>>1423117
>Let's start with what the hell that centipede thing was.
and then let's go to
>How about at the beginning?

>>1423117
>How about at the beginning?

That's generally where things start

>>1423117
>>I don't need an explanation. Just get me on a team.

>>1423124
supporting

>>1423124
this, we should also ask if he has anybody else like us in the organization.

>>1423124
>>1423161
"Let's start with an explanation of what the hell that centipede thing that tried to punch my ticket home was."

"Un-fortunately we can no longer answer that question, thanks to your... aplomb when dealing with it. We had hoped to bring it in alive for study, but that is no longer possible. I would say that it is categorized as a Type Red entity: organic, terrestrial, hostile, living, and corporeal."

"Well, thanks for nothing, I guess. So let's start at the beginning, then."

"Yes, the history of the Institute, I suppose that would be the most appropriate place to start. The Nightfall Institute was founded in 1901 as part of a series of reform efforts in the international community in terms of official state relations to the occult. Our predecessor organization, the Brotherhood of Unfathomable Night, was a private entity operating within the United States, but after the reforms, it became a branch of the US Government and adopted its current name. Our charter involves the protection of the US, its people, and its interests from supernatural forces, and the advancement of the former with the latter. We are given a considerable budget every year for weapons development and recruitment, and have been successful in many operations both at home and abroad."

>Really? Because I slipped by a whole team of your boys easy.

>If you guys are such big wheels, how come I ain't heard of you in the OU?

>So you're like the FBI, but for magic?

>Write-In

>>1423187
>So you're like the FBI, but for magic?
>If you guys are such big wheels, how come I ain't heard of you in the OU?

>>1423187
>>So you're like the FBI, but for magic?

>>1423187
this
>>1423194

>>1423187
>So you're like the FBI, but for magic?

>>1423194
>>1423196
>>1423220
"So, what, you're the magic FBI or something?"

"I'm afraid not, Mr. Freedman. The FBI has its own branch which deals with occult crime. We are a more elite and specialized unit."

"So you're the guys in the black suits."

"Yes, that's more accurate."

"Then how come I've never heard of you? If what you're saying's the truth, you're a big fucking deal."

Suit chuckles a little. "Ordinary humans tend to be... ignored by your little shadow society, even when we have equal footing. Vanity, I suppose. Now, I suppose that you'll want an assignment. We have a number of operational groups working under our umbrella, and I would prefer to harness your paranormal talents as a Type Green to maximum efficiency. I don't suppose I could persuade you to disclose what you can do?..."


>I'm a big guy. That good enough for you?

>I can do a lot of rural stuff pretty good. Pretty strong, too.

>I'm Bigfoot.

>Write-In

>>1423282
>Nothing like some of the fancier "type greens" as you call us. I'm strong as hell, and good in the outdoors. Kinda like Bigfoot

>>1423297
seconded

>>1423282
>Nothing like some of the fancier "type greens" as you call us. I'm strong as hell, and good in the outdoors. Kinda like Bigfoot

I like it

>>1423297
>>1423311
>>1423336
"I can't do much fancy stuff like bigger 'Type Greens' or whatever you want to call us. I'm just strong as hell and good outdoors. Kinda like Bigfoot."

"I see. Interesting... Well, normally, I would simply assign you a position without consultation, seeing that you are a new recruit, but as a Paranormal Operative, you are given a certain level of leeway. Let me see..." Suit starts digging around in his briefcase. "Ah! Here we are. These groups could use the support of someone with great strength, superior navigational abilities, or a combination thereof. Simply inform me which one you believe would be a good 'fit' for you."

>Operational Group Z-9, callsign "Orpheus Kindred": 9-man team specializing in operations in subterranean or tightly enclosed areas under the effect of occult phenomena, especially those that cause Class I or higher topological restructuring. One PO (Type White "Timeshare") on team.


>Operational Group T-4, callsign "Orange Mother": 6-man team specializing in the retrieval or disposal of occult botanicals. No PO on team.

>Operational Group L-5, callsign "Cheshire Cat": 8-man team specializing in navigating terrain under the effects of Type-I (non-consistant), III (psychoreactive), and V ("Fisher King") spacial anomalies. 2 PO (1 Type Grey "Anasi", 1 Type Blue "Guan Yu") on team.

>Operational Group P-1, callsign "House Party": 12-man team specializing in covert operations in urban environments, especially the detainment or elimination of cultic groups, or in the investigation of uniquely urban anomalies. No PO on team.

>Operational Group P-7, callsign "Slum Kings": 4-man team specializing in the acquisition and investigation of occult architecture. No PO on team.

>I don't like the looks of these. You got anything exciting?

>>1423297
This

>>1423396
>>Operational Group T-4, callsign "Orange Mother": 6-man team specializing in the retrieval or disposal of occult botanicals. No PO on team.
>>Operational Group L-5, callsign "Cheshire Cat": 8-man team specializing in navigating terrain under the effects of Type-I (non-consistant), III (psychoreactive), and V ("Fisher King") spacial anomalies. 2 PO (1 Type Grey "Anasi", 1 Type Blue "Guan Yu") on team.
Both of these seem interesting, though I'm leaning toward going the "easy" route with Orange Mother. What are other anons thoughts?

>>1423396
>Operational Group T-4, callsign "Orange Mother": 6-man team specializing in the retrieval or disposal of occult botanicals. No PO on team.
this feels like the least likely to have us doing sketchy stuff

>>1423406
im willing to do this byt can we get a explaination on the color coding first?

>>1423409
Certainly, if that helps you make your final decision:

Type Black: Corporeal undead. Primarily refers to vampires.

Type White: Incorporeal undead, including ghosts, people possessed by ghosts, and psychopomps (people with a symbiotic relationship with a ghost).

Type Grey: Bimodal shapeshifters, such as werewolves.

Type Red: Unexplained Phenomena (Animal, Plant, or Abnormal Human)

Type Orange: Unexplained Phenomena (Object-related)

Type Yellow: Unexplained Phenomena (Location-related)

Type Green: Goblins, changelings, the Gentry: anything fae.

Type Blue: Mages (proper and gutter varieties).

Type Indigo: Psychic phenomena.

Type Violet: Spirits and associated entities.

I think team l-5 would be best for us. The others seem rather indoors/urban and it alreayd has 2 other POs on it for backup

>>1423396
>Operational Group T-4, callsign "Orange Mother": 6-man team specializing in the retrieval or disposal of occult botanicals. No PO on team.

They could probably do with some shoring up on the PO side of things and we might get access to some cool ass plants

>>1423396
Some additional information: group priority ratings (namely, how important they are to NIGHTFALL):

Z-9: HIGH

T-4: LOW

L-5: HIGH

P-1: MEDIUM

P-7: MEDIUM

>>1423451
My vote is for L-5 then.
>Operational Group L-5, callsign "Cheshire Cat": 8-man team specializing in navigating terrain under the effects of Type-I (non-consistant), III (psychoreactive), and V ("Fisher King") spacial anomalies. 2 PO (1 Type Grey "Anasi", 1 Type Blue "Guan Yu") on team.

>>1423396
>>I don't like the looks of these. You got anything exciting?

>>1423471
>>1423427
>>1423403
You tap on the L-5 entry. "These guys seem like they should be a fit."

"I thought that one might interest you. You will be meeting them in the morning, once you have some rest. Serendipitously, there is a situation in the Rocky Mountains that requires the unit's attention. Your quarters will be one floor down. Sleep well, if you can."

>Hang on- don't I go through basic or something?

>I'm not living on site, sir.

>Alright. Just let the girl know that Uncle Terry might not get back for a few days.

>Write-In

>>1423510
>You got a phone somewhere? I gotta call somebody to take care of a kid

>>1423530
Seconding

>>1423510
>Write-In
>You got a phone somewhere? I gotta call somebody to take care of a kid

How long am I going to be on-site? I do have a life to live out there, people counting on me

>>1423510
>>Hang on- don't I go through basic or something?

>>1423510
>Hang on- don't I go through basic or something?

>>1423530
>>1423533
>>1423534
"You got a phone somewhere? I gotta call somebody to take care of a kid."

"Ah, yes, your legal dependent Mary Freedman. A phone call can be arranged. However, you may not disclose to her- or to anyone outside of NIGHTFALL, for that matter- the precise nature of this organization. Say that you've been promoted. I will point out refusing to abide by these terms will render our contract null, which will have adverse consequences for you as the violating party."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it, no reason to try and muscle me. How long am I going to be here? I have a life outside of my job, you know. People are counting on me."

"I cannot guarantee a timely return from your assignments, but I promise that your work load will leave you plenty of time to deal with your other social obligations."

"Fine. Guess you have to keep your word too. Now, can I get that phone call?"

Five minutes later, you have access to a secure phone line. Now: who the Hell can you call? You've got the contact numbers of the other kids' parents, and there's Conrad, but...

>Call Conrad

>Call Rainshadow Lemongrass

>Call Mrs. Winchester.

>Call Mr. Stone.

>Write-In

>>1423617
>Call Rainshadow Lemongrass

>>1423617
>Call Rainshadow Lemongrass

>>1423617
Call rainshadow

>>1423627
>>1423641
>>1423717
You dial up Rainshadow Lemongrass (GOD that name's ridiculous. Why do white motherfuckers change their name like that?): guy's a weirdo, but he seems like he'll take good care of Mary, what with her being friends with their kid and all.
The line picks up after about 15 rings, maybe. "Hell-*aargh*o? Who is this? It's the middle of the night!"

"Hey, Lemongrass, it's me, Mary's dad? Some stuff at work's come up and I'm not sure if I'll be back home for the next few days. Can you keep an eye on little Mary until I get back? I couldn't think of who else to call."

"Oh. Ohkay, I'll look after her. But you gotta work this stuff out earlier, brother."

"I would have, but like I said, emergency. Thanks a million, Lemongrass, I'll owe you."

"Peace, brother."

The line clicks dead. You walk out of the phone room and down the hall to your assigned quarters (in the section labeled "emergency housing"). It's stark, but you've been to jail, and this is a HELL of a lot nicer than that. Least the can's in another room here. You put your head down and drift off...

You open your eyes to a brother in tactical gear as black as he is (which was BLACK), dreads hanging all over his head, perched on the end of your bed, chin resting pensively on a palm, looking at you with faint curiosity.

>(Wrath) Come up swinging.

>Can I help you?

>You part of the L-5? Be nice to not be the only brother in the unit.

>Write-In

>>1423790
you part of l-5?

>>1423790
>>Can I help you?

>>1423790
>Can I help you?

>>1423790
>Can I help you?

>>1423790
>you part of the....

>>1423814
>>1423818
>>1423823
"Can I help you?"

"Errywon can 'elp errywon, mon, buh mi jus' wanna si 'oo di new boi on di El-5 be. Evah mi waah annudda bredda deh inna deh oonit, an' now, 'ere 'oo be! I think I and I be bredren, dat be di truut. Gimme fife, bredda."

The brother stretches out a wiry arm to shake yours.

>(Shake it)

>Son, I don't understand a damn word you're saying. Do you mind leaving so I can get dressed?

>I'm gonna guess you're Anasi, natty Congo.

>Write-In

>>1423887
>(Shake it)

>>1423887
>(Shake it)
>I'm gonna guess you're Anasi, natty Congo.

>>1423887
>(Shake it)
>I'm gonna guess you're Anasi, natty Congo.

>>1423887
>(Shake it)
>I'm gonna guess you're Anasi, natty Congo.

>>1423890
>>1423919
>>1423930
You recognize the patois of a Jamaican from your childhood. You shake the brother's hand. "I'mma guess you're Anasi, natty Congo."

"Anasi am I. Is a big up name, ja bredda?"

A tall, pale Chinaman leaning up against the wall (when the Hell did he get there?) pipes up, a wry grin on his face. He has a faint British accent to his speech. "Don't answer that. He won't shut up all day if you compliment him. Like a puppy, but minus the charm."

"I gotta heap'a charm, ye bombaclaat."

"And yet you never choose to use it. Hello, Terry. I am Jason Chen, otherwise known as Guan Yu. And the irrepressible clown over there is Jamie Delecroix, otherwise known as Anasi."

Anasi kicks off the end of your bed and does a full backflip, landing on his feet. "So, ol' babylon man wah run dis place seh 'oo a mean green PO man, eh? Yeh gotta be fi big up powah, ja?"

"Yeah, I got some. Can't do crazy backflips like you though, brother. So, you're a shapeshifter, right?"

"I am Anasi. Anasi be Anasi, ja?"

"He turns into a spider, Freedman. A very LARGE spider."

"Eh, mi fi de spida natty, buh mi more 'bout dat otha powah I get. Up strong, up quick, up reakshuns: wulla dat up up UP!" Anasi rolls up his sleeve and flexes like a circus strongman, a big grin on his face.

"As for me, I am a practitioner of the martial arts of the Shaolin, which, combined with certain other gifts of mine, have granted me... considerable physical development, hence why I was lifted out of Army service and into the PO. So, we know you're a Type Green: how does a fairy end up working for a secret government agency?"

>(Shrug) right place, right time

>(Subterfuge) Make up something cool-sounding.

>I don't wanna talk about it.

>(Subterfuge) I was forced into it! They threatened to kill my family!

>Write-In

>>1424062
>(Shrug) right place, right time

>>1424062
>(Shrug) right place, right time
>Write-in
They were in my forest, and so was the prey that tried to attack me. I made sure it stopped.

>>1424064
>>1424074
You shrug. "I guess I was in the right place at the right time."

"So it go. So it go. Nah c'mon, bredda: up'n'atm! We gwana lil' feed trip todeh."

Anasi tosses a plastic-wrapped tac uniform at you, and, mumbling, you retreat into the bathroom to up it on. Ten minutes later, the grogginess fading from your mind, you find yourself stumbling onto a big-ass helicopter, mouth still full of an emergency trail ration, taking off into the air for parts unknown.
You look around the chopper. Besides yourself, Anasi, and Guan Yu, there are six other men in the chopper. Most of them are varying shades of white Army bubbas, with the exception of the CO, who has the chalky complexion that you only get in Europe. He also, for some damn reason, has a muttonchop mustache.

>(Introduce yourself to the team)

>(Talk to the CO)

>(Talk to one of the army bubbas)

>Wait for Briefing

>Write-In

>>1424147
>(Talk to the CO)

>>1424147
>(Talk to the CO)

>>1424147
>(Introduce yourself to the team)
lets get introductions out of the way before our fellow mooks are torn apart

>>1424147
>(Talk to the CO)

Best to check in with Chain of command first

>>1424172
>>1424195
>>1424271

You look at Muttonchops. "Uh... Private Freedman, reporting!"

"You're the дyх, right?" His voice has the gravely quality of a heavy drinker, laced with a thick Russian accent.

"'Duck'?"

"Unblooded Coлдaт-пpизpaк. дa?"

"I ain't following."

Muttonchops rolls his eyes and sighs. "You are supernatural operative."

"Yeah, that's me."

"хopoшo, then we can get on with things. I am Alexi. You will not call me sarge, you will not salute me, but you will follow orders. I have top experience in dealing with ghost terrain. I will survive. You and Marvel comic rejects over there are super-soldiers. You have good odds of surviving. These-" he waves his arms around the vehicle- "are the rest. At least one will probably die today. Now-" Alexi pulls a vodka bottle out from under his seat and a few shot glasses- "we all drink, дa?"

>(Wrath) I ain't drinking with no pinko.

>I don't drink.

>(Take the shot glass) What's a Ruskie like you doing on the wrong side of the Curtain?

>(Take the shot glass) What's the previous experience?

>Write-In

>>1424309
>(Take the shot glass) What's a Ruskie like you doing on the wrong side of the Curtain?

>>1424372
This

>>1424309
>(Take the shot glass) What's the previous experience?

>>1424309
>(Take the shot glass) What's a Ruskie like you doing on the wrong side of the Curtain?

>>1424309
>(Take the shot glass) What's the previous experience?

>>1424577
>>1424469
can we merge these?

>>1424655
Seconding. You always drink with the boss.

>>1424372
>>1424387
>>1424469
>>1424577
>>1424647
>>1424655
>>1424833
You take the shot glass. "What's a Ruskie like you doing on the wrong side of the Curtain?"

"For me, is right side. Family belonged to Пpoвидцы цapя, the Czar's wizards. We use magic to protect the Czar and the Russian People. When revolution come, grandfather and father forced to hide to West. Then, USSR come. Cannot move, because of Iron Curtain, so we hide. Eventually, I am born, I don't like hide, I make deal with America. Secrets of Seers and me working for them for family resettled in America. I figure is better than being found, sent to gulag, becoming кopoвa to some бpaтcтвo trash. Now, drink." He pours a shot into your glass, and you take it. It's some strong shit: burns your throat well after the drink.

"-Ah, so, what's the previous experience on you?"

"Am only survivor of L-5 from 50's. Over twenty years on team, longer than anyone since ratification of Beijing convention. Big fucking deal! I have seen more fucked-up shit in my life than any man should." He takes a drink straight from the bottle. "-Gah, but enough of me boring you with history, дyх. We ride to war!" Alexi pulls a clipboard out from beneath his seat. "Alright, men, is time to be getting ready! We are dispatched to location in California mountains to investigate weird forest. Imaging say it bigger than it should be. Bring guns for bears. Will be getting support from those зacpaнeц T-9 boys, so remember: if you are attacked, shove one of them at enemy and hope taste puts them off!"

The rest of the squad laughs at this as the chopper zooms along. Eventually, it starts to descend into a forest clearing, and the team starts pulling out their assault rifles and putting on their helmets with the fancy-ass night vision goggles. You see another group in tactical gear milling around- and recognize Texas from last night.

>(Wrath) What's good, honky?

> (Remain silent)

>(ignore Texas) What's the situation?

>Write-In

Whats the situation? (Lets not start fights while working for a para military group j

>>1424935
>(ignore Texas) What's the situation?

>>1424935
>(ignore Texas) What's the situation?

>>1424935
> (ignore Texas) What's the situation?

>>1424935
>> (Remain silent)

>>1424946
>>1424950
>>1424960
>>1424966
"What's the situation?"

Alexi reaches up and smacks the back of your head. "That's my question! But yes."

The leader of T-9 (as far as you can guess) speaks up. "We were tracking an unknown cerviform for capture and transport to the Reserve, it went bounding off over a log and vanished. We threw a rock over a log and it vanished too. That's when we used some imaging equipment and started getting weird readings. We don't have clearance for operations in unreal terrain, so we called into HQ and they sent your boys out to check it out."

Alexi sniffs. "Show us log."


The log's a big motherfucker: comes up to your chest, clearly from a fallen Redwood. Looking up, you can see a shimmer at the top of the log, and feel the breeze of air from Faerie.

>Uh, guys... we shouldn't go in there.

>Alexi, we got a Hedge gate up there.

>(Say nothing)

>Write-In

>>1424980
>Alexi, we got a Hedge gate up there.

>>1424980
>Alexi, we got a Hedge gate up there.

I'm sure that he's familiar with the Hedge with his history

>>1424980
>Alexi, we got a Hedge gate up there.

>>1424980
>Alexi, we got a Hedge gate up there.

>>1424984
>>1424990
>>1425007
>>1425017
"Alexi, we got a Hedge gate up there."

"Fairy gate, дa?"

"Yeah, if that's what you want to call it."

Alexi claps you on the back. "Then is good that you are fairy. We go in and map surrounding area now."

"You sure that's a good idea?"

"No, but is not our job to have good ideas. Is our job to map area. Got it?"

You sigh. You have a feeling this job is going to takes years off of your life due to stress.

Roll Wits + Survival (6 dice). Remember: you get 9-again on this roll.

Rolled 2, 10, 2, 6, 3, 3 = 26 (6d10)

>>1425046

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1425055

Rolled 4, 10, 8, 5, 5, 1 = 33 (6d10)

>>1425046

Rolled 3 (1d10)

>>1425060

Rolled 7, 8, 8, 6, 9, 3 = 41 (6d10)

>>1425046

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1425100

Boom

Rolled 2, 10, 8, 2, 8, 4 = 34 (6d10)

>>1425046

>>1425100
Your team saddles up and heads in.

The Hedge on the other side of the gate is a thick, dark forest. Tall trees line the path on either side, so close together that, with the shrubbery, they form almost a solid wall. A couple members of the team start scraping soil samples from the dirt.
"Command, we are through. Preparing to map area and pursue Green animal. PO 'Orangutan' is taking point."

"Orangutan? That's my code name? This is some bullshi-"

"In native language of Asians, means 'old man of forests'. It is good name, yeah?"

You bite your tongue and lead on, mumbling under your breath:
"Cracker-ass CO, thinking they slick with this bullshit..."

ROLL 1d100: group will be able to select from first four results.

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>1425392

HA, they should meet Jerry before figuring out the code names

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>1425392
do we want low or high here

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>1425392

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>1425392

>>1425427

Looks like our choices are low, low, low, aaaaaand low

So hopefully low, or maybe it's a random chart

Alright, options generated are:

>>1425415
Find Uninhabited Clearing

>>1425427
Encounter Hedge Beast

>>1425431
Find Inhabited Clearing (Goblins)

>>1425442
Find Goblin Outpost.

Vote.

Rolled 2 (1d4)

>>1425480

I put my vote in the hands of the dice gods

>>1425480
>Encounter Hedge Beast

This will be useful as far as seeing how the team reacts to living creatures in the Hedge

>>1425480
Encounter Hedge Beast

>>1425480
>Find Inhabited Clearing (Goblins)

I like the little fuckers

>>1425534
seconded

>>1425480
>Find Goblin Outpost.
Ooo... What's this?

>>1425534
3rding if Goblin Outpost loses.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>1425802
>>1425534
>>1425541
You clear the woods and enter a clearing...

>>1426022
You see a poorly-made gypsy wagon pulled off onto one side of the clearing, a goat the size of a bull sleeping in its harness. Piles of crates and chests rest on the roof, lashed on with peeling vines. You can see scorch and claw marks on the sides, and... are those bullet holes? Any paint that used to be on this thing has long since been stripped off.
There's a single door in the back of the wagon: clearly, there used to be a window too, but it's been boarded up. Alexi glares at it, then gestures to the rest of the team. "Safeties off. I want Anasi and three men on the goat. Guan Yu, Orangutan, you're with me on breach team. Take the fairy alive."

>(Get in position)

>Hold on, hold on: lemme talk first.

>No need: I'll get it out.

>Write-In

>>1426060
>(Get in position)

The description of the cart smacks of slavers and privateers to me, plus we're not the most socially focused guy

>>1426060
>(Get in position)

>>1426060
>(Get in position)

>>1426120
>>1426302
You get in position, holding your gun in what you hope is a professional, military way. Alexi takes a step back, then kicks the door down. You and your squad pour in.

"Hands up, fairy! Surrender now!"

The rheumy-eyed goblin looks up from his threadbare bed, hands raised defensively over his face. "Please... take what you want, just leave me alone! I don't want any t-t-trouble! I'm just a humble traveling cobbler!"

Alexi keeps his gun trained on the goblin and makes a gesture to the rest of the team. They start bagging the items in the wagon. "Yeah, sure. If you are just humble cobbler, why is wagon fucked up?"

"I-I was attacked! I've been fleeing to the West for a while, trying to escape them! I mean no harm to any fairy or mortal! Please, don't kill me!"

"Who is 'them'?"

"Please, please, don't make me say their name! If they hear it, I'll be dead as a dormouse as soon as you're gone! They will know where I am! Where all of us are! Please, please, don't!"

Alexi unhooks something from his belt; as he lifts it up to the light, you can see that it's a rusted iron nail. He points at the goblin with it. "Talk!"

>(Say nothing)

>Alexi, I'm not sure that's a good idea...

>Jesus, Alexi! There's no need for that!

>Write-In

>>1426390
>Write-In
Hold on Alexi, he's got a point. Names have a damn lot of power here. Take a look around, and let me talk to him.
(Hopefully we can get a good-cop/bad-cop thing going with Alexi here. Though we're honestly better suited to playing the bad cop, in my opinion).

>>1426390
>Write-In
Alexi, if you force him to say Their name, and I'm talking capital T here, we will wish we were dead. And we won't get to be.

>>1426726
>>1426769
"Hold on, Alexi. Names got a lot of power in here. If They turn up here, well... you don't want Them to turn up here. Your men are NOT handled to fight Those people on Their turf. You let me talk to him."

Alexi looks at you. "Fine, I suppose that's where you can be useful." He puts the nail away and stands up. You take his place beside the cobbler.

"Now, buddy, we just want to know what you're running from, and if it's following you, and then we'll be on our way. Let's start at the beginning."

The goblin nods. "W-well, I used to peddle my trade beyond the Trackless Desert, past even the Sea of Gold, far up outside the City of Winds and Fire-Water."
You pause for a second and correlate what the goblin's saying to the vague maps of the US Hedge's more stable areas. Shit, this guy made it out here from Chicago. Long-ass journey for a goblin.

"I fixed things for my kin, and for those humans who still remembered the old ways. Things were good, things were nice. But then they came, from out of the east."
The goblin's face grimaces with half-recalled fear. "They were ugly, and stank of oil and coal like I've never smelled in my life. An army of them, rank after rank after rank. A vicious Dragon stood at their head, his gleaming teeth and eyes the color of summer leaves. And at his right hand he had a great Beast like I had never seen, wheels within wheeling, hissing and bellowing and spewing smoke. He said that he served one who would be master of Fae and Man both, and that they had come to take what was theirs. There... there was a war..."

The goblin shudders. "It was a slaughter. So many dead. I fled to the West, but they came after me, roaring and belching. I just managed to escape. I've been running ever since, hoping to reach the City of Dreams. Maybe even the Sea Without End."

He look at you sharply. "I can still hear the grinding and the hissing! They are coming. Coming near, coming here, coming there- they want everything. Their master is a mouth big enough to swallow the world! Nothing can sate their appetite!"

>...Can you give me a name?

>Listen, come with us, we'll get you out of here. You'll be safe in the mortal world... I think.

>Thank you. (Recount to Alexi)

>Write-In

>>1426909
>...Can you give me a name?
Tell him to write it out or tell us in a way that doesn't say the actual word.

>>1426909
>Thank you. (Recount to Alexi)
>Write-in
Do you have something that I can call you?

>>1426909
>>Thank you. (Recount to Alexi)
>>Write-In
"What's your name? I am going to try angling for you to be an informant. That sound cool?"

>>1426980
>>1427114
"What's your name?"

"Bloodberry Cadswallop."

"Er... okay, Mr... Cadswallop, listen. I'm working for the US- the Mortal government, and they need an informant. We'll cover for you if you're willing to flip on some other goblins for us."

The goblin sizes you up. "I want five pounds of leather and two pounds of linen every half-moon. And milk. Lots of milk. And a safe setup somewhere. And, eh, what'sitcalled... witness protection, that's it. Set me up somewhere near the Sea Without End."

>Deal.

>I'll talk about it with my boss.

>(Intimidate) You'll take what we give you, shitbird.

>Write-In

>>1427130
>>I'll talk about it with my boss.
>>Write-In
What do you need all that stuff for?

Dude seemed pretty prepared for his question. I'd consider intimidating him, but his request sounds fairly reasonable.

>>1427130
>>(Intimidate) You'll take what we give you, shitbird.
>shitbird.
Did he forget to check his privileges?

>>1427143
My grandpa uses the same expression.
It's not just Tumblr.

>>1427130
>>I'll talk about it with my boss.
"I'll do what I can for you, but keep in mind if he doesn't like your terms, it will end bad for you. Mortals don't like us of the green over much, you see."

>>1427130
>I'll talk about it with my boss.

>>1427130
>I'll talk about it with my boss.

>>1427143
>>1427322
>>1427330
>>1427421
"I'll see what I can do."

You head back to Alexi. "Goblin's willing to go informant. Wants five pounds of raw leather and two pounds of linen every other week, milk, and you to set him up somewhere on the West Coast."

"Tell him he can have it if he comes with us. I'm not having little snake slip off. Now come on, I want to check a bit deeper."

The rest of the unit's clearly finished taking their samples. You turn back to the goblin.

"You got it. Come with us."

The little man jumps up, folds his bed up, and runs outside the wagon to the driver's seat. With a tug of the reins, the giant goat gets up.

"Orangutan, you take point again. Central won't be happy if all we get out of this is some дoмoвóй rat."

Roll Wits + Survival + Wyrd (knew I forgot something last time). Total of 8 dice. You get 9-again.

Rolled 8, 7, 2, 5, 7, 2, 3, 1 = 35 (8d10)

>>1427523

Rolled 7, 1, 4, 8, 10, 6, 6, 2 = 44 (8d10)

>>1427523

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1427544

Rolled 1, 8, 3, 2, 7, 9, 2, 1 = 33 (8d10)

>>1427523

Rolled 5 (1d10)

>>1427589

>>1427544
>>1427545
You press deeper into the Hedge, the goblin trailing behind in his cart...

Roll 1d100: thread will be able to choose from the first 3 results.

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>1427599

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>1427599

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>1427599
>1d100

Okay, so we have

>>1427604
Find Goblin Outpost (exact same value, by the exact same anon.)

>>1427621
Encounter Greater Hedge-Beast

>>1427654
Move into another Hedge area, then roll one more time to discover what you encounter there. If re-roll in the same range (80-85), find large Hedge Cache.

>>1427695
>Move into another Hedge area, then roll one more time to discover what you encounter there. If re-roll in the same range (80-85), find large Hedge Cache.

>>1427695
>Move into another Hedge area, then roll one more time to discover what you encounter there. If re-roll in the same range (80-85), find large Hedge Cache.
I was wondering if you'd notice my double 44

>>1427695
>Move into another Hedge area, then roll one more time to discover what you encounter there. If re-roll in the same range (80-85), find large Hedge Cache.

>>1427695
>Move into another Hedge area, then roll one more time to discover what you encounter there. If re-roll in the same range (80-85), find large Hedge Cache.
Let's find some more stuff!

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1427699
>>1427704
>>1427707
>>1427709
Alright, give me one more roll!

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>1427715

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>1427723
dammiiiiiit

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>1427715

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>1427715
>1d100

Rolled 7 (1d10)

>>1427723
At some point the trees changed, growing closer together and more stony inch by inch until your group was walking through a stone canyon in the heat of the Sun...

>>1427762
You hear stones sliding somewhere above you along the canyon walls. As you look up, you see Goblin faces pull back from the edge. This is dangerous land. All further navigation rolls are at a -3 penalty.

Roll Wits + Survival + Wyrd -3 (5 dice).

Rolled 4, 9, 5, 9, 4 = 31 (5d10)

>>1427777

Rolled 7, 4 = 11 (2d10)

>>1427778
yesssss

Rolled 7, 7, 1, 5, 3 = 23 (5d10)

>>1427777
>5d10

>>1427777
>As you look up, you see Goblin faces pull back from the edge. This is dangerous land.
>This is dangerous land.
We can't stop now, this is Goblin country!

Rolled 6, 3, 8, 1, 9 = 27 (5d10)

>>1427777

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1427818

9-again

>>1427778
>>1427802
You wind on through the canyon, with faint winds as your only mercy from the heat...

Roll 1d100, select from the first three results.

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>1427826

>>1427826
>>1427837
NO WAY
we deserve a bonus for this

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>1427826
>1d100

>>1427839
Clearly, a message is being sent.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>1427826

So, we have:
>>1427837
Goblin Outpost, yet again (Something interesting's here, I promise.)

>>1427840
Uninhabited Clearing.

>>1427851
Goblin Market.

>>1427859
>Goblin Outpost, yet again (Something interesting's here, I promise.)
>>1427839
>>1427849
Clearly this is a sign.

>>1427859
>>1427862
>Goblin Outpost
who am i to deny the will of repeating digits?

>>1427859
>Goblin Outpost

The dice want it, I don't want to get cursed for ignoring their third suggestion

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>1427862
>>1427864
>>1427873

The canyon mouth begins to widen, and you hear the sounds of distant conversation...

>>1427880
The passage you were following opens up into a large bowl canyon, with water from a dozen tributaries pouring down its sides. The bottom is obscured by the refreshing spray of the water hitting bottom. The canyon is criss-crossed with wooden bridges and struts, supporting an entire township hanging above the abyss. A brace of pipes stretch down into the bottom of the canyon. The sign by the bridge leading to your section of wall says "WELCOME TO WELLWATER, CROSSROADS OF THE FIRE PLAINS. LAST STOP BEFORE CITY OF DREAMS. NO LICKER, DICE, OR SOUL TRADE".

Your squad crosses over the bridge and into the "town square": a large central platform with swinging bridges that stretch to various other "neighborhoods" in the town. You notice that one of these platforms seems to lead to two pillars of rock set side-by-side, with a third stone arching over them. The resulting doorway is large enough to drive a truck through. It's also the only platform directly connected to the square: the other wagon-safe bridges lead to various openings on the walls.

>(point to archway) You guys can get out there. Tell the boss I'm staying behind to do scouting. Probably need to use some fancy signal: we're a long way from Oregon.

>There's a signpost in the center of this platform: maybe reading it will give you some guidance.

>It looks like there's a hotel and stable here: maybe you should interrogate its owner.

>So what now, Alexi?

>Write-In

>>1427896
>>So what now, Alexi?
>(point to archway) You guys can get out there. Tell the boss I'm staying behind to do scouting. Probably need to use some fancy signal: we're a long way from Oregon.
Offer him the option of leaving and see what he wants to do

>>1427896
>There's a signpost in the center of this platform: maybe reading it will give you some guidance.

>>1427896
>There's a signpost in the center of this platform: maybe reading it will give you some guidance.
>So what now, Alexi?

"You guys can get out through that archway, there's a hotel here we might be able to get information from. What's our next move?

>>1427900
>>1427902
"So what now, Alexi?"

"Now we get out, and you stay. I say you volunteer to stay behind and scout. Think of it like... paid vacation. Will look good when we're deployed for some actual important shit, instead of wiping asshole of dumbfucks. You probably feel comfortable here, but boys and I starting to feel not so good. Is like acid: little bit good, big bit BAD. Archway is way out, yes?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Don't lose tactical gear: is government property."

Alexi salutes you, then waves his group towards the archway.

So. Guess you're on a solo op now. Huh.

>There's a signpost in the center of this platform. Maybe reading it will get you oriented.

>It looks like there's a hotel and stable here: maybe you should talk to its owner.

>Screw this: let's get out of here.

>Write-In

>>1427940
>There's a signpost in the center of this platform. Maybe reading it will get you oriented.

>>1427940
>There's a signpost in the center of this platform. Maybe reading it will get you oriented.

>>1427940
>>There's a signpost in the center of this platform. Maybe reading it will get you oriented.

>>1427984
>>1427986
>>1427969
The signpost strains against the sheer WEIGHT of the signs nailed onto it, but still functions. The sign pointing the way you came says "To Cascadia". Other signs proclaim roads to "The City of Dreams", "The Seven-Hue Sands", "The Winding Gap", "The Black Snake", "The Big Blue" (that one nailed straight up), and one last, ominous one simply labeled "Arcadia". The other signs point out various platforms.

>Looks like there's a market here. Maybe you should check it out?

>The stable of the hotel looks like it has a lot of animals and wagons in it: maybe you should investigate it.

>Apparently, this town has a mayor: his office is located on one of the highest platforms in the town.

>Screw this, you're out.

>Write-In

>>1428021
>Looks like there's a market here. Maybe you should check it out?

Let's check this out first and then maybe go talk to the mayor

>>1428021
>Looks like there's a market here. Maybe you should check it out?

>>1428026
>>1428032
You go down one of a score of half-bridge, half-stairways to a platform covered with what looks like a flea market. Here, many goblins
hawk their wares: Hedge fruit, good-luck charms, strange meats, and trinkets galore.

This Market seems fairly busy: many places look half-sold out of stock, some have run out of stock entirely, and many goblins of different extractions mill about. You notice a good number of them have hunted looks in their eyes.

>Talk to the market crowd

>Look for bargains

>Try and practice some pick-pocketing

>Write-In

>>1428071
>Talk to the market crowd
>Look for bargains

No reason to not do both, the stall owners should hear a lot, I am guessing that these guys are fleeing the same as what our informant was

>>1428071
>Talk...
>Look for bargains
Spend a little money, see if we can get folks talking.

>>1428071
>Talk to the market crowd
>Look for bargains

>>1428077
>>1428079
>>1428084
Roll Intelligence + Streetwise (3 dice)

Rolled 9, 2, 6 = 17 (3d10)

>>1428133
>3 dice

Rolled 3, 6, 10 = 19 (3d10)

>>1428133

Rolled 1 (1d10)

>>1428172

Rolled 4, 1, 8 = 13 (3d10)

>>1428133

Rolled 10, 10, 4 = 24 (3d10)

>>1428133

Rolled 9, 4 = 13 (2d10)

>>1428209
pop

>>1428209
>>1428215
"Rock-hog! Fresh Rock-hog strips, only ten pence, not a finer offer in all the lands!"

"Lutes! Buy, sell, enchant, repair, lessons: if it has strings and a head, we can work it!"

"Hedge-Maps! Get your Hedge-Maps here, only 5 left! Guaranteed accurate for the next month! The Gentry could turn the world inside-out and backwards, you'll still not go astray!"

You wind through the market, looking around at the sights and sounds. You feel a hand suddenly grip your wrist, and whirl to see a tall elf with rough features standing at the edge of a stall stacked high with punching bags, knuckle-dusters, knives, and guns. The elf grins, twisting some of the scars on his face into an unsettling shape, and starts talking in the sizzly drawl of a Southwesterner. "Howdy, stranger. You look like a rough sort, judging by your pea-shooter over your shoulder and that uniform there."

"Maybe I am, maybe I ain't. What's it to you?"

"Oh, nothin', just... I happen to be an arms dealer."

"What kind?"

A brass tooth gleams in the elf's mouth. "All kinds. Knives, saps, swords, lances, pistols, hexes; think I even got a cannon all the way in the back. Be a seller's market for this sort of thing soon, I reckon, given all the re-fu-gees comin' through from the East. Reckon the Blacks are goin' for a big play, want to establish a foothold out here. So if I were a clever man, of the sort you strike me as, I would just duck in here a second and consider some of my fine wares."

>(Wrath) The hell you saying about blacks, pretty boy?

>Ain't interested. Like my piece just fine.

>I'm listening...

>Write-In

>>1428245
>>I'm listening...
Let's find out more about who these black are

>>1428245
>I'm listening...

>>1428245
>I'm listening...

>>1428245
>I'm listening...

>>1428263
>>1428292
>>1428312
You step into the stall. "Okay, I'm listening..."

The merchant launches into a spiel on several of his items for sale as you look around his shop:


>(In reference to an old .cowboy rifle) Now, I know this girl here isn't as fancy and newfangled as your current rifle, but trust me, when it comes to dealing with small-to-medium sized hedge-game, she's more than her equal!

>(In reference to a set of knuckle dusters in a wooden case) Now these beauties here... they'll knock the fight right out of anyone you care to smack with 'em! Arcadian manufacture, very reasonable cost, and, they, eh, come with the box.

>(In reference to a black ribbon in a thick glass case) Ah, that there, friend, is a genuine Ribbon of Nevermiss! Tie it around your gun, you can hit someone over the horizon, practically!

>(In reference to a .22 Derringer) That beaut there has more of a bite than you'd think.

>(In reference to a scroll tucked into the back) Oh, that! I... uh, left that out by mistake, but I guess it's for sale now! It's the shooting talent of one of my previous customers.

>Buy nothing

>Write-In

>>1428348
>(In reference to a set of knuckle dusters in a wooden case) Now these beauties here... they'll knock the fight right out of anyone you care to smack with 'em! Arcadian manufacture, very reasonable cost, and, they, eh, come with the box.

I like this one but it sounds fishy

"Does it come with the box because they can't be removed from the box or because they curse whoever touches them?"

>>1428348
>(In reference to a set of knuckle dusters in a wooden case) Now these beauties here... they'll knock the fight right out of anyone you care to smack with 'em! Arcadian manufacture, very reasonable cost, and, they, eh, come with the box.
>(In reference to a black ribbon in a thick glass case) Ah, that there, friend, is a genuine Ribbon of Nevermiss! Tie it around your gun, you can hit someone over the horizon, practically!
lets trade some of our gear for this stuff.

>>1428466
>>1428373
"Do these knuckle dusters come with the box because they can't be removed, or because they curse whoever touches them?"

"I guarantee you that they can be removed from the box, and that neither they, nor the box, are cursed."

"Okay... how much you want for them?"

"Les' see... ah, how 'bout this: I want your anger. For three days is all."

>Deal

>No Deal

>Write-In

>>1428932
>Write-In

Effective immediately or to be called upon at a later date?

>>1428932
>>1428954
>>Write-In
What are the definitions of our anger for this deal?

Gotta make sure he doesn't do something that somehow makes us depressed.

>>1428954
>>1429180
"Now or later?"

"Now, obviously."

"And what do you mean by 'anger'?"

"Your rage, your hate, what makes you violent. That's what I mean."

>Deal

>No Deal

>Write-In

>>1429262
>>Write-In
Cold iron, right?

I think that's our last question to cover all the bases.

>>1429262
>"Your rage, your hate, what makes you violent.
This'll effectively put us out of commission for 3 days if we aren't willing to get aggressive. On the bright side, I think we get R&R for going above and beyond our mission parameters for this one.

>>1427940
>So. Guess you're on a solo op now. Huh.
Oh, hey. Can we still give a call to our squad or command to check to see how many days we can go without our anger, or do we have to step through the archway for that one?

>>1429262
>No Deal
This stinks of getting robbed blind by being unable to fight back.

>>1429273
"This cold iron?"

"What? No, of course not. It's Arcadian: any fool knows that Iron is forbidden there! No, these are made of fine Arcadian metals."

>Deal

>No Deal

>Write-In


>>1429282
Nope, have to go out of the gateway.

>>1429329
That couldn't happen in the Market. Breaking Market law is suicide for any goblin.

>>1429551
>No Deal
Fuck no... actually it may be my paranoia, but I think he wants our anger for after we realise how bad of a deal this is, we won't have it in us to kill him.

>>1429551
>>Write-In
What's so good about Arcadian metals? If I recall only Iron is that good against the Fae.

I don't remember Arcadia being mentioned much before.

>>1429559
>>1429551
But we still can't kill him because of Market law.

However, there's a decent chance he's ripping us off if we lose all our anger for 3 days in exchange for these knuckledusters, and it's not even normal iron.
How about we haggle once we learn what we can about this deal, and won't budge on making it at least lower than 100% of our anger on any deal? Perhaps spread out the equivalent anger across more days to whatever our R&R period is once we haggle it down?

>>1429563
"And what's so good about Arcadian metals?"

The vendor squints at you. "They're metals. From Arcadia. Forged by one of the Kindly Ones... or in the same general area, at least. That has what we call in-trin-sic value. Now, are you buying them or not?"

>Deal

>No deal

>Try and haggle the price down

>Write-In

>>1429592
>No deal
We can just buy ones made from iron back home. Those would be better.

>>1429598
These ones clearly have magical properties. Thought I had hinted at that effectively enough.

>>1429602
But cold iron.

>>1429592
>That has what we call in-trin-sic value.
Ah-ha-ha... No. If these are novelty items we can just buy at our local pawnshop, then there's not much of a value to them. It has to have something magical in them to be worth our precious rage.

>>1428348
>they'll knock the fight right out of anyone you care to smack with 'em!
>>Write-In
How magical are these knuckledusters? You made a good pitch, but this sounds like something anyone could say.

Thanks for answering all of our questions so far, QM. I'm being cautious here because it was mentioned the Goblin Market is a tricky place to deal in.

>>1429603
These seems to be anti-non-Fae weapons.

>>1429592
>Deal
fuck it, just take the fucking knuckles, our character can handle being calmer for 3 days.

>>1429592
>Deal

It does mean we'll have to be careful with our willpower because we won't be able to recover it, but I am sure we'll be able to defend ourselves and attack, you can perform those actions dispassionately

>>1429592

Write. In

I like the knuckes, and i think I'll have them, but before I do, how muck do you want for that guy's shooting talent, and how talented wqs he

>>1429708
shooting talent plus the ribbon, the combo will turn us into Ocelot.

>>1429592
Could we trade another emotion perhaps sadness, may we trade 3 different emotions for 1 a day instead of JUST anger and most importantly: Why our anger?

>>1429810

Probably because our vice is Wrath, out of all off or emotions our anger is the most remarkable

>>1429945
But then how would he know our anger is our most significant emotion, does he have some sort of emotion gauge?

>>1429631
Brings up a point. So far, besides being ripped off, there isn't any danger from taking any deal.

The Market merchant seems to have been honest and informative so far, so if he answers all our questions, I'm for taking the deal because of how helpful he's been.

>>1429708
>>1429726
Maybe we should visit another time with someone like Jerry to help us make a deal if we're going for multiple items?

>>1429592
>>1429810
Maybe we could also trade a mixture of our emotions as well for a day?

(Sorry for absence, hurricane-force winds in my area caused a power outage)

>>1429605

"So, how much magic are in these things?"

The merchant groans and bites down on his lip. "I already told you, they knock the fight out of anyone you hit them with! They can't harm anyone for a bit! It's a very valuable piece of magic! GODS, and you people wonder why you aren't popular at the market, we have to spell everything out for you with your damn questions!"

>>1429620
>>1429631
>>1429708
"Okay, okay, I'm taking them!"

"FINALLY!"

The proprietor hands you the case. As you take it, you suddenly start feeling... nauseous. Your stomach convulses, and you bend over double with a sudden stabbing pain.
Roll Resolve + Stamina (6 dice).

Rolled 7, 4, 4, 10, 9, 9 = 43 (6d10)

>>1430940

Rolled 2 (1d10)

>>1430940

Rolled 7, 8, 7, 7, 9, 2 = 40 (6d10)

>>1430940

Rolled 1, 9, 5, 3, 5, 7 = 30 (6d10)

>>1430940
>6d10

(Sorry about that, "intermittent issues" my ass)

>>1431042
>>1431045

Your stomach churns, but you manage to choke it down. The dealer glares at you. "You trying to cheat me, boy?"

"What?"

"Your rage. You ain't vomiting it up."


>(Wrath) Fuck you, then. No magic knuckle dusters are worth my dignity.

>(Vomit)

>Write-In

>>1431756
>"Your rage. You ain't vomiting it up."
>>Write-In
We have to vomit it up, seriously? Is there another way to give it?

Eh... I'm not too sure about if we should give up our pride for this.

>>1431756
>(Vomit)

"Seems like a shitty way to do it but here you go"

>>1431912

Pride huh, maybe next time we can use that to trade with

>>1432092
This price gouger is getting two for the price of one!

>>1431756
>>Write-In
"Nah, deal's off. Was willing to sell the rage. Dignity wasn't for sale. Good luck on the sale!"

>>1431756
>(Vomit)
why is everyone so cagey on this, just get the knuckle dusters

>>1431756
Vomit

>>1431756
You want anger cowboy give me a crystal doodad or some magic whatsit to hold it for ya. You want me to give you my anger AND dignity too!? You had better be offering me somekind of meal atleast or a bonus item or drink or somethin for damaging pride and anger. Oh and the box doesnt count as a bonus unless its enchanted.

>>1432400

We're not selling our dignity, I'm not sure where you're coming from with that, we have to vomit up our anger, that's it, one slightly uncomfortable incident with a single witness in return for a set of magical knuckledusters for our punching based bruiser, it's a good trade which is why we agreed to it in the first place

>>1435756
Test.

>>1431756
>(Wrath) Fuck you, then. No magic knuckle dusters are worth my dignity.
I think I get what's happening here.

"Fine, you bastard, I'll-" you start choking as something painfully hot burns its way up your throat, and you cough hard. What looks like a burning ember flies out of your mouth and across the building. The merchant quickly moves to intercept and catches it in a scrap of leather. "Ah, good. This'll do nicely once it cools down..."

He puts the folded-up coal in his back pocket. "Now, is there anything else I can help you with?"


>Look around the market some more.

>Ask the dealer about "the Black"

>Go home.

>Write-In

>>1437731
Sorry for the weird post format, 4chan was acting up.

>>1437731
>Ask the dealer about "the Black"

>>1437731
>Ask the dealer about "the Black"

>>1437731
>Ask the dealer about "the Black"

You rub your throat as the burns slowly die down. "So-*hack*- who are these 'Black' people you mentioned?"

The dealer looks around slightly. "Them? They're bad news, partner. Call themselves the Empire of the Black Sky. Way I heard it, they turned up many years ago, back when you mortals started building giant workshops to build things instead of making them by hand. Born of the dreams of merchants and slumlords, riding on their backs to become one of the Great Powers of Faerie."

The dealer walks over to a forge and takes the coal you vomited up out. He puts it on an anvil and starts hammering at it while still talking.

"Now they didn't seem like a big threat, so most folk ignored them. Weren't like Great Powers didn't come and go or nothing. But these days... something weird's going on. Normally, the Great Powers keep themselves to themselves and let us borderfolk be. But them... they have no love for the Law. They're marching into the Hedge and trying to make a kingdom out here. They got an Emperor who got a lot of Gentry as vassals, but that ain't weird for a Great Power."

By this point, the coal has been hammered into something red and burning to the eyes. "But, what I hear is they're aiming to win."

You furrow your brow. "Win what?"

"Win it all, halfer. Bring the Great Game to an end by claiming the unclaimable; taking the Title of Dominus of the Mortal World. 'Course, that's never going to happen. Everyone knows you can't take the Mortal World by force: it has to give itself to you." The Dealer clicks his tongue. "Bunch of mad fools, gonna end up in exile if they aren't careful."


>How do you know all this?

>Thanks for the info (leave and alert NIGHTFALL)

>Write-In

>>1438327
Okay, this is getting annoying. TEST.

>>1438332
Do any of you know why the server might be saying I look like a robot? Only seems to be happening with longer text inputs from me. Pretty weird.

>>1438337
Well, it seems like the problem is over for now (hopefully).

>>1438327
>Thanks for the info (leave and alert NIGHTFALL)

>>1438327
>Thanks for the info (leave and alert NIGHTFALL)

No clue what might be up with 4chan

>>1438327
>>How do you know all this?
>>Thanks for the info (leave and alert NIGHTFALL)

>>1438578
>>1438647
>>1438865
"Thanks for the heads-up..." You shuffle off back into the crowd with your new knucks and an unfamiliar emotion: worry. It sucks. You don't worry, you get MAD. And then other people worry. This whole "anxiety" thing is bad news. After all, what if you start worrying too much, and you have a heart attack, or suck in a fly, or something, and then you're dead and Mary suffers for it and the other guy could do whatever he wanted with your old family and...

C'mon, Terry, pull yourself together! You're at the portal now, just open it up and...

You stumble out of an abandoned shack somewhere in California. NIGHTFALL seems to have set up a base out here in the time you've been gone; Suit is sitting at a collapsible table, doing a crossword.

"How... how long have I been gone?"

Suit looks up. "Three years, Mr. Freedman."
You start to shake in panic, and Suit's eyes widen.
"Not... not really. I was merely... attempting to lighten the mood. Are you- mentally composed, Mr. Freedman?"

"No. I don't think none of us are."

END CHAPTER.

Next chapter: Mary goes ghost-hunting.

>>1439045

Damn Suit, you can't just toss that out when the Hedge fucks with time

Thanks for running, looking forward to ghost hunting

>>1439342

>>1440635

New thread. Before anyone asks: yes, this is me.