>>2266250
First

File: Dutch_OntheRoadAgain.png (276 KB, 421x465)

276 KB PNG

>>2266250

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 18 START]

The trip to whatever hole the Gambinos have been operating out of for the last few weeks is a quiet one. That last assault against the Genovese HQ seems to have eaten up the last of the vampires' reserves in this area; the two lieutenants you and Sierra took out were probably instrumental in keeping the attacks going. With the situation mostly under control, the four of you didn't have an issue accepting an escort for at least part of the way.

Right now, the men who aren't been allowed to rest are going out into the Genovese territory and checking up on safe houses and other holding points that were cut off during the night. You don't envy those men; they're probably going to find a lot of blood and very few bodies.

That's not a concern now; what is a concern is the Gambino hideout which is apparently right in front of you. 'In front of you' being subjective, you, Sierra, Dutch, and Gladiator are all in a nearby alley way, just scoping the place out.

You have to say: you're not really impressed. The entire place looks abandoned, though you suppose that's probably the effect they were going for here. The average person wouldn't fuck around in an abandoned house and no one would miss any squatters suddenly vanishing.

"So..." Dutch drawls after a few more moments of looking it over. Turning to your old friend, you note that while he's gotten bored of scoping at least he's taking the time to make sure his rifle is in good shape, "What's the plan here?"

No one says anything, though you can feel their eyes glancing over to you. Of course...

After a few seconds of thinking about it, you open your mouth and decide.
> Just go in hard and loud, it's the last thing they'll expect
> Try to sneak in, it sort of worked last time
> They seem to have a bit of a hard on for you, perhaps if you just walk in they'll do something stupid
> Other

>>2266279
>> Try to sneak in, it sort of worked last time

>>2266279
>> Try to sneak in, it sort of worked last time

>>2266279
>> Try to sneak in, it sort of worked last time

>>2266285
>>2266291
>>2266293

Sneaky breeki

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Rolled 91 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2266302

Rolled 13 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2266302

Rolled 76 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2266302

>>2266312

That's a 96, Success.

Writin'

>>2266279

"We'll go in quietly, like last time," Drawing your pistol, you give it a quick check over to make sure nothing is wrong before looking back up. You raise a singular eyebrow at the expression on your three companions' faces, "...What? It worked, kinda".

No one looks entirely convinced, even as you begin leading the way through the area's back alleys. Well, they're probably just waiting for everything to go to shit; you really can't blame them, since that's usually your cynical outlook on things.

Surprisingly enough, nothing jumps out at you as you approach the building from out of sight. Apparently you've gotten better at skulking...

Without a word between the two of you, you and Dutch line up at the door. Opening it slightly, you take a quick peek in. Considering nothing immediately shoots at you and no one screams, you take it that there's no one inside. Or, at least, they don't know you're there.

Motioning to him, you step to the side as the gunslinger slides into the room without a sound. Waiting a moment, you follow him inside.

Whatever this is, it's clearly the front area for the hideout. Trash and debris litter the room; it'd be a rather convincing display of an abandoned building if you didn't know better.

Plus, there's a doorway further back that's slightly ajar. You and Dutch follow the same process at it, carefully entering into a short hallway that leads to some kind of office area.

Whoever worked here is long gone, as papers and other such supplies are scattered about. Another door is ajar again, this one leading further downstairs.

"Think they left already?" Dutch speaks up after making sure the coast is clear.

Gladiator and Sierra enter into the room shortly after he asks, the swordsman look over the area before turning to your friend, "It's possible that there's still members of the family here, if we hurry we have a better chance of catching them".

Looking about the room, you don't see anything too obvious. But you know how sloppy people get when in a hurry...
> Head downstairs now, you can't risk letting them escape
> Thoroughly search the office, this might be the only chance you get
> Other

>>2266361
>> Head downstairs now, you can't risk letting them escape

>>2266361
>> Head downstairs now, you can't risk letting them escape

>>2266361
>> Head downstairs now, you can't risk letting them escape

>>2266394
>>2266386
>>2266381

Go go go!

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 39 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2266397

Rolled 75 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2266397

Rolled 75 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2266397

>>2266411
>>2266477

Double 90's, Success.

Writin'

>>2266361

It's tempting, but no you can't risk things.

"Let's go," Motioning everyone to fall into step behind you, you glance down the stairwell to make sure that its not a blatant trap before pushing the door entirely open and heading down.

Your assumption that this is just a hiding room is disproved as you continue walking down.

"Hey," After a few seconds, you decide to voice your concerns, "I thought Shirahoro didn't have an underground".

"It shouldn't," Is Gladiators rough reply, and with it you start feeling a sinking sensation take to your gut.

Biting down on your apprehension, you continue going. It's not long before you see the first inkling of light denoting the end of the stairs. Cautiously looking down, you note that its some kind of emergency lighting system.

"The fuck is this..." You can't help but mutter as you get to the bottom of the stairs and look down another hallway, this one a rather modern affair.

"Shit..." Dutch is the next to speak up, as he's right behind you, "This is just like that back room the vamps in that brothel had".

"How long would this take to construct, John?" Sierra questions after a few moments of silence. It's... a rather good question actually.

"Depends on how big this is," Walking forwards, you see the end of the hallway. It's still a ways ahead of you, but you can tell the room up ahead opens up a fair amount, "Months, at best".

Gladiator makes a kind of displeased click with his tongue, "How long have these things been in the city? And what the hell are the Gambinos thinking?"

Grimacing at his words, you just keep moving forwards.

After all, for better or worse, you'll probably be finding out exactly that tonight.

[1/2]

>>2266534

[2/2]

Leading the group forwards, you feel uneasy in the hallway. Not just because of the fact that you're several stories underground, but also because if someone was to start firing a gun down this hallway it would end in a bloodbath.

Thankfully, no one opens fire and you all make it to the next room without issue.

Although, you have to admit that even your months-long estimate is looking a bit shaking as you look around at what's clearly some kind of warehouse. You can tell that everyone's got the same thought as you, but considering the situation no one makes a sound.

Looking about, you see two obvious ways forwards.

On one side, there's an exit to the right that leads further down into the complex. You can hear some kind of movement in there, but you can't for the life of you figure it out.

On the other, there's another stairway leading up towards the surface. Odds are good that there's a way out through there and anyone trying to escape here is going to be using it.

Now what?
> Head further down, investigate the noise
> Head further up, see if anyone's attempting to escape
> Other

>>2266553
>> Head further down, investigate the noise

>>2266553
>> Head further up, see if anyone's attempting to escape

>>2266553
>> Head further up, see if anyone's attempting to escape

>>2266606
>>2266780

Up we go.

Writin'

>>2266553

Once again, you're tempted to see what else is down here but you have to focus on catching up to whoever is running away.

With that in mind, the four of you sweep through what little of the warehouse you can on the way towards the upwards stairs. Nothing of note pops out to you, though you can tell a lot of what was stored here is gone.

Regardless, the stairs are clear and so you silently start walking up them.

This one isn't dark like the previous, the same emergency lighting occasionally placed along the ceiling. It's helpful since you can actually see where you're going.

It's not so helpful when you walk into another open room and three figures, one of which is the spear vamp who raided your shop, turn towards the lot of you.

You and Dutch have your guns up without hesitation, Gladiator taking a step forwards while Sierra steps to the side to get a line of fire.

One of the figures runs off, his vampiric nature showing as he moves far faster than any normal person. The other two draw weapons, a spear and a sword and shield, and tense for a fight.

Now what?
> Focus on taking out the two lieutenants
> Fight through these two, try to catch up with the runner
> Other

>>2267767
Try to get a shot on fleeing vamp's legs, but don't sweat it. If no opportunity presents itself, make sure at least the two are brought down. Better err on the side of caution.

>>2267767
What >>2267793 said. Potshot on the runner, but if you miss the first one, snap your attention to the threats in front of you.

>>2267767
> Fight through these two, try to catch up with the runner

>>2267802
>>2267797
>>2267793

Try to shoot the runner it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Rolled 38 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2267807
Bang.

Rolled 59, 49, 25, 14 + 30 = 177 (4d100 + 30)

>>2267807

[GLADIATOR ACTIVITY]

Rolled 4 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2267807

Rolled 95, 21, 86, 61, 9, 28 + 15 = 315 (6d100 + 15)

>>2267807

[??? ACTIVITY]

Rolled 58 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2267807

Rolled 18, 93, 52, 65, 76, 7 + 10 = 321 (6d100 + 10)

>>2267807

[DUTCH ACTIVITY]

Rolled 95, 66, 55 + 10 = 226 (3d100 + 10)

>>2267807

[SIERRA ACTIVITY]

>>2267821

That's a 63, let's see what it gets you.

Writin'

>>2267817
competent/lucky mooks strike again

>>2267835

It's about time an enemy who is supposed to be competent and isn't a mook gets good dice rolls

>>2267767

Without a second thought, you snap off a few shots at the runner. One of them misses, but the next two hit the runner right in the back. You frown to yourself as the man doesn't seem to react and you don't see any blood stains either as he runs up another flight of stairs out of sight.

That's about all the chance you get as the two lieutenants rush forwards, the sword and shield going for you while spear goes for Gladiator.

You get ready for the attack, only for it to be neatly intercepted by Sierra curving two fire bolts around the shield, one blowing off a leg while the other spins the vamp around upon impacting his chest. He's nearly knocked off his remaining foot, but manages to steady himself with what's left of his knee and his shield. You want to finish him off, but the fact that there's still a sharp sword pointed towards you.

The mini stare down is interrupted by Dutch opening fire. Turning to the side, you note your old friend managing to get several grazing shots off on the spear vampire as he leaps back. Gladiator is bleeding for a rather nasty wound to the chest, but appears to be mostly unaffected by it.

What now?
> Leave Dutch and Gladiator to finish these two off, have yourself and Sierra chase down the runner
> Leave yourself and Sierra to finish these two off, have Dutch and Gladiator chase down the runner
> Focus on killing these two lieutenants
> Other

>>2267859
>We run after him

Lets do something REALLY stupid and hope it draws him out if he is hiding. If he isnt and we dont see him, run back and help

>>2267859
>> Focus on killing these two lieutenants

>>2267859
Is there really so much value in chasing down the runner? I guess he could summon reinforcements. But that could prove a blessing in disguise for the other fronts.

>>2267872
I mean, unless there's a compelling reason to rush after him, let's ensure the other two are dead-er and that Gladiator gets his bleeding stopped.

>>2267859
>> Focus on killing these two lieutenants

>>2267886
>>2267875
>>2267868

Focus fire.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Rolled 91, 16, 59, 61 + 30 = 257 (4d100 + 30)

>>2267898

[GLADIATOR ACTIVITY]

Rolled 25, 55, 66 + 10 = 156 (3d100 + 10)

>>2267898

[SIERRA ACTIVITY]

Rolled 94, 47, 33, 8, 95, 46 + 10 = 333 (6d100 + 10)

>>2267898

[DUTCH ACTIVITY]

Rolled 55 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2267898
John Activity!

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>2267898

Rolled 63 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2267898

>>2267912

68, Bare Success.

Writin'

>>2267898

The runner is a concern to you, but you can't afford to over stretch yourself in this kind of situation. You're here to purge another vamp nest; might as well start with the ones in front of you.

With that in mind, you turn back to the crippled vamp and raise your pistol. As anticipated, he imposes his shield between himself and you, so you simply hold your fire until Sierra lobs another fire bolt at him.

To his credit, he manages to intercept most of the spell though you can see him wince as flames lick at his pale skin. He does a bit more than wince when you take advantage of the distraction and shoot four rounds right into his chest. Whatever armor he's wearing soaks up most of the damage, but the sheer force of the bullets at such a close range knocks him onto his back anyways.

The last thing he sees is you putting a boot on his chest before emptying your pistol's magazine into his head until it bursts.

Dutch fires both of his revolvers on the other side of the room, managing to blow both of the spear vamp's kneecaps out with one shot each. He doesn't go down, his supernatural nature keeping him on his feet despite the damage done, and with one last act of desperation he stabs forwards at Gladiator as the swordsman rushes forwards.

The ends up being his last mistake, as the mafia security manager suddenly kicks the spear right out of the vampire's hand. He's got about half a second to look surprised before Gladiator stabs his enchanted sword right down his throat, twists it, then activates the Sigil for the first time.

If the burning, gurgling vampire right in front of him bothers the man, he doesn't show it, simply ripping the curved blade out of his body and letting what's left crash to the floor.

With that, the two lieutenants are well and truly dead, at least for now. You waste no time throwing Gladiator a roll of bandages and helping him wrap his chest wound, thankfully a lot shallower than it first appeared to be.

You've definitely lost the element of surprise here, with the third vamp already gone. You might be able to catch up to him if you give chase, but you're not so sure.

Now what?
> Continue chasing the last vamp
> Go see what was making all that noise before
> Other

>>2267984
>Go see what was making all that noise before

>>2267984
>> Go see what was making all that noise before

>>2267984
>> Continue chasing the last vamp

>>2267984
>Go cheak on the noise

we left it too long, now we need to focus on what we can get with greater certainty.

and make a quip or insult at spear boy

"That was for my shop you bastard"

>>2267984
>> Go see what was making all that noise before

>>2268166
>>2268075
>>2268057
>>2268002

Noise it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 42 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2268169

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>2268169
fuck you egg man

Rolled 14 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2268169

>>2268183

That's a 64, Failure.

Writin'

>>2267984

Glancing over at the exit, you're tempted to go after the runaway vamp. It's a thought, who ever the runner is is probably important, but you somehow doubt your ability to outrun one that already has a lead on you.

With that in mind, you finish patching Gladiator up and lead everyone back down to the warehouse.

The place is about the same as you left it, though you note that whatever that sound was before is gone. Being careful about it, you sneak up to the other exit and scan the area.

It's another warehouse-like area and, again, there's no one in here. There's a lot of assorted crap lying about, evidently what you heard was someone grabbing something before getting the hell out earlier.

Looking around, there's another doorway, though this one is going in the complete opposite direction as the vamp did.

If you go after one, you'll have to give up on the other...
> Chase after the vamp
> Chase after the mystery person(s)
> Head back the way you came, leave for now
> Other

>>2268283
Just to be sure, there’s two exits - where we entered from and the other doorway, yes? And nothing of interest around.

If that’s right, let’s push onwards.

>>2268297

Three routes total:
1. The way you all entered in
2. The way the vamp ran away using
3. The way whoever was making that noise went through

>>2268283
>> Chase after the mystery person(s)

>>2268283
>Mystery persons

>>2268315
>>2268311
>>2268297

After them it is.

> Roll me another three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>2268337

Rolled 77 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2268337

Rolled 16 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2268337

>>2268358

That's a 92, Success.

Writin'

File: DirectedFireSir.png (1008 KB, 1280x720)

1008 KB PNG

>>2268283

You're committed at this point, so on wards it is. Motioning your group forwards, you head over to the next door.

There's another hallway here, this one rather short as you can easily see another room just a scant few meters away.

Still, you don't like the looks of things. Despite your reluctance, you lead the lot of you forwards. The hallway is clear, thankfully, though the room ahead of you is not.

"Shit, down!" You have barely a moment to yell your warning and drop to the deck before the sound of rifles firing blows through the area.

Taking a quick look behind you, you breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of everyone being in one piece. Good thing; if they didn't manage to get low fast enough there would have been more body parts than bodies on the floor.

Crawling under the occasional shot, you manage to get just out of the hallway and into cover. After making sure that everyone else is safe as well, you risk a glance over at what's firing at you. The sight isn't a strange one to you. Hell, the three of them are rather familiar to you.

Hell, you'd recognize the Captain of Gambino's Security anywhere with that ridiculous armor.

Ducking back down before a few rifle rounds slam into your cover, you glance about and consider what to do next.
> Have yourself and Sierra suppress the enemies, have Dutch and Gladiator flank
> Have Dutch and Sierra suppress the enemies, have yourself and Gladiator flank
> Trade fire with yourself, Dutch, and Sierra, hope you can hit them before they hit you
> Other

>>2268458
Does Dutch still carry that rifle? In any event I guess we’re best suited for suppression duty.

>>2268458
>> Have yourself and Sierra suppress the enemies, have Dutch and Gladiator flank

>>2268458
>> Have yourself and Sierra suppress the enemies, have Dutch and Gladiator flank

>>2268471

Dutch still has the rifle, but he has a hell of a lot more ammo for his revolvers than he does for the rifle. Speaking of which, I need to dig up how many rounds you made for it and write that down...

>>2268458
> Have yourself and Sierra suppress the enemies, have Dutch and Gladiator flank

>>2268525

Huh, didn't actually state how much ammo you made. Well, I'll just say Dutch has 5 shots left with the rifle.

>>2268527
>>2268471
>>2268477
>>2268524

Suppress it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Rolled 99 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2268544

Rolled 63, 93, 41 + 10 = 207 (3d100 + 10)

>>2268544

[SIERRA ACTIVITY]

Rolled 43 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2268544

Rolled 44 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2268544

>>2268546

That's a 104 for you and a 103 for Sierra, Success and Success.

Writin'

File: TheyLookLikethisbutLessCl(...).png (489 KB, 700x1164)

489 KB PNG

>>2268458

The decision is a tough one, but you signal Dutch and Gladiator to go up while you cover them. Thankfully, there's a bit of space along the sides of this room, so they're not going to have to charge right into enemy fire, but you don't envy them either way. You count down the two of them and right before they jump out of cover, you and Sierra fire back.

A rifle burst misses your head by almost nothing, you can feel the rounds pass by your cheek, but that's the only accurate shot the three of them get. Your first shot is perfect, hitting the captain right in the helmet; you know it didn't penetrate, but its enough to stun the man long enough so he can't continue directing his men's fire.

Because of that, there's no one there to restore cohesion when Sierra drops a fire bolt right on top of them. Judging by the sound of the explosion that follows, she must have accidentally cooked off the rest of their ammunition.

After your ears clear enough that you're comfortable checking their status, you're beaten to the punch by three sharp shots by what's easily recognizable as Dutch's revolvers. A second later its further confirmed by your old friend shouting "CLEAR!".

Checking to make sure Sierra's alright, the two of you cautiously approach what's left of the brutalized guards.

"John... Aren't they..." The elf slowly speaks up.

You find yourself slowly nodding without looking at her, "Yeah, they're part of the guard team that was on the train". Dutch gives you a curiously glance, so you clarify, "They're part of the group that tried to kill us. This guy here," You nudge what's left of the captain with your boot, "Was the guy under Gambino leading them".

"Then the bastard himself is close," Gladiator nods, looking over where another hallway continues on, "Let's go then".

You really can't argue with that.

> Roll me three 1d100+2's please

>>2268636

Rolled 98 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2268636

Rolled 55 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2268636
whoops forgot the dice

Rolled 33 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2268636

>>2268643

That's an unnat 100, Success.

Writin'

>>2268636

No one complains as you all press on, continuing down the hallway.

There's a few sets of stairs, both up and down, but no alternative paths from what you can see. Several minutes pass without an issue or a word between the four of you, until that abruptly ends.

Searing pain punctures into your throat, causing your to collapse to a knee as you're unable to even cry out in alarm. Gritting your teeth and pushing your eyes back open, you look on in horror as the other three members of your group are all in similar states to yourself.

Forcing a hand off the floor, you pat down the side of your neck that's in such debilitating pain only to come up with nothing. Frustration bubbles and wells within you, coming up in the form of smoke pouring out of your eyes.

In that moment, your hand comes around something and you rip it out of yourself.

In that moment, you feel pain unlike any you've felt in years, suffer agony unlike any you've felt in years. But you grit your teeth harder and ignore it. Even if it feels like your back is being torn apart once again. Even if it feels like your brain is being pulled out of your skull through a hole. Even if it feels like your veins are burning your insides into mush.

That moment ends and you throw something black as night onto the floor next to you, not even bothering to look at it dissolve as you run over to your companions as they writhe on the ground. You manage to get the baleful spikes out of them, even if Dutch's bleeding from where he's bitten his tongue and Sierra looks like she wants to scream when you do so. Gladiator doesn't react, but the fact that he's now unconscious is the reason why.

The elf and the gunslinger take a few seconds to come back to coherence, during which you shake the swordsman awake and take stock of the area.

"What the fuck..." Dutch is the first to say anything, weakly pushing himself to his knees, "What... the fuck... was that..."

Wiping sweat away from your brow, you help him, then Sierra and Gladiator, back to their feet, "No idea... Nothing's around us though".

"Fucking vamps..." Gladiator grumbles, bracing himself against the wall, "No way anything normal could cast something like that".

The four of you look over onto the floor where the spikes are dissolving into it, no one saying a word.

[1/2]

>>2268712

[2/2]

The sound of shuffling footsteps from further down the hall catches your attention. It's only one, and they don't sound like they're moving very fast, but there's still something there.

On the other hand, if the vampires really did just pull something... Well, you need to get the hell over there now.

Now what?
> Continue on, see who is down here
> You need to go back, head back to where the vamp ran away
> Send the rest of the team to take care of the vamps, you'll figure out who's down here
> Other

>>2268723
> Continue on, see who is down here
Boss battle?

>>2268723
>> Continue on, see who is down here

>>2268723
>> Continue on, see who is down here

>>2268900
>>2268773
>>2268736

Continue on.

Writin'

File: Gambino_HesseenbetterDays.png (160 KB, 388x289)

160 KB PNG

>>2268723

The noise persists, so you motion for your companions to stay quiet. Silently moving forwards, you get to the end of the hallway and see who's here.

You can't help the dark feeling of satisfaction as you grab Gambino himself by the throat and throw him out into the open. He scrabbles for a second, but both you and Dutch pointing your guns at his face makes him freeze.

"Look who it is," Gladiator's voice is cold as he walks up next to the shriveling man, looking down at him with his dark eyes, "You've got quite a lot of explaining to do".

"I say we just kill him," Dutch pipes in, motioning towards him with his revolver, "We don't have time to fuck around with this shit".

Sierra doesn't say anything, though then again neither do you; you're really not sure where you stand in all this.

On one hand, you're sure several people would love to talk to the the piece of shit. On the other, if you're weighed down by his portly ass, there's no way in hell you're going to be able to catch up to whatever the vamps are up to.

Your choice?
> Knock Gambino out, take him out of here
> Kill Gambino

>>2268989
>> Knock Gambino out, take him out of here
>"What's the point of killing him when making him miserable is so much more enjoyable?"

>>2269002
Support

>>2268989
>>2269002
Sure why not, besides, we need information and he might know something vaguely useful.

>>2269002
>>2269018
>>2269135

Knock out it is.

Writin'

>>2268989

For a moment, you genuinely consider just killing him right here and now. You have no idea what he's done to this city and those around him aside from what you've been directly involved in, and you have a feeling that if you did know you'd want to shoot him badly.

Your aim doesn't waver at all, your pistol firmly point right at his stupid, fat face. There's no hesitation or sense of doubt in you; even as you slowly begin to pull the trigger, even as a flicker of recognition passes across Gambino's face.

Then the moment passes, causing you to sigh heavily at your choice. Lowering your pistol slightly, you flick back on the safety before glancing up at Dutch, "He's right; the shit's got a lot to answer for".

Not waiting for a response from anyone, you pistol-whip the man right across the face, knocking him out cold. After making sure you didn't cause and serious damage, you holster your weapon and throw the portly mafia boss over your shoulder.

No one says a word; apparently they didn't miss what your first instinct was. After a few seconds, however, Gladiator just nods, "We didn't get all the vampires, but we got something far more valuable than a bloodsucker; we're leaving".

The swordsman leads the way out, followed by Dutch, then yourself as you're slightly encumbered by the package, and lastly Sierra.

Personally, you're more than happy to leave this place now.

> Roll me three 1d100's please, just for luck

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>2269216

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2269216

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>2269216

>>2269218

That's a 70, let's see what it gets you.

Writin'

Sierra needs a hug after this.
And Archmage needs to tell us what those spikes were.

>>2269216

The trip out feels a lot longer than the one you took in, though maybe that's just the gigantic mass of dead weight you're carrying speaking. Regardless, this place is empty now, both in enemies and in content.

The stairs back up to the surface are a bit tricky, considering your encumbrance and the darkness. Thankfully, Dutch remembers he still has those lights you installed on his armor and, after a bit of order change, you're able to see where you're going with them on.

Making it back to the abandoned building is a relief, both in that you're able to put Gambino's down for a bit and that the atmosphere here isn't quite so intense.

Gladiator wanders off, pulling out a comm-unit to call in your 'catch'. Dutch gets to work cleaning and reloading his guns while you sit down on the floor. Sierra ends up joining you, so you wrap an arm around her and pull her close.

No one says a thing, just taking the moment to relax, until Gladiator bursts back into the room, "While we were down there Archmage received a request for surrender from the Covenant; apparently the leader of their group is there right now".

That gets you to your feet, Dutch immediately putting away his tools and reassembling his guns. You don't have any gear to collect, though you do glance over at Gambino's unconscious form.
> Stuff him into a closet, Gladiator can send someone for him later
> Take him with you, have Gladiator call for someone to meet you halfway to pick him up

>>2269730
Damn. I guess leaving him for the time being would be for the best, assuming we ensure he’s thoroughly immobilized and doesn’t have any surprises on his body.

>>2269730
> Take him with you, have Gladiator call for someone to meet you halfway to pick him up

>>2269730
>Stuff him in a closet and weld it shut

he can not escape. If we have a possibility of him escaping, its better to cap him here and now

and can i request clarification of where "there is" Back into the building or at the gangers HQ

>>2269730
On that note, it’s the vampires who are surrendering, yes?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hi-VNkT57oE

Oh who am I kidding.

In case the vamps want to try and convince the Genovese to turn in the municipal authorities to take Gambino role, we should remind Don that he’s better served with grateful Sun than giving vampires who already tried to fuck him over in that train opportunity to entrench themselves in position of power.

>>2269739

Sadly, your Multitool was left behind when you fled your shop.

>>2269735
>>2269739

Stuff him away it is.

Writin'

>>2269730

Thankfully, there's a closet nearby to help you make your choice. Dragging the portly man into it, you make sure all his limbs are inside before closing the door. Unfortunately, the door lock is long broken, though you make due with several crates that you push up against the door.

Giving Gladiator a nod, you pull back out your pistol and get ready for the coming fight.

Heading back outside, you feel your back twitch as you look up at the pitch black sky, drops of rain slowly coming down. A chill travels up your back and the wounds along your arms begin to ache.

You push the sensations out of your mind as best you can, and the four of you take off at a run through the streets.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 76 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2269958

Rolled 81 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2269958

>>2269933

Wait what? How could John possibly have left that behind, of all things?!

>>2269974

John was busy distracting a lieutenant and Sierra was busy gathering up all of John's blueprints, including the pile of one pertaining to his golem project.

>>2269983
Bleh. Hopefully we’ll recover it from the vamps. Maybe they even missed it.

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>2269958

>>2269995

That's a 111, Outstanding Success.

Writin'

File: Sigfried_PatriachoftheCov(...).png (209 KB, 600x338)

209 KB PNG

>>2269958

Running through the dark streets of Shirahoro, you can't shake the feeling of dread slowly creeping over you. You can't tell if its from the rain beginning to pick up and come down on you, or if its from the upcoming fight.

It's plain to see that you're not the only one nervous here; Dutch slides his massive rifle off his back and into his hands, Gladiator already has his enchanted sword drawn, and Sierra pulls the necklace you gave her to drain the mana out of it.

What gets to you, however, is that fact that the streets are absolutely empty. You'd think there'd still be a few thralls and lieutenants running about causing havoc, but as hard as you look while you pass by you don't see a thing.

There's nothing you can do to scratch your nervous itch, so you just check over your pistol one last time and remind yourself that you've got enough mana left in your pitiful reserves to use Adrenaline Surge once after whatever you managed to do down in the tunnels.

Then the time for preparation is over and you round that last corner to the front of the Genovese HQ. Gladiator's been leading you all this entire time, while talking into his comm-unit so you assume he's coordinating something, but at the sight of what's in front of the building has him slide to a stop.

Despite the darkness, despite the rain, your sight manages to piece through all obstacles and you get a good, long look at the... thing that's been behind all of this.

He's clearly a vampire, which you suppose is rather obvious, but the feeling he gives off, even at this distance, is dread inducing. You gather he was probably an extremely handsome man before his transformation, but now his sharp and grizzled facial features simply look terrifying with the addition of a pair of red eyes.

What really concerns you is the fact that he's wearing armor, that set of armor that you were supposed to inspect back at the auction before the vamps crashed the party. You didn't get much time to look at it originally, but from what you gathered it's leagues above anything you've fought against before.

"Ahh..." The vamp opens his mouth, no steam coming out of despite the rapidly dropping temperature, "If it isn't the four troublemakers that have been giving my Warriors such a hard time".

He turns to regard you all fully, casually drawing a longsword from his side, his lips firmly set into a snear, "You've saved me the trouble of hunting you down!"

VAMPIRE PATRIARCH SIR SIGFRIED THE EXILE
> Work with Gladiator to keep him busy
> Run interference for Dutch to get him the best possible shot
> Protect Sierra, make sure the vamp doesn't get close so she can cast effectively
> Other

>>2270023
>Protect Sierra, make sure the vamp doesn't get close so she can cast effectively
Always protect your party's caster!

Man, where are the expert vampire hunters when you need them?

>>2270023
>> Protect Sierra, make sure the vamp doesn't get close so she can cast effectively

>>2270027

Who do you think killed them?

>>2270023
>PROTECT THE CASTER

and snap a quip if we can

"Thank you, if you could hurry up and attack us it would save us the trouble of postponing your cremation"

And try to keep to cover, only engadge in CQC when serria would be in danger, retreat otherwise. peck at his health untill he is dead we can not win in a straight one vs one

>>2270029
...Clever vamp.

remind me, is Dutch's ammo for the rifle all hollow points? If so then that armor Siggy is wearing is going to be even more of an obstacle.

>>2270031
>peck at his health untill he is dead
Considering this guy is apparently a VERY old and powerful vampire, I don't think a death of a thousand cuts is going to work. We'll probably have to force him to retreat or stall until the rising sun will make him leave.

>>2270031
>>2270028
>>2270027

Keep your distance!

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

>>2270036

All of Dutch's rifle ammo is FMJ, solid slug.

Mechanically speaking, that rifle has the second highest armor pen rating in this setting, with only the Ancient Multitool beating it out

Rolled 87 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2270037
Time for a critfail

Rolled 47 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2270037

Rolled 94 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2270037
"Sigfried! To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!"

Rolled 48 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2270037
BACK TO THE PIT!

Rolled 98, 55, 29, 7 + 30 = 219 (4d100 + 30)

>>2270037

[VAMPIRE PATRIARCH SIR SIGFRIED THE EXILE ACTIVITY]

Rolled 93, 30, 3, 2 + 30 = 158 (4d100 + 30)

>>2270037

[GLADIATOR ACTIVITY]

>>2270048
>that 128
eep.
>>2270047
Is that a Darkest Dungeon reference I spot?

Rolled 20, 95, 45, 70, 16, 69 + 10 = 325 (6d100 + 10)

>>2270037

[DUTCH AND SIERRA ACTIVITY]

>>2270045

That's a 99, let's see how this goes.

Writin'

Everyone pick your battle music. This is going to be a doozy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYFU_RiefKk&t=24s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raUCnM9Tifc

https://youtu.be/ySrSIrO_Cs8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyu3OIn5A00

and some dutch music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=999RqGZatPs

>>2270062
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsW72KIOd8U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma-WJUidpRU

Either of these two are also good choices IMO

File: Sigfried_TheExile.png (376 KB, 650x761)

376 KB PNG

>>2270023

https://youtu.be/JYFU_RiefKk

Without a word, the entirety of your group breaks off.

Gladiator charges the vamp, Dutch ducks off to the side to start lining up a shot, and yourself and Sierra split the other way to give him cover.

You're unable to fire before Gladiator closes to melee, the vampire simply smiling at him with contempt. Neither side holds back in the first exchange, the mafia swordsman barely ducking below a swing that would have decapitated him while countering upwards, sword already slight.

If the vampire is concerned about the flames, he doesn't show it at all. Sparks fly as the flaming blade uselessly bounces off a gauntlet. From there, Gladiator doesn't get another shot in as he's forced on the defensive, his guard being slowly deteriorated from the multitude of attacks coming from several different angles.

You continue moving around in the meanwhile, attempting to get some kind of angle that won't result in friendly fire. That ends up not being a concern when the mafia swordsman is forced to block another attack, only to be sent flying by a swift kick to the chest.

Gladiator doesn't seem all that hurt by the blow, but you still open fire all the same. Your expression shifts into slight surprise as your pistol's rounds just deflect off the vampire's skin.

"Hmm... Oh, you," He turns and begins walking towards you, "HahahahHAHAHAH!! Come to me, B̸̠l̡͖̳̖a̶̦͔͚̼͕̙̤̘͟͡c̘̤͡k̼̘̹͇̦̬̥̳b̠͕̭̬̬̹̕͘l̮͖̱͡o̶̞͎̟̠̫͇o̵̵̥̖͎͙ḑ͓̮͎̱͍, I'll end your lasting suff-"

You're knocked out of your shock by the monstrous rapport of Dutch's rifle going off, the advancing vampire stumbling backwards a few steps as the shot hits him in the center of the chest.

The vamp stands back up fully, revealing a series of cracks in his chest plate; despite the fact it didn't penetrate, you know that round did some serious damage to the armor.

Sierra follows up the attack with a fire bolt that, despite curving at the last second, is swatted out of the air by a gauntlet.

"So be it, rraAAAAGH!!"

You toss your worthless pistol to the side, drawing your sword as the vampire comes right for you. Behind him is Gladiator who is sprinting as hard as he can.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Rolled 23, 9, 98, 97 + 30 = 257 (4d100 + 30)

>>2270081

[VAMPIRE PATRIARCH SIR SIGFRIED THE EXILE ACTIVITY]

Rolled 63, 86, 71, 68 + 30 = 318 (4d100 + 30)

>>2270081

[GLADIATOR ACTIVITY]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKta_gRc2gA

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>2270081
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

holy shit this guy is amazing

Rolled 19 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2270081

Rolled 46 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2270081

Rolled 12, 88, 3, 87, 67, 54 + 10 = 321 (6d100 + 10)

>>2270081

[DUTCH AND SIERRA ACTIVITY]

>>2270081
Dangit, too late to roll.

>>2270087
>>2270089
>>2270090
*Borderline panicking*

>>2270087

That's a 65 versus 128, Failure.

Writin'

>>2270093
no anon, stay ca->>2270098

Okay, now we may panic

File: 1302116697669.jpg (550 KB, 750x1000)

550 KB JPG

Rolled 17 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2270081

maybe this is a time for an adrenaline surge?

>>2270105
Oh definitely, but it's an entriely different matter if it's enough to actually help us much.

File: Sigfried_HeroofOld.png (322 KB, 750x422)

322 KB PNG

>>2270081

It doesn't take a genius to know that you're severely outclassed in this situation.

Hell, you know the second you drew your sword you were screwed. But this...

This is just absurd.

The vampire closes the gap between the two of you in an instant, and it takes all you have in you to simply survive the next few seconds. The first blow you narrowly deflect to the side, the weight of it nearly lifting you off your feet. The second is a jab that takes away a bit of your side as you turn away from it; you take that as a victory since it was aimed at your heart. The third, fourth, and fifth splinter, shatter, then knock away your broken broadsword respectively and leave your hands bleeding.

You move to disengage when a foot catches you right in the stomach, knocking the wind out of you and sending you flying into the air for a second before you crumble to the floor.

The world spins around you drunkenly, though you can definitely make out the looming shadow over you. The vampire laughs, a long and drawn out thing that grates on your ears. It's interrupted by another massive shot from Dutch's rifle, this one you can tell by the way it spun him around hit the vampire right in the face, and another fire bolt from Sierra.

There's silence for another few seconds, then he laughs again. There's an undercut of madness and mocking in equal measure in it this time, and you force yourself up onto your hands and knees long enough to see Gladiator slide his spare sword across the cobblestone street right up to you before slamming into the vampire's back.

The renewed sounds of combat clash right in front of you, but it takes precious seconds for you to force your body any further than it is. You're forced into using up the last of your mana to activate Adrenaline Surge, the hyper focus and energy it provides giving you the strength to grab the sword and rise to your feet.

You've only got one minute, but you're going to make it count.

> Roll me three 2d100+5's please

Rolled 41, 3, 97, 58 + 30 = 229 (4d100 + 30)

>>2270121

[VAMPIRE PATRIARCH SIR SIGFRIED THE EXILE ACTIVITY]

Rolled 84, 100 = 184 (2d100)

>>2270121
we are fucked, so hard

Rolled 20, 6, 32, 1 + 30 = 89 (4d100 + 30)

>>2270121

[GLADIATOR ACTIVITY]

>>2270121
Alright let's see...

>>2270122
Oh fuck off and die already.

File: Teresa on the benz.gif (268 KB, 200x133)

268 KB GIF

Rolled 14, 38 + 5 = 57 (2d100 + 5)

>>2270121
Come oo->>2270123
YOU ROLL LIKE A MAJESTIC FUCKING EAGLE!

Rolled 58, 73 + 5 = 136 (2d100 + 5)

>>2270121
EXTERMINATE

Rolled 58, 90 + 5 = 153 (2d100 + 5)

>>2270121

>>2270123
Good man.

>>2270123

So that's a thing. I'm going to take a while, while guess and say no one wants to bank that crit.

Writin' will resume shortly, I need to run somewhere real quick.

>>2270131
Damn straight. Safe travels OP.

>>2270131
Bank the crit
jk

File: demon anger.jpg (146 KB, 560x716)

146 KB JPG

>>2270123
Maybe not so fucked, But god fucking damn. thank you dice gods

now lets survie pic related

>>2270131
safe journey

>>2270131
Nooope this situation almost FUBAR we need that crit, no banking.
>Writin' will resume shortly, I need to run somewhere real quick.
Welp I'm heading to sleep then, Time Zones are cruel. Have an early 'Thanks for running!'

>>2270142
I will also bow out, thanks for running

>>2270127
>>2270129
thanks guys

Night all

>>2270123
>You've only got one minute, but you're going to make it count.

Thank you for making that true.

>>2270121

That thought sends chills through your blood, further dropping your body temperature as the rain really starts to pick up. For a few seconds, you're frozen there, pain racing up your back.

In those few seconds, the situation around you practically dissolves.

Gladiator, without the element of surprise and momentum, is forced to repeatedly lose ground before the vampire's assault. He's entirely cut off from support from Dutch or Sierra, as the vamp makes sure to firmly keep the swordsman between himself and your ranged support.

With no one to aid him, Gladiator takes several slashes to the arms and sides, only barely managing to twist away from the lethal strikes. His luck suddenly and severely ends when the vampire lashes out with another kick, this time catching out a knee that was left in place for a moment too long. The mafia swordsman attempts to recover, only to slip on the slick cobblestone when the vamp knocks his enchanted sword out of his hand.

The situation is far, far out of your control.

And that's the entire thing that's been working against you: your enemies have been controlling the fights. They've been the ones to dictate where these fights have been taking place, they've been the ones to dictate who has participated in these fights.

They've had the control.

Control... yes... yes... control...

That's what you've been lacking.

You've had no control...

Perhaps...

Perhaps it is time you took some control back...

Yes...

...

C̟o͇̫̳͇͖͠n̟̭̻̜̠̬͘t̸͓̩r͔̜̘̖̻̮͉͜o̵̺̼l̨͍̪͙͚̟...

[1/2]

>>2270544

Warmth suddenly bursts out from your chest, slowly creeping out to the tips of your fingers and toes.

It... It feels like you've cast Adrenaline Surge all over again, like you've never felt the raw mana coursing through your veins.

But that's not what you're feeling; in fact, you feel almost an absence of mana with you.

No, when you flex your fingers around the grip of your borrowed sword, you feel each individual strand of muscle in your hand flex. You feel the pull of the thin ligaments around bone, and you feel the instant they act your mana explodes within those muscles to multiple the effect.

This... this is control over yourself. Absolute control...

Looking up, you see the vampire posed above Gladiator, getting ready to decapitate him and making sure your friends have a nice show of it too.

It's about time you established control over this situation...

With hardly a thought, you practically glide over the cobblestone streets. Your steps are perfect, your movements are perfect, and when you casually reach out and grab the vampire's long sword it's at the perfect timing that he loosens his grip from a bare moment in which you pull it right out of his hand.

It takes another moment for him to realize what has happened and turn towards you, in which you dance backwards, leap into the air, and throw his own sword right at his head. The vamp reacts almost instantly, though you can make out his movements clearly now, and smacks the weapon away with his gauntlet.

Growling in frustration, the vamp unveils a set of long, pitch black claws and darts forwards at you before you can land. The first of your toes have barely kissed the ground when he lashes out with a clawed hand, clearly testing you.

You know, even like this, you can't match him with raw strength. So you don't even bother.

Bringing your sword around, you match the direction of his swing and push the attack over your head, several strands of your hair falling out from the close call.

With that, however, you're firmly back on the ground which makes dodging the follow-up almost pitifully easy.

You see the vampire's ruby red eyes narrow as you effortlessly step around the next series of jabs. His speed, once such a boon is rendered almost worthless by the fact that you can see his muscles coil in preparation for his coming attacks.

Despite how many different angles they come from, how fast, or how long vampire reaches out with his massive frame, you slide around those deadly claws. The frustration is evident in your opponent, the pace of his attacks and movements going into a frenzy with each miss.

You can't help the devilish smile that slides onto your face.

[2/3]

>>2270591

Despite fact that you can't see yourself, you can catch the wisps of smoke trailing off your body as each movement unleashes your restrained mana in calculated bursts. You make no effort to block or parry the attacks, letting those razor sharp claws shred the edges of your cloak.

Keeping your borrowed sword low, you continue moving exactly into the position you desire. Smoke continues trailing after you, though after your next few steps even smoke cannot slip through your control; the inky black mass pulled back towards you and swirling around your shoulders like a mantle.

Between the smoke and your twisted smile, you think to yourself that you probably look like a Wraith.

The vampire is apparently unimpressed, continuing up his assault while entirely unaware to the fact that you're leading him along.

All your patience pays off as the vamp steps into a break in the cobblestone, his attack pausing as he attempts to correct his positioning. You burst forwards, your sword lashing out through the smoke surrounding you. He brings his claws up into a guard position, blocking your strike without an issue.

And that's exactly what you were hoping for, leaping backwards and gaining enough separation to reach down and snatch your dropped pistol back off the ground. The vamp thinks nothing of it, roaring out and thundering towards you.

Timing it just so, you neatly sidestep the first slash, bring your pistol up as he twists his body around to get the second attack out, and shoot the vampire right in the eyes.

The howl that comes out of his mouth pierces the night air, the temporary blindness leading the vamp to open his toothy maw and lunge for your throat.

Ducking under the attempt takes almost no effort at all, as you're almost behind him before he moves, and you bring a foot down right onto the back of his knee. Forced to the ground, this brings the vamp's neck right into range of your sword. The blade barely bites into his flesh, his supernatural nature meaning that the tempered metal only manages to sink into the flesh before cracking.

[3/4]

>>2270648

Even so, you weren't counting on a clean decapitation here. No, you were counting on the fact that now Dutch and Sierra have a clean shot right at the disabled vampire.

The rifle hits first, the over-sized round impacting with the damaged chest piece and you hear the armor shattering. The vamp howls again, clearly wounded by the follow up attack.

Then the fireball hits, bathing that entire piece of the street in flame and scorching the cobblestone black. The fires burn away at the vampire, silencing him entirely.

For several seconds, no one moves at all, just standing there waiting for something to happen.

You see the vamp tense up, but you simply watch as he leaps into the air and lands on a nearby rooftop. Your eyes pick out some strange, black substance running over his skin and for one moment, the two of you just stare at one another.

Then it ends, the vamp leaping further and further away, clearly heading for the outskirts of the city.

You turn back to the rest of the party, Dutch and Sierra looking at you nervously while Gladiator tries to pull himself off the floor.

You tilt your head curiously; what are the concerned about?

After all, you're entirely in control here...

> Roll me three 1d100's please

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>2270668
Nat 1 to lose control

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>2270668
>1/2
sweet a nice combat scene
>2/3
ooh nice, even longer
>3/4
stop I can only get so erect

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>2270668

>>2270670

That's a 97, Great Success.

Writin'

>>2270668

Several more seconds pass in your slightly awkward stare down, with Dutch and Sierra glancing between themselves while you continue to look at them blankly.

You still don't understand their nervousness. The vamp is gone; admittedly not dead and likely to return, but you definitely ran him out of the city.

It takes you noticing the Dutch isn't quite aiming his rifle at your head before you remember something like this happening before.

Yeah, it was back on the ship to that coastline Ruin where you first inscribed a Sigil in your own mana. What did he say back then? That you looked like a d-

Oh...

Right.

That.

Breathing deeply, you force your body to relax and relinquish direct control. It takes far less effort that you thought it would, and slowly you feel your inky black mantle disperse. Stepping forwards carefully, to make sure you won't immediately collapse, you walk up to your old friend and your girlfriend. The smoke mostly goes away, though some of it lingers around your shoulders, eyes, and hands like the last emissions of a recently snuffed candle.

Even still, no one says a word. You can feel the last remains of your mana reserves go dormant, which means there's no way you still look like a smoke demon, but its rather evident that Dutch and Sierra are deeply unnerved by what you did. It takes you flicking back on the safety on your pistol and holstering both of your weapons both of their weapons before they show even the barest signs of relief, though you beat them to the punch by opening your mouth first.

"Are you two alright?" Looking over the two, you don't see any signs of physical harm. Neither one looks like they're going to answer you, though Sierra eventually shakes her head which brings a small smile to your face, "That's good. How are you doing Gladiator?"

"Ugh..." The swordsman is leaning against a wall, what's left of his armor is covered in a fair amount of blood, "Not too hot, but I'll make it".

You don't doubt the man, though you help him to the Genovese HQ building regardless. Dutch and Sierra follow behind you without a word, apparently still not sure what to make of the situation.

> You have obtained: ASPECT OF CHAOS: ?????

Strangely enough, you don't feel all that fatigued from the fight. Perhaps you're just so tired you're not registering it anymore...

[1/2]

>>2270783

Entering into the building proper gets you a few strange looks, mostly at Gladiator looking like he was just throw into a giant cheese grater, but with a handful of polite questions you get him to the medical area without a problem.

The place is already a bit full, more than a few guys got seriously hurt tonight, but thankfully there's enough people working to get him at least stable.

Leaving him there, you consider what to do next...
> Go talk to the Don, perhaps he has some insights on what's going on
> Go talk to Archmage, maybe his searching has borne some fruit
> Go talk to Dutch and Sierra, you need to sort this out now
> Head back to the Main Bastion, check in with Sun
> Head back to your shop, see just how serious the damage is
> Try to find a place to sleep
> Other

>>2270783
> Head back to your shop, see just how serious the damage is
Go home and sleep, we can check the damages in the morning

>>2270792
>Head back to your shop, see just how serious the damage is
If golem is gone I propose we make an exo suit

>>2270792
>Head back to your shop, see just how serious the damage is

>>2270838
>>2270812
>>2270799

We'll see what's left of the shop tomorrow.

Gonna head off for tonight. Thanks for reading, see you later.

>>2270882
See ya QM

>>2270792
> Go talk to Dutch and Sierra, you need to sort this out now

>>2270792
>Talk with arch-mage about our new magic

>Talk with Dutch and serria about what just happend

Head back to the shop to assess damage and get our multi tool

>>2270792
>> Go talk to Dutch and Sierra, you need to sort this out now

>>2270792

This >>2271301

>>2271301
supporting

>>2270792
Supporting>>2271301

>>2270792

Your primary concern at this point is your shop. Considering how you left it, you're not very confident in what you're going to find. With that in mind, you set off for the Earth District once more.

Your priorities are swiftly readjusted when one of the medical staff notices you attempting to leave and physically drags you back into the treatment room. After your various wounds have been cleaned and bandaged, you barely noticed the additional damage you took at the end there, and the medic has finished his stern lecture about not being an idiot, you're free to go.

Dropping off Gladiator's spare sword with him, you go to leave the building when you run into Dutch.

The conversation between the two of you is short and direct; Sierra's off to check in with her brother and he's off to give a report to Archmage about that fight. The two of you part ways on decent enough terms, considering he didn't aim a gun at you you consider it a step up from before, though he sounds uncharacteristically seriously when you notes that you'll be talking about what happened tonight later.

Getting outside finally, you're glad to see that the rain is slowly beginning to clear up. It's still fucking with your back somewhat, though, again, you're a bit numb to that pain currently. It's... a weird feeling.

Your mood is greatly improved when you note a team of Gladiator's boys hauling Gambino's unconscious ass through the empty streets of the Earth District.

That momentary high is gone when your shop comes into view. You don't even need to get your key out of your pocket, as your front door has been ripped off its frame. The good news is that the roof is still intact as the damp chill in the night air diminishes greatly when you walk inside. Your storefront is mostly the same, aside from the splatters of blood everywhere and the part of the wall that the spear vamp destroyed.

Your workshop is an absolute mess; looks like the spear fucker completely ransacked the place. There's a fair amount of blood in here, as well, though you ignore it in favor of taking stock of what's gone.

The frown that creases your face only deepens in the few minutes you spend looking. Your Multitool, the partially-complete golem, what's left of your modified medium armor, your modified Clockwork Rifle, and your magitech rapier are all gone.

Most of it doesn't bother you, as you note that the vast majority of your supply of iron and components were clearly sorted through but left as they were so you can replace them, and the golem you were working on is going to be a pain in the ass to figure out without the blueprints still in your pack, but the loss of your Multitool in particular stings. It's the one thing that you know for a fact you can't replace or replicate, and the fact that the bloody vamps have it makes it hurt all the more.

[1/2]

>>2272578

[2/2]


A quick look around doesn't reveal much else. The lieutenant clearly went through your upstairs apartment, most of the furniture has been shredded including your futon the asshole, though you know for a fact that you left nothing of importance up here.

Heading back downstairs, you scowl a bit as you have to lift up your damaged, but still heavy as hell, back door. Not only is it dented and cracked from where the thralls smashed it down, but its also slagged from when Sierra burned them all to dust. The walls around the doorway have also been scorched black, though thankfully the walls are stone brick and not wooden. With a grunt, you manage to get the door mostly back in place. If someone tries to break in, at the bare minimum you'll hear the stupid thing fall onto the floor.

There's no way of securing your storefront, sadly, since not only is the door broken down but both of the glass windows have been smashed in. You do have an idea, however, so you grab a piece of paper, you forging hammer, and a spare nail.

Thankfully the rain is done coming down; it'd be a shame if your brand new 'LOOTERS WILL BE SHOT' sign was ruined.

Settling down in a defensible corner in your workshop, you rest your hand against your pistol and slowly force yourself to give into the fatigue.

> Roll me three 1d100-5's please

Rolled 23 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>2272607

Rolled 27 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2272607

Rolled 48 - 5 (1d100 - 5)

>>2272607

>>2272720

That's a 43, Failure.

Writin'

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>>2272607

The next thing that registers in your mind is the smell of something rancid and rotting, immediately forcing you to swallow hard to avoid vomiting. Forcing your body to relax, you push yourself to your feet as best you can and look around.

Laid out before you are the shores of Lake Westmire, a place you frequented so often all those years ago. And its thanks to that experience that you immediately pick up on what's wrong with the lake.

The entire body of water is stagnate, a state you know is entirely impossible but so it is, the normally serene blue surface painted an oily black. It's pretty obvious why that is, and it is only further confirmed when you look around yourself.

Blight covers the area around you, the once grand forest reduced to rotten ruble. Fully standing up reveals that the small space around you was free of the ancient plague, but not for long as black ichor bubbles and pops ever closer.

You know, somewhere in your mind, that you should be fearful of this scene. But, for whatever reason, that fear is no where to be found. In fact, you don't truly register a thing, even as the source of your nightmares seeps under your shoes.

Even so, you feel obligated to do something...
> Go check out the lake, a body of water that large shouldn't be stagnate
> Go look around the forest, the once mighty woods should still hold some secrets
> Head back to Westmire; you might as well

>>2272752
>> Head back to Westmire; you might as well

>>2272752
> Go look around the forest, the once mighty woods should still hold some secrets

>>2272752
>woods

westmire will hold bad memories, and maybe we can observe some blighted creatures from memory

>>2272752
>> Head back to Westmire; you might as well

>>2272752
>Go check out the lake, a body of water that large shouldn't be stagnate

>>2272752
>Go look around the forest, the once mighty woods should still hold some secrets

>>2273152
>>2272919
>>2272827

Woods it is.

> Roll me four 1d100+30's please

Rolled 67 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2273199
>rollan

Rolled 78 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2273199

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>2273199

Rolled 76 + 30 (1d100 + 30)

>>2273199

>>2273241

That's a 108, Success.

Writin'

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>>2272752

Turning around, you blankly look over what's left of the forest. The trees looks like they were burned in a fire, all the branches broken and blackened, barely the trunks left.

But that doesn't exactly register to you, the sound of Blight squishing underfoot is a distant, foreign concern as you begin walking through the graveyard of vegetation.

Despite how hard you look, however, nothing jumps out at you. In fact, aside from the oily black ichor that occasionally drips onto the ground, you are the only sign of life for miles around.

Faintly, somewhere in the back of your mind, memories of a rather good vantage point comes to you. Considering there's nothing else here, you might as well go there.

Then you are there, as if you completely zoned out during the journey and are only just coming back into awareness. In front of you, the black ruins of Westmire sit there just as they always have since that day all those long years ago. The lake is in clear view as well, the stagnate pool of ichor that you can smell from even here.

And you can see everything else clearly here, even if you're this far away, even if the sky is a pitch black canvas with moon nor stars.

"J̰̪͔͍̞̘̹͢͞u̝̺̙͔̤͙͖͟l̡̛̜̭̳̥i͚̘̝͉̻̟̻̮͘ͅu̬̥̭ș̴͙͍̼," That name... that name... You try to pin down where you've heard it before, but like many things your memory is proving to be illusive here. Shaking the thoughts from your head, you turn to regard you half-brother Alexander as he materializes from the darkness, "How are you adjusting to your new body?"

You pause at that, feeling something thick and heavy drip off your face and onto your shirt. Reaching up to wipe whatever it is away, you pause as you feel it along your lips as well.

"Ah, yes," Alexander reaches behind himself and pulls out a mirror, "Perhaps this will aid you".

[1/2]

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>>2273284

[2/2]

Blight, black as sin, is slowly leaking from the corners of your eyes and you watch with rapt attention as it trails down your cheeks, follows the curve of your chin, before dripping slowly onto your hands.

Your eyes have been afflicted, as well, no longer a sapphire blue but a deep, light-less black from which no sign of thought nor soul is exposed. Your hair is mostly the same, though you note it is more of a dirty blonde than a pure blonde. The entire visage is completed by the savage grin painted across your face, which doesn't change despite the fact that you feel nothing in this moment.

"What do you think, J̰̪͔͍̞̘̹͢͞u̝̺̙͔̤͙͖͟l̡̛̜̭̳̥i͚̘̝͉̻̟̻̮͘ͅu̬̥̭ș̴͙͍̼?" Alexander removes the mirror, looking at you with faint hints of amusement and... pride?

Your response?
> Smile
> Laugh
> B̭̭̞͈̠ͅr͇̘͓̳̝e̬̭̘a̗͚̘͔k̤̹̠͙̙̙͎

>>2273293
>Call Alex a fag and wake up

>>2273293
> Looks like a hack job. I can feel you can do better, and I don't know why you didn't.

>>2273293
> Be offended professionally

In other words.

>>2273293
>>2273308
Supporting

>>2273293
>> B̭̭̞͈̠ͅr͇̘͓̳̝e̬̭̘a̗͚̘͔k̤̹̠͙̙̙͎

File: ace-ventura-spear-legs-o.gif (1.2 MB, 320x230)

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>>2273293

>Frown in bewilderment

Why am I leaking black shit all over?

>>2273354
>>2273350
>>2273317
>>2273308
>>2273296

There's something on my face.

Writin'

Now that we've lost our plasma cutter (OP, fess up, the runaway vamp was carrying it, wasn't he?), we'll need to improvise a replacement. We're obviously gonna be unable to make anything that measures up to the original, but between our expertise with power sources and newfound knowledge of flame rune we might be able to come up with a substitute, or?

>>2273453
Nah we have cool chaos powers now to make bad decisions with.

We can probably make an immobile and less maneuverable version though.

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>>2273293

Despite your apparent lack of emotions, you can't help but laugh at the situation. Laugh right at your half-brothers face.

"It looks like a hack job. I should be insulted, considering I know you can do better," Even your voice sounds cold and dead, not even your amusement bleeds through.

Alexander smiles as well, a thin, mocking smirk, "Complaining about your gifts already? Well, I suppose some part of your personality persists, even now. But, you were not brought here for such frivolous things no. You are here to innovate".

At his words, something stirs deep within your mind. Something to do with... concern? It's a strange feeling, one you have no recollection of having. It lasts only a few moments, before a comforting sensation smooths away that wrinkle of emotion.

After all, he's right.

There's so much you can do now, so much you should do now.

The smile painted across your face widens.

You have all the time in the world now.

> Roll me three 1d100's please

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>2273475
Guys I'm scared I don't know if high or low rolls are good.

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>2273475

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>2273475

>>2273480
What ever it will be, it will be impressive

>>2273480

Well, that's a 99. Let's see what happens.

Writin'

>>2273475

Blinking, you come to a start back in your ruined workshop. Strangely enough, not only do you remember everything in that nightmare in almost painful quality, but you also feel rather well rested.

Considering you spent the last few hours on the floor, you count that as a win. Struggling to get your still-asleep legs moving again, you stand and stretch, getting ready for the coming day.

> Congratulations! Your skill in overclocking your body has further refined! Your Adrenaline Surge Spell is now at Seasoned Rank!
> Upon activating Adrenaline Surge, you gain an additional Free Action, that can only be used as a Free Action, for the duration of the spell!
> Congratulations! Your skill in the direct manipulation of raw mana has further refined! Your Mana Sculpting Skill is now at Adept Rank!
> Congratulations! Your swordsmanship has further refined! Your Sword Fighting Skill is now at Seasoned Rank!
> Congratulations! Your marksmanship with pistols has further refined! Your Pistol Marksmanship Skill is now at Seasoned Rank!

Even still, the after-images of your dreams haunt the edges of your vision; you nearly shit yourself when the bloodstain on your floor turns black and starts moving for a moment. Oddly enough, though, it doesn't last past the point where you start moving, and fully push the last grips of sleep from your mind.

Looking over your shop, it doesn't look like anyone broke in. Outside, the first full rays of sunlight are lighting up Shirahoro. Guess you slept less than you thought you did.

Regardless, you're up, ready for the day, and it's about time you got back into it.
> Head to the Main Bastion, check in with Sun
> Head to the Genovese HQ, check in with Dutch, Archmage, and maybe the Don himself
> Wander about the Earth District, see how the people around are doing
> Other

>>2273764
>Cheak in with the genovese

We need to take a look in on this aspect thing. archmage can help

>>2273764
>> Head to the Genovese HQ, check in with Dutch, Archmage, and maybe the Don himself

>>2273764
>Head to the Main Bastion, check in with Sun
Should check in with Sun first so it's clear our allegiance lies with him and not the Genovese

>>2273764
>> Head to the Main Bastion, check in with Sun

>>2273764
>> Head to the Genovese HQ, check in with Dutch, Archmage, and maybe the Don himself
Woot! I finally caught up with the live session!

>>2273764
>improve mood by fixing stuff up. Starting with doors.

>>2273803
>>2273773
>>2273770

Genovese it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please

Rolled 97 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2273817

Rolled 97 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2273817

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>2273817
roll
>>2273818
>>2273819
Jesus fuck lads, did we find out multi tool on the way there?

>>2273823
Don't remind me. I can't believe the only irreplaceable thing was lost to the fucking vamps. There had better be a way to get it and everything else lost back by killing all of them...

>>2273803

Welcome to the party. Any favorite moment from the archives?

>>2273818
>>2273819

That's is a 112, Let's see who you see.

Writin'

>>2273853
Current Favorite moment is the latest fight where John Took Control. Before that though it was the train sequence where it felt like a Metal Gear Solid level with all the sneaking. Funniest moment was the write-in for Butch to let the Vamps tell us who they worked for.

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>>2273764

You should probably head back to the Genovese building. Checking up on Gladiator and how he's doing is part of it, but you also need to talk to Dutch, Archmage, and maybe the Don.

With that in mind, you take off down the street.

The people of Shirahoro are beginning to come out into the early morning. It's... interesting to see them. Some continue on with their routines like nothing has happened, though you can see their pale faces and slightly twitchy eyes that give away their unease. Others walk around and observe the damage dealt, morbid curiosity taking hold.

You make it to the Water District, the signs of battle a bit more evident here. Hell, the normal Genovese mafiosos on the street corners are openly carrying their rifles and pistols, just calmly scanning the passing people. They don't appear to be looking for a fight, but its still a bit unnerving to see them.

"Oh, hey. John!" Turning around at the call of your name, you see Jun of all people calmly walking up to you, "Good to see you're alright, John".

"Same to you, Jun," Looking him over quickly, you don't see any visible wounds on him, which is good.

The young man smiles at you, beginning to walk in step with you, "Father mentioned that you were run out of your shop; is it alright?"

Your response?
> "Infrastructure is fine, just lost some stuff"
> "I can fix most of it, but there's a few items I can't replace"
> "I, and my shop, got lucky"
> Other

>>2273873
>> "I can fix most of it, but there's a few items I can't replace"

>>2273869

The Train Arc is consistently a fan favorite, even half a year later. The write in for Dutch was a rather good one, definitely.

>>2273873
>> "I can fix most of it, but there's a few items I can't replace"

>>2273873
>> "I can fix most of it, but there's a few items I can't replace"

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>>2273879
It's been half a year? Fuck me with a stick! Felt like yesterday we were dealing with bums in Sierra's bar.

>>2273873
>"I can fix most of it, but there's a few items I can't replace"

>>2273938

Build a Quest and Thread #1 started July 29th, Train Arc ran from August 2nd to August 28th. But yeah, it's been one hell of a ride thus far.

>>2273876
>>2273880
>>2273884
>>2273967

We can fix everything. Aside from the things we can't

Writin' again after dinner.

>>2273873

"With some time and effort, I should be able to fix most of it. Some of it, though..." You trail off, looking ahead, "Some stuff I can't replace".

"Expensive?" Jun questions, looking at you curiously as you shake your head.

"I guess it'd be worth a lot, but one of my tools was something I found in a Ruin Dive; it's probably one of a kind," Thinking it over, you remember exactly why you always kept it close.

The young man whistles, "You're full of surprises, you know that right?"

You just shake your head, "You don't know the half of it, Jun".

The two of you enjoy a comfortable laugh at that one, simply relaxing as you continue your walk through the Water District.

The question of why exactly Jun's here and walking towards the Genovese HQ pricks at your mind, though its not the only one.
> Ask Jun why he's here this morning
> Ask Jun how his night with Yeon went
> Ask Jun how his father is doing
> Other

>>2274257
Your family’s alright, I hope... including the future one?