>>4184381
>Maybe you should mention that tug. If it leads to Ivonium, isn’t that what you want?

Hey, boss, welcome back! How's life treating you?

>>4184381
>Maybe you should mention that tug. If it leads to Ivonium, isn’t that what you want?
Wonder if meditation room effect is helping

>>4184381
>Maybe you should mention that tug. If it leads to Ivonium, isn’t that what you want?

>>4184467
It is.

>>4184459
Doing okay.

>>4184381
>Maybe you should mention that tug. If it leads to Ivonium, isn’t that what you want?

>>4184381
>>4184459
>>4184467
>>4184476
>>4184604
“Uhhh…” you hazard. Almost at once, everyone turns to you, causing you to jump a bit. “Eep! Uh, well. Just wanted to mention that I’m kinda thinking we should go thataway,” you say, pointing off to the left. “I’m getting this weird...tug-gy feeling. And it’s wanting me to go in that direction. Iiiiiif I’m suddenly an Ivonium radar, then maybe it means there’s a buncha the stuff there? I mean, since I felt it from a distance and it was barrels of the stuff, so…”

There’s a pause, before Miranda and Cylica turn to look at each other. “Is there anyone in that direction?” Cy asks.

Miranda pauses, then shakes her head. “Nothing I can sense. But whatever’s straight ahead, there’s a decent number. Enough for me to sense from here. Might be five or six.

“Hm…” Cylica pauses to think, before nodding at you. “Alright, we’ll at the least take a look, see if there’s anything of note. Aria?” You all turn back to the lady- she’s been silent, but she’s at least lost that dead look in her eyes. You’re not sure what’s going through her head, but whatever it was caused Miranda to give her a little pep talk earlier, and she doesn’t seem like the sort to do that willy nilly, so maybe it helped? “Anything you might be able to see ahead of us?”

There’s a moment where she blinks, looking at you. “...huh? Oh. I guess so…” Wow, okay, loosey-goose, just stop caring at all, whydontcha. Fine, she can go clamber off and die if she’s so lethargic, see if you care.

...wait. No, that’s REALLY mean, why would you even…!? Ugh. Maybe this is aggravating you more than you thought.

Still, off she goes, and you all follow as far as the tunnel itself. She slips under the cover of shadow as you take positions on either side. After a few minutes, she comes back looking both worried...and confused. “Uh...it’s empty. Well, mostly empty. There’s a big vat of Ivonium with some sort of suction device in it, sitting next to what I’m pretty sure is a small, dried up pond of the stuff. Just had a little left in it, the pond. That, and a desk with a writing pen and some kind of itinerary. See?” Sure enough, she’d snagged it, and from what you can tell looking over Miranda’s shoulder, it mentions pick up and delivery times, along with expected cargo...the barrels of Ivonium, supplies, and whatnot.

But that’s not what you’re worried about. Well, you are, but...you really want to get a closer look at that so called pond and device.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

>Just...you’ll have to ask for a minute. Shouldn’t take long at all to analyze! The vat, not- not the Ivonium. That’s dangerous.
>Well, with this, you can go ahead and strike while the striking’s good, right? Probably should. You’re getting antsy.
>Other

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>4184647
>>Just...you’ll have to ask for a minute. Shouldn’t take long at all to analyze! The vat, not- not the Ivonium. That’s dangerous.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4184647
>Just...you’ll have to ask for a minute. Shouldn’t take long at all to analyze! The vat, not- not the Ivonium. That’s dangerous.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4184647
>Just...you’ll have to ask for a minute. Shouldn’t take long at all to analyze! The vat, not- not the Ivonium. That’s dangerous.

>>4184647
>Just...you’ll have to ask for a minute. Shouldn’t take long at all to analyze! The vat, not- not the Ivonium. That’s dangerous

Wow, I'm tired. Last one for tonight, short though it might be. Writing.

>>4184647

“Hey, you guys, uh...I’m takin’ a look at that vat thingamabob, okay?” You hardly give anyone a chance to say otherwise before you start to jog off- only to get caught up to immediately by Miranda, glaring at you.

“You’re kidding, right? We don’t have-”

Something in your head spikes- less of a buzz and more of a painless piercing, if you had to describe it, and next thing you know you’re feeling awful heated. “Okay, look, can ya just let me take a gander at the damn thing for like 3 minutes? There’s gotta be a way they manage to be so efficient with it and I wanna figure it out! Sheesh, gimme something to do here!”

The way she scowls isn’t good; geez, are you going to have to force- “Fine. Three minutes.” Cylica says suddenly, causing Miranda’s gaze to tear off you and onto her. Well. That’s good! Always knew Cy was a sweetie...even though she doesn’t exactly look happy. Bah, she never looks happy. “Be on guard, everyone.”

Wait, she does look happy SOMETIMES, you nearly forgot. Miranda doesn’t seem happy, but she sighs, and simply takes a position up behind you as you carry on.

Finally. Now, you just have to see how this is working out…

The system is a massive...well, there’s fortunately not a TON here to it- seems like it’s a general vacuum system; but...hm.You don’t have the opportunity to do a deep dive, but there’s some kind of...compression? Going on. But how are they compressing a liquid? Hm...wait. The liquid in the container isn’t moving at all...huh. So they forced a matter change, did they? And still are, from the looks of it. There’s a section at the top, it’s opaque, but the liquid is passing through that…

...that really pure white liquid, almost like pearls, sparkling and shiny...wonder what kind of texture it has, the viscosity…?

“Time’s up,” a voice says- oh skies, why, Cy? Why now?! “We REALLY need to get going.”

Part of you GETS it. Really, you do. But this is something fascinating! You can’t just leave right now...but you’re going to be getting a lot more in a bit, right? Even though it’s right here… agghh! “O-okay…” you murmur out, sudden buzzing in your head throwing you off again. “F-fine, just let’s make it quick.” The looks the others are giving you are worrisome...mostly because they look worried.

(cont.)

>>4184783
“You heard her, let’s finish UP with this pest removal!” Cy says, clearly galvanized. Maybe she gets why this is so important to you.

...well, you’d like her to tell you the answer, yourself. Not like you’re sure. It’s just been…

Before you can continue that train of thought, you find yourself at the end of a hallway- and this time in front of some sort of makeshift door; something crude, but still something you can’t see beyond. Miranda speaks up here as you back against the wll. “They should be just ahead. Be ready for hostile action. Aria.” The last bit is said as she looks to the person in question. “You don’t have to kill them. But make damn sure you knock them out.”

“R-right! She says, at least a bit more galvanized.

“Alright, ready? Go!” she announces- seems like Cy is at least fine with handing over the reigns to combat. You are, too.

And maybe you can work out some of this annoying frustration with this FREAKING HEAD BUZZ.

>Roll 5d20, best of three.

Rolled 3, 13, 16, 3, 8 = 43 (5d20)

>>4184784
I have tinnitus, know that feeling too well.

Rolled 1, 11, 10, 15, 1 = 38 (5d20)

>>4184784
Roll!

Rolled 11, 17, 1, 9, 2 = 40 (5d20)

>>4184784

Well. A mix. Some foes to watch out for some...not so much.

Also Owlia. Poor Owl, but yes the meditation is helping. Otherwise...well. You can probably guess.

See you all tomorrow.

>>4184814
Thankfully this should be the last encounter of this dungeon delve.

Right?

>>4184817
We've barely even scratched the surface

>>4184817
we're probably going to go load up those vats and make another couple of trips down here and have new encounters then. Plus we haven't found the antagonists OR protagonists yet, unless those young wizards were the protags. They had the protag disregard for authority and luck down.

>>4185668
Anon, you talk about it like we're stealing wifi instead of something their whole cult can't live without. Better to clear out the whole base in one go and use their own equipment to collect our objective instead of making several raids and giving them breathing room build their defences.

Writing shortly.

>>4184784
>>4184786
>>4184789
>>4184792
Miranda kicks the door in, and almost immediately there’s a volley of magic exchanged between you two- Miranda’s quick to throw up a barrier for protection, the various light beams and earthen spears shattering against the glowing wall harmlessly as Cylica fires back. The arc of lightning she emits causes the five clearly masked mages to duck and cover behind a number of boxes and other cover- enough time for Nura to dive into the shadows once more and vanish from view. Still, it keeps you three occupied; at least two of them conjured a MASSIVE fireball you can feel the heat from even despite being protected against, and the other, judging by how he turned away, is focusing on trying to keep track of wherever Nura went, although how, you have no clue.

That is, until his eyeholes begin glowing, and he points to some random spot on the wall. That leads to one of the other mages turning away, and casting some sort of massive flame, floating in the air and controlled by him, being protected by his mobile two squadmates.

You can’t do anything as Cylica throws out another bolt- this time apparently intenting to hit the METAL digging device one of them was hiding behind. There’s a short shout of pain before just the sound of shocking, but even as you’re still pressed, with Miranda trying to walk you all over to a rock outcropping for cover, you feel like you have to act ASAP- these guys are already REALLY starting to grate on you.

Eventually, with an irritated groan, you decide on:

>Current Mana: 2050?
>Taking to the air and raining death from above- aerial superiority will always win out!
>Adding to the thunderstorm with a Shock Orb; it’s a bit...indiscriminate, but it’ll certainly do work!
>Smashing. Lots of Smashing. Exceptional Smashing! Unexpected and very cathartic!
>Other

>>4186211
>>Adding to the thunderstorm with a Shock Orb; it’s a bit...indiscriminate, but it’ll certainly do work!
Bzzzzt!

>>4186211
>Adding to the thunderstorm with a Shock Orb; it’s a bit...indiscriminate, but it’ll certainly do work!

>Current Mana: 2050?
Owlia's maximum tank is 2000. This explains the buzzing in the head.

>>4186211
>Adding to the thunderstorm with a Shock Orb; it’s a bit...indiscriminate, but it’ll certainly do work!

>>4186211
>Taking to the air and raining death from above- aerial superiority will always win out!
Air force! Air force! Air force!
If only Owlia brought her X-drones, those would be perfect for fighting mages!

>>4186211
>Adding to the thunderstorm with a Shock Orb; it’s a bit...indiscriminate, but it’ll certainly do work!

>>4186224
Well Owlia said that it's still in it's early stages and very unstable so she didn't take it with us. I don't think it would be a good idea to use an unfinished and untested anti-mage device in a small closed environment.

>>4186211
> Operation Z1 test run

Owlia brought it along, right?

>>4186249
>>4186211
Well if not,

> Use an assault crystal for a SMASHING GOOD TIME!

...It does NOT feel like 45 minutes passed.

Anyway, buzz buzz. Writing.

>>4186211
>>4186214
>>4186217
>>4186222
>>4186226
>Current Mana: 1450?

Well, Cy seems to have the right idea. “Heads up!” you call as you concentrate. A little technique that she taught you- with the help of a certain crystal. It’s not nearly as refined as her lightning, but…

Well, it does damage, and that’s the important part! The crackling grows bigger and bigger, and you have to focus the current and drive it back on itself for now...as the others see what you’re trying to do, there’s a bit of a scramble as it grows from fitting in the palm of your hand, to not fitting in both- ah, but you don’t have much time since you’re not the only one that can see this happening. Physically pushing, you send the electric orb up and over the barrier, the masked men already trying to intercept or avoid it- which doesn’t work well when the first bolt practically splits the fireball sent at it, dispersing it somehow, and striking the sender square in the chest, his robes on fire as he’s thrown back with a scream.

“Haha!” That was pretty funny the way he flailed. There we are, that feels a LOT better. That buzzing’s gone down a lot- although not entirely gone, which is a shame- and now everyone’s running away from your orb of electric pain!

“Dearest, excellent strategy,” Cy says, but there’s something in her voice… “But did you ever manage to solve that ‘friendly fire’ issue?”

Really? That’s a silly question. “Huh? No, I told you, there IS no friendly fire solution. Why do you-” Oh wait. “Ohhhhh.” Well, that’s...not good. And just as she’s reforming to strike one of the fleeing fighters. “ARIA, get away from there!”

She quickly backs off just as a bolt streaks to where she was, causing her to yelp. “What the-?!”

“Sorry!” you yell as Miranda groans. Nura, fortunately, just nods, and keeps at a distance, though you’re unsure what she can do next.

“Stay with me and let’s push up!” she orders, and the three of you charge, pursuing the fleeing enemies. “But be careful!”


> You can force them to stay pinned down with your own beams. Then everyone else can have at ‘em!
> They’re disorganized and running- just disperse the orb and have at them!
> Stick behind, keep an eye on Nura juuust in case.
> Other

>>4186398
> You can force them to stay pinned down with your own beams. Then everyone else can have at ‘em!

Let's play it safe.

>“Haha!” That was pretty funny the way he flailed. There we are, that feels a LOT better. That buzzing’s gone down a lot- although not entirely gone, which is a shame- and now everyone’s running away from your orb of electric pain!

Using mana eases the headache, that confirms that overfilling the mana tank will cause issues.

>>4186398
>> You can force them to stay pinned down with your own beams. Then everyone else can have at ‘em!

>>4186398
> You can force them to stay pinned down with your own beams. Then everyone else can have at ‘em!

Badabadabadabada

Writing.

>>4186398
>Other
>Control your Orb to flush them out of cover

Shock Orb- 300 (600) Mana

Owlia can conjure a ball of lightning, shocking anyone near it. She can infuse more mana to make it up to beach ball sized. The ball can be controlled and sustained even through shocking, unless it's engulfed by something.

>>4186460
Aw man, I'm late to the party

File: file.png (493 KB, 562x453)

493 KB PNG

What Spark Orb most likely look, and function like.

>>4186398
>>4186410
>>4186413
>>4186418

You’re still kind of annoyed, which is why you can’t help a bit of a grin as you run up, crystal glowing. They’re scared, they’re wondering what the heck, and that’s the kinda confusion you...wait, no, you don’t revel in that.

But it works here, so it’s fine. “Badabadabadabada!” Vocalizations are fun. And the actual attacks are effective, as although the bolts you fire may not be the most dangerous things ever, they do a good enough job of tripping up...well, if not all, then at the least most of the fleeing mages. You’re honestly glad that so far, the worst issue has been the beetle and probably your own thoughts. It’d suck if you really had to-

*BAM*

Oh dear. Well, that can’t be good- especially because you’re nearly thrown off your feet thanks to whatever caused that explosion, scattering the mages and nearly your friends. There’s a lot of rock and gravel, and you’re uncertain as to why...not to mention what happened to Nura, who’s...well, somewhere, you think. Still, no time to ask right now, not when you’ve got…

Some sort of...giant...white...glowing...scaled bear? With two heads?

The beast roars, shaking the cavern, and with that, plus your head buzzing like SO MANY BEES are in it, you’re honestly worried for the first time since coming down here.

“It just gets worse and worse…” Miranda mutters as she takes up a fighting position.

“What in the world…?! How did-” Cy starts, but it’s already charging as she gets the words out.

>Action! Also roll 2d20, best of three.

(Also I fell asleep so I’m posting this then going back to do that again. Night.)

>>4186535
Yeah, that looks about right.

Rolled 5, 17 = 22 (2d20)

>>4186642

>>4186642
>Max Power Beam
IMMAFIRINGMAHLAZOR
Time for our training to pay off

Rolled 11, 11 = 22 (2d20)

>>4186642

Rolled 13, 19 = 32 (2d20)

>>4186642

>>4186289
>>4186286
We have teleportation plate mark 2, experimental healing barrier, multversal comms and levitation crystals for everyone.

>>4186642
>>4186663
>Also make sure that it's Ivonium-corrupted gibblets won't splatter all over you - warn Miranda to ready a Barrier

>>4186642
We can switch POVs anytime we want right? I vote for

>Switch to Miranda.
>Trip/Trap the bear with Barriers.
>Signal the others bombard it while it is stunned. Join in with a couple of bolts too.

It's charging at us, should be easy enough to do so.

>>4186789
Supporting. Was gonna suggest a Ring but Barriers have much faster cast time.

>>4186789
+

We fight the bear tomorrow. Today was really REALLY annoying even though it's work from home, and I need to decompress.

Fucking managers don't know what the fuck they're talking about and setting literally impossible goals and getting mad when we offer suggestions to make the shit better. At a point where we're just gaming the system to keep our asses out of the fryer for otherwise DOING OUR JOB EFFECTIVELY.

But no, they just care about THE NUMBERS, MASON.

So yeah, today wasn't particularly pleasant. I'm gonna cook some greasy food and play something calming.

>>4188118
Tough break boss. Middle management is always the same crok of shit wherever you go, bunch of ideas guys who don't even know what they want until someone in a bigger suit slaps them.

>>4186642
>>4186642
>>4186661
>>4186677
>>4186680
Current Mana: 10000/12500

Well, this is a fine damn mess. You aren’t sure just what THIS thing has in store, but if it’s anything like the beetle, it’s going to be a pain if you don’t go at it full force from the beginning; thank goodness those shotgun punches were effect on the beetle carapace, otherwise that would’ve been a LOT uglier than it was.

As it is, you figure you’ll have to do the same here. Which is why you’re quick to throw up yet another barrier as the thing charges forward- clearly intent on munching on the lot of you, and seemingly heedless of whoever’s in its way. The green wall flashes up in front of Owlia a second before it smashes into the thing, a deep rumble going along the construct, to your surprise. That’s a damn hard hit for pure physical force…then again, was it just physical?

Gah, not the time to worry about it. You shift the wall sideways as the beast recoils, then move it to ram into its legs; frankly, you’re hoping to cut them off outright...but that doesn’t quite happen.

Rather, despite the sharp edges of your barrier, it’s like it...gets caught? As the beast roars in pain on impact, there’s a point, a bit less than halfway into its legs, where you find a surprising amount of resistance, or...something, that’s causing your barrier to slip from your control the more you push at it. What could…

Before you can think on that, you see a sudden mass of shadow descend from the ceiling, and almost immediately alight on the creature’s back; one head moves to bite the unwanted passenger, but she dodges out of the way, still mounted- and plunges one thin, dangerous dagger into the back of the head. That’s enough to cause it to bellow out again, and moreover, shock it into movement somehow, nearly bucking Nura off- and causing YOU to lose your grip?

You pull the barrier out, but there’s white goop on it, and spreading...Ivonium, of course. And already it feels like it’s dissipating your own mana, somehow, or maybe dissolving it, as the white goop seems to almost GROW as it spreads along your own.

Enough of that. You drop the barrier as you shout to the rest. “Focus fire on this thing, NOW!” For that, you’re quick to launch your own magi-blasts, and frankly you hope you can put this thing down for good.

Not like Owlia or Cylica needed any prompting as Nura hops off; a sizable beam of energy impacts its side, and Cylica’s usual lighting storm dominates the air as everyone fires off at it, sloughing off bits and pieces of skin, meat, and other aspects as its roaring continues...but to your honest shock, it’s…regenerating. And FAST. You can’t fire off anything bigger here, though, not unless you want to cause a cave-in!

(cont.)

>>4190372
“Uhhh...I dunno...how much longer...I can do that,” Owlia pants out as she briefly stops. The thing’s almost reduced to white goop and a skeleton, but yet somehow... the beast rises again, the Ivonium that is it coagulating like slime, forming over bone, reshaping muscle… “This might...not be good…”

No shit.

“Perhaps we can bait it somewhere?” Cylica asks quickly before she turns pensive for a moment. “If we can’t kill it, we can at least remove its influence on us...hm...” Right, she should be leading. So

>Not like you’ve got a better plan. Okay, then, but she better have a good plan, fast.
>No, no. In this case, you’ve got to eradicate it. And the plan involves careful yet prodigious amounts of fire and shadow.
>That might not be as good as your plan... (Other)

>>4190375
>Not like you’ve got a better plan. Okay, then, but she better have a good plan, fast.

Don't have any time to think at the moment, let's hear what Cyclica has in mind.

No close quarters and punching, don't want any of those Ivonium splashing on us.

>>4190375
>"Does your plan involve bending it's mind with your illusion spell to have it attack it's handlers? Because I'm down with that."

>>4190375
>Not like you’ve got a better plan. Okay, then, but she better have a good plan, fast
>"Does your mind bending work on beasts?"
We need to remove the Ivonium from it somehow.

>>4190388
>>4190390
Supporting these.

ACTUALLY

>You pull the barrier out, but there’s white goop on it, and spreading...Ivonium, of course. And already it feels like it’s dissipating your own mana, somehow, or maybe dissolving it, as the white goop seems to almost GROW as it spreads along your own.

I'm guessing magical attacks seem to trigger its' healing.
We need to bring out the mundane guns. Gaia is magical so it's out.

>>4190410
That's solid logic, going mundane damage would stop it's ivonium ...skeleton? from absorbing magic.
Is this an X-men Wolverine situation? Did these sickos inject ivonium into animal bones?

>>4190410
What do we have? Handler hasn't updated the pastebin inventories so I'm missing out.

>>4190375
>Other
>Lure it into Cylica's portal and close it - that should bisect it.
There's also a rocket launcher if we want to use conventional weapons. And the school kids said that the cultist wands are extra effective, so maybe Nura can use the one she's looted earlier.

>>4190433
>>4190427
Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H43OFoxE9QyMgIqBg_YdPO7IPn7_ES6iST7Xnv9Ou7Q/edit?usp=drivesdk

Item List
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z3xqyWOe5upXuYIUsBSV4pWkC1sG0mnYzn_lJyRJZiI/edit?usp=drivesdk

>>4190443
This can work, I forgot we can telefrag with Cyl's portal. Luring it into a portal while Cyl is occupied will take some shenanigans however.

>>4190443
Portal Creation- Cylica can create portals between two locations if she can visualize the end point clearly, allowing instantaneous transport. She and others can travel through them, as well as objects. She must sustain them. If anything gets caught between them when they are turned off, it is bisected.
>it is bisected

>>4190388
>>4190390
>>4190443
>suggest mind bending/portal telefrag to Cylica.

>>4190459
mind bending might be hazardous to her health, it's a beast and seems to behave fairly predictably, no mind control should be required.

File: file.png (151 KB, 300x296)

151 KB PNG

>>4190463
We do some bullfighting to lead it into the portal then. Just need to place more barriers to trap it inside when the time's right.

So it seems like suggesting a portal cut is the plan? Alright. Writing.

>>4190443
Okay, went back to check the archive and I was wrong about the wand.
>Two: the supposed ‘weird looking monsters’ coated with Ivonium that they’d never seen or heard of before. They were called ‘scary’ by all present, and ‘something not quite normal’. They witnessed one of the beasts (that Maya and Vira described as being (giant, blue, slimy, and with too many eyes) getting destroyed by a single spell from one of the masked men.

>>4190493
some sort of counter spell maybe? curious that they would just detonate the beast instead of control it, are they non-reusable assets?
berserk animals? What does their counter spell do, un-ivonium them? Explosively?
Destroyed is a very non-descriptive term, but at least it implies more than just the beast collapsing, disintegration? Are these like pokemon? Hm, mysteries upon mysteries.

>>4190544
One thing for sure: they have something that can neutralize those Ivonium-radiated beasts. Finding out how to use that will be tremendously helpful.

>>4190375
“Does it involve you luring it to a portal to chop it in half?” you ask.

She glances at you in brief surprise. “No, but it’s worth a shot,” she says simply. “And if nothing else, it may buy time for another plan…”

The thing’s practically reformed as she says that- its regen is damned quick. What this Ivonium does is really no joke…

Owlia’s backing away in concern, helped by Nura, who’s eying the thing carefully. Owlia seems only mostly there, grimacing and holding her head. Hopefully not another headache or anything like that… “Draw it back!” you yell to the two. “Keep its eyes off Cylica for a minute!”

“This won’t take long, don’t worry,” she mutters as she continues to cast, her staff shining a dark light. The beast is already back on its feet as she says that, however, the last of it’s facial flesh re-molding itself from liquid Ivonium. Suddenly, a whistle and a small dart of dark magic smack it in the head- Nura’s doing, it can plainly see. Immediately it roars again, the strength and rage of two mouths devastating the cavern as it turns one head towards you, and the other towards Owlia and Cylica. With how it was treating your last barrier, you’re uncertain how to deal with this one, but as for damage proper, well, if the portal doesn’t work-

-the beast suddenly lowers both heads, and for a moment you think it’s about to charge- but that’s not at all what happens. Two humps in its back suddenly swell up, and almost at once burst open like boils, a nasty globule of...something...spurting out of the both of them at the pair of you. It’s not hard to dodge in and of itself, but you take extra care to keep well away from any Ivonium splashing on you, and even Cylica has to retreat a bit, forcing her to take longer with the spell. Owlia and Nura manage to dive out of the way as the projectile sent their way splatters against the wall nearby.

They both begin to grow, burbling into something- but before the one in front of you can finish, the beast lumbers forward; intent on catching at least you in its jowls. “Cy!”

“HERE!” she yells, pointing her staff at you...or rather, right in front of you.

Indeed, the monster’s momentum is too much to stop, and it begins to lumber through- to where, you’re unsure, although you catch a glimpse of a strange rock formation that looks familiar...and a very deep pit aside.

When it gets halfway through, she waves her staff once, quickly, and the portal snaps closed. Almost perfectly silently, it’s like a massive blade has cleaved the thing quickly, and cleanly; Ivonium substance floods out of it, and...well, from what you can see of the thing’s insides, it’s organs are all white as well, and the bones...unsure. Maybe them too, for all you know.

“Well...that was blessedly simple. Although why you wanted to cut it instead of simply dropping the whole thing down the pit we passed, I’m unsure,” Cylica admits.

(cont.)

>>4190743
“Figured it be something for the researchers,” you lie bold-facedly. You hadn’t thought of that, honestly, but you’re not going to SAY that.

“Uhhh...guys!” Owlia half-yells; the burbling protrusions it had spat out are growing even more. Into some kind of... creeping moss? “What are we doing about this?!”

It’s Cylica who speaks up first. “Well, I-” and then is stopped mid-sentence as well as she stares incredulously. It’s hard to blame her.

The back half of the creature...somehow...is rumbling. Jittering. A foot moves.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” you mutter. A substance that practically eats your magic. Ivonium ‘seeds’ that mean the thing’s starting to spread itself…

...This might actually be more dangerous than you anticipated.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

>This isn't good at all. Hate to admit it, but it might be best to run for now. This situation isn't tenable at all.
>Gah, screw it. There's still some space- just haul ass past it and get to the cultists, you'll deal with this later.
>There's GOT to be some way to neutralize this stuff, right? (Other)

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>4190754
>This isn't good at all. Hate to admit it, but it might be best to run for now. This situation isn't tenable at all.
Owlia's spent.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>4190754
>>There's GOT to be some way to neutralize this stuff, right? (Other)
Try the D&D toll weaknesses, fire and acid. Just not the magic versions.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>4190754

>>4190777
*troll weaknesses

>>4190754
>This isn't good at all. Hate to admit it, but it might be best to run for now. This situation isn't tenable at all.
>"Cyrene, we're porting out! Everyone else, grab everything that you think can help us in the long run."

If this thing feeds on ambient mana too, we have no way of stopping it right now! Even if we luck out, we'll be too exhausted for the rest of the trip.

The only move I think that is plausibly effective is Flux Wave (extremely unstable mana), and I'm not trying because we're too close to each other.

>>4190754
>There's GOT to be some way to neutralize this stuff, right? (Other)
Are Flamebringer's flames magical? Cause fire is the usual go to sollution for regenerating bastards.
Or we could teleport the rest of it into the pit and chuck some of our C4 with it.

>>4190793
Chucking the rest into a portal isn't viable right now I think. Magical elevation can't be used and getting close isn't wise, waiting for it to get up is just stupid.

>“Uhhh...guys!” Owlia half-yells; the burbling protrusions it had spat out are growing even more. Into some kind of... creeping moss? “What are we doing about this?!”

With any luck, we can go back another day and the moss will have already taken care of this place for us.
And yes Flamebringer's flames are magical, it requires mana to ignite.

Seems like it's a draw. It's well enough, I ran into straight up writers block for the last post and that ate up a lot of time anyway. I'll leave you guys to hash this out overnight, BUT.

I want to start earlier than normal tomorrow. Ideally, around 3 PM PST. So yeah, a heads up on that.

>>4190805
Night night boss, don't let the flu get to ya.

>>4190798
>>4190798
If we back out now then dealing with cultists would be even harder.
What's there to do if we retreat? Raid local town guard's armory for conventional weapons and materials for our science team to make something useful? The authorities are in the cult's pocket, so we'd have to deal with them at some point anyway.

>>4190792
Well if it feeds off ambient mana, we DO have a mana condenser, that might slow it down at least.

>>4190830
Isn't it filled with Seither right now?

>>4190838
I'd imagine we unloaded it in the new year break already, rather irresponsible otherwise.

>>4190838
I wonder what happens if we mix seither and ivonium?

>>4190873
Strawberry milk

>Have Cylica TP everyone else out first range, grabbing anytime useful along the way.
>Stay and do a Flux Wave.
>If effective, have everyone TP in again and try to finish off the thing. If not, call Cyl and bail through a portal.
Note that even if we kill this half we still have to worry about the other half sitting at the bottom of the pit. Because of that I'm fine with either backing out too or just run past it.

>>4191173
*anything.
F phone autocorrects.

>>4191173
Let's try this, supporting.

>>4191173
idk about fluxwave, it's a mana projection, think they're just absorb it, unless there's a specific wavelength that explodes this stuff.

>>4191173
Okay let's do this

Should we leave transportal plate somewhere before we leave to ensure we havd a way in in case they seal the old rntrance after our first visit?

>>4191943
I'm game, but only if we can actually see where we are porting in.

>>4191955
>>4191943
Maybe hide it somewhere in the room with machinery and empty ivonium pool?

>>4191943
>>4191955
I'm in too, it should be in somewhere well-hidden (or right under their nose) but not at risk of getting sealed off. Don't wanna get teleported into a wall or something.

30 minute warning. Seems like an agreement's forming?

>>4192091
Seems >>4191173 is agreed upon + >>4191943 hiding a TP plate somewhere for a quicksave point.

>>4192102
>>4192091
Yeah, something like that

>>4190754

Damnit. “Cy!” You hate running, buuuut...sometimes it’s just necessary. “We’re outta here! Get ready to portal us back to the entrance! Ow- fuck, Serval, gimme one of your transportals! We want a hotspot back here!” The only good thing was that it seems that after the initial burst of growth, the spread of the moss wasn’t nearly as quick as you thought it’d be- it’s hardly moving now. That doesn’t mean it’s not moving at all, though, and the fact that you can still visibly see it growing isn’t good at all. The back half of the bear-thing isn’t ceasing to move, either.

Owlia’s quick to hand you the piece, and you and the rest of them retreat as best you can. You have to keep on the lookout as you race past previous rooms; but it’s not too long before you find a decent spot- a small nook, about midway back, that doesn’t look like it’s in danger of being noticed or taken over too soon. You drop the transportal plate there, and you immediately turn to Cylica; fortunately, she’s already well and prepared, and at once her staff glows brightly, a portal shimmering to the surface. You can actually take a quick look- whatever’s happening, it seems like the cultists or whatever aren’t there at the moment.

“Alright you all, get going.” You push.

There’s a brief pause, before Owlia looks at you in shock. “Wait, what? ‘You all?’”

“Yeah,” you confirm. “I’m going to try something. If it works, everything’s fine. If not, I’m going to need out. Keep the portal up until I get back, alright? Now get going!”

“Ugh... I hope you know what you’re doing,” Cylica grumbles, but the lot of them step through. “Keep a look out for any unwanted visitors!” she commands the two of them- not that there’s much room for that with how winded Owlia clearly is. Still, she nods to you, and that’s enough for you to head back.

You’re already running numbers through your head as you reach the site again- you’re quick to frown as you notice that it’s gained a bit. Still hasn’t reached the bear parts, at least. Alright, then…

(cont.)

>>4192295
You try your best to detach your sense of order, your control without entirely relinquishing it. You’re getting more use out of the skill these days, at least...and so when the waves emit, you’re far less hit with exhaustion- enabling you to see the moment when they flow over the the Ivonium spread and…

...well...you’re not entirely sure. It doesn’t DIE, perse...it moreso seems to burble and bubble violently, almost like it’s boiling feverently...and then suddenly it pauses, stops, and hardens...but seems to thin out somehow, at the same time becoming a strange, brown slurry with faint fumes coming up from the remainder. The lower bear half similarly seems to melt, becoming a mix of brownish red pile of slurry…

...before it all seems to harden and crust over like lava. If nothing else, however, it’s stopped, entirely. Strange…although it's not entirely inert, judging by the faint smoke you can see and the occasional rivulet of sludge that emits from various cracks.

Well, this hopefully means you can call them back, though...

>No, this might warrant some investigation and on the spot experiments. Could still be dangerous.
>Thank goodness. Problem solved, and promptly ignored. Moving on.
>Other

>>4192296
>No, this might warrant some investigation and on the spot experiments. Could still be dangerous.
We really gotta work on Directed version of Flux Wave

>>4192296
>No, this might warrant some investigation and on the spot experiments. Could still be dangerous.
>Other
Call the others back for assistance.

Volatile mana seems to do the trick. We know how to disable them now, although at a very high cost per shot.

>>4192301
I agree on that.

>>4192296
>No, this might warrant some investigation and on the spot experiments. Could still be dangerous.

>>4192301
>We really gotta work on Directed version of Flux Wave
Agreed.

>>4192296
>No, this might warrant some investigation and on the spot experiments. Could still be dangerous.
>Call the others back for assistance.

Writing.

>>4192296
Aside from the interesting reactions this ivonium stuff has to different wavelengths, the monster appears to be stable now... stably dead. Interesting for science, but we're not the scientist, suppose we can let our geeks geek it.

>>4192296
>>4192301
>>4192302
>>4192318
>>4192324
>Current Mana: 6000/12500

Ugh. You don’t like this. At least the beast seems good and dead. Still, might as well see if there’s any way to confirm it, and the best bet for that… “This is Zinna. Area’s...well, not clear, but it’s stable. You guys can head back now.”

There’s a pause, and you can barely hear a ‘roger’ coming from it- you didn’t think this thing could get static, but it’s less that and more a faded voice. Magical interference, huh...this Ivonium, you hate to admit, is scary. But, as far as you’re concerned, it’s basicaly anti-magic magic. Anti-magic always IS scary.

“Whoa...what’d you do?” Naturally, that’s Owlia asking, as the rest of you jog back in. You’d kept an eye out for any lookie-loos, but fortunately no one had come checking. Well. ‘Fortunately’. That bear had to come from somewhere. And clearly it was corrupted. You doubt that happened by chance. “Where’s the Ivonium?”

“That IS the Ivonium,” you mention. “I used a flux wave, and it turned into...that. Dunno what the end result really is, but the bear butt’s looking honestly dead, at least, and the creep isn’t creeping, so I’m hoping it’s a good sign. Was hoping you’d help with figuring that out for good.”

“Hm.” All three of them suddenly gain a similar look in their eyes. A sharpness, an intrigue. Owlia’s the first to speak. “Then, it sounds like it was some type of unwanted reaction. I noticed that the Ivonium ate your barrier earlier, and magic wasn’t having much effect on it...but it couldn’t eat your waves?”

“Might be that its mana makeup left it confused when the wave hit it,” Nura suggests. “I don’t know much about your capabilities, but from I was told about your skills, it could be that it tried to adjust itself to your mana to, well...digest it better? That’s the best word I can come up with,” she offers.

Cylica takes over. “Ahh. And it couldn’t keep up with the fluctuations, so the result was...this. Some sort of biological freeze…” Walking up to it carefully, she pokes at some of the brown crust with the back end of her staff; it flakes off, revealing more of that mostly clear slime that’s been leaking out everywhere, which forms a puddle in her feet. “...and what remains is this residue.”

“Iiii wonder…” Owlia murmurs. Then without warning she fires a single tiny bolt into the small puddle.

It splashes...but it doesn’t have any kind of reaction. At least nothing you can tell. “Huh. Nada. Think it’s inert. Or at least lost its anti-magic properties. Wonder if it gained anything in response...”

“Well, next time, can you perhaps WARN us before doing something that might reactivate that gunk!?” you yell. Seriously, that was just stupidly reckless! “Look, if you think it’s not that dangerous, I’m pretty sure there’s a jar or two lying around somewhere."

(cont.)

>>4192530

“I’ve got a couple already,” she notes. "Kinda wanted to do some quick exposure tests."

Sigh. “Hurry up, then collect some for later, and let’s look into keeping on.” you stress. “There hasn’t been any kind of real massed force against us until now, and I’m pretty damn sure there were some bodies here before that AREN’T now, which means they bailed. Which also means we should’ve had a welcoming committee by now, especially since we were separated briefly…

Ugh. This just doesn’t feel great to you. "Cyrene, keep an eye on her. Aria, with me. We're going to do some recon. Something’s off. But what?

>Roll 1d100. Best of three.

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>4192540
hmm

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>4192540

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>4192540
>>4192540

Yep something is off alright, good thing we lowrolled after the bear ass was killed.

Also Miranda said butt haha.

File: SLAM.gif (13 KB, 320x180)

13 KB GIF

>>4192546
>>4192544
>>4192542

Whoop. Sorry, was making dinner. Writing.

>>4192709
What's on the menu tonight?

>>4192713
Italian sausage tortellini.

>>4192718
Sound delish.

>looks forlornly at swedish meatball microwave dinner

I love how flux wave has evolved from make people nauseous and unconscious to an anti anti-magic technique.

>>4192753
I'm curious how someone so blunt and too-the-point like Miranda can develop something so unorthodox and mechanically complex like Flux Wave.

The two of you are moving rather cautiously; there’s no sense in giving yourselves away if you’re running into a trap. Still you’re trying to be relatively quick. Nura had elected to walk the old-fashioned way herself; apparently she was worried she would just be feeding any latent Ivonium- and didn’t want to ‘trip’ over any left. “Shadow travel is...abnormal. I can get a sense of objects with shadows and can sort of ‘see’ surfaces, but I can’t tell if something’s flat against it, or anything that doesn’t cast a shadow for whatever reason.” Interesting.

As you travel down the hallway, you start to see signs of life- torches again, and signs of footprints. Even a leaflet here and there- picking it up shows a schedule for later, which you pocket. Could be useful for someone, even if not you. You’ll take a look at it shortly.

However, it’s when you see light in the distance that you begin to worry. Especially because you can’t sense anyone- not like before. “Pick up the pace.”

She looks at you briefly, but she must see the urgency in your face, because she does so without complaint. It’s hardly another minute before you break into the large, underground area that clearly held multiple lakes- and judging from the white cracks in the walls, the source of the Ivonium, as well.

Keyword being ‘held’. “...Damnit.” Of the three lakes that likely held the massive amount of liquid Ivonium, only one and a half still have the liquid in them. There’s clearly some tanks left, and some draining devices similar to what you had seen before- but there’s signs of rapid evacuation as well; some drilling machines, what you can only call a large flatbed truck given steampunk flair, and a number of empty tanks. In the far back, there’s a few tables, a podium and lecturn for some reason...some spilled tools and gears. But not much else.

“They evaced…” you mutter. You’ve got...a lot of emotions for this one. “Take a look around, see if maybe you can find anything interesting.”

“Right.” Nura doesn’t seem too fussed, at least.

For a good while, there seems to be nothing of importances; there ARE a few more barrels of Ivonium you could likely make off with, at least...but as you investigate what you can only presume was some sort of staging/meeting area, it’s then that you notice, on one of the tables, something pinned underneath a rock. Another sheet of paper, and...something else. Hm. You’re quick to shove the thing off and pick both up. The book’s title is ‘Lectivas Oberum’. Huh. The fact that you can’t translate it outright must mean it’s its own words. But that’ll come later. The paper, from what you can see, seems to be a note…?

(cont.)

>>4192828
To our most impressive interlopers,

It appears that your skills are of particular note. To best creatures transformed, even partially, by the essence of the Great King, is no small feat. Such skills being in opposition to us will mean a strict investigation of recent events surrounding our efforts to ascertain your reasoning for opposing us, as well as a recalculation of our martial capacity, and a reassessment of our plans going forward. Well done. As a reward, we grant you a portion of knowledge we have worked mightily to unearth. Mayhaps it will lead you to understand our position better.

Yours most curiously,

The Rex Illumina, Regional Lord of the Reclaimers.

…

>Insert reaction here.

>>4192829
We lost track of them, damn!

>Tell the nerds to take a look at the items that was left behind, make sure to check for any hex/curses and traps first.
>Report our findings to the client.

>>4192829
>Check for hexes, curses and traps.
>Start looting.
>Report status.

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231 KB JPG

>>4192829
> Yey

Score. They fucked off, before getting the ivonium, and they left info.

Not that we should trust it. But I mean hey, easy win. Not like we were being paid to defend the Ivonium. Not our problem.

Y'all called me paranoid about it being a cult. I know cult behaviour with masks and stuff when I see it.

>>4192829
>Read the leaflet and the book
>tell techies to investigate the place for traps or something interesting, summon Gartoum to help them with combing through their stuff
Should we pay a visit to the bird sisters? They might know if any of the local authorities might have an idea where we could find the cultists. Maybe they're on one of the neighbouring islands, who knows?

>>4192843
Everyone knew it was a cult, the heck you on about?

(Gonna go ahead and say it since I don't think it matters at this junction; they knew something was hokey since you fought the two folks with the beetle and began packing their shit immediately. Y'all are loud.)

>>4192829
I really hope we'll get a new mission to kill some more of these guys.

>Check for traps and possible clues on where they're heading.
>Steal everything.
>Report status.

>>4192837
>>4192841
>>4192850
>nobody is checking the notes left by cultists
baka

>>4192849
We got too used to Miranda's 'wrecking ball' brand of subtlety.

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163 KB PNG

>>4192849
Good thing this isn't a stealth mission eh?

>>4192854
I think looting everything counts anon.

>>4192854
I would assume "notes" would fall under "possible clues" anon.

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>>4192855
Here. I think you'll find this handy for next time.

>>4192847
Like. On the airplane over.

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873 KB GIF

>>4192859
>>4192855
That was kinda ambiguous

Check for traps, proceed to 'mine' everything.

HAHA GET IT DAMN IT'S BEEN A WHILE.

>>4192865
The cult bothers only about this island chain and ousting the republicans, anon's ravings from two threads ago were about it being a global conspiracy. They don't even know how we learned about them and what do we want.

>>4192829
>>4192841
>>4192837
>>4192850
>>4192854
You just let out a deep sigh. On the one hand, they’re gone, and half of the Ivonium with them. On the plus side, you don’t have to bother with them- it was never really your job to, anyway, just to get the Ivonium. With that in mind, you turn to Nura, still looking around a bit of a ways away. “They’re gone. Go get the other two and we’ll look this place over, make sure there aren’t any last surprises, and take what we can. We’ll want to get a report out to the Express and let them know what we managed.”

“Alright, on my way!” she says, dipping back into the shadows now- seems like she’s more apt to travel quickly now that she’s gotten some confidence that she’s not in any danger- or in danger of having to inflict lethal force. You’re still not exactly glad that she had to do that, even though it was necessary. At least she’s put it out of her mind for now. Hopefully for good in due time.

Fortunately, the trio return soon enough, and you let them know the same deal- the group’s hasty exit, leaving you all free to investigate the area as best as you can. First thing’s first- making sure there’s no last surprises waiting for you.

Fortunately, after a lot of tapping, scenting, and searching, Owlia wipes her hands off. “Think this place is trap-free! Wonder why they didn’t bother.”

“Dunno,” Nura shrugs. “Maybe they really were caught by surprise and just wanted to leave.”

“But with no defenses in place?” Cylica asks, raising an eyebrow. “I can’t say they’re entirely competent, in that case- that or they’re extremely arrogant.”

Takes one to know one, you suppose. Decision made, you turn to your crew. “Alright, then. If there’s nothing, then time to do what we came here for. Cy, give us a path to the ship. We can make this easy on ourselves. Serval, get over here and see how to use these pumps alongside our own. Aria, you and me are on haul duty.”

She pouts. “Oh...that sounds like boring labor,” she mutters, but she doesn’t complain beyond that as Cylica sets up yet another portal. “I hope this is the last one. I don’t normally do this so many times in such a short timeframe.”

Pft. “Well, if we’re quick, it’ll be worth it. Alright, ladies, I need to make a call, let them know what our situation is- if it reaches, at least- but after that, let’s get hauling.”

>Roll 1d100, best of three.

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>4192954

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>4192954

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>4192954

...well oiled machine, you are, in this case. And, well, very thorough.

Writing.

>>4192958
And with that we're back on track.

I wonder if this is a loot roll.

>>4192979
I'm kinda hoping it'll be something that'll make the client keep us on for another mission. It'd be kind of a bummer if this was the only thing we'd get to do in this world.

>>4192954
Fortunately, the radio holds. You’re quick to inform them of the situation- while they’re a bit disappointed they won’t be getting as much as they thought they would, your information about the Reclaimers is welcomed, and when you mention the book they gave, you hear a gasp on the other end of the line. “R-really? Perhaps you could bring that back, too?”

Hm. Sounds promising. “It important?”

“The Lectivas Oberum is said to be a tome, one of three, that details the travels of one of the dark god’s disciples, the Faceless Wanderer. It was said to be given to an ally of his before his fall aside his lord, but it was later lost to time. I’m unsure why they just gave such an artifact to you, however…” Okay. So, basically, what you’re getting out of this is that, well.

“It sounds valuable.” Maybe you can wring something out of him…

“Oh, it is! Why, I know a number of collectors that’d pay handsome- ahhhh.” The Head Magister’s audible enthusiasm wanes as he cottons on to what you’re implying. “Well...I suppose if you’re willing to surrender it, we’ll pay what it’s worth, yes.”

“Well, we’ll discuss that when we get back. We’re beginning to drain the lakes and load up the first shipment now,” you say looking back as Nura begins wheeling off the first of the pumps. “We’ll call you back soon. Bye.”

With that, the extraction process begins. With a few extra pumps and some pre-packed Ivonium courtesy of The Reclaimers, the process is, fortunately, faster than you’d anticipated, and you have your first shipment ready to go before too long- mostly a lot of the pre-made barrels, really. “Alright, this is our first load.” You turn to Owlia. “You sure you got the coordinates?”

“Yeah, yeah, if they aren’t deviating from the course, I should intercept ‘em in about an hour, give or take. Loaded up, so trying to account for the extra weight on airspeed.

“An hour?!” Nura asks. “That long?”

Owlia looks at her oddly. “Uh, yeah. You didn’t check the flight plan they gave us for the Express? It’s going in a parabola, basically, and with our timing, I’ll hit it basically just coming out of the apex. Heck, this is gonna be the SHORTEST trip.”

“W-why can’t we just portal it to the ship?” she asks. “Cylica, you can do one more, can’t you?”

She sighs, fixing Nura with an expression for simpletons. “Yes, but my portals are fixed-space. One very specific set of coordinates. And the Express is a MOVING target. If I were to try it, I doubt I’d even be able to fix the place in my head- and even if I did, you’d just be getting a portal to empty air.”

“Oh…” she seems awful down about it.

“Right, so the old-fashioned way is what we gotta do!” Owlia says as she makes her way in. “And that means I don’t have time to sit around explainin’ it!”

“Just be careful up there,” Cylica says. “And make sure your head’s fine.”

“It’s peachy for now!” she dismisses as she cues up pre-flight. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine!”

(cont.)

>>4193073
There’s little else said before she takes off. With that, Nura comes up to you. “Sooo…we just wait?”

You nod. “It’s not always violence. Come on.”

The work continues over the next couple of hours; you’re surprised at how rote it becomes, honestly, and you can see the sun setting after Owlia comes back for the fifth time. “Phew…” she’s clearly exhausted. “Lemme tell you, this has been one heck of a cargo run. Back and forth and back and forth…”

“Almost done,” you note. “We should be good after one, maybe two more trips.”

“Ugh. That’s gonna mean night flying,” she groans. “Alright, alright, well, at least I managed to wheedle the engine guys into slowing it down a bit so I don’t have to course correct so badly. They’re some real serious folks about their efficiency, lemme tell you!”

Before you can say anything to that, you hear some jogging boots on the ground. Nura. “Hm? Something up?” She doesn’t look worried, but…

“There’s something we might’ve found, actually. There’s a bit of air coming through one of the walls. We think it might be fake.” Fake? “Chances are, that was their escape path- and we know Earth magic is a thing, so…”

Ah. Well, damn, that makes sense. “Alright. Let’s not lose sight of things. Load up, and we’ll see just what this is…”

-----------------

Another outgoing trip, and you’re shown the wall- which is quickly brought down with a number of punches. Indeed, it turns out it was a fairly thin cover job- but not quite airtight. What’s revealed is a WIDE path, nearly paved. You can also see dirty footprints, wheel prints, and even the occasional splatter of Ivonium.

Seems like you found their escape path...oh, and something else, from the looks of it. Seems like a rolled up piece of parchment…

For the Shining Ones’ Eyes Only:

We have perhaps been compromised. A force of unknown, but major strength has intercepted our efforts in the peninsula. Possible that a concentrated effort at resistance has formed. We request further support from our sister branches in any nearby Polacan or Ju-Nan countries to aid in our efforts here. The Restoration Project is proceeding within estimates, regardless, but concerns that it may be waylaid may have to be addressed.

Signed,

Kun-lu of the Hidden Eyes, current adjutant to Rex Illumina.

Hail To The Fallen One.


“Anything important?” Owlia asks, peeking behind you.

You roll up the scroll. “Conspiracy notice. Nothing for us to be concerned about.”

The rest of the work continues without worry.

(continued tomorrow)

>>4193075
Thanks for running

>>4193073
>Yes, but my portals are fixed-space. One very specific set of coordinates. And the Express is a MOVING target
Unless this world is a single unmovig plane, cilica is already making portals on moving targets. Its just a matter of making the calculations for a target that moves way faster

>>4193075
FUUUCK. We're fighting magical Nod and they just gave us the tacitus. This might end bad(for the world, not us)

>>4193075
>Nothing for us to be concerned about.

...damnit, Miranda, you KNOW better then to say that.

Night boss.

>>4193117
She's not exacly wrong. We're *this* close from finishong the mission and the cult scrambled outta here. I doubt they will try to retalite on the same day.

>>4193119
>*this* close
>none of the experimental stuff have been tested yet
Damn

>>4193138
.... they won't mind if we take those stuffs with us back to the Intersection right?

>>4193168
I meant the stuff we brought with us from the lab. Nanomachines, son!

Writing shortly.

>>4195766
How are things boss?

>>4195766
Busy. Working from home requires a certain internal willpower I am still cultivating, especially when I wake up late.

>>4193075
The last of the drums are finally loaded up, and the Ivonium lakes are officially emptied out. “Well then, seems like we’re about wrapped up, here,” you hear Cylica mention. “Frankly, I won’t be sorry to see the end of this mission, though I’ll concede that once we actually got down to it, it was quick enough.”

“Yeah, it seems both long and short at the same time,” Nura says. “I guess that’s a good thing, right?”

You shrug. “Sometimes, it’s not a long slog; like I said earlier, they can either be short and sharp or long and droning. Frankly, I consider this a rousing success.”

“Perhaps. I just feared that there’d be more...complications, than that last little bit,” Cylica admits. “Although I’m not at all disappointed to be wrong just this once.”

Nothing to say to that, honestly. At this point, it’s a matter of waiting until Owlia comes back one last time, then you all can catch the last ride out and back to the Express. Small talk is the order of the day (an order you don’t really take much part in) for the remainder of the time...at least, until you notice Nura looking fidgety for whatever reason. “Something troubling you?” you find yourself asking. Can’t be that bad of an issue…

“Hm? Oh, no, nothing particular. I’m just...worried. About the harpy-lady from earlier.” Her expression is grim, easily visible in the moonlight. “That note said they would be doing an investigation, right? What if they find out she talked? She didn’t seem like one to hold up well under pressure…maybe I should check on them. Just in case.”

> “Why? It’s none of our business, let it lie.” You’re pretty much out of here, no need to go worrying about crap that doesn’t concern you.
> “...well, hell, it’s not like we don’t have time.” About a half hour by your checking. Should be plenty of time to peek in and out, knock on wood. “Go, get back, and be quick.”
> Other

>>4195961
> Other
"If you're going, I'm coming with you too, just in case. Never know what will happen."

>>4195966
+++. Cyl can stay back for Owl, doubt she is interested.

>>4195961
>"...eh, can't say I'm not curious, myself. Mind if I ride along?"

Basically >>4195966, but more nonchalant.

>>4195961
>Other
>"If you're going, I'm coming with you too, just in case. Never know what will happen."

Sure, why not. Writing.

>>4195961
>>4195966
>>4195985
>>4195987
After giving it a bit of thought, you shrug, unseating yourself from the barrel you’d been sitting on. "If you're going, I'm coming with you too, just in case. Never know what will happen."

Cylica tsks. “Leaving me here by my lonesome, are you? And here I thought I was the leader.”

“Do you WANT to go all the way there, peek into someone’s window, then come all the way back, or do you want some alone time with your girl if we wind up taking longer than expected to head back?” you point out. It’s not actually MEANT to be a hint, but she can take it that way if she wants to- you did say ‘IF’, after all…

Fortunately, she seems to buy it, snorting in a manner you wouldn’t call ladylike or proper. “Please. An obvious ploy...alas, it’s one I am admittedly susceptible to.” Huh. At least she’s taking it in good humor. “Very well, go off on your pointless errand. I’ll be here mentally calculating crystal framework stress points for high-energy output lattices.”

No clue what that is. “Grand. Let’s go, Aria.” And so you’re off.

The streets are relatively quiet, and the two of you aren’t much for conversation, so the journey is mostly the same.

Mostly. “Thanks,” she says out of the blue.

You simply glance at her. “For what?”

“For bringing me back down to earth. Back there.” Ah. That’s what she meant.

“Just the practical thing to do,” you respond. She was practically catatonic.

“But it still helped,” she notes. “Still...Iet’s hope I don’t go on any missions for a while, hm? I’d hate to lose this oh-so-winning personality of mine!”

Hm. Yeah, you’ve noticed. Shy and worried sometimes, flirtatious and bombastic at others. It’s like she’s got two modes she flips between. Obviously people aren’t simply categorized like that, but still. It’s not something you hadn’t noticed. “Well, I doubt that’ll be the situation, so- hm?” You’re cut off by the glimpse of...something...swooping through the air- some black blob that vanishes behind the building roofs before you can positively ID it. “...what was that?”

“...it was coming from the direction of Phyllis’ place!” Nura notes with worry. “We should hurry!”

You think she’s being a touch paranoid, but…

>Roll 1d100, best of three.

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>4196101

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>4196101
Knew this would happen.

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>4196101

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4196101

>>4196112
The first roll I've gotten over fifty for the past three days, and I just missed it...

66.

What of Nura's defenses? Writing.

>>4196101
Oh boy, we haven't left the world yet? Should we sell this world the magic bullet for the calamity that is to come? It seems flux wave completely neutralized the cults ivonium monster. I'm a fan of the idea of planting a super secret technique in this world for heroes to try and master. It's not like fluctuating mana signatures is a super original idea, but it's probably hard as heck to pull off without scrambling something if our hundreds of years old MG took so long to learn it.

>>4196188
I'd be willing to teach it to them, but it might not be possible to, considering where our magic originally comes from. If we're going to do it, we should show it to the top master of the form of magic that most closely resembles Miranda's (I'm betting Light), then hope they can figure out the technique.

>>4196201
Or just let them hypothesize a new branch of magic.
Let them create a magic of friendship (or hateship) school that specializes in harmonization and polarization?
There's all sorts of magic weaponization these folks are missing out on!
The best part, is they're scholars, even if they decide it's too heretical and dangerous they won't be able to bring themselves to destroy the knowledge and they'll lock it away for future heroes/villians to uncover.
Heck even if it turns out to be impossible to replicate, imagine how many mages we would frustrate. It'd be glorious.

>>4196188
>>4196201
For a price. We can give them hints and such but teaching them takes too much effort without compensation I think.

Only if we get to name it, like Zinna's Wave of Disorientation.

>>4196209
Cut it down to half price if they are unable to learn it magically, and I'll agree. Half the cost is to learn the chaotic frequencies needed to warp the Ivonium and to use that as a basis in develop technology to use against these cultists.

>>4196226
Half price!? We don't sell extra-planar secrets on discount just because these FOOLISH MORTALS cannot COMPREHEND them!

>>4196240
There needs to be some discount to the price if they can't figure it out, considering we're basically saying "Hey, here's some unique spell I have that you might not be able to learn, hope you can figure it out using your super limited magical system". Besides, if they can't, that leads us to part 2, where they remember "Oh, hey. whatever happened to that chick who knew a spell that could warp Ivonium?", thus leading up to them summoning us again to kill cultists.

>>4196101
>>4196104
>>4196105
>>4196108
When you get to the apartment, Nura’s quick to point out where the device she left behind was; the both of you are quick to get to the balcony, only to find some burnt cloth, some small blood splatter, a broken window, a knife, and pieces of the device. “They broke it…” Nura says, and her voice makes it seem like they just destroyed a priceless artifact or a family heirloom. “You don’t just BREAK these…how?” She’s quick to gather up all the parts; you offer to put them in your own bag for safekeeping for now, and give them to her later. For now, you have a crime scene to investigate…

...or not, seeing as while the culprit isn’t there, the victim certainly is. “T-that’s not Phyllis. That’s the girl we interrogated!” Nura says in shock as she runs over.

You have to admit, you’re impressed they ID’d the leak so quickly. Shame about the girl, though. She seems...not quite dead, but her expression is one of pure shock- dilated pupils, tears in her eyes, and she can’t seem to speak, instead opening and closing her beak like she’s trying to say something, but can’t. Did something just spook her? Her eyes faintly shift- it’s a small thing, but for a moment she manages to look at you. It’s like she doesn’t realize at least Nura, however, as she just resumes looking straight ahead.

You take a closer look- ooh, no. Her neck. Limbs, too, after a quick check. Something’s blackened and charred them all, but it also seems some kind of...can’t be necrosis, she’d be dead. But whatever it is, it’s constricting her. She can’t move them, it seems, aside from an occasional shudder either. “Looks bad,” you mutter. “Some kinda spell, maybe?”

“You poor soul…” Nura frets. “Hold on, I think I can help,” she says as she reaches out, and the clerk again manages to shift her eyes towards Nura, beak still opening and closing, if slightly faster now. Right, Nura has that dark healing stunt. Although by all accounts, it hurts something fierce. And yet...

Something doesn’t wash right with this, but you’re not sure what...still, you might be able to make it a moot point.

>Current Mana: 6000/12500

>Bah. You do it. Or at least try. Healing Hands and your gauntlets should solve this. Although you’re not sure how well it’ll work since your wager is this is magical in nature...
>Let her do it. Her trick is more of a reset, right? That SHOULD manage to deal with this, even if there’s some kind of backlash. You’ll just handle Nura’s recovery later.
>Hold her back. If your instincts are saying, even faintly, that something’s wrong, it’s best to follow them.
>Other

Done for tonight. Will resume tomorrow.

>>4196257
>Hold her back. If your instincts are saying, even faintly, that something’s wrong, it’s best to follow them.
If I have to guess, Ivonium corruption, which will invalid every healing spells we throw at it. And then some.

>>4196257
>>Hold her back. If your instincts are saying, even faintly, that something’s wrong, it’s best to follow them.

Hey we finally found the booby trap!
These cultists are TOTALLY not past using people as bombs, I wouldn't be surprised if they dosed her with ivonium.
Having Nura accidentally turn her into an abomination would probably make her flip the fuck out. Besides, she doesn't seem to be dying quite yet.

>>4196257
>Bah. You do it. Or at least try. Healing Hands and your gauntlets should solve this. Although you’re not sure how well it’ll work since your wager is this is magical in nature...
>"Nura, no. She's probably trapped for us. Use your magic to hide, I'll break it."
>Bring out Gartoum. "Hey, pal, how do you feel about showing me that Shadow-Shark thing you mentioned."

>>4196257
>Hold her back. If your instincts are saying, even faintly, that something’s wrong, it’s best to follow them.

>>4196259
And have a good sleep boss!

A thing : http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/4148358/
>The gun is a slightly different matter. Seems to basically be a remote injector; fires Ivonium ‘seeds’ of a sort from what I can see here; some system that compresses the stuff into a gel-capsule like form. My guess is that it’s basically an intentional overdose of the stuff, though, looking at the relative amounts between the two.”

She was in high chance at the receiving end of this.

>>4196257
Changing to >>4196266

>>4196257
>Hold her back. If your instincts are saying, even faintly, that something’s wrong, it’s best to follow them.

Shit lads, we REALLY have no luck with bird ladies at all!

>>4196274
I mean it never turns out bad for US.

I just thought of something...

Anybody want to see the effects of sticking a Seither shard inside the body of a cultist injected with Ivonium, then subject them to a Flux Wave?

>>4196257
>>Let her do it. Her trick is more of a reset, right? That SHOULD manage to deal with this, even if there’s some kind of backlash. You’ll just handle Nura’s recovery later.

>>4196257
>Hold her back. If your instincts are saying, even faintly, that something’s wrong, it’s best to follow them.

Late, but writing.

>>4197599
Usual time actually, and welcome back.

Your hand is moving before you realize it, and the result is Nura looking at you almost offended. “W-what is it? I’m just going to try to help her- maybe she can tell us…”

“S’not that,” you interrupt. “I’m just worried. Got a bad feeling that this might not be as simple as it looks. Maybe Ivonium-based, and if it is, trying to use magic will make things worse.”

The way she looks at you makes you think she’s not exactly a fan of just leaving her like she is, but she can’t think of a refutation. Admittedly, you’re not sure WHAT this is- from what you’ve seen of Ivonium influence, it’s all goopy white stuff. This is black and ichorous, and it makes you wonder if it’s a deritivate or something else entirely. “So what do we do?!” she half-yells. “We can’t just...leave her like this!”

That’s a good question. You’re not entirely sure, to be honest. If you were to try a Flux Wave here and now...well, that’d help her, but it’d also probably cause a ruckus throughout the city; you still haven’t managed to reduce the distance on it. But then…hm.

>You don’t know if it’ll help, but the FutureSight might at least be worth consulting to see. Might at least tell the issue for certain.
>Might be worth checking the area a bit more. See if there’s anything that might help, some sort of clue.
>It’d be tedious, but maybe you can interrogate her a bit- she has the slightest bit of motor function, so yes/no questions only, but.
>Other

>>4197736
>You don’t know if it’ll help, but the FutureSight might at least be worth consulting to see. Might at least tell the issue for certain.
>It’d be tedious, but maybe you can interrogate her a bit- she has the slightest bit of motor function, so yes/no questions only, but.
>Show her the gun in >>4196269, ask her if she was shot by it.

>>4197736
>You don’t know if it’ll help, but the FutureSight might at least be worth consulting to see. Might at least tell the issue for certain.
>See if you can channel your flux wave through your rapier for a more directed means of Ivonium removal.

>>4197736
Supporting>>4197742

>>4197736
>>4197742
Going with this.

>>4197742
>>4197750
>>4197752
>>4197753

Alright, going to need a roll for this one. 1d100, best of three.

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>4197775
We're officially cursed if we can't save this harpy.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4197775

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>4197775
Here goes...

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>4197775
rip bird lady

>>4197797
Ah shit, we really are cursed with bird people

>>4197799
68 is solid. Almost a 70

68 should give us a decent result, but it's not an 80+ so I don't expect a miracle cure for the black goop. Our roll averages should skew towards the high range on 3d100
According to http://rumkin.com/reference/dnd/diestats.php
the average is 75.5

68, that's something, but not many things. Writing.

>>4199277
It's either that or nothing.

Welcome back, boss.

>>4197736
>>4197742
>>4197752
>>4197753
Making sure to step behind her so she can’t see, you’re quick to draw out the FutureSight. It’s not likely to be a quick-fix, but a body scan of her can at least tell you where to start, hopefully.

You end up spending it holding the device just out of her view while Nura keeps an eye on her. It’s not the best setup, but it works. Ideally, you’ll at least get a clue of what’s going on here and how to resolve it...safely, that is.

What you can determine is...well, a bit, at least.

>Magically induced swelling of the esophagus (slow); magically induced muscular dystrophy. Magically induced paralysis. Magical components uncertain. Estimated: Dark/Curse Magic, Physical Substance Assisted (Non-Mana). Suggested treatments: High-Level Healing Magic, Palliative Care

Hm. Not a lot, no, but the idea of there being Dark Magic involved helps a bit. You’re not sure about their suggestion for cures- clearly if there is Ivonium at play, it doesn’t know about it. Actually...thinking about it, you take a moment to pull out the weird Ivonium gun you’d ‘borrowed’. “Hey,” you ask, waving it in front of her eyes. “Does this look familiar? At all?”

It’s a long moment as she seems to eye the thing- you swear her breath quickens at the sight of it, but that just might be her being desperate to keep breathing. Eventually, she nods. Right, well that explains part of it. Which means that the ‘healing magic’ is out. But...hm. Not sure what options you really have, then.

> “Aria, I’m guessing her sister works night shift? Can you go get her?” It’s really an excuse. You don’t think she’ll appreciate you talking last requests with her.
> ...meh, fuck it. Tell Nura to brace herself, maybe hide. Then just Flux Wave. You’ll have to be fast outta here.
>Gloves might be the best bet after all. That, or letting Nura take the magic onto herself, and you KNOW you can Flux her without her being mad about it or it being noticed later.
>Other

>>4199371
>Other
Can't we just take her back with us to the express? They surely know about this more than us, and we can make this a case of witness protection. She is crippled but isn't dying anytime soon.

>>4199371
>Gloves might be the best bet after all. That, or letting Nura take the magic onto herself, and you KNOW you can Flux her without her being mad about it or it being noticed later.

>>4199375
It'll be a tighter fit, but probably.

>>4199375
Actually, don't we have a way to contact them? Why not give them a call and check what they know about possible treatment?

>>4199371
>> ...meh, fuck it. Tell Nura to brace herself, maybe hide. Then just Flux Wave. You’ll have to be fast outta here.

>>4199375
>>4199381
>Contact the express and prepare for extraction.
This isn't their first case of ivonium poisoning, and I don't want to use another Flux - that'll take us to low mana.

>>4199389
++ I can go with this.

>>4199371
>Contact the express and prepare for extraction.
I see, I see, highly likely to explode or die if we attempt healing. If this were an event in FTL I'd just leave, not worth the opportunity cost. I suppose in the name of empathy we can take her to this world's version of experts.

>>4199371
>Pick her up and get far enough from town to use Flux Wave from a safe distance
We can restore mana with all these mana crystals in our bag, we don't use them that often

Grabbing and hucking her along to let someone else take care of it.

Writing.

>>4199416
But those cost us monay

>>4199443
They're rechargable, though.

>>4199443
1. They are rechargeable
2. Why do anons buy stuff if they never use it?

>>4199463
1. I forgot they were rechargeable
2. So when we want, we can go even more nova than anyone ever nova'd before. Emphasis want. My un-voiced opinion on using flux wave is not hinged on mana cost.

>>4199371
Bah. Forget it. You’re not going to risk anything, nor are you going to cause yourself more headache than is necessary. No, you have a grand idea for resolving this whole issue.

No bindings, and a quick test shows she’s entirely moveable with no issues. “We’re bringing her with us,” you decide as you unceremoniously grab her and sling her over your shoulder. “Write a note or drop by the building or something to let her sister know and meet me back at the meeting spot. Should be there by now.”

“Wait, we’re taking her with us?” Nura says in surprise, even as she heads out with you.

“Yeah, the Express probably knows better than us, and she’s not dying soon,” you note. “We’ll drop her off with them and let them figure out how to solve it. It’s not our issue, really. We’re going overboard just doing this,” you note. “So get going, let her sister know she’ll be taking some extra shifts for the foreseeable future, and get back to the meeting point.”

“Alright, alright…” she doesn’t seem happy about it, but she at least seems to recognize the value of people better versed in the local magic looking at her. “I’ll be back!” With that, she hops off the balcony, and so do you shortly thereafter, your silent package coming along with.

-----------------

To your vague surprise, there’s nothing else major there that happens- you have no interference on your way back, and according to Nura, Phyllis- her sister- was utterly shocked and besides herself when she heard of the situation. However, that DID lead to something else…

“I’m going with her,” the pastel avain said with a scowl. Nura just looks sheepish. “‘No’ isn’t an answer; so however you’re taking her, make some damn room.”

Frankly, you don’t care that much. “You’re sitting with the cargo. Don’t get any on you.”

She huffs, but nods, and finally, with a roar of the thrusters and a whine of the engines, you lift off, and are bound back for your employer’s base. You’ve got to make another call, too, considering your guests...

It’s early morning when you get back, and fortunately, there’s a medical team standing by. The Head Magister’s there with them as they lay her on a gurney and wheel her off. “That you thought to bring her to us is appreciated. Our medical facilities are rather world-class, so if it’s anyone who can help, it’ll be us.”

You shrug. “Hope for the best for her. Now, I think you’ll find with this last shipment, our work here is done, though…”

> Anything else to say?

>>4199585
>"We discovered crucial info on combating this Reformers cult. Although... I don't think it will come without a price, being outside of our contract."

>>4199585
>give them the clues we found about the cult - the leaflet, their message for us and message from hidden exit, describe the ivonium beasts
>if they need someone to deal with the cultists - they know who to call

>>4199585
>"Mind if I see or learn how you'll take care of the Ivonium?"
This too >>4199592.

Finally, anybody want to leave these guys a Sal Coin? I feel like we've barely scratched the surface here, and eventually I'd like to come back to fight cultists and to get those other two books.

>>4199585
>"We discovered crucial info on combating this Reformers cult. Although... I don't think it will come without a price, being outside of our contract."
>if they need someone to deal with the cultists - they know who to call
>>4199600
I don't think the coin is needed this time. they already made contact with sal after all

>>4199585
>Sell intel and a description/demonstration of flux wave for a big buck

>>4199602
I think the coin's so they can contact SES easier, like a radio signal hidden location in Fallout 3.

Speaking of, wonder how Lysol and Millie are doing...

>>4199585
>"We discovered crucial info on combating this Reformers cult. Although... I don't think it will come without a price, being outside of our contract."
>>4199600
Did we scan the book before we handed it over? Unresolved mysteries kinda go hand in hand with jobs where we aren't interacting directly with the protags or antags.
Which is what I'm more curious about. I wouldn't oppose returning though.

We have information we believe is valuable, and we believe YOU believe is valuable. Now...well, the question is HOW valuable you think it is?

Writing.

A short one, but all and all it's just a milk run to test Nura. And we're not THAT cursed with bird people after all!

She's a bit reckless but I can count that as a sign of inexperience. That last encounter could have gone much much worse if we weren't there.

>>4199634
> And we're not THAT cursed with bird people after all!

Really tempting the dice gods, eh?

>>4199625
It was mentioned before, so maybe Handler will let us have the scan done on the way over.

>>4199625
>>4199648
Personally, I'd rather we keep it for the library, if only to spite the cult losing any chance of getting it back, and to ensure that nobody on the Express turns cultist.

>>4199652
>>4199648
Aren't we handing it over to the client for a fat stack of dosh?>>4193073
>The Head Magister’s audible enthusiasm wanes as he cottons on to what you’re implying. “Well...I suppose if you’re willing to surrender it, we’ll pay what it’s worth, yes.”
We'd probably get more than what the library offers (0.5 Large per book)

>>4199652
I think the Express has already offered to buy the book.

And
>Miranda
>In charge of choosing goodwill instead of dosh.
haha nice joke anon.

>>4199653
Did you not see the "Personally" in front of my post?

>>4199654
For me, it's less about goodwill, more about a spiteful SOB.

>>4199655
No. Sorry.

>>4199656
*BEING a spiteful SOB.

Damnit, it's late...

>>4199654
He led with spite as motivation and that works for me, unfortunately the cult seemed pretty chill beyond the whole not wanting to get fucked up thing, which is perfectly understandable.
>>4199656
I'm not sure if spite is warranted, they put up a surprisingly decent resistance but mostly ran away. They even left us propaganda material, that's classy villainy right there.

>>4199585
>>4199592
>>4199598
>>4199602
>>4199625
“...that is, unless aside from one little uncertainty,” you finish.

“Oh? What might that be?” he asks curiously.

"We’ve discovered crucial info on combating this Reformers cult. Although... I don't think it will come without a price, being outside of our contract,” you hint. “I suppose it depends on how valuable you’re willing to wager this information being.”

He eyes you cautiously, as he tries to judge the veracity of your words. Blankly, you feel a faint ‘buzz’ run through your body for a moment, before it’s gone like it never existed. Chills...or at least, that’s what most would believe. You cock an eyebrow at him for it, and he remains stonefaced...before he huffs, and a small smile appears on his face. “Very well. Come with me, and we’ll discuss the payment total.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Finally. Maybe you can get some extra out of all this, at least…

-------

He offers up what comes out to an extra 3 Large Motes for the information as you give him a general overview- this organization is big, organized, with friends in likely high places, and trying to cause some serious trouble. With the book included, he’s offering what amounts to 3 extra Large Motes, for a total of 25 Large Motes.

>Accept
>Haggle for (up to +8 from Base Pay) (Will require a high roll.)

>>4199663
>Other
Did we demonstrate our Flux Wave and explain how we disable the cult's beasts? If no then I'm voting to haggle in exchange for such, if yes then Miranda's a newb at this and I vote for Accept.

>>4199662
I think spite's warranted for the fact that they were fighting against us in the first place, and for being an anti-magic cult, where a similar cult had made Miranda fail a contract before. It's pre-quest backstory stuff mentioned in one of the older threads.

>>4199663
Haggle for +1 mote, just to make the pay easier to split.

>>4199664
Actually we can't use FW on the express for obvious reasons, still you get the idea.

>>4199663
3 Lotes for a general overview and a book, or is that 6? If it's 3, haggle up for sure, if it's 6...
I'd settle and offer a separate deal for the ivonium monster neutralization trick.

>>4199671
>>4199671
He's starting at +3, you can haggle for up to +8.

>>4199668
Right, she walked into a base and got gibbed almost immediately by an antimagic field and lasers I think it was?

>>4199671
Only +3, 25 is our total

>>4199673
Didn't remember, but she did almost lost her arm. She did fail the job though.

>>4199673
Not lasers, crossbows

>>4199673
Switch out lasers with crossbow bolts, but yeah, pretty much.

>>4199671
Supporting this. I can settle for 5-6 on the first deal. Our unique trick? Not gonna give it up without moolah.

>>4199663
>Haggle
The bonus depends on the dice, surely we can get at least a mediocre roll for extra lote or two

>>4199663
>Haggle for (up to +8 from Base Pay) (Will require a high roll.)

>>4199663
>Accept

>>4199679
I dunno how unique the idea is, but haven't seen anyone else doing flux wave type attacks, so, must be valuable.

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>4199663
Seems like we're haggling.

Roll 1d5 for how well you do. Best of four.

Rolled 5 (1d5)

>>4199716
Here goes.

Also, I really need to get to sleep. The job will likely conclude tomorrow, and from there...Iunno, probably some Q&A and restructuring and general talking.