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>Twitter: https://twitter.com/Judge_Presiding
>ask.fm: https://ask.fm/Judge_Presiding
>Last Thread: >>1699285

When last we left off, we were confronting Martinez's Monster...

Kicking down the door, Keith initiates the conflict. "Martinez! Get out here! We've got a bone to pick with you!" he growls, punching into his gloves.

On an outlandish throne of pillows, surrounded by moving golden figurines of girls in bikinis, is Martinez's Monster. He's in a stupidly expensive bathrobe and wearing enough jewelry around his neck to give any reasonable guy shoulder pains. There are over a dozen rings on his fingers, but he doesn't seem to be slowed by it in the least.

"Well, ladies, I've got to go deal with some trash..." he snarls at you. "It's you fuckers. What do you want? Was trying to upstage me at baseball not enough?"

"Come off of it," Donna snarls back. "You're not best at anything, are you? Why do you want to be number one so bad, anyways?"

"I AM THE BEST!" Martinez roars at her. "I was the best at my school at any sport I played. People adored me. I got all sorts of shit. Girls threw themselves at me. I even made my way to Olympia just on athletics alone." He waves his hands dismissively. "But no... That fucking coach wants to throw me in with you plebeians. It makes me mad, so mad I'm screwing up during practice."

He grabs an empty champagne bottle from the floor and throws it at the wall, putting a dent in the wallpaper. "I used to get whatever I wanted. But now that I'm here, I can't get fucking jack. Nobody listens to me! So now I need to be the best again, so I can finally get the appreciation I deserve."

David holds up his hand innocently, and you prepare yourself for disaster as soon as his mouth opens. "But why would anyone listen to you? You're not out for anyone but yourself." Evelake is a bit put-off by this whole situation.

"Shut up!" Martinez yells, warping in such a way that it becomes obvious he's about to transform. "All I want is for people to love me! Isn't that what everyone wants? I have these talents, so why can't I get recognition? People want to see sports, so I play sports! Who cares about some nerd behind a desk?"

"The Monster is going critical! Get ready for it to attack!" Mr. Bennett recommends.

(CONT)
>>
Martinez draws in Curses around him to create a massive swirling cloud from which he forms a giant football player. "Fuck you! Fuck you all! Ladies, you understand me! Help me kick these assholes into next week!"

Out of the dark steps Lustful Monster: Ixion, a giant hunchbacked football player who has a glowing blue burning wheel attached to him, the axle plunged into his spine.

"Outta my way or die, losers. I don't need someone like you on my path to glory."

"Ugh, talk about cliche," Donna rolls her eyes. "That's the best you could do? 'I want attention, so I'm gonna throw a bitchfit'?"

The Monster laughs wickedly. "You want interesting? FINE! Let's put on a show!"

BATTLE ENGAGED!
WARNING

>>Command? (Roll 2d10 and add modifier, * options do not take up a turn)
>Use Faust's superior psychic abilities to exploit the Monster's weak mental defenses (Proficiency +3)
>Try to identify the Monster's weak points (Knowledge +4)
>Attempt to drain the Monster's vitality slightly to restore your own (Charm +3)
>Have Faust use his claws (Courage +2)
>*Change Myth (Blackbeard(+2, +0, -1, +3), Velveteen Rabbit(+0, +0, +2, +1), Red Riding Hood(+1, 0, +3, -1), Demon in the Bottle(-1, -1, +3, +2))
>*Ask Mr. Bennett for more analysis
>*Order (Tell another person to do something specific: Current party- David, Keith, Donna)
>Flee (SEALED)
><Write-In>

As a quick reminder, stats have changed to (Proficiency, Knowledge, Charm, Courage) and are added onto your already-existing modifiers.
Faust has (+1, +2, +1, +0), this added to your baseline (+2, +2, +2, +2) gives you a current total of (+3, +4, +3, +2).
>>
Rolled 1, 9 + 3 = 13 (2d10 + 3)

>>1725757
>Use Faust's superior psychic abilities to exploit the Monster's weak mental defenses
>>
>>1725917
>Use Faust's superior psychic abilities to exploit the Monster's weak mental defenses
Concentrating, you shift into Faust before weaving a string of riddles and questions into an image of red text that encircles Ixion before clamping down on his helmet, tightening its vice grip on the monster and dealing some major damage before Martinez is able to tear it off of him.
"Don't try to make me think! Thinking won't save you from my awesome assault!"

Donna summons tiny darts of light to puncture Ixion, but the football player raises his arms to block, and they only leave scratches. Those that stick shatter when he flexes his arms.

As the Monster rears back to try and smash you, he's knocked slightly off-kilter by a blast from David's Joshua, Distracted and vengeful, Ixion reaches behind his back, takes the wheel off of its axle, and hurls it like a Frisbee, its blue glow becoming a blur as it bounces off of the spot Evelake just leaped away from and then the wall before returning to the Monster, the impact leaving a burning scar on the floor and small hole in the wall.

"Watch it!" Donna chides David, obviously scared the boy might get hurt.

Ixion replaces the wheel, and then takes a horse stance, clenching his fists and roaring at the ceiling. His apparent power grows as he crackles with nuclear fire and his throwing weapon begins spinning.
Ixion is now Enraged!

"Chill out, man!" Keith uses D'Artagnan to summon ice to fill up Ixion's facemask, but all it does is cause him to smash his head against a wall, causing the ice to fall out, and he faces you again.

(Ixion is slightly damaged, and enraged)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 and add modifier, * options do not take up a turn)
>Continue with your mental assault, wear him down (Proficiency +3)
>Exploit the Monster's anger to create an opening (Knowledge +4)
>Attempt to drain the Monster's vitality slightly to restore your own (Charm +3)
>Distract the monster from attacking anyone else (Courage +2)
>*Change Myth (Blackbeard(+2, +0, -1, +3), Velveteen Rabbit(+0, +0, +2, +1), Red Riding Hood(+1, 0, +3, -1), Demon in the Bottle(-1, -1, +3, +2))
>*Ask Mr. Bennett for more analysis
>*Order (Tell another person to do something specific: Current party- David, Keith, Donna)
>Flee (SEALED)
><Write-In>

Boss Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-adcQAMmcZc
Just kill me.
>>
Rolled 8, 8 + 4 = 20 (2d10 + 4)

>>1726079
>"Chill out, man!"
I almost didn't catch that pun. Damn you Keith!

>Exploit the Monster's anger to create an opening (Knowledge +4)
>>
Rolled 5, 3 + 4 = 12 (2d10 + 4)

>>1726156
Second
>>
Rolled 10, 10 + 4 = 24 (2d10 + 4)

>>1726091
>>Exploit the Monster's anger to create an opening (Knowledge +4)
>>
>>1726199
Nice rolls.
>>
>>1726156
>>1726163
>>1726199 (CRIT)

>Exploit the Monster's anger to create an opening

You make a disparaging comment about Martinez's athletic capacity and jock size, causing the Monster to go absolutely apeshit. Ixion lunges at you several times with its huge fists, scattering pillows, smashing bottles, and generally wreaking havoc in the room.
"WHAT DO YOU KNOW? YOU'RE JUST SOME STUCK-UP NOBODY FROM THE EAST COAST!"

However, you're just fast enough to keep out of his way and let the others wear him down while he's distracted with you. In fact, you feel better than ever, like he can't even touch you no matter how hard he tries.

Eventually, Ixion resorts to picking up half-smashed furniture and throwing it at you. "WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT YOU? WHY DO THEY LIKE YOU AND NOT ME? WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT I DON'T?" His voice changes from bold and confident to whiny and needy.

"Heads up!" Donna hurls her light darts again, and Ixion raises his arms to block them, but as soon as he tries to flex away the darts, Keith freezes the Monster's facemask again. Clawing at it, the Monster leaves himself wide open, and David braces himself before buffeting the enemy him with a massive horn blast, knocking him on his back.

Crawling to his feet, Ixion is more weepy than angry, and shatters the floorboards with a frustrated fist slammed into the ground. "WHY? WHY DO THEY LOVE YOU SO MUCH? I-I'm... I'm better than you... I have to win..."

"This is our chance!" David signals to you and grimaces. "It's up to you, Boss!"

BONUS ROUND!
>>Ixion is down! (Roll 2d10)
>Give him hell!
>Try to talk the Monster down a bit.
><Write-In>
>>
Rolled 9, 3 = 12 (2d10)

>>1726261
>Give him hell
Before talking make sure he can't fight back
>>
Rolled 7, 9 = 16 (2d10)

>>1726261
>>Give him hell!
>>
Rolled 8, 4 = 12 (2d10)

>>1726261
>Try to talk the Monster down a bit.
>It's not about being better or worse than someone! Sports are about succeeding as a team, not as an individual. If you actually tried to work with other people, then maybe someone would like you.

I'm bad at this, but power of friendship go!
>>
>>1726323

>>1726310
>>1726316 (Best Roll)
>>Give him hell!

You consider speaking to him about the cooperative nature of sports, but right now he seems too frustrated to listen to you. You decide you need to speak with your fists first, and give everyone the go-ahead to lay into him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D-QD_HIfjA

The following six seconds are a blur of action and fury, with the Monster trying and failing to respond as you swing a home run into his kneecaps with your baseball bat. Once you all have done enough melee damage, you finish it off with a hail of handgun fire, leaving Ixion to pick himself up.

Once he does, he becomes infuriated again and roars, but it's obvious your attacks took a lot out of him- He's visibly panting, the facemask is partially broken off, and his mouthguard is hanging out of his mouth.

(Ixion is seriously damaged and enraged)
>>Command? (Roll 2d10 and add modifier, * options do not take up a turn)
>Use the broken items in the area as weapons (Proficiency +3)
>Look for a way to finish the fight in a single blow (Knowledge +4)
>Try to convince him he's lost (Charm +3)
>Take him down while he's wounded (Courage +2)
>*Change Myth (Blackbeard(+2, +0, -1, +3), Velveteen Rabbit(+0, +0, +2, +1), Red Riding Hood(+1, 0, +3, -1), Demon in the Bottle(-1, -1, +3, +2))
>*Ask Mr. Bennett for more analysis
>*Order (Tell another person to do something specific: Current party- David, Keith, Donna)
>Flee (SEALED)
><Write-In>
>>
Rolled 10, 9 + 4 = 23 (2d10 + 4)

>>1726378
>>Look for a way to finish the fight in a single blow (Knowledge +4)
>>
Rolled 3, 4 + 5 = 12 (2d10 + 5)

>>1726378
>Switch myth Red Riding Hood
>Convince him he lost
>>
>>1726412
>Switch myth Red Riding Hood
>Convince him he lost
>>1726381 (Highest Roll)
>>Look for a way to finish the fight in a single blow (Knowledge +4)
The DC was 19, so I can combine these.

You consider the situation and then realize that the chandelier is large enough that, if lowered onto Ixion, could catch him like a makeshift net. It'll be difficult to draw him under the chandelier, at least until you think about how much the Monster was distracted by women. While you're not used to showing some leg and you hope you'll never have to pull a stunt like this ever again, you shift into Red Riding Hood and meekly express that Ixion is outnumbered and outmatched.

"What? Hah, you're underestimating me! Get over here and I'll show you how much of a man I really am!"
Caught up in his anger and his judgement weakened by the presence of a beautiful girl, the Monster charges you, but Keith cuts down the chandelier and it falls onto Ixion, catching one arm on either side and causing the already-unbalanced football player to collapse again. "Your pickup lines suck," Allan adds for good measure.

With the Monster down to its last legs, Mr. Bennett informs you, "One more good shot should do it!"

"Let me do this!" Donna demands, and David accepts it, satisfying himself by reducing Ixion's already weakened defenses further. Before the football player is able to struggle out of the cords and lightbulbs, Cordelia steps up and summons both light and dark javelins, and throws them both at the Monster, landing one in each of Ixion's upper thighs. Now, he is unable to move properly and collapses in exhaustion.

Glad to have dealt the final blow to the Monster, Donna withdraws a pencil and notepad from her back pocket, before scribbling something down and revealing it as a winking face with its tongue stuck out. She makes a similar expression to celebrate your victory.
EXTRA, EXTRA!
Read all about it!


Now, Ixion is helpless. "H-he... Wow, it took four of you to beat me, huh?" He tries to reconcile his defeat with his supposed superiority, but is failing horribly.

>>Dealing with the Monster
>That's why cooperation works. You should try it sometime.
>Do you really hate us that much?
>Take a reality check, dude. You're not all that and a bag of chips.
>Why do you care so much about what people think of you? Just have fun playing the game.
>I think you need to go back home to Martinez. (Devour)
><Write-In>
>>
>>1726529
>That's why cooperation works. You should try it sometime.
>Why do you care so much about what people think of you? Just have fun playing the game.
>>
>>1726529
>That's the point. Sports is not a one man show. Doesn't matter how good a player is if he can't play well with the others he's useless to the team. Get your head out of your ass and take a good long reality check maybe then you'll get people to symphatise with you.
>>
>>1726544
>>1726545
>>1726544
>>1726545
>That's why cooperation works. You should try it sometime. Sports is not a one man show. Doesn't matter how good a player is if he can't play well with the others he's useless to the team. Get your head out of your ass and take a good long reality check maybe then you'll get people to symphatise with you.
"But nobody cared about me until I stood out... And then, other guys on my team started trying to screw me over because I was making them look bad. So I decided I'd just ignore them and play for me."
>Why do you care so much about what people think of you, anyways? Just have fun playing the game.
"Because this is all I've got," Ixion admits. "I'm not smart or charming or anything like that. Sports is all I'm good at. I don't want to spend my life being a nobody!"

"Why?" Donna asks.

"What do you mean, why?" the Monster is confused.

"You obviously don't like being put on a treadmill. So why keep playing sports you hate? You're just gonna be bothered for the rest of your life by people trying to beat your records or getting you to make ads or whatever." She shrugs. "Sounds like being a 'nobody' is less stressful to you than being a great athelete."

David agrees with this. "If you're afraid of people sabatoging you, making enemies is a bad way of getting them to stop."

"Come on, dude," Keith reaches out a hand. "We're teammates. If we didn't care about you, we wouldn't have shown up to help you. We'd just let you implode on your own."

Blue light drifts off of Ixion and forms into an armored, princely figure. I am MacBeth, the prideful general. With a heart guilty of misplaced ambition, I will be Martinez's mask in this world. He shakes Keith's hand with his left hand and yours with his right.

As MacBeth blinks out of existence, Ixion loses whatever semblance of reason he had before. Dripping with black ink, he stands up with blank eyes and roars like a beast rather than a man. Reaching out with Faust, you tear the ink out of the Monster and add its strength to your own.

FAUST COURAGE 2/3 -> 3/3 LEVEL UP -> 6/7
FAUST'S COURAGE HAS INCREASED TO +1!


With the Monster defeated, Mr. Bennett comes in to survey the damage. He whistles. "Boy, some party, huh?"

>>Some party, huh.
>So how do we get to the next floor?
>Let's get the hell outta here, I'm starved.
>What happens at the party stays at the party.
>Did you try the punch? I sorta want to.
><Write-In>
>>
>>1726626
>Let's get the hell outta here, I'm starved.
>What happens at the party stays at the party.
>>
>>1726626
>Did you try the punch? I sorta want to.
>>
>>1726663
>>1726693
>Let's get the hell outta here, I'm starved.
"Alright, let's head out, then. I've got a coupon for Great Wall if you want to go there."
>What happens at the party stays at the party.
He snickers and adjusts his sunglasses. "Sure, Red."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sofia strolls in, daintily stepping over parts of the mess with a shudder. "Am I ever glad I didn't get involved with this... Dealing with the Curses on the other side of the door was bad enough."

"Indeed," Ruth adds. "I'm surprised you had that kind of electric power, Mr. Bennett. I assumed that Merlin was, well, more passive."

"I've been at this a while," your teacher shrugs. "Anyways, let's head out. I'll search out a fastest path to leave by."

>Did you try the punch? I sorta want to.

"Yeah, I know, right?" Keith nods. "What flavor do you think it is?"

"Absolutely not," Mr. Bennett becomes serious again. "Look, I have to keep myself in check as it is, I'm not drinking punch spiked by actual monsters. And neither are you."

"Okay, geez, I was just joking." Allan raises his hands. "So Great Wall it is?"

David nods. "I've never been there. I've heard it's passable."

"Wow, upfront with the honesty," Donna chuckles.

---

You find your way out, and as you ride one of the trains into Crescent City, Mr. Bennett receives a text and pulls out his phone. When he sees who's contacting him, he becomes excited and flips it open, before beginning a phone conversation in Japanese. He seems to enjoy talking to whoever is on the other end.

David stands nearby, and seems to understand the conversation, but isn't speaking about it. Ruth seems to be silently gesturing to Evelake and the phone, but the boy is having trouble understanding her meaning. The two of them look at you. Keith and Sofia are talking about classes nearby, and Donna is playing with her phone.

>>On the Train
>(to David) He's asking you what they're talking about.
>(to Ruth) No need to eavesdrop.
>(to Mr. Bennett) Is that your girlfriend?
>We should head to Sarpino's instead.
>Sit down and talk to one of the girls
><Write-In>
>>
>>1726746
>*She's asking you
And
>Speak to one of the girls or Keith
This will probably be the last question for the night. Will be back tomorrow at 9PM Central, as usual.
>>
>>1726746

>(to David) She's asking you what they're talking about.
>So you understsnd Moonspeak?

>To Keith, Donna, and David
>We never talk about Little Red. Ever.
>>
File: 1481599532584.jpg (108 KB, 499x488)
108 KB
108 KB JPG
>>1726751
I like the rework, Judge. Feels a lot more streamlined.

>>1726770
Supporting. I didn't even think about how shifting into a female Myth worked... This is my fetish.
>>
>>1726770
>>1726800
>(to David) She's asking you what they're talking about.
"Oh," Evelake blinks in realization. "Well, I don't think I'm supposed to be eavesdropping, but I'm pretty sure that's a woman from Japan he's worked with in the past. She's a little shy, but they seem to get along well. In fact, she's one of the people he can't read, which helps him relax around her. They're both computer geeks, so there's that, too." As he says her name, the train hits a bump and you're not sure what he said.

Ruth's expression gives the impression she thinks Mr. Bennett is in love with this mystery woman.

>So you understand Moonspeak?
"You mean Japanese?" David seems a little saddened you're using that term for it, but nods. "A little. The Bennetts will sometimes use it in ordinary conversation rather than English, so I learned some of it. Plus there's that woman and her friends."

>To Keith, Donna, and David
>We never talk about Little Red. Ever.
Keith fakes ignorance. "I don't know what you mean. Little Red? Who?"

"Sure. Probably... Maybe." Donna files away that incident in her mind.

On the other hand, David is actually confused. "I don't get it."

You head into Crescent City with the identity of the woman on the phone and your choice of meal in mind.


---

I'll stick around a bit to answer any more questions.

>I didn't even think about how shifting into a female Myth worked... This is my fetish.
None of the Myths are 'functional', if that's what you're thinking. He's essentially crossdressing. Which might also be your fetish.
>>
>>1726824
Bennet has good taste I see. Very good taste indeed.
>>
>>1726843
I take it you figured out who the mystery woman is?
Good, cause I'm not saying. I will do everything in my power to dance around stating the identity of any character that might count as a shout-out to Persona.
>>
OOC: Sorry for the late post, I've been dealing with a friend's problem. I've also got to step out at midnight to pick up a family member, I'll be back ASAP.
As apology for my lateness, take a one-time 4d10 best two roll.

As you enter Great Wall, you recognize a red-headed woman sitting in the corner by herself. It's Ms. Crew, the Principal's secretary. She notices you all, and greets Mr. Bennett.
"Walt?" she looks around at your group in a bit of confusion, putting her chopsticks down. "What's going on? Is this some sort of field trip?"

Mr. Bennett clears his throat. "Something like that. And it's Bennett."

"What are you doing here?" Ruth asks. "If you don't mind me asking, I mean."

Ms. Crew raises an eyebrow. "...Having dinner, of course."

Sofia has grabbed a menu by this point, and is reading it. "Well, let's find a table."

---

Everyone has ordered something, except Keith, who has ordered three things. Carollo has simply gotten spring rolls. She and Donna are arguing on something or other to do with news sites. David is simply eating and listening to Mr. Bennett and Ms. Crew chatting about classes and administrative stuff. Keith is focusing on his food, and Ruth is silently listening to everyone else talk.

>>Great Wall
>Listen in on the conversation between the teachers
>Talk to David
>Join Donna and Sofia's argument
>Keep Keith from choking on his food
>Engage Ruth in conversation
>Look to see if they have any challenges
>Just eat
><Write-In>
>>
Rolled 10, 1, 8, 8 = 27 (4d10)

>>1729130
>>Listen in on the conversation between the teachers
>>
>>1729155
You can spend it whenever you want. This isn't really a situation that calls for rolls, so I won't mark it off.
>>
Rolled 8, 8, 6, 8 = 30 (4d10)

>>1729130
>Keep Keith from choking on his food
>>
>>1729171
>You can spend it whenever you want. This isn't really a situation that calls for rolls, so I won't mark it off.
Aaaaaand ninja'd.
>>
>>1729171
Wait what? I don't get it. Do you mean us to roll now or are you giving us a free re-roll later?
>>
>>1729130
>>Look to see if they have any challenges
>>
>>1729155
>>1729177
>Listen in on the conversation between the teachers
Bennett: "Don't worry about it, they all know. Just keep it down around the staff here."
Crew: "Sure. The old group is doing fine. They're a little worried about you, though."
Bennett: "Yeah, I guess they would be. Some strange stuff is happening recently. Maybe we should get the band back together."
Crew: "I don't think it's gotten that far. How're your parents doing?"
Bennett: "They're great as always. Mom's just riding my ass about... Nah, never mind that."
Crew: "That's nice. There haven't been any troublemakers in your classes, have there?"
Bennett: "No. ...Man, sometimes it feels like I'm spending all my time at Olympia."
Crew: "You need to get out more."
Bennett: "I guess..."

>>1729177
>Keep Keith from choking on his food
You convince Keith to slow down before he asphyxiates. He swallows before beginning to talk to you. "Man, September's coming up soon, isn't it? We really are at the end of summer." After checking to see the girls are looking elsewhere, Allan whispers to you, "We need to get the girls into swimsuits somehow, before fall really starts up. Maybe we can go to a pool one weekend."

>>1729245
>Look to see if they have any challenges
They have one on the back, the Mongolian Horde.
!
It's nearly four pounds of Mongolian beef on a plateful of rice! It's worth almost thirty dollars and is set to feed four!

>>Great Wall (roll 2d10)
>Try to convince the group to go to the pool (Charm +2)
>Take up the challenge, you're no pussy (Courage +2, $30 cost if you lose)
>Focus on getting to know everyone else better
>Ask about whether you all should recruit Martinez
><Write-In>

>>1729239
It's a spendable power. If a majority vote supports its use, I'll take a re-roll with the best two dice from either roll made by an ID.
>>
Rolled 3, 8 + 2 = 13 (2d10 + 2)

>>1729279
>>Take up the challenge, you're no pussy (Courage +2, $30 cost if you lose)
>>
Rolled 7, 8 + 2 = 17 (2d10 + 2)

>>1729279
>Try to convince the group to go to the pool (Charm +2)

Roll for bikinis!
>>
>>1729302
>Take up the challenge, you're no pussy (Courage +2, $30 cost if you lose)
You start out fine. However, the more time passes, the more you grow to regret ordering this food. About halfway through, you feel like you should probably stop.

Sofia crinkles her nose. "Disgusting. Solomon, what were you thinking? I thought you were better than this."

"Hey, man's got to eat." Keith defends you, placing a hand on your shoulder. "Did you see how much ass he kicked back there?"

David considers Sofia's phrasing. "Are you disgusted that he ordered that much or that he couldn't finish it?"

Carrollo crosses her arms. "Both. At least they have carryout boxes to fix your mistake with."

>>1729307
>Try to convince the group to go to the pool (Charm +2)

Donna blinks. "Hm. I know a pool around here, but most of the people there are kids."

"We could go to a water park- I know there's a Wasserschloss nearby." Ruth suggests, and pointedly looks at Mr. Bennett, who shakes his head.

"No dice. I'm your teacher, not your guardian. You want to go to a water park, get someone else to drive you."

"There's a bus," Evelake adds while finishing up his meal. "We could pay fare for it, if we get the timing right."

"How do you know that?" Sofia asks. "I didn't pack a swimsuit, so I'll have to buy a new one."

"I memorized the bus routes, in case Mr. Bennett couldn't drive me." David states.

Allan shakes his head incredulously. "Dude, I live here and I haven't memorized the bus routes."

It seems everyone liked your idea.

(Your Charm has increased moderately!)

You stare at your plate. You're halfway done, but it's not enough. You know your Courage will increase regardless, but still... Thirty dollars.
Your stomach is queasy. If you push yourself and fail, this is gonna suck.

>>Mongolian Horde Challenge
>Pack it in and head back to Olympia (Pay $30)
>PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT (Spend reroll)
><Write-In>
>>
>>1729403
>Pack it in and head back to Olympia (Pay $30)

As much as I would like to kick reason to the curb and go beyond, I think this is one of those situations where we must accept defeat with grace. We'll conquer the Horde next time for sure.
>>
>>1729426
By the way, are there fortune cookies at this restaurant? It'd bw interesting to see what everybody gets.
>>
>>1729447
>Pack it in and head back to Olympia (Pay $30)
>$220.00 - 30.00 = $190.00
Ultimately, you admit defeat. Mr. Bennett sees how tired you are and states, "Sucks, but I'm going to send the bounty for tonight out tomorrow. Let's head back."

>By the way, are there fortune cookies at this restaurant?
Yes, there are.
>Solomon: Aim high. Time flies.
>Sofia: Before trying to please others, think of what makes you happy.
>Keith: Nothing in the world is accomplished without passion.
>David: There are big changes ahead for you. They will be good ones!
>Ruth: Luck sometimes visits a fool, but it never sits down with him.
>Donna: The secret of staying young is good health and lying about your age.
>Bennett: You will soon emerge victorious from the maze you've been traveling in.
>Crew: Your secret desire to completely change your life will manifest.

When you get back to your room, you almost throw up, but manage to keep it together.
You remember that you have bypassed the security and thus have free reign of the Internet after midnight.

In the back of your mind, you remember that there is a convention on the 8th of September, and that there are tests the week after that. The next two weeks will mostly be a blur, but you'll be able to spend some time with your teammates and get to know Martinez better if you wish.

You may even be able to recruit Martinez...

>>Late Night
>Starcraft marathon time
>Read something online
>Sneak out to meet up with <Write-In>
>Send an e-mail to <Write-In>
>Browse the image board Anonymouse
>Study proactively
>Decide what you're going to do for the convention
>Fall asleep (Return to the Laboratory)
>Fall asleep (Go to the next day)
><Write-In>
>>
>>1729530
>Browse the image board Anonymouse
>Decide what you're going to do for the convention
>Fall asleep (Return to the Laboratory)
>>
>>1729543
>Browse the image board Anonymouse

>Anon: HOLY SHIT THEY'RE ANNOUNCING A NEW FEATHERMAN AT THE CONVENTION GET HYPE
>Anon: sauce
>Anon: Phoenix Ranger Featherman Mystic? What the hell does that mean?
>Anon: I think they're suppose to get spooky powers and shit.
>Anon: sauce
>Anon: Like fucking wizards?
>Anon: >Wizard Phoenix Rangers >Ever
>Anon: SAUCE
>Anon: fuck off we're not here to spoonfeed you
>Anon: getting fucking lazy is what they are

>Decide what you're going to do for the convention
You remember that you're a little short on cosplay equipment, but if you spend the time and money making it you'll have less to spend on the convention. Plus the waterpark trip... You'll have to be careful. Still, given you're going to get your bounty, you could probably pretend to be someone generic easily, or stand out in a more obscure (and expensive) outfit.
>Fall asleep (Return to the Laboratory)
You decide to head to sleep as soon as you've figured out how you're going to go to the convention.

>>Convention preparations
>Cosplay as someone easy to recognize, like a Phoenix Ranger (Less expensive)
>Cosplay as an obscure favorite of yours, like your favorite character from Seal of Flames (More Expensive)
>Cosplay is for chumps, save your money for buying stuff there
>Budget money for the convention, but save most of it for the waterpark and like.
><Write-In>

Gonna have to go now to pick up a family member, will reply when I get back.
>>
>>1729611
>>Cosplay as someone easy to recognize, like a Phoenix Ranger (Less expensive)
>>
>>1729611
>Cosplay is for chumps, save your money for buying stuff there
>>
>>1729657
>>1729695
Little bit of a split vote here, let's kick that can down the road.

You return to the Laboratory, and you are surprised to note that MacBeth is here as well, standing in one of the corners.
"I owe you greatly." the general bows slightly at the waist to you.

"Welcome back," Faust states. "Let us begin."

>>Laboratory
>Transmutation (Turn items into Myths)
>Summoning (Tribute money to gain new Myths)
>Sacrifice (Turn one or more Myths into a new Myth)
>Empower (Sacrifice items or Myths to strengthen a Myth)
>Devour (Faust devours a held Myth to gain its power and produce an item from its remains)
>Fall asleep in the chair (Leave and wake up the next day)
>Speak to MacBeth
>Review currently held Myths and items
><Write-In>
>>
>>1729785
>Speak to MacBeth
>So... Why are you here?
>How's Marrinez doing?

>Transmutation (Turn items into Myths)
>>
>>1729831
Supporting.
>>
>>1729831
>>1729841
>Speak to MacBeth
>So... Why are you here?
"I am here because Martinez has not awakened to his potential in the same way you and your companions have."
>How's Marrinez doing?
"He is reconsidering his true motivations for playing sports." Pausing, the armored Myth addresses you again. "I offer you a choice. You may come across more suitable allies for these escapades later in your journey, so I will not take offense to Martinez being passed over as an ally for this Babylon journey, and grant you my power. He has enough in his life before this. If you recruit him, however, I will become to him as Faust is to you."
He also hands you something.
"Take this, a long-lost trophy of his. Return it to him, and he will realize his power. Transmute it, and I shall answer to you."

(Got Martinez's Middle School Football Trophy)

You will not have to fear sacrificing MacBeth if he joins your set of Myths, as you will be able to re-summon him as normal. However, this will bar Martinez from entering your party, leaving you additional space if you come across a more suitable party member.


>Transmutation (Turn items into Myths)
Faust prepares his beakers and turns up the heat in the small pit he uses to burn or melt the items he transmutes. "What shall we use?"
>Martinez's Middle School Football Trophy
>Memento Baseball Bat
>Fortune cookie fortune
>Small hand bell
>Silver dog whistle
>Holy Water
>Liquid Courage
>Some combination of the above
><Write-In>
>>
>>1729884
This is the last question of the night. I should be back at ~ 9PM central tomorrow.
>>
>>1729884
>Martinez's Middle School Football Trophy

>Any nicknames you like? Because, you know, the Scottish Play...

>Some combination of the above
>>Holy Water
>>Liquid Courage
>>
>>1729947
Supporting this.
>>
>>1729947
>>1730687
>Martinez's Middle School Football Trophy

>Any nicknames you like? Because, you know, the Scottish Play...
"'General' will suffice."

By melting down the trophy, the General flashes brightly before joining your service.
"Treacherous as I may be, I am powerful in battle. No man of woman born may slay me. I am part of you..."
(Gained the General!
Race: Hero
Proficiency/Knowledge/Charm/Courage: +3/-1/+0/+3 (Screwed this up in last thread, this is the order it should be))

>Some combination of the above
>>Holy Water
>>Liquid Courage

"Stand aside."
Faust swirls the liquids together and then pours it out in the summoning circle. From it rises a slightly rotund and jovial monk carrying a staff.
"So you want my help? I always love a good drink. I am the monk who seeks justice before God rather than man. I am part of you..."
(Gained Friar Tuck!
Race: Rebel
Proficiency/Knowledge/Charm/Courage: +1/+1/+0/+2)


"What now?" Faust asks.

>>Laboratory
>Transmutation (Turn items into Myths)
>Summoning (Tribute money to gain new Myths)
>Sacrifice (Turn one or more Myths into a new Myth)
>Empower (Sacrifice items or Myths to strengthen a Myth)
>Devour (Faust devours a held Myth to gain its power and produce an item from its remains)
>Fall asleep in the chair (Leave and wake up the next day)
>Review currently held Myths and items
><Write-In>
>>
>>1731879
>Fall asleep in the chair (Leave and wake up the next day)
A Robin Hood characer, huh? Not bad at all.
>>
>>1731879
>Fall asleep in the chair (Leave and wake up the next day)
>>
>>1731934
>>1731937
The remainder of the week passes by quickly as you all make preparations to go to Wasserschloss this weekend.
Wednesday, August 29th
Sofia tries to keep your mind off of the fact that she's buying a swimsuit for the occasion, and you spend your time at Black Cover without any incident. You get coffee with her afterwards.
Thursday, August 30th
It teases rain, but ultimately nothing. You work your asses off, thankful for cloud cover. Martinez is slightly more patient and less bitchy. You're not sure yet, but this looks like it's going to be a long-term change for the better.
Friday, August 31th
It rains, and you try not to fall asleep in class. You hope it clears up in time for the trip.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk
MORNING Saturday September 1st (Weather: Slightly Cloudy. Forecast for tomorrow: Sunny.)
It's finally back to the weekend, and while it could be possible to go to Wasserschloss today (in fact, it might be easier due to yesterday's rain) you're not sure your time wouldn't be better spent elsewhere.

>>Saturday Morning Business
>Meet up with someone <Write-In>
>Head into Crescent City <Write-In>
>Slack off and play Starcraft
>Talk to someone else about going to Wasserschloss
>Walk around the school to find out if there's something going on
>Take some time in the morning to buy something from a school store
>Buy a snack/drink from one of the vending machines
>Try to get to breakfast early and see if they have anything special today
><Write-In>

OOC: Kept getting interrupted, should be faster from here on out.
>>
>>1732107
>>Walk around the school to find out if there's something going on
>>Talk to someone else about going to Wasserschloss
>>
>>1732107
>Meet up with someone
Hey there Sofia.
>>
>>1732138
>>1732155
>Walk around the school to find out if there's something going on
There's a dodgeball tournament at night, with groups of five called to participate in pickup games. The winning team apparently gets a boombox. You take one of the flyers and consider joining up.

>Talk to someone else about going to Wasserschloss
>Meet up with someone <Sofia>
"Oh," Carrollo notes as you approach. She's in casual wear, including beach shorts. "So you want to go too? It's a bit cloudy out, so I'm not sure if we're going to be able to get a full day in. It might start raining, which might cause the park to close if thunder strikes." Looking at her phone, she stares at the weather and shakes her head. "I really hope it doesn't rain."

>>I really hope it doesn't rain.
>So what's the new swimsuit look like?
>Do we have a backup plan if it rains?
>Hey, I like the rain.
>Let's go tomorrow, it should be sunny then. We can just relax today.
>Is anyone else ready, or just us?
>Hey, there's a dodgeball tournament later today.
><Write-In>
>>
>>1732223
>Do we have a backup plan if it rains?
>Is anyone else ready, or just us?
>Hey, there's a dodgeball tournament later today.
>>
>>1732223
>>Do we have a backup plan if it rains?
>Is anyone else ready, or just us?
>>
>>1732312
Second
>>
>>1732280
>>1732312
>>1732336
>Do we have a backup plan if it rains?
She thinks. "Well, I suppose we could stop by my family's house. We haven't been there since the summer before this one, so it should be clean. My father is responsible enough to lock anything up that might be worth taking or harmful. There's no pool, but it's comfortable enough."

>Is anyone else ready, or just us?
"I think David said he was ready."

Sure enough, Evelake appears in a swimsuit and swim shirt, both in digital blue camouflage. He bobs back and forth with a small bag to hold his towel and other assorted items, and you note that he's wearing sandals... and socks.
"This is the only swimsuit set I own. I don't really swim a lot, but I can."

>Hey, there's a dodgeball tournament later today.
"Pass," Carrollo shrugs. "I've never been that great at athletic events."

"Sounds cool," your underclassman says eagerly. "Keith should be showing up, and Ruth. Donna..."

Price appears in oversized triangular orange sunglasses, with a white shirt, black bikini top, and black swim shorts. "'Sup."

"You look garish," Sofia declares. "Those sunglasses look like something a child might wear."

"Screw you too," Donna adjusts them. She almost looks like a boy, given she has little in the way of a chest. "Where's Ruth and Meathead?"

Keith and Ruth soon show up. Keith isn't wearing a shirt, and Ruth is only wearing a thin red shirt over her similarly red bikini.
"It seems we're all here, except for Mr. Bennett," Florez states, then looks at David's feet and glares at him. "Let's head out, shall we?"

---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFMluLWX0vo

You all end up spending the entrance fee ($40), and Evelake stares at the park as if he were entering Santa's workshop. "There's so much to do here."

"Not really, most of it is slides." Donna says. "But most of them are really good. Like the Cobra Hood." She points to a slide where the rider is launched from the bottom of one side after riding down the main pipe and slides across the 'hood' to the other end. There are several other slides, like the Shining Armor, which has a clear top, and the Monster, which is deliberately dark.

Keith notes the location and prices of the food stands, and your group sets down their items in a group to prevent them from being stolen.

>>Wasserschloss
>Join Donna and Sofia riding the lazy river water tubes
>Join David on one of the large slides
>Join Keith on the surfboarding machine
>Join Ruth in the wave pool
>Invite someone to ride the Cobra Hood with you
>Look for something else
>Check the weather
><Write-In>
>>
>>1732374
>>Join Ruth in the wave pool
operation babe hunt when?
>>
>>1732407
That's what the write-in is for.
>>NEW OPTION: OPERATION BABE HUNT
>YES
>Nah
>>
>>1732413
>YES
What would a Persona-inspired quest be without one
>>
>>1732413
Do you even need to ask
>No
Just kidding
>YES YES YES
>>
>>1732407
>>1732420
>>1732457
>OPERATION BABE HUNT

"Operation WHAT?" Keith asks. "Dude, you know I'm no good with women."

"Don't worry. You may be dead weight, but there are three of us," David states confidently. "Solomon and I will do our best to make up for your lacking sex appeal."

Keith is stunned and narrows his eyes at the short boy, trying to judge the intent of this statement. "David, you can really be an asshole when you want to be, you know that?"

"Okay." Evelake turns to you. "Initiating Operation Babe Hunt." He becomes very serious and asks you, "Orders, Boss?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrZgGI74hXg
>>OPERATION BABE HUNT GO
>Group of relaxing high school girls
>Trio of beautiful late-twenties women
>Girls unsuccessfully sunbathing
>Girls at a food stand
>I'm looking for a particular kind of girl... <Write-In>
>Call off the hunt
><Write-In>
>>
>>1732470
>Girls at a food stand
>>
>>1732509
Second
If it fails we can get food
>>
>>1732509
>>1732531
>Girls at a food stand
>If it fails we can get food.

"My kinda thinking," Keith rubs his hands together.

The women at the food stands are mostly eating burgers and fries. Keith looks at you for a method of approach. "Not easy to start up a conversation with food in your mouth. Got it in you, man?"

He prepares to buy a hamburger of his own. "If we get something to eat we'll look less suspicious. And I'm sorta hungry anyways."

David asks him, "Aren't you not supposed to eat and swim?"

"That's a myth," Allan shakes his head. "It'll give you stomach cramps if you push yourself, sure, but it's not gonna drown you." He focuses back on the operation. "I say we just let the conversation happen naturally."

There's a decorative rowboat nearby.

>>OPERATION BABE HUNT (Roll Charm (2d10+2))
>Let the conversation occur naturally (Easy)
>Directly ask them what's the best ride here (Medium)
>Act like David is your younger brother and use that as a conversation starter (Medium)
>The man your man could be routine (Hard)
>Make a seductive pose in the rowboat (Dante Must Die)
><Write-In>

One or two more questions until next week.
Take +1 on your roll if you post a cheesy pickup line with. Cheesiest pickup line gets their pick of a writing prompt.
>>
Rolled 10, 3 + 3 = 16 (2d10 + 3)

>>1732559
>Act like David is your younger brother and use that as a conversation starter (Medium)
>Hey, I lost my number, could I have yours?
>>
Rolled 1, 9 + 3 = 13 (2d10 + 3)

>>1732559
>The man your man could be routine (Hard)
>Is your eye a maze girl because I'm lost in it
Don't judge you did say cheesy
>>
>>1732578
I don't mind failing won't be a persona game without it
>>
>>1732568
>>1732578
>Act like David is your younger brother and use that as a conversation starter (Medium)
"What?" David is a bit alarmed by this plan, but it could easily work. He's obviously shorter and younger than you, and you could use his newness to Crescent City and life outside homeschooling in general to plead for help getting to know Wasserschloss. And them, if all goes well.

When you sit down with the two other boys and the four girls at the table, you mention to them offhandedly how you and David are new to Crescent City and David has never been to a waterpark like this before. The girls are shocked.

"What? Never?" One of them shakes her head. "Well, you've got to ride the Monster at least once."

"Aw, he's blushing!" one of them whispers to the girl beside her, and giggles. Evelake is indeed blushing, and a bit overwhelmed by the focus being put on him.

"You know what, after we're done eating, we should go to the slides as a group. The tubes seat two to a ride." It's obvious that the idea is to pair up the girls with you all, but David thinks about something. "Maybe I should ride alone. I'm heaver than I look, after all."

Keith glares at him while the girls aren't looking to prevent him from ruining the momentum. "You sure, man? I mean, it would probably be best to have someone with you on the first ride. And none of these girls are that heavy, anyways."

"Heavier than he looks?" One of the girls asks you. "What does that mean?"

>>What does that mean?
>He's had surgery.
>Muscle weighs more than fat, of course.
>He's just being self-conscious.
>He's big-boned, which ironically means he's thinner. Look it up.
><Write-In>

>>1732578
And the lamest pickup line goes to...
>>
>>1732641
>Muscle weighs more than fat, of course.
>>
>>1732641
>He's carrying the weight of his dark past on his shoulders...
Chicks dig mysterious.
>>
>>1732659
>>1732672
Waiting on a tiebreaker.
If another doesn't show up I'll continue from there next week.

I'll stick around to answer any other questions regardless.
>>
>>1732641
>>Muscle weighs more than fat, of course.
>>
>>1732641
>He uhh got into an accident a few years back and the doctors need to put metal plates in his bone.
The pity cards man
>>
>>1732641


Actually >>1732672 sounds way better, switching.
>>
>>1732672
>>1733081

>>1733057
>>1733314
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn3eC0NThY0
>He's carrying the weight of his dark past on his shoulders...

David looks at you with an unimpressed expression. "It's not that dark."

This provokes the babes to stare at him until he explains, so he does. "I don't remember anything before six years ago, so I had to get home-schooled to catch up on school."

All of the girls are shocked to hear this. Some of them even seem unsure whether they should feel sorry for him or not. "What? Seriously?"
"Really? I thought amnesia like that was only a thing in movies!"

David tries to calm them down. "Like I said, it's not that dark. I suppose I should be sad about it, but..." he looks up hopefully. "I'm just happy I can make new memories, I guess."

Keith seems happy that Evelake is taking such a view towards his past. "Yeah, that's why we came here. I'll show you all around Crescent City as much as you guys want."

Sitting around this table, you realize that this is helping you learn more about Crescent City as well. You're almost as much of a newcomer as David.

(Your bond with the Explorer increased to Rank 2!)
(Whenever you visit a new location, one of your social stats will increase moderately!)


With that cheery change in tone, the girls invite you all towards the water slide. However, David is caught up in a moment of wistful remembrance before he follows you.

---
Sorry about that, I got held up by yet another family obligation.
I'll get the updated social stats and Camraderie powers set up. If anyone's still here I'll answer some questions.

Archived!
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1725757/
>>
Which reminds me, I owe >>1732583 a writing prompt. Let's have it.
>>
>>1735676
Sorry, I was asleep.
So I get a writing prompt of my choice?
>>
>>1736820
That's the idea. Don't make it too extensive If it contains spoilers I'll do my best to not include them. I'm also not writing smut because this isn't a smut quest.
Something like the Guys Go Bowling stuff I posted before.
>>
>>1736871
Let's see, how about some flashbacks episode. Solomon's relationship with Irene. How it started and develop right to the point Read got the letter (maybe include some tibdit about why and how he got in Olympia) all in Read's perspective his thoughts, true feeling, regret (if he feels any). I think it's cool that you would want us to ultimately decide Solomon's character but I say that the QM should also have a significant part in it because it's the coolest thing when voters and QM shares the same vision on the MC's character.
>>
>>1736871
Ooh snap, I'm on a trip so my ID changed. I'd understand if chose to ignore this
>>
>>1738984
>>1738992
Prompt accepted. I'll get that up ASAP, I'm doing some other stuff at the moment.




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