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>>2643985
my rusted heart is ready.

>>2643985
In Umbra, the Corps run the lion's share of the city, while the Gangers fight over the scraps. And they aren't the only problem. Sometimes, you wonder how you can deal with it all. Between the Gangers, the Splicers, and the others. Sometimes, it gets to be too much, but then you remember...

You have hope. You'd like to think you do, anyway. But just who are you?

>Lucius Loughlin. A 30 year old rich fellow who is known for his kindness, and is regarded as a pillar of the city (to some) and a corporate shill (to others). The thing is: you're private, and your wealth was inherited from your parents, long before the Corporate Congress took the reigns.

>Anita Grace Conception, a.k.a. "Needy". A young immigrant from Mexico, who gets by on being an orphan and (occasional) thief, though you only steal food . . . and maybe things nobody will miss if they're rich.

>Yes. Both have advantages as well as drawbacks.

(2/2)

I know that I messed up on the city name. It's Umbra, not Langham. I apologise. I saved the post so it wouldn't be lost, and I didn't read it before deciding to change it. I'll do my best to avoid it happening again. Also, my second quest attempt. Wish me luck!

>>2644024
>Lucius Loughlin.

>>2644031
seconded.

>>2644031
>>2644035
I'll give it until 1:25am (CST) and then I'll go for Lucius.

Writing for Lucius . . .

Lucius Loughlin. A billionaire in you prime. Luckily, your wealth was handed down from your parents, so you're not a corporate shill (as much as the Corps would like that, and as much as everyone else thinks that). That said, your wealth puts you in a top tier that most will never reach, and that most will always envy. So it makes sense that you'd be invited to attend an opening ceremony for a new biolab. Chimera, a genetics and splicing corporation, has moved into Umbra to capitalise on its fresh biocosmetics and virology market. Curing illness and disease, all while making people (their idea of) pretty. What's not to like?

It's after all this musing that you realise you're late for the ceremony. You imagine all the guests are waiting downstairs in the lobby. Chimera gave you and some other elites free rooms in their residential guest wing. And speaking of guests . . .

"Hey tiger."

This isn't the first time you've woken up with a woman next to you, nor is it the first time you've woken up next to a woman whose name you don't know. In fact, nothing about this situation is a first for you.

Her rich, red hair slides over your face as her lips meet yours. Catching a glimpse of her, you see she isn't augmented nor spliced in any way. Odd. But eh, you know Umbra has its purist, no different from anywhere else.

"That was one hell of a night", she says, this time sitting up straight before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. You do the same--sitting upright before looking out the window and drinking in the morning sun's rays. A new day in Umbra City, the City of Hope.

>Everyone has choices . . .

>Flip open a holopad and take a peek at one of the top stories. Maybe something interesting will be on the screen. You hope.
>Consult Gideon, your self-designed AI, and make quries (choose what).
>Fuck it, you're late already; head to the damn ceremony already.
>Something else?

>>2644031
>>2644035
Appreciate the readership. I'll try to push it to 2 or a bit past 2 before calling it a night. I'll continue around morning or noon.

>>2644065
>Flip open a holopad and take a peek at one of the top stories. Maybe something interesting will be on the screen. You hope.

>>2644065
>holopad...

Liked the premise, but your running hpurs are kind of difficult

>>2644077
>>Flip open a holopad and take a peek at one of the top stories. Maybe something interesting will be on the screen. You hope.

>>2644224
I meant to start it earlier, but I ended up pushing its posting until later. Roommate and I got carried away with more science chatter.

>>2644093
>>2644241
By the way, I know how this looks (another attempted QM ghosting). Long story short, I had a one-day ban. Couldn't post for shit. Now I can, so I will.

>>2644093
>>2644224
>>2644241
You decide to take a look at what's going on in the city. Speaking of that, some strange things have been happening in the city lately. Well, stranger. When you take a look at one of the top stories on the newstreams you confirm this. Yup. Definitely stranger than your average strange.

'. . . report of another monster attack in the Shuugo District. Apparently, the creature attempted to attack Biolabs personnel before being corralled by CMPS.'

'Another monster attack?' You almost forget your redheaded guest was still there, as she queries from the bathroom. 'It's gotta be the fifth one this week!'

'Yeah', you mumble in response. You wonder why this time no one of the new bloods haven't shown up. When things began getting weirder, you recall seeing randoms wearing coloured spandex and even little girls dressed for tea parties--just all types of...weirdos. Some of them remind you of yourself, but--

'Hmm. I was thinking . . . before you go to the opening ceremony, how's about another round?' The redhead has finished dolling herself up and is now wrapping her arms around your chest, while her head perches on your shoulder.

'No', you say. 'I should get going. But uh, I have your number, right? Let's do this again sometime, Sarah.'

As you release yourself from her feminine grasp, her face coils in shock, then disgust. 'What?'

She pouts a bit, eyes narrowing. 'You forgot my name. I'm Paula, not Sarah!' You chuckle then calmly shrug before grabbing the rest of your clothes and heading for the door.

'Sorry', is all you bother saying. You hear a quick "asshole" before closing the door behind you. Well hey--the room was paid for by Chimera and the way you see it, she's got a nice room with a view because of you. Maybe she can...whatever. It doesn't matter. You decided not to get too cleaned up since it's only some kind of ribbon-cutting gala. Not a huge deal, and you have your suit on anyway. You and the suit should be enough!

Once you reach the stairs to the lobby, you can see and hear the beginnings of the event starting. There is a makeshift stage, and on it are Umbra City officials, their retinue, some local big-wigs, and some top-level Chimera execs (they wear simple polos and slacks with the Chimera logo on the chest and shoulder). Looks like it's the Mayor-Manager speaking first, with someone you can only assume is affiliated with the Peacekeepers beside him. Looks high-ranking. Chief Constable? The CEO?

- C H O I C E S -

>>The Mayor-Manager is about to start giving his speech.
>Try to stealthily melt yourself into the group. You weren't late!
>Remain where you are until the part of the speech where he introduces you. You get to make a semi-grand entrance AND act like you weren't late.
>Grandstand like a tier one asshole and MAKE your OWN entrance. You ARE one of Chimera's biggest shareholders and your are quite influential in city affairs. Represent that family name!
>Something else?

>>2646380
Sorry for the shit update speed folks. I promise I will keep it going until 1-2pm CST and will try to roll out decent updates in that timeframe. Got twelve hour shifts this week but I'll keep at this quest when I'm off. It's a one-shot so the least I can do is a better job QMing.

>>2646380
>Remain where you are until the part of the speech where he introduces you. You get to make a semi-grand entrance AND act like you weren't late.

>>2646380
>>Grandstand like a tier one asshole and MAKE your OWN entrance. You ARE one of Chimera's biggest shareholders and your are quite influential in city affairs. Represent that family name!

>>2646382
>It's a one-shot

Well nevermind

>>2646547
Ah. Well thanks for stopping by at least. Hope ya find something a little more to your liking.

>>2646536
>>2646544
Rolled for it and waiting for your intro won. Writing . . .

. . .

'Dear friends, citizens and others, our city is called the City of Dreams, not just because anyone can follow theirs here, but because we make them come true. Today, a new corporation joins us in that endeavour: Chimera Biogenetic Laboratories. They're bringing their skills and expertise in the bio-augmentation and virology fields, and with it, more hope for our citizens to live healthy, comfortable lives and realise their personal visions of themselves.'

The Mayor-Manager drones on for about ten minutes, until a Chimera high-up took the stage. She gets right to it. A quick spiel about the company, what it will do in Umbra City, and then introducing some noteworthy contributors and shareholders.

'And last but not least', she begins, 'one of our primary shareholders and elite backers for our Umbra division, Lucius Loughlin.'

That's your cue! You confidently stride down the stairs as the guests applause your entrance. It goes nice and smooth, and by the time you reach the foyer, you've forgotten about being late--though you're not sure you ever were, really. She tilts the microphone in your direction, and while you're hesitant to accept it at first, you relent. A quick series of one-off sentences should do it. You wouldn't want to hog the spotlight after all--not now.

'Good morning, citizens of Umbra City. I couldn't be happier to be an official guest of the Chimera Labs opening ceremony. I hope that they, alongside other groups who care for the city as much as I do, can help us build a brighter future. A better tomorrow. Thank--'

Before you could finish, the doors were busted open as a thick, dirty green-grey fog filled the foyer. A few ran before it spread too much, but most guests--yourself included--didn't move. Chimera security forces appeared from the two hallways to the left and right of the foyer, only to meet their end by way of bullets. One by one, they dropped as their assailants hid in the fog, slowly walking forward, ignoring everyone but Chimera's retinue and you.

(1/2)

>>2646590
'Heh, heh, heh. Not so fast, rich boy!' That voice. Dripping with phlegm and years of drug use, its thick accent reminiscent of Angalais, a small nation of monarchical island territories to the east. Only one group in the entire city speaks that way . . .

'Ratmen!' The Mayor-Manager almost shrieks like a schoolgirl as he hides behind one of the Chimera big-wigs.

'Heh, heh! Thaaaaat's right! The Scourge of the Sewers!' Once the Ratman steps into view, and the fog dissipates, you get a good look at the one you assume is in charge. He is large--almost 7 feet tall, and has dirty, dull-brown fur and beady milk-white eyes that allow him to see in the dark. He's dressed in the usual get-up: dirty rags and torn cloth aplenty, with a large scarf fashioned into a hood. Upon further inspection, you notice he has some slight cyber augmentations. Looks like some kind of aftermarket nose--perhaps his sense of smell is refined?

'Now now, rich boy. Where were you at again?' He says, this time focusing his attention directly at you. 'My boys and I were listenin', and we heard you was a reaaaaaaaaaaal important person to...ah, this here bio company. And we figured--boys, we figured didn't we?--that you'd have some Splice here.' His "boys" appear from the fog after he finishes, all various shades of brown, grey, and black. All just as dirty and scarred as the lead Ratman.

'We don't have any Splice here', the Chimera exec spits. 'And even if we did, you'd get none of it! Trying to steal Splice is a Class 4 violation of City Pol-ah!' The lead Ratman fires once, right into her kneecap, sending her to the floor as if gravity were increased tenfold instantly. Her white pencil skirt is soon blooming a red spot, and she tries to keep pressure on her wound.

'Shaddup! Don't get all preachy and quote City Policy at me! City rules don't apply to us Ratmen! We operate on sub-urban law, missy. Emphasis on the "sub"! Now . . .' He pauses, cocking his gun and pointing it at you. 'You, richie rich, or your little sellout friends is gonna get us allllll the Splice you have in this shiny new laboratory, or you's all gonna get the work! Ya get me?'

- C H O I C E S -

>Facetious. You have no Splice and/or don't know where it is. He's out of luck.
>Brave. If he wants Splice, he'll have to go through you to get it.
>Rational. Doesn't he know what that shit can do to someone? Even in SMALL doses it's volatile without a geneticist or biologist on deck to supervise.
>Another approach?

>>2646614
>Rational. Doesn't he know what that shit can do to someone? Even in SMALL doses it's volatile without a geneticist or biologist on deck to supervise.
Are you sure you want to splice? You might hurt yourself.

I finally caught up.

>>2646714
I doubt they care too much about danger from drug use.
>Mislead, boast about how any actually valiable or dangerous amount wouldn't be stored here. 'accidently' drop a red herring on where might be.

>>2646614
>Rational

I'll update late tonight or tomorrow. Headed to work. Looks like we'll be going rational. Stay tuned.

I hope this quest doesn't die like all the other cyberpunk ones

>>2648579
It won't. It may be slow at times (mostly due to my retarded work schedule made by retarded managers), but I'm gonna finish it. Don't you worry.

Also, I'll be writing shortly. Just heading out for some lunch.

>>2646792
This, we want them to fuck off as fast as possible

>>2646714
>>2646792
>>2646887
>>2649186

'Look', you begin, addressing the rat leader directly. 'Splice is dangerous. You know that. It's too dangerous for us to keep a supply here in large amounts. If you're hellbent on getting some, try BioTech, assuming you can get past their asset protection team.'

'Heh heh. Too late for that, richie rich! We've hit BioTech already, that's how I got these here!' The Ratman pulls some of his rags open, and, arranged in a neat row, you see glass tubes filled with substances of various colours. 'It's only dangerous if y'are some kind of pansy or somethin'! Boys! I don't believe moneybags 'ere! Scour this place--top ta' bottom--find all the Splice you can get your mitts on!'

'Hey boss? Can we take anything shiny too?' One of the Ratmen grabs hold of a blonde wearing a white dress and a lot of jewellery. She starts struggling and screaming as the Ratman licks her neck. 'This one's got a lot of shiny bits. Annnnd, she ain't too bad tastin' either!'

'Whateva!', the lead Ratman shrugs. 'You know the deal: priority goes to augments and Splice. Now get to it!' Seven. Seven Ratmen total, counting the leader. They get to quick work making a mess of the place and invasively searching guests for signs of augments. Bioware, datachips, SmartID--anything that could be used. You grit your teeth as this is going on. They didn't take to either of your bluffs. If they get their hands on Chimera's Splice it's game over for everyone here.

You want to help, to fight, but before you can move to do anything the leader stops you. 'Oh. No no no, moneyman! I's thinkin' that YOU, as rich as you are, got some niiiiiiiice gear for me to take. I'm the leader, right? So I should get the big fish!' You instinctively step backwards as he menacingly makes his way towards you. 'Hold still. I promise this'll only hurt if ya try fightin' me! I just want your cyber bits. You've got plenty I bet--no need to hog it all!'

- C H O I C E S -
>Fight (choose what/how/style)

((Faster updates for the time being, but will not sacrifice quality. Assuming my writing even has it.))

>>2649331
>Fight
I imagine they have highly enhanced senses of smell due to the whole day thing theyve got going. Im sure there's some perfume or cologne we can throw in his face to disorient and confuse him. As long as we keep back to avoid his tail we should be safer. High ground would also be a good thing to seek.

>>2649366
Actually on second read I didn't see mention of a tail, but a gun means we should probably find cover and start hurling things at his chest. If we hit him right we can break those splice vials, which I doubt will be good for his health. Or might turn him into a massive ratbeast. But whatevs

>>2649331
Throat or crotch punch then take his gun. That's the issue for being so big. Your the perfect height for getting punched in the dick.

>>2649753
Crotch to get him to get lower, then throat punch and a disarm sounds good, then proceed to disarm the rest of our uninvited guests. Speed is key.

My main concern is that moneybags mcbougie here might not be the best in a straight fight with a heavily modified drugged up ratman.

>>2649366
>>2649393
>>2649753
>>2649876
>>2654980

You don’t have too many augments, but the few you do have you wouldn’t let this mutated rodent have in a million years. Ratmen are known as the Sub-Urban Scourge of the Sewers, and for good reason. They live in the Undercity, a vast expanse of old railways, sewers and tunnels which -- though you haven’t seen for yourself -- you’ve heard is a lawless, tribalist collection of Ratmen, Battos and other undesirables who prey upon the surface citizens. Mainly for their augments and Splice. Especially Splice. They love Splice.

As the Ratman lumbers towards you, you begin calculating your options. Normally, you’d try to use his augment -- that fancy cyber nose -- against him. Maybe overload the olfactory sensors. But no--he might be insulted against overload. Not likely, but given these freaks always go for the good stuff, you’re not taking chances. Then you figure spilling his Splice tubes might work, but there is always the chance of it spilling on him, and there ain’t no telling what unstoppable freak of nature might result from Splice exposure. Even worse, it may contaminate a large area and affect some guests. It’s only when he’s right in your face, and you can see ever strand of dirty hair on his large, disgusting body, that you find a plan.

He squeals as you knee him in the dick as hard as you can. Once he doubles-over you uppercut his throat, then quickly disarm him, disassembling the weapon and scattering its metallic parts all over the lobby. He lands with a hard thump then scurries back a bit before holding his dick and rubbing his throat. His friends move to help, pointing their blasters at you but he holds his hand up. ‘No need, boys. This ‘ere’s a great time to try out my new Splice! Everyone . . . stand back! Pay attention, McBucks! I’s gonna give you quite a treat before ya get worked!’ Before you can stop him, he reaches for the red vial and tosses its contents down his gullet . . .

A few seconds pass, but to everyone there, including you, it felt like an eternity as you all waited to see what monstrosity would result from his ingestion. One of the Chimera officials curses under their breath while another scoffs and turns their head to the side. ‘Fool’.

>>2663094
The Ratman begins . . . changing. His skin sheds all of its hair, then it begins to bubble and grow in size. The bubbles become blisters and after a short while, these blisters would pop and show a new layer of skin. One that resembles a cross between bunched skin and scales. His head becomes elongated; his ears long and pointing straight back. His eyes become asymmetrical and heterochromatic. One yellow, one milky white with a tiny black pupil. He bears his newly developed fangs that are several inches too wide to stay in his mouth comfortably and clicks his claw-like fingers together. He’s about a foot or so taller, but much broader, and is far uglier than he was previously. Now just a mix of (literally) skin and (exposed) bones, the mutant makes a guttural noise before sniffing the air. ‘Smells like yer scared, rich-rich!’ His voice sounds like he gargled with gravel, with a hint of phlegm in there somewhere. ‘Let’s try that again, this time with YOU on the ground instead!’ He lunges full force at you, claws outstretched, wanting you in his grasp before tearing your skin from your bones. You . . .

>>2663096
- C H O I C E S -

>Use your transformation. It’s that time! He’s not going down with fists.
>>Arms Solutions Inc Battleform (Cyber/Tech type)
>>Exclusive Chimera trademark Viscant Generation Bioarmor (Bio/Guyver type)
>>Spirit of Changeman (Magic/Mystic type)

Each of these has pros and cons, and they all have secondary and tertiary types to choose from. I’ll get the sub-votes for whichever main one wins.

Forgot to ask for a roll. Rolled anyway. I took some adderall and I’m ready to go!

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>2663094
>disassembling the weapon and scattering its metallic parts all over the lobby
>not using it against him
what faggotry is this

>>2663097
I'm torn between the Chimera and Spirit

>>2663097
>>>Spirit of Changeman (Magic/Mystic type)

>>2663097
we magic man now

Sucks but not suprising the thread died

>>2663097
>>Exclusive Chimera trademark Viscant Generation Bioarmor (Bio/Guyver type)
magic ill mix poorly in this setting.