>>5206666
“Alright, so,” you say as you pull out a second weapon, that being your rocket launcher. “I’m thinking that we should be able to get it with a few moments of sustained fire, but beyond that, if it or its friends start getting annoyed, we can probably outrun it at least.”

“That should be the case,” Izumi confirms as Zipper goes into a kneeling position. Not that you’d recommend it, but it’s largely flat land, not much choice if she wants to hit high. “Zipper fires first, and I’ll follow up on the lower extremities. I suspect you’ll be going for the head?” she asks you. You just nod. “Right, then. I’ll give the countdown when everyone’s set.” Even in plain trader clothes, you have to admit how well she’s taking charge.

“Ready here,” Zipper confirms.

“I’m set,” you agree as the launcher is hefted. Its head is a big enough target you’re not too worried about missing, even from this distance.

“Roger that. Three…two…one…fire!”

A cacophonic series of reports go off as you all fire quickly; you can see in mere moments the beast throws its head to the side and something begins to emanate from its head- moments before an explosion rips across the side of it.

A massive roar suddenly shakes the ground as the smoke around its head clears- it’s very much still alive, though you notice its eye half closed and its head is far more purplish-orange than it was a moment ago. “Aaaand that got its attention,” Zipper mutters. However, you’re more concerned about something else; seeing the small dots flitting around it suddenly shuffling- and many of them seem to be getting closer.

>Time to start playing offensive defense. Take your very creepy self and start running interference while Zipper and Izumi work on bringing the big guy down now that there’s a hole.
>No sense in not taking the time you have- reload and fire at the big guy again! You can get another shot off before they arrive, you’re pretty sure.
>You were really hoping just the one shot would do it. It might honestly be time to scram. Besides, the stupid tortoise shouldn’t be able to heal that, right?
>Other

>>5206667
>Time to start playing offensive defense. Take your very creepy self and start running interference while Zipper and Izumi work on bringing the big guy down now that there’s a hole.
>get Gartoum out to fend off smaller Wrackeds
Giant turtle enemies tend have a ranged attack or two, usually like artilleries. It's not going slowly walk up to us, might as well get some attention.
After that, it will be a matter of time.

>>5206667
>>Time to start playing offensive defense. Take your very creepy self and start running interference while Zipper and Izumi work on bringing the big guy down now that there’s a hole.
>Summon Gartoum

>>5206667
Time to start playing offensive defense. Take your very creepy self and start running interference while Zipper and Izumi work on bringing the big guy down now that there’s a hole.
>Summon Gartoum

Writing.

I'll admit. I'm playin' Kirb while running, so...yeah. But I AM writing.

>>5206667
>>5206687
>>5206688
>>5206695
“Right, I’m gonna play interference,” you quickly say, dropping the launcher- “You two keep hitting him!” -and instead launching yourself towards the mass of creatures. You’re going to have to stick and move for this. It only takes a few seconds before you’re in range of the creatures- two magi-waves are slung out and cut through several of the vanguard of Wracked. “Gartoum! Now you get to have some fun!” Fortunately, your appearance seems to do just as you’d hoped, stifling several of them, and when the shadow erupts from your ring, wearing a rather gleeful grin, you just have to hold out well enough to let your allies bring the main target down.

“Finally!” He grins as you both charge the group. Several normal human Wracked are cut down to pieces, while two bull-like Wracked, gnarled horns and twisted and crusted snouts, end up stabbed to death courtesy of shadowy lances. There's a lot more to go, though.

Roll 2d20, best of three.

Rolled 9, 7 = 16 (2d20)

>>5206721

Rolled 3, 11 = 14 (2d20)

>>5206721

Rolled 7, 9 = 16 (2d20)

>>5206721

Huh, well we have to roll low eventually. At least it's not that bad.

>>5206721
>>5206725
>>5206727
>>5206730
Shit. There’s more of these fucks than you thought- and you swear the fucking ground is sort of…generating? More, or at least dragging them up from underground somehow. You can even see sinkholes.

Gartoum is enjoying himself, at least, even if the waves aren’t thinning. You’re going to have to do something big to clear out this mess-

It’s then that you hear gunshots, then nearly flinch from another massive roar; and you smell…something…rather gross- not powerwise, just plain gross. There’s a massive burbling and churning, before a loud BANG sounds from the massive creature as an immense glob of orange pus is launched from it- clear over your head.

Fuck.

It’s a risk, but you turn your head to check the arc of that shot. You at least had the sense to position away from the car a bit. The kid is…well, you HOPE she’ll be fine. She’s smart enough now to register it, at least.

Soon, you can hear Izumi speak through your stone. “Are you alright?!” she half-yells.

“I’m fine,” you respond. “Shot went far. What about you?”

“Same. We made impact, but the response fell short for us. Seems like it’s trying to find the range. We REALLY shouldn’t let it.” You have to agree with that entirely. Question is, how? You’ve still got a number of Wracked you’d need to fight through to get closer, risk though that might be. Still, if you want its direct attention, no reason not to. Alternatively- whoop, that charge came close, need to keep these assholes in mind- you could continue to hold the lesser Wracked here and try to hope they hit better.

>Action!

>Regardless, roll 2d20 once more.

Rolled 16, 16 = 32 (2d20)

>>5206928
Yep, called it.
The turtle needs to be disrupted, so I'm voting to get closer. Gartoum will have to work overtime as a result, but he should be able to handle it, right?

Rolled 19, 17 = 36 (2d20)

>>5206928

Rolled 16, 14 = 30 (2d20)

>>5206928
why did we have to attack this thing on the first place?

>>5206928
>>Action!
>Grab the Rapier and start casting flamethrower spell
Area denial - this should stop Wracked from climbing out of the ground and ward off the beast from approaching any closer. Burn them all!

>>5206945
Because if we don't it might catch us on the road. If we shoot first we won't have to defend the car and we get the initiative win
>>5206928
The ground is generating. Fire works great against blights, so how about some sunscorch or Flamebringer?

>>5206928
>>5206957
Right, let's use our new spell then. Much faster than the other options.

>>5206945
The kid warned us that something big was coming. It could've followed us to Avion city and put the facility we are supposed to reach in danger.

>>5206928
>>5206939
>>5206942
>>5206945
>>5206957
>>5206959
>>5206965

After a moment’s thought, you’re not going to let these things get any closer to your shooters. It’d be way too much of a risk. But you need SOME way to clear these things out faster- Gartoum is pulling a fair amount of weight on his own, and that kinda burns you up a bit.

Oh, wait. That might just do the trick. Might as well try that new trick of yours. And just to be certain…you don’t use this rapier much, but all things considered, it won’t hurt!

The blade lights up, and your hand erupts in bright fire as cast the spell. The flames already seem to be doing the trick, though you keep them away from your shadow friend as best you can as you both sweep across the field, skewering and roasting any Wracked that are too stupefied to attempt to flee. Seems that for the most part, fire indeed causes them to panic and flee- even more than they've been already. A few attempt an attack- one of them leaps for you, a humanoid with arms far too big to be normal, but his attempt catches air as you sidestep, slamming the sword into the side of its brain and quickly following up by sweeping the sunscorch along it. Its cries and yells are short-lived, thankfully.

You hear two gunfire reports coming out again, and the creature rears back as you notice vicous fluids coming out of its skull- they must’ve hit it damn good! The beast roars again, causing you you grimace as the ground seems to quake under the sound force- and you have to stop yourself from trying to cover your ears.

The creature seems to buckle, almost, its mass causing it to send pulsing waves of sickly smelling air towards you, and you hear a low, droning gurgling noise coming from it. It doesn’t sound like when it launched the blob, however- it sounds…worse. A lot worse.

> Might be time to run. Very quickly.
> Crap, you need to kill it before it does whatever it’s going to do! (How?)
> Whatever’s about to happen you need to defend against it- and let them know, too.
> Other

>Roll 1d300 for Sunscorch Cost regardless.

Rolled 199 (1d300)

>>5207297
Put up a Great Barrier, so that it gets swamped with whatever it's going to launch at us.

>>5207301
That should be "a Great Barrier around him"...

Rolled 239 (1d300)

>>5207297
Bet it's going for a continuous barrage
Voting to bail. It will take a long time to recover and we'll be long gone by then

Rolled 256 (1d300)

>>5207297

Rolled 291 (1d300)

>>5207297
>>5207301
>>5207304
this. we've pulled this off against the MGR protag, might try this now as well

Rolled 130 (1d300)

>>5207297
> Whatever’s about to happen you need to defend against it- and let them know, too.
great barrier- and angled so it just deflects whatever it comes towards us instead of stopping it

eww, its gonna puke on us metal slug 3 style, right?

>>5207297
Since the barrier option is winning, I'd like to point out that Sunscorch+Great Barrier already has a higher mana cost than a Nebula Buster. So be ready to pop some crystals and the condenser after this, hell even Seither's an option.

Writing.

>>5207318
counterpoint: sunscorch will get better and cheaper the more we use it and its a direct counter to the zombies, and while the buster will probably oneshot this thing, its loud and visual as fuck, alerting anyone that a fight is going on

>>5207297
>>5207301
>>5207306
>>5207308
>>5207309
Right. Well, you’re not a fan of whatever’s about to happen-

“Miranda, can you get clear!?” -and apparently neither is Izumi.

But you’re not planning on retreating just yet. Whatever’s happening, you want NO chance of it hitting you whatsoever. Fortunately, you have a plan to avoid that, though it’ll take some effort…

You’re already surrounded by burning and enflamed Wracked, and it’s why you feel you have the space necessary to execute this. Focusing on the mass that’s currently gurgling up a storm, you do your best to box it between your hands, like a photographer measuring scale and frame. You’re going to have to spread this one awfully wide.

The green flashes from your hands, and many yards away, you can see it trying to fade in all around the behemoth. You’re glad the thing isn’t moving- trying to do whatever it is- but it’s taking a bit longer than usual.

“Miranda?!” Ah, right, that WOULD be visible for them. “What are you doing?!”

“Making sure this thing doesn’t get its gunk all over us!” you respond as the Great Barrier forms, if slowly. Geez, this size really is kinda abnormal for you…

“Are you sure that’ll hold?” Izumi asks. Guess she was thinking something similar. But you’re positive it’ll hold, for sure. Even if you have to put some extra juice in it.

“Just watch,” you reply easily enough, though perhaps ‘easy isn’t how you figure this to go.

Before you can worry or think more on the subject, the barrier is finished- a bright, slightly translucent green that domes the entirety of the beast in general.

And not a moment too soon, as the gurgling reaches a warbling crescendo, only slightly muffled by the barrier, and suddenly the thing’s back ERUPTS- and quite literally; a volcano with multiple openings spewing a sickening ichor clearly intended to decimate anything within its massive range…if it had anywhere to go, that is.

(cont.)

>>5207403

With the barrier covering it, it’s discharges only hit wall, if at a surprising force. Not enough to shake or shatter the barrier- the barrier’s makeup will certainly attest to that- but it’d have certainly been enough to cause a lot of splash damage and likely leave several craters. The results of its tantrum are, besides that, it seeming to swing itself about slowly yet forcefully, incidentally crashing into the barrier itself, and letting out a low, wailing moan at the impact. Clearly didn’t recognize what surrounded it, but that only helps you. The ichor it tried to fire off? The only thing it hits is itself with some of the splashback, and it doesn’t seem to appreciate that, either.

“Miranda?” Izumi quickly calls. “Is it fading?”

“Looks like it,” you confirm. “It’ll probably bleed and die out before long.” And inwardly, you sigh at that. Thank goodness.

“...Zipper’s asking to drop the shield. She wants to get it done with now,” Izumi comes through. "Maybe- what? Jessica, what are you do-!" Wait, Jessica showed up? Why-" A pause. One a bit too long. And when her voice comes back, it's a bit shaky. "Jessica...just said something about taking the core of it. That what's in it would 'stabilize what once was'. I don't know what she meant, and I'm not sure how she hopes for us to get whatever 'core' she means, but she wasn't...well, she doesn't seem to realize what she said, looking at her." You can't tell from this distance either situation, sadly. But once you drop the shield...

>Far be it from you to turn down a little girl's request- though getting it is going to be annoying and probably more time consuming than you'd like.
>You're getting out of here. You've got no interest in this place beyond getting paid from helping Zipper, frankly.
>Other

Will continue tomorrow.

>>5207407
>>Far be it from you to turn down a little girl's request- though getting it is going to be annoying and probably more time consuming than you'd like.

>>5207407
>>5207410
oh, right
>Tell Izumi to give Jessica a mana crystal
didn't have enough time to do that last night

>>5207407
>Far be it from you to turn down a little girl's request- though getting it is going to be annoying and probably more time consuming than you'd like.

>>5207407
>>5207414
+
Cool didn't need to roll for that

>>5207407
How does our condenser work?
And we need to use some mana crystals.

>>5207407
>>Far be it from you to turn down a little girl's request- though getting it is going to be annoying and probably more time consuming than you'd like.

>>5207407
>>5207410
>>5207415
>>5207418
>>5207563
Well, far be it from you to turn down a little girl's request. “Alright, lemme know when,” you warn as the beast’s head swings back towards you- only to collide with the barrier again. Good.

“Ready…aaand…now!” she yells. You drop the shield, and you hear the reports of gunfire again as you take the opportunity to clear up a few other Wracked stragglers, making sure to avoid any gunk that they’d expelled. Thankfully, it seems like despite the continuous numbers of Wracked, they’re still not any smarter or more fierce just because the big thing is on its last legs.

At this point, given the roaring that it let loose, covered in its own mess and with massive damage to its cranium, it was a matter of time before it died. The Wracked, on the other hand, still needed a bit of work to clear out- not that Gartoum seemed to mind. Well, that just meant that you needed to do a bit more before it fell.

Although you’re rather curious just what this core thing is…

The creature's blood is streaming down its face in great globs now- it's really just a matter of staying out of the way, and after that?

...well, it's going to take some time to figure out how to get to whatever the hell the 'core' is, you figure.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5208272
Welp. We're digging through the guts of a giant turtle monster for glowy bits. Can we roll to see what other stuff we can get from it, like scales or shell bits.

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5208272

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5208272
Cool beans

File: 1625204633606.gif (317 KB, 498x353)

317 KB GIF

>>5208272
>not that Gartoum seemed to mind.
Gartoum is the best boi

>>5208285
Don't jump ahead now.

Writing.

>>5208272
>>5208285
>>5208288
>>5208291

You don’t need to tell them when it’s down for the count- the creature seems to make a deeper, yet softer death rattle, and the massive thundering thud it makes when it collapses to the ground is signal enough. It’s not dead instantly, but it’s not putting up any more of a fight, that you’re positive of. The Wracked around you themselves are toppled by the wind thrown up from the collapse, and you’re not going to pass that up, either.

“My my my!” Gartoum extols. “This really HAS been quite refreshing for me,” he says airily. “I thought this whole time I’d be stuck playing babysitting and doing nothing fun!”

“Yeah, it was starting to look that way,” you admit. “But, thanks a ton for your help here. These things are probably nasty enough that I’d rather not get anything on me if I could help it.” You’re not certain, mind, but you really don’t want to take the risk.

“Alright, I’m coming up to help clear out the rest,” Izumi says over stone call. “Zipper will be along shortly with Jessica once we’re done.”

“Roger that,” you respond. “Everything here seems fairly low-intelligence. Nothing too aggressive like what we met earlier in the mansion.” And thank goodness for that.

As you continue clearing them out, however, you can’t help but notice some sort of…stale smell, a bit different from normal, coming off of the massive beast. A few more cuts that split a cluster of Wracked into pieces comes from Izumi, who looks at the scene with visible distaste. “Quite a mess…”

“No duh,” you fire back. “C’mon, we need to make a bit more of one, then we can see what’s going on with this core whatever.”

To be frank, the two of you make short work of the majority of the remainder; your attention is bought to the big one after you notice some sort of smoke coming from the thing. You both make your way towards it, and it’s soon obvious just what the issue it- the gunk that it ended up splattering on itself is actually starting to dissolve the thing! It’s slow, but it’s obvious. “Damn. That’s some sort of acid, then!” Izumi says. “We’ll have to be cautious, but we’ll also be on a time limit.”

You’re just grateful that the thing’s gunk isn’t splattered EVERYWHERE. It’s mostly on its shell, and probably feet, looking at it. “Y’think we might be able to use this somehow?”

Izumi chances a look at you. “How?”

You shrug. “Iunno. But I’ve kinda gotten used to picking up random shit and throwing it at Owlia to see if she can’t make something of it.”

The Flattest Look meets your eyes. “Really. I doubt that aside from the core, there’s anything worth sampling of this grotesque creature. Let’s start digging for it.”

>...okay, fine, core only, whatever.
>...nope gonna prove her wrong. (What else will you try to get from it?)
>Other

>>5208422
>okay, fine, core only, whatever.
there's nothing that catches my eye really

File: acid.png (38 KB, 421x494)

38 KB PNG

>>5208422
Hmmm... All I can think of is trying to take its acid glands, unless it's already melted them. And I don't know how are we supposed to store them.

>>5208422
>...nope gonna prove her wrong. (What else will you try to get from it?)
Try to grab a bit of it's shell, it'll probably synchronize pretty well for items that could inflict or resist poison, or boosting our stamina like a Green Turtle Talisman.

File: green_turtle_talisman.jpg (5 KB, 236x236)

5 KB JPG

>>5208466
Forgot my pic.

File: file.png (1.77 MB, 2560x1541)

1.77 MB PNG

>>5208422
>...nope gonna prove her wrong. (What else will you try to get from it?)
A bit of the shell, enough to craft an armor suit or two. Blood samples, and the part that makes the acid if we can identify such.
>Other
Let's get Pecker out for some detection. Whatever this core is I assume it will carry a hint of magic. We can use the FutureSight too in addition.

>>5208422
>>5208484
right, get Pecker out

>>5208465
getting acids on the intersection shouldn't be hard though. we don't really gain much knowledge from that. maybe the shell? but it will probably be outclassed by any metal+cheap enchantment we can get

Writing!

>>5208422
>>5208484
Nothing much from me so I'm going with this

Wait, scratch that. I'm gonna need a 2d20 roll. Best of three.

Rolled 5, 14 = 19 (2d20)

>>5208496

Rolled 14, 11 = 25 (2d20)

>>5208496

Rolled 4, 4 = 8 (2d20)

>>5208496

Rolled 7, 11 = 18 (2d20)

>>5208466
>>5208477
FYI, I'm talking about smaller sized pieces for making accessories, maybe the biggest about the size of an axe head or a buckler for a weapon or tool.

>>5208496
Rollin'

Lot of 14s going around lately. Well, writing for real now.

File: biology.png (111 KB, 1594x656)

111 KB PNG

>>5208491
Nura is working on potions and we suggested Owlia to start working on specialized grenades. And maybe Cylia might find something interesting.

>>5208528
considering that this thing is being melt down by its own acid, i don't think it's a good candidate for an anti acid potion, but i see your point

>>5208542
Nura has already made anti-acid potion, see picrelated>>5208528

>>5208548
ah, i read that wrong

>>5208422
>>5208466
>>5208484
>>5208487
>>5208499
>>5208506
>>5208508
Harvesting beast pieces isn’t new, perse, but it’s not a common chore, you can say that for certain. You’re honestly not really kitted out for such things most times, either. Including now. Which means that a lot of the work is essentially trying to brute force pieces off- snapping off chunks that can fit in your bag and otherwise cutting parts up with the Flamebringer to pieces. Izumi, nose wrinkled, seems to think similarly as she tries to dig through the thing’s larynx without touching the acidic goo. “I know it’s a bit of an old topic, but THIS is why you should respect the harvesters,” she says apropos of nothing.

“What?” you’re not sure what she meant there, but- oh. “Oh, you mean the Hunting Dogs?” Honestly, you just said that to see the grimace. “Ugh, if this is what they do all the time…”

“They do, in fact,” she confirms. “And they suffer through this so that we don’t.”

“Unless you're in Flashpoint,” a new voice- Zipper’s- comes from behind. “Then digging through monster guts ain’t that novel.”

“Please tell me that means you have something to help make this go easier,” you lament.

“Just might. Hold on a sec,” she says, as she seems to rummage through her own bag. “Aaaha! Alrighty, so normally we use this for object retrieval in shit like fire or dangerous environments, but it’s pretty common to kinda pull double duty with it for some good old fashioned organ and part harvesting.” She pulls out something that looks like a combination of a set of jaws of life, a nut harvester, and a rotating drill. “Huh. Don’t think we’ll need the splitter extension…” She pulls back a trigger, and suddenly the nut harvester wires seem to sink back in. “Right then.” She then makes sure her goggles are on, then twists something on the neck of it, and then flicks a switch on the handle- the entire works begins to spin up, and the drill makes a meaty, gunky sound as it pierces through the meat of the works. “Alright, here we go!” she yells above the noise. “If it’s in the thing’s guts then we’re probably gonna be here a while!”

(cont.)

>>5208701
Right. Gotta be careful. Still…you can’t help but be curious. Thinking about it, if this thing is supposed to be magical, you kinda wonder what Pecker might think of it. “Say, where’s my bird?!” you ask. Have to up your volume a bit, but she clearly hears it.

“Check behind you!” she says, and you turn to see- ah.

There’s Jessica. Also Pecker, who seems at least…interested, judging by the errant flapping. Jessica looks down to him, and then back up to you, but hands him over. “He…smells nice…” she mutters, low enough you barely hear her even as close as you are.

Right, then. As you cradle him in your hands, you point him towards the decaying carcass. “That make you hungry or what?” you ask. Not that you expect him to answer, but he DOES start flapping a bit harder. “Alright, but if you start to burn your beak off, I’m coming after you.”

With that, you let him go. He doesn’t seem to shoot straight for it, no, but rather flaps about for a bit, almost as though looking for a specific part to land on…but when he does, it doesn’t SEEM any special to you.

The results when he pecks, though, certainly do. It’s almost like he’s enveloped in the smoke itself, and you can see…perhaps not veins, but specks along his body shine as the rest of him darkens in color to a purple. His eyes seem to erupt in yellow, as well. He looks almost like a threatening night sky…

Of course, he doesn’t seem to react much from it, and lands on your shoulder without any ill effects once he’s finished. “...huh.”

“Wonder what he got,” Izumi mutters, again, though, it’s hard to hear…how long will she take on this? The damn thing's gonna start looking like a piece of abstract art before much longer at this rate...

>You spent some time working out what Pecker could do in the interrim. This seems interesting.
>You helped along the 'excavation' as best you could. You kinda want out of here ASAP.
>Other

>>5208704
>You spent some time working out what Pecker could do in the interrim. This seems interesting.
Let's get the FutureSight out to monitor.

>>5208704
>>You spent some time working out what Pecker could do in the interim. This seems interesting.
>Use mana crystals to refill our manapool and share one with Jessica

>>5208701
>You spent some time working out what Pecker could do in the interrim. This seems interesting.
Get Jessica to help test out his new magic. Afterwards...
>"So Zipper, is that thing you used developed in house, or can you purchase it from someplace?"

>>5208704
>>5208714
>>5208715
Right, supporting. Use our condenser too (still don't know how it can help us "save" mana).

>>5208704
Count me in on this one>>5208714

>>5208704
>>5208713
>>5208714
>>5208715
>>5208719
>>5208762

In the meantime, then, you might as well do some testing on Pecker…in particular, seeing what the FutureSight has to say about whatever they took in.

>Mana Typing Consistent With Dissolution/Separation.

Huh. So kinda like dissolving? Honestly, you were expecting acid…though that’s kinda like acid, you guess. Wonder why the difference? Well, you don’t have much to experiment on regarding that, but maybe you can find something. Though thinking about it, you look for a mana crystal or two. You could use one or two…and now that that’s in your head? Maybe spare one for the kid. Just out of curiosity. Though you’re gonna have to get these refilled when you get back, that’s for sure.

“Hey.” She looks over to you from Pecker’s fluttering about, and plain doesn’t seem to understand the purpose of crystal that you gently hand towards her. Guess she’s still not THAT reactive, yet. “Uh…just hold onto that and tell me if you feel any better or worse.”

“...okay,” she says after a moment. You yourself fish out five to use. Okay, maybe that’s more than one or two, but hey. Might as well.

Over a few minutes of drilling sounds and complaints from Izumi, who’s trying to help carve a path through, you’re trying to figure out the details of this ‘dissolution’ thing. When you ask him to do something to a branch nearby, it does nothing but reduce the wood to splinters. Hardly a conclusive test, and there’s not much else around here.

You get a tap on your legs rather quickly, however, and turn to the girl, who’s still looking at it weirdly. “It…feels nice.”

Oh. That’s something to it, then. “Nice? Nice how?”

“Like…” she pauses, and you get the vague feeling of yet more clarity in her movements, even in this state of consideration. “...like my head was stuffy. And it’s kinda better now.” Well, then. That’s something good to know. Wonder what this could mean for her. “An’ now I feel like I wanna eat something.” She looks at the dissolving tortoise. “Maybe soup?”

Soup. Really?

…well, at least it’s good to know the crystals help.

>Current Mana: 8,351/11,500

(Done for tonight! Will continue tomorrow.)

>>5208878
Night, Handler!

Run begins in about a half hour.

Also, apropos of nothing- I hate opposed rolls.

Anyway, writing.

>>5208878
Annoying as it is, it’s about an hour, you’d guess- a lot of stop and start especially regarding the bones of the creature. They’re incredibly tough, being the only body parts to apparently resist the acidic properties of the creature’s emissions. Something to maybe consider- breaking off a piece is a bit tough, but who knows? You might be able to do something with it- or at least sell it for a bit. There’s GOTTA be a collector in the Intersection for this shit somewhere.

Either way, in due time the carving is done- though half of it is melted away and forced Zipper to essentially take winding paths through its guts, as massive as the thing was. She’s gonna need a bath, and a change of clothes after this for sure. But you get the thing, at least. It’s…big. At least the size of a beach ball, a large, rainbow colored stone that seems to almost pulse with some sort of heavy energy. You’re not sure what it is. You can’t fit it in your bag, either, but you’re pretty sure this thing’s got some interesting juice behind it. Could probably do some real fancy research with this, you wager. Well, you hope, anyway.

“Alright, we got the damn thing, let’s get the fuck outta here,” Zipper says, trying to shake off as much as she can.

Izumi just looks to it, and then back at Jessica. “Do you know what this is for?”

Surprisingly, you notice Jessica’s just…staring at it. Silently. “Hello? Anyone in there?” you ask. Snap your fingers in front of her- ah, that did it. “Something up?”

“No?” she answers surprisingly quickly. “...s’really pretty, though. Are you gonna eat that?”

What? “What?”

She blinks, almost like she’s surprised YOU’RE surprised. “Can I have it?”

“It’s a crystal, you can’t eat it.” you frown. What was up with her weird talking about it earlier that Izumi mentioned, then?

“Are you sure?” Ugh. Kids. But for all you know if you play along she really WILL somehow eat the thing and then you’re out of some rather shiny loot.

>Y’know what? Try. Just don’t cry when you chip a tooth.
>No. In fact, don’t touch this. At all.
>Other

>>5209620
>Other
>You mean, "EAT IT" eat it, or more, "absorb power from it" kind of eat it?
>Y’know what? Try it.

>>5209620
So what exactly did we get aside from the core? Bones, random chunks of its body and some bits from larynx?

>>5209640
Essentially. If you care to I'll list it out in the next post.

>>5209644
that'd be great

>>5209620
well, the kid told us about the core in the first place, and we got some other valuable parts from the beast. So I'll go with this>>5209630

>>5209620
>>5209630
+

>>5209630
+1
>"izumi, your kid is really weird"

>>5209620
>>5209630
>>5209652
>>5209666
>>5209700
“Wait, you’re not actually just gonna fork it over?!” Zipper half-yells. “It took forever to dig that thing out! I thought you were gonna DO something with it, not just let the kid have it to mess with!”

“Well, depends,” you say, looking at Izumi, who just shrugs between you all. Part of you wants to tell her how ridiculous she’s being, but…well, maybe she’s got something there. “Okay, just checking. You mean, "EAT IT" eat it, or more, "absorb power from it" kind of eat it?”

She pauses. “...Iunno. It just looks tasty. I was just gonna eat it.” At least she’s speaking at a regular pace now.

Again. Kids. Not that you don’t have experience with that these days. “Y’know what, fine, whatever.” Over Zipper’s frustrated groan, you set it down in front of her. She doesn’t have the wingspan to actually HOLD it, but whatever. But what she DOES do is…unexpected. Slightly.

She literally puts her lips on it, almost like a kiss, but then…the thrumming of it seems to begin to wane. More and more, and the stone itself is…shrinking? Almost shriveling. And you can see Jessica’s body…or at least veins of a sort seem to light up with a rich, blue hue. The core seems to crackle in spots, and soon it begins to crumble and smoke away like the rest of it as she continues.

“...there’s a crude joke here about- oof!” That was Zipper getting interrupted by Izumi via shot to the gut. “Fffffuck me I wasn’t gonna actually say it!” she strains out as she doubles over.

Putting THAT out of your mind, you turn back to see the core nearly completely drained, and her…well.

Eyes are glowing brighter, now. Oddly enough they seem softer, in a way. Her veins are a sky blue now, easily visible, but with her grey coloration it kinda sorta works on her? Maybe. You’re still not a fashionista. “Wooooow…that tasted pretty good! Thank you!” she even bows. Hadn’t done that before. Huh.

“...right, fuck it, everyone in the car!” Zipper throws her hands up. “We are LEAVING!”

…right. Well, you aren’t coming out of this empty handed, anyway. After you all hit the road, you take the time to look through everything you’ve got, with the aid of the FutureSight.

>Obtained:

>2 Small Creature Bones. / Analysis: These bones are very dense and have a much higher affinity for absorbing magic than normal bones. Resistant to corrosion and acidic effects.
>4 Large Creature Bones. / Analysis: These bones are extremely dense yet hollow. They have a much higher affinity for absorbing magic than normal bones. Resistant to corrosion and acidic effects.
>5 pounds of corruptive bestial meat. / Analysis: Dense muscle from a beast with a thick mucus. Mucus is conductive to electricity. Highly resistant to corrosion, mana absorbent. Inedible.
>8 pounds of corruptive beast shell. /Analysis: Thick, layered shell pieces. Flexible, yet dense and tough. Resistance to piercing effects.

Neat. Now...Avion City.

>Roll 1d20, best of three.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>5209783

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>5209783

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5209783
Okay, so we should probably check to see if the kid's got any new magic attributes.

>>5209783
After those encounters I wonder what time of the day is it at the moment. We can use a long nap for mana recovery.

Oh hey, that's good. 18 is high enough to put some of the fires out.

Writing.

>>5209783
>>5209785
>>5209789
>>5209791
It’s an overcast day, meaning there’s a certain gloom to it despite the midday hour. For all you know, it might even rain, but that’s secondary to what you’re seeing now.

Avion City looms in the distance after a bit more driving- and ‘looms’ is very much the word here. For not being super technological, it seems like the city certainly has enough in the way of skyscrapers. At least three large towers, all surrounded by high purple clouds jut about the rest of the skyline, and the rest of the city already has an air of dourness about it. You can see various flying beasts above it- too large to be normal birds, and so can only be Wracked prowling. And even that’s only part of the city, as big as it is.

“What the fuuuuu…this place looks HUGE!” she rants. “And it’s supposed to be SAFE?”

“Perhaps in spots,” Izumi growls out. “But it’s clearly no secure bastion, that’s for sure.” Even on the outskirts as you are, you can see bodies, both of Wracked and human, several in military ware. A train track off in the distance to the left shows a toppled freight train, its cars and cargo well and scattered, with various small figures on top of and about it. “Though thinking about it, I’m fairly certain we only presumed such…”

“Well, either way, we’re headed in,” Zipper grumbles. “Let’s be careful here. We’re ahead of the estimate, so no need to rush.” Right. Still, you’d rather not delay.

The road isn’t exactly paved, but it’s got some kinda gravel going on at least, which helps, considering there’s a rather large number of corpses around. “Son of a bitch…” Zipper grunts as she passes another pile. “This is kinda fucking nuts.”

“Just to be certain, you’re aware of where we should be going, right?” Izumi asks.

Zipper pauses momentary, and you’re about to scream at her for not knowing, but she shakes herself. “No, I remember....kinda."

Nevermind. "Kinda?!"

She flinches. "Whoa, calm down! I mean, I know the general area. It's not gonna be on the main roads; the whole works is underground, got its own land.”

(cont.)

>>5209904
Wait, what? “So we’re going to have to actually CARRY the thing?” That’s a…rather big liability.

She just chuckles. “Yeah, but trust me, I’m trying to make that part as painless as possi-”

*BOOM* You’re all interrupted by a massive explosion nearby- enough to throw off Zipper’s concentration and send the car screeching as she tries to brake. Gravel is thrown down on you as Jessica yells and ducks.

After a brief moment, silence, with some pebbles still landing and dust still flying. “Shit! Everyone okay?!” you force out. That was LOUD. Couldn’t have been more than a block away.

“All good!” Zipper responds, before looking out. “The fuck was that? A fucking airstrike?”

“No clue. We should get a move out!” Izumi calls. That’s- “Not my style, but we need to get to a safer area!” Right, that.

“Gunning it!” Zipper responds as she hits the acceleration again. You swear you hear someone yell in fury, just as you manage to make distance.

The place is an utter mess; but what’s really astonishing is the growths. And you don’t mean plants…at least, you think. Something…vaguely similar to plant roots, if perhaps purple and a bit less wooden than you’d expect, are winding around streets and some buildings- some like ropes pulsing clear across the street, massive and undriveable and forcing you to turn and find a way around. Rubble often causes similar, or in one memorable case, a massive pile of soldier corpses and Wracked that you quickly have to turn Jessica away from (not that you think it’s worth much.) You’re unsure what’s causing this, but it can’t be anything-

“Pretty…” What? You turn to Jessica, who seems much better now that she’s away from the explosions. Astounding how she managed to get so calm so quickly…but she’s looking at the growths- one in particular winding around a lamppost.

You’d not call them pretty, yourself. This kid's an odd one.

"Alright...which way do we go now," you hear Zipper mutter.

>We need to stop and get our bearings. Maybe do some on foot scouting before we waste more gas. This city is a maze.
>We should try and hunt as best we can for survivors and citizens. They can point us in the right direction. Maybe help in other ways.
>We should have a decent idea of where the place is, you've got a map, right? It shouldn't be too hard to find the place with some guesswork.
>Other

>>5209907
>We should try and hunt as best we can for survivors and citizens. They can point us in the right direction. Maybe help in other ways.
Such as lend a hand moving this thing safely, or, failing that, show us places that'll help facilitate that.

>>5209907
>>We should try and hunt as best we can for survivors and citizens. They can point us in the right direction. Maybe help in other ways.
>Check radio frequencies on walkie-talkie
we might learn what was the cause of the explosions from them

>>5209907
>>5209911
THIS was gonna suggest the walkie talkie too

That'll be it for tonight.

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>>5209915
thanks for running!
>>5209783
>2 Small Creature Bones. / Analysis: These bones are very dense and have a much higher affinity for absorbing magic than normal bones. Resistant to corrosion and acidic effects.
>4 Large Creature Bones. / Analysis: These bones are extremely dense yet hollow. They have a much higher affinity for absorbing magic than normal bones. Resistant to corrosion and acidic effects.
maybe those could be used to make a staff. Or a spear. Or a spear-staff.

>>5209924
Personally, I was thinking about making a one handed battleaxe with acid attacks. One big bone for the handle, some decently sized pieces of shell layered atop each other for the blade, and some acid-y meat mucus for the acid catalyst.

File: file.png (1.42 MB, 1000x1000)

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Interesting. I have an idea myself.

A stun-wand using those magic-absorbant bones and mucus. Like a taser but much stronger and can instantly drop someone just with a hit.
We can make multiples to pass around because it's so small. Lorelei/Izumi and the others, I'm sure, would appreciate having an instant-knockout tool at their disposal. Miranda may be able to do so already with Shock Touch, but this will make it a lot more powerful.
If we ever decide to learn some lightning spells, it can also be used as a focus.

>>5210236
how do the bones correlate to the stunt wand again? and why not directly buy it from a store?

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>>5210298
As I previously stated, magic-absorbant bones. Those can be used to make the handles/shaft or something else.

The parts were also taken from an alpha-type beast that was powered by a corrupted-or-possibly being-cleansed-by-nature’s-wrath apocalypse. I suppose we could buy stunners from a store, but I doubt they'd be as effective as what I'm proposing here. Did I mention they're completely free?

It also doesn't have to be a wand; anything that can be quickly drawn and fired in a matter of seconds will suffice. It doesn't have to be at point-blank range, either. To beat those here, you'll have to really spend some motes in the store, which I personally don't recommend.

Not running, but felt like pointing out:

You can buy normal tazers and whatnot for virtually pennies on the dollar, yes. (I think I'm using that phrase right.) But anything strong than normal humans that you'd want to stun and not kill would indeed require a lot more oomph- and a lot more motes spent if you want to get something out of the box. It's similar to how guns are very cheap, but if you're after something that can shrug off bullets, you're going to have to spend some dough.

And yes, it'd be cheaper to furnish your own parts. Essentially I'm saying the 'make it custom' option some of you has is indeed financially feasible. Doesn't have to be a stunning weapon. In the Intersection, time is money, but it's also cheaper than sourcing materials yourself. Hopefully that made sense.

Hello, all.

Writing! Time to explore this dangerous, dilapidated city of beasts and darkness.

It'll be fun!

>>5209907
>>5209909
>>5209911
>>5209912
“We should try and hunt as best we can for survivors and citizens,” you decide after some consideration. “They can point us in the right direction. Maybe help in other ways.”

“Yeah, but that’s IF anyone’s survived,” Zipper grumbles as she turns down another road.

“That seems more likely than not, considering the explosion we just got away from,” Izumi points out. “You were the one wondering if it was an airstrike, weren’t you?”

Zipper grunts an affirmation as she focuses on driving. “Someone had to call it in,” she points out as the lot of you keep an eye out- and that brings to mind something.

“Hold on a second,” you say, and the lot of them look at you momentarily as you pull out the walkie-talkie. “It’s not exactly a long range radio, but we might be able to use this to get into contact.”

“Oh! Excellent idea! You start scanning channels while Zipper keeps driving.” Well, as she says.


Over time, you do find that there seems to be some signs of life, or resistance; the occasional weapon on the ground. Body of an unfortunate here and there. But despite the quiet that you’ve managed to get into, no people after about twenty minutes of driving…that is, until you cross street practically lined with busted cars and more than a couple of military jeeps; you manage to hear something barely come through, the static preventing you from hearing everything. You’re kinda annoyed- this is supposed to be military grade stuff, right? Wonder what’s blocking it?

> “...help…park…-estline Street. …suppli- …lter. This wi…” It sounds like a woman saying it; a relatively young one.
> “Massi… owtown…lties. Heav… …ing. Every other un… …request…” This one definitely sounds like a middle-aged man.
> “...got orders. Entire south si… ….heckuva fi….ass moving!” Huh. Younger guy, and he sounded…worried, dare you say?

“We might have to get off the street,” Izumi surmises around then. “If there’s going to be any secure places, I doubt they’ll be street-accessible. Too easy to find by the Wracked, right?”

“Makes enough sense,” Zipper says. “But we can’t haul this barrel everywhere.

Soon, however, you see a spot that might be…well, ‘safe’ for lack of a better term. “Over there- see that park?” you point out to the right. Sure enough, it’s a small park area, even has some nets for sports and a pond. Nothing much else, but it seems mostly safe, despite the few Wracked there- but those are easily dispatched.

>>5216855
> “Massi… owtown…lties. Heav… …ing. Every other un… …request…” This one definitely sounds like a middle-aged man.

>>5216855
> “Massi… owtown…lties. Heav… …ing. Every other un… …request…” This one definitely sounds like a middle-aged man.

>>5216855
>"...help…park…-estline Street. …suppli- …lter. This wi…” It sounds like a woman saying it; a relatively young one.
This one seems closest to us we're neaf the park

>>5216855
> “...help…park…-estline Street. …suppli- …lter. This wi…” It sounds like a woman saying it; a relatively young one.
i agree with the other anon. looks like the park is the closest of the bunch

>>5216855
>>5216867
Eh sure, changing to the park.

Writing!

>>5216855
>>5216910
>>5216960
>>5216964
“Well, the good thing is that they don’t sound like they’re too far away from us,” you say. “One or two of us can hold down there, if need be. Can’t see anything outstanding right now, but…”

“It sounded like they were around…what, maybe ‘Eastline Street’? Zipper hazards. “We’ll have to check carefully; but seeing as there’s no one here, it’s probably a little ways away from here.” Right, that’s true. “I’ll take a run around and hopefully we’ll see or hear something without getting too far afield.”

“We can still use the park as a rallying point, most likely,” Izumi points out. “Let’s get started.”

The first few streets prove to have nothing in them- empty and deserted save for the strange not-roots winding through. After you get around to the opposite side of the park, however, you begin to hear strange noises. Loud burbling that seems to morph into growls at the end for a while, and eerie cawing. You look up, seeing a number of elongated, almost albatross-like decayed birds flocking in that direction as well. At first you’re about to ask just what they might be headed towards-

-but the unmistakeable sound of gunshots a few moments later tells you that it’s likely to not matter.

Izumi frowns. "Take us-"

"Already on it," Zipper interrupts as she guns the engine and heads towards the sound of gunfire and roars of

>Roll 1d100, best of three.

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>5217164

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>5217164

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>5217164

73. Holding okay. Writing.

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>>5209924
>>5209938
>>5210236
Ya know what? We don't need another weapon. Especially made entirely of bone. We barely use the stuff that we already have. However, their magic-absorbent properties make them perfect for upgrading our gear: using bones in handles, handguards, stocks and other parts of our melee and ranged weapons for example. Draining Knife could hold larger amounts of mana, Rapier could be even more specialized for magic-boosting (maybe we can somehow use Seither crystals to upgrade it as well), it could be used to upgrade gear of other SES members as well - we still haven't seen what our new artificer can do.
>>5210236
>>5210796
>>5210807
I think we already have enough resources to make our own tazers and other non-lethal stuff (like gas grenades or water cannons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmvutmbUu4o&ab_channel=TheGuardian), it was one of the things we asked our nerds to focus on during last year's team meeting. Picrel from ye olde year of 2017 mentions shock crystals that O&C already had from the start of their career, we looted elemental manastones from Wild West mission (shock, water and fire), one of the minibot parts that Lori stole from Aiba lab was called 'Shock Claw', Miranda bought some magic shrooms that could be used in potions/gas grenades, etc.

>>5217164
>>5217167
>>5217179
>>5217180
You don’t think there’s much else needed but to figure out just what’s happening, but that’s likely to be answered rather quickly- especially when you see a few of those bird beasts diving for something just around the corner- you can hear yelling and more gunshots as well. Izumi’s already got her pistol up, and Zipper’s bracing for whatever it might be.

You round the corner, and you’re witness to what seems to be a small parking lot area- thinking about it, it seems to be connected somewhat to the park itself, which you suppose explains it. There’s a number of tents and boxes here, and what seems to be a couple of trucks, even! And with them are a force of individuals; about half-dozen or so trying to fight off a swarm of Wracked; on the ground are a trio of large, bulbous Wracked similar to the one you’ve encountered in Jessica’s mansion. Add to that the flock divebombing them and the smaller, wretched skinny Wracked, and they’re having a rough time of it, though they let loose shot after shot into the throng as they seem to be attempting a stalling action.

Behind them, to your right a bit, is what appears to be a supply depot or drop off, with a number of people in nurse outfits or otherwise similar, though they at least have protective gear on over it. They seem to be, as far as you can tell, trying to onload several large bags and drums of supplies as fast as possible. You can see a few defenders have already fallen, dead, or in the case of two closer to you, bleeding out and likely unconscious- though still breathing clearly. Still, it’s clear what the situation is. Now, the question is how to respond to it.

“We need to help them!” Izumi cries quickly as her eyes dart between the fallen men and the oncoming horde.

>Action!

>>5217451
Dump as much sticky mana as we can on the field for the ones on the ground, then tether a flier and go for a joyride, complete with crashing into another one.

>>5217451
>Grab the Rapier and use Sunscorcher to make a wall of fire - this should ward of walking Wracked and give some breathing room on the ground
>Send Izumi to help and heal the defenders - her Heavenly Aura should fix up the wounded soldiers and reinvigorate tired nurses
>Hand Zipper our Clockwork Rifle and let her focus on the flying ones
If using flamethrower again sounds too expensive then we could swap it with Sticky Mana. Also why is Izumi holding a pistol when we he more powerful weapons that fit the setting?

>>5217451
>>5217472
Oh, right. Izumi could use Demon's Roar before dashing to survivors - this could knock some fliers from the sky and some walking Wracked off their feet. And Miranda should boost Izumi's roar with Megaphone.

>>5217451
>>5217505
It's past time for Izumi to dump some mana for a change.

>>5217472
If the ones on the ground are like the big one we saw in Jessica’s house, they’ll explode into acidic goo if they get set on fire, which would ruin the day of anyone in the blast radius.

>>5217660
I wasn't suggesting setting them ablaze - but creating a wall of fire to prevent them from getting closer. The camp is right in the open and there's no barriers between the defenders and the horde. We don't really have to kill all the Wracked, scaring them enough to send them running could be enough - that's why I suggested Sunscorcher instead of Light Barrier as it isn't impressive enough and is only slightly cheaper.

>>5217451
>>5217472
>>5217505
>>5217696
So, to clear things up, my plan is:
1)Miranda boosts Izumi with Megaphone as she casts Demon's Roar in order to knock over as many Wracked as possible
2)Zipper drives up to the camp and covers the defenders and Izumi while the latter prepares her Heavenly Aura
3)Miranda creates a wall of fire to prevent Wracked from beelining towards the camp

Can Izumi's Demon Roar be targeted? Because if it's just spreading the sound waves everywhere we might be doing more harm to the defenders than to the wracked.

>>5217451
>>5217713
Reasonable, but I don't think Izumi should be healing them just yet, only WHEN the whrackeds are dead. Let her wail on the mobs first and then we can sit down. And we don't need fire atm, don't wanna test if they explode like the previous one. We should be able to clear this with just normal magiblasts and gunfire, no need for complications
That reminds me are we still carrying O&C's healing device?

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>>5217731
I assume that it's a cone-shaped attack, since every time she used it there were friendlies nearby. So we only have to make sure that she's not screaming in the direction of the defenders and that's it.
>>5217740
>we don't need fire atm
Eh, alright, we can swap that with sticky mana instead then.>>5217713>>5217164
>are we still carrying O&C's healing device?
Nope. We've brought two Levitation Crystals, an Assault Crystal, a Vanishing Sigil Plate and the experimental Mana Extractor. Check the Mission Log page in the spreadsheet.
>I don't think Izumi should be healing them just yet
Some of the defenders are bleeding out and need healing ASAP. We can totally pull this off - her Roar and Miranda's presence should buy enough time. Once whoever can be saved is healed she can focus on mopping up the remaining Wracked.

>>5217763
>the experimental Mana Extractor.
Damn, all these chances to try it on the wracked and we forgot to use it… well, no time like the present.

Writing shortly. Seems like we're mostly going with

>>5217713
with a couple alterations?

>>5218399
Ye, replace flamethrower with sticky mana

>>5218399
From what I'm seeing, instead of using Sunscorch we hinder the upcoming Ws with sticky mana instead.

>>5218399
Yeah, although I do think we should throw out our fireworks spell on the fliers when we can.

>>5217451
>>5217472
>>5217505
>>5217598
>>5217740
>>5218411
“Izumi, can you yell?” you immediately ask as you focus on the situation. “Let’s clear this horde out and we’ll move on from that!” She’s already clearing her throat as you step forwards. “Zipper, get closer and cover them after she lets loose! And everyone cover your ears!”

She covers up, as does Jessica, as Izumi lets loose with a massive roar that has everyone turning in your direction in shock- and the Wracked blown away- or at least most of them as the beastial roar carries the mana with it to rip up pavement and hurl the predatory birds out of the air, crashing into buildings and ground alike. You’re pretty sure she’s holding back, though, considering what you’ve seen her do before…it’s a testament to how well she can control the mana shockwave direction that the defenders don’t seem to be hurt by it- though clearly thrown back a bit. You think they’re looking at YOU more than HER, though. Not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.

“Go!” you state sharply, and Zipper guns it, the car racing forwards to put itself between the Wracked that still live and the defenders as you leap out, ready to intersperse yourself…and you’re vaguely surprised to see a number of guns raised towards you.

Right, that’s a thing.

>Roll 1d20-5 for reactions. Best of three.

Rolled 15 - 5 (1d20 - 5)

>>5218492

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5218492

Rolled 12 - 5 (1d20 - 5)

>>5218492
Second roll still counts right?

>>5218500
Iiiii guess. Would really rather modifiers be in the roll in the future, though.

>>5218500
>>5218506
My bad… I’ll try to remember next time.

Sometimes I just get hit by a lack of inspiration. Takes me forever to figure out a post. Like now.

>>5218492
>>5218495
>>5218498
>>5218500
You’re not ignorant of the guns at your back, and for a moment you’re worried you’re going to have to focus on them more than the Wracked- but as soon as Zipper starts firing away, you’re forced to focus on the Wracked for a bit. A spread of hands allows you a spread of sticky mana above and across the Wracked’s lines while Zipper plugs at the ones fallen and not killed by Izumi’s roar.

The crazed beasts don’t seem to realize their situation for a while, and that gives Zipper plenty of time to do her work as she tears into their lines. Izumi, for her part, is already moving towards the fallen soldiers; this is enough to get them to notice, however, and one of them- you’re not sure who since you’re facing away- barks out a quick “Don’t touch them!” And then there are footsteps behind you. “We’ll help them up! You and your creatures keep away!” Jessica seems to flinch at that, and part of you wants to sock her one. Just a part, though.

Izumi’s clearly not fine with that. “Ma’am, I can-” but she’s interrupted.

“No! You stay there or we shoot!” She warns. Graaand. Fantastic. Izumi looks torn, as far as you can tell. A moment’s cautious pause before more footsteps. “Keep loading! Get those two stable as quickly as you can! Keep an eye on this thing, too, in case it gets too ornery.”

“Ma’am, she’s not a thing,” Izumi interrupts. “She’s quite sapient and can understand everything you’re saying. And in case you hadn’t noticed-”

“We’re trying to HELP, dumbass!” Zipper says as she fires off several more rounds into slogging Wracked, with the other defenders concentrating on doing just that. “And frankly, could use a bit more firepower here!” Yeah, you can see several of the flying Wracked trying to take off again, and several more beasts rounding the corner, very unhindered by sticky mana. “That, or you better speed the fuck up!”

She has a point. Thought you DO have one or more guns to your back, you've gathered.

> Which is why you’ll help speed up the packing.
> Which is why you’re going to do what you do best and punch things.
> It might not actually be a good idea to move right now, as tense as things are.
> Other

>>5218668
> Which is why you’re going to do what you do best and punch things.
>get Gartoum out
He can focus on the flyers while we sweep the ground Wracked.

>>5218668
>> Which is why you’re going to do what you do best and punch things.
Gartoum might spook these folks, maybe later

>>5218668
> Which is why you’re going to do what you do best and punch things.
See if we can practice some of our leg channeling on the zombies, if we can take the heavy hitters out quickly.

>>5218668
Meh let Zipper take care of the flying ones, and maybe level up our legs>>5218687

>>5218681
Should we pop an Assault Crystal right now? It'd speed things up, but I feel like we're doing fine without it. And we also have Levitation Crystal - so we might get the highground and chase the fliers.
>>5218676
By the way, Gartoum can't shoot or fly. Figured that out last mission when the team of heroes attacked us in the air.

>>5218681
>>5218668
Eh, when else are we going to get an opportunity to use these crystals>>5218689
>Boost ourself with Assault and Levitation Crystals

>>5218690
Since this city is perhaps our last stop, I was thinking about saving them for a final big encounter.

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>>5218690
>>5218687
>>5218668
Oh right, leg channeling. We were trying to develop a flying technique at some point - maybe this Air Shift might help with our maneuverability when use together with Levitation Crystal
>>5218691
We don't know when this 'final big encounter' might happen and we have a spare Levitation Crystal anyway

>>5218691
>>5218694
I feel like we're going to forget about these crystals when the 'final big encounter' actually happens. And we also have enchanted bracers from the last job that do basically the same thing - we could put them on after this fight.

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Since we're almost at the finish line, what are we going to do about the music box? Could we sell it and give info on the Musician for extra pay? What should we do with the engraved knife we've looted from bandits? It had some sort of purification magic, but we've never checked what that actually does.
Also how many Beast parts are we sharing with Zipper?>>5209783

>>5221042
if izumi doesn't bring jessica with her, we could convert them to motes or leave them with her; i doubt they will have much of a value after most people died and their relevance went away

>>5221042
The music box should probably be given to Jessica, in case this disease will somehow keep giving her Magic Zombie Alzheimer’s if she doesn’t get a daily dose of music. The knife’s a bit more iffy, could go either way. Also, no need to mention the music guy unless whoever’s receiving the package is like him. He might have been a weird pain in the ass, but getting to say goodbye to loved ones long lost is enough of a reason IMO not to rat him out to anyone who might hurt him.

As for Zipper and the beast bits, I was figuring we’d use some of the parts to make something for her, but if she’d rather make something herself, she’s welcome to take a share.

>>5221042
I imagine she has taken her share already.
Both of the music box and the dagger are a lil' early, but the Jessica should keep the box at least since we have no use for it.

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>>5217276
Since Rapier enhances our spells and we can boost the new flamethrower technique with it, the Flamebringer becomes somewhat obsolete. I think that maybe we can keep it relevant if the power of the gravity stone's effect could be regulated - so we could make multiple lighter gravity enhanced strikes instead of a single big one.
Alternatively, we could scrap both the Rapier and Flamebringer to make a custom cut and thrust sword. They both were made out of mana conductive alloys, so maybe we'd get weapon with higher concentration of Starmetal.

>>5223563
>the Flamebringer becomes somewhat obsolete
the flamebringer still has its own niche in our arsenal; its a pretty solid sword that has a 0 mana flamethrower and a gravity stone that helps lock down enemies

>I think that maybe we can keep it relevant if the power of the gravity stone's effect could be regulated
that's not really needed; miranda's pretty strong on her own and when we use the gravity stone is to completely overwhelm someone, so using it on any setting that isn't max is a bit useless

>>5223563
They're just magic weapons, not made out of starmetal. Grizzi would have mentioned something if they were. I think we could upgrade our Flamebringer to be able to channel and increase the damage on our Sunscorch flames, though.

Actually, that got me thinking about something... If we invest some of our mana or spells into the creation or improvement of a weapon, we might be able to create some interesting combinations, like casting sticky mana on my acid axe idea during forging could have it gain the ability to launch gooey acid blobs, or have the Flamebringer burn with magma instead of fire.

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>>5223576
We could carry the gravity stone over to the new sword. As for '0 mana flamethrower', maybe we could channel Energy Aura through the new sword that'd have a similar effect. IMO Flamebringer's flames weren't that impressive unless we dump way more mana into it.
>http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2018/3055956/#p3079518
>Maybe if you channel more mana into your blade… (1000-4000)
>>5223588
I think they're made out of ALLOY that contains it, it's obviously not pure Starmetal.
>my acid axe idea
>one-handed
Meh. Something long and versatile like poleaxe might've sounded interesting but I still don't think we need new weapons since we don't use the ones we already have often enough. Some folks were excited about Bloodborne-inspired Morph-blade, yet we haven't used it a single time in this literally Bloodborne-inspired mission.
Upgrading the effects is the way to go.

>>5223588
>>5223602
>They're just magic weapons
That world had barely any mages left and people had low manapools. Magical items weren't supposed to just lay around, and they were either made of/enhanced with crystals (brainwashing tools and armor that the Church made for adventurers) or some other very specific and rare material. Why mention Starmetal in the story at all if there's absolutely nothing made out of it?

>>5223602
>ALLOY that contains it.
I doubt there’s any star metal in it at all. honestly. Nothing came up when we took the rapier over for reinforcement.

> Something long and versatile like poleaxe might've sounded interesting but I still don't think we need new weapons since we don't use the ones we already have often enough.
We already had a halberd, and we gave that up for the armory rather than upgrade it. Besides, I was using the acid axe as an example for improving or creating weapons using the spells we know to give them new abilities. The important bit was using one of our spells on the weapon while making or improving it.

>>5223609
If Miranda could enchant items by herself we would've known it years ago. The only way to add more spice to our gear is by using sigils, crystals and manastones that we've looted years ago. There are *some* that could enhance the effects of *some* of our items, and I really want to test this out, but every time we want our new hire to do something she's either missing or too busy.

>>5223606
>That world had barely any mages left and people had low manapools. Magical items weren't supposed to just lay around, and they were either made of/enhanced with crystals (brainwashing tools and armor that the Church made for adventurers) or some other very specific and rare material.
Any place with an academy for learning magic can’t exactly be lacking for mages, and the world had high mana regen, which would offset the low mana pools of the average mage. Also, starmetal was said to be rare as hell there, so it would make sense that most of the magic weapons we saw were made out of more standard materials. Not that it matters, as our swords are still pretty powerful regardless of what they’re made of.

>>5223615
You’re forgetting that we know a skilled magical blacksmith. He’d probably be the person to talk to about imbuing weapons with our own spells. Just got to find out if he’s willing or able to, and how much it would cost.

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>>5223617
>so it would make sense that most of the magic weapons we saw were made out of more standard materials.
What are these supposed 'standard materials' are you talking about? You think it makes sense that there was no point for Handler to even mention Starmetal at all?
I think using the rare Starmetal stockpiles in alloys makes more sense as the manufacturer could make dozens of half-decent magical items instead of a few really good ones when it comes to running a large kingdom and supplying an army. There was no mention of any other material that could hold enchantments (other than crystals).
>He’d probably be the person to talk to about imbuing weapons with our own spells.
>probably
That's why I'm skeptical about this - he never advertised that he's capable of these things, it's just your own guess that he 'probably' could do that. Also if Nura could upgrade Miranda's gear on the house then she could upgrade other SES members' gear as well.
>>5223609
Also halberds and poleaxes are two different things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lH6NT-f9LU&ab_channel=scholagladiatoria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdVYW9r2G3U&ab_channel=Medievalists
https://youtu.be/wGNPoInu-Ds

>>5223617
...alright, I see why we can't agree on anything: you're using videogame logic that anything can be magick-ed up and boosted regardless of the material - because it's "Magic!", no explanation needed. Which clashes with my point of view (that is a bit more strict): nothing is magic unless the narrator/QM establishes that something is magical in X way and has Y properties.

>>5223628
I don't quite know what you guys are talking about but this seems like a soft magic system vs hard magic system issue
which is a problem because from what I saw, there is plenty of both kinds of magic systems in the muliverse
for example, The Crystal duo have a hard magic system, more of a science
while we use a bit of a soft magic system, not strictly defined in how powerful it is or what that power can be made into

so if you are talking about doing something with "magic", I'd recommend clarifying what magic you are talking about

>>5223563
The Flamebringer sure, but we never did get confirmation that the Rapier's made of Starmetal did we? We just looted it after the Baron's defeat and have been using it since then. I'm all in for recycling/improving our arsenal, but just because they're both similar weapons from the same world doesn't mean they're compatible.
And furthermore they're both iconic weapons in our arsenal. Unless the result is EXTREMELY GOOD, I'm not keen on the idea.
>>5223602
The Morph-Blade has been turned into our heavy-duty anti-mage weapon and there aren't any magic-slingers in this world, obviously it didn't get used much.

>>5223768
>The Flamebringer sure, but we never did get confirmation that the Rapier's made of Starmetal did we?
Grizzy called it an alloy>>5223602, not just steel, so I think it might have some Starmetal in it.
>Unless the result is EXTREMELY GOOD, I'm not keen on the idea.
Yeah, I've been mulling over it for a few days, that's why I originally thought about just upgrading them separately>>5217276>>5223563. But, in essence, when we DON'T use their special perks, we tend to use them in a similar manner against the same enemies - and then have to switch between them mid-fight if one seems more suited for the situation than the other. We might use the magic absorbent bones and Seither Crystals to make something EXTREMELY GOOD.
Or at least something personally fitted for Miranda - these two swords were custom made for people larger than her. It's a minor, almost non-existent issue, but might play a role if we ever decide to take sword-fighting seriously.

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>>5223834
Huh, in that case how about a twinblade/polearm? One head for the Flamebringer, the other for the rapier. The bones and mucus can be used for the handle.

It's definitely more difficult to use than a regular blade - we might need a trainer - but it's simple enough to work with that the end result won't look like a switch weapon (the smith will get more breathing). It's also sufficiently stylish.

>>5223841
that just sounds impractical. lets just use the bones to strengthen the morph blade and maybe use the acids to improve the flamebringer; that dissolution/separation magic sounded really interesting

Writing shortly! I mean it for once. Like, 20 minutes, tops.

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Finally, I catch this live.

>>5218668
>>5218676
>>5218681
>>5218687
Well. The question here is, do you take the risk? Guns would certainly put a damper on things, but- actually, y’know what? Screw it.

“I’m helping, then,” you say idly as you leap in and your fist connects with one of the human Wracked. You hear yells behind you as you take off, but eh. Izumi can deal with them one way or another- and you doubt they’d be THAT stupid as to intentionally hit you. One, two, three get blown away by the force of another strike- and two more nearly bisected as you turn with the force of your punch, sending a lariat their way.

It only hits their stomachs, mind, but you’ve still got more than enough force behind it to do the job, so whatever.

You can hear several bullets whiz past you, and Zipper’s shouting something to them in the background; after you ascertained it wasn’t to you, you’d kept your focus on the surroundings. Three magiblasts clear out some charging half-humanoid beast-like THINGS, and before that- whoop. That was close, whatever that gunk was. Rather not get near the thing who’s head is swelled like a beach ball.

The thrashing continues for a few more moments- you realize you’ve stopped hearing bullets after a moment, however, and suddenly a yell from Zipper. “Pull back! PULL BACK!”

You jump to clear the masses, and you can see…something rumbling from beneath them, disrupting the sticky mana, and sending the birds flying off, screeching in protest.

Damnit. Whatever this is, it can't be good. Especially with the...blue glowing? That's new.

You're already coming down when the ground cracks.

>roll 1d100, best of three.

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>5224415

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>5224415

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>5224415
>It only hits their stomachs, mind, but you’ve still got more than enough force behind it to do the job, so whatever.
Aaah yes the deadly loli windmill

One asks, and the creep desists.

Writing.

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>>5223841
>a twinblade
A meme weapon. Do you know any historical examples of a twin-blade?
>polearm?
Like a swordspear?

>>5224543
Yep, similar to that. The Flamebringer should be at the top, and the Rapier should be at the bottom. Coupled the bones and mucus, it should turn into some sort of usable STR/DEX/INT monstrosity.
We do want a long weapon for our limited reach.

>>5224559
that sounds dumb and it kills the niche that each weapon has

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>>5224568
Just a passing thought, because I can't think of anything else if we ever decide to merge them for greater strength and convenience. Blame my munchkin side.

>>5224559
>>5224575
>We do want a long weapon for our limited reach.
...we gave up a perfectly good halberd and hunting spear to add them to SES's armory. Why not just take out either one of them and enchant them with the turtle parts for a magic reach weapon?

>>5224584
My musings after that anon's suggestions was, it would be cool if we cuold use both the Flamebringer and the Rapier at the same time without the awkwardness of dual-wielding. Having a reach weapon is just the cherry on top.

>>5224415
>>5224423
>>5224426
>>5224431

You’re not sure what you’re expecting, but as both you and the armed defenders scramble away from the mass, you brace yourself as it goes from a rumbling crackle to an eruption- a twisting mass of vines, coiled and bound together and-

Suddenly the blue glow erupts from it again, and then it seems to…shudder? And then, momentarily, it pauses, before the conglomeration seems to plop down, settling with a massive thud as the blue glow shines bright on its bark in spots…if that IS bark, anyway. But for such an entrance, that was an awful lot of nothing.

“We’re leaving! Everyone, pull back and bug out!” Well, not like they care, clearly. You turn around to mention to Zipper what to do next-

Only to notice how they’ve got Zipper at gunpoint, looking thoroughly put out. “Thought that’d be worth a ‘thank you at the fuckin’ least…” she says, disgruntled. You’ve got some weapons on you as well- and Jessica does too, to your honest surprise. Though looking at her, you can kinda see why.

The glowing blue eyes and serious face are kinda a tip off. Izumi looks particularly startled and unsure what to do, though a frown tells you that she’s displeased enough. Can’t do anything due to being so close to the gun-toters, as well. Well, she COULD, but that’d just be more mess.

“You all, too!” The lady in charge is the one in a habit, and boy does she not look like a proper nun considering the Thompson she’s toting. At least you THINK it’s a Thompson, or something akin to it. “We’ve got questions!”

Great.

> “Then ask them here.” You’re not going anywhere with them under gunpoint. That’s just silly.
> “Leave now, else your sacrifices be in vain.” You’ll hope for someone less…ungrateful to point you in the right direction.
> Whatever. Just go with them under your own power. Not like they can do much to you anyway.
> (Intimidation) “Really? You’d do that after seeing what this child could do?” They're really not getting it, huh?
> Other

>>5224606
>> Other
"I don't answer questions at gunpoint."

>>5224606
So what are the chance that they'll just give some pointers if we just say we're here to cure the plague

>>5224606
>“Then ask them here.” You’re not going anywhere with them under gunpoint. That’s just silly.

>>5224606
> “Then ask them here.” You’re not going anywhere with them under gunpoint. That’s just silly.

>>5224606
> “Then ask them here.” You’re not going anywhere with them under gunpoint. That’s just silly.
> "And you owe the kid an apology, lady. I expect better from a sister of the cloth."

>>5224606
>“Then ask them here.” You’re not going anywhere with them under gunpoint. That’s just silly.
>"I was going to heal your wounded, but given our reception, I'm withdrawing my offer. Unless.."
As far as I know Izumi haven't healed any of them yet, we can use that to have them point us to the right direction.

>>5224641
>implying they will take healing from an eldritch horror and a suspiciously normal girl as a boon

>>5224647
Eh we can try, from what we can see a number of defenders are in critical condition. If she has any goodwill in her (and she's a nun) she has to take the leap.

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>>5224606
>>5224632
oh, right
>try to gauge her mood and gain some insight
we've bought all these expensive enchanted clothes, but so far they haven't been that useful. now's the chance for them to shine

Writing!

>>5224633
>>5224641
>>5224660
>>5224606
Right, my vote boss

>>5224665
>>5224660
you didn't forget we have all these enchanted items, did you?

>>5224665
Ah drats, oh well

>>5224668
of course we did, do you think we have in mind all the little trinkets we collected through the literal years this quest has been running?

I've decided to include >>5224660.

>>5224671
They're not 'little trinkets' that were lying in our inventory - they're EXPENSIVE artifacts that were supposed to work passively since we chose them during the dress up preparations, just like the Divine Shoes.

>>5224677
>>5224671
And just like the Divine Shoes - we're CONSTANTLY wearing them.

>>5224681
>>5224677
and we forget about them due to the nature of quests. so far you're the only one that remembers; good on you.

>>5224683
I thought I'd be insufferably obnoxious if I posted reminders in every thread. These effects are listed in the Mission Log page in the spreadsheet but looks like this is not enough.

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>>5224671
>of course we did, do you think we have in mind all the little trinkets we collected through the literal years this quest has been running?
...that's why I didn't want to take the spying mirror in the last mission and was suggesting that we should take the telescopic spear instead

>>5224713
and this is also why I don't really want new weapons and why I think combining existing ones is a good idea.

>>5224606
>>5224624
>>5224632
>>5224633
>>5224641
>>5224660
>>5224666
“Then ask them here.” You’re not going anywhere with them under gunpoint. That’s just silly. And you’re not going to be intimidated by these idiots. Especially considering how they’re looking over their wounded, who are clearly still in great pain. You motion to them, your masked face tilting towards the wounded. "I was going to heal your wounded, but given our reception, I'm withdrawing my offer. Unless..." you let the statement hang, hoping for them to bite.

“Whatever you’re planning, creature, we don’t want part of it!” she says hotly, and…huh. She doesn’t seem to be too concerned about Izumi doing anything iffy. In fact, she kinda moves in front of her a bit, to Izumi’s own slight consternation. “Your spawn can do all they want, but leave us poor humans OUT of it!” She motions towards Zipper as well, who looks…well, like she’s a few moments from trying to open up on the soldiers surrounding her. Though she at least doesn’t seem to be actually making any motions to do so.

As you look back towards the nun, you concentrate. And soon, you can see blooms of color from all of them. The speaker and the vast majority are purple…much like Zipper was, at one point. One of them next to her is a near grey, next to the fallen are a rich blue, and one of the men looking at you is…peach? Orange? Eh. Moving on.

“Why are you here?” she continues. “What purpose have you?”

So many problems. Never any solutions. The world has ended, God has forsaken all, and the only judgement left is her own. It’s merely a matter of how long the last of humanity can survive, she’s sure. She will try to last as long as she can, however. For others, if certainly not herself.

Hm. So that’s her deal…you glance at Jessica again, who seems…well, she doesn’t seem too fussed about doing whatever it is she’s doing, but the massive thing is still passive, and her eyes are still lit, focusing on it. You suppose you have time to answer.

> “We intend to assist in restoring balance to things.” A bit highbrow, but maybe it’ll play well.
> “Our purposes are our own, but they don’t oppose yours.” Might be that’ll ease her up a bit.
> “As long as we don’t kill you and yours, does it really matter?” Practicality, ho.
> (Otherworldly) “Were I to share the purpose, are you assured of your lucidity? The others?” Not the friendliest, but hopefully she’ll back off.
> Other

>>5224750
>“We intend to assist in restoring balance to things.” A bit highbrow, but maybe it’ll play well.

>>5224750
> “We intend to assist in restoring balance to things.” A bit highbrow, but maybe it’ll play well.
>"We were on our way to our goal when we've heard your cries for help on the radio. And so we've provided it."

>>5224750
> “We intend to assist in restoring balance to things.” A bit highbrow, but maybe it’ll play well.
>"We were on our way to our goal when we've heard your cries for help on the radio. And so we've provided it."
> "Now, would you be kind enough to let my associates explain the situation? I need to help the child put down her foe."

>>5224750
>“We intend to assist in restoring balance to things.” A bit highbrow, but maybe it’ll play well.
>"We were on our way to our goal when we've heard your cries for help. And so we've provided it."
>"The planet is enraged, nun. We are here to provide a solution that will hopefully put an end to it, giving humanity one more leg to stand on and thrive after this cleansing."
>"Hope is not lost."

>>5224750
I'm not following, i know jess is having another episode but what massive thing is she looking at?

>>5224777
she's looking at the 'pretty' roots that are all around the city>>5209907
>The place is an utter mess; but what’s really astonishing is the growths. And you don’t mean plants…at least, you think. Something…vaguely similar to plant roots, if perhaps purple and a bit less wooden than you’d expect, are winding around streets and some buildings- some like ropes pulsing clear across the street, massive and undriveable and forcing you to turn and find a way around. Rubble often causes similar, or in one memorable case, a massive pile of soldier corpses and Wracked that you quickly have to turn Jessica away from (not that you think it’s worth much.) You’re unsure what’s causing this, but it can’t be anything-

>“Pretty…” What? You turn to Jessica, who seems much better now that she’s away from the explosions. Astounding how she managed to get so calm so quickly…but she’s looking at the growths- one in particular winding around a lamppost.

>You’d not call them pretty, yourself. This kid's an odd one.
I think they have some mana, since she's been attracted to it in a weird way. And we also might be able to test our experimental mana siphon on them as well.>>5217973

Writing!

>>5224785
and since so far we've seen only roots - whatever this is is in an early stage of growth and could be stopped if the seed(s) are found. but unless someone offers to pay to do something about them or if there are other ways to profit from it - this is none of our business. we're the delivery girls.

>>5224750
>>5224754
>>5224766
>>5224771
>>5224774
After looking around, particularly at Zipper, who just grunts in annoyance, you decide you might as well sprinkle in a bit of truth with expectation. “We intend to assist in restoring balance to things.” You can hear some scoffing at that, but you press on before any retort could be made. "We were on our way to our goal when we heard your cries for help on the radio. And so we've provided it."

“It knows what a radio is?” you heard one whisper, only to get elbowed by his fellow standing next to him.

“Surrender your thralls and follow us, if you’re calling yourself an ally,” the nun says. Huh. Vaguely, you thought she’d use more formal speech. “And we’ll consider what you mean by ‘restoring balance’ to things.”

“I can tell you what I mean,” you say crisply. You’re already getting annoyed with this, sparing another glance to Jessica. She still seems fine, though you swear she’s gotten a bit more tense. “The planet is enraged, nun. We are here to provide a solution that will hopefully put an end to it, giving humanity one more leg to stand on and thrive after this cleansing."

“Cleansing?” The nun asks, her aura one that you can easily tell is fearful. “So do you mean-”

“I mean hope is not lost,” you interrupt. You’d really rather not play this game, and the shock on the nun’s face is gratifying.

“I…” the nun starts, but she can’t seem to form the words. Izumi, for her part, seems to be trying to budge closer to the injured parties.

“Are we getting the fuck outta here or what?!” Zipper half-yells, bringing everyone’s attention to her. Right.

“Then…fine! But anything strange and we shoot!” Well, at least she’s down to ‘ornery, but reasonably so.

Confusion and distrust mar this lady all throughout. It'd take a genuine miracle to bring back any real belief. Even now, she's not trusting you, but she IS thinking you might not want her and her people dead...immediately, anyway. What's your angle? She wants to find out.


>Leave with them. Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve had an ‘escort’.
>Refuse. You’ve dealt with them enough. Just see what Jessica’s doing here…
>Other

[Continuing tomorrow.]

>>5224948
>Leave with them. Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve had an ‘escort’.

>>5224948
>Leave with them. Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve had an ‘escort’.
>"You'll have to accept some strangeness in order to survive what your world has become, miss."

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>>5224592
>>5224584
>a magic reach weapon
I think the Morph-Blade is large and long enough to serve as a reach weapon.
>>5223768.
>The Morph-Blade has been turned into our heavy-duty anti-mage weapon and there aren't any magic-slingers in this world, obviously it didn't get used much.
Why should we shoehorn it into a purely anti-magic weapon role when it's a custom-ordered is as a versatile one.
Personally, I feel 'eh' about it, but it can be used as a shield, anti-armor and crowd-control weapon with anti-magic properties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhNnwby--yQ&ab_channel=MattGalas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7yrwZvRZ90&t=1540s&ab_channel=TheModernRogue

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>>5224959
I know that Morph-blade is noting like a historical zweihander, but it's still classifies as a greatsword.

>>5223768
>just because they're both similar weapons from the same world doesn't mean they're compatible.
>>5223609
>I doubt there’s any star metal in it at all. honestly.
Different materials also could be forge-welded together. That's how early medieval swords and most katanas are made - metallurgy smiths had to forge-weld metals with different properties before advancements in metallurgy allowed to create alloys with necessary properties from the get-go.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_swordsmithing#/media/File:Katana_brique.png
https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/344595808972011730/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nMdPAjWkE&ab_channel=TyrellKnifeworks
Grizzy is skilled enough to forge-weld stuff to an already finished product - that's how he upgraded the Morph-Blade.

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>>5224968
*medieval smiths had to forge-weld

>>5224959
It sounds more like a FromSoftware colossal sword than an actual polearm from what it's hooked sword description describes, though. I was thinking regular sized spears for quick jabbing attacks, especially since Harpsicorie could branch out into spears or polearms later.

>>5224968
Frankly, I'd rather we kept both swords separated rather than mush them together for convenience. They're useful for different strategies, and they also fit certain outfits pretty well as costume pieces. The Flamebringer's good for the Fantasy Sellsword and Dark Knight looks and slashing through large groups, while the Rapier's better for dueling one on one, using as a sort of spell enhancing wand, and for dressing up like a Spooky Fey or Eldrich Swordswoman types.

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>>5224982
>It sounds more like a FromSoftware colossal sword than an actual polearm
Never said that it's a 'polearm'. 'Reach weapon' doesn't have to be pole-based, just the fact that it's long enough should make it fit the criteria.
>they also fit certain outfits pretty well as costume pieces
A cut and thrust sidesword could fill and fit in both niches imo. With finger rings to help with aiming the sword thrusts or for spellcasting.

>>5224999
>A cut and thrust sidesword could fill and fit in both niches imo.
I'd still prefer we don't combine the swords, and instead upgrade them with new capabilities.

>>5224948
>Leave with them. Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve had an ‘escort’.

Running shortly. 1 hour or when I finish lunch, whichever happens first.

...time passes quicker than I thought. That didn't feel like an hour, let alone two. Writing.

>>5225511
Must've been a big burger

>>5225608
Pasta, actually. Creamy shelled with sausage.

>>5224948
>>5224952
>>5224956
>>5225068
You turn to them. “Then leave. We’ll follow.” You turn to the soldiers nearby, who flinch as they realize that your attention is on them. “And you’ll be following us in turn?”

They don’t respond, but everyone’s quick to clamber onto their respective vehicles if they aren’t already; and you notice two in particular climbing onto the back of your own car, hanging off the sides, which Zipper glares at. “You fall, I ain’t stoppin’ for your asses.” Fortunately, they don’t take the bait, instead looking straight ahead. Well, you’re not very inclined to be charitable, either. Izumi in particular seems to be staying with them for the time being, though you figure that’s partially due to their leader’s concern and suspicion- you see her plainly give Izumi a pitying look behind her back, placing a hand on her shoulder as Izumi assists with the injured fighters.

The procession manages to start up and take off without any further fanfare. As you leave, however, you notice Jessica’s still starting in its general direction…at least for a few minutes. You end up shaking her, upon which her eyes turn back to normal. “-uh, huh?” She blinks, looking around. “Is…everything…okay now?” She certainly seems confused.

> You’d like to know what she just did.
> You want to at least see if she’s alright.
> Make sure to figure out where we’re going.
> Other

>>5225684
> You’d like to know what she just did.
> You want to at least see if she’s alright.

>>5225684
> You’d like to know what she just did.
> You want to at least see if she’s alright.
So two of them are at the back of our ride to keep eyes on us.

>>5225684
this>>5225685

>>5225684
>>5225685
+

>>5225684
> You’d like to know what she just did.
> You want to at least see if she’s alright.
> "How's your head feeling? Do you need the music box?"
Is her speech slowing down again? Does using any powers have her revert back?

Writing!

>>5225684
>>5225685
>>5225690
>>5225693
>>5225695
>>5225698
“That’s what I’d like to know,” you say at a low voice. Given a quick once over, you notice that her complexion hasn’t changed much- still got the whole grey/blue color scheme going on- but with the lights in her eyes dimmed a fair bit, you were concerned. Fortunately, she doesn’t seem…as lost? As she was a while back. There’s definitely wheels churning in that head, but the way she looks around, it’s clear she’s not quite as well. “Your eyes were really bright for a while after those, uh… root things came out of the ground. Now they aren’t. Can you tell me what just happened?”

A pause for a few moments, but she looks up to you in time. “Uhh…I wanted it…to not hurt you. And I…realized I could…talk to it. Kinda. Inside.” Huh. That’s interesting. “It…didn’t talk back. But it listened…so I kept telling it to…not grow.” She pauses again, looking down. “Is everyone…okay?”

You let out a sigh. So, she’s got that kinda power? Funky. “Yeah, everyone’s mostly fine. Zipper’s good-”

“As can be,” she interrupts. “But now we’re being hauled along because SOME PEOPLE don’t understand how to say THANK YOU.” Again, no bait taken. Professionals, these are. You round a corner onto a side street, but the convoy seems to be well-practiced in where they’re going. Silence again as you roll under a bridge, and turn onto what seems to be a rather dirt road. Not so much nearing the outskirts of the city, but rather an underdeveloped part.

“...I’m really hungry.” Right. You’re pretty sure you had some leftover food, though considering the girl’s monstrous appetite, you’re kinda running low, actually.

The trip is quiet- and when you finally stop, you have to admit a bit of a smirk crosses your face- not that anyone would see it.

A church. Figures. Might be an orphanage, too, considering the large back end of it. Everyone in the nun’s vehicle quickly departs, and there’s a number of larger men waiting as well; like a well-trained machine they quickly begin to move to ferry the supplies in.

“Hold it!” the nun suddenly mentions. “Everyone, back inside for now. We have…guests.”

She turns to you, and gasps and murmurs happen. “They haven’t done anything against us, and they’ve been saying some…odd things. Don’t aggravate them until we figure out what’s going on, but don’t just blindly trust them, either.” Well, no points for subtlety. Suppose that’s a luxury these days, though.

“Now then, if you’d come with us,” she mentions. The threat is implied, but…

“Do not touch our cargo,” you warn.

“We won’t. No telling what it might do to us,” she agrees. “You and your spawn come with me.”

(cont.)

>>5225768
“...M’not ‘spawn’,” Jessica grumbles, much to their surprise. “And I’m hungry.” That gets some looks of shock from all gathered. Guess they didn’t expect her to speak. There’s clearly some whispering going on afterwards, and you figure there’s going to be a lot of rumors and gossip in the near future.

“We…will get you something.” The nun hesitantly offers. “However, we need to talk with your…caretaker. Perhaps you could go with Maria while we do?” she offers, motioning to a lady in suspenders, a red t-shirt, and bushy hair. She seems…less than enthused, looking like the nun just sold her soul for her.

“We might want to talk to you, too. We didn’t know you could,” she admits.

“That’s…okay. I couldn’t…for a while…” Hm. Yeah, she seems a bit lethargic, if still clearly there.

Izumi doesn’t seem too enthused at separation, but remains silent- though you can tell she’s trying to think up an excuse to reject the idea. Zipper is grumbling, but she’s the worst off of everyone here- she can’t really speak up about anything without getting a dirty look and probably some declaration of being manipulated, either.

> Yeah, you’re not separating from the kid. Waaaay too dangerous.
> Well, it’ll only be for a bit, and she’ll probably get some food out of it. Just might take some convincing.
> Other

>>5225769
> Yeah, you’re not separating from the kid. Waaaay too dangerous.
We have a stacked deck and they don't. Might need to tell them something else also to relieve the tension though.

>>5225769
>Yeah, you’re not separating from the kid. Waaaay too dangerous.
>"the kid is under our personal protection. im afraid she can't leave with you, but some food for her would be greatly appreciated"

>>5225769
> Yeah, you’re not separating from the kid. Waaaay too dangerous.

>>5225769
>>5225779

>>5225769
>>5225779
>"The food would be greatly appreciated, but I'm afraid she won't be able to accompany you. The little one is under our personal protection"
>"If this isn't obvious, whatever we're going to discuss will concern her too."

>>5225769
>> Yeah, you’re not separating from the kid. Waaaay too dangerous.

Writing!

>>5225769
>>5225777
>>5225779
>>5225781
>>5225792
>>5225806
“That won’t be happening.” You ignore the looks given your way, and continue to focus on the nun, who’s still trying to look tough but clearly isn’t sure what to do. "The food would be greatly appreciated, but I'm afraid she won't be able to accompany you. The little one is under our personal protection. And should it not be obvious, anything we discuss will concern her, too."

You hold her eyesight- as her aura flares blue and green…you’re pretty sure that’s fear, but just in case…what is she thinking?

She’s made many a mistake before, and she feels perhaps she’s made one now…or is about to make one. An utterly fatal one. She doesn’t feel like she can truly make these decisions. A facade of strength can only get one so far before they crumble or lash out. She will stand as long as she can, but in the end, she’s not sure which might happen, herself.

Well, then. That’s interesting to know. She’s holding up by strings with this? That means you might be able to bully her a bit. Though you suspect that could be as good as it might be bad.

After a few moments, she sighs- and you realize it’s shaky. Uncertain. “Why do all of this? Why even care? What do you get out of it?”

> "If I were to say 'your desires made manifest', would that suffice?" Because dangit, just saying 'money' wouldn't feel right here, even if it's honest.
> "Enough. You don't need to worry about that. There is a functioning laboratory in this city, I understand. Do you know where it is?" Not interested in 20 questions, you're here for info.
> "Not I. More, the child. She should grow. Like all children, no?" A lie, but it should play well with what she's worried about. You think.
> Other

>>5225872
>"If I were to say 'humanity's hopes and dreams made manifest', would that suffice?" Because dangit, just saying 'money' wouldn't feel right here, even if it's honest.
lets see how the melodramatic way fares

>>5225872
> "If I were to say 'humanity's recovery and survival', would that suffice?" Because dangit, just saying 'money' wouldn't feel right here, even if it's honest.
> "I cannot guarantee a complete recovery to the lives you had before. However, we can at least offer you a path to ensure your species survival, perhaps even help you to thrive in this new world."

>>5225872
>>5225875
>>5225890
These are good, I'm fine with either.

>"One doctor required a formula to be delivered to Avion City in order to begin the process of creating an actual cure, putting an end to this nightmare. We answered the call."
>"Whatever's in that barrel has the potential to save you all. There is a functioning laboratory in this city, I understand. You'd be wise to direct us there and, if necessary, provide additional assistance so that the procedure can be completed without delay."
If they bite we'll get some meatshields (sorry Izumi).

>>5225872
>"We are here to deliver something that should change the state of this place. Our destination lies somewhere in this city, and there are dangers that we are not fully aware of. You've managed to persevere, to shelter others and even dare to travel outside. Your knowledge and experience could serve us in fulfilling our mission."
Complimenting and recognizing their efforts might work. Hope they know who's calling the airstrikes and what do all these weird roots do.

Writing!

So are we going full G-man with this or are we actually trying to be amicable?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjTaIIoTY64&ab_channel=VG247.com

>>5225909
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FY7ScBWdvw&ab_channel=Mottflyer
this perspective might be better

>>5225909
>>5225910
vague enough to make them believe whatever they want to believe

>>5225909
I can go with vague, but amicable. Chances are they're going to be dealing with magical musical zombie people after we leave, so might as well teach them that music might help.

>>5225872
>>5225875
>>5225890
>>5225897
>>5225899
You sigh, though it comes off as metallic. "If I were to say 'hopes and dreams made manifest', would that suffice?"

That pauses them. “...hopes and dreams…?” You hear her mutter. Zipper just scoffs (and though you’re not looking at her, you’re positive she just rolled her eyes, and Izumi looks like she’s trying to parse what the heck you meant by that.

Nonetheless, you continue. Might as well try to sell them on it. "I cannot guarantee a complete recovery to the lives you had before. However, we can at least offer you a path to ensure your species’ survival. We are here to deliver something that should change the state of this place.” It’s fairly obvious what that is, and you see a few people glance at the cargo in the back seat. “Our destination lies somewhere in this city, and there are dangers that we are not fully aware of. You've managed to persevere, to shelter others and even dare to travel outside. Your knowledge and experience could serve us in fulfilling our mission."

“Destination…? Where’re you- oh!” Maria’s eyes widen. “The lab! They’re tryin’ ta get to the lab, I bet!”

That gets a lot of reaction. “Tch. Those maniacs?!” one of the guards scoffs. “They’ll kill us all!”

“Shit,” another one swears as the tension ratches up. “Their ‘improving humanity’ shit's gone too far...didn’t think they’d do-”

Hold on, THAT’S new. You quickly turn to the soldier that just spoke, who jumps at the sudden attention. “Clarify that. NOW.”

“Wha-? Uh…well…” he looks around for help, but finds none- not even from the nun, who seem surprised at YOUR surprise for the moment. “I mean…it’s kinda known that the only ‘lab’ still around is the Superbia Lab on the north end. It used to be for medical research stuff. Bunch of eggheads still holed up there in their underground bunkers. Probably one of the most fortified areas in the city. One of the most constantly hit, too. But they’ve been tryin’ to find ways to science their way out of the end of the world for ages. Rumor has it they’ve been doing human experiments lately to make a Fog-proof superhuman. No proof yet, but where there’s smoke…” He shakes his head, letting the thought trail off. “It’s grim stuff.”

“Don’t stop us from trading with ‘em,” another soldier says suddenly. “They’re kinda the only real reliable source of medicine for anyone. But even that’s been thinnin’ out lately.” He motions to the crates.

“Is that what the kid’s for?” one of them murmurs. “I dunno about this…”

"N-no..." Izumi mutters. Zipper looks annoyed at this new information. Jessica just looks confused, and a bit scared. Have to admit, that's a wrinkle you wish didn't exist. Not that it matters to you a whit, but they're clearly antsy about giving you directions now.

> "What they wish for is irrelevant. What they will get is what we offer them."
> "I fail to see how that's a negative, should this work."
> "They will cure this or die. I will assure them of this."
> Other

Done for tonight.