping her from noticing you or Lorelei. It all seems like it’s going well-

-at least right up until you see exactly where they’re headed off to.

“‘Moolight Dreams Karaoke Bar’? They’re doing KARAOKE?” Lorelei is a bit flabbergasted. But you also easily notice the grin on her face.

“Uhhh…” before you can say anything, she’s dragging you. “Hey, what the- hold on!”

Like she was listening.

---------

Okay, actually, probably wrapping it up for tonight. I'll be around tomorrow! Same start time, likely.

>>1115172
If we don't have a karaoke contest with them, santa isn't real.

>>1115172
>>1115207
My money is on Lorelei serenading them with overly sappy songs

>>1115222
That feels too passive for her though. I want nothing less than love magic involved in this Karaoke jam sesh.

>>1115172
The inside of the place is pretty swanky, you have to admit. A dark blue interior, well-crafted couches, and what looks like a pretty solidly stocked bar. In the front is a reasonably sized area, complete with karaoke machine and lyrical display. The crowd seems pretty chill, and on the whole everyone seems friendly and eager. You’d never really been in one of these before in all of your years, but it seems like Lorelei knows exactly what she’s doing. At least...you HOPE she knows. Honestly, could go either way.

You quickly see Izumi and Julius talking together, Julius seemingly a bit needling Izumi about something, but she takes it in good stride. They’re both already heading towards a couch closer to the stage, and Lorelei immediately heads to the bar and starting talking up the bartender- a heavyset man in the manner of a linebacker more than someone who had a few too many burgers.

“Soooo, good times here, right?” You’re not much inclined to all this. “What we got going on here tonight?”

“Competition,” the man gruffs out, a small smile on his face. “Pick a song, winner by most applause. Best of the bunch gets free drinks for the rest of the night, and a neat little medal!”

The look on Lorelei’s face is beyond glee. She’s practically vibrating when she turns to you. “Soooooo-”

“Lorelei? Miranda?” Ohhh crap.

“Izumi!” Lorelei’s acting like she hasn’t seen them in a while- and doing a damn good job of it, too. “Heeeey!”

“What are you two doing here?” She looks between you and Lorelei, her brows furrowing a bit. “You never struck me as the singing sort...?”

“Oh, but we’re competing in the karaoke competition!” Lorelei starts. “You should know ME by now, at least.”

...Wait, what?

“Oh, wow!” Izumi seems impressed...and a bit confused. “Although, you never struck me as the singing sort, Miranda…”

“Aha! Well, small world, then.” Julius finally speaks up at a volume you can hear, and you notice his voice is actually pretty smooth. Like he’s constantly in flirt mode, despite his eye avoidance. “I intend to win myself, for Izumi."

"I'm competing, too, you silly!" She lightly thwaps him on the shoulder, to which he just grins."

"Ahaha, true! It’s a bit worrisome, all these people, but...it’s something I’ve wanted to do for some time. Although if Izumi wins...then I suppose it's just another thing she excels at, hmm?”

And as Izumi goes red, she quickly refocuses the attention. “Oh, where are my manners! This is Julius, my date!” He waves amiably, and you do so back as well.

“So, Miranda, was it?” Julius looks to you. “I suppose I’ll have to outperform even Izumi’s friends…a tall order. But I have confidence! Er, somewhat...” He blushes as she giggles at his posturing.

Frankly...you're not sure WHAT to do from here on.

>You can just say I’m...uh...trying something new?
>Yeeaaahhh, I dunno what Lorelei’s talkin’ about. This isn’t me.
>Don’t half-ass this, if it’s for Izumi. You’re gonna have to prove yourself.
>Other

>>1117101
>You have me wrong, I'm just here to give Lorelei my support. Some stuff happened and I ended up following her here. Izumi's right - singing's not really my thing.
>You might have a taller order than you expect going up against Lorelei, though.
Izumi's already getting suspicious, but I imagine this will be a reasonable excuse to fob her off.

And then we'll be able to switch to Lorelei-o-vision again.

>>1117101
>Other
"You know how Lorelei likes to drag people along."

>>1117101
>>Don’t half-ass this, if it’s for Izumi. You’re gonna have to prove yourself.
TO THE WINDOWS TO THE WALLS

>>1117101
Can combine some of these, I think.

Writing!

>>1117101
“Eh, you got this all wrong. You know how Lorelei likes to drag people along for stuff.” You brush off.

“This IS true…” she mutters.

“At any rate, you got me wrong, I'm just here to give Lorelei my support.” The way you glare at her makes it clear exactly what the situation is regarding you and singing. “Some stuff happened and I ended up following her here, but on the whole Izumi's right - singing's not really my thing.” Lorelei gives you a playful pout, but otherwise says nothing.

“Oho? And I thought I was about to see something new.” Izumi giggles, but you can tell there’s no real heat behind it. “But, I suppose that’ll be for another day!”

“I don’t know…” Julius mumbles. He locks eyes with you for a second, and you just quirk an eyebrow there before he turns away.

You just shake your head. “You might have a taller order than you expect going up against Lorelei, though.” You warn. “She’s pretty good.” At least, you’re fairly sure she’s pretty good.

“I am AWESOME.” Lorelei insists. “So date or not, I’m not going easy on you! When is this shindig getting started?!” Yeah, she’s pretty hyped.

“In ten minutes. Best tune yourself up!” The bartender announces.

“Alright! Sit back, Miranda, and watch me work!”

>Switch to Lorelei and compete! (Prepare for rolls)
>Stay with Miranda and maybe start talking to whoever isn’t up on the stage…
>Other

>>1117618
>Switch to Lorelei and compete! (Prepare for rolls)

>>1117618
>Switch to Lorelei and compete! (Prepare for rolls)
Lorelei mode ENGAGE.

>>1117618
>Switch to Lorelei and compete! (Prepare for rolls)
Lets fuck her shit up

>>1117618
Well there.

>>1117618
>You are now Lorelei Vedder!

Alright! Screw if Miranda doesn’t want to have fun with this. She can sit and be a lump! You can sing your heart out by yourself anyway! And it’ll be great!

...Would’ve been nice to sing with her, though...even if she probably sounds like a drowning cat. Heck, that’s half the fun!

“Okay, so everyone signed up, head to the first three couches, we’ll be ready in juuust a bit!” The man making the announcement isn’t the bartender, but some other guy closer to the stage- might be the owner. He’s dressed fairly casually, black slacks, nice belt, tank top with undershirt- decent ensemble on the whole. “Appreciate you all comin’ out to my little hole in the wall, so let’s all have ourselves a nice time, alright?”

A round of cheers go up for that, and everyone settles in as you sit down- Izumi and her date Julius sit across from you, and a quick glance back shows that Miranda’s remained at the bar; looks like she’s ordering something.

Soon, the man gets up on stage again, this time holding a small clipboard. “Alright, alright! Let’s get this started! First up...Mr. Timothy Reigns!” A polite clapping from the crowd, and the songs begin.

Honestly? They’re kinda terrible. But it’s halfway meant to be- these are just people, coming here, singing away the time, and whether they’re bad or good, it’s clear they’re at least appreciated here. You can dig that.

cont.

>>1118032
Apparently, they’re going alphabetically. Which means you’re going to be up near last. But you’ll be before Izumi, at least.

Of the three of you, Julius goes first- last name Johannson, apparently. Just looking at him tiptoing up...hm. Well, hopefully he’ll dig down and not embarrass himself too much. Izumi’s just watching enraptured, even as he just looks through the song catalogue. Prooobably romance…

...yup, as soon as the song starts up, you recognize the beat- it was a song that played often enough in one of the bars you frequented. A slower tune, something about a promise to a lover. Welp. Here goes…

Much to your surprise, he’s got an impressive baritone, and he doesn’t waver too much- although he goes out of tune more than once, and it’s clear that he doesn’t have your familiarity with the source material, even with the lyrics in front of him. Still, he does a decent enough job, and matches the original close enough to get a solid amount of applause from the crowd, yourself included. He gets a big hug from Izumi as he walks off-stage; grand enough for you, you suppose.

There’s a few more that come up- one girl manages to get a peppy song that she admittedly pretty much nails, and one other guy does respectably on a rock song, but so far, there’s not too many that manage to hit Julius’ heights.

That is, up until you. When he announces your name, you saunter up, give a nice wink to the crowd- gotta show your appreciation! - and it’s time to pick a song. The question is, what kind of song...you COULD go for something more pop musical, peppy and really get the crowd on their feet...or maybe something a bit more somber and soulful- get some people jonesing for a couple more drinks, make it mellow. Or maybe even romantic, if not direct; keep the mood flowing that Julius set. Not sure how he’d take any of them, though...or you could just go nuts with it, maybe something entirely off the wall!

>Choose a genre
>Pop
>Romantic
>Soul
>Hip Hop
>Other

>>1118039
>Soul
Get them drunk and fish for intel

>>1118039
>Soul
Sure, why not. Keep the mood for Izumi, without upstaging Julius.

Remember, the point isn't necessarily to win the contest!

>>1118039
>Soul
But only if we can croon. Otherwise something more rowdy would get more claps.

>>1118064
What intel?

>>1118082
Job, hobbies, what he plans to do with Izumi, standard date stuff. Then we use it as ammo for teasing

>>1118039
Hmmm...yeeaaaah. Something deep and soulful sounds about right for now! Make it like one of those singer bars in those detective novels. Let’s see what we’ve got here...eh, not TOO much. There’s gotta be something good here- ah! You sorta know this one. Just gonna have to keep yourself careful to not get TOO sorrowful with it or anything...reading the room is just as important as having a good voice, after all!

You clear your throat, give the signal, and hit the button. A low-key, lovely piano melody melody sounds out from the machine as you begin, your now-smoky voice filling the air.

~Somewheeere, across that sea...he’s waitiiiing, waiting for me…
~And there’s no tiiiiiiime to relax, oh no, no, no...~

Now it’s just a matter of how the crowd reacts…

>Roll 1d20 for crowd reaction!

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>1118154
>nat 1 incoming
>everyone driven to spontaneous suicide out of depression
>Miranda just staring at us flatly from across the room

>>1118154
Best of 3, because three minutes is about how long the song is.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>1118154
Failure is never an option.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1118154

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>1118154
rolling for what could have been.

Done for tonight, fell asleep. Tomorrow, unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to run.

>>1118192
>>1118204
>>1118217
This kills the magical Idol