>>1675497
>I think he's trying to weed out quitters.

Howdy Judge

>>1675497
>I think he's trying to weed out quitters.
>Keith, pass that water bottle over here.

File: Olympia Thunderbolts.png (134 KB, 771x236)

134 KB PNG

>>1675504
>>1675508
Howdy howdy. I think I can go the full time tonight.
>I think he's trying to weed out quitters.
Martinez rolls his eyes. "Pft. Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Explains why some people are here, anyways, he needs backups in case someone bitches out."
His body language makes it apparent that he doesn't view most of the other athletes highly, or at all, really.

Walker watches you two talk nearby, and just like Martinez has silently judged everyone else here, he notes the other boy's conceited attitude with a harsh frown.

>Keith, pass that water bottle over here.
Allan shakes his head, prompting you to take it from him... and it's empty. Of course it's empty.

Moore eventually checks everyone off on one of his clipboards and jerks his thumb towards the field. "Ground ball drills."

You get paired up with Walker, Keith, and Martinez, and Walker starts off pitching a fake ground ball to Keith, who lets it come to him and quickly transfers it to his hand with a prepared throw stance. After this, you and Martinez do the same, and after some time Moore thinks you've done well enough.

The coach groups you back up. "Now, I want to do Pitcher's Fielding Plays." You know this includes special situations where the pitcher makes a play, either a bunt to him or a come backer, where the batter hits it directly back to him.
He points at you. "Read, we'll need a backup pitcher. If you think you can handle the position, get up to the mound. Everyone else get in line."

"I can do it, Coach," Martinez adds, and Moore nods after a bit of thinking. "Switch it up, go one after another."

You're set to go first. A few simple pitches and bunts, and then the coach asks the batters to hit it as if returning to sender. You need to be ready for hits headed your way.

>>Headed Your Way (Courage Test 2d10+2)
>Focus on catching the ball (DC 13)
>Try to prepare to make a play at first base if you catch it (DC 15)
>Let Martinez do bunt drills first
>Ask Walker to give you an example
><Write-In>

Rolled 2, 4 + 2 = 8 (2d10 + 2)

>>1675630
>Focus on catching the ball (DC 13)

Rolled 8, 6 + 2 = 16 (2d10 + 2)

>>1675630
>Focus on catching the ball

Rolled 8, 4 + 2 = 14 (2d10 + 2)

>>1675630
>Try to prepare to make a play at first base if you catch it (DC 15)

>>1675695
>Try to prepare to make a play at first base if you catch it (DC 15)
>>1675659
>>1675666
>Focus on catching the ball (DC 13)
>(8, 6) + 2 = 16 SUCCESS

The first one up to hit is Keith, and he drives it directly to you, almost at your face. He freezes up even as he hits it, guessing its trajectory in an instant and hoping he doesn't hurt you. Everyone expects you to either dodge or get struck in the cheek, but Coach Moore's wince vanishes as he sees you catch it and the ball sinks into your glove inches from your face

Martinez also hits it in your direction, but closer to your abdomen. You catch that, too. Most of the other balls are off and you have to reach for them or let them fly by as they go towards first base. Walker makes a hit headed towards left field that you barely miss, the ball clipping off your glove and rolling. You scoop it up and prepare to pitch again.

Martinez is a decent pitcher, but he definitely can't catch as well as Walker. A few easier balls fly past him, and one poor fool clips his ball in such a way that it hits your teammate in the elbow. He grips the spot where he was hit and glares at the batter, who sheepishly steps aside.

Coach tells everyone, "This is why we do these drills. It needs to be second nature for you all to react to the unusual. Reminder that, like it or not, a ball that hits the pitcher is still fair. You don't need to apologize for making a drive like that. Of course, don't make it a habit, or the ump might think you're doing it on purpose."

Practice ends soon after, and your fellow pitcher-to-be is gripping an icepack to his bruise and muttering on a bench nearby.
Soon, however, you see him slightly differently, and the world seems to shift into the condition it does during the Witching Hour. Martinez is decked out in fancy training clothing, and medals are strewn all over his neck. Time halts, with everyone else except you, him, and Keith seemingly stopped in time.

"Who does he think he is, talking to me like that? I know how to play any sport there is better than anyone in this podunk school." The red glowing eyes and wicked snarl of a Monster appear on his face, before he returns to normal and time flows normally.

>>Witching Hour Moment
>"You okay, Martinez?"
>"Keith, did you see that?" (Whisper)
>Text someone else
>Simply go back to your room
><Write-In>

>>1675666
Mind identifying yourself, Satan?

>>1675775
>"Keith, did you see that?" (Whisper)

>>1675775
>"Keith, did you see that?" (Whisper)

You can call me Carl

>>1675793
>>1675801
>"Keith, did you see that?" (Whisper)
Allan shrugs. "Some of it. But I didn't hear him too well." He snickers. "This place is hardly 'podunk', though."

Martinez picks up on your discussion, and raises an eyebrow. "What are you two talking about?"

"Oh, nothing," Keith shakes his head. "Just talking about someone we met."

"Whatever." Martinez goes back to nursing his wound and grudge.

---

As you and Keith return after changing, he looks around to see if no-one else is listening before saying, "Dude, you thinking what I'm thinking?" He seems eager, grabbing you by the shoulder and shaking.

>>You thinking what I'm thinking?
>He has the potential.
>We need to tell Mr. Bennett.
>We need to get everyone together to talk about this. Emergency meeting.
>Let's pop into the Witching Hour by ourselves. Just for a bit.
>That Sofia would look hot in a cheerleading uniform?
>Mmm... Pizza.
><Write-In>

>>1675775
>>"Keith, did you see that?" (Whisper)
Hail Satan and all that.

Sleep is trying to take me away, don't know how much longer I'll be participating.

>>1675856
>We need to tell Mr. Bennett.
>We need to get everyone together to talk about this. Emergency meeting.

>>1675861
Looks like it's already having adverse effects anon.

>>1675856
>>We need to get everyone together to talk about this. Emergency meeting.
Shit.

>>1675861
>>1675864
>>1675868
I blame you, Carl.

>>1675856
>We need to tell Mr. Bennett.
>We need to get everyone together to talk about this. Emergency meeting.

>>1675856
>>He has the potential.
>>We need to tell Mr. Bennett.
>>We need to get everyone together to talk about this. Emergency meeting.
Then, after a short bit:
>>That Sofia would look hot in a cheerleading uniform?

>>1675864
>>1675868
>>1675878
>>1675914

>We need to tell Mr. Bennett.
>We need to get everyone together to talk about this. Emergency meeting.

Keith nods. "That shit you can't just let fly. Let's go."

You think he may have the potential, but you're not sue enough to say so to Keith. There are more important things to consider, anyways. Like Sofia in a cheerleading uniform. You wonder if you can get her to cheer for you at baseball, and Allan is also interested in the idea.

"Oh, man, I wasn't thinking about that, but I sure am now." He spreads his hands as if setting the scene. "Imagine all the girls in cheer skirts." He frowns. "Well, Donna might not be able to pull it off, but a man can dream..."

---

It takes about thirty minutes to assemble everyone, but the group is soon assembled in Avalon. Mr. Bennett knew about what you were talking about as soon as you brought it up.

"Monsters forming... I suppose it's to be expected, given the oddity of the current class. Four Myth-users awakening back to back, and now this..." He shakes his head. "Something is definitely going on."

"But what?" Ruth looks at the ground. "I mean, this is all so sudden. What could cause such a complete change of the situation?"

Donna seems a bit scared. "Will we really be all right?"

"We'll be fine," David states confidently, his uniform pristine as always.

>>What could cause such a sudden change?
>It's the same thing as what happened in the 80s. There's a strange lab under the school.
>I think the Witching Hour is doing something to people's desires.
>It's just Martinez having a hissy fit, we can simply beat the Monster's ass and call it good.
>He has the potential. It's just like what happened with Donna.
>Why so many Myth-Users? Isn't this rare?
>(Fantasize about Sofia)
><Write-In>

>>1675931
Also forgot to add option
>Fantasize about Ruth
Fair is fair.

>>1675931
>I think the Witching Hour is doing something to people's desires.

>>1675936
>no Donna option

>>1675939
>no Donna option
No Camraderie with her (yet). Write it in if you want. I didn't put in an option for Irene, either. But since you added interest, I'll be doing more Donna stuff in the future to spread the waifufaggotry love.

>>1675931
>>I think the Witching Hour is doing something to people's desires.

>>He has the potential. It's just like what happened with Donna.

>>Fantasize about Ruth

>>1675939
>>1675957
>I think the Witching Hour is doing something to people's desires.
"That seems like the most reasonable explanation," Sofia nods. "Human psyches affect it, so it can affect human psyches in turn."

"Oh, like the Fisher King?" Keith says. Everyone looks at him oddly, but David nods in recognition.

"Yes, the king that kept the Grail, wounded in the groin- his impotence made the land infertile. But that only works in the first sense- not the second."

Donna giggles. "You mean someone stabbed him in the balls so hard his land felt it?"

"Focus," Mr. Bennett barks. "But yes. After what you saw before with that strange woman, something or someone might be setting things up to work like this. It would explain why so many of you awoke at once."

>He has the potential. It's just like what happened with Donna.

"So that jerk's gonna get a Myth too?" Keith mutters. "Not gonna deflate his ego any, that's for sure."

"It doesn't matter what it does to his ego. The important part is making sure everyone's safe," Ruth declares.

>Fantasize about Ruth

You can't help but visualize her in a cheerleading uniform. She certainly has the legs for it. Wondering how short the skirts are at Olympia removes you from the conversation for a short bit, before Mr. Bennett tosses an Oreo at you and you catch it offhandedly.

"So the important part is we do something about this. Nobody tell Martinez for now until we figure out the cause." Then your teacher blinks behind his sunglasses and stands up urgently. "Everyone, brace yourselves!"

As soon as he says this, the ground begins to shake violently. David barely retains his footing, Keith topples over, Sofia is thorwn lightly into a wall, and Donna grabs hold of your arm before falling on her rear, bringing you down with her. Ruth manages to grab hold of Mr. Bennett's chair, and Bennett himself teeters before grabbing hold of a TV display.
The tremors continue for about half a minute, and when they stop, everyone stands up.

"What was that?" Sofia mutters, brushing herself off.

>>What was that?
>The cause, I bet.
>Sorry, I haven't eaten dinner yet.
>I assume that's not an ordinary earthquake?
>Did someone hear a knock on the door?
>Donna, I know I'm handsome, but you can let go now.
><Write-In>

>>1676091
>Donna, I know I'm handsome, but you can let go now.
>I assume that's not an ordinary earthquake?

>>1676091
>Did someone hear a knock on the door?

>>1676105
>Donna, I know I'm handsome, but you can let go now.
Donna lets go and rolls her eyes with a smile. "You're cute, but you're not that cute. I was mostly counting on your weight."

"Could you be any more vain?" Sofia merely shakes her head in disbelief. "Of all the things to think of in the middle of danger..."

>I assume that's not an ordinary earthquake?

"Yeah, it's not," Mr. Bennett puts the screen back into its proper position. "In fact, that shouldn't affect the real world. But the only thing that powerful around here is..." He goes to the doorknob just as you mention...

>>1676109
>Did someone hear a knock on the door?

Mr. Bennett withdraws his hand as the knob turns, and a young man and woman not much older than you stand outside. Oddly, they are dressed head to toe in red-themed server uniforms, as if they were waiting on you at a restaurant instead of at a natural disaster. Their eyes are yellow and their hair is white, indicating their unearthly nature.

The man, who opened the door, bows at the waist. "Let me introduce ourselves. I am Virgil, and this is my sister Beatrice. We will guide you through the vigors of Babylon."
Beatrice remains silent, and looks over the room with an even harsher judgement than Sofia, her eyes stopping on Mr. Bennett.

Ruth seems to be unusually alarmed, out of all the group, and looks to you for guidance.

Your teacher, who is refocusing himself, coughs and nods. "I think you mean 'rigors'." He's trying really hard not to lose his cool.

>>Two strange newcomers
>Babylon?
>We don't want any. (Close the door)
>Do you have pamphlets or something?
>Can I get off the Crazy Train any time soon?
>Ruth? Do you know them?
><Write-In>

>>1676210
>>Do you have pamphlets or something?
>>Can I get off the Crazy Train any time soon?
>>Ruth? Do you know them?

>>1676210
>Do you have pamphlets or something?
>Ruth? Do you know them?

>>1676214
>>1676217
>Do you have pamphlets or something?
"Indeed," Virgil nods emphatically. "I have several. Dozens, actually."

Keith, still reeling from his fall, waves off Virgil. "What the fu- Dude, he was joking!"

Virgil looks a bit hurt, putting away the handful of papers he has in hand. Beatrice snatches one of them and throws it at you, hitting you in the face with the paper. One of the corners nearly hits you in the eye.

>Can I get off the Crazy Train any time soon?

Virgil shakes his head. "We are not on a train, sir. Though you are headed towards an ultimate destination."

"He takes everything literally, then..." Donna seems to be plotting something devious, worrying David.

>Ruth? Do you know them?

"Virgil and Beatrice..." she mutters. Beatrice seems to be prompting her to speak, but then Mr. Bennett answers in her place.

"The Divine Comedy. Virgil takes the subject through Hell and Purgatory, and Beatrice through Paradise."

"Our reputation precedes us!" Virgil is elated."Then no further introductions are needed. On to Babylon!"

---

At Virgil's incredible and unceasing urging, the group steps outside of Avalon to find that the school surrounding the area has vanished entirely. Where Crescent City once was is a huge ziggurat with its peak increasing to improbable heights, swallowing up everything from the Bullfight Arena to the Clover Building. In fact, the material from the city's buildings could be seen as part of the structure of the ziggurat. Everything was bathed in red light from above.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Virgil clasped his hands together. "This is Babylon."

David seemed to be trying to match Virgil's enthusiasm with faltering results. "It's... certainly... Big?"

"Indeed. We have been tasked with preparing you for the ascent. However, we must first descend into the depths before we can attempt to siege the top."

"And we need to do this why?" Keith sighs. "It's already bad enough with Martinez getting caught up in this."

"Because you will need to enter Babylon to find and rescue him," Virgil explains. "He is currently on the floor below the entrance, in fact."

>>Babylon
>Why is it called that?
>Who made this?
>Tasked? By who?
>You said he's here?
>Why isn't Beatrice saying anything?
>Confide with <Write-In>
><Write-In>

>>1676331
>Tasked? By who?
>Why isn't Beatrice saying anything?

>>1676360
>Tasked? By who?
"Our master," Virgil states as if it were obvious.

"Does he have a name?" Sofia asks, still somewhat confused.

Virgil looks at Sofia with a raised eyebrow. "Of course, why would he not?"

Donna raises a finger for a followup question but eventually just lets it go with a sigh.

>Why isn't Beatrice saying anything?

"That is the nature of my sister's behavior. She speaks only if she has something very important to say."

David seems to meet Beatrice's stare, but eventually turns away due to the intense pressure behind the girl's gaze.

"So I take it this Babylon acts as a focus and container of Curses and Monsters?" Mr. Bennett gets back on track.

"That is correct. By defeating the flaws born of the human heart, you are allowed to ascend, with the top as the final goal." Virgil bows at the waist. "We will be here whenever you are in need of us, though as we are not human we cannot aid you in your journey."

"Right..." Mr. Bennett calls a huddle.

"So do we trust them?" Sofia whispers. "This all seems so sudden. I suspect they have ulterior motives."

Keith shrugs. "This whole adventure has been nothing but questions on top of questions. I'm about done asking them. Let's just clear out the Curses like we were planning to already do."

Donna nods. "I think we'll find the truth on the way up."

"But will it be soon enough?" Ruth wonders.

"I trust Boss's judgement," David turns to you. "Boss?"

>>Boss?
>I say we trust them.
>We can do this on our own.
>We're still getting paid for this, right?
>I want to know who this 'Master' is, so we go with it for now.
>I have a bad feeling about this.
><Write-In>

OOC: Probably last question of the night unless the reply turnout jumps back up. As usual, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday at 9 PM US Central.

>>1676440
>>I want to know who this 'Master' is, so we go with it for now.
>>I have a bad feeling about this.

>>1676440
>I say we trust them.
>I want to know who this 'Master' is, so we go with it for now.

>>1676451
>>1676455
>I want to know who this 'Master' is, so we go with it for now.
"That seems like the most reasonable idea for now," Ruth agrees. "Besides, I don't think they're on the wrong side."

"What makes you say that?" Mr. Bennett asks.

"Call it women's intuition," Florez twirls her hair around one of her fingers.

"Well, MY 'women's intuition' disagrees with you," Donna mutters.

Sofia agrees with the smaller girl. "Even if they are ultimately harmless, I would not trust them so quickly." She's much too cautious to have Ruth's faith in these seeming strangers.

Keith wiggles his fingers and feigns a ghost wail. "Oooh... Mystic psychic powers tell Swami Florez the truth!"

>I say we trust them, but I have a bad feeling about this.

David salutes you and nods. "I will remain on-guard but courteous."

"I don't think you need to announce that," Keith shrugs.

Mr. Bennett turns around to see Beatrice staring daggers into his back. If there's any emotion in his eyes when he sees her, it is hidden by his sunglasses.

---

That's it for the night, I'll stick around to answer any questions.
Also, future bonus writing prompt, pick one:
>Brown Meets Allan
>Mr. Bennett's Dating Undeath
>Olympia Girls Fishing
>Secret Personality Profiles
>Guys Go Bowling
><Write-In>

>>1676504
>Secret Personality Profiles

>>1676504
>Secret Personality Profiles

You're in Babylon. Or in the Witching Hour. You're not entirely sure at this point, but it seems Babylon is the subset of the two. The ziggurat is tall enough to rise beyond several clouds- if the things here can even be considered real. Your intuition tells you such a large structure forming probably means something's going on in the real world to cause it.

The timing of this to Martinez's problem doesn't seem like a coincidence.

"Ideas?" Mr. Bennett has shifted into Merlin to scan the surrounding area. "I'm detecting lots of very powerful Curses in that place... and some THING at the bottom." He shakes his head. "Something sudden must have happened, or I would remember having detected it before."

"What about the top half?" David asks. "There isn't the chance we can just scale it?"

"It goes on..." Merlin blinks out and Mr. Bennett slumps in disbelief. "It's so tall it goes out of my range. And the top has Curses too."

"What?" Keith is astounded, and laughs of the idea. "That's not actually possible, is it? I thought it was just concealed by those weird clouds! How could it even be made?"

"It's a supernatural phenomenon, real-life physics need not apply." Sofia seems not to be worried, and looks around to see how everyone's doing. "Are we planning to go now?"

>>Are we planning to go now?
>We sure are.
>>Everyone split up into two teams like last time. <Write-In two group members besides Mr. Bennett or yourself for team composition>
>>Everyone together. We're not splitting up in a new place.
>We're sure not.
>>We need to talk to Virgil and Beatrice (or just Virgil, I guess) some more.
>>We need to prepare first.
>>I'm not going in there tonight. No way.

>>1676718
>>1678576
Noted.

>>1678605
>>>We're sure not.
>>>We need to talk to Virgil and Beatrice (or just Virgil, I guess) some more.

>>1678605
>laughs of
I guess that's grammatically correct, but still, I forgot the token >Write-In
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVf98DuTKVA

>>1678605
>We're sure not.
>We need to prepare first.

>>1678645
Second

>>1678614
>We need to talk to Virgil and Beatrice (or just Virgil, I guess) some more.
Virgil is eager to take your questions, bowing deeply. "Of course, how can I help you?"
>>Speaking to Virgil
>What's all this about your Master?
>What's at the bottom of Babylon?
>Why is it called Babylon?
>Where did you and Beatrice come from?
>(Ask Beatrice a question instead)
><Write-In>

>>1678645
>>1678654
>We need to prepare first.
Babylon doesn't seem to be going anywhere, or pose an immediate threat. How do you want to prepare?
>>Options
>Check Equipment
>Check Myth status
>Check team configuration (Donna and Ruth are both particularly interested in sharing a party with you)
>Assign a new secondary leader <Write-In>
>Speak to Mr. Bennett about Martinez's Monster and other threats
>Chat with a member of the team <Write-In>
>Return to Olympia for better equipment
><Write-In>

OOC: Sorry, seems being interrupted by family is a running gag tonight. Let's hope it doesn't stick around.

>>1678746
>What's all this about your Master?
>What's at the bottom of Babylon?

>Check Martinez's monster

>>1678746
>Where did you and Beatrice come from?

>Speak to Mr. Bennett about Martinez's Monster and other threats

>>1678752
>What's all this about your Master?
"Ah, he is..." Virgil seems to think about his phrasing. "He's very powerful, and very old."
Conveniently, this answer is just about useless to you. You wonder if Virgil is doing this on purpose.

>What's at the bottom of Babylon?
"Babylon contains the subconscious or repressed desires of humanity as a matter of course. It only makes sense that the bottom holds a particularly powerful Monster, born from the hearts of humanity."

"Fantastic." Keith rolls his neck to work out kinks in his muscles.

>Where did you and Beatrice come from?
He scratches his head, as if seriously considering the question himself. "Well, I suppose you could call us creations of our master? In a sense- we were awoken only recently, unlike the others."

"There are others?" Ruth asks.

"Yes. We are, as you might say, interns. Under training. Not real employees of our Master. Not yet."

Donna swings one of her sweater's arms, having partially retracted her hand on that side. "Great, just what we need. C-Listers."

Beatrice shuts her up with a well-placed sneer.

"After recent events, our master thought it prudent to employ additional help," Virgil admits. "If you are in great need, we can aid you, but not while you are within Babylon. Return to us, and we will heal and restore you."

>>Check Martinez's monster
Mr. Bennett's focus eventually pays off. "It's a Hero-Race Monster with a primarily Nuclear affinity. It's strong against physical attacks and weak to Psychic energy, and it's also immune to most technical powers- except Rage, interestingly enough."
He considers the area further. "Lover-Race, Hero-Race, are going to be primary enemies. Expect technical and physical attacks."

>>New Information
>Alright, I think we know enough.
>Let's get ready to go in. <Write-In, two team members>
>Do you do anything else, Virgil?
>Mr. Bennett, how great is your effective range, really?
>We need to get more Myths for me to use.
>We'll come back a later day, when we're more ready.
><Write-In>

>>1678813
Oh for fuck's sake, how did I miss that?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auzfTPp4moA

File: Fail.jpg (50 KB, 640x363)

50 KB JPG

>>1678879
I got your post, but not the post number, apparently. CAFFEINE REFUEL BETWEEN REPLIES GO

>>1678875
>Let's get ready to go in. Donna and Ruth

>>1678875
>Alright, I think we know enough.
>Let's get ready to go in.
-Keith
-Donna
>Mr. Bennett, how great is your effective range, really?

>>1678890
>>1678912
>Mr. Bennett, how great is your effective range, really?
He sighs a bit as if he's a ashamed. "Much better in the Witching Hour than out, obviously. My range drops off exponentially, with the more I know the target making things better." He adjusts his sunglasses. "It's not all that bad. At close range, I'm much more powerful than the average Support-class user. I can read people's minds, like you already know, and control machines or harvest their information."

>Alright, I think we know enough.
>Let's get ready to go in.

You've decided you want Donna in your group, but you're having a bit of trouble choosing between Keith and Ruth. It might be good to spread out the Psychic power between teams, but you could same the same for Physical damage as well. Did you want to have a four-person party?

"I'm willing to go with David," Sofia nods. "Both of us can heal, and in a pinch we can simply flee."

When Sofia makes it clear she wants input from Evelake, he nods and salutes again. "I'll make sure she doesn't get hurt, Boss!"

>>Four-Two Split
>Yeah, no. (Roll 2d10 and pick the second member of the party, higher roll wins)
>Sure, that works.
>Mr. Bennett, would you go with them? You also have combat abilities, right?
><Write-In>

>>1678976
>Mr. Bennett, would you go with them? You also have combat abilities, right?

>>1678976
>Mr. Bennett, would you go with them? You also have combat abilities, right?
>It's too dangerous for just two people, there could be traps or something too.

>>1678985
>>1679030

>Mr. Bennett, would you go with them? You also have combat abilities, right?
>It's too dangerous for just two people, there could be traps or something too.
He doesn't seem too happy about the alternative, so he ultimately agrees. "...Sure. I hang back IN CASE there's a trap or someone needs to go for help, but I think I can take part." He is serious about this. "It ends if and or when anyone else joins the group, though. I don't want to get jumped somehow and leave you all in the dark."

David agrees with this, and seems happy to be paired up with his 'big brother'.
Entering the huge stonework doors, you can see street signs embossed into some of the stonework as if the place were created from the city and then transmuted into the correct material. The first floor is eerie, empty, and quiet. Virgil and Beatrice seem to set up shop nearby. They don't tire or get bored, by your reckoning, so they'll just stand there forever until you need them.

"Enjoy your trip down!" Virgil states unironically.

---
Inferno- First Floor: Lust
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epXQar_X9bM

This whole place seems like a dim, dark house party of unreasonable size, with pop and rap playing in the background and the scent of alcohol on the air. The humidity is uncomfortable- too much cologne and sweat mixed in for your liking. Hallways lead off in all directions, and the sound of giggling, drinking, and dancing is around every corner, the shadows and figures indicating activity vanishing into nothing when approached.
You believe you can even hear bedsprings being tested on another floor, but there's nothing upstairs but the floor you came from.

Ruth's nose crinkles. "What a disgusting place."

"I like it," Donna shrugs.

"Doesn't matter," Keith cracks his knuckles. "We are officially crashing this party."

You, Donna, Ruth, and Keith are in a group.
>>Hunting Curses
>Mysterious-Looking Nobleman
>Group of Three Women
>Hopping Bottle
>Man in Armor
>Look for a path to Martinez's Monster
>Look for hidden items or collectables
>Look for something else
><Write-In>

Bonus Round: Blame Martinez's shit taste
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Am6iIqPXHY

>>1679088
>Look for a path to Martinez's Monster
>Look for hidden items or collectables

Slow day today Judge

>>1679093
Supporting.
I wish there were a reliable way to build up an audience on this board. Sad how many quality quests go under the radar.

>>1679093
>>1679101
>Look for a path to Martinez's Monster
The most reasonable path is to where the party is loudest, as if this is based on Martinez's own mental issues, he probably craves attention.
(The closer you get to Martinez's Monster, the likelier the chance for an encounter. Attacking Curses will reset the counter.)
Speaking of which, several Curses in the area seem to speak to no-one in particular.
"The future? Please. We're all headed the same way anyways, who needs to prepare?"
"Yeah. Maybe overdosing on drugs hurts like hell, but it sounds like a better way to go than wasting your entire life working for a piss-poor house in nowhere."
"I drink because it helps me forget about everything that sucks in the world."
"We're all just around to get some tail, right? Who cares about some stupid higher cause? I won't be around to see it."

>PARTY CHAT:
>Keith: Man, talk about depressing. This is supposed to be a party, right?
>Donna: Repressed thoughts, genius. It only makes sense they'd be superficially happy.
>Ruth: ...It's sort of sad so many people think this way, though.
>Keith: Nah. The fact that they're repressing these thoughts means that they're trying to get past them, right?
>Ruth: I guess so.
>Keith: Not as good as really looking at them hard, but if we did that with everything we'd get nothing done.
>Donna: Leave it to you to make not thinking sound like a smart idea.
>Ruth: (Giggles)

>Look for hidden items or collectables
(You find a Liquid Courage: Hlg, S, H, (Cnf User))
(You find a Lost Watch)

>>Hunting Curses
>Mysterious-Looking Nobleman
>Group of Three Women
>Hopping Bottle
>Man in Armor
>>Continue without fighting (Roll 2d10, at least one roll must beat DC 12)
>Look for a path to Martinez's Monster
>Look for hidden items or collectables
>Look for something else
>Heack Back
><Write-In>

>>1679186
>Hopping Bottle

>>1679186
>Group of three women
Times to tempt the fates literally

>>1679101
It's usually livelier here wonder where everyone's gone

>>1679186
>>Look for a path to Martinez's Monster
>>Look for hidden items or collectables

>>1679192
>>1679195
>>1679226
>3-Way Split
Normally I would give this to the closest roll (6/Toruc) but two votes for fighting make me reconsider. So I'll do this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rClUOdS5Zyw
You see a trophy case containing several dozen different trophies, from elementary school to junior high to high school. They're held in gold cases and encrusted garishly with jewels.
"Wow, he really likes his bling." Keith snorts.
Overhearing this, the Hopping Bottle shifts into a gangster-wannabee kid who's really too young for all the fake chains he's wearing.
"That's all Martinez's. He's the best football player in California. And baseball player. And soccer player. And hockey player. And..."

"Okay, we get it," Ruth steps back from the man. "Urgh, take a bath for once."

"He can't be the best at all of those," Donna points out. "You just can't spend that much time on sports."

"Why not?" the reply comes, as if it were a sincere question.

"Because you have to study and stuff, obviously," Keith laughs. "What are you, stupid?"

"You're naive," snorts the Curse gangbanger. "Play sports well enough, and teachers will excuse anything. Poor grades, bad behavior, taking bribes, anything. Because it makes money. Studies optional."

Donna's trying to come up with a counterargument, but she's so dumbfounded by the audacity of his statement that she's stuttering over herself. "W-Well, what if you get injured?"

"Then either wait it out, or... take the easy way out." The gangster pulls out a gun and puts it under his chin.

"Oh God..." Keith pales. "He's going to kill himself if he doesn't get what he wants?"

The Curse sneers at you. "Actually, he'd rather you die. After all, can't have any competition." Then he aims the gun at Keith.

>>Can't have any competition
>If he was really the best he wouldn't need to worry about competition hurting his standing.
>You threatened my friend. You shouldn't have done that.
>Take us to your boss, and we might let you live for that.
>(Pull out your weapon)
>(Try to catch him off-guard)
><Write-In>
>>1679101
>>1679220
Not sure, really.
I blame the new RWBY quest.

>>1679303
>If he was really the best he wouldn't need to worry about competition hurting his standing.
>(Try to catch him off-guard)

>>1679303
>(Pull out your weapon)
>You threatened my friend. You shouldn't have done that.

>>1679313
>>1679348
>If he was really the best he wouldn't need to worry about competition hurting his standing.
The Curse's nature shifts back to being more supernatural.
"What do you know, East Coast loser?" He points the gun at you and growls. "You want to die first?"

>(Try to catch him off-guard)
>(Pull out your weapon)
You initiate the battle by pulling out your pistol faster than the bottle can react and shooting the Curse, which turns back into the hopping bottle, the gun fading into black mist.
>You threatened my friend. You shouldn't have done that.
"You little shit! You'll pay for that!"
Hopping around, he calls "Give me backup!"
As if on command, three giggling girls in short skirts nearby shift into fanged vixens in old-fashioned skimpy dresses. They hiss at you and charge.


Battle Engaged!
Order: (You), Donna, Ruth, Wicked Women, Keith, Hopping Bottle.
Enemy Status: Healthy (4 Enemies)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 plus listed modifier for skill)
>Outwit: Psy, S, M, (+3)
>Mental Vampire: Psy/Hlg, S, L, (+3)
>Boost Attack: Buf, Atk 2
>Fire: Prc, S, M, (+0)
>Melee: Blg, S, M, (+2)
>Seize the Truth: Buf, S, Sha
>Change Myth (Blackbeard, Velveteen Rabbit, Red Riding Hood)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water, Liquid Courage)
>Flee
>Wait until tomorrow to continue, view Secret Personality Profile <Write-In>
><Write-In>

>>1679431
>View secret Personality profile

>>1679443
Name a character in the party. Yes, this includes Mr. Bennett.

>>1679449
>David Everlake

>>1679455
>Name: David Evelake
>Date of Birth: November 11th, 2003
>Hometown: Blackacre, NM
>Height: 5'4
>Weight: 230 lb (Result of procedure)
>Hair: Brown
>Eyes: Brown
>Race: White
>Scouting Profile:
After an accident in 2012 that killed his parents and left him incapacitated and in a long-term coma, Mr. Evelake was subjected to an experimental procedure that restored his mobility and allowed him to continue functioning for the most part as an ordinary boy.
David has been studied to hold an unusually cheerful demeanor even under extremely difficult situations. After the successful procedure was completed, he was given over to a local psychiatrist Dr. Bennett, whose husband had helped during the procedure.
She and her family treated him as one of their own, and the psychiatric and physical recovery was eventually completed. However, due to a unfortunate necessity of the procedure, Evelake was rendered permanently infertile.
As part of his recovery, he was subjected to US Army training due to his unusual situation and regimen and achieved the rank of Private First Class. He remembers nothing prior to his accident.
>Psychic Potential: Yes
>Unusual Properties: Unusual physiology due to the procedure.
>Mental Stability: Solid.
>Criminal History: No.
>Role: Defender
>Greatest Strength: Indefatigable, emotionally and physically.
>Greatest Weakness: Naive, easily manipulated.
>Rogue Threat Rating: C
>Family: (Adoptive) Dr. Bennett (Both), Walter Bennett, Rachel Bennett, Leia Bennett.
>Five Most Common Web Searches, from least to most: "military humor", "maintaining electronics", "how to make friends", "cooking", "romance novels for men"

---
I'll stick around to answer any other questions.

>>1679555
Thanks for running Judge. What happened should an individual's monster be left alone? Will his desire get more and more distorted?

>>1679568
>Thanks for running Judge.
No problem. I'll be back at 9- 9:30 PM 'tomorrow' (as in Tuesday).
>What happened should an individual's monster be left alone? Will his desire get more and more distorted?
Yes. The underlying nature of a Monster is a dissatisfaction with their generator's current condition. Unless it gets what they want or is confronted, it'll simmer and grow until it overwhelms its 'host', effectively consuming the rest of their personality in a desperate attempt to get what they want. That's the Faustian bit- the Monster trades your soul for what it wants, in a sense.

>>1679555
I now know what we must do. We must be a protective older brother to David, and matchmake him with The One (TM).

>>1679591
>I now know what we must do. We must be a protective older brother to David, and matchmake him with The One (TM).
Actually, his ideal woman already exists in the Persona continuity. If everything goes right you'll meet her. No hints as to who it is, though.

File: 1492888821369.jpg (41 KB, 616x462)

41 KB JPG

>>1679591
Exactly, we must protect the pic related.

>Persona continuity
What does that mean exactly Judge?

File: Desire to Know.gif (171 KB, 320x256)

171 KB GIF

>>1679599

>>1679599
My bet is on Maya

>>1679621
Something something this was supposed to be a Persona Quest but then it wasn't and it's sort of kind of a love letter to Persona cliches and I'm half-referencing half-bending half-making shit up because I like the utterly batshit insane story I've written and I'mma be damned if canon's gonna get in my way.
So this is basically the fanfic quest that wasn't, because it might as well not be Persona. It's sort of the Layton Mystery Brothers to Persona's Professor Layton- in name only, but enough to sort of be canon I guess.
Also
>Cinnamon Roll (Hlg S, L, AND Clr(Rag))
>>1679636
Figure it out yourself.
>>1679642
No spoilers. But speaking of Persona 2, Bennett's sunglasses and appearance were partly inspired by Katsuya.

We continue from >>1679431
Battle Engaged!
Order: (You), Donna, Ruth, Wicked Women, Keith, Hopping Bottle.
Enemy Status: Healthy (4 Enemies)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 plus listed modifier for skill)
>Outwit: Psy, S, M, (+3)
>Mental Vampire: Psy/Hlg, S, L, (+3)
>Boost Attack: Buf, Atk 2
>Fire: Prc, S, M, (+0)
>Melee: Blg, S, M, (+2)
>Seize the Truth: Buf, S, Sha
>Change Myth (Blackbeard, Velveteen Rabbit, Red Riding Hood)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water, Liquid Courage)
>Flee
><Write-In>

Rolled 5, 6 + 3 = 14 (2d10 + 3)

>>1681611
>Outwit: Psy, S, M, (+3)

Rolled 8, 9 + 4 = 21 (2d10 + 4)

>>1681611
>Switch to Blackbeard
>Pirate Blast

>>1681628
Aw shit, forgot to mention for single-target attacks, assumed they would be in the reply:
>>Select Target
>Wicked Women
>Hopping Bottle

>>1681679
>Hopping Bottle

Rolled 9, 9, 10, 4, 1, 7, 4, 1, 10, 8 = 63 (10d10)

>>1681628
>>1681649 (Selected: Closer)
>Switch to Blackbeard
>Pirate Blast
>(8, 9) + 4 = 21! +3 Tiers!
Holding your arm out, you shift into Blackbeard and sneer at the enemies in front of you, who realize what's going on only after you've devastated them all with a tremendous barrage of attacks. The only one who doesn't take full damage is the hopping bottle, which spins and reveals a red imp that hisses before squeezing itself back inside.
>All three Wicked Women take 13 damage, becoming heavily injured!
>The Hopping Bottle takes 10 damage, becoming heavily injured! (Affinity Revealed: +Prc)

Your two female allies attempt to support you by weakening the enemies.
>Donna: White Warning: Lig, A, L, (+3) +2 (Affinity Revealed: -Lig)
>Ruth: Sad Song: Tec, S, Des, TN 15 (15-3+3) at Hopping Bottle
The giggling women turn on you all and attempt to weave an incomprehensible conversation that pains your thoughts.
>Wicked Women: Wicked Words: Psy, A, M, (+3)
Keith attempts to remove the women from the fight with a sweeping attack.
>Keith: One For All: Sla, A, L, (+3)
>Hopping Bottle: Drive to Drink: Tec, S, TN 14 (15-3 +3) or target (Ruth) consumes a random item

(Slow Start. Writing...)

>>1681807
Writing's getting repetitive, maybe I'm just depressed. At leas the rolls are good. Have cheery(ish) music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEllHMWkXEU
Donna's attack, formed of bolts and flashes of light, hammers all of the enemies with surprising power.
>All enemies take 10 damage!
The Wicked Women scream and vanish, blown away in a flash of light. The imp, on the other hand, begins to cower in his bottle. You can tell that this is a tiny, fragile imp, using a stereotypical whiskey bottle with heavy brown glass to hide in.

He waves his hands in defense.
>Plead

"I'm a victim in all of this, too! Don't you recognize me?"

>>Don't you recognize me?
>I know you... You're <Write-In>
>Nope. Give me a hint?
>I don't drink. (Capture)
>Give me your power.
>Cash. Now.
>Give me an item.
>Bottoms up. (Devour)
><Write-In>

(Also considering changing out the dice system to something simpler in the near future, after the grace period of 'maybe I'm just stupid' this takes too damn long.)

File: end of an era.jpg (59 KB, 732x628)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Hrq9dzNSs

>>1681835
>Give me your power.

Sorry Judge, wonder if taking a short break from all this writing might help. Then again that's a slippery slope

>>1681924
I'm sure its the dice system at this point- burns me out, will do an overhaul.
For now, I'm going to replace 2d10 with 3d6. Triples are automatic success with benefit (Yes, even all ones). Roll all 6s, and it's a powerful crit.
Just going to pit affinities against one another at this point.

>Give me your power.
"Well, uh, you make a good offer, but..."

Affinity!
"Just take the deal, you worthless glass-jawed wimp!" Donna offers to follow up from her previous attack, and the monster is scared into submission.

"Okay, okay!"
Suddenly, the nature of the enemy becomes more clear as he joins your group of allies in the book.
"I'm a harbringer of temptation, but also freedom. If you can't control me, you'll serve me. I am part of you..."
(Gained Demon in the Bottle!)


>>Hunting Curses
>Mysterious-Looking Nobleman
>Man in Armor
>>Continue without fighting
>Look for a path to Martinez's Monster
>Look for hidden items or collectables
>Look for something else
>Head Back
><Write-In>

>>1681945
I didn't want to say anything but it did seem a little complicated.

>Man in Armor
Let's check out one of these guys, they seem like they might know a thing or two.

>>1681950
>Man in Armor
"Halt!"[
The enemy Curse shifts from its more medieval form to that of a tough-looking football player.
"Whaddaya think you're doing here? Did you get invites?" He grimaces at you all, scaring Donna and pissing off Keith. "I'll pound you into the dirt if you don't. This is a real private affair, you know." The tall boy is overdressed in trendy, overpriced clothing.

>>Did you get invites? (Roll 3d6)
>Of course we did. (Charm, +2)
>And what happens if we did and Martinez finds out you threatened us? (Courage, +2)
>Back me up on this... <Donna, Ruth, Keith>
>Gimmie a sec, we just put them down with our coats.
>Hey, relax. Here, this is on me. <Give an item>
>I didn't know they brought in the monkey show. (Attack)
><Write-In>

Rolled 4, 6, 5 + 2 = 17 (3d6 + 2)

>>1681982
>Of course we did. (Charm, +2)

Rolled 3, 4, 2 + 2 = 11 (3d6 + 2)

>>1681982
>Of course we did.

>>1681984
>>1681988
>>1681984 (PASS)
>>1681988
>Of course we did. (Charm, +2)

"Yeah, how dumb do you get?" Keith snickers and rolls his shoulders. "You think we would even know about this party if we didn't get invites?"

"I guess that makes sense." The Curse returns to his more heroic form and stands at guard with his sword.
"The festivities are further in."

Donna is the first to proceed, pulling out her phone to find that it's dead. "Woah, my phone's not working."

"Maybe it just went dead," Ruth states, listening to the dancing and beat down the hall.

"I charged it, though," the tiny girl shakes it. "I was gonna snap some cool pictures."

Mr. Bennett pops in on you mentally. "That's because most electronics don't work here. They're 'stopped' in time because they don't have psychic properties."

"Oh, cool, you're still all alive. We've gotten past the bouncer dude," Keith mentions.

"You've gotten further than us, then," he grumbles. "He's past the dance floor, in his own private room."

Ruth shudders. Donna doesn't. Keith merely braces himself.

---

Getting out on the dance floor, you see a ton of Curses, most heroic or romantic in nature. The music pounds and a shadowy mosh pit blocks your path. Notably, most of the people dancing on the floor have any distinguishing features. Whenever they get too far from the edge, they vanish, and someone appears deeper in to replace them. The Curses hover in semi-realistic forms, their eyes dead giveaways.
Off to the side, there's a punch bowl that's spiked with more alcohol than punch. The DJ is on the other side of the room, a man wearing a necklace with a severed arm on it.

>>Dance Floor
>>Contact/Attack a Curse
>Man wearing three chains with axes on them
>Boy wearing a pink bowtie
>Desperate-looking girl
>>Interact with the floor (Roll 3d6)
>Drink from the punchbowl (Courage +2)
>Try to dance to the other side (Proficiency +2)
>Get the DJ to change the music (Charm +2)
>Try to find a path through (Knowledge +2)
><Write-In>

>>1682026
>Having to reload screws up my post
Help me out here, posting system.
>lack any distinguishing features
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ejF8Qv6VZk

Rolled 5, 4, 5 = 14 (3d6)

>>1682026
>Try to dance to the other side
Just like in the movies!

Rolled 5, 1, 1 + 2 = 9 (3d6 + 2)

>>1682026
>Try to dance to the other side
Not a bad idea

>>1682052 (PASS)
>>1682082
>Try to dance to the other side

You manage to fake-mosh your way through the pit well enough that you don't get very bruised. However, the music hurts your head just due to how painfully loud it is. Whatever Martinez's problems are, having no sense of proportion is certainly one of them. It's hardly even dancing what goes on here, just shadows jumping up and down and bumping into each other. There's no soul in their movements.

You have to shove one or two people at the end, but they're Curses and thus don't matter. Looking around, you see a door with a 'Do Not Disturb' Sign on it. Laughter and giggling from women comes from within, as well as more sickening perfume and alcohol. You don't feel like you want to go in, but you know you have to to help Martinez.

"You guys on the other side?" Mr. Bennett waves, hidden somewhat by the crowd. However, his psychic voice is just as strong as ever. "We just got to this room."

"I think we should all go in together," Ruth states.

"I dunno," Keith says. "It's a pretty tight space. Maybe we'll end up blocking each other. I figure we can pick 4."

NEW COMBAT SYSTEM (KISS):
>Each character will pick a positive affinity at the beginning of their turn. The opponent subtracts their corresponding affinity if they have one and the resulting total is added to the group's single roll. Higher is better, obviously. The enemy will do the same on their turn. The party will always go first unless ambushed. You can only change affinities on your turn unless otherwise given the ability to do so.
>When making a roll, roll 3d6 unless otherwise prompted and list the affinities you want your party to use.
>Every additional ally beyond 4 will impose a triangular penalty on all ally rolls: (-1 for one, -3 for two, -6 for three...).

>>Tactics
>I need the party to reassemble as so: <Write-In, including party members in Bennett's group>
>We're ready.
>Hold on, I want to change something first.
>We should come back later.
><Write-In>

OOC: I think that's a reasonable compromise ATM.

>>1682105
>New Party, Keith Donna and David
The rest will standby in case the Curse reacts badly to having their boss getting attacked

>>1682105
Hmm, I kind of understand the system. I guess I'll have to see it in action first.

>Reassemble Party
-Sofia
-David
-Ruth

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>1682115 (1)
>>1682130 (2)
I'm gonna leave it to you two to hash out what party you want, or take the returned value on this 1d2, and give you an example.
>David and Sofia are sparring
>David chooses Wind (+3) as his Affinity.
>Sofia has a Wind Affinity of (-3), so David's attack total is +6.
>Sofia chooses Fire (+3) as her Affinity.
>David doesn't have a Fire Affinity, so Sofia's attack total is +3.
>David rolls, then Sofia.
>When attacking a group, the highest defensive affinity applies. In a case where there are all party members with a negative or no affinity, the least negative affinity applies.
>So David's negative Nuclear would apply if he were in the party because nobody else in the party has a positive or less bad Nuclear affinity.
>Healing directly subtracts from the enemy's attack bonus but provides no attack bonus.
That help?

>>1682140
I'll go with your roll and give it to the other anon. Also yeah that makes sense, I guess it's pretty similar to guessing and checking weaknesses against new enemies.

>>1682140
Thanks for the clarification Judge.

>>1682146
>>1682157
>>1682115
>Keith, Donna, and David
Keith nods. "Of course. He's my teammate, too."
"If you say so, Boss!" David steps up.
Donna gets an unusual smile on her face, dancing happily for a bit, and the other two girls look between each other curiously.

Mr. Bennett sighs. "Don't get too cocky. I'm not entirely sure why you wanted to bring David, but it's your call."

Kicking down the door, Keith initiates the conflict. "Martinez! Get out here! We've got a bone to pick with you!" he growls, punching into his gloves.

On an outlandish throne of pillows, surrounded by moving golden figurines of girls in bikinis, is Martinez's Monster. He's in a stupidly expensive bathrobe and wearing enough jewelry around his neck to give any reasonable guy shoulder pains. There are over a dozen rings on his fingers, but he doesn't seem to be slowed by it in the least.

"Well, ladies, I've got to go deal with some trash..." he snarls at you. "It's you fuckers. What do you want? Was trying to upstage me at baseball not enough?"

"Come off of it," Donna snarls back. "You're not best at anything, are you? Why do you want to be number one so bad, anyways?"

"I AM THE BEST!" Martinez roars at her. "I was the best at my school at any sport I played. People adored me. I got all sorts of shit. Girls threw themselves at me. I even made my way to Olympia just on athletics alone." He waves his hands dismissively. "But no... That fucking coach wants to throw me in with you plebeians. It makes me mad, so mad I'm screwing up during practice."

He grabs an empty champagne bottle from the floor and throws it at the wall, putting a dent in the wallpaper. "I used to get whatever I wanted. But now that I'm here, I can't get fucking jack. Nobody listens to me! So now I need to be the best again, so I can finally get the appreciation I deserve."

David holds up his hand innocently, and you prepare yourself for disaster as soon as his mouth opens. "But why would anyone listen to you? You're not out for anyone but yourself." Evelake is a bit put-off by this whole situation.

"Shut up!" Martinez yells, warping in such a way that it becomes obvious he's about to transform. "All I want is for people to love me! Isn't that what everyone wants? I have these talents, so why can't I get recognition? People want to see sports, so I play sports! Who cares about some nerd behind a desk?"

"The Monster is going critical! Get ready for it to attack!" Mr. Bennett recommends.
(CONT)

>>1682207
Martinez draws in Curses around him to create a massive swirling cloud from which he forms a giant football player. "Fuck you! Fuck you all! Ladies, you understand me! Help me kick these assholes into next week!"

Out of the dark steps Lustful Monster: Ixion, a giant hunchbacked football player who has a glowing blue burning wheel attached to him, the axle plunged into his spine.

"Outta my way or die, losers. I don't need someone like you on my path to glory."

"Ugh, talk about cliche," Donna rolls her eyes. "That's the best you could do? 'I want attention, so I'm gonna throw a bitchfit'?"

The Monster laughs wickedly. "You want interesting? FINE! Let's put on a show!"

BATTLE ENGAGED!
WARNING
>>Command? (Roll 3d6)
>Blackbeard: (Prc +4)|(Fir +3)|(Tec +2)|(Wnd -3)|(Elc -2)
>Keith Affinities: (Sla +3)|(Ice +3)|(Psy +2)|(Tec +2)|(Fir -3)|(Lig -2)|(Drk -2)
>Donna Affinities (+1 Bonus added due to Great status): (Lig +4)|(Drk +4)|(Ice -2)
>David Affinities:(Wnd +3)|(Lig +3)|(Nuc -3)
>Change Myth (Faust, Velveteen Rabbit, Red Riding Hood)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water, Liquid Courage)
>Flee
><Write-In>

Rolled 2, 1, 1 = 4 (3d6)

>>1682211
>Change to Faust
>Outwit

>>1682224
Aaah shiet

>>1682224
>>1682227
Did you guys want to stick with the old combat system for now?
Otherwise, I'm looking for a reply like:
>Change Myth (Faust)
>Faust: Psy (+3)
>David: Wnd (+3)
>Keith: Ice (+3)
>Donna: Lig (+2)
with roll attached, of course.

>>1682232
>(+4 Lig) for Donna

>>1682232
I'd like to use whatever keeps you most invested, but I guess I still don't quite get it. We choose an affinity for every party member and only get roll bonuses on skills that utilize those affinities? And in the same post we also choose what skill we're going to use and roll for that? Sorry for the confusion.

>>1682243
Right now this is the 'Simple' system, which means just pick one positive affinity for every party member from their list and roll 3d6 unmodified.
I'll figure out how to add more complexity later. This is sort of a live trial.
If things really foul out I might reboot the quest, but probably not.
I haven't completely bungled it yet.

>>1682232
I'm guessing different Myth has different affinity choice? IDK what Faust's affinity choice are so I didn't put that in.

>Keith Affinities: (Sla +3)
>Donna Affinities (+1 Bonus added due to Great status): (Dark +4)
>David Affinities (Nuc-3)

Rolled 3, 4, 3 = 10 (3d6)

>>1682250
Alright, I'll give it a shot I guess.

>>1682211
>Blackbeard: Fir
>Keith: Ice
>Donna: Lig
>David: Lig

Example post: Positive Affinities are bold
>>Command? (Roll 3d6)
>Blackbeard: (Prc +4)|(Fir +3)|(Tec +2)|(Wnd -3)|(Elc -2)
>Keith Affinities: (Sla +3)|(Ice +3)|(Psy +2)|(Tec +2)|(Fir -3)|(Lig -2)|(Drk -2)
>Donna Affinities (+1 Bonus added due to Great status): (Lig +4)|(Drk +4)|(Ice -2)
>David Affinities:(Wnd +3)|(Lig +3)|(Nuc -3)
>Change Myth (Faust, Velveteen Rabbit, Red Riding Hood)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water, Liquid Courage)
>Flee
><Write-In>

Reply:
>Change Myth (Faust)
Faust has affinities (Psy +3)|(Tec +3)|(Elc -3)|(Prc +2)
>Faust: Psy
>Keith: Ice
>Donna: Lig
>David: Lig

>>1682260
That works. Writing once the other post is in, I guess.

>>1682264
>Faust: Psy
>Keith: Sla
>Donna: Dark
>David:Nuc
Like this

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Rolled 3, 3, 5 = 11 (3d6)

>>1682266
David has negative Nuc, so no.
Try
>Faust: Psy
>Keith: Sla
>Donna: Drk
>David:Wnd
with the 3d6 roll in post.
Dammit I'm such a dumbass.

Rolled 6, 5, 2 = 13 (3d6)

>>1682270
>Faust: Psy
>Keith: Sla
>Donna: Drk
>David:Wnd

Sorry bout that

Rolled 3, 2, 3 = 8 (3d6)

>>1682260
>>1682273
And none of the affinities match.
Whatever, I'm just taking the higher roll.
Apologies >>1682260 for the wait.
>6, 5, 2 = 13 ->Affinities(Psy WEAK, Sla STRONG)-> 25 total (Just keeping a running total for the sake of sanity)
Despite being slightly staggered, the Monster retains its overconfident attitude.
"Hah! That was nothing! Try this on, weaklings!"
Underhanded Strike
>Affinity: Blg (STRONG), target ALL
Sweeping his arms out, the Monster attempts to attack all of you with a mighty blow that threatens to throw you into the walls.

Enemy Status: Fine
>>Command? (Roll 3d6)
>Faust: (Psy +3)|(Tec +3)|(Elc -3)|(Prc +2)
>Keith Affinities: (Sla +3)|(Ice +3)|(Psy +2)|(Tec +2)|(Fir -3)|(Lig -2)|(Drk -2)
>Donna Affinities (+1 Bonus added due to Great status): (Lig +4)|(Drk +4)|(Ice -2)
>David Affinities:(Wnd +3)|(Lig +3)|(Nuc -3)
>Change Myth (Faust, Velveteen Rabbit, Red Riding Hood)
>Order (Tell another person to do something specific)
>Item (Cinnamon Roll, Mad Bull, Breakfast Taco, Holy Water, Liquid Courage)
>Flee
><Write-In>

>>1682286
>3, 2, 3 = 8 ->(Affinities NO CHANGE)->12
The strike is mostly ineffective, partially due to its slowness.
"RRGH! JUST DIE!"

Probably going to be last post of the night.
I need to get some feedback before next thread.
I like doing this quest, but I sorta suck at it in certain ways that make it hard to get into.

>>1682294
Like the fact that NO CHANGE means no defensive alterations.
Damn me, I drive me to drink!

Rolled 5, 5, 1 = 11 (3d6)

>>1682286
>Mental Vampire
>Faust: Psy
>Keith Tec
>Donna Drk
>David Lig

>>1682294
Story- and character-wise, this is a very good quest. I think your writing style is great and you know how to write effective character interactions. It's the main reason I like it so much.
I think what might be tanking it a bit is that you're a little too... technical, I suppose. When I first went to check out the Grimm Book pastebin I was pretty overwhelmed by all the abbreviations and jargon. I'm sure for you it's easy enough to understand, and I get it pretty well after this long, but for a lot of newcomers it can be offputting to see so much information when they want to know how combat works. I think that results in a general lack of input.
It's a lot to ask of you to completely change up the combat system, but you are taking steps to simplify it which is a good start; you just need to further optimize it. Take a look at other combat-focused quests. If you look at Crab's Persona USA, for example, the combat is very simple; I'm not saying to rip your combat rules straight from that quest, but it would be easier for players without all the "affinity" stuff--maybe just listing the "element" of a skill and applying extra damage, knockdown, etc. if that element happens to hit a weakness.
These are just my personal qualms and if you feel more comfortable doing it the way you're doing it then keep it up. I'd like to give you more feedback but I need to know what aspects of your QMing you're not satisfied with.

>>1682299
Noted, will take effect if other player posts. As always, I'll stick around for questions and to archive the thread.
Twitter is @Judge_Presiding, I posted a survey there.
>>1682321
I'm going to move up the filler week (answer questions, do fluff stuff) to next week, just to re-make the combat system, present it to the players, and start getting ahold of my autism. I also need to boost turnout, which would help me better guess what you guys want in a system.
I think I'll call the next thread Order in the Court, partly to express the idea of a soft reset.
I always struggle with mechanics for some reason. Every time I write them it's a fucking disaster.

>>1682328
I'd agree with the other anons combat does feel too complicated and is very intimidating for new anons. Other than that I'm liking your quest. It's nicely written and I like that you're able to balance the amount of mystery in the quest and the amount of answers given it keeps the readers attention and motivates us instead of frustrates us. I do believe that you have some lurkers here it's just that they're scared of the combat. Regarding combat system you can probably ask other QM for input on that like Crab who ran a similar quest.

>>1682339
I don't really like shadowing other QMs because it feels like cheating to use someone else's system, but if it works it works. I'll see who else I can study up on.
And it's obviously not going to be a direct copy, because that would be stupid.
I feel like I should just do what I thought of doing the first time, which was basically translate D&D's mechanics into Persona.
Affinity would be your to-hit/AC bonus against an element, damage would have solid, unchanging ratings. Only the player and bosses would roll for damage, all else would be standardized.
>Weak: 1d8 (5)
>Moderate: 2d6 (7)
>Heavy: 4d4 (10)
>Major: 4d8 (18)
>Massive: 4d12 (26)
>Extreme: 10d6 (35)
Base saving throws for each type of status effect, blah blah blah. It's obvious I need to take an axe to the current system.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1675497/
Archived. Looking to overhaul the rules before next week.