Welcome back Culexus. What a pleasant surprise to see you still kicking with this quest.

>>4073948
my body is ready

>>4073948
IM GONNNAA
IM G-G-G-GONNAAAA
C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C-C
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

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yay

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>>4073970
>>4073975
>>4073982
>>4073985
When we last left off, your ship was approaching the small town of Scadam, presently under siege by bandits.

Albeit, without their troll leader, but ex members still seemed to think it was pretty dangerous.

As you near your destination, your second in command is taking an opportunity to show off the outfit she bought.

You kinda knew she was gonna, but you still act surprised.

You have to admit, a maid costume suits her.

>>4074053
"Well, it sure attracts mine. May make it a little hard to concentrate on the streets, maybe we should reserve it for private use?"

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>>4074059
Highball smiles at you and does a little spin.

"If we're going to a big city I'm either going to have to wear this or the diplomat outfit. The diplomat outfit may earn me a little more respect, but this outfit has one advantage."

HIGHBALL reaches into her stocking and produces a handful of iron skewers.

" I can still carry SOME of my weapons when I wear this. We shouldn't NEED weapons in a big city, but you never know."

Highball shrugs.

"It's a bean scratcher for another day, nabob. For today, I'd better be dressed for a rumble."

Highball kicks her shoes off.

Your MUTTERBOTTLE vibrates and glows.

>>4074077
"...yes, very distracting indeed..."
"Oh, I didn't think of the weapons angle. I guess some times it pays to be prepared for anything."
"I should probably take that."

>>4074077
Regain composure and answer your mutterbottle

>>4074077
Answer the Mutterbottle

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>>4074092
>>4074094
>>4074110
You unscrew the lid of the mutterbottle and hold it up to your ear.

LUMSDEN is on the other line.

'Hello, Captain. Because I will be unable to land for this adventure SURREY has decided to give the mutterbottle to me for now."

You nod, sort of forgetting she can't see you.

"Use the mutterbottle to advise me on when to lower the ship as low as it can go , so that you and the party you have selected can ascend or descend the rope ladder. If you want to ask me for any advice regarding this particular, just meet me up in the wheel room."

>>4074077
I CAN ALMOST F-F-FFEEL IT

>>4074140
Inquire how long before we reach our destination?

>>4074140
I like them mean and i like them green, time to party.

>>4074166
support

>>4074166
>>4074186
Sure, but make it short. We have a naked lady in our room, it wouldn't do to ignore her.

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>>4074166
>>4074186

LUMSDEN clicks her tongue thoughtfully.

'We'll be at the safe edge of the town in about 10 minute. I'll have to drop you there, as the moment you enter SCADAM, there are going to be random encounters. For that same reason, if you want to switch party members or retreat, you either have to get back to safe territory or fight off attackers while I lower the ship. That would be dangerous."

>>4074215
Good then off we go

>>4074215
Well, if we want to retreat when not in safe territory, it's a safe bet we'll be fighting off attackers anyway, so...
Also: look what you've done, Anon, now she's dressed. Oh well, 10 minutes is hardly enough for fun times in any case.

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>>4074221
QM: Just confirming.

You wanna assemble your party and deploy into the safe zone now?

>>4074234
Yes

>>4074215
Could you provide a bird's eye view if needed?

>>4074234
Might as well, unless there's something else left to do?

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>>4074256
>>4074265
You assemble your current party and meet at the front hatch of the SILVER LINING.

GILCREST is there to open and close the door he wishes you all good luck.

You descend the rope ladder:

Leader, DPS, Crowd Control, Healer.

As you stand on the edge of the safe zone, you can already hear gibbering , moaning and strange animal sounds coming from the town of SCADAM. You thumb your holster open and nod at HIGHBALL, who nods back.

Every step from now on runs the risk of a RANDOM ENCOUNTER.

BURSTOCK taps you on the shoulder and hands you the CRUMMY SCADAM MAP that she copied from the ex-gangers drawing, complete with notes.

"Take this, skip. It'll let you know where we can go. AND where we are. The further we walk at once, the more encounters there will be."

MIKE, who was apparently slightly lost in thought, chimes in.

"As a quick reminder, since you switched out RICHTER for me. Whenever I'm talking my text will show up as red."

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You flick open the CRUMMY SCADAM MAP and mutter.

Why does ever map in this universe suck so bad? Well whatever.

This map is basic and probably inaccurate, but honestly this is probably mostly gonna be a combat gauntlet.

A combat gauntlet with hostages. Great.

Well, the loot should be sweet.

>>4074321
Hmm. Well, a smithy seems like a good place to start--best case, it's a friendly contact we can buy weapons from and is probably safe, worst case, we can loot the bullets.

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Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4074337
You take a cautionary step towards the SMITHY.

A figure crouched in the long grass, stands upright and hisses, sniffing the air as blood gargles from its mouth and nose.

A BASEHEAD. A magic addicted living zombie. It can cast a single random spell.

It looks toward you and BURSTOCK.

roll initiative. First in. flat 1d100

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>4074373

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>4074373

>>4074373
do we want to roll high or low?

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>4074373

>>4074373
Just a lone basehead? Alright. Since we still have the element of surprise on the rest of the rest of the camp, if not the basehead, we should try to avoid guns for just now. Remember to keep our distance from the things, so HB should keep to throwing stuff. Questions that we should probably have asked on the ship (or maybe we did last time, I don't remember):
Does Draw work on baseheads? Since they can't originally channel mana, their MP should be pretty low, right?
Does Hell's Heart work on Draw?

>>4074408
...and when people run out of MP, they pass out, don't they? I like where you're going.

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>>4074381
You wanna roll high. So sadly you don't have initiative.

The BASEHEAD screams and points at BURSTOCK, and casts SMITE on her.

Your move.

>Does Draw work on baseheads? Since they can't originally channel mana, their MP should be pretty low, right?

Draw does work on baseheads, but their base mana is probably still relatively high, between 60-90

>Does Hell's Heart work on Draw?
It doesn't cause damage, so I'm afraid not.

>>4074437
Guse we give it the smack down
Gob gives it the staby
Healer cast heal

>>4074437
>You wanna roll high. So sadly you don't have initiative.
oh well

>The BASEHEAD screams
so much for stealth

>their base mana is probably still relatively high, between 60-90
so at least when we're low on mana we have plenty to recharge from

let's rip into him from afar

>>4074437
mike and mc both shoot him dead too while the girls do their thing


nice to see this back, sadly I'm off to bed, let's see how you guys did in the morning

>>4074437
Attack from a distance while Burstock heals

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>>4074459
>>4074466
>>4074456

You yell back to Mike, who has his bow drawn.

You and Mikeshoot into the basehead making it stagger and stumble uneasily.

Burstock casts BIG TIME on herself.

Highball draws out her cleaver and crouches down.

>>4074516
Keep it up, seems to be working!

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>>4074519

Highball leaps straight up and uses her LIMIT BREAK: GUILLOTINE!

The moment the basehead is decapitated it erupts in a hissing, burning explosion of magical energy. You were all standing back so you feel the heat.

Burstock drinks a mana potion.

Mike pats around where the bashead was, but there is nothing to loot.

Highball collects her cleaver and smiles broadly.

'This is gonna be eggs in the coffee, pal Joey. Onward to the smithy? We'll probably have one more tussle to get into before we get there."

===========

QM: Taking a break for lunch. Will still be able to phone post if you have questions or ideas.

>>4074516
Keep up the distance attacks and give HB an opening

>>4074534
Yep, I say straight on. These guys don't seem so tough (famous last words, I know).

Glad to see this quest back, been looking forward to it

>>4074534
Let's keep going and see if we can get in before anyone else can stop us. Once we're in... well, depends on what we find, but I'm thinking lock the place up and loot it thoroughly? Scrap anything we can't use or sell, then we can see where to strike next.

>>4074534
Continue onwards towards the smithy, but keep an eye out for trouble and/or opportunity.

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Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>4074544
>>4074577
You continue toward the smithy.

Mike and Highball are quite sneaky, but your spurs go jingle jangle jingle and Burstock is too dummy thick to sneak.

A small crowd of 2 THUGS and 3 GOPNIKS cluster out the front of the smithy. There is a person with them. They sound kind of panicked.

>>4074678
oh, I was wondering when the hostages were going to come into play
Burstock can give people soak with Big Time, right? Do that to the hostage, then Hell's Heart+Blast them to bits

>>4074682
if I did my math right, even if we hit with a max roll he'd only take 2 damage
should prolly warn the guy first, maybe, at least tell him to close his eyes or something
HB and Mike should mop up anyone left
my sleeping pills are starting to kick in, tho, so I'm off to sleep now

>>4074682
>>4074696
Provided anon's maths adds up and Burstock has enough mana, go for this.

>>4074696
>>4074704
So Blast states that it ignores armor. This panel shows the bleed over from Big Time as becoming armor >>4074516
I'm worried we'll roast the guy.

>>4074678
"Nah, I'm a businessman."
Maybe break out Douse and Mike's Cloudjar? Guns hurt.

>>4074732
Eesh, yeah, hold off, this isn't a good set of odds.

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>>4074682
>>4074696
>>4074704
Sounds like a tight plan, but I can't proceed without an int roll, sorry.

>>4074732
Shit, good point. Douse looks like it can only put out one fire though, so somebody's getting shot either way unless we douse one guy and kill off the other guy straight away.

My concern is that they'll just kill the hostage as soon as we start swinging. Maybe time for diplomacy?

>>4074682
>>4074696
>>4074704
Let's see... according to the wiki, Big Time costs 55 MP. It doesn't actually list Burstock's MP, but back in thread 4 it was 90. She just downed an MP potion, recovering 120 MP, so she should be back to full.
Big Time heals 110 HP and any overbleed counts as soak for the next turn. Unlike Channel Heal, that mentions armor, this actually specifies soak, so it might not be bypassed by Blast. 6d6+20=56 max, so 112 total with HH. Yeah, it all checks out, provided CF gives the ok for the soak.

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>4074737
And CF goes and replies while I'm still writing, ok.

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>>4074732
>>4074736
QM: FOILED!!

Well, devise a battle plan I guess, anons!

Also, XP bonus for the "Nah, I'm a businessman." line. Awesome stuff.

>>4074745
So armor and soak are the same thing, then?

>>4074749
QM: Effectively, yes. Sorry.

The systems still a WIP, so that may alter, but for the mean time that's how it is.

>>4074745
Joey: Douse 1 gun
Burstock: Body Betrayal other gun user
Highball and Mie attack Gopniks

>>4074745
I would say Big Time the hostage in case someone tries to shank him mid-fight, then douse one of the guns and have Mike and HB attack the other gun thug.

>>4074768
If this works, we should follow up with "Today's business: gopnik removal service".

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>>4074678
>>4074744

The THUGS fire upon you and Burstock. Your jacket absorbs some of the damage, Burstocks bigtime absorbs all of it for this turn.

The GOPNIKS, apparently fearful, crowd around Highball and shank her.

===============

QM: For what it's worth, mobs will never intentionally hurt hostages.

>>4074786
THEY HURT THE GOBLIN
THEY GET THE CROWBAR

>>4074786
Good to know. In that case, I say we go for >>4074760

>>4074786
>QM: For what it's worth, mobs will never intentionally hurt hostages.
Burstock should channel on Highball, then.

>>4074793
QM: Keep in mind they will be losing a turn to reload, so you can do something now THEN do that to them if you like.

I know there's a lot of info and gaps between threads, so I'm just giving you the straight dope on the thug's guns. They only fire one shot and then it takes a WHOLE turn to reload.

But anyways! Open to combat plans.

HIGHBALL snarls and grips an iron skewer between each finger....

>>4074801
Hokay. In that case, my suggestion is:

Joey: Shoot a thug
Burstock: Healing Burst
Mike: Shoot a thug
Highball: Chuck a spike at a gopnik

>>4074817
Joey's in melee range of the gopniks, so the crowbar would make more sense. Also, Highball gripping the skewers like that is the beginning of her anti-crowd limit break, IIRC.

>>4074821
Fair nuff, always good to train that swinging arm anyway. So Joey crowbars a gop and HB Blade Hails, then Burstock Healing Bursts and Mike hits a thug with the KARUBIN (which at a guess should kill him outright, can't remember how much HP thugs have). That sound good?

>>4074831
Solid. Time to test the new quasi-enchantment on our melee tool.

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>>4074821
>>4074831
>>4074855

You rush towards one of the THUGs and smack him with your crowbar. His thug leathers absorb some of the damage but it definitely hurts more than it used to!

You turn to MIKE who is angrily running up behind you to instruct him but MIKE draws a sawn of double barrelled shotgun and fires both barrels into the second THUG, shredding his midsection open and killing him instantly.

BURSTOCK casts healing wave on you and HIGHBALL.

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HIGHBALL uses her
LIMIT BREAK : BLADE HAIL

and throws a flurry of iron skewers damaging everyone in the group!

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The remaining THUG spends a turn reloading his pistol.

The GOPNIKS rush towards You, Mike and Highball and once again attempt a shank.

>>4074922
Burstock: Body Betrayal on Thug
Everyone else: Attack

>>4074932
Sounds good to me.

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>>4074932
>
>>4074952

You crowbar, Mike arrows and Highball machetes.

All the GOPNIKS are dealt fatal blows and are dead.

BURSTOCK casts BODILY BETRAYAL ON THE THUG. So they can't move or attack.

It is your turn for combat again.

GLORY KILL Y/N?

>>4075039
always.

>>4075039
Yes, if only for the audience

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>>4075041
>>4075042
MIKE fires an arrow into the thugs foot, pinning him to the ground.

HIGHBALL leaps up and slashes the thugs throat, almost to the bone.

You get a run up and clobber the thugs head straight up and over the third base line. It's up. It's up! It's OUTTA HERE!

VICTORY

You received 50xp PLUS 15xp
You all recover 10 HP for a glory kill.

LOOT

47 GOLD
1 Book of matches
1 Bottle of Kvas
1 Bottle of Vodka
2 Perka pistols
3 Bent knives
1 Can of black coffee
4 Bullets

The HOSTAGE looks around amazed.

"Is...is this you downsizing?"

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QM: Grabbing some quick snooze.

It's good to be back anon. I hope this will be fun.

>>4075067
start with introductions and what was happening to him when we arrived

then we can ask about the situation of the town

>>4075081
When do we fill the goblin with little gobins?

>>4075067
"That was our company's pest removal service." *stash loot* "Don't worry, they're the ones paying."

>>4075152
No canoodlin' while on the clock, mack. Once we lay this nest egg, get all our ducks in a row business-wise, and spend enough quality time with our lovely green dame, THEN we can consider the patter of tiny feets.

>>4075152
>>4075256
I'm not sure if ternion races and goblins are able to crossbreed. Somehow I doubt it. Besides, considering how goblin child rearing works, it's probably for the best.

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>>4075084
You sheath your enchanted crowbar and introduce yourself. You assure the hostage that the goblin cutting his bindings is on the level. Her name is Highball and she's your consigliere.

Highball *click clicks* as introduction

Burstock, wanders over to the hostage and pulls an iron skewer out of the hostages arm before drumming her fingers on it to heal his wounds.

"Volly Burstock. Vitamagus and ship's thot."

Mike is reloading his shotgun. He doesn't look up.

"Call me Mike, man. You all good here?"

The hostage scratches their head and rambles a little.

"I was honestly just staying in Scadam. I didn't really have a job as such but one day this big group of mean dudes - led by a troll of all things barges in, kills some folks and ties up the rest. Now they're just treating this place as their clubhouse. Eating and drinking and sleeping and taking what they want."

The hostage catches their breath. Mike gives them a sip of water.

"What we need is our numbers back. If you guys can find another nine people - most will look like me but not all of them - and get them away from danger. We can repopulate this place after you clean up all the pests. Make Scadam a functional town, not a grind zone, again!"

The hostage thinks.

"This next bit is less important -but- if you can also collect another 10 of those percussion pistols we could also arm ourselves. That way, when the trolls and his group comes back, we'll be able to spook him from this place. He might not even come back here! He'll have to go somewhere else, probably with weakened forces! That'd sure be useful."

Burstock, an experienced adventurer does a sigh so exaggerated she almost pops out.

"Add it to your journal, cap"

======================================
QUEST ADDED

BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Rescue hostages in Scadam (1/10)

optional

Collect percussion pistols (2/12)

>>4075870
>We know the hostages are dispersed among the buildins of the village. Do you know how many are in each building and who guards them?

>Also, what can you tell us in general about the forces in Edgewater´s gang? We heard about a slime.

Um, we should really consider trining with our off hand and going for dual revolvers. Then we can use magic hands to hold another two revolvers and be the magical gunslinger we always wanted to be.

>>4075870
Sounds like a plan, I think we were intending to rescue the hostages regardless so picking up a few guns along the way shouldn't be an issue, provided we got the pocket space.

Ask the guy if he's got a safe place to hang while we sort out the rest of the town, then carry on to the smithy.

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>>4075918
>We know the hostages are dispersed among the buildings of the village. Do you know how many are in each building and who guards them?

The hostage thinks.
"Well, there's definitely one in the big stone building where the troll holes up. I don't think there's any mobs in there, but I saw...something on the roof of it."

"There's also the smithy. She's definitely at her post. They're getting her to make bullets, you see. Dunno whose guarding her."

The hostage smiles at Mike

"She's an ork too!"

Mike turns to you and shrugs.

"Outside of that I couldn't tell you. I don't think there is one in the well. Most of them are just being dragged around by guard patrols. Like me!"

>Also, what can you tell us in general about the forces in Edgewater´s gang? We heard about a slime

"A slime? I haven't seen one, but that's also not that far fetched. I know Edgewater always has a wizard with him. And I know he's turned some of the gopniks into HACs, but that's about it. Most of Edgewaters strength comes from the size of their gang....also they're a troll."

>Ask the guy if he's got a safe place to hang while we sort out the rest of the town, then carry on to the smithy.

"Oh totally. We're good at running and hiding. Once a hostage is off screen - they're safe. Means you wont be able to find us again but hey, neither will any enemies!"
========
QM: Onward to the smithy. This will take a bit, sorry.

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Rolled 20 (1d100)

You dust yourselves off and enter the smithy. The door just pushes open, as the lock was broken off. Seems odd. Thought they'd protect it more.

You enter a large room crates upon crates of black powder and chemicals are stored on the rear wall.

Standing atop the crates is someone you suspect was once human or an ork, but is now some twisted amalgamation of ternion species and crow. They stand when they see you enter and gargle out a warning.

On either side of the room there are chained up baseheads that hiss and wretch at the scent of you and Burstock, straining against their bonds.

Between them is a muscular ork in a heavy leather apron, dutifully filling in cartridges. She gives your group a slightly worried glance then resumes her work.

Rumble.

>>4076752
Well, shit. I have a feeling we aren't going to be shooting willy-nilly, not in a room filled with gunpowder.

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4076760
Time to club a bird to death, I guess.
(I'm guessing we gotta roll initiative? Ignore this if not)

>>4076752
Shoot that bitd willy-nilly

>>4076752
>Gesture to the bird. "You are standing in what looks like a dozen of highly volatile munitions. The moment one of the baseheads chained at you feet explodes or misfires a spell, you, the hostage and the whole right part of the room will cease to exist. We know the basic distribution of your forces here and we have already taken out a part of them. We know your boss is out and he is your biggest fighting asset.

"Why not ply it smart when you are standing on top of a literal powder keg? Surrender and let us drain the baseheads and we will let you go. Any sort of misfire that happens in this room will only kill you.

>If he doesn´t budge, sweeten the deal with 150 gold.

>>4076760
>>4076909
My biggest preoccuppatin are the baseheads. If we don´t want them to explode, we have to drain them and that is going to be difficult with the bird attacking us in tandem. A compromise solution is th best that cna happen here.

>>4076752
>>4076911
Let's hope he's not terminally stupid.

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>>4076911
You step forward and authoritatively clear your throat. The Corvid stops thei battle cry and the smith stops working for a second. The room falls silent save for the baseheads clinking chains and their wheezing ragged breaths.

You declare, gesturing at the boxes.

>"You are standing in what looks like a dozen of highly volatile munitions. The moment one of the baseheads chained at you feet explodes or misfires a spell, you, the hostage and the whole right part of the room will cease to exist. We know the basic distribution of your forces here and we have already taken out a part of them. We know your boss is out and he is your biggest fighting asset."

The smith looks up from her work and widens her eyes at you.

The Corvid cocks their head.

"But why would you...?"

You continue your speech.

>Why not ply it smart when you are standing on top of a literal powder keg? Surrender and let us drain the baseheads and we will let you go. Any sort of misfire that happens in this room will only kill you."

The smith loudly places her tools down on the work bench and stares at you.

In your peripheral vision you see Burstock mouth something to Mike who nervously shakes his head.

Eventually the Corvid speaks again.

"I'm....pretty sure the whole building would go up. I mean...I might still get the worst of it but it'd be pretty bad for you I wanna say...like - this is a lot of black powder and mogspit and all sorts over here."

>>4076986
>Yeah, so you can see why a situation where that's in any way likely to happen - a fight, for example - is one which it's in both our best interests to avoid. So how about a compromise - we give you, say, 150 gold cash in hand, open to negotiation, and you leave us to sort out our business here with everyone unexploded.

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>>4076990
You call back up to the Corvid.

>"Yeah, so you can see why a situation where that's in any way likely to happen - a fight, for example - is one which it's in both our best interests to avoid. So how about a compromise - we give you, say, 150 gold cash in hand, open to negotiation, and you leave us to sort out our business here with everyone unexploded."

The Corvid lowers its head and winces.

"You mean YOUR best interests. If I attack you, I can fly down there, scratch you up like a cat on crack and return to my perch as a single attack action. Unless you climb up here with me - you gotta be on the boxes too. SO can hit you free of risk as much as I like. The only one whose gonna cause any explosions to happen will be you guys."

The corvid shrugs.

"So how about YOU leave. If I attack you - you die - I get a bonus. If you shoot at me and miss we all die. If you blow up the baseheads we all die. The person who dies THE MOST is you."

They shrug.

"220. Then I fly away."

>>4076990
Support. What about we add:

>I would be very interested on hearing about Edgewater´s latest operations. Perhaps you might walk away more than 150 gold rich if you wished to divulge.

>>4076996
Look here birdie, I got initiative on you so I can just delay my action for when you come down here to peck at me, you'll eat the full force of our cmbined attack and believe me, we have other, non fire or gunpowder wepon ways to deal with you. if you don't believe me, come and try to scratch me and see how well that is going to go for you

everyone redies action to fuck the bird up if he comes down

we cast hells heart in whoever hits harder

maybe on HB's guillotine

>>4076996
230, and you indulge me in Edgewater´s latest operations. I don´t think you are gonna work with him again after this, so this is a win-win for you

>>4076996
>Sounds reasonable. Pleasure doing business.
Give him the cash. Money talks more sense than we can, it'd seem. Be on guard in case he tries anything funny.

>>4077002
Talking tough doesn't seem to be working, and this guy's probably right in that he can fuck us up pretty bad.

>>4077023
it may not work but it will get us a better deal, just showing him he does not hold all the cards like he seems to think he does, and I'm pretty sure one or two focused turns can kill him, just show him that we know it too

if he went with his strategy we could just armor up and he would be nothing


"the deal is this, we can safely kill you and drain those baseheads, but it would take time and potions to do so, I'm willing to transfer some of the cost of those potions to you so we can both save, money in my case, your life in yours."

>>4077075
By the looks of it he basically does hold all the cards - we can't shoot at him, we can't use our main offensive spell, so unless you want to try to climb those boxes and crowbar him to death our options are limited. Besides that, if we set one of those baseheads off we're history. He's also basically show by this point that he's not gonna be intimidated by us.

Given we were specifically warned about the nowls here, I think we're better off dealing with this one without a fight.

>>4077082
we can attack him when he comes to attack us, he does not have ranged attacks as he stated, we just delay our actions and come here

if he DID hold all the cards he would not be willing to negotiate like he is, he is backed into a corner and he knows he will not leave here alive in case of a fight, he will even die due to our attacks, even if slower, or die in a fiery explosion

so no, he does not hold all the cards
we presented ourselves as a businessman, not an adventurer, so let's act bloody like one and drive this guy a hard bargain

>>4077088
I am afraid that driving a hard bargain here its too dangerous. No gambler bets more than what he is willing to lose and all that. I suggest we just ask him about more infor about the things we might encounter on the other buildings. Mention that we have a ship around the area to check if he really flees.

>Suggested deal: I have a ship around the area. I can warn them about you right now in fron of you and you can collect your payment there, to insure everyone fulfils their part of the deal. Give me any info you might have on this base (hostages hostiles..etc.) and Edgewater´s latest operations and I will up to 230.

I presume we have enough money on the ship to pay the dude. This also give us info about anything else weimight want to know about the troll.

>>4077095
I agree with bumping up the price if he's got anything to tell us about Edgewater and co., but I wouldn't recommend telling him about the ship in case he feels like hassling the crew. We also only have 170 gold in the safe right now, according to the wiki, compared to 242 in our backpack.

>>4077088
>we presented ourselves as a businessman, not an adventurer
Exactly, which is why I'd say taking the deal rather than risking a fight is the better way to go. I think we're still pretty banged up as is from our last encounter, HB especially.

>>4077102
>>4077095
Look, I'm not about to start and argument about saving a few gold pieces
I'm not against taking the deal, I want the deal
I just don't want to look like a limp dick bastard and let the birdie push us around like a fool

just present the arguments as part of the negotiation to show him we know he is full of shit

>>4077106
Then what about we point out we have a flying ship around the area (with the implication that it is armed)? He must rat on his boss. Then we make a call and we tell them to give him 200 gold or more if he gives us good info. Obviously, info comes first.

>>4077106
Who are we trying to impress here? I personally don't really care what the birdman thinks of us, and the smith already thinks we're insane for threatening to blow the entire building up - I don't think throwing more threats around is going to save us any face at this point.

>>4077115
Again, if he decides he wants to check out the ship for himself it's gonna be a pain for the folks on board. Richter could *probably* take him, but more's the better if it doesn't get to that point I reckon.

>>4077115
>>4077106
>>4077102
Okay, Disregard the last one. New Suggestion:

>Do you really trust those baseheads to just not miss and kill us all. Or start a chain reaction with the things that gal is handling there? Come on. You are too of a smart guy for that. Two hundred gold and we will forget about the look of your face when we inform the Vanguards about this mess. More if you have got good info on the town or Edgewaters´s dealings.

>>4077117
it's not a question of impressing, it's good that the bird might think us insane, if he takes us for a fool he can easely lie to us or send us to a trap into town

I'm not talking about threatening him further, just to point out that we are in on his bullshit and if we really wanted it we could kill him with, or without the explosion and we are deciding to make a deal that is favorable for us both

>>4077119
sounds good too

>>4077119
>>4077121
I'm still in favour of getting this negotiation done with as few complicating factors as possible. 220 is a lot, but we don't really have that many chips to bet with - he's shown he's not cowed by the threat of being blown up (that or he doesn't think we'd actually do it, which I assume we're not gonna), and he seems pretty unconvinced that we'd be able to beat him in a fight, regardless of whether we could or not. If we start suggesting that we can, he may well decide he wants us to prove it, then we have the fight we've been trying to avoid.

My recommendation's to keep it simple, go with this:
>Throw in some details about what Edgewater's been up to, what his plans are, anything we should know about this place etc., then deal. If not, we can do 200.

>>4077141
I concur, don't just take his offer as presented, that would be horrible negotiation.

Also half up front half after he fulfills his end either way.

Honestly, I'm not sure why you're all so scared of this. HB's blades and Mike's bow won't set off explosives, we can drain the baseheads, Burstock can heal and buff as needed or use bodily betrayal on the Corvid. We can totally fuck them up. Maybe we should impress this on him, and if he doesn't respond the right way, put it in action. No need to spend almost all our pocket money on this guy.

>>4077175
I just think it's a fight best avoided - even if we can take him, it'd be a long and painful slog, and we'd have to lose a bunch of acts draining the baseheads first so they don't blow up mid-fight, which leaves us down till that's done. Given we're presented with the opportunity to negotiate with probably one of the beefiest guys we're gonna see in this town, it seems like a waste to go straight on the attack. Besides, this guy seems reasonable as far as goons go, perhaps he'll come in handy (or at least not outright hostile) if we see him later down the line.

>>4077191
More like he'll fly away and warn the troll to come back.

>>4077191
Baseheads explode on death, not randomly. Also, according to the map, there's an even more dangerous Nowl around, not to mention the green slime that nobody knows how to deal with yet (but I bet it involves salt).

>>4077214
The troll is probably on their way here anyway, what with the looted treasure and the dead gopniks.

>>4077214
The troll's like two days away, whatever happens we don't have to worry about him for a while.

>>4077221
>there's an even more dangerous Nowl around, not to mention the green slime that nobody knows how to deal with yet
Yeah, and we may not have a choice when it comes to those fights, hence why I say we take the opportunity to get through this one unbloodied. If all goes well we're gonna loot more that 220 gold's worth of stuff from here anyway.

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You draw your revolver and thumb the hammer back in his vague direction.

The Corvid looks nervous and flinches.

You call up to them

>"175. Extra only if you can tell us anything about Edgewater's current plans."

The Corvid glides down to meet you. Its talons clack on the stone floor.

"All I know is that his plan is to bolster his forces with more money - hire more thugs then do a big push on Dunnlivin. That's the most up to date info I have. I'm not exactly one of the bosses...."

The Corvid accepts the 175 gold

"...one of that FUCKING PRICK's inner circle. Just another thug with a good constitution."

The Corvid walks out the door.

"Good luck on your rescue mission and what not."

>>4077435
Drain the baseheads and free the smith.

>>4077517
This, ask the smith what the deal is round here while we do so.

Hey he's back! Two days ago that is. Good to see ya keepin this going.

QM: im at work atm, so i cant update with pictures until i get back.

Are things going ok? Any questions?

>>4077798
Do successful negotiations and deals during adventures impact our speechcraft abilities? According to wiki Joey needs to work on these..

>>4078106
Yes, they will be taken into account when you level up, and you get XP for them.

>>4078115
Neat. Do the means we use to solve encounters affect our reputation or anything like that? If we bash in all the heads we meet or talk our way past said heads, will the word get out about that?

>>4078180
I would say so. Wherever Chimkin ends up, they'll spread the word about you being reasonable, generous but also almost dangerous. Not bad.

QMs honour, Chimkin is not flying to Kiani to dob you in to Edgewater. Theyre off to find a new life.

>>4078196
Honestly, I'm kind of on the verge of offering him a job. Eh, maybe if we meet again on a more neutral situation.

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>>4077568
>>4077517
You cast drain on the first basehead.
Your mana is full, but the drain still works.

You call across the room.

>"What's the deal with this place?"

The smith opens her mouth and shows her stump of a tongue. She then gestures down to her left leg, which has been amputated at the knee, then bolted through the stump to a steel pipe that is screwed into the floor.

Burstock winces.

"Old wounds. Gonna take more than a big time to deal with those."

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The baseheads cast drain on you.

Burstock recoils as mana is pulled from you, she puts away the kvas she was sipping.

"Hoo boy. You want me to start casting fizzle on one of these guys? We're gonna be here all day otherwise."

HIGHBALL beckons mike towards her.

>>4078829
Does "Gonna take more" mean you can't do it right now or you can't do it at all?
Also, at least we could unbolt or cut the pipe screwed into the floor, right?

>>4078836
...of all the spells they could have...
That might help, but I worry we don't have enough juice to drain one of them to full with the other one draining every turn... Oh well, it's not like we have a better plan. Do it.

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>>4078837
You cast drain on the first basehead. Gritting your teeth, you turn to Burstock.

>"Does "Gonna take more" mean you can't do it right now or you can't do it at all?"

"Oh I can patch her up just fine, but I need to be able to touch her and get a feel for her body. Not the sort of thing I can do in combat."

You look around

>"Also, at least we could unbolt or cut the pipe screwed into the floor, right?"

Highball speaks excitedly.

"That's the straight dope, nabob. Me and Mike noticed that those baseheads aren't attacking that ork, not are they looking at either of us."

Mike rubs his chin.

"So me and Nep could spook over there and either free the smithy, which would take a while - or we spook over and each free a bashead. That would sick them onto you and Ms. Burstock..."

"But it would mean you could lead them away from those 5 tonnes of kablammo. It'd mean you and thighs would have to hold your own for a round or two - but I mean I feel like you got this."


>1. Mikes got a plan. Free the smithy.
>2. Yeah, I got this H.B. Free the baseheads.
>3. I'll keep draining. Burstock keeps fizzling. We both drink some mana potions. We can wear these baseheads down, ultimately then do things at our leisure.

QM: First to three votes. Don't forget to quote the post.

>>4078858
I figure the smithy should be priority one.

>>4078858
>2. Yeah, I got this H.B. Free the baseheads.
I'm assuming Mike and HB can get to work on the smith while we fight the baseheads outside. Sooner they're outta the way the better.

>>4078858
A tough choice, but ultimately I think we can hold out a round or two outside the building.
>2. Yeah, I got this H.B. Free the baseheads.

>>4078858
>>2. Yeah, I got this H.B. Free the baseheads.
And then there were three.

Could free the one at a time I suppose, but that would draw things out.

>>4078858

>2. Yeah, I got this H.B. Free the baseheads

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>>4078882
>>4078916
>>4078931

You smile down at Highball.

>"Yeah, I got this H.B. Free the baseheads."

Highball makes a delighted chirping noise, jumps up and kisses you on the cheek.

"For luck. Go get 'em, Joey."

Mike and Highball slink to the back of the room and unlatch the chains holding the baseheads who start toward you with amazing speed.

Burstock playfully taps you on the shoulder as she runs out the door.

"Race you, skip! Tell me your plan while we tear ass outta here!"

>>4078958
I'll hells heart blast both of them, if they don't fall use body betrayal to separate them while we keep running

At least we get to look at her ass while running, these baseheads are gonna hurt

>>4078958
How well can we cast magic while running? Can we use mage hands to trip the baseheads? It is difficult to stay upright while chasing someone when something keeps pushing in the back of your knee.

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>>4078962
>>4078973
You and Burstock go running back into the long grass.

Burstock pulls ahead of you in seconds and it dawns on you that there's a reason she has the thighs of a speed skater.

You call forward to her:

>"How well can we cast magic while running?"

She calls back:

"Don't fire a blast over your shoulder if that's what you're thinking. Don't want it going wild. And if you turn to stop, those things will be too close."

Burstock is breathing heavily, but still manages to pull about another 15 yards clear of you.

"I've got enough of a lead. You wont have to turn around to cast a spell on me. Pump me full of your Hell's Heart and I'll cast SMITE on the closest one. I've got enough of a lead on them to stop and turn."

You focus on the middle distance as best you can.

"The one I hit will explode with enough force to blow up the other one. Killing them both. You'll probably still get caught in the explosion. But only a little bit!"

>1. [Hells Heart Burstock then jump]
>2.[Hells Heart Burstock then dive]
>3. [Stop running and turn]
>4. "Burstock *puff* your plan sucks *wheeze* and you're not in charge! Here's what we do..."
>5. [INSERT OWN]

>>4079002
>>2.[Hells Heart Burstock then dive]

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QM: I'm gonna be off to bed then work, so it's gonna be another large gap, but get those votes in. I love this thread and everyone in it.

>>4079002

>1. [Hells Heart Burstock then jump]

Let's see how high we can fly, should be a good experience, burstock is used to making this kind of experiment so we can afford doing one while she is around to fix us up

>>4079008
Thanks fer running. This is a fun quest.

>>4079002
>1. [Hells Heart Burstock then jump]
>>4079011 sounds fuckin hilarious, so it's worth a go. Burstock can fix a broken neck, right?

>>4079008
This shit's fantastic chief, love ya too <3

>>4079002

>1. [Hells Heart Burstock then jump]

>>4079002
>1. [Hells Heart Burstock then jump]

>>4077435
>made his subordinate "eat crow"
I can appreciate the joke. Maybe Edgewater isn't so bad after all.

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Jump action hero style, enjoy the flight and the pain after, it's an experience we will not have often....probably....hopefully...

>>4079002
Hells Heart Burstock then jump

>>4079002
Since it's their heads that explode, the smart thing would be to dive. But eh, Joe's not all that smart.

>>4079002
Looks like we're GONNA HAVE TO JUUUUMP

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>>4079011
>>4079023
>>4079054
>>4079071
>>4079426
Burstock turns to face the pursuing Baseheads, you imbue her wuth Hells Heart just as she casts SMITE on one of them, causing a chain reaction that detonates both.

At the last second you jump and ride the explosion, feeling the heat on your back as you sore majestically head first, arms outstretched.

Burstocks eyes widen as you fly towards her.

The impact staggers her but she remains standing, apparently still having several pounds on you.


You are both unhurt!

>>4080239
Muffled "that was awesome!"

>>4080239
"Uh, sorry. Didn't really think about the landing."

>>4080239
>Extricate thyself. “Thanks for catching me, Burstock.”

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>>4080247
>Muffled "that was awesome!"

"There are worse ways to travel, that's for sure."

>>4080254
>"Uh, sorry. Didn't really think about the landing."

"I assumed you were gonna baseball slide under me, I admit. But that did LOOK pretty cool. Annd nobody got hurt."

Burstock ruffles your hair and clears her throat.

>>4080353
>>Extricate thyself. “Thanks for catching me, Burstock.”

"De nada. You'd do the same."


Highball and Mike coming running out to see you.

"That was awesome, guys!"

"Sometimes the Q & D strats are the way to go."

Burstock smooths her outfit and flicks bits off charred basehead off her shoulder.

"Let's see if I can't sort out the smithy. If you guys want to grind, talk to eachother or just wait in there with me, those are all good options."

Mike crouches next to Highball and patches up her wounds a little.

"I...yes. That's true."

O fuk its back

>>4080595
Let's hang outside and chat. The smith might not want an audience while she gets her parts regrown. Plus I wanna hassle Mike.

"I think I need to start jogging. College life did NOT prepare me for being chased by junkie zombies."

"Thanks for not panicking when I started waving a gun at the explosives."

to Mike: "So Joonda, Nep, and MS. Burstock, eh?" *eyebrow movement*

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>>4080636
Highball sits down in the grass with her legs out in front of her. She rummages in her pockets and finds some pistachios which she begins shelling and eating.

Mike finds a high rock to stand on and begins looking around in a 180 arc down the scope of his rifle.

You take the opportunity to reload your revolver and spin it back to the right position, so you don't fire any DS or TS shots by accident.

As you walk up to Mike, he briefly turns to you and acknowledges you. Now's good to talk.

>"I think I need to start jogging. College life did NOT prepare me for being chased by junkie zombies."

"That would make me rethink academia, for sure. I'm not sure if there's anything we can get for the ship to help with cardio. Bit of time on the speedbag might help, but I think the rest will come from the right foods and more of this lifestyle."

Mike fires into a thicket in the distance. You can't see what he shot at, but the distant green explosion is telling.

>"Thanks for not panicking when I started waving a gun at the explosives."

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous, but we all had to be on board for that."

Not seeing anything else, Mike reloads and slings his karubin rifle, and instead begins loading his pipe.

"I don't really socialise. But I can spot a battle bluff. Any of us panic - you don't get believed. Simple. I really am glad you didn't start shooting though."

You lean a little closer, smirking

>"So Joonda, Nep, and MS. Burstock, eh?" *eyebrow movement*

Mike looks up from his pipe loading

"Your guess is as good as mine. I can start calling you Mister Donuts if you'd prefer."

Mike clenches his pipe in his teeth and begins patting his pockets.

>1. Wordlessly light the pipe for him.
>2. Light the pipe and shrug "I'm easy. But I reserve the right to give you a nickname."
>3. Light the pipe and smile. "Mr Donuts is my dad. The greatest of all leaders is also a servant."
>4. Do nothing
>5. Hand Mike your matches
>6. Light the pipe and say politely "I would prefer that , Mike. I gotta be taken seriously."
>7. [INSERT OWN]

>>4080690
>Light the pipe and shrug "I'm easy. But I reserve the right to give you a nickname."

>>4080690
>"Maybe in front of big boss types and that," hand him our matches, "I gotta be taken seriously on occasion."

>>4080690
>2. Light the pipe and shrug "I'm easy. But I reserve the right to give you a nickname."

>>4080690
>>5. Hand Mike your matches

>>4080690

>2. Light the pipe and shrug "I'm easy. But I reserve the right to give you a nickname."
>3. Light the pipe and smile. "Mr Donuts is my dad. The greatest of all leaders is also a servant."

>>4080239
Also, awesome art

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>>4080697
>>4080711
>>4080722
Mike continues to pat his pockets.

You produce the paper matches you boosted from the gopniks and light his pipe for him, he leans into it, appreciatively.

>Light the pipe and shrug "I'm easy. But I reserve the right to give you a nickname."

Mike nods.

"More than fair. Just keep it holy and I'll make sure to call you 'boss' or 'master' or whatever in front of important looking guys."

Mike exhales smoke.

"I'm from Tarko. If you wanna do a place name thing."

Mike shakes his head.

"Nah. You think of something."

"Anything else you wanna talk about?"

>1. Level with me. You like Burstock.
>2. You ever used to get lonely?
>3. You think it's weird I'm dating a goblin?
>4. Level with me - who is best girl?
>5. I should go.
>6. How do you think we're doing?
>7. [hold out hand for pipe]
>8. It's good what we're doing here, you know? Saving people.

===========

QM: These are dialogue options so only one vote is needed. They are for flavour, not branching. None of them are required.

>>4080766
>4. Level with me - who is best girl?
>6. How do you think we're doing?

>>4080766
>7. [hold out hand for pipe]
>8. It's good what we're doing here, you know? Saving people.


Wanna talk with HB and get some pistachios after we finish with him here

>>4080766
>1. Level with me. You like Burstock.

>>4080766

>6. How do you think we're doing?
>8. It's good what we're doing here, you know? Saving people.
I'd guess he'd be more of a Lundsmen guy, they both seems serious and on the level.

Ask HB about our flight, check party hp and stats(seeing how her wounds are)
"That was some proper action hero stuff wasn't it? I guess we are kinda going into the hero business ever since we both broke out of that potion factory."

"Don't look at me, you started with the heroing first when you tried to save me and got yourself arrested."

Have you guys noticed how Mike looks like an elven princess from afar?

>>4080766
>3. You think it's weird I'm dating a goblin?
>8. It's good what we're doing here, you know? Saving people.

>>4080766
>6. How do you think we're doing?

>>4080792
Careful, we dunno what's in that pipe. Gotta stay sharp for the rest of this.

>>4080837
>careful
Dude, we just jumpxploded, we deserve a puff and a handful of pistachios for the munchies lol

>>4080851
Correction
We have not just jumpxploded, we jumpxploded and landed on massive and soft tits which is ten times better


But I get you, maybe ask mike whats in it before taking a drag

But it would be cool to force the qm to draw fubny and distorted pictures to simulate being high for the rest of the run lol

>>4080766
>6, 8, "And please go with Boss or Mr. Doughnuts around those people. You're not an apprentice, and I've not mastered anything worth teaching."
>>4080797
That's nice words right there. Maybe we should get fit so we can dive and roll in the future. One faceplant into cleavage is an accident, two is coincidence, three is conspiracy.
>>4080863
I'm pretty sure he's not getting wobbly footed in a combat zone, it's probably tobacco. Otherwise it might be a painkiller or healing herb.

>>4080766
You think it's weird I'm dating a goblin?

>>4080871
>Mr. Doughnuts
Last names don't change according to regional dialects, you know.

>>4081305
Well I mean, there's marriage down the line so dating would naturally come first.

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>>4080778
>Level with me - who is best girl?

"Personally, I feel that all girls are equal in their own way for a certain part of society. Personally speaking, however, for myself; Lumsden is best girl."

>"How do you think we're doing?"

"You got more stones than I initially had you picked for and its coming out in how you do business and solve problems. It's a little more out there than how I did things. But I kinda like it. It's getting things done."

> [hold out hand for pipe]

Mike nods and bobs his nonexistent eyebrows, he hands you the pipe. You draw from it. Tastes a bit like cloves and bourbon. The remaining sleep blinks from your eyes and your ears pop. You see and hear very slightly better. You only cough a little. Mike rubs your shoulder and chuckles.

> Level with me. You like Burstock.

Mike coughs and averts his gaze.

"I've..I've not really been around anyone for quite a while. Just customers and traders, you know. I haven't been around people I'm attracted to for some time. I mean, you and Nep are in a relationship - so that's cool. Someone's in a relationship, I got blinkers on. But I mean. Ms Burstock is in open relationships so I mean that means I still notice her. Between her curtsying and having her above me on the rope ladder it's hard not to notice her."

Mike sheepishly pulls his head into his collar and pulls his hood over his eyes.

"She's just...she's really pretty.


>You think it's weird I'm dating a goblin?

"Nah, not really. I've been in the Mahalands so long I've seen a lot of different loves blooming. I was once at a beach and saw a goblin with a blooch girlfriend. Seen people settle down with trees out here."

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>>4080804
>>4080797
>>4080792
> "It's good what we're doing here, you know? Saving people."

You exhale some smoke into the cool late morning air as you turn back to Mike, who is smiling at you, broadly.

"It really is, Joonda. It really is."

Mike's action points have been restored.

=========
QM: You have the option of follow up questions with Mike or talking to Highball. One does not exclude the other

>>4081981
>Lumsden is best girl.
Excellent taste confirmed.

>>4081995
Chat with Highball a bit:
"How do you think we're doing?"

"Chopping off a person's leg, bolting them to the floor, forcing them to work while surrounded by explosives, with two living bombs as guard dogs. Edgewater needs to be put in the ground."

"Do you know why baseheads explode? 'Cause I'm pretty sure that's not a thing that happens to mages. Or, shit, did I just miss that lecture?"

>>4082040
+1

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>>4082040
>>4082040
You hand Mike his pipe back and wander over to Highball. She stands up when you approach, making a noise like a cat that just got woken up.

>"How do you think we're doing?"

"Ten on ten, as I see it. Putting you moolah where your mouth is. Riding explosions. Putting your mouth other places."

She elbows you, friendly like.

"Jealous.'

>"Chopping off a person's leg, bolting them to the floor, forcing them to work while surrounded by explosives, with two living bombs as guard dogs. Edgewater needs to be put in the ground."

"Pretty tip of the iceboig for trolls, Joey. But yeah. I don't think we're gonna be able to talk that guy down."

She flattens her ears.

"I hope he puts up a fight."

>"Do you know why baseheads explode? 'Cause I'm pretty sure that's not a thing that happens to mages. Or, shit, did I just miss that lecture?"

"I dunno the medical applesauce behind it all but it alters the body and how it interacts with the flow of all that magical hoobascotch. Like, with frequent enough dose of snakewater even goblins and orks can use magic. Something happens to a body if they drink too much of that mess. Something terrible."

>>4082095
>"Jealous.'
of me or her?

>"I hope he puts up a fight."
I... don't think I'll accept a surrender from him, even if he offers it.

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>>4082111
>"of me or her?"

Highball splits a pistachio into her mouth and thinks.

"Of you, basically. Much as I like getting close to you, if you flew into me like that we'd both get hurt."

>"I... don't think I'll accept a surrender from him, even if he offers it."

"Straight dope that'd be a bad idea. His crew's negotiable but as the ringleader - nah. Nothing but trouble."

She bumps against you.

"Anything else on your mind?"

>1. I was thinking about your maid outfit, to be honest.
>2. Apparently before he knew we were a couple, Mike thought one or both of us were cute.
>3. You can scout once or twice a day, right? It'd be nice to know how many more nowls are out there and what sort of animals they are.
>4. [INSERT OWN]

>>4082181
>3. You can scout once or twice a day, right? It'd be nice to know how many more nowls are out there and what sort of animals they are.

>>4082181
>3. You can scout once or twice a day, right? It'd be nice to know how many more nowls are out there and what sort of animals they are.

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>>4082188
>>4082220
>You can scout once or twice a day, right? It'd be nice to know how many more nowls are out there and what sort of animals they are.

Highball's ears prick up

"Sounds like a good way to pass some time to me. I'll be back in two shakes."

Highball sprints down the hill doing a few flips and tumbles to work between bushes. Before you know it, she is out of sight.

Burstock reemerges from the smithy, yawning and discarding an empty mana potion bottle.

"She's gonna be alright. Her name's Stukka"

>>4082328
Alright, let's talk to Stukka

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>>4082353
You enter the black smith, flanked by Mike and Burstock.

Stukka looks up slightly then goes back to her work.

"I'm not going to attribute to heroism what can be explained away with idiocy."

"But please believe. You have my sincerest thanks."

Stukka resumes working for a few minutes then looks up again.

"Did you need something?"

There is an exchange of expressions between Mike and Burstock.

>>4082367
"Might be a long shot, considering everything, but do you know anything about the surrounding buildings?"

"Do you have any pistols around here? Seeing if I can rearm the town."

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>>4082479
>"Might be a long shot, considering everything, but do you know anything about the surrounding buildings?"

'I know the well has a green slime in it. Not thrilled. But it doesn't actually come out or anything. It's just used as a way to dispose of anything ...or anyone that Edgewater doesn't want around. We just used it for waste disposal. He's put people down there."

Stukka admires the cartridge she has made and places it in the crate behind her.

"The standing bar and the tobacconist are just places for grind and some junk loot. I've heard people say there's good shit in the public wash are but people here are idiots. If there's anything of real value it'll be in the big concrete and steel house at the back."

You show her your crummy map.

She points to the '5' building.

"That's where Edgewater holes up when he's here. It's where he's keeping the mayor. Gold coins to grapefruit that's where anything of real value is."

>"Do you have any pistols around here? Seeing if I can rearm the town."

Stukka produces a percussion pistol from the back of her trousers and ejects the cartridge from it before handing them to you separately.

It's a troll stopper shot.

"Kept that hidden. I was gonna fire into the crates if I ever decided I was giving up - and Edgewater was in the room. I ain't gonna fight unless the whole town's in on it, so you may as well keep that until you have all of them.You can use the shot if you want.

>>4082502
"Anyone in town we should look out for? Anyone else forced to work for Edgewater?"

>>4082502
"Do you know anything about Edgewater's mage?"

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>>4082521
>"Anyone in town we should look out for? Anyone else forced to work for Edgewater?"

"None of the towns folk besides me have been doing work for Edgewater. Him and his gang have just taken everything else they wanted. Anyone can dole out booze and tabs. The gopniks rustle nearby animal pens for food. Probably why they're after Dunnlivin."

Stukka discards a cartridge.

"There were three people who got fed transmogs and survived. Chimken, who you've met, got crowified as a punishment. Not uncommon. It was odd that he survived.

Boris volunteered. I don't know what happened but his loyalty is absolute. The way the other gopniks talk, I am sure he survived the transmog also.

Lastly there is Neffa. She was already crazy and violent. Always strung out on dryad extracts or snakewater. She drank a transmog by accident and she's utterly gone now. Only person she doesn't attack is Edgewater."

>"Do you know anything about Edgewater's mage?"

"She's human.She dresses nice. Never heard her speak except to yell "NO!". But I had no idea why she was yelling it. I can't read her. Dunno if she's in it for money or love or because she has no choice. Her name is Jorn Taullopo."

>>4082558
Thanks stukka


I guess we should move tobthe next house

We'll probably clear the map to get levels and free all the hostages

>>4082576
Oh wait, we gotta wait for HB to be back, let's do it outside

Just check party status tonsee how everyones hp and mp is while we wait


Ps: I know ship Mike and Lundsman, poor guy is lonely, he can be a spotter with his good eyes when we are on the ship, keep him at the helm room hehe

>>4082558
>bankable skills
"Tell me about. You take the time to learn how to put out fires with your mind, and then some whackjob tries to juice you for potions. What a world."

>>4082558
>wait for HB and check status

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>>4082576
>"Thanks stukka"

"mmhm."

There is a bump at your side. Didn't hear her come in.

"All the houses are unlocked except for the big one. Couldn't find a key."

Stukka's eyes widen at the sight of Highball. She closes the crate she's filling and nails it shut.

Highball purses her lips. She rolls with it.

" A-n-yways. One nowl is closed in the smoke shed. The other one is now part spider. Eight eyes. Armoured skin. Spiny hairs. He's spry too. Clambering all over the big house. Looks like he's patrolling it."

"I spotted three more of those unlucky stiffs tied up around the town. With groups of thugs."

>Just check party status to see how everyone's hp and mp is while we wait

'Only one who ain't on all cylinders is you, doughy joey."

Highball gestures to a large, still bleeding graze on your forearm.

Mike wanders over to you.

"Lemme deal with that."

Your party is now fully loaded.

>>4082626
Alright, let's head to building 4 on the map, should be on the way to Edgewater's HQ

>>4082626
To the next building

Let's clear this place out.


By the description of the smitthy we may only be ablentontalk with the mage, the others may no be approachable

>>4082640
Lets go to the thug house to grab some more pistols

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Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>4082632
You only travel a short distance, so there is only one combat between you and building 4 (the gopnik house)

You come across a kill squad featuring a new enemy (sort of). The heavy thug can't use a gun, but his baton hits hurt more than most thugs and he has a few more hit points. He beats up whatever's left after these guys focus fire.

Roll initiative anon.

QM: I'm going to bed for a bit. If you get the drop on them, you may wanna think strategy.

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>4082662
Shoot
Smite
Knife
Shoot

Focus on one and if it dies spill the rest of the damage to the next one

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4082662

>>4082662
Since we have initiative, Mike should use a Cloudjar. Everyone else should focus fire on one of the thugs.

>>4082674
I'd say this, then work through each of the shooters in turn. Once we get to the big lad Mike can blast him if he so chooses.

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>>4082666
>>4082674
>>4082838
Mike throws down a cloudjar, causing all the thugs to cough.

You work from the left, firing a shot into the first thug, who catches it in the chest. He raises his hand reflexively but doubles over as highball runs over and stabs him in the stomach. He glowers down at her reaching for his gun with blood bubbling between his teeth, but a smite bolt from Burstock crackles through his skull lighting his head up like a cheap jack-o-lantern.

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The thugs barely turn to their former comrade, whose head disintegrates as it hits the ground before furiously firing at Burstock.

Thanks to the cloudjar, one of them misses.

>>4083591
I wish we had a damaging spell that wouldn't hurt the hostage so we could show them there's not just one wizard. I guess we could HH a bullet, but it wouldn't be the same.

>>4083591
Joey: Hell's Heart on Mike
Mike: Karubin
Highball: Attack
Burstock: Heal Thyself

The heavy thug lumbers from the crowd and catches Burstock across the face with a baton the size of a small tree.

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>>4083610
Now with picture. Fucks sake.

>>4083610
>>4083614
Wow, ok, I think we better make him a priority now. Can Mike hit him with ranged weapons from this close with no problem? If so, do this >>4083604 aiming for him. If not, maybe HH one of Highball's limit breaks or something.

>>4083622
This sounds like a plan

>>4083614
We gota beat him woth the crowbar

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>>4083626
>>4083622
>>4083604
You and Mike exchange a glance. He unslings his karubin and runs off panel, crouching down.

You cast HELLS HEART as he pulls the trigger, super charging his shot for 160 damage. The heavy thug's head explodes.

Highball stabs the rightmost thug.

The thugs have to spend their next turn reloading, so you may attack again.

Mike also needs to reload.

>>4083729
Nice!

Highball: Red Panic on injured Thug
Joey & Burstock: Attack uninjured Thug (probably should try to save on MP now)

>>4083729
Shoot the same one that HB's working on. "You shot the wrong 'fucking wizard'."
Does Burstock have an attack that doesn't need MP? We have a lot of fights left to go through to clear the town.

>>4083741
This

>>4083729
Just run in and start swinging woth the crowbar, don't forget the cqc

>>4083745
Disregard "shoot", use the crowbar. Better to use melee against ranged enemies, and save ammo while we're at it.

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>>4083741
>>4083745
>>4083785
>>4083852
>>4084040
Highball savagely attacks the thug's inner thigh. If they perform their attack next turn they will lose 50 health.

You run up to the uninjured thug and wallop him across the face with your ravenbar.
A kusarigama, slightly inexpertly thrown, still finds its mark and embeds itself in the same thugs ribs.

Burstock smiles.

"Yeah, this was a good purchase."

Mike has returned.

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The bleeding thug desperately squeezes off a shot, missing outright before bleeding out and collapsing.

The remaining thug spits out a tooth and fires once more into Burstock.

"You wanna fuck with a troll gang?! You dumb motherfuckers?!"

>>4084148
Your troll is days away. When he gets back, there won't be a gang waiting for him anymore. So no, there's no 'troll gang' anymore to fuck with.

>>4084148
"No, not fuck with, just exterminate."
>Bust his knee, give HB access to his neck. Non-resource intensive attacks for everyone.

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>>4084166
You approach the last thug as he frantically trie to reload. You smack him hard in the knee cap, lowering him and making him drop his weapon.

You say, matter-of-factly:

>"No, not fuck with, just exterminate."

His eyes widen with anger, but before he can talk, a cleaver is sunk through his neck, killing him.

Highball wipes her blades clean on the body.

"Cold like a shaker mid Manhattan, Joey. Not bad."

VICTORY

You gained 35 xp

LOOT

6 Cheap beers

3 Perka pistols

21 Gold

1 Small healing potion

1 Bullet

2 Pizza rolls

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QM: Fwiw, I do an up to date inventory and quest update to this page:

https://trust-a-goblin.fandom.com/wiki/Journal

while I run the quest.

So you can always click there to see where you're at.

>>4084208
HHRRRRMMMMM ~nice~

>>4084197
>free the hostage and proceed to the building

Hmm, we have a possibly hard fight coming up, I wonder if we should buff ourselves with something... dammit, we got the Grink machine but forgot to take any with us, didn't we?

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>>4084351
>>4084419
You enter the supposed Gopnik house. House number 4. It smells nice, if a little agrarian.

A single Gopnik startles up from his milking stool and eyes you all nervously.

"Just leave, blin. Not take hostage! Cannot mess up again!"

>>4084536
...yeah, listen. In a matter of hours, if not minutes, everyone from Edgewater's gang left in the town is gonna be a corpse. I know gopniks have it rough, so if you just leave town and never look back, we'll leave it at that. Hell, I'll throw in 5 gold if you tell me something useful before you go.

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>>4084548
You approach the gopnik, calmly. Arms raised. Voice even.

>"...yeah, listen. In a matter of hours, if not minutes, everyone from Edgewater's gang left in the town is gonna be a corpse. I know gopniks have it rough, so if you just leave town and never look back, we'll leave it at that. Hell, I'll throw in 5 gold if you tell me something useful before you go."

The gopnik shakes his head.

"It not going to work. Fucking troll will find out. I don't wanna get hac'd!"

>1. "Five gold. You tell me what you know. You leave. I give you a head start." [55%]

>2. "Twenty gold. You give me good info and I let you ride that buyfugllian out of here." [75%]

>3. [Hold up a six pack] "Let's settle down a sec, yes? You're not thinking straight. You work to hard."

>4. [draw gun] "Biggest way you can mess up is to keep yelling. Spill. Slink away. We're taking back this town." [44%]

>5.[draw gun and shoot gopnik through the head]

>6. [surround gopnik] "Sorry pal. You are in no way calling the shots around here. Let's start over"[85%]

>7. "45 Gold. You tell me everything - EVERYTHING - I want to know and then you're up and dust. Next time I see you, you better be in another line of work."[98%]

>8.[INSERT OWN]

===========================

QM: Quick refresher. Not only is it first to three, you also need to roll for your choice (only if it has a percentage).

1d100 roll, but this time you wanna roll low. Under the percentage!

two out of three rolls for the selected action need to pass.

it can be fail pass pass

pass pass fail

pass fail pass

But the first three to do it are the ones I will use.

Good luck, anons!