>>4901855
>The story of The Sun. Who killed it?

Welcome back OP, it's great to have you again!

>>4901855
>The story of the Sun. Who killed it?

File: Machinist_and_the_Stoker_(...).png (1.67 MB, 1518x952)

1.67 MB PNG

>>4901855

(Stoker Quest is back! Feel free to refresh your memory or catch up here!)

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

(Updates at least once daily, will probably be more like 2 or 3. I missed you all. Fan art of the Machinist and Stoker made by a cool cat voter, thanks again for that <3)

>>4901866
>The story of you, your past and how you became a Stoker.

>>4901855
>The story of The Sun. Who killed it?

>>4901855
>The story of life, the start of the creatures you saw in a Crack in Time.

>>4902022
>>4901916
>>4901914
>>4901871
>>4901858
>>4901857

Story of The Sun. Vote is locked. Writing.

File: The Sun.png (723 KB, 730x392)

723 KB PNG

>>4902393

“The Sun. What happened to The Sun?” You gasp wordlessly. There is no need for language in the halls of thought.

Everything around you blots out like ink on paper. Plots of the darkest black fill in the nothingness that engulfs you, colors cease to exist for a cursed instant before purple and cerulean wisps start to float around. A sparse cloud of the substance stretches out for farther than you can see.

“Like all of us, The Sun was born in a nursery. Shapeless, powerless. The glory it will possess merely a distant dream. A fetal mass of gas and dust. Witness creation, Stoker.”

The size of the formation grows too large for it to carry itself, the giant cradle collapses inward and blinds you. Your senses fail but you can feel the light of creation, the purest form of heat you have ever felt. Hotter than the Furnace, you are in reverence of true purity. In the wake of the implosion small specks of pale blue light pierce the everlasting abyss surrounding you, the very fiber of existence is defined by them. Everything exists contrasted to their impossible forms.

“Birth. One of many, spread throughout infinity. This is home, Stoker. This is the life that was given to us, the life we lost, the life we cling onto. The life we will return to.”

Like watching a child grow up you look at The Sun as it matures and changes into a bright yellow deity, not all of it’s brethren survive, but it is still just one among many.

“What we had. This is what we remember, what everyone yearns for. This is the ideal. Perfection. The story of The Sun is underway, but that of our world is just beginning.”

The remaining dust coalesces into fine filaments orbiting the now adult star, they clump into what looks like tiny pebbles that slam against each other. In just seconds billions of years pass, these events feel like yesterday. Soon enough a rocky mass of dirt is floating in a circle around The Sun, barren and empty.

“Now, our own rise and fall.”

Faster than the blink of an eye the world goes through thousands of changes, so many you can scarcely comprehend them. Periodically small objects escape the planet and fling themselves far into the abyss, a one way journey with a purpose unknown to you. The rhythm intensifies, millions upon millions leave never to return, paradoxically some never intend to leave and sit around the planet just like the planet sits around The Sun. The size of the objects grows too, able now to corral asteroids like cattle.

A slight shade is cast upon everything, your soul is paralyzed with terror.

The Sun is fading.

>>4902434

The once proud yellow glow is now dimmer and redder, The Sun is dying. Everyone knows it, they desperately try to breathe life into it as bright beams of brilliance strike out from the mantle of the world and lance a sickly Sun. Again and Again. Prolonging the inevitable. Rings are built around the astral patron, rings upon rings, just like the ones you saw. You cannot tell their exact purpose, but you feel that it was a hopeless last attempt.

“We consumed all that we had, all that we built. We failed.”

You have been so enthralled the state of the Universe escaped you, everything is dimmer because there are no other stars remaining. All the life having burned out of them.

“We killed The Sun, Stoker. All in an attempt to save it.”

Like a bloated corpse the only source of light in the Universe expands, swallowing the majority of the rings around it and casting the same dead glow you are used to. Cold seizes what remains of the earth, desperation claims the living.

“We were fools.”

You wake up heaving, limbs limp at your sides and with pain wracking your body. Flat on your back you glance up at the heavens obscured by the dust clouds, knowing what lies beyond.

“Stoker! Stoker you are with us yet! Are you quite alright?”

You instantly recognize the polite tone of 78, the winged Soldier that you fought The Duke alongside of. A lot has happened, and you have more questions than answers. The Machine gifted you with more knowledge than you know what to do with, material concerns feel like a welcome relief from it all.

>Try to stand up and check in on your allies.
>Lay down, assess your own state of being.
>Ask how long you have been out for.
>Write in.

>>4902434

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkKuTRWGuSE

(Forgot the song derp)

>>4902436
>Ask how long you have been out for.
If we can, can we also ask if anything happened to us while we were out? That was some intense and kino shit.

>>4902436
>>Ask how long you have been out for.

>>4902436
Should've just gone full brain sumulation and colonize a black hole.
>Ask how long you have been out for.

>>4902436
>Lay down, assess your own state of being.
The knowledge of this must shake us

>>4902436
>Lay down, assess your own state of being.

>>4903298
>>4902556
>>4902500
>>4902466
>>4902443

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4903590

"How long has it been?" You ask, still getting used to having a voice.

"Less than a day, I wager. I know they make you sturdy but even a Stoker would need a break after all that. How are you feeling?"

Paradoxically you feel perfect. More than perfect. All the damage you have sustained has been healed fully, it is as if you were never in any combat at all. None of the exhaustion you are used to hangs off you. It was just a few seconds ago that you were suffering, was it just phantom pain?

"Fine." You deadpan.

"Better off than the rest of us, then." He flexes one of his burnt skeletal wings, lamely dropping it on the ground afterwards.

"Where is 45?" You ask.

"Doing recon as I am currently indisposed. We assumed it would take longer for you to wake up and we couldn’t risk an ambush right now, I think it will be a good while until they return.”

"Did anything happen to me while I was unconscious?" You mention offhandedly.

"Of course not, I wouldn't let anything harm a brother in arms!" He boasts.

You nod along, there is some time to kill and you sincerely don’t want to be with your thoughts. For a second you pity The Machine, having been cursed with this sort of knowledge must be an impossibly heavy burden.

>Ask 78 to give you the report of what happened during the raid, you have reason to believe your perception might have been altered by the blessings of both The Furnace and The Machine.
>Ask 78 if there is any way to fix his wings, they seem almost irreparably damaged.
>You remember that 45 lost a hand, how is he up and about with such an injury?
>Try to decide on your next course of action, both Soldiers sustained significant damage and returning to the Funnel might require some extra consideration.
>Ask him if he has ever received a vision from The Machine, the frequency and intensity that you have been experiencing them at feels like too much to handle.
>Write in.

>>4903601
>Ask him if he has ever received a vision from The Machine, the frequency and intensity that you have been experiencing them at feels like too much to handle.

and if possible
>Ask 78 if there is any way to fix his wings, they seem almost irreparably damaged.

if we have to pick only one though, the question regarding The Machine seems more important.

>>4903601
>Ask 78 if there is any way to fix his wings, they seem almost irreparably damaged.
>You remember that 45 lost a hand, how is he up and about with such an injury?

>>4903605
+1

>>4901855
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Stoker <- for new guys

>>4901866
>>4904911
Oops did not notice that

>>4904916
It's okay I'll read it all again. Stoker Quest fuckin rules.

>>4903605
>>4903735
>>4903835

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4904990
>>4904911

Thank you anons. I always appreciate the votes and support.

>>4905093

“Has The Machine ever rewarded you with…visions?” You ask meekly, almost afraid of the answer.

“Visions? Stoker, to receive one is something to be treasured for all your service! You have received such blessings? Was it just now?”

You interrupt the torrent of questions before it gets any worse. “I asked you first.”

“Correct. I forget my manners, apologies.” You can’t see the face of the Soldier past his cracked visors but his entire frame is shaking with excitement, clearly he has some experience.

“Please. Go on.” You urge him to continue.

“Throughout my 570 years of service I have been blessed twice by The Machine. Both times with sight beyond sight, visions of lands I could never dream of. Lands of rocky cliffs and howling winds, so cold I could scarcely contain my shivers. I will later be sent to extend my labor to the Sculptors of these impossible heights, thanks to my abilities. Have you heard of snow or ice, Stoker?”

You shake your head to the negative, although you have seen these geographical formations from afar in one of your own visions. The voice of your bulky ally quivers, he hunches over to you.

“It is water. Water in solid form, I couldn’t believe it. There is so much of it, capping the very ends of the mountains. Snow is soft and fragile, a simple touch is enough to make it runny. Ice is much stronger, the Sculptors have to break it apart with their tools and ferry it down into the ashflats. For what purpose I was never privy too, but my job is not to question.”

The shock is impossible to blink away, try as you do. It was not that long ago that you had to stop a war over a few drops of liquid, let alone mounds full. Your heart swells with hope, perhaps the oceans you saw in the Crack in Time could be filled again. Perhaps you could swim like your long gone ancestors.

“I could fly above the valleys, crushing everything underfoot that threatened the safety of other Servants. If I crashed down hard enough the snow itself would shift and swallow them whole, it was surreal. I could weaponize water. I never would have known about it if it wasn’t for the blessing of The Machine, I will be eternally grateful for that. What about you, Stoker? What did you see?”

>Dodge the question, you still have more yourself.
>1 Ask about the second vision he had.
>2 Ask more about these Sculptors. It is rare to meet a new breed of Servants.
>3 Ask about his duties while in the mountains.

>Answer the question in full, mention all of the visions you had so far. You can trust your brother in arms.

> Answer the question partially.
>1 Talk about the first vision you were given, when you saw the mountains yourself.
>2 Talk about the second vision you had, the story of The Sun.
>3 Talk about both, but keep it as vague as possible.

>>4905107
>Answer the question in full, mention all of the visions you had so far. You can trust your brother in arms.
We're all in this together
>1 Talk about the first vision you were given, when you saw the mountains yourself.
This seems more relevant

Welcome back, Sun. I got the job!

>>4905107
>Answer the question in full, mention all of the visions you had so far. You can trust your brother in arms.

Ask if he would tell us more about his own visions when we're done. Whatever he's most comfortable with, or cares to share.

>>4905107
>Answer the question in full, mention all of the visions you had so far. You can trust your brother in arms.

>1 Talk about the first vision you were given, when you saw the mountains yourself

Be vague about the death of the Sun though, I think this knowledge would only bring down the mood with our recent victory.

>>4905107
>>Answer the question in full, mention all of the visions you had so far. You can trust your brother in arms.

>>4906308
>>4905355
>>4905242
>>4905137

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4905137

It is good to be back and congrats on the job!

>>4906358

“I saw everything.” You answer plainly. The Soldier recoils, sitting back up straight.

“Everything?”

“Yes. The Machine took me above it all, above the clouds, beyond the mountains. Into the embrace of the void, face to face with The Sun. I saw what remains of the Universe, and the entirety of our world. I saw the dead Sun.”

Your ally is standing still, totally inscrutable. He does not dare interrupt, you continue.

“I found hope in that infinite darkness, it was beautiful in a morbid kind of way. Enough to shake me to my very core.”

With a slight tremor and quieter than the dead wind 78 manages to ask. “Was this just now, Stoker?”

“No, it was before the mission. I saw rings around The Sun, the rings we made. I didn’t know back then, but I asked now. I saw it all, the life and death of The Sun. From the cradle to a corpse, I know its story and that of its kin. Time is always hard to keep, but now I know how truly meaningless our days are.”

“The Sun…” Your friend murmurs. “You saw it. You saw The Sun when it was alive? What did it look like?”

“Yellow. Smaller. Warmer.” You deliver coldly.

“You must truly be special, Stoker. Thank you for sharing this with me, I can scarcely show my appreciation.”

He has wrapped the battered remains of his wings around himself like a blanket, sitting with crossed legs and pin straight posture.

“I would like to ask about your other vision, was it also of the mountains?” You ask.

“No. It was of…something else. I am not sure I can talk about it, Stoker. Forgive me.”

Again, you are denied answers from a Soldier. 45 also was unable to answer questions about something during your trip here, at the time you refused to push it, perhaps you should do so now.

>Insist that he answers, you were fully forthcoming and expect the same from him.
>Drop the subject, you don’t want to antagonize anyone.
>Write in.

>>4906365
>Ask that he answers. You were fully forthcoming and would appreciate the same from him. If he truly doesn't wish to share his own vision, drop it.

>>4906365
>Drop the subject, you don’t want to antagonize anyone.

>>4906368
+1 because asking
>>4906365
>Write in
If he won't divulge his vision with Stoker can he at least tell us why he won't? Is it too complicated to share or is it to protect a mission or what?

>>4906368
+1

>>4907306
>>4906416
>>4906372
>>4906368

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4907565

“Please.” You ask. “I was forthcoming, I do not wish to pressure you but whatever you can tell me would be greatly appreciated.”

The Soldier sits in contemplation, torn apart by some sort of inner conflict. His discomfort is palpable, shifting from side to side. After an awkward moment, he throws his hands into the air and unfurls his wings at the same time.

“Sod it. You have seen so much already, you could never be one of them. No traitor would be blessed by The Furnace as you are, listen.” He grabs you firmly by the shoulders, dragging you in so close you can almost see past the glass obscuring his face. “There are people that would rather see it all end, people that would use any excuse to further the death of everything we strive toward. The vision I had, was of a betrayal. I stopped it, that was my duty. But the bastards will not give up, they cannot stop. Their creed is whatever it needs to be to make sure this all ends. That The Sun gives out for good, that the Universe fades into that abyss you saw. I couldn’t understand the gravity of it back then, but now I can thanks to you. I owe you the same clarity you have bestowed upon me.”

Throughout the uninterrupted tirade your ally puts more and more pressure on your shoulders, sinking you into the dust. His hands grip ever more tightly onto your lithe frame.

“Who are these people? Why would they do this?” You manage.

“Accelerationists. They crave the end. That is all I know. You did not hear this from me, yes?”

>Swear a vow of secrecy, it will bring you closer to the Soldier but might require you to lie to your patrons.
>Make no promises, he disclosed everything on his own.
>Promise to do your best, but ask permission to admit is ever pressed by anyone of higher rank
>Write in

>>4907582
>Swear a vow of secrecy, it will bring you closer to the Soldier but might require you to lie to your patrons.

>>4907582
>Swear a vow of secrecy, it will bring you closer to the Soldier but might require you to lie to your patrons.

>>4907582
>Swear a vow of secrecy, it will bring you closer to the Soldier but might require you to lie to your patrons.

>>4907582
>Swear a vow of secrecy, it will bring you closer to the Soldier but might require you to lie to your patrons.

>>4907586
>>4907597
>>4907660
>>4907941

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4908671

“Yes.” You whisper.

“Good. Thank you. I hope you never have to encounter them, it is not your duty as a Stoker after all.”

The vice grip is released, you feel much lighter again as the juggernaut removes his hands from you. There is a moment of awkward silence where neither of you say a word. Averting your eyes from the tense situation you glance over to the horizon and spot a person rapidly approaching you. There is no trail of kicked up dust or the rhythmic thumps of feet, only 45 could manage such a feat.

“He is back.” You deadpan. 78 springs up to his feet and waves his comrade over, there is no response or even a slight break in his pace.

“What did you see, brother?” Your tall ally asks his significantly smaller counterpart once he comes to a stop in front of you.

“Escaped Husks, radiating out from here. Significant numbers, may cause damage to anything they encounter.” 45 answers with his typical robotic tone.

“We cannot possibly get to all of them, this is rather unfortunate. Even more so with my condition…” The former flyer responds.

“Negative. Mission complete. Extraneous activities not included. Reporting is first priority.”

“Brother, this is a direct consequence of us completing our mission. We have to be thorough and thin their numbers before any settlements or caravans are overwhelmed.”

“Negative. Insufficient manpower. Risk too great.”

Visibly frustrated 78 lets out a burst of coded chatter that you cannot decipher, this sparks a conversation you can only assume gets very heated. You could let them sort it out themselves or break the tie yourself.

What is the plan, Stoker?

>Split up
>1 Cover as much ground as possible and thin the number of Husks.
>2 Have one of you head back to report while the others deal with the fallout. (Specify who should go back to report out of the three of you.)

>Remain grouped, and deal with any stragglers on the way to the Funnel.
>Do not intervene, this is their specialty and you don’t want to take any sides.
>Write in.

>>4908678
>Split up
>2 Have one of you head back to report while the others deal with the fallout. (Specify who should go back to report out of the three of you.)
Send 78 back to report, he's injured and he's the one most concerned about the completion of the mission. Stay with 45, but get the fuck out of dodge if things get too heated.

>>4908686
Fuck mixed up the two. Switch 45 and 78 in this plan, my b

>>4908678
What is the condition of Stoker? From what I'm understanding we're mostly fine. If that's the case...
>Write in
Send both soldiers back to report and recuperate while Stoker engages. We don't have to go after all of them but we should bring back something for fuel.

>>4908678
>>4908686
+1

>>4908775
>>4908711
>>4908686

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4910018

“May I propose a compromise?” You interject.

“Yes.” The two Soldiers answer at the same time.

“45 has the greatest land speed out of all of us and seems most concerned with the report. His injuries would also hinder his combat capabilities but not his travel speed, 78 and I can handle a part of the Husks. If it becomes too dangerous, we can always fall back.” You continue.

“Seconded.” 45 says without a second thought.

“I suppose I am in the minority. Very well, we are going to put in some extra effort. Go now, brother. Do not keep them waiting.”

The fastest runner you have ever seen takes off soundlessly into the dust, without as much as waving goodbye. You are left to plan with your remaining ally.

“Stoker, my mobility may have been compromised but I can still fight. We cannot possibly catch all of them, but I have an idea that might assist us in catching as many as possible.” You nod and allow your friend to continue. “If they are running away in a circle around this position we should be able to get a hold of at least half of them. We split up and go in opposite directions, corralling them toward the middle and collapsing on top of them once they are grouped.”

He draws a circle in the sand with a dot in the middle, the ends of his wings extend forward and gesture around the perimeter of it. 2 arrows are made around the circle indicating the trajectory both of you should follow.

The plan seems sound, but a few things could interfere with it. You know for a fact that 78 is slower than you, this was mitigated by his ability to fly but with his wings impaired he will more than likely fall behind you. There is the option of slowing down to make sure you are at least relatively at the same pace, even if it means more Husks would be able to make it out of your operational range.

You could cover a lot more ground by yourself going at full speed, picking off stragglers while scaring the rest towards the middle should yield better results overall if you do it right. Failing to inflict considerable damage to your specific flank would mean that the hammer and anvil strategy would be less effective and that more Husks would get away.

>Follow the plan and maintain a similar speed to the Soldier, coordination is paramount.
>Follow the plan but move at you own faster pace, any mismatch will be detrimental to the outcome but if you do well enough you could compensate by taking Husks out as you go.
>You have a better plan. (Write in)

>>4910029
>Follow the plan and maintain a similar speed to the Soldier, coordination is paramount.

>>4910029
>Follow the plan and maintain a similar speed to the Soldier, coordination is paramount.

>>4910029
>Follow the plan and maintain a similar speed to the Soldier, coordination is paramount.

>>4910029
>Follow the plan and maintain a similar speed to the Soldier, coordination is paramount.

>>4910186
>>4910129
>>4910063
>>4910058

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4910987

You nod along, letting the Soldier finish his explanation.

“Is this acceptable?” He asks.

“Yes.” You answer, getting up ready to start.

“Not so soon, Stoker. There still remains the issue of which half we go after, I do not know what numbers each group will have but I do know towards what they are headed. I have done extensive recon of the region prior to our engagement with The Duke. I can draw out 4 options, using the cardinal positions as our azimuth.”

Begrudgingly you sit back down and weigh the options presented.

“First option is focusing due east, where 45 is heading back to report. It will be easier to regroup with him and also cut a significant amount of time off of our return. Nothing really sits that direction except the Funnel, no damage to mitigate.”

This would also mean that you could carry any Husks you get a shorter distance and possibly be rewarded more for it, even if it is at the expense of whatever communities have the misfortune of encountering the escaping Shells.

“Second option is due west, away from the funnel and deeper into the dust. Nomads roam those ash flats between cities and will likely be flanked. Most are decently armed and used to the dangers of their travels, it will still delay any supply or trade the cities will get. If some of them are overwhelmed it might mean abandoning their goods.” A deep exhale leaves your friend, his impressive frame slowly deflating from the weight of whatever he is thinking. “And they will most likely fall into the hands of the Accelerationists, rather than any needy people.”

The caravans you personally encountered were more than prepared to wage a bloody war on each other for the sake of honor, you cannot imagine either of them succumbing to a few mere Husks. Others might not be as well prepared as them though.

>>4911005

“Third option is north, towards Kleigh. Urban spaces are poorly defended, their only hope would be to confine themselves indoors until the danger has passed or manage to employ a Soldier or Stoker if any are around. They would be the most vulnerable if they get caught off guard and do not have time to shelter properly. That being said, it is easier to protect a city than a caravan, any Servants present should have no issue.”

Leaving the fate of these people up to luck doesn’t sit right with you but yet again leaving the nomads fend for themselves isn’t any better.

“Fourth and last is going south, towards an Archive. It is well staffed and very well defended, the Husks will not pose any direct threat to the security there. However…”

You brace yourself for the inevitable bad news.

“This would be a perfect opening for the Accelerationists to strike. The distracted forces would be more likely to not notice any intruders, sabotage of any sort would put The Machine back centuries. Call me paranoid, but I don’t know if I want to take even the slightest chance.”

Without having seen any of these Archives or Accelerationists yourself you have to take 78 at his word. His predictions are rather terrifying even if they have a slim chance of happening. You hold your crucifix closer for comfort while you think.

“It is also important to note that any single direction we go in will also have a secondary effect on the neighboring points. Going north will keep Kleigh safe but also thin the herd east and west slightly. I have my own thoughts, but I think this should be your call to make, Stoker.”

>Go north, protect the people of Kleigh.
>Go east, make a quick return to the Funnel.
>Go west, protect the nomad caravans.
>Go south, protect the Archive.
>Write in.

>>4911012
>Go west, protect the nomad caravans.

>>4911012
>Go west, protect the nomad caravans.

>>4911012
>Go west, protect the nomad caravans.

>>4911374
>>4911088
>>4911027

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4912337

“West. It would cover the most ground, keep the most safe.” You determine.

“Very well. One more struggle, the last memory of The Duke. Are you ready to erase it?”

The two of you stand back to back, your right arm facing north. A moment a silence passes as you prepare and think on your plan. Keeping yourself in check will be paramount to make sure you can meet up at the same time, a subtle burn flows in your legs. Your own strength, not that of The Furnace.

“Ready.” You answer as both of you take off in opposite directions. 78 seems to be aware of the disparity in your average speed and is pushing himself, you can only hope he won’t overdo it.

Your sprint over the wasteland barely disturbs your breathing, you maintain a steady rhythm and make good time. On the horizon a medium sized cloud of dust plumes slightly into the air, it is almost impossible to estimate the numbers of Husks accurately while taking into account their different shapes and sizes. Changing your course slightly to the left you position yourself perfectly in order to spur them due north, you could get closer and get a look at their numbers but risk drawing their ire. Cornered prey tends to fight rather than run. Your experience with The Last Herd will be of much use here.

After the raid on the Pillar they must surely be afraid of fire, immolating yourself will trigger the same horror that made them run in the first place. It will be effective but maintain a flame for that long will no doubt take a lot out of you, leaving you weaker for the actual fight.

Your aspect of The Sun could be mistaken for the light of flames, it will not exhaust you as heavily and probably do the job. There is always the risk of being ignored wholesale or attracting the wrong kind of attention once night falls. Fire is always dangerous, but light can mean a myriad of things…especially for Husks.

Mundane hollering and taunting has the least chance of properly spooking them and also exposes you the least. It is by far the safest option.

How do you strike fear into your enemies, Stoker?

>Set yourself ablaze, you know you can take more than before and are used to running on fumes. Leaning on the Soldier a bit more isn’t the worst thing you could do.
>Capitalize on their impaired cognition and try to trick them with your light.
>Keep it simple, yell and shout until they get moving.
>Write in.

>>4912348
>Keep it simple, yell and shout until they get moving.

>>4912348
>Capitalize on their impaired cognition and try to trick them with your light.

>>4912348
>Keep it simple, yell and shout until they get moving.
Lets not risk it

>>4912840
>>4912469
>>4912352

You won’t take any risks. Drawing a deep breath in you bellow over the deathly silent ash flats, the sound reverberating inside your chest and projecting as far as the agitated Husks.

Will your words ring as hollow as the Hollows themselves?

(Roll 1d100. Average of first 3 will be used to determine the outcome. Any specific threats that might scare the Husks further will provide a bonus to the roll, feel free to write any of them in.)

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>4913664

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>4913664

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>4913664
>"LIGHT DAMNED HUSKS HEAR ME!"

>>4914515
>>4913779
>>4913673

Average of 3 is 62. Writing.

>>4915158

“LIGHT DAMNED HUSKS, HEAR ME!” You shout. A cacophony of screeches answers you in turn as the mass of Shells immediately adjust their course to flee from you, the commotion itself seems to startle others that turn and break off from the main group, indicated by a smaller plume of dust being raised into the air.

You could continue giving chase to the main group, assuring that you meet with the Soldier at the right time or chase after the splinter group. It is possible to make up for lost time with speed alone, although you might get bogged down in the combat itself.

>Lead the main group according to plan, leave the smaller group and hope they can be handled by whoever has the misfortune of meeting them.
>Give chase to the smaller group and eliminate it as fast as possible, catch up to the main group later.
>Write in.

>>4915171
>Lead the main group according to plan, leave the smaller group and hope they can be handled by whoever has the misfortune of meeting them.

>>4915171
>Lead the main group according to plan, leave the smaller group and hope they can be handled by whoever has the misfortune of meeting them.

>>4915171
>Lead the main group according to plan, leave the smaller group and hope they can be handled by whoever has the misfortune of meeting them.

>>4915274
>>4915185

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4916824

No distractions, the nomads are more than capable of dealing with a few stragglers. You dig your heel into the dust and drive the crazed mass of Husks further into a death trap.

As the dead Sun is starting to set you spot a glimpse of another commotion over to where the Soldier is supposed to be coming from, as you come up from the rear of the group you are herding you finally manage to get a head count.

Around 6 of them, 3 of the well dressed yellow Husks you found exclusively in the Pillar, 2 of which seem to be joined together at the shoulder. The other 3 are the small biter Husks that latched on to you before, when you were in the company of the Machinist.

You bring out your trusty crucifix, enjoying the comforting weight in your hand. Over in the middle distance you can now spot the Soldier struggling to maintain his pace, he fights to put one foot in front of the other and keep up with you but manages nonetheless. His group is slightly larger than yours, 8 Husks strong. 6 of the small white ones and two of the tall ones.

The Soldier shouts over the footfalls of the Shells.

“STOKER! PREPARE!”

The trap is almost sprung, the two groups get closer and closer until after a final push they go crashing into one another. The conjoined Husks are the first to fall, they collapse directly on top of a few of the small ones and pinning them to the ground. Likewise 2 more of their siblings get trampled by the tall Hollows from the second group. A pile of bodies is formed, limbs feverishly trying to find purchase in the ground and crawl away from you. A few Husks do manage to evade the collision and are still running away.

Who do you kill first, Stoker?

>Smash the conjoined Husks while they are down.
>Go after the escapees.
>Move to support 78 in whatever he chooses to do.
>Focus on eliminating the tall Husks
>Focus on eliminating the small Husks.
>Write in.

>>4916823

(Sorry I missed you!)

>>4916854
>Move to support 78 in whatever he chooses to do.
We're stronger together, and he was already struggling.

>>4916854
>Move to support 78 in whatever he chooses to do.

>>4916854
>Go after the escapees.

We're the faster one here, so it naturally falls on us.

>>4917504
>>4917242
>>4916865

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4918367

You step over the collapsed forms of your adversaries and move to flank the Soldier, his massive form heaves in exhaustion. He wields no weapon other than his fists.

“The big ones.” He manages through ragged breaths.

Bringing your weapon to bear you take aim at one of the 3 still standing yellow Husks. It has given up on running like some of its brothers and prefers to take you head on alongside a pair of smaller Shells.

The Soldier barges through past them in an attempt to reach the other 2 targets, leaving his back completely exposed to attack from the group eyeing you down. If you fail here, he is going to be in trouble.

You have the initiative, Stoker.

>Get it over with as fast as possible. Use your gauntlet to spray them with fire and move on to the next target.
>Blind them with your aspect of The Sun and engage in melee while they are distracted.
>Immolate your fists and forgo your crucifix, deal with them manually. It will also safeguard you from the biter Husks as they cannot attack to any of your limbs.

>Use only your crucifix and experience.
>1 Kill one of the small ones first.
>2 Bull rush the big one with your spear, push it back to where the Soldier is and fight back to back with him.
>3 Bait them away from the Soldier and whittle their numbers down in the order they approach you.
>Write in.

>>4918450
>Use only your crucifix and experience.
>2 Bull rush the big one with your spear, push it back to where the Soldier is and fight back to back with him.

>>4918450
>Get it over with as fast as possible. Use your gauntlet to spray them with fire and move on to the next target.

>>4918450
>Use only your crucifix and experience.
>2 Bull rush the big one with your spear, push it back to where the Soldier is and fight back to back with him.

>>4918721
>>4918494
>>4918470

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4919889

You seize the fading day and charge with your spear pointed directly at where the heart of the Husk should be. The trio has no time to react as you slam into your target, burying your weapon as far as it will go in its chest , the two arms of the crucifix serving as perfect leverage to push even further.

Taken of its feet the Shell falls limp on top of your weapon, letting itself get dragged forward to the Soldier. You look over the shoulder of your first quarry and spot your ally caving in the skull of another, it collapses inwards like dry eggshells with a puff of dust. You feel pressure applied to one of your heels.

One of the biter Shells managed to latch on to your foot, you miss the next step as you cannot properly plant your feet and stumble forward onto the ground right behind your ally, the Husk slumps off your spear and lands right next to you.

A paralyzing shrill pierces the air, then another overlaps with it. Your skull feels like it is about to implode, your vision swims and your thoughts can’t manage to arrange themselves properly. You roll over to a side in an attempt to shield yourself from the onslaught of sound and are surprised to see the Husk you thought you killed crane its head. It gives you a smug mouthless smile.

Destroying the heart wasn’t enough, you have to aim for the head.

>Remain prone and cave its head in with the blunt ends of your crucifix, it will do more damage but also be harder to maneuver.
>Pound its face in while you still have the chance, it will be more difficult but you don’t have to worry about missing.
>Slit the body of the body of the Husk on your leg and stand to face your enemy once again.
>Immolate your limbs to get rid of the biter and stand up to protect the rear of your ally.
>Write in.

>>4919903
>Pound its face in while you still have the chance, it will be more difficult but you don’t have to worry about missing.

>>4919903
>Immolate your limbs to get rid of the biter and stand up to protect the rear of your ally.
>Pound its face in while you still have the chance, it will be more difficult but you don’t have to worry about missing.

>>4919903
>Pound its face in while you still have the chance, it will be more difficult but you don’t have to worry about missing.

>>4922221
I can't believe how close this was lol

>>4922221
>Pound its face in while you still have the chance, it will be more difficult but you don’t have to worry about missing.

Eat scud, husk

>>4927970
>>4922221
>>4920318
>>4919949

Vote is locked. Writing

(Sorry for the sudden week long hiatus. Life gets in the way sometimes. I won't abandon the thread, I will keep going until it falls off and then I will start another one. Sorry again.)

>>4930879

Without missing a beat you push through the cacophony of noise and plant a fist square in its face, It does not give in but you can hear a very satisfying crunch. Your opponent is thrown down onto its back, you deliver another blow with your gauntlet. Then another. You lean in with all of your weight and pound away until your fist punches through and straight into the dust.

The Soldier leveled yet another yellow Husk with startling ease, making the most of his hulking frame he does not need more than a single blow to obliterate any opposition.

“Only the twins left.” He wheezes, not bothering to even look at you.

Surrounding you is now a veritable herd of small white biter Husks. You don’t bother to count them all, but do take into consideration how they could prove fatal if neither of you take out the conjoined Shells. You are far more agile than 78, but the nuisance on your heel will make things more difficult. You still have the option of setting yourself alight and rushing the last proper threat while melting off all of the extra baggage. The spear point of your weapon is better for dealing with the small ones without triggering their death rattle, the overwhelming brute force of the Soldier would only make things more difficult. Having as many of the biters latch on to you might also be a worthwhile sacrifice, if you could get all of their attention.

>Pick up your spear and cover the Soldier while he deals with the last big Husks.
>Burn your limbs and head straight for the twins yourself.
>Be as bright and loud as possible. Let yourself be latched on to by the Husks and enable the Soldier to finish the job.
>Write in.

>>4930891
>Burn your limbs and head straight for the twins yourself.

>>4930891
>Burn your limbs and head straight for the twins yourself.

>>4930891
>Be as bright and loud as possible. Let yourself be latched on to by the Husks and enable the Soldier to finish the job.

>>4931619
>>4931155
>>4930895

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4932144

Speed is slowly starting to become one of your greatest strengths, you plan to make the most it once again. Assuming a runners stance, you let hot waves wash over and into your muscles. A spark ignites at your heel, incinerating your skin and the parasite latching onto it alike. Worked and calloused fingers dig into the dead dirt as you propel yourself forward and whizz past dazed Husks. Only the most perceptive and agile manage to get a hold of you only to melt off and drip down your body like spent candles, the conjoined and tortured form of the yellow Husk is directly ahead of you.

It shudders with a mix of emotions you cannot quite place and drops itself forward, from the place between them where arms should have been spring forth barbed lances. They drop to their collective knees and brace for your blazing assault.

How do you break them, Stoker?

>Continue your charge while spraying the spears with fire from your gauntlet to melt them.
>Shift course hard and attempt to slam into their flanks.
>Your chest plate can probably take the punishment, rush into one of the lances directly to break it off while dodging damage to your more vulnerable areas (A roll will be required).
>Write in.

>>4932163
>Continue your charge while spraying the spears with fire from your gauntlet to melt them.
This is too cool to not pick.

>>4932163
>Shift course hard and attempt to slam into their flanks.

>>4932163
>Continue your charge while spraying the spears with fire from your gauntlet to melt them.

Agreed, this is way too cool... or should I say HOT
HAW!

>>4933655
I'm so mad at how hard I'm laughing
fuck you anon
lol

>>4933655
>>4932424
>>4932181

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4935178

You raise your gauntlet arm and engage the intricate mechanism within, spraying a thin mist of sulfur ahead of you. With a spark from your palm the walls of spikes ignites and bursts into red hot flame, the dusty flesh burning off into flakes that get lost to the dead wind.

Without slowing down you barrel with your spear directly into the middle of the Husk, burying your weapon deep and bringing the pair down to the ground. Their shared body is wreathed in flames, the few arms they have are split between wrenching you off and patting out the fire. A single clean swipe of your weapon is enough to take both heads clean off, ceasing their trashing.

“STOKER! ASSISTANCE!”

Turning around, you spot the Soldier brought down to his knees. The small Husks have formed a pile on top of him. While alarming, you know they are mostly harmless on their own, especially against such a well armored opponent.

“The danger has gone, let me get them off.” You attempt to calm him down.

It does not take long to excise all of the parasites from your friend, surrounding you is a field of Husks perfect for incineration in the bowels of The Furnace.

“A sizable haul for you, is it not?” 78 Asks.

“It is. It also difficult to transport.”

You look over and count the bodies. Only 3 of the yellow Husks are still useful, the twins have already been incinerated and will not provide any fuel. A few of the small biter Husks have also met a similar fate, 3 of them. You kick the small piles of ash and count the rest of their intact brethren, they total up to 5.

You have used bigger bodies as sleds before and could do so again, by yourself you could carry either 1 big Husk and all of the little ones on top or 2 big ones stacked on top of each other. The option of asking the Soldier for help is tempting, but that would occupy his hand and also tire him out even more.

>Carry 1 big Husk and all of the little ones.
>Carry 2 big Husks.
>Ask the Soldier to carry whatever you cannot.
>Write in.

>>4935196
>Carry 2 big Husks.

>>4935196
>Carry 2 big Husks.

>>4935196
>Carry 2 big Husks.
>Ask the Soldier to carry whatever you cannot.
Never hurts to ask right?

>>4936374
>>4935236
>>4935203

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4936450

The two large Husks are piled on top of each other, the feet of the one on the bottom are bound with rope that you attach to yourself in such a way that allows for the greatest amount of mobility.

“We are headed for a Funnel, I assume?” Your brother in arms asks.

“Yes, I need to return with the Harvest. I am not sure if you have to as well, you have completed your mission.” You answer.
“I may be tough, Stoker. But I cannot withstand all damage.” He doubles down on his point by lamely raising a scorched wing. “I require assistance, The Furnace provides.”

A sliver of guilt worms itself into you, knowing that you came out of both fights unscathed. A fact that you still scarcely understand and would like more insight on.

The wasteland is going to be even more deserted than usual, Husks rarely tolerate the presence of others and the exodus of Shells that escaped from the Pillar will cause enough trouble to allow you a moment of respite on your way to the Funnel. You don’t know when you will get another opportunity to confide in someone as trustworthy as the 78, before you know it you will be out in the sands all by yourself again.

>Ask the Soldier if he remembers how he became a Soldier.
>Ask the Soldier about other Abominations he has killed.
>You have learned to enter a stealth state from the other Soldier, perhaps 78 has something to teach you too. Ask him
>Remain silent, meditate on your newly minted connection to The Furnace.
>Write in.

>>4936457
>You have learned to enter a stealth state from the other Soldier, perhaps 78 has something to teach you too. Ask him

>>4936457
>You have learned to enter a stealth state from the other Soldier, perhaps 78 has something to teach you too. Ask him

>>4936457
>You have learned to enter a stealth state from the other Soldier, perhaps 78 has something to teach you too. Ask him
>Ask the Soldier if he remembers how he became a Soldier.
I really like the lore and the atmosphere of the Stoker universe so if you could fit in anything else about the Soldiers that would be cool.

>>4936741
>>4936576
>>4936461

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4937796

“Do you remember how it all started? How you became a Soldier.” You ask with a slightly detached tone.

Taken aback 78 stops walking for a second, looking off into the distance. His voice is strained, confused. “Sometimes…” He remembers himself and catches back up to you. “Not all of it. It has been a long time, and it gets harder and harder to keep track of it. I know I volunteered at some point, got trained and…enhanced. I have had my wings for as long as I remember but…there must have been a point where I didn’t. A point where the sky had more color than this ugly grey. How can I miss something I don’t even recall? I suppose that’s how we all feel, why we want to go back.” Your friend trails off.

“What did they teach you in training? I would like to learn.” You help him come back down to earth.

“Well, to fly first of all.” You can feel the smirk from behind his broken visor. “Other than that, how to keep a good eye out. I have modifications that help, of course. But it also comes down to intuition, no use reading the signs if you cannot interpret them. It might not be as useful on the dust as it is in the air, but you are resourceful enough to make use of it. The world may be dead, but signs of life still linger. Here, a first test. What is beneath your feet?”

With an incredulous expression, you answer. ”Dust?”

“Very good! What kind?”

“There are multiple?”

“Hundreds! Maybe more! Dust is what remains after life, and it is equally diverse in death as it was then. From up above I can tell from the way light gleams off, how the radiation I produce pings back up, but you do not have the same luxury so we ought to improvise with your other senses.”

He grabs you by the shoulder, pulling you down.

“Pick a sense, whatever you think will serve you better in the long run. We will analyze it using that.”

What sense do you sharpen, Stoker?

>Smell.
>Touch.
>Taste.
>Hearing.
>Sight.

>>4937807
>Sight.

>>4937807
>Hearing.
Should serve our stealth build well.

>>4937807
>Smell

>>4937807
>Sight
As a stoaker this makes a lot of sense - the ability to see far across the vast plains would be a huge advantage

>>4938457
>>4938175
>>4937816
>>4937815

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4939187

“Sight. Help me see what you see.” You answer grabbing a handful of sandy soil.

“Look at how it flows, Stoker. Look at how the particles slide against each other, patterns emerge. Silt or soot, dust or ash, they all form their own designs. Light dances off of them differently too, some drink it in, some repulse it. A few scatter it, too. I suppose you can make your own light when you need it, yes?” You nod to the affirmative. “Good. Let us look here. Light it up for me.” As the luminescence escapes from your face small dots of white reveal themselves in the material, like the tiny stars you saw in your vision. “Glass shards. Heat does that to sand particles. The heat from the both us must have done this back at the Pillar, it got sent flying all the way here. A detail most would have overlooked. You can see the same sort of glass in the areas surrounding certain Funnels, way before you spot the plume of smoke or feel the heat. There is always more than meets the eye, come along.”

As you journey together the Soldier makes sure to point out every little detail about the geography around you, by the end of it you have a truly comprehensive understanding of the wasteland. From the cold rocks of the mountains to the salty valleys of former oceans, you can tell what lived from what it left behind in death.

You can tell you are around a day from the Funnel, as the sands start giving way to blasted earth. The time you have to spend with your ally is coming to an end, soon you will both be back to your own labor.

Is there anything you want to say in the end, Stoker?

>Thank him for his help and guidance and leave it at that.
>The world is dangerous, ask if there is any way you could request his help in the future shall you ever need it.
>You are bound to come across his kind more in the future, ask if there are any individuals you should know about.
>Write in.

>>4939216
>You are bound to come across his kind more in the future, ask if there are any individuals you should know about.

>>4939216
>You are bound to come across his kind more in the future, ask if there are any individuals you should know about.

>>4939216
>The world is dangerous, ask if there is any way you could request his help in the future shall you ever need it.

>>4941045
>>4939449
>>4939220

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4941785

“I am bound to come across more members of your caste, are there any other Soldiers I should know about?” You ask.

“I haven’t met that many myself, I usually mange to outpace them all with my wings. There a few brothers that you might want to know about however. Two to be exact, I trust them more than the others.” He clears his voice and taps his glass visor. “Has one of these, better eyes than even mine. He does not have as much combative ability as the others but he does not need it, he can figure out any weakness in a split second. The analytical type, reminds me a bit of yourself.”

He turns his head slightly to gauge your reaction, you side eye him. “I will take that as a compliment.”

“It is. No wonder The Machine sought to bless you so. His expertise is Abominations, however. I feel like if you two were ever to meet nothing could stand in your way.”

You do possess a vast amount of knowledge on Husks, apparently more than the average Stoker. “And the other one?” You prompt your friend.

“Ah yes. The other one is code 03 I believe, has it written on his helmet somewhere. Sharpshooter, carries a beast of a weapon. Operates in this region mostly and has been for a long time. I doubt you will get any captivating stories like mine from him, but a capable combatant nonetheless.”

The Funnel starts peeking over the horizon, the smoke it is constantly belching seems to be at an all time high. The pitch black plumes are billowing up with such speed that they flow back into themselves, creating a mess of darkness right above the welcoming post.

“I take it you have been here before, Stoker?” 78 ponders.

“Yes. This is where I received our orders from.”

“I see…”

The same kind soul from last time awaits you above ground at the reception, she is intently looking at a singular piece of paper.

>>4941795

“Oh my, you’re back. Good. You’re friend already reported and left for his next assignment . His recounting is rather…brief. No matter, I see you bring a Harvest too?” The servant moves from her post and kneels down behind you, scrutinizing the yellow Husks you managed to bring back. “More servants of the Abomination?” She asks looking up, you nod to the affirmative. “Figured. I will have them sent down, please have a seat.”

A wide gesture is made towards the chair above the air vent you recovered in the last time you were here. You take a seat and feel a little more light.

“And you, Soldier. A Foreman is waiting for you below for repairs, he is quite warmed up after replacing a missing hand.”

78 takes a courteous bow and offers his sincere thanks, after standing up he turns to you and gives a military salute. “Until we meet again, Stoker.” You return the gesture and he descends below the dust and into the embrace of The Furnace.

“Getting some good practice making friends I see. Very rare, very endearing. You would normally be entitled to a reward for this Harvest but I have been asked to hold off from handing you anything.”

You straighten your back in shock, remembering the small adventure you had in the tunnels before you left for your mission. The Foreman you encountered seemed less than pleased. ”Is this a punishment?” You manage.

“Punishment? I would not think so, the Foreman said he had some unfinished business with you and that we will take care of it. You know the one, you’ve met.”

You have a minute to breathe before the meeting and would like to prepare as best you can.

>Ask about the Foreman, and if there is anything you should avoid doing or saying.
>Ask about the responsibilities of the Foreman.
>Ask if she knows what he would like to discuss.

>>4941798
>Ask about the Foreman, and if there is anything you should avoid doing or saying.

aw shiet

>>4941798
>Ask about the Foreman, and if there is anything you should avoid doing or saying.
>Face the Music.

>>4941798
>Ask about the Foreman, and if there is anything you should avoid doing or saying.
>Ask about the responsibilities of the Foreman.

>>4941951
>>4941923
>>4941852

Vote is locked. Writing.

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>>4942759

You gulp. “This Foreman…what is he like?”

“Good question. Hmm. I would describe him best as…Intense? One way or another, he is also very much into whatever he is feeling. First impressions matter a lot, they will dictate the whole conversation. I always start with good news first, seems to keep his mood manageable.” She fiddles with the collar of her robe as she speaks, looking off wistfully at the clouds of smoke rising into the cold sky.

“Anything he dislikes in particular?”

“Oh my all sorts of things, I feel like they change day by day! One minute is this the next minute something else, very hard to get a read on him, I don’t recommend trying it. He does loves The Furnace, more than most. Even for a Foreman.” She mumbles the last sentence.

“His responsibilities demand it of him, I assume.”

“Well he does take care of the actual burning part of The Furnace, the stuff you bring in goes directly into his stockpiles. The people too. He is quite a good orator when he needs to be, morphs into a preacher type. You would think he is with the Paragons!”

“Who?” You ask confused.

“I have said too much, off you go, Stoker!” You are ushered off into the bowels of the earth once more, clear instructions are given on where to meet your direct superior that you follow to the letter. Soon enough you emerge into a tall room, from the side walls a dozen arms reach out, their hands holding up talismans. Up above a false heart hangs from the ceiling, impossibly giving off a dim glow. What looks like the outline of a door is carved into the wall directly ahead, right in front of it one of the hands is holding a small round object. The room resonates with a low hum.

>Pick up the pearl.
>Push through the door.
>Call out for the Foreman.
>Inspect the arms.
>Inspect the heart.
>Write in.

>>4942760
>Call out for the Foreman.
>Inspect the arms.
>Inspect the heart.

>>4942771
+1

>>4942784
>>4942771

Vote is locked. Writing.

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>>4945307

“Foreman?” You sheepishly call out. No one answers. You try again and are met with silence once more. Idly you glance at the hands at your feet and work up to the ceiling, they seem to be made out of the same rock as the walls and are covered in dust. You touch one and realize they are warm but don’t dare to disturb the more. The one at your feet holding the pearl seems to hotter than the others, the material is softer and more malleable.


The heart above you is different than the hands, the light it gives off is a faux glow, not comparable to your aspect of The Sun. You try to get a better look when the door in front of you slides into the wall and reveals a burgundy chamber, low candle lights illuminating the fleshy room. A great hold rests in the middle of it, beyond that an altar with strange symbols is manned by the Foreman himself.

“There is a great deal we need to discuss. Enter.”

The room has a suffocating presence, the way it is constructed makes you feel like you could slip and fall in that endless abyss beneath at any moment. You almost want to.

“Is this about my mission?” You ask.

“It is also about your mission. About you. About your service. Do you know where that leads to?” He says, pointing down.

“No.”

“It leads to The Furnace, the core. The broiling heart of all that we have left of this world. The Husks you bring in are intimately familiar with it. Don’t worry, your Machinist friend got a much better treatment. Look at it.”

With a gulp you dare peer down into the heart of the world. It is dark, save for a single pinprick of red light at the end, so miniscule you are not sure it’s not a trick of the mind.

“What am I supposed to see?” You ask.

“The very thing you are keeping alive, have been keeping alive. It has taken a liking to you, as you could probably tell. I aim to find out why and make the most of it. You have control over it, yes?”

You could hardly call what you experienced in the Pillar control, it was quite the opposite. Opposite forces fighting for control over you.

>Yes. You did manage to fight against it a couple of times…barely.
>No. You can scarcely understand it, let alone control it.

>>4945314
>No. You can scarcely understand it, let alone control it.

>>4945314
>No. You can scarcely understand it, let alone control it.

>>4945314
>No. You can scarcely understand it, let alone control it.
No need to lie.

>>4945314
>No. You can scarcely understand it, let alone control it.

>>4945569
>>4945430
>>4945417
>>4945370

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4946582

“I have received information about the opposite. Which one of you is lying?”

45 came back to report, knowing him the report must have missed out some pretty key details. He only saw you after The Furnace had blessed you, during the fight with the Duke. A hand goes to your forehead as you try to explain. “Just a miscommunication. The Soldier did not witness the entirety of my…” You struggle to find the proper words.

“Your Flare. It has a name.” He helpfully interjects.

“My Flare. I did not choose what happened to me, it was almost impossible to repress.” Thoughts of white hot steel melting under your fingertips send a cold shiver down your spine.

“I am disappointed. It was to be expected however, none of the previous Stokers managed to wield it instantly either. Have you seen the smoke?”

“I have. Is it related?” You ask in turn.

“If it was not related I would not have mentioned it. You did that. The Furnace chose you for your excellent track record so far and decided to give you more than you could handle. Glad you didn’t try to hold it in, you would have burst into flames that do hurt.” He lets out a long sigh. “This is a terrible thing to have happened at your stage of development.”

“H-how so?” You anxiously prod.

“You have served for… around 400 years now. I know you struggle with time out in the dust, it is quite alright. The average service time for a Flare to occur is around 1000 years, as you can imagine this event was rather unforeseen for me.” He turns to look at you directly. “I do keep tabs on all Stokers in the area, you came within my jurisdiction the moment you left the salt flats. Most would not have been able to make the trip, it was rather impressive. I suppose I should have known you are sturdier that most back then.”

A small red wax amulet is produced and handed off to you without any explanation.

>>4946594

“What is it?” You mutter.

“Insignia. After the Flare I am obligated to offer you the mark of Stoker Prime, as loathe as I am to do it so early. Out of all your brothers you represent a very small minority, usually this also comes with additional responsibilities.” This time it is his turn to hold his temples. “Responsibilities you cannot possibly handle yet. The Furnace has increased its output to compensate for your additional abilities, likewise it will suffer more stress and require more fuel.”

“Fuel I am supposed to bring in.” You state confidently.

“No. Your years of hauling Husks is over. You now represent a very important asset of The Furnace and by extension me. That being said, you are undercooked at best. We will need to compromise according to your present skill level, which is also why I called you here. What can you do? Do not miss any details.”

>State your abilities and knowledge in full, let whatever challenges ahead come.
>Sell yourself short, this isn’t something you have even heard about. You would still have needed more than twice your lifetime to be prepared, take it slow.
>Exaggerate your abilities, you need to make up for missing 600 years of action. The tasks will be more difficult but your growth will also scale exponentially.

>>4946610
>State your abilities and knowledge in full, let whatever challenges ahead come.

>>4946610
>State your abilities and knowledge in full, let whatever challenges ahead come.

>>4946610
>State your abilities and knowledge in full, let whatever challenges ahead come.
normal difficulty bls

>>4946635
>>4946625
>>4946614

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4947701

You present all that you have learned and experienced with full transparency. The triumphs and failures, the rise and falls. As you speak you can see the Foreman go from excited to depressed, you cannot place what he actually thinks about you.

“Quite the journey you’ve had. There is a long way to go nonetheless. Do you know who our enemies are?” He asks you.

“Husks, Abominations.” You mechanically answer.

“Yes and no. You ignored the pearl outside, I know you saw it. So I suspect you might know something already. The true enemies of The Project are the Accelerationists, a band of people that seek to stall us for long enough that the Universe will come to an end on its own. They have infiltrated even the ranks of my peers.”

A cold sweat breaks out on your forehead, despite the heat emanating from all around you. “Other Foremen?”

“And Stokers and Soldiers alike. The pearl is their symbol, salvaged from what remains of the oceans out in the salt flats. I will ask you now to think, have you seen any?”

>A Stoker you met on the road, with a Person carrying an aspect of The Sun.
>The old woman in the market of Morsink.
>You don’t remember anyone.
>Write in.

>>4947703
>A Stoker you met on the road, with a Person carrying an aspect of The Sun.
>The old woman in the market of Morsink.
Mention both, but be clear that we are still unfamiliar with this pearl. (The setting is pretty surreal, even if I re-read the entire archive I'm not 100% if I'd catch references to this.)

>>4947703
>>A Stoker you met on the road, with a Person carrying an aspect of The Sun.

>>4947721
+1

>>4949918
>>4949894
>>4947721

Vote is locked. Writing.

>>4949970

“I believe I have seen pearls twice but I am not entirely certain. Once it was out in the dust, a fellow Stoker ran into me while he was delivering an aspect of The Sun. There was something in his hand, small and white. The second instance was in the market of Morsink, a blind woman was selling a pair of pearl earrings. I didn’t take her to be of any threat, I know nomads scavenge the salt flats for materials so I did not think it to be abnormal.”

The Foreman straightens somehow even more, looking at you from behind the dark veil of his hood. “Your first mission as a Prime Stoker is to locate, investigate and if needed eliminate both of these people to secure the safety of The Project. Access to everything you need will be provided before you head out. Pick up the pearl as you leave, if in great danger you are authorized to pretend to be a double agent. Revealing that you bear the Insignia will blow your cover as an Accelerationist, so do be careful about the things you reveal.”

You are ushered out of the sanctum and left off with one final thing.

“Good hunting, Stoker.”

END OF THREAD.

(Due to the reduced activity on the board and also the difficulty in posting because of the new captcha I have decided to move Stoker Quest over to Sufficient Velocity. I sincerely thank all of you for your support and votes and eagerly await to continue this story. This move is something I have been considering for a long time and due to recent changes I have decided to actually put into practice. During the next week I plan on moving both the archive and the live quest, I am Florin on Sufficient Velocity so look out for when I post on there! Hope to see you all very soon.)

Thread 4 has been archived.

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

>>4949973
Well, this is was fun while it lasted.
I like this quest, but I'm not sure I like it enough to create an SV account.

>>4949973
Oh well. Ditto what >>4950055 said. Good luck, but I'm not following over.

>>4949973
Thanks so much for running! I have no problem with using SV, it's less effort to log in once than to solve this shit ass captcha every post. Best of luck with everything mate and see you on the other side!