>>3252162
It takes a moment for you to see what she’s talking about when you leap up- but sure enough, to the north, big rolling open air wagons, battering ram on the front, and carted by...damnit, you can’t remember what type of horses those are, but they’re big, red eyed and carnivorous, you remember that much. Your own horses might’ve gotten eaten if you hadn’t kept them back...and speaking of horses…

To the south end, it’s rough to see, but the fact that you CAN at all is worrisome; a pair of big, wooden constructs that seems to have dots- the riders, presumably. Practically tanks in this age, you think…and as big as they are, the possibility of some kind of ordinance inside them makes you worry a bit.

>Action!

>>3252165
Same as before.

Go north, bait the dragoons into a charge into a horizontal barrier, toss some magi-waves to cover the advance of allied forces, then bounce to the south to handle whatever are in those constructs.

>>3252165
Wood burns. Elves burn. I'm willing to bet that the ordinance they'll be using will burn.

Bring out the Flamebringer and start torching the wagons.

>>3252165
Supporting again >>3252201

>>3252165
Go south. The numbers of "big" threats is lower and presumably explosive, so dealing with them should be faster than killing the ram.

>>3252165
>Warn Lizard commander and send Izumi north.
>Go south, bring the Flamebringer.

>>3252165
>>3252210
>>3252247
Supporting. No one will expect us to just bring a flaming sword out of hammerspace.

>>3252210
>Bring out the Flamebringer and start torching the wooden tanks.

Meant to say this.

>>3252246
So.

You want to stick supposed explosives.

With a burning stick.

When we could just manablast them from a distance?

Personally I assumed there were like. Monstrous siege shadow beasts or something in there.

>>3252290
I never said to get close and personal with potential explosives. After all, we have the sticky bombs and everything else that can set off a bomb.

>>3252315
We also have mana blasts that blow up. From a distance! Multiples at once!

Seems like the choice is go south and try to burn things.

Writing!

>>3252165
>>3252210
>>3252246
>>3252247
>>3252263
As you land, you see the captain looking at you with slightly less hostility now. “Where are the invaders?” he asks quickly.

“To the north and south,” you respond, already making up your mind. “And I’m going to handle the ones in the south. You and your men take the forces to the north. You’ll link up with the humans to do that.”

“...Fine. I will agree to that.” Without wasting any more breath, he turns to his remaining forces to explain the situation- you’re already two leaps gone by the time he starts talking.

Quickly contacting Izumi again, you relay your plan. “I’m going to intercept the southern breach attempt. You and a chunk of the army need to get to the north; you’ll be linking up with the
lizards. Pretty sure it’s the captain of the royal guard and his men.”

“Understood. I’ll be on the lookout. Be careful. Out.” Well, that’s that then. Now, for your own issues…

As you rapidly approach the town limits, gliding on the air, you can see the constructs at a much greater size- and honestly, you’re impressed. This thing is taller than a house and just as wide. Definitely got SOMETHING inside it.

And outside, you can tell as you can now clearly see that these elves are archers as well- and they’re aiming straight for you…

As you pull out the Flamebringer from your pouch, you can already hear yelling on the verge of panic...

>Drop to the ground- you know they’ll try to saturate, and it'll be tough to defend, but better than than risking getting shot out of the sky.
>Keep in the air- hell, if you can gain a bit of height somehow, they’d have a tough time adjusting their angle enough to hit you, and you can rain death from above!
>Other

>>3252504
>Keep in the air- hell, if you can gain a bit of height somehow, they’d have a tough time adjusting their angle enough to hit you, and you can rain death from above!
>Other
Time to experiment with barrier steps and flying.

>>3252504
>Keep in the air- hell, if you can gain a bit of height somehow, they’d have a tough time adjusting their angle enough to hit you, and you can rain death from above!
The marshlands terrain would slow us down and make us an even easier target IMO

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>>3252504
>Keep in the air- hell, if you can gain a bit of height somehow, they’d have a tough time adjusting their angle enough to hit you, and you can rain death from above!
Bring forward the magical BRRRRT

>>3252504
>Keep in the air- hell, if you can gain a bit of height somehow, they’d have a tough time adjusting their angle enough to hit you, and you can rain death from above!
>Other
Cast Barriers in the sky to dodge behind if they start to return fire.

>>3252504
>>Keep in the air- hell, if you can gain a bit of height somehow, they’d have a tough time adjusting their angle enough to hit you, and you can rain death from above!
Again, really wish we’d practice throwing flames...

Oh well, next chance for sure.

>>3252504
>>Keep in the air- hell, if you can gain a bit of height somehow, they’d have a tough time adjusting their angle enough to hit you, and you can rain death from above!

Rolled 4, 12 = 16 (2d20)

>>3252504
>>3252516
>>3252519
>>3252529
>>3252531
>>3252551
>>3252591
Alright, gonna need some rolls. 3d20, best of three. These are not opposed rolls.

Rolled 11, 6, 4 = 21 (3d20)

>>3252613
bombs away

Rolled 8, 3, 6 = 17 (3d20)

>>3252613

Rolled 18, 6, 9 = 33 (3d20)

>>3252613
Rolling...

>>3252619
>>3252628
>>3252631
Oof.

Well we got three sixes, so maybe that could count for something?

18, 6, 9.

My high roll is a 12, so...hm.

Writing.

We either got an absolutely mediocre bare-success or a boring stand still.

>>3252668
More like doing an overkill with our first attack and drawing too much attention.

>>3252657
Maybe we can play dragon another day.

>>3252657
psst, twitter?

>>3252613
>>3252619
>>3252628
>>3252631
>>3252504

No reason to limit yourself, you suppose- before you hit city limits, you manage to maneuver over a small burning hut- perfectly placed for an updraft, thankyouverymuch. The initial salvo of arrows comes flying, but by then you’re already too high up for them to hit you, even during your own arc. A number of magiblasts fly from your hand, splintering the nearest construct’s side, enough to immediately cause most of the outside riders to leap from their mounts- you’d kind of hoped that more of them would’ve been caught in the explosion, or at least fell to their deaths, but it seems that most of them land relatively safely. Damnit. What’s worse is the inside of the creature, which seems to be full of...shadow creatures. Of course. These, however, are strange, nearly blob-like creatures- shadow slimes, right. Why those when they’ve been using more solid constructs, though?

Your thoughts are paused as the second construct QUICKLY reminds you it’s still active, and you’re still not good enough to fly, only glide...which means you’re rapidly getting back down into hittable range; the fact that you’re beyond any real cover area makes this a touch worrisome- you’ll have to use mana for a barrier at this rate…


*BANG*

With a sudden crash and a plume of dust, the entire nearby area gets rocked as SOMETHING seems to impact near the second carrier- not quite hitting it, but enough to shower it in dirt and debris and causing it to veer off course- enough to get its attention, and yours.

When you trace the line of fire back to its source- just out of the treelines to the southeast, near where you handled the ritualists, and actually solid enough ground, what you see is...well, honestly, you’re not sure what to make of it.

A gilded in silver, oversized artillery canon; if the elves had just used the body of a tank, THIS was the gun. Boxed in just barely, and manned by...rabbits. Rabbitkin. Most of them in armor and toting what you’re pretty sure are some kind of crossbows, the whole thing being driven by what seems to be THRONGS of Rabbitkin physical power. One of them is actually ON the damn cannon, with something in his hand; although you’re not sure what, it’s pointing it forward.

There’s a momentary, pregnant silence aside from the rumbling of the construct’s movement...that’s quickly aborted when the cannon absolutely erupts again with a roaring bang, another cannonball tearing into the earth near the construct and nearly toppling it this time, it shakes so much, forcing it to stop lest physics do it for them.

>Well, shit. They just gave you one heck of an opening. Would be rude to not take it and wipe out the other construct.
>They can handle this much, if they can get their aim right. You need to get the escapees and make sure they don’t disperse into the city!
>Other

>>3252808
>>Well, shit. They just gave you one heck of an opening. Would be rude to not take it and wipe out the other construct.

>>3252808
>Well, shit. They just gave you one heck of an opening. Would be rude to not take it and wipe out the other construct.

>>3252808
>Well, shit. They just gave you one heck of an opening. Would be rude to not take it and wipe out the other construct.

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>>3252808
>>Well, shit. They just gave you one heck of an opening. Would be rude to not take it and wipe out the other construct.

>>3252833
would it be bad if I said that that picture was pretty much what inspired the scene?

>>3252808
>Well, shit. They just gave you one heck of an opening. Would be rude to not take it and wipe out the other construct.

>>3252808
>Well, shit. They just gave you one heck of an opening. Would be rude to not take it and wipe out the other construct.

Uh...the rabbits have tanks? Cool.

File: Tsar-Cannon.jpg (93 KB, 600x391)

93 KB JPG

>>3252882
I think the rabbits only have the cannon. Probably something like pic related but silver plated.

>>3252882
More like big wheeled cannons they built a small box around.

At any rate, writing!

>>3252887
Yeah, that, basically.

>>3252808
>>3252819
>>3252821
>>3252827
>>3252833
>>3252878
>>3252882
Well, that kind of opening...you’re not going to just throw it away. You quickly let loose a number of further magiblasts- with them already off track from the cannonfire, they can’t even react in time, the shots neatly destroying the convoy in a shower of wooden pieces. The individuals that fall out are far less orderly this time, and you’re able to shoot a number of them down- focusing on the massive beasts that are sprawled around the ground first. Don’t want those getting into the city at all.

By this time, though, you’re too close to the ground to really get any advantage out of your gliding; you let yourself fall the rest of the way as you hear a cheer go up in the distance...which turns into a (somewhat squeaky) roar of combat as the mass of infantry rabbitkin begin to charge across the field to battle.

Soon, your stone goes off again. “Hylinde here. Status report is the rapid insertion forces have been cleared out on our end. We took a few fatalities, unfortunately. A few lizardkin lost and some of our own men, sadly. How about yours?”

“Got a few that managed to breach the active zone, mostly beasts and several Shaded elves.” you grunt. Those things are slippery… “but both carriers have been neutralized, one including the vast majority of passengers. Had a bit of help, though. Seems the Rabbitkin finally decided to get off their fluffy asses. They’ve brought artillery and manpower. Well, rabbitpower.”

“Ah, the Prince will be more than happy to hear that,” she says with clear relief. “We’ve still got work to do in clearing out the city, but I think that’s the last of the major forces anticipated. You may want to link up properly to inform him of the situation. We’ll proceed with hunting down the final forces.”

> “He’ll get to us in time- I’m coming in to help with the cleanup.”
> “Fine, I’m on my way out and we’ll see what’s what.”
> “I’ll get around to it. Going to do a final perimeter sweep to check for any last ‘surprises’.”
> Other

>>3252946
> “I’ll get around to it. Going to do a final perimeter sweep to check for any last ‘surprises’.”

>>3252946
>> “I’ll get around to it. Going to do a final perimeter sweep to check for any last ‘surprises’.”
They brought several tricks this time around, what's to say they didn't sneak in a few more?

>>3252946
> “Fine, I’m on my way out and we’ll see what’s what.”

>>3252946
> “Fine, I’m on my way out and we’ll see what’s what.”
If this Is actually a trap stage I doubt the

>>3252946
>“I’ll get around to it. Going to do a final perimeter sweep to check for any last ‘surprises’.”

>>3253066
>>3253565
I think we should stay alert and do a perimeter sweep.
Judging by how much preparations the enemies have made in order to win this battle, I'm going to assume that we're not in the clear yet. This simultaneous three-way attack (mounted charge to the north, siege constructs to the south, drop pod to threaten their leaders) seems like a tactical decision, rather than a desperate last push - if they had all this stuff concentrated on one side of the capital then the lizards would've surely lost at least half of their city. I think that Kholm's general wanted to separate lizard commanders and thin their defences, and then reveal his trump card - unleash a number of specialized shadow beasts from the waterside. These bastards came in all shapes and sizes, it wouldn't be a surprise if there were a variant capable of amphibious or aerial assault. Cut the defenders forces in half by moving through the river - bam, each half is sandwiched between siege constructs/new beasties/mobile chargers.

Even if everything that was stated above is wrong and Kholm's forces retreat, they could at least leave us a final 'fuck you' and contaminate the river or something.

>>3252946
>> “I’ll get around to it. Going to do a final perimeter sweep to check for any last ‘surprises’.”

>>3252946
> “I’ll get around to it. Going to do a final perimeter sweep to check for any last ‘surprises’.”

>>3252946
>>3252985
>>3253008
>>3253618
>>3253857
>>3254171
>>3253714
While she might have a point, you still don’t like the idea of leaving anything to chance. This was a far more coordinated event than the last two battles you got into. “I’ll get around to it. Going to do a final perimeter sweep to check for any last ‘surprises’.”

“Hm. Fair enough,” Izumi concedes. “Let me know once you’ve finished, and I’ll be sure to tell the Prince and the Lizards to expect company. Out.”

Hopefully, this wouldn’t take too long- you need to take a running leap or two back towards the city to catch enough air to get back to that updraft- the flames are still going, sadly, and you suspect there’ll be a lot more in flames by the time forces manage to do anything to put them out…

But, you’ll get back to that later. Right now, you proceed to look down at the surrounding area with a critical eye, nose, and ear- just in case anything a bit unusual pops out at you…gah, you’re really going to need to figure out some way to keep your height longer. You’d need a lot of sheer force to propel yourself upwards...maybe if there was a way to miniaturize a blast and keep it to mostly concussive force as opposed to any kind of mana burn damage inflicted...

>Roll 1d20, best of 5.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3254907
Welcome back, boss. Doing okay?

Do we get a bonus for using enhanced hearing?

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3254907

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>3254907

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>3254907

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>3254907

>>3254916
Guess the bonus resulted in bo5 instead of bo3.

>>3254932
>>3254916
If there is anything nearby we certanly spotted it.

You spy with your little eye...

Writing!

>>3254907
>>3254916
>>3254918
>>3254929
>>3254932
>>3254946
Your flight takes you over the treeline easily- nothing there but a few fallen bodies- seems the Rabbitkin had a bit of action before they found you, but only a bit. However, as you loop around to the southeast, that’s not what alarms you.

What alarms you is the small massing of what seems like shadowy incarnations of fishpeople, near the coast’s edge. Thick with shadowy ichor dripping from them, and glowing eyes much as others, but you can clearly see fins on their back and webbed feet. They don’t seem to notice you, however, instead turned inwards to themselves and not moving from their secluded spot on the cove. Odd…

What’s odder still is when they turn away back towards the water, skulking back into the depths from where they came. They’re retreating…?

>Let them go for now. They can keep thinking they’re a surprise for now, since you know they know.
>Assault them now. No specialized information needs to get back to the enemy.
>Other

>>3255038
>Assault them now. No specialized information needs to get back to the enemy.

>>3255038
>Assault them now. No specialized information needs to get back to the enemy.

Oooh, time for the electric field aura to shine underwater.

>>3255038
>>Assault them now. No specialized information needs to get back to the enemy.
It's why we're out here. Waste them.

>>3255038
>>Assault them now. No specialized information needs to get back to the enemy.

I kind of want to try fishing them with mana tethers for fun.

>>3255038
>Assault them now. No specialized information needs to get back to the enemy.
Alpha strike. Leave one or a few alive for interrogation.

>>3255038
>Let them go for now. They can keep thinking they’re a surprise for now, since you know they know.

>>3255038
>Assault them now. No specialized information needs to get back to the enemy.
>Other
>Warn allies. Zap the water.
Even if they're retreating, they could leave something behind - like a nasty uglie hidden in the depths or contaminate the water.

...Pretty one-sided.

Seems like we're trying to fry some fish.

Writing, then.

Wasn't there something about a swamp folk or something? Maybe we shouldn't attack then...oh well.

>>3255038
Yeah, you’re not going to just let them report. They’ll be noticed missing, no doubt, but better them uncertain of how much you know than giving them any possible advantage. Fortunately, the solution, to you, is easy.

They’re in water. You know a bit about generating electricity. It’s practically begging to happen.

Like a dart, you dive for the group, aiming for the centermost target, your body already crackling with electric energy.

They don’t even see you before you’re within reach, and you’re quick to pull up right before hitting the water. You’re pretty sure spine his snapped on impact…

...although you probably shouldn’t have just splashed down in the water like that. Well, not too big of an issue, all things considered- despite the fact that they look like sharks at a feeding frenzy...well.

Soup’s on.

You let your electric energy flow and spark out of you, and although it’s not nearly enough to electrify the entire lake surface...it’s certainly enough to shock the hell out of them when they close in, their bodies sizzling all too quickly when they so much as attempt to touch you as the electric current conducts right to them.

You’re glad for the practice, honestly. Would be a hell of a light show if you could do that in thin air. Would be hard to saturate the area, though…

At any rate, a quick further check doesn’t seem to reveal anything else, which is good...you’d hate to leave the rest of the fun stuff to those rabbits. Now you just need to get back to the surface…

(cont.)

>>3255321
A few hours later, and just about everything is clear; enough that the Lizardkin have taken to careful patrolling again as repairs are underway, with assistance from the Human and Bearkin militaries.

Izumi had been most concerned about an area that she described as essentially a daycare for the Lizardkin- where they had much of their families stay and learn for a while. She’d immediately left to check on it. By then, you’d managed to at least be introduced to the Rabbitkin leader- or rather, as he called it, the ‘Outcasts’; turns out your aid was none other than Thorumin himself, come on the suggestion of the Veilweavers, no less.

“T’was a very risky proposition, for us, I think,” he admits to you; the Rabbitkin is a lithe one, his coloration a white and black mix, a splotch on his eye in particular standing out. In his hand is an ornate saber, the hilt ornate and with some sort of rabbit decal on it. “However, our hosts insisted, and, well...I was under the impression that we had to attempt SOMETHING anyway. It wasn’t long after that I heard that the humans were striking back, and I felt it was indeed our chance.” His voice is surprisingly deep for a rabbit, and his mannerism is every bit a gentleman soldier. “You have my thanks for the assistance earlier, miss…”

“Yvrace,” you’d said quickly. There were few pleasantries after that, mostly discussions with him, the Prince, the Lizardkin Captain- who you’d finally learned was named Za-Leil-, and Braun. With the Rabbitkin you’d have been searching for having come to you (somewhat, apparently Felgrund wasn’t keen on committing many forces any time soon), that led to the next play of things. Although this time, with Za-Leil’s assurance that he would do his best to marshal his forces through the land and aid the cause, that meant the Alliance’s ‘little’ army was growing big enough to make a play onto any of the nearby areas…

>It’s to the southeast, but it still might be worth the while to convince the Veilspeakers to contribute some assistance beyond a bit of nudging…
>The Marshwalkers aren’t far from here, to the northeast, but they’re reclusive, and might be reluctant to continue to help after the war went so badly the first time…
>Best to continue northwest- none of you are sure where all the Ratkin went, but you have to hit their major city, Dartmouth, anyway, if only to get it out of Lord Kolm’s hands.
>Other

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>>3255326
>>It’s to the southeast, but it still might be worth the while to convince the Veilspeakers to contribute some assistance beyond a bit of nudging…
SPIDERS

>>3255326
Let's split the party.
Miranda
>It’s to the southeast, but it still might be worth the while to convince the Veilspeakers to contribute some assistance beyond a bit of nudging…

Izumi
>The Marshwalkers aren’t far from here, to the northeast, but they’re reclusive, and might be reluctant to continue to help after the war went so badly the first time…

>>3255326
>>It’s to the southeast, but it still might be worth the while to convince the Veilspeakers to contribute some assistance beyond a bit of nudging…

Where was that stash that Drider told us about?

>>3255326
Also I was hoping we could ask lizard people to tell more about themselves, their rituals and maybe finally getting some books

>>3255354
I admit, I kinda wanted to practice our kung-fu skills with Kri-Yan a bit, maybe learn how to channel mana through our kicks.

Spiders are the next step then, so need to prepare accordingly.

Don't worry, you'll get a bit of time here.

Writing!

>>3255383
Oh, yeah, did we catch the name of the rabbit commissar, by any chance? I like him.

>>3255429
>turns out your aid was none other than Thorumin himself

>>3255326
>>3255342
>>3255345
>>3255351
Eventually, it’s decided that the best thing to do at this point is to try to convince the Veilspeakers to assist. Thorumin had mentioned that they seemed to be ‘entirely too confident in regards to the situation- I confronted them on it, and they went on about some ‘seeing beyond the web to the strands’ sort of thing. I couldn’t quite make heads or tails of it, honestly, but from the time they’ve allowed us to live with them, they seem to claim some sort of skill at foresight.” He harrumphs at that. “I’m not keen on the whole ‘destiny’ malarky, to be honest, but they’ve done us a great kindness, so I chose not to speak aloud about it. If you’re going back there, then I and my forces will remain here for the time being to assist in repairs and the city’s defense.”


“Considering this would be a diplomatic mission, I certainly don’t think we’ll need to move the entire army,” the Prince muses. “However, I would think it would be a good idea to present an accurate cross-section of our currently amassed forces, future vision or not. Just a handful from each, really...”

“I’ll come,” Braun immediately says. “My daughter can helm things in my absence.”

“Excellent. Za-Leil?” He turns to the Lizard Captain.

“Mmm...I must protect the royal family,” he says carefully. “However, I will request Si-Han and Kri-Yan to lead the gathered warriors in my absence. I will not do this until the royal family has returned, however. It is still too dangerous to call them back just yet. It will also take a day or two to gather all my kin from the surrounding areas. I ask your patience in those matters, but can otherwise permit a small group with Si-Han to accompany you in matters of diplomacy.”

“Hm...very well.” The Prince nods. “That sounds acceptable. We’ll move out in two days from now, then.” And then he turns to you and Izumi. “I would ask that you both accompany us, if you don’t mind. As a...show of capability, you see.”

You shrug. He’s the one holding the paycheck, so to speak. “Of course,” Izumi answers more enthusiastically. “I hope we can convince them.”

“I trust you will. As for now, I believe that this concludes our meeting? We’ll reconvene at...perhaps let’s say midday tomorrow?” The gathered leaders nod in agreement, before splitting up.

“I’ll be helping tend to the injured, or perhaps assisting if any vital construction needs doing,” Izumi says idly before heading off. You, on the other hand…

>Were interested in seeing just what this place had to offer, in terms of goods. You never know...
>Were curious about Thorumin’s cohabitation with the Veilspeakers. Not to mention his other history…
>Wanted to see if you could find Si-Han and Kri-Yan. It SOUNDED like they were fine, but you haven’t seen them yet…
>Other

>>3255345
>>3255326
Sounds good. But Izumi goes to the Rat City with the army. People in need.

>>3255456
Or not.

>>3255456
>Wanted to see if you could find Si-Han and Kri-Yan. It SOUNDED like they were fine, but you haven’t seen them yet…

Miranda on the job!

Gonna let it lie for tonight. Run resumes tomorrow.

Getting a wee bit tired of snow...

>>3255456
>Were interested in seeing just what this place had to offer, in terms of goods. You never know...
>Other: Oh yeah, shadow fish-people in the lake. You ever see them before?
Remember that there's a standing bounty for rare and interesting books from the Library back at the Intersection.

>>3255448
And here I was thought there was a "from" in there...

>>3255456
>Were curious about Thorumin’s cohabitation with the Veilspeakers. Not to mention his other history…
Gotta learn about the Veilspinners philosophy and laws if we're ever going to convince them to join us.

>>3255456
>>Were interested in seeing just what this place had to offer, in terms of goods. You never know...
Maybe we can get our loot appraised, though regular shopping is fine as well.

While we're in a quiet period, can we equip the Condenser, so it'll actually have a charge if we need it?

>Magnificent. All is as it will.

>Mostly. Curious shapes in the veil, most curious. Drops rippling the water.

>In time, perhaps a wave?

>Perhaps more. And yet it all ends at the same place. The actors in their positions.

>Indeed. And yet...

>Hm?

>*creak*

>Ah, young one.

>I've discovered that there's a fault in one of your-

>We know.

>Then may I-

>We must insist you do not.

>It shall be resolved in due time. As all things are.

>You- blasted...gah! Fine! I'll be...finalizing development plans for the southern wall system while I wait for father to return...I guess!

>By all means.

>We wish you well. Also, your protractor lies at the place of your last rest.

>...ridiculous so-called all seeing...

>*SLAM*

>...quite adorable, that one. Yearns to protect.

>A shame. Hearts like that are never at ease.

>The veil is unkind at times, truly.

>Indeed. Are you prepared to play your part?

>We need only to wait for our cue.

>>3255502
Not at all ominous

>>3255456
>Were interested in seeing just what this place had to offer, in terms of goods. You never know...

This is a random question, but does anyone know any archives sites for /qst/ other than suptg and archived.moe?

>>3255502
Looks like arrogance, hubris and inflated self-importance are racial traits of Weaves.

>>3255456
>Wanted to see if you could find Si-Han and Kri-Yan. It SOUNDED like they were fine, but you haven’t seen them yet…

>>3255901
yuki.la

Run will begin in a bit. Seems like we're going shopping...sort of.

Acceptable salvage for services rendered is a good enough excuse, eh?

>>3255502
it sounds like we have creepy spider twins seers coming up visiting the Veilspeakers, that in mind, let's interrogate those who shall be leaving the spotlight, the lizard-wizards!
not actually wizards it just rhymed
>Wanted to see if you could find Si-Han and Kri-Yan. It SOUNDED like they were fine, but you haven’t seen them yet…

>>3257095
I was too late

>>3257095
Oh well, might as well see what sort of unique weapons these lizards use. Maybe grab some knives for the kids so we can teach them knife safety?

Also, gotta get some shrooms for the fairy.

>>3255456
>>3255478
>>3255485
>>3255851

Well, the place was still recovering, of course- would be for a while. But considering all you’ve done, they wouldn’t mind if you took a look around the marketplace, would they? If for no other reason than to make sure that people’s livelihoods weren’t destroyed. Basically scouting, even.

...Well, no, that’s not the reason and you’re not even going to bother trying to justify it. You just want to see what they’ve got.

The block of merchant shops and buildings is, fortunately, largely intact, although you can tell that there were some forces that came through here judging by the overturned stalls and the occasional collapsed wall. There’s a plume of smoke nearby, but to your eyes it’s clearly tapering off; the remnants of something burning as opposed to something still up in flames. There’s a number of mixed guards here patrolling the streets, as are a few brave souls in what you can only term merchant’s robes and similar garb trying to fix up their storefronts here and there. The occasional urchin Lizard child scampers about, nominally ignored, often helping in repairs, but one or two get lightly reprimanded when they try to get a bit of sticky fingers. One particular storefront seems to have been more totaled than others, the older looking Lizardkin openly weeping over his lost building- a small hut who’s goods you can’t see from here, due to being buried under rubble. Some other buildings have damage, as well, but nothing to that extent.

There’s a few opportunities here, you suppose...but where to start?

>See if there’s anything akin to a bookstore around here.
>Maybe something in the way of potions or alchemical works?
>The spiders had an interesting weapon or two. Maybe so do these folks?
>See what the old Lizard is wailing about. Might be worth your time, might not, though.
>Other

>>3257222
>See if there’s anything akin to a bookstore around here.

>>3257222
>>Maybe something in the way of potions or alchemical works?
Weapons are neat, but potions are useful.

>>3257222
>See if there’s anything akin to a bookstore around here.

>>3257222
>The spiders had an interesting weapon or two. Maybe so do these folks?
After that,
>See what the old Lizard is wailing about. Might be worth your time, might not, though.

>no one cares about the old lizardman.

i'm so proud of you all.

>>3257222
>>See what the old Lizard is wailing about. Might be worth your time, might not, though.

>>3257236
This is exactly why you don't say anything, anon.

Hm. Seems like Bookstore wins out.

Writing!

>>3257222
>>3257226
>>3257232
Well, you do recall that bounty on books...might as well see if there’s any decent reading around here.

After a few minutes of scouting around (and dodging one or two curious children), you end up noticing somewhere that might be what you wanted- it’s a small store, barely a hut, but it’s got a rack or two of thatched books, and a number of scrolls there for perusal. The owner of the store, a hunchbacked, crabby-sounding sort, makes a snuffling snort from behind a book, eyes glaring from behind a pair of spectacles as he looks up at you. “What, what?” He pauses briefly, and blinks- before chucking a book right at your head with a gawk which you catch. “OUT! Crazy monster! Not gonna get my readings, you-!”

“Hold it!” You shout quickly; no reason to get anyone interested in your business. “I’m not an invader, I’m just a customer!”

“Nyeh? Customer!?” He squints, sniffling again as he adjusts his glasses. “Don’t look like normal. Problem, then, girl? Need help, hm?”

Oy. “No. I just wanted to look over your stock. See if there was anything interesting.” You wonder if he got any business beforehand, considering his attitude…

“Fine. Come look. But be quick. Was dangerous, still dangerous. Need to finish counting my stock,” is what he offers. “So no playing.”

Fine, fine...now, to see if the old leatherhead has anything worth getting…

>Look for History-focused books
>Look for Ritual-focused books.
>Look for Entertainment-focused books.
>Look for Combat-focused books.
>Other

>Regardless of choice, Roll 5d100, best of 3.

Rolled 37, 74, 1, 28, 87 = 227 (5d100)

>>3257376
>Look for Ritual-focused books.
Spells and incantations for those with the talent to cast them.

Rolled 5, 14, 69, 47, 85 = 220 (5d100)

>>3257376
>Look for Ritual-focused books.

>>3257376
>Look for Ritual-focused books.
Team techniques, here we go!

Rolled 100, 96, 56, 41, 44 = 337 (5d100)

>>3257376
>Look for Ritual-focused books.

Rolled 67, 67, 19, 94, 2 = 249 (5d100)

>>3257376

>>3257387
fucking ace anon. GJ. You saved us on that book no.1.

Rolled 88, 8, 10, 67, 55 = 228 (5d100)

>>3257376
>Look for Ritual-focused books.
>>3257376

File: 1547778497614.png (78 KB, 259x290)

78 KB PNG

>>3257387
>tfw 100

>>3257387
>100, 96, 69, 47, 87

...I mean considering how I designed the Lizards I guess it fits, but...

Alright, gimme a bit, then writing.

>>3257376
>>3257383
>>3257384
>>3257385
>>3257387
>>3257395
As much as he’s clearly impatient for you to leave, you’re impressed. His books and scrolls are...extremely informative, for the most part, at least in terms of how the Lizards do things. In particular, one rather thick and detailed book gives you explicit details for ritual circles, the individual runic script needed, estimated power needed, and words to speak for certain effects. A basic example even shows you how to make a personal healing circle, a dome for protection, divination chants, and that’s just for basic stuff...there’s some advanced works in the back here that’d require even more mana than what you’d be able to manage by yourself- stealth rituals, to physical empowerment to...it’d take a LOT just to get through this, but if you could copy the inscriptions and it actually worked on other plains, that’d be impressive.

Of course, if it didn’t, then it’d still be an excellent get for the library, you think.

There’s another book not far from it that details the history of rituals, as known by the Lizardfolk; where the source of the magic supposedly comes from (the mana of dead gods, supposedly…) theories and suppositions by old masters of the art that sought to internalize the magic called forth by said rituals... Another thick book that would take a while to read, and likely very valuable.

There’s a couple of others that look interesting- not nearly as much as the first two, but still useful. Case studies about common ritual magics and their uses in society, and the cultural differences surrounding them (again, as known to the Lizardkin); likely a fair bit of bias, but still certainly useful- particularly the one that attempts to go deeper into how the Marshwalkers seem to consider things.

The last is also fairly impressive- more of a history book of great ritualists; individuals that could cast complex and powerful spells entirely on their own, a feat nearly unheard of in ‘modern’ day. It also tells of the specific rituals that made them famous, and how they’d be reenacted in modern times, made more efficient by changes to the scripts.

“You take too long!” With that single yell, you’re jolted out of your perusal. “Hurry up and pick, and buy! Else I’m throwing you out! Busy!”

Right...crap, you don’t have any money immediately on you. You’d have to either go back and request some from the Prince- he should have more than enough spare change...or maybe you can see if you can work anything out with this old lizard.

> “Alright, alright. Look, I’ll be back, okay? It’ll be quick next time.” You just need to pop down to the Prince and hope he’s in a good mood…
> “Actually...I was hoping that we might be able to work out a deal. Are you sure there isn’t anything you need doing?” It’ll depend on the book, but...
>Other

>>3257649
> “Alright, alright. Look, I’ll be back, okay? It’ll be quick next time.” You just need to pop down to the Prince and hope he’s in a good mood…

Figures. I really hope this won't be the only store we'll be able to visit while we're here...

>>3257649
> “Actually...I was hoping that we might be able to work out a deal. Are you sure there isn’t anything you need doing?” It’ll depend on the book, but...

hopefully we don't push to many alarm with the demonic look and wanting to make deals.

>>3257649
>> “Actually...I was hoping that we might be able to work out a deal. Are you sure there isn’t anything you need doing?” It’ll depend on the book, but...
Might as well ask. We can always back out and go back to the prince.

>>3257649
> “Alright, alright. Look, I’ll be back, okay? It’ll be quick next time.” You just need to pop down to the Prince and hope he’s in a good mood…

>>3257649
>> “Actually...I was hoping that we might be able to work out a deal. Are you sure there isn’t anything you need doing?” It’ll depend on the book, but...

So, can we work this out...?

Writing.

>>3257718
Do we have any books of our own that we could copy out of the Farsight? Does it have a "print" option?

We gotta grab a digital library next time we're in a tech world.

>>3257825
We have a few books from the last job

>>3257825
>>3257828
Though it's written in a language from a different world.

>>3257834
Charge double for exoticism.

When is he gonna get a chance like this again? We can give him a basic Rosetta Stone for translation, then leave him and other scholars the rest of the fun.

I mean. He's a book collector in a preindustrial society. Foreign works = fame in those circles, and it doesn't get more foreign than us.

>>3257649
>>3257660
>>3257667
>>3257703
Hm. Well, you don’t reallllly want to deal with the Prince right now- you don’t think he’ll take it out of your pay, but you don’t like that risk regardless. “Actually...I was hoping that we might be able to work out a deal. Are you sure there isn’t anything you need doing? Any errands ran or tasks finished?” Usually folks like this, especially after a battle, need SOMETHING done… “We could make a trade, so to speak. Services for goods.”

The fact that he doesn’t immediately blow you off is heartening. He adjusts his glasses slightly as he squints at you harshly. “Mmm...catch.”

“Pardon?” Catch?

“The catch. Always a catch! Don’t act like you’re innocent!” You’re pretty sure that if he had a stick, he’d be waving it right now. Folks like you, always a catch, always!”

Great. You know this kind- better to just let him think he’s right. “The ‘catch’ isn’t anything that concerns you, your people, or your store, or anything related to you. It’s something that you would never have to worry about, ever.”

“Hmph. Other motives. Always other motives.” He snorts, nodding to himself. “You hold this deal, hm? No tricks.”

“None at all,” you assure. “What do you need me to do?”

He sniffs. “Walk to the north. ‘Round the lake. Village there, north end of the marsh. Near the walkers. Kinfolk. You find them, you ask for Tu-Dah’s boy. Not giving a name, just ask for Tu-Dah’s boy. You come back, you tell me if they’re living or dead. With proof, here? Got things to account for here, can’t go looking myself. Do that, you can pick a book. Maybe two books if they’re alive. Deal?”

Hm...that wouldn’t take too long, but…

>Haggle for three. Just to be safe.
>Deal. A quick there and back. Sounds simple enough.
>Near the Marshwalkers by yourself? Could end up a PR issue. Pass.
>Other

>>3257878
>>Haggle for three. Just to be safe.

>>3257869
We need them to study Summoning magic though.

>>3257878
>Haggle for three. Just to be safe.

>>3257878
Ah, the lovable old bookstore owner

> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JwF_LnTqLUM

>Haggle for three. Just to be safe.

We could leave him a book to copy and a short translation primer. Then we get the book when we come back, just to reassure him there aren't any "tricks" on our end.

>>3257878
>Deal. A quick there and back. Sounds simple enough.

>>3257878
Could we still go to some of the other stores before we leave?

>>3257888
Can't we just take pictures with our Farsight of the pages again, actually? We've done it before. We could leave him the physical book itself even in exchange for more books.

Haggle for three, then?

I'm gonna say roll for it. See how he takes it.

>1d20, best of 3.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3257981
>inb4 nat 20

>>3257981
So, this is going to take up our shopping trip, then...

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>3257981
haggle time

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>3257981
Eh

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3257981
20

>>3257991
We will get three very rare books. I think it makes sense in a way to balance and avoid people spending time just shoopping.

But then again e can always roll a 1 and then continue to shop around.

>>3257918
Mebbe.

17, eh?

File: 20190213_025156.jpg (158 KB, 387x796)

158 KB JPG

>>3258008
I just like the imagine this lizard guy just talking and making a deal with what is practicaly a imp/devil girl for some books.

>>3258030
He's seen some shit and quite frankly gives very few fucks anymore.

>>3258003
Yeah, the books are great, but I kinda wanted to see the other things here. That’s what I thought the choice between going to the prince for an advance and taking a side job was; a choice between less pay or to only get the books.

>>3258044
Just the kind of lizard guy we would be happy to make a deal with.

>>3257981
>>3257989
>>3257997
>>3257999
You might be able to squeeze a bit more out of this, if you play your cards right. Dollars to donuts that this kid is family, and if he’s that concerned about family… “That sounds like a rather important task…” you hazard.

“It is. Don’t screw it up!” He warns acidly.

Right. Time to channel your inner Lorelei a bit. “Well, I wouldn’t, I don’t think, but I’m worried that, y’know, going all that way…could be rough, especially with all this mess about.”

“Hmph. Got wings, you can fly! Get there, get back!” He waves off.

“And just put myself at risk if there’s still shadows there or worse?!” You didn’t even have to fake all the insult in your tone then. It’d still be a risk, and as tempting as flying or gliding WOULD be, you’re not going to roll the dice like that. “You’d have to give me at LEAST a third book to make it worth that kind of stress.”

“Third book!” He snorts, then spits on the ground to the side. “Figures. Folks always wanting more, more, more. Mill the stone til’ powder. Feh!” He glares at you. “Fine, strange one. You get three books. You get there, get back by midday tomorrow, hear!?” It WAS getting late in the evening...but what he didn’t realize was that you could likely make it there and back in no time, if you really needed to.

“Fine,” you allow with a simple nod. He just grumbles at you and waves you away with a flick of his wrist- enough of his time has been wasted, he no doubt feels.

When you exit the hut, you take a look at the evening colors- the sun’s just about to dip over the horizon. The weeping Lizard has gone, and there are more soldiers out now. Many of the merchants are setting to leave, now, but a few remain that you can see...

>There’s what looks like an arms merchant down the street talking to a Bearkin soldier as they stand over a broken stall.
>You still wouldn’t mind trying to find a potions seller or alchemist of some sort...can’t see any at the moment, but couldn’t hurt to ask.
>Might as well get going, really, if he wants this done ASAP. No reason to keep him or the kid waiting.
>Other

>>3258078
>There’s what looks like an arms merchant down the street talking to a Bearkin soldier as they stand over a broken stall.
>Inform Izumi that we'll be on an arrand run this evening.
Did we warn our allies about fish-shadows?

>>3258078
>Might as well get going, really, if he wants this done ASAP. No reason to keep him or the kid waiting.

Sooner we start, sooner we finish!

>>3258078
>>You still wouldn’t mind trying to find a potions seller or alchemist of some sort...can’t see any at the moment, but couldn’t hurt to ask.
Lots of potential uses.

>>3258078
>You still wouldn’t mind trying to find a potions seller or alchemist of some sort...

>>3258078
>There’s what looks like an arms merchant down the street talking to a Bearkin soldier as they stand over a broken stall.

>>3258078
>You still wouldn’t mind trying to find a potions seller or alchemist of some sort...can’t see any at the moment, but couldn’t hurt to ask.

I WANT YOUR STRONGEST POTIONS.

Going to call it tonight. Will resume tomorrow, if a bit later.

Oh wait, guys! We still don't have any money!

>>3258124
Maybe we can pick up another side quest. Or they'll be super grateful for helping save the town or something.
We should acquire at least a little local currency to prevent this issue again.
Is there a universal currency, or does each race mint and distribute it's own, seeing as they're mostly all sovereign nations?

>>3258131
Answering this one since it's something you can 'look up'- a global trade currency. Not gold, surprisingly. It's a copper-esque substance mined from the earth and largely valued for use in complicated rituals. Value is based on the imprint of the coin, and forgeries (that is, coins not developed by a royal house) are determined via a basic and minor ritual (which is really more like a spell with components, such is its simplicity) that can detect whether there was the proper 'signing' ritual done to affirm it's genuinely made by the Coinprinters. These are a selection of High Ritualists made up of at least one of every major race on the landmass who also are extremely neutral and only print coins on request from racial/country leaders and if everyone agrees to do it.

Also, I'm just gonna say it- I'm looking forward to getting to the Veilspeakers. That's gonna be fun to write, I think.

>>3258201
Can I ask this: does Garotoum have a Henderson score in this mission?

>>3258078
>>Might as well get going, really, if he wants this done ASAP. No reason to keep him or the kid waiting.
the faster the better. not to mention no money to buy anything so browsing would be a waste of time currently.

>>3258078
>Might as well get going, really, if he wants this done ASAP. No reason to keep him or the kid waiting.

>>3258078
>>Might as well get going, really, if he wants this done ASAP. No reason to keep him or the kid waiting.

>>3258078
>There’s what looks like an arms merchant down the street talking to a Bearkin soldier as they stand over a broken stall.

>>3258180
Is this stuff what the prince is paying us in?
Also, everyone uses this as the trade currency, or just nobles? Is haggling the norm or are we just Weird for being broke.

>>3259827
-Yes.

-Mostly the nobility; the commonfolk can get access to such, but normally will either haggle, trade goods, or utilize coins with no or simple imprints depending on where you are.

>>3260161
It's been a while since the last HQ upgrade - do we have enough motes to purchase Ranged Combat Training Room?

>>3258078
>>3258085
>>3258271
>>3258541
>>3258609
Well, no reason to not get a move on. Besides, people are starting to eye you a bit closer, you’ve noticed. Ideally this’ll just be a quick in and out. But first...wouldn’t do to not notify people, at least. “Hylinde?” you call on your Murmur Stone. “Come in. I’m just letting you know that I’ll be beyond city limits for a bit. Going out on an errand.”

“I’m here. Errand?” is the response. “What sort of errand?”

“An errand to get us a little extra when we leave. Book shopping,” you quickly respond, already hopping to the highest rooftop you can see. You won’t be flying all the way there, but you can at the least get some practice in… “So I need to check on a village not too far from here in order to make that happen.”

“Ah,” she says in understanding. “Well, I’ll let the proper people know. Hurry back. Out.”

With that settled, you take off; no more fire to get height, but you won’t be gliding for that long, anyway- maybe a few moments here and there to make sure you’re on the right track. He said it was to the north, then, go around the lake, then to the edge of the marsh...shouldn’t be TOO hard to find...ah, there we are. A path, perfect.

Just as you expected, it takes you not even an hour to get there after following the pathway…

But there’s not a whole lot to see. Destruction abounds; although a small village, it’s been not just ransacked, but demolished, it appears. The bodies here are far less ‘clean’ than several of the earlier villages you saw, parts and gore littering the street, and precious few homes or other buildings remain standing. There’s a stone building that may have been some sort of storage area, a couple of houses, and...not much else.

You wouldn’t be surprised if Tu-Dah’s kid is among the fallen, but...couldn’t hurt to investigate and see. There are a few Lizards milling about, clearly shellshocked; limply picking through ruins, some consoling others- but not a one seems to even recognize your intrusion, such is their malaise. But, if there’s some still alive...well, that means you’ve got to at least give it a shot. You won’t make any real headway in this without talking to someone…

>There’s an older Lizardkin limping away from a trashed hut- he’s looking at something in his claws with clear sorrow, but otherwise is alone.
>A younger Lizardkin child is staring blankly at a burnt pile of wood and ash. No tears, but she’s got a serious case of thousand-yard stare.
>A young, male Lizardkin with a bandaged stump of a leg and tail is seated near a pile of rock and stone, holding himself up on a wooden stick and looking like he’s angry at the world.
>Other

>>3260298
If you pool together, perhaps.

>>3260298
Or do anons have different ideas what HQ upgrade we should purchase next?
My reasoning is that a big chunk of Miranda's new experimental techniques are ranged + we could then scape up enough motes to add Hardened Targets for newbies to train. But honestly our greenhorns also could use some close combat training, all of them are clearly lacking in that regard. By the way, the Lab has not yet provided any benefits to justify more upgrades, and Dorms are kind of meh.

>>3260330
>A younger Lizardkin child is staring blankly at a burnt pile of wood and ash. No tears, but she’s got a serious case of thousand-yard stare.

>>3260330
>There’s an older Lizardkin limping away from a trashed hut- he’s looking at something in his claws with clear sorrow, but otherwise is alone.

>>3260333
We did that last time we made a purchase, so let's do that.

>>3260336
Already bought the CQC area, so let's go for the shooting range.

>>3260349
We did? There's no mention of that purchase in the pastebin.

>>3260349
Iiiiii do not recall you buying the CQC area. Thread check?

>>3260357
>>3260371
Checking right now. I recall that it was after we had gotten Mono, but before we got Prima and Jago. We put in most of the funds, as Miranda and Izumi would use it more then the other girls.

>>3260378
Huh. Alrighty then. I'll have to adjust that if so.

Geez, I should've remembered this in the .5 thread...

>>3260330
>A young, male Lizardkin with a bandaged stump of a leg and tail is seated near a pile of rock and stone, holding himself up on a wooden stick and looking like he’s angry at the world.

>>3260342
Btw, why did you choose to ask the child? That crabby bookstore guy didn't say that the person he was looking for is litteraly kid?

>>3260330
>>There’s an older Lizardkin limping away from a trashed hut- he’s looking at something in his claws with clear sorrow, but otherwise is alone.
older ones would know more for a search

>>3260396
Miranda's been visiting the Care House a lot, kinda felt like she would go to the kid do to her familiarity of the kid's situation.

>>3260382
...I have to admit, I'm seeing nothing about the CQC area so far. I might be losing my mind. Still looking though.

>>3260408
I think we've purchased the Meditation Room instead.

I'VE FOUND IT!!!

I KNEW I WASN'T CRAZY!

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2875199/

Anyway, it's the Physical Combat Area, and we put in 50 motes for it.

Jesus, I was worried for a minute that I just imagined it...

>>3260422
We bought that too, I just can't find that particular thread.

>>3260427
Good job, anon!

>>3260330
>>There’s an older Lizardkin limping away from a trashed hut- he’s looking at something in his claws with clear sorrow, but otherwise is alone.

>>3260349
Let's avoid begging for cash off our employees for non-urgent business purchases. They will have things of their own they want to buy, plus taxes.

>>3260427
Well, ain't that a something. Alright, I'll mark that as bought. Anyway, I'll write this up, but it'll be the last one for tonight. I thought I'd have more time, but not so much.

>>3260457
It's not begging if it's for their own good. Besides, what else are we supposed to spend our motes on? A new flat?

>>3260457
Agreed. In fact I'd rather invest in the Blank Room for Cylica, due to how she helped invest in the Physical Combat room upgrade the last time even when she didn't need to.

>>3260457
I don't see what's wrong with pooling money for things everyone wants and/or needs. We're not getting any money for renovations from Sal, and we foot most of the bill anyway.

>>3260474
Then let her buy it for herself. We have our own bills to pay.

>>3260478
Then we shouldn't expect her to pay for something she didn't suggest buying.

>>3260330
Well, the older guy might be your best best for this sort of thing- ruined though the village may be, he might well know the kid you speak of.

It’s when you approach him that you find yourself a bit curious...he still doesn’t seem to notice you, but what he’s got in his hand...it’s some sort of trinket- a small sculpture of...something. You’re not sure, but it looks vaguely like a Lizardkin. Well, whatever. He can mourn after you-

“...what is this, then.” He phrases it like a question, but it seems more like...resignation. “Another creation of the dark, come to finish us?” He huffs out something vaguely resembling a laugh, but sounds mostly like a gurgle to your ears. “You take our homes, our loved ones. You gorge yourself on death. Mm.” He grasps the small token tightly as he can manage- but you’re not in the mood for his lamenting.

“I’m not here to kill you or anyone else. I’m looking for someone,” you respond. “A boy, on behalf of a bookseller in the city; told me to look for Tu-Dah’s kid.”

He lets out that gurgling laugh again. Oddly enough, he isn’t even crying, still. “Haghahaha...and what would it matter were I to say or not? He is dead. I am dead. We are dead. You speak to ghosts, creature.”

>Try and convince him that someone still cares for the kid.
>Forget it, move on to try someone else.
>Try to convince him of your good intentions.
>Other

>>3260471
>It's not begging if it's for their own good.
That's not how that works. It's saying "I want this, but don't have the cash for it. Can you chip in, you'll find it useful, honest?"

>what else are we supposed to spend our motes on?
>our motes
>our
That's the key. We can chip in for business upgrades, because we're the ones deciding to make the purchase.
We could spend some of those motes on utility gear or existing equipment upgrades (I'm sure we could find someone in the Intersection to improve our gear)

>>3260475
>We're not getting any money for renovations from Sal
That's literally where the company funds come from. He pay into our base upgrade fund through some esoteric system.

>>3260505
>>Try and convince him that someone still cares for the kid.

>>3260505
>>Try and convince him that someone still cares for the kid.

>>3260506
Sal did that only once. During Q&A Handler said that HQ pool gets motes through our donations, no changes to contracts.
Miranda is the division leader, keeping our outgoer outfit competetive, checking on our members and purchasing stuff for HQ is her responsibility. I don't get why anons ignore this so much.

>>3260505
>Try and convince him that someone still cares for the kid.

>>3260506
>That's literally where the company funds come from. He pay into our base upgrade fund through some esoteric system.
That was a one time thing. Ever since, we've been paying with our own cash, as well as what the team has chipped in. Sal's never been a part of those.

>It's saying "I want this, but don't have the cash for it. Can you chip in, you'll find it useful, honest?"
That's what we were doing in the first place. We'd call up a meeting to discuss what people would want to get, then everybody chipped in for one big purchase. We could have everyone in SES vote for what to buy, if you want to.

>>3260525
>purchasing stuff for HQ is her responsibility.
She has purchasing authority, but there's no way Sal would make us purchase company assets out of pocket, that'd be exploitative. That'd be like an IRL company forcing employees to pool personal money to buy break room upgrades.
We've also talked about buying outfits with company cash, so anyone can use them, there we never went with it. That wouldn't have been an option if that was a single cash injection.

>>3260505
>Try and convince him that someone still cares for the kid.

>>3260537
Well, our job contracts don't add motes to the HQ pool. It gets motes from donations from employees, employer and maybe Intersection contracts between companies/establishments. You could nag Handler if you have issues with it.

>>3260537
>but there's no way Sal would make us purchase company assets out of pocket, that'd be exploitative.
He is.

>That'd be like an IRL company forcing employees to pool personal money to buy break room upgrades.
We are.

Read the top of this thread
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2299314/

Check near the beginning of the thread.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2875199/

>>3260551
As I understand it, a contract pays more than we take home. What we don't get goes to SES directly. Part of SES's cut is paid into company funds every so often, which can be used for base upgrades or other company-owned assets.

>>3260505
Have I grossly misunderstood? If so, we need to have a chat with Sal. It's stupid to expect the employees to pay for everything.

>>3260565
I don't remember company subsidies being ever mentioned before. Handler's answer during Q&A was pretty straightforward.

>>3260505
>Try and convince him that someone still cares for the kid.

Geez what a happy old man uh?

>>3260537
well, we technically don't need to pool in money because sal slowly gives to the HQ funds, but if we want the upgrades NOW, we have to.

>That'd be like an IRL company forcing employees to pool personal money to buy break room upgrades.
We're living in a hyper capitalistic world that is just thiiiiis close to becoming a shadowrun world. Be glad that things don't get worse.

>>3260604
I can't believe that Sal's only donation left such a strong impression.

>>3260604
Again. He doesn't give us money for upgrades. IT'S ALL US AND OUR COWORKERS.

>>3260619
Maybe because it's a reasonable expectation that an employer would provide company funds for company assets?

>>3260604
>shadowrun mission
Now that would be something. A high lethality dystopian cyberpunk mission. Would be kinda hard to pull off tone-wise, but it would be pretty cool.

>>3260565
>>3260551

Sal's donation was a one-off to be nice. His split of the money goes to other things which will be revealed in the (likely near) future. Rest assured it DOES involve the company.

But for all the stuff you want now? You gotta cough it up.

>>3260619
>>3260636
Thread #30, post 1714928
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1705238/

>You’re authorized to utilize company funds in order to purchase general gear from special vendors for the team, which they can borrow. This includes uniform and general gear sets, certain weapons, and other such devices

>“We’re alllllso looking to spruce this place up a bit, oooobviously. I wooooon’t ask you to take out of your personal funds to do it, of course!

>>3260652
>>3260656
Hmmmmm....do 'company funds' mean HQ pool or subsidies?

>>3260652
Not like we spend with anything else. Besides the more sruff we have to work before a mission we will have better things to use to said mission which hopefully will open better paying mission to us.

>>3260658

>>3260656
Basically yeah, that last line is gonna be expanded on probably next time you get back. There are some cool upgrades you'll not have to pay for 'out of pocket', so to speak.

I'm going to be using the 'new progression' method of how everyone gets to spend their downtime then, so. Best time to introduce THAT little wrinkle in things.

I've got SO MUCH I want to write out now, I really do. I've been very recently inspired immensely with ideas for some possible jobs.

It's one of those 'guess what I've been playing VERY recently' situations.

>>3260669
It’s a mash up of Kingdom Hearts 3 and Resident Evil 2 Remake?

>>3260669
My guess would be Tyrrany and STALKER/METRO series.

>>3260669
I hope you worked into a villan job. I want to kick ass and release a bit of my edgy side.

>>3260669
Miranda and Lorelei in a zombie apocalypse wasteland when?

>>3260669
Monkey Island? A setting where death doesn't exist and we duel with quips?

>>3260848
That sounds like a Lori mission. Quips aren't really randa's thing. Still sounds cool.

>>3260855
No no no, see, that's what makes it fun.

Also I think you're forgetting that Miranda is a secret ham. Have you played Monkey Island? Guy Threepwood is the straight man.

>>3260669
Resident evil 2 remake? Kindom hearts 3? METRO?

Speaking of missions/jobs, what settings are you anons interested in seeing in the future? For me:
>Pure sci-fi world, maybe get Cylica and Owlia with us to steal every tech we come across. Space travel and such.
>hunger games/battle Royale world, I remember there was job option we ignored in past threads that sounded like this.
>Ocean world. I doubt Handler is playing subnautica currently. I just thought how cool it is to have a job involving the ocean. We went to a sky world how about a full on water world? Hell the job could be about hunting a Moby dick or something similar to Disney's Atlantis movie I don't care.
>Grimdark setting and where we ultimately end it's world. like that Nippon Ichi game: the evil route in soul nomad but still get paid before their world ends (or we just be a kleptomaniac murderhobo throughout the whole job.)
>Cyberpunk— racing in cars/motorbikes, stealing tech, hacking tech and punching cyborgs
>Magical idol stuff. just to laugh at Miranda.
>Military MGs
>tropical jungle world. We Apocalypse now.
>SENTAI/KAMEN RIDER WORLD. Miranda going full chuuni/ham would be amazing.

>>3260949
I'd like to see a newbies-only cyber-punk mission, where all of them could kind of fit: Jago and Prima as enterntainer bots, Owlia has augs, Mono as some blacksite secret lab freak. And Cylica as mad scientist team leader.

>>3260949
>Pure sci-fi world, maybe get Cylica and Owlia with us to steal every tech we come across. Space travel and such.
I'd love to steal a frickin' battle cruiser or something. "What do you mean We don't have the space to store it?"

>>3260656
Honestly, that sounds more like merch and decor, not proper upgrades. Though armory supplies sound nice. As for uniform, a simple 'Silver Eye' brooch would suffice. and gaudy bowling shirts with 'S.E.S.' written on the back with tacky rhinestones

>>3261217
>Though armory supplies sound nice.
A basic range of different types of gear (handgun, rifle, dagger, longsword, spear, etc.) would be a good foundation (actually, that might give our looting tendencies a use; we can just dump less expensive gear in the armory).
Alternatively, We could use it for highly specialized equipment, the sort of stuff you only need once in a while, but is expensive enough to not justify purchasing for ourselves.

>a simple 'Silver Eye' brooch would suffice.
I like it, though we'd need magnetic versions for the robots.

I really want to see what the robots look like off-world. It should be interesting seeing ho they're disguised.

>>3261013
Now now, we are constrained by dealmakers from just stealing things. We have to execute the captain and claim the ship as battle spoils, that works.

>>3261638
I imagine the first time will be quite alarming for them. They'll probably get golemized in magic settings.

>>3262259
Maybe with the right equipment, we could have them look like normal halflings or dwarves.

>>3262359
probably the'll end up looking like kids or midgets.

>>3262359
>>3262365
Robots turning into fleshlings...ewwwww

>>3260505
>>3260512
>>3260518
>>3260530
>>3260539
>>3260594
Well...happy fella, ain’t he? Nonetheless, you still have a job to do, and he’s likely the best option for it. You’ve just got to convince him that it’s worth the effort. “Look, someone out there was willing to bargain with something that looks like me to see what’s come of him. Whether he’s dead or alive, someone cares. Someone wants to know if their son, or their nephew, or whoever is safe, or otherwise, and it’s gonna tear them up inside if they don’t know.”

There’s silence for a few moments, and you do your best to not let your annoyance show. No reason to push things by accident...and for a moment, his eyes connect with yours- and there’s nothing there. A blankness you’re pretty familiar with- one that says that someone has lost every shred of hope they had because there’s nothing left for them whatsoever. A nothing that says they they’re ready to die and be done with it all, for real and for good…

“I saw the boy,” he says neutrally. “Last screaming in fear, running towards the grainary. Now rubble and dust. As is he. As are we all.” At that, he turns. “Leave me. I go to my daughter soon.”

Well, at least you’ve got that much…

Turning away from the old man, you can see that the younger girl has laid down amongst the rubble, still with that wide stare. The amputated Lizard is in a heated, yet quiet debate with an older, more heavyset lizard that has a bit of armor on him, no less; although it seems like it’s very homemade, to say the least. There’s a larger Lizardkin, and a smaller one nearby that both look despondent, but unsure of what to say or do. As for which building is the granary...well, shouldn’t be too hard to find.

>Head straight to the pile of rocks and rubble; that’s probably the granary.
>See about the little girl. She’s just...laying there.
>Ask the two debaters some questions, just in case.
>Maybe you could ask those two lizard boys about his whereabouts; if one of them isn’t him.
>Other

>>3263180
>See about the little girl. She’s just...laying there.
That granary isn't going anywhere

>>3263180
>>Head straight to the pile of rocks and rubble; that’s probably the granary.
Not our problem, and even if we wanted to we can't do anything to help anyway.

>>3263180
>See about the little girl. She’s just...laying there.

>>3263180
>See about the little girl. She’s just...laying there.
Maybe she knew the kid we're looking for? Having someone able to identify the remains would be useful.

>>3263180
>>Head straight to the pile of rocks and rubble; that’s probably the granary.
If someone needs healing or moving of rubble, that would be something we can at least help, but death is not something we can heal.

>>3263216
I guess the guy without a arm would appreciate some healling.

She's just...there.

Writing.

Short run tonight, by the by.

>>3263180
>>3263187
>>3263196
>>3263214
Might be none of your business, but honestly, the girl just kinda...lies there. Hardly breathing, hardly looking. She doesn’t have that air of utter despondency like the old Lizard does, but her eyes are looking at nothing and yet everything. If it wasn’t for her expression, you’d have thought her just going for a nap in the ashes.

The crunch of your feet does nothing to alarm her; neither does your shadow falling over her. Does...does she even recognize your presence? Someone suffering from shock usually doesn’t get this deep into it…

A tap of your toe against her belly does nothing. Nearly dead to the wor-

“Please, kick harder.” Oh, there she is. “Perhaps lungs will stop then.” Ah. Wow, this town is just done with everything, huh?

Well, you’re not getting paid to do it, and there’s no reason to, soo… “Outta luck, kid. I was wondering if you knew anything about a child- Tu-Dah’s boy.”

There’s a silence between the two of you; but curiously enough, her eyes flicker- for hardly a second, there’s a spark of SOMETHING there before it’s quashed, the dead stare returning. “Gone. Like family. Like friends. Like everything.” Hmph. Well, that doesn’t give you much- “Grain house fell, So-Dah ran. Ran alllll the way away that way." She points towards the west; you can see the swamp continue on, but getting even muddier. "All the way into Marshthings land. Then grandmother and mother died. Then father died. Then brother died. Then breadmaker died. All died. All gone. Just Mi-Rah.”

You look around; seeing at least three other Lizardkin here. You know that’s not what she meant, but...this is getting old.

>Just leave her. You got your info, and it’s not worth the time or the damn energy.
>You gueeessss you could try to say something...but what? (Write-In)
>Other

>>3263306
>You gueeessss you could try to say something...but what?
"To end so ignobly is to dishonor the memory of the dead. They will live or die in the truest sense with you."

>>3263306
>Other
>Hug her and take her to the other town, of course, after we find the other kid.

>>3263308
>>3263306
>>3263311

Maybe send a message to Izumi that these people need to be sent care to handle the destruction and PTSD.

File: die twice.png (131 KB, 500x281)

131 KB PNG

>>3263306
>You gueeessss you could try to say something...but what? (Write-In)
>pic related
>You're all that's left of them, now.

>>3263311
>>3263317
At least try to act in character for randa. She's not completely cold, but that's serious overkill.
Also, not our job. We're here to kill the bad guys, not fix those that survive.

>>3263306
>>Just leave her. You got your info, and it’s not worth the time or the damn energy.
I have no idea what to do here

>>3263306
>You gueeessss you could try to say something...but what? (Write-In)
"Do your memories of them mean so little to you that you'd rather die than try to survive for them?"
After we're done here, we'll take her back to the capitol. Hopefully, a relative will take her in. Worst case scenario, might as well find out the procedure to get a kid enrolled at the Care House.

>>3263306

>Just leave her. You got your info, and it’s not worth the time or the damn energy.

I'm terrible at this kind of stuff so i would just scan her for damage and give a small heal then move on.

Or we can go avenger and tell her that since none cabd be saved she could still avenge the fallen

>>3263317
well, i think they already know that and help will come regardless but i guess it never hurts to tell them how fucked the situation is.

>>3263323
but we are apparently trying to play the good angle in this mission. It also seems in character that miranda would also try to do a little bit more for the kid, specially when we are going to talk with the daycare kids after this mission.
And the whole scenario also reminded me of this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Mg6cad21cg at second 30, and oh shit, my heart strings got fucking pulled.

>>3263306
>as long as you live, so does a part of them
Then
>move on


>>3263311
>>3263317
>>3263328
A couple of well meaning words they need to hear? That's randa. Mother-hening a random nobody while on a job? Not at all like her.

>>3263343
Reread the first thread. She's done it before an important meeting with Sal. No reason not to do something similar.

Also, she wasn't that big on side jobs, either, yet look at why we're here.

Besides, it's dropping someone off at an orphanage or relative. No big.

>>3263306
>Other
Sit in front of her and annoy her/show something that would definately claim her attention. We gotta get those bad thoughts out of her head.

We at least have some words for the kid...

Writing. Mebbe last of the night, tomorrow will be a fuller run.

>>3263367
That was someone that is in The Intersection. They're our neighbors, these people we will likely never see again.

>>3263395
still we don't really lose anything with helping the kid. Actually, we would be winning brownie points with izumi.

>>3263395
We never saw the kid and her sister again, either, nor are we likely going to.

>They're our neighbors
They'd be our neighbors if we lived next to them and saw them on a regular basis. We don't, and they're not.

>>3263323
I meant for the Allied Forces to send it, not Izumi.

>>3263336
Yeah, this guy gets it. It's basically calling 911.

>>3263404
I mean, that's the whole motivation behind Miranda taking this job anyways.

> It'S NOt WhAt MY ChArACtEr woUlD dO.

>>3263427
I wouldn't call it 'the whole' reason - some people wanted to unwind after non-combat mission, it's been a while since we were the obviouse 'good guys', maybe someone was hoping to find another alchemist since it's our second Swords&Sorcery mission, and so on and on. It's not only about Izumi.

>>3263406
I think the kid and his sister were mentioned being seen in passing during that festival we went to. Being known to be involved in bettering the intersection might improve our standing in some people's eyes. And "neighbor" was being used more loosely since they at least live in the same dimensional space.

>>3263423
>>3263427
I have no problems reporting how bad the damage is out here, but we're also not exactly practiced in being tactful. Our look doesn't really scream "touchy feely moments" right now either. Plus, picking up someone and dragging them around in this context really is out of character, and likely wouldn't do anything for either side that a few words wouldn't do better.

>>3263431
Yeah, I voted for this because I wanted something straight forwards, where we were the good guys, and also to maybe some interaction with Izumi.

>>3263306
>>3263308
>>3263319
>>3263328
>>3263343
Tch. If you could get a small mote for all the lamenting you’ve heard in your lifetime...well, you’d probably go nuts before you could appreciate it. “You must’ve really not cared about them at all.”

THAT gets her attention, the eyes flickering up to you with something close to anger, though she doesn’t move at all. “What?”

You just shrug. “Well, considering that you’re just laying down here to die instead of doing anything to remember them by, or even bothering to remember their names…” you shrug. “Well, seems kinda obvious to me. Am I right?”

“You...you DARE…” and finally, she lifts herself up, a spark of SOMETHING in her eyes. “You don’t...don’t know a thing!” Yelling now. Good.

“Don’t I? Then prove it,” you say as evenly as possible. “Unless you want them to die a second time.”

That seems to make her shrink back. “You...you would? You could?”

You shake your head. “No. You would. You could. Because if you die...no one would even remember them. You don’t think they deserve better?”

She freezes at that, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.

But there’s something in there, now. A spark, kindling a flame. “If you do...prove it.”

Gah, enough of this. You’re starting to attract looks, which is not quite what you want right now…

Ah, there, that hut’s standing well enough to get some height off of. There’s not much light left…

Without bothering to say anything else to the girl, you leap up to the rooftop. She said that way, right? Ugh. This might get annoying.

Spreading your wings, you take off into the twilight air. So much work for a set of books…

...even if they’re good ones.

Yeah, will continue tomorrow.

Also, another heads up- recently got a promotion at my job. This will lead to more money- and also more hours. I MAY not be able to run as long as I used to come next week. Actually, I'm almost certain of it. What the new schedule will be, I don't know, but I'm thinking at least three times a week minimum.

>>3263481
It's worth it in the long run. Too often the QM curse is "I have what would be a minor medical issue but no insurance/money for it".

Like I'm pretty sure Vox died from a toothache.