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File: henchman.png (1.31 MB, 900x1560)
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Your name is Sean Clayton, aka Gunsmoke, aka Adjutant Tango. Last time, you escaped the clutches of Task Force X, returned to your old stomping grounds, laid the foundations for a revolution, and won a long-awaited showdown.

Now, you’re standing face to face with Pedraza, intent on taking him into custody and solidifying his fall from grace.

> Hello everyone, and welcome back to another issue of DC: Henchman Quest! As always, I’m AxisQM. Rules are simple but flexible: 20-30 minutes to vote / roll what I say, rolls count even if you (or I) mess up the modifier, crit successes override, write-ins encouraged. If rolls / votes are slow to come in, I’ll do my best to adjust for it. Our cover art is courtesy of an eternally blessed anon, still one of my personal highlights of the quest.

Pastebin: https://pastebin.com/RwY7nc3S

Link to Previous Thread: http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5330698/

Link to Archive: http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Henchman
>>
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>>5369036

Before you stands the architect of Venezuela’s misery, a decades-long tyrant who’s bloodied his hands with scores of innocent lives.

As you stare into panic-struck face, all you can think about is how this reckoning has been a long time coming.

You had this bastard dead to rights during your strike on the Assembly, but Task Force X was able to able to bail him out of trouble.

Considering how thoroughly you’ve trounced their strike team and literally ripped the heart out of their heaviest hitter, the chances of that happening again are considerably lower.

Now, you just need to figure out how to handle the bastard.

An uncomfortably large part of you yearns to just take the easy way out and cut his throat.

It’d hardly be a hassle. You’ve still got your KABAR handy, and the war room comes equipped with recording equipment.

But as tempting as it’d be, you keep the impulse in check. After all, this is much bigger than you.

The creeping tendrils of political necessity demand that you attempt to legitimize the takeover somehow.

A televised execution would give the international community the perfect excuse to hammer Venezuela with sanctions, or potentially even dispatch “peacekeepers” to stomp out the Jungle Rats.

And regardless of how things turn out, one fact remains certain. Your fate and that of Venezuela’s has been inexorably linked. You’ve spilled and shed blood for this country, and you’re determined to see things play out as best as you can.

To that end, Pedraza will have his day in court. He’ll get the show trial he deserves, everyone will have a good laugh at his expense, and then he’ll be sentenced to the only fate he deserves. His cronies might actually stand a chance, but Pedraza definitely isn’t making it out clean.

Patience has never been your greatest virtue, but you’re willing to keep your feelings in check so long as it serves your greater objectives.

Besides, it probably won’t be too hard to secure yourself front-row tickets at his inevitable execution.
>>
>>5369038

When you order Pedraza to disable the security system locking your men out, he refuses to comply and instead blusters about his connections and that you’re a dead man walking.

The ranting stops when you jam your carbine in his face and threaten a repeat of his previous beatdown if he doesn’t quiet down. Looks like he’s got a long memory, because he immediately complies and keeps his mouth shut. Still refuses to disable the security lockdown though, but that doesn’t stymie you for long.

When you start grilling some of his cabinet, it doesn’t take long for somebody to crack and offer to shut the system down for you.

When the security doors retract, your men flood into the hall, accompanied by Bonilla and Stalnoivolk. After giving them a brief rundown on the situation, they start rounding up your newly-captured political prisoners and establish a perimeter around the General’s corpse.

If he so much as twitches, your Liberators have orders to drown him in lead and personally alert you.

Meanwhile, a detachment of your men angle the news cameras and count down the broadcast as you take a deep breath and prepare yourself for possibly the most important speech of your life. Good thing that your Spanish isn’t half-bad anymore.

Still, it’s best to keep it short and sweet, plenty of time for a grandiose monologue later when you’re well and truly in the winner’s circle.

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

> “People of Venezuela, I come before you on this momentous day with urgent news!”

You gesture at a pair of your Liberators, who seize Pedraza and drag him before you; forcing him onto his knees and angling him directly at the cameras.

> “The hated dictator, Pedraza, has finally been apprehended for his crimes against the people against the nation! His seat of power is under our control, and the nation is soon to follow!”

A white lie, but not a large one.

> “But do not be mistaken; there is still much work to be done! I call upon the true patriots among the sons and daughters of the nation to join hands with the Jungle Rats and make the final push to liberate Venezuela from Pedraza and his corrupt cabal! And to those who still serve at Pedraza’s feet; I have but one message! All government forces will be granted a singular opportunity to surrender and face judgement. Those who continue to resist will suffer the fate of all traitors!”

You allow a beat of silence to pass, to really let the implied threat sink in.

> “This is a day of struggle, for the soul of Venezuela itself!”

Now, for the big finish.

> “JOIN THE GRAND LIBERATORS IN OUR NOBLE CRUSADE TO RESTORE THE HONOR AND PRIDE OF THE NATION! TO ARMS!”

You signal your cameraman to cut the broadcast.
>>
>>5369039

That ought to be the final nail in the regime’s coffin. Pedraza’s grip on the apparatus of state was already beginning to slip, but this is a humiliation that he’ll never be able to recover from.

And thanks to Isaac’s successful seizure of major media channels, this broadcast is going out uncensored to the entire country, maybe even the entire world.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that today is one for the history books.

The knowledge of what you’ve just done is enough to break through even your shield of professionalism. There’s making waves, and then there’s making a goddamn tsunami.

You basically just gave Lok and the rest of Task Force X a big fat middle finger on live TV and confirmed that you’ve got ties to the Jungle Rats. If this revolt fails, there’s going to be a Squad-sponsored crackdown that’d make Pinochet blush.

Jesus, looks like you’re really in it to win it now.

When you get your head back on straight, you realize that Bonilla has been trying to get your attention, specifically about Pedraza’s treatment.

“Captain? We’ve cordoned off this section of the palace, it should be clear to move out. How should we handle the prisoners?”

> “If anyone tries anything, or if I catch a bullet down the line, make sure nobody walks away. Otherwise, leave them be.”

“Understood. I’ll keep the men in line, but they’re not going to like this.” Bonilla states, bluntly.

> “Fine, feel free to let them smack Pedraza around a little if that’ll keep them happy. Just keep him presentable in case he needs to go on camera again.”

Speaking from experience, thrashing the fallen dictator is certainly a therapeutic exercise. Really takes the edge off, guess he just may have one of those faces.

Anyhow, now that your primary objective has been captured, you set the next phase of your offensive in motion by…

> Dividing your forces and sending both Bonilla and Stalnoivolk to capture Delrio. Your next priority is to secure the Ace of Winchesters and the rest of Pedraza’s loot, revenge can wait a moment longer.
>>
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>>5369041

Letting Delrio off scot-free isn’t an option; the bastard sold you down the river to Task Force X and Pedraza, got your moles in the cartel killed, and threatens the lives of each and every soldier in the Grand Liberators.

As much as you’d like to handle him personally, you’ve got bigger fish to fry.

Namely, the Ace of Winchesters.

To that end, you decide to split off from your main element and give Stalnoivolk and Bonilla their marching orders. Bring Delrio back; alive if possible, dead if he really insists on being a nuisance.

Before they head out, Stalnoivolk gives you directions towards the location of the vaults. Shouldn’t be too far, but you’ll have to pass through some unsecured areas of the palace first.

If his intel is correct, the only Suicide Squad member guarding it is Catalyst; that one guy wearing the weird hazmat suit.

Still don’t really know what his deal is, but you’ll handle things as they come.

The rest of your men are divvied up to watch the prisoners, secure the perimeter, or move out on the Delrio hunt.

It’s for the best that you handle this on your own, not to cast any aspersions on any of your allies, but greed can rear its ugly head in the worst of ways if not accounted for.

Doesn’t help that you’re here for a very specific piece, and it’d be a lot of needless hassle to explain your motivations.

At about the halfway point of your trek to the vaults, you come across your first major obstacle; about two dozen palace guards that have taken up a defensive position that blocks your path.

Looks like they’ve formed a makeshift checkpoint out of furniture and have dug in for a fight. Weapons are pretty standard make, apart from some HMGs and a RPG or two.

Some nasty firepower, but you’ve dealt with far worse.

Thankfully, you managed to spot them first. Gives you the ability to think things through without being shot at for once.

With the element of surprise on your side, you decide to…

> Intimidate them into surrendering. You’ve already won, there’s no sense in unnecessary bloodshed when there are viable alternatives.
>>
>>5369044

You’ve got a sort of rough charm about you, might as well see if it can bail you out of trouble once more.

Besides, hostages and other means of leverage could be invaluable if things take an unexpected turn.

There are shouts of alarm when the guards notice your approach, but nobody is eager to pull the trigger quite yet.

You get within a respectable range of the barricade, close enough to speak and be heard, but not close enough that you’ll spook them into immediately firing.

Your armor is mostly untouched, barring that one gutshot that the redheaded psycho managed to slip under your guard, but you’re still not eager to experience another rocket to the chops; even with the upgraded hardening.

Better make it clear that they’re in for a bad time if they choose to continue standing in your way.

> “Pedraza is done for. You have one chance, and one chance only. Drop your weapons and surrender, and you will be treated fairly. Otherwise, I’ll paint the walls with your blood.”

Short, concise, and to the point.

Hemingway would be proud.

Most of the palace guards shoot each other conflicted looks, but everyone holds firm. For a tense moment, you internally sign and begin covertly reaching for the flashbang that’ll be your first step in tearing into them with your carbine.

But then, somebody cracks under the pressure and slowly drops his weapon. And just like that, all his compatriots follow suit as well.

After calling in their surrender, you stand guard for a short period and ensure that nobody gets any funny ideas until they’re detained.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take too long for your boys to pathfinder their way to your location, round up your latest batch of prisoners and return to the war room.

Meanwhile, you’ve barely encountered any signs of life at all. Looks like the majority of the troops either fled when things started getting ugly, or Pedraza was harder hit with the raids than you thought.
>>
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>>5369045

Suddenly, you turn a corner and find yourself at the entrance to the vaults, if Stalnoivolk’s descriptions are to believed.

And standing in your way is another familiar figure from your brief tenure as the Squad’s resident whipping-boy.

Catalyst.

“You never should have come back here, Defcon.”

His voice is branded with a heavy French accent that makes everything seem slightly melancholic.

“Whatever you are looking for, it wasn’t worth what you have brought upon yourself.”

He doesn’t make any aggressive moves, but that doesn’t stop your hackles from going up. He’s up to something, you just don’t know what.

As the pair of you size each other up, you decide to break the ice by…

> Offering him the same deal you presented to Stalnoivolk. He gets a shot at freedom, and you get to avoid a pointless fight.
>>
>>5369046

As quickly as you can blink and without breaking line-of-sight with Catalyst, your 1911 finds its way into your hands and is levied at his head.

Catalyst attempted to rocket forward during your momentary distraction, but it’s still not quite enough for him to close the gap.

The tension is nearly suffocating as you both gauge each other and try to calculate the chances of winning the standoff.

You’ll be able to squeeze off a few shots before he gets in close, but you’ll be in equally deep trouble if you manage to miss.

The moment is broken when you try once more to have Catalyst see reason.

> “Do you really want to do this? The General is dead, and your mission here is a failure. The Squad is going to throw you and the rest of your team overboard, and I’m offering you a lifeboat. You think they’re worth dying for?”

“No. But that doesn’t mean that I believe you. I’ve read your file, how you have a knack for half-truths and veiled lies; that you cannot be trusted under any circumstances.”

> “And I wonder, just who had a hand in writing that assessment of me?”

You let the thought trail off a bit, neatly planting the idea that Lok was trying to smear you after your escape, that he wasn’t culpable in falling for your gambit as well.

“Then prove it, that you possess some kind of ‘magical ability’ capable of freeing me. If so, why didn’t you escape sooner?”

> “There were extenuating circumstances. As for proof…”

Wordlessly, you toggle your radio’s audio settings.

> “Stalnoivolk? Report in, immediately.”

“One moment.”

There’s a nasty tearing sound intermixed with a scream of terror that’s abruptly cut off.

“That’s better. Your men and I have nearly reached the <span class="mu-i">Vor[/spoiler] and his thugs. It has been slow going, they’re dug in for a siege but we are plowing through them.”

> “Keep up the good work, let me know as the situation develops.”

You sever the radio connection.

> “Do you remember Stalnoivolk? Big Russian guy, part of your hunting party for me? It worked on him. I can’t guarantee that it’ll work on you, but it’s a far sight better than any alternative you’re staring down.”

Catalyst gives you a long, hard look before finally backing down and giving you some personal space.

“I don’t like this, but you’re right. The Squad’ll scrub all records of this mission, and that includes me as soon as the news breaks. Do it.”

Much like with Stalnoivolk, you keep a tight reign on your chaotic swirl of magic and channel it into Catalyst with careful bursts.

Sure enough, Catalyst’s nano-bomb is expelled and subsequently crushed like a wayward roach.

That’s another freedman added to your tally, and another asset ripped from Lok’s grasp.
>>
>>5369047

“So, what’s the plan?”

> “What do you mean? You want to tag along?”

“Now that I’m a free agent and all, I might as well stick with you for now. Especially if you really managed to kill the General.”

> “Welcome aboard. Our next stop is cracking open the vault. Watch my back while I figure out a way inside.”

On the short walk there, Catalyst gives you a breakdown on the remaining Squad members currently in play.

Apparently, Karma is actually blind and his helmer gives him a kind of limited telepathy.

In contrast, Warrant is just your stock-standard human with excellent training. It’s no reason to write him off though; and you pass this intel off to your forces.

As for Catalyst, he’s happy to inform you that he’s a walking pharmacy; If he touches you, he can pass the effects of all kinds of substances; be they tranquilizers, sedatives, truth serums, neurotoxins, paralytics, etc. It’s not the most combat-friendly power, but it provides a fuckton of utility, especially against people who aren’t aware.

Good thing you managed to avoid letting him too close.

When you finally reach your destination, there’s just one last obstacle in your path.

There’s a heavy vault door blocking any entrance, and the walls are similarly reinforced. Looks like it’ll take some serious firepower to bust through it, but that needn’t be your first choice.

After some careful thought, you decide to…

> Look for a network terminal and see if you can hack into it. The dangers of unbridled interconnectivity rear their ugly head yet again.
>>
>>5369048
hey axis the last rolls before the qst were 63,12,76
>>
File: Catalyst_02.png (294 KB, 297x567)
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>>5369048

(If you were late to the session / reading the archives and are confused at the sudden dump of text with no rolls, I was mistakenly banned and the thread was deleted. Kinda had to leapfrog a bunch of stuff, but I promise that everything is roughly as it should be.)

>>5369049

Thanks, anon. I knew that you passed, but I wasn't clear on the numbers.

Back to writing, I guess.

Enjoy my favorite picture of Catalyst in the meantime.
>>
what happened?
>>
>>5369056
The current theory is that it was a rogue janny. The "official" story seems to be some kind of tech error.
>>
>>5369056
this shit:
>>5368921
>>5368925
>>5368926
>>5368930
>>5368930
>>5368932
>>5368933
>>5368936
>>5368937
>>5368951
>>5368953
>>5368955
>>5368961
>>
>>5369060
>>5369056
The truth is that it was intergang getting meta revenge on Sean
>>
>>5369063
A fucking intergang wizard went back in time to kill baby Sean, but Set came in clutch and reset the timeline.
>>
>>5369056
Both of the DC quest got nuked and some others.
>>
Thanks.
>>
>>5369054
oh gods, i almost had a heart attack. i seriusly though you got downed by the glowies. btw, why did you get banned?
>>
>>5369112

Spamming.

Doesn't matter overmuch, although it did derail my plans a bit.

Still writing, nearly finished.
>>
>>5369054
Got spooked for a second when I saw the quest get deleted, good thing it's back up.
>>5369112
Likely a rogue janny did it.
>>
>>5369112
also sorry to bother, axis, but if it helps here is a link to your quest before it got deleted
https://archive.alice.al/qst/thread/5366527/

i hope the rogue janny didnt kill your muse for running today
>>
>>5369114

As fun as it’d be to try and smash a hole in the vault, this is a situation that calls for a more delicate touch.

The vault itself looks pretty modern, definitely built within the last decade or so.

Chances are, that means that it’s got to have some kind of control module nestled inside the door, probably under a block of concrete in the center.

It’d be a waste of time to try and drill for it, so you instead focus your attentions on a nearby security terminal designed to quickly lockdown the area in case of brigands like you.

And that’s where Pedraza’s security detail made their most crucial mistake.

Something that can launch an instant lockdown must also be able to access everything; the perfect transmission vector for your back of grey-hat tricks.

Not for the first time, you offer your silent thanks to Gremlin for giving you a crash course in the ways of the cracker.

Catalyst keeps watch for any errant patrols as you begin sniffing for vulnerabilities, eventually working through some multi-tiered security while making idle conversation.

> “What’d they nab you for? Guessing you already know how they snagged me.”

“Tell me about it; watching the footage of you beating that tin-pot dictator was required viewing prior to the mission. Wish I had some popcorn to commemorate the moment. Anyhow, I specialize in nndustrial espionage. It pays well, but private security is no joke. Got extradited here after inadvertently stealing sensitive research data that pissed off the wrong people.

Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re hired gun, right? A mercenary, freelancer, whatever you want to call it.”

> “What makes you say that?”

“You seem like the type; young guy with a chip on his shoulder and combat training. My advice? Make a clean break from this line of work as soon as you can. It’ll chew you up and spit you out with nothing to show but an empty wallet and a head full of demons.”

> “That’s not always an option. You got someplace to go after all this?”

“French Riviera, most beautiful coastline you’ve ever seen. Might lay low for while, hit up some old reliables for work. Feel free to visit me sometime, could always use a wrecking ball like you on-call.”

> “What happened to making a clean break and going straight?”

“Do as I say, not as I do?”

He chuckles a little, and you can’t help but join in.

Idle banter really helps make the tedium of looking for vulnerabilities go by faster, and you’ve locked in on an entry point in no time at all.

> “Open, sesame!”

With a triumphant flourish, you punch in the last digit of your newly spoofed entrance codes, and watch as the vault door quietly opens.
>>
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>>5369124

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCEwUFtjAr4

Catalyst whistles when he sees the extent of your haul, and you don’t blame him.

The sight of it all is enough to momentarily steal your breath away.

Art, jewels, precious metals, even a massive stack of bearer bonds.

It’d take you a hundred lifetimes to ever earn this much with an honest job.

Guess Pedraza was smart enough to keep a nest egg on hand in case he ever needed to beat a hasty retreat to a non-extradition state with loose banking laws.

It’s even more telling that there isn’t a single scrap of the national currency included amongst his hoard.

But amidst the treasures and other various shinies, you’ve only got eyes for one piece in particular.

The Ace of Winchesters.

A legendary rifle smithed by a particularly unorthodox Texas Ranger who sold his soul for the knowledge to create his masterwork. It’s supposedly a primo demon killer, but you’d rather not put that to the test unless you really have to.

Better get this secured as soon as possible.

You ping Jack with your comms sigil.

> “Found the Ace. Do you have a fix on my position?”

“That I do, I’ll swing by momentarily and snatch it. Fantastic work, Sean!”

True to form, Jack materializes in front of you a minute later, shatters the display glass protecting the Ace of Winchesters, gently retrieves it, tips his hat at you, and teleports back to the mansion.

It’d be great if Jack was capable of getting here without using you as a tethering point, but that’d take all the fun and challenge out of it. Besides, the ritual he’s been cooking up is apparently finicky if left unattended. Better to avoid the risk of this all backfiring somehow.

You put a call in for reinforcements to stand watch around the vault, before resetting the security codes and closing it behind you.

You trust your men implicitly, but there’s no reason to unnecessarily tempt fate.
>>
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>>5369126

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCGFfz7LfDQ

Both you and Catalyst begin advancing towards the last item on your checklist, putting down Delrio. That son-of-a-bitch traded you to Pedraza even after you saved his life and gave him a post as one of your advisors and lieutenants.

When you’re operationally deployed, you try to keep things professional and calm. It’s one of the many reasons you’ve managed to stick it out this long.

But even though you know it’s a bad idea, the red mist is starting to take hold.

Let’s just say the results won’t be pleasant when you finally get your hands on him.

Over the radio, you catch a looped message from Bonilla requesting fire support. The pair of you double-time to his position, only to find that the enemy is being thoroughly mopped up.

Looks like your men managed to break the siege without your aid, suffering only moderate casualties compared to what they inflicted.

And judging from the bodies, you’re definitely headed in the right direction.

These aren’t Pedraza’s spineless conscripts or opportunistic guards; these are cartel hitmen that Delrio rallied to his twisted banner.

You’re familiar with the type; they make up for their lack of formal training with high-powered weaponry, suicidal overconfidence, and strength of numbers.

Bonilla’s been hit, but been stabilized. Looks like he caught some lead that took a chunk out of his non-dominant arm. Tough bastard’s still in the fight though.

Meanwhile, Stalnoivolk’s suit has many more holes than before, but the man himself is hale and hearty. All of the blood that he’s covered in belongs to someone else.

Now, you just need to worry about taking out Karma and Warrant. According to Stalnoivolk, they’ve been attached to Delrio as bodyguards; and are probably lurking around here somewhere. You need to get a lid on them before your final confrontation with Delrio, otherwise you risk getting pincered or worse.

In the end, you decide that it’d be best if…

> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.

> You and Catalyst deal with Warrant, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Karma.

> You and Stalnoivolk deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Catalyst handle Warrant.

> You and Stalnoivolk deal with Warrant, while Bonilla and Catalyst handle Karma.

> Other?
>>
>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.
>>
>>5369132

(That's all for tonight, anons; we'll pick up from here on Friday at 5:00 PM EST. I'll close the vote then.

Sorry for cutting it short tonight, but the ban stuff has kinda ruined my flow.

Interlude progress is still going well though, will hopefully have one fully-fleshed out by the end of the weekend.

As always, I hope to see you all there and that you have a good time.)

>>5369117

Thanks, anon. I've copied most of the important stuff over at least.

To the one anon who called Sean a "part-time terrorist, part-time HACKERMAN"; that sounds like a great tagline for a late-night cheesy action movie ala Far Cry: Blood Dragon.

"Sean Clayton will return as Gunsmoke in:

The Red Sands

He's part-terrorist, part-hacker, and all-American"
>>
>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.

Home stretch boys
>>
>>5369132
can we deal with warrant alone? i know it might seem overconfidant but i prefer our meta human and walking painkiller to be with our second in command. meanwhile, we can get an alone talk with warrant
>>
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>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.
seems fitting to put the man immune to bullets up against the guy who uses bullets.
>>5369138
>picrel
>>5369142
warrant doesn't seem like he's chipped. Even if he is I don't know if we want to leave him alive given he shot at us. Let's just focus on shooting everyone and ending this arc, and I think sending the bulletproof man after the man with a gun is a good idea
>>
>>5369142

Sure, I'll allow it.
>>
>>5369132
>> You deal with Karma, while the others go after Warrant
We have a big brain shield. Help defeat his telepathy. Everyone else just has to deal with a guy with a gun.

>>5369138
>He's part-terrorist, part-hacker, and all-American"
>towards the end of the film, gearing up for the final confrontation: "These zealots and their sand-demons are about to get Tali-Banished." [guitar riff]
Thanks, I hate it.
>>
>>5369036
Why the fuck was the last thread pruned?
>>
>>5369360
Rouge janny
>>
>>5369363
Damnit, not this shit again. Its like what happened in tg when the troons rampaged and forced quest to become a thing to remove story time from the board.
>>
> You deal with Karma, while the others go after Warrant

Is warrant a suicide squad wagie?
He might not have a head bomb at all
>>
>>5369669
Real talk, I'd want to go against Warrant just to talk with him.

But it's significantly more dangerous than using our flipped assets.
>>
>>5369132
> You and Catalyst deal with Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk handle Warrant.
>>
Rolled 23, 79, 52 + 50 = 204 (3d100 + 50)

Alright, looks like you and Catalyst are focusing Karma, while Bonilla and Stalnoivolk deal with Warrant.

Go ahead and give me some 2d100

First roll is yours, Second roll is Catalyst's.

You get a +40 bonus to your roll, Catalyst gets a +15.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 67, 98 = 165 (2d100)

>>5370798
Let's test my luck!
>>
Rolled 78 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5370798
>>
Rolled 29 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5370800
Oops, forgot my other dice.
>>
Rolled 31, 87 = 118 (2d100)

>>5370798
>>
>>5370799
>>5370800
>>5370801
>>5370802

That's a success, since only one of you needed to beat the roll in this case.

Writing.
>>
>>5370801
Nah you just can't do multiple modifiers with a single roll. It'll eat the other inputs if you try IIRC.

Still, Luck Drain pulls through again.
>>
>>5370803

If Catalyst is right about Karma’s skillset, you’re obviously the best choice for the job; thanks to your ability to harden your mind against intrusion.

If it worked on Miss Martian, it’ll hopefully work on Karma too.

But you’re leery about heading into a firefight without backup, you’ll bring Catalyst along. That way, you can keep an eye on him and get some extra support in case you take a big hit.

That leaves Stalnoivolk and Bonilla to handle Warrant. Your temporary partner is no slouch, but Stalnoivolk is virtually bulletproof and Bonilla is no green recruit. They should be able to handle the job.

After relaying your orders, you and Catalyst begin sweeping the hotzones in an attempt to locate Karma.

As the pair of you patrol, a thought leaps in your mind and curse yourself for noticing earlier.

> “By the way, where’s Plastique? Haven’t heard any mention of her at all.”

Catalyst clicks his tongue.

“She was killed during some bombing at the docks. Guess your rebels managed to sneak somebody inside our defenses and do it quietly.”

There’s some twisted irony that the only Squad asset killed in your raid on their logistics routes is the one that you’ve established something of a rapport with. Especially since she was their resident demolitions expert.

The conversation peters out after that revelation, mostly because there’s not a lot of follow-up topics that fit the mood.

Your sweep eventually brings you to another lavishly furnished hall that’s covered in tacky portraits of Pedraza in uniforms, hunting animals, and being an all-around narcissistic jackass.

Catalyst takes a moment to “admire” the ludicrous artwork patterning the walls, before something flickers in the corner of your eye, immediately garnering your full attention.

Sure enough, a bright-red laser blast comes hurtling down the hallway and shears a jagged line straight through Catalyst’s torso.
>>
File: Karma.png (1.27 MB, 886x960)
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>>5370820

At least, it would’ve if you hadn’t yanked him backwards the second you smelled an inkling of danger.

Inside of nailing its intended target, the laser shot only leaves a smoking hole in the face of one of the portraits.

The both of you immediately hunker down into cover, acutely aware that it won’t be enough to stop a second blast.

> “I thought he was just supposed to be some kind of telepath! What the fuck was that!?”

“It’s his helmet, it’s got to be! He must’ve had it upgraded or something!”

Another blast, this one narrowly missing the top of your Catalyst’s head.

> “Fuck! We need to move, now!”

Karma doesn’t seem remotely interested in talking, more preoccupied with spraying your position with small-arms fire and laser bolts.

You need to think on your feet before Karma manages to nail you through cover or eventually lands a lucky shot.

To that end, you decide to…

> Blindside Karma by mentally overloading his helmet. He wants to peer into your thoughts? Let’s see how much he can handle.

> Lay down covering fire for Catalyst to get in close. If he can make contact, the fight is as good as over.

> Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.

> Bring out the Claw and have Catalyst form up behind you. You’ll be a makeshift battering ram that tanks anything Karma dares to throw your way.

> Trigger Kinetic Frenzy and make a beeline directly for Karma. You’ve never shown off this ability before, and should be able to get the jump on him; doesn’t matter if he knows you’re coming if he can’t get out of the way.

> Other?
>>
>>5370821
> Blindside Karma by mentally overloading his helmet. He wants to peer into your thoughts? Let’s see how much he can handle.

Think of Two Girls One Cup
>>
>>5370821
>> Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.
THE WALL
>>
>>5370821
>Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.
>>
>>5370821
> Use Abyssal Shield to create some cover and sprint for them. If you move fast enough, you should be able to avoid being struck by gunfire or worse.
>>
>>5370828
>>5370830
>>5370834

Roll me some 1d100+15

DC: 70 / 90
>>
Rolled 80 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5370837
Block
>>
Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>5370837
>>
Rolled 36 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>5370837
>>
Rolled 15, 67, 58 + 35 = 175 (3d100 + 35)

>>5370838

That's an excellent success, roll me some 2d100

First roll is yours, the second is Catalyst's.

You get a +50 to your roll, Catalyst gets a +25.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 55, 14 = 69 (2d100)

>>5370841
>>
Rolled 68, 154 = 222 (2d200)

>>5370841
>>
>>5370844
bruh
>>
Rolled 43, 19 = 62 (2d100)

>>5370844
Oof
>>
Rolled 35, 99 = 134 (2d100)

>>5370841

>>5370844
Man, Catalyst is juicing.
>>
>>5370847
He sure is
>>
>>5370842
>>5370846
>>5370847

That's a success for you both.

Now that you’ve managed to close the gap, what’s the next move in your plan?

> Have Catalyst give you a quick jolt of adrenaline and blitz Karma. If you can take him down non-lethally, you might be able to secure another ally.

> Flush Karma out of cover with a frag grenade and shoot him with your carbine. Now that the positions have been reversed, let’s see how he likes.

> Nail Karma with a Lightning Bolt and try to fry his helmet. It’ll be tricky, but it’ll definitely knock him out of the fight if you can pull it off.

> Attempt to break line-of-sight while Catalyst distracts him. While Karma’s busy, you’ll flank his position and shank him with your KABAR.

> Other?
>>
>>5370852
> Flush Karma out of cover with a frag grenade and shoot him with your carbine. Now that the positions have been reversed, let’s see how he likes.
>>
>>5370852
>> Flush Karma out of cover with a frag grenade and shoot him with your carbine. Now that the positions have been reversed, let’s see how he likes.
>>
Rolled 73, 17, 56 + 5 = 151 (3d100 + 5)

>>5370857
>>5370866

Alright, roll me some 1d100 for the grenade throw.

DC to be determined.
>>
>>5370867
That was meant to be a -5 modifier, messed up the weird option rule for negatives.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>5370867
>>
Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>5370867
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

wish>>5370867
>>
Rolled 50, 97, 19 = 166 (3d100)

>>5370869
>>5370870
>>5370872

That's a success, go ahead and give me some 1d100+20 to line up the shot.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 3 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

upon a star >>5370874
>>
that was almost funny.>>5370875
>>
Rolled 60 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5370874
>>
Rolled 79 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5370874
>>
>>5370875
>>5370877
>>5370879

That's a success, writing.

There's a joke to be made about karmic retribution.
>>
Rolled 69, 93, 39 + 40 = 241 (3d100 + 40)

>>5370881

You’re in quite the hotspot this time. Karma has the advantage of familiar territory and momentum on his side, but you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeves that’ll equalize things.

If you can break this stalemate and get a read on Karma’s position, you’ve got just the stratagem in mind.

The only problem is that any advance would require exposing yourself to Karma and risking a direct hit.

Your armor might be able to bounce it, but Catalyst won’t be so lucky, and you’d rather not tempt fate.

Like a thunderbolt, the idea strikes you; Abyssal Shield will prove to be your bulwark once again.

And as an actual shield this time!

> “Here’s the plan. We move from cover to cover, get within range, flush him out with explosives, and finish him off.”

“What cover?!”

You’re still a bit magically winded from your encounter with the General, and Abyssal Shield isn’t the easiest spell to case under pressure, especially when you’ve got to properly space them out and ensure that they’ve got enough size to shield both you and Catalyst.

But despite your fatigue and the complicated nature of the job, you do an excellent job in crafting emplacements capable of withstanding blasts from Karma’s weaponry.

> “That cover. Now move!”

You take off in a full sprint towards the first of your makeshift walls, with Catalyst hot on your heels. He manages keeps pace with your frenetic charge, which is no easy feat.

From there, it’s simple enough to steadily work your way to a more advantageous position, one where you can reach out and remind Karma that he’s not the only one packing fancy tech.

Beyond a few close calls, neither of you suffer any damage of note.

Even better, you manage to trace the origin of Karma’s shots and have a concrete idea of where he’s dug himself in.

Now, it’s time for the phase two.

You reach for one of your grenades, carefully gauge the distance, and throw it overhead, banking it off an atrocious painting of a shirtless Pedraza riding a tiger.

Once the grenade leaves your grasp, you count down the time to detonation and spin out of cover when you’re certain that it’s driven Karma into the open.

You managed to time it just right, and get a clean sightline of Karma as he attempts to fall back to another defensive position. Before he can make it too far, you raise your carbine and line up a kill shot.

Despite not even looking at you, he attempts to dodge your attack before you even pull the trigger. Thanks to Catalyst’s forewarning, you made sure to mentally telegraph your strike and get Karma off-balance.

Before he can recover, you pull the trigger for real and send a laser of your own into Karma’s chest, sending him crashing to the ground. A few more shots ensures that the first half of Delrio’s last line of defense has crumbled into oblivion.

Hopefully, things are going equally well for Stalnoivolk and Bonilla.

Roll me some 2d100 to see how their fight is going.

First roll is Stalnoivolk (+50), second roll is Bonilla (+25).
>>
Rolled 86, 12 = 98 (2d100)

>>5370902
>>
Rolled 4, 80 = 84 (2d100)

>>5370902
>>
Rolled 50, 9 = 59 (2d100)

>>5370902
Axis is trying to kill Bonilla with rolls like that.
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>5370904
>>5370905
>>5370906

That's a success for Stalnoivolk and a minor failure for Bonilla, writing.

>>5370906

You know I only roll high for hostiles. Observe.
>>
>>5370907
Axis only rolls high when the General is present
>>
>>5370907
High for Hostiles. A new hit Album by Jack and the Graverobbers.

Thinking about Karma and his telepathy made me wonder. If Martian Manhunter or Miss Martian tried to read our mind and we thought REALLY INTENTLY about fire, would that be enough to give them a PTSD attack and get outta there?
>>
>>5370907
I am still waiting for your triple 100. I believe in your luck.
>>
File: Stalnoivolk.jpg (15 KB, 251x598)
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>>5370907

You turn on your radio and give a status report.

> “Karma is down, how are things on your end?”

Bonilla’s pained voice answers you.

“Target eliminated, captain. Bastard clipped me, but I’m still fit to fight.”

Stalnoivolk chimes in with his own two kopeks.

“Warrant fought well. But not well enough.”

> “Understood. Time for the final push, let’s link up first in case there are any surprises.”

After exchanging locations, you head for a nearby wing of guest rooms that sequesters the only wing of the palace that hasn’t been swept yet.

Bonilla is busy performing some makeshift first aid after agitating one of his earlier wounds when Catalyst saunters over and smacks him on the back.

Almost immediately, Bonilla looks a little better, like he’s regained some of his edge.

Catalyst notices your questioning gaze and shrugs.

“Just a little cocktail of my own design. Slight painkiller mixed with a combat stim. He’ll be sore later, but he it should keep him on his feet for now.”

> “Thanks, but run that kind of thing by me first next time. Got it?” Your tone, while polite and sufficiently appreciative is one that implies that you will suffer no disagreement on this matter.

Catalyst shoots you a thumbs-up and helps Bonilla finish patching himself up.

Now that Bonilla and Stalnoivolk confirm that they’ve finished off Warrant, there’s only one last place to check; Pedraza’s private rooms.

As your ragtag unit of freedom fighters and marauders moves closer to your final objective, all you can think about is finally finishing this bloody business once and for all.

Stalnoivolk, Bonilla, and Catalyst stack up against the door, while you do some perfunctory recon.

Thermal Sight confirms that there’s only one occupant inside, most likely Delrio.

You give the all-clear to engage.

Time to end this.
>>
>>5370932

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvd-HnVI61U

With a nod, Bonilla plants his foot solidly against the door and breaks it off its hinges.

Stalnoivolk surges inside as the vanguard, with you right behind.

Standing in the center of the room is Delrio, unarmed and seemingly unafraid by the predicament he’s found himself in.

“Well, well, well. Look who’s managed to drag himself back from the dead. Come back for more?”

Something’s wrong, Delrio looks entirely too cocky for a man who’s been surrounded on all sides by hostiles, with no bodyguards in sight.

You frantically rack your brain for an angle that you’re missing, but nothing seems to make sense. He’s not wired for explosives, and you already checked the room for any potential hostiles.

He’s totally alone, but that doesn’t seem to faze him at all.

Despite your reservations, you decide to…

> Wipe that annoying smirk off his face with a punch, then zip-tie him for transport. You’ll have plenty of time to come up with a suitably traumatic end later.

> Have Catalyst whammy him with something that’ll leave him out cold. You don’t plan on taking any chances with this bastard.

> Let Bonilla do the honors. Delrio sold him down the river too, same as you; only right that he gets his pound of flesh too.

> Torch Delrio with a flurry of Fire Bolts. The fires of vengeance should burn as fiercely as the ones that await him after death.

> Order Stalnoivolk to crush his skull like an overripe melon. The big man has a talent for ripping and tearing, might as well let him have a little fun.

> Other?
>>
>>5370907
>>5370916
It'll happen when there's a chance wee could get strong armed into working for the JL
>>
>>5370934
Can we take out one of his legs with the carbine then nab him? He shot us, only right that we shoot him back.
>>
There are demons here. We have the gun, that music is a hint, we need to use our magic to scan the fucking room.

>use all our senses to figure out whats up
>>
Don't we have a book on demons? We should read it when we get downtime. Also, he's goading us. It's either a hero or demons. He should be curled up in the fetal position. my guess is he made a deal.
>>
>>5370940
Support, I really don't trust what we can't see
>>
>>5370940
+1
>>
>>5370948
Adding this:
>Shoot him with the carbine
>>
>>5370940
>>5370943
>>5370948

Go ahead and give me some 1d100+40.

DC: 100
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>5370950
>>
Rolled 98 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5370950
Come on.
>>
Rolled 100 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5370950
Plz
>>
>>5370953

I really should've known.
>>
>>5370953
Here we go again
>>
Almost double nat 100s. Eat that Axis.>>5370952
>>5370953
>>
>>5370953
>>5370950
DELRIO CAN SUCK MY ENTIRE ASS, TAINT, AND BALLS FIRST HUNDRED BABY LETS GO YEAAAAAAA
>>
JK love you man crits are the best part of this quest
>>
>>5370958
Im proud of you anon
>>
File: 1655834776966.gif (5.19 MB, 480x204)
5.19 MB
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>>5370953
>>
>>5370951
>>5370952
>>5370953

That's a critical success, give me some time to work this one out.
>>
File: 1624815387947.gif (748 KB, 320x180)
748 KB
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>>5370953
Fuck you Delrio
>>
>>5370955
What's the running % chance of the over 90 under 10 of this quest again. It's wild.
>>
>>5370967
Honestly, capturing him alive completely unharmed and unconscious would be a perfect outcome.

Dying is too good an outcome for him. We're chaining him into a bathtub full of milk
>>
>>5370996
i want to boil him alive
>>
>>5370962

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8QNTsOJ1kc

This isn’t right.

You can’t explain it, but it’s an undeniable fact that you’re missing something huge.

It’s subtle, but something about Delrio is wrong and whatever’s causing it has triggered a primal fear that you haven’t felt since you were very young. The kind of fear that distorts reality and never truly leaves you, only waiting deep in the background for its chance to rise to prominence once more.

The kind of fear that makes children call for their parents in the night, as the shadows twist their imaginations into a twisting labyrinth of fear and terror.

Every alarm bell in your head is ringing, frantically hollering that you are in imminent danger.

None of your regular senses notice anything out of the ordinary, so you try an alternative; Magesight.

And when you turn it on, you’ll never be able to forget what it reveals.

Generally, Magesight identifies arcane energy with a bright glimmer or a silhouette of some kind. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but it typically reflects the intent and composition of the caster or their state of mind.

Delrio’s is pitch black and churning like rotten sludge; the very sight of it causes the hairs on the back of your neck to rise and an overpowering wave of disgust rolls over you.

> “Get back!” You practically scream, as the full implications of Delrio’s last gamble quickly overrides your ability to compartmentalize.

The others are confused by your sudden outburst, but withdraw when they hear the genuine horror in your voice.

Delrio only continues to smile as you slowly connect the pieces together.

In your studies, you’ve come across scraps of legend and myth about those who paid the ultimate price in search of greater powers, either to strike down their foes, become immortal, or insatiable greed.

You’ve never been an avid student of demonology, but you know enough not to ever risk messing with something that dangerous, at least not without proper training and preparation.

In contrast, Delrio’s gone and crossed the theological Rubicon in a way that can never, ever be truly redeemed or recalled.
>>
>>5371005
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlAPrdJ1HO8
>>
>>5371006

You’ve only seen something like is one very specific case; back during the Rockwell affair when the man himself shifted into a horrifying abomination that proceeded to try and tear you to bloody shreds.

In short, Delrio has gone and sold his goddamn soul, a genuine Faustian bargain.

There isn’t a word in your vocabulary that can describe how how self-destructive and existentially horrifying such an act would be.

Part of you is trying desperately to cobble together some other explanation, but there’s nothing else that makes sense.

Delrio must be able to sense your palpable disgust, because he just lets out a long string of broken laughter.

“So, the gringo finally figures it out. Congratulations!”

His face twists into an expression that no human being should ever be able to form; a mix of perverse glee and deep-seated gloating.

You’ve got one hell of a chip on your shoulder when it comes to Delrio and traitors in general.

But this?

This is something else.

You’ve done some fucked up shit in your day, but this blows it all out of the water by an unfathomable magnitude.

> “Jesus Christ, Delrio! What the fuck have you done!?”

“I’ll tell you what I’ve done! I’ve traded something useless for the keys to the kingdom! I’m free of that irritating little voice trying to keep me in line, and in return? I CAN DO WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT!

Towards the end of his rant, the mask slips for just a split second and his voice is accentuated with the bestial tones of something clearly not of this plane of existence.

> “You’re crazy!”

Your head is spinning, trying desperately to stay grounded in the face of something that no human being was ever meant to witness.

“Says you. You know what real craziness is? Having power, and not using it. Look at you, with your pathetic little parlor tricks and quaint little plans. You stumble through the darkness, unaware of the predators that hide in the shadows between worlds.

Haven’t you realized it yet!? I’m you, but superior in every way.

And now, I’m going to prove it. The bosses downstairs? They’ve got big plans, and you’re going to be a part of it whether you like it or not.

Once I drag you kicking and screaming to your new home, I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine. They’ve been saving a special spot, just for you.”

Without even changing expression, Delrio snaps his fingers and Catalyst, Bonilla, and Stalnoivolk all vanish.
>>
>>5371008

This is bad.

Really, really bad.

But you’re not out of options, you’ve killed soulless abominations before. Just need to keep yourself centered and focused on the task at hand.

You grit your teeth, force the whispering nightmares back into their hole, and prepare yourself to storm the breach once more.

Delrio seems more than happy to let you make the first move, and you capitalize on his hubris by…

> Trying to talk him down. There’s gotta be some hint of the man left inside, maybe you can set it loose. (Include general subject / point to make)

> Engaging him in CQC with the Claw. It’s time for you to quite literally beat the devil out of him.

> Figuring out some way to sever his magic. You’ve got a solid read on his magical signature, which will be key to the process; you just hope you’re strong enough to weather the storm.

> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.

> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.

> Other?
>>
>>5371010
> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.
>>
>>5371010

(That's all for tonight anons. I'll hopefully have an interlude done over the weekend, but I'll hold off on posting it since it likely won't mesh with the overall vibe at the moment. Next session is Monday at 5:00 PM EST.

As always, thanks for playing!

It's been a while since I've written any real horror, so let me know what you think.

And I haven't decided entirely on your reward for the crit just yet, but I'll post it later.

It'll probably be a perception boost.

I'll be lurking for a little while if anyone has questions / just wants to shoot the shit)
>>
We need a get out of hell free card if the opportunity comes up
>>
>>5371012
Honestly, yeah a perception boost makes the most sense. You could even say that it was from touching the ace of winchesters and getting a magical feel for how it affects demons. You need to be able to feel them out to hunt them after all.
>>
> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial. NOW

And if we are blocked we bring out the Claw.

Also, I know we are not an avid students but can we try and understand the situation a little better? What kind of demon is this?
>>
>>5371021

I'd be willing to tack that on as a roll.
>>
>>5371010
> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.
Our mad talking skills can probably get some more details out of him. The fact that he was willing to talk about what he did at all shows that he wants people to understand him. Understand that he is superior. And the only way to do that is to tell others why.
>>
>>5371010
AAAAAAAA
> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.
>>
>>5371010
>> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.
"Y'know I met another guy like you. Same deal. Now he's dead as a doorknob. You think you'll do any better?"
>>
Great! We need all the help we can get for this since DC has literally dozens of different kinds.

https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Demons#Other_Demons

After this i think we can all agree we are going to study the fuck out of our demon book. We can not get caught with our pants down again. Also, that shit was super ominous great job. Btw did you just imply we may have had a demon encounter when we young? We know virtually nothing about our family or childhood a d coupled with us having a shit ton of magic talent my shadowrunning brain is going crazy.
>>
>>5371031

I was angling more for "This experience is like genuinely seeing a boogeyman in the closet, despite being a rational adult."

You know intrinsically that it shouldn't exist, and it yet it still does.

But it's open to alternate interpretation.
>>
>>5371037
Task force X really made a huge ass booboo if they let this happen.

If we let the magical community know, there'll be hell to pay.
>>
Here's a question.

If (and this is a big if) we can get them back from wherever Delrio sent them, will we be taking Stalnoivolk and Catalyst back to Gotham? I think they'd be really useful in adding more unconventional muscle to our operation (and Batman's reaction would be funny), but they might bring some unwanted attention to Jonah and Gunsmoke.
>>
>>5371091
Bringing them along is WAY too big in alter-ego overlap.

Getting contact info or otherwise providing a REASON the other egos would
>>
>>5371091
The most I could see is shooting their contact info over to Genghis and his boys. Let them join the merc lifestyle.
>>
>>5371163
My idea would be to set them up with their own hideouts in Gotham while Sean stays with Jack, and only bring them on Adjutant Tango missions. Knowing how schizo-paranoid Batman is he has probably already/eventually will put 2 and 2 together and realize that Adjutant Tango and Defcon are the same person, so taking our new buddies back home isn't that damning of Gunsmoke and Jonah.
Another option would be to get them set up in Bludhaven instead of Gotham. Keep them close but not incriminatingly so.

I really just don't want to leave our new friends in Venezuela desu.
>>
>>5371179
As far as international supervillany goes, Venezuela is actually optimal for them. They have extradition protections as X cannot hazard being associated with the previous dictatorship. Especially now that they were literally defending a man who traded their soul to literal demons.

We so much as let Bobo know about this shit and the magical community is going to proper SHIT on the government into not playing with that shit. Especially if we're able to provide evidence of it.

Quiet enough to not make the US go into international incident mode. Loud enough that it's a shitshow in all the dark channels.
>>
>>5371177
What if we slowly turn Gremlin into one of the top fixers in Gotham simply by setting him up with our alter egos.

He's the only one who knows Adjunct Tango is Gunsmoke. Even then, he doesn't know the full picture of our capabilities.

It'll put a target on HIS back just due to the power he weilds, but nobody would expect him of knowing any real details about any of our egos. He's simply a fixer.
>>
>>5371184
The thing about Venezuela is that it's kinda in the middle of fucking nowhere geographically. Basing our "not quite MSF" group in/around Gotham for the time being, where Jack can easily teleport us around the world and back would be best, in my opinion.

The only way I could see keeping them in Venezuela and still being able to efficiently send them on their own missions is if we got our own teleportation caster or a high-speed private jet, both of which (I assume) we lack the funds for.
>>
>>5371187
>gremlin ends up meeting a fuckton of underworld light and middleweights
>he's the only one who knows how to jailbreak an iphone so they treat him alright and don't fuck with him
>he gets a rep as a sort of kingpin
>literally just the IT guy
It hurts to be the nerd.
>>
>>5371202
Lol, now that we have the vault of Venezuela we can afford it.

Main issue is we need to make sure we don't wipe the country's budgets. That said, I'm sure we can appropriate el presidente's jet and some other resources as payment for our services.

Also, if we're taking 'responsibility' for Venezuela, we're going to need to obtain experts and diplomats for the country. That will have to be done either by kidnapping or purchasing via monetary means. That's proper supervillain shit still, even if it's for a good end goal.
>>
Also while I remember...

It may make sense to shoot the demon with conventional weaponry so that when we pull our Ace, he's not expecting it.

It's better for him to think he has the upper hand than for him to think we have a tool for the job.
>>
>>5371238
I mean if we're shooting him with a space gun, and then a regular gun, and then a random ass ghost teleports in and hands us an old folky-looking gun he may be suspicious of it. He may be drunk on power and stupid as hell but his rat brain might sense the danger anyway.
>>
File: 1640289113053.gif (1.99 MB, 320x240)
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>>5370953
>>
>>5371010
>> Baiting him into gloating further. The more he talks, the more he reveals; the more he reveals, the easier he’ll be to fight.
I don't want to mess up Jack's ritual with the gun.

>>5371163
Well. Jonah is a supposed expert in paranormal affairs and issues. This is a very big paranormal issue. If, say, Jonah had taken a vacation to Venezuela and stumbled across some evil demon stuff while Defcon/Tango disappeared right as it happened then I don't think anyone's going to ask too many questions if he starts buddying up with the locals. This is actually a great opportunity to dig ourselves deeper in the secret identity hole.
>>
>>5371233
These are pedraza's personal founds. We can use it all us as a reward.
Also. We shoul learn a teleporting and mobility spell
>>
>>5371010
>Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.
It's the premiere demon killing gun and we have a demon right here, so let's use it.
>>
>>5371339
If you really, really want to use it, why not ask Jack to teleport in to the side of Delrio (as to avoid crossfire) and immediately blast him?
>>
>>5371010
> Engaging him in CQC with the Claw. It’s time for you to quite literally beat the devil out of him.
This, fuck the devil and his plans, we'll be dealing with that soon enough if jacks ritual goes awry
>>
>>5371343
If he can do that then sure great but it's more likely that Jack will have to teleport next to us, also this is a demon we're dealing with, it can probably hurt Jack so we wouldn't want him to teleport next to this demon, just a quick in and out to drop off the ace of winchesters.
>>5371238
I'm pretty sure every demon knows about the ace of winchesters so that probably wouldn't work.
>>
>>5371010
> Trying to talk him down. There’s gotta be some hint of the man left inside, maybe you can set it loose.
Maybe part of this can be merged with the “bait him” tack instead, but we can point out he just traded his “little voice” for actual demons. The worst his conscience could do is make him feel bad, but the demons that gave him powers can rip him apart.

He thinks he has power? That nothing can stop him? His power came from something else, and it’s been in the game far longer than he has. He’s not an all-powerful creature to them. He’s a pig they’re hoping to fatten up before taking him to the butcher’s block.

My suggestion to him would be to run. Jack has the Ace, and he’ll be out for blood if we die. Thing is, Jack doesn’t even need to kill Delrio with it. He just needs to bloody him enough that another shark comes in to finish the job. And if he runs now, he may surprise the demons that elevated him long enough that he can find a way to hide from them. Then he can grow in power until they can’t beat him without opening themselves up to attacks of opportunity from other demons.

He’s in the big boy pond now. The longer he spends reaching over and splashing people still in the kiddie pool, the better the chance something comes along and violates his insides through his unprotected asshole.
>>
> Figuring out some way to sever his magic. You’ve got a solid read on his magical signature, which will be key to the process; you just hope you’re strong enough to weather the storm

The only way to give him the punishment he deserves is to undemon him
We don't really know what demon world or hell is like even if we do manage to kill him
>>
>>5371408
"Next to" doesn't necessarily mean "within arm's reach". I'm just saying Jack is proficient with firearms. And it would be quicker for him to just pop in and immediately start blastin'.

Real shit though all we need to do is start praying very enthusiastically in Spanish and Delrio will start to convulse. Central/South American exorcisms are wild like that.
>>
>>Call Jack and tell him you need him to come asap to teleport to us ready to fire the Ace at a demon possessed traitor! AKA Jack teleports in and shoots Delrio and does so as many times as he possibly can without fucking up his own ritual!

Out of curiosity, Axis do we end up getting an upgrade to mage sight due to the Nat 100?
>>
I would like to point out that pulling out the ace of winchesters right now might actually be a bad idea. The demons might not actually know we have it yet. But the instant they do they will try to take it or get us to lose it. Which would mean interruptions to Jacks ritual. This might be a trap to see if we took it, and know what it does. Wouldn't that be exactly like what a demon would do? Lay a trap with big bait that costs them next to nothing to setup? A little bit of power for someones soul that is likely to die quickly? I can only see this as a winning scenario for them.
We pull out the winchester? They know where it is and they know we know what it does.
We kill this bastard? They get a free soul and they get to know more about our power level as they will certainly torture all the information of this fight out of Delrio.
We get killed by him? They took out a magician who could potentially oppose them. Less magicians is always good for them.
We run away? They get to keep their pawn and learn that we are afraid of them.
>>
>>5373104
This anon is using his noggin.
>>
>>5371010
>> Calling Jack to drop off the Ace of Winchesters. If you need a demon-killing weapon, you might as well use the one that’s on your speed-dial.
>>
>>5373104
I'm at least 90% sure that they already know we have the ace, it's something that they would want to keep constant tabs on and is probably why a demon popped up here in the first place, iirc this was also discussed earlier in the quest when we decided to go after the ace.
>>
>>5373456
Still no reason to make it 100% if we can avoid it. Keeping it in our back pocket seems prudent.
>>
>>5371010
>CQC with the Claw.
THE CLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW.
>>
>>5372235

You've hit the nail on the head, anon. I'm torn between a straight boost to perception, or a buff to Magesight.

I'll chew on it for a bit longer, but I'm currently leaning towards Magesight. It won't play a part in the ensuing fight, so I feel comfortable pushing it back a little.

Anyhow, give me a moment to tally up the various votes.
>>
>>5374083

Alright, looks like calling in Jack wins, go ahead and give me some 1d100 to see what you can glean about Delrio.

DC: 75 / 100
>>
Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>5374085
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>5374085
Let's do this
>>
Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>5374085
>>
Rolled 23, 18, 80 + 30 = 151 (3d100 + 30)

>>5374088
>>5374089
>>5374090

With your +12 from Luck drain, that puts you right at 100, excellent success.

Go ahead and give me some 1d100+20

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>5374091
>>
Rolled 52 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374091
>>
Rolled 16 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374091
finally caught up with reading through the archives, what a wild ride
>>
Rolled 6 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374091
>>
Rolled 63, 83, 21 + 35 = 202 (3d100 + 35)

>>5374092
>>5374093
>>5374097

If I have my math right, looks like Luck Drain puts you over the top.

Just need one more stack of rolls, and then the writing shall commence.

Roll me some more 1d100+20 to see how you do with the Ace of Winchesters.

DC to be determined.

>>5374097

Tell me about it.
>>
Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>5374101
>>
Rolled 40 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374101
>>
Rolled 16 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374101
pew pew
>>
>>5374102
>>5374103
>>5374105

That's a failure, writing.
>>
Rolled 40, 21, 62, 3, 18, 76, 80, 19, 52, 42 = 413 (10d100)

Test
>>
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>>5374106

Alright, get a goddamn grip and a take a deep breath.

Step one to engaging any kind of unknown hostile is to to get a feel for what makes them tick, and how to dismantle them.

If you had taken the time to peruse your copy of the Grimorium Verum, this’d be a hell of a lot easier.

But that’s spilled milk under the bridge.

Delrio is more than happy to let you run your practiced gaze over him, looking for the signs of demonic possession or influence.

And upon further observation, you make some interesting discoveries.

For starters, Delrio’s posture is all off. For as long as you’ve known him, he’s always been a bit of a slouch in the way he’s carried himself.

But now? He’s stiff as a ramrod and has the body language of an entirely different person.

It’s almost as if he’s being pupated by something else, something with a vague approximation of how human beings are meant to move and behave, but no real experience with the mechanics of how its performed.

And the real smoking gun is trickier to find.

Carved on the right side of Delrio’s neck is some kind of twisted seal, all jagged lines and oddly-shaped crosses.

Surrounding the seal is a name, one that sends a minute shiver down your spine when you recognize its provenance.

BELIAL

Shit, you’re vaguely familiar with the name as one of the bigger demons, but you don’t have much in the way of specifics.

Definitely not a good sign though, especially since Delrio’s produced the ceremonial knife that he ostensibly used to carve the sigil.

It’s still dripping blood, which is an observation that never leads to good things.

You better open things up on the right foot, otherwise this could go places you really don’t want it to.

Good thing you popped by the vaults before heading off to do battle, if you need a demon killed; might as well use the tool crafted for it.

Hopefully, Jack hasn’t already started something critical with the Ace of Winchesters.

Might as well hit him up and make sure.

You activate your comms sigil and broadcast an emergency message.

> “Jack, I need the Ace, now! No time to explain!”
>>
Rolled 67 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>5374131

Your erstwhile mentor comes through once again, as the Ace of Winchesters is in your grasp within twenty seconds of your potentially literal SOS; and you level it towards the surely possessed form of Delrio.

It’s arguable if he even deserves a human name anymore, but you might as well stick to something familiar unless given reason otherwise.

The Ace of Winchesters has a peculiar aura to it, one that seems to be both equally bloodthirsty and resigned.

You’ll have time to delve deeper into that later though, you’ve got one hell of a mess to deal with.

Your first few shots land just wide as you try to adjust to the unfamiliar weight and recoil, but you eventually get a feel for it.

Delrio’s a slippery bastard though, and manages to dodge your shots with contemptuous ease.

Worse, you lose track of him for a second and that second is all he needs.

> Roll me some 1d100+50

> DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 45, 94 + 35 = 174 (2d100 + 35)

>>5374134
Fat-fingered the options, here's the other pair of rolls.
>>
Rolled 85 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374134
MOVE
>>
Rolled 47 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374134
>>
Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>5374135
>>
>>5374136
>>5374138
>>5374140

That's a success, writing.
>>
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>>5374135
>>5374134
>>5374140
>>
>>5374141

A glint of light appears in your peripheral vision, and you throw yourself to the side, narrowly dodging Delrio’s attempt to ambush you.

You’re keenly aware that your trained reflexes are the only reason you managed to avoid a knife to the throat.

Your armor is built to last, but you’d rather avoid getting hit in the first place if at all possible.

Delrio takes a moment to steady himself after his failed charge, sporting a cruel grin that does not bode well.

“The Ace of Winchesters.” Delrio practically savors the name as he speaks.

“And here I thought that I’d be rewarded for dragging you into Hell. But the Ace of Winchesters? That’s a game-changer.”

Delrio’s tone becomes spiteful and filled with malice.

“You wield it like a frightened child. The magnificence you hold in your hands is wasted upon the likes of you.

But then, you’ve never been the sharpest knife in the drawer.”

Isn’t that right, Sean?

Delrio’s face begins to morph and twisted into a mocking amalgamation of your own, interspersed with the screaming visages of your Marine fireteams.

“That’s what got your men killed, wasn’t it? Taking the easy way out, stumbling right into things that you had no real right to be involved in? You’re consistent if nothing else.”

Motherfucker.

The knowledge that your name is known to the infernal hordes is only slightly outmatched by your visceral desire to beat Delrio into a bloody pulp.

He’s got you fired up, and you’re more than happy to use it to bolster yourself.

To that end, you decide to…

> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.

> Toss something equally vitriolic his way. If he wants to press your buttons, you’re more than happy to reciprocate. (Feel free to include a topic / general taunt)

> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for Delrio to understand the danger of getting on your bad side.

> Nail him with a flurry of Hex Bolts. Slow and steady wins the race, just need to lock down his options.

> Draw your KABAR and trigger Kinetic Frenzy. Maybe if you fuck up that sigil on his neck, it’ll do something nasty.

> Other?
>>
>>5374157
> Toss something equally vitriolic his way. If he wants to press your buttons, you’re more than happy to reciprocate. (Feel free to include a topic / general taunt)
>"Tough talk for one of the retards who tried to fight God himself. What, getting a Holy boot in your ass straight down to Hell didn't knock any sense into you?"

Demons constantly seethe over this, which is why they're petty assholes
>>
>>5374157
> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.
>taunt
behold the most powerful spell of all
are you ready to meet god?
>>
>>5374161
lets NOT get the demon to stop playing with his food.

While he's playing with us, we have SOME breathing room.
>>
>>5374157
> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.
>>
>>5374157
>> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.
>>
>>5374157
> Shut him up with another burst from the Ace of Winchesters. He’s dodging for a reason, just keep at it.
>>
Rolled 13, 81, 36 + 35 = 165 (3d100 + 35)

>>5374165
>>5374167
>>5374169
>>5374170

Give me another round of 1d100+20

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 46 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374171
I refuse to lose to one of the eternal jobbers
>>
Rolled 65 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5374171
>>
Rolled 48 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>5374171
We got this.
>>
>>5374171
Don't forget the luck drain
>>
Rolled 49, 86, 100 + 40 = 275 (3d100 + 40)

>>5374174
>>5374177
>>5374178

That's a failure, go ahead and give me some more 1d100+50.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 62 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374184
AAAAAAA
>>
>>5374184

It all comes full circle.
>>
>>5374186
Have we used Roll The Dice already?
>>
Rolled 45 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374184
>>
Rolled 19 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5374184
Welp someone has to roll so here is another.
>>
Rolled 34 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>5374187

Yep, it was used earlier against the General, I believe.

>>5374185
>>5374188
>>5374190

That's a critical failure, go ahead and give me another set of 1d100+40.

DC to be determined.
>>
>>5374157
Also VALIDATION. I knew they didn't know that we had the Ace of Winchesters!
>>
Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>5374192
>>
Rolled 68 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5374192
God, I don't deserve it, but please gud roll
>>
Rolled 95, 21 + 35 = 151 (2d100 + 35)

>>5374192
Screwed up again, incoming pair of rolls.
>>
Rolled 51 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5374192
>>
Rolled 94 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5374192
>>
>>5374194
>>5374195
>>5374197

That's a success, writing.

Looks like Delrio has...

The luck of the devil. *badum tiss*
>>
gun no work, time for go full VENGEANCE with the claw.
>>
>>5374199

You attempt to remind Delrio of the value of politeness and humility by blowing his head off his shoulders.

Unfortunately, the tricky bastard was prepared for such an eventuality, and quickly zips towards you, much faster than you had been anticipating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grFQygwA27k

Before you know it, he’s grappling with you for control of the Ace of Winchesters.

You’re no slouch when it comes to brute force, but Delrio’s inhuman strength gives him the edge in your impromptu wrestling watch.

With a cackle brimming with malice, Delrio slowly but surely tears the hallowed rifle from your grip.

You try desperately to hold on, but are forced to relinquish it when he drives his ceremonial dagger clear through your armor and into the meat of your thigh.

> (Temporary) Debuff Gained! Flesh Wound: -10 to agility rolls for the remainder of the mission)

The pain is excruciating when you pull it out, but you’re given plenty of time to recover. Delrio goes for a cheap shot while you’re down, but you’re able to roll away before he can connect.

From there, Delrio cedes some breathing room to you, content with watching you struggle back to your feet. He’s already wrestled your greatest asset away, now he’s happy to let you sweat a bit. Cocky fuck hasn’t even teleported the Ace away, probably wants to rub it in or something.

He’s keeping the fun going, playing with his food, crushing your hopes, prolonging your torment, however you want to put it.

Regardless, things aren't looking so good.

You need to start gaining some ground, otherwise….

No. Don’t even think about it.

That’s not going to happen.

You’re not losing to this bastard, not again.

Not when you've come so far and came so close.

You decide to…

> Reclaim the Ace of Winchesters. It’s probably a trap, but it’s one that needs to be sprung. (Feel free to include a strategy / general tactical plan)

> Try to exorcize the demon possessing Delrio. You’ll be flying blind on this one, but you might just be able to cap its power or banish it somehow.

> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.

> Activate your Avatar of Disorder. It’ll burn the remainder of the magic you’ve got in the tank, but you’re running out of options.

> Fall back deeper into the palace. You need to rally your troops and figure a way out of this mess.

> Other?
>>
>>5374220
> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.
FIST HIM GOOD AND HARD
also this should help us get the ace back, if we say, mess up his arms
>>
>>5374220
> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.
> Activate your Avatar of Disorder. It’ll burn the remainder of the magic you’ve got in the tank, but you’re running out of options.
>>
>>5374221
He can block with it. We'll need a gambit
>>
> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.

We only bring him out to smight evil. This option makes the most sense in character. Its how we killed the last demon. We will use it to kill this one too.>>5374220
>>
>>5374220
> Bring out the Claw and trigger Volcanic Rage. Time for things to get messy.
ASSUME THE POSITION
>>
>>5374220
> Try to exorcize the demon possessing Delrio. You’ll be flying blind on this one, but you might just be able to cap its power or banish it somehow.
Jesus take the wheel
>>
Rolled 53, 77, 45 + 65 = 240 (3d100 + 65)

>>5374221
>>5374222
>>5374224
>>5374225

Looks like you're bringing out the big guns.

Go ahead and roll me some 1d100+80.

> DC to be determined.
>>
>>5374232
B a n i c
>>
Rolled 30 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
Pandion buddy, do your thing
>>
Rolled 69 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
Bonilla, get the cross.
>>
Rolled 85 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
bless
>>
Rolled 7 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
>>
Rolled 51 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
>>
Rolled 2 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374232
>>
Rolled 53, 89, 54 + 80 = 276 (3d100 + 80)

>>5374235
>>5374236
>>5374238

That's a success, go ahead and give me another set of 1d100+80

> DC to be determined.
>>
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>>5374238
>>
Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>5374244
>>
Rolled 5 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374244
cool it down a bit would you
>>
Rolled 11 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374244
fbfbfbbbrbbrbebrb
>>
Rolled 49 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374244
>>
>>5374246
>>5374247
>>5374248

That's another success, looks like things are finally starting to turn around.

Writing.
>>
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>>5374250
>>
>>5374250
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGnZMQg8MXQ
>>
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>>5374253
>>
>>5374250
>POV: Delrio and Belial
>https://youtu.be/teYFeGD6Ilc
>>
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Us right now.
>>
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>>5374257
>>
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>>
>>5374257
>>5374263
Man that's an old reference...
>>
>>5374250

Time to kick things up a notch.

As you summon the Claw of Horus, you take a moment to reflect on the winding journey that your life has been up to this point.

You’ve never been a particularly pious man.

But kicking the living shit out of a bonafide servant of hell?

That’s gotta earn you some points with the big man upstairs, no matter how you do it.

The power of the Claw washes over you, but it just isn’t enough. You’ve got to go all the way.

You channel your hate, your rage, your fear, and every other negative emotion that you can muster.

It threatens to overwhelm you, but you harness it into the Claw and let your uncontrolled bloodlust take the wheel.

With a billowing explosion of black flames, Sean Clayton the man, ceases to exist.

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

In his place stands Sean Clayton, the beast, who draws from the darkest depths of your anger and spite to reclaim his bloody mantle.

In that moment, everything becomes shockingly clear.

You have no plan, no grand stratagem.

The rest of the world might as well not exist.

All that remains in your sight is the shambling shell of a man that doesn’t realize he’s dead yet.
>>
>>5374283

Before Delrio can realize the danger he’s in, you’re upon him with a vicious full-body tackle that crushes him against the wall. Once pinned, you begin punching, clawing, and ripping everything you can see and touch.

The Ace goes clattering away, but you only have eyes for your quarry.

Delrio’s trying to say something, but the red mist keeps it muffled.

He eventually breaks free, but you continue the assault, pummeling him with every ounce of muscle that you’re able to bring to bear.

This culminates in a vicious bodyslam that most certainly would’ve snapped the spine of a dozen normal men.

Eventually, even your stamina has its limits, and you pause for a moment to examine the results of your handiwork.

Delrio looks more patchwork than man, torn skin revealing a black carapace of sorts that’s hardy enough to withstand the might of your blows.

The little flesh that you’ve left hanging on his face seems to look surprised, and he begins to violently convulse.

“WARRIOR! NOW IS YOUR CHANCE! THE DAEMON IS POWERLESS BEFORE OUR MIGHT!” Pandion’s familiar voice manages to cut through your bloodrage and reboot your thoughts.

He’s right.

Whatever Delrio’s up to has him temporarily occupied, this is a golden opportunity to finish the bastard off, once and for all.

In the end, you decide to…

> Plunge the Claw deep into his chest and tear out whatever remains of his black heart. It worked on the General, after all.

> Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.

> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.

> Rip his head off and boot it through the window. It’s got a little something for the whole family.

> Just keep punching until there’s nothing left besides a stain on the floor. There’s no need to hold back when you’ve got such an excellent punching bag.

> Other?
>>
>>5374285
> Plunge the Claw deep into his chest and tear out whatever remains of his black heart. It worked on the General, after all.
> Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.
>>
>>5374285
>> Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.
>>
>>5374285
>> Plunge the Claw deep into his chest and tear out whatever remains of his black heart. It worked on the General, after all.
I just can't see us stopping in this rage to pickup the Ace and actually fire it at him.
>>
>>5374285
> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.

This is the most satisfying, plus using the Ace probably wouldn't kill Belial himself, just Delrio.
>>
>>5374285
>Execute him with the Ace of Winchesters. It seems the most fitting that way.
Anti demon weapon for the demon possessed.
>>
> Plunge the Claw deep into his chest and tear out whatever remains of his black heart. It worked on the General, after all.

why stop at just the heart?
>>
>>5374285
> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.

Three words...
Rip and Tear!
>>
>>5374297

switching to

> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.

Changed my mind. Based on the last demon utter destruction is what's required for a banishment. Destroy utterly and set what remains aflaim.
>>
>>5374285
> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.
>>
>>5374285
> Tear into him like a wild animal and rip him limb from limb. Delrio chose to swim with the sharks, and now he’s going to be eaten by one.
>>
Rolled 11 + 90 (1d100 + 90)

Looks like tearing him to bloody shreds wins.

Roll me some 1d100+80 to finish this once and for all.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 20, 48 + 90 = 158 (2d100 + 90)

>>5374313
What is up with my rolling tonight? Pair of roll incoming.
>>
Rolled 45 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374313
>>
Rolled 15 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374313
We got this.
>>
>>5374313
LETS GO
>>
Rolled 29 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5374313
>>
>>5374315
>>5374316
Luck Drain deserves a fucking medal.
>>
>>5374320
the best spell in any quest ever
>>
>>5374316
>>5374317
>>5374319

That's a success, looks like you've managed to finally end your budding rivalry with Delrio.

This feels like a natural stopping point for tonight, we'll continue from here on Wednesday at 5:00 PM EST.

As always, thanks for playing! I always enjoy seeing anons new and old joining the fray.

And congratulations are in order! You've managed to survive the Venezuela campaign.

Get ready to deal with what comes next.

The future awaits, and yours is awash with possibility.

I'll be hanging around for a while in case of comments, questions, concerns, etc.

Have a good night, anons.
>>
>>5374320
Lets make one with magical stuff that boost it even further beyond
>>
>>5374323
What interludes are you working on again?
>>
>>5374325

Bat-Report for Dresden, some Bat-Family stuff, as well as some Task Force X stuff.

It's taken me a bit longer than I'd like to get them just right, but I'm nearing the end of the tunnel.
>>
>>5374323
Is it possible to hide or cover our magical signature?
If we ever meet zatanna won't all our covers be blown as batman connects everything?
>>
>>5374330
Neat, no pressure just my bad memory.
>>
>>5374323
Thanks for the session Axis, a bit of a nailbiter there

As for questions...uh...how's Gotham doing? Unless that'll be answered in an interlude, if so you can ignore this
>>
>>5374331

>Is it possible to hide or cover our magical signature?

That is an avenue of research you can pursue, but you're most likely fine. It'd take a truly anomalous burst of magical energy to attract prying eyes.

>If we ever meet zatanna won't all our covers be blown as batman connects everything?

That depends on a boatload of factors, not the least of which is how the actual encounter goes down. (should it happen)

>>5374334
That'll be mentioned in the Bat-Family interlude, not to worry.

For a slight spoiler: The gang war is over, ended up as a Bane victory. He did some heavy damage to Penguin, swiped some lucrative turf, and shored up his position. Penguin's still in the game, but Bane figured it was better to leave him as a vulnerable target for the minor families to target. That, and smoking Penguin out would've been a waste of men and guns that could be used better elsewhere.
>>
>>5374337
Truly El Jefe is a cunning and canny strategist. When it he gonna go full drooling retard and charge headfirst into walls? I will never forgive movies and vidya for this.
>>
>>5374351

Neither will I, anon. Neither will I.
>>
>>5374269
Is there an actual illustration for what Apokoliptian armour looks like? I just want us to look like Doomguy all the time.
>>
guys, quick question but should we try to learn more mobility spells? something like blink for combat and shadow step for long range teleportation? i feel like our defenses and attack magics are good but we dont have anything for mobility and it would actually make us stop being a parasity for GG to move us around
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>>5374738
We should. Thing is, we don't get to choose what spells we get, we choose a book to read with a type of spells and we get something from that. Or we train one or two of our Natures.
>>
>>5374800
Can't we just ask jack how to teleport?
>>
>>5374836
I think Jack's teleportation is inherent to him being a ghost.
>>
>>5374851
>>5374738
So we just need to find some necromantic tomes and rip our soul from our body. No biggie.

But on a more serious note, we could see if we can pick up a wind nature somehow since I’m sure that’d have movement spells, or ask Set if he can tutor us directly on a spell like that. I’m sure it’d be in the Chaos school and has only a minor chance of teleporting us to eight places simultaneously.
>>
>>5375180
>Sean teleports to four different places at once
>As AT, Sean, Gunsmoke, and Dresden
>>
>>5375180
>we get a very heavy wind spell
>We can 'fly'
>thus begins our Fourth Persona: Sean-El, otherwise known as SuperSoldier
Perfection! Lol
>>
>>5375180
>we could see if we can pick up a wind nature somehow
I mean, we already have Storm nature. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a spell that looks like a Shazam transformation where we are hit by a lightning and we can teleport anywhere that is raining or something via lightnings.

Or even then, try to "modify" the Storm nature to something more calmer and then we develop the Wind nature, but for that we really need some guidance. Maybe our homie Toth could help if we write a sticky asking for help
>>
Personally I think we could get a short range blink teleport out of chaos magic. Maybe not be able to control where it goes but lots of media has a chaotic teleport spell.
>>
>>5375188
>Batman: All the recent clues pointed towards these people being aliases of the same villain, but now they’re all standing around arguing with each other. Are they allies? Occasional enemies? And how did I come to the wrong conclusions so easily? Has my mind been compromised? Have someone broken into my network and fabricated false evidence that I’ve been conditioned to accept? I need to start over, review everything with a critical eye. I don’t know how deep this conspiracy goes, but I’ll get to the bottom of it.
>>
>>5375340
>Alfred come hold me. I'm scared.
>Of course, Master Bruce.
>>
>Sean has an English Surrogate Father Figure
>Bruce has an English Surrogate Father Figure
Is this our version of the BVS 'Martha' thing? Except done way better because we have Jack
>>
>>5375180
I'd love some silver age bullshit where our alteregos actually separate from us and we have to convince them to become a part of us again.

Quality DC magic shenanigans
>>
>>5375464
But that begs the question, what personality quirks would each persona inherit?
>>
>>5375508
Adjutant Tango would have Sean's loyalty and typical soldier-y traits. He'd also have almost all the magic due to being the Set-aligned one.
Gunsmoke would have Sean's spite and brutality. Split!Gunsmoke would've killed Batgirl, for example.
Jonah would be the most normal, being Sean's curiosity and magical knowledge. Jonah would have all the magic that Sean learned from sources outside of his Fire/Storm/Chaos origins.
I've got no idea what Base-Sean would be like. Maybe Sean pre-tragedy?
>>
>>5375347
>>5375450
>Known Alisias of Gunsmkoke
>>Adjutant Tango
>>Dresden
>>The Batman
Turns out if Bruce wanted to find out who Gunsmoke is, he only needed to look inside his own heart.
>>5375464
I feel like they could make a functional team for a while. There’s a focus on getting the job done through all of the personalities, and I suspect RAGE would be a bonding emotion for all of them. I imagine Sean would be keeping the gauntlet though.
>>
File: todaysthedaaaaaay.png (269 KB, 430x381)
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>>5374323

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vp_4vc-btI

Before Delrio can complete whatever twisted transformation that his body is preparing to undergo, you leap towards him with a degree of primal fury that surprises even you.

In that moment, you shed all of your combat training in favor of sheer, unadulterated brutality.

You tear into him like a predator on the savannah rips into its prey, with swift and uncompromising devotion to causing as much damage as quickly as possible.

The first limbs to go are the arms, who helpfully provide just enough leverage for you to wrench them roughly from their sockets and bowl Delrio over.

From there, you smash his legs into functionless paste with a series of relentless stomps and haymakers with your Clawed fist.

To finish him off, you toss Delrio’s torso upwards, catch it in mid-air with both hands, and rip him into uneven halves.

Delrio’s mangled body hits the floor, causing you to snap out of the fog of war and dispel the Claw, offering a silent thanks to Pandion for helping to keep your mind focused.

You immediately ping Jack to re-retrieve the Ace of Winchesters, promising that you’ll explain everything later. He quickly appears, takes the Ace and vanishes, just in time for Bonilla, Catalyst, and Stalnoivolk to reappear at the same places they originally disappeared from.

“What the hell happened!?” Catalyst exclaims, horrified.

You don’t realize what he means until you examine the situation more closely and realize that the room is practically drenched in Delrio’s blood, as is your armor.

Even Stalnoivolk looks a bit unsettled at the collage of brutality that Delrio’s discarded corpse obviously experienced.

Dropping the bombshell about the existence of an immortal soul and demons doesn’t seem like it would be the easiest sell, so you settle for the next best thing and lie through your teeth.

> “Delrio must’ve been some kind of metahuman, gave me one hell of a fight. Managed to finally get some payback for selling us out; like I promised, it wasn’t gentle. Not to worry, most of the blood isn’t mine.”

“What’s next, captain?” Bonilla asks, falling back on his innate sense of professionalism despite the Jackson Pollock makeover you’ve given the once spotless room.

> “Let the Jungle Rats know that we’ve fully secured the palace and that we need reinforcements. Make sure to stress that they need to keep the ball rolling and hammer any remnants of the regime that still stand in the way. In the meantime, I want a full guard rotation set up to secure the perimeter. The heavy lifting is over with, but we need to stay ready.”

“Understood.”
>>
>>5376176

Bonilla switches on his radio and begins barking out orders, assigning cadres of your Liberators to watch the prisoners, protect the vault, and patrol for any remaining holdouts. He also organizes a sweep for the bodies of the various Squad assets that were too stubborn or too dangerous to risk a peaceful solution.

While all that’s going down, you take a moment to have Catalyst give you a quick pain dampener as you clean and dress your leg wound.

Normally, recovery from something like that would take weeks to properly heal, but you have the benefit of magic on your side. As soon as you can get some privacy, you’ll just set yourself alight and let your Fire nature do the rest.

Traditional medicine will hold you over in the short-term though.

Once you’re finished, you head to main hall where you fought your bout with the General, where Bonilla has taken the liberty of placing the deceased Task Force X squamates.

Next to the General is Karma, Warrant, and Scandal Savage. A neat pile of their equipment has been dumped nearby, saving you the hassle of looting them yourself.

Looks like you can check off another team of yours that ends up dead. At least you actually intended for it to happen this time.

The Liberator in charge of the scavenging detail interrupts your musing with a simple but important question.

“That’s the lot of it, boss. You want us to toss em out back?”

You decide to have Karma, Scandal Savage, and Warrant’s bodies…

> Given a proper burial. They deserve that much, even if they were on opposite sides of the fence.

> Tossed in an unmarked grave with the rest of the enemy casualties. It’s harsh, but that’s just how war is.

> Hung from the top of the palace. It’ll neatly illustrate the consequences of getting in your way.

> Other?

——————————————

As for the General’s body, you decide to…

> Give him a proper burial. Even if he was a bastard, he gave you the fight of your life.

> Torch it. There’s no sense in leaving anything other than a pile of ashes behind.

> Have it placed in cold storage. It’s distasteful, but maybe you can have it poked and prodded to see what him tick.

> Other?
>>
>>5376180
>> Given a proper burial. They deserve that much, even if they were on opposite sides of the fence.
> Have it placed in cold storage. It’s distasteful, but maybe you can have it poked and prodded to see what him tick.
Maybe we should read that book about Necromancy when we get the chance...
>>
>>5376180
> Tossed in an unmarked grave with the rest of the enemy casualties. It’s harsh, but that’s just how war is.
Just how it be sometimes

> Have it placed in cold storage. It’s distasteful, but maybe you can have it poked and prodded to see what him tick.

It's nasty, but we could probably learn a bit more about opponents of his caliber
>>
>>5376180
>Proper Burial
>Torch the General
>>
>>5376180
> Given a proper burial. They deserve that much, even if they were on opposite sides of the fence.
> Have it placed in cold storage. It’s distasteful, but maybe you can have it poked and prodded to see what him tick.
remember that biologist fella that made us the magic xenotheum potion? let's try to fly him out here or something.
>>
>>5376180
> Given a proper burial. They deserve that much, even if they were on opposite sides of the fence.
> Torch it. There’s no sense in leaving anything other than a pile of ashes behind.
>>
> Given a proper burial. They deserve that much, even if they were on opposite sides of the fence.
> Give him a proper burial. Even if he was a bastard, he gave you the fight of your life.

Ghosts are real right?
Lets keep em moving on
>>
>>5376180
> Hung from the top of the palace. It’ll neatly illustrate the consequences of getting in your way.
> Torch it. There’s no sense in leaving anything other than a pile of ashes behind.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

Alright, looks like giving your old squadmates a proper burial wins. but there's a tie between just torching the General's corpse and saving it for experimentation.

I'll roll a d2 to settle it.

1 = Save for experimentation
2 = Torch his body
>>
>>5376201

Alright, dubious scientific ethics are triumphant. Writing.
>>
>>5376202
I am already writing a contingency for when a new supervillain springs up from the good doctor taking science too far. For once it'll be all our fault.
>>
>>5376205
>implying we won't get a really good roll and the doctor cures cancer somehow
Gotta be optimistic
>>
Some Demon, Necromancer, or a hidden Task Force X cell it's going to grab the body and animate him, calling it right know

And if not then by doing some stupid necromantic experiment we make the General some kind of Wraith like the founder of Gotham or an actual Zombie like Solomon.

And i'm half mad and half excited because even if it will be a badass fight it's still a problem that's going to bite us and take a chunk of our ass when it comes to bite us.
>>
>>5376216
this is the reason why we must make sure to separate the limbs and organs of the General
>>
>>5376202

Your old squamates deserve an honorable funeral. They may’ve been trying to kill you, but that’s to be expected in this line of work.

They fought hard, and they went down swinging. It’ll happen to you one day, so you might as well pay it forward and earn yourself some good karma while you can.

But you don’t have that luxury when it comes to the General.

Opponents of his caliber pose an existential threat to generalists like yourself, and you need to harness every advantage you can, otherwise the world will stomp you into dust. The act is distasteful, but the right thing and the hard thing are usually the same.

It’s a morbid thought, but the General will arguably be of more use to you in death than he ever was in life.

After passing on your orders, you take a moment to quietly contemplate what happens next.

The war is won, the revolution is triumphant, and you have no more enemies to slay.

(In Venezuela, at least.)

Lok and his merry band of extrajudicial killers are still at large, and from all accounts they don’t take failure well. Instead of cutting his losses, there is a chance that Lok will instead go full-tilt in his attempts to snuff you out.

Most of your men have been fighting against Pedraza for years, and it won’t be easy to persuade all but the most loyal to continue now that they finally have a home to go back too. You don’t have the heart to compel them into service by force, which would be incredibly counterproductive in any case.

And trying for a coup of your own would never play out the way you’d like.

Trying to seize the country in some half-baked bid to crown yourself the new President would only end in disaster. Even if the people were to accept you, you have no idea how to properly rebuild a nation from the ground-up. You kill people for a living; infrastructure repair, economic reform, international geopolitics, and everything else is way above your pay-grade.

No, leave the politicking to the men in suits, and leave the fighting to the men in uniforms.

You just need to focus on building up your own powerbase like Shade suggested, otherwise you don’t stand a ghost of a chance of taking out Task Force X.

A long time ago, you made a pact with yourself that you’d dissolve the Grand Liberators once your crusade had been accomplished, and forge the loyal remnants into something new, something of your own design.

The Steel Wolves, your personal squadron of heartbreakers and lifetakers; no job too big, no payout too big.

A new day’s beginning to dawn, and your star rises with it.
>>
>>5376222

Your silent vigil is interrupted by the squawking of the radio; one of your men is reporting in with urgent news.

In response to your heroic acts in toppling Pedraza’s regime, high-level representatives from the Jungle Rats are arriving shortly for a sit-down.

Chances are, this is the part of the revolution where rebels either get rewarded, or are put up against the wall.

And considering your feats, nobody would dare to make a move against you. It’d be political (if not physical) suicide.

Reading between the lines, the soon-to-be installed military junta that the Jungle Rats plan on establishing needs hardened muscle to ensure the takeover is smooth and easy.

That means you’ve got quite a bit of leverage to work with. In addition to your high-profile sacking of Pedraza, your embedded units control the major financial institutions and the major media outlets.

To compound that, everything in Pedraza’s vault is yours by right of conquest, and you have no issues with letting them know that you plan on taking full custody of the seized assets. You’d prefer to hold onto it all, but it’d be another great bargaining chip if you need one.

After all, they’re probably here to feel out your personality and strike a bargain of some sort.

Before the negotiators from the Jungle Rats arrive, you decide to hammer out the specificities of your requests, which include…

(Choose as many as you’d like, more choices equals a harder pitch. Feel free to throw in options not on my list, definitely not exhaustive.)

> Venezuelan citizenship for you and any foreign nationals under your command. It’ll come in handy in case you need some diplomatic shit-stirring.

> A private island that’ll serve as the base site for your mercenaries. If you can establish an independent operating presence, you’ll really be that much closer in carrying out your ambitions.

> Logistical support in terms of equipment, construction materials, and funding. If you can get them to foot the bill, that’d make life much easier.

> Joint exercises with the other branches of the Venezuelan military. It’ll be good practice for the lads, and you’ll forge some closer connections with other officers.

> An officer’s commission for you and your lieutenants. It’ll lend you an air of legitimacy that’s hard to overlook.

> Ironclad permission to recruit from amongst the natives. If you ever need additional manpower, it’ll simplify things if you can source it locally.

> Official recognition and sponsorship by the Venezuelan government. It’ll tie you closer to the politics, but it’ll pay for itself by attracting future clients.

> Other?
>>
>>5376224

(This one's pretty important, so I'll leave it open for longer in case of debate / new ideas. If a consensus is reached early, I'll go ahead and close it early.)
>>
>>5376224
> A private island that’ll serve as the base site for your mercenaries. If you can establish an independent operating presence, you’ll really be that much closer in carrying out your ambitions.

> Logistical support in terms of equipment, construction materials, and funding. If you can get them to foot the bill, that’d make life much easier.

> Venezuelan citizenship for you and any foreign nationals under your command. It’ll come in handy in case you need some diplomatic shit-stirring.

I think these will be the most useful for us, push comes to shove we can possibly drop the citizenship deal and take the others
>>
>>5376224
> Venezuelan citizenship for you and any foreign nationals under your command. It’ll come in handy in case you need some diplomatic shit-stirring.
> A private island that’ll serve as the base site for your mercenaries. If you can establish an independent operating presence, you’ll really be that much closer in carrying out your ambitions.
> Joint exercises with the other branches of the Venezuelan military. It’ll be good practice for the lads, and you’ll forge some closer connections with other officers.
> An officer’s commission for you and your lieutenants. It’ll lend you an air of legitimacy that’s hard to overlook.
> Official recognition and sponsorship by the Venezuelan government. It’ll tie you closer to the politics, but it’ll pay for itself by attracting future clients.
>>
>>5376224
> Venezuelan citizenship for you and any foreign nationals under your command. It’ll come in handy in case you need some diplomatic shit-stirring.

> A private island that’ll serve as the base site for your mercenaries. If you can establish an independent operating presence, you’ll really be that much closer in carrying out your ambitions.

> Logistical support in terms of equipment, construction materials, and funding. If you can get them to foot the bill, that’d make life much easier.

> Joint exercises with the other branches of the Venezuelan military. It’ll be good practice for the lads, and you’ll forge some closer connections with other officers.
>>
File: The Boys.png (278 KB, 619x471)
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Before I forget, please enjoy this shit meme I cobbled together in between sessions.
>>
>>5376232
Da boys, one last drink before Jack goes on his final adventure
>>
>>5376224

> Venezuelan citizenship for you and any foreign nationals under your command. It’ll come in handy in case you need some diplomatic shit-stirring.

> A private island that’ll serve as the base site for your mercenaries. If you can establish an independent operating presence, you’ll really be that much closer in carrying out your ambitions.

> Logistical support in terms of equipment, construction materials, and funding. If you can get them to foot the bill, that’d make life much easier.
I think these are fair for all of Pedraza's vault. Offer our help if they need a deniable asset or anything. This might be a bit of an ask.
>>
> Venezuelan citizenship for you and any foreign nationals under your command. It’ll come in handy in case you need some diplomatic shit-stirring.

> A private island that’ll serve as the base site for your mercenaries. If you can establish an independent operating presence, you’ll really be that much closer in carrying out your ambitions.

Most of the stuff they could give us they probably need to rebuild after pedraza gutted the country.

For now i think its best to take a bit of a step back and see who is actually going to come into power first
>>
>>5376224
>> Official recognition and sponsorship by the Venezuelan government. It’ll tie you closer to the politics, but it’ll pay for itself by attracting future clients.
> An officer’s commission for you and your lieutenants. It’ll lend you an air of legitimacy that’s hard to overlook.
> Logistical support in terms of equipment, construction materials, and funding. If you can get them to foot the bill, that’d make life much easier.
> Venezuelan citizenship for you and any foreign nationals under your command. It’ll come in handy in case you need some diplomatic shit-stirring.
>>
Alright, I'll go ahead and close the vote.

Depending on how this goes, you may have to make a concession or two, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Roll me some 1d100+25

DC: 85 / 105 / 125
>>
>>5376242
I don't know actually. I don't know if we want to tie ourselves down to this place with a real base. I wouldnt mind taking half of the vault + a nice home in Venezuela somewhere plus citizenship plus maybe an agreement with the military to let us buy arms and equipment from them as a proxy from another country or whatever. I don't know, this is like a blank check I want to think harder about this.
>>
Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>5376248
>>
Rolled 77 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376248
>>
Rolled 54 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376248
>>
>>5376248
does luck drain work on government officials
>>
>>5376250
>>5376253
>>5376255

Alright, Luck Drain puts you over the top for an excellent success.

Writing.

>>5376256

That it does.
>>
>>5376257
Nice
>>
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>>5376257

After getting your shortlist of demands drawn up, you realize that your negotiation strategies are missing some critical details.

You haven’t played much of the political game, far more concerned with actually surviving the campaign, and know next to nothing about the internal power struggles within the Jungle Rats.

Bonilla, proving himself once again as an excellent non-com, rounds up some of the better-connected and savvier men to give you a crash course on the rumor mill and what to expect.

It’s rushed but informative.

Supposedly, the junta that the Rats plan on putting in power is a triumvirate between the army, navy, and air force; with a representative from each branch holding an equal seat on their military council.

And you discover, much to your surprise, the lead negotiator en-route to the palace is Admiral Miguel Suarez; the naval bigshot on the nascent junta.

After the arrival of his helicopter on the palace landing pad, you have Bonilla escort your distinguished guest to one of Pedraza’s estate rooms where the two of you immediately begin sizing each other up.

Your first impression of the man is that he’s the real deal. You’ve spent enough time in the service to recognize officers that played politics over getting the job done, and Suarez has the look of a stone-cold lifer.

Some of the rumor mill whispers that he’s an old-school hardliner that’s fully committed to thrusting Venezuela back into a position of prominence. Violently, if necessary.

Looking at him, you can’t help but agree. Suarez has a steel to him that suggests he’s not a man who readily enjoys being messed with.
>>
>>5376289

After a quick meet-and-greet, Suarez cuts through the bullshit and confirms what you already suspected.

The junta needs reliable operators to ensure that the nation doesn’t fall into chaos during their installation into power.

In exchange, they’re willing to offer you a seat at the table, in recognition for your contributions as well as various other factors.

From there, the spree begins in earnest as the both of you try to wrangle the better deal.

And maybe it’s your own natural charisma, the strength of the position from which you bargain, or just blind luck; because you secure an excellent deal.

After some comprehensive debate and negotiation, the dust settles with the final deal on the table being…

You and the Steel Wolves receive:
- Exclusive basing rights to Blanquilla, a Caribbean island far enough away from Venezuela that ensure general autonomy.
- The contents of Pedraza’s vaults.
- Funding and logistical support for construction and maintenance of operational facilities.
- Naturalized citizenship for any and all of your foreign recruits.
- An honorary commission as a Major in the reformed 5th Jungle Infantry, with your lieutenants being offered positions as well.
- The opportunity to coordinate war-games with the regular military.

In exchange, the new government receives:
- Custody of Pedraza and his cronies, who’ll most likely be tried, found guilty, and summarily executed.
- A smooth takeover of the financial institutions and media apparatus.
- A guarantee that the Steel Wolves will be on-call for critical wetwork against enemies of the state.
- A live, televised interview where you publicly endorse the junta.

After examining the agreement carefully, you decide to...

> Accept. It’s a sweet deal, one that you’re not likely to see again.

> Decline. You’d prefer to avoid shackling yourself, even if the deal looks good on paper.

> Other? (Propose modification, will require a trade / roll)
>>
>>5376290
> Accept. It’s a sweet deal, one that you’re not likely to see again.
>>
> Other? (Propose modification, will require a trade / roll)

Agree but the mask stays on during speeches
Ie full adjutant tango
>>
>>5376290
> Accept. It’s a sweet deal, one that you’re not likely to see again.
>...As long as I keep my helmet on for the interview

Amazing deal, why shouldn't we take it?
>>
>>5376290
>- A guarantee that the Steel Wolves will be on-call for critical wetwork against enemies of the state.
That's very icky. Guarantee is very icky.
I'd rather lose some of the vault contents, obtain some high end hardware (sonic passenger jet, a few technicals, etc. and drop that guarantee.
I'll guarantee to personally look over contracts because last thing we need is to be sending guys to their deaths for something worthless. I can't see Sean letting pseudo Outer Heaven send soldiers on missions they aren't coming back from without good reason.

>Custody of Pedraza and his cronies, who’ll most likely be tried, found guilty, and summarily executed.
I'm fine with that, but we need a few to go free. It'll make the country look more even handed, but more importantly we can track how they move. They'll be a dye test: we can see if we can figure out some of the paths X has laid down and ideally snag a few safehouses and a bunch of info out of it.
>>
>>5376290
>Other: Modify wetwork guarantee to requiring three seat approval (all three acting members of the triumvirate must agree to send in the Steel Wolves)

Otherwise we might end up getting called out all the fucking time if each individual member can unilaterally declare anyone an enemy and send us after them. This will both act as a check and balance, and reduce the potential number of times we get called on.
>>
>>5376290
>> Other? (Propose modification, will require a trade / roll)
check this guys ?aura? for any demons
> Accept. It’s a sweet deal, one that you’re not likely to see again.
>>
>>5376296
To be fair, we could use the wetwork as 'advanced training', for those who we know can deal with it

Not to mention that Venezuela's success is our success, with the benefits we're getting, so bumping off a few bad actors seems like a fair trade
>>
>>5376290
> Accept. It’s a sweet deal, one that you’re not likely to see again.
>>
>>5376296
Your second point is a good one, we might not even need to give anything for it, just let them know the COINTEL benefits of tracing some of them to find other pockets of resistance. Suarez at least seems smart enough to advocate for that on his own.
>>
>>5376296
>Supporting the second point
>>
>>5376290
> Accept. It’s a sweet deal, one that you’re not likely to see again.
This is much better than I thought we were going to get.
Helmet stays on of course
I wouldn't mind taking it off actually just to see the look on Batman's face as he puts it all together. Or doesn't.
>>
Alright, I'm seeing some slight adjustments to the deal, with the overall mood being unanimous approval.

I'll just hold a quick yay-or-nay vote to confirm some details.

> Accept the deal as-is.

> Request some alterations. (that you can keep your identity secret, that the triumvirate sign off on your internal wetwork ops, and that at least a few cronies get clemency for the purposes of intel gathering)
>>
>>5376312
> Request some alterations. (that you can keep your identity secret, that the triumvirate sign off on your internal wetwork ops, and that at least a few cronies get clemency for the purposes of intel gathering)
Sounds gud
>>
>>5376312
> Accept the deal as-is.
>>
>>5376312
>Request some alterations.
>that you can keep your identity secret, that the triumvirate sign off on your internal wetwork ops

Just these two.
>>
>>5376312
> Request some alterations. (that you can keep your identity secret, that the triumvirate sign off on your internal wetwork ops, and that at least a few cronies get clemency for the purposes of intel gathering)
>>
> Request some alterations. (that you can keep your identity secret, that the triumvirate sign off on your internal wetwork ops)
>>
>>5376316
Second on this. Just don't want to become over leveraged. We have shit to do, and they don't know we're squaring against USA glowies.
>>
>>5376312
>Request some alterations
>That the triumverate sign off on your internal wetwork ops
>At least a few cronies get clemency for intel gathering
Make sure they know one of our own personal objectives is the destruction of Task Force X, which benefits them, since they were the ones backing Pedraza.

I don't want to hide our identity anymore I think, it'd make things fun. Our identities are getting tiresome.
>>
>>5376320
Our identities are literally what keeps the Justice League from going full bore on our ass. We're a high priority target and we still have a decent chunk of growing to do before we can spit in their face without losing everything.

It'd also put Jack in deep shit.
>>
>>5376290
Something tells me this shit is going to be like another Tyranny like Pedraza's, honestly I don't like that the military are the ones in power, but after all from the beggining it was clear that was the afilliates of the Jungle Rats. But yeah, whateve
+1 to >>5376298 and >>5376300, but for us to move and do the work they ask for there's going to be a analisis of the situation to see if it's something valid to actually go and do the work.

Also +1 to the second point of >>5376296

And lastly
>Change the interview for a public speech live and broadcasted on the streets.

I don't like the idea of doing an interview with all the cameras and stuff, because this is of course going to bring attention from everywhere in The world and surely Batman or the JL won't like that some mercenary in a Apokoliptic armor was in Venezuela, that armor alone it's going to bring problems... Unless the way that we modify it it's enough so it doesn't look like a Apokolips armor, in which case I'm more sure
>>
>>5376320
Our identities offer a lot of benefits compared to revealing everything
1. Get justice leagued and prisoned
2. People would learn to stop using fire and lightning against us
3. Jack would probably get his rituals ruined
4. People don't know who we have worked for before and even without our full crime rapsheet we are still getting lucrative work
>>
>>5376312
> Request some alterations. (that you can keep your identity secret, that the triumvirate sign off on your internal wetwork ops, and that at least a few cronies get clemency for the purposes of intel gathering)
Keeping the AT mask is probably preferable for them too. We’re a symbol at this point, no sense in tarnishing that by putting an actual face to us.
The triumvirate approval is important for internal stability. Having one of them order operations that weaken the other two is entirely possible otherwise.
I’m not attached to some cronies getting released. I just view it as a piece of advice they can choose to follow or not.
>>
Alright, looks like all three modifications are being proposed.

Roll me some 1d100+25

DC: 60 / 80 / 100

>>5376326
On the matter of unveiling yourself per se, I will mention that there are some benefits.

It may seem counterproductive, but notoriety is important when it comes to securing higher-paying work.

Everyone hires Deathstroke because they know he's skilled and has a long rap sheet.

Whether the disadvantages outweigh that is entirely up to you.
>>
Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>5376329
>>
Rolled 86 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376329
Here goes then.
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>5376329
>>
Rolled 75 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376329
>>
Rolled 96 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376329
I'd prefer for us to keep our identities separate, Gunsmoke is already a rising name in the 'will do stuff for money' regard and that frees up our other ones from the baggage of another
>>
>>5376332
Oh god, thanks that I didn't fucked it up.
>>
>>5376330
>>5376331
>>5376332

Sean proves himself a man of words and letters once again.

That's an excellent success, go ahead and give me one last set of 1d100+25 to see how many of the Liberators are willing re-join you under your new banner.

DC: 85 / 105 / 125
>>
Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>5376336
>>
>>5376329
each identity does different kind of work.

Ironically, getting all the credit to one guy may restrict us from lower stakes things... mostly because us showing up would inherently raise the stakes well beyond what they should be for the job.
>>
>>5376340

True, that could also be a potential result.
>>
Rolled 31 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

come on.>>5376336
>>
Rolled 64 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376336
welp this is gonna go bad.
>>
Rolled 92 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

sorry about the low roll>>5376342

ill take a regular success
>>
Rolled 16 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376343
And now this die that will be good.
>>
Rolled 96 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5376336
Roll
>>
Our boys deserve the chance to help their country. We can recruit from Gotham or abroad.
>>
>>5376337
>>5376342
>>5376343

That's a minor success, we'll go ahead and end the session on that note.

Next session will be Monday at 5:00 PM EST, Friday is off the table as I've been shanghaied into a work outing that'll consume most of my evening.

I'll try to have an update out when I get home though.

As always, thanks for playing! The next few bits are probably to going to be a bit more chill as you take some time off to re-integrate back into normal life.

And be thinking about your vacation (side-arc) plans, options include:
- Roadtrip with Set
- H.I.V.E. Academy
- Touring Europe (And Hitting Intergang)

Open to other ideas though, per the usual. Not asking for a vote right now, of course. Just boosting awareness since it's been a while.

Have a good night, anons!

(As for the generosity of the deal, I figured that your excellent success at the negotiation table coupled with your string of important victories and control of key sectors qualified you as an asset worth courting.)
>>
How goes determining the perception bonus and interludes? Great session as always thanks Axis!.
>>
>>5376363

I'm heavily leaning towards give Magesight a buff that'll allow it to see through illusions.

Figured that'd be better than just a straight bonus to general perception.

As for interludes I anticipate having the Bat-Family stuff done over the weekend, gotta update the Task Force X stuff to reflect the new ripples you've created. Dresden File is like 95% done, but I'm not entirely satisfied with its size.
>>
>>5376357
Thanks for the session Axis, it was really good that we finally kill that bitch of Delrio.

Also, is there a possibility we could do the Set roadtrip and a little deviation to hit Intergang? Because the surely after so much time without us annoying them surely mean there's more sweet loot we could get for our boys before raiding Belle Raeve
>>
Thanks! I was hoping it would help us sense demons and demon shit better but a bonus to see through illusions is more useful in a variety of ways.>>5376365
>>
>>5376357
Is H.I.V.E Academy just supervillain and henchman school?
Do they have a magic class or is it just regular skills training?
>>
>>5376367

I won't dismiss the option out of hand, but I think you'll have your hands full during the roadtrip.

I do like the idea though.

Set's Perspective

Just cruising through the city, looking for something fun to do.

Sean sees some assholes enter a bar. They had some weird symbol on their jackets, some kinda cross in a globe.

"Pull over for a sec, need to make a pitstop."

He heads for the entrance to the bar and gives you a goofy little wave before entering.

A few minutes pass and you get bored, crank up the radio a bit.

In the middle of Freebird's guitar solo, one of the thugs comes crashing through the bar's window.

He's like a child, you can't leave him alone for 5 minutes without him breaking something.

>>5376374
Depends on if you're alright with tipping your hand a bit about possessing bonafide magic.

Otherwise, it'll just be "regular" training.
>>
>>5376378
I'm sure we could schmooze our way into at least sitting in on a couple of magic classes "Just in case we come across any magic heroes" to be better prepared. They might buy it.
>>
We did an entire mini-arc doing regular training and only did magic briefly. I say we study demons and gods. We go there and select a major in demonology and theological studies. We need to address this deficiency in skill set.
>>
How easily we forget that we are on hell's radar and the next demon we fight might be higher ranking.
>>
>>5376394
Considering how well we've done against the last two demons we've fought, I don't think that's as much of a threat as it seems.
>>
>>5376424
>beat the first demon freak with handgun and fireballs
>beat the second demon freak with THESE HANDS
I'm starting to think exorcists need to go to a gym more and less bible study.
>>
Hmmm, pretty happy with how things turned out. Think Defcon/Tango/Whatever we call this one is a good addition to the arsenal. Probably going to eat up a fairly large amount of our time, but we can delegate the majority of this stuff, and we kind of needed an identity that's packing some real firepower. Gunsmoke works when we want to get smaller, more focused jobs done personally, and interact with supervillains in a less obvious capacity, Jonah is good for gathering intel and magical stuff (and probably schmoozing with heroes eventually), and now we have an identity we can fall back on when we really need to bring the hammer down and just drop a whole company of crack troops on some poor bastard's head.
>>
>>5376357
what if we hit up MC&D? i wonder what kind of jobs they would have for a paramilitary type organization we've got now it looks like

what is that going to look like, running an org? can we send them on jobs independent of us? have them give us bonuses or something? How are we going to get them places?

wonder if we can bring Gremlin onboard as our full time webmaster or something. Wouldn't mind paying cortez or genghis to train our dudes either, and we've for sure got the dosh now to pay them properly.

that reminds me guys WE GOT THE VAULT! WE'RE FUCKING RICH!! wonder if we can pay someone to get more of those apoklops suits or something
>>
>>5376357
hive'd be fun too, I had a certain amount of reluctance due to brother blood mindfuckery but I was rereading thread 2 for shits and giggles and we actually have a telekinetic resistance perk from that book of thoth we got from our very first mission
>>
Should we start up a legitimate business after the side quest?
Franchise of cheeseburgers?
Mexican chicken restaurant?
Strip club and buffet?
>>
>>5376790
>Franchise of cheeseburgers
and the
>Supernatural Detective business
>>
>>5376790
I'll get Croc gainfully employed or die trying
>>
>>5376812
We'll send him to Law School and he'll become our lawyer. I can see it now; "Better Talk (to) Croc" lol
>>
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>>5376946
>2% of Steel Wolf revenue goes towards our "Saving Villains" non-profit
>>
>>5376947
You joke, but we could actually do that. Jonah and Gunsmoke (really only Jonah, people don’t talk to Gunsmoke) could even steer people towards it.
>>
Aaaaand I'm caught up at last! What a ride, this quest, what a ride.

>next run in the weekend

Well shit, time to go into a minor coma again.

RE: The agreement between the new Venezuelan government and the Steel Wolves, I'm a bit unclear in the resolution: did we end up nixing the clause about us being dedicated wetwork detail for the gov't, or just altering it?
>>
>>5377067
No confirmation, but the vote was to alter and we got an excellent success so I’d say we successfully altered it.
>>
So for our newfound citizenship of Venezuela, are they taking a picture of us in armor for the ID or are we just putting our face into what we have discovered to be a laughably vulnerable government database?
>>
>>5377091
We just became an officially registered 'ghost' that is ID with the Venezuelan government as irl boogeyman that just took down the fucking General and a demon from hell. The world of supers is going to positively shit themselves when they find out. Especially since the ghost doesn't actually HAVE a 'real' identity(cause Sean deleted and gave up everything) and therefore could be 'anyone' to take up the mantle. We basically just set up the first case of Big Boss.

Basically, it's both a joke and a serious threat at the same time.

Especially cause you just know crooks, vets, and lunatics are going to arrive by the droves to sign up under such a banner. Especially once we raid and free Suicide Squad. Some of those lunatics and sickos are bound to stick around. Not to mention MC's own opinion on henching and mistreated soldiers. The League is going to shit themselves so fucking hard when they realize what's going on and can't do anything. The villains on the other hand are going to applaud wildly and eat popcorn while carefully trying to figure out if they are going to be caught in the warzone.

Gonna be really funny to see Venezuela's later realization and reaction.
>>
>>5377138
Does that mean we get a new birth certificate?
>>
>>5377158
I'm sure we're counted as a special case and don't need one, or something

We're basically a new Bolivar to Venezuela, it's not like they'd refuse that
>>
>>5377158
Yes and No. Our ID is a very weird...special case that is going to make everyone in intelligence and traveling scream in horror/frustration. Our passport alone is going to troll the shit out of so many people. Basically, I would imagine that the ID is more of a special identity/pass that whoever holds it owns it/is that person no matter who that person actually is underneath or is not. That is what makes it so confusing and uniquely valuable/frustrating to deal with. The fact that its first 'owner' is Sean makes it even worse since he disavowed and deleted all his own old abandoned identity entirely. The thing is Sean doesn't have to be the first or only holder/owner of that ID. Merely the first and he can very easily hand it off to someone else. Even on a temporary basis or to create doppelgangers.

After all, Venezuela merely wants their boogeyman and results. They need a figure and having a ghost who can be anyone to take up that mantle is uniquely useful. It's basically having access to a potential living legend/myth which is going to be hell for anyone else to deal with. Batman is going to hate it so goddamn much. As it's basically one of his greatest most terrible nightmares made real and the League is going to deeply regret not listening to his warnings about it. The funny thing is Hell and the extremely few other special places that know who Sean truly is. His creation of an inherited mantle whose true identity no longer matters and is no longer limited to just himself is both incredibly infuriating for them and extremely dangerous. As Sean has shown his willingness to apprentice and train others to be just like him. As well as the ability to delegate and promote others into high positions. Making him vastly more dangerous and far reaching consequences than villains or other organizations.

The moment he frees Suicide Squad if the villain community wasn't in awe of him already they most definitely will be after that. Especially once he gets his organization off the ground and spreading. As his ideals are not actually hostile to the villains and serve in an auxiliary capacity.
>>
>>5376947
We will build our outer haven.
>>
>>5377242
So when would you say "DC: Henchman" ends and "DC: Steel Wolves" begins?
>>
>>5376290
Idk if im too late but... get some corperations or businesses. Like keep hold of a bank or two and a smaller media network for our uses. We can get income, laundry money and even help clean dirty money of others for a fee like say bane or even penguin as a olive branch.... media company to do sleuthing and help smear task force x and etc. We want some nice passive income. Ideally something relating to natural reasources.
>>
I also hope we get to influnce policy to deliver atlwast some of what we promised our fighters on what we helped them fight for, and ensure all our men and their family get proper due rewards.
>>
>>5377364
When we aren't the only Boss tier enemy and have enough henchmen of our own. Basically need to train up/recruit some boss tier comrades and have enough followers. Right now we are kinda in this awkward stage of development where we desperately need the numbers and talents. Freeing the Suicide Squad as promised will fix that though and having secured a refuge will do the rest. Recruits will come to us. Especially once Sean makes his official announcement and establishes outreach programs.

>>5377252
I want our own Metal Gear Solid and Big Boss moment like you would not believe. The problem is we need our own...protagonist since we are clearly the antagonist.

>>5377392
Correct me if I'm wrong we appear to be specialized into the merc and henching business. I don't know about how tech, laundering, black market, magic, and clean business developments. To be more specific we reform and recruit crooks and soldiers. I cannot wait until we start dabbling with the crazies and trying to straighten them out(sort of).

>>5377397
Didn't we already have the accounts setup for all our men? Even should they die their families should still be covered with the payments and have access to those hidden accounts. I know Sean is covered but I could have sworn he extended that service to others as well already otherwise there is no way he would have been able to recruit and train people to work under him. Otherwise, how would they get paid and cover their own ass?
>>
>>5377429
>we are clearly the antagonist

We're a honorable soldier thrown away by his country given a new chance at life, and our main goals are to free our father-figure from the mortal realm and free an entire slave-army. On the side, we study magic, fight against an evil organization from SPEHSS, solve mysteries, and free third world countries from dictators.

It all depends on how we phrase it! We just have to...gloss over one or two details.
>>
>>5377446
Sean's an antagonist, but not a villain. He's anti-hero who goes against the regular heroes. Like, the most EVIL things Sean has done have been during fights people who are literally or effectively Super-humans (Setting MM niece(?) on fire, kneecapping Babs multiple times, etc).
>>
>>5377450
*fights WITH people
FUCK
>>
>>5377446
Personally, I think of it as the backstory of the antagonist. If there is a sequel quest it has to be from the protagonist's perspective. That would be fucking incredible.

>>5377450
Antiheroes don't actively work with the villains. The punisher for example would definitely try to kill Sean. Sean is in fact fairly actively hostile with heroes(but not lethally so as he considered it more a sport/biz) except for a single Alias of his whereas his relations with villains are a lot more murky since they know he can be hired and has very peculiar ideals/a code. Its why oddly enough by villain and even other factions standard Sean is in fact considered a trustworthy professional(even his Magic Detective alias among the heroes are no exemption and considered putting him on retainer)

Heroes for example would NEVER knowingly work with Sean if they were aware unless things were truly dire. Even Batman doesn't like him and this is despite earning the acknowledgment of his honorable code. As well Sean avoids harming civilians. Admittedly a huge part of that is the fact the League has gotten glimpses into his mind and how unstable and damaged he actually is. However everyone else would find it easy to do business with him because Sean is a professional who is very clear cut about his code and what he will do to you if you break it(legality or contracts be damned). That is arguably what is making him so threatening to the heroes as he is actually willing to intervene for the right price and is definitely unhinged/powerful enough to do so without a problem. Unlike other supers, he doesn't really see himself that above others(even normals) and doesn't mind working for them even if they're normal or have unsavory goals.

This makes him incredibly disgusting to deal with by hero standards and a much greater threat than normal. Everyone else on the other hand would ADORE being able to hire their own fucking super who can bring his own goddamn private army on demand and have on call as a retainer. No wonder the League is going to shit so many goddamn bricks. I mean who WOULDN'T wanna hire him and retain his services? Venezuela is merely the First but definitely will not be the Last. Now his services are officially on the market globally.
>>
>>5377459
I think you see Sean as too "the ends justify the means"-ish. The way I see it, sure, Sean does bad things for pretty selfish reasons, but he never takes it too far. He'd NEVER accept work from someone like the Joker, hell, even that Queen Bee lady he was supposed to guard back when he was caught be the Squad would be off the table. The only reason that Sean even signed up with Bane is because Bane is a professional criminal, not a deranged freak like Two-Face or (possible) Mr. Freeze. Sean is a man of principles and honor. The worst things Sean has done were either against other villains (blowing up the Iceberg Lounge), or because it was the only effective option (again, lighting MM's niece on fire, kneecapping Babs, etc).
>>
>>5377472
Though, honestly, I don't think any of this matters much. It's really up to Axis/The Hivemind how evil Sean will get.
>>
>>5377459
I don't remember half of the stuff you're referencing happening. And Batman doesn't like anyone. Except for some of the big names in the League. So I don't see how that could be considered a viable metric. How does the League seeing into Sean's psyche affect his decision making at all?

I'm a little confused here.
>>
>>5377472
To be fair about the cape, he
1: didn't know the cape was part of her. He was just trying to buy time by setting the cape on fire as to freak her out.
2: Didn't know martians have huge issues with fire. That by setting the cape on fire, we set her on fire and that's much worse for a martian than just 1st degree burns.

I think for all his BS, he'd apologize about it. Especially considering the heroes he was dealing with were on the younger side.
>>
Honestly if I were to classify Sean as anything it would be
>villain with standards.
He's not going to start mass murdering, but he's still profiting off of death and violence. For example, we escalated the Gotham gang war and stayed away once it was too dangerous

I mean, we're a good guy, but still a villain. It's a pretty interesting path we've tread so far, huh?
>>
>>5377472
Sean would never work with the Joker because the Joker would never respect his Code. Bane understood and respected his code and therefore could employ him. The same is true for anyone else. Sean is someone of rather twisted principles and deranged honor. It is still there but he is very unstable but gotta give him credit for being surprisingly self aware of this fact. The problem is Sean doesn't actually want to face or stabilize his condition as it helps power him up and requires him to reclaim everything that he has abandoned. Instead, he is trying to forge a new identity and cause thinking that reaching out to others and his honor can keep him stable.

>>5377476
The League got a peek into his head and really didn't like what they saw. Batman doesn't like him but is aware he does have a code. Sean has no idea the League got a glimpse into his head or how much it disturbed them.

>>5377489
The thing is Sean behaves as if he doesn't have powers and it confounds the other supers. Partly why Set likes him so much(besides his luck it's how 'down to earth' he is for a super). He just doesn't see himself as anyone different or better because of it. It's why the paradigm of behaviors and beliefs of supers really doesn't translate well for Sean and WHY he sticks out so much. It's why he is the Big Boss analog because he as a character doesn't belong there.

So ironically I would argue that Sean doesn't actually fit as a Hero, villain, or Anti hero/villain. You cannot even claim he is a suped up henchman aka a miniboss character. He is just a haunted man trying to find his own cause to fight for and an good antagonist in any good story/game. The fact that he is a super and in DC makes him stick out because he simply doesn't fit in.

If I had to describe him... it's maybe what would happen if a minion becomes super but stays grounded and still cares about his fellow minions. The thing is though supers aren't SUPPOSED to care about the faceless minions. They aren't SUPPOSED to stay down to earth(see he prefers to fight as if he doesn't have any unless he's forced to). Sean's issues have nothing to do with his powers. Sean in his own way even still cares about civilians/people and not just henchmen. He cares so much about those henchmen he wants to make his own haven for them since nobody else does.
>>
>>5377501
>twisted principles and deranged honor
There's nothing "twisted" or "deranged" about Sean, or his morality, you're just making shit up now.

Also, Too Long Didn't Read.
>>
>>5377509
No normal person keeps going on the path Sean is.

Sean also is still slightly twisted. The reason the league panicked based on Miss Martian's mind read is because of the amount of anger we hold and how unstable it is.

The code is basically there to keep it chained. Without it, we are probably gonna end up a red lantern.
>>
>>5377511
>No normal person keeps going on the path Sean is.
Maybe not with that attitude, they wouldn't.
>>
>>5377511
>The code is basically there to keep it chained. Without it, we are probably gonna end up a red lantern.
Oh fuck I'm just imagining red lantern Sean and it might be the 3rd worst thing that could happen to DC as a whole, several earth's would be burnt to a crisp.
>>
>>5377501
Which thread had the report of Ms
Martian reading his mind?
>>
>>5377511
That's just Pandion dancing in the back of Sean's head watching the asswhoppings.
>>5377501
We are by far an away more stable that damn near every other villain and some heroes. You are absolutely full of shit because she saw the Claw. We are the Protagonist.
>>
>>5377587
She didn't even deep dive read it, she just got the surface thoughts, it should be the thread just after we fought them in Flash's city.
>>
>>5377593
Think the League's primary concern is
A bank robber level threat resisted a mid tier league asset team on multiple levels (mental + physical)
A cursory read threw a Martian off
The Person of Interest has a skill set well beyond normal and may go loose beyond these limited issues.

But yeah, we're very a "send a founder to deal with" level threat now. Last thing we want is Flash stopping by to deal with us. Hopefully diplomatic power will help keep us safer.
>>
>>5377615
I hope we get GL.

>Oh you flew? Bet you didn't even run CAS. Fuckin' chair force.
>>
>>5377587
The interlude with Batman presenting his findings to the JLA. She only got very fragmentary readings, iirc the only clear thing was that Sean is very, very angry.
>>
>>5377655
We didn't give Darius any shit for being mudfeet, an Air Force vet is probably cool.
>>
>>5377656
Speaking of, I hope he, Isaac and bonilla get an official promotion soon. It would be nice to actually flesh out the heirarchy of our organisation, even something simple like Axis creating a bare framework and the anons spitball it during the off session times
>>
>>5377615
Honestly I think our best bet would be successfully helping some of the less evil villains. Like Freeze, Croc, maybe Clayface, and trickster. All depending on the versions of course. Our code helps keep us above board but having successful results of reformation would at least give some of the league pause enough for us to bargain or beguile.
>>
>>5377689
If the justice league literally just hired us we wouldn't even have to do crime
>>
>>5377691
The best way to get into the League's good graces (or, at least get them off our back for a while) is to make everything about Task Force X public after we bust open Belle Reve, and fully commit the the war against Intergang.

We really need to make more concrete plans as to what we're going to be doing after we help Jack pass on, and I think that'll be a good start.
>>
>>5377364
I figure DC: Henchman quest ends when we give Jack his rest. Then DC: Villain quest begins
>>
also league interlude here: http://thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5228803/
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>>5377791
Man, Axis' interludes are always fun to read. Especially since we get the outside perspective of our actions. Batman's increasing frustration at Gunsmoke always makes me kek
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>>5377704
Aside from going after some relics Jack is also interested in and us stealing their shit, do we actually have any beef against Intergang?
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>>5377906
Well... Intergang is competition. That should be beef enough.
That and the sweet, sweet Apokaliptian gear loot. That is important
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>>5377906
They have good drops
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>>5377906
All our beefs are kinda mercenary based
We work with professionals and maintain a professional reputation
So all our reasons to fight is based on client motivation or what loot can we get
Most of our magic stuff that intersected with intergang was because jack was unable to teleport easily and loot himself
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>>5377791

>Recently, Gunsmoke has been seen in the company of several freelance mercenaries, who I’ve taken the time to compile some basic information on.
>Gremlin. Blackhat computer hacker. Another fresh name, but another one to watch out for. Works as a data broker on the side, but primarily specializes in high-risk system cracking. His role in the team is self-evident.


>“Despite my personal views on the subject, I’ve been in contact with several League affiliates with more experience on the subject. Unfortunately, most of them agree that it’s not possible to tell without an in-person meeting. Constantine mentioned that he could smell something big in the works, which is never a good sign. Just in case, I’ve petitioned Zatanna to set up a magic-sensitive tracker in Gotham. If there’s a large discharge of anomalous energy, we’ll be alerted and can proceed from there.”

Totally forgot those parts. Gentleman ghost getting freed from his mortal coil may very well be such a discharge.

Additionally, Gremlin is on the Bat Computer. If he becomes a big fixer, he will likely be leveraged to find Gunsmoke. We should probably get ahead of this at some point, but that might be too Meta.

Then again, coming to some agreement with Gremlin about where Gunsmoke is vs. where Tango would fit in Sean's fairly justified paranoia.
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>>5377962
Is the mansion in Gotham proper? I always thought it was a bit off from where they'd put the tracker. I'm sure we're fine there.

Unless we'll have to fight Hawkman, which is a real possibility depending on which backstory Axis uses for him.
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>>5377986
Might take some time to try copying the interludes into a pastebin or something... Honestly a lot to parse in them."
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>>5378048
Would be much appreciated. I like them and I've been wanting to re-read them in a more convenient way
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>>5377791
Anyone else find it funny that they think Sean is dangerous because of all the anger in him when batman is sitting right there? Like the guy is king of channeling his anger issues into productivity.
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>>5378090
Batman doesn't kill though. He strongly believes crossing that line will eventually lead to a slide that cannot be recovered from.
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>>5378092
So you're saying he has a code that keeps him from going too far? We just have different definitions of what that is. Though it would be fun if we could run batman out of a job by reforming/recruiting all his villains.
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>>5378096
To be fair, 'Don't kill at all ever' is a bit better than 'Kill the combatants and spare the civilians/people who's death will cause problems' to the justice league
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>>5378099
In the simplest terms yes but you just need to look at the joker to see how that math checks out.
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>>5378099
Does Sean follow the Geneva convention?
So far i think we have
We totally could have bombed the iceberg lounge and did the mental gymnastics of classifying everyone inside as active combatants.
Unlike batman we can't afford to not kill 100% but we do try to reduce casualties when we actually have a choice
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>>5378100
>>5378157
I'm not saying we're wrong, in fact for a DC villain we're pretty nice. Just trying to look at it from the Justice League's perspective
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>>5378163
I think they allow for rehabilitation for henchman.
Isn't plastic man a career criminal?
Don't other justice league members have kill counts as well?
They're just mad we ain't dickriding batman despite being in Gotham
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>>5377655
>>5377593
I was sort of wondering about this when I originally read the interlude. Are we sure she was actually properly reading Sean? I was sort of under the impression she was just picking up on the Claw's temporary rage-boost effect, or even Pandion himself or something. Could have been all him I guess, but the whole "like no human she's ever read" thing implied to me that something probably went haywire there.
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>>5378177
Yeah, I really doubt that she's NEVER read an angry PTSD-afflicted veteran before. She definitely was getting some cross-pollution from Pandion and the Claw.
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>>5378177
Sean's internal monologue has said before that he's always on the verge of flipping out and how sometimes the hate starts creeping in so yeah, he's fucked in the head.
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>>5378181
I mean half the time our powers are fueled by rage.

We literally draw upon our rage to utilize the claw. We also channeled magic by pure force of angery.

In fact a lot of our feats are by force of angery and willpower. We'd make a decent red lantern if the rings weren't trying to avoid those with will power.
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>>5378208
Yea but how many heroes have the same level of anger but since it's 'righteous' it gets a pass? Sean doesn't really feel like he's anyways on the edge since we usually recognize our emotions and then focus them or dismiss them into/in favor of more productive means.
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>>5378283
If Sean was being played by a group of even SLIGHTLY more bloodthirsty or less stupidly fucking lucky anons, he'd be a MUCH more evil character.
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>>5378292
Evil Sean would be stronger earlier on but he would.be getting his ass beat by 3 founding members of the JLA, Spectre, work with demons, get dropped by gentleman ghost and have a dead gremlin and croc
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>>5378172
I think Plastic Man was a bank robber. We're a killer par excellence and the fact that the people we kill generally deserve it doesn't really change that.
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>>5377906
Besides professional interests and loot? Sean hates how they treat their men. As camaraderie is a HUGE deal to him.

>>5378163
Yeah, we are but the League really doesn't give a fuck about that. As we are still an unstable killer for hire who is a super even if we do have a code.

>>5378177
If you read how we tamed the Claw the whole reason Pandion liked Sean so much was BECAUSE of the sheer RAGE he felt that made Pandion feel that they were brothers in arms. Very early on the quest before Anons decided to go the Big Boss route Sean was more compared with the fucking Doom Slayer due to sheer rage and bloodthirstiness.

>>5378180
She would have been exposed to vets and lunatics before in her line of work. What made Sean different was his ability to harness it for both greater power, being self aware, and bottle it up. What scared the living daylights out of her and alarmed the League by extension is what happens if Sean cannot control it any longer and finally explodes.

>>5378181
>>5378208
>>5378283
Gotta give credit for Sean at least being self aware of it and it's the biggest reason why he isn't as great a threat as the League thinks him to actually be. The problem is the League also has enough reasons to believe otherwise due to his line of work and body count.

Even Gentleman Ghost actually pointed this out about his deteriotating mental health and instability. Especially with how much of his powers are fueled/enhanced by it. That's why he tried to guide him and supported him as he did. It's also why Gentleman Ghost really doesn't want Sean to be left alone after he succeeds. I'm sure that Detective Chimp also is aware of a lot more than he lets on about it.

The players for their part actually didn't help matters that much since they actively voted to avoid and bottle the issues up. Like ignoring Sean's past as it has done nothing to actually alleviate his mental instability and rage. Instead focusing outwardly on Sean's new mission over reviewing his own personal issues, past, and problems. On the plus side it also didn't make it worse admittedly.

The greatest problem actually is the League knows about it now and Sean has no idea. Previously they had no real clue about Sean's mental instability issues except for some random guesses from Batman from his paranoid rants that they didn't take seriously. Now they have actual proof that as far as they're concerned Sean is a walking timebomb just waiting to go off and is actively putting himself in situations that encourages him to finally snap.
>>
Axis save us! The Autism is too strong!
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>>5378389
Thing is getting stuck on the past is a good way to wallow in it. Which is what it felt like every time something related to our past came up. Like the picture. Its not healthy to live in the past. Moving on is generally seen as better.
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>>5378395
Normally I would agree but it's also avoiding what Sean's life was like before the military. Which might be helpful in helping him with his issues. Instead Sean has thrown it all away to focus on his work and mission. Despite that shit being what gave him all his problems and issues in the first place. I mean I know that is the point of the quest and players' goal to become Big Boss but still. I just really don't think it's healthy for him IC and it's only a matter of time before we crit fail mentally in such a way that shit finally explodes like what the League is so worried about.
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>>5378399
I can agree with that but we are not likely to find a therapist that would be willing to keep everything under wraps that easily. I am sure its possible but it would take a lot more trust than we see from Sean and the players to actually go to one and work out our issues. We have 3 personas for Set's sake. Keeping things close to the chest is how Sean roles now and it will be hard to break him out of that. The closest he gets to therapy is drinking heavily surrounded by friends.
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>>5378399
That's the beauty of it though, it is an inevitability that Sean either confronts it or is overwhelmed by it. And both of those will likely be climactic in their own way. Image at the end of everything Sean breaks down and goes full HATE and the league has to take him down. Bomb ass fight. Or Sean manages to last long enough to come to grips with it and the emotional pay off is so big he just straight fucking ascends from the catharsis of it all.

It's a good tool narratively either way.

P.S. we're gonna need contacts on the hero side if we ever want Sean to get mentally "healthy" again, maybe even friends. Bobo and the bar boys are great but they won't be enough.
>>
To be honest, I don't think a breakdown is as set in stone as some of you guys think. Sean's got extreme anger issues, yeah, but he shoves them into determination to finish his job.

And there are the concerns Jack had, about us getting too into our work, but we're going on a vacation with him soon. We'll be fine, we just have to take a break or two. Maybe see some sights, see how the girls in Gotham like us, check out a bar?

If the iceberg lounge is in working condition again, it'd be nice to check it out later on.
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>>5378524
>If the iceberg lounge is in working condition again, it'd be nice to check it out later on.
Let's fuck with Penguin while we're there. Could be something petty like trashing his office or whatever, I just want to leave a card that reads "Get smoked. T. Gunsmoke"
Penguins impotent fury would be worth it!
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>>5378524
>To be honest, I don't think a breakdown is as set in stone as some of you guys think
Everyone in my family has anger issues. They've all had breakdowns. Perhaps I'm just biased.
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>>5378602
probably, since sean is a fictional character and your family members are real people. in any case anon, i advise you too...
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>>5378524
Oh no, a breakdown is inevitable. Everyone breaks down sometime. I just don't think we can really do anything about it unless another character brings it up. Sean knows he has anger issues but he also seems to think he has things under control. He doesn't really but until something happens, players probably will not work towards solving his issues.
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>>5378616
>tfw I have to find grass to touch in a desert
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>>5378597
>Get smoked

I liked when we attacked the Iceberg Lounge. My favorite part was when we were like "It's smokin' time!" And smoked all over those guys
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>>5378641
>My favorite part was when we were like "It's smokin' time!" And smoked all over those guys
Tuly, it was the peak of /qst/
>>
Howdy anons, just checking in to preemptively debunk any inevitable speculation about my untimely death.

Didn't have the time finish Friday's update, but it'll be ready in time for Monday's session. I'll have the Bat-Family interlude posted sometime tomorrow, most likely at an ungodly hour depending on how the day goes.

I've been enjoying the speculation about Sean's future / mental state / what the plan is once Jack is irretrievably gone.

Feel free to ask questions / pester me about stuff. I'll have responses out by the session, if it's something I can readily answer.

>>5378641
The Clayton Sweep
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>>5378856
How many gallon jugs of milk can Sean carry in one trip?
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Will we ever get an interlude of sean's life pre military?
So far all we know is he got a rage meter post betrayal
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>>5378856
Will we get to tell Jack he was like a father to us? I'm gonna miss him :,(
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>>5377429
We can delegate to underlings like gremlin. We dont have to know everything.

Im worried about the incoming regime will target our more politically left leaning members. Dont get me wrong sean probably isnt a fan of commies but he still has a code he lives by regarding his minions.
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>>5378874
6 without anybags using onlyhands
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>>5378932
>>5378874
Shouldn't there be separate stats for the amount we can carry with the claw and the amount we could carry without?
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>>5378524
Sean is so violently unstable the CLAW literally runs off it and it boosts his powers. He just does an amazing job at bottling it up and distracting himself but that is merely delaying instead of resolving. Sean has severe PTSD, rage, and paranoia(The last admittedly makes 1000% sense as they really ARE out to get him).

>>5378623
>>5378408
>>5378411
Yeah, I hate to agree with all that. It's like seeing an incoming trainwreck and not being able to pull the break.

>>5378902
I mean politically Sean is...not so much apolitical or rightwing but rather HATES how the little guy/cannon fodder is mistreated(the last of which even the League is guilty of). It's why harming your comrades and betrayal sets him off so fucking incredibly hardcore.

From an outside perspective...he appears to be a Rightwing Fascism Military Junta Dictator Hardliner, yeah but there is a reason he is the Big Boss in terms of ideology. In truth he ultimately only cares about the minions, soldiers, and underlings who are treated like shit by EVERYBODY(heroes included) and thrown away like disposable cheap trash tools. It's what riles him up more than anything. So in truth, he is more a single issue in terms of politics because he simply cannot stand how they are mistreated and wants to give them a second chance/refuge to make a home/make a living with. A community and comrades just for people like them.

The problem arguably is how it APPEARS. We the players and Sean all know that is the only thing he truly(and actually) cares about. To anyone else on the other hand? Just imagine what it looks like from the outside. A rallying figure formed his own private army and enclave to base himself and his people. A refuge against the world and outside its grasp. Recruiting and training all kinds of scum, soldiers, and more into being comrades in arms. All of whom are for hire.

So personally don't think the biggest issue is what its members are gonna think because they are going to very quickly realize the only thing that Sean actually gives a shit about is providing refuge and home with comrades to make a living for them. So they're more akin to a glorified PMC/Junta/Starship Troopers/Pirate Anarchy Haven model. Rather it's what everyone else is going to think instead that is the problem. As I very much down the League are going to believe them when he claims he just wants to reform, retrain, and gainfully employ all those people in a way that it's the only thing they even can do anymore but do so with honor, respect, and good company.
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>>5378978
first, what is wall of text about trying to analyse sean? anons could vote for him to rape batgirl and barring qm fiat sean would do it. second can you guys stop? i am not against discussion but for the past hours you have saying the same thing over and over again. it almost seem like you only want to hear your own voice.

Also, just in case these anons are turist. here your taboo word

NIGGER
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>>5379018
nah man. It's more we're at the end of the main road. All the piece to finish Gentleman Ghost's unlife are lines up.

Think it's more we're all kinda trying to come to an agreement of the kind of character he is and figuring out what that means for the upcoming arcs.
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>>5378978
TOO LONG, DIDN'T READ SHUT UP FAGGOT
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>>5378978
I understand what you mean, but you ought to shave it down a little, most people won't read the whole thing so it's best to get the main points across
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>>5379018
>rape batgirl
No, it must be consensual and steamy and ONLY after they kick the absolute shit out of each other and have to be creative in their positioning to avoid agitating their bruises and scrapes.

Rape is for villains. Because it's probably their kink anyway.
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>>5379036
But anon

We are a villain
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>>5379039
My friend we're a real hero. Look at all the good we've done? Removing terrorists and thieves from Egypt. Ousting dictators and human rights violators from Venezuela. Uncovering shady corporate deals and secrets from Big Tech. Even aiding in the expunging of criminals from the streets en masse.

I dare say we're the most moral person we know. But what I was saying if it wasn't clear and I apologize for my lack of proper speaking, that rape is to be perpetrated ON villains. Not necessarily BY villains.
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>>5379046
>We will inevitably team up with Comissioner Gordon to rape the Joker
Oh my.
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>>5379094
Joker has some high level plot armor. If we fuck with Joker and get to the point where we might cap him, Batman is showing up. We'd need a team up with Bane or some others to pull off that moment even if it's just to put Joker in a 2 week coma.
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>>5379097
We could always roll a 100, y'never know!
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>>5379094
All the jumping, prancing and dancing he does? Probably a very supple ass.
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>>5379018
Fuck off, sperglord.
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>>5378978

>Sean has severe PTSD, rage and paranoia

None of that is true, anon.

>Severe PTSD
Barring that sequence in the ancient library, Sean has shown that while his experiences in the sandbox were traumatic, he's managed to either work through them or repress them enough that they don't affect his day to day. "Severe PTSD" is when you can't hear a cabinet slamming without getting a traumatic flashback and/or dashing to cover.

>paranoia
If anything, Sean has consistently shown TOO much trust, working with people who were either complete unknowns or even his enemies previously. Hell, we turned Catalyst, let him run behind us, and even had him use his power on us in less than an hour in-game.
>rage
This much is undeniable, but again, Sean has not once let his rage get in the way of professionalism. We don't even rage out with the Claw that often, anon typically preferring to go for stealth commando ops whenever a choice appears.
>>
Will what are the chances of Dr Fate coming after Sean for his use of Chaos magic assuming the justice league finds out he can do it.
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>>5379372
Dunno about Dr. Fate but I am almost certain that Constantine knows about us. If hell is moving and has plans for us then Constantine will find out soon if he doesn't already know. Dude has his fingers in a ton of magical pie after all. I mean Delrio called us out by name. Hell knows us.
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>>5379409
This is a good point, it's not just Constantine, but spectre was, is and will continue to be the single biggest threat on the horizon and is why we can't ever actually do heinous evil shit or we will get blasted into non existence basically instantly. Also since Constantine knows about our bullshit and the thing about zatanna having a magical sensor all over Gotham I full well expect were gonna be fighting the entire damn league when Jack finally tries to escape his miserable unlike. We need some more insurance plans and backup setups for when the domino's finally drop and all hell breaks loose.
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>>5379411
I can't wait for the League to fuck with us and we pull a raid on The Watchtower with all our boys.
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>>5379416
inb4 a heist on mount justice
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>>5379411
When they finally find sean, he's already crawling through the justice league space station sabotaging machinery
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>>5379542
>implying he wouldn't be larping on the JL as the batman for months beforehand while Bruce has fucked off dealing with whatever apocalyptic bullshit is going on in Gotham beforehand
>Nobody says anything cause Sean is more personable then Bruce typically is
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>>5379567
>Nobody notices because Sean is the same weight and height as Bats, and Bruce changes his voice every week.
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>>5379569
>>5379567
>"Hey wait...Batman, not chasing after a criminal is really out of char-"
>"Did I ever mention how wonderful your costume is? Really, it's captivating."
>"T-Thank you"

+40 to Charisma rolls is a big help
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>>5379578
>Batman, you seem... different.
>Oh I just shaved, did I miss a spot? Thanks for looking out. Love the hair by the way. Phenomenal styling.
>Really?! Er, I mean - it's nice of you to notice.
Meanwhile, the martians
>OH FUCK GUYS DON'T FALL FOR IT!
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>>5379592
We could probably fool them too
Batman probably has as much if not more mind defenses as we do
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>>5379598
Perhaps. But it's a pain in the ass to keep it up 24/7. And it'd probably feel different than his. The real problem though is trying to get past Superman. He'd probably have some bullshit about how our heartbeat is different. Or he'd just use his x-ray vision. Or he'd just know because they're besties and actually interact with each other.
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>>5379416
>JL raids our country to fuck up our infrastructure and outer heaven plans.
>Steel Wolves sabotages the watchtower and drops it into the fucking ocean.
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>>5379647
At that point you have a legitimate argument that the JL is a foreign power and can legitimately go to war with them.
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>>5379654
DC henchman to DC steel wolves until we reach DC Global Heaven in the aftermath of JL falling with Heaven bringing back stability and reform for all villains. By force.
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>>5379411
i had a plan of using our jhon persona to join the justice leage and when we are inside maybe use gremlin to stop the comunications when we are doing the ritual. sure it wont stop superman from showing up, but at least the 100% leage and their side kicks wont come until is too late
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>>5379682
Keep in mind, this can only work IF Sean himself in character finds out the league or someone within the league is working to trash Jack's going away party. So here's hoping Axis gives us some kinda opportunity because I myself wanna have a Crack at making the league look like amateurs
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>>5379736
What if we end up in a shirtless fistfight with Hawkman in the rain?
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>>5379740
Dancing in the raaain toonight for a night to remember. One last toast to an old friend until we meet again.
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>>5379740
>rain
You mean in the S T O R M
https://youtu.be/Jrg9KxGNeJY
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>>5379740
Don't we have a soul trap? If we can manage to kill him does he get to reincarnate or does he just get stuck?
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>>5379794
Depending on what backstory Axis' iteration of Hawkman has, Set can probably help out somehow
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>>5379817
Does "killing" jack fuck up hawkman? As I understand, he's cursed to stay a ghost as long as the hawks are alive.

So are we accidentallying the hawks also? Additionally, considering the strength of the curse, what kind of blow back is gonna result from the breakage?


On another note, reread the JL report side story. The steel wolves are literally a JL worst scenario. They minimize their actions in global politics to reduce the chance of a super arms race (countries actively building super core military groups).

If the wolves exist, that provides a place for supers to centralize. We still have to raise money, meaning a lot of merc work and crime will be based from our group.

Also HIVE might be pissed?
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>>5379860
I don't think Hawkman is going to be effected much, if at all, by Jack biting it. It's a pretty one-sided curse, from what I understand.
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>>5379860
Oh right, Venezuela a now stable country that cannot be touched by the JL, giving Steel Wolves time to start global operations. We only really need to worry about batman deciding to investigate us but if we start shit in gotham should keep him pinned there.
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>>5379963
>Sean creates shit in Gotham just so batman doesn't poke his nose into Venezuela

That's some mad shadowrunning right there.
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MEANWHILE, AT WAYNE MANOR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDXe7UAxe-8

This is nice.

Since you’re still in town and things have finally started to quiet down between Bane and the Penguin, everyone was finally able to get together for a meal.

Alfred usually insists on cooking, but Bruce was able to strong-arm him into taking the night off and kicking back a little.

Wasn’t easy, but Bruce can be surprisingly persuasive when he feels like removing the steel rod lodged squarely up his ass.

It’s for the best anyways. Alfred’s cooking is always top-notch, but it’s far too healthy for regular consumption.

So instead, you, Bruce, Tim, and Barbara are splitting some incredibly greasy Chinese takeout in the Bat-Cave.

As you slurp through a container of noodles, you take a moment to enjoy the pure bliss of artery-clogging fast food.

It’s hard to find good Asian fare in Blüdhaven, and you’ve been jonesing for something from a restaurant that actually passes its health inspection.

Bruce is picking at his order of sweet-and-sour pork , whereas Tim is steadily devouring a massive plate of chicken satay.

In contrast, Barbara seems more interested in re-reading a stack of files; barely having touched a thing.

You just mentally shrug. She’s a big girl who can make her own decisions, good or bad.

Tim asks you a couple questions about life in Blüdhaven, which is enough to break Barbara out of her funk.

She looks up from her dinnertime reading, with an inquisitive look in her eye that bodes trouble.

“Have there been any sightings of Gunsmoke?”

Bingo. Knew it was coming.

> “Jeez, how many times are you going to ask that? I told you, as soon as anything pops up, I’d let you know.”

Maybe. You’ll definitely think about it, at least. Ever since Gunsmoke sacked her in Keystone City, she just hasn’t been able to let it go.

Which makes it prime teasing material.

> “So he embarrassed you a couple times and pulled off a heist or two under your nose. I don’t see what all the fuss is about.”

“He’s a killer! Are you really so blasé about just letting him walk around freely!?”

> “Pfft. I’ve read the reports. I’d rather deal with mercs like Gunsmoke instead of the deadbeats crawling around Blüdhaven. Besides, no shop talk while we’re eating. You know the rules.” You admonish, punctuating the reprimand by stealing an eggroll from Barbara’s plate.

After easily dodging her half-hearted attempt to stab you in the hand with a plastic fork, you savor the fruits of your larceny.

Barbara’s still determined to prove her point, as stubbornly muleheaded as ever.

“He put me and Tim in the hospital! Not to mention what he did to M’gann!”

You lean forward, all humor gone.

> “And he could’ve put you all in the morgue instead. Be grateful that he’s not a total animal and get over it.”

Tim pipes up, still chewing a mouthful of chicken.

“So, we should just let him get away scot-free?”
>>
>>5380022

You let out a deep sigh. They’re just not getting it.

Were you ever this pigheaded?

> “All I’m saying, is that any fight you can limp away from is a victory. You’ll catch him eventually, but you’ll never get close if you burn yourself out chasing every lead and fantasizing about what could’ve been. He’ll turn up, you just need to be patient.”

“Dick’s right. Change the subject.” Bruce says, in a tone of voice that’ll brook no further argument.

You’re intimately familiar with that tone, and it still grates on you to this day. Even if it’s used to back your point-of-view.

> “Anybody new on the scene? Now that the the turf war is calming, somebody’s bound to make their move.”

Bruce clears his throat.

“Not exactly. The Bat-Computer actually found a few new hits on Dresden, specifically that ‘Jonah Thema’ alias he gave Barbara. Seems that he’s been busy; that name is referenced as a co-author for a recently released book entitled Logerquist’s Lament. It’s reportedly about the early history of Gotham and de-bunks much of the established historical narrative surrounding it.”

“Who else is credited? If Dresden is a co-author, then he must have some kind of collaborator, right?” Tim points out, astutely.

“Good catch. The other author is a Mortimer Cullen, an independent researcher and novelist based out of Gotham. Aside from questionable writing choices, his record is spotless.”

> “When you say questionable writing decisions…”

“Some of his previous works include a 650 page philosophical treatise written entirely in code, a 300-page argument extolling the ecological benefits of exterminating the common fern, and a 950-page volume about the varieties of soils and minerals common at archaeological surveys.”

> “He must kill at parties.”

“There’s more. According to county police records, Dresden was instrumental in rescuing a group of teenagers that went missing in Slaughter Swamp.”

> “Nasty place. Something about it always gave me creeps; any mention of the culprit?”

“Culprits. Eyewitness testimony indicates Killer Croc and Solomon Grundy as persons-of-interest.”

> “You’re kidding me! That guy took on Killer Croc and Solomon Grundy?”

“If the witness reports are to be believed, then yes.” Bruce replies, a slight hint of irritation coloring his voice.

That’s an interesting slip, you’ll have to file that one away for later.

“We really need to have a long talk with this guy. To make sure that he knows what he’s doing, if nothing else.”

Barbara makes a solid point.

“I’ve already passed his details to the JLA, and we’re working on a method of approach. The last thing we want to do is scare him away or worse. Now eat, before I tell Alfred that you’ve all been skipping meals.”

That threat is enough to silence the entirety of the table, yourself included.

The last time Alfred caught Bruce working through the night without a break, he basically force-fed him and shoved him into a cot.

The ultimate mother hen.
>>
(That concludes the Bat-Family interlude, thanks for being patient, anons.

Not perfectly satisfied with it, but when am I ever? Let me know what you thought, if you've got any questions, etc.)
>>
>>5380025
>I’ve already passed his details to the JLA, and we’re working on a method of approach.
Bahahahahahahahhahahahaha
>>
>>5380025
Very good QM.

Bruce should make Alfred attend Cooking competitions.
>>
>>5380025
These interludes are always great, nice to see the Bat Family outside of us messing with them

Both Bab's reaction to the STAR heist and Batman unknowingly getting irritated by us twice-over made me kek
>>
>>5379860
The thing about supers is they tend to be overly ambitious and do not like working together too much. Especially the villains. Steel Wolves is more specialized in the recovery and training of elite minions to even contend against supers being the goal. That is honestly what makes Sean so damned strange is he actually takes henchmen seriously unlike everyone else.
Rather steel wolves are more about the centralizing and processing of elite henchmen for hire with the potential to recruit supers who acquire a taste for the Haven and organization as well as skilled minions. So not quite worse case scenario for the league but definitely close to it depending on how many Supers decided to join up. If enough supers join up though...yeah you are definitely right anon.
>>
>>5380025
Lol. Nice to see adjunct tango stay off the radar at least. Sticking to Gotham.

Time for Gunsmoke to do a job outside Gotham though. Something relatively small. Maybe a jewelry heist of a business that's a gang front.
>>
>>5380025
Bats really hates unknowns muscling in on his turf, eh? The joys of wondering whether or not the new guy will kill your criminals.

>>5380101
I wonder if we'll need to make a distinction in the ranks between supers and regulars. Part of me doesn't want to, but realistically we would need to in order to better facilitate their needs and build rapport. You can't expect someone like Croc to hang out with normies because he legit has urges to eat people which really sucks ass for him. At the same time someone like our new Russian Stalnoivolk could easily integrate with the rank and file. It's a conundrum. Either way they will have to learn to respect each other. Even if they don't all like each other.

>>5380102
>random mob warehouse/pasta joint combo broken into a couple states away, Gunsmoke nods directly at a CCTV camera across the street
>Babs: Hey so Bruce I'm thinking about going on vacation can I borrow the Batjet and my suit?
Honestly I feel a little bad for her. But proud at the same time. She knows if Gunsmoke didn't hold back he could absolutely fold her over his knee yet she still won't back down.

If nothing else she's probably more technically skilled with literal hand to hand combat. Kung-fu practice with Batman sure is nifty.
>>
>>5380025
Finally caught up.
>I’ve already passed his details to the JLA, and we’re working on a method of approach
>They just so happen to send batgirl, wondergirl and the green chick to recruit "Jonah"
I feel like we'd have to roll just to prevent Sean from bursting out laughing at something like that.
>>
>>5380144
I think sean would freak out
Does the Justice League know about our multiple personas?
Who knows both Jonah Thema and Gunsmoke?
Is batman already inside gentleman ghosts mansion?

Even just getting mind probed again would let the cat out of the bag
>>
>>5380193
mind probing alone won't spill us this time. Last time we didn't know it was a possibility. This time we can handle it.

Also last time, they were a threat to our teammates. That was enough for Gunsmoke to go angery.

Ideally our professionalism and forebearance can keep us in the clear for now.
>>
>>5380210
Last time Miss Martian got to our surface thoughts and felt our eternal REEEE because we were really angry. I'm sure she or Martian Manhunter wouldn't be alarmed if they skimmed again and only felt amusement/fear/any emotion other than rage. It's a normal reaction after all
>>
>>5380101
I am so excited for the day our mooks graduate from fodder to a team of elite mini-bosses that give heroes and villains a run for their money when they face off against us.
>>
>>5380222
I don't think the picture is clear yet: Are the Steel Wolves going to be mini-villain academy, MSF/Diamond Dogs redux, or something else altogether?
>>
>>5380255
Thinking it's closer to Outer Heaven.

Sean cares dearly for soldiers and rank and file in the line of combat. That includes his opponents. His powers give him an opportunity to get people to talk because they might be outmatched otherwise.

It'd be a "academy" in the sense a lot of people with different experiences can spread their knowledge. In application, a mercenary company primarily sending rank and file on missions that each fighter will know their interest is accounted for. They will know each contract is not so we become rich on their suffering. They will also know betrayal is not tolerated, even among themselves.

tl;dr: We Outer Heaven for mundies in a world of supers. Even if we do have supers as well, just not hard hitters.
>>
>>5380263
Honestly, the Steel Wolves are going to be a thorn in the side of the JL.

A Mercenary Company with intelligent leadership, that doesn't treat people like cannon fodder, and actually provides experience and expertise to it's men? Not a very good enemy for anyone, to say the least
>>
>>5380263
The only downside to such an organization in a world of supers is that any superhero with immunity to most danger like superman could destroy motherbase in an afternoon

We could operate more like autonomous squads that are situated around the world and just use magic from communications and teleport for backup
>>
>>5380283
Yes, but invading and destroying motherbase is an international incident. Additionally it makes the JL look absolutely terrible in doing so, as Motherbase wouldn't be actively threatening the world at that time.

It's more likely it would be the target of government taskforces such as X.
>>
>>5380278
Their only silver lining is that we fucking hate the Suicide Squad, otherwise we'd probably have helped each other out on missions. On the flip side it's because we'll be actively recruiting from the Squad and seeking to completely replace them, but for a brief moment we'll be helping to fuck them over for the JL.
>>
>>5380263
Should we give the knockoff Big Boss persona a different name and keep Adjutant Tango for our association with Jack? Since there's going to be an interview soon we have an opportunity to make something up and put it out there.
>>
>>5380263
DESU, I can see the Wolves as a "harsh-weather friend" for the JL. Joining together to fight some big, world ending threat or someone Sean finds totally reprehensible and a JL member just shows up, and then going back to being enemies afterward.
>>
>>5380278
Steel Wolves will be a huge pain for the League. The problem for the League is they will underestimate them for being mooks until they realize that oh shit mooks who are properly cared for are actually a massive pain in the ass to deal with. Now other factions on the other hand will love having mercs like that.

>>5380263
Considering how many crooks we ended up recruiting I rather doubt it will stay limited to just merc work. Steel Wolves has a real chance of establishing a massive criminal presence. I'm expecting to see a more official paramilitary organization and unofficial underworld company. That is the only thing I would amend about it.

>>5380290
...That is actually a good point. Don't we need a public persona as Big Boss for the Steel Wolves and Outer Heaven or maybe we should just use one of our old ones?

>>5380286
Don't forget villains. The Motherbase if you think about it gonna be a huge international incident invoker because it's gonna be crawling with goons, supers, and whatever support structures we put in place. It is hard for the League to touch because it's a huge minefield for them but if they nail us for being something like Hydra it's possible.
>>
>>5380290
Creating an alter ego for AT when he's KNOWN as the Steel Wolves founder is just ASKING for people to know there's multiple personas at stake.

I mean we can use a new Persona for Adjunct Tango that's tied to him from this point on. "Alpha Steel" sounds right but also SUPER 90s edgy. Cuz they're wolves... and he's the alpha... But still sounds like a teenager trying to be edgy.
>>
>>5380290
If we can get some face morphing tech or magic this would be a lot simpler but with the resources we have at hand mask will be tied to adjutant tango, seans face will be tied to jonah thema
>>
>>5380290
Adjutant Tango is already tied to the SW, and even then it's still a pretty good name. An Adjutant is an officer who assists in administration, and 'Tango' is code for enemy.

So we're the Enemy Administrator, works well
>>
>>5380299
Hey, that's an idea. We don't need to make a separate identity, we just pretend that we're the adjutant to some mastermind who's really running the show while we're actually the one in charge all along. Should be fun for the JL thinking there's some bigger boogeyman than us out there.
>>
>>5380218
If I remember correctly - and I don't remember which thread it was in exactly - Axis has stated that Miss Martian couldn't actually read any of Sean's thoughts but was instead picking up the rage from The Claw. In other words Sean's mind was protected enough she couldn't get any read on him what-so-ever but thinks she did because of Pandion.
>>
>>5380294
PMC and a coordinator for mercenaries is still official enough that we can't be fucked for it. Sean doesn't seem... greedy enough to really pull some supervillain shit as is.

>>5380304
I can see that happening. Sean isn't really obsessed with riches or power. He's just psychotically focused on how soldiers and civil servants are abused by governments and those with power.

Creating Outer Heaven is basically his endgame and makes sense as such. I can see him going full supervillain against whoever tries to remove it from the board and abuses soldiers as they do it. I'm not entirely sure where "obliterating Task Force X and hunting down its leadership" lies on the supervillain axis.
>>
>>5380305
Oh, we're definitely safe then as long as we keep the Claw under wraps as Jonah
>>
>>5380025
oh god i'm just trying to imagine the interview of a bunch of JLA dudes just up and talk to us in our jonah alias where it starts with them questioning what we are doing and leading to us asking them questions like why in the hell are normal people trying to punch an immortal magical zombie man to death.
>>
We're going to have a busy schedule on our hands. After we lay Jack to rest, I say we give the Steel Wolves a month or two to train and build up Blanquilla while we handle things for our other personas.

For Gunsmoke, I think causing a little Chaos to distract the League is a good idea. Keeps them busy, and keeps their eyes focused away from us.

After we have our vacation with Jack though. I'm gonna miss him :(
>>
>>5380309
I'd love for Miss Martian to try and get a read on Jonah only to see the image of something inane like an empty sandbox or a cloud bank and then Sean looks her dead in the eyes and tells her it's rude to pry solely to see how she'd panic at getting so casually called out.

How do we step her from picking up the claw instead of our defenses right off the bat, I wonder?
>>
>>5380295
>>5380297
>>5380299
As far as I can remember the only name tied to our current getup is Defcon. When did we use Adjutant Tango?
>>
>>5380322
Adjutant Tango is the name of this persona, we only used Defcon before with the Suicide Squad because glowies suck and they don't deserve to know us
>>
>>5380314
>a little Chaos
ROAD TRIP WITH SET, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
>>
>>5380324
Glowies know AT=Deacon. They got it from the betrayer at minimum. There also the fact we're going on TV
>>
>>5380305
Axis never said that. It was anon's guessing/headcanon. What we DO know is that she caught flashes and fragments , which leads me to believe it wasn't Pandion's rage she got.
>>
Since I just caught up yesterday and have most of the quest still fresh, let me try to clarify the personas a bit:

>Gunsmoke: Sean wearing his armor under a trenchcoat and a big hat. Has been wearing a balaclava at all times he was officially spotted as Gunsmoke, but our buddies (Cortez, Genghis, Gremlin and Gilligan) have likely seen our real face as well. Has not publically used magic so far, only guns and super-strength. Known ties to Bane.

>Jonah Thema/CODENAME DRESDEN in the Batcomputer: Our real face. Introduced ourselves to Batgirl as an occult detective, but have not shown our powers openly. Now suspected to be pretty powerful after taking care of Solomon Grundy and Killer Croc.

>Adjutant Tango: Full armor + Helmet. The persona we used to instigate and lead the revolt in Venezuela. Unfortunately our real face has been revealed not only to our companions in the guerrilas but also to the Suicide Squad's apparatus, which means our face is also on file (though under codename DEFCON rather than Adjutant Tango). Known ties to Jack Craddock, aka Gentleman Ghost.

>Sean Clayton: Technically our civilian face. On the lam from the law, wanted for extradition to Iraq.
Our record has been convincingly deleted from all archives, but Batman already connected the prison riot we got away in to Gunsmoke and even found our deleted records, so it's conceivable he can pick uo the trail if we give him more to work with.
>>
>>5380367

forgot to note:

>Adjutant Tango/DEFCON has openly shown the full extent of our powers (Super strength via the claw, Apokoliptian technology, and magic). This was broadcast live on Venezuelan TV, so it's highly unlikely we can make the footage disappear.
>>
>>5380367
I just had a thought. Due to Sean's record of PTSD and "anger issues", would Batman send him to Arkham instead of Blackgate?
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>>5380370
Don't worry, they don't know AT can do that thing with the spiders yet.

Jokes aside I'd be surprised if the cameras actually caught any good footage of everything we were doing. Just because being in the same room as a ten foot tall spiky boi throwing chunks of the room around and not caring for your safety as he charges about and his opponent shooting plasma, lightning, fireballs, and all sorts of other zany shit, as well as summoning a giant jackal-headed stand is probably not conducive to steady shots or even attended cameras. It's one thing for some idiot hiding around an alleyway with his smartphone recording a few streets away thinking he's safe and being within 20 feet of two veritable titans throwing hands.

I'm sure they caught at least a little accidentally, though. But I don't think they actually got to see the claw. Unless we used it in our first bout with the General. I forget off the top of my head.

The real problem is with the squad and Lok. They actually took notes. And the incandescent one probably uploaded it somewhere. It's only a matter of time before someone we don't want to gets their hands on it.

>>5380377
If he still thinks Gunsmoke is just strong and capable, maybe.
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>>5380367
>also to the Suicide Squad's apparatus, which means our face is also on file
Not for long if we have any say in the matter.
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>>5380381
I suppose my issue wih the whole suicide squad thing is how long till Waller gets off her ass and starts being a massive pain in the ass for literally everyone, because thats what she does and is probably the single best person at it in all of DC.
>>
>>5380381
I kinda want to get a pet spider for Sean. Something to take care of in his downtime. He could also breed exotic spiders for sale as pets. He could blend it with his newish gardening hobby to make terrariums for sale. Imagine being able to talk to the spider and ask it what it wants in its enclosure to make it happier or what foods it would prefer.
>>
>>5380435
Sean raising Giant War Tarantulas would be comfy as fuck.
>>
If spectre gave us one freebie to kill one major character i would probably choose Waller
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>>5380456
He is a spirit of vengeance isnt he? I doubt he would have problems with us killing Waller. She certainly has done things that deserve death.
>>
Since we are kind of already going the Alpharius route I had an idea. Our fake names can become aliases to be adopted and discarded by our operatives. Or when our boys go out on missions they can adopt a call sign and the agent in command would be honored to use one of our fake names. ex. agent in command would be called Gunsmoke or Defcon.
>>
>>5380555
I think the main issue with this is that it is going to become very confusing internally and, unless we come up with more fake names, restrictive
>>
Inb4 we simply split our persona's
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>>5380381
No, the Sett-head avatar and the other fancy stuff happened during the rematch, which I'm pretty sure happened in a closed room. The televised battle was the first one, where we just stuck to hexbolts and the Claw if I recall correctly. Still enough for anyone who sees it to figure out we have magic up our sleeve (as the Suicide Squad did).
>>
We should start a garden, eventually. Could be unofficial Jack Craddock Memorial Garden
>>
>>5378874
>>5378895
>>5378901

> How many gallon jugs of milk can Sean carry in one trip?

Depends on several different parameters. Baseline Sean could probably carry 4 or 5 without too much difficulty, the main issue would be potential spillage. With the Claw, your raw strength would increase, but you’d still have the problem of bulkiness. Ideally, Sean would use Twister to carry large quantities of milk without even having to lift a finger, so long as he can properly manage their trajectories.

> Will we ever get an interlude of Sean’s life pre-military?

I hadn’t considered it, but if enough anons express interest in the idea, I’m open to tacking it on as a potential interlude.

> Will we get to tell Jack he was like a father to us?

If you so desire, that’ll probably make an appearance during the leadup to Jack’s exorcism.

(If there are any other questions, or if I missed one, feel free to link it to this post.)
>>
>>5380747
This is a must do, the man deserves such honour.
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>>5380758
>Ideally, Sean would use Twister to carry large quantities of milk without even having to lift a finger, so long as he can properly manage their trajectories.
Clearly this means that Twister is the first spell we truly master so we can mold it's properties however we want.
Twister Gang rise up
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>>5380790
>not making a giant spider zord out of millions of smaller spiders to carry the milk for you
Spider Gang
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>>5380793
We really need to advance our magic to split in a swarm of Spiders

That would be a neat trick to scare Babs as Jonah
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>>5380793
I'll do you one better, we mix Twister and Spiders. Spider-nado!
We'd clean up Gotham's streets from low-level thugs within a month!
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>>5380794
>"So how'd you manage to get out of fighting Grundy unscathed, Jonah?"
>"Check it out, I'm a spider man!"
>[proceeds to dissolve into tens of thousands of spiders]
I can only image the incoherent shrieking. It would be a really useful infiltration trick, but it would probably also make us very vulnerable. Imagine what someone with a jar of acid could do to the spider swarm. It would probably be very not good for us.

I wonder if we'd still have the pyrophilic qualities in spider form. Now THAT is nightmare fuel. Some guy becomes a bunch of spiders so you grab a can of hairspray and a lighter to deal with it but they just get faster when you light them on fire. Jesus.

>>5380798
I wonder what else we could combine with our magics. A tazer spider launching flamenado? Giving spiders that super haste spell? A bunch of spiders that can give or take luck?

Whatever happens, it's a shit day to be a criminal in Gotham when the spiders come out to play.
>>
>>5380804
Oooh, maybe we could mix Abyssal Shield and Kinetic Frenzy for a battering ram move?
Might actually be difficult to pull off since AS and KF are both mixed nature spells already.

>>5380022
>>5380025
Bit late but I feel that under MANY other circumstances, Sean and Nightwing would get along rather well. Really, it's a shame.
Also, this bit:
>“There’s more. According to county police records, Dresden was instrumental in rescuing a group of teenagers that went missing in Slaughter Swamp.”

>“Nasty place. Something about it always gave me creeps; any mention of the culprit?”

>“Culprits. Eyewitness testimony indicates Killer Croc and Solomon Grundy as persons-of-interest.”
Nothing about the Two-Face goons in the Swamp? Either Bats thought they weren't relevant or the local law enforcement decided they weren't worth the hassle, damn.
>>
>>5380817
Slight spoiler about that mission, so feel free to ignore.

The asshole sheriff was a dirty cop, trying to bury the investigation so that Two-Face's smuggling operation in the swamps wouldn't be disturbed. He managed to redact anything mentioning armed goons or Two-Face from the case files.
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>>5380794
I don't think we're ever going to get that level of Spiderness unless we find like, an entire clan of spider magic people or a powerful artifact. Honestly what we have is good enough as-is, I'd rather focus on other areas of magic we haven't even dipped our toes in (such as improving our basic bitch fire bolt into a fireball at least, or reading about ghosts, demons, or blood magic).
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>>5376357

The deal that Suarez offers is almost too good to be true.

Sure enough, as you consider the possibilities and the various future opportunity costs, there are a few niggling points of concern that you are determined to iron out before concluding negotiations.

While Suarez isn’t happy at first, you manage to sway him to your way of thinking after a bit of haggling and persuading him that the measures also act in his own interest.

Firstly, you request that you be allowed to maintain the anonymity of your identity during the televised interview. You spin it by focusing on how it’d jeopardize the operational efficiency of the Steel Wolves, and that refusing to reveal yourself would help solidify you as a symbol of the revolution.

Suarez is skeptical, but is willing to let the matter go without any real issue.

Next, your request that operations be unanimously countersigned by the triumvirate is not received well, at least until you properly lay out the pitch. You remind him that such a measure would allow you to remand yourself from any kind of internal power politics or petty factional disputes, and allow you to focus further on things that matter.

When you bring up the matter of internal friction, Suarez quickly sees the merits to such a proposal and gruffly acquiesces.

Lastly, your most counterintuitive request is phrased more like a suggestion than anything else. It’s a simple enough line to sell, you drop a few veiled hints that Pedraza’s being backed by foreign governments, and that his collaborators might be stupid enough to leave a trail if given some rope with which to hang themselves.

Suarez cracks a wolfish smile and is more than happy to coordinate a little catch-and-release program with some of Pedraza’s confidants.

With that, the deal is concluded with a firm handshake and an apology that Suarez must be departing for another appointment.

As a show of good faith, you allow him to extract Pedraza’s cabinet members, but you plan on holding onto the tin-pot dictator until you’ve got a firm assurance from the other two-thirds of the junta.

All that you need to do now is get the contents of the vault appraised, compensate your men for their efforts, and announce the formal end to the struggle.

But first, it’s time to celebrate, something to let the men know that their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

In that vein, you decide to…

> Throw a wild party at the palace as one last hurrah. Your men fought hard, and now they deserve a chance to savor the spoils of war.

> Pull back to base and have a wild time in familiar surroundings. Don’t want to risk overstaying your welcome or anything.

> Pull back to base, have a quiet ceremony, and formally dissolve the Liberators. You came, you saw, you conquered; no need to make a drawn out production out of the whole thing.

> Other?
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>>5380836
> Pull back to base and have a wild time in familiar surroundings. Don’t want to risk overstaying your welcome or anything.

We gotta make sure to keep our officers/new Squad buddies sober, though.
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>>5380836
> Throw a wild party at the palace as one last hurrah. Your men fought hard, and now they deserve a chance to savor the spoils of war.

They just succeeded in the revolution, that in itself calls for celebration
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>>5380836
> Pull back to base and have a wild time in familiar surroundings. Don’t want to risk overstaying your welcome or anything.
>>
>>5380836
> Pull back to base and have a wild time in familiar surroundings. Don’t want to risk overstaying your welcome or anything.
>>
>>5380836
> Throw a wild party at the palace as one last hurrah. Your men fought hard, and now they deserve a chance to savor the spoils of war

Probably best if we don't move too far away from the vault until everything's settled, and moving Pedraza could be a hassle as well.
>>
>>5380838
>>5380841
>>5380843

Alright, look's like having a home-style party wins. Writing.
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>>5380859

As tempting as it would be to have an 80s style rager in Bonilla’s palace, chances are high that the junta would prefer to keep the premises intact.

Doesn’t mean that you can’t have it stripped down for anything useful first.

While your men proceed to steal everything that isn’t nailed down, you take the liberty of inviting Catalyst and Stalnoivolk to join the celebrations.

Catalyst gives you a big thumbs-up.

“Now you’re talking! You wouldn’t believe how long it’s been since I had a strong drink!”

Stalnoivolk is much more reserved, but also agrees to participate in the festivities.

Unfortunately, some of your men need to stay behind and ensure that nobody tries anything stupid in your absence.

After drawing lots, you assign the unlucky losers to maintain the perimeter and keep Pedraza under strict guard. There’s not a chance in hell that anyone would risk crossing you now, but it’s a necessary precaution.

You and your men load up into the trucks, while Bonilla gets on the radio and lets the skirmisher units know that there’s a chance for recreation on the horizon.

When your convoy arrives back at camp, the party is already in full swing. Looks like you’ve arrived fashionably late.

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

Once again, your gear heads have set up speakers blaring salsa music, and the locals areout in force; something that you’re more than happy to encourage.

This is their victory just as much as it is yours.

Meanwhile, the cooks have been hard at work with a meal that you haven’t had the opportunity to sample yet; pabellón criollo.

A traditional dish of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains.

Apparently, it’s a cultural staple of the Venezuelan food scene, and you can see why.

You’ve never been a big plantain guy, but it absorbs the excesses juices and has an incredibly satisfying crunch nonetheless.

As you dig into the massive plateful of grub, you take a moment to observe how your various lieutenants and guests are enjoying themselves.
>>
>>5380887

There’s a makeshift dance floor where the younger guerrillas are dancing with some of the local girls and generally trying to woo them. It’s a little cute, seeing some of your cut-throat Liberators desperately trying to avoid embarrassing themselves in front of the fairer sex.

Bonilla’s sitting around the bonfire with some of the other veteran guerrillas, passing the bottle around and telling tall tales.

Off out the outskirts of the camp, Mondragon and some of his poachers have “acquired” some of Pedraza’s tacky paintings and are currently using them as makeshift skeet shooting targets.

Meanwhile, Almonte’s playing with some of the local kids and showing them how to properly craft homemade fireworks. The old guy probably looks the happiest you’ve ever seen him.

Darius is busy sparring with a much younger guerrilla fighter, and soundly takes him down with a shot to the throat. After verifying that the kid is alright, he steps aside and gives the boy some tips on how to better keep his guard up.

Isaac is busy sketching something in some kind of journal. It seems that he’s gone and gotten himself a hobby; good for him.

Catalyst is steadily drinking people under the table, but is clearly starting to get tipsier. The suit apparently comes with a built-in slot for food and drink, which just raises further questions.

Stalnoivolk is holding court with some of the ex-PLA fighters and arguing about politics. Despite the subject matter, everyone is keeping it cool and good-natured.

After finishing a second plate of food, you decide to…

(Choose 3)

> Check in on Isaac and his drawings. You can’t help but be a little curious about how good he is.

> Help Almonte with the fireworks. What’s not to enjoy about mixing gunpowder and flammable materials?

> Cut a rug with one of the local girls. You’ve earned the right to take the night off and have a bit of fun.

> Enter the wrestling ring and offer a challenge to any and all comers. It’s been a while since you’ve had the opportunity for some old-school CQC.

> Join the shooting gallery with Mondragon. You didn’t get to shoot the real thing, might as well get your licks in on his likeness.

> Tell war stories around the fire with Bonilla. If there’s one thing you’re good at, it’s spinning a good yarn.

> Chat with Stalnoivolk about the political situation in Venezuela. You’ll probably be opening a massive can of worms, but that’s never held you back before.

> Other?
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>>5380888
> Check in on Isaac and his drawings. You can’t help but be a little curious about how good he is.
> Enter the wrestling ring and offer a challenge to any and all comers. It’s been a while since you’ve had the opportunity for some old-school CQC.
> Tell war stories around the fire with Bonilla. If there’s one thing you’re good at, it’s spinning a good yarn.

These seem like the best opportunities for Fun.
>>
>>5380888
> Cut a rug with one of the local girls. You’ve earned the right to take the night off and have a bit of fun.
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>>5380890

You get 3 total choices, anon.
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>>5380888
> Tell war stories around the fire with Bonilla. If there’s one thing you’re good at, it’s spinning a good yarn.
> Enter the wrestling ring and offer a challenge to any and all comers. It’s been a while since you’ve had the opportunity for some old-school CQC.
> Chat with Stalnoivolk about the political situation in Venezuela. You’ll probably be opening a massive can of worms, but that’s never held you back before.
>>
>>5380888
> Check in on Isaac and his drawings. You can’t help but be a little curious about how good he is.
> Tell war stories around the fire with Bonilla. If there’s one thing you’re good at, it’s spinning a good yarn.
> Enter the wrestling ring and offer a challenge to any and all comers. It’s been a while since you’ve had the opportunity for some old-school CQC.

These will be fun; and we get to show off some of our skills
>>
>>5380893
adding this:
> Enter the wrestling ring and offer a challenge to any and all comers. It’s been a while since you’ve had the opportunity for some old-school CQC.
> Tell war stories around the fire with Bonilla. If there’s one thing you’re good at, it’s spinning a good yarn.
to my vote >>5380890
>>
>>5380896
This sounds like our tempo. Supporting
>>
>>5380889
this
>>
>>5380889

Alright, looks like checking in on Isaac, doing some storytelling, and getting in the ring for some action wins.

We'll start with the drawings, go ahead and give me some 2d100, no DC to worry about.

First roll is yours, second is Isaac's.
>>
Rolled 26, 29 = 55 (2d100)

>>5380907
Double ones
>>
Rolled 16, 49 = 65 (2d100)

>>5380907
>>
Rolled 44, 76 = 120 (2d100)

>>5380907
>>
Rolled 74, 44 = 118 (2d100)

>>5380907
>>
>>5380911

Alright, looks like you're pretty meh at it, but Isaac's got some actual talent.

Now, give me some 2d100 for how the storytelling goes.

First roll is yours (+25), second is Bonilla's (+10)
>>
Rolled 72, 40 = 112 (2d100)

>>5380914
One time, in band camp
>>
Rolled 86, 10 = 96 (2d100)

>>5380914
>>
Rolled 38, 86 = 124 (2d100)

>>5380914
>>
>>5380915
>>5380916
>>5380917

Looks like the both of you know how to keep the stories flowing.

Writing.
>>
>>5380916
>>5380917
His Schwartz is as big as ours. But we handle it a little better. Noice.
>>
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>>5380918

Your first stop is to hang out for a while with Isaac. It’s been a long time since you’ve had a real one-on-one with him, and you can’t help but be curious about whatever he’s scribbling in his journal.

> “Enjoying the party?”

He fidgets a bit before answering.

“Yeah. Kinda not feeling it tonight, but that’s just me.”

> “I get it. This might sound weird, but do you ,ind if I take a look at that sketchbook of yours?”

Isaac looks incredibly nervous for a moment, before he steels himself and pushes the notebook your way.

Put bluntly, his initial drawings are a complete mess. But as you flip through the notebook, there’s a clear indication of progress and refinement of his technique. Isaac’s been drawing all sorts of things; battlefields, scenery, people, and they’ve gotten pretty damn good.

> “These are really good, Isaac! How long have you been drawing?”

“Couple’a months maybe? I’ve had plenty of time to kill, and there’s not a whole lot to do out on patrol. You’ve got to invent your own fun; want to learn?”

“Sure!”

Isaac shows you a few tricks with shading and perspective, and while your sketches are clearly amateurish, Isaac is glad to see that you’re taking it seriously.

> “That was fun, we’ll have to do this again sometime. Before I forget, come and find me later. Got some stuff to talk about. Don’t worry, it’s all good.”

After clapping Isaac on the back, you head for the big bonfire in the center of the camp.
>>
>>5380936

Your presence at the bonfire is met with a ragged cheer as you take a seat next to Bonilla and dutifully wait for your turn. Once the bottle is passed to you, you take a deep slug and begin weaving some tales of your own.

You tell all kinds of stories of your adventures, carefully sanitizing relevant details and place-names. You talk about your service in the military, about how you’ve re-invented yourself, and some of the highlights and lowlights from your various jobs.

The circle is loving it, and there’s almost a grumble of discontent as you pass it over to Bonilla once you feel that you’ve said your piece.

It’s a tough act to follow, but Bonilla does a masterful job of holding his own, telling stories about the early days of the Jungle Rats, what life was like in prison, and the pride he feels as one of the Liberators.

All this nostalgia and reminiscing is starting to get to you, so you decide to clear your head in the most straightforward way possible; with a fight.

The wrestling ring is currently vacant, so it looks like you’ve got the pick of the litter when it comes to your opposition.

After some thought, you decide to challenge…

> A trio of guerrillas. Time to show the men exactly why you’re the one calling the shots.

> Bonilla and Darius. Two-and-one against experienced opponents won’t be easy, but you’re not a coward.

> Stalnoivolk. Go big or go home, might as well try your luck against the biggest man here.

> Other?
>>
>>5380940
> Stalnoivolk. Go big or go home, might as well try your luck against the biggest man here.
>>
>>5380940
> Stalnoivolk. Go big or go home, might as well try your luck against the biggest man here.
>>
>>5380940
> Stalnoivolk. Go big or go home, might as well try your luck against the biggest man here.
>>
>>5380940
> Stalnoivolk. Go big or go home, might as well try your luck against the biggest man here.

WRASSLE
>>
>>5380940
>Stalnoivolk

Ironically it's because rolling against 3 people is triple the chance to get crit on.
It also wouldn't hurt to see how well our newest recruit handles himself on offense.
>>
>>5380942
We didn't get to have that fight and this is a good chance to do so with low stakes.
>>
>>5380942
>>5380945
>>5380947
>>5380948
>>5380949

Seems pretty unanimous for the big guy, writing.
>>
>>5380954

As crazy as it may sound, Stalnoivolk is the best option. You never really got the opportunity to fight alongside (or against) him back at the palace, so you might as well give it a shot now.

It doesn’t take much to cajole him away from arguing about praxis or whatever it is communists talk about. Guess he must want this fight as much as you.

Rules are pretty simple, no going over the line, fight’s over as soon as somebody inside or outside the ring calls the match. Given the extenuating circumstances of Stalnoivolk’s strength, he’s fine with allowing you to wear your Apokoliptian armor.

If you were fighting against a non-meta, you’d probably do it with no handicaps in your favor, but Stalnoivolk is a degree or two above, and may genuinely flatten you otherwise.

Consider it the cost of doing business.

You both head to separate corners, and size each other up, looking for weaknesses. Your leg is still a bit sore from Delrio shanking you, but you’re still fit to fight.

When somebody rings the bell, you decide to..

> Feint and get inside his guard, before delivering a haymaker to the throat. Doesn’t matter how tough you are if you can’t breathe.

> Charge forward with a low tackle and take out his legs. If you can get sufficient leverage, you should be able to put him into a submission hold.

> Use your agility to keep out of range and whittle him down. It’s a little boring, it’s a winning strategy for a reason.

> Open with a flying knee to the face. It’ll be a good way of disorienting him, and hopefully giving you an opening to follow through.

> Lock him into a clinch and try to bodyslam him. This is an awful idea, but you can’t help but imagine how awesome it’d feel.

> Other?
>>
At least I managed to get here before you ended things for the night Axis!


>>5380022
>>5380025

Definitely enjoyed this slice of life segment in regards to The bat family sharing a somewhat heated meal together. Although I do have some questions in regards to it. First off why didn't Barbara make any mention about her interactions with "Dresden" whilst in her civvies and about her perceived thoughts on his "attempt" to poison drug her? Also what is up with Bruce's reaction to Dresden squaring off against Grundy and Croc? And finally is anyone else hoping to see how "Dresden" deals with interacting with Alfred over a cuppa? I can see it now he gets hired by Bruce in his playboy persona as a way to try and get a read on Dresden not realizing that he has unknowingly invited Gunsmoke into his home as well! And all the while Dresden is talking about tea varieties with Alfred...Menacingly!

>>5380367
Where did you see that Batman found the deleted files. Cause from what I remember Batman was only able to find that the files had been deleted not that he had recovered what exactly had been deleted?
>>
>>5380967
> Use your agility to keep out of range and whittle him down. It’s a little boring, it’s a winning strategy for a reason.

This guy can take gunshots. We need to tire him out, it's the only way to beat him.
>>
> Open with a flying knee to the face. It’ll be a good way of disorienting him, and hopefully giving you an opening to follow through.

May as well give the crowd a show!
>>
>>5380967
> Open with a flying knee to the face. It’ll be a good way of disorienting him, and hopefully giving you an opening to follow through.
>>
>>5380967
> Lock him into a clinch and try to bodyslam him. This is an awful idea, but you can’t help but imagine how awesome it’d feel.

Rule of cool
>>
>>5380967
> Open with a flying knee to the face. It’ll be a good way of disorienting him, and hopefully giving you an opening to follow through.
>>
>>5380968

Barbara didn't mention it, mostly because Dick had already been yanking her chain. Mentioning that interaction would've just given him further ammo with which to tease.

I was also basically out of steam and out of posting space

As for Bruce, he still has lingering doubts about the whole "magic" deal, and has a suspicion or two that there's something off about the whole situation. Especially now that he's got confirmation in regards to Grundy and Croc.

Dresden has all his paranoia cylinders firing, because while Gunsmoke may be a violent criminal, Dresden is an unknown quantity, and that unsettles him more.
>>
Rolled 27, 56, 37 + 120 = 240 (3d100 + 120)

>>5380971
>>5380973
>>5380977

Alright, roll me some 1d100+80

I'll go ahead and roll for Stalnoivolk, as well as your Luck Drain bonus, since I'm sure you'll be wanting it.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d15)

>>5380986

Here's the Luck Drain bonus.
>>
Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>5380986
>>
Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>5380986
>>
Rolled 45 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5380986
>>
Rolled 21 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5380986
>1
>>
Rolled 99, 70, 32 + 55 = 256 (3d100 + 55)

>>5380988
>>5380989
>>5380991

That's a failure, go ahead and give some 1d100+40 to avoid his counter-attack.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 60 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5380994
Jesus fucking christ.
>>
Rolled 41 + 80 (1d100 + 80)

>>5380994
Big nope.
>>
Rolled 72 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5380994
>>
Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>5380994
This man is going to kick our ass
>>
Rolled 19 + 50 (1d100 + 50)

>>5380995
>>5380999
>>5381001

So far, things are not going to plan.

Go ahead and give me another set of 1d100+40.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 88, 28 + 50 = 166 (2d100 + 50)

>>5381005
Bungled the post, incoming double rolls.
>>
Rolled 65 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5381005
brrr
>>
Rolled 22 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5381005
W-we're just playing around! If we really tried, we'd win! Lol
>>
Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>5381005
>>
Rolled 85 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5381005
>>
Rolled 81, 2, 68 + 45 = 196 (3d100 + 45)

>>5381009
>>5381010
>>5381011

That's your penultimate failure.

Go ahead and give me one last round of 1d100+40.

This is your last chance to turn it around, otherwise...

inb4 crit
>>
Rolled 83 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5381010
To be fair, going into a straight slugfest with a bulletproof man was never going to end well.

>>5381015
PUNCH
>>
Rolled 84 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5381015
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>5381015
I blame Set
>>
>>5381019

I do it to myself at this point.
>>
>>5381019
HOLY SHIT
>>
>>5381019
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I ACTUALLY FUCKING JUMPED WHEN I REFRESHD TO SEE THIS
>>
>>5381019
>>5381015
Axis called it too! Lmao good job anon
>>
Rolled 57 + 40 (1d100 + 40)

>>5381015
>>
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>>5381019
>>
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>>5381019
>>
>>5380426
Except for this time, there is someone who desperately wants Waller dead and Suicide Squad destroyed more than anything with every fiber of his very angry being. Sean has HUGE grudge against Suicide Squad since it practically stands for absolutely everything he hates most and seeks to guard against. After all Sean isn't actually prejudiced against criminals and madmen to such an extent he actively desires to help and 'reform' them instead. Even if his idea of reforming is very off since he cannot see himself retiring from battle and that exciting lines of work either. Which is a common issue with many vets. Civilian life just really isn't for them.

I mean if you think about the Steel Wolves and Outer Heaven(or whatever we end up calling homebase) under Sean is practically the Antithesis and archnemesis of the Suicide Squad program.

>>5380758
I'll admit I am curious about what Sean was like back then before everything went to shit for him.
>>
>>5381016
>>5381017
>>5381019

That critical success kind of derails the rest of my plans for tonight, so I’ll go ahead and put your response to a vote.

This fight’s not over, but you’re definitely back in the running.

How would like to deliver your crit-assisted counterattack?

You…

> Drive your knee directly into his crotch, followed by a combination strike to the throat, face, and other vulnerable areas. The rulebook has now officially gone out the window.

> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.

> Charge forward with the might of a man possessed and bulldoze straight through him. There must be something in the food, otherwise you wouldn’t have a chance in hell of pulling this off.

> Catch both his fists mid-punch, before delivering a scathing headbutt that sends him reeling backwards. There’s nothing quite like the Glasgow Kiss.

> Weave in and out of range until he’s fatigued, and land a spinning kick directly in his throat. That ought to establish that you’re not just easy meat in a straight fight.

> Yank your helmet off and smash him in the chops with it. It’s dirty, but you’re in it to win it.

> Other?
>>
(That's all for tonight, anons. Our next session is Wednesday at 5:00 PM, which is coincidentally when the vote on how to clobber Stalnoivolk closes.

As always, thanks for playing! I hope to see you all there.)
>>
>>5381035
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.
>>
>>5381035
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.
>>
>>5381035
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.

Thanks for the session and interlude Axis.
>>
>>5381035
> Charge forward with the might of a man possessed and bulldoze straight through him. There must be something in the food, otherwise you wouldn’t have a chance in hell of pulling this off.

When in doubt and with crits, choose the coolest one

>>5381038
See you Axis, thanks for running
>>
I don't know if Waller figures into this, Loc seems to be running the show. At the very least, we don't KNOW about her, to my knowledge.

>Weave in and out of range until he's fatigued, and land a spinning kick directly in his throat.
>>
>>5381035
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.
>>
>>5381035
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.
This honestly feels the most like Sean.
>>
>>5381035
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.

Does it mean he is finally getting an upgrade on his CQC?
>>
Wonder what Ra's al Ghul would think of Sean and his dream of an Outer heaven.
>>
>>5381035
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.
>>
>>5381135
At first, doesn't take them seriously but finds the idea hilarious. Once it succeeds though realizes that he really shouldn't have been underestimating the fodder this entire time and feels very jealous. It might even be enough to make him reconsider his elitist stance.

>>5381048
I think we will find out after the raid to free the Suicide Squad members.
>>
>>5381035
>> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.
>>
>>5381135
"I wonder if any of them are good enough to fuck my daughter" is my guess.
>>
Of course the one time in the last few weeks I actually have time to join in I fall asleep in the middle of it all!

>>5380982
Eh no worries it was long enough to get the point across. I was just asking cause I wasn't sure if Barbara was keeping quiet on the matter or if she had already stated what had occurred and been embarrassed on the fact it was just coffee! As for the rest of it that does track with Bruce in general!

>>5381035
>> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.
>>
> Gain a sudden second wind, allowing you adeptly dodge his attacks and deliver a flurry of blows to the solar plexus. He can’t fight if he can’t keep his guard up.

Sean getting his ass beat by bulletproof man and then coming back for round 2 immediately is pretty inspiring
Henchman grindset
>>
>>5381338
Oh shit, let's hope she still prefers Batman instead.

>>5380555
>>5380608
Depends on how we play it. For one thing we do need more codenames and certain Aliases if shared will need to be shared by people with similar skillsets. It's also not a good idea to devalue our own aliases unless those borrowing them are that powerful or we intend to use them as a patsy/distraction. Which considering Sean's care for his men...iffy choice. After all, the reputation of our Aliases is immensely valuable but that doesn't mean we shouldn't nurture more aliases and share them among our men. Makes us harder to predict and offers greater safety. Turning some Aliases into ghost IDs that can be borrowed whenever vs proper codenamed persons of individual renown.
>>
>>5381827
I'm against the idea of our men using our Aliases, it just seems unneeded. I'd be down for any of our men being assigned their own codenames though, if they'd like to keep their identity away from the public while working for us
>>
>>5381827
To be fair the only thing Sean has going for him that Bruce doesn't is magic. Otherwise Bruce is objectively better in every way.
>>
>>5381838
How the fuck do we keep running into the Metal Gear allegories unintentionally.

Gonna have fucking Steel Wolf, Liquid Pangolin, Solid Snail n' some shit.

Might as well call ourselves Force Operations X at this rate.
>>
>>5381852
Giving high-ranking members of the Wolves animal titles would actually be cool.
>>
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>>5381854
Dammit I was being sarcastic
>>
>>5381857
Doesn't matter. The Steel Wolves being led by the Steel Wolf, Diamond Hawk and Night Spider would be rad as shit.
>>
>>5381852
>>5381854
>>5381857
>"We've discovered secret transmissions from the Steel Wolves. It seems they're using a type of code, but I'm sure we'll discover what UwU and OwO stands for soon."

Lol, unironically I do like the animal code idea. Vague enough to keep identities secret, but personal enough to give each special operative a cool animal
>>
>>5381862
Off topic, but it crazy to me that "lol" doesn't get caught in the word filter like I M O, T B H and S O Y do.
>>
>>5381839
I think we are more persuasive than bruce
Not sure because he mainly doesnt bother with diplomacy other than threats and intimidation
>>
>>5381838
>>5381852
You know something that did occur to me that would be much easier on the QM is shared basic codenames dependent on skills and specializations. So instead of having to keep track of every little character, they can be grouped up according to the profession and each profession shares a number of codenames.
Excluding of course legit special characters who deserve their own special codename to go with it. Likely special characters that can be considered bosses etc unlike the rest of our mooks. Really help reduce the number of notes and keep track of everyone. Having different 'classes' of mooks with set of codenames and special characters with their own unique codename.

>>5381839
>>5381839
I like to think that Sean doesn't have shit taste in women, unlike Bruce. I mean he may have his issues but hopefully, that isn't one of them. Another thing is Sean actually uses guns and is building up his own private army. Oh man, I really hope she sticks with Bruce.
>>
>>5382037
He has an entire side life of being a party boy dirty McRich type. His schmoozing skills are top notch.

>>5382088
>I like to think that Sean doesn't have shit taste in women, unlike Bruce.
O O F

But I meant in regards to actual skillsets and biological dispositions. He's a certifiable genius with genes so yoked out it's a wonder his father wasn't a walking protein shake benchpressing his mother who happened to be an industrial hydraulic press. Ra's doesn't need his little girl to fuck a guy who is just rich or influential. He's got that eugenics game in mind.
>>
>>5382088
>So instead of having to keep track of every little character, they can be grouped up according to the profession and each profession shares a number of codenames.
Let's mix shit up with some folklore/magical meaning with animals and shit

Smoke Salamanders/Gunpowder Phoenix: Division of explosives experts

Wood Owls: Division specialized in Surveilance and Stalking

Silk Spiders: Division specialized in Infiltration and Assasination

Steel Wolves: Division specialized in guerrilla warfare

Idk, shit like that. And the leader of each Division in any mision could be called a special codename (Father Owl, Broodmother, Alpha, shit like that)
>>
>>5382141
"Steel Wolves" is already the name of the organization. "The Steel Wolf" should be the big man in charge.
>>
>>5382141
Gunpowder Phoenix unironically sounds like a metal subgenre band or album name and it's fucking great.
>>
>>5382141
Steel Wolves is already the name of the organization. How about Silver Shrikes? Or we could just use Diamond Dogs.
>>
>>5382141
Peacekeepers or the Howling Ghosts: Magic, meta, or spec op tier bosses when you want a mission to be completed or need an extreme amount of violence.
>>
I just remembered. Did we end up doing anything with those documents we found at the Intergang camp outside of the magic library in Greece? I remember one of the things we found sounded pretty serious, might be a good idea to hand that over to Batman through Commissioner Gordon. As Gunsmoke of course, just to fuck with them.
>>
>>5382258
I think the documents were basically Intergang plothooks. Sending the ones that would effect Gotham the most over to Gordon and the Batfam as Gunsmoke would be fucking hilarious, though. We need to do that sometime.
>>
>>5382273
>"I might be a criminal but I still support LOCAL businesses." - Gunsmoke, probably
>>
>>5382258
Agreed we need to do this.
>>
>>5382282
Nah just leave a sticky note inside the folder saying:
"This one's free, you're welcome.
- Gunsmoke :)"
>>
>>5382306
I was just making a funny. Ah but no handwriting. Just in case.
>>
>>5382307
They already have our handwriting from the last note we left
We could always go zodiac killer and cut up magazines
>>
>>5382308
We left a note before? Damn guess I forgot. Oh well. Nevermind then.

That just means we can't ever write anything as Jonah kek
>>
>>5382308
We could also get random thugs in Gotham to write it for us. Either with pay or by force.
>>
>>5382312
We can buy a little more by swapping to cursive or practicing another writing style.

We have the means to study and test until they seem separate enough.

Really is going to be wild when the multiego equation unravels. We best hope we're powerful enough to ride that wave when it comes.
>>
>>5382333
My one hope is at the end of it Batman is legitimately baffled. That's my end goal. Give the greatest detective in the world (Bobo's way better but hey) that stupid "Huh?" moment.
>>
>>5382342
This could lead to batman learning magic or at least using magical artifacts on a regular basis
>>
>>5382333
We just need to learn some spell that handwrites for us and problem solved. Hell, I'm sure we can learn a memory wipe spell, that'd be extremely useful.
>>
>>5382354
Magic batman sounds like a special brand of autistic nightmare for the JL honestly. Imagine Bruce actually sits down and tries to figure out ALL the magic shit.
>>
>>5382451
He'd go Big Hat Logan in a week.
>>
>>5382354
I hope not. Can you imagine Batman with a Batwand? Too strong.

We might get roped into a Justice League Dark type of storyline though.

>>5382394
>get a magic quill that automatically transcribes for you
That would actually be kind of neat.
>>
>>5382394
A memory wipe spell is honestly such a get out of jail free card that I hope Axis never even entertains the thought of giving it to us. It's a game breaker, especially in a world where hardly anyone even believes in magic let alone is protected from it.
>>
>>5382684
If it had restrictions like timeframe and a high dc, i could see it being an option
I do prefer silver tongue sean shenanigans
>>
As you stare down Stalnoivolk and his looming form, part of you wonders if this was a bad idea.

Maybe it was just the booze and the atmosphere talking, but challenging the biggest and toughest bastard on standby seemed much more reasonable before you actually got in the ring.

The fact that your men are surreptitiously taking bets on the victor (something that you make a steadfast point of pretending not to notice) doesn’t help your morale much, especially when you see the going odds in your favor.

Christ, this is going to be a bloodbath. You’ve gone and challenged a mountain of muscle that shrugs off automatic weapons fire to a goddamn fistfight.

At least you’ll be able to hopefully get some solid CQC practice in against a dyed-in-the-wool powerhouse. It’s been too long since you’ve focused on your fundamentals.

As soon as the bell rings, you’re on the attack with a flying knee aimed directly at Stalnoivolk’s face.

It’s more of a Muay Thai technique than a Silat one, but it’s a devastating opener regardless.

Your ambitious strike connects with Stalnoivolk’s nose with an audible crunch.

Unfortunately for you, it doesn’t even phase the Bolshevik brawler.

While you’re busy with recovering from your failed strike, Stalnoivolk bashes you directly in the chest with a backhanded fist that sends you flying halfway across the ring.

Even though it was nothing more than a bit of casual effort on his part, your ribs are howling and screaming. If you hadn’t been wearing your armor, he would’ve folded you like a wet piece of tissue paper.

You get back on you feet, only to idly notice that Stalnoivolk is charging your way; landing a crushing blow that connects directly with your helmet and sends you tumbling to the earth once more.

You’ll definitely be feeling that one in the morning.

The helmet did a lot to cushion the blow, but there’s no way that it could’ve possibly been expected to soften the entirely of the hit.

Judging from the blood beginning to trickle downwards, he managed to break your nose that time.
>>
>>5382750

This is starting to get pathetic. Not only is he absolutely trouncing you, but he’s kicking seven shades of shit out of you in front of a crowd of your own men.

Part of you just wants to call it a day and cut your losses before you embarrass yourself even further.

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

But that’s just not the kind of man you are.

When life puts you face down in the dirt, you get back up and spit in its eye.

You don’t like losing, and you refuse to allow yourself to go down without at least giving Stalnoivolk a fight to remember.

When you force yourself back to your feet, shaky but determined, the onlooking crowd lets out a cheer.

Buoyed by their faith in you, and your faith in yourself, you dig deep into the grit that’s carried you through dozens of firefights and launch a ferocious assault.

Your mind focuses on nothing other than the sweet science of blocks, jabs, and footwork as you practically dance around Stalnoivolk’s increasingly frustrated attempts to land another punch, making sure to nail him in the solar plexus at every opportunity.

With every hit, he looks increasingly more irritated with how you’re steadily picking apart his defenses.

By the end of the blitz propelled by your unexpected second wind, both of you are panting; you from both pain and exertion, and Stalnoivolk from the repeated shots to the breadbasket.

> Skill Improved! Spring-Heeled Jack: +45 to any dodge or agility roll.

You’ve managed to regain some lost ground, but this fight still has some mileage left in it.

Your next move is to…

> Continue to chip away at his stamina and will to continue by fighting defensively. Slow and steady wins the race, brash stupidity will cost you the match.

> Harness all of your strength with one last decisive strike. You’re not going to win a protracted battle of attrition, time to put up or shut up.

> Bait him into overextending and force an arm out of joint. It’s brutal, but you can’t bring yourself to feel bad after he’s broken your damn nose.

> Throw a fistful of sand in his face and batter him while he’s blinded. It’s only dirty fighting if you lose, otherwise it’s a shrewd tactical decision.

> Attempt to slip behind him, leap onto his shoulders, and choke him out. It doesn’t matter how strong or tough he is, he still needs to breathe eventually.

> Other?
>>
>>5382753
> Continue to chip away at his stamina and will to continue by fighting defensively. Slow and steady wins the race, brash stupidity will cost you the match.
>>
>>5382753
> Continue to chip away at his stamina and will to continue by fighting defensively. Slow and steady wins the race, brash stupidity will cost you the match.
>>
>>5382753
> Continue to chip away at his stamina and will to continue by fighting defensively. Slow and steady wins the race, brash stupidity will cost you the match

Gotta stay smart
>>
>>5382753
> Continue to chip away at his stamina and will to continue by fighting defensively. Slow and steady wins the race, brash stupidity will cost you the match.
>>
>>5382753
> Continue to chip away at his stamina and will to continue by fighting defensively. Slow and steady wins the race, brash stupidity will cost you the match
lets see
>>
Rolled 92, 31, 99 + 55 = 277 (3d100 + 55)

>>5382754
>>5382756
>>5382757
>>5382761
>>5382762

Alright, roll me some 1d100+45

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 70 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382763
D-do we still have luck drain?
>>
Rolled 7 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382763
>>
Rolled 51 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382763
shit
>>
>>5382764
ye but we rolled a 1
>>
Rolled 66 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>5382764
>>5382765
>>5382766

Alright, that's a failure. Go ahead and give me some 1d100+45 to survive the coming storm.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 35 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382768
I mean we're fighting to his strength
>>
Rolled 17, 6 + 55 = 78 (2d100 + 55)

>>5382768
Bungled it, incoming double roll to supplement the initial one.
>>
Rolled 64 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382768
We've been getting messed up lately
>>
Rolled 89 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382768
We'd totally beat him if we'd actually use all our tools. This isn't a cope. IT'S NOT A COPE
>>
>>5382772
You’re the best.
>>
>>5382769
>>5382771
>>5382772

That's a success. To cut down on voting time, should I just assume you want to try the same strategy once again?

> Yes, keep picking at away his defenses.

> No, I'd prefer to... (insert alternative here)
>>
>>5382774
> Yes, keep picking at away his defenses.
To be fair, this is probably the best option till we get an opening
>>
>>5382774
>> Yes, keep picking at away his defenses.
>>
>>5382774
Can we switch it up whenever he starts getting in a rhythm? Would that help at all here?
>>
>>5382774
Let's try the slip around behind and choke him strat
he seems to be just crushing us with brute force judging from the backhand and charge that we've seen so far
hopefully he's still just unga bunga-ing his way through this and cocky now that he's been beating us silly, should be easy to duck under his next haymaker compared to chipping at a dude that doesn't care about bullets
>>
>>5382778

Not really, that kind of thing is already kinda baked-in to the roll.
>>
>>5382783
Fair enough
>>
>>5382774
>yes
>>
Rolled 99, 14, 88 + 55 = 256 (3d100 + 55)

>>5382775
>>5382777
>>5382786

Alright, go ahead and give me another round of 1d100+45

DC to be determined.
>>
>>5382781
To be fair, he has bigger arms than us and he can definitely hit or grab us with his big Russian hands. I'd rather ensure he can't before we throw ourselves into it fully
>>
Rolled 65 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382787
QAAAAAAAAA
>>
>>5382787
Again? Kek
>>
Rolled 92 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382787
bruh nerf yo self jesus
>>
Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>5382787
>>
Rolled 54, 47, 49 + 55 = 205 (3d100 + 55)

>>5382790
>>5382792
>>5382794

Once again, I roll improbably well. Go ahead and give me some 1d100+45 to once again avoid his follow-up.

DC incoming.

this time, I shall be the one who crits
>>
>>5382792
Nice, dunno if it pass with luck drain.
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>5382796
>>
Rolled 10 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

They see me rollin
>>
Rolled 50 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382796
Venezuela is hell
>>
Rolled 17, 83, 3, 80, 80, 41, 92, 72, 8, 67 = 543 (10d100)

>>
Rolled 21, 86, 70, 58, 11, 21, 50, 1, 89, 31 = 438 (10d100)

>>
>>5382802
hmmm
>>
Rolled 41, 72, 46 + 55 = 214 (3d100 + 55)

>>5382798
>>5382800
>>5382801

That's a failure, looks like we are now at the point of no return.

Roll me some 1d100+45 to avoid taking a dirt nap.

DC to be determined.
>>
Rolled 85 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382806
>>
Rolled 33 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382806
hoo boy, will we at least walk out of the ring?
>>
Rolled 13 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5382806
>>
Rolled 97 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

Still in it.
>>5382806
>>
>>5382807
>>5382808
>>5382809

Alright, looks like manage to avoid the brunt of the damage.

Due to the damage you've sustained, you're exhausted and bruised; your only real options at this point are to commit to one last act of brute force or bow out gracefully.

It's not an easy call, but you decide to...

> Signal that you're done fighting. You gave a good show, but he's got you beat when it comes to raw strength.

> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.

> Other?
>>
>>5382813
>> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.
c'mon, he can't keep rolling that well
>>
>>5382813
> Signal that you're done fighting. You gave a good show, but he's got you beat when it comes to raw strength.

Tapping out and gracefully taking the L is a lot less fucking embarrassing than getting our shit completely rocked.
>>
>>5382813
> Signal that you're done fighting. You gave a good show, but he's got you beat when it comes to raw strength.

Stalny has us beat in a ring fight, it's just the truth. Had we fought in a real life or death battle, we could have totally won

That's how I'll cope anyway
>>
> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.

NEVER BACK DOWN. BALLS TO THE WALL EVERYTIME.>>5382813
>>
NOT BACKING DOWN. Its not in our nature.
>>
>>5382813
>> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.

Hope we get CQC Xp from this
>>
>>5382813

> Signal that you're done fighting. You gave a good show, but he's got you beat when it comes to raw strength.
>>
>>5382813
> Signal that you're done fighting. You gave a good show, but he's got you beat when it comes to raw strength.
We can always get a rematch later
>>
One more go? What happened to this quest being built on crazy come from behind shit?
>>
>>5382824
To be fair, this is just a silly friend fight anon, we don't have to go all out

Especially when Axis rolls 90s
>>
Fair. But I would love one more chance.
>>
>>5382824
There is nothing wrong with admitting the guy whose skin deflects rifle rounds and can deadlift two trucks is better at just plain punching shit. Especially when that's his -only- thing.
>>
>>5382828
Yeah, if we were going all out Stalnivolk would be a smoking pile of goo, because we'd've blasted him into oblivion with magic.
>>
>>5382813
>> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.
WE ARE NO PUSSY
>>
>>5382813
>> Signal that you're done fighting. You gave a good show, but he's got you beat when it comes to raw strength.
>>
Magic, meta powers, and fancy tech are no substitute for being able to win.
>>
>>5382814
>>5382818
>>5382821
>>5382836

>>5382815
>>5382816
>>5382821
>>5382822
>>5382823
>>5382839

This is such a weirdly contested vote.
>>
>>5382846
My bruder I cannot win a fistfight with a silverback. With your logic I should try instead of just hitting it with a truck. There is no need to be so rash.
>>
Alright, looks like backing off wins by a singular vote.

Writing, give me a moment to put together some miscellaneous voting stuff.

It's mostly stuff that's important, but not really worth a whole update.
>>
>>5382813
Signal
>>5382815
>>5382816
>>5382822
>>5382823
>>5382839

Commit
>>5382814
>>5382818
>>5382821
>>5382836
>>
>>5382813
> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.
>>
>>5382813
>Signal that you're done fighting. You gave a good show, but he's got you beat when it comes to raw strength.
>>
shit we should have rolled a tie breaker.
>>
>>5382860
You're just mad because you didn't win.
>>
>>5382813
>> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.
>>
(MISCELLANEOUS STUFF)

The first matter of business to settle is the new codenames for Darius / Isaac. My default picks are Bayonet and Madcap respectively.

Let me know if you'd prefer something different.

> I’m fine with both codenames.

> I’d prefer to change Darius’ codename to… (insert codename)

> I’d prefer to change Isaac’s codename to… (insert codename)

———————————————

Next, is the matter of bolstering the Steel Wolves’ via recruitment. (Choose as many / few as you’d like )

> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.

> Have Darius and Isaac lean on some of their old Intergang contacts. They’re scumbags, but they're predictable and know how to fight.

> Have Isaac reconnect with the street gangs he used to run with. They’re untrained and ill-disciplined, but you can sort that out.

> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.

> Make an offer of employment to Catalyst. He’s tough to read, but you could use a man of his talents.

> Other?

———————————————

Then, there’s the matter of sending the men off. They’re expecting some kind of speech, and you’re not one to disappoint.

The speech should…

> Thank them for standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you as brothers-in-arms. Though your paths may now diverge and you hail from a different land, you share an eternal bond forged in the fires of bloodshed.

> Fire them up with a reminder of the odds they’ve overcome, the juggernauts they’ve killed, and the established order they ripped to shreds. Your men are conquerors and warriors, and deserve to be reminded of such.

> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life.

> Remind them of the fallen, and that they should remain ever vigilant in case their services are once again needed. Reaching the mountaintop is a bittersweet feeling, but that doesn’t mean that its the only summit left to climb.

> Other?

———————————————

Lastly, comes the matter of compensating your men. Pedraza’s vault is an unexpected windfall, and now you just need to divvy up the proceeds. After covering back pay, various medical and funerary expenses, and other miscellaneous obligations, you’ve got quite the bonus to hand out.

> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.

> Ensure that a little more gets slipped into your share, and the shares of your lieutenants. You did a lot of the heavy lifting after all, and it’s only right that you be compensated accordingly for that effort.

> Ensure that a lot more gets slipped into your share, and the shares of your lieutenants. You practically carried this revolution on your back, and you deserve to be richly rewarded for it.
>>
>>5382879
> I’m fine with both codenames.
———————————————
> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Have Isaac reconnect with the street gangs he used to run with. They’re untrained and ill-disciplined, but you can sort that out.
> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.
———————————————
> Thank them for standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you as brothers-in-arms. Though your paths may now diverge and you hail from a different land, you share an eternal bond forged in the fires of bloodshed.
> Remind them of the fallen, and that they should remain ever vigilant in case their services are once again needed. Reaching the mountaintop is a bittersweet feeling, but that doesn’t mean that its the only summit left to climb.
> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life.
———————————————
> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.
>>
>>5382879
> I’m fine with both codenames.

> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.
> Make an offer of employment to Catalyst. He’s tough to read, but you could use a man of his talents.

> Thank them for standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you as brothers-in-arms. Though your paths may now diverge and you hail from a different land, you share an eternal bond forged in the fires of bloodshed.

> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.
>>
>>5382879
> I’m fine with both codenames.
> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.
> Make an offer of employment to Catalyst. He’s tough to read, but you could use a man of his talents.

> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Have Gremlin get you in contact with vets associations across the US, how many like you were thrown under the bus? How many are now unable to adapt to civilian life, left to fend for themselves in an unfamiliar world and for some even living in the streets, it’s for them that you are building this new place, so they may fight their own wars, choose their owns fights.
> Thank them for standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you as brothers-in-arms. Though your paths may now diverge and you hail from a different land, you share an eternal bond forged in the fires of bloodshed.
> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.
>But put aside a sum to be used exclusively for the Steel wolves betterment
>>
>>5382879
> I’m fine with both codenames.
recruitment
> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Have Isaac reconnect with the street gangs he used to run with. They’re untrained and ill-disciplined, but you can sort that out.
Use the reservists as senior noncoms, D and I as officers. Put the rest through the wringer.
sendoff, little bit of both?
> Fire them up with a reminder of the odds they’ve overcome, the juggernauts they’ve killed, and the established order they ripped to shreds. Your men are conquerors and warriors, and deserve to be reminded of such.
> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life.
payout
> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.
Caveat: I want a good bit of this to go into a "company fund" to buy cool shit like night vision, uniforms, proper rifles, methods of transportation. Personal compensations strictly stay the same though
>>
>>5382879
>>5382879
>> I’m fine with both codenames.
-
> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.
-
> Remind them of the fallen, and that they should remain ever vigilant in case their services are once again needed. Reaching the mountaintop is a bittersweet feeling, but that doesn’t mean that its the only summit left to climb.
-
> Ensure that a little more gets slipped into your share, and the shares of your lieutenants. You did a lot of the heavy lifting after all, and it’s only right that you be compensated accordingly for that effort.

Man, the Venezuela arc was a good'un, glad it had a satisfying end
>>
>>5382890
Wow, I fucked up my formating big time x)
>>
>>5382879
> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life.
Only vote I care about ngl
>>
>>5382879
> I’m fine with both codenames.

> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.
> Make an offer of employment to Catalyst. He’s tough to read, but you could use a man of his talents.
> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Have Gremlin get you in contact with vets associations across the US, how many like you were thrown under the bus? How many are now unable to adapt to civilian life, left to fend for themselves in an unfamiliar world and for some even living in the streets, it’s for them that you are building this new place, so they may fight their own wars, choose their owns fights.

> Thank them for standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you as brothers-in-arms. Though your paths may now diverge and you hail from a different land, you share an eternal bond forged in the fires of bloodshed.
> Remind them of the fallen, and that they should remain ever vigilant in case their services are once again needed. Reaching the mountaintop is a bittersweet feeling, but that doesn’t mean that its the only summit left to climb.
> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life.

> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.
>But put aside a sum to be used exclusively for the Steel wolves betterment


There, fixed it
>>
Howdy anons, I need to step for like half an hour to get some dinner. When I return, I'll close the vote and keep working on the update.

As a heads-up, I'll probably go ahead and end the session once I'm back, mostly because there's a lot of stuff to write and I want to polish your send-off and give it the attention it deserves.
>>
>>5382879
If we're doing outer heaven

Signal Swan
Razor Python

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


> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.

> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.

> Make an offer of employment to Catalyst. He’s tough to read, but you could use a man of his talents.


> Have Isaac reconnect with the street gangs he used to run with. They’re untrained and ill-disciplined, but you can sort that out.

We're giving a place for those who only know how to fight and don't want to be abused in doing so. We also need Logistics/people doing the busy work. The gangsters can get 'clean employment' out of that while keeping them out of combat.

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

> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life.
+


> Thank them for standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you as brothers-in-arms. Though your paths may now diverge and you hail from a different land, you share an eternal bond forged in the fires of bloodshed.

They shouldn't consume their homeland in combat because that's all they know. There is work for those who know nothing but how to fight, but there is no shame in no longer fighting. We will find work for those who cannot know peace.

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


> Ensure that a little more gets slipped into your share, and the shares of your lieutenants. You did a lot of the heavy lifting after all, and it’s only right that you be compensated accordingly for that effort.

The extra money will not be for our luxury but to get the PMC off the ground. There are some resources (vehicles, equipment, transport for personnel and cargo) that need to be set up. A "personal" loot share for multiple people won't make that happen.
>>
>>5382879
> I’m fine with both codenames.

> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Have Isaac reconnect with the street gangs he used to run with. They’re untrained and ill-disciplined, but you can sort that out.
I’m eh on recruiting the others, but at least offer:
>Ask Stalnoivolk and Catalyst to stick around until Suicide Squad is dismantled

> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life
>Tell them that while you may lay low for now, you doubt that you’ll settle down. Those who wish to remain vigilant can find other causes, and one day we will return to stand beside them in another revolution.

> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.
>Set some aside for the Steel Wolves organization as a whole.
Echoing some of the other write-ins.
>>
>>5382912
How about adding the option to look for US veterans? Considering this is DC, it’s probably not lacking in abused and betrayed soldiers, also many that just straight up couldn’t adapt to life, might also have Stalnoivolk look for ex-USSR soldiers, many got thrown aside like dirty rags following the fall.
>>
>>5382908
Bacon wrapped pizza.
>>
>>5382904
+1
>>
as for squads and names of squads anons were going over before I don't think we should name stuff or have squads based just on specialization. I really don't want to make code names for anyone until they bloody themselves, this goes for squads too.
Darius and Issac have for sure earned their code names and have become capable commanders as shown by this arc. let's just have two squads so far, both headed by Darius and Issac We've gotta hire and buy so much people and equipment just to outfit two squads. Breachers, medics, snipers, overwatch/intel (gremlin is a must for those roles, I wonder if he can whip us up some high endurance drones/webmaster a takmap server for us)

I think our overarching goal around this is an organization of professionally trained and equipped mooks.
>>
>>5382916
Looking for US vets is good, and probably better than street gangmembers. We can probably afford to be selective at this point, yeah, if we can do this over the street gangs I'd do that
>>
I have returned, give me a moment to tally everything up.
>>
>>5382916
+1
Our fellow countrymen deserve a hand to be lifted up just like what jack did for us.
>>
>>5382879
> I’d prefer to change Darius’ codename to… Signal Swan
> I’d prefer to change Isaac’s codename to… Razor Python
Go for the weird animal names
-
> Have Darius reach out to some of his reservist buddies. They might be looking for work, and you need trained men.
> Have Isaac reconnect with the street gangs he used to run with. They’re untrained and ill-disciplined, but you can sort that out.
> Have Gremlin get you in contact with vets associations across the US, how many like you were thrown under the bus?

> Make an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk. He’s a tough bastard, and you’d be better for having him in your corner.
> Make an offer of employment to Catalyst. He’s tough to read, but you could use a man of his talents.
Getting these two on board would piss Lok off so it's the correct option.
-
> Thank them for standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you as brothers-in-arms. Though your paths may now diverge and you hail from a different land, you share an eternal bond forged in the fires of bloodshed.
> Encourage them to make the most of the new opportunities they’ve purchased with blood. There’s no shame in settling down and building a more peaceful life.
-
> Ensure that everyone gets the same share, including you. You all fought the same war against the same enemy, and you wouldn’t dream of undercutting your loyalists in such a manner.
>>
Alright, think I've got everything tied up nicely.

Let me know if there any objections.

———————————————
Darius and Isaac are now Bayonet and Madcap, respectively.
———————————————
Isaac’ll reach out to street gangs and try to poach reliable hitters, Darius and Gremlin will coordinate to recruit down-on-their luck reservists and other disgruntled vets, and you’ll throw an offer of employment to Stalnoivolk.
———————————————
Your speech will mostly be about brotherhood, camaraderie, and the virtues of leaving war behind; with slight warning to prevent them from letting their skills rust.
———————————————
Everyone gets paid the same, minus an allotment from every bonus that’ll go toward the Steel Wolves’ warchest.


(That's all for tonight, anons! Thanks for playing! We'll pick up from here on Friday at 5:00 PM EST, hope to see you all there. I've seen some interest in doing a pre-bad times interlude for Sean, and I like the idea, so feel free to vote on the version you'd like me to add to my pile. Still got the others to work through, but I'll tack it onto my docket.

> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.

> Boot Camp. Still wet behind the ears and full of attitude, the beginnings of what you see today.

> Corporal. Finally entrusted with a bit more responsibility and the ensuing events.

> Sergeant. A flashback of happier times, when things still made sense and life was black and white.

> Other?
>>
>>5382962
> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
OR
> Boot Camp. Still wet behind the ears and full of attitude, the beginnings of what you see today.
>>
>>5382962
> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
>>5382962
Seems fine to me.
> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
>>5382962
Sounds good 'nuff. See you Friday Axis, thanks for running

> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing
Childhood is an important part of who a person is later in life
>>
>>5382976
Since Sean joined the marines when he turned 18, I doubt his home life was very good.
>>
Btw, really curious as to the reaction of the justice league to the whole Venezuela mess, how did you guys think it went?
>>
>>5382962
>> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
>>5382983
We replaced one Fascist government with another, so probably not thrilled since chaos happens in every transition and the end result probably won’t be much better. And now that AT is a revolutionary icon they’ll probably be worried where he’ll strike next.
>>
>>5382996
Woah, woah! Hold it with the F-Word, anon. We set up a 'Military Triumvirate', just sounds better.
>>
>>5382962
> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
>>5382996
Eh, I wouldn’t call a Tin-Pot dictatorship a fascist government, it’s called Tin-pot for a reason after all…
>>
>>5383004
>it’s called Tin-pot for a reason after all…
Because it makes a hell of a racket when you smack it with a spoon?
>>
>>5382996
Hey! We changed it from a dictatorship to a Junta, that's a step towards democracy. It's 3 people ruling instead of 1!

Also
>>5382962
> Sergeant. A flashback of happier times, when things still made sense and life was black and white.
>>
>>5382962

> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
>>5382962
> Boot Camp. Still wet behind the ears and full of attitude, the beginnings of what you see today.
>>
>>5382962
>Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
>>5382962
>> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
>>5382962
>> Pre-Military. Mostly just some home life details and the implications of your upbringing.
>>
Do we actually know who is gonna run the government or what they believe in?
We kinda just walked in, refused to elaborate and took down a dictator that was backed by black ops us govt

At best we know its not the communists or the cartel

I think the justice league would just see it as a downside of restricting themselves so that other groups don't build up metahuman forces
Adjutant tango is definitely known
>>
>>5382996

I mean, at least the new guys aren't corrupt dogs of the Americans *yet*. Give it a few years.

Also y'know, if we're dreaming, they might decide to step down and run a proper election after the situation's stabilised. I'm sure it's happened at least once somewhere in history.
>>
>>5383425
Uh, yes? We helped a rogue army unit, called the Jungle Rats, take power. The the reason they went rogue is that they refused Pedraza's orders to do something, I just don't remember what.
>>
>>5383425
>Do we actually know who is gonna run the government or what they believe in?
They're competent military types who haven't concentrated all power into the hands of a single person, are seemingly cooperating with the communists to at least some degree and who seemingly recognise that we're the Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads.

Their policies are a bit of a unknown, but people are jumping the gun in assuming fascism - chances are they're gonna be at worst vaguely authoritarian but assumedly they're gonna bring back democracy at some point or something even if only for the political brownie points.
>>
>>5383425
They are a military Junta we just put into power represented by Three Heads of state from each military arm via council who can only employ us if all three agree to do so to prevent excess fuckery and infighting.
Officially Justice League cannot touch them because their metahuman military forces are actually a merc group who are hired on retainer via Adjutant Tango and his men. Basically, they're worse nightmare because it's an exploitable loophole.

>>5383471
They just got burned with Suicide Squad and their 'democracy' sanctioned dictators. I don't expect them to be very...generous and don't forget UN fuckery with the League. The whole reason for helping them out was to give us a place to operate from that was outside their influence. Hence why we had to fight Suicide Squad and teamed up with them, to begin with. Since they went with a council Junta format I doubt they will go with another Dictator/fascism since what would make them different from the guy they just got rid of? Yet at the same time opening up with democracy also invites them to get fucked(again). Maybe they will pull a Starship Trooper or stick with Junta.

The current Regime in Venezuela very much doesn't agree with the UN, USA, and League. That is why they have retained our services as a retainer.
>>
>>5383937
Them pulling a starship trooper would be funny, not gonna lie
>>
File: DoingMyPart.gif (122 KB, 220x118)
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>>5383937
>>5383964
>>
Howdy anons, just checking in with some bad news. A combination of stress and work bullshit has completely sidelined my writing, and I find myself in the woeful position of still not being finished in regards to Friday's session.

Hopefully, I'll be able to relax a bit over the weekend and get the engines revving for what's beginning to feel like a mega-update. We're still on for Monday at 5:00 PM, barring an act of God or something equally irritating.

Sorry for the inconvenience, but I've been having a bit of a rough go of it this week, and I'd prefer to spend a bit more time getting it right rather than dumping something sub-standard.
>>
>>5384163
don't worry axis, remember that taking care of yourself is more important than these brain dead morons
>>
>>5384171
Woah woah woah hey hold on there busterino, I'm not brain dead.
>>
>>5384177
Sorry to be the first person to tell you this but I have bad news for you Anon
>>
>>5384163
long time lurker chiming in: thank you for writing all of this Axis. being able to tune in regularly to catch the adventures of Sean is an amazing schedule, and don't worry about taking breaks from it
>>
Why is everyone green.
>>
>>5384685
Green is the new black
>>
>>5384685
I'm still waiting for that guy to tell me what the bad news is.
>>
>>5384685
All is one with the green.
>>
>>5384685
What browser is that. Also, how do you make it so 4chan is in dark mode? This shit is really hurting my eyes
>>
>>5384848
That's firefox. Go all the way down to the bottom of the page on the right, click the "style" drop down and choose tomorrow.
>>
How long has it been since we got out of military prison?
I figure if we met other villains and became their henchmen we would be in the morgue.

Which villain other than gentleman ghost would we have the best odds of success with in gotham?
>>
>>5385281
Bane, probably.
>>
>>5385281
I think only Bane would care a bit about us, but because he has a survival of the fittest mentality, I don't think that we could develop a relationship as the one we have with Jack.
>>
>>5384685
'Cause we're in the jungle? Duh?
>>
>>5382962
>>5382813
Im probably too late for this one but...
> Commit the last of your physical reserves to winning a total victory. You aren't leaving this ring while you're still conscious.

I dont really see a downside to giving it our on this guy. Even if we lose it would be a good learning experience and a bit humbling. Better to lose in a controled setting than a highly lethal one.

>>5382879
>i'm fine with both codenames
For now, perhaps we should have codenames change based on work the do and location the are in?

>Recruit both salonivok and catalyst

Other
>encourage them to make the most of their newfound peace while it lasts, and to stay vigilant for not just their future but that of the childrens.

>ensure our leaders and offiers get a little more.
>>
>>5385720
>a bit humbling
I never get this. Sean doesn't need to get laid the fuck out to be humbled. The fact he can step down and concede shows that he understands his limits. It's only people who are way too full of themselves and refuse to accept that they can be beaten that need to get their lights put out for them to understand.

As for a learning experience that depends on which method by which we are rendered unconscious. Getting punched in the jaw and going night-night tends to leave gaps in your memory. Not really great for learning.

Can't argue with losing somewhere safe as opposed to a kill zone but it's better to not lose at all.
>>
>>5385745
I mean we're dealing with a guy in his element with basically a huge handicap. No weapons, no magic, and no other skills vs. a man who can take bullets and hits like nothing and has super strength.

The simple fact we are able to put up a fight at all in these circumstances is huge to anyone who knows what they're watching. Even the Russian Giant himself would probably be able to tell that he'd have gotten absolutely fucked if this is what we're able to do without using our full skill set.


Beating him in his element is just going well beyond that. Keeping him on the backfoot until we lose is separate but still great.
>>
>>5385745
>>5385791
I also think we stand to gain experience and learn just how far we can go and find out our very limit or breaking point.
>>
The Sean Clayton comic run must be getting record sales at this point
>>
>>5369036
Just started reading the archives and that nat 100 getting the Claw.

Tell me, have you read Black Company Quest? Derailed by crits indeed.

Anyways. I like your quest. It's scratching my Forgotten addiction.
>>
>>5386046
I posted this too soon, before seeing the next crit.
>>
>>5386053
There's... a lot of crits in this quest.
>>
>>5386112
I remember when a bunch of quests were hitting a high streak and rolling tons of natties. It was a wild time.
>>
>>5386046

Thanks, anon; that comparison made my day.

Although, if I remember right, getting a 100 was universally the signal for a load of gnashing of teeth and cursing.

Black Company Quest is one of my favorites, even though I didn't get to participate in it.

Buddy of mine mentioned it to me while I was crawling through the archives and trying to figure out what the hell a "quest" was.

It was actually one of the first quests I ever got into; if you haven't read it, I highly recommend giving it a go.
>>
>>5386522
Alright then Axis, I will be reading that while waiting for your posts. Now the weight of comparisons will be on your head!
>>
>>5386522

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9JtNijl5ts

Playing the long game is obviously the best move against a man that could probably bench-press a tractor trailer without breaking much of a sweat.

Unfortunately, things stalemate a bit as the both of you fail to land any meaningful blows. It goes back-and-forth for a while, as you both jockey for momentum.

After a particularly close shave, you nearly lose your balance from the unplanned strain it causes on your injured leg, something that Stalnoivolk is happy to capitalize on.

He bullrushes you and slams you against the ropes, right before a crushing headbutt knocks all the sense out of you.

Everything goes black for a dizzying moment, and you lean back against the ropes in attempt to keep from collapsing to the dirt.

Part of you is demanding that you get back into the fight and finish what you’ve started. You don’t lose fights, even if they’re just exhibition bouts.

But then, reality rears its ugly head.

You’re tired, and sore, and a little drunk. The leg wound Delrio gave you still stings like a bitch. You spent the day bulldozing through the General, Delrio, and everything else the universe felt fit to put in your way.

And here you are, trying to perform some truly impressive mental gymnastics that’d justify trying to win a head-to-head fight against a man that bounces automatic weapons fire off his chest.

The fact that he wasn’t immediately able to clean your clock and that you were able to get some decent hits in a testament to the strength of your fundamental skills and combat training.

It’s always nice to know that should everything else fail, you’re still not a pushover when it comes to getting up close and personal.

You signal that you’re conceding the match and stagger back towards your corner, where you manage to prop yourself up shortly before collapsing.

With difficulty, you manage to work the catch for your helmet and remove it, just in case you’re at risk of spilling your lunch. Wouldn’t be the first time.

Christ, you’re beat. In a mental, emotional, and physical sense.

As you lay there, content to muster the energy necessary to coerce your screaming muscles into cooperating, A looming shadow appears over you and blocks your light.

You brace yourself in case Stalnoivolk didn’t get the memo that you’re done fighting.

Instead, he merely offers you his hand.

Upon taking it, he hauls you back to your feet and dusts you off, to the cheers of the victorious gamblers and the sullen silence of the handful who backed the wrong horse.

You hock a bit of blood to clear your airway.

> “Good fight. We’ll have to do it again sometime.”

He studies you with a humorless scowl, before cottoning on that you aren’t being sarcastic.

“You are stronger than most; I could’ve used more men like you in the old days.”


> Go ahead and roll me some 1d100+25 to interest Stalnoivolk in joining up with the Steel Wolves.

DC: 90
>>
Rolled 42 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5387749
I've been craving my dose of Henchman Quest
>>
Rolled 41 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5387749
Could use more men like you now.
>>
Rolled 87 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5387749
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>5387749
I doubt he is going to join up after just getting out of Task Force X. So just float the offer as an open invitation.
>>
>>5387750
>>5387751
>>5387752

That's a success, writing.

Also, since I never mentioned it, Pre-Military Sean won the interlude vote.

I knocked out a big chunk of it over the weekend, so it'll hopefully be done soon-ish.
>>
Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>5387749
>>
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>>5387757
waitaminute
Stalinoivolk is
>russian
>super strong
>bulletproof
>presumably able to carry a large caliber rotary cannon
>may be getting on in years (hair loss)
picrel?
>>
>>5387767
Axis posted a picture of him before, guy had a full head of hair and a stache. He's a real good specimen
>>
>>5387757

> “I’m always looking for new recruits. Could use someone like you to whip the rookies into shape; maybe crack a few skulls, build something worth fighting for, and earn a pretty penny along the way.

Stalnoivolk closes his eyes, and for the first time, you can see a bit of the man beneath the iron heart leak through.

“I have debts to repay, and business to settle. But when that its done, we will speak on this matter again.”

> “That’s all that I ask. Enjoy the rest of the party. I’m, uh, gonna go lie down for a little while. Gotta let my wounded pride (and everything else) have a moment to breathe.”

He mutters something in Russian that you can’t piece together, but you catch a fraction of a smile rapidly being smothered under his mustache.

Before you turn around to leave, Stalnoivolk draws your attention when he snaps to attention and offers you a stiff salute in the Russian style.

You have no issues with reciprocating with a salute of your own. He may have kicked your ass like a rented mule, but he didn’t rub it in or do anything egregiously damaging. That’s all you can really ask for in the end.

Darius and Isaac help you out of the ring, while Stalnoivolk retreats back to his original group of wannabe politicos and continues arguing about Marxism-Leninism’s place in an agrarian revolution.

Once you’re back to your tent, it’s a relatively simple matter to get some flint and a pile of kindling and start a small fire. After changing into casual clothes, you jam your arm directly into the embers.

It’s still a strange sensation, but it’s inexplicably effective. The worst of your aches and pains are receding, and you’re feeling a tiny bit better.

You’ll probably need to set yourself fully ablaze later to clear everything up, but it’s enough to stave off the effects of getting smacked around like a cheap piñata.

Bonilla stops by to see how you’re recovering, and to inform you that he’s taken the liberty of setting up an informal meeting of your inner council. Mostly just to discuss your plans for the future, any additional assignments that need to be handed out, and to hold a debrief about the attack on the palace.

You sneak a quick cat-nap before heading off to the meeting, where you find the rest of your circle of revolutionary confidants. You clear your throat when you enter, and everyone settles down.

> “Before we begin, there’s something important that needs to be dealt with. Isaac and Darius, please step forward and be recognized.”

They both look a little confused, but do as you say.
>>
File: Mondragon.jpg (82 KB, 826x1076)
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>>5387779

> “As mercenaries and guns-for-hire, it’s important to have a codename, something to shield your true identity from prying eyes and to strike fear into the hearts of your foes. The both of you have truly impressed me with your efforts during this mission, and I’m happy to inform you that you have passed your probation. You’re in the big leagues now, boys. You’ve shown that you’ve got what it takes to survive in this business, all you need now is name that exemplifies your status as bonafide soldiers of fortune. Any ideas?”

Isaac is the first to speak.

“Madcap. It’s short, sweet, and has a kickass ring to it.”

Darius chimes in with an idea of his own.

“Bayonet. There’s nothing more sobering than a length of steel plowed through your guts.”

> “Then allow me to congratulate Madcap and Bayonet, as well as everyone else in this room for going the distance and achieving the impossible. But we’re not done yet…”

In front of your lieutenants, you explain in detail the bargain you struck with Suarez, how you plan on establishing the Steel Wolves as a mercenary company, and the implications of the concessions you managed to wrangle in terms of support and promotions.

It’ll be a long road; the bulk of your guerrillas are tired of the fighting and just want to return home, something you would never fault them for. If you were capable of it, maybe you would do the same.

When you broach the subject, your inner circle are quick to respond, with Bonilla being the first of the Venezuelan crowd to offer his two cents.

“I wouldn’t be much of a deputy if I just decided to quit, Major. You won’t be getting rid of me that easily.”

Almonte is quiet, but rock solid as ever.

“Venezuela is full of nothing but ghosts for me. So long as you need my skills, I’d be happy to follow your lead.

Mondragon just shrugs.

“What the hell, why not? It beats poaching and being chased by game wardens.”

Darius and Isaac are quick to endorse the decision as well; looks like you’ve managed to retain the entirety of your command staff.

> “Then we need to begin preparations immediately. Madcap and Bayonet, you will be returning back to the States with me. Bonilla, Almonte, Mondragon; I need you to keep an eye on the junta and ensure that they’re not planning to do anything stupid. Your other primary objective is to keep the remaining men in fighting trim. Something tells me that we’ll be hitting the ground running once the base is complete, and I want us to be lean and mean when that time comes. I’ve secured permission for joint operations with the regular military, feel free to help bust up cartel operations and the like to keep the men sharp.”
>>
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>>5387780

You take a moment to collect your thoughts and continue barking out instructions.

> “Madcap, I want you to link up with Gremlin and do some headhunting amongst the local street gangs. We need to start building our manpower and they’ll be a good starting point. Just remember, I don’t want junkies, trigger-happy lunatics, or loudmouths. If I can’t get them in line, then they’ll be nothing but a liability.”

Madcap nods.

“I know a couple guys who fit the bill. They’re dirty bastards, but they follow orders and they know how to handle a gunfight.”

> “That’ll do. Bayonet, you’re on-deck for the same thing. I need you to coordinate with Gremlin and put the word out to all the reservist and ex-military contacts that you know. We need shooters, and I guarantee you that there are plenty of grunts out there looking for a steady paycheck. Same requirements as Madcap, don’t bring me people that’ll just get in the way.”

Bayonet salutes.

“Understood, boss. And, uh….what will you be doing?” He asks, as diplomatically as possible.

You don’t fault him for it, it’s a legitimate question after all.

> “I’ve got some personal business to take care of. Hopefully it won’t take too long, but I know that you’ll all be capable of holding down the fort in my absence. But before I leave, I plan on personally dismissing the men and giving them their due rewards. Now, that’s enough business for one night, anybody up for a game of cards? I promise I’ll go easy on you this time, Madcap.”

“Bastard.” He hisses quietly.

> “That’s Major Bastard to you.”

Roll me some 2d100 to see how your speech goes / how the card game goes.

(No DC, this is mostly for flavor)
>>
Rolled 2, 43 = 45 (2d100)

>>5387781
>>
Rolled 82, 43 = 125 (2d100)

>>5387781
Things are shaping up pretty nicely :)
>>
Rolled 14, 25 = 39 (2d100)

>>5387781
>>
>>5387783
>>5387786
>>5387787

Looks like you give a good speech, and do alright at the table, writing.
>>
>>5387788

The rest of the night is a blur, mostly because of that bottle of tequila that Almonte squirreled out of somewhere. At least you broke even at cards, would’ve been embarrassing if Madcap had managed to clean you out.

As a reward to your men, you give them a few days of R&R while the final stages of your deal with Suarez go through. An official from the national bank offered to purchase the contents of Pedraza’s vault for a staggering figure. After paying off funeral expenses, familial obligations, medical costs, various IOUs, replacing broken hardware, and siphoning out a little for the Steel Wolves fund; each soldier in your army of rebels is walking away with $10 million dollars.

You nearly choked when you saw a figure with that many zeroes.

If that’s life-changing money for you, imagine what it’ll do for your men. And they deserve it; to the victor go the spoils after all.

To commemorate the announcement, you hold an impromptu speech in front of the men to announce the imminent dissolution of the Grand Liberators and the formation of the Grand Liberators.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4xWbRBLj2I

>”I stand before you today as the luckiest man in Venezuela.

> When I met most of you for the first time, it was through the cell doors of one of Pedraza’s prisons. When that fateful day came to pass, I never would’ve imagined how throughly and decisively we would obliterate his corrupt regime!

> It is no exaggeration when I say that you are among the finest and bravest soldiers that I have had the pleasure of leading onto the battlefield. Take comfort in the knowledge that our long march to freedom is over, and that we have triumphed over those that sought to keep you low.

> Many of you wish to return home to your families and retire from the Grand Liberators, something that I am happy to encourage. The country needs to heal from the scars of conflict, and brave patriots will need to be at the forefront of the reconstruction.

> There is a heroism in peace, just as there is bravery in war. Whatever you choose to do, know that you will always have the support of myself, and of your brothers. Because that is what we are now, brothers! It matters not what we were before we joined hands in common cause, whether you be mercenary, soldier, revolutionary, or criminal. Each and every man has forged a bond of camaraderie and strength that will never fade!

> Your children will grow up with tales of your heroism and daring, and you will always be able to hold your heads high in the knowledge that you took action and took back your future! While others were content to hide and allow themselves to be tamed like dogs, you dug in your heels and refused to allow them to strip you of your dignity!"
>>
>>5387825

> "But never forget the sacrifices that won us our victory, the courage of lost souls to gaze deeply into the eyes of their hated oppressor and never give up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

> We have managed to seize the day, but at a cost. Never forget that each and every victory has been bought and paid for with blood.

> Blood of the innocent, blood of the guilty, and blood of the honorable and courageous men who dedicated everything to the pursuit of our cause.

> There may come a day in the uncertain future when another petty tyrant may attempt to seize power. And on that day, you may be called to defend your homeland once more. And know, that you will never be alone again.

> For those who wish to continue fighting under me, I offer an opportunity to enlist in the Steel Wolves; a mercenary company I’ve established with the backing of the newly-instated government. Every man will be treated justly and fairly, and will be paid well for their services.

> If you weigh your heart and choose a more peaceful route, I can only express my deepest wishes that you make the most of your new opportunities, and know that there will always be a place for you in the Wolves, should you wish it.

> To that end, please report to the quartermaster’s tent for your official discharge papers and collect your final paychecks. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Just as you anticipated, the majority of your men wish to lay down their arms and return to a more normal life.

You personally shake the hand of and wish farewell to every last one of them, and hand them their enormous bonuses. Many of them don’t understand the magnitude of it at first, or think you’re playing some kind of cruel joke.

When you assure them that you’re entirely serious, you’re treated to the sight of men breaking down in tears at the knowledge that generations of their family will be able to flourish due to their actions. They earned every penny, and you refuse to let anyone diminish the weight of their accomplishments.

Thankfully, most of your support staff stays on; the quartermasters, mechanics, cooks, paymasters, etc. A hardcore group of about a dozen loyalists also enlist in the Steel Wolves as combat assets.

They’ll be invaluable in your future endeavors.
>>
>>5387827
>10 million per man
HOLY SHIT PEDRAZA WAS THAT LOADED
>>
>>5387835
The benefits of bleeding your entire fucking country dry on the reg. What a cunt.
>>
>>5387827

Alright, that officially concludes the Venezuela mission!

Before we do anything else, it's time for an important vote.

How would you like to spend your vacation?

(We won't be jumping right into it, but I need a decision so that I may properly prep for it. I’ll go ahead and leave this vote open until Wednesday, that way everyone has a chance to decide.)

> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.

> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.

> European History Tour. You’ll get to experience all the culture and history of some of the greatest cities known to man. And maybe bust up some Intergang safe houses along the way.

> Other?


>>5387835
You'd be surprised. According to some of the stats I looked up, guys like him are ridiculously wealthy; especially when you factor in that he's been sticking his hand in the treasury for god-knows-how-long.
>>
>>5387825
>”I stand before you today as the luckiest man in Venezuela.
Says the man who can literally manipulate luck.
>>5387835
Its also probably in the Venezuelan Bolívar.
>>
>>5387838
>> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
>>
>>5387838
>> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
>>
>>5387838
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
>>
> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.

>Call up Set. COLLEGE ROOMMATES! Imagine a frat party lead by a chaos god.
>>5387838
>>
>>5387838
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.

I feel like going for HIVE training isn't too needed, and the euro sites are nice, but the idea of going on a fun trip with Jack and Set is too amazing
>>
>>5387838
>> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
I cannot resist.
>>
>>5387839
Nah, it's in greenbacks.

If that sounds like a lot (which it is), keep in mind that there are actual South American dictators out there that have reportedly swiped something like $600 million to a full billion.

And that example was a country without robust oil reserves.
>>
>>5387838
> European History Tour. You’ll get to experience all the culture and history of some of the greatest cities known to man. And maybe bust up some Intergang safe houses along the way.
>>
>>5387838
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.

> European History Tour. You’ll get to experience all the culture and history of some of the greatest cities known to man. And maybe bust up some Intergang safe houses along the way.

Technically, nothing is stopping us from doing both of these. Hitting Intergang safehouses while going on a road trip through Europe with Set!
>>
File: jinx art 1.jpg (507 KB, 1828x2486)
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We have to recruit this chaos bitch for a chaos magic faction.
>>
>>5387838
>> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
i choose to go with grandpappy seth or go bust some intergangs. btw axis can we gift isaac and darius the light apokaliptic armour we managed to get? it seems fitting for our two liutenants.
>>
>>5387863

Sure, thanks for reminding me.
>>
>>5387838
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
Just the lads and some wacky bullshit. The ideal vacation.
>>
>>5387865
thanks, it should offer them some better protection to bullets and they can do like us and modify their armours to fit their persona
>>
>>5387861
We can't adopt her.

Legally, I mean.
>>
>>5387869
Not with that attitude
>>
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Yeah because that version does not exist. That's the kids tv show version. This is her in the comics.
>>
>>5387871
what? cant we take jinx? she looks cuter than her
>>
>>5387871
Counterargument
>>
>>5387871
Xenothium also doesn't exist in the universe that Jinx exists in. But it does here. We do not KNOW which Jinx exists until we look.
>>
>>5387871
Axis is clearly doing his own thing with the DC universe. Nothing in this quest so far has been 100% comics accurate Which is a good thing., so Jinx could be the TT version.
>>
good point. There is precedent for Axis taking from that show in the form of xenotime so we can also have the show version of jinx. >>5387877
>>
>>5387838
> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
>>
I don't see the utility in getting Jinx to join anything, if I'm being honest. Yeah, she can mess with probability, but we can already do that negatively, and we have all of our other skills to boot
>>
>>5387838
axis if every dude in our army got away with ten mil how much did the general fund pull away with HOLY SHIT. TEN MIL WE IN THE BIG LEAGUES
>>
>>5387838
>> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.

I like the idea of shooting for the recruitment of Jinx. I always found her underrepresented in the TV show.
>>
>>5387900
I don't personally care about utility. I care about further exploring Sean as a character. Interacting with Jinx would be an interesting experience.
>>
>>5387900
It's not always about the min/maxing anon.
>>
>>5387917
I'm not saying we shouldn't do it at all, it just seems like we have more important things to do right now, not to mention that we'd be missing out on a vacation with Jack
>>
>>5387923
Think about all the networking and connections we can make, not to mention skills in managing villainous operations like our new Steel Wolves.
>>
>>5387926
We can do that at any time, Jack's existence on the mortal plane has a time limit
>>
I guess Jack could give us the magic tour of Europe with Set and we could do Hive stuff after. And England could give us an opportunity to meet Constantine. I'm open to switching my vote.
>>
>>5387838
>H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
>>5387861
I forgot about Jinx, yeah we definitely gotta recruit her.
>>
>>5387929
>We can do that at any time
The H.I.V.E. visit offer won't last forever. We don't know when the invite will be rescinded.
>>
>>5387838
> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
>>
>>5387838
>> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
>>
>>5387838
>Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
Maybe we can even get Thoth to go drinking with all us. That'd be pretty cool. He needs to get out of the house more anyway.
>>
>>5387838
> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
>>
There is only one issue with the H.I.V.E. invite. Its for Gunsmoke. If we go there we have to hide the fact that we can do magic if we want to keep that under wraps. Meaning it would be harder for us to approach the hypothetical Jinx.
>>
>>5387917
The way I see it, having Sean adopt Jinx could see him mellow out and get over his past traumas, trying to be a good influence on her and giving the tools she needs to better control her powers
>>
>>5387957
That nerd doesn't seem to like Set or sunlight so I doubt that's ever happening.
>>
>>5387964
Just take him drinking at night then. That leaves only Set as a potential issue, but I sure Set knows a way to bait him out.
>>
Set
>>5387840
>>5387843
>>5387848
>>5387858
>>5387863
>>5387866
>>5387954
>>5387957
HIVE
>>5387841
>>5387846
>>5387850
>>5387899
>>5387902
>>5387939
>>5387951
>>5387959
Euro
>>5387855
arrgh it be EVEN
>>
>>5387979
vote is open until wednesday, surely the tie will break by then
>>
>>5387979
I hope the road trip wins, doing stuff with Set and Jack before we send Jack to the afterlife would be nice
>>
>>5387838
>Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you
>>
>>5387979
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
I will vote for set. Need to figure out what the fuck he's been up to, and talk to him about Thoth as well.
>>
Good news, anons! I've just completed the finishing touches for the Pre-Military interlude.

It's kinda long, but let me know what you think.
>>
>>5388011

ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO

Your 18th birthday is marked with another breezy summer evening in God’s country.

As the day winds to a close, you’re propped up in your grandpa’s favorite rocking chair and watching the sun slowly slide over the mountains.

Birds are crowing in the distance, leaves are rustling on the trees, and for the briefest of moments, you’re able to close your eyes and tell yourself that everything is going to work itself out for the best.

That moment of peace is abruptly shattered by the telltale sound of something breaking, punctuated by your dad’s shouting. Which in turn, sets your mom off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KptAEI2lKSE

The flimsy door doesn’t do much to stifle their yelling and arguing, but long practice allows you to tune it out for the most part.

It’s easier when you just pretend that it’s something playing on the TV and the volume has been turned up too high.

Prior to the disturbance, you’ve been working your way through a six-pack and trying to enjoy the ambience.

Not like there’s anything better to do around here. You used to fill the boredom by helping out around the farm, but that’s been off the table for months.

Ever since the old place went belly-up and your grandpa passed, things have been getting worse and worse. The bank took it all; the farmhouse, the land, everything. Since then, the family has had to pick up sticks and move deep into the boonies to find a cheaper place to live.

Small towns don’t have much in the way of recreation even at the best of times, but you’d kill for that opportunity now.

Normally, you’d pick a better hiding place to get shitfaced, but you just can’t muster up the energy to care; even though you know full well that If you’re caught, you’re really in for some trouble.

The last time that you were caught sneaking something out of his booze stash, your dad threatened to punch your lights out.

And when you made the mistake of letting Mom know about it, all it ended up leading to was another screaming match.

Sometimes you wonder when things went off-the-rails; when each new day began to seem less like a new opportunity and more like another chore.

Not that you can even bring it up; Mom would go to pieces and worry herself to death, and Dad….

It’s just a bad idea, simple as can be.

It doesn’t help when people keep telling you shit like “You’ve got so much potential, Sean; you just need to apply yourself more!” And the classic, “Everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t understand it.” Or worst of all, “You’ll look back on these days as the best of your life!”

If everything is downhill from here, then maybe you’d be better off painting the walls with the family shotgun. That’s how your grandpa punched his ticket, even though nobody likes to talk about it.

You were strongarmed into speaking with the school guidance counselor about it, which quickly went a direction you had to furiously backpedal from.
>>
>>5387838
>> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
>>
>>5388013

After that little bout of honesty nearly earned you an all-expenses paid trip to the junior loony bin, you wisened up quickly in regards to the value of silence.

You crack open another beer and drink deeply, pointedly keeping your eyes fixed on the horizon.

What exactly do you have to look forward to, anyhow?

College? Your parents can barely manage to put food on the table as is, there’s no way that they’ll be able to make ends meet with even more bills to deal with. You’re not smart enough to earn a free ride anywhere, let alone hack it anywhere other than a shitty community college. There’s no chance that anybody sane would offer you a loan, and you’d never be able to get your head above water afterward. Besides, Dad’s made his opinion about higher education clear on more occasions than you can count.

Work? You always figured that you’d keep the farm going, but that’s no longer an option. The only real employer in the area is the plant, but you don’t have the connections to get a job there, nor do you want to. You’ve seen the number of injured men that get stiffed out of workers comp and are quietly shitcanned for bullshit reasons after. But since they’re the only other game in town, people gotta play.

A family of your own? Now that’s the biggest laugh of all. You’ve seen where that particular can of worms leads, and you’re determined to cut it off at the pass. You’ve seen your parents’ old pictures, of them smiling and holding hands. Of them looking happy and content on their wedding day, so overjoyed that you’d think there’s no way they’d ever drift apart.

And how it can degenerate into nothing but a shared fear of dying alone and unloved.

In English class, there was a section from a poem you were forced to memorize that still sticks in your craw.

Tis better to have loved and lost,
Than never to have loved at all.

Whoever wrote that shit needs to get their head checked. You’ve sworn it off, romance and everything attached to it isn’t worth the hassle. The only person that you can trust to act in your best interests is yourself, and you’re not compelled to let alone else in. That just makes it worse when they inevitably disappoint you, or vice versa.

So, that’s why you’re here, getting hammered and brooding on what should be a happy day.

It’s just hard to care about shit like “lackluster academic performance” and “irregular conduct” when none of it’s ever gonna give a damn anyhow. Chances are, you’ll just end here forever; working a dead-end job in a dead-end town, surrounded by people who gave up a long time ago. Maybe you’ll embrace the family tradition by becoming a bitter old prick and keep the cycle going.
>>
>>5388016

Unbidden, a memory springs to life; a few years ago, you got into a fight with some of the local boys and gotten roughed up pretty bad. Came home bruised and teary-eyed, begging for help. Dad hauled you aside and explained in his usual way that you needed to grow the fuck up and handle your own problems; that nobody gives two shits about whether you live or die, and that if he caught you embarrassing him in public again, he’d give you something to really cry about.

Ever since, you’ve drilled that maxim in as deeply as you can. And as much as you hate to admit it, the old bastard just might be on to something. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself; because no one else ever will. The only horse ever worth backing is the one called self-interest.

The Stars and Stripes billowing from the flagpole catches your attention when an uptick in the breeze causes it flap a bit louder.

In that moment, an idea strikes you and kickstarts your brain like you had been struck by lightning.

Your grandpa always used to tell stories about joining the Marines after Pearl Harbor; of fighting against the Japs and second-hand stories about the bloody fighting on Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Guam, Okinawa, and every island positioned the Rising Sun and Hawaii. He always clammed up when it came to talking about his old buddies, and never liked to show off any of his medals, especially his Purple Heart.

There’s a recruitment office in the next town over, once you get your high school diploma in a couple months, you could always enlist. You’re an adult now, so it’s not like your parents can stop you; and they’d surely take you. You’re in good shape, and you’ve got some experience with marksmanship, mostly just shooting at cans and squirrels, but it’s still experience.

You had always been interested in military service, but your old man always shot you down. Told you that you would never make it through boot camp, that you’d only pass if McNamara was calling the shots again.

Well, fuck him. And this town, and every shiftless moron that’s content to let life roll over them and not even put up a fight. You’re determined to be- no, you will be better.
>>
>>5388017

You’ll fight for your country and spread freedom while earning a steady paycheck; make the world a better place while actually earning a chance for something better than all this.

Maybe once you do your bit for Uncle Sam, you’ll go to a real school on the G.I. Bill, and have the government pay your way; actually do something useful with your life.

As you watch the purplish-orange hue of the receding sunset, the argument inside shows no side of abating. On the better days, the howling using peters off after an hour or so, but it looks like they’ll be going at for a while longer.

You let out a defeated sigh and smack yourself for being such an idiot.

You had been hoping that things would be different this year, but it looks like you’ve gotten your hopes up for nothing yet again. It’s not like you were expecting a trip to Disneyland or anything, but still; getting nothing still stings.

Oh well. They may not have remembered it, but you’ve given yourself the most important gift of all.

Hope.

You finish the last of the six-pack and trudge off to grab your .22. You better get the practice in while you can.

Happy birthday to you.
>>
(That's all for the interlude, anons. Hope you found it a good read and that it gave you a bit of insight as to Sean's upbringing and the way he things about stuff.)
>>
>>5386037
Why arent we commissioning our own story and comic series? Where is the fan art?
>>
>>5388023
Ow dude. Some heavy shit.
>>
>>5388019
Damn, I guess it was obvious from how Sean never referenced these times that it wouldn't be a pretty sight, but it's still sad. Good one Axis.
>>
>>5387838
Id like to take jack on tour since hes bound to know a ton of history. We might even bring that professor guy along with us too. God knows it do him good to pry him out of the office, but i want to go with set for one reason and one reason only.
When shit was hitting the fan and we called on him for help and it fizzled out, all set did was shrug. So i want to find set in a similaryly difficult position were he needs a bit of help, and when our help fizzles out we shrug. Its all in good humor tho.
>>
>>5388023
I really hope we somehow end up back in that tiny town in the middle of nowhere, and for Sean's parents to see what's become of him.
>>
>>5387838
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.

WHOOO ROADTRIP
>>
>>5388023
Well this interlude hit closer to home then I expected it too.
>>
>>5388054
We need to get Thoth and Cullen in touch. Cullen is autistic enough to ignore the shit tier social skills of Thoth and keep rambling and shit while also laser focusing on learning and all that. Best pen pals.
>>
>>5388023
You've got a knack for getting the emotion across, Axis
>>
>>5388122
One step at a time.

Guy might litteraly lose his mind over the work and excitement we throw him in.
>>
>> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.
>>
>>5387838
>> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.
> Other?
Joana Thama Magical PI adventures. Tune back in next Saturday for the first appearance of Detective Chimps wacky and irreverent nephew Baba the baboon, while Joana and Bobo tries to solve the case of who threw this really big rock that almost killed batman?
>>
>>5388214
>not linking your post on one of the votes that runs for days
Dick move, bro. Makes it harder to count.
>>
>>5387979
> H.I.V.E. Academy Training. That offer from the Executive might still be on the table; might be worth calling him up. It might do you some good to familiarize yourself further with your villainous peers.

By God, we are totally going to be a minor villain for the Teen Titans.
>>
>>5387962
why adopt? sean must be the same age as jinx. fuck sake, isnt he the same age as most young justice leage? Also, i dont want to turn this quest into gay daddy quest.
>>
>>5388046
>>5388040
>>5388034
>>5388023
>tfw you cant understand anon´s thoughs because you think sean had it good

good interlude axis, might be because my own life had something to do with my own vision, but sean´s life wasnt as bad as i though. certanly worst than i hoped, but better than i feared
>>
>>5388019
Damn, Sean's life sucked this hard and he STILL managed to be an idealist until life reversed over him again for good measure.
>>
>>5388290
You'll see it in every quest, anons will adopt every minor as a way to cope with their crippling loneliness, even if the mc is unprepared and unfitting for parenting.
>>
>>5388350
The only minors i can see sean adopting is child soldiers after we kill their warlord
>>
>>5387838
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.

Bring toth and cullen
>>
>>5387979
>> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.

Any time we spend with Jack is good.
>>
>>5388300
Suffering isn't a contest my guy. Bad is bad whether or not someone else has it worse. Not gonna offer you empty condolences or anything but I will give you an oof.

People who complain about inane shit like their coffee being served just a little bit too cold and act like they're losing lifespan over the stress of it absolutely deserve to be mocked for it. Fuck those people.

>>5388350
>implying we don't all come here to shitpost our loneliness away
You can't fool me.
>>
Wait hold up Axis. Could we at least talk to our contacts and tell them to assign us for the "next semester"?

We have the perfect excuse of fucking around in Gotham and gaining the hate of Penguin for us to stay so low, and we could tell them that we were planing on asking to go now but something personal happened.
>>
>>5388279
we already ARE a minor villain for the teen titans, remember we fucked Robin up once during that convoy heist
>>
>>5388701
Sean being a one-off villain in an episode of TT that got a ton of background development due to became a fan favorite fits really well.
>>
>>5388502
>Suffering isn't a contest my guy.
spoken like someones whose losing the contest, bet your dad didn't even beat you bitch, come back once you're ready to compete with the big bois :V
>>
>>5388502
People could already be under a ton of stress before the coffee and it could be the last straw.
>>
>>5388792
6/10, throw in a few random apostrophes and it'd be a 7. Nice.

>>5388818
The problem is that coffee being just out of your preference shouldn't even register as an issue. It's something you note and move on from. It's irrelevant. And people who think it is relevant are dweebs.
>>
>>5387838
> Set's Road Trip. It'll do you some good to do a bit of cruising and bullshitting with your favorite chaos deity. And Jack, if he'd like to accompany you.

Set and Jack need some bro time with us and HIVE while interesting we need to enjoy the time we have left with Jack.

>>5388704
God, I hope we get to smack TT around for an episode. Just dab on some children then just leave after one ass kicking and no explanation. Give them a taste of high level danger.
>>
>>5388952
We're good, but I don't think we're quite "dab on an entire team of kid supers" good, especially not solo. Not without putting some of them in the ground at least.
>>
>>5389389
>>>
Depends on the roster and if we manage to start the battle off with a sneak attack IMO, like if we're dealing with troia or even like starfire we'd be at a real disadvantage just cause they're not exactly easy to knock out and take care of quickly
>>
>>5388952
If we ever manage to get in good with the justice league we could sell non lethal beatdowns for training purposes
Stress test teams of junior members
>>
>>5389389
We for sure can straight up murder a lot of heroes right now, especially the young ones, the difficult part would be going non-lethal so we don't get our skull caved in by superman.
>>
Alright, time for me to tally up all the votes.
>>
>>5389751

Looks like the Roadtrip with Set wins.

Since some of the anons have been floating ideas other potential travel buddies, I'll go ahead and list the ones I’ve seen proposed. This isn’t a formal vote by any means, not just yet. (Set will obviously be a default fixture)

Options include…
- Bobo
- Jack
- Cullen
- Thoth (Will require a roll)

If you have any other suggestions for who to bring along, feel free to throw em my way.

In the meantime, would you all prefer a bit of downtime in Gotham, or would you prefer to hop straight into your vacation?

> Spend some downtime in Gotham. It’s been a long while since you’ve seen the place, and it’d be nice to settle back into the swing of things.

> Jump straight into your roadtrip. Time’s a’wasting, and adventure awaits.
>>
>>5389755
> Jump straight into your roadtrip. Time’s a’wasting, and adventure awaits.

Adventure time :D I think getting Jack and Thoth to come along too would be nice
>>
>>5389755
> Spend some downtime in Gotham. It’s been a long while since you’ve seen the place, and it’d be nice to settle back into the swing of things.
Definitely been too long. Also one last hurrah with Jack sounds fun
>>
>>5389755
> Spend some downtime in Gotham. It’s been a long while since you’ve seen the place, and it’d be nice to settle back into the swing of things.

We should bring Jack and Thoth on the road trip, but we should spend some time hanging out with Bobo during the downtime. Maybe we could cram some more detective training?
>>
>>5389755
> Jump straight into your roadtrip. Time’s a’wasting, and adventure awaits.
>>
>>5389755
> Spend some downtime in Gotham. It’s been a long while since you’ve seen the place, and it’d be nice to settle back into the swing of things.

Also Cullen and thoth would be an amazing duo, and they could be the "brains" to our brawns.
>>
>>5389755
> Spend some downtime in Gotham. It’s been a long while since you’ve seen the place, and it’d be nice to settle back into the swing of things.

Unofficial vote for Jack, Cullen, and Thoth.
>>
>>5389755
> Spend some downtime in Gotham. It’s been a long while since you’ve seen the place, and it’d be nice to settle back into the swing of things.
>>
>>5389755
> Jump straight into your roadtrip. Time’s a’wasting, and adventure awaits.

I wanna see Jack, Thoth and Set getting on like a house on fire
>>
>>5389762
>>5389763
>>5389766
>>5389774
>>5389776

Alright, looks like we're easing ourselves back into the swing of things.

I'll have the list of potential outings done shortly.
>>
>>5389755
> Spend some downtime in Gotham. It’s been a long while since you’ve seen the place, and it’d be nice to settle back into the swing of things.
Bring Jack, Bobo and Thoth. Thoth needs to do something other than read.
>>
>>5389778

Once you get situated back in Gotham, who do you plan on spending time with?

(Choose 3)

> Gremlin. He’s been busting his ass on your behalf, he needs to spend some time away from that battlestation of his. You’ll drag him out for something fun, a trip to an arcade or something.

> Thoth. If you can figure out a way to gain his attention, maybe you can coax him out of his musty old library. You’ll start off small, show him around a few of the parks; he desperately needs the fresh air.

> Cullen. You’re curious about how the book is doing, and he’s always interesting to speak to. And who knows, maybe he’d be interested in hearing a little about your brush with the paranormal.

> Bird. It’s been a while since you’ve hung out with any of Bane’s hitters, but he’s decent company. You know a good black-market firing range, could just plink away at targets for a while.

> Bobo. You’re starting to miss your old drinking buddy, and he’s always up for a good time. Besides, nothing says “welcome home” quite like a few (or several) drinks in the Oblivion Bar.

> Genghis. He’s back in town and looking to cut loose, same as yourself. Could take him to a legit boxing match, he’s always had a soft spot for bloodsports.

> Cortez. He’s apparently on-the-job at the moment, casing out some ritzy club for a heist. You could probably help out, while still enjoying the nightlife a bit.

> Other?
>>
> Gremlin. He’s been busting his ass on your behalf, he needs to spend some time away from that battlestation of his. You’ll drag him out for something fun, a trip to an arcade or something.

> Thoth. If you can figure out a way to gain his attention, maybe you can coax him out of his musty old library. You’ll start off small, show him around a few of the parks; he desperately needs the fresh air.

> Cullen. You’re curious about how the book is doing, and he’s always interesting to speak to. And who knows, maybe he’d be interested in hearing a little about your brush with the paranormal.

Nerd squad
>>
>>5389784
> Bobo. You’re starting to miss your old drinking buddy, and he’s always up for a good time. Besides, nothing says “welcome home” quite like a few (or several) drinks in the Oblivion Bar.
> Gremlin. He’s been busting his ass on your behalf, he needs to spend some time away from that battlestation of his. You’ll drag him out for something fun, a trip to an arcade or something.
> Genghis. He’s back in town and looking to cut loose, same as yourself. Could take him to a legit boxing match, he’s always had a soft spot for bloodsports.
>>
>>5389784
>> Thoth. If you can figure out a way to gain his attention, maybe you can coax him out of his musty old library. You’ll start off small, show him around a few of the parks; he desperately needs the fresh air.

>> Cullen. You’re curious about how the book is doing, and he’s always interesting to speak to. And who knows, maybe he’d be interested in hearing a little about your brush with the paranormal.

Thoth and Cullen NEED to talk.

> Bobo. You’re starting to miss your old drinking buddy, and he’s always up for a good time. Besides, nothing says “welcome home” quite like a few (or several) drinks in the Oblivion Bar.

Bobo's a good guy, and some some extra tips/training in detective-ing is always helpful.
>>
>>5389791
+1
>>
>>5389784
> Genghis. He’s back in town and looking to cut loose, same as yourself. Could take him to a legit boxing match, he’s always had a soft spot for bloodsports.

> Cortez. He’s apparently on-the-job at the moment, casing out some ritzy club for a heist. You could probably help out, while still enjoying the nightlife a bit.

> Gremlin. He’s been busting his ass on your behalf, he needs to spend some time away from that battlestation of his. You’ll drag him out for something fun, a trip to an arcade or something.

Wednesday is for the boys
>>
>>5389784
> Gremlin
> Thoth
> Cortez
We don't hang out with Cortez a lot
>>
Calling the vote here and tallying it all up.
>>
Seems that Gremlin and Thoth are definite picks, while there's a tie between Cullen and Bobo.

I'll roll a d2 to settle it.

1 = Cullen
2 = Bobo
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5389810
Fuck's sake, let's give that another try.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>5389810
>>
>>5389811

That's a win for Bobo; now for something a bit more internally focused.

Now that you’re home and taking a bit of a break, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to do a little bit of training; further refining your talents and the skills you’ve cobbled together.

No need to worry about specifics at this stage, just on your general focus.

To that end, you decide to…

> Focus entirely on strengthening your magical abilities. If your time with the Squad has taught you one thing, it’s that you’re up against things that’ll eat you alive if you don’t keep pace. Magic is the most powerful and versatile tool in your arsenal, and needs further honing.

> Focus entirely on strengthening your physical prowess. Your body is the one weapon that you will never be without. So long as you improve on your fundamental skills and maintain

> Balance your attention evenly between physical strength and magical might. You don’t need to cripple yourself by overspecializing, being a talented generalist has worked wonders for you so far.

> Other?
>>
>READ MOTHER FCKER. Read the demon book and strengthan magic abilities we just critted so we got that phys boost.>>5389815
>>
>>5389815
>> Focus entirely on strengthening your magical abilities. If your time with the Squad has taught you one thing, it’s that you’re up against things that’ll eat you alive if you don’t keep pace. Magic is the most powerful and versatile tool in your arsenal, and needs further honing.

We're already at a really good point with our physical abilities. We need to start upgrading what magic we already have, instead of learning new spells.
>>
>>5389815
> Focus entirely on strengthening your magical abilities.
hammerspace, more luck manipulation, invisibility, mind reading, the sky's the limit
>>
>>5389815
> Focus entirely on strengthening your magical abilities. If your time with the Squad has taught you one thing, it’s that you’re up against things that’ll eat you alive if you don’t keep pace. Magic is the most powerful and versatile tool in your arsenal, and needs further honing.
>>
> Balance your attention evenly between physical strength and magical might. You don’t need to cripple yourself by overspecializing, being a talented generalist has worked wonders for you so far.

Go to the gym and the library
>>
>>5389815
> Balance your attention evenly between physical strength and magical might. You don’t need to cripple yourself by overspecializing, being a talented generalist has worked wonders for you so far.

Something Something generalists thrive in nature something something
>>
>>5389815
> Balance your attention evenly between physical strength and magical might. You don’t need to cripple yourself by overspecializing, being a talented generalist has worked wonders for you so far.

Given we're about to go on a road trip with Set, magic is something we're probably going to be learning a lot about on that trip.
>>
>>5389815
> Balance your attention evenly between physical strength and magical might. You don’t need to cripple yourself by overspecializing, being a talented generalist has worked wonders for you so far.
>>
>>5389815
> Balance your attention evenly between physical strength and magical might. You don’t need to cripple yourself by overspecializing, being a talented generalist has worked wonders for you so far.
>>
>>5389821
>>5389822
>>5389823
>>5389824
>>5389826

Alright, looks like going for the balancing act wins. I've got a metric fuckton of writing ahead of me, so I'll go ahead and call it for tonight.

We'll spin up on Friday at 5:00 PM EST with some miscellaneous wrap-up stuff and your triumphant return to Gotham.

As always, thanks for tuning in! I hope to see you all here on Friday.

Apologies for being a bit off my game this week, been having a grand old time dealing with trivial bullshit. Makes it hard to knuckle down and crank out the updates like I’d like to. I know setup can be a bit tedious, but it really helps keep things organized.

Speaking of which, the following vote is open until our next session on Friday; to make my life easier, vote for each of these by section.

When it comes to your traveling partners for the roadtrip, you decide to…

> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.

> Do not ask Jack to join the roadtrip.

————————————————————

> Ask Cullen to join the roadtrip. (Will require revealing that Jonah Thema is an alias)

> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.

————————————————————

> Ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.

> Do not ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.

————————————————————

> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)

> Do not ask Thoth to join the roadtrip.
>>
>>5389840
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Cullen to join the roadtrip. (Will require revealing that Jonah Thema is an alias)
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
Thanks for running, Axis
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.

> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
Can't mix our personalities

> Do not ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.

> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5388952
They got slade for that.
>>
>>5389840
>> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
>>5389840
> Do not ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Do not ask Thoth to join the roadtrip.

Why would we willingly inflict Set on any of these people? I know I am going to be outvoted on the Jack part but I just don't feel like he would enjoy the trip and has a lot of work to do with the artifacts.
>>
>>5389840
When it comes to your traveling partners for the roadtrip, you decide to…

> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
————————————————————
> Do not ask Cullen to join the roadtrip
————————————————————
> Ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
————————————————————
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>5389840
>> Ask Jack to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Bobo to join the roadtrip.
> Ask Thoth to join the roadtrip. (Will require a persuasion roll)
Rolling for seduccing thot to join us
>>
Rolled 97 + 69 (1d100 + 69)

>>5389973
Nah bro put on glasses and use a librarian voice, like this
>>
>>5389988
man what !
>>
>>5389997
All the bookish types are weak for librarians dawg.
>>
>>5390017
we not letting thoth steal babs
>>
>>5390026
Better rev up your pickup lines then. Player two has entered the game.
>>
>>5389840
>Ask Jack
>Do NOT Ask Cullen
>Ask Thoth
>Ask Bobo

So, a ghost, a merc, a chimpanzee and two gods walk into a bar...
>>
>>5390132
>the barman says "What'll it be, fellas?"

>The ghost says "Nothing for me, thanks, drink goes right through me!"

>One god says "Something strong, please I've gone and shouted myself Horus!"
>>
Did we forget Gilligan exists, or are we just holding him wanting to leave Gremlin behind during that heist against him? I almost feel bad for the guy.
>>
>>5390678
I would rather wait for a helicopter pilot buddy rather than a crack driver who doesn't care about his allies
>>
>>5390686
I think you're making it a bit more personal than it is in reality (though maybe as personal as Sean would make it, I dunno). Besides... Ghengis and Cortez were also going to leave him behind. They're not soldiers. They're career criminals.
>>
>>5390678
not much use for his skill set for me, cortez at least has the infiltrator card going and ghengis has combat experience, meanwhile gremlin is probably the most usefull for us.

Also, we invested a lot of time in those three too.
>>
Say wasnt there interlude about the files about dresden on the batcomputer
>>
>>5387853
Gaddafhi had something like 200 billions $ if I remember correctly
>>
>>5391489
Gat dang boah maybe I should look into becoming a dictator.
>>
>>5391489
the Rothschild meanwhile have like a trillion or 3 i think? man one wonderrs what do they do with that much money
>>
Alright, give me a moment to tally everything up and get writing.

>>5390678
Honestly, the main reason is that there hasn't been much of a use for his talents for quite some time. Unless you have need for a dedicated wheelman, which is a pretty narrow specialty in hindsight.

>>5391308
Still working on it, anon.

>>5388518
I'll rule that you can still pursue the HIVE stuff at a later date (depending on how other events go), but the Executive'll probably be an ass about it and demand some kind of compensation in return.
>>
>>5391803

Looks like you'll be bringing along Jack, Bobo, and potentially Thoth.
>>
>>5391803
you can have him do like cortez and gremlin and train other skills?
>>
>>5391810
You make a fair point, I just never really saw interest from the anons in hanging out with / bringing him along on stuff.

Over time, he kinda just slipped in between the cracks.
>>
Just checking in, anons.

I'm still alive, it's just taking me a little longer than anticipated to get the next update finished. It's quite a long one, hence the delay.
>>
>>5391847
Hi still alive
I am anon
>>
>>5391848
Hi anon, I'm dad.
>>
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>>5391853
>>
>>5391870
Holy shit a 2nd Primarch Quest meme in DC Henchman.
>>
>>5391808

A quick sigil ping to Jack informs him that you’ve finished your business in Venezuela and are about to head back home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCEo5vbabt8

He’s still putting the finishing touches on whatever ritual hoodoo that needs to be performed on the Ace of Winchesters, but it shouldn’t be long now before he’s able to regain more of his mobility.

Apparently, the worst of the prep work is out of the way, now that you’re reaching the end of the finish line in terms of “relic acquisition” for his permanent banishment.

Despite yourself, thoughts about Jack ending his un-life still bounce around your head; even though you try to avoid thinking about it, it’s been cropping up more and more lately.

Your conviction in helping him hasn’t lessened, it’s just that…

When Jack’s gone, you’ll be all on your own; again. Maybe not entirely, but Jack’s practically your mentor, and adjusting to life without his guidance or support isn’t a prospect you relish.

But in the end, regardless of any treasonous thoughts, it’s Jack’s choice to make; not yours. You gave your word that you’d see it through to the finish, no matter what; and you don’t intend on letting Jack down.

A quick word to your lieutenants staying in-country assuages the last of your worries before your departure; namely the matter of stashing the General’s carcass. While the other members of the Task Force X hunter-killer team were given a proper burial, the General’s body is too valuable to just throw away.

Thankfully, Mondragon managed to throw together a solution that ought to tide things over until a more professional alternative can been arranged.

The body’s been transported to and stashed inside the cold storage of an abandoned meatpacking plant stashed a rural district; siphoning power covertly from the power grid and posting the occasional sentry to dissuade curious passerby ought to be enough to keep things on the down-low.

As for your payout from liquidating Pedraza’s vault; ten million in cash is a bit much to transport, so you’ve made the executive decision of stashing the majority of it in various offshore accounts, while still making sure to keep a bit on hand. Madcap and Bayonet did much the same at your urging.

You’ve already gone to the hassle of packing away your gear, all that’s left are the various keepsakes and sundry items that’ve floated into your possession during your operations. Christ, you’ve got a boatload of stuff to sift through.

Your boys were kind enough to retrieve trophies and equipment from some of your fallen opposition and leave them in your tent, almost like they were paying tribute or something.
>>
>>5391888

In no particular order, you’ve acquired…
- Old Revolver, looted from the warden's office of that Venezuelan star fort turned prison; your first real strike on Pedraza.
- Photograph of you and the Rats; taken shortly after organizing everyone into a cohesive band.
- Scrap of Warrant’s Armor; looks like Stalnoivolk mangled him pretty badly.
- Karma’s Helmet; you’re a bit leery of sticking the thing on, just in case he’s programmed some kind of self-destruct.
- Scandal Savage’s Blades; they’re scary looking pigstickers for someone who went out without much of a fight.
- Curved Sword; swiped from one of those whackjob cultists in Kahndaq during your “participation” in the Suicide Squad.

Your Ring of Clarity and the Apokoliptian Sword and Shield are still in Task Force X custody, and will remain as such until you sack Belle Reve in the future. It’s a small price to pay for your freedom, but it’s still a bit irritating.

While tidying the last of your belongings, you discover something new. Tucked away in your pack is one of Madcap’s sketches, a well-drawn black and white depiction of an imposing figure, aiming down the sights of a rifle. What ends up drawing your attention the most is the visible coldness in the figure’s eyes and the harshness of his body language.

It takes you a moment to figure it out, but it’s a drawing of you.

Damn, you look like a badass; you need to thank Madcap for this somehow; he’s got a real talent for that art stuff.

After loading up the last of your gear and making a few last goodbyes; you, Madcap, and Bayonet head to the airport for your life back home.

The trip ride home is nothing to write home about; thanks to your newly established regional connections, you were able to find a smuggler’s flight back to the States without having to fork over a cent. Looks like the criminal underbelly is appreciative of smacking down their greatest adversary, and are willing to extend a few perks in exchange for your role in taking him down.

From there, it’s a reasonably simple matter of getting in a pre-arranged vehicle and making the drive into the outskirts of Gotham, where the mansion resides in elegant disrepair.

You insist that Madcap and Bayonet accompany you; partially because they deserve a proper homecoming just as much as you do, and partially because you have a surprise gift for them.

When you reach home, the front door has been propped open in anticipation of your arrival.
>>
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>>5391889

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir1A74UA2YE

A jazzy number is playing, and the smells of home cooking waft through the open doorway, quickly drawing all three of you inside.

The foyer is spotless, looks like all the previous damage has been repaired.

Jack’s waves at you from the entrance to the kitchen, and waves you towards the veritable feast that he’s taken the time to prepare.

You’ve normally got a snappy joke or two on standby, but you’re content to let the simple comfort of the moment wash over you.

It just feels good to be able to let your guard down for a moment, you’ve been on-edge and under constant threat for quite some time; and there’s nothing quite like sharing a nice meal with people you trust.

During the meal, you give Jack a quick and dirty breakdown of what’s been happening during your campaign in the south; making special mention of Darius and Isaac’s new codenames and your intent to supply them with some of the surplus Intergang armor you’ve been keeping for a rainy day.

They’ve proven themselves to be loyal, even in the wake of your presumed death; if that doesn’t warrant reward, then what does? Besides, the armor has basically been gathering dust in your closet; no sense in needlessly hoarding valuable tech and denying your inner circle an edge.

Your homecoming banquet is concluded with a very special dessert; looks like Jack’s gone to the trouble of baking you a homemade cake; even has a little stick figure in army fatigues in frosting.

It’s not the best tasting meal you’ve ever had, but you’re touched by the gesture nonetheless. Little gestures like this are one of the reasons that Jack is by-far the best boss you’ve ever had the privilege of working for.

After excusing yourself from the table, you rifle through your equipment storage and present your pair of lieutenants with their new armor.

They’re both excited to give it a spin, but you make sure to stress that they’re weaker models than your own, and that you’ve had your armor customized in several different ways to improve its capabilities.

After a joking (but semi-serious) reminder not to blow all their money in place or at one time, the both of them make their excuses and leave; chances are they’ve got obligations of their own to fulfill now that they’re back in town.

At least now they’ve both got enough money to get their own places and stop squatting in one of of Genghis’ backup boltholes.

As you help Jack with the washing-up, a pronounced twinge in your leg reminds you that you’re still carrying plenty of aches and pains from the various knocks and hits you took out in the field.
>>
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>>5391890

Once you finish up with the cleaning, you let Jack know that you’re heading out to the woods for a quick boost.

To avoid risking a forest fire, you haul a couple buckets filled with tap water along.

When you reach a suitable clearing, you set up a bonfire and set it alight with Fire Bolt.

After stripping down to your skivvies, you force yourself to lay down in the fire and let the comfort of the blaze wash over you.

> (Debuff Removed! Flesh Wound.)

Upon re-dressing yourself, you’re struck with a sudden bout of curiosity and switch on Magesight; intent on examining your magically fueled bonfire. The picture is hard to quantify, but it’s almost like your deep dive into Delrio’s corrupted essence has allowed you to better refine your ability to see through glamours and other magic-based tricks.

> Spell Improved! Magesight: - Magesight - Able to see the magical energy within objects / people and see through magical illusions.

It’s that heightened sense of awareness that alerts you to the abrupt appearance of a familiar presence.

> “Long time, no see, Set. Where the hell have you been?”

You do your best to keep your tone level, but it’s hard to keep the frustration from coloring it. After the Squad snapped you up, you didn’t hear hide nor hear from Set at all. Not a message, not a meeting, not a single shred of support.

And judging from the lack of his telltale hangdog smirk, Set realizes the enormity of his blunder as well.

“Hey, kid. You’re looking well. Before you say anything, I-“

> “Seriously? ‘I’m looking well?’ That’s all you’ve got to say? Jesus, Set.”

“Sean, you’ve got to believe me; I would’ve helped you if I could, but it just wasn’t possible!”

> “Why not!?”

“Because, that would’ve just made things worse! You remember that possessed guy, the one who you shredded like lean beef? He had a master, one whose power blows me out of the water. If I had intervened, his patron would’ve had been able to do the same; and he’d be able to bring a lot more to the table. All I could do was try to observe and hope for the best. I’m not asking you to forgive me, I’m just asking for a chance to make it up to you; as a sign of good faith, that favor you owe me? Consider it repaid.”

Damn, he must really feel bad to willingly give up leverage. Maybe he’s serious about mending fences.

> “What’s your angle, Set? No offense, but this seems a little too good to be true.”

“No tricks, I promise. You remember that roadtrip I brought up a long time ago? I think now would be a good time for it, you obviously need some time away from work, and it’ll give me a chance to pay you back for being such a kickass Avatar.”

You could use a vacation, but you better feel him out a little bit first.

> “Can I bring a few buddies along?”

“Sure, the more the merrier.”

> “Then you’ve got a deal.”

“Fantastic! You’re gonna have one hell of a time, kid; that’s a Set guarantee! I’ll need some time to get everything set up, but it’ll be worth the wait.”
>>
>>5391891

Set looks more excited than you’ve ever seen, maybe his ulterior motive is having a bit of company that can handle his antics.

Not long thereafter he teleports away, so you head back inside and begin plotting out some of your newly acquired free time.

When you phone up Gremlin, you’re able to wrangle a promise out of him to meet outside of work; he suggests a local arcade, and you’re happy to play along.

After a refreshing night’s sleep, you head out to the arcade after one of Jack’s hearty breakfasts.

The place has a nice vibe to it, really cranks up a bit of your nostalgia.

When Gremlin arrives, you decide to challenge him to…

> Shooting Game. You’re a marksman for a living, the skills are practically guaranteed to carry over.

> Racing Game. You’ve got excellent reflexes and fine-motor skills, this ought to be simple enough.

> A round of Air Hockey. When it comes to low-impact paddle violence, you reign amongst the best and brightest.

> Fighting Game. You’re little better than a button masher, but you’re determined to claim victory nonetheless.

> Other?
>>
>>5391893
> Other: DDR. Boot up some Captain Jack.
>>
>>5391895
Support
>>
>>5391895
>>5391893

>I support DDR

Man, I love this quest. You have jungle guerilla warfare, crimes, and sad backstories, then you have home-cooked meals with Jack, Set banter, and DDR. Can't get much better than this
>>
>>5391895
+1
>>
>>5391895
Hell yeah
>>
>>5391895
+1
Fuck yeah bro
>>
Rolled 52, 72, 9 + 20 = 153 (3d100 + 20)

>>5391895
>>5391898
>>5391912
>>5391916
>>5391917
>>5391920

There's a joke to be made about you being a Dance Dance Revolutionary, but that'd be too easy.

Roll me some 1d100+45 to see well you bust a move.

No DC, my rolls are for Gremlin.
>>
>>5391895
oh gods i support this too
>>
Rolled 75 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5391926
>>
Rolled 13 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

Cursed.>>5391926
>>
Rolled 67 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5391926
>>
>>5391929
>>5391930
>>5391932

Looks like you both do well, writing.
>>
Rolled 49 + 45 (1d100 + 45)

>>5391926
watch this mad gaming skillzs
>>
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>>5391934

As you wait for Gremlin in the arcade, you fidget restlessly. This is what you get for being habitually early; being left alone to stew with your thoughts.

It feels a bit weird being your civvies, and you barely manage to stop yourself from casing the place for exits, chokepoints, and cover.

You’re here to have a bit of innocent fun and to switch your brain off for a while. You’ve seen the impacts of combat burnout, and you’re not deluded enough to pretend that you’re suddenly immune to

Gremlin arrives right on time and greets you with a customary fist-bump.

> “It’s good to see you, man. I’m guessing you’re familiar with this joint?”

“That’s right, I’ve probably spent more time in here than I ever did in class.”

Gremlin gives you a once-over and chuckles a little.

“I’ve gotta say, it’s kinda funny seeing you in a place like this without your work clothes. I could’ve sworn that it was practically welded onto you.” He jokes, gently ribbing you.

> “Hey, I know how to cut loose. Pick whatever game you’d like, and I’ll show you how the pros do it.”

“Whatever you say, old man.”

> “Old man!? Now you’ve gone and done it; this means war!”

The both of you mock-glare at each other, before busting out laughing.

Gremlin recovers first and a suspiciously smug looking smile flits across his features.

“I think I’ve got just the thing in mind; have you ever played DDR?”

> “Can’t say I have. What’s the acronym stand for?”

“Dance Dance Revolution.”

Son of a bitch, you and your big stinking mouth.

> “You’re a monster, I hope you know that.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure that your pride will eventually recover. At least, so long as the others never hear about it.”

> “Keep digging that hole smartass, you’re gonna have to fill it sooner than you think.”
>>
>>5391969

Gremlin leads you towards the machine in question, obviously relishing the prospect of getting one over on you.

You take a position on one of the pads, while he sticks a few quarters in and selects a song.

You can’t help but groan when you see the song Gremlin’s chosen to subject you to.

“What’s the matter? I figured I’d start you off with something familiar; you should be thanking me!”

> “I promise that the next dance number I perform will be on your grave.”

“That’s the spirit!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXgxcKI6g5w

The song begins, and Gremlin pulls off to an early lead as you try to familiarize yourself with the layout of the controls and get in sync with the music.

About halfway through, your competitive nature rears its head, and you focus every ounce of your considerable agility to correctly matching the patterns displayed on the screen.

You stop paying attention to the score, Gremlin, your worries, or the fact that you probably look like a flailing idiot.

Before you realize it, the song is over and you’ve eked out a victory over Gremlin.

“Good job, what’d you think? It wasn’t that bad, was it?”

You crack a smile.

> "No it certainly was not, but I’m not done just yet. Rematch, now. Unless you’re…..scared?”

“Cocky bastard. You’re on!”

After a few more rounds (that you win), you’re both too winded to continue.

While the pair of you catch your breath, you take the opportunity to buy some junk food from the snack bar and split it with Gremlin.

As you both pig out, you spot that Gremlin has a thoughtful expression coloring his features, almost like he’s gauging whether or not to mention something.

Not long after you both finish eating, the premonition comes true.

“Hey, I’ve got something important to tell you; so listen up, alright?”

He looks around to make sure that nobody is listening in, and drops a bombshell on you.

“When we’re off the clock, you can call me Steven. It’s been nice to meet you…”

He trails off, obviously hoping that you’ll jump in with your own name.

You…

> Reciprocate and let him know your real first name. He’s your pal, and you trust him to watch your back.

> Refuse to mention your real name. It’s not something that you’re willing to hand out lightly.

> Feed him a fake name. You’re not keen on broadcasting clues to your identity to the people you work with.

> Other?
>>
>>5391974
> Reciprocate and let him know your real first name. He’s your pal, and you trust him to watch your back.

I trust him
>>
>>5391974
>> Reciprocate and let him know your real first name. He’s your pal, and you trust him to watch your back.
>>
>>5391974
>> Other?
Bean.
Similar to Sean, but with a B.
>>
>>5391980
Bean (Bawn) Blayton
>>
>>5391974
> Reciprocate and let him know your real first name. He’s your pal, and you trust him to watch your back.
Gremlin's a real bro. Does the Oblivion Bar allow normies in if they're with a magic user?
>>
>>5391974
Can we loan him Defense Against Insidious Mind Magicks to read?
>>
>>5391986
Sure, I'll allow that.
>>
>>5391974
> Reciprocate and let him know your real first name. He’s your pal, and you trust him to watch your back.
Gremlin is our boy and we could turn to him when our shit was fucked. I trust em.
>>
>>5391978
>>5391979
>>5391985
>>5391989

Alright, looks like telling the truth wins.

I'm starting to run out of steam, so let's go ahead and have the vote for getting Thoth's attention.

Roll me some 1d100+20

DC: 85
>>
>>5391974
> Reciprocate and let him know your real first name. He’s your pal, and you trust him to watch your back.
>>
Rolled 70 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5391992
>>
Rolled 18 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5391992
Book buddies!
>>
Rolled 63 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5391992
Check the nat 1
>>
Rolled 73 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5391992
>>
Rolled 81 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5391992
>>
>>5391996
>>5391997
>>5391998

Alright, that's a success. I'm going to go ahead and conclude tonight's session and grab some dinner.

As always, thanks for playing! We'll pick up from here on Monday at 5:00 PM EST.

Hope to see you all there, and have a good Labor Day weekend.

In the meantime, feel free to pitch ideas for hanging out with Thoth in the park.

(I really enjoyed that DDR segment, thanks for that idea.)
>>
>>5391986
>>5391988
I'll just say for anyone who is wondering why, it's the book that improves mental defenses which could prevent someone from skimming our name or any other information off Gremlin without his knowledge. We've already completed the book, and we probably won't be needing it for a while due to the road trip.
>>
>>5391996
Looks like Thoth's gonna to go outside for the first time in two milennia.
>>
>>5391912
That's an option I wholeheartedly agree with and second!

>>5391996
Looks like Set gets to bully Thoth on the road trip!
>>
Of course I get here just in time for the session to end!
>>
>>5392004
>Looks like Set gets to bully Thoth on the road trip!

>"Come on birdbrain how can you not hold your liquor? You'd think he was the one locked in a room for thousands of years! ... Holy shit seriously?"
>>
>>5392001
>Hi Axis. I was a player around the time we got caught with the Suiside Squad gig and got parred up with the sniper with a sore throat. Work's been killing me, but I can't wait to catch up with the current thread.

>best wishes, a long time anon player
>>
Before we get started, how would you like to spend your downtime in the park with Thoth?

You decide to…

> Find a spot to settle down and feed the local ducks. Thoth seems like the kind of guy that would enjoy that sort of thing.

> Debate philosophy and the role of magic in the modern era. Thoth’s probably got some strong opinions on the topic, maybe you stand to broaden your horizons.

> Just wander around and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a clear, sunny day that’s perfect for a bit of exploring.

> Do a bit of work in the community gardens. Thoth could stand to get his hands a little dirty every now and again.

> Other?
>>
>>5394486
> Find a spot to settle down and feed the local ducks. Thoth seems like the kind of guy that would enjoy that sort of thing.
> Debate philosophy and the role of magic in the modern era. Thoth’s probably got some strong opinions on the topic, maybe you stand to broaden your horizons.
>>
>>5394486
> Find a spot to settle down and feed the local ducks. Thoth seems like the kind of guy that would enjoy that sort of thing.
>>
>>5394486
>Debate philosophy and the role of magic in the modern era. Thoth’s probably got some strong opinions on the topic, maybe you stand to broaden your horizons.
>Play the board game battleship.
>>
>>5394488
Support
>>
>>5394486
>> Find a spot to settle down and feed the local ducks. Thoth seems like the kind of guy that would enjoy that sort of thing.
>>
>>5394488
Support, but we have to ensure that Thoth doesn't eat the bread
>>
>>5394488
>>5394490
>>5394491
>>5394492
>>5394493
>>5394503

Seems like we’ve picked a combination of feeding the local wildlife and waxing about the implications of the existence of magic.

What are your opinions when it comes to the arcane and its nuances? Not all of these are necessarily exclusive.

> You’d prefer to keep your collected magical knowledge to yourself and a circle of trusted friends, rather than exposing it to the world at large. Publicizing the existence of magic would only lead to its exploitation

> Anyone with the potential to harness magic should be encouraged to learn it. If nothing else, it provides a safety net against accidents; kinda like firearms training in a way.

———————————

> The integration of magic into modern society is impossible because both sides fundamentally clash with the other. Widespread magic usage would have the potential to completely upend the geopolitical status quo, and would be quickly snuffed out.

> The limited integration of magic into modern society could potentially fix a host of issues if properly managed and controlled. There are all kinds of magic out there, waiting to be discovered that are capable of doing things that even modern technology struggles to accomplish.

———————————

> Some branches of magical ability are more prone to misuse than others, and should be treated as such. You’ve seen the vile effects that reckless attempts of shortcuts and the damage it can lead to.

> Magic is inherently personal, and attempting to assign blanket condemnations only serves to foster paranoia and close-mindedness. All spells across all disciplines can be misused, what ultimately matters is intent.

> Other?
>>
>>5394506
> Anyone with the potential to harness magic should be encouraged to learn it. If nothing else, it provides a safety net against accidents; kinda like firearms training in a way.
> The limited integration of magic into modern society could potentially fix a host of issues if properly managed and controlled. There are all kinds of magic out there, waiting to be discovered that are capable of doing things that even modern technology struggles to accomplish.
> Magic is inherently personal, and attempting to assign blanket condemnations only serves to foster paranoia and close-mindedness. All spells across all disciplines can be misused, what ultimately matters is intent.
>>
>>5394506
> Anyone with the potential to harness magic should be encouraged to learn it. If nothing else, it provides a safety net against accidents; kinda like firearms training in a way.
---
> The limited integration of magic into modern society could potentially fix a host of issues if properly managed and controlled. There are all kinds of magic out there, waiting to be discovered that are capable of doing things that even modern technology struggles to accomplish.
----
> Some branches of magical ability are more prone to misuse than others, and should be treated as such. You’ve seen the vile effects that reckless attempts of shortcuts and the damage it can lead to.

Not trying to be anal about that last part, but we should probably condemn stuff like 'Ass Cancer Magic' which could possibly exist
>>
>>5394506
> You’d prefer to keep your collected magical knowledge to yourself and a circle of trusted friends, rather than exposing it to the world at large. Publicizing the existence of magic would only lead to its exploitation
———————————
> The limited integration of magic into modern society could potentially fix a host of issues if properly managed and controlled. There are all kinds of magic out there, waiting to be discovered that are capable of doing things that even modern technology struggles to accomplish.
———————————
> Some branches of magical ability are more prone to misuse than others, and should be treated as such. You’ve seen the vile effects that reckless attempts of shortcuts and the damage it can lead to.

open to any write ins for the third option as I'm not Shure about this choice but I cant think any meaningful changes, maybe allowing these magics to be learned but with extensive oversight and monitoring to ensure no misuse, but that can be really invasive and controlling for the one who is learning the magic

heck maybe we can start a magic school for people we have screened and looked into, though more so for people who have innate dormant magics abilities such as our Sean

though these are all just talking points with a god of magic to pass the time and get along with
>>
>>5394506
> Anyone with the potential to harness magic should be encouraged to learn it. If nothing else, it provides a safety net against accidents; kinda like firearms training in a way.

> The integration of magic into modern society is impossible because both sides fundamentally clash with the other. Widespread magic usage would have the potential to completely upend the geopolitical status quo, and would be quickly snuffed out.

> Magic is inherently personal, and attempting to assign blanket condemnations only serves to foster paranoia and close-mindedness. All spells across all disciplines can be misused, what ultimately matters is intent.
>>
>>5394506
>> You’d prefer to keep your collected magical knowledge to yourself and a circle of trusted friends, rather than exposing it to the world at large. Publicizing the existence of magic would only lead to its exploitation
> The limited integration of magic into modern society could potentially fix a host of issues if properly managed and controlled. There are all kinds of magic out there, waiting to be discovered that are capable of doing things that even modern technology struggles to accomplish.
> Magic is inherently personal, and attempting to assign blanket condemnations only serves to foster paranoia and close-mindedness. All spells across all disciplines can be misused, what ultimately matters is intent.
>>
>>5394509
>>5394515
>>5394517
>>5394518
>>5394525

Alright, looks like the overall vibe is:
>> Anyone with the potential to harness magic should be encouraged to learn it. If nothing else, it provides a safety net against accidents; kinda like firearms training in a way.
>> The limited integration of magic into modern society could potentially fix a host of issues if properly managed and controlled. There are all kinds of magic out there, waiting to be discovered that are capable of doing things that even modern technology struggles to accomplish.
>> Magic is inherently personal, and attempting to assign blanket condemnations only serves to foster paranoia and close-mindedness. All spells across all disciplines can be misused, what ultimately matters is intent. (With a dash of caution)
>>
>>5394506
> You’d prefer to keep your collected magical knowledge to yourself and a circle of trusted friends, rather than exposing it to the world at large. Publicizing the existence of magic would only lead to its exploitation
———————————
> The limited integration of magic into modern society could potentially fix a host of issues if properly managed and controlled. There are all kinds of magic out there, waiting to be discovered that are capable of doing things that even modern technology struggles to accomplish.
———————————
> Some branches of magical ability are more prone to misuse than others, and should be treated as such. You’ve seen the vile effects that reckless attempts of shortcuts and the damage it can lead to.

Magic is actually ultra dangerous, especially the Chaos and demonic kind, considering misuse can destroy an Entire city, as such I cannot in good faith call it inherently personal.

Look at what the traitor did, there’s probably many that would do the same as him given the opportunity.
>>
>>5394531
Fuck, my vote could have counted if I didn’t take the time to write behind it, well, that’s frustrating.
>>
>>5394535

No worries anon, I plan on splicing some similar rhetoric in with it. People are pretty divided on it, and it's not like you're determining your overall policy, this is just Sunday afternoon rambling in the park.
>>
>>5394506
>> You’d prefer to keep your collected magical knowledge to yourself and a circle of trusted friends, rather than exposing it to the world at large. Publicizing the existence of magic would only lead to its exploitation
> The integration of magic into modern society is impossible because both sides fundamentally clash with the other. Widespread magic usage would have the potential to completely upend the geopolitical status quo, and would be quickly snuffed out.
> Some branches of magical ability are more prone to misuse than others, and should be treated as such. You’ve seen the vile effects that reckless attempts of shortcuts and the damage it can lead to.
>>
While I'm writing, go ahead and give me some 1d100+25 to see if any of your arguments resonate with Thoth.

No DC, mostly just for flavor.
>>
Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>5394550
>>
Rolled 90 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5394550
Let's say, hypothetically...
>>
>>5394558
Nice
>>
Rolled 8 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5394550
>>
>>5394558
Jesus Christ, Anon.
>>
>>5394558
Sean's one convincing motherfucker
>>
>>5394558
We just charsima'd the ultimate book bird.
>>
>>5394531
Ah, I missed a vote. Glad to know it pretty much went how I’d vote.

Good to see a bit of caution with regard to practicing magic, even if we’re largely in the “personal preference” camp. There’s a difference between a handgun and a 50-cal rifle with AP rounds. The latter should definitely have a higher barrier to obtain.
>>
To be fair we are an expert liar, a charismatic leader of men, we have convinced him before, and he has stunted people skills.>>5394572
>>5394570
>>5394558
>>
Just a quick status update, anons. I'm still working on the post, which'll be another long one.

I also have the most important question that you'll ever be asked in any quest ever, so pay close attention.

What is Sean's favorite brand of cigarette, and his favorite brand of alcohol?

Vote is open until I'm done writing.

> ???
>>
>>5394577
It’s less about how you use it, and more what it does, for most people, Chaos magic end with them going Boom and tearing a hole into reality from which abomination crawl out, people dabbling into demonic stuff more often than not end up like the traitor, so it’s really not personal preference, it’s the nature of the magic that make it dangerous for the users and the people around him, Sean just got some really, really lucky roll with it.
>>
I dont smoke but I would imagine he started smoking and drinking young on the farm like I know lots of people do. I would vote hes a Marbero Red and Fosters kind of guy. That or cheap wiskey and whatever smokes were given in the service.>>5394601
>>
>>5394601
Marlboro or Camel crush caps for cigarette and any type of whiskey for drink?
>>
>>5394601
>Cigarettes
https://youtu.be/hDRMeeuP3F0
I know your game, Nic O'Tine!

As for the drink...anything cheap and hard is most likely
>>
>>5394601
Making up/stealing: Tioumoutiri and Old Soldier.
>>
>>5394601
Sean is 100% a whiskey guy.
>>
>>5394601
Newports and tequila
>>
> “You can call me Sean; at least when nobody’s busy trying to put a bullet in my sorry hide.”

Grem-Steven gives you a big grin before his phone begins to trill to the theme of Mission Impossible.

He lightly swears when he sees the caller.

“Damn, I need to hustle back home, duty calls. This was fun, we’ll have to do this again sometime. Remember to keep in touch if you need anything, Sean.”

> “You know it, a couple pals of mine ought to be hitting you up soon, about a thing. Let me know if you have any ‘physical security’ problems, you’ve been doing me too many favors lately.”

“Trust me, I’ll let you know when you actually owe me. Don’t work too hard in the meantime alright?”

> “Yeah, yeah; get outta here and get to work already, ya lazy bum.”

After Steven leaves, you toss out your garbage and head outside for some fresh air and a smoke.

Well, that was a fun way of spending most of your morning, but you’re all on your lonesome now.

As you take long, steady puffs on a Marlboro Red, you take a moment to enjoy the bright, sunny day.

Gotham doesn’t get too many of these, so it’s damn important that you enjoy them while you can.

What to do, what to do…

Could go for a little jaunt to Grant Park and just hang out there for a while; it’s pretty close by. But without company, you’d probably just get bored quickly.

Suddenly, a bolt of inspiration strikes; you should pester Thoth until he agrees to come with you!

If there’s anyone that’d benefit from a beautiful afternoon outside, it’d be his perennially-inside ass.

Of course, there’s just the slight problem of slipping a message to him in whatever backwards plane of existence he hides in, but you’ll figure something out on your way to the park.

As you grab a couple loaves of bread from a corner store, you’re constantly using your comms sigil to throw repeating messages out into the void, all with some variation of “THOTH, COME OUTSIDE AND FEED THE DUCKS WITH ME, OTHERWISE THESE MESSAGES WILL NEVER END.”

Sure enough, after you settle down onto a park bench in front of the pond, Thoth’s semi-irritated form occupies the seat next to you.

“Has anyone told you that you are incredibly annoying?”

> “Would you believe me if if I said that you were the first?”

He grumbles a little, and you silence him by pressing one of the loaves into his arms.

> “Bread. Ducks. Now.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OUP_Z3iZPs

After a bit of initial awkwardness, you can tell Thoth is starting to enjoy watching the ducks, and you’re unable to let your mind drift to your recent insights about the arcane.

“You have a look on your face that suggests that you have something you’d like to talk about.”

> “Is it that obvious?”

Thoth declines to answer and instead tosses another chunk of bread to the ducks swirling around the pond.

There are a few moments of silence as you marshal your thoughts about the matter, hoping to avoid embarrassing yourself.
>>
File: Thoth.jpg (167 KB, 1272x2000)
167 KB
167 KB JPG
>>5394639

> “I’ve been thinking a lot about magic lately, and its potential impact on modern life.”

“A nuanced and difficult subject to be sure. Are there any parts in particular that you’ve been ruminating on?”

> “A few, beginning with the matter of its practitioners. I can’t possibly be the only one, but how many others can there be? And if others possess the same spark as I, do I have a duty to ensure that what I’ve learned is responsibly passed on to the next generation? Or should I just bury it all away somewhere?”

You take a moment to a toss an extra handful of bread to an especially hungry-looking duck.

> “I mean, the vast majority of refinement in technique is done via individual experimentation, but I would’ve had no clue where to start without some kind of roadmap.”

“I feel like I know where this is going, but continue.”

> “I find myself thinking that it might be worthwhile to take on students one day, maybe even make magic more accessible to the public.”

“That would not be the wisest idea.”

> “That’s surprising to hear; I would’ve guessed that you’d in favor of increasing the spread of knowledge.”

“Knowing something and actively practicing something are two entirely different things. What you propose could carry unexpected ramifications that are impossible to anticipate.”

> “One could say something similar about all innovations and inventions, whether it be the cotton gin, printing press, or fertilizer.”

“And each of those had a monumental impact in their own way, both positively or negatively. The choice is ultimately yours, but I advise caution over all. Reckless change could lead to much more harm than good.”

> “By that logic, is eternal stagnation preferable?”

Judging from the way he looks a little downcast, you realize that you’ve inadvertently poked him in a sensitive spot.

> “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to-“

“It’s alright, I understand that you mean no offense. Maybe I am a bit set in my ways, the fact that you have these questions at all puts you far above many of my previous practitioners. Are there any other issues that you’d like to discuss?”

> “Assuming that things ever reach such a point, could modern industrial society and magical theory co-exist?”

Thoth clucks his tongue, inadvertently spooking one of the ducks. You toss it a larger chunk of bread as an apology.

“That’s quite the assumption to make, but I’ll play along. What would the ideal be then, in this case?”

> “Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my magical studies, is that there is always something more to learn. I mean, just picture it; with the correct applications, magic could fill so many gaps that technology can’t. What if there was a magic that could desalinate water, end droughts, calm hurricanes, or heal advanced diseases? If a solution to these and other problems lie within our power to solve, don’t we have some kind of moral obligation to at least try to discover them?”
>>
>>5394640

“And what of the more unsavory types of magic, the kind capable of poisoning waters, blocking off rainfall, sparking natural disasters, and sparking plagues for which there is no cure?”

“Man-made inventions are just as capable of causing great harm, just as much as good; as we’ve already discussed. There’s no point in rehashing old ground, so I’ll move on to my last salient point; with all the varieties of magic out there, is there an inherently evil magic?”

Thoth has to suppress a slight laugh, but you soldier on.

> “Ultimately, I feel that it boils down to the intent of the user; for instance, I’ve done some experimentation with storm magic. If prompted, I could deliver a jolt that’d put an elephant down for the count. Or, I could also use that exact same spell to jumpstart someone’s heart and potentially save their life. Does that make sense?”

“Your point is solid, but you’re neglecting something crucial. In your travels, have you encountered any magics of the darker variety? Ones that serve only to twist and manipulate the very minds and bodies of their unwitting practitioners?”

Boy, have you; there was Rockwell and his crazy cult, that zombie bastard out in Slaughter Swamp, and that demon shit with Delrio. And that’s just off the top of your head, who knows what else might be out there.

> “You’re not wrong that such magic is vile, but there are exceptions. I mean, I’ve dabbled a bit with Chaos and other darker magics and I’m perfectly fine. With caution and oversight, surely the risk can be anticipated and minimized?”

“If anything, that speaks more highly about you than it does about magic. Just because you are strong enough to resist temptation, does not mean that others will be so disciplined in their pursuits of power. And it is the height of arrogance to assume that you will always be prepared for the worst.”

Before you realize it, you and Thoth continue your discussions for multiple hours in what feels like the blink of an eye. And while you feel that Thoth’s opinions are unchanged, his intellectual respect for you has grown greatly.

Seeing your opportunity, you close in for the kill.

> “So, I’m going on this roadtrip with a couple buddies of mine and was wondering if you’d like to join in.”

“Set’s going to be there, isn’t he?”

> “Yeah, he is. That a dealbreaker?”

“On the contrary, I look forward to seeing him again. He’s an acquired taste, and can be a tremendous bastard, but he’s still family. Just let me know when we’re due to depart.”
>>
>>5394641

Lastly, how would you like to spend your night at the Oblivion Bar with Bobo?

You decide to join him for…

> A drinking contest. This will surely end in disaster, and yet you are compelled nonetheless.

> Cards. You haven’t played with your poker buddies for a while now, might as well drop in and play a few hands.

> Darts. What could possibly go wrong with getting hammered and throwing sharp objects?

> Karaoke. You’ll likely make an ass out of yourself but, that’s what it’s there for. (Include a song / songs)

> Other?
>>
File: pokerroom art 1.jpg (1.66 MB, 5000x3000)
1.66 MB
1.66 MB JPG
Open to any who wants to play and anyone can bet anything. Let's see how many of you recognize this pic.

> Cards. You haven’t played with your poker buddies for a while now, might as well drop in and play a few hands.
>>
>>5394644
>> Cards. You haven’t played with your poker buddies for a while now, might as well drop in and play a few hands.
>>
>>5394644
> Cards. You haven’t played with your poker buddies for a while now, might as well drop in and play a few hands
>>
>>5394645

All Guardsmen Party

Excellent choice, anon.
>>
>>5394645
I miss Shoggy. At least the prison escape arc is finished now.
>>
>>5394644
> Karaoke. You’ll likely make an ass out of yourself but, that’s what it’s there for. (Include a song / songs)
>>
>>5394644
> Cards. You haven’t played with your poker buddies for a while now, might as well drop in and play a few hands.
>>
File: liars dice.jpg (92 KB, 830x420)
92 KB
92 KB JPG
Thanks, Axis. I love the vibe of supernatural gambling. Maybe this can be a part of the quest at some point. I bet Sean would kick ass at Liar's Dice.>>5394651
>>
>>5394644
>> Cards. You haven’t played with your poker buddies for a while now, might as well drop in and play a few hands.
>>
>>5394644
Shouldn't be feeding bread to ducks, but ducks are abominable creatures anyways. Created by the devil himself along with geese. Rapists and necrophiles to a one, with horrible corkscrew penises and labyrinthian vaginas. Even the species itself resents attempts to reproduce.

>Cards
>>
Seems like most everyone is in favor of cards, so go ahead and give me some 1d100+25 to see how you do at the table.

No DC on this occasion, just gauging how you do.

>>5394658
It's a neat concept, but the execution wouldn't be easy, especially if you factored in dice rolls. If I ever tried such a thing, it'd probably be in the vein of...
> Raise. Bastard's got nothing and you're gonna put the squeeze on him.
> Call. Best to avoid playing your hand prematurely.
> Fold. Something doesn't smell right with this hand.
> Check. No betting, no problem.

And you can see how multiple rounds would get tiresome, since that'd be anywhere from 2-7 of those choices a round.
>>
Rolled 46 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5394665
>>
Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>5394665
>>
One day many years from now.

>Sean walks into Noonan's and sits down next to a window.
>Goes to light the one smoke he allows himself a day.
>Guy sitting behind him offers him a light.
>Sean takes the light while thinking "am i getting old because I could have sworn there was no one there 3 seconds ago".
>Guy introduces himself and there's just something about his voice that sounds like music.
>Guy asks Sean if he plays cards. Sean says sometimes. Guy asks if we believe in God. We say we believe in everything. Guy asks if we want a job. Sean says maybe someplace a little less public. Next thing we know we are in a black office sitting across from the guy with a massive open window showing us the sky of hell. Guy asks us what our retirement plans are.
>>
Rolled 26 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5394665
>>
Rolled 53 + 25 (1d100 + 25)

>>5394665
>>
We could do it like the fighting tournament. >>5394665 Thanks for being open to the idea.
>>
>>5394667
>>5394668
>>5394670

You do pretty well, more than above average; a reasonable showing for what is ostensibly just a friendly game.

Now, the boys at the table are going to pester you for stories, do you feel like telling any?

If so, you decide to spin a yarn about… (Can choose more than one, or none at all.)

> Delrio and his Faustian bargain. That’s one hell of a story, and works well with your detective shtick.

> The escape into Thoth’s realm. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, what with the cultists and all.

> Unshackling your magic, and how crazy it felt. That one’s sure to be a crowdpleaser.

> Your fight in Slaughter Swamp with that zombie. It’s got it all, scares, action, and a happy ending.

> Other?
>>
>>5394674
> Your fight in Slaughter Swamp with that zombie. It’s got it all, scares, action, and a happy ending.
>> Delrio and his Faustian bargain. That’s one hell of a story, and works well with your detective shtick.
>>
> Unshackling your magic, and how crazy it felt. That one’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Let it be a lesson. always have skills you can fall back on. I.E. Never let yourself be just one thing.
>>
>>5394674
> Your fight in Slaughter Swamp with that zombie. It’s got it all, scares, action, and a happy ending.
>>
>>5394674
>> Delrio and his Faustian bargain. That’s one hell of a story, and works well with your detective shtick.
> Your fight in Slaughter Swamp with that zombie. It’s got it all, scares, action, and a happy ending.
>>
>>5394639
Are we gonna get the Bats panicking over Jonah Thema feeding ducks with an egyptian god of magic? I assume an actual god of magic showing up in Gotham would set off that alarm Batman had his magic girlfriend (I forget her name) set up.

>>5394674
> Your fight in Slaughter Swamp with that zombie. It’s got it all, scares, action, and a happy ending
> Delrio and his Faustian bargain. That’s one hell of a story, and works well with your detective shtick.
>>
Alright, looks like talking about Slaughter Swamp and Delrio's devil act wins.

I'll go ahead and call it here for tonight, we'll pick up from here on Wednesday at 5:00 PM with some training stuff, so be sure to consider what you'd like to prioritize.

As always, thanks for playing! Hope to see you all there.

>>5394684
Once I finish the other interludes, I'll probably add that one to the pile.
>>
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>>5394684
>tfw the rando magic man brings a genuine deity into your city
>tfw you're told that said deity is actually a turbo shut in and hasn't been seen nor heard from since the fall of the pharaohs
>tfw they're feeding d u c k s
>>
I know we've talked about this enough at this point, but I feel like after we help Jack die/bust open Belle Reve, Sean might be able to break into legitimate mercenary work fully and stop being a criminal.
>>
There is nothing more damaging to a mind built on logic, reason, and restraint than being faced with something that looks at these things and goes "lol lmao jk git pwnd" and proceeds to tear down every belief you ever had about anything and everything.
>>5394684
>>5394690
>>
>>5394705
I think its always going to be a little bit criminal
We don't even exist
>>
>>5394719
Many such case.
>>
>>5394705
A two company dept thing. Legal merc work taking normal jobs and an underground dept that helps ensure we our area is well connected to avoid villains fucking with our shit. Because honestly, I like to keep our roots as a criminal as that gave us a life and future back.
>>
>>5394754
>Steel Wolves PMC how may I help you?
>Hey uh do you guys do banks?
>Hold please while your call is transferred.
>>
>>5386522
I gave Black Company Quest a read after this, and fek things went wild there.

Quality writing, I wonder if steel wolves will become a bit like the black company in the future? Hopefully with less mass murder tho. I can't quite see Sean siding with dictators anyways, I hope we won't come to that.
>>
>>5394990
>Muzak plays
>Did you know Steel Wolves PMC offers over 16 different purpose-built teams? Need muscle for an operation? An recon team to measure feasibility of a hit? A PR team to manage fallout from unsavory operations? Ask your representative for the full list, and remember we offer bundled team discounts!
>>
>>5395013
>I can't quite see Sean siding with dictators anyways, I hope we won't come to that.
Sean may be a violent revolutionary and career criminal, but he's got morals god damn it!
>>
>>5395491
so do those dictators
>>
>>5395570
Some dictators might have been violent revolutionaries, career criminals and have strong set of (subjective) morals but that doesn't make Sean go full "The ends justify the means" on an orphanage
>>
>>5395053
Good lord that's some Venture Bros level of shenanigans.
>>
>>5395053
Kek, we should make this reality.
>>
>>5394684
>be batman
>find out the egyptian gods are actually real and not just hawkman bullshitting for the umpteenth time
>said god was in gotham at the behest of dresden
>they were feeding ducks
>what are the ducks hiding?
>will this burn gotham down for the fifth time this month
>>must consult batcomputer for additional queries
>>
>>5395640
>>5395681
Once we get to the point that it’s relevant, I can help crank out marketing blurbs. They’re fun to think up.
>>
>>5395826
>Its just the Bat account on Google and Twitter.
>People laugh at it because its funny because its Batman in plain site
>Its not taken seriously
>It gets too the actual magic community though through word of mouth and their non magic buddies that handle that kind of thing
>Thoth feeding ducks wtf we thought he was dead.wav
>Who the hell is the guy just chilling with him?!
>HE DID WHAT LAST MONTH?!
>WHO IS HE?!
>Batman, more confused then ever, just asks Babs to check the library in her free time because the comment section devolved into shitposting ducks as a holy symbols.
>>
>>5396006
>somewhere in gotham
>smoking some dank shit in witch grandma's basement
>"Dude what if like... Thoth has a duck girlfriend?"
>"Do you think that means that guy he was sitting with was his -snrk- his WINGMAN? Hahaha"
>"Jeremiah for the last time stop burning my reagents with your friends!"
I wonder if Sean is gonna get approached by some rando wizards, warlocks and what-have-yous on the street asking for an in with Thoth.
>>
>>5396037
Honestly this might actually be the fast track for magical league members to approach poor sean, cause thoth is clearly much more likely to be an order god, and as such Dr. Fate will be super butthurt he didn't know where he was, and Zatanna might just straight up be interested in that.
>>
>>5396072
Who could have known the shut in was the fastest way to make new friends? Or "friends".
>>
>>5396078
I've been hammering this point for weeks at this point, being sunday-friends with the JL is a good idea!
>>
>>5396092
Only if we can make fun of Green Arrow for not having an arrow that turns into another bow & arrow.
>>
>>5396112
....doesn't he have that though? I feel like that happened once.
>>
>>5396272
I didn't think he did. But if he does, then make fun of him for having it. No escape.
>>
Hey anons, sorry for the short-notice, but I've got to cancel tonight's session.

We'll still be on for Friday though; in the meantime, pick out the books from your collection that you plan on studying.

(Choose 2)

> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> The Treatise of Underplaces (Shadow)
> The Viennese Connundra (Necromancy)
> On What Is Contained by Silver (Bestiary) (Written in Greek)
> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
> Language Primer (Greek)
> Glory of the End (Death)
> An Introduction to Histories (Magical Theory)
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
>>
>>5396647
What work BS is going on recently m8? You seem pretty harried.

> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> An Introduction to Histories (Magical Theory)

We don't necessarily need more spells at the moment as much as more information. Our general magic knowledge is lackluster. As for demonology, they're gunning for us now... so yeah...
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> The Viennese Connundra (Necromancy)
>>
>>5396647
>> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> The Viennese Connundra (Necromancy)
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
For obvious reasons

> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
For future Jonah Thema stuff
>>
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> The Viennese Connundra (Necromancy)
>>5396647

Two parts of the downward-facing side of the coin.
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> The Viennese Connundra (Necromancy)
If we master Necromancy we can create undead hit squads that will be invaluable (not to mention, the only thing Sean will be willing to see expendable) and effective distractions and force multipliers. Especially when we equip them with M16s and other modern equipment.
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
>>5396802
I really don't like the idea of Sean intentionally using necromancy.
>>
We can see our men again. We can see if they are in hell or at peace. We may even be able to gain closure by talking with their spirits. This is only possible with demonology and necromancy.
>>
>>5396647
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
We need to punch ghosts [Spoiler] Not Jack [/Spoiler]
>>
>>5396802
>tfw you can sign up for the "duty in death" package and whomever you list as your beneficiary will receive the lion's share of your prior-to-termination salary for as long as your remains continue to fight

I dunno man. Some days I think the dead should just stay that way.
>>
>>5396647
necromancy seems against alot of what we know sean has faced, like jack, or solomon grundy. It doesnt feel like an in character thing for him
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
>>
>>5396867
To be fair, any Necromancer worth their salt should be just as capable of putting down the dead as they are bringing it up. Reading the book for the defensive side of it doesn’t seem OOC. That said,
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
I’d prefer the spirit guide over the rest. The demonology book is a no-brainer.
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> On What Is Contained by Silver (Bestiary) (Written in Greek)
We keep running into fucking demons and their servants for some reason and the more we do the Jonah Thema stuff the more likely it is we're gonna run into supernatural beasts and monsters. Might as well learn how to identify and deal with them before stumbling into one.
>>
>>5396647
>> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
> The Treatise of Underplaces (Shadow)
>>
> Tobin’s Spirit Guide (Spirit Identification / Fighting)
> Language Primer (Greek)
>>
>>5396647
> An Introduction to Histories (Magical Theory)
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
>>
>>5396647
>> The Treatise of Underplaces (Shadow)
> The Viennese Connundra (Necromancy)
shadows yes please, i want to learn something like shadow step to help us more big distances
>>
Speaking of magic, lets ask Jack to teach us teleportation.
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> An Introduction to Histories (Magical Theory)
>>
just a reminder we have a list of intergang black sites located across Europe that we can hit on our tour.
>>
>>5397479
>Two Egyptian gods hitting up Intergang sites
>Magical world asking wtf did they do to piss off the Egyptians.
Might be a while for the broader community to figure stuff out, but I assume the waves we’ll be making with a pair of gods can’t go completely unnoticed.
>>
>>5397545
I'm surprised no one got Curse Of The Mummy'd while they were traipsing around raiding tombs. Nothing like a new old plague or two from a pissed off toilet paper corpse to warn the world of its hubris. Though I suppose the magical community would be on that pretty quick to suppress it and keep it quiet.
>>
>>5396647
Hey Axis what are the interludes you're working on?
>>
>>5396647
>> An Introduction to Histories (Magical Theory)
We've tried this one twice already (so we should have a good bonus for trying again) and it gives a bonus to all our new spellcraft attempts, so it's always valuable.

> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
Twice now we've very nearly gotten our shit kicked by demons possessing randos, it would be useful if we knew how to kick one out without having to reduce the host to chunky salsa.
>>
>>5397862
Some Dresden-themed Bat-Report stuff and a Task Force X debriefing.

>>5396660

>What work BS is going on / You seem pretty harried.

Eh, it's the usual garbage. People don't pull their weight, shit rolls downhill, and inevitably lands on me to handle because I'm one of the few who actually cares about doing the job right.
>>
>>5397939
>Eh, it's the usual garbage. People don't pull their weight, shit rolls downhill, and inevitably lands on me to handle because I'm one of the few who actually cares about doing the job right.
Do they pay you well at least?
>>
>>5397956

The pay is decent for the work, it's just that the sheer incompetence I regularly witness sometimes makes me question the foundational stability of modern civilization.

Apart from that, it's a cupcake of a gig.
>>
>>5397939
>Some Dresden-themed Bat-Report stuff and a Task Force X debriefing.
Nice been hoping for a task force X interlude and another bat report is always great
>>
>>5396647
> The Grimorium Verum (Demonology)
> The Viennese Connundra (Necromancy)
We already fought demons, but necromancers could be our next enemy - gotta' get ready for that.
>>
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After Thoth makes his goodbyes and vanishes back into the aether, you’re content to just watch the slowly ebbing sunset as the creeping fingers of nightfall begin to envelop the city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbA96EHBdmw

It’s been a long time since you’ve just sat back and let the world idly pass you by; normally you’re too busy running around for something or another.

When you’re not fighting, you’re plotting. And when you’re not plotting, you’re planning.

Maybe you really do need a break; it feels like you’ve been firing at all cylinders for as long as you can remember.

Unbidden, your memories begin to focus on your old life in the Marines, before you violently kick it back into the memory hole.

That’s just how life works. You did your best to play by the rules your whole life, and all it ever brought you was trouble.

As soon as you tossed all that junk out the window and started making your own decisions about how to think and act, your life has never been better.

Especially compared to what could’ve come to pass, if you had meekly accepted your blackballing and took the lumps that the REMFs mandated, you’d probably be hanging from your toenails in some Iraqi hellhole.

Either that, or spending the rest of your life walled away in a government hotel.

It’s darkly ironic in hindsight; that you went from fighting as one of The Walking Dead, to pulling jobs for a bonafide ghost.

The moniker was born well before your time, back when domino theory was enough to justify sending 60,000 men to die in a Southeast Asian hellhole.

The name came as the result of the battalion’s life expectancy stats, out of the 3,000 or so souls that rotated through during their tour; 800 returned home in patriotic pine boxes.

The 1/9 had the longest combat deployment and suffered the worst casualties in Marine Corps history, a record that still stands unbroken to this day. In another life, you used to be proud of the title; that you were living up to some kind of heroic ideal.

Now, you just wonder how you were ever so naive.

To encourage your mind from delving too deeply into memories that are better left alone, you steadily work your way through your smokes.

Thanks to your talents with fire magic, it’s not like it can even really be that bad for you anymore.
>>
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>>5398828

You grind out the last of the pack under your heel and get to stepping before the nightcrawlers begin to prowl the streets.

To be frank, you’d rather not get into a dust-up with any of the various petty thugs that infest Gotham; mostly because you’d rather avoid the hassle of getting their blood off your civvies. It’s hard not be a little confident in your chances when you’ve thrown down with literal hellspawn and men like the General.

Still, all that jawing with Thoth, coupled with your little bout of nostalgia has put you in the mood for a stiff drink.

The Oblivion Bar isn’t too far away; you’ve got plenty of time to stagger in, grab something with a bit of kick, and check in with your pals.

Nobody messes with you during your brisk walk there, likely because you carry yourself with the aura of someone that’s been around the block a few times.

As you stride into the bar, you take a moment to read the room.

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

Looks like you picked a good night to stop in for a libation.

Aside from a couple regulars, the place is pretty quiet; must be an off day.

You give the bartender a quick wave and head for the table in the back where you play cards with your motley band of poker buddies.

Sure enough, they’re delighted to see you and deal you in for a few hands while grilling you about missing the last few games.

Bobo welcomes you the table, still dressed impeccably as usual. The rest of your ragtag collection of acquaintances are in attendance as well.

There’s Vas, the Russian skeleton still sporting his trademark ushankha; Doc, the enigmatic figure in a full-body plague doctor suit; and Erik, the archaeologist and graverobber exiled to the Arctic tundra.

When you make the mistake of mentioning that your absences were work-related, they quickly clamor for some new stories.

You acquiesce to their demands, on the condition that they pay for your drinks.

Over a steadily refilled glass of whiskey-flavored paint thinner, you recount the highlights from your misadventures in Slaughter Swamp, how you rescued a whole bunch of teens that got in way too deep and dispatched the monstrous presence hunting them down.

In between stories, you continue to pay half-hearted attention to the card game and do decently, but your heart isn’t really in it tonight.

They seemed to like your first story, so you give em another one; about your encounter with a possessed Delrio. You make up some shit about being down in the tropics to do some research, and how you stumbled into a brawl with some of the local mercs that eventually led to a job offer of demon hunting.

Bobo seemed a bit concerned, but you assured him that everything was well in hand.

After playing cards for a few more hours, you’re too fatigued to continue and send Jack a sigil ping to pick you up.

Before you leave, you invite Bobo on your roadtrip, and he’s more than happy to tag along for the ride.
>>
>>5398831

Go ahead and roll me some 2d100+20 to see how well your studies go.

First roll is for the Grimorium Verum, second roll is for Tobin's Spirit Guide.

First DC is 55 / 75 / 95
Second DC is 50 / 75 / 100
>>
Rolled 97, 65 + 20 = 182 (2d100 + 20)

>>5398834
Let's see how the dice feel tonight
>>
Rolled 14, 100 = 114 (2d100)

>>5398834
>>
Rolled 46, 94 + 20 = 160 (2d100 + 20)

NO one fuck this roll.>>5398834
>>5398836
>>
>>5398849
NICE
>>
Oh. Hello Demon Hunter.>>5398849
>>
>>5398836
Amazing Success on the first DC,

>>5398849
And a CRIT Success on the second. We oughta start praying to Thoth when we do research, he clearly likes us.
>>
>>5398836
>>5398849
>>5398850
God damn these rolls
>>
>>5398836
>>5398849
>>5398850

Damn fine rolls, anons.

That's an excellent success and a critical success respectively.

Moving on to to your fundamental talents, you decide to focus your attentions on...

(Choose 3)

> Practicing one of your unarmed CQC styles. (Specify Silat, MCMAP, or Pankration)

> Practicing your edged weapons CQC. (Improves Knife Fighter)

> Practicing your marksmanship. (Improves Walking Apokolips)

> Practicing your ability to pick locks. (Improves Lockpicking)

> Practicing your ability to move silently. (Improves Light Step)

> Practicing your ability to detect and synthesize poisons. (Improves Medicine Man)

> Practicing your ability to perform emergency first aid. (Improves Corpsman)

> Practicing your ability to hack into computer systems. (Improves Grey Hat)

> Other?
>>
>>5398861
Nah just be a bro to him and he will bless the rolls apparently.

>>5398868
> Practicing one of your unarmed CQC styles. (Specify Silat, MCMAP, or Pankration)
Silat


> Practicing your marksmanship. (Improves Walking Apokolips)

> Practicing your ability to pick locks. (Improves Lockpicking)
>>
> Practice your ability to shit talk the enemy. (Improve CrazyTalk)

> Practicing your edged weapons CQC. (Improves Knife Fighter)

> Practicing your ability to move silently. (Improves Light Step)
>>5398868
>>
>>5398868
> Practicing your marksmanship. (Improves Walking Apokolips)
> Practicing your edged weapons CQC. (Improves Knife Fighter)
> Practicing your ability to move silently. (Improves Light Step)
>>
>>5398868
> Practicing your marksmanship. (Improves Walking Apokolips)
> Practicing your ability to perform emergency first aid. (Improves Corpsman)
> Practicing your ability to pick locks. (Improves Lockpicking)
>>
>>5398868
> Practicing your ability to perform emergency first aid.
We're starting to go into fights with allies, being able to heal them in a pinch is a good plan.

> Practicing your ability to detect and synthesize poisons. (Improves Medicine Man)
MORE MEDICINE

> Practicing your ability to hack into computer systems. (Improves Grey Hat)
Our adventure in Venezuela showed how useful hacking is.
>>
>>5398868
I'll back >>5398877
>>
>>5398868
>> Practicing your ability to hack into computer systems. (Improves Grey Hat)
> Practicing your ability to pick locks. (Improves Lockpicking)
> Practicing your ability to move silently. (Improves Light Step)
>>
>>5398868
(Choose 3)
> Practicing your ability to move silently. (Improves Light Step)
> Practicing your ability to perform emergency first aid. (Improves Corpsman)
> Practicing your ability to hack into computer systems. (Improves Grey Hat)
>>
Rolled 2 (1d4)

It looks like stealth training and first aid training are undisputed winners, but there is a 4-way tie between:
- Marksmanship training
- Lockpicking training
- Hacking training
- Knife training

I'll go ahead and roll a d4 to settle it, the number will correspond to the list I just presented.
>>
>>5398895

Alright, go ahead and give me some 3d100 to work on your marksmanship, first aid, and lockpick training.

First roll is marksmanship, second is first aid, third is lockpick.

First DC is 50 / 75 / 100
Second DC is 40 / 60 / 80
Third DC is 65 / 90
>>
Rolled 77, 36, 28 = 141 (3d100)

>>5398897
>>
Rolled 93, 23, 28 = 144 (3d100)

>>5398897
>>
Rolled 45, 66, 28 = 139 (3d100)

>>5398897
>>
Rolled 35, 40, 23 = 98 (3d100)

>>5398897
>>
Rolled 19, 38, 16 = 73 (3d100)

>>5398897
Hope I don't fuck this up
>>
>>5398901
>>5398902
>>5398903
>28x3
THE NUMBERS CLAYTON
>>
>>5398910
Dragovich! Krevchenko! Steiner! All must die!
>>
dice+3d100
>>
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>>5398901
>>5398902
>>5398903
>triple 28
>>
Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>5398901
>>5398902
>>5398903

That's a regular success for marksmanship, a regular success for first aid, and a failure for lockpicking.

That triple 28 has me convinced that some kind of foul presence has infested the dice tonight.

Since I'm a sucker for a triple roll, I'll a d100; if it's higher than 90, I''ll bump up your lockpick roll to a regular success.
>>
>>5398910
>All the posts numbers comes one after the other

IT'S A SIGN
>>
>>5398897
I thought you said it was stealth, not marksmanship.
>>
>>5398916
Damn, that was almost a 28
>>
>>5398916

At least it wasn't 28, or 84. That would've been incredibly spooky.

>>5398919

You are correct anon, the strain of counting to five has damaged my brain beyond repair. Good catch, thanks for letting me know.

Next, go ahead and choose the 3 spells that you'd like to focus on improving.

Here's the link to the pastebin if you need a quick refresher: https://pastebin.com/RwY7nc3S

I'll allow multiple votes for a specific spell if that's what you'd prefer.

In the end, you decide to focus the bulk of your remaining time and energy on honing...

> ???
> ???
> ???
>>
>>5398928
>Roll the die, luck drain, hex bolt
Go all in on luck
>>
>>5398928
>Kinetic Frenzy
>Kinetic Frenzy
>Kinetic Frenzy
We never use this shit, surely if we work on the flaws people will actually take it into acount
>>
>>5398928
>Spider Summoning
>Spider Summoning
>Spider Summoning

ALL IN MORE SPIDERS LETS GOOOOOOOOOO
>>
>>5398928
>Avatar of Disorder
>Luck Drain
>Roll the Die
>>
>>5398928
I'm going
>Spirit Sight
>Spider Summoning
>Mental Fortitude
if we can improve it. Psychics fuck off reee

If we can't do that one, we should probably up our
>Firebolt
>>
>>5398928
>Mental Fortitude
>Spider Summoning/Storm Nature combo
>Hex Bolt
>>
>>5398928
>Roll the die
>shadow cloak
>Luck drain
>>
>>5398928
> Spider Summoning
> Shadow Cloak
> Spirit Detector

I say it's better if we actually improve those spells we haven't taken care of before. We have already double down on Luck Drain, Roll the Die and hex bolt. And if we're raiding Intergang in the road trip then we should improve Shadow Cloak for extra sneakyness
>>
>>5398939
Driders aren't real and they won't fuck you, anon. Put the grimoire down.
>>
>>5398954
I don't want spider bitches, I want to throw Camel Spiders at people.
>>
>>5398957
Big teeth but no venom. Might as well be throwing tarantulas instead. At least their hair is inflammatory and irritating. How about you aim for the big leagues and chuck them banana spiders at people instead. They'll die with an erection. Painful and humiliating.
>>
>>5398961
Yeah, but Camel Spiders are fucking terrifying.
>>
>>5398964
I don't know about you but if I'm getting a literal handful of spiders thrown at me I don't give a fuck what they are I'm losing my shit in a nanosecond.
>>
>>5398957
>>5398961
>>5398964
>Not wanting to summon Shelob to ride as a mount.
Thinking too small anons. It's magic, aim for something crazy.
>>
>>5398969
I'd be down for a spider mount. Plus think of all the cool clothes you make with the webbing.
>>
>>5398969
It'll take more than a few weeks training SPIDERS to be able to summon a singular big nigga like that, dog.
>>
>>5398969
I think it depends on who we're pretending to be while using the spiders. Jonah riding a giant spider around would be pretty dope. A giant jumping spider. Because single digit G-forces are for pussies.
>>
Alright, looks like Roll the Die, Luck Drain, Spider Summoning, and Kinetic Frenzy are on the menu.

You may have noticed that's 4; since I may've blundered a bit with the multiple votes per spell, I'll go ahead and toss an extra one in as a gift.

Go ahead and give me some 4d100+15.

First roll is for Roll the Die, second roll is for Luck Drain, third Roll is for Spider Summoning, and fourth roll is for Kinetic Frenzy.

First DC is 75 / 100
Second DC is 65 / 95
Third DC is 40 / 70 / 90
Fourth DC is 50 / 95
>>
>>5398928
>luck drain
>Kinetic Frenzy
don't want a neglected ability
>Mental Fortitude
still paranoid with meeting man hunter or more likely his kid
>>
Rolled 76, 52, 33, 27 + 15 = 203 (4d100 + 15)

>>5398980
EZ sweep all pass
>>
Rolled 51, 73, 16, 59 = 199 (4d100)

>>5398980
>>
Rolled 20, 24, 61, 55 + 15 = 175 (4d100 + 15)

>>5398980
Please no crit fails
>>
>>5398984
>>5398985
>>5398986

That's a regular success for all four, give me a few moments to write up your improvement options.
>>
This might be the single most successful magic training session we have ever had.
>>
>>5398988

Choose one and only one of the following options per spell, let me know if I need to clarify any of the language.

Roll the Die (Just noticed that the old version is still listed in the pastebin, I’ll update that.)

> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check with a +20 bonus or force an enemy to re-roll. This includes critical failures.

> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to regularly fail their roll. This includes critical failures.

> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.


Luck Drain

> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d25 to determine how much luck you siphon. It still impacts both friend and foe.

> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon. It still impacts both friend and foe.

> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15 to determine how much luck you siphon. It only impacts foes.


Spider Summoning

> Can summon and give detailed directions to a small group of venomous spiders.

> Can summon and give rudimentary directions to a small group of incredibly venomous spiders.

> Can summon and give rudimentary directions to a large group of venomous spiders.


Kinetic Frenzy

> Temporarily boost your speed even further beyond peak human levels, potentially at a heavy cost once it winds down.

> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.

> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels without utilizing an excess amount of magical energy, potentially at a heavy cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399000
Check'd.
Honestly surprised we didn't manage to "accidentally" shit talk Horus with a nat 1.
>>
>>5399004
I thought we already upgraded luck drain to only affect foes? And didn't we also upgrade roll the die to be able to force an enemy to reroll as we did also?

I'm confused.
>>
>>5399004
> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.

> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15 to determine how much luck you siphon. It only impacts foes.

> Can summon and give detailed directions to a small group of venomous spiders.

> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399004

I thought luck drain didnt affect friendlies anymore.
>>
>>5399004
>> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.

>> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15 to determine how much luck you siphon. It only impacts foes.

>> Can summon and give rudimentary directions to a small group of incredibly venomous spiders.

>> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399004
> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.

> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15 to determine how much luck you siphon. It only impacts foes.
I thought luck drain only fucked with enemies now

> Can summon and give rudimentary directions to a small group of incredibly venomous spiders.

> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399004
> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to regularly fail their roll. This includes critical failures.
> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon. It still impacts both friend and foe.
> Can summon and give rudimentary directions to a small group of incredibly venomous spiders.
> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399004
> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.
> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon. It still impacts both friend and foe.
> Can summon and give detailed directions to a small group of venomous spiders.
> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>5399010
This:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2022/5330698/#p5335849
>>
>>5399010
>>5399014

Damn, I'm falling apart with my notes tonight; go ahead and strike that last option off the list for Luck Drain.

I've been implementing it mechanically, but never actually marked it as so in my little cheatsheet.

As for the Roll the Die stuff, the re-roll stuff is the same; the different flavors boil down to.

> Get a bonus if you choose to re-roll.
> Force the enemy to convert their roll into a regular failure.
> Force the enemy to re-roll with a huge debuff.

Apologies for the confusion, please change your Luck Drain votes if necessary.
>>
>>5399004
> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to regularly fail their roll. This includes critical failures.
> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15 to determine how much luck you siphon. It only impacts foes.
> Can summon and give detailed directions to a small group of venomous spiders.
> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399004
>>5399031

> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.
> Can summon and give rudimentary directions to a small group of incredibly venomous spiders.
> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.

> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon. It still impacts both friend and foe.
>>
>>5399031
Right-o. Thanks big man.

>>5399004
> Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.
> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon.
> Can summon and give detailed directions to a small group of venomous spiders.
> Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399004
>>5399031
>>5399022
> At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon. It still impacts both friend and foe.
>>
Closing the vote, give me a few moments to tally it all up.

Again, apologies for the confusion on my end.
>>
>>5399058
I blame Set. He's fucking with your notes.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

The results are in:

- Roll the Die: Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.

- Luck Drain: At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon. It ONLY impacts foes.

- Spider Summoning is split between detailed directions or incredibly venomous spiders; I'll roll a d2 to decide, 1 means better directed, 2 means nastier spiders.

- Kinetic Frenzy: Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.
>>
>>5399070

Now, comes the big one; what plan would you like for the roadtrip?

More specific options will be plotted later, once a general course is decided.

You decide to throw your weight behind...

> Set’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and carve its way through the continent until you reach Egypt. There's a poetic justice in ending the journey in the same place where yours began.

> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.

> Bobo’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in North Africa and snake its way into Eastern Europe. Might as well experience both ends of the climate spectrum.

> Thoth’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Macedonia and follow Alexander the Great’s campaign trail into the Middle East. It’s certainly a unique idea, you’ll give it that.

> Other?
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>>5399083

That's all for tonight, anons. I know it was a bit boring, but you were due for some training and I'd rather avoid dragging it out if at all possible.

This vote is open until Monday at 5:00 PM EST, when our next session will begin.

In the meantime, I'll be hanging around for a while if you want to ask questions about stuff that could've happened in Venezuela, shoot the shit, or just tell me that I have the organizational skills of a braindead iguana.

As always, thanks for playing and I hope to see you all on Monday!
>>
>>5399083
> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.
This is our last hurrah with Jack. Let's do this his way.
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>>5399083
> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.
Is this the silk road with some sidetracking?
>>
>>5399083
>> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.
>>
>>5399087
Thanks for the run boss! Good work as always. How's Croc doing these days? Would it be a spoiler to ask if Grundys rest was permanent or is there a chance of him waking up again?
>>
>>5399083
> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.

One last job with Jack, and we can still hit Egypt and Macedon on the way.
>>
>>5399083
> Set’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and carve its way through the continent until you reach Egypt. There's a poetic justice in ending the journey in the same place where yours began.

We can hit some great landmarks, get pictures where we 'hold' said landmarks, and put them in a scrapbook
>>
>>5399095

That's up to you, anon. I was figuring that you'd follow the silk road once finished up Eastern Europe, or would just bypass China entirely and swing through Russia. Like I said, specific options are to be determined later; Jack's just offers the most flexibility when it comes to Eurasia.

Full disclosure, Jack's option is easily the longest one.

>>5399099
I'm not going to speculate about Croc, because he may play a role in upcoming events; depending on the path taken.

As for Grundy, He's down for the count. Unless you decide to do something loopy like learn necromancy and try to bind him to your will or something. Which would definitely never backfire at all.
>>
>>5399083
>> Set’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and carve its way through the continent until you reach Egypt. There's a poetic justice in ending the journey in the same place where yours began.
JOJO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>
>>5399087
> Set’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and carve its way through the continent until you reach Egypt. There's a poetic justice in ending the journey in the same place where yours began.
Feel rude to invite a bunch of people to a road trip that Set planned and not let Set choose the route.
>>
>>5399083
> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.

COAST 2 COAST BABY
>>
And before I forget, I'm going to beat the rest of you to the punch in case I'm away from my computer this Sunday.

I feel obliged to carry this torch.
>>
>>5399112
Set would probably think the longer trip is cooler, because he gets to cause more problems on purpose.
>>
>>5399083
> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.
>>
>>5399083
>> Set’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and carve its way through the continent until you reach Egypt. There's a poetic justice in ending the journey in the same place where yours began.
>>
>>5399109
Oh that makes me happy. How much will the JL freak out about us permanently laying a bunch of seemingly immortal spirits down when they never could?
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>>5399130

Anyone who isn't Batman is cautiously optimistic about it, but still kinda worried. Especially the ones who know more about how magic tends to operate.
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>>5399136
I do really love how Sean is kinda cleaning things up on the "undergound" side of the Magical World.
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>>5399136
Well fuck it while we're on it, if the flash is similar to his jlu cartoon counterpart, how would he feel about Sean if he found out about all the personalities? I feel like he'd like us but be torn on our methods.
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>>5399146

He wouldn't be a big fan, mostly because the S.T.A.R. Labs raid was on his turf, and is still pretty fresh in his mind.
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>>5399087
Thanks for running Axis, always a good time

As for questions... what's your favorite color?

How well known in the magical community is 'Jonah Thema' outside of our drinking buds?

Gunsmoke is a big name in Gotham now, but what is the general crook's opinion about our costume and fashion sense?
>>
>>5399087
> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby
>>
>>5399149
That's fair. I should've specified that I meant more in the future, closer to when we have our outer heaven. Either way, thanks for indulging me Axis. Any content you were looking forward to that got the axe? Either by crit shenanigans or player planning?
>>
>>5399151

Favorite Color: I've always been partial to a nice maroon.

How well known in the magical community is 'Jonah Thema' outside of our drinking buds: You're definitely not a household name or anything, but between Cullen's writings, word-of-mouth from the cases you've been on, and the enemies that are lining up, you're definitely on quite a few radars. Not all of them good.

What is the general crook's opinion about our costume and fashion sense:

Bane doesn't give two shits about costuming, just that you're reliable muscle. Penguin thinks you dress like a cheap brawler, but he's just butthurt about the Iceberg Lounge. Scarface doesn't appreciate 'youse ripping off his looks, ya hear'. Your average goon on the street is just happy to have another punching bag that'll hopefully keep Batman busy.

As for Batman, the fact that you dress the way you do but still operate professionally confuses him a little, but he chalks it up as a personal quirk.

This is entirely unrelated, but I was mulling over an idea that won't make an appearance for a very, very, very long time. No need for a formal vote or anything, but how would you all feel about a wrap-up thread once everything is said and done? It'd mostly just be shitposting, wrapping up any remaining questions, and I'd probably open up short requests for "what-if" scenarios.

Y'know like...
- "What if Sean was in the Injustice timeline?"
- "What if Sean never met Jack?"
- "What if Sean never had magical powers?"
- "What if Sean had died in Iraq?"
- "What if Sean never joined the Marines?"
- "What if Sean lost [insert encounter]?"


>>5399169
Becoming a proxy nation-state powerhouse will definitely cause the JLA some grief,

As for stuff that got the axe, I'm going to keep mum about a lot of that in case I get a chance to re-work it and re-introduce it again. I try not to plan too far into the future beyond immediate objectives and narrative continuity, mostly because it's more fun to write and you bastards keep critting.

For example, one I will mention is: If that double crit at the port in Venezuela wasn't blocked, you would've been up against the entire Task Force X detail. Every single one.
>>
>>5399174
Oh that would've been incredible. For the Epilogue stuff I'm completely on board for it.
>>
>"What if Sean had died in Iraq?"

I want to know how we die and what our afterlife is like. Maybe we meet Death of the Endless, become a soldier in hells legions, or we get reincarnated into an actually decent family.
>>5399174
>>
>>5399193
>sean dies in iraq
>they manage to recover his corpse
>as it's getting shipped home for proper burial some bullshit happens and the body is lost
>necromancers find and animate the cadaver
>deathknight sean is a go

Honestly each of these options is so open ended they can go just about anywhere. And a revenant version bringing himself back through sheer force of vengeance or an unsettled soul breaking free of dark fetters would both be pretty badass.

Of course hanging out with one of the best waifus par excellence is great too. If only for a little while.
>>
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>>5399235

Spirit of vengeance in life and in death.
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>>5399083
> Jack’s Plan: The roadtrip will start in Western Europe, and stretch until you reach the Pacific Ocean. We’re going coast-to-coast, baby.
>>
>>5399243
You ever been so mad you transcend death itself and forcefully create a new corporeal form just to throw hands with a bitch?

Grombrindal gang
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WAR ECONOMY: Jumpstarted
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>>5400347
God damn it Sundowner.
>>
Jack’s kind enough to pick you up from the Oblivion Bar, where you take the opportunity to sit him down, give him a full debrief about your campaign in the jungle, and clue him in on the king’s ransom that you were able to haggle for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-twYkCj1LpE

When you conclude with your plans for the Steel Wolves and your plans to annihilate Task Force X, Jack lets out the biggest laugh you’ve ever seen from him, enough that he almost doubles over.

> “What’s so funny? Am I missing something here?”

He pauses to wipe an imaginary tear from his nonexistent eye, before howling with laughter once again.

Jack calms down and explains, still stifling a snicker.

“All this time, I’ve been worried sick that you wouldn’t be able to find something that’d fully occupy your attention once I’m gone. As it turns out, it looks like you have that particular issue well in hand. What a foolish old man I am, I should’ve known you’d land on your feet.”

> “I wish I had your optimism. By the way, I figure that when I’m back from the trip, we can sit down and brainstorm a way to blow a chunk of my newly earned riches. Maybe modernize this place, get some real renovations going.”

“That sounds like a smashing idea, but what trip are you referring to? Is business calling you away so soon?”

> “Not quite. Set invited me on a roadtrip, probably because he feels bad about leaving me alone back in Venezuela. I’ve invited a couple of my pals along, and I’d like for you to join us as well.”

“No, no; I’d only get in the way of your fun. Besides, I still have to continue my preparations for the ritual.”

> “Is there any risk of backfire if you took a break for a while?”

“Now that the Ace of Winchesters has been integrated, probably not, but-“

> “Jack. All cards on the table here; this may be the last opportunity for us to really spend time together like this. If we’re as close as you say to the curtain call, then I’d prefer to go out on a high note.”

Jack gives you a searching look, and you’re compelled to explain yourself further.

> “I just…”

You take a moment to steady yourself before you say something stupid.
>>
>>5402095

> “I just don’t want for there any regrets, for either of us. You’ve been there for me when nobody else would and I don’t want to-“

Jack pulls you in for a hug, and despite his ethereal nature, you barely feel a chill from the contact.

“If that’s what you’d like, than I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Do you have any kind of itinerary?”

> “This is Set we’re talking about, planning isn’t exactly his strongest strength. Chances are, we should have a fair bit of time before he has everything prepped for the trip. I figure I’ll take a little time off and do some training to keep my mind occupied in the meantime.”

“Of course, just don’t push yourself too hard. You need to take it easy, understood?”

Jack’s voice is suddenly stern, like a schoolteacher gently chiding a favorite pupil.

> “You got it, bossman. I’ll do my best to slow down a bit.”

“See that you do, or your homecoming cake will mysteriously disappear.”

> “You wouldn’t dare.”

He shoots you a cheeky look that assures you he would definitely enjoy watching you fruitlessly chase him over something so petty.

On the whole, your training regiment goes well; with your first area of focus being your arcane texts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ABJqRsbAlc&list=PLrGjIYRwgltybEam7tVLzRl7NISiLnksV&index=12

You start with the Grimorium Verum, an ancient tome on demonology that you recovered from Rockwell’s Barbatos cult.

It’s definitely not an easy read, what with the incredibly outdated writing style and general lack of clarity inherent to most books about the occult, but you make steady progress.

Regrettably, you don’t find much actionable intel on Belial, but you do learn quite a bit about how to better combat demons, the various species and their hierarchy, and the threats that they pose.

Should you ever encounter another case like Delrio or worse, you’ll be better prepared to send them back to the fiery pits from whence they came.

In a similar vein, you also decide to crack open your copy of Tobin’s Spirit Guide.

In contrast to the densely packed purple prose that infests the Grimorium Verum, Tobin’s Spirit Guide reads more like a well-researched layman’s guide to the paranormal.

The language is less refined, which actually makes it much more suitable for your literary palette.
>>
>>5402096

And it goes much better than you had been expecting.

Maybe the text is just well-written.

Maybe you’re just a quick study.

Maybe your firsthand experience with the arcane has better primed your mindset.

Regardless, you practically inhale its contained knowledge as quickly as you can flip through the pages. Before you know it, you can practically recite the whole thing backwards to forwards with barely any effort at all.

When you’re done, you’re confident in your abilities to distinguish a poltergeist from a harmless prankster, a revenant from a wraith, a phantom from a shade, and a non-corporeal shadow from a fully-formed banshee.

Curiously, Jack doesn’t quite fit exactly into any of the descriptions or example cases included in the text, but that’s not much of a surprise given his rather unique situation and origins.

> Skill Unlocked! Flames of Damnation: +10 to any rolls involving demons, demonically possessed individuals, or any other such instances of hellish activity.

> Skill Unlocked: Paranormal Investigator: +20 to any rolls involving all manner of ghosts, spiritual activity, and any other such instances of non-demonic paranormal activity. No roll required to identify ghostly characteristics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRh0QiXyZSk

From there, your attentions pivot more towards your more mundane but equally fundamental skills.

Up first is your ability to move silently; a talent that has gotten you out of (and into) plenty of dangerous situations. Despite your lack of a training partner, Jack’s creaky mansion is the perfect playground to work on lessening the sound of your footfalls and your general mastery of the art.

You also spend a decent amount of time practicing your first aid knowledge and triage maneuvers in case you or anyone else takes a nasty hit out in the field. The last thing you’d want to do is bleed out from an easily patched wound, just because you were too stupid to get the basics down.

Unfortunately, you just aren’t able to focus properly on your lockpicking practice, mostly because you keep getting stumped and increasingly frustrated with the process. After repeated failures, you shelve it and move on before you risk wasting even more time on a lost cause.

> Skill Improved! Light Step: +35 to stealth rolls.

> Skill Improved! Corpsman: +20 to rolls involving advanced first aid, diagnosing medical issues, and general medical experience.
>>
>>5402097

Lastly, you focus on better harnessing your existing magical abilities.

Doesn’t matter how many tools you’ve got in your pocket if you’re unable to properly leverage the majority of them.

Out in the forest, you spend hours on each of your chosen spells and think up little ways to better harness their inherent potential. To your surprise, absolutely nothing goes wrong this time, it’s starting to feel like you’ve really turned a corner when it comes to your magical studies.

> Spell Improved! Roll the Die: Once every mission, you have the option to re-attempt a skill check or force an enemy to re-roll with a -40 malus. This includes critical failures.

> Spell Improved! Luck Drain: At any time, you can choose to activate or deactivate Luck Drain. When active, I roll a d15+5 to determine how much luck you siphon. It only impacts foes.

> Spell Improved! Spider Summoning: Can summon and give rudimentary directions to a small group of incredibly venomous spiders.

> Spell Improved! Kinetic Frenzy: Temporarily boost your speed beyond peak human levels, potentially at a moderate cost once it winds down.

On one such outing in the woods, you’re made keenly aware that you have an observer; Set.

“Nice work, kid. If you keep up the hard work, you’ll be able to really put the hurting on anybody that gets in our way. Speaking of which, I’ve been cooking up a little something for the trip, I think you’re really gonna like what it does. All I need for you do is bring out that Claw of yours, so that I can give it a little infusion of something special.”

> “Any chance that you’d be willing to let me know what it does before I agree to this?”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

After mentally facepalming, you choose to…

> Allow Set to cast his experimental magic on the Claw of Horus. You’re not entirely such what the effects may be, but it’s potentially worth the risk.

> Prevent Set from casting his experimental magic on the Claw of Horus. You’ve spent enough time poking and prodding magic to know how volatile it can be.

> Other?
>>
>>5402098
Nice, big ol' posts
> Allow Set to cast his experimental magic on the Claw of Horus. You’re not entirely such what the effects may be, but it’s potentially worth the risk.

He got dis
>>
>>5402098
> Allow Set to cast his experimental magic on the Claw of Horus. You’re not entirely such what the effects may be, but it’s potentially worth the risk.

I mean, he's not trying to fuck us up
>>
>>5402098
>> Allow Set to cast his experimental magic on the Claw of Horus. You’re not entirely such what the effects may be, but it’s potentially worth the risk.
>>
>>5402098
>Lets ask Pandion since he lives there
>>
>>5402111
Support.
>>
>>5402098
>> Allow Set to cast his experimental magic on the Claw of Horus. You’re not entirely such what the effects may be, but it’s potentially worth the risk.
>>
>>5402105
>>5402109
>>5402110
>>5402111
>>5402112
>>5402114

Alright, looks like you'll give Set the benefit of the doubt after consulting Pandion for his opinion of the matter.

Also, Jack's Plan won the previous vote.

Roll me some 1d100+20

DC: 80
>>
Rolled 39 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5402128
>>
Rolled 22 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5402128
>>
Rolled 27 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

I hope we pass this.>>5402128
>>
Rolled 82 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

I hope we pass this.>>5402128
>>
>>5402132
>>5402134
how the fuck. fucking dopplegangers
>>
>>5402130
>>5402131
>>5402132

That's a failure. I typically don't do this unless you're out in the field, but would you like to use Roll the Die and try again?

> Yes. (Means that you are unable to use Roll the Die in the first location you visit)

> No.
>>
>>5402132
>>5402134
uh
>>
>>5402139
>> Yes. (Means that you are unable to use Roll the Die in the first location you visit)
>>
>>5402139
>> Yes. (Means that you are unable to use Roll the Die in the first location you visit)
>>
> Yes. (Means that you are unable to use Roll the Die in the first location you visit)
>>
>>5402139
Does the -40 from roll the die also apply to flat DCs like this one, or just opposed rolls?
>>
>>5402146

Opposed rolls.
>>
>>5402139
Yes
>>
>>5402147
Good to know.
>>
>>5402142
>>5402143
>>5402145
>>5402149

Alright, go ahead and give me some more 1d100+20

DC is still 80.
>>
Rolled 81 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5402155
ok for real this time
>>
Rolled 41 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

Tally-ho. >>5402155
>>
>>5402157
Thank you, anon.
>>
Rolled 28 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>5402155
>>5402155
Imagine getting a one after we rerolled
>>
>>5402157
>>5402158
>>5402164

That's a success, writing.
>>
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>>5402166

This is probably a terrible idea, but you find yourself going along with it.

Set doesn’t have anything to gain in the immediate moment by screwing with you, and he knows that he’s in hot water as it is. Therefore, this can’t possibly backfire too badly, can it?

Before you decide either way, you decide to reach out to Pandion for his take on the situation.

> “Pandion? Are you alright with this? I mean, the Claw is basically your home now and I’m fine with telling Set to back off if you’re against it.”

“I TRUST YOUR JUDGEMENT, WARRIOR. IF YOU ARE WILLING, THEN SO AM I! NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED!”

So be it then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSG1ZD3HV9g&list=PLh0eDWMqpJQwDBphh1h-5erDz1EM8j5Lh&index=18

You give Set a wordless nod and bring out the Claw, growing slightly more apprehensive as Set begins to chant in an unfamiliar tongue and blood-red energy begins to crackle at his fingertips.

At the apex of his power, Set points towards the Claw and vibrant bolts of magical energy shoot directly into its base.

There’s a modest degree of pain involved, but you’re able to weather it without too much difficulty, barring one moment where you nearly lose your nerve and back out.

When Set finishes with his little ritual, you don’t feel any different at all. You were honestly half-expecting to have grown taller or stronger or something given the concentrated energy that Set pumped the Claw full of.

It’s at that exact moment of introspection that you notice how your duo has inexplicably become a trio.

From out of nowhere, a figure begins to materialize in front of both you and Set; a stout warrior in full armor wielding a crescent shield and a xiphos.

From the gaps in his helm, you can see that he’s an older man, with dashes of salt-and-pepper coloring his otherwise dark hair. Despite the maladies of age, he’s clearly in fighting trim and carries himself with the poise and caution of a man that’s braved many a battlefield.

You brace yourself for the worst, that Set accidentally summoned another bloodthirsty enemy intent on claiming your head.

But instead of advancing towards you or making any other kind of hostile movement, the figure just mutters to himself before dropping his weaponry and collapsing to his knees.

You carefully approach him, silently cursing yourself for not packing anything heavier than a pistol. It’ll have to do, should things turn ugly.

When you get close enough to make out his words, you discover that he’s speaking in a dialect of Ancient Greek that you’re able to understand and communicate back with.

You get down on one knee and try to grab his attention.
>>
>>5402222

“How is this possible? I’m not - I can’t be here. This must be one of Nemesis’ foul tricks!”

As you examine the figure, a distant memory of a long-forgotten battle that was fought hundreds of lifetimes ago begins to bubble to the surface of your mind.

In that moment, you realize the enormity of what Set has done.

Gently, you clap your friend on the shoulder and haul him to his feet.

> “Glad to see you in the land of the living, Pandion. Never would’ve thought I’d have seen the day.”

“Warrior? This is real, I am truly here?”

Set pops in, with his customary smugness on full force.

“Don’t want to rain on your parade or anything, but this is only temporary. The core parts of his soul are still fused into the Claw, I just gave him a little get-out-of-soul-jail free card for the time being. Had a sneaking suspicion that you’d enjoy having him along for the ride. Consider it a token of goodwill or a bonus, whichever you like more.”

> “Looks like we have a lot to catch you up on Pandion; you’re in for one hell of a time.”

The vacant look in Pandion’s eyes disappears, replaced with a hardness that you’re reminded of every time you look into the mirror. But there’s a glimmer of genuine hope and curiosity mixed in amongst the rest.

“It would be my honor to accompany you on your journey, Warrior.”

> “You don’t need to call me that, you know.”

“Very well, Sean.”

He extends his hand out for you to shake, which you are more than happy to reciprocate.

“I shall treasure every moment of my freedom, short-lived as it may be. One does not learn to appreciate the little things in life until they are torn away. Just being able to feel the sun on my skin and the breath in my lungs once again is more than enough.”

> “Then you’re going to really enjoy the rest. Tell me, do you know what a roadtrip is?”
>>
>>5402223

That's all for tonight, anons! Sorry for calling it a bit early, but I am tuckered out from blitzing through the last couple updates and the interlude stuff. I'm about halfway done with the Task Force X interlude, the Bat-Report is taking longer than anticipated.

Anyhow We'll pick up from here on Wednesday at 5:00 PM EST, hope to see you all here!

In the meantime, here's a vote to help tide you over.

What’s the first destination on your coast-to-coast roadtrip? Feel free to specify the specific region of your chosen if you have any preference, otherwise it’ll be settled in the next vote.

> Belgium. They’ve got fine beer, beautiful forests, and has a quiet charm to it. It’s an excellent place to just kick back a little and have fun.

> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.

> France. They’ve got beautiful countryside, excellent food, and all sorts of attractions. It’d be a paradise on earth if it weren’t populated by the French.

> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.

> Other?
>>
>>5402226
> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.
>>
>>5402226
> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
Travel will get a lot easier once we enter (and stick to) the mainland. May as well get England out of the way first.
>>
>>5402226
>> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.
>>
> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.

We are not meeting Constantine yet. Let’s start with the country that is not the magic capital of Europe and visit when we don’t have the equivalent of a mini nukes worth of magic and rage in our party.
>>
>>5402226
> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.
>>
>>5402226
> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.

It's the furthest west we can start, and we can still hit all the other places on the way east.
>>
>>5402226
>> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
>>
>>5402226
> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.
>>
>>5402226
>> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
>>
>>5402226
>> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.
>>
>>5402226
> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.
>>
>>5402226
> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again
>>
>>5402226

> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
Ho boy time for Constantine to join our shitshow parade.
>>
>>5402226
> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
This isn't going to end well but at least it'll be funny. We should take Pandion to one of the Intergang hideouts at some point during the trip so he can experience the thrill of battle with his own body again.
>>
> Spain. They’ve got a sunny climate, pretty girls, and you already know the local language, more or less. Seems like a reasonable place to kick things off.

I would prefer to go up the coast through france and england then hop over to germany but preferably starting far west
Also no reroll
>>
>>5402226
> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.

>>5402240
But anon, we are the mininuke.
>>
>>5402226
>England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
>>
> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
>>
>>5402240
Yes but anon, Constantine totally fits our ragtag motley crew of 2 gods, a ghost, a chaos mage and a chimp running around and torching half of Eurasia down cause Sean will inevitably loot the shit out of intergang and probably eventually run into cultists bullshit along the way.
>>
>>5402580
Sorry I forgot and pandion since I'm used to him just chilling in our glove, but let's also include a murder happy spirit of vengeance.
>>
>>5402226
> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.

We're doing this for Jack, might as well have a visit to his homeland.
>>
>>5402761
What if he doesn't want to go back? It may even be painful for him.
>>
>>5402773
He will pass on soon, wouldn't it be good to get some closure if his memories are that bad about the place? He can go to spit on his father's grave and then pay respects to his mother. He deserves the chance to face his past and the things that haunt him before he goes to his afterlife
>>
>>5402816
He's had a couple hundred years for some closure.
>>
>>5402226

Changing my vote from >>5402259 to,
> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
>>
>>5402226
>> England. The weather tends to be a bit shit, but they make up for it with the veritable mountain of historical sites and attractions. Plus, Jack might appreciate getting to see his homeland once again.
but try to stay the fuck away from John "everything I even glance at turns to shit" Constantine
>>
Alright, let's get this show on the road.

Give me a moment to tally up all your votes.

Apologies for sessions being a bit shorter than I prefer lately, haven't had as much spare time as I used to.
>>
>>5404381

Looks like perfidious Albion is the victor, writing.

In the meantime, feel free to pitch ideas for places you'd like to visit / things you'd like to see.
>>
>>5404390
Let's nick a piece of Hadrian's wall. Just because.
>>
>>5404390
If England includes the whole UK, maybe hunt for the loch ness monster? It'd be pretty memorable to take a picture of everyone riding it.
>>
>>5404390
Is the queen still alive?
Depending we could go to the funeral or buckingham palace
>>
>>5404442
I think the in quest year is something like 2012 or 2013, so the queen should still be kicking. And Set will be chomping at the bit to prank her.
>>
>>5404390

After helping Pandion to his feet, you lead him back into the house to set him up with some new clothes.

His armor’s neat, but it’s not exactly ideal for long car rides. Christ, it’s beginning to set in that your traveling party is going to look completely unhinged to the casual observer.

There’s…
- The well-dressed ghost of a gentleman highwayman.
- The Egyptian god of Chaos who looks and behaves like a shady uncle from New Jersey.
- The Egyptian god of Wisdom who could masquerade as a stuffy professor or strict librarian.
- A talking chimpanzee who dresses like Sherlock Holmes.
- A ticking time bomb of muscle, rage, and deep-seated trust issues.
- Pandion.

As you head into the house, you can see Set whispering something to Jack before the door shuts behind you.

That doesn’t bode well, but there’s little you can do about it now.

It takes a bit of rummaging, but you find some suitable clothes in Pandion’s size and leave him to his business.

Upon your return outside, you discover that you have company; Thoth and Bobo have abruptly materialized with their luggage.

Thoth isn’t carrying much, which doesn’t shock you. Ancient deities don’t really have to worry about issues like eating or changing clothes like you mere mortals.

Bobo is also packing light, mostly just clothes and the like.

Like any good pal does, you approach your unexpected guests to make idle conversation.

> “Thoth? How did you-“

“I know everything.” He states with a total deadpan, before cracking an uncomfortable smile, the kind that people who never actually smile try to

“After our meeting, I had a little heart-to-heart with Set. I made it clear that I plan on being a civilizing force and preventing anything untoward from happening on this excursion.”

While Thoth is talking, Set is miming various ways of killing himself in the background, ending with a rather solid impression of hanging himself from the nearest branch.

Thoth eventually wisens up, and as the pair of them squabble, you check in with Bobo.

He gives you a short wave as he finishes double-checking the contents of his suitcase.

> “Sorry for the short-notice, had no idea that Set was planning on heading out today. Wish I could’ve given you a bit more warning.”

“Don’t worry about it, the Oblivion is a nice place to hang my hat, but it gets a bit dull sometimes. I haven’t stretched my legs for years, and this feels like it’ll be one for the history books!”

The front door opens and Pandion strides out in his loaned civvies, looking like an extra from a gladiator movie that’s pretending to be a normal man.

Set whistles and gathers everyone around.

“Time for a headcount, is this everyone you plan on bringing, kid?”
>>
>>5404458

You give Set an affirmative nod.

“Fantastic. Then let’s get going!”

Set claps his hands and a vehicle shrouded by a full-body tarp suddenly appears in the cracked and winding driveway.

“Behold! Isn’t she beautiful!?”

Set tears the tarp away to reveal a bright-red van that looks like it hasn’t aged a day since the 1960s.

Freshly waxed and polished to a high sheen, it gleams in the mid-morning sunlight. There’s a pair of back racing stripes that began at the bumper and stretch over the length of the van, accenting the custom license plate which reads K-OSS-4-LYF.

> “Does it have enough space for everyone?”

“Pft, just wait and see. Now hurry up, we’re burning daylight! I still haven’t picked out a name for her yet, but I’ve got plenty of ideas!”

Set continues to yell names at you while you help everyone load up into the yet-unchristened van.

“The Crimson Caravan! The Red Death! The Set-Mobile! The Iron Maiden! The Bloody Revenge! The-“

Pandion silences Set and manhandles him into the van seconds before you threaten to do the same. It’s nice to know that great minds think alike.

Once inside, you notice that the amount of space available doesn’t quite match the actual dimensions of the vehicle.

You chalk it up as Set fucking around with forces far beyond your ken.

There’s plenty of space for luggage, which is fortunate because you’ve never been one to underpack.

You’ve made sure to bring all the essentials: toiletries, heavy munitions, spare clothes, spare camera film, extra ammo, travel snacks, sunscreen, alien contraband, that kind of stuff.

After all, if you’re not committing a major felony and violating every arms embargo in the book during your globetrotting, are you even trying to have fun?

Tucked away in your belongings is also the list of Intergang safe houses and fronts, just in case you feel the urge to pay them a visit during your travels. After all, you’ll probably be fine if you mix a little business with pleasure.

In the end, you decide that…

> You’re open to the idea of hammering Intergang wherever you can find a vulnerable target. There’s no sense in passing up free loot, intel, and whatever else of theirs you can swipe.

> You’ll avoid getting into any trouble with Intergang. You’re supposed to be on vacation, and kicking that particular hornet’s nest isn’t worth the potential hassle.

> You’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. There’s little reason in letting opportunity slip from your grip, but that doesn’t mean that you need to jump head-first into every single fight.

> Other?
>>
File: Set-Mobile.jpg (131 KB, 900x675)
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131 KB JPG
Forgot to include an example picture of Set's ride.
>>
>>5404462
Cheeky dick waffle.
>>
>>5404460
> You’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. There’s little reason in letting opportunity slip from your grip, but that doesn’t mean that you need to jump head-first into every single fight.
>>
>>5404462
The Set Mobile can get so many bitches

>>5404460
> You’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. There’s little reason in letting opportunity slip from your grip, but that doesn’t mean that you need to jump head-first into every single fight.
>>
>>5404460
>> You’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. There’s little reason in letting opportunity slip from your grip, but that doesn’t mean that you need to jump head-first into every single fight.

I really fucking hate these new captchas
>>
>>5404460
> You’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. There’s little reason in letting opportunity slip from your grip, but that doesn’t mean that you need to jump head-first into every single fight.
>>
>>5404460
> You’ll decide on a case-by-case basis. There’s little reason in letting opportunity slip from your grip, but that doesn’t mean that you need to jump head-first into every single fight.
>>
>>5404465
>>5404466
>>5404468
>>5404470

Alright, looks like making the choice as you go along is the winner.

Now, it’s time to pick out your chosen destinations in the UK.

After a bit of debate, you decide to stop in…

(Choose 3)

> Cork, so that you can make a pilgrimage to the Blarney Stone. You’re already silver-tongued as it is, but a little extra insurance never hurts.

> Northern England, so that you can walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path. While you’re there, you might even be able to help yourself to one of its pieces.

> The Scottish Highlands, so that you can make a detour to Loch Ness. It’s time for a spot of monster hunting; Nessie has no chance when you’re on the case.

> London, so that you can have a tour of Buckingham Palace. Who knows, maybe you’ll have the opportunity to steal the Queen’s silverware or something.

> Kent, so that you can stop at Dover Castle. It’s a huge piece of military history and it’s got plenty of nooks and crannies to poke through if you’re feeling adventurous.

> London, so that you can explore the British Museum. It’s a massive cornerstone of ancient history, and there’s bound to be some unattended pieces if you feel like trying your luck.

> Other? (Highly encouraged, there are innumerable options and I cannot possibly list them all.)
>>
>>5404460

>>You’ll decide on a case-by-case basis.

my vote for name is Sun Fucker
>>
>>5404487
> London, so that you can explore the British Museum. It’s a massive cornerstone of ancient history, and there’s bound to be some unattended pieces if you feel like trying your luck.

It belongs in a museu- I mean, in our pocket

> The Scottish Highlands, so that you can make a detour to Loch Ness. It’s time for a spot of monster hunting; Nessie has no chance when you’re on the case.

> Northern England, so that you can walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path. While you’re there, you might even be able to help yourself to one of its pieces.
>>
>Ask Jack to visit the most magically charged part of London. (for shits and giggles)

>The Tower of London (to see the ghosts haunting their and lay them to rest)

>Stone Hedge. (was it a sex thing, a magic thing, or a sex magic thing?)
>>5404487
>>
Wait. Check this out. The dc wiki says the crown jewels are in the Tower of London. Lets pull a heist. >>5404487
>>5404491
>>
>>5404490
+1
>>
>>5404487
> Cork, so that you can make a pilgrimage to the Blarney Stone. You’re already silver-tongued as it is, but a little extra insurance never hurts.
Blarney stone is cool, but what's more cool if you go there is the poisonous plants garden they also have there. Has some really dangerous ones too,
> The Scottish Highlands, so that you can make a detour to Loch Ness. It’s time for a spot of monster hunting; Nessie has no chance when you’re on the case.
>The Tower of London (to see the ghosts haunting their and lay them to rest)
>>5404493
Backing for that.
>>
>>5404490
+1
>>
>>5404487
(Choose 3)
> Cork, so that you can make a pilgrimage to the Blarney Stone. You’re already silver-tongued as it is, but a little extra insurance never hurts.
> Northern England, so that you can walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path. While you’re there, you might even be able to help yourself to one of its pieces.
> The Scottish Highlands, so that you can make a detour to Loch Ness. It’s time for a spot of monster hunting; Nessie has no chance when you’re on the case.
>>
Closing the vote now and tallying it all up.
>>
Alright, looks like the winning options are:

- London, so that you can explore the British Museum. It’s a massive cornerstone of ancient history, and there’s bound to be some unattended pieces if you feel like trying your luck.

- The Scottish Highlands, so that you can make a detour to Loch Ness. It’s time for a spot of monster hunting; Nessie has no chance when you’re on the case.

- Northern England, so that you can walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path. While you’re there, you might even be able to help yourself to one of its pieces.

————————

On the long drive there, who do you spend the majority of your time speaking with? (Include any general topics or questions you have for that individual, should you have any.)

> Set. There’s still a whole lot about the guy that you don’t know, and this would be an excellent opportunity to clear the air.

> Thoth. He’s a veritable font of knowledge, and could probably stand to practice his people skills.

> Jack. Heading back to his homeland can’t be easy on him, there’s no harm in keeping his mind occupied.

> Pandion. Aside from a few scattered conversations held within the Claw, you’ve never had the time to have a drawn-out conversation with him.

> Bobo. You’re usually either drinking or gambling when speaking with your chimp compatriot, it’ll be an excellent change of pace now that booze is out of the equation.

————————

In addition, feel free to throw road trip music at me; I’ve already got a list of songs, but I’ll always welcome fresh fodder for the folder.
>>
>>5404516
> Pandion. Aside from a few scattered conversations held within the Claw, you’ve never had the time to have a drawn-out conversation with him.
>>
>>5404516
>> Set. There’s still a whole lot about the guy that you don’t know, and this would be an excellent opportunity to clear the air.
>>
>>5404516
> Jack. Heading back to his homeland can’t be easy on him, there’s no harm in keeping his mind occupied.
> Ask him what he remembers from his early life, especially the sweet moments.
>>
>>5404516
What kinda British superheroes are kicking around in the DC universe, anyway? Might be fun to get into a tousle.
>>
>>5404516
>> Bobo. You’re usually either drinking or gambling when speaking with your chimp compatriot, it’ll be an excellent change of pace now that booze is out of the equation.
>>
>>5404516
> Bobo. You’re usually either drinking or gambling when speaking with your chimp compatriot, it’ll be an excellent change of pace now that booze is out of the equation.
>>
>>5404545
>>5404550

It looks like Bobo wins, give me a few moments to get the last vote of the night ready.
>>
>>5404557
New thread?
>>
>>5404559

I'll spin one up on Friday, thanks for reminding me anon.
>>
>>5404557

During the trip, you have plenty of time to peruse some of the intel you’ve scraped together about active Intergang cells, fronts, and other items of interest in the UK.

Most of it is interesting enough, but none of it really hooks you enough to demand active intervention; if you wanted to bust up drug rings, arms deals, and other acts of organized crime, you would’ve just stayed home in Gotham.

You’re looking for something special, something that you’ll be able to reflect on as a personal and career milestone, a feather in your cap as it were.

To your amazement, you eventually find the exact type of operation you had been searching for.

Insane as it may sound, apparently Intergang is planning on busting into the Tower of London, stealing the royal jewels, and fencing them on some exclusive black market.They’re been planning this for a long while, and their strike teams are getting closer and closer to making their move for the goods. They’ve done a solid amount of legwork, but have neglected to account for some key variables. Namely, that you'll be in town and potentially in the mood to crack some skulls.

And you know what would really piss them off?

Your merry band of interlopers and wildcards crashing their party, bashing their heads in, and swiping the score of the century right from under them. Honestly, it doesn’t even matter if you can find a buyer; the bragging rights alone are nearly worth the risk.

The only major downside (apart from imminent bloodshed) is that there won’t be much time for planning, so you’ll be going in blind against an enemy that won’t even hesitate to mow you down.

But damn, what a story it’d make.

You’ve squared off against Intergang plenty of times, in Blüdhaven, Egypt, and Italy, nothing wrong with adding Old Blighty to the list as well.

In the end, you decide that you’ll…

> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.

> Pass on this one, the risk is too great. I mean, you’re talking about sacking the goddamn Tower of London; the heat is going to be absolutely insane.

> Other?
>>
>>5404572
> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.

Let Intergang do all the hard work stealing the jewels, and when they're all tied up fighting the cops/SAS go in and steal the jewels ourselves in the chaos.
>>
>>5404458
>going to look completely unhinged
We ARE completely unhinged.
>>
>>5404572
> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.
>>
>>5404572
>> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.
>>
>>5404572
>> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.
>>
That's all for tonight, anons! Thanks for playing, we'll pick up from here on Friday at 5:00 PM EST. As previously referenced, I'll start up a new thread and finally retire this one; think I've dragged the poor beast on for long enough.

I realize the pace is slowing a bit, but I'd argue that there's no need to barrel through things just for the sake of narrative advancement.

This is a collaborative effort though, so if you feel otherwise and would prefer something different, I encourage you to let me know.

As a caveat, I'll be upfront when I say that while I always value creative feedback, that doesn't necessarily mean that I'll be willing or able to implement all of it.

Some things I'm just a stubborn bastard about, I guess.

Not to get sappy or anything, but I've had a blast writing Sean's story, and it's arguably one of my daily highlights.

Anyhow, have a good night, hope to see you all again soon.
>>
>>5404572
> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.

HNNNG I can't resist

Did we bring along a Gunsmoke mask? It would fit that persona, though if we didn't then meh

We can just axe the intergang witnesses
>>
>>5404572
>> Pass on this one, the risk is too great. I mean, you’re talking about sacking the goddamn Tower of London; the heat is going to be absolutely insane.
See we've got Thoth and Jack with us. Thoth is tied to Jonah and Jack is tied to Gunsmoke. That makes a bridge between the two. Whoever we pull the heist as. We shouldn't be making any noise anyway. This is a vacation.
>>
>>5404587
>Thoth is tied to Jonah
no that's bullshit
>>
>>5404595
Thoth talked to Jonah once, that obviously means that the only person that Thoth could EVER talk to is related to Jonah somehow.
>>
>>5404572
> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.
>>
>>5404596
Yeah the guy who has been in reclusion for god knows how long has tons of other people he has been hanging out with.

Moreover you have to look at it with a lens of paranoia. Because that's what people keeping track of his sudden appearance would be doing.
>>
>>5404587
To be fair, Thoth can sit in the back of the Set Mobile for a sec
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>>5404607
Yeah sure but someone could tap into the city surveillance and track him if he ever comes out at all in London. You gotta be more paranoid man. But even if we could handwave that all away I still wouldn't want to do it. We're on vacation. Gunfights are off the table for the duration so far as I'm concerned.
>>
Hey Axis! Got a question. How do you do power scaling and is it possible at some point we become powerful enough to roll 4 die instead of 3? Also, where do we stand in terms of magical power? I would say with last rolls we are past the point of a beginner and are firmly in Journeyman territory.
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>>5404572
> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.

Descend on him like batman and run with skill and magic
This is a 100% stealth mission
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>>5404572
> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.
Imagine not wanting to piss the brits off while here, it's not like Sean is really a good guy, also worse comes to worse we can always blame intergang for everything.
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>>5404614
Imagine batman finding out Sean is all of the identities he is and simply swearing it off because it's even more ludicrous then Bruce Wayne is batman.
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>>5404572
> Other?
> Go for it, but only to kick Intergang in the balls for shits and giggles. (Don't steal the jewels)
Since constantly fucking with Batman and the JLA is my favorite thing about this quest I vote that Gunsmoke (and Pandion) just ruin Intergang's well-planned heist and fuck off without stealing anything.
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>>5404652
>tfw the MOs are so different he dismisses it out of turn and chalks it up to sheer coincidence
Honestly that would be pretty funny.
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>>5404660
Supporting this. We don't need the money, and stealing the crown jewels is too much heat.
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>>5404660
+1 to this anon's vote

I guess you could say we'd be in it just to cause a lil bit of chaos. Some tomfoolery, if you will. Also it might be a great way to advertise our budding PMC's services to the governments of the world.
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>>5404572
> Other?
Could we just ask Jack about it? If he thinks stealing the Crown Jewels would be a fine retirement heist then let’s go for it, and if not, then just go to mess around with Intergang’s plan.
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>>5404581
Can jack be knighted?
Sir jack craddock has a nice ring to it
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>>5404660
>Supporting
>>5404992
I mean, we could actively stop the heist for something like this. It’s assuming Jack won’t get arrested in the UK for any crimes committed there of course.

Would be an amusing story for our Jonah alias if we didn’t commit any crimes for the rest of the trip. Set arranged the crew, and we got an invite from Bobo that we accepted because ancient Egyptian gods were involved, one of which we knew. The other company is weird, but Set has a funny sense of humor like that.
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>>5404992
Getting a title within the first few days of the roadtrip sets a neat precedence, it would be fun to kick off a competition for who can get the longest string of titles by the time we reach japan.
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>>5404572
>> Go for it, there’s no way that you can pass this one up. It’ll be one hell of a haul to bring home, and you’ll be able to smack Intergang around for good measure; seems like a win-win.
>>
>>5404660
Gentleman ghost "leading" this operation could be a good way to raise his reputation before he disappears. Showing up with 2 Egyptian gods, a paranormal investigator and a talking monkey with a revolver is as wild as it gets to saving the jewels of England


Alternative is getting steel wolf personnel in place and saving the day as adjunct tango, in order to promote our services.
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>>5404660
supporting this too
>>
I hope we get the crown as well as the crown jewels, it'll be easier to display at home
>>
Alright, looks like paying the Tower of London a visit and spoiling Intergang’s plans win, writing.

Bit of a change of plans for tonight; I’ve got a splitting headache and have a lot more writing to get finish and hopefully polish, so I’ll be holding off on posting the new thread until Monday.

In the meantime, consider tonight an extended Q&A session while I bulldoze my way through writers block and work on the next update / my current stack of interludes. If there are any burning questions that still keep you up at night, just lay em on me.

I’ll do my best to have a long update out by the end of tonight, but if not, I’ll open Monday’s thread with it. Either way, I’ll let you know when I plan on stepping away from the computer.

In the meantime, that gives me the opportunity to narrow down your stance on a topic that’s been debated; namely, do you plan on profiting from your skirmish at the Tower of London by swiping some royal loot?

Jack’s fine with the idea, but the choice ultimately remains yours.

After some thought, you decide to…

> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.

> Steal the royal jewels if possible, you don’t make a habit of putting your life on the line without some kind of compensation. Besides, it’s not like the royal family needs all of their fancy baubles anyhow.

> Other?

>>5404636

Sorry for the delay anon, totally forgot to answer your questions.

How do you do power scaling and is it possible at some point we become powerful enough to roll 4 die instead of 3?

I plan on keeping to 3 rolls, mostly because that’s the bread and butter I’m familiar with. As for power scaling, it all depends; there are just some enemies that having good rolls alone won’t be enough to handle, barring very specific developments and

This is just my personal opinion, so don’t be surprised if luck turns against you and things go poorly in a fight that you should theoretically win on paper. After all, you’ve had plenty of lucky breaks and the past, and they can’t always swing your way.

Where do we stand in terms of magical power?

I’d say Journeyman is a bit generous, you’ve got some nasty tricks tucked away, but there’s still plenty more for you to learn. Journeyman implies that you’ve cobbled enough knowledge to strike out on your own and begin pursuing independent magical studies capable of producing something new, rather than following in the footsteps of another like you have been doing.

Overall, I’d rate you as an Apprentice, someone who has learned the foundational skills and is steadily growing more comfortable with it, but still has a ways to go before being a magical powerhouse. Again, this is just my view and is open to debate.

Apologies for my tardiness, I've spent like ten minutes fighting the goddamn CAPTCHA
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>>5406034
>> Steal the royal jewels if possible, you don’t make a habit of putting your life on the line without some kind of compensation. Besides, it’s not like the royal family needs all of their fancy baubles anyhow.
We aren't the fucking justice league, gimme those blood jewels.
>>
>> Steal the royal jewels if possible, you don’t make a habit of putting your life on the line without some kind of compensation. Besides, it’s not like the royal family needs all of their fancy baubles anyhow.

ITS NOT ABOUT THE MONEY ITS ABOUT SENDING A MESSAGE. Also building our theif skills, braggong rights, and this qst has a history of us doing heists and robbing them is the next logical step.

Also, their country robbed those blood gems from other countries and we all know you cant steal what it is already stolen.>>5406034
>>
>>5406034
> Steal the royal jewels if possible, you don’t make a habit of putting your life on the line without some kind of compensation. Besides, it’s not like the royal family needs all of their fancy baubles anyhow.
They're right there, we can't just leave them
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>>5406034
> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
Taking them will probably make the rest of the vacation harder. We are here to enjoy ourselves not give ourselves more stress dammit.
>>
>>5406034
>> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
Sparkly rocks, ooh.
>>
>>5406034
>Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.

I'd rather use this as a PR boost than get the jewels. We are an international merc of mystery after all and the long term benefits of having a good rep is way better than the instant cashflow generated by the jewels
>>
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SOME TIME AGO, INSIDE BELLE REVE PENITENTIARY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfFJVt2xg10

> “THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!” You howl, slamming your fist onto your well-crafted mahogany desk.

While you’re typically loath to display such strong emotion in front of your lessers, this misadventure has the potential to ruin your entire career. It’s important to get across how furious you are, and how you plan on exacting justice.

> “There has never been a successful escape from the Suicide Squad in its history! And I’ll be damned if I’m the first to break that tradition!”

You can already hear the snide comments and snarky jokes now; the pack of toadies and sycophants engulfing you will practically be salivating over a misstep like this.

That this never would’ve happened if Waller was still in charge, that putting you in charge was a blunder that led to Cadmus’s betrayal.

Those bastards have always been looking to stab you in the back, and now they have the perfect excuse.

And it’s all because Defcon thought the could be clever, that he could just slip through your fingers without any issues whatsoever.

This is what you get for showing these people a slight ounce of leeway.

Well, no more, it’s time to draw a line in the sand.

And you’ll be starting with the hulking mass of sinew and muscle that likes to call himself the General.

> “I am holding you personally responsible for this failure, Eiling. You were supposed to have him watched, in case THIS EXACT SITUATION CAME TO PASS! Not to mention, that absolute embarrassment of an operation in Kahndaq!”

Calling it a diplomatic disaster is an understatement; from what little has been pieced together after the commotion, the general timeline of events is unclear. All that you’re certain of is that…

- Defcon and other key personnel are attacked by mystery men, likely some kind of local cult.
- Defcon conjures some kind of portal and escapes through it, despite his powers being dampened.
- During the commotion, Black Adam’s wife is kidnapped, current location is unknown.
- In his rage, Black Adam formally severs ties with ALL nations currently operating embassies within Kahndaq and gives them 2 days to pack up or die.

As you ruminate over the situation you find yourself in, a strange calm begins to descend upon you as you realize the simple clarity of what needs to happen next.
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>>5406062

Either Defcon is dragged back home, or you’ll be “retired” or “assigned to a confidential posting.”

You haven’t been a field agent for a long time, but there are some instincts that just never go away. And that experience is telling you that you need to move fast, otherwise you risk losing everything you’ve clawed up the ladder for.

As you stare Eiling down, a bolt of inspiration strikes you; something that’ll satisfy your operational objectives and wipe that irritating smirk off of Eiling’s face.

> “You think this is funny, do you? Well, here’s something you’ll enjoy; I’m pulling you and the rest of your team from active duty. From now on, your only job is to find Defcon and drag him kicking and screaming back to Belle Reve.”

“And if he resists?”

> “So long as he continues to draw breath, then whatever you have to do is fine by me. It matters little if he’s a broken shell of a man, just that he is alive. He needs to serve as a message to anyone else that dares to dream of crossing me.”

“If a manhunt is what you want, I need a bigger team.”

> “Oh, that’s right, Defcon managed to liquidate a sizable portion of your team all on his lonesome; Killer Frost, Unknown Soldier, and Knockout, I believe?”

You make a purposefully condescending tutting noise as you reach into one of your desk drawers and produce their dossiers, complete with bloody pictures of their deaths.

Eiling grits his teeth as you rub salt in the wounds of his failures, but he’s unable to deny that you make a fair point.

Before things reach a boiling point, you slide a small stack of dossiers his way; let him interpret it as a peace offering or whatever else it takes to mend his pride.

> “Here are some currently unassigned assets that should fit the bill. Chose whoever you need to get the job done.”

Eiling nods and turns to leave.

> “Before you go, just one last thing. I’d start in Venezuela, crushing his old allies might be enough to bring him scuttling of hiding. And don’t bother coming back until you find him. You’re dismissed.”

Defcon, Waller, and everyone else who dares to stand in your path will be crushed under your heel.

For the greater good of the nation, and of your career.
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>>5406034
> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
Either we go as Gunsmoke/Jonah to fuck with Bats and the JLA or we go as Adjutant Tango to fuck with the guy in charge of the suicide squad and get some good PR for the wolves.
>>
NOT LONG AGO, INSIDE BELLE REVE PENITENTIARY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc5Nk1DXyEY

You practically choke on your coffee as you read the latest report placed on your desk.

This had been a pleasant morning thus far, until you received a classified confirmation that Eiling and his team located and engaged Defcon in Venezuela, only to be completely neutralized.

And right on its heels comes the news that all of your investment in Pedraza has gone up in smoke, that you’ve been left to hold the bag of odorous excrement.

You’ll need to bury this snafu immediately and deny all involvement, it won’t be an easy sell but there has to be a way to properly spin this so the fault doesn’t land at your feet.

Smearing Eiling should do the trick, he had few friends and a reputation as hothead. A few carefully edited reports to paint Eiling as a reckless brute that charged off against direct orders and coerced other assets in his mad charge will earn you a reaming but little else.

It’ll mean disparaging his memory, labelling him a treasonous deserter, and slapping him with a posthumous dishonorable discharge, but that should be enough to buy you some extra time.

Dead men make the best scapegoats, for obvious reasons.

Likewise, with the proper finesse, it should be simple enough to redact the personnel files and purge all records of the Suicide Squad’s intervention in Venezuela.

And if anyone should sniff around and ask too many probing questions, they’ll serve as useful candidates for high-risk deployments. A distasteful measure, but morality has little to do with governance.

As for Defcon, you’re only that much more determined to have him back under your sway.

Some men would see these KIA reports and operational failure costs as a setback, but not you.

Some men would see Defcon as an existential threat that needs to be eliminated at all costs, but not you.

All you can see is opportunity.

If even half of what you’ve read in these reports is true, Defcon has the kind of potential that you cannot afford to ignore.

You will have him broken to his very foundations and rebuilt in your own image as the perfect soldier, an unstoppable killing machine that defends the name and interests of Uncle Sam across this barbaric world.

However, patience is the name of the game for the foreseeable future, now that suspicious eyes are sure to be cast upon you.

You’ll scale back retrieval operations for now, that way you can give him a false sense of security and build up the necessary roster of specialists to properly handle the job.

In the meantime, you still have all of the biometric information you could ever ask for; DNA records, blood samples, fingerprints, etc.

Backdoor access to various sources coupled with your dossier on him will ensure that if Defcon leaves a single shred of evidence, you’ll be the first to know.

Let Defcon enjoy his freedom while he can.

Soon, he will learn the value of respecting the authority of his betters.
>>
That concludes the Lok interlude, let me know what you think!

Anyhow, back to working on the update(s).
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>>5406060
That might complicate Adjutant's position, interfering in this type of thing that's so heavily involved with a foreign country
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>>5406070
I was really hoping he would cut his losses. I really was. But damn if it isn't a good argument. We have shown our utterly insane potential. We really would be a great asset to hold if he could get us truly under his thumb. He has the time and the assets to keep trying. God damn you made me remember that Lok is actually competent and ambitious.
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>>5406070
I for one cannot wait to strangle Lok with his own guts. An absolute egomaniacal tool.
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>>5406070
Lok has officially replaced the General as our biggest enemy, he can track us down if we leave absolutely ANY evidence

We're gonna have to deal with him soon. Good job, Axis, Lok scares me
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>>5406070
Good. Good fucking job man.
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>>5406075
We should just shoot him and be done with it. An entirely dull and meaningless death would be fittingly ironic for narcissist like Lok. The best death is letting him get killed by artillery or just getting caught in the crossfire, but that requires to much chance/really good rolls.
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>>5406034
>> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.

Is there an england, or london or uk based superhero that would be mad if we did steal the crown jewels?

They are basically unsellable and are just status symbols but we could use this for good pr
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>>5406084
That's the thing though, I wasn't thinking about his feelings on the matter at all. And thinking about it, being completely unconsidered is probably the most insulting thing for a narcissist to undergo.

It doesn't much matter in the end though, does it? So long as he gets his I'll be fine.
>>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMRr7O2ineA

Once everyone is loaded up and the luggage is triple-checked, Set pronounces that your voyage to the east has officially begun!

After some hasty discussion, everyone agrees that it’d be best to start Jack’s motherland of England.

Considering that a big reason that you agreed to this trip was to give him a proper send-off, it feels like the most rational place to start.

The drive to the port doesn’t take too long, even with Gotham traffic.

To your surprise, Set managed to book a short-notice posting on a heavy-duty LexCorp cargo ships, one of the colossal haulers that drift in and out with clockwork precision. The tub is named the White Portuguese, and it looks like it’s been in operation for decades. So long as it doesn’t sink, you don’t particularly care if it has a bit of rust, that means its got character.

The sailors are polite enough, but keep their distance and regard you with a wary indifference that you can’t quite blame them for. They keep an understated eye on your movements, likely to make sure that you aren’t planning to orchestrate an armed takeover or something equally violent.

Again, it’s not something that has you overly miffed, especially given the fact that you were strongly tempted to case the ship a bit in case you ever needed to raid one of these behemoths.

Considering that your band of miscreants is a strange one even by Gotham standards, you’re just happy they didn’t throw you in a cargo hold somewhere and bolt the door shut. Not that it would’ve stopped anyone, but it’s the thought that counts.

The boat cruises lazily through the murky chop of the old blue, bound for Southampton in about a week. It’s apparently where a hub of some kind for cross-Atlantic traffic, but you ended up tuning out most of the finer details.

Something tells you that Set could’ve probably finagled a more time-efficient way across the pond, but you know him well enough that there’s no point in badgering him about it.

He’d probably just say something about you being a buzzkill and that “getting there instantly would take all the fun out of it!”.

And honestly, Set’d be right.

There’s something comforting about having no time pressures weighing down on your mind, being free to just unwind and let somebody else drive things for a while. You’ve spent the last few days getting your sea legs, chilling, and taking in some sun.

Unconsciously, you begin to fiddle in your pocket for a pack of smokes, before you force yourself to stop and just enjoy the smell of the sea and the breeze drifting over the crosswinds.

You don’t know how long you’ve been standing there when Bobo joins you, content to just bask in the warmth of the sun’s rays and pretend that everything is right with the world.

He climbs up on the rail and watches the rollicking waves before abruptly breaking the silence.
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>>5406119

“Something tells me that you’ve been doing more than just ‘research’. What trouble have you found yourself in this time?”

He sounds more concerned than anything else, though there is a shade of disappointment coloring it as well.

You chuckle a little, and it’s tinged lightly with bitterness.

Shows what you know for thinking that you’d be able to put one past the sharpest mind you know.

> “What gave it away?”

“The eyes, they always do. You look awful, Sean; I mean that in the nicest way possible.”

There are a few beats of silence as you grapple about whether or not you should humor his line of questioning.

A part of you wants to tell him to piss off, that you’re not interested in sharing about what went down during your dust-up down in Venezuela.

That way, you can keep him insulated from any of the fallout that’s sure to rear its head.

But deep down, you know that you’re coming up with flimsy justification; the real reason is that you don’t want Bobo to realize just how deeply you’ve immersed yourself in the life of a professional killer and that you don’t have plans to retire any time soon.

> “For the sake of argument, let’s say you’re right and that some dirty business went down; what of it?”

“What ever happened to going straight, to leaving this kind of work behind?”

> “It’s not that easy. I’ve made a lot of enemies, the kind that’ll have me looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life if I don’t get to them first. I’ve got debts to repay, and I don’t mean the monetary. And…”

The hardest part to admit is that you’re starting to enjoy this life, the freedom to call your own shots and walk away from the table whenever somebody or something rubs you the wrong way.

Not to mention the tight burst of adrenaline that pumps through your veins whenever it comes time to throw down with somebody well above your weight.

Put bluntly, you were never one for the tightly regimented standards of military life, of having some prick with a fancy education shoveling you into the meatgrinder so he can angle for a fancier uniform and a cushy position.

That’s why you established the Steel Wolves, to build a brotherhood built on shared values, brotherhood, and the desire to earn reasonable pay for unreasonable work. Where no man is compelled to fight for something he doesn’t believe in, where no soldier is tossed into the garbage bin as soon as their tour of duty ends and their utility wanes.

All of the good, with much less of the bad.
>>
>>5406120

Some would argue that you’re still a killer, scum that only cares about earning a quick buck at the cost of innumerable human lives.

You would fire back that you’re just doing the same thing you did back in Marines, just for a fairer slice of the pie.

There’s a certain duality to it, that killing for cause or country is seen as a noble ideal, while killing for personal gain is considered an unforgivable taboo.

You’re no saint, and you’ve never pretended to be. You’ve killed plenty of men, and you’re going to kill plenty more unless somebody punches your ticket.

That’s what you’ve been wired to do, what you’ve been built for. You’ve done some good things along the way, but this life isn’t for soft hearts and weak men.

You do your best to explain this to Bobo, and he engages you fiercely in return, arguing that we are nothing more than the sum of our choices. That you always have the agency to do something better and choose to leave the past behind.

That being a good man is neither easy nor simple, that you have the potential for heroism within you, if only you’d see it.

While neither of you come to an agreement, you quietly thank Bobo for being the kind of friend that’ll give it to you straight, especially when he disagrees with you.

“Don’t worry about it, Sean. I just don’t want to see your face in the news as another statistic.”

The both of you return to watching the gentle rippling of the sea and put the matter to rest.

He’s a good guy, you’re lucky to have him in your corner. You’re still not sure what he sees in you, but you appreciate the thought nonetheless.
>>
That'll do it for me tonight, anons. We'll pick up from here with a new thread on Monday at 5:00 PM EST.

Feel free to keep voting on the crown jewels stuff, vote either ends Monday evening or when the thread dies, whichever comes first.

As always, hope to see you all there, thanks for playing.
>>
>>5406125
See you Monday axis, great update as usual
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>>5406034
> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
I kinda want to swipe them just to leave them on the front door of Buckingham palace or something.
>>
>>5406121
>That being a good man is neither easy nor simple, that you have the potential for heroism within you, if only you’d see it.
That's for damn sure, but Sean hasn't had really any time to sort his issues, and he's the type to just keep going until he's taken down all while saying he's fine even if he is dying. Honestly Sean is a guy where if the universe he was in wasn't so supremely fucked up and or he actually had connections with people who could help, I could genuinely see him going the superhero route and end up in the JL, but every hero he runs into is a psychopath of their own accord except for Bobo, and he has absolutely no reason to trust any of them since they've been quagmired into dealing with their own small subsection of stupid shit for so long that they wouldn't know what to look for, they wouldn't even try. Maybe if Sean had a good talk with the big blue guy but that's not happening on friendly terms let's face it.
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>>5406034
>> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
For all the potential memes in either direction, I’m voting this as the trip was Set’s idea. Showing up and kicking someone’s ass just because they’re in the area is the real shit. Taking the jewels turns it into work, and that’s not the point.
>>
>>5406034
> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
>>
>>5406034
> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
>>
>>5406034
> Other?
> Steal the royal jewels temporarily

In keeping with the theme of this trip being mostly lighthearted, I basically just want to take them, do something goofy with them, then return them (preferably in an amusing manner like chucking them through a window in Buckingham Palace with a note wrapped around them) before we head off to our next major destination. Have some fun without making the good-aligned folks like Bobo and Thoth accessory to a major crime they might not want to be involved in.
>>
>>5406034
>> Steal the royal jewels if possible, you don’t make a habit of putting your life on the line without some kind of compensation. Besides, it’s not like the royal family needs all of their fancy baubles anyhow.
>>
>> Steal the royal jewels if possible, you don’t make a habit of putting your life on the line without some kind of compensation. Besides, it’s not like the royal family needs all of their fancy baubles anyhow.

as an Argie this is an obligation to carry
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>>5406125
>Leave a note with the royal jewels.
"Sometimes, it feels nice to return things to where they belong."
Maybe a little hypocritical for someone who's raided more than one tomb, but...
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>>5407086
We get the jewels and pack them in bubblewrap then attach that to a brick. Then, we throw the brick through one of Buckingham Palace's many windows.
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>>5407680
>"Oh good heavens it appears someone from the colonies has returned the jewels!"
>"How could you tell, sir?"
>"They have vandalised the palace in the act of depositing them!"
Silly bri'ish. Never using the letter z. They deserve that brick.
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>>5407701
Amen.
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>>5406034
> Leave the royal jewels alone, you’re on vacation; there’s no sense of drawing an even bigger target on your back. Besides, smacking around Intergang and taking their equipment will be payment enough for services rendered.
>>
Howdy, anons.

Work kicked my ass today, so I'm afraid that I've got to move our live session to Wednesday.

As recompense, feel free to pitch me other ideas for interlude stuff. I'm still working on the Dresden Report, but that's the only active one at the moment.

Apologies for the short notice, but I've been working ungodly hours and this was the earliest I could get away.
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>>5409047
A JL interlude trying to figure Jonah/Dresden out and find the best way to approach would be interesting

Unless that's covered in the report
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>>5409047
How about the younger team members that fought Gunsmoke talking to their teammates about it? It'd be neat to see all of the young justice crew bitching about tough enemies and when babs brings up Gunsmoke (again) she has some backup this time. Or just more from the younger crew in general could be neat.
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>>5409047
Interlude about alfred watching batman, nightwing, robin and batgirl stressing about the crime war and gunsmoke, dresden shenanigans
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>>5409047
An interlude about the justice league meeting to discuss the shit show that went down in Venezuela, Adjutant Tango and TFX's involvement? Would anyone in the JL know about the suicide squad?
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>>5409136
Batman's probably the only person who knows about the SS, but I doubt he's told the other JL members about it. Belle Reve would've already been destroyed if someone like Superman found out, and Bats likely thinks it's not worth the legal fallout to tell anyone.
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>>5409136
Actually this could be a really good one.
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>>5409047
I would say these two sound good as JL will notice the potential future shitshow the steel wolves will cause them or young justice making conspiracy theories of gunsmoke being some meta that can fight heroes instead of being a normal guy.
>>5409113
>>5409136
>>
Hey anons, just checking in; barring an unexpected catastrophe, tomorrow's session is good to go.

Also, I finally got off my lazy ass and archived this thread, so it'll likely perish overnight.

Before that happens, just wanted to formally mention that leaving the royal jewels alone (except for potential shenanigans before returning them) won the vote.

I've also noted down the interlude ideas, but they'll be taking a back seat for a while.
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>>5410253
nice
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>>5411064

New thread, feel free to make your exodus.



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