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File: Trawler Quest #3.jpg (118 KB, 709x438)
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You are Lieutenant Commander Reynolr, of the Citadel Empire, recently-promoted captain of the CAS Brora (PS-4-917), an armed trawler based in the wretched Kraegsk Archipelago. Your presence here is tied to the nature of the storm-ravaged Kraegsk - north of resource-rich islands and a major naval warzone, the floating wrecks of great warships are carried by the currents to smash against the jagged coasts of the Kraegsk. You are to recover Citadel personnel from wrecks, protect salvage ships, and ensure that the enemy Republic and its craven mercenaries does not gain control of the Kraegsk from their own naval base, at the opposite end of the archipelago. Every month, a convoy of cargo ships picks up scrap that cannot be used or embezzled by the forces of the Kraegsk and takes it back to the naval yards of your homeland - loss of these ships is unacceptable.


Before the Citadel-Republic war, the Kraegsk was inhabited by a series of destitute fishing communities living in the shadow of the ruins of the old Astaeran Empire. Now they are forced into the service of the belligerents, powerless to resist the meager forces allocated to the Kraegsk.

Quite recently, we've managed to explore Rinyak Island, converse at length with a Republic Prisoner, and discover and warn Sbvysek of a Republic bombardment flotilla. We subsequently fought in the Battle of Sbvysek, sinking a gunboat and striking the finishing blows on the Light Patrol Cruiser RNS Inviolable Rights. Now, we must deal with victory.
>>
woooo its back! Trawler Quest is back!
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>>1205444
LOOK WHATS BACK
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>>1205444
We should give our crew one day shore leave in sbvysek for going through that naval engagement.
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File: Brutal Duel.jpg (129 KB, 1114x382)
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>>1205444
Archived Threads:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1179499/

1st Thread: Introduces naval combat and economic mechanics.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1193605/

2nd Thread: Introduces looting in the ruins, the large-scale Battle of Sbvysek.
>>
The battle is over. The Extirpate has been towed over to the Inviolable Rights - both ships seem a rifle bullet away from sinking, but you suppose the fierce pride of Southern sailors is driving them to do that. And, all the shipmates they just lost.

Well. They won't find the admiral's flag. That'll be a fun discussion with the Commandant and whoever's in charge of the Extirpate.

>Escort the two cruisers back to Sbvysek.
>Head to [write-in coordinate]
>Something else?
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>>1205555
>>Escort the two cruisers back to Sbvysek.

Lead the victory parade into the yard.

Wave the Admirals flag.
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>>1205555
>>Escort the two cruisers back to Sbvysek.

MAKE WAY FOR THE VICTORS
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>>1205555
>>Escort the two cruisers back to Sbvysek.
>>
>>1205555
>Escort the two cruisers back to Sbvysek.
>>
>>1205555
You enter Sbvysek harbor, proudly flying the Admiral's Flag - Master Evans warns you that the surviving crew of the Extirpate won't take kindly to you 'stealing the credit', but he calms down a bit when he sees the Extirpate flying the huge, ornate, and shot-up battle flag of the Inviolable Rights off its rangefinder tower.

Things are calm now. The scrapper and the battered IR are offloading crowds of prisoners into the care of the overworked garrison. Cheering throngs line the Cube- merchants whose wares were saved, people who couldn't get into the mining tunnels in time. And they knew that you were the one to warn them, too.

>Dock at the Garrison entrance, to talk with the Commandant and Extirpate's Commander
>Dock at the shipyard
>Dock at the merchant's wharf underneath the Cube.
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>>1205664
>>Dock at the Garrison entrance, to talk with the Commandant and Extirpate's Commander

Military matters first. Though ask master evans to put together a shore party to find our dropped off prisoners first. We don't want them to be put together with the other prisoners immediately. They may find out about sophia talking.
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>>1205664
>>Dock at the Garrison entrance, to talk with the Commandant and Extirpate's Commander

debriefing first, we need to untangle everything that's happened, maybe congratulate our crew plus the crew of the coastal gun
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>>1205664
>>Dock at the Garrison entrance, to talk with the Commandant and Extirpate's Commander
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>>1205700
>>1205719
supporting
>>
File: After the Battle.jpg (96 KB, 545x333)
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>>1205664
You dock at the Garrison entrance, ordering Master Evans to get some of the crew to search for Sofia and Pritchard - especially Sofia, as it strikes you that the sailors of Rear Admiral Drekasl won't take kindly to her if they learn that she talked.

With that business taken care of, you head over to an unused dock where the Commandant and a tired-looking officer stand, the latter presumably being from the Extirpate. You exchange greetings, and compliments - the Commandant shakes your hand, showering you with praise, while the other Officer is far colder.

Finally, you get down to business.

"Gentlemen. As you know, there are two really prime shares of glory from this victory, and three of us. The destruction of the Cruiser, and the Admiral's Flag."

>Claim the Admiral's Flag [representing the defeat of the Rear Admiral Drekasl
>Claim credit for the capture of the Inviolable Rights
>Let the Extirpate's Officer speak first, get a feel for what he wants and what the Commandant thinks of it.
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>>1205832
>>Let the Extirpate's Officer speak first, get a feel for what he wants and what the Commandant thinks of it.

Lowest rank here. Let our superiors speak first.
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>>1205832
>Let the Extirpate's Officer speak first, get a feel for what he wants and what the Commandant thinks of it.

Extirpate's crew is probably a bit pissed off at us already, this is a good way to at least keep things from worsening.
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>>1205832
>>Let the Extirpate's Officer speak first, get a feel for what he wants and what the Commandant thinks of it.

they did most of the heavy lifting in that fight, lets see what they have to say
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>>1205832
>Let the Extirpate's Officer speak first, get a feel for what he wants and what the Commandant thinks of it.
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>>1205832
>>Let the Extirpate's Officer speak first, get a feel for what he wants and what the Commandant thinks of it.
What rank is the officer? If he's higher rank then it would make sense for us to let him speak first anyway.
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>>1205914
well considering he captains a cruiser, probably a CDR or a CAPT....we're just a LCDR
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>>1205914

Commodore, if the original commanding officer survived the battle.

I'm actually thinking we don't claim credit for either of the options, instead we claim credit for facilitating the republic soldiers mutinying and killing their own admiral in an attempt to surrender.

That would make a great propaganda victory and we can hand over the flag to the Flagship commander asking just for faster consideration for promotion and cruiser command.
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>>1205925
Well, I think the Extirpate was captained by a Commodore, and he may or may be wounded or dead, so it might be someone of another rank
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File: The Prideful Officer.jpg (17 KB, 234x166)
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(Smart choice, everyone.)
>>1205832
"You are both vultures," the other Officer says immediately. "That little trawler shot up their engines after we had bloodily fought them to impotence, and your coastal gun shot a defenseless ship. You know how many of us were lost to bring that brute to its knees? The Commodore, for starters. Two of my messmates."

The Commandant is a lazy, affable man, but you see his face tighten up.

>There were other ships in the battle besides the Inviolable Rights. I destroyed a gunboat - the Commandant here destroyed a raider with his coastal gun!
>Your Commodore was the one who led us into the broadside of a damned Cruiser. What do you say to the crew of that gunboat that followed you?
>I agree. You should take the credit for it. It's the least we can do to honor the sacrifice of your crew.
>Let the Commandant answer him.

>>1205942
It'd be wise to be careful with boasting about that - to kill an enemy officer in battle is honorable, to give a gun to a traitor to do the deed, no matter the circumstance, sits poorly with most ranking officers.

>>1205925
You can't exactly make out his rank through the grime and blood, but he's certainly higher than you - and by the way he carries himself, he certainly thinks of himself as an equal or better of the Commandant.
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>>1205942
>>1205953
i thought the commodore was the task force commander and not the ships CO.... but re-reading the last thread it does seem like the ship CO was a commodore
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>>1205969
Acting commander of the task force - in practice, he fairly ignored the other ships to duel the enemy flagship.
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>>1205966
>>Let the Commandant answer him.

yeah lets just keep our mouth shut... he doesnt seem happy
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>>1205966
>Let the Commandant answer him.
>>
>>1205966
>It'd be wise to be careful with boasting about that - to kill an enemy officer in battle is honorable, to give a gun to a traitor to do the deed, no matter the circumstance, sits poorly with most ranking officers.

Ah... Thanks for that. Didn't know about the general feeling around the officers of the navy.

>"Respectfully sir, there were other ships in that fleet and we engaged them first so that they would not join in the fight against your cruiser."

effectively
>There were other ships in the battle besides the Inviolable Rights. I destroyed a gunboat - the Commandant here destroyed a raider with his coastal gun!
but in a more respectful, measured tone.

We should speak out but carefully. That will allow the Commandant to act as the good cop to quell the differences since hes the higher ranked officer.
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>>1205966
Yeah I'd like to echo that about the encouraging a mutiny thing. We're Imperials after all, don't want to go around encouraging small folk to rebel. The peasants could get ideas.
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>>1205966
>Let the Commandant answer him
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>>1205982
hmm no wonder we never got many orders from the force commander during that fight...i thought he just gave us a wide latitude for our initiative
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>>1205966
You let the Commandant speak his mind.

"Now, listen here, you little whelp," he snarls, "your damned Commodore got himself into the broadside of the Cruiser. I know - I watched. He lead my gunboat into death, because I told Lieutenant Commander Wilrick Kebner, father of two, that he should follow the Extirpate because I assumed he wouldn't-"

"Sir, you cease that - comparing the lives on a harbor customs craft to a hundred-twenty of the Millock Fleet's finest." the Officer interrupted, matching the indignant expression on the Commandant's face. "I'm merely here on a formality from Acting Captain Meyers, that we properly secure this victory-"

"Formality! A formality, you say?"

"Gentlemen-" you cut in. "Gentlemen. Respectfully, there were other ships n that fleet. My own ship and the coastal gun engaged them so they would not join the fight against your cruiser..."

>And we disabled the Inviolable Rights so they would not escape and mock your mighty effort, Officer.
>And you'd ALL be dead without that effort.
>So I'd suggest you watch your tongue, Southerner.
>Something else?
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>>1206105
>And we disabled the Inviolable Rights so they would not escape and mock your mighty effort, Officer.
>And you'd ALL be dead without that effort.
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>>1206105
>And we disabled the Inviolable Rights so they would not escape and mock your mighty effort, Officer.

Another question, related to the third choice. Are we now a "Northerner" by dint of serving up here, or were we a "Northerner" before that? And what's our background/upbringing? My sense is we're like British Middle Class-- common, but somewhat well-off and well educated.

Anyway we've given him an out with the first choice, if he doesn't take it we'll see about doing something ungentlemanly.
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>>1206105
>>And we disabled the Inviolable Rights so they would not escape and mock your mighty effort, Officer.

I want to kick his damn arse into the water. Should have let the cruiser sink.
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>>1206105
>>And we disabled the Inviolable Rights so they would not escape and mock your mighty effort, Officer.
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>>1206158
Often depends on the attitudes of the individual officer. When he refers to the Expirtate's crew as of the "Millock Fleet", that's one of the regional fleets of the South. As to our own LCDR Reynolr, he's generally a "Northerner" as in he's only ever commanded a little trawler in the Kraegsk. Depending on the attitude of the man, Southern officers that are re-assigned up to northern posts are either unlucky or incompetent - the commanders of the little Northern ships are hardly worth considering, captains of the larger cruisers are generally mafia dons with little idea of what Navy honor really is. Not sure if I got the point across, but yes, we are generally a "Northerner" by our command. Our own origins are yet to be examined!
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>>1206200
What kind of person was the dead commodore. Similar to this officer?
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>>1206232
Well, he was stuck on an AA boat, as opposed to big heavy cruiser so I'd wager him to be venal, petty and self-important as opposed to a true mafia don like Scribe mentioned. Like the shitty underboss the protagonist always kills/takes revenge on towards the beginning of a gangster movie. It's very bizarre they sent an anti-aircraft boat to a place where there's very few planes, though.
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>>1206105
You swallow your fierce pride in the Brora and its crew, and try to be conciliatory.

"And, we disabled the engines of the Inviolable Rights so that wouldn't escape, and mock your mighty effort, Officer."

The Officer's face drops from anger to a lazy arrogance, but the Commandant speaks first. "To add to that, sir, this man - Lieutenant Commander Reynolr - was the one to fight an enemy ship a day beforehand and learn of their impending attack. Your mighty Extirpate would have been shot to pieces in the harbor without that warning."

"My crew is still getting the commendation from Command for this. A Rear Admiral and a Cruiser is a fine catch in this miserable archipelago."

"And we need the recognition for our own little culture in the Kraegsk," the Commandant responds. "Your ship didn't even dock at Scrap Bay! I know why you're here, and it wasn't to chase glory against the rusty offerings of the Kraegsk. Should I tell Command you endangered the screening force because you got half your AA guns shot off?"

The Officer glowers, but waits for the Commandant to continue.

"Now here this. I propose a compromise. I don't think you care about what the system of the Kraegsk thinks about you, do you? You'll get the full credit you lust for in the record-books of the High Bulwark, and I'll sign off on it. Meanwhile, Reynolr here will take the Admiral's Flag to Scrap Bay and represent me and himself to Command there, and they'll know how we saved Sbvysek. I know you don't care about Sbvysek. What do you say?"

The Officer looks to you, raising an eyebrow.

>I agree. A sound compromise.
>Actually, sir, I don't think this Southerner deserves even that.
>Sir, I think I deserve a bit more than that. All you did was order other people to fire a fixed gun.
>Something else?

>>1206265
Nice, you noticed the oddness of an AA boat... we'll learn more about it.

>>1206232
>>1206265
Mafia dons are for Northern cruiser commanders, and Garrison commanders (the latter don't really deny it. The former generally attempt to make an act of Navy incorruptibility) You're right about the AA captain being angry about such a lacking assignment.
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>>1206299
>>I agree. A sound compromise.
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>>1206299
>I agree. A sound compromise.

At this point in our career, friends in high(er) places are more important than personal fame. Taking more credit means making more enemies.
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>>1206299
Forgot to mention, as Reynolr knows this, the High Bulwark is the grandest, largest, supreme naval base of the Citadel Empire and the headquarters of not only the Home Fleet but also the Citadel Navy bureaucracy in general.
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>>1206299
>>I agree. A sound compromise.
Definitely take this offer.

As for my questions, that makes much more sense about it applying to the Northern cruiser captains.

If the officer departs after we agree to this, let's see if we can convince the Commandant to tell us why the Extirpate is up here. I think he owes us that much.
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>>1206299
>>I agree. A sound compromise.

"This battle was a sign that we need to look to the defenses of the port. If we had been caught unawares we would have lost all ships as they rested at berth.

If we can't agree on anything else we need to agree on putting in more coastal emplacements to protect us at rest. The eight incher was invaluable in battle but she should be bolstered with a few six inchers who can turn away the smaller ships the Republic might send at us"
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>>1206317
Aye and we've established ourselves as a friend in this FOB. We've secured a place for ourselves here for the foreseeable future.
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>>1206299
>I agree. A sound compromise.
We're bitching the Southerner out behind his back, though.
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>>1206299
>I agree. A sound compromise.
We are a fresh(ish) officer with a small vessel and only the admiral's flag, we don't have any practical leverage to use to get anything more regardless of our contributions. And if we back the Commandant now it will likely keep the officer from making this messy and not accepting any form of compromise. That and like anon said>>1206317
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>>1206299
>I agree. A sound compromise.
>>
"That sounds good, Commandant," you nod, staring back at the Officer.

"Alright," he says, relaxing. "That's all my crew wants."

"Of course," the Commandant says, gesturing towards the repair yard where the Extirpate lies. "We honor your crew's bravery and dedication."

The Officer recognizes the slight, but he restrains himself to walking about stiffly. When he's out of earshot, you groan loudly. "You know, sir, when I was taking the trip here, I was unhappy that I'd been sidelined to the corrupt North. Now I'm quite glad I never got a taste of Southern drama. How do they live with each other?"

"I couldn't tell you," the Commandant shrugs, looking thoughtful. "But you might get a chance to experience a crude shadow of Southern drama..."

"Sir?"

"You're going to be taking the Admiral's flag up to Scrap Bay, unless you want to share the harbor with the Extirpate and two hundred Republic prisoners."

"Correct, sir."

"Well. I'd like to ask a little favor of you, from a man on his way up to another. I've got a... business dealing with a certain Mr. Huyk in Scrap Bay. It's time to renew the contract, and I need verbal confirmation, but I can't go there myself and I can't send on of my gunboats because one of them just got sunk. Mr. Huyk's a decently prominent warehouse lord- I'm sure you can find him one way or another. Just make sure Sbvysek's dealings are fine."

"Sir, with respect, I signed up for the Navy, not a smuggler's ring. I don't mind you, sir, but my own reputation..."

"Oh, you won't be handing off bloody money or getting a suitcase of drugs, or anything like that. Just a friendly confirmation from one partner to another. I just want to know if I should keep Warehouse Fourteen empty for him, or start leasing it out."

"Trust me, son, everyone in the Kraegsk does it. Count yourself lucky that I'm not one of those Fort bastards that holds a ring of captains in the pocket of blackmail for running drugs. I know you don't want money, and I'm not offering any - it's just a favor."

>Well, alright. But no more than a few words with him.
>No. Sorry sir, find someone else to do speak with 'Mr. Huyk'.
>Ask him to clarify [write-in].
>Something else?
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>>1206484
>>Something else?
If my crew gets hurt over this there will be hell to pay. I want something from you in return before I agree though. Why was the Extirpate here? What was all that you were saying to the Officer?
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>>1206484
>Well, alright. But no more than a few words with him.
I realize we've been playing our dutiful captain as a paragon and that's probably going to be the most emotionally satisfying thing to do, but god DAMN if I'm not tempted to sully the name a little.
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>>1206484
>>Well, alright. But no more than a few words with him.
>>Something else?
Give the location of the run aground bombardment ship. Sbvysek could send a scrapper to repair it and press it into our service.

Also ask him what a AA cruiser was doing here.
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>>1206484
>Well, alright. But no more than a few words with him.
>Ask him to clarify [write-in].
What words do you want me to say, and what words do you want to hear? And what should I do if they're not what you need.
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>>1206538
supporting this
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>>1206484
>Well, alright. But no more than a few words with him.
>>1206530
I like asking about the AA cruiser, but I was left with the impression that the bombardment ship was only scrap now, the only thing of value on it possibly being the cannon. They are just rickety little ships with a gun and sighting system (not good for naval battles), and I think we Swiss cheesed the sighting system and ship structure, and that was before it ran aground. Not sure how the cannon would hold up until someone got to it. Anyway I'd rather upgrade our ship and get a full crew compliment before we tried expanding our patrol ship into a patrol group, especially with a quarter of a bombardment ship.
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>>1206573

When we left, scribe mentioned the hull was beyond the skill of mckenna to repair. So it stands to reason that a full sized scrapper should be able to repair the hull and refloat it.

Besides, ships are a precious commodity. Even an additional trawler would be a precious addition to the fighting force after being fitted out.
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>>1206484
>>Well, alright. But no more than a few words with him.
>>
>>1206513
>>1206521
>>1206530
>>1206538
"Alright sir, but if you may, I've got a question of my own." you say.

"Fire away."

"Well - actually, first, if any of my crew get hurt over this..."

"They won't."

"Why is the Extirpate even here? There's no need for an AA cruiser in the Kraegsk."

The Commandant sighs, and shrugs. "I don't suppose it'll harm you to know your orders a week in advance, but you cannot blather about this to any ladies you meet in Scrap Bay. That place is crawling with Republic spies. In a week, we've received intelligence that the Republic is trying a new tactic with their bomber assaults on the southern Port National. They've been constructing a very large airstrip near Port Liberty - in a week, a bomber raid will swoop around to the north of our AA chain and come near the Kraegsk on its way to Port National. The Extirpate is going to wait south of the Kraegsk and interdict any bombers that try to escape from our interceptors or with damage to Port Liberty's airstrip. You'll get to escort the Extirpate then."

"Ah," you say. "One more thing - what am I even supposed to say to Mr. Huyk? What words should he hear?"

"Oh, whatever you like," the Commandant waves his hand dismissively. "Probably should be vague, though. Asking him about his friend in Sbvysek, or mentioning Warehouse Fourteen's renewal should be enough. An affirmation or refusal to renew the contract should be affable enough, but I advise you meet him in a public place. He's a bastard with his mind games to everyone - I imagine the mailman is terrified of Mr. Huyk's office."

"I see. Alright. Good luck, sir."

"Yes, and thank you. Damn fine work so far."

>Head back to your ship.
>Try to find the party that you had Master Evans send out. They shouldn't be hard to find.
>Something else?
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>>1206593
Good point, even if not a naval vessel the hull could be a good scrapper. I don't see how we could feasibly make it ours though (crew,cost,and our duties generally being ship to ship fightan) or why we wouldn't just want cash or favours, unless press it into our service meant the citadel in general and not us specifically).
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>>1206612
>Something else?
Drop off the rangefinder- no, scratch that, best to save it for Scrap Bay.
Go talk to Sofia and her crewmate, I guess. See how they're holding up.
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>>1206612
>>Try to find the party that you had Master Evans send out. They shouldn't be hard to find.
>>Something else?
While we're walking, just see what the merchant quarter has to offer.

No mention of the run aground ship?
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>>1206612
>Try to find the party that you had Master Evans send out. They shouldn't be hard to find.
>>
>>1206612
>>Head back to your ship
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>>1206612
I'll vote for this >>1206642
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>>1206635

Well not exactly being ours. We don't even have the crew to full man our own boat.

I was thinking more selling the hull to the the Commandant again like what he mentioned about ships prices and values. Give us more cold hard cash that we can use to better outfit our ship while strengthening our side.
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>>1206612
>Head back to your ship.
I trust our party not to mess up too bad, and in the end they're heading for the same place we are so we won't lose time looking. I wanna give a seaman some cash to buy two or three bottles of good whiskey or wine and some good grub for the crew, its not everyday you go through a metaphorical blender and come out unscathed.
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>>1206692
Actually could we pick up the stuff on our way back from the merchant quarter? Like anon suggests:>>1206642
>>
>>1206692
Yea some drinks and decent food would be great for our crew for a celebration. Since with our orders, we can't give them time off.
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>>1206732
They'll have time off in Scrap Bay, hopefully.

It appears we're heading for the Merchant Quarter!
>>
You head to the Merchant Quarter, greeted by cheers and congratulations as word spreads that you're the captain of the Brora.

You lay out what you have: (parenthesis denotes their sell value)
x1 Astaeran Range Finder (somebody offers 10 paper credits as a mantlepiece. They don't know how to work it any more than your crew does.)
x810 paper credits
x55 silver credits
x1 Republic Machine Gun (20 silver credits, 120 paper credits)
x1 Republic Barometer (600 paper credits)
x15 8in. Shells (7 silver credits, 40 paper credits apiece)
x10 Type 3 Engine Parts (100 paper credits apiece)
x1 Medium Gun Mount (10 silver credits, 120 paper credits)
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>>1206826
I say we hold on to the range finder and the barometer, and sell everything else. Unless the Republic MG fires the same ammo as our .303s, then we can keep that.

As far as what to buy, we need a damn radio. Didn't the Commandant say something about that before the battle? We could also use some more small arms, iirc other than the MGs we've just got three bolt action rifles. We need an actual arsenal, both for naval combat and to kit out exploration parties.
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>>1206826
May as well hold on to the range finder, either we get it working or it makes a nice paperweight. I think we could easily sell:
x15 8in. Shells (7 silver credits, 40 paper credits apiece)
x10 Type 3 Engine Parts (100 paper credits apiece)
x1 Republic Machine Gun (20 silver credits, 120 paper credits)

Would we want to keep the barometer and mount? I'm not sure our vessel can even use a medium mount, can it? We could always go and pick up the 8inch gun off the wrecked bombardment ship if we swing by there on our patrol at some point.
>>
You browse through the various wares. Asterisks denote merchants that will give you a 50% discount for your actions.

WARES:
x16 Bolt Action Rifles (Citadel Manufacture) - 7 silver credits, 50 paper credits apiece.
x1 Outboard Type 1 Motor (for rowboats and lifeboats) - 500 paper credits*
x1 Civilian Clothing Case (contains men's and women's dresses. Fine society might exist in Scrap Bay, but it certainly does not in Sbvysek. The Merchant says it's taking up space in his storeroom) - 40 paper credits*
x1 Astaeran Pistol (modified to fit standard Citadel pistol rounds, it's eerily accurate and smooth to fire - so says the Merchant) - 50 silver credits
x1 Set of Republic Signal Flags+Signal Book - 200 paper credits*
x50 Cases of Whiskey - 100 paper credits apiece*
x25 Cases of Purified Water - 200 paper credits apiece
x15 Tray of Cooked Meat - 200 paper credits apiece*
x3 Portable Republic Rangefinder (compatible with stern deck gun, increases accuracy) - 20 silver credits, 250 paper credits apiece
(NOTE: A lot of Republic equipment for sale because Citadel equipment is generally acquired more or less legally at Scrap Bay)
>>
>>1206854
Yes, and I forgot to put that into his dialogue. The Commandant has issued you a standard Citadel small-ship radio set, and Radiowoman Liset is thrilled.

+1 Radio Set
>>
>>1206826

Scribe can our ship use the medium gun mount?

I'm assuming that our ship can only keep two mounts, one bow and one stern?

Can we mount a small weapon on a med mount, so basically we replace one of our small mounts and sell that off instead.
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>>1206860
>x1 Civilian Clothing Case (contains men's and women's dresses. Fine society might exist in Scrap Bay, but it certainly does not in Sbvysek. The Merchant says it's taking up space in his storeroom) - 40 paper credits*
>x1 Astaeran Pistol (modified to fit standard Citadel pistol rounds, it's eerily accurate and smooth to fire - so says the Merchant) - 50 silver credits

And most importantly to trick Republic ships
>x1 Set of Republic Signal Flags+Signal Book - 200 paper credits*
>>
>>1206860
>x50 Cases of Whiskey - 100 paper credits apiece*
>x15 Tray of Cooked Meat - 200 paper credits apiece*

How much would we need to purchase to give our crew a good treat?
>>
>>1206860
Necessities
x1 Portable Republic Rangefinder (compatible with stern deck gun, increases accuracy) - 20 silver credits, 250 paper credits apiece
x25 Cases of Purified Water - 200 paper credits apiece
x16 Bolt Action Rifles (Citadel Manufacture) - 7 silver credits, 50 paper credits apiece.
x1 Set of Republic Signal Flags+Signal Book - 200 paper credits*
x1 Outboard Type 1 Motor (for rowboats and lifeboats) - 500 paper credits*

Wants
x50 Cases of Whiskey - 100 paper credits apiece*
x15 Tray of Cooked Meat - 200 paper credits apiece*
x1 Astaeran Pistol (modified to fit standard Citadel pistol rounds, it's eerily accurate and smooth to fire - so says the Merchant) - 50 silver credits
x1 Civilian Clothing Case (contains men's and women's dresses. Fine society might exist in Scrap Bay, but it certainly does not in Sbvysek. The Merchant says it's taking up space in his storeroom) - 40 paper credits*
>>
>>1206882
Now it depends what can we afford of each.
And the signal flags are for more understanding the enemy, rather than to decieve
>>
>>1206860
I think we'll need a few to do maths
>>
>>1206860
x1 Outboard Type 1 Motor (for rowboats and lifeboats) - 500 paper credits*
Could be handy
x6 Cases of Whiskey - 100 paper credits apiece*
x2 Cases of Purified Water - 200 paper credits apiece
x2 Tray of Cooked Meat - 200 paper credits apiece*
Its nice that we get a discount on most of the perishables, and whiskey makes for great antiseptic and fire bomb/starters so its worth stocking up, as well as getting some water to balance out the dehydration/hangover of whiskey. Would plan on keeping most of the whiskey under lock and key and packed away for later use or trade.

x1 Set of Republic Signal Flags+Signal Book - 200 paper credits*
Very handy

Would we want to splurge on rangefinders? Also do our current 3 foreign rifles hold up well or should we update them and get a few more for the crew for shore missions?
>>
>>1206901

Lets figure something out first.

What do you guys think. Exchange rate for Silver vs Paper seems to vary between 5.7 to as high as 12.

Shall we assume a good exchange rate to be 1 to 8 or so? So we can decide which currency makes it cheaper.
>>
>>1206880
Two cases of whiskey and two trays of meats ought to tide them over till you reach Scrap Bay. Then they can spend their own money.

(furiously using a calculator)

>>1206915
The rifles are okay - you can find a greater selection of weapons at Scrap Bay.
>>
>>1206921
I don't think that's really an option available to us
>>
>>1206921
Actually, the price is for BOTH silver and paper credits. Silver is 'real' currency, used on equipment and weapons and artifacts - paper credits are scrip that's based around menial wages. Gold credits exist, but you'll never see them in the Kraegsk outside of Scrap Bay.
>>
>>1206923
Scrap bay for small arms it is then. I imagine grenades are also very useful for boarding, as long as you don't set of the enemy ship's magazine.
>>
>>1206928

It is, there is currency in both. I'm trying to figure out whether paying in either silver or paper is cheaper overall.

Like in selling the 8 inch shells, that is 5.7, the lowest. We're better off taking silver for the shells.
>>
ALSO NOTE: It's late and I'm tiredly coming up with the merchant wares on the spot, big mistake in assumptions - the potable water cases was sort of a joke for how they're way more expensive than whiskey. Basic food needs only crop up when they're running low, and basic drinking water is fine right now - cases of water can be useful for long expeditions into ruins, though.

>>1206937
I mean that when you sell a shell, you get both silver AND paper credits. They go together, you generally don't choose whether to use or receive one or the other.
>>
>>1206929
Oh so for mundane/consumable items paper is usually okay but sometimes only silver is accepted, especially for the vital things necessary to running a war with stretched supply lines.
>>
>>1206915
I'd be good with buying this stuff.

>>1206858
I think if we sell all this stuff and the medium mount (which we can't really fit) we'll have 2650 paper credits and 190 silver.

>>1206937
The comma is an "and" not an "or." So a bolt action rifle is 7 silver credits and 50 paper credits, it's not one or the other.
>>
>>1206943
... oh. Well that throws everything out of the window. Cheers scribe.
>>
>>1206943
Oh then knock the water off of the list then, that's money we could save.
>>
>>1206943

Scribe, could our ship fit a med mount? And would one of our guns fit on the med mount or is it a case of small for small only.

How much would our current old rifles sell for?
>>
>>1206915

To buy this while also buying a Republic rangefinder and the civilian clothing and the Astaeran Pistol WHILE selling the Republic MG, 8 inch shells, and Type 3 Engine Parts, would end us with...

1060 paper credits
90 silver credits

For the record:
That gets us the Republic Rangefinder, Astaeran Pistol
Outboard Type 1 Motor
Whiskey
Meat
Republic Signal Flags+Book
Civilian Clothing Case
>>
>>1206969
Our current rifles would sell for 4 silver/40 paper credits apiece.
>>
>>1206943
Tentative list unless objections?

Buy:
x1 Outboard Type 1 Motor (for rowboats and lifeboats) - 500 paper credits*
x6 Cases of Whiskey - 100 paper credits apiece*
x2 Tray of Cooked Meat - 200 paper credits apiece*
x1 Set of Republic Signal Flags+Signal Book - 200 paper credits*
x2 Portable Republic Rangefinder (compatible with stern deck gun, increases accuracy) - 20 silver credits, 250 paper credits apiece

1350 paper 40 silver

Sell
x15 8in. Shells (7 silver credits, 40 paper credits apiece)
x10 Type 3 Engine Parts (100 paper credits apiece)
x1 Republic Machine Gun (20 silver credits, 120 paper credits)

125 silver 1720paper
>>
>>1206975
>>1206981
I'm good with getting that, but let's also swap out our 3 old rifles for 3 of these decent ones. I think that would leave us with 81 silver and 1030 paper?

We'll see about some more small arms in Scrap Bay.
>>
>>1206992
Sounds good!
Please, please let it be good. High impact, sustained math at 1:30 in the morning ain't fun

>>1206999
Yes, that sounds right.
>>
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I'll put forward this plan.

Specifically I think we should keep the republic MG as its rather useful if we do have to try for false flag operations and its a spare MG to tot about on ground ops.

A couple cases of extra whiskey for special occasions in the future on the boat and we keep the med mount for use in the future.
>>
>>1206975
Oh sorry didn't see before I posted mine. Do we need a rangefinder for each of our 12pounders to get the effect or do we only need one? Did we actually want the clothing case? And upon reflection while scrap bay likely has good guns we do have dosh and that pistol is badass... not to mention we could give our current one to one of the crew... you've sold me on the pistol.
>>
>>1206999

I think the rifles we should wait till scrap bay. Since there we can find alot of citadel equipment, it stands to reason that the rifles there will be cheaper, rather then here which is mostly republic captured equipment.
>>
>>1206992
Sounds good buy I'd like to buy the civilian clothes too, so we could get to know some locals too
>>
>>1207028
I'm fine waiting for the rifles, but I still vote for this >>1206975
>>
>>1207023

I believe its 1 rangefinder for our rear only.

Because that rear gun is a captured republic gun.
>>
>>1207010
I'll accept this plan, if there are no other objections.

>>1207042
Alright - the last question is the Republic MG. Sell or don't sell? I think the current trend is sell.

>>1207023
Republic Rangefinder only works on the stern gun, because we pulled that off a Republic ship. The ammunition is compatible, but finely detailed mountings for the rangefinder is not.
>>
>>1207008
okay so that plus pistol and clothes would leave us with 330 more paper and 35 more silver
>>
>>1207055
Does it take the same ammunition as our MGs?
>>
>>1207057
oops only one rangefinder not two, and someone else is actually doing this properly on powerpoint, I'll just throw in the towel and go to sleeep.
>>
>>1207055
Sell it, we've got plenty of our own
>>
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>>1207055

Scratch that image, I noticed an error in my calculations.

I'll put in the pistol as well and bump up the cases of whiskey for the plans to mostly match.
>>
>>1207080
Alright! Seeing general agreement here: This is our plan to be submitted to the merchants. I'll save that picture for future reference, and swear to properly prepare when I give the opportunity for merchant stuff.
>>
>>1207080
I can agree with this, I'm fine keeping the Republic MG for now.
>>
>>1207093
It's decided then, because holy fuck I need to sleep.

SESSION END

As always, thanks for playing! There'll be another session starting at 9:00 PM EST tomorrow - I had some content lined up for tonight that ultimately got sidelined by the merchant business, pardon the pun. Thus, I'll be able to jump right into the quest,
>>
>>1207126
Thanks for running!
>>
>>1207126
Thanks for running!
>>
>>1207126
Thanks for the session.
>>
>>1207126
Cheers mate!
>>
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>>1207126
Fanart of our bow gun
>>
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>>1207199

pfffft. Thats fantastic.

Then again, our deck gun is really more like these.

We should have each gun have a running tally of rowboat shame markers.
>>
>>1207126
thanks for running scribe
>>
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>>1207215
I based it off a PAK gun shield, so open top and back with angled sides
>>
>>1207241

Ah, that works too.

Was thinking more british type since on searching, pre-upgrade Brora is basically an admiralty trawler of the Isles class.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isles-class_trawler
>>
>>1207265
I think we're closer to the Castle-class, an Isles is 10m longer, 2 knots faster and takes like 5 more crew.
>>
(Session start!)

With the merchants' assistants hefting your purcheses for transport, you climb down the ladders from the Cube. Making your way across the catwalks, you breath in the stench of trash and industry.

It's getting dark out - the food and alcohol you purchased from the merchants should be arriving at the Brora quite soon. It'd be nice to join your crew for dinner.

To your left, a commotion - in the Garrison hospital, where the wounded Republic prisoners (that is to say, nearly all of the Republic prisoners) are being treated, the glint of metal in the fading light can be seen. Guards are putting down an escape attempt, it seems - scrambling figures, then gunshots. You worry for a moment that the part Master Evans sent out might be among that, but you spot Master Evans himself a moment later, standing fifty meters in front of you on the merchant wharves and talking with several crewmembers. You don't see Sofia or Pritchard among them.

>Head to the Garrison Hospital yourself.
>Head to Master Evans, and then go back to the Brora.
>Something else?
>>
>>1210459
>>Head to Master Evans, and then go back to the Brora.

Yay!
>>
>>1210459
>>Head to Master Evans, and then go back to the Brora.
>>
>>1207265
>>1208968
Also, you're completely correct. The Brora gets her name from an Isles-class trawler that grounded and was subsequently lost on the Hebrides, a few months after she was commisioned. A sad fate for any ship - hopefully the Brora can live a far better life in this story.
>>
>>1210459
>>Head to Master Evans, and then go back to the Brora.

Lets get out of here.
>>
>>1210459
>Something else?
Head to Master Evans, then ask him on the results of his search
>>
>>1210477
>>1210485
>>1210498
>>1210512
You turn away from the hospital and the screams - you've seen and heard enough of blood today. You walk over to your crew.

"Ah, Lieutenant!" Evans greets you, "we were discussing where you might be."

"I saw the merchants. They should be delivering their wares to the ship fairly soon, and I've included a treat-" As if on cue, a trio of assistants rush by with covered trays. The aroma of cooked meat is apparent, and Master Evans looks at you approvingly.

"Taking care of the crew, yes? I've seen men with more power do far worse. I trust that you now hate Southern officers."

You laugh, and scowl. "I don't want to remember that man," you say, shaking your head. To refer to a fellow Navy officer as a mere 'man' is a telling insult, but you're not sure that Master Evans knows that - and if he did, he certainly won't care. "Now, did you find Sofia and... who was the other prisoner? From Rinyak?"

"Pritchard, and no, we couldn't find them. Pritchard could've been any of the dozens of wounded stretched out on cots in the hospital, and we left when the first riot started. No sign of Sofia, either."

>I was growing rather fond of them. [Head back to the ship]
>I hope they're alright. I'm sure the Republic sailors from a Cruiser are no less prideful than ours. [Head back to the ship]
>Probably for the best. I don't like Republic boots staining my ship. [Head back to the ship]
>>
>>1210459
>>Head to Master Evans, and then go back to the Brora.
>>
>>1210561
>I was growing rather fond of them. [Head back to the ship]
>I hope they're alright. I'm sure the Republic sailors from a Cruiser are no less prideful than ours. [Head back to the ship]
>>
>>1210561
>>I hope they're alright. I'm sure the Republic sailors from a Cruiser are no less prideful than ours. [Head back to the ship]

We are all sailor in the end
>>
>>1210561
>>I hope they're alright. I'm sure the Republic sailors from a Cruiser are no less prideful than ours. [Head back to the ship]

I was a little suspicious of Sofia before and now more so. It seemed odd she'd be responsible for loading heavy cargo like munitions, unless the Republic is egalitarian to the point of foolishness.
>>
>>1210561

Can we head back inside? The hospital might give us aid in finding them since we did save the settlement.

I'd not leave them in the middle of that.
>>
>>1210561
Can we go back to search?
>>
>>1210589
Yes, this if we can
>>
>>1210575
here

>>1210589
>>1210597

I'm not opposed to a last look, and I can change my vote but what exactly do we want to do if we find them?
>>
>>1210608

I'd suggest we take them with us.

Leaving them with these republic sailors would be a death sentence. If we off load them at Scrap Bay, it'll be safer for them and we'll still be remanding them into military care as POWs.
>>
We don't have the extra provisions for them in case something happens and really we don't know anything about them other than that they cooperated with us when we had them at our mercy. I say we leave them to their fate.
>>
>>1210615

Ok, and since their ship didn't do anything on our crew I guess we wouldn't have much opposition

"Master Evans, go on ahead and set everything up, but wait for me, I have one last bit of business to handle"
>>
>>1210615
Pritchard's probably fine, Master Evans told you earlier - he hasn't spoken a word to us. Hell, he hasn't even been awake. Sofia, on the other hand... well, Republic POW camps are known for their constant attempts at conversion. Citadel POW camps are known for their concentration on the outer wall, adequate rations, and very little else inside the walls. And for every lukewarm province of the Republic, there are utter fanatics.
>>
>>1210561
>I hope they're alright. I'm sure the Republic sailors from a Cruiser are no less prideful than ours. [Head back to the ship]
>>
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>>1210637
"Evans, go ahead and set everything up - here's the ledgers to confirm the sale of some items in our storage. I have one last bit of business to handle."

Master Evans nods, and you turn to walk in opposite directions. "Sir," he calls a moment later. "That doesn't seem necessary."

"What do you mean?" you face Evans, and he merely tilts his head in the direction of the Brora. Sofia is standing on the dock, looking rather the worse for wear.

Master Evans looks to you, and you shrug: there's many possible reasons, and no use speculating for them here. You head over to your ship.

>Why - and how - are you here?
>What do you want?
>Are you alright?

(Will be away for roughly 10 minutes)
>>
>>1210676
Forgot to add, as always:
>Something else?
>>
>>1210676
>>Are you alright?

"Master Evans, would you be so kind as fetch our medic."
>>
>>1210676
>Are you alright?

>>1210692
Evans is what passes for a medic on our boat, we have no true medic or medical bay.
>>
>>1210676
>>Are you alright?
folowed by
>Why - and how - are you here?
>>1210692
I think That's him
>>
>>1210699
>>1210704

Oh thats right, forgot.

Ask him to grab the gauze and medical kit.
>>
>>1210676
>Are you alright?
>>
>>1210676
>>Are you alright?
>>
>>1210676
>>1210692
This
>>
>>1210676
"Are you alright?"

"Um, yes," she blinks, apparently not expecting that question. "Do you have any cloth on your ship?"

"What?" Master Evans says flatly.

"Yes, cloth."

"You hobbled all the way out here on a crutch, with a mangled leg, to ask for cloth?" you ask, folding your arms. Your mild suspicions of Sofia just jumped a little. "Don't they have that at the hospital?"

"They don't. Not after all the survivors from the big battle showed up. A hundred of them in that tiny place - you know, your guards had a closet full of rum there. Black market and all that. Big mistake once us defenders of the Republic broke in there in the chaos." That last line sounded a little bitter.

"Master Evans, fetch the gauze and the medical kit." you say, and he nods, pulling himself up the boarding ladder. The shore party follows him - you can roars of laughter and delight from inside the Brora as the food is presented. You climb part way up the ladder, you stomach groaning from a day of combat without food, when you stop, remembering Sofia.

>Wait here, Master Evans will treat you. I'm sorry to hear that about our hospitals.[Join celebration dinner.]
>Say nothing. [Join celebration dinner.]
>Would you like to come onto the ship?
>Something else.
>>
>>1210827
>>Would you like to come onto the ship?
>>
>>1210827
>Would you like to come onto the ship?
>>
>>1210827
>>Something else.
Tell her to wait, bring her some food back out and we can ask about her well-being while Evans works on her. Then we'll go back onto the ship and leave her if she's not in mortal peril. If she is, I suppose we can invite her, although I don't like this.
>>
>>1210827
>Let's talk.
>What do you think of Sbvysek?

>I take it you don't want Blood Money, but you and I both need to eat. [Get some food for both of you]
>>
>>1210827
wasn't she detained by the guards once we passed her off to the port's forces? I say we ask her how she got out here in the first place. Unless of course I'm missing something.
>>
>>1210827
>Would you like to come onto the ship?
>>
>>1210827
>>1210855
I like this, its considerate without abandoning the crew to commiserate with a POW.
>>
>>1210874
Looking at her condition, she might very well be the cause of the riot, some republic sailors trying to kill her or something.
>>
>>1210827
>>Would you like to come onto the ship?
>>
>>1210882
It's a slap in the face to the crew to bring her into the party, imo. She may have helped us, but she's a traitor. Nobody likes a rat. And I actually think she has been concealing something from us or may be a spy. She's not a damn gunner's mate or stevedore or whatever.
>>
>>1210874
Probably with the riot they weren't too concerned with the one prisoner who wasn't going full lord of the flies over a few bottles of whiskey. That and what are the prisoners going to do, swim home. She seemed calm and nonthreatening, its amazing what people (like a passing dockworker) will blow off and dismiss if it appears inoffensive. That and does anyone in Sbvysek strike you as overly professional? Competent and skilled sure, but not super professional. Also where does captcha get its images from, because it asked my to identify a bag, and I'm pretty sure said bag contained "medicinal contents".
>>
>>1210884
Most of that is from Rinyak - she was shot through the leg at point-blank range by an MG.
>>
>>1210906
I thought he said only bring her on if in mortal danger, which she doesn't appear to be in, so likely a non-issue. Actually she'll probably want to get back with the other POWs while there's still chaos, so she isn't noticed hanging around a citadel ship by her compatriots.
>>
>>1210906

I doubt she'd want to join the party but sitting somewhere on the deck should be preferable for a person with an injured leg.

Also the chances of her actually being a spy is really really low to be non-existent. For one she did give us the fleet composition of the attacking force, aiding us abit in planning the defence, thought realistically, it wouldn't have mattered too much when battle was joined.

More importantly was the haphazard and roundabout way in which she ended up on our boat. Running into us in a storm, getting into a gunfight where her ship was gutted and most of the crew killed, bumbling into our shore party and firing a round when we asked her to surrender. So many ways in which things could have gone wrong in trying to get onto our boat.
>>
>>1210827
This >>1210855
>>
>>1210827
I'll go with this >>1210855 until we've determined what's really up.

Additionally, the hospital is still the best bet for her leg to get treated.
>>
>>1210923
Good points. I'm just concerned that there may be much more to her than what we're seeing, at the very least she seems to be handling this oddly well, for a young woman who just became a POW, anyways.
>>
>>1210943

It's possible. Request for cloth though seems really strange and I'd wager she actually has something else she wants to ask for.
>>
>>1210949
The likelihood may be low, but I get a very Red Army vibe from the Republic-- I feel like they have political officers and NKVD troops and that sort of thing. A lot of their rank and file are probably just regular folks, and Sofia certainly might be, but you never know if these people are going to be fanatics or not.
>>
>>1210976
We saw a fanatic alright.

The guy who machineguned sofia and pritchard.

If she was a fanatic, she wouldn't have surrendered or tried to get her crewmates to surrender or give up the fleet composition when we spoke of saving Imperial collaborator lives.
>>
>>1210960
Definitely better to be suspicious than naive. Although the impression I get is she is simply beyond caring (with her disgust at the riot over booze and wounded leg), our initial encounter and conversation sort of screamed shell shocked idealist to me, and with the conversation we had getting her to tell us the fleet details it seems she was very disillusioned with the war and her countrymen (the comment about there being far worse men in the republic than the enemy captain in front of her). Like anon said circumstance don't give an impression of a spy, but still we should not fully trust this POW. Sometimes its the people who are at the end of their rope that do the most damage, rather than those who were malicious at the outset. Anyway I'm likely wrong about alot and am making assumptions, so grain of salt and all that.
>>
>>1210989
So she may not be some sort of operative or fanatic, but I think she's an unnecessary risk not to mention an enemy POW that we are treating awfully well. It just doesn't sit right with me. I don't want to take her with us unless we're reasonably certain we'd be leaving her to her death otherwise.
>>
Excellent discussion, gentlemen! A lot of great points being raised here, but one thing that's relevant to why she's here but in retrospect wasn't clear at all:

Sofia wants clean cloth because the bandage around her badly broken femur is totally soaked with blood, and the Hospital is overcrowded and ripping itself apart to the point where not even some clean gauze to wrap around the crude cast.
>>
>>1211024
Gah, I can't write - *not even some clean gauze can be found to be wrapped around the crude cast.
>>
>>1211000
I can agree with all of this, especially her no-fucks-given attitude, regarding her just walking out during a riot and heading to our boat.

inb4 she's involved in a "captured princess" plot hook
>>
>>1211024

It's safe to say the conditions for her around here are very dangerous then?

We got her to help us telling her that she would help save lives, no matter the side, I guess we can spare her a place on the hold to treat her better and deliver her to a better equipped port like Scrappers Bay.

Ask her if she wants to get in, and if she does we hold her separated during the party and bring her some food afterwards
>>
>>1211024
So, I'm all for taking her to scrap bay and a POW or hospital there, if she survived the doctors here she'll be transferred there anyway. Maybe we can here her full story along the way.
>>
>>1210976
I don't think that nearly lone survivor of the pissy bombardment ship is a super undercover secret policewoman (this setting seems fairly grounded). Although I do get that revolutionary state vibe. Honestly I almost get a more French revolutionary republic vibe than a Russian one. Looking forward to that bit of world building. You hear that Scribe? Your setting is interesting so far! Keep it up!
>>1211024
Yikes, I'm assuming in this setting/tech level improperly cleansed and bandaged wounds and general disease and hygiene issues often kill more than direct combat, like many things up to mid 20th century?
>>
>>1211073

we can hear her about what's the republic is like from the inside ( sweet, sweet exposition)
>>
>>1211073
>>1210976

Actually I should probably clarify that I feel she's not a radical, that super spy thing was just ridiculous hyperbole. I felt the comment came off as a little harsh and smartass-ish once I read it, apologies.
>>
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"Would you like to come onto the ship?" you ask.

She stares up at you with something approaching incredulity, and nods. It's painful for one party and long-winded for both, but eventually Sofia is resting against the Brora's bulwark. Master Evans has not returned - you imagine he might be yelling at some merchants' assistants for screwing up his cargo arrangements.

There's silence on deck, though the commotion from the hospital and the roar of machinery from the dockyards echo across the harbor. The sun as setting, the clouds stained with hues of orange.

>Stay silent and wait for Master Evans to return.
>Get some food.
>What was happening in the hospital? How were the new prisoners?
>Something else?
>>
>>1211153
>What was happening in the hospital? How were the new prisoners?
>>
>>1211073
Great analysis, and thanks! I'll let you guys pry off the details of the world, although you all are impressively perceptive in realizing Republic /= murica and Citadel Empire /= nazis lol.
>>1211092
A good idea...
>>
>>1211153
>Get some food.
"Pardon me for a minute."
Can we get some food for us, chat a little for a minute with the crew, and then bring her up a serving? Master Evans will likely be there in a moment anyway.
>>
>>1211153
>Bring her some food and then go join in on the party.

Sofia is a singer right? I hope she doesn't wander in when when the crew starts singing shanties.
>>
>>1211153
>>Get some food for both of us
>>
>>1211153
>Stay silent and wait for Master Evans to return.

Btw Scribe, are fire directors like the Dreyer and Admiralty Fire Control Tables a thing yet in this universe, or is gunfire still left to local control? Obviously it wouldn't really be possible/worthwhile on a ship as small and lightly armed as the Brora but it's something to keep in mind going into the future.
>>
>>1211183

this

We will probably party all night long with the crew and that wiskey we bought for them
>>
>>1211201

When we get to the mess we should at least stay for a toast with our crew.
>>
>>1211153
>Get her some food and join the party.

But only for a little while. A skipper can share food and drink with his men but he has to be in control and have more discipline than the common sailor
>>
>>1211153
>Get some food.
"If they are lacking cloth, they must be in short supply of food as well. I'll only be a moment."
Get enough food for her, as well.
>>
>>1211113
It did, but alright. I'm just trying to be cautious, everyone seems like they want us to befriend this POW and I don't like it. These people are our enemies. That doesn't mean we can't behave honorably, but we're being so nice on top of that. I don't think we'd be sharing in the Republic crew's celebratory feast if our positions were reversed.

>>1211153
>What was happening in the hospital? How were the new prisoners?
>>
Going to try to combine these disparate answers, like usual, with the next post.
>>
>>1211173
I mean, the Citadel Empire gives off more of a British Empire/Commonwealth vibe than Nazi Germany, what with all the .303s, Pound-weight gun classifications and being an actual Empire.

>>1211246
Yeah, there's being an honourable and gracious victor and then there's getting chummy with the enemy, especially as the commanding officer of a vessel. I mean, we shouldn't even be getting too friendly with our own ratings, let alone the enemy's.
>>
>>1211233
I think for control and image all we have to do is cut off our personal liquor flow sooner than our crew do theirs. No need to walk out of the celebration itself early.
>>
>>1211261

Should make sure that they don't open like 3-4 of the cases of whiskey. We bought extra after all and they should be reserved for future occasions and when someones sick.
>>
>>1211259
>>1211246
Yeah that was a worry too. Its nice to set her up with food and medical care, maybe even have a short convo, but being chummy and ignoring our crew celebrations is a definite no-no. Looking forward to even a bit of exposition though.
>>
>>1211267
I think Scribe said 2 of the cases was a decent party, and the other four I assume were for use later, either for drinking or ye old antiseptic.
>>
>>1211259
Yeah that's the other thing that bothers me, she is an an enlisted sailor and we are an officer. It would be quite another matter altogether if we were trying to get chummy with a captured flag officer or something-- if everyone else is right and she is what she appears to be, she's got nothing to offer us beyond exposition for the Republic to sate our OOC hunger for knowledge.
>>
>>1211290
"Knowledge"
>>
>>1211305
No, stop that. Sofia is not for lewds. Although headpats may be acceptable.
>>
>>1211259
I kind of get British empire too. I kind a feel a few other flavours too though. The divide between north and south, and the seeming difference of subject people without them being "colonials" or a separate entity almost has an American economic divide (north/south) while giving off a Austro-Hungarian diversity of subject people with a functional central authority that isn't very efficient. That last one is almost British but it feels less like there's a mainland dominating everything (Britain) than several lands being administered somewhat comparably (although with a preference for certain areas) by a central authority.
>>
>>1211290

And, you know, basic human decency, we are not getting chummy here, we are offering a wounded sailor treatment and a hot food, maybe some convo while we do it, yes it is an enemy but I like to be the nice nazy.

We are not ignoring the celebration m8,half of them are probably not there yet since we still have cargo to account and unload, we are going there and killing it with a rousing speech
>>
You sit in a heavy silence for a minute, before easing up off of the ladder. "Stay here, if you want food."

You make your way belowdecks, trying not to attract the attention of your partying crew before you can properly join them. Engineer McKenna seems to be the only one without whiskey in his system - he's sitting by a half-empty case, doling it out. You motion him over, instruct him to make sure nobody gets excessive, and to fetch you one of the empty trays with some meat added. At least quite a few crew seem to be missing - probably still tied up in the storage bay, mired in the balance books and ledgers that drove you distraction an hour ago.

Back up top, Sofia hasn't moved. You sit on the lowest step of the ladder, and start eating, your mood rapidly improving - it's hard not to be happy with your mouth full of spiced meat after a very long day. Eventually, Sofia scoops up a piece and picks away at it, still distracted. You're not sure what to say - it's not quite proper to get friendly with the enemy. Sure, you were understanding enough before the battle, but whether that was a strategy for getting information or simple decency, you can't decide. Probably somewhere in between. Either way, she has little to offer you now.

>Why'd you come back to the Brora, of all places? You could have gotten cloth from a merchant or something. We're not THAT poor out here.
>What was it like in the hospital? How were the new prisoners?
>Something else?
>>
>>1211365
England also has a pretty clear divide between the North and South, due to historically the South being the richer, more urbanised region while the North was primarily doing the 'dirty work' like mining and manufacturing.
>>
>>1211399
>Something else?

"Penny for your thoughts?"
>>
>>1211399
>Why'd you come back to the Brora, of all places? You could have gotten cloth from a merchant or something. We're not THAT poor out here.
>>
>>1211399
Haven't been able to participate yet but I want to say this is an awesome quest so far, the art really adds something great in terms of atmosphere.
>>
I accept adding this >>1211437 before asking this>>1211440
>>
>>1211399
>What was it like in the hospital? How were the new prisoners?
It's probably a sore subject but a riot in a hospital seems like a big deal, especially to our vigilant captain. (Although I have a feeling as the captain plys these seas more that such things seem the norm and not too worrisome.)
>>
>>1211370
She's a prisoner of war who is outside of the holding area for some reason, and we, an officer of the Empire, instead of returning her to the prison saw fit to invite her onto our ship and feed her. Practically speaking we are just being nice and it's hard to call her an "escaped prisoner" or something like that because she's really not going anywhere, and yeah things seem a little lax around here, but we are a military officer and this is a breach of protocol.

>>1211399
>What was it like in the hospital? How were the new prisoners?
>>
>>1211399
>Why'd you come back to the Brora, of all places? You could have gotten cloth from a merchant or something. We're not THAT poor out here.
>>
>>1211433
Good point.
>>
>>1211399
>Something else?
"Not all wounds are physical. The ones in your head aren't improved by staying quiet."
Money says she's feeling depressive for three reasons, one of which having been partially addressed:

1. We did kill her old captain and most of her old crew, while Grays killed another one. She's the sole survivor, at this point, seeing as Miller bled out later on. That's a lot to handle so quickly, and while mentioned it earlier she'll need more time to work it out.

2. We did just kill an awful lot of Republic sailors based off of information she gave us. She seems to dislike killing on principle, and nobody takes well to being a turncoat. That's undoubtedly causing her no small amount of distress.

3. Seeing her fellow Republican sailors go crazy over a little black market whiskey likely destroyed whatever idealistic love for the Republic she had left. It doesn't look like any of them was overly concerned with her, which contributed to her feelings of isolation and neglect.

Surprisingly, despite the fact that this is debatably our fault, she came back. The only real possible explanation for this is that she identifies us as being an individual that might care about her as an individual, or at least about her existence in general. The cloth thing is a good rationalization, but there were other sources she could've gotten some from. She's looking for a measure of care, and consolation. As an enlisted sailor (technically of a country we're at war with,) relations are going to be difficult, but it is still morally just to provide at least some measure of condolence to her.
>>
"Demicre for your thoughts?" you ask, breaking the silence.

"Excuse me?" she looks at you oddly. "What is that?"

"Demi-credit," you explain, "a half a paper-credit. You don't have those in the Republic?"

"Goodness, no. Not where I came from. You round down and respect your neighbor. I found out that was called 'reactionary brotherly care' or something a bit later."

"That sounds insane," you say.

"Gods-" she pauses and covers her mouth, but she seems to be mocking something, "goodness, does it feel weird to say that - someone finally had to say it. Miller ate that stuff up. Though he was from a liberated corporate factory isle. I guess I can understand him, a little."

"Interesting," is all you can think to say.

"Alright, then," she says, sitting up, "I'll play this weird game. 'Demicre' for your thoughts."

"Why'd you came back to the Brora, of all places?" you say instantly. "You could've gotten cloth from a merchant or something. We're not that poor out here.
>>
Sounds like we really don't know a whole lot about the republic. Having a somewhat-amiable informant might be really useful in the future.
>>
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>>1211547
"I couldn't stand it in the hospital. Couldn't stand in anywhere on that damned island. It was completely mad in there. Bodies and nurses and blood and noise everywhere. First my ship, then I betray the Republic-" she pauses, ending on a fearful note.

"Then all those people die because I told you about all those ships, and a bunch of sailors missing arms and legs and faces go get themselves drunk..." she continue. "There's nothing. Nobody cares. This utter madness. I guess I came back to your ship... I mean it. There are far worse men in the Republic. I meant that. There are far worse ships. I mean that, too. Those crewman, from the Cruiser? They were madder about your cruiser getting away then everything that happened! Where do these people even come from? You know what it's like, being a conscript of the Glorious Republic? A number on that paper, another for that paper, a random assignment here and a random assignment there. It all started with a goddamned lottery with a local councilman I knew who goes home every night sick at heart for what he does, but his kids are safe from the lottery that way..." she stops again.

"You probably didn't hear any of that. I- I saw your crew talking with each other, and you really seem to care about your crew, and I can't see any of that around here. I just left that hospital, a nurse let me out. I just want to go home, and I don't think I ever will now. Rot away on this island, rot away in a jail. Can't even do forced labor with my leg."

As abruptly as her rant started, she stops and falls silent again, staring down at the metal.

>I'll leave you to your sorrows, sailor.
>Tell me more about the Republic.
>My condolences for your evil system. I must get back to my crew, though.
>You will, of course, have to return to Citadel custody after this.
>Something else?
>>
>>1211604
>Tell me more about the Republic.

Your lore's pretty fantastic OP.
>>
>>1211604
>>You will, of course, have to return to Citadel custody after this.
>>
>>1211604
>>Tell me more about the Republic.

Damn that hospital looks like a fucking hellhole.
>>
>>1211604
>You will, of course, have to return to Citadel custody after this.
Maybe when this war ends you'll finally get to go home.
>>
>>1211604
>Tell me more about the Republic.
"I'll be honest, you hear precious little about the other side here. I would like to know, did you believe in the system?"
>>
>>1211604
>>Tell me more about the Republic.
we really should get back to our crew before it gets too late though
>>
>>1211604
So she was just a regular crew on her ship?
>>
I wonder about that gunner's mate that shot his admiral.

He probably got torn apart by those fanatics after he did the deed.
>>
>>1211604
>>Tell me more about the Republic.
>>
>>1211604
>Tell me more about the Republic.
Half tempted to simply tell our crew that some of the republicans caught on to her informing on them (which we can remind them saved our asses) and that we're transporting her to a different prison in a different port. Nobody at Sbvysek would notice anyway, and Evans would likely be sympathetic to some degree (He wasn't down with gunning down prisoners, and seems to hold the view that a ship is an island unto itself, as long as things don't come back on the crew). Yet I have feeling this all ends badly without the crew explicitly on board with this, so we should subtly sound them out on the idea first.
>>
>>1211691

this is good
>>
>>1211691
This sounds like a good idea. Even simply moving her to a less crowded prison could have consequences down the line. "Random acts of kindness paying off in unexpected ways" and all that jazz.
>>
>>1211675
Depends if all the witnesses were riddled with bullets (or sober enough to remember now), but possibly.
>>
>>1211691

This is what I'd like to do.

I do think we could just say we're doing a prisoner transfer to our crew and leave out explaining too much.
>>
>>1211691
Yeah, sounds good. backing this
>>
>>1211723
Probably, and they will know the threat of the other prisoners to her isn't a falsehood. I just wanted to sound them out a little first to see if there was any strong opposition to this. Which there probably isn't, but with a small crew a decision like this could be potentially divisive and better to head off at the beginning. Really it's Evans who I think its important to have onboard, but I doubt he'll object.
>>
"Well, can you tell me more about the Republic?" you ask, leaning forwards. For all the long hours in the Academy spent poring over Republic naval tactics, you never learned about how life was like in the Citadel's greatest enemy.

"Okay. What do you want to hear?"

"Anything, really-"

"Oh. I thought you wanted some propaganda confirmed, or something. Like we feed corporate executives to hungry dogs, or that every guillotine gets a jar of noble's blood to lubricate the blade with, things like that."

"What the hell?"

"That's what they said your stories about us are," she shrugs. "We joked about it a lot."

"...no. If that's... you know what, just tell me about your home. Where'd you come from in the Republic?"

"Oh," she breathes, her eyes distant. "A beautiful little island chain in the Mirlites. Sun-bleached houses and cobblestone roads and those nifty bridges that went from island to island. Most people were involved with exporting fish or citrus. Grandfather told me stories about how wretchedly poor we were till the Republic took over, and gave us access to foods and luxuries..."

She pauses, venting a heavy sigh. "I guess Miss Abelie wouldn't have had that imported piano without the Republic, and that was nice to sing by, but it seems nobody past my grandfather's age could look past the guillotine in front of the province hall. It was a wonderful, wonderful place, and I never saw a Navy ship there till I was in the sacrifice."

>You didn't really tell me about the Republic, miss.
>How do you feel about going back to the Sbvysek garrison after this?
>You're going back to the Sbvysek garrison after this.
>Talk about our home.
>I've got to get to my crew. Take care - Master Evans will be here soon.
>Something else?
>>
>>1211786

This meal and the whiskey will help but probably what helps more is that we havnt lost a single soul from our complement. If we had, I don't think we could float this idea.
>>
>>1211791
>>Talk about our home.

Take turns.

Where in the world is master evans anyways.
>>
>>1211791
>>Talk about our home.
speaking of places that could come to be considered home...
>>How do you feel about going back to the Sbvysek garrison after this?
>>
>>1211791
>Talk about our home.
Exposition ahoy!
Also:
>"They kept a guillotine in the center of your little peaceful town?"
>>
>>1211791
>Talk about our home.
>How do you feel about going back to the Sbvysek garrison after this?
>>
>>1211858
Seconding this fellow left, right, and center.

I'm still holding out for some sort of work-related penalty for the duration of the war. Conveniently, we happen to have several slots on our crew open.
>>
>>1211858

Them frogs man.
>>
>>1211791
>>Something else?
Sounds like a nice place. Puts your dilemma of wanting to go home into perspective. I reckon you'll be doing a bit more thinking on what to do from here on out, so I'll leave you to your thoughts.

>>I've got to get to my crew. Take care - Master Evans will be here soon.
>>
>>1211875
Eh, that's a little iffy at this point, lets see how things develop first before considering going that far. Although if she wants to feel cared for a part of a decent crew I'm sure there's a few scrap crews eager for more personnel, and they probably don't ask too many questions (and we do have that suitcase of civilian clothes). That could always be an option if the prison in scrap bay is 300% hell-hole-ish or we just want to offload her with simply dumping her wherever.
>>
>>1211906
*as a part of a decent
*without simply dumping
>>
>>1211906

Letting her loose in these waters might feel like a favour but it can also be a bad thing.

The waters are still contested and if she works on a scrapper, she'll eventually run into other republic ships. If they find her, she'll be executed as a deserter.

The POW camps are at least, safe and should allow her to heal her wound. When the war ends, she should be able to go home as well.
>>
"A sacrifice?" you ask.

"That's the proper term for conscription."

"The government-approved one?"

"Government encouraged."

"Gods," you shake your head."that's insane. Just call it 'service' or something. That's what we do, conscription or obligation."

"What were you?" Sofia asks, perking up slightly. "Conscription, or obligation?"

"Obligation," you say, then wince. "More like duty. It's simply family tradition to join the Navy as an officer. It supplies status and longevity, and I have no complaints with it. Not like you, it seems."

"Well, I never had an obligation. You know, my dad survived his sacrifice - you should have seen him when my name was drawn. He felt like he got betrayed by the Republic, getting his daughter sacrificed. Hmph. Didn't take me forty-five years to figure that out."

"Well..." you say, pursing your lips. "It's all a matter of location, really. You can see how different the Kraegsk is, by virtue of its misery. Virtue's the wrong word."

"I... I come from a home as equally lovely as yours. Jorodaine, the jagged coast - far more beautiful than it sounds. Tall cliffs and pine trees, inlets and green fjords... houses built into the rock. The family estate was particularly beautiful, of course, but our quality of officers is such that we can avoid having factories placed on our stretch of coast. It's truly beautiful - like the Kraegsk without the storms, the ruins, and with the mainland at your back. I grew up in the boat shed, tinkering with the Type 1 engines and exploring the places where the forest ends right at the sea."

"Sounds lovely," Sofia says wistfully. "I wish I could see a beautiful Kraegsk in my life. Staring out at the ruins in the twilight, I could almost fool myself into thinking the Kraegsk was beautiful. I wanted it to be. If the people and the buildings are ugly, then at least let the scenery be nice... but it seems they all come tied together."

"Say- you said something about a guillotine in your town? How does that detract from the aesthetics?"

"Oh," she giggles, "it was a quaint little thing. Nothing like those big grey automated ones they had in the cities. Just some wood and a blade, covered in Republic banners. More a symbol than a tool. We behaved ourselves."
>>
>>1211926
Point, although I wonder, given this is sort of a grim setting, if the war ending is something foreseeable, especially if things are deadlocked all over and not just in the Kraegsk Archipelago. The fact that salvage from far off naval battles washing in is a well established industry, and one seemingly introduced by both belligerents to these poor Islands instead of existing at current levels, implies its been a long ass war of at least a few years. That and its a grim feeling setting.
>>
>>1211926
It does feel like this war is quite a long runner, judging from the equipment both sides have to resort to.
>>
>>1211951
>Nothing like those big grey automated ones they had in the cities.
What in the ever-loving flying-Jesus fuck? Automated guillotines?
>>
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>>1211951
>"Oh," she giggles, "it was a quaint little thing. Nothing like those big grey automated ones they had in the cities.

I have many questions.
>>
>>1211951
>Nothing like those big grey automated ones they had in the cities
>>
>>1211951
"So," you say, bringing your airy tone of voice back down to a serious level, "how do you feel about going back to the Sbvysek garrison?"

She shakes her head. "It's madness. At the very best, no one would notice me and ask which ship I came from, or who my shipmates are, or what I did in captivity... I don't have a choice, of course." she bows her head. "I would rather anything else than to go back to this wretched little isle."

"Well, I won't promise anything, but at least you can endure with the knowledge that one day the war will end and you can go home."

"What?" she almost laughs. "Go home? You;'re just saying things now. You know as damned well as I do that this war isn't going to end. You haven't seen the propaganda they're putting out. Whole generations of city kids taught to hate the Citadel. Even if they wanted to end it, in a few years they won't be able to. My dad nearly got killed fighting the Citadel, and his uncle did - I just don't think that's... a hope."

"Well... I can't imagine the scrap factory magnates would be happy to see their entire industry cease to exist-" you start to say. "Shoot. That's not helping."

"No, it's not. Even odds that they disappear me if I make if off Sbvysek - look at my leg! Nurse told me I'll never walk without a cane again, at best. I can't even do forced labor. I can cook for a family of eight, sing in a local choir, care for a citrus tree, but that doesn't matter to prison authorities. I think the Republic and the Citadel share that."

"Ah." You can hear someone coming up from belowdecks - it must be Master Evans, finally.

>Well... I can take you off Sbvysek and to Scrap Bay, and see what awaits you there.
>Have you ever been interested in working as a cook on a small ship?
>Well, I'm sorry. Sbvysek is your new home.
>Something else?

(I didn't expect this night to be a worldbuilding extravaganza, but here we are)
>>
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>>1211951
>automated
>>
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>>1211951
Damn, consider the kind of use a "quaint" guillotine can go through in a short span of time... and they have automated ones! Wow.
>>
>>1212001
>>Well... I can take you off Sbvysek and to Scrap Bay, and see what awaits you there.
>>
>>1212001
>Well... I can take you off Sbvysek and to Scrap Bay, and see what awaits you there.
>Have you ever been interested in working as a cook on a small ship?
>>
>>1212008

Well, we might have quaint stockades and hangman's noose.
>>
>>1212001
>Well... I can take you off Sbvysek and to Scrap Bay, and see what awaits you there.
A kindness without going too far, and we can see how things go on the trip over, and gauge if the crew takes well to her.
>>
>>1212019
supporting this
>>
>>1212001
>Well, I'm sorry. Sbvysek is your new home.
"Helped a Republic Prisoner of war avoid detainment." is a great way for someone to ruin our up and coming career, and sailors are notorious rumour mongers, so word of it would get out.
>>
>>1212001
>Have you ever been interested in working as a cook on a small ship?
Come on, you lot. Kraegsk is full of people doing less-than-legal things that are morally shite, to boot. I think we can safely take on one traumatized person without irreparably damaging our reputation with the locals.
>>
>>1212019

In the meantime, we can put her to work in our mess and see how the crew takes to it.
>>
>>1212001
A write-in option that really should have been a full option:
>Ask Master Evans about how prisoners are treated out here, and what the rules are. In a land of garrison commander mafia dons and captains bitter for their assignments, how do the Navy's traditions stand up to the rusty madness of the Kraegsk?

(although it seems that the "take her to scrap bay" option is winning)
>>
>>1212030

This really shouldn't be something actually spoken about infront of sophia.

I support asking him but perhaps when we're alone and not in the company of the one in question.
>>
>>1211951
>Affectionate giggling with respect to a town guillotine.

/*Desire to know more intensifies*/
>>
It appears we're offering to take her to Scrap Bay. Writing!

(Also, my goodness, a lot of lurkers posted in regards to the automated guillotines. Honestly I thought more hullabaloo would be directed toward parts of Reynolr's backstory being revealed, but in retrospect, that's a pretty alarming thing to breeze over. Just how many lurkers are there...?
>>
>>1212034
Vote to keep 'er around, then!

Points in favor:
-She can cook.
-She can take care of citrus trees, which'll be helpful if we ever get fruit and some dirt to plant it in. Never fear scurvy again, get rich selling oranges as a luxury item.
-Singing does wonders for moral.
-Interesting person.
-Has poor-at-best prospects at other locations.
-Gets along passingly with our crew.
-A nurse let her out of confinement. Obviously she's no major liability. Again: keeping her is not the most illegal thing that's going down in the Isles, nor is it anywhere near the most immoral.

Cons:
-Against the law.
-She's injured, so we'll have to provide medical attention.
>>
>>1212049
probably *at least* 40 total people browsing the thread, posters included
>>
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>>1212049
Oh I appreciate Reynolr's backstory, its more the scale of the implications that automated guillotines raise, like a couple hundred people per week per old fashioned guillotine not being efficient enough. Like damn, that shit makes Pol Pot look like a giggling schoolgirl. Mind you just having them doesn't mean they're used constantly, and the guillotine represented scientific advancement allowing more human treatment (you won't feel a thing, I promise, etc.) so they could have built them as a show of progress, and for fear factor, rather than to keep up with demand. But still, damn.
>>
>>1212049
His background fits very well with the character choices made thus far, so it doesn't really stand out compared to something like an automated guillotine. I would have been shocked if he'd grown up as a street urchin or something, but he's pretty much what I expected.

It is interesting that people can have an idyllic childhood without being part of the elite of the Empire or Republic (if we were we wouldn't have been sent here). I was under the impression that this was a ruined world. Not quite Mutant Chronicles but along those lines.
>>
>>1212049
>Honestly I thought more hullabaloo would be directed toward parts of Reynolr's backstory being revealed
Well, the part about tinkering with Type 1 engines would probably be of some use soon.
>>
>>1212058
Another con is she could well turn out to be a walking talking morale liability. Our job involves killing her countrymen and she'll be a constant reminder to our crew that when they do it they're offing regular people, most of whom don't even want to be here and aren't particularly attached to their state's political views. Just normal folks with homes, families, dreams and backstories. Same reason the armies put a stop to the Christmas Truces in WW1, it's a lot harder to shoot someone after they've been humanised to you. I imagine it won't be much easier on her either.
>>
>>1212049
"Well... I can take you off Sbvysek and to Scrap Bay, and see what awaits you there." you offer.

You manage to see her eyes light up before turning to greet Master Evans, who looks completely enraged.

"Tell those purse-snatching merchants," he snarls, "that they need to hire better assistants."

You don't bother to ask for elaboration. Master Evans knows his business, and he'd tell you if they actually changed any of the details of the sale and purchase.

"Evans," you stand up, "we're taking this prisoner to Scrap Bay. Facilities here are completely inadaquate."

Evans raises an eyebrow, but doesn't object. "Alright. Miss..."

"Sofia. My name is Sofia," she says with a tint of desperation in her voice.

"Right. Sofia. You can stay in the storage room. At the captain's liesure, you can be let of there to get fresh air or something. We can't, of course, have you sleeping in the same place as our crew."

"Of course. I don't think I want that either."

"Well," Master Evans sounds thoughtful, "we've got a decent bunch here."

"Then, you agree?" you ask.

"Aye. This is your new home for now, miss." Evans says.

"Oh, if I may-" Sofia begins, shying away from completing her sentence.

"Spit it out." Evans orders.

"If you've got alcohol on this ship, can I get a bottle? I... really have trouble sleeping without it."

You and Evans exchange glances.

"I know, I know," Sofia cringes, "that sounds bad."

"I wouldn't take your for an alcoholic," Evans says.

"And I wasn't, until they drew my name on a strip of paper out of a bowl."

>Uh, alright. [go to your crew's party]
>No booze for prisoners. [go to your crew's party]
>Sofia, that's not a behavior I'd like to encourage in anyone. [go to your crew's party]
>Something else?
>>
>>1212001
I have to say though. I don't think this war could go on forever. Even with teaching in schools to hate the enemy, well the US did much the same to teach about the soviets and visa versa, and it never really worked out. Always some counter culture would crop up and push for the other side.
>>
>>1212103
>Sofia, that's not a behavior I'd like to encourage in anyone. [go to your crew's party]
>Something else?
"But you can have a bottle for now, as a painkiller at least. After that, well, we'll see what comes."
>>
>>1212103
>>No booze for prisoners. [go to your crew's party]
say it upbeat though, so she's takes it as a joke for a second before realizing we're serious.
>>
>>1212103
>>Sofia, that's not a behavior I'd like to encourage in anyone. [go to your crew's party]
>>Something else?
Not the whole bottle. Rationed portions only, probably enough to stave the leg pain. Keep it as fair as to what the crew are getting.
>>
>>1212109
It's more just a matter of economics and mathematics. The losses in resources, manpower and money that maintaining a wartime economy constantly over such a long stretch of time would bring any nation to its knees and shortly afterwards, the negotiations table. See: What WW1 did to the European powers, or what the two World Wars together did to the British Empire.

>>1212103
>Something else?
Give her a 'tot' as a sailor's due but not a whole bottle.
>>
>>1212103
>Something else?
We can offer her some sedatives or painkillers to help her sleep. Ask her how much she drinks too. Like is she gonna get DTs if we deny her alcohol? I can see giving her some for pain if we're short on drugs, but she doesn't get a damn grog ration like a crewman. We're already giving her a free ride outta here.

I don't really care what happens at this point, though. The horse is out of the barn so I'll just go with whatever instead of arguing.
>>
>>1212103
>>Sofia, that's not a behavior I'd like to encourage in anyone. [go to your crew's party]
>>Something else?
"However you will allowed a ration daily to help with the pain and some the aches. It's not a good habit to have sofia."
>>
You know, that song of hers keeps reminding me of this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0JTtEXDcsE&index=35&list=PL91EA2F9ECC57B60E
>>
>>1212137

Our med kit is empty of 'fancy drugs'. And those are more valuable then whiskey.
>>
>>1212129

They're scrapping quite close to if not the bottom of the barrel already if there is an industry of scrapping drifting wrecks. Not to mention the sheer number of constructed and subsequently destroyed but not sunk ships required to have a feasible number for such an industry. And thats merely only in this theatre alone.
>>
"That's not something I like to encourage", you say, adding, "But I'll authorize a tot of whiskey for the leg."

"Oh, for the leg?" she says, already hobbling towards the ladder. "Dulling the pain is nice, but it's to make all the images in my head go away."

You don't respond - Master Evans walks off to grab the portion of whiskey. Well. That took quite a bit longer than was expected, but it's finally time to join the crew.

You head belowdecks, and they greet you with uproarious applause - you look over to McKenna, and Radiowoman Liset is currently attempting to drain a tin cup of whiskey faster than him. Damn.

As long as you drink less than everybody else...

The night passes in drunken revelry. Everyone is high spirits - no losses, a port defended, and several Republic ships sunk! You all trade banter and swap stories till the early hours of the morning, when you finally break up the celebrations and send everybody off to their bunks or stations. In the morning, you head for Scrap Bay while flying the flag of Rear Admiral Drekasl - a feather in the cap of both yourself and the Commandant. And then there's the matter of a certain Mr. Huyk...

SESSION END

(Well, this was a change of pace! This a very image-light and text-heavy session, with pretty much all of my energies concetrated on dialogue and worldbuilding - how'd it go? Do you readily prefer the usual adventuring-with-drawings of previous sessions, or was this one able to hold your attention? As always, thank you for being such wonderful and thoughtful players, and till next time!)

(double note, I hope it doesn't seem like I'm ramming a waifu down your collective throats via amtrack. Sofia literally lived on a 1-3 roll, and she's a highly convenient exposition tool - what happens to her mostly is up to you guys)

Next session will PROBABLY be tomorrow at 9PM, where we get introduced to Scrap Bay.
>>
>>1212165

Thanks for running Scribe. I like both and your text updates aren't bad either.

Republic culture is something of an eyebrow raiser to put it mildly but thats the frogs for ye.
>>
>>1212165
thanks for running, the session was great!
>>
>>1212165
Thanks for the run Scribe. Fantastic. Either way is fine by me, your art is good and even this text heavy run was very entertaining. The current thing with sofia is fine and interesting too. We'll see where it takes us.

Did you ever figure out if you wanted a twitter or discord?
>>
>>1212165
I like it! Thanks for running!
>>
>>1212165
Thanks for running. I recognize the value of some exposition, but I don't like this situation with Sofia. I don't get a waifu vibe from you or my fellow players (yet). The world is interesting, but the sustainability of this apparently endless war, with portions of the world that seem totally untouched by the fighting, well, we're missing information that might explain these sorts of things.

I thought the text and dialogue heavy session was just as engaging as the other ones, even if the group took a different route than I wanted to go.
>>
>>1212165
I'm okay with a few well placed art on key scenes in this instance. I felt it had quite some impact in setting the tone for the follow-up interactions.

Otherwise, I think you strike the right balance between the two, considering you also do a lot of other stuff in the background.

Anyway, really appreciate you running and I'm hoping to see more.
>>
>>1212185
it's just hard to make that moral step to abandon someone you convinced to sell out an entire bombardment fleet.

Whether we find some way to leave her in a state acceptable to our conscience or we push it back for so long it bites us in the ass is up in the air. Wouldn't be an unrealistic outcome either way.
>>
>>1212165
This session kept me glued to the screen so there must be something right with the image-to-text ratio.
>>
>>1212165
Yeah, it was still a fun time though I'm a tiny bit more partial to more art and sailing heavy sessions as I think your style really complements the world you've built and gives it a really distinct timbre. That said I'm looking forward to next session, thanks for running Scribe.

I'm not really a fan of what's happening with our relationship with Sofia, but that's to do with in-universe situations and is the result of player votes, rather than you doing a bad job writing her into the story.
>>
>>1212190
I don't really see it that way, this is war. She was under no obligation to talk to us, it's not like we forced her to tell us. One little tink with a cheap rhetorical hammer and she cracked into a million pieces. We don't owe her anything. Maybe we can befriend all the Republic sailors we capture and become the Rainbow Trawler of Friendship, going around the Kraegsk giving hugs.
>>
>>1212190
Thats my thoughts. I'm not really in favour of having her serve on the Brora due to issues with mixed loyalties but I'm willing to try and make her stay in the POW camps more comfortable.
>>
>>1212165
I love you scribe.
>>
>>1212165
I love you scribe, thanks for running.
>>
Yeah, there's a lot of problems with Sofia's character as pointed out above - every session's an experiment for me, and this one was dropping a lot more exposition than normal but through the filter of a strong personality - not strong as in Sofia's a strong-willed person, but someone with their own voice. It seems to have worked out okay, but I still have a lot of reservations with pretty much accidentally dedicating an entire session to talking with one person.
>>
>>1212198
Yeah, and that's as much my fault for being a rookie QM as it is fault with her character. Learning with every session, I guess (and hope).
>>
>>1212214

I think its fine though. Her faults actually make her a much more believable. That of a conscript who has seen too much, done too much and didn't really care too much anymore trying not to look too hard at what she has been doing in her service on that bombardment ship.

Parts of her are broken and shes clearly suffering from PTSD.
>>
>>1212218
Well it worked out okay, and the session was still very fun. I think it's a bit "off" for the LCDR, who we now know comes from a long line of naval officers, to take in this PoW because he feels guilty about doing his duty as an officer in a time of war. Not that he wouldn't feel guilty at all because Sofia is an absolutely pathetic specimen, but that's the sort of thing he'd keep to himself and not act on it.

I will roll with it since that's what the rest of the group wants, though.
>>
>>1212228
I guess you could say that the LCDR has his rank simply because it's tradition - he's got a sense of familial duty that makes him pretty good with it, but he's far more compassionate than the average ladder-climbing naval officer. That's not set in stone at all, though, our character gets shaped by what he does and most of it is still up in the air. Your largely devil's advocate (to the wider consensus) posts were always very reasonable and great contributions to the discussion, though, so thank you for that!
>>
>>1212229
Well that's a good explanation, we'll have to see what happens. Thanks for the kind words, I'm really enjoying your quest and intend to keep playing.
>>
>>1212229
It's always good to have a few voices of protocol/discipline around, even if they don't win votes very often.

Also to reiterate a question I think got missed earlier in the thread, do centralised fire control systems/fire directors exist yet in the Trawlerverse? Stuff like the Dreyer and Admiralty Fire Control Tables. Obviously they wouldn't fit on something as diminutive as the Brora and even if they did they wouldn't really be worth it considering our light and short range armament, but do larger vessels like Cruisers and BB/BCs have them or are guns still laid by local control?
>>
>>1212229
Scribe, how does the rank structure in the Imperial navy look like? Do we have authority to do some promotions on our own boat?
>>
>>1212242
If I had to guess, no, because rank determines paygrade, so any promotions have to be approved by higher command. Most likely that would mean the Naval HQ at Scrap Bay. We could give people brevet ranks and recommend them for promotion to command when we return, but that could take a while to travel up the chain.

Any promotions of officers would definitely require contact with and approval off local commanders and ultimately the Admiralty all the way back on the mainland, though given the size of the Republic and Citadel navy once it makes it past local division HQ they probably just approve most low ranking officer recommendations en masse, not that we have any other officers yet anyway. Any promotions of ratings to officers would probably be much more thoroughly scrutinised and resisted.
>>
>>1212270

Well yea, definitely for officers and higher ranks as such.

What I was really thinking about was of the lower ratings. Our crew includes both seaman and conscript, so it stands to reason that conscript would be the lowest rank. I was wondering if we might have the authority to advance them to seaman at least if they aren't different-but-same ranks on the pay scale.
>>
>>1212274
I've kind of assumed Conscript is a Marine rank, while Seaman is the Naval equivalent, both being ranks that you're promoted out of on a seniority basis (eg Seamen become Able Seamen after two years of service, Conscripts become Marines after say 6 months of service). But I'm not really basing that on anything other than the names. If Conscript is a Naval rank subordinate to Seaman though I would still assume it's promoted out of the same way, after a number of months service on a vessel, Conscripts are automatically promoted and receive their pay bump. Nothing to do with merit or performance.
>>
>>1212295
well i think that conscripts were people who were dragged to the navy kicking and screaming while seamen joined voluntarily, but they were equivalent ranks or something

but it does seem like seamen have more training/skills than a conscript
>>
>>1212165

Loved the session, I'm happy either way with text heavy and action packed threads. I specially like how people around here handle different opinions, I've seen shitstorms begin over more trivial matters than this, so kudos to all of you anons, and let's hope the civility continues no matter how things play out.

As for the situation, I get the felling our character haven't seen the worst of the war yet and he is pretty compassionate about defenseless people, the difference here is that she seeked us looking for help, and we aren't jaded enough to simply ignore it. Like she said, there are worse people around.

Let's see how the crew reacts to her presence and since we don't have a proper cook, let's see if the rest of the crew can tolerate her presence if she keeps their stomachs full and their palates happy.
>>
>>1212300
I doubt it's that, as I'd be very surprised if we have to count the volunteers among our crew on more than one hand. If the war's been going on this long I don't think anyone is under any illusions as to what serving will entail, so conscription is almost certainly the primary recruitment method.
>>
>>1212334

I think it might be the basic rank they get when they're enlisted. Like Evans is a Master which is an old senior NCO rank and hes a conscript so he was probably promoted up to that level.

If thats the case and conscript isn't an equivalent rank to seaman, which is the 2nd lowest historical british rating, we should try and promote them at least to parity to our seamen or into specialty ratings.
>>
>>1212346

They'll probably develop into gunners as that is their current role on the ship
>>
>>1212346
Again, most low ranking ratings in 19th-early 20th Century navies tended to be a matter of service length or training received. So, Conscript could be the equivalent of the archaic 'Landsman' rating from the 18th Century Royal Navy, where it essentially just means a sailor with little to no experience, and getting promoted out of it won't be a matter of especial competence on their part but rather a matter of how long they've been on board the vessel, whereupon they will be promoted 'automatically', provided we don't decide they're a total fuckup and refuse it. We probably couldn't fast track them through it either without it becoming a whole bureaucratic clusterfuck either, and it's not really worth it because ultimately their skills will grow regardless of their rank and sticking a new insignia on their shoulders won't make them magically better at what they do. It's only really once you get to Leading Seamen and POs that competence and skill start being a factor in promotion.
>>
I'm probably going to start running a bit earlier than 9 EST - call it, oh, 8PM. Not many prospects for stressful combat rolling, and I'd like to get to sleep earlier on a quest night.
>>
>>1213210
Works out just fine for me.

Underway for Scrap Bay!
>>
I only just caught up last night, looking forward to playing!
>>
File: Kraegsk Map No. 3.jpg (311 KB, 1670x870)
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You get underway, clearing the harbor of Sbvysek and leaving the survivors of the battle there. Eighteen Republic crew, and a Republic prisoner, and a tough little trawler. The battle flag of the bombardment ship flies from your forward signal mast, the banner of Rear Admiral Drekasl above it, and the black flag of the Citadel leering over both. It's a glorious sight in the relatively calm morning.

You open your map, and check the route to Scrap Bay.

>Follow the route to Scrap Bay [will arrive at roughly late afternoon]
>Head to write-in location.
>>
>>1213440
>Follow the route to Scrap Bay [will arrive at roughly late afternoon]

Citadel crew
>>
>>1213440
>>Follow the route to Scrap Bay [will arrive at roughly late afternoon]

What mechanical benefit does the asteran pistol confer?
>>
>Follow the route to Scrap Bay [will arrive at roughly late afternoon]
>>
>>1213440
>Follow the route to Scrap Bay [will arrive at roughly late afternoon]
>>
>>1213452
Shit, that's not a good start.
>>1213454
Until Reynolr is put into a position where he learns the benefits of the pistol, can't be sure - but it's accurate and powerful. Any land combat rolls will receive a benefit, at the least.
>>
>>1213440
>>Follow the route to Scrap Bay [will arrive at roughly late afternoon]

off to Scrap Bay we go!
>>
>>1213440
>>Follow the route to Scrap Bay [will arrive at roughly late afternoon]
>>
File: Sailing.jpg (72 KB, 476x473)
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>>1213440
The Brora takes the direct route to Scrap Bay, chugging along at eight knots to give the engines some rest from the exertion of yesterday.

Down below, you hear your crew breaking out into a shanty.

>Listen to the shanty through the speaking tubes.
>Discuss the consequences of the Battle of Sbvysek with Master Evans.
>Discuss where you might find Mr. Huyk in Scrap Bay.
>Something else?
>>
>>1213503
>>Discuss the consequences of the Battle of Sbvysek with Master Evans.
>>Discuss where you might find Mr. Huyk in Scrap Bay.
>>
>>1213510
This.

I imagine whatever our crew is up to can't be that bad.
>>
>>1213503
>>Discuss the consequences of the Battle of Sbvysek with Master Evans.
>>
>>1213503
>Something else?
Grab some free paper and start sketching the scenes, you can't deny the Kraegsk's got a certain harsh beauty to it and maybe we can sell them with our memoirs when we return to the mainland. Plus I like the meta idea of your illustrations being Reynolr's sketches from his time in Kraegsk, having turned up in some collector's attic 40 years later, along with our diary.
>>
>>1213503
>Discuss where you might find Mr. Huyk in Scrap Bay.
>Something else?
Also stuff like should we go in armed with some men?
>>
>>1213503
This >>1213510


as much as I want to hear the shanty.
>>
>>1213503
>Discuss the consequences of the Battle of Sbvysek with Master Evans.
>Any advice on what to pick up in Scrap Bay?
"So, I've been around for all of under a week, what do you make of the larger picture around Sbvysek and happenings?"

>>1213526
Yup, unless its the kill the captain shanty they are fine songs indeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR6_1KtAyNc
>>
>>1213503
Listen the shanty and then discuss with master evans

I'm curious to seee what song you made
>>
>>1213539
Ohh neat idea.
>>
>>1213503
>Listen to the shanty through the speaking tubes.
>Discuss the consequences of the Battle of Sbvysek with Master Evans.
>>
>>1213503
>>Listen to the shanty through the speaking tubes.

always wondered about what shanties the Citadel would have
>>1213539
will support this too
>>
>>1213503
>Discuss the consequences of the Battle of Sbvysek with Master Evans.
>>Discuss where you might find Mr. Huyk in Scrap Bay.
>>
File: Evans Speaking.jpg (56 KB, 296x416)
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“So, Master Evans…”

“Sir?”

“What do you think happens because of that battle? Will anything change?”

“Change for us? Certainly. Commandant gave a big break by letting you bring the Republic admiral’s flag back in triumph to Scrap Bay, it’s a singular honor and even though I’m sure the Commandant’s report frames him as the leader… the glory can’t help but rub off on you. I hope you like getting invited to dinner parties in fancy mansions.”

“Do we owe the Commandant anything now?”

“Not particularly, unless his report is so ridiculously praising you that revealing the truth to be anything less would be ruinous… but you check the official local citation at Scrap Bay, and you don’t live long as a garrison commander by screwing over everybody you meet.”

“I see. Well, what about the battle itself? The consequences for the Kraegsk?”

Evans shakes his head. “Nothing much. They lost a light patrol cruiser, some other scraps, and a fool of a souther admiral. They’ve got plenty in reserve - in fact, you know how Liset and McKenna are trying to get our new radio installed?”

“They haven’t left that room for seven hours, I believe.”

“They managed to get a propaganda message out of Scrap Bay - some big shot captain headed off an attempt by a heavy cruiser to destroy the southern fort of the fort chain. Southern fort commander’s an old face around here, your celebration ball is probably gonna be shared with him. No, the Republic will try again and again, and so will we. It’s the nature of the Kraegsk.”

You don’t quite feel Evans’ fatalism, but you nod anyway. “Another thing - I’m carrying out a favor for our Sbvysek Commandant, and I need to locate a certain Mr. Huyk and ask a question. Ever hear of the man?”

(writing the rest, you guys will hear the shanty after the discussion is done)
>>
>>1213605
“Huyk…” Evans rubs his beard thoughtfully, staring past you. “Vaguely heard of the name. Landowner, right?”

“Warehouses. I need to approach him - he shouldn’t be particularly hard to find, right?”

“Probably not,” Evans offers. “But approaching any man of power in his own house is a poor idea at best. You can walk up with the crew armed and behind you, but that’s inviting trouble… better to go alone, if the question is really so innocuous.”

“Hmph. You’d think a Navy officer would be safe in his own port.”

“Not in the Kraegsk, and not to those men. Pray that your Commandant doesn’t have any debts - ‘Mr. Huyk’ should be easy enough to find, if he’s reasonably prominent in the docks.

“Well, damn, is there any way around offering myself up to the sharks?” you ask, suddenly apprehensive about the whole thing.

Master Evans considers it for a minute. “A few ways. If you learned what sort of schedule Mr. Huyk keeps, you could meet him at a bar or on the street. If he’s really involved, though, I doubt that’s a better idea than just showing up to his office. He’s bound to be surrounded by bodyguards, anyway, and don’t expect local Citadel personnel to help you - they’re all payed off by one guy or another. Still, it could be worth pursuing, even if for just a little while.”

You shake your head. “Insanity,” you mutter.

“Well,” Master Evans continues, “if you decide to attend the dinner party - most likely a grand celebration in the province hall for the recent victories, and you will be invited - Mr. Huyk will be there to curry favor and make contacts. That’s as close to neutral territory as you you’ll ever be sure to meet him.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound so bad.” you say.

Evans chuckles. “Sir, word of advice if you attend one of those parties - find yourself a lady beforehand, or someone who can pretend to be one. If you walk in there alone, you’ll get driven to distraction by all the puffed-up merchants’ daughters and noble snots strutting up to you to try and follow you up the ladder.”

“I can say no, Evans.”

“Oh, to these women? Easier said than done. Better to head it off right away - I was going to let you go in without a warning and have a laugh after, but if you’re there for business, you need to know the ways of the elite here.”

“And how do you know about elites, Evans?”

You see a twinkle in the crusty old seaman’s eye. “I was an active man in my youth. Might’ve jumped the social ladder once or twice.”

“Still, not a problem. We’ve got that crate of fancy clothes from Sbvysek, right? Just dress up one of the crew.”

“You think Radiowoman Liset can even wash all that grease out of her hair? I’d be careful, sir.”

“Alright. Thanks for the advice, Evans.”

“Any time.”
>>
>>1213651
(I’ll be away from the quest for 10 minutes or so. Hopefully this last conversation spawns some conversation, and the shanty is locked in for when I get back)

(separated this info post because it was over the 3000 character limit, whoops)
>>
>>1213651
Forgot to put in a line of Evans' -

"And the warehouse option ain't so bad, sir. Might be a good opportunity to test out that fancy Astaeran pistol."

(writing shanty)
>>
>>1213651
Well, we'll have to find a girl I think. We definitely can't take Sofia-- even if she wasn't a PoW she's got a fresh bullet wound in her leg.
>>
>>1213751
Well, then it means Liset, or some girl we might meet in Scrap
>>
>>1213766
I think we'll find someone in Scrap Bay. Liset doesn't sound like a good option, I trust Evans' opinion.
>>
>>1213751
I don't think we need to take one, if Liset is not up for it we should go alone, we sunk ships for crying out loud, some noblewomen won't do us any harm
>>
>>1213776
Yeah, I think finding someone a bit more in line with our social status and military rank is a smart choice. Hell, maybe we'll meet one at the party.
>>
>>1213776
Liset is certanly better than a stranger, if we don't find anyone we should go alone
>>
>>1213776
Would be great to find some admiral's girl, very useful
>>
>>1213782
I'm fine going alone, we'll just see what happens. It'd be nice to get a real ally, like another officer or something. We need a scientist for shore parties, I am starting to think that there is in fact something worth fighting for in these islands, and it's in the ruins.
>>
>>1213651
You listen to the singing through the speaking tubes, catching the ending verse of an old war song.

Well I heard it once from a soggy old man: that democracy was the best for me

That the rule of law was a buncha dusty books against the rule of Three

Well I’ll be damned if I listen to that dirty lie, ‘cause that man starved to death a year ago

One for the King! One for the Queen! And one for the damn good men in the Ministry!

Oh, I grew up in a border town, and my neighbor had a Republic flag!

The Mayor said peace and didn’t do a thing

So I tore up that stain in the light of day!

One for the King! One for the Queen! And one for the damn good men in the Ministry!

There’s no shame in a fight for their honor!

There’s no shame in the Citadel Empire!

Grave of our fathers and grave of our mothers, soon-to-be proud grave of our own broken bodies!

You have mixed feelings about that song - you heard it a thousand times in your youth, the Navy men in the local port singing in the taverns, and quite recently you sang it a thousand more times as a cadet in the Academy. It’s still a terribly dark shanty, and an extremely belligerent one - the sort of one you sing for the benefit of the foreign crew in the other end of the bar, trying to goad them on.

Wait…

“Come on,” you hear faintly through the tubes, “you’ve got to know some kinda song like that. What’d the Republic teach ya, anyway?”

Ah. They want Sofia to sing a war song. Your crew doesn’t sound particularly ill-meaning, more… curious.

>Keep listening. Always interesting to know more about your enemies. [arrive at Scrap Bay after]
>Shout down the tube for them to cut it out. [arrive at Scrap bay]
>>
>>1213843
>>Keep listening. Always interesting to know more about your enemies. [arrive at Scrap Bay after]
>>
>>1213843
>Keep listening. Always interesting to know more about your enemies. [arrive at Scrap Bay after]
>>
>>1213843
>Keep listening. Always interesting to know more about your enemies. [arrive at Scrap Bay after]
Maybe walk down to check it out in person
>>
>>1213843
>Shout down the tube for them to cut it out. [arrive at Scrap bay]
We've got more important things to do
>>
>>1213803
I get what you arr saying.
Maybe I'm just a little paranoid about this developing into another court intrigue quest, we have been consistenly warm to others and worried about the lives of our crew and the general well being of the people we meet, I just don't want to get too involved in politics that we reach a point were we have to do something callous just to save face with the high society because otherwise it wouldn't be proper. I'm thinking benevolent warrior here.
But I'm probably being paranoid about it, everytime a court shows up I become worried, call me jaded hehe
>>
>>1213800
>>1213786
either of these seem like good ideas.
>>
>>1213843
>>Keep listening. Always interesting to know more about your enemies. [arrive at Scrap Bay after]

huh... so the Citadel Empire is a monarchy
>>
>>1213860
This
>>
>>1213890

We've been repeatedly referred to as Imperials. Imperial implies monarchy.
>>
I think we should listen, but remain on the bridge, we need to keep some distance from our crew.
>>
>>1213890
Admittedly the name should've tipped you off about that. What's interesting is whether its an absolute or constitutional one, depending on what exactly the Ministry is.
>>
>>1213843
You listen through the tubes, and your crew is eventually successful - Sofia’s voice is strong and loud, perfectly comprehensible through two rooms and a brass pipe. In fact, you can hardly recognize it as Sofia’s - usually so weak and halting, her voice is angry. You can feel the bitter core of the war song - you never got the feeling before, that Sofia was truly speaking for the Republic you fight, but know you can hear it dripping from every word.

A good day when we chopped off the heads of the whole lot

Strung up their guards and hung ‘em from the rocks

And we found the foreman under his bed

Drag ‘im out! On the block! His world goes red!


Now we found the foreman’s bloody little whip

And down from the barbs, our mates’ blood did drip

We found the line boss, startin’ up his truck

Douse the doors! Light the match! Burn the bastard up!


But there ain’t no replacin’ the guillotine

A clean death for dirty men

His body and his head with metal in between

So as to him, to the whole Citadel!

Send them in their own chains express down to Hell!


You arrive at Scrap Bay an hour later.
>>
>>1213916
Whoops, last line isn't mean to be italicized, it's not part of the song.
>>
File: Foggy Bay.jpg (87 KB, 700x400)
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>>1213916
There’s a heavy fog - Master Evans says it’s illegal suicide to sail the Brora directly into the harbor with such poor visibility. You can either dock at the east or the west tip of the Bay - the east side is the reclamation yard, where battered and bloodstained ships of Citadel or Republic origin are refurbished for service. The roar of machinery can be heard, even from two hundred meters out. On the west side is one of the many civilian docks, overflowing with fishing trawlers, cargo ships, taverns, brothels, and shops.

According to our memory, both tips of the Bay are about equally distant from the central hill of mansions, the Navy yard, and the Province Hall.

>Dock at the reclamation yard. Ought to see what’s on the way to join the local fleet.
>Dock at the civilian docks. Our crew deserves some R&R while we go off to do our business.
>>
>>1213909
I think the Ministry is the Church.

>>1213927
Scrap Bay = Hell eh?
>>
>>1213979
>>Dock at the civilian docks. Our crew deserves some R&R while we go off to do our business.
>>
>>1213979
>>Dock at the civilian docks. Our crew deserves some R&R while we go off to do our business.
>>
>>1213979
>>Dock at the civilian docks. Our crew deserves some R&R while we go off to do our business.
>>
>>1213979
>>Dock at the reclamation yard. Ought to see what’s on the way to join the local fleet.

Military and working docks. I'm reminded of the Commander of Sbvysek talking about spies and I'd rather them not find out about sofia onboard.
>>
>>1213979
Civilian docks, we'll probably find mr. Huyk's office our house, i'd ratther deal with if before the ball so it doesn't become an inconvenience
>>
You dock at the Civilian docks, drawing long stares at the Republic flags hanging under the black Citadel banner on your signal mast. The streets are mostly empty - a light drizzle of rain is coming down, the street lamps and tavern windows glowing in the haze.

>Let most of your crew go on shore leave, leaving rotating guards to keep Sofia on the boat and the flags safe.
>Keep the crew on the ship for now.
>Take a walk down the waterfront, to get a feel for the area.
>Something else?
>>
>>1214055
>>Let most of your crew go on shore leave, leaving rotating guards to keep Sofia on the boat and the flags safe.

Visible armed sailors and a curfew so our sailors will be back on boat.
>>
>>1214055
>>Let most of your crew go on shore leave, leaving rotating guards to keep Sofia on the boat and the flags safe.
>>
>>1214055
>Keep the crew on the ship for now.
>Take a walk down the waterfront, to get a feel for the area.
>>
>>1214055
>Let most of your crew go on shore leave, leaving rotating guards to keep Sofia on the boat and the flags safe.
>>
>>1214062
supporting this and also
>Take a walk down the waterfront, to get a feel for the area.
>>
>>1214055
>Let most of your crew go on shore leave, leaving rotating guards to keep Sofia on the boat and the flags safe.
>>
>>1214055
>>Let most of your crew go on shore leave, leaving rotating guards to keep Sofia on the boat and the flags safe.
>>
>>1214055
>>Let most of your crew go on shore leave, leaving rotating guards to keep Sofia on the boat and the flags safe.
>>
Also, we should brief the crew before they leave. They can brag about the battles but there should be NO MENTION OF SOFIA.
>>
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>>1214055
Your crew is allowed on leave, with a certain few guards and a strict curfew - you specifically tell them that while bragging about our victories is fine, bragging about Sofia’s presence is not. You hope you got that across to them with the impression that it’s for Sofia’s safety against Republic spies, not to safeguard your own reputation.

You disembark, enjoying the cool, humid air. Your new (though technically very old) Astaeran pistol is tucked into your holster, and you have your sketchpad - the mists of the Bay provide a beautiful subject. You’re a long way from the warehouses - it’s probably no good to ask around for Mr. Huyk yet.

After some blissful minutes, you take a look around to see the natives on the waterfront - a bum with a bottle of alcohol lying against a tavern, a lady and a suited man on a wharf lowering some kind of instrument into the water, some kids playing with a ball. You really ought to be walking for the Navy yard by now - if you want to talk to one of them, you’ll have to choose only one.

>The bum with the rum. The bottom rung of society tends to know what exactly is clinging to the soles of their betters.
>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.
>The kids. Flip them a demicre and they’ll tell you about anything interesting - such is the way of cities the world over.
>Something else?


(Gonna be ending soon. Really need sleep for tomorrow, plus have a paper that I should probably have started a long time ago.)
>>
>>1214263

>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.

Iv got some toys that you could help me with
>>
>>1214263
>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.
>>
>>1214263
>>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.
>>
>>1214263
>>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.
>>
>>1214263
Also, sorry for the delay, guys. Sometimes the drawing just doesn't turn out right, and I get obsessive over a little fluff sketch.
>>
>>1214307
No prob, that is the quintessential artist's curse.
>>
>>1214263
>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.
>>
>>1214263
>>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.
>>
>>1214263
>The two technicians or something similar (though technicians don't usually carry umbrellas) on the wharf. You’re not really sure what that thing they're lowering into the water is, though.
200% scientists, calling it now.
>>
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>>1214263
You walk to them, your uniform hopefully prominent even in the rain - the woman with the umbrella notices your approach, and kicks at the man who’s busy leaning over the water and fiddling with a device stringing a tube into the water. He turns around, staring at you and grinning.

“What brings you to this wharf?” you ask pleasantly.

“None of your business.” the woman replies testily, glaring daggers.

“Now, now,” the man says, looking up at you and blinking as rain strikes his face, “No need to be rude to an officer of the Navy. What brings you here?”

“I asked you that first,” you say.

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you-” the man smiles.

“A waste of time.” the woman scowls, interrupting him. “Wastage which falls directly outside the usual wastage of the Navy.”

“What she means to say,” the man cuts in, “is that we’re not authorized to tell you. Sorry. But our work helps you, believe me.”

>That’s what a Republic spy would say. Tell me who you are.
>You’d better tell me, civilian.
>Very well. I suppose if you’re really helping us, I’ll see around again.
>My apologies for interrupting your work.
>>
>>1214477
>>My apologies for interrupting your work.
>>That’s what a Republic spy would say. Tell me who you are.
Can we do both of these? "Sorry to disturb you, but what you're doing seems very suspicious."
>>
>>1214477
(I am probably going to be running this for at least another hour.)
>>
>>1214477
>Very well. I suppose if you’re really helping us, I’ll see around again.
make a mental note of what these people look like, and what the thing they're holding looks like.
>>
>>1214494
Certainly, combinations of prompts are always accepted.
>>
>>1214494
this is also good
>>
>>1214477
This works >>1214494
>>
>>1214477
>>1214494
This is good
>>
>>1214477
>>Very well. I suppose if you’re really helping us, I’ll see around again.
>>
>>1214494
"My apologies, of course, for interrupting your work-" you say, as graciously as you can swallow your pride, "But what you're doing seems quite suspicious."

"What?" the woman sputters. "I'll have you know - you -"

The man seems more thoughtful. "Why, exactly, do we look suspicious?"

"You're sitting on a dock in the main naval base of the Citadel Empire in the Kraegsk, on a rainy day when there's not many people - witnesses - about, doing something that suspiciously resembles taking measurements of the Bay's depth... tell me that isn't suspicious."

The woman is indignant - the man nods solemnly. "Of course. You must excuse us, we're not from here."

>We all make mistakes. Now be on your way.
>Where are you from, then?
>Something else?
>>
>>1214548
>Where are you from, then?
>>
>>1214548
>>Where are you from, then?
>>So what were you doing?
Verrry suspicious
>>
>>1214548
>>Where are you from, then?
>>
>>1214548
>Where are you from, then?
If they really are clandestinely helping the Citadel, they'll probably have some kind of passphrase or cipher which when they say it, we'll have to back off and ask no further questions. Or they'll flash some kind of badge, authentication etc.
>>
>>1214548

>>Where are you from, then?

Check out this gun?
>>
>>1214548
>>We all make mistakes. Now be on your way.
>>
>>1214548
"Then, of course, that begs the question -" you lower your voice, "where are you from?"

The man sighs, shrugs, and speaks. "We're scientists with the Old Technologies Ministry."

"What the hell is that machine, then? What are you doing out here? There are actual ruins on the north of this very island, you know."

"Oh, we know," the woman says, not quite as caustically as before. "Picked clean decades ago. My partner thinks people just dump tech out into the bay because they can't understand it."

"Now, now -" the man says, "I'm searching for traces of radioactivity in the water currents. It stands to reason tha-" The woman kicks him again, motioning her head in your direction.

"Anyway," she says, "if it's really such trouble, I can supply documentation."

She reaches into her briefcase, and you go over their papers - indeed, the watermarks and minifilm lines are in order. They seem to be legitimate documents.

>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.
>If you ever want to see some actual ruins, just look for LCDR Reynolr of the CAS Brora.
>I'm going to have to take you in for questioning at the police station.
>They look good. Apologies for disturbing you. [leave]
>>
>>1214635
>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.
>If you ever want to see some actual ruins, just look for LCDR Reynolr of the CAS Brora.
>>
>>1214635

>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.

And drip hints about some ruins you know of
>>
>>1214635
>>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.
>>If you ever want to see some actual ruins, just look for LCDR Reynolr of the CAS Brora.

"My apologies for disturbing your work, regardless."
>>
>>1214635
>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.
>If you ever want to see some actual ruins, just look for LCDR Reynolr of the CAS Brora.
>They look good. Apologies for disturbing you. [leave]

Always good to keep scientists and R&D in mind
>>
>>1214635
>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.
Rather not be responsible for their lives and take them somewhere
>>
>>1214635
>>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.
>>If you ever want to see some actual ruins, just look for LCDR Reynolr of the CAS Brora.
We could ask them if they've ever been inland on Rinyak, or into the railway tunnels.
>>
Looks like consensus is two combined - I'll wait a couple more minutes, working on an upcoming drawing.
>>
>>1214635
>>1214651

Adding on:
Show our lostech pistol.

"What do you make of this. It's been modified to accept standard rounds, of course."
>>
>>1214635
>Well, if you want a look at actual "Old" tech, I've got a range finder back at the ship you can look at.
>>
>>1214635
>>1214683
This too
>>
"This looks good." you say, handing the papers back.

"Of course it does." the woman scowls.

"Well - if you ever want to look over some actual "Old" tech, I've got an Astaeran range finder back at the ship you can look at." you offer.

They both look at you with something approaching interest, "I don't believe you." the woman says, but through the crass tone, you imagine she sounds hopeful.

"I'd be inclined to agree with my colleague." the man says.

"Explain this," you say, reaching into your holster. Halfway through pulling the Astaeran pistol out, you realize pulling a gun on strangers is a very bad idea unnanounced - yet they seem totally placid. Definitely scientists, spies - or anyone from the Kraegsk - would have reacted to a gun getting pulled. To them, it's another curiosity.

Or perhaps more. They ogle your gun, openly fascinated with it.

"Where'd you get this?" the man asks.

"Who the hell ruined it?" the woman adds. "It's like someone split a diamond with a sledgehammer,"

"It's been modified to accept standard Citadel pistol caliber ammunition -" the woman sputters in outrage, but you continue before she can rant at you. "Only so I can use it. That's all that most people care about out here."

"What a waste." the man says. "But where'd you find it?"

"Bought it at Sbvysek," you shrug.

"Bought it?" the woman gapes in shock.

"Yes. That's how it works out in the islands. Look, do you believe me about the range finder now?"

"Yes."

"Absolutely. We'd love to take a look at it."

>I can take you back to it now, actually.
>How about you come back to Wharf 24 in a day?
>Say, do you know when the celebration ball is happening at the Province Hall? [leads to other options]
>No, I retract anything. Good luck, assholes.
>LCDR Reynolr. Contact me later.
>Something else?
>>
>>1214778
>How about you come back to Wharf 24 in a day?
>Say, do you know when the celebration ball is happening at the Province Hall?
>>
>>1214778
>>How about you come back to Wharf 24 in a day?

"I would be happy to show it to you but I am unfortunately about to report to my superiors of a successful defence operation of Sbyvysek. I am LCDR Reynolr and you two are..."
>>
>>1214778
Hah, I thought the woman might find the modification of the pistol distasteful. I don't want to bring them back to the ship now due to Sofia's presence. Let's ask them about the ball and then make some tentative arrangements for them to come by.

So I agree with this >>1214786
>>
>>1214778
>How about you come back to Wharf 24 in a day?
>Say, do you know when the celebration ball is happening at the Province Hall? [leads to other options]

As long as these other options involve loot and glory.
>>
>>1214778
>How about you come back to Wharf 24 in a day?
>Say, do you know when the celebration ball is happening at the Province Hall? [leads to other options]
>>
>>1214778
>How about you come back to Wharf 24 in a day?
>LCDR Reynolr. Contact me later.
>>
Do we know what the Astaeran pistol looks like? I assume it's a semi-automatic with a magazine, rather than a revolver. Or is it a futuristic looking revolver like the Mateba?
>>
"How about you come back to Wharf 24 in a day?" you offer.

They look at each other. "Yes." the woman says, and it's done.

You think of something you've been meaning to ask anyone who's been in Scrap Bay for more than a few hours. "Say - do you know when the celebration ball is happening at the Province Hall?"

"Yes, it's tomorrow night." the woman says. "Waste of time. Thank goodness that our boss is representing the entire team by going there."

"Although," the man says, "they're rolling out the ladies and gentlemen right now. Debut, is it? I'm thinking of going up to the Province Plaza and taking in the wealth and influence."

>Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then. [Go to Province Plaza]
>Actually - Miss Scientist, have you ever thought of attending the ball proper? I too, have business to take care of, and it'd make it quite easier...
>Alright, thank you. See you tomorrow. [Head back to the Brora]
>Something else?
>>
>>1214881
>Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then. [Go to Province Plaza]

I don't want to cuck the other scientist desu
>>
>>1214881
>Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then. [Go to Province Plaza]
>>
>>1214881
>>Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then. [Go to Province Plaza]
I say we go look at the debutantes, the woman scientist does not seem like she would be very pleasant company at the ball. After we take a little pause in the Plaza we'll go to the Naval HQ and make our report, or whatever.
>>
>>1214881
>Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then. [Go to Province Plaza]
>>
>>1214881
>Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then. [Go to Province Plaza]
>Something else?
On the off chance, ask if they know the name Mr. Huyk, and if so, will he be likely to attend?
>>
>>1214902
Accurate analysis, dear player.

In other notes, hardcore drawing mode engaged 'cause this next one needs to be impressive. I'm probably gonna go to, oh, 2-ish depending on how this goes. So far, you guys keep impressing with your analysis of the options and "obvious" choices I present you.
>>
>>1214881
>>Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow morning, then. [Go to Province Plaza]

>>1214923
no, keep that to ourselves
>>
>>1214936
Alright. It'll just be disappointing if he ends up being a no show. And it's also so we'll have an idea on his prominence based on the extent other people know of him.
>>
So folks, No. 1 dress uniform or civilian dress for the ball.
>>
>>1215049
Uniform would definitely attract the most attention. I'd go for the other one, if being low-key is what's needed.

I guess it'll also depend on whether we'll have a partner for the ball or not.
>>
>>1215049
Dress Uniform, we're an active service naval officer.
>>
>>1215049
>>1215073
Yup, It all depends what were going for. Although rather than uncommon given this is a military port you'd expect a few officers, and likely in better quality/higher ranked/more custom variants than ours. That said it all depends.
>>
>>1215073
I'm partial to the dress uniform as we've been playing our character as a fairly straight career military officer who doesnt want to get too involved in the corrupt underbelly.
>>
>>1215100
I'm inclined to this unless there's a specific reason to dress differently, which there may very well be. After all we'll probably ask/snoop around a bit. On one hand I almost wonder how worn/bland our uniform is. What is the trend for officer uniform in the citadel Scribe? I'm almost thinking if we're presenting an admirals flag we should make sure our uniform is in good repair or has a decent accessory or two. Or is scruffy and world worn the fashion among captains?
>>
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You make your way Province Plaza, the waterfront largely empty- it takes your scarcely thirty minutes to walk the distance to the hill of mansions. There’s extremely heavy security - ceremonial guards with halberds, and many more guards with machine guns and rifles in towers and in patrols around the hill. The Province Hall is bisected by grey walls, the ground floor windows bricked up - you simply can’t understand what’s happening. If Sbvysek can be defended, how is Scrap Bay in this much danger? There certainly was no urgency to the security down at the civilian docks.

You try to shake off your feeling of unease, looking around at the debut party. High-ranking officers in the Navy, Air Corps, and Army - you didn’t even know the Army had enough of a presence in the Kraegsk to assign generals here, despite the Citadel Army being notoriously top-heavy in that manner. There’s plenty of merchants and local officials, daughters and wives, and it’s a bit much to take in after fighting a pitched naval battle yesterday.

The sun is slowly sinking beneath the horizon - you don’t have much time here, if you want to make it to the Naval Yard and back to the Brora.

>Pick anyone in the scene to approach.
>Walk further into the crowd.
>Leave for the Naval Yard.
>>
>>1215049
We have to wear dinner dress because we're an active duty officer. I don't know if the ball will be black or white tie, but we'll have a corresponding uniform. Not like full dress blues or whites, it will be a mess jacket with slacks, like in the picture. We may also have to wear a sword or other accouterments.
>>
>>1215134
>>Walk further into the crowd.
>>
>>1215134
>Walk further into the crowd.
>>
>>1215134
>>Leave for the Naval Yard.
I think all the guards are meant for the other residents of Scrap Bay, not the Republic. Docks may not be friendly after dark.
>>
>>1215134
>Find something decent to eat/drink and casually observe the crowd for a bit, maybe ask a food vendor some questions.

I almost feel like asking that one officer in the center who seems to be biding his time (left of Mr. cape) a few questions, he seems to be patient and isn't otherwise engaged or have too ornate a uniform, what do you guys think?
>>
>>1215134
>Walk further into the crowd.

Lessee... guard, two fancy hat ladies, five uniformed dudes w/ three close ones (cloak dude and beret dude seem interesting), and what looks like someone manning the guest book?

If that's the case for the last one, I'd be inclined to sign in to get a glimpse of any names.
>>
>>1214778

>Say, do you know when the celebration ball is happening at the Province Hall? [leads to other options]
>>
>>1215134

>Walk further into the crowd.
>>
>>1215170
Closer inspection reveals it's not a guest book, but a sketch of the scene.

(quite a few answers here, going to wait for greater consensus)
>>
>>1215147
Going further into the crowd, why not introduce ourselves to That fancy looking Navy(?) guy in front of the sketcher. Maybe inquire as to where the Base commanders are located to represent ourselves and the garrison commander.
>>
>>1215197
Ah, my bad. If that's the case, I'd probably approach the less pre-occupied men in uniform. Ideally, those closer to our rank so we can see each other eye to eye, so too speak.

The encounter with the high ranking officer in the AA cruiser still kinda leaves a bad taste personally, and it wouldn't do to end up in a gaffe when we just arrived.
>>
>>1215134
>>Walk further into the crowd.
>>
>>1215134
>>Walk further into the crowd.
Look for the commanding officer.
>>
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No one catches your eye, and you walk further into the crowd.

It's a mess of people - waxed old women, military officers of all stripes. Immediately around you are several distinct characters. A brutish-looking Army lieutenant, eyeing you closely. A freakish lady, her face covered in a net. A woman with a blood red amulet around her neck, snatching glances at you, A weary-looking Artillery officer. A girl with a half dozen cross necklaces. You search for the commanding officer - perhaps the garrison commander, or even the security chief, but they're nowhere to be found.

>Approach [name someone].
>Leave the crowd, head to the Navy Yard.
>Something else?

(Gonna sleep really, really soon guys. I can't keep this up, I'm sorry)
>>
>>1215275
>>Approach [name someone].
>Army Lieutenant

He and the artillery officer appear to be together? Even if they're not, might as well meet with another military officer.
>>
>>1215275
>Approach [name someone].
A woman with a blood red amulet around her neck, snatching glances at you,

It depends if she is "yay, religion"
>>
>>1215275
>>Approach [name someone].
>Army Lieutenant
>>
>>1215275
>Approach weary looking artillery officer
He probably has a pulse on the goings on of the place, most likely being part of a coastal battery (so local and see's what ships come in? At least he probably knows the general military situation.). He seems non-threatening from a social standpoint, and world-weariness likely means he knows what we want to watch out for.
>>
>>1215288
That's more likely the lady with 6 crosses. Actually is the ruby lady snapping glances at others as well, or just us?
>>
>>1215298
You try to catch her outright staring at you, but she seems to be contemplating a convenient Army officer's back every time.
>>
>>1215308
Hmm, interesting. I'm still for approaching the artillery officer. Is he the one on the far right?
>>
>>1215275
>Approach [name someone].
Blood amulet lady.

Interesting.
>>
>>1215275
>>Approach Artillery officer

As an aside, freakish lady really gives me the chills.
>>
This quest is some good shit, QM. Hope you keep running in the future.

Any hints as to whether we'll go full Sunless Sea and confront eldritch horrors from the blackest depths?
>>
>>1215316
Aye, he is.
It appears we have a three-way tie between a nosy Army Lieutenant, a weary looking Artillery Officer, and the Ruby Lady.
>>
>>1215275
>Approach [name someone].
Amulet lady
Either a) she already knows of us somehow or b) we are doing something to stand out. Either way she looks linked to high society somehow.

All are reasons why she is intriguing. Though we might encounter her later
>>
>>1215333
Wait no. Let me reconsider
>>
>>1215331
I vote ruby lady.
>>
>>1215275
>Approach the Artillery Officer
>>
It would appear the tie is extending itself.

>>1215330
No promises, but there's a terrible darkness beneath the Kraegsk, and the factions of the world - automated guillotines exist for a reason, alongside lots of people who are living normal lives and live and love... all I can say is, we'll see.
>>
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>>1215347
sounds good man, look forward to it
>>
>>1215275
The army and arty officers seem to be talking, but the army officer giving us the scurtieny might just be evaluating someone from the rival branch, or watching our actions. The ruby lady is acting strangely and the cross girl is just really interesting. Hmm. I'm torn cause I'm not sure if we'll encounter them later
>>
>>1215275
> A weary-looking Artillery officer
>>
>>1215351
Thanks. It seems that a decent number of people like my quest for the lore - hard to believe from creator's bias since I'm making up 95% of this on the spot, building up on the last web of worldbuilding I created, but it seems to be working, Just tonight I had about four different ways we coulda gone, that would've really affected the exposition of the world. But I digress, it's late and I'm extremely tired.
>>
>>1215352
Fuck it. Ruby lady. We need to expand our circles and with the recent battle we have standing in the navy and by extension the military. We can expand on army and religion later. Time to get a contact in high society
>>
>>1215352
The ladies we'd definitely run into again. This is for debutants after all. We'll see them at the ball proper tomorrow as well.


Speaking of which i wonder if our dear LCDR can dance...
>>
>>1215361
The more nightmares the better if you ask me.

You can ignore my vote if you have to break this tie, I know how annoying that gets although I want to find out what that amulet means
>>
>>1215370
We're some kind of aristocrat judging from our backstory, and a handsome(?) young bachelor one at that, we can probably dance better than we can write.
>>
>>1215376
Ah thats true. Even if he spent most of him time tinkering with boats, he'd still have gone through a noble's education.
>>
>>1215289
Vote change

>>Approach the Artillery Officer
>>
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I'm too tired to call a proper result to this vote, I'm dragging myself to bed. Here's a rendition of the 'finalists', so to speak: the woman with the many crosses, the Army Lieutenant, the lady with the ruby amulet, and the weary Artillery officer,

SESSION SUSPENDED FOR QM SLEEP

Well, this was a far longer session than I intended - filled with long fuckin' war song/sea shanties from the Citadel and the Republic, impressing testy scientists with Astaeran tech, and getting both Reynolr and the QM's sanity lost within the debut prelude to the ball tomorrow. I'll run this little arc in the debut to a close tomorrow whenver possible - the ball itself will occur on Wednesday, in all likelihood. What did you think? What didn't work? And as always, thank you for being superlative players!
>>
>>1215404
Goodnight qm. May sea of your dreams be calm.
>>
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>>1215404
Thanks for the run Scribe, good session.

Btw, who here Rule the Waves?
>>
>>1215415
I've always wanted to get into that game but I never really knew where to start.
>>
>>1215404
Fare thee well sir!
>>
>>1215404
The interactions make the game they are all so fun
>>1215415
12" casemate primary badnaught reporting.
>>
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>>1215425
The manual's pretty manageable and reading it through or simply watching a few parts of one of the alright-mediocre lets plays of it on youtube will give you more than enough info to get started on your first playthrough. From there you can just fail forward, your first playthroughs probably won't be great, but they'll definitely be fun. It's surprisingly lite compared to the usual historical wargaming fare, even compared to easy to grasp titles like Command Ops or the like. You can also always hit up the forums for help, they're not super active but the community there seems pretty willing to help, or the /hwg/ and/or Naval wargaming generals on /tg/ would be good places to ask about it.

>>1215439
You're a madman! I love it.
>>
>>1212229
Given our family's apparent rich naval history and relative wealth, how did we get this relative poor posting?

Did we annoy someone in the academy?
>>
>>1215497
Most officers in navies spend years before getting a command of any kind, starting as departmental officers or bridge crew and only receiving a command after long and loyal service. Not to mention you generally only get a command as those above you in the pecking order are promoted themselves, retire or die. The fact we started with a command of any kind, even a backwater one like this was probably the extent of what our familial stringpulling could accomplish. Really the only thing better would be being posted on a more renowned vessel as a bridge officer, with a Captain who is willing to take us under his wing and fasttrack our upward progression.
>>
>>1215497
>>1215517
Excellent analysis! Also, it's worth noting that the Citadel Navy doesn't exactly parallel real-world navies in several cases, command being one of them. Promising officers in the Academy are separated into technical specializations, and the sheer number of DDs and small boats like the Brora being comissioned every day for the grinding war means that lots of brand new Lieutenants are given a command. Light Destroyer No. 6 of the 34th Destroyer Flotilla of the 3rd Mollock Screening Fleet doesn't need a particularly imaginative or proven man in charge - it needs one who knows Navy signals and tactics, and obeys orders well. The Brora is quite lucky it got LCDR Reynolr, it seems - he has the imagination and tact necessary to have a chance in the Kraegsk. Many of the captains we've fought so far were not that way.

A few hours before the thread autosages - we'll be talking to both the Artillery officer and the ruby lady, the most popular picks of the lengthy vote. Abridged session begins at 8:00 PM EST)
>>
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>>1216970
You walk up to the Artillery officer, nursing a drink and looking out of place in his stained uniform.

"Sir," you nod in respect to the gold ranklets on his chest, "salutations to you."

"Good day," he says gruffly. "Before you ask, I'm not giving Millard back. Shouldn't have given him that damned trinket if you didn't want him arrested. Don't need to give you legal justification for blasphemy."

"Er- I don't know what you're talking about. Lieutenant Commander Reynolr of the CAS Brora."

"Oh," he perks up, giving you a good look now. "I read about you in the dispatches. Damned fine work, three Republic scuttlers a week after you arrived here."

"Scuttlers?"

"That's the Bay term for the trawlers and raiders," he explains. "This is cruiser country, son - if you ain't driving a big ship you ain't shit."

"Useful to know. Artillery... are you the commander of the coastal battery here?"

"Close. Chief of Security for 'em - Captain Lussier. I have to go back to my post in a minute, but it's good to talk with a man with clear eyes."

You shake hands.

"You seem like a decent fellow," he says. "The guys on the outposts and patrols are the Citadel's best. Nothing but arrogance, politics, and blasphemy up here in the Bay."

>Arrogance?
>Politics?
>Blasphemy?
>>
>>1217263
>Politics?
Anyone we should know to steer clear of?
>>
>>1217263
>>Politics?
>>
>>1217263
>Arrogance?
>Blasphemy?
"Arrogance I can see sir, but Blasphemy?"
Desire to know more intensifies.
>>
>>1217263
>>Politics?
>>
>>1217263
>Blasphemy?
What horrors await us?
>>
>>1217284
>>1217292

"What sorts of politics are conducted in Scrap Bay?" you ask.

"Better politics than some remote commands - at least the Citadel is still the top authority, and the Crown Representative is a detached and severely just man - but it's still rife with factionalism and noble quarrels. The Irons, Aquas, Bronzes... the factions don't really matter, though. It's who you know and to what extent that they're using you."

"Anyone I should know to steer clear of?" you ask.

"They won't mess with you if you're Navy, tough the Army's just about a bunch of rival nobles' brigades by now... the Bacques, LaRous, and Mortins - stay away from those families if you want to stay an honest man. Master Mouyl Bacque, right hand of the Governor, you don't want anything to do with his machinations either."

"Alright. How many noble families are there, anyway?"

"The big three I already mentioned - they're not necessarily malicious, but they're so large you'll get dragged into some feud or another. Lost too many good men to their lure of power. Lots of minor ones - dozens and dozens. The McRaes, Bollards, Millocks, Chapuis, Jekks... too many to name 'em all, and I've been here for two decades. Politics between them, though, are just a bloody mess. Hell, you don't even know who's a blasphemer or not. Millard was one of my best gunners..."

>>1217340

"Blasphemy, sir?" you ask, curious. There were no blasphemers back home - then again, there was precious little Faith, but Naval families had their exemptions from scrutiny.

"The ruins seem to spawn the madness in people - they don't only reject the Gods and their Ministry, they find something else to worship. And not the godless Republic, either, worshiping brotherhood or something asinine like that... faith of the Kraegsk, I suppose?"

He shakes his head. "It's blasphemy, not the Republic, that's ruined the Provincial Grounds with concrete walls and watchtowers. My advice for you is to drink heavily and often. They've battered on my door so many times at night... sometimes my own men..."

As abruptly as the conversation started, the Artillery officer turns and walks away, instantly disappearing into the crowd. Captain Lussier - a useful man to know, it seems.

The lady with the ruby amulet is still lurking at the edges of your vision - with a dint of annoyance in your stride, you walk up to her. She doesn't try to hide, greeting you with a slight smile and glittering eyes.
>>
>>1217263
>Politics?
Let's start with the important one first.
>>
>>1217477
Aw great, Freakers
>>
>>1217512
freakers?
>>
>>1217532
Not zombies, those are undead that swarm. Freakers are humans/people who have gone insane or are infected with something that makes them insane and they start swarming and attacking in masse
>>
>>1217477
Voting to join faith of the Kraegsk
>>
>>1217549

Huh. Looks like we'd need to get more information about it then since I see we'll be delving into the ruins fairly often.
>>
>>1217549
I think if they aren't just your standard religious nutters driven to desperation by living in such a shitty and dangerous part of the world, then they sound more reminiscent of the cultists or even hybrid Deep Ones of certain Lovecraft works. Would certainly mesh well with the maritime setting.
>>
>>1217555
It's probably some creepy eldritch stuff, we need to be careful.
>>
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>>1217477
"Do I know you?" you ask, regarding her warily.

"Non, you are a stranger," she says calmly, her voice tinged with a slight Cultural accent. "It would be worthwhile to change that, I think."

"For who?"

"Both of us."

"You were watching me." you state flatly, drawing no objection from her.

>What's so special about me in this crowd, then?
>Then I'd rather like to avoid you, in that case. [leave]
>Your name, please? [it is not customary for gentlemen to give their name second]
>Something else?
>>
>>1217605
>>What's so special about me in this crowd, then?
>>
>>1217605
>What's so special about me in this crowd, then?
Hmmm. Now I wonder about the girl with the crosses
>>
>>1217605
>>What's so special about me in this crowd, then?
>Something else?

Where did you get this Amulet? It's absolutely lovely.
>>
>>1217605
>Something else?
Introduce ourselves and then after she presumably introduces herself, ask:
>What's so special about me in this crowd, then?

No reason we can't/shouldn't follow etiquette.
>>
>>1217605
I'll support this >>1217615
>>
>>1217605
Something is a tingling on my back about this
>>
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>>1217596
>It's probably some creepy eldritch stuff

Exactly!
>>
>>1217605
>>1217615

This.

>Introduce ourselves first in the manner of gentlemen
>>
>>1217605
“What’s so special about me in this crowd?” you ask.

"A blind man could pick you out of this crowd," she explains. "So many are going through the motions, droning on here till dark, but you've a reason to be here and a reason to leave. It shines - dressed like a common guard, compared to all this wealth, yet carrying yourself without the paranoia of a liar."

“Kind… words.” you manage to say. “I am Lieutenant Commander Reynolr Meier von Jorodaine. Of the Navy, of course.”

She takes a step back into a niche in the packed crowd, bowing. "Céleste Chapuis de Scraegsk. Sir. I welcome you to the Bay."

>Paranoia of lies?
>That’s a lovely amulet.
>I’m rather new to the Kraegsk. What’s it like here in the Bay?
>Something else?
>>
>>1217680
>>That’s a lovely amulet.
>>I’m rather new to the Kraegsk. What’s it like here in the Bay?
>>
>>1217680
>>That’s a lovely amulet.
>>
>>1217680
>That’s a lovely amulet.
>I’m rather new to the Kraegsk. What’s it like here in the Bay?
>>
>>1217680
>Paranoia of lies?
>I’m rather new to the Kraegsk. What’s it like here in the Bay?
>>
>>1217680
>>Paranoia of lies?
>>I’m rather new to the Kraegsk. What’s it like here in the Bay?
>>
>>1217680
>>That’s a lovely amulet.
>>I’m rather new to the Kraegsk. What’s it like here in the Bay?
>>
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>>1217680
"That's a lovely amulet," you say, genuinely curious. "A very fine stone."

"Yes, a fine stone. The Kraegsk is blessed with beautiful jewels - I'm sure your commanders didn't tell you that." Céleste says, smiling softly.

"No. I don't suppose anyone in the Navy thinks them useful to the war."

"Pity," she says, glancing down at her glittering amulet, running her fingers over the smooth surface of the jewel.
>>
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>>1217825
>>
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>>1217835

“Mr. Reynolr,” Céleste says, motioning to her right, “would you like to see a view of the Provincial Gardens? I would love to tell you more about the Bay, and learn more about your service - perhaps the first time I’ll ever admit that to a brutish serviceman.”

“Typically brutish,” she corrects herself, smiling.

>Follow her.
>Bid your goodbye.
>Something else?
>>
>>1217841
>>Follow her.

Why the hell not.

Also. What. >>1217835
>>
>>1217841
>>Follow her.
She's good wife material
>>
>>1217841
>>Follow her.
I like em crazy
>>
>>1217841
>Follow her.
What's the worst that could happen.
>>
>>1217841
>>Follow her.
>>
>>1217841
>Follow her.
But for the love of the Faith, check to see that our pistol is near to hand.

>Her last name is de Scraegsk,
>We're stationed in the Kraegsk
>She's insane.
>We've been warned that insanity is afoot.
>She knows things about the islands most don't.
>We've been told that there's something in the ruins that turns people insane.
I'm worried, lads.
>>
>>1217865
Embrace madness, anon.
>>
>>1217841
Follow her.

>>1217865
It'll be fine, what's the worst that can happen on a nice stroll through some gardens?
>>
>>1217865
Not completely certain about madness.

She clearly has a pretty sharp mind and in command of her faculties.

I'm not too sure what to make of that second pic scribe posted though.
>>
>>1217865
For clarification, 'de Scraegsk" is where she's from - just like Reynolr is Reynolr Meier von Jorodaine - 'Von Jorodaine' means he is from Jorodaine, his home.

>>1217865
Something in the ruins, something about the ruins - Captain Lussier wasn't specific.
>>
>>1217841
>Bid your goodbye.
>Something else?
Not now miss, i have a pressing engagement with command.

I don't like this, not at all. Something about that amulet. The stome was found on one pf the islands. Might be an artifact, she could be a freaker
>>
You walk over to the edge of the Plaza, leaning on the ornate fence.

"So," Céleste says, "Do you get the first question?"

>Ladies first.
>What's your place in the Chapuis? [your family].
>Were you born in the Kraegsk?
>What do you think of the people at this debut?
>Seems like you've had bad run-ins with Citadel officers before.
>Something else?

(sorry about the delay for a small post, something distracted me)
>>
>>1217910
>>Ladies first.
>>
>>1217910
>Something else?
"A stone like that, a girl like you- sounds like there's a story there. What is it?"
[Desire to know more INTENSIFIES]
>>
>>1217910
>Ladies first.
>>
>>1217910
>Were you born in the Kraegsk?
>>
>>1217887

Is Scraegsk closer to home or somewhere local?
>>
>>1217910
>>Were you born in the Kraegsk?
>>
>>1217927
Scraegsk might be a nearby island chain - it could also just be another way for the nobles to refer to the Kraegsk, distancing themselves from its perceived ugliness and baseness.

(Also, yay, more ties)
>>
>>1217910
>>1217936

>>Ladies first.
>>
>>1217910
>>Ladies first.
>>
>>1217936
So Reynolrs doesn't know. Ok.
>>
>>1217910
"Ladies first," you say.

"Oh, truly?" she asks. You can't tell if she has any genuine surprise. "Don't you want to extol your victories against the Republic?"

"Brag about killing fellow sailors? No." you say, and Céleste seems to regard you a little differently.

"Well, in that case... what's the biggest surprise to you, coming to the Kraegsk?" Céleste asks.

>The ruins of Astaera.
>The corruption of practically every superior I've met.
>The insanity of the Republic.
>The glory of serving the Citadel in harsh seas.
>Something else?
>>
>>1217970
>The ruins of Astaera.
>>
>>1217970
>>The corruption of practically every superior I've met.
>>
>>1217970
>The insanity of the Republic.

AUTOMATED.
FUCKING.
GUILLOTINES.
>>
>>1217984
Honestly, I don't think the Citadel will be much better. I have a suspicion they might still burn people alive
>>
>>1217977
>>1217979
>>1217984
Combining these might what happens.
>>
>>1217970
>>The ruins of Astaera.
>>
>>1217995
*might BE what happens

Jesus.
>>
>>1217991
I'd expect hangings. Always been His Majesty's choice.
>>
>>1217970
>The ruins of Astaera.
Everything else there have been hints of, the republic and corruption, but the scale of the ruins, especially from the art, Its haunting, grim and majestic at the same time. Plus its a mystery how they did so much in this hell hole.
>>
>>1217970
> Something else?
How much action we've seen. We basically stumbled into 3 battles in a week.
>>
>>1217991
To me, that's less horrifying than automating guillotines. As an engineer, thinking that someone went through and spent the time to design a mechanism to automatically raise and lower the blade isn't such a big deal. No, it's the fact that they wouldn't have stopped there. Why would you, when the same motion of a cam could also actuate a piston to slide the body and head into a charnel pit? Or, better, perhaps you could use a line drive and springs to actuate multiple guillotines with a single power source, making it more efficient. Extending blade life relies upon placing it in-between vertebrae instead of the middle of one, so there's got to be some way of ensuring that. Maybe clamp their upper bodies and place a weight-differential pressure sensor on either side of the blade's path, adjusting the bed on which they lay slightly to slide it in just the right spot.

It's the thought that would be put into such a thing, and the fact that a system to put such thoughts into action, that really unsettles me.
>>
>>1217984
this
>>
>>1218021

Or they went the other way.

Automated means that it might be piston powered. So you could possible use a blunt edge and simply Piston guillotine a person's head off using brute force without having to rely on the sharpness of the blade.

It'll also move much faster then just an engine pulling up the blade and letting gravity do the work. It'll just go up down up down like a engine cylinder and by god this image is horrifying.
>>
>>1218033
Now you get it, eh?

What about something similar to a wine corker, with five thick blades that spiral shut. A simple pressure relief valves provides the actuation. Slide the person's neck in, pressure builds because the blades are open, blades close, pressure bleeds off, springs retract the blades and the cycle starts anew. It's such an elegantly simple problem, and there are so many possible solutions...
>>
>>1218021
A semi medieval empire scares me more. I bet we still burn women at stake and draw and quarter men.
>>
>>1218045
The idea was already horrifying but i never did sit down and try to puzzle out how such a death dealing engine might have work and now its making my hair stand.
>>
>>1218063
Jesus, this entire discussion is absolutely brilliant and equally horrifying.

"A few things," you say, eliciting a groan from Céleste. "Oh, come on. The Kraegsk is an interesting place, if nothing else."

"Alright, Mr. Meier," Céleste says, motioning with her hand.

"For starters, the ruins."

"Oh, the ruins?" Céleste instantly perks up, leaning closer. "You've been to the ruins?"

"Yes - the scale of the ruins, the emptiness... it's haunting, grim, and majestic, all at the same time. I can't imagine what sort of state existed to build them - I mean, we have the name of the Astaeran Empire, but the details!."

"Must be incredible, no?" Céleste breaths. "All we have are the skeletons of buildings, picked clean, on the north of this island."

"And the corruption of my superiors -"

"I can't believe you take offense to that." Céleste smiles. "You're either naive or destined for a messy end."

"And the Republic - oh, Gods, the things I've learned about the Republic. Ever heard of guillotines?"

"Yes. Giving people quick deaths, compared to our simple nooses. Or the stakes, or everything else. Always slower than the Republic in that, it's weird that our propaganda portrays guillotines as something barbaric." Céleste says, raising an eyebrow. "What's your point?"

"They are barbaric. Automated guillotines - just imagine that. The prisoner mentioned them so casually - imagine intricate machines built for chopping peoples' heads off. What kind of system thinks and builds that?"

"One that's more obsessed with tradition than they'd like to admit..." Céleste shakes her head.

"What do you know of the Republic?" you ask.

"Oh, radio propaganda some years ago. I was going through that growing stage, thinking the Citadel was quite horrible, and wondering what the other side was like. Quite interesting how a voice can say the same thing five hundred different ways over a day."

"Aye," you say. "At least our preachers have a book of prompts for every day of the year."

"Hmph. It's not like you can remember what they said after a week, anyway."
>>
>>1218063
Take a large wheel, put it on a circular track, with a single motor in the center. Fit as many beds along the circumference of the track as you want, it literally does not matter.

I could keep going. And I'm betting that someone in the Republic has.
>>
>>1218077
"Now, I believe it's my turn to ask you a question," you say. Céleste smiles slyly, raising a single finger. "Not so fast, Reynolr. You only get one."

"One?"

"Oh, but of course!" Céleste delicately raises a hand over her smiling mouth, her eyes full of humor. "What's the fun in it if we get to know each other completely in one conversation?"

>Now that's just not fair.
>Okay. What's with that amulet around your neck?
>In that case, Céleste, perhaps I should escort you to the ball tomorrow night, so we can continue this.
>Alright, [write-in].
>Something else?
>>
>>1218101
>>Okay. What's with that amulet around your neck?
>>
>>1218101
(Messed up the formatting on the first two lines of dialogue, but I need to leave the quest very soon - fair warning.)
>>
>>1218101
>Okay. What's with that amulet around your neck?
>In that case, Céleste, perhaps I should escort you to the ball tomorrow night, so we can continue this.
Date get.
>>
>>1218101
>In that case, Céleste, perhaps I should escort you to the ball tomorrow night, so we can continue this.
But rephrase it as a question obviously.
>>
>>1218101
>>Now that's just not fair.
>>Okay. What's with that amulet around your neck?
>>
>>1218101
>Okay. What's with that amulet around your neck?
>>
>>1218101
>>In that case, Céleste, would you allow me to escort you to the ball tomorrow night?
>>
>>1218101
>Okay. What's with that amulet around your neck?
>>
"Okay. What's with the amulet around your neck?" you ask.

Céleste seems disappointed, but only for a split second. "Oh, this little thing?" she says, running a finger over the jewel, "I got it from a friend, and I liked it very much - very intricate, very beautiful, and as I said it's a Kraegsk stone."

You expect more, but she remains silent. You stand there for a minute, pondering why Céleste would be deliberately evasive about that amulet - she'd told you most of that before.

"Well, Mr. Reynolr," she says, "I suppose this where our paths seperate."

"Indeed. I have one more question, though," you say.

"Oh! Well, that's not quite polite to ignore my wishes." Céleste says with zero indignation.

"I was wondering, Céleste, if perhaps we should continue this conversation tomorrow night."

"At the ball?"

"Yes, at the ball. Partially held in my honor, you know."

"Mhm, you never told me about your victories. I can wait - I'm sure I'll listen to the story a hundred times tomorrow." Céleste says breezily.

"To clarify-"

"Yes, of course. How shall we meet?"

>At the steps to Province Plaza, at seven.
>At the entrance to the Naval Yard, at five. [relocate the Brora to the central Naval Yard].
>Something else?

(one more post, and I'm away)
>>
>>1218101
>>Okay. What's with that amulet around your neck?
>>
>>1218214
>At the steps to Province Plaza, at seven.

We can't move the ship, we planned to meet those scientists at wherever we're currently docked.
>>
>>1218214
>>At the entrance to the Naval Yard, at five. [relocate the Brora to the central Naval Yard].

It'll make meeting the scientists a pain, but it's the right thing to do.
>>
>>1218225

Yes but its not so bad.

We could send a runner to the ministry or leave a messenger to wait for them and escort them to our ship tomorrow.
>>
>>1218214
>At the steps to Province Plaza, at seven.
The docks are hardly a place to meet a noble lady.
>>
>>1218214
>At the entrance to the Naval Yard, at five. [relocate the Brora to the central Naval Yard].
>>
>>1218232
>>1218247
You can always relocate the Brora in the afternoon, after the scientists have visited in the morning - or maybe with them still onboard. Though it appears the steps to the Plaza is winning.
>>
>>1218251
Thats... a fair point actually.

Could we shift our boat to the military yard and meet at the plaza anyways?
>>
>>1218257
Shit forgot to change back my name and tripcode from another quest I posted in.

>>1218259
No reason why not.
>>
>>1218214
>>At the steps to Province Plaza, at seven.

and [Shift our ship to the Military yard after we have met the scientists tomorrow]
>>
>>1218214
>>At the steps to Province Plaza, at seven.
gotta be good to those scientists
>>
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"At the steps to this Plaza, at seven." you say, inwardly resolving to move the Brora to the Naval Yard tomorrow. "Do you think the crowds will be a problem?"

Céleste shakes her head, leaning close to you. "Non," she says softly, taking your hands in hers - something is pressed into your palm. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Reynolr Meier."

"Likewise, Céleste Chapuis..." you trail off as she abruptly turns and vanishes into the crowd.
>>
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>>1218291
You look down at the item in your palm, cold to the touch, and blink in surprise - it is the ruby amulet. Yet, you could have sworn she was still wearing hers when she had walked off...

You'd spent a long time at the debut - too late to go to the Naval Yard today. You walk back to the Brora at the tail end of the rush of released factory workers - you get an uneasy feeling as the crowds thin out, the alleys dark, the water brooding.

It's a relief when you arrive back at the Brora, and you realize you had the Astaeran pistol halfway out of its holster without realizing it.

SESSION END
>>
>>1218298
what.
>>
>>1218298
Uhhhhhhhhh.

I will withhold any assumptions for now pending further information
>>
>>1218298
Yeah if shes setting off our unconcious danger signals like that we need to stear well clear
>>
>>1218298
Thanks for playing, everyone! I realizine now we've spent a long time away from the initial attraction of Trawler Quest - actually sailing around in a trawler - and I hope that these dialogue heavy and character/exposition-driven sessions aren't turning people off. Focusing on Céleste is another quirk of the story - completely unplanned for, but now she has her own place in the rapidly developing story...

Till next time, and that discussion on automated guillotines deserves some kind of reward.

Next session will likely be tomorrow at 8, on a new thread. Good night, everyone!
>>
>>1218307

Still it is intriguing. More information required and its not like we can be blamming.

>>1218311

Thanks for running scribe. No, I think these fit in perfectly. It is a downtime inbetween patrols after all.
>>
>>1218307
The amulet is in your pocket, half-forgotten at that point - the uneasiness, you think as you climb into your bunk on the Brora, was from walking around in the empty streets of Scrap Bay at night. Definitely not a safe experience.

But really, who could say for sure?
>>
>>1218307
I don't think it was her specifically, and more of the night and the dark alleys. As well as what the artillery officer told us.

Also, shore leave should also be rescinded before nightfall
>>
>>1218311
Guillotines are painless, I still think we're more barbaric then the Reps in some case
>>
>>1218319
We did put in a curfew for shore leave. Hopefully it keeps them out of trouble.
>>
>>1218298
Sorry I missed this tonight but it looks like we did okay. I think the amulet is an Astaeran artifact, and might be the sort of thing that's been driving people crazy. We'll need to show it to the scientists when they visit.
>>
>>1218332

Honestly, it might either hold the key to stopping the madness, or send the scientists on a power trip.
>>
>>1218332
>>1218342
It would appear, though, that there are at least two amulets - you didn't even see where Céleste could have been hiding another perfectly identical one the entire time... before this thread slides off into oblivion, there's a lot more foreshadowing/hidden clues in this one than in any previous thread (or session), and the details do matter.

ARCHIVE IS UP:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Wretched%20Sea

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1205444/
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>>1218361

My mad impression right now is that the ruby stone split itself into two around >>1217825 & >>1217835
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>>1218377
I'm more concerned that it's a ruby the size of our fucking palm. In the real world we could probably buy a whole ship with this thing, and crew it to boot.
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>>1217835
>>1217841
The biggest difference is the eye change, that and in teh second image, which is the last we see until the end, she keeps her hand on the amulet
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>>1218385
Aye, nothings adding up and something of that size should never have been given as a gift on first meeting. like wth.

>>1218400

It looks like shes surprised there. Those round eyes.
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>>1215275
here
>>1215404
here
>>1217263
here
>>1217605
and here

The size of the ruby changes drastically
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>>1218409

Its also still seriously bulging out in here >>1218291

...Possible that the thing is alive.
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>>1215275
Would fit with teh splitting theroy. btw, what the fuck is up with that fave between teh officer and the lady?
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>>1215275
Also, there are two defined faces in this picture that were not described in the post. The face in the far fistance to teh right of the cross lady, and especially the face on the far right side.
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>>1218402
>>1218402

Until then, the style of eyes has remained consistent in this quest, grounded firmly in harsh reality.

>>1218409
The ruby may not be quite what it seems... is it even a ruby?

>>1218402
Must have been for a good reason.

>>1218459
Admittedly, that was a stylized noble. Nothing much there, just corruption and a sadistic streak.
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>>1215134
I also want to talk to/question that sketch artiest later if we get the chance.
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>>1218491
Wait wait wait. That's right. We've only assumed it is a ruby.

The exact wording used was "a fine stone". and she said that after Reynolr said it was a very fine stone. She further described it as a jewel. But a jewel of what?
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>>1218504

It might also be reacting to our pistol. It might be the only other artifact in the place that comes from the ruins.
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>>1218511
The size of the 'ruby' could be a physical phenomena, or a metaphor hinting at its true nature.
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>>1217680
"A blind man could pick you out of this crowd," she explains. "So many are going through the motions, droning on here till dark, but you've a reason to be here and a reason to leave. It shines - dressed like a common guard, compared to all this wealth, yet carrying yourself without the paranoia of a liar.""

She sees things, she knows things that most in her position shouldn't. Dressed like a guard, but without the paranoia of a liar.

>>1217825
>"No. I don't suppose anyone in the Navy thinks them useful to the war."
>"Pity," she says, glancing down at her glittering amulet, running her fingers over the smooth surface of the jewel.
I question why she thinks the Navy should use the storms more.
>>1217970
>Céleste seems to regard you a little differently
just something to note.
>>1218077
>"One that's more obsessed with tradition than they'd like to admit..." Céleste shakes her head.
How would she know that.
>>1218077
>"Oh, radio propaganda some years ago. I was going through that growing stage, thinking the Citadel was quite horrible, and wondering what the other side was like. Quite interesting how a voice can say the same thing five hundred different ways over a day."
So she seems to have been born and raised here, maybe not happy of the impressment of her people
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>>1215134
If the latest enemy movements are bomber attacks and navy battles, why is the army here? Are they plaaning an invasion that need army generals, or are they overseeing some operation in the north. Maybe something to do with the insane people?

It also begs teh question why the Old technologies ministry is sending scientists now. They have to be recent, as they don't know the main way to get artifacts, but the ministry already new the Scrap Bay ruins were already picked clean. Maybe the army is planning an expedition.

Also, that slip by the scientists. One of them tried a cover, but the other let slip that they are looking for residual radiation. Maybe they're looking or a lost nuclear reactor or bomb in the bay.
>>
It's probably not the most popular opinion but I feel I should voice it anyway.

We should stay away from politics for now, Let's listen to the Lt's advice and if we hear a name he mentioned let's walk on the opposite direction.

This court intrigue thing is really tiring and it will require that we do morally questionable actions just to raise or maintain some abstract standing we have in the high society, not even mentioning that it would eat up our time and get in the way of sailing, battling and exploring.

That beeing said, I like ruby lady specially because she doesn't seems interested in politics and sees the good and the bad in both the Republic and citadel, let's meet her a little better at the ball and if someday we come back here we have someone to visit.
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The ruby is a brain slug, you heard it here first. It multiplied in response to our tasty tasty brain.
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>>1218732
Its just, those eyes man. Maybe we should get the amulet looked at by the cross girl.
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>>1218559
All the ruins are built on the windward sides of the islands right? And in the first session we theorized that maybe back then there weren't the storms that there are today.

Is it possible that a general atomic war thousands of years ago changed the weather patterns of this area and resulted in the new settlements being moved to the leeward sides of the island?
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Sorry guys, fell asleep at 5 EST and woke up just now.
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>>1220996

No problem scribe. Long day?
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>>1221017
Yep, long day and terrible sleeping partially caught up to me. Currently 2:30 in the morning, doing an essay.
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>>1220996
currently working on automated guillotine concept
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>>1221353
I like your autism anon
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Work schedule is fuuuuucked for Friday and Saturday, but I'm gonna start thread no.4 at 6-7 tonight. Will continue to run it into Friday/Saturday, and probably keep it going into Sunday since updates will be late and scarce on the two previous days.
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>>1223055
New thread delayed slightly by dinner/prep drawings




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