>>4642424

The tide of violent enthusiasm around you is rising, a quick glance at the other side indicates that the tension there is starting to boil over too. The shields are starting to spread out in a semi circle, attempting to engulf the tighter formation of the scavengers.

"It's out of my hands now, Stoker. Everyone has their mind set on this, if you want to change that you have to do it yourself." He crosses his arms and leans on the cart with the machine gun, gesturing for you to address the masses. The sentiment must be snuffed out, or directed somewhere else.

>Drastic times call for drastic measures. Walk into the middle of the field and run off with the vial of water, it will anger both sides equally. The only way to break the tension might be to get both sides to focus on you, it wont bode well for long term relations.
>Have the Soldier explain the odds of them succeeding, perhaps an impartial observer might make them doubt the attack.
>Engage the gauntlet and melt the barrels of the machine gun. It will render the scavengers defenseless, forcing them to attempt proper diplomacy. This will sabotage your relationship with them, but it is for their own good.
>Run back to the other side and inform them of the machine gun. The equal firepower will at the very least buy some time while they restructure their plan. If fully effective it might instill a deadlock caused by the promise of mutually assured destruction.
>Write in.

(Stoker quest is back! I will try to update at least once a day.)


Archive link: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=stoker+quest

>>4642424
>Have the Soldier explain the odds of them succeeding, perhaps an impartial observer might make them doubt the attack.

If that fails
>Engage the gauntlet and melt the barrels of the machine gun. It will render the scavengers defenseless, forcing them to attempt proper diplomacy. This will sabotage your relationship with them, but it is for their own good.

Welcome back OP!

>>4642426
>Have the Soldier explain the odds of them succeeding, perhaps an impartial observer might make them doubt the attack.
And if that fails
>Warn them you're going to warn the other side if they don't relent
Then
>Run back to the other side and inform them of the machine gun. The equal firepower will at the very least buy some time while they restructure their plan. If fully effective it might instill a deadlock caused by the promise of mutually assured destruction.

>>4642521
Support

>>4642587
>>4642521
>>4642427

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4644098

"Soldier, share your analysis with the crowd. Try to stress the danger of it all."

"Affirmative. Engaging vocal enhancements."

With impeccable posture your ally proceeds to strut up to the front of the crowd and cross his arms behind his back. A booming voice ruptures the wave of war cries, the tone is painfully cold and impartial. You have a hard time recognizing the voice at all.

"ATTENTION! COMBAT ANALYSIS FOR THIS ENGAGEMENT IS AS FOLLOWS. ODDS OF VICTORY ARE 14% WITH OVER HALF DEAD AND ANOTHER QUARTER INJURED. ODDS OF DEFEAT ARE 36% WITH TOTAL OBLITERATION OF FORCES. 50% ODDS OF A STALEMATE DUE TO SUSTAINED DAMAGE AND LACK OF AMMUNITION."

The crowd is obviously disturbed by both the volume and contents of his words, it is a cutting blow to morale, but a few stalwart scavengers scoff at the numbers and try to salvage the situation.
"Yer going to listen to a hollowed out bag of skin? We are made of sterner stuff!" A cleaver-wielding nomad hollers. A couple more shout in agreement.

"They probably sent the damn thing to trick us! Have faith in your own strength! We don't need their damn water, we want their blood!" A newer recruit declares shakingly, possibly to steel his own nerves rather than those of his allies.

"Alright then, off you go. If you're so tough go get the bastards!" The leader behind you says. Your blood runs cold at the thought of a charge but to your surprise no one moves, they seem thoughtful at best and pensive at worst.

"So you're not giving us the VREK, is that it? Rotten old bastard, whose side are you on?" The first scavenger you encountered pipes up, rife with anger. Plenty of others catch on to the meaning of the older nomad and are themselves enraged, looming over the 3 of you like sharks.

He begins to speak, but you don't give him the chance to finish. "It is our duty to prevent bloodshed, we are on your side too. If you do not stand down we will have no choice but to inform the enemy of this asset and even the playing field."

"You-"

"Stuff it, are you gonna argue with a Servant of The Machine? He knows better than us, no winners no matter who does the other in." The owner of the VREK has now covered it back up and
is stuffing it deeper into the cart.

"Coward."

>>4644143

"Blow it out your bony ass, you're shit in a fight anyway. Remember what shit is? I do, so shut up and listen. What do you want us to do, Stoker? I will still defend my caravan if the need arises but... Your friend makes a good point."

You are not sure, but the Soldier seems a bit proud. Maybe he forgot to slouch back down after the announcement.
The shields of the more military inclined nomads on the other side are still circling, however you are one step closer to a resolution.

>Inform the other side about the VREK.
>1 Ask permission to inform the other side about the VREK, it will certainly worry them. This can mean they might either back down or double down.
>2 Do it without the knowledge of the scavengers, if they find out they will lose trust in you.

>Try to reach the leader of the other side and convince him the scavengers are willing to negotiate.
>Try to reach the underling of the other side and inform him peace is still an option.
>Attempt to convince the shield bearers to stop.
>Write in.

>>4644146
>1 Ask permission to inform the other side about the VREK, it will certainly worry them. This can mean they might either back down or double down.
>Try to reach the underling of the other side and inform him peace is still an option.
People don't need to die just because your leader says so. This can be peaceably settled, with the Servants of the Machine as the mediators

>>4644156
Supporting this

>>4644156
Also supporting this

>>4644156
+1

>>4644832
>>4644248
>>4644159

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4645707

"I ask you to first allow me to tell the other side about the VREK. The weapon is dangerous enough to warrant extreme caution, it will likely slow their attack and grant us more time to reach a peaceful resolution."

The crowd scoffs in unison, small arguments break out among the people trying to figure out if they were right in listening to you.

"The threat of a weapon is more dangerous than the weapon itself." The Soldier says, it gets everyone thinking again.

"Alright." One of the nomads says. "If that's so, I think you should say we have 2 of them! That's a proper threat isn't it?"

The crowd murmurs in agreement, they look to you expectantly.

>Agree to exaggerate, they make a good point and the other side is likely to never find out the truth.
>Disagree, you cannot break the trust of any of the sides.
>Write in.

>>4645715
>Disagree, you cannot break the trust of any of the sides.

>>4645715
>Disagree, you cannot break the trust of any of the sides.
There's no need for exaggeration when the singular VREK could be devastating.

>>4645732
This

>Disagree, you cannot break the trust of any of the sides.
We are a neutral intermediary.

>>4645715
>>Disagree, you cannot break the trust of any of the sides.

>>4645715
>Disagree, you cannot break the trust of any of the sides.

>>4645715
>>Disagree, you cannot break the trust of any of the sides.

>>4646900
>>4646786
>>4645808
>>4645803
>>4645781
>>4645732
>>4645726

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4646978

"No. I will not deceive either of the parties. We are a neutral intermediary and will act as such, one VREK is devastating enough to convince them."

Everyone visibly disagrees, flinging their arms around in dismissal. Their annoyance is palpable, but the scarred nomads nod to you nevertheless. The leader of the caravan claps you on the back, leaning in next to your ear.

"Alright Stoker, better not fuck this up. Off you go before they decide to attack."

You are ushered out into the shrinking no man's land, the shielded riflemen freeze as soon as you come into view. They level their weapons at you, itching to draw blood.

"I wish to speak to your superior." You shout with your hands raised. It takes a while until someone meets with you, it isn't the underling you were hoping for. The nomad is tall and thin, his arms are long, giving him an obvious advantage in combat. The lanky frame is armored with improvised steel plates that hang off like signs around his body.

"I am the Chief of this caravan. State your business, Stoker."

Without the distraction of the shouting match it appears he has taken matters into his own hands.

>Admit that you met with his underling first, and decided to act as a neutral party. Said underling might be punished for not consulting the Chief first, but it is a sacrifice you are willing to make if it means gaining trust.
>Open with the existence of the VREK. The shock value might make him take you more seriously and keep his mind off attacking.
>Keep him mostly in the dark, state that your intention is avoiding bloodshed and let him lead the conversation.
>Write in.

>>4647010
>Open with the existence of the VREK. The shock value might make him take you more seriously and keep his mind off attacking.
No telling how long he'll listen for. Better to try and save lives than to worry about formalities.

>Open with the existence of the VREK. The shock value might make him take you more seriously and keep his mind off attacking.

>>4647010
>Admit that you met with his underling first, and decided to act as a neutral party. Said underling might be punished for not consulting the Chief first, but it is a sacrifice you are willing to make if it means gaining trust.

>>4647040
Supporting
Follow up with the fact that we are acting as neutral intermediaries.

>>4647010
>>Open with the existence of the VREK. The shock value might make him take you more seriously and keep his mind off attacking.

>>4647010
>Open with the existence of the VREK. The shock value might make him take you more seriously and keep his mind off attacking.

>>4647326
>>4647040
Supporting this

>>4648194
>>4648133
>>4647744
>>4647326
>>4647187
>>4647088
>>4647040

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4648782

"I am to warn you that the caravan you are circling is in the possession of a VREK, I trust that your wisdom will inform you that continuing on this course of action will be devastating."

The air is still, the man is inscrutable. A long minute passes before he moves at all, the plates on his chest grate against each other slightly.

"Is that a threat, Stoker?"

"It is a warning. Our intent is to prevent any bloodshed, and reach a peaceful resolution. We are acting as neutral intermediaries, the other side agreed to stand down for now. You have matching firepower, there will be no winners should you clash."

The Chief's long neck cranes down and to the side in contemplation, his movements are minimal, he almost looks tired. A rifleman is shaking to your right, his weapon rattling against his shield. Their once steely gaze gives way to fear, it is not of death but rather something else you cannot quite place.

"You understand the context of our conflict, yes?" The tall man asks.

"Yes, I believe both parties could come to another agreement. The presence of Servants should prevent anyone from deceiving the other."

The plated leader clears his throat and bellows hard enough to put the Soldiers enhancements to shame.

"COME OUT, SCAVENGER. WE WISH TO SPEAK."

The military caravan collectively shifts before your eyes, a more defensive formation is achieved in mere moments, allowing for an open talking space for all of the involved sides. The small, heavily calloused representative of the scavengers stands in stark contrast to the Chief, they are at a distance out of respect and practicality.

"Did you really have to shoot my damn man? Couldn't you spit at us like normal people?"

"It had to be done, he was leaving with our water."

"It was OUR water, and you didn't even warn us!"

"Your kind still have not shown us the ammo we were promised, I see no cart carrying it."

"We ain't stupid and proud like you, didn't think we had a VREK either did you? It's there, we said it is there so it's there. Where is the rest of the Sun damned water?"

"We never specified the quantity."

"a VIAL of water. That's what you said."

"It is in a vial, we never said it was full. Your assumptions led to a disadvantageous deal that you are now failing to honor."

The conversation goes in circles for some time, you ought to intervene lest they start shouting again.

>Attempt to make a different deal, one that both parties would be happy with.(Write in if you have something specific in mind, otherwise the leaders will try to figure it out on their own.)
>Convince the scavenger leader to hand over the ammo for the water, the quantity is less than he expected but still incredibly valuable.
>Offer to bring the water back to the military caravan and void all agreements made. Both parties can be on their way after that.
>Write in.

>>4648799
>>Convince the scavenger leader to hand over the ammo for the water, the quantity is less than he expected but still incredibly valuable.

>>4648799
>Attempt to make a different deal, one that both parties would be happy with.(Write in if you have something specific in mind, otherwise the leaders will try to figure it out on their own.)
How full is the vial? The party offering the vial vial shall recieve the ammo proportional to the amount of water in the vial.

For example,
1 vial = 100,000 bullets
1/2 full vial = 50,000 bullets

>>4648932
+1

>>4648799
>>4648932
+2

>>4648932
+3

>>4649016
I get it if you're shitposting anywhere else on the site but this QM is actually trying to provide something nice for us. like sure you're bumping but this slow board runs on user participation and you couldn't even type +1 with your dick comment?

>>4649045
What did the post say? It's not on yuki.la.

File: Spoiler Image (11 KB, 960x79)

11 KB PNG

>>4648932
This works.
>>4649227
the post is pic related
they must've gotten all hot and bothered thinking about our lord and savior, the sun

>>4649045
>>4648948
>>4648934
>>4648932
>>4648896

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4650087

"I suggest we alter the terms of the initial agreement, so that both parties are satisfied." You speak up over their conversation, they instantly snap their gaze to you.

"We?" The Chief asks.

"Yes. I propose that the ammo being delivered is proportional to the quantity of the water in the vial. It was quarter full when last inspected, the Chief's caravan shall receive a quarter of the ammunition. Does this seem fair?"

A deep sigh escapes the leaders, they look to each other and speak at the same time.

"Yes-" Says the Chief.

"No-" Says the scavenger.

You blink for a second longer than normal.

"You wold fail the agreement to compromise too? Typical." The tall leader is literally looking down at his counterpart.

"The water can be accounted for like that, yes. But what about the blood that stains it? Will you pay us back for the dead hands clutching it? I know you didn't forget, you wouldn't be so quick to step on your pride otherwise. My people have been slighted in more ways than one. I demand an eye for an eye."

"You think I would send one of my own to their death? To be executed like cattle?"

"Sure would feel bad, wouldn't it?" The old veteran sneers.

"Correction. Envoy is not dead. Form altered." Your ally chirps.

A good distance away from the negotiations the injured nomad is on his knees, holding the vial to his forehead, mouth agape. His blood hangs off him like clotted ribbons, they wrap around his arms and hands, enclosing the vial fully.

"Sun be praised. A Husk. I have never seen it happen before..." The Chief murmurs.

The newly formed Husk pulls its hands into its chest, melting a hole where its heart used to be and sheltering the water even further.

"RIFLEMEN, AIM FOR THE HEAD." The Chief bellows as his troopers fall into line.

"Don't you dare, you took him away from me once and I will not let you do it again."

>This is technically your job, grab your crucifix and show case your mission to both caravans.
>Let the riflemen take down the Husk, it is the least dangerous and will likely not harm the vial. The scavengers will be furious by watching their brother in arms die twice at the hands of the same people.
>Allow the scavengers deal with it as they see fit, the water is theirs anyway.
>Write in.

>>4650112
>Allow the scavengers deal with it as they see fit, the water is theirs anyway.

>>4650112
>This is technically your job, grab your crucifix and show case your mission to both caravans.

>Allow the scavengers deal with it as they see fit, the water is theirs anyway.

>>4650112
>This is technically your job, grab your crucifix and show case your mission to both caravans.
We've been involved and invested thus far. If they take issue with a stoker killing a husk, won't they have someone higher to answer to than this personal squabble?

>>4650112
>>This is technically your job, grab your crucifix and show case your mission to both caravans.

>This is technically your job, grab your crucifix and show case your mission to both caravans.

>>4650112
Do we have time to ask the soldier how the abortion grenades could help us/be used?

>>4650634

You could, but it would take time and the situation is rather heated. The longer you wait the more agitated the nomads on both sides are going to get and there is also the unknown factor of the Husk. You can take as much time to prep as you want but this situation is time sensitive. The Soldier can and will help you take the Husk down if you ask him though.

>>4650640
Makes perfect sense, thanks for elaborating. I would definitely like to ask the soldier to assist us if we can go in.

>>4650112
>Allow the scavengers deal with it as they see fit, the water is theirs anyway.

>>4650845
>>4650642
>>4650366
>>4650364
>>4650338
>>4650307
>>4650169
>>4650144

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4651653

"Allow us, then. It is our duty, we will take care not to damage the vial." You murmur solemnly, producing your crucifix from your improvised rope belt. The ivory blade at its tip is leveled at the Husk. "Soldier, would you mind assisting me?"

"Negative. Awaiting orders."

The Shell is shedding pieces of itself, the flakes get caught on the strings of blood and elongate them forming longer and longer appendages. It is obviously displaying defensive behavior, even in it's death it wanted to protect the vial. The Chief had the right idea calling for shots to the head, but perhaps you have a better one.

>Ask the Soldier to probe the Husk for abilities, he is infinitely more agile than you even with the injuries he sustained in Morsink.
>Attempt to attack it from both sides with the aim of a swift decapitation.
>Pull its legs from under it first, then overwhelm it together with the Soldier.
>Throw the marbles you have bought from Morsink at its feet, perhaps it will trip.
>Write in.

>>4651725
>Ask the Soldier to probe the Husk for abilities, he is infinitely more agile than you even with the injuries he sustained in Morsink.
>Throw the marbles you have bought from Morsink at its feet, perhaps it will trip.

Let's help the soldier while keeping our distance until we know how to best handle this thing.

>>4651725
>Ask the Soldier to probe the Husk for abilities, he is infinitely more agile than you even with the injuries he sustained in Morsink.

>>4651750
+1

>>4651750
Supporting

>>4651725
>>Ask the Soldier to probe the Husk for abilities, he is infinitely more agile than you even with the injuries he sustained in Morsink.

>>4653324
>>4652566
>>4651808
>>4651795
>>4651750

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4653510

"Ascertain combat capabilities, I will attempt to hinder its mobility."

"Affirm."

The Soldier sprints into the fray with blistering speed, without a sound he is already half way to the Husk before you realize it. Trailing viscera behind them the tendrils of the Shell whip themselves at your ally's legs. He throws his body forward into a somersault, landing hands first on his enemy's shoulders and pushing off with unexpected grace. The entirety of the Husk's body shreds itself open and launches itself upward after the assailant, only the spindly legs remain intact. From the top of its hips rises a spiraling stalk, holding the Vial aloft. The Soldier touches down without as much of a mote of dust being kicked up, he gingerly steps back until the flesh ribbons cannot reach him. They can lash out almost the same length as that of your rope, the more they extend themselves the more vulnerable the vial becomes. You make use of your partner's distraction and produce the jar of marbles you recently purchased, a handful is scattered around the feet of the Husk to minimal effect. The entity is firmly planted into the ground, immobile. It either has no intention of running away or it is physically incapable of doing so, the weight distribution while split apart might be too much for it to handle.

Aware of a second threat half of the flat tendrils rush back to protect their core possession, you could withstand a strike to the chest and gauntlet but there is no guarantee they will not hit anything else.

>Cut the stalk holding up the Vial with your spear, risk a hit while retreating.
>Cut the legs clean off, with the marbles on the ground it will have a hard time righting itself.
>Run back out of reach.
>Brace for impact with your protected arm, keep it in place so the Soldier can strike it from behind.
>Write in.

>>4653531
>Cut the legs clean off, with the marbles on the ground it will have a hard time righting itself.
COMMIT
TO MARBLE
COMBAT

also knocking husks over is kind of our thing

>>4653531
>Cut the legs clean off, with the marbles on the ground it will have a hard time righting itself.

>>4653531
>Cut the legs clean off, with the marbles on the ground it will have a hard time righting itself.

>>4653531
>Brace for impact with your protected arm, keep it in place so the Soldier can strike it from behind.

>>4653531
>>Cut the legs clean off, with the marbles on the ground it will have a hard time righting itself.

>>4654453
>>4653937
>>4653663
>>4653549
>>4653533

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4655188

Thin, blood drenched sinew is all that hold up the creature, you bring back your spear as the rest of the ribbons attempt to get back in time to defend their body.

They fail.

You sweep your weapon in an arc in front of you, seamlessly separating the limbs. There is no mouth to screech, no lungs to wail, the pelvis and everything on top of it simply crumples to the dusty ground with a dull thud. The shift throws off the tendrils that all slam in and around you, glancing blows to your chest and gauntlet send a ring over the gathered masses. Ferociously, the appendages slam themselves against you over and over again. A few start constricting around your ankles and attempt to wrestle you to the ground but with no grounding themselves they fail to bring you down, the remains of the body simply rolling around on the marbles.

Slowly the vial is starting to retract from the stalk and sink into what was the hips of this person. On the other side the Soldier is still distracting the rest of the flesh strands, he looks to you expectantly.

>Let the Soldier run distraction while you sever the vial from the Husk.
>Slice the tendrils attacking you, there is only so much time until they start doing real damage.
>Cut the tendrils trying to drag you, they can still pull at your feet and throw you off balance. The damage sustained from the fight in Morsink has not healed and you still have a hard time with your reduced dexterity.
>Grab the tendrils with your gauntlet and incinerate them, let the flames run up all the way to the body.
>Signal for the Soldier to close in and finish the Husk. You can be the distraction for the end of this fight.
>Write in.

>>4655217
>Let the Soldier run distraction while you sever the vial from the Husk.

>>4655217
>>Let the Soldier run distraction while you sever the vial from the Husk.

>Signal for the Soldier to close in and finish the Husk. You can be the distraction for the end of this fight.

>>4655217
>Signal for the Soldier to close in and finish the Husk. You can be the distraction for the end of this fight.

>>4655217
>Let the Soldier run distraction while you sever the vial from the Husk.

>>4655217
>>Signal for the Soldier to close in and finish the Husk. You can be the distraction for the end of this fight.

>>4655217
>Signal for the Soldier to close in and finish the Husk. You can be the distraction for the end of this fight.
By the power of the Distraction Carnifex, I summon thee, O Based Backstaber!

>>4656367
>>4655950
>>4655566
>>4655344
>>4655321
>>4655293
>>4655236

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4656942

Pretending to cut your own neck is a clear enough signal for the Soldier to understand, he lunges under the tentacles trying to assault him with inhuman ease, on all fours he pounces ever closer to the main body. You wrap your part of the ribbons up in the arms of your crucifix and stab it into the ground, ensuring they are not going anywhere. Devoid of any flourishes your ally lifts up the tendrils at their base with one hand and chops at the stalk holding up the vial with an open palm, grabbing the item in the same motion.

The Husk erupts with fury.

Now free of its main burden it fully goes on the offensive, you are slammed to the ground as the Shell uses your spear as a grounding point for the ribbons tied to your legs. You go down hard, the world rattles around in your head for a second before you realize that the whole pelvis of the entity has dragged itself onto your leg like a leech. A whirlwind of clotted strands of skin cut and slash outward from it, you lean on your weapon for support.

The Solider is in a striking position ready to kick it, this will likely result in significant damage to your leg. There must be a better idea.

>You can incinerate ALL of your limbs, burn him off of you.
>Let the Soldier strike it dead, you will heal in time.
>Pull your spear out and stab it. (A roll will be required to see if you can pull it out and not also stab yourself in the leg)
>Write in.

>>4656965
>You can incinerate ALL of your limbs, burn him off of you.

>>4656965
>You can incinerate ALL of your limbs, burn him off of you.

>>4656965
>You can incinerate ALL of your limbs, burn him off of you.

>>4656965
>You can incinerate ALL of your limbs, burn him off of you.

>>4656965
>>You can incinerate ALL of your limbs, burn him off of you.

>>4657452
>>4657185
>>4657084
>>4656990
>>4656984

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4658175

With no concern for the safety of the vial you breathe in deeply, letting the blaze of The Furnace run down to your leg. A slow sizzle causes the Husk to fuse with your flesh for just a second before it catches fire, the tendrils thrashing wildly against you in an attempt to wrest themselves free. In a few moments, nothing remains of the former nomad. The Soldier helps you to your feet, and neutrally chirps:

"No damage sustained."

You cannot say the same for yourself, your injuries are tolerable but not insignificant. There are a few instances where you stagger or trip, mobility is going to be more of an issue until you can properly heal at a Funnel.

Both caravans cheer for your victory, the sensation is overwhelming. Rarely do you see such massed emotion, you almost take a bow.

"Sun be damned, he still had some fight in him." The scavenger leader says.

"Even in death, he sought to fulfill his duty. It is... admirable." The Chief manages.

You try to speak, but find yourself winded. The duo take over the conversation for your sake.

"We have agreed on the deal your proposed. The compensation for my lost man is going to be guaranteed protection in our time of need, if the need ever arises." The old man's wrinkled brow impossibly wrinkles further. "The payback for death isn't more death, it is the promise of life."

"Agreed. Especially with how scarce it has all become."

Everyone looks to the vial in the Soldiers hand, stained with the blood of the Husk you just killed. Clots stick to it in random places, making it look almost alive.

"Both of our caravans welcome you to shelter with us for the night, the choice is yours of course." The plated nomad proudly declares.

>Rest with the Chief.
>Rest with the scavengers.
>Rest alone with the Soldier.
>Don't rest, you are almost at the Pillar.
>Write in.

>>4658189
>Write in.
"With a deal struck, the party that was bargaining for the vial of water shall now receive it"
Let's wash our hands of this situation.
>Rest alone with the Soldier.
To show our impartiality

>>4658233
Seconding

>>4658233
+1

>>4658189
>Rest alone with the Soldier.

>>4658189
>>Rest alone with the Soldier

>>4658839
>>4658321
>>4658293
>>4658277
>>4658233

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4659651

"I appreciate your generosity, but in the spirit of impartiality I will rest with my brother in arms."

They both give you a skeptical look, but don't insist. Carts are being uncovered by the scavenger caravan, unmarked boxes are being offloaded and brought to the center.

"This is the ammo proportional to the amount of water in the vial, just as agreed. Feel free to inspect them, Chief."

The tall man wrests a crate open with his bare hands minimal effort, a fistful of bullets is collected for inspection.

"I appreciate the fact that you always clean them. One they we might be shooting these against your enemies. This is acceptable, feel free to deliver the vial."

The Soldier drops the container into the battered hands of the scavenger, he sloshes the liquid around before nodding.

"A pleasure doing business, I wish you luck on your travels."

Pleasantries are quickly exchanged, you finally collapse on the outskirts of the caravan just as The Sun is setting.

"Mission accomplished. Proceeding to rendezvous?" Your ally asks.

"Not yet. I do not have the tenacity of a Soldier, please allow me the night to rest."

"Affirmative."

He doesn't bother to even sit down, his neck begins ticking again as he scans the dimming horizon. You try to take stock of your condition, and the state you are going to be engaging the Duke in. The most damage has been sustained by you without a doubt, the most debilitating aspect being your lackluster balance. Your friend is not unscathed either, but seems to be infinitely more functional than you are. He is designed to operate at maximum capacity no matter what, his arsenal being limited when compared to yours. The jar of marbles still rattles around in your chest, alongside the 2 grenades you received for your last Harvest. The crucifix is set aside as you look the roundish items over, you have plenty of time to plan with the Soldier before tomorrow. What should you discuss, Stoker?

(Choose 2 prompts from below.)

>The grenades, knowing more about their mechanisms will allow you to make better decisions in the upcoming fight.
>The Pillar. You have knowledge you can share with the Soldier.
>The Duke and the Husks that he controls. Speculate on how the two of them interact.
>The second Soldier you are supposed to meet. Does he know what abilities your other ally might have?
>Write in.

>>4659689
>The grenades, knowing more about their mechanisms will allow you to make better decisions in the upcoming fight.
>The Pillar. You have knowledge you can share with the Soldier.

>>4659689
>>The Pillar. You have knowledge you can share with the Soldier.
>>The Duke and the Husks that he controls. Speculate on how the two of them interact.

>>4659689
>The grenades, knowing more about their mechanisms will allow you to make better decisions in the upcoming fight.
>The Pillar. You have knowledge you can share with the Soldier.

>The grenades, knowing more about their mechanisms will allow you to make better decisions in the upcoming fight.
>The Duke and the Husks that he controls. Speculate on how the two of them interact.

>>4659689
>The grenades, knowing more about their mechanisms will allow you to make better decisions in the upcoming fight.
>The Pillar. You have knowledge you can share with the Soldier.

>>4660774
>>4659980
>>4659704
>>4659700
>>4659698

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4661502

"You are an expert in weaponry, what can you tell me about these? I received them as recompense for my last Harvest."

"B-12 fragmentation grenades. Uncommon." He takes them from your hand to look closer, he clicks a couple of times before speaking again. "Correction. Stillborn grenades. Incredibly uncommon. Utilize the soul of a faulty vessel to great effect. Method of control is limited for those who cannot conduct soul rituals. Ideal for a Stoker. Primary use is standard detonation, force of shock wave greatly increased compared to B-12 variant."

He takes each of them in a separate hand and weighs them, he taps them against each other a bit.

He pulls the pin on one of them.

You jolt upright, or at least try to. The disorientation causes you to crash back down in a panicked daze. The Soldier jovially continues.

"Original mechanism still functional, releases stored energy in a primitive manner." He effortlessly places the pin back in the pitch black, the device is offered back to you."Other known uses include: Incendiary blast with a reduced radius, brief alteration of time-space, stasis bubble, and..."

For the first time ever you see the Soldier frown, he struggles to get the words out.

"And?" You urge him.

"Temporary reanimation of the deceased. Not recommended. Inevitably will deteriorate into a Husk state or worse."

The only thing worse than a Husk is an Abomination, the fact that you could likely create 2 of the things at will makes you shiver.

"I would like the share some knowledge I have on the Pillar, if you are willing to listen." Your ally says nothing, but makes it clear that you have his full attention. "The Abomination reside in the center of a massive graveyard, housed inside of a tall Pillar. The outskirts are composed of piles of broken coffins, the Husks that inhabit them sometimes tumble them downhill in a attempt to crush their foes below. There are paths that weave between the mounds but are patrolled, there is an area cleared of coffins as you approach the Pillar."

"Useful. Analysis: Approach should be conducted at dusk, timed in such a manner that we can reach the inner circle by nightfall. Darkness should be used to traverse the area without cover and infiltrate the inside of the Pillar. Terrain is ideal for personal capabilities."

The plan would be sound if it wasn't for the injuries you have sustained so far, should you ask the Soldier to come up with a different approach or should you just bite the bullet?

>Inform the Soldier of your reduced mobility.
>Remain silent, perhaps your new ally will be able to mitigate your weakness.
>Write in.

>>4661516
>Inform the Soldier of your reduced mobility.

>>4661516
>Inform the Soldier of your reduced mobility.

>>4661516
>Inform the Soldier of your reduced mobility.

>>4661668
>>4661607
>>4661580

Vote is locked. Writing.

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>>4663273

"My mobility has been impaired, I do not think I will be able to swiftly navigate the terrain. Perhaps another approach?"

"Perhaps." He says, deep in thought. It takes the entire night for him to come up with an answer, The Sun begins to peek out from underneath the horizon.

"I could carry you across. I suggest we deliberate with the other Soldier."

You pick yourself back up and dust yourself off, the wastes ahead await. The Pillar is close and you make good progress, the piles of coffins come into view soon enough. Pale Husks fret about, there are without a doubt more hidden underneath the debris. Your orders where to bring everyone here, yet no one is around. Everything seems just as it was the first time you arrived here.

A shrill whistle cuts the air behind you, it comes from above and ultimately slams into the ground. You are nearly thrown off balance as you produce your weapon and prepare for an ambush.

"Cordial greetings, noble Servants of The Machine. I am to assist in the extermination of this most foul Abomination."

The person in front of you is no doubt a Soldier, heavy blue tinted armor adorns him, two large metallic wings stretch from his sides outward, blocking out the already dim light of the day.

An exchange of code is made between the two Soldiers, you are completely oblivious to whatever it they are saying.

>You are in command, you should be aware of everything they have to say.
>Let them finish speaking first, you don't want to make a bad first impression by interrupting.
>Write in.

>>4663284
Let them finish speaking first, but firmly stress that we need to be kept involved with all communications as soon as they're done talking.

>>4663288
Supporting this

>>4663284
>>4663288
+1

>>4663288
Supporting this

>>4663350
>>4663321
>>4663301
>>4663288

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4664903

The conversation is no doubt as efficient as possible, the two Soldiers spout bursts of code at each other so fast it overlaps at times, the rhythm is dizzying.

Or perhaps it is just your head again.

"Thank you for escorting my comrade to the battle ground, Stoker. Your service is most appreciated." The winged warrior is paradoxically bulky, compared to the paper thin kite Husks you encountered it is hard to imagine what sort of peculiar anatomy allows him to perform such feats.

"I am still to serve, I will participate in the culling of The Duke."

"I was not aware. Apologies, I failed to receive the full extent of our mission due to some...complications."

"I am also to be kept informed, I do not understand your code unfortunately. Speaking like this would be optimal, even in the heat of combat."

A grumpy harumph reverberates around in his helmet. "Code is a respected tradition of our caste, not only that but using it is also the most efficient form of communication devised by The Machine. Shame not all Servants are taught it."

You maintain your composure against the haughty remarks, refraining from mentioning the fact that Soldiers are custom made to be able to communicate the way they do.

"Out of respect for your kind I will be honest and admit that I do not think you are personally up for the task, how do you plan to contribute to the operation?" He crosses his arms and scans you from head to toe.

>Leadership and coordination. Thanks to your experience and resourcefulness you are used to making the most out of what the wasteland gives you.
>Combat prowess. You have killed more Husks than both of them combined, it is your specialty. The arsenal you carry with you is also considerable, the stillborn grenades and flame gauntlet should be enough to deal with anything the crucifix can't handle.
>Support. You are out of your comfort zone, they can take the lead while you assist in any way they need. The new Soldier appears to be a bit ignorant when it comes to the abilities of his fellows though.
>Nothing. He is right, your injuries and the context of the mission is too much for you to handle.
>Write in.

(Sorry for the delay, something came up.)

>>4664944
>Combat prowess. You have killed more Husks than both of them combined, it is your specialty. The arsenal you carry with you is also considerable, the stillborn grenades and flame gauntlet should be enough to deal with anything the crucifix can't handle.
Make it clear that we were asked by the top dogs to perform this mission, and out of respect for their authority and our own castle's work we're not going to turn tail on an assigned mission. Stress that compromising communications during combat is foolish at best, and that the extra seconds the soldier spends not using code are seconds he'll have a strong ally.

FURTHERMORE he's also in the dark about some aspects of the mission. We should all exchange as much info as we can and it's ANOTHER reason for him to respect our request for everyone to disseminate as much information as we can gather to one another.

>>4664944
>>Leadership and coordination. Thanks to your experience and resourcefulness you are used to making the most out of what the wasteland gives you.

>>4664944
>Combat prowess. You have killed more Husks than both of them combined, it is your specialty. The arsenal you carry with you is also considerable, the stillborn grenades and flame gauntlet should be enough to deal with anything the crucifix can't handle.

>Leadership and coordination. Thanks to your experience and resourcefulness you are used to making the most out of what the wasteland gives you.

>>4664955
Caste's*

Autocorrect on mobile

>>4664944
>Combat prowess. You have killed more Husks than both of them combined, it is your specialty. The arsenal you carry with you is also considerable, the stillborn grenades and flame gauntlet should be enough to deal with anything the crucifix can't handle.

>>4664955
>>4664980
>>4664985
>>4664993
>>4665041
>>4666014

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4666386

"My prowess in combat may not match that of a Soldier, but it is still respectable. I have acquired a sizeable arsenal throughout my travels that will put me on even footing. This mission has been tasked to me directly, I will not shame my own caste by running away from responsibilities. Refusing to properly communicate with all members will only lead to confusion and inefficiency, I am sure we all know how dangerous that is in the heat of battle. It would be foolish to keep a third of our war band in the dark, you are not so enlightened about our goals yourself. As it stands I am the single most knowledgeable member in regards to this mission, we should all disseminate the information we possess."

He broods while listening to you speak, the mention of arsenal obviously grabs his attention as he clasps his hands behind his back. Now fully facing you and with a more respectful tone he approaches the conversation as if you were a fellow, rather than an outsider.

"Acknowledged. My own ignorance stood in the way of assuring a swift victory over this Aberration, I have been informed of the current plan and the topography of this foul lair by my comrade. I understand that you know more of this enemy than I do, please share."

Now relaxed and in a cordial atmosphere your proceed to rattle off the exact description of The Duke that you received before leaving the Funnel, you elaborate on the pale Husks that lurk the premises and warn of the presence of others that have fallen under the despots influence.

"I see, reaching him in the first place would be a war of attrition by itself. Enough that he could take advantage of our weakened resolve, and infiltrate our minds with his fetid thoughts. To think what would happen if a caravan would happen to pass by, he must be obliterated."

The covert specialist has been as quiet as ever, his analysis will probably come at the very end and be more concrete than whatever both you and the flyer can summarize.

"Now, I would be interested in what you are going to contribute to the operation." You say, trying not to sound annoyed.

"Of course, I specialize in air recon and rapid ambush. I can investigate any foe from a great distance and then crush them beneath me in a dive, the previous fall was as polite as I could manage, the real thing is quite stunning. I lack munitions or weapons, no other deviations from standard Soldier equipment."

You mull this over in your head, his size and wingspan will be incredibly limited inside the Pillar but absolutely devastating in an open space. His mobility eclipses even that of the first Soldier. It is rare seeing two of them in the same place, let alone aided by a Stoker. How are you going to refer to the two of them?

>In the order you met them. 1 and 2. They should appreciate the simplicity.
>Covert and Recon, after their specialties
>Ask them if they would like to be called anything specific.
>Write in.

>>4666401
>Ask them if they would like to be called anything specific.
We should ask them their name. Hopefully, it isn't something obvious that might give intel to the enemy

>>4666401
>Ask them if they would like to be called anything specific.

>>4666401
>>4666401
>Ask them if they would like to be called anything specific.

>>4666401
>>Ask them if they would like to be called anything specific

>>4666820
>>4666485
>>4666450
>>4666412

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4667898

"To avoid further confusion, is there something specific each of you would like to be called?"

The large Soldier fusses and squirms around slightly at the mention of his identity, the other simply stares ahead and away from you.

"You see, this is never an issue with us Soldiers. Rarely seen together and almost never in multiples of 3! I... cannot say what I would like to be called."

"Concur. Archive denomination is HFAS345. Other identifiers do not exist."

"Oh, yes. Mine is FRAS678, I believe. Not very helpful I presume."

This is not what you expected, but it is hardly surprising. You would be hard pressed to come up with something for yourself too, your title always seemed to have sufficed. Did you ever have a name in the first place?

"The short versions of your codes would be something like 45 and 78. Would that be acceptable?"

"Affirmative." 45 chirps.

"Indeed!" 78 bellows, his chest puffing up beneath his thick suit of armor. "What about you? Would you still like to be called Stoker?"

>Yes. Your work is your life, if there is no need for it you wouldn't want to go by anything else.

>No. There is more to you than just your caste, something that makes you stand out from the other Stokers. Something you can call your own.
>Ironfist. To show your greatest strength comes from the allies you have made, in the form of an iron gauntlet.
>Sunlight. You have yet to witness another Stoker with an aspect of The Sun, it is a defining feature.
>Saltwalker. The most arduous journey you have ever made, the effort itself would have killed lesser Servants.
>Write in. (Feel free to add whatever you feel makes the Stoker more than just a Stoker)

>>4667913
>Ironfist. To show your greatest strength comes from the allies you have made, in the form of an iron gauntlet.

>Yes. Your work is your life, if there is no need for it you wouldn't want to go by anything else.
PRAISE THE SUN

>>4667913
>Yes. Your work is your life, if there is no need for it you wouldn't want to go by anything else.
Anything else would legit feel wrong

>>4667913
>Yes. Your work is your life, if there is no need for it you wouldn't want to go by anything else.

>>4667913
>Yes. Your work is your life, if there is no need for it you wouldn't want to go by anything else.

>>4668686
>>4668123
>>4668092
>>4668043
>>4667936

Vote is locked. Writing.

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>>4669515

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeqqjTSdVg&ab_channel=CryoChamber

"Yes, I see no reason to use anything else. Now, I believe we must formulate a battle plan before night fall. 45 had some tentative ideas but now that you are here I feel like we should reevaluate."

"It seems 45 is ahead of both of us! What is this map, brother?"

Looking down you spot the lithe soldier drawing in the dust using a finger, there seem to be multiple avenues that have opened up with the arrival of a new ally. You would hazard guessing that he seems excited about the prospect.

"Affirmative. Analysis complete. Most efficient approach is a decapitation strike on The Duke. Attack vectors are as follows: Bottom up from the Pillar, corner Abomination at the top. Top to bottom, deploy on top of Pillar using 78 and descend. Pincer attack, two groups will be formed, one enters from the top and the other from the bottom. Alternatively, The Duke could be lured out of the Pillar if significant damage is dealt to the Husk retinue."

Each tactic has pros and cons, you try to weigh them against each other while 45 gives 78 a refresher on everything you know. The bottom up approach is guaranteed to force your enemy into a corner, but it also means all 3 of you would have to sneak past the Husks. 78 can't fly you over to the entrance without alerting everyone, his considerable bulk would also have him at a disadvantage.

Infiltrating top to bottom would best utilize his skill set, but you would be walking in blind with no escape route. Reinforcements would be able to flood in from the bottom if you fail to execute your target fast enough, high risk high reward.

You could try coming in from both angles at once, you would need to determine how to split your forces up but what is certain is that at least one group will be in a precarious position. The surprise aspect of being enveloped will be a great aid in the operation, potentially lethal if The Duke is unprepared.

There is also the option of a longer siege of the entire graveyard, an all out war of attrition would whittle away at the Husks and force the Aberration to come out personally. This will obviously also take a toll on you, 78 seems to be in pristine condition and specialized in ambush strikes but 45 and you have already seen combat and are injured to some extent. You have time, but you might not have the stamina.

What do you do, Stoker?

>Bottom up plan.
>Top down plan.
>Pincer attack (Specify how you want to split your forces up.)
>War of attrition.
>Write in.

>>4669519
Top to bottom approach is high risk, high reward, but with 78 in top condition it seems very reasonable.

>>4669519
>>War of attrition.

>>4669519
>Pincer attack
>78 drops us from above, 45 sneaks in from below.

>>4669522
>Pincer attack (Specify how you want to split your forces up.)
We do not have the means to wage a war of attrition
Going bottom up isn't making full use of all of our abilities
78 waits in the air, distracting husks below
Stoaker works in tandem with 78, both create distraction for 45 to sneak to the tower. On 45's signal (soul grenade to create entry? bad idea maybe, as it would resurrect the dead), 78 shifts attention to top of the tower and work to meet in the middle, pinching the duke. Stoaker
slowly falls back while the soliders do their work.
Thoughts?

>>4669629
+1

>>4669629
Sounds good. Changing my vote >>4669522
to this.

>>4670341
>>4669671
>>4669629
>>4669538
>>4669529
>>4669522

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4670742

"Pincer attack. We make sure we surround him, I doubt he is going to expect it at all." You muse, gauging your allies for a reaction.

"I see, it would make the most tactical sense for a fast strike. How would we divide our forces?"

"The two of us work to distract the Husks while 45 sneaks to Pillar, you can easily relocate to the top and work at catching The Duke in the middle."

"Negative. Distraction would alert auxiliary forces. Operatives would become critically outnumbered. Decapitation strike must remain silent as long as possible to increase chances of success."

"It is quite obvious I would best infiltrate from the top while you two take the bottom, but I agree that alerting anyone would be a death sentence. This Duke has overwhelming authority over his minions, he will bog us down and deliver the death blow himself. We cannot afford it."

You deflate slightly, but perk back up when 45 intervenes.

"Alternate proposal. Stoker and 78 easily detectable. They infiltrate from the top, I enter at the bottom. Possible guards unlikely to be past where Abomination resides. Personally equipped to evade such threats at the entrance of the Pillar. Stoker and 78 best prepared for close quarters combat. Acceptable?"

The winged Soldier grabs you by the back of your collar and lifts you slightly off the ground."Light enough, I could easily fly you to the top. I second this proposal."

>Agree and move on.
>Disagree and alter the plan. (Write in what ideas you have.)

>>4670752
>Agree and move on.

>>4670755
>Agree and move on.
Thanks for the hint QM

>>4670752
>Agree and move on.

>>4670752
>>Agree and move on.

>>4670752
>>Agree and move on.
"Are you *sure* you want to do this?"

>>4670860
>>4670841
>>4670788
>>4670762
>>4670755

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4672026

"Agreed. What about an escape plan? Even if we kill The Duke the remains of his retinue will be agitated if not hostile."

"Proceed to the top of The Pillar. Utilize 78 as escape vector."

"I have no qualms with the plan so far, but it appears we have missed something. How will we enter the tower from the top? I doubt there is an entrance up there waiting for us." 78 muses.

"Stoker equipped with incendiary abilities. Stone can be melted silently, correct?"

You nod, the output of your limbs is incredible especially after the tree debacle. What you lack in direction you make up for in firepower, melting through the stone will take a bit out of you but can no doubt be done.

The dead Sun slips beneath the horizon, night is a few moments away. Everything seems to be in order, all that remains is to actually get it done.

"Complete plan is as follows: 45 enters from bottom, ascends to the middle. Stoker and 78 melt roof and descend to the middle. Execution of Aberration ensues. Retreat to roof for evac."

A metallic clang rings in your ears as 78 punches his fists together, determination all throughout his voice. "Let us rid the world of this mistake, brothers." Wordlessly, 45 sets himself into a runners stance, prepared to sprint at a moment's notice.

"Operation commences in 5."

A vice grip tightens around your waist, 78 spreads his wings with a mighty flourish. "Hope you are not afraid of heights, Stoker. The world is quite beautiful from up there."

You have been higher than anyone, and would beg to differ.

"4."

"3."

"2."

"Godspeed, 45." 78 monotones.

"1."

>>4672040

It feels like the items you have stored in your chest are about to burst through your pelvis, the sudden upwards motion is dizzying. Darkness descends upon your war band fully, below you the thin frame of 45 is soundlessly jumping over coffins, sliding along the dust with inhuman ease. He passes a few centimeters behind a patrol of Husks who are oblivious to his existence, in a few second you have lost him entirely in the mess of detritus.

"Here we are."

You touch down onto the roof of the Pillar. The stone is strangely soft, you can't help but think what the purpose of it was before The Duke took it over. On your hands and knees, you close your eyes and shut the cold universe out until only the warm embrace of The Furnace remains. Something sizzles and cracks, pops flood your ears and you dare glance at your work.

Glowing white the spot you have kneeled on is caving inward, you are fully ablaze and 78 looks petrified.

"That is quite enough, I would say. Let me handle the rest."

There is no stopping what you have started, the rock is so soft you can grab it like dirt. Ever deeper you push your arms in, forcing the material to collapse under you.

Everything is dark, everything except the blazing hole you made in the ceiling. Your comrade descends gracefully, batting his wings at the last minute to dampen his fall. A small light flashes from his forehead, you are closely examined.

"That wasn't normal, was it brother?"

You groan and sit up, the room is empty. There is a hatch off to the side and you are still slightly on fire.

>No time to waste, descend now and carry on with the mission. Everything else can wait.
>Take some time to pat yourself out and reflect on what just happened. It really wasn't normal
>Order 78 ahead, promise to catch up in a bit.
>Write in.

>>4672043
>Take some time to pat yourself out and reflect on what just happened. It really wasn't normal.

If there is ANY sign of someone approaching, stop and get a move on.

>>4672043
>Take some time to pat yourself out and reflect on what just happened. It really wasn't normal

>>4672043
>Order 78 ahead, promise to catch up in a bit.
>Take some time to pat yourself out and reflect on what just happened. It really wasn't normal

>>4672043
>Take some time to pat yourself out and reflect on what just happened. It really wasn't normal
We will be a walking beacon if we're on fire, which isn't good

>Take some time to pat yourself out and reflect on what just happened. It really wasn't normal

Take some time...

We should try to round up as many husks as possible after the operation, stuff them all into a coffin to drag with us. Order the soldiers to crush their heads during the mopup with minimal damage to the torso.

>>4673543
>>4673190
>>4673081
>>4672741
>>4672374
>>4672050

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4673706

Smoke strings out from your form as you snuff out the remaining flames, they are stubborn and refuse to give out easily. The flesh on your arms feels raw, your legs are permanently flexed, there is so much tension in your body it feels like it is about to snap.

You have never felt stronger, even if this power is not your own. The Furnace has touched you deeply, you couldn't reject this gift even if you wanted to.

"That was unlike anything I have ever seen, can you stand?"

As a matter of fact you can stand, it is easier than before. Your head is still struggling to adjust to the movement but your limbs take over completely, running on pure muscle memory. There is a certain disconnect between your soul and your body, is this the work of The Furnace too?

"Stoker, answer me."

Partially possessed is the best way you can describe it, the immense increase in energy came at the cost of control. The limbs are yours, you decide where they go and what they do but it is as if they have a zealotry of their own. You close your fist gently, in reality it snaps shut hard enough to hurt slightly.

"Yes. Thank you."

"Are you able to continue the operation?"

"More than ever."

The hatch is rusty and stuck to the floor, several locking mechanisms assure that it will be annoying to get through. Your legs are twitching.

>Break it open with a kick, test the limit of what you can do before reaching The Duke.
>Take some time to get it open silently, you don't want to alert anyone.
>Ask 78 to handle it. You have to try and get yourself under control, if it is even possible.
>Write in.

>>4673712
This is hype as fuck

>Write in.
If we lost some control thanks to our newfound energy, it seems obvious enough that breaking open the rusty hatch with our legs might hurt ourselves. IF we can do so without causing additional damage, let's test our strength, and MINDFULLY use our legs to amplify breaking or opening the locking mechanisms. Ask 78 for help if he can as well. A soldier should understand what it's like to be infatuated with strength and zeal more than anyone.

>>4673712
>Ask 78 to handle it. You have to try and get yourself under control, if it is even possible.

>>4673712
>>Take some time to get it open silently, you don't want to alert anyone.

>>4673720
+1

>Ask 78 to handle it. You have to try and get yourself under control, if it is even possible.

This is a stealth op, let's stealth the hatch.

>>4673712
>>Ask 78 to handle it. You have to try and get yourself under control, if it is even possible.

>>4675515
>>4674180
>>4674160
>>4673987
>>4673773
>>4673727

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4675555

"Can you open it?" You ask.

"Yes, I believe so." The gargantuan Soldier kneels down and grabs a small pack of metal tools from somewhere on his person.

You don't pay attention further as your legs start to sizzle and spark, you pat out any of the new fires threatening to engulf your limbs and collapse against the far wall. The air is hot, breathing doesn't seem to help. Any attempt at containing the massive amounts of energy within you end in failure or minor injury, the latter heal shortly after they are created. Every click 78 makes with his tools has your nerves on fire, every single bit of stimulation almost sets you alight again. You are not calming down, you are just getting started. Whatever is flowing into you is not going away, it is accumulating, you are not sure how much of it you can store.

>Let yourself burn off the excess now before proceeding, it is a waste but should allow for a bit more control.
>Double down and try to accumulate as much of it for The Duke, this is an opportunity. 78 is going to be responsible for getting you there, but your damage potential will be increased tenfold.
>Let 78 in on the changes and propose rushing in as fast and loud as possible, it will take attention off 45 and allow him to surprise the enemy. You can take whatever this tower can throw at you, you can take so much more.
>Write in.

>>4675560
>Let 78 in on the changes and propose rushing in as fast and loud as possible, it will take attention off 45 and allow him to surprise the enemy. You can take whatever this tower can throw at you, you can take so much more.

>>4675560
>Let 78 in on the changes and propose rushing in as fast and loud as possible, it will take attention off 45 and allow him to surprise the enemy. You can take whatever this tower can throw at you, you can take so much more.
Surely OP wouldn't give us a purely trap option :^)

>>4675623
Supporting
What caused this? Can't think of anything that would act as a catalyst

>>4675560
>Let 78 in on the changes and propose rushing in as fast and loud as possible, it will take attention off 45 and allow him to surprise the enemy. You can take whatever this tower can throw at you, you can take so much more.
>>4675720
maybe we're so amazingly autistic about our job that we've been granted a blessing
or maybe we're being powered up for some other reason and must be sacrificed to the furnace later to reclaim this energy, but who knows

>>4675733
>>4675720

Remember when you guys rolled a double crit?

>>4675741
Oh snap didn't realize that carried on til now

>>4675870

Getting 2 100s in a row was special enough to warrant some long term effects :^).

>>4675741
Oh, I thought it had some long-term effects as in minor stat increases, but didn't realize that this was related.
Cool.

>>4675733
>>4675720
>>4675623
>>4675607

Vote is locked. Writing.

File: Pillar Husks.png (2.53 MB, 1027x1500)

2.53 MB PNG

>>4677385

"78, some changes have occurred to my anatomy. The Furnace has blessed me beyond what I am able to properly contain, I urge you to alter the original plan and take a more direct approach. We have the firepower to overwhelm their defenses much faster than before, our attack would be a welcome distraction for 45."

You are shaking, the anticipation is wracking every single muscle in your body. The fact that you can let it all out is a thrill you have never experienced before, there is so much you can do. The hatch opens with a clank, your ally mutters softly.

"Well, I have never been one for stealth anyway. This goes straight down, brother. We will be engaging in what is called dynamic deployment."

He grabs you by the shoulders, his metal fists hiss as they bring your body close enough for him wrap his wings around you in a protective manner. A few steps are taken towards the hatch.

"I will be at your back, our new objective is reaching The Duke as fast as possible to prevent his henchmen from getting a chance to strike at us. If I cannot keep up feel free to leave me behind."

There is a permanent twitch you cannot ignore, steam shoots our of your skin at random. You feel like a bomb. 78 picks you up.

"Give them hell, Stoker."

He steps off with you and careens downward, the little air there is inside is whistling past you. You land with a sundering crack, the entire Pillar shakes from the impact. The heated air you brought down with you into the room rushes out and pushes every single thing to the edges, every single enemy is slammed against the wall and struggling to figure out what happened. The wings unfurl and allow you to properly gaze at you prey. The rattled Husks are tall and lanky, a sickly yellow skin is pulled over their eyes. There are 5 of them, you do not know what they are capable of yet, but it will hardly matter if you kill them before they have a chance to show you.

A spiral stair case leads down to a lower level, it sits off to the right side with a couple of Husks potentially tumbling down.

Let loose, Stoker. Time is of the essence.

>Arms out, immolate the entire room. You don't have time to deal with each one individually.
>Engage them with the crucifix while they are still immobile, together with 78 you should be able to make quick work of them.
>Use your aspect of The Sun to shine as bright as possible, you don't know if this blessing will influence the output but it is worth a try.
>Leave 78 to handle them and run for the exit, he can clean up whatever is left in your wake.
>Write in.

>>4677403
>Arms out, immolate the entire room. You don't have time to deal with each one individually.
Time IS of the essence

>>4677405
Support
awww yeah here we go

>>4677403
>Leave 78 to handle them and run for the exit, he can clean up whatever is left in your wake.
Don't immolate 78 you dolts.

OH YEAHHHHH
>Leave 78 to handle them and run for the exit, he can clean up whatever is left in your wake.
Yeah, uh
don't burn our friend to death

>>4677463
>>4677638
How do we know we would immolate the soldier? Would OP give us a prompt to burn our ally to death? I'm under the impression that this is to nuke our enemies

OP can you please clarify?

>>4677786

You would be using your arms to immolate the entire room *in front of you*. I should have been more clear, 78 positioned himself at your back for a reason. Sorry if it was confusing.

>>4677790
That's what I figured, ty for clarifying. I'm >>4677405
Just mobileposting rn, standing by my vote

>>4677786
>Would OP give us a prompt to burn our ally to death?
Some would.

Immolate the well dressed minions, then carry on down the stairs.

>>4677814
>the entire room
>>4677638
>>4677463
>>4677408
>>4677405

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4679124

You extend you hands forward, fingers pointed at the quarry in front of you, they try to pick themselves back up from under the blasted apart furniture and debris. Your body stills, your eyes focus and your skin runs cold everywhere except your arms. The conflagration is blinding, plumes of fire rush down from your shoulders and to the tip of your fingers, ravaging the room in front of you. Your gauntleted arm is channeling the flames in a much more precise cone, even without using the sulfur fuel inside. The roar of the blaze is deafening, your inferno slams against the far wall and instantly incinerates all opposition, waves of smoke rise and threaten to engulf you.

"STOKER! THE STAIRS! NOW!"

Once again you are manhandled by 78, pushed forward toward the staircase and protected from the superheated air you just created. Your ally seems unaffected by the smoke. The way deeper into the Pillar reveals itself to you as the bodies of your enemies pop and boil behind. A handful of their brethren have been ejected down by the force of your landing, they look up emotionless.

>Have 78 rush down and make way for you to go deeper, hopefully he can dispatch them fast enough to catch up to you.
>Bathe the stairs in flames again, you will leave nothing but ash in your wake.
>Grab your crucifix and work in tandem with the Soldier to clear them out.
>Throw a grenade and hope it doesn't collapse the stairs.
>Use your aspect of The Sun and blind them all for long enough to make it past them.
>Write in.

>>4679134
>Bathe the stairs in flames again, you will leave nothing but ash in your wake.
BURN IN HOLY FIRE!

>>4679134
>Bathe the stairs in flames again, you will leave nothing but ash in your wake.
FLAME ON

Blind them and keep moving

>>4679134
>Use your aspect of The Sun and blind them all for long enough to make it past them.

>>4679134
>Bathe the stairs in flames again, you will leave nothing but ash in your wake.
This is fine

>>4679377
>>4679316
>>4679196
>>4679148
>>4679137

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4680684

There is no other way but through, you don't know how many other floors there are until you reach The Duke's chamber. Liquid flame pools at the soles of your feet, you let it run down the stairs step by step. The Husks charge you and ignite like tinder, the living candles try to claw their way over to you but fall apart in molten chunks before ever reaching their target. You crush the charred skull of one underfoot and proceed deeper into enemy territory, the heat and smoke fail to register, a comforting hum is all throughout your body.

The Soldier is fanning his wings in an attempt to clear the way ahead, his grip on you is removed as you have become too hot to hold, the metal of his glove is glowing white but has not lost any integrity yet.

"Sun be praised, keep moving!"

A deep sense of serenity washes over you, this feels like home. Like The Furnace.

You snap out of your daze as 78 slaps your body with his wing, prompting you forward. Descending proves effortless for the most part, any opposition trying to come up to meet you has already met a grisly fate. The room waiting for you at the bottom is deserted, devoid of any Husk or object. The faint outline of a door is barely visible on the left wall, the metal obstacle has no handle, you push against it to no avail.

>Melt the door. You are getting good at it.
>Melt the floor. You need to go straight down.
>Bash it open with the help of 78.
>Have 78 force it open alone.
>Write in.

>>4680696
>Melt a handhold then pull. If it doesn't open, melt all the way.

>>4680696
>>4680736
Seconding

>>4680736
Support

Samesies

>>4680736
Supporting

>>4681271
>>4681162
>>4680778
>>4680766
>>4680736

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4681990

The metal is cold, at least compared to your body. You slowly claw into it, grabbing at the material as if it was clay, it surrenders itself to the raw heat of your hands. The buzz in your arms subsides as you put ever fiber of your being into pulling it open, it groans as you struggle against its bulk.

It does not give, you think it was never meant to in the first place.

You shift your focus, sinking deeper and deeper until your are through to the other side. Something attempts to wrap itself over your wrists but is incinerated with a hiss. Pulling your hands down you create an opening, molten iron drips from the hole. Beyond it is a compact mass of Husks, each has one or more limbs stabbed into the fellows next to it. The wall reminds you of The Choir, this group seems more cohesive than the Abomination, perhaps held together by the sheer authority of The Duke.

>Throw a grenade, obliterate the wall of Husks.
>This is just more fuel for your fire, you will burn everything until you reach The Duke.
>Send 78 rushing ahead, follow in his wake.
>Cut away at them using your crucifix.
>Write in.

>>4681996
>>Throw a grenade, obliterate the wall of Husks.
Boom

>>4681996
>>4682000
sick trips also seconding, make sure to warn the soldier and "grenade out" too

>>4681996
>This is just more fuel for your fire, you will burn everything until you reach The Duke.

>>4681996
>This is just more fuel for your fire, you will burn everything until you reach The Duke.
BURN

I see no reason not to burn through them, unless they might remain stuck together later for us to conveniently drag the bundle of them to the furnace.

>>4682388

It is important to mention that if you burn them now, there wont be anything left for The Furnace to burn. It is a quick way to get past them but there wont be anything left to Harvest.

Right, what I'm asking is if it seems like they might stay stuck together after The Duke is no longer commanding them, or if they seem to be able to break free of their own accord and simply aren't doing so due to its commands.

>>4682388
>>4682118
>>4682017
>>4682005
>>4682000

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4683412

"Stoker, they are trying to stall us. The Duke must know, hurry."

Low moans erupt from the Husk barricade, their free limbs split apart into sharp spikes. They flail them at you in an attempt at deterrence, the sheer number of bodies here indicates this is a last resort, one more obstacle before you reach your target. The Abomination must have exhausted all of the manpower he had in the Pillar, and the other Husks are not going to get here in time. You grab one of the thorny appendages and use it as a wick for the compact mass of Husks, they light up in turn, the group tries to collapse onto the burning parts in an attempt to suffocate the flames. One by one you set fire to every floating limb you can reach, slowly carbonizing a way through.

"YOU ARE TOO SLOW, STOKER. MOVE ASIDE!"

The rock rumbles beneath you, there is only a second to register 78 shoulder bashing the Shells apart, his wings extend in the middle of his charge and blow apart the charred corpses with ferocity, they are strong enough to bear the weight of the bodies on top as he stops just in time to hold an opening for you.

"FOLLOW, I CAN'T HOLD THEM FOREVER."

His wings are articulated, and able to be used as secondary arms. You rapidly clear the blockade and emerge into a now pitch black room. The smoke is reducing visibility greatly, enough that you cannot actually see where the room ends.

>Illuminate the room with your aspect of The Sun.
>Let 78 take the lead as he is not affected by the smoke.
>Charge ahead blindly, you are so close.
>Write in.

>>4683422
>Illuminate the room with your aspect of The Sun
BEHOLD, THE JUDGEMENT OF THE FURNACE

>>4683422
>Illuminate the room with your aspect of The Sun.

>Illuminate the room with your aspect of The Sun.

Supporting and say that line too, why not

>>4684497
>>4684035
>>4683900
>>4683535

Vote is locked. Writing.

File: The Duke.jpg (782 KB, 1200x968)

782 KB JPG

>>4685234

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vln9PFIEdk

Spears of light emanate from your head, piercing the black clouds in front of you, they struggle to drink in all of your luminescence but fall short, the way is revealed.

You are already here, in the throne room.

"OBEY."

Gravity triples, you are slammed down to your knees, head bowed in subservience. It feels like the air is pushing you down, the rock itself wants to consume you. You cannot see 78, only the faceless visage of The Duke, his head adorned with a crown and mask of bone. The figure towers over you, long purple robes obscure the true size of his form.

"REPENT." He orders you.

Your forehead slams into the ground, your arms stretch out in front of you like a scolded animal. This body no longer feels like your own, three separate forces are invading it, pulling apart all that feels like you. The Furnace splays your palms open, intent on unleashing an inferno right at the Abomination that would defy it, The Duke has clawed himself into your mind and soul, making you feel worthless and pathetic. Scared.

The third part, however, is you. The Stoker. It is screaming for something too, louder than both of the others combined. Your work is your life, and neither are anywhere near complete.

What do you do, Stoker?

>Give in to The Furnace, let it take over as much as it wants in the hopes of destroying The Duke.
>In this oppressive darkness the only thing you can bring is blessed light, sink all of your might in flooding the room with your aspect of The Sun.
>Activate the gauntlet, use both the gift of your friend and that of The Furnace. You are as strong as the allies you have made.
>Trust in the Soldiers, stall as much as possible. Defy The Duke and stand.
>Write in.

>>4685237
>Trust in the Soldiers, stall as much as possible. Defy The Duke and stand.
We ARE as strong as the allies we've made.

>Trust in the Soldiers, stall as much as possible. Defy The Duke and stand.
WE SHALL NOT BOW

>>4685237
>Activate the gauntlet, use both the gift of your friend and that of The Furnace. You are as strong as the allies you have made.
"No, you repent"

Seconding the "No U"

>>4685237
>Trust in the Soldiers, stall as much as possible. Defy The Duke and stand.
We Imperial Guard now!

>>4685244
>>4685250
>>4685275
>>4685571
>>4686463

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4686504

The force around you increases tenfold, there is no air in your lungs, your light dims for the sheer pressure that is on you. Something snaps, you don't care. Embers start to settle on top of your back, the slight motions you can manage barely disturb them. Slowly, you push against The Duke in a battle of wills, you raise your eyes enough to meet his skeletal face. There is no emotion, no soul. What is he?

"BOW DOWN. REPENT."

He is nothing. An error. Something great brought terribly low, lower than you. Lower than anything. He has no authority, not over a Stoker. You stand.

"Y-you...repent."

The world might as well collapse on top of you, the bones in your legs crack and heal over and over as The Furnace attempts to flood as much energy into you, the sensation is excruciating. Nothing feels right, you are strong and weak at the same time, confused and hyper-focused.

"OBEY."

"I shall not bow." You struggle to say, all of the pain bubbling into your voice. You want to fight, you want to run, you want to obey, you want to serve. For a second you are not you anymore, lost into a torrent of emotions and thoughts that do not belong.

From somewhere deep in the abyssal plumes of smoke you have created a piece of debris flies directly at The Duke, it slaps him on the temple with a clang and falls to the floor. Everything is still for a moment before 45 runs full force out from the opposite side, bending down on all fours and propelling himself into a spinning kick aimed directly at the Abomination's face. The leg of your ally connects with a crack, it drags along and forces your enemy to bend back. A guttural roar erupts from behind you, 78 charges past you and grabs The Duke by the ankle with both hands, starting low and turning on a heel he manages to throw him into a wall. The heavy smoke and dust clears from the speed and you can see that the Abomination is now firmly embedded in the Pillar, a curtain of 45's leg skin drapes off of his face.
You gasp and stagger backward, feeling almost weightless. He must have exercised the full extent of his power to keep you down, ignoring both Soldiers.

"RISE, STOKER! BATTLE IS UPON US!"

Both visors of 78 are cracked, 45 has sparks flying from his right leg and you can't even figure out what hurts. The Duke moves.

HARDEN.

He extends and arm out, the smoke enveloping his form condenses into an inky black longsword, it drips with embers.

APPROACH.

The three of you are instantly spurred into action, charging at your enemy with reckless abandon. The Furnace only pushes you more, The Duke brings his weapon back for a decapitation blow on all of you.

>Put everything you have into sprinting, try to reach him faster than he expects to throw the timing of his blow off.
>Your hands are still yours, spray fire with your gauntlet to obstruct his sight of you.
>Throw marbles at the group and trip up your own allies.
>Write in.

>>4686513
>Throw marbles at the group and trip up your own allies.

>>4686513
>Throw marbles at the group and trip up your own allies.
"IT'S A TRAP"

>>4686513
>Throw marbles at the group and trip up your own allies.

>>4686734
>>4686698
>>4686542

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4687754

The combined weight of all of your foot falls shudder the room, The Duke assumes a sadistic stance, keen on eliminating all of you in one blow. To your right in order are 78 and then 45, the latter is significantly faster than you but it seems like he is being forced to match the pace of everyone else. Whirring components drop the jar into your abdomen, you spill its contents like a bucket in the direction of your allies.

78 being the heaviest falls victim first, he rolls forward over himself and lands directly on his already cracked visor, just out of the reach of the longsword. You manage to slip and fall onto your back, your shoulders tense instantly and manage to absorb most of the shock. Somehow 45 manages to flip forward onto a handstand before pushing off into a kick. A trail of pure black is left in the wake of the blade as it comes down to sever him in half, it comes a second too late but still manages to take your ally's left hand before the assailant is slammed back deeper into the fractured wall.

>Get up and try to his sword arm in place, you have him cornered and 78 could deliver the killing blow.
>Your crucifix is still on you, use the power of The Furnace and throw it like a javelin in the hopes of pinning him to the wall further.
>Help 78 up.
>Write in.

>Get up and try to his sword arm in place, you have him cornered and 78 could deliver the killing blow.

>>4687759
45 nooo now we have to get you an ultra wicked gauntlet tooooo

>Get up and try to hold his sword arm in place, you have him cornered and 78 could deliver the killing blow.

>>4687759
>Get up and try to his sword arm in place, you have him cornered and 78 could deliver the killing blow.

Seconding the sick gauntlet sidequest, also yeet a javelin at this abomination.

>>4687883
>>4687789
>>4687767
>>4687765

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4689335

Seizing the opportunity, you lunge forward off the ground and slam into The Duke's arm, the smoke coming off of his weapon is intoxicating, you look away just to draw breath. With a vice grip you hold your opponent firmly in place while 45 proceeds to slam his good fist into the Abomination's face over and over again, you are unsure if the crunch is coming from your ally's fingers or your enemy's head.

78 is struggling to regain his balance, rolling around slightly on his feet as he attempts to go for The Duke's legs again, just as he is about to make it a shriek pierces the air. It is so intense your bones shake inside your body, the vibrations are visible in the black clouds haunting the throne room. Your quarry's face has split in half down the middle where a mouth was supposed to be, the abyssal depths within erupt in the most horrible cacophony you have ever heard.

"SUNDER."

The rock around you splits open like a ripe corpse, flames spill from the floors above and ignite the fumes surrounding you. Intermingled with his screech The Duke issues one more command.

"STOP."

Time freezes. Reality flows around you like bitter honey, the chaos around you develops a surreal sort of beauty, the motes of dust falling from above igniting mid air and coming to rest on top of everything like cursed snow, the pain you are in washing over you in subtle waves, your allies frozen in a decisive moment, it all feels like a dream. The Duke is still screaming, he seems to have order time itself to stop in his immediate surroundings, with the Pillar coming down on top of you he seems to have given up on honest combat.

If this is as close as you can get to eternity, you no longer fear the end.

>Your soul grenades do not require your physical touch to ignite, detonate one to stabilize time-space around you.
>Use both grenades, one to stabilize space-time and the other to produce a protective bubble around you as everything is collapsing.
>Give in to The Furnace, let it overpower The Duke's influence at the cost of your autonomy.
>You need wisdom, beg The Machine. Results are not guaranteed or predictable.
>Write in.

>>4689337
>>Use both grenades, one to stabilize space-time and the other to produce a protective bubble around you as everything is collapsing.
ALL IN
ON
ABORTION
GRENADES

so help me if any of you cowards don't want to use both abortion nukes to fix space-time and save our allies

this is great shit OP

>>4689337
>Use both grenades, one to stabilize space-time and the other to produce a protective bubble around you as everything is collapsing.

>Use both grenades, one to stabilize space-time and the other to produce a protective bubble around you as everything is collapsing.

>>4689337
>Use both grenades, one to stabilize space-time and the other to produce a protective bubble around you as everything is collapsing.
Your lives will not be used in vain.

>>4689572
>>4689397
>>4689375
>>4689344

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4690474

Two souls are encapsulated in steel cradles, their life was not meant to be, their mere existence spites fate.

Today, they will fulfill their purpose.

As a Stoker you have a unique gift of being able to conduct rituals involving the soul of entities, to extract and infuse. This occasion is wholly different, right now as you reach out and touch the essence of life you ask for a sacrifice, you ask for stability.

One of grenades does not explode, if fizzes inside of your chest and then accelerates everything in an attempt to banish the influence of The Duke. Time resumes and you can taste ash, a chunk of rock breaks on the back of 78 while the rest of you are showered in flaming debris. Quickly cycling your compartments you produce the last grenade, touch it to your forehead and ask for protection. It explodes, not with fire or a shockwave but a cool curtain of serenity. Your allies are engulfed in it while the Abomination falls to it's own sabotage, inside the forming bubble flames turn to red petals, rocks bounce off of you like they are made of jelly and your pain disappears for a blessed instant.

78 wrestles you and 45 into a head lock as quickly as he can, spreading his wings upwards.

"We are going up. Hold on."

The Pillar collapses around your war band as 78 escapes from the bubble and is ejected upwards, the hot air from the burning remains of the structure create a funnel that propels you upward toward the cold sky. You emerge from the ruins of The Duke's lair and witness the destruction left behind.
The graveyard is in complete disarray, some Husks flee into the wasteland while others bury themselves deeper below the caskets. You bathe in shallow daylight.

"ASSEMBLE!"

The pile of rubble bulges up, bluish veins whip up from the remains of the structure and hold together the tattered form of The Duke. His domain is no more, but he will still fight you to the bitter end.

"Worry not, brothers. It is time I pulled my own weight."

78 rises higher and higher while a new monstrosity is birthed below you, he pulls you in as close as possible.

"BECOME DUST!"

>>4690492

A sea of sand forms right under your eyes, whatever had the misfortune of remaining in the vicinity is instantly pulverized into fine dust. The mass of it wisps up into the atmosphere and gives chase to you, The Duke himself is slowly decomposing, parts of him being temporarily replaced with rock before it too fades away.

A wing is wrapped tightly around you, 78 slows down and hangs weightlessly in the sky for an instant, you pick up ludicrous speed on the way down. Accelerating more and more the soles of your ally's feet glow bright white from the friction, spirals of dust that come into contact with him are melted into glass and fall uselessly. The Duke lets out one last scream as he rushes the entire landscape at you in a final strike.

78 is simply falling to fast for anything to stop him, the wave of dust blots out the sun surrounding you in a dome that threatens to engulf your war band. A dim light emanates from the sand-blasted and partially melted wings of your friend. You release the full power of The Furnace, aiding your ally in his killing blow.

A fake Sun slams mercilessly into the Abomination, the force of the impact creates a shockwave so intense that the bubble of orange dust above you explodes outward, a crater blooms from the site of the landing.

Nothing remains of your enemy, the cold wasteland embraces you once more as the life energy of The Furnace disperses. The world falls away from you.

There is a dream.

(End of Operation.)

(This is going to be the end of thread 3, the pacing for this one was a bit slower than the others with me being able to post just once a day. As always feedback is always appreciated and I will answer any questions you have.)

>>4690496
>Shit, how many phases does the Duke have!?
>Is this that time when you regret you've wasted your consumables?
>Oh, it's a cutscene. Whew.
>Epic.

>>4690503

The use of consumables is what enabled the cutscene. You guys went all in and I felt like I should do the same. Did you not enjoy the last post?

>>4690510
I enjoyed it immensely.

>>4690534

That's a relief. The "whew" made me think you didn't like it. Was there anything in the thread that you enjoyed in particular? Anything that didn't sit right with you?

>>4690537
"Whew" was the best onomatopoeia I could come up with for an exhale of relief. English is not my first language.
The whole tower fight was great. Even my fears that having the power of the Furnace will put us on Easy Mode didn't come to pass.
Throwing marbles for a self-trip felt a bit out of place - it's usually the players' responsibility to come up with clever ideas. Still, it was a fun prompt.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=stoker+quest

Thread is now archived.

>>4690557

Thanks for all the feedback!

>>4690496
Just want to echo the sentiment of what a relief the big dick plan working felt like OP. For a surreal story with abortion grenades in a climactic boss fight I was satisfied as hell seeing our investment pay off. IDK what anyone is expecting if they thought us literally stopping time and making barriers with fetuses wouldn't be some weird shit but I'm glad you went all in. Good show with the pacing on the tower too, never felt redundant or tedious.

Can't wait for the next thread.

>>4690496
Got an interview in 43 min, going to channel the sun real quick
Awesome quest, looking forward to the next thread :)

>>4690753

The Sun blesses you, +10 charisma. :^)

9/10, needs more WORM.

Nah but for real, solid thread as always, will we gain more understanding of anominations through further encounters?