>>1770503
Thank God. I thought you died or something.

File: 1379132506773.jpg (18 KB, 401x400)

18 KB JPG

>>1770518
Same.

>>1770503

Dam StoryT you gave me a scare.

File: ArtificerQuest_Badlands.png (2.99 MB, 1920x1080)

2.99 MB PNG

>>1770503

[PART 1]

We began our journey in the Badlands, a neutral buffer zone between the Western and Eastern Territories that was just too shit for either side to properly claim. After dealing with some minor engine troubles, our Hero John left the ramshack transport, and his asshole 'boss', behind for the town of Bo Shan, a small trade center compmostly of Easterners and some of mixed blood. Finding the local bar, meeting/flirting with the elf owner, repairing some lanterns for a man called Goo Hwi, and then ending the night helping the bar owner Sierra clean up after a drunk group of guards trashed the place all quickly happened in sequence. John and Sierra swapped stories before heading to sleep.

The next morning resulted in a quick shopping trip and trip to a newly found Ruin to explore it.

Too bad 'Jun' was a bandit.

File: ArtificerQuest_Westmire.png (295 KB, 738x297)

295 KB PNG

>>1770608

[PART 2]

After a short introduction, and unsuccessful negotiation, John and the group of bandits made their way into the Ruin. Some extremely lackluster loot was found, Mooks were Hyper-competent, a Toolbox was spotted, and a large main chamber was found.

Through sheer accident, John noticed that there was something drawn out on the floor of the room. Quick investigation and deduction told him that there was a Rune of sorts; one that nearly took up the entirety of the room. Aside from warning the bandits of it, John was unable to gather anymore information on it as a team of Elite Guards suddenly arrived in the chamber.

Their leader made things quite clear: "Kill 'em all".

Thinking fast, our Hero ducked behind a crate in a corner and watched the two highly trained teams of combatants lay into one another. The stalemate lasted seconds, as a quick turn of events killed one bandit; on top of the Rune.

Blood Magic surged, the fighting stopped, and everything exploded, covering the entire room in Blight. John suffered a PTSD-induced knockout, reliving his narrow escape from his doomed home city of Westmire, and woke up to find that the ancient bioweapon had already overtaken the Ruin.

Sprinting back to the town, John managed to warn Sierra of what was coming a few precious seconds before the Blight hit the outer perimeter. Belongings were grabbed, a robber's jaw was shattered, and the two made their escape to the residence of Goo Hwi.

A lightning fast funeral pyre was held, and the three began to leave. Nearly dead on his feet, John's instincts still managed to prevent an ambush by the Blight Corrupted beings that were once the Bandit Leader, 'Jun', and one of the Elite Guards from becoming deadly.

John went toe to toe with the Leader, with Sierra acting as support, long enough for Goo Hwi to take out the other two and assist you in decapitating the Bandit.

John promptly succumbed to Exhaustion, Mana Depletion, and Shock.

File: John_TakesaNap.png (162 KB, 731x241)

162 KB PNG

>>1770641

[PART 3]

Waking up from a minor coma, John had a few words with Goo Hwi about the abysmal state of his body. Aside from that, he learned that the Blight that overtook Bo Shan was already in the process of being cordoned off, at least as much as possible, that they were heading for a city known as Shirahoro, and that picking up that Toolbox was a good idea.

A very good idea.

After waking up again after passing out from laughter, John went over what happened at the Ruins with Sierra, leaving out his episode, and the two enjoyed some quiet under the stars.

>>1770573
Plot Twist!!! He's actually a ghost

>>1770659

[PART 4]

The journey to Shirahoro continued, some Disassembling took place and a quick bath in a nearby river was had before Sierra contacted John about getting them a faster ride to the city.

What a shitshow that ride has turned out to be. It started out as a nice enough gig, working as a Magitech Technician to a train whose Head Engineer couldn't get anything more advanced than a Steam Engine to work properly. Things promptly nosedived as Sierra informed you that they were all running security for the Owner who believed that the Genovese Crime Syndicate was aiming to kidnap both himself and his family during the trip; the same mafia John used to work for.

Things got worse as a bit of maintenance work on a malfunctioning AC unit revealed that someone had set up datalinks on the maintenance node that allowed the user to backdoor into the manual local overrides. Over the course of the next two or so hours, John removed one from each of the carriage's maintenance nodes.

Walking back to the workshop with the first datalink in hand, John noted the groups of security guards now stationed along the train.

Back at the workshop, a bit of poking about allowed John to follow the data trail from the device back to the central computer. He accidentally overheard a comm call, in which four mercenaries by the names of Rider, Dozer, Bishop, and Creep went over a general outline of your group, made plans to take out yourself and Goo Hwi, and then declared radio silence until 0900 the next morning, when they would attempt the kidnapping.

[1/2]

File: Gambino_AManYouCanTrust.png (203 KB, 343x393)

203 KB PNG

>>1770702

[2/2]

Giving himself a moment to loath in self pity, John checked the files on the hardware of the datalink, did a bit of deduction as to what would happen in the coming hours, and then threw together a rather... saucy... plan to get Sierra in on what was happening.

Along the way to First Class, you had a quick run in with Creep, whose bloodlust was slightly worrisome. After a quick explanation to the guards blocking your way, you stopped by the maintenance node, removed the datalink, and did a quick scan to make sure the room was secure for your... rendezvous. Everything looked clear, after removing the datalink, and you went out to find Sierra.

You found her in an office, along with Goo Hwi and the Owner of Gambino Railways.
> pic related

A quick handshake was had, some bad nostalgia was experienced, and you beat feet out of the room with Sierra in tow.

The two made it to the maintenance closet, a quick lump of information was exchanged, and a half-assed attempt to make it look like you two were just making out was had.

A sandwich was grabbed while walking through the meal car, some slightly suspicious guards were spoken to, and John made it back to the workshop. A bit of digging around the merc's central computer turned up some potential blackmail material. Oh, and the man ordering the deaths of yourself and your party was none other than Gambino himself.

Joy.

>>1770731
He seems nice.

File: S9womLu.gif (4.16 MB, 533x300)

4.16 MB GIF

>>1770736

>>1770731

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 5 START]

It's about 3:30 pm at this point. You're in the workshop, trying to think of something to do now that you know that there's still a team of four mercs, now supported by the security guards, gunning for you and your party.

Now what?
> Dismantle one of the Datalinks (You have 7)
> Talk to Naofumi
> Go check on the Main Terminal
> Leave the workshop (Go Where?)
> Other

>>1770741

Ah, good olde Pacific Rim. Nothing more cathartic than some Mech vs Kaiju action.

>>1770736

He is 'AManYouCanTrust' after all

>>1770700
>>1770573
>>1770518

I can only hope the afterlife has internet connection.

>>1770736
Yeah he just wants us dead now. Because he can't stop thinking in our callanous hands touching Sierra or he doesn't like man with a workers hand.

>>1770744
>> Other
Can we upgrade the gauntlet?

>>1770744
> Dismantle one of the Datalinks (You have 7)

>>1770754

You currently have the 7 Custom-made Datalinks. Though, you really haven't worked much with them. Perhaps if you had a better understanding of them you could think of something to make...

>>1770754
I want to disect that datalink and see if it can be usefull to us. Maybe we get a way to hack into other parts with those datalinks using our glove? Maybe their parts can be used for something else?

>>1770744
>> Dismantle one of the Datalinks (You have 7)

>>1770744
>> Other

Set up our gauntlet with a taser fist function.

>>1770774
This

>>1770757
>>1770769
>>1770771

Time to start picking things apart.

Writin'

>>1770774
This is more or less what I wanted to make. Self-defense function.
>>1770767
If that's the only way we can mod the gauntlet right now, then let's go with it. Nothing lying around the workshop either?

>>1770744

You've got a lot of Datalinks to work with, so first things first you should try to get a better understanding of what you're working with.

So you grab your tools and get to work.

> Roll me three 1d100+7's

Rolled 30 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>1770789
WITNESS ME

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>1770789

Rolled 98 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>1770789

>>1770788
>>1770782
>>1770774

This will be happening next, don't worry.

Rolled 60 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>1770789
>>1770789

>>1770792
Fuck.
>>1770794
Thanks, namefag.

>>1770794

105, Outstanding Success

Writin'

>>1770794
fuck yeah!! We know so much about it it's almost like we have build it ourselfs.

When are we getting our pirate qts?

>>1770805
When we kill the fat man and reach the port town?

>>1770805
What about all the other qts? The elves, dwarves, centaurs, golems, and Exo suit qts?

>>1770789

Using your screwdriver, you have the datalink opened up and spread out on the table in seconds. Something catches your eye immediately and you pull it closer to you to take a look.

There's a Genovese logo on one of the chips. It stares at you and you have to take a second to think about it. At the surface, this makes things look like the Genovese are behind things.

So you think about what they would do if they were and you can't make it work. Sure, they weren't exactly the best syndicate when it came to Magitech, but if they were going to try something like kidnapping a major competitor, they'd send in a team of their best guys to do it.

And you know from experience that they wouldn't make a rookie mistake like forgetting to file away company logos. They also wouldn't be a random, free-lance mercenary team, so the contract wouldn't be renegotiated mid-mission. Plus, they'd probably have Dutch on board and you definitely didn't recognize his voice from the transmissions...

In a bit over a minute, you've got the datalink disassembled, and you did it in a way that you didn't even have to break anything. You still feel like this whole situation stinks, but at least you have something to go on.

You have obtained:
> An intimate understanding of how Datalinks work!
> You now have a permanent increase to your skill bonus while using the Maintenance, Modify, and Repair skills while working with Datalinks!

This barely took you any time at all, it's not even 3:35 yet.

Now what?:
> Modify your Gauntlet
> Talk to Naofumi
> Check the Main Terminal
> Leave the workshop (go where?)
> Other

>>1770867
> Modify your Gauntlet
Time to update our Gauntlet using our knowledge

>>1770867


>Modify your Gauntlet

>>1770867
>Modify the gauntlet

>>1770867
> Modify your Gauntlet

Shock gaunlet. Also yeah someone is trying to incriminate our old palls. So it's a attemp to make the Genovesse look guilty and start some kind of turf war?

I fucking hate trains...

>>1770867
>> Modify your Gauntlet

>>1770892
Well if we took all the data links than there's nothing implicating them to the crime. Right?

>>1770874
>>1770879
>>1770891
>>1770892
>>1770899

Time to get to upgrading.

Writin'

>>1770900

Removing the datalinks has disabled their backdoor into the train's systems. However, who knows if they have anything else they'll use to incriminate the Genovese family.

>>1770900
Yes and if the fat man discovered we took it out that migth be the reason why he want us dead.

>>1770917
Nah, He's just jealous of our MANLY hands. We're too stealthy to get caught by some fat muckity muck.

>>1770867

You've got plenty of material to work with, mostly the datalink that you just pulled apart that still kinda works.

The impending doom of tomorrow morning strikes your mind, and you'd like to create something for self defense. Sierra's hand taser spell comes to mind, so you take a look around at what's in stock in the workshop. Unfortunately, you'll need a stronger power source and some way of rigging up an output for the actual taser portion of the device.

> You cannot create a Magitech Knuckle Taser at this time!
> Missing items: Magitech Power Source Medium Grade, Taser Head!

Perhaps someone on the train has a physical Taser that you could break down and modify.

Anyways, you turn to the parts of the datalink and decide to upgrade your Gauntlet with what you can for now.

> Roll me three 1d100+22's

Rolled 65 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>1770936
SATAN

Rolled 43 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>1770936

Rolled 58 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>1770936
DEUS VULT

Rolled 3 + 22 (1d100 + 22)

>>1770936

>>1770941

87, Great Success

>>1770961
Let me guess, a hidden blade?

Note to self:
Acquire the itens above in the next town.

> Missing items: Magitech Power Source Medium Grade, Taser Head!

>>1770936

It takes you a bit, but after popping open the touch screen you have already and making some room, you manage to wire up the datalink into your Gauntlet without simply strapping the thing to the side of it.

> You can now access the datalink, and the limited portion of the mercenary's central computer, from anywhere on the train!
> Your Touch Screen's in built power conduit is now Full! If you wish to install more electronic modifications to the Gauntlet, you will need to increase the power source!

Now what?
> Access the datalink
> Talk to Naofumi
> Go check the Main Terminal
> Leave the workshop (go where?)
> Other

>>1770976

How would you build a hidden blade out of superconductors, wiring, and plastic?

>>1771032
>> Access the datalink

>>1771032
We have our dagger woth us can't we just pull the handle out and attach the blade to our underarm?

>>1771032
> Access the datalink

>>1771032
>Access the datalink

>>1771048
Doesn't sound very hidden, or convenient.

>>1771032
>Access the datalink

>>1771038
>>1771051
>>1771055
>>1771056

Time to test it out.

Writin'

>>1771048
>>1771055 summarizes it pretty well.

>>1771055
Uh i thought it wouldn't be hard to have a cassing with the blade size and male a mechanins with a wire attached to a ring so the mechanism can.pull the blade out when we want.

But what ever maybe we manage to find something else?

>>1771032

Deciding to test out your handiwork, you restart the screen and pull up the datalink's hard drive and transmitter. Thankfully, the files on the hardware itself are still intact, and you can connect to the network.

You do so to take a look around. Things are quiet, as they should be, and those three files are still here.

Now what?
> Try to copy those audio files to the harddrive of your Gauntlet.
> Log off
> Other

>>1771089
>Copy the audio files

>>1771089
>> Try to copy those audio files to the harddrive of your Gauntlet.

>>1771089
>> Try to copy those audio files to the harddrive of your Gauntlet.

>>1771089
>copy
Can we even do anything else?

>>1771089
>> Try to copy those audio files to the harddrive of your Gauntlet.

>>1771089
> Try to copy those audio files to the harddrive of your Gauntlet.

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>1771102
>>1771103
>>1771107
>>1771108
>>1771109
>>1771136

Good olde ctrl+c, ctrl+p should do the trick.

> Roll me three 1d100's

>>1771108

At this point in time, you've more or less exhausted your options with datalinks.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>1771147
Nat 100

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>1771147

Rolled 22 (1d100)

>>1771147

>>1771155

56 versus 35, success.

Writin'

>>1771147
Good to see the bad guys being unlucky.

>>1771089

It takes a while, you are copying audio files after all, but the files transfer over to your harddrive without an issue.

You have obtained:
> Audio Files containing potential blackmail against Gambino!

You're done with that, so you disconnect immediately after. It's now 3:45 pm.

Now what?
> Talk with Naofumi
> Check the Main Terminal
> Leave the workshop (go where?)
> Other

>>1771181
> Check the Main Terminal

>>1771181
> Check the Main Terminal

>>1771181
> Check the Main Terminal

>>1771194
>>1771200
>>1771219

Time to check the Main Terminal.

Writin'

>>1771181

Getting up from the workbench you stretch your limbs, sore from sitting down for a while, and then walk over to where the Main Terminal is located. You should probably make sure that everything is working on this end as well.

Waking the screen up, everything looks to be in order.

You've got options though:
> General Diagnostics Scan
> Air Climate Control Center
> Systems Map
> EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM

>>1771234
>> General Diagnostics Scan
>> Air Climate Control Center

>>1771242
This. Maybe we can lower the air where the egg man is. Make that cunt freeze.

>>1771249
With all that fat, he's going to get a bit chilly, while the rest of the box is freezing

>>1771234
> General Diagnostics Scan

Now this may sound weird but can we put a data link so we can have acess to the terminal? Because man would be super usefull to be able to use the trains breaks when we want to.

>>1771242
>>1771249
>>1771265

Start with a Diagnostics Scan, go from there.

Writin'

>>1771265
Actually that's pretty smart. We just need to remove the gangster stuff from it so they can't access it.

>>1771234

Deciding to start with the simplest option, you start up the General Diagnostics Scan, even making sure to select the more in depth option.

You're gonna have to wait a few minutes for it to complete, and inevitably your attention returns to the pile of datalinks on the workbench. They're all wired together in the same network, and you know that they were meant to attach to a node to allow backdoor access.

Given your newly acquired intimate knowledge of how they work, you might be able rig up a backdoor access to the Main Terminal that you could use your Gauntlet to control.

However, your knowledge of datalinks does not translate to coding. You know that you if do this, whoever is running the merc's central computer will also have access to the Main Terminal's backdoor.

> Rig up a backdoor
> Leave it alone

>>1771319
>> Leave it alone
The Mercs can't have a back door to the main terminal

>>1771319
> Leave it alone

Yeah better not.

>>1771319
>leave it alone

>>1771319
>Leave it alone
Didn't even need a vote desu.

>>1771331
>>1771336
>>1771353
>>1771360

Leave it alone it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please

Rolled 68 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>1771363
Nat #

Rolled 34 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>1771363

Rolled 51 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>1771363

Rolled 26 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>1771363

Rolled 16 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>1771363

>>1771375

73, Bare Success DC 70

Writin'

>>1771319

It's tempting to have backdoor access to the train's systems remotely, but you can't let the mercenaries have that as well so you leave the terminal alone. Another minute passes before it chimes.

You turn back to the screen and take a look. Things are looking good; no issues from where you removed the datalinks and it doesn't appear like anything else broke while you were out and about. The entire system looks like its clear, though you're still not sure how the mercenaries are monitoring your party. The train itself does not have cameras, and you didn't find anything of the sort while working with the datalinks.

Either they're using CCTV cameras, or they're monitoring you in some other way.

Still, the system is clean. That's good.

What now?
> Air Climate Control Center
> Systems Map
> EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM
> Exit Terminal

>>1771411
>Air Climate Control Center
Time to make some popsicles.

>>1771411
>> Air Climate Control Center

>>1771411
>> Air Climate Control Center

>>1771411
> Air Climate Control Center

Spell for heat vision?

StoryT, what exactly is the system map? Is it a map of the train or of the wiring runned in it?

>>1771426
>>1771427
>>1771432
>>1771436

Because John is slightly petty like that.

Writin'

>>1771451

It gives you a general layout of each of the train's cars, and gives you a rather detailed overlay of the systems and how they connect to one another. Think of it like a digital blueprint.

>>1771411

It's with a slightly vindictive glee that you make your way to the Air Climate Control Center, find the dial for the Owner's Office, and turn it down a few degrees. And then a few more degrees. And then another few just to be sure.

You've got a stupid grin on your face and you know it.

Now what?
> Systems Map
> EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM
> Exit Terminal

>>1771466
So you are saying it's a map for the wiring distribution of power and the amount used to move this train? Also can we try and copy it?

>>1771478
>> Systems Map

>>1771478
> Systems Map

>>1771478
> Systems Map

>>1771478
Why turn it down? He's a fat guy. Fat people have a worse time in hot weather. Turn it up so that he's melting.

Or better yet, alter the system so that if someone turns up the heat, it goes up twenty degrees higher then the display says it is.

>Spoken as a so called fat guy.

File: Mura_Whatsonthenewstonight.png (199 KB, 368x284)

199 KB PNG

>>1771484

You could, I suppose. It'd eat up the rest of your harddrive space and be a bit hard to read on the size of the screen you have on your Gauntlet though.

>>1771492
>>1771501
>>1771503

Check over the System Map it is.

Writin'

>>1771507

I'll be honest, this really isn't going to do anything; it's more of a joke at this point than anything else.

>>1771507
I like the way the is guy thinks, but I think it's too late for that.

>>1771520
>this really isn't going to do anything

It makes me feel good at the expense of someone else who is an asshole. Isn't that a good enough reason?

>>1771478

You load up the Systems Map. The program has no issue, and seems to be in the same condition it was previously. It's missing the minor maintenance requests and the issue with the node where you fixed the A/C, though that just means everything is working properly now.

Making sure to refresh your memory, you wonder what to do now:
> EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM
> Exit Terminal

>>1771539

True, that's why I included it in the first place.

>>1771543
>> Exit Terminal

>>1771543
>Emergency Breaking System

>>1771543
>> Exit Terminal

>>1771549
>>1771563

Time to leave.

> On that note, I'm going to pause things here for tonight. I'll be continuing things tomorrow morning, until about noon my time as I'm gonna be playing dnd with a few friends for the rest of the day. See you all around.

Hey guys, how about we talk to naofumi about his boss?

>>1771589
Cheers for running OP!

>>1770503
Just caught up in the archive

Liking this quest so far. Love me some properly done intrigue.

>>1771589
>I'm gonna be playing dnd with a few friends for the rest of the day.

I whish i had friends to play...

>>1771589
Did you catch the discussion at the tail end of the previous thread?

>>1772276
Anon I'll be your friend to play with you.

Seriously StoryT. Hit me with that "next thread" bull? Well, I'm glad I found the thread.

are we live?
okay who here is of the golemites? who here is of the exos?

for golems say GOLEMS
for exos say EXO
for pirates say ARRRRRRRRRRR
for centures, say stupid fucking furrys

>>1774921
An EXO suit is just a golem in gattai with a human.

>>1774921
I want Golems but I don't want to wear one like a skin suit.

>>1774921
With a EXO suit we can literaly wear our golem!

>>1775667
So a EXO suit

File: 1361093821633.jpg (97 KB, 488x750)

97 KB JPG

>>1775682
it's a place to start

>>1772266

Good to see that we've got people from the archived threads. Glad to have you.

>>1772305

I read it, yeah, which part of it are you talking about?

>>1772276

Roll20 exists for a reason.

>>1773454

By the time I got around to making an update on the old thread, it was already on page 9 so didn't bother since it was probably minutes away from sliding off the board.

> Update will be coming soon, just need to take the garbage out.

>>1771543

Making sure everything is still working properly, you exit out of the Main Terminal and check the time again. It's just after 4 pm.

Now what?
> Talk to Naofumi
> Leave the workshop (go where?)
> Other

>>1775758
>Talk to Naofumi
Milk him for intel. Casually. Smooth as a cucumber.

>>1775758
>Leave the workshop (toilet)
When was the last time we took a shit?

Also something interesting might happen on the way?

>>1775758
>Talk to Naofumi

>>1775758
> Talk to Naofumi

Shit is fixed i will go to my break now.

Rolled 67 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>1775771
>>1775778
>>1775794

Might as well check on how Naofumi has been handling things in the engine room.

Writin'

>>1775799
>-10

Holy shit...he broke something.

File: Naofumi_NicetoMeetYou.png (190 KB, 310x466)

190 KB PNG

>>1775758

It's been a while since you've talked to Naofumi and, considering the circumstances, you really should check up on him.

So you leave your things on the workbench and walk over to where he'd be.

The older man is inside, checking a few dials and readouts in between puffs on his pipe.

He probably can't hear you over the sound of the steam engine running right next to him, so you have to raise your voice to get his attention.

"Naofumi!" Cupping your hands seems to do the trick, as he turns to regard you.

"John, what now?"

What's your first question?:
> Ask him about Gambino
> Ask him if he's broken anything
> Ask him if anyone has tried to get into engineering
> Ask him something else
> Leave

>>1775817
>> Ask him if he's had to fix anything
>> Ask him if anyone has tried to get into engineering

>>1775817
>> Ask him if he's broken anything
>> Ask him if anyone has tried to get into engineering
>> Ask him something else
Anything else we need to do? Any suspicious fellows he might have noticed? Any explosive equipment that shouldn't be fought around?

>>1775817

Forgot to add one more question:

> Ask about the train schedule, specifically around 9 am tomorrow morning

>>1775827
>>1775835

First question. One at a time.

>>1775841
In that order of priority, then.

>>1775817
> Ask him if he's broken anything
> Ask him if anyone has tried to get into engineering

>>1775841

Add that one to mine to.

>>1775827
>>1775835
>>1775887

Let's see if the old timer has broken anything in our absence.

Writin'

>>1775817

The two of you walk closer and to the side of the room so you can be heard.

His face immediately scowls as the first question leaves your mouth, however.

"So, you break anything while I was gone?"

Naofumi opens his mouth to respond when he's interrupted by the sound of a fuse blowing. Both of you turn to where you see sparks flying.

While he sprints to turn off the power, you run back to workshop to grab your tools and return to join him in quickly repairing things.

> Roll me three 1d100+7's

Rolled 8 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>1775941

Rolled 2 + 7 (1d100 + 7)

>>1775941

Rolled 63 (1d100)

>>1775941

>>1775972

70, Success

Writin'

>>1775972
OH THANK GOD

>>1775941

It's a tense half a minute as you and Naofumi frantically work to repair the overloaded system. You nearly get burned on more than one occasion from frayed wiring, but you've been through this song and dance before.

Only after Naofumi flips the breaker back on and nothing explodes do you finally relax, closing the panel you'd just been working on and sighing deeply. Getting back onto your feet, the old man is there scowling down at you.

"Not one word about this"

Guess he's a bit prickly on that subject.

Now what?
> Ask about Gambino
> Ask him if anyone has tried to get into engineering
> Ask about the train schedule, specifically around 9 am tomorrow morning
> Ask him something else
> Leave

>>1776007
>> Ask about the train schedule, specifically around 9 am tomorrow morning

>>1776007
> Ask about the train schedule, specifically around 9 am tomorrow morning

>>1776007
>> Ask him something else

> Ask him something else

>Seen anything unusual on the train of late?

Fishing for anything,

>>1776017
>>1776030
>>1776051

Ask him about the morning; and if he's seen anything weird.

Writin'

>>1776007

Since things are mostly calmed down, you motion for Naofumi to follow you back to the workshop.

After entering, you turn back to him and start talking, "I wanted to talk to you about our travel route. Specifically how things are going to be tomorrow morning?".

"Well," Naofumi takes a puff of his pipe as he thinks over your question, "We're makin' good time right now. This section of the track runs through a pretty flat section of the Badlands. I won't have to worry much until tomorrow".

You motion for him to continue, thankfully he does so, "Early tomorrow, we're gonna get to the Highlands that are outside of Shirahoro proper. Gonna be a pain to slow the train down there when the track twists and turns all the way up that pass".

Naofumi rubs the back of his neck. giving you a moment to think things over. There's something else you should ask him.

"Naofumi, have you seen anything... unusual on the train as of late?"

He looks irritated at you again, "Look, son, I don't get much of a chance to sight see on this here train. I gotta sit in that there room and make sure that the steam engine is runnin' properly' gotta shovel the coal in there and regulate it so we don't get derailed going around a curve. Although," He cuts off the beginning of his own rant, looking off to the side thoughtfully, "Some of those 'security' hardheaded goons were tryin' to get into the workshop while you were gone. I told 'em to get the hell out before I got my wrench, and then did. Stupid punks..."

Well, that was interesting. You think about anything else you want to ask him.

> Gonna have to end things early for tonight. I'll be at work tomorrow though, as usual, I'll be updating when I can then. Keep an eye out for that. Goodnight Anons.

>>1776115
Hn

Against Creep alone I can see our chances being relatively good because he doesn't know that we know he's coming, so we have the element of surprise on our side.

But those goons with the rifles are going to be a bitch to deal with. Their ability to use them is limited due to the fact that this is a train, but still. At least we can do the ol' climb out the window and over the roof trick so that they never get a clear line of fire on us walking through a narrow doorway.

>>1775735
>I read it, yeah, which part of it are you talking about?
All of it, just hoping it gave you ideas or brought up things you hadn't considered.

>>1776680
You will not get QM to reveal their cards friend

Can we become a Crusader Knight that fuck the pagan bitches?

Anyone know a quest like this?

>>1776975

I don't mind answering questions on whether or not something is possible to be done, so long as IC you have the relevant information.

>>1776680

Reading over that section, things Anons considered and didn't shoot down immediately summarize down to:

- Decoupling the last train car to escape.
> The last train car is the caboose, so this is entirely possible. Getting John, Sierra, and Goo Hwi onto it without arousing suspicion maybe prove difficult. Also, Goo Hwi is not aware of anything yet.

- Someone commented that this may be connected to what the Elite Guard Leader said back before the Blight Incursion of Bo Shan began.
> I can tell you right now that these two incidents are not related. Also, he said "town" not "country".

- Contacting the Merc Team
> Entirely possible. You've got access to their comm network currently, but you don't have a mic to speak with...

All in all, nothing here is something I haven't considered. The way I write is that I create a scenario then I think of how all the people in it would interact with one another. There is no one 'right' way out of this arc, it's just that there will be benefits and consequences that you may or may not have to deal with later on depending on your actions. I will say that you guys are doing very well thus far.

>>1776115

You give yourself a minute to sort through your thoughts, before opening your mouth again to speak.

You say?
> Ask him about Gambino
> Ask him if he knows anything about the 'security guards'
> Ask him something else
> End the conversation

>>1777664
> Ask him about Gambino

>>1777664
>Ask him about Gambino
What sort of people does he deal with, is anyone giving him grief, what about competition, how long does this train line operate...

>>1777688
>>1777691

Time to ask about the boss.

Writin'

>>1777664

"Hey Naofumi," You start, waiting for him to give you a grunt of acknowledgement before continuing, "What's your thoughts on Gambino?"

"Gam-who?"

There's an awkward silence as you scramble to clarify yourself.

"Gambino, you know, the Owner of this Railway, and all that?"

"Oh, him," Naofumi takes another puff of his pipe, looking iritated, "I barely know anything about the current head of the Gambino family; I was hired by his father years upon years ago. His bastard of a son hasn't spoken a word to me since he took over".

Well, you guess that's to be expected.

At the mention of his career, you're reminded of something that was only mentioned in passing earlier.

Ask about 'Sarah'?
> Yes
> No

>>1777826
> Hell yeah.

>>1777826
>> Yes

>>1777826
Do it

>>1777841
>>1777862
>>1777872

You would like to know more.

Writin'

>>1777826

"That reminds me, on the topic of employees, I remember a 'Sarah' being mentioned before. Something about her being the person I'm subbing for on this trip".

Naofumi's face darkens as you speak, and he puts his pipe aside, "What about her?"

You're a bit surprised at his attitude, but you continue on anyways, "I was just wondering who she was, and why she's not here now?"

"Sarah's my daughter," He reluctantly explains, his eyes boring into yours, "She's normally the one in charge of all the magi-whatsit one this train. As for why she's not here, she got called to help investigate a Ruin far north of Shirahoro".

Well, that explains things.

Now what?
> Ask him about the 'security' guards
> Ask about something else
> End the conversation

>>1777910
> Ask him about the 'security' guards

>>1777910
>> Ask him about the 'security' guards

>>1777910
>She doesn't work for Gambino then I take it? Good thing, too, he seems less than agreeable employer.

>Do these mercs get hired often? Or freelancers like us for that matter.

Guess StoryT died.

>>1777930
>>1777935
>>1777960

Ask about our 'friends'

Writin'

>>1778410

Worked picked up pretty hard.

>>1777910

"So your daughter works for you specifically?"

He shakes his head, "We both work for the Gambino family. Also, we almost done here?"

"Alright, one last question," The two of you have been talking for a while, so you really should wrap things up here, "Do you know anything about those 'security' guards?"

Naofumi contemplates this for a bit, putting his pipe back in his mouth, "They're a group that works exclusively for the Gambino's; they've been brought on a few times in the past to guard specific trains"

"How often do they get called in? How often do freelancers like myself get hired for that matter?"

"They get brought in whenever it's likely for an attacks to take place. And folks like you are a rarity; the Gambino's have always kept outsiders to a minimum".

You really can't think of another question, so you decide to end things here, "Thanks for your time Naofumi, I'll see you around".

He just grunts, getting up and walking back to the engine room. The door closes behind him, and you're alone in the workshop once again. It's almost 4:45 at this point.

Now what?
> Go to the restroom
> Leave the workshop (go where?)
> Other

>>1778585
> Go to the restroom
This is where Creep will try to kill us, in the toilet, so be prepared if we see a glory hole in the stall wall.

>>1778585
> Go to the restroom

>>1778585
>> Go to the restroom

Check for traffic on merc communication.

If we have anything weaponisable in the workshop, we could work on that. Other than that we need to weight our options and pick what's most conducive to our survival.

Do we try to flee the train with our companions?
Or do we try to make a stand and ride the train to the end of the line?
We could also pull the brakes and stop the train, but unless we do this someplace civilized where authorities react quickly, we'll be more or less at mercy of the assorted goons. Of course if we managed to escape, we'd have solid case against them now... in any case we should coordinate with companions beforehands. Shame we did not make a contingency plan with Sierra back in the closet, like "if the train stops, make for the woods". Oh well.

Are the guards likely to kill us in front of witnesses? If not, we could hang out in public areas of the train for the time being. Like in the dining car. Assuming we can get there without being intercepted.
If we can't leave the engineering area normally without placing ourselves to a murderable position, we could try going below (assuming there's enough room between carriage floor and earth) or out by the roof (and hope there are no tunnels or low bridges lol)

Sooo... what exactly is between workshop and, let's say, dining car?

also make a mental note to craft communicators for our party members to mitigate this sort of situations in the future.

>>1778810
Gather evidence of the plot that Gambino is pulling and then blackmail him/beat the shit out of him/report him to a higher authority

>>1778656
>>1778678
>>1778683

Time to visit the throne room.

Writin'

>>1778585

You didn't think about it up until now, but you really have to go to the bathroom. So, after taking a look around the workshop and realizing that there's not actually one in here for some reason, you leave most of your tools on the workbench and leave.

The guards are gone from where they were supposedly trying to get into engineering, so you easily make it to the restroom in this car unmolested and enter.

> This is something that I want to try out. So, think of a single question about this story arc; it can be anything. You guys agree to that question, then roll three 1d100's. If you get one roll above a 60, I will answer that question, through John, truthfully. You can't crit fail this roll, so don't worry about that.

>>1779920
This arc involves the gambinos, and not the blight, so:

"How does John's relationship with the mob affect his actions to it, and what are the ramifications of that relationship on this situation?"

>>1779920
This arc allow us to unlock the making of a EXO suit, so:

"What do we need to get/need to build a EXO suit, from what we can find inside the train?"

>>1779920
"How does John feel about a hit being place on him, just because he's superior to the egg man?"

>>1779938
Also this.

>>1779920
I want to know how badly geeking this merc squad will affect John's relationship with the mafioso

>>1779938
>>1779991
>>1779992
>>1780052

If you guys can't decide on one, roll 1d100 and we'll go with the highest roll

>>1780113
I'll throw in with the first one if it'll break the tie

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>1780113

>>1779938
>>1780118

That works, though I'd ask for clarification on what exactly Toruc is asking about. Remember, one specific question.

>>1780156
I did roll high enough that it would be answered. I will support the first question it's the one I'm want to know

Here is a meme question, not to be taken serious.
When are we going to meet a Centaur qt?

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>1780113
I'm fine with toruc's

I'll give it about 5 more minutes for Toruc to respond otherwise I'm going with the EXO

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>1780246
Sorry, thought I had worded it well. Guess not...

I want to know John's relationship with the mob (i.e. terms left, any person he might know)

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>1779991
EXO suit anons Unite!!

>>1780264

His relationship with the Genovese family, you mean? I could've sworn I explained that out OoC, though I guess I could expand on things.

> Alright, roll me three 1d100's

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>1780309

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>1780309

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>1780309

>>1780329

That's a 98, Excellent Success

Writin'

File: Spoiler Image (13 KB, 96x166)

13 KB PNG

>>1779920

(Fitting music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq7kyf1T_lk)

As you sit down and relax, it really hits you that you're back to being waste deep in mafia plots. The nostalgia of it flows over you, and you close your eyes as the day that you left Airgird comes to mind.

[FLASHBACK]

As was pretty much characteristic of the northern port city, rainy days in Airgird were cold affairs. The smell of salt water filled the air, accompanied by a damp fog.

You stand there, underneath a lamp post on a corner you routinely meet up at, wearing your heavy cloak. It's a good thing that you do, because the material keeps the rain off of you.

Your back still itches and burns periodically, but you got used to that feeling a long time ago. What actually bothers you is the long wound, stitched together and wrapped up thanks to the work of a trusted street doc, that you got during the last job. Getting double-crossed was almost a normal occurrence on the job, but you were getting tired of all the close calls.

It's why you were here in the first place.

Further down the street, you see a man about your height approaching you, the light from the end of his cigarette the only thing giving away him. He walks up to where you're standing, flicking away his spent cig, and waits for you to speak while pulling out another.

"I want out, Dutch".

Dutch nearly fumbles as he's lighting up; you don't need to see his face to know he's surprised.

"Seriously John?" Your silence answers him, "Shit, man, you are serious..."

The rain still pours, and your back still aches. Dutch finally gets the flame to catch, taking a long drag before letting the smoke mix out into the air.

"I'm not judgin' you or nothin', but where's this comin' from?"

You think of your side again before answering, "I'd like to live through the next few months, Dutch. The last week alone I've nearly died four times on our little jobs. Even you can see where I'm going with this".

Given the way he moves, Dutch considers slogging you in the shoulder for the barb against him. But he doesn't. It's just another sign that the two of you aren't kids anymore.

"Look, man, you're not the first guy to leave on us. Most of 'em didn't have half of your rep, too".

The implication of his statement isn't lost on you.

[1/2]

>>1780517

The two of you enjoy the quiet noise of rain hitting pavement before he speaks again.

"I... I'll see what I can do, I guess. The Don owes me a favor, so I could cash that in I guess," He tilts his head towards you, though you don't meet his gaze, "Do you mind if I tell him that you'll consider working for the Family again in the future? It'll probably improve your chances and all that".

You just nod numbly. It wasn't like you were going to cut and run anyways.

"Alright..." He flicks away his second cig, already burned down to a cinder, "Look, John, you're going to owe me for this. I probably won't need it for a while, but it'll still be big".

"I got it. Thanks a lot Dutch"

You offer your hand for him to shake, and he doesn't hesitate to take it.

[FLASHBACK END]

Getting up, you clean up, wash your hands, and leave the restroom.

It's about 5 pm now.

Now what?
> Check your Gauntlet
> Go somewhere (where?)
> Other

Considering things are pretty much dead, I'm gonna end things here for tonight. I'll see you all tomorrow. Goodnight Anons.

>>1780683
No
> Check your Gauntlet

>>1780772

Feel free to vote on the next choice, I just need to go to sleep in a few minutes so no writing for me.

>>1780543
Check the gauntlet.

Also the mafia egg man is trying to frame is obviously one of the potential clients for our recordings, but we still don't know who are they being set up against.

>>1780543
>Other
Stake out the mercs you made, looking for a place to strike.

We need to casually take some preemptive measures. Can we use the data links and our gauntlet to eject luggage from overhead compartments as a defense mechanism when shit hits the fan? Can we cause a ruckus of some sort in eggmans car and cast him and the mercenaries off from the rest of the train? Can we for fuck's sake try to take control of this situation instead of reacting to it?

>>1781376
first we need to decide what exactly our objective is.

>hijack the caboose and flee the train this way?
if we could pull this off smoothly enough, we would not only lose the pursuit as the mercs would likely stay on train to pursue their main objective, but possibly also thwart them since they may not know about our countering their sabotage.
>stop the train and flee into the countryside?
this would make for noisier getaway and more confrontation with the goons
>take over the train by ourselves by neutralizing both the merc squad and the security goons
odds seem stacked against us here, and we don't know identity of the other three mercs.

am I missing something?

Maybe there's a potential ally amongst the passengers.

>>1781398
Eggman is clearly holding himself hostage for personal gain, getting us out of the way is a byproduct. If we can confound and perplex the hell out of his goons we shouldn't have to fight at all. Maybe we can get Sierra to lure creep somewhere under the assumption that the plans have changed and they're actually supposed to target eggman, that way we can all reach our destination safely.

>>1780543
> Check your Gauntlet

>>1781164
I believe is a turf war. Eggman wants to put blame on the Genovese so he can make then targets in a turf war. The question is if he wants the Genovese get set up to cause a war between his family and then or if he wants to try and use this to expell then from the port city, by forcing the local authorities to investigate the accident wreckge.

Rolled 56 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>1780772
>>1781164
>>1781772

Time to check the computer.

> Roll me three 1d100's please

Rolled 46 + 10 (1d100 + 10)

>>1782787
Welcome back

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>1782787

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>1782787

>>1783004

78 versus 66, Success

Writin'

Poor Rider

>>1780543

You check up on the datalink's connection. Nothing has changed for now. Comms are still quiet.

What now?
> Return to the workshop
> Go somewhere else (where?)
> Other

>>1783083
> Return to the workshop
Is there anything we can do different in the workshop?
Since I want us to get some things so we have more to work with in our workshop

>>1783083
If the coast is clear, we can try getting back to the gambino carriage to rejoin with friends. Perhaps opportunity will present itself to convene with them.

We can justify our presence with fixing the AC that began to cool a bit too much for "some" reason...

>>1783126
this is a good one i will support it.

>>1783102

Some Anons wanted to check what was in stock at the workshop. I forgot to do it then so I'm giving you the chance now.

>>1783167
I'm fine with that desu.
Although, any chance we could get the information retroactively, without having to return there? I imagine John would have surveyed available tools and materials when he first came, as well as when he was working on glove or the datalinks.

We can then decide if it's worth returning to tinker some more before we submerge ourselves in the shit creek.

>>1783174

I could do that, though I'd be robbing you of chance to roll to find something actually useful in the piles of spare materials

>>1783180
Oh okay. Let's go with the absent minded inventor then. If other anons are in accord that is.

>inb4 nat 1 roll makes our glove drop its power source into a pile of scrap or through a grate in floor and we end up unable to dig it up and subsequently operate the device

>>1783199

Naw, it wouldn't be that bad.

Jokes, getting a nat 1 means that a Rust Monster spawns into existence ontop of the scrap pile

File: darth vader concerned.jpg (23 KB, 640x480)

23 KB JPG

>>1783206
>Rust Monster on a magiteck Train

could it not have been just snakes?

>>1783199
Sure, I can dig it.

I'd like some better methods to defend ourselves anyway.

>>1783102
>>1783174
>>1783273

Time to see what's in stock

Writin'

>>1783226

Since they've got magic in them, all the magitech on board would be fine. Everything else, however...

>>1783083

Giving how the situation is developing, you should really check what exactly you have in stock in the workshop.

So, you head back to engineering, making sure to close and lock the door behind you, and take a look at the material you have.

> Roll me three 1d100's

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>1783382
Check Them

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>1783382

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>1783382
Come in clutch

>>1783417
>>1783407
>>1783383
nothing usefulll i guess.Do we have a scaveger skill?

>>1783407

49, Nothing special here

Writin'

>>1783382

You shuffle things around, hoping to get lucky again. No dice.

There's a fair amount of scrap metal here. Not enough to really build anything substantial, but enough that if you needed to make repairs and/or modifications you could.

Upon finding a roll of duct tape, however, you snag that and toss it into your toolbox. Can't ever have too much duct tape.

Now what?
> Commence Operation 'Fix AC'
> Go somewhere else (where?)
> Other

>>1783528
>> Commence Operation 'Fix AC'

>>1783528
>> Commence Operation 'Fix AC'

>>1783528
> Commence Operation 'Fix AC'

>>1783531
>>1783543
>>1783546

Remember when I said adjusting the thermostat wouldn't matter in the long run? I lied.

Writin'

>>1783576
I knew it was going to lead to confrontations. Being petty actually works.

>>1783528

You really need to update Sierra on how the situation has changed. However, the problem is that you really can't go up to the back end of the train without arousing suspicion.

Then, it hits you. The perfect excuse for getting yourself right into Gambino's office.

You can't help but cackle to yourself as you walk over to the Main Terminal and find the office's Climate Control Center. Turning the room temperature down resulted in nothing. So, logically, it was time to try turning the temperature up.

So you do. You hit the arrow up up up. And some more. And a bit more. And, just for good measure, you crank it as far as it'll go.

You only have to wait a minute before the terminal starts beeping at you, letting you know you've got an incoming call. It's hard to keep the smirk from bleeding through into your voice.

"Engineering, how may I help you?"

"John? That you? ... is this thing even working?"

It's Sierra on the line, "Yep, I'm here. What's the issue?"

"Yeah," She sounds a bit nervous, oddly enough, "I think the AC in this room broke; something went wrong and now it's getting a bit... hot... in here".

"Huh..." You try your best to sound stumped, "That's strange, I'm not getting any issue on my end. I guess I'll have to head down there and take a look at it first-hand. I'm probably going to need your help again, if you don't mind".

"Help?" There's a cut of confusion in her tone, "Yeah, I guess I can help you. I'll see you down here".

That was simple enough. It's just after 5:15 now.

Now what?
> Head down to Gambino's Office
> Do something in the workshop (what?)
> Go somewhere else (where?)
> Other

>>1783617

John has a hysterically vindictive streak to him.

>>1783635
> Do something in the workshop (what?)
Check equipment. Do we have a weapon that we can concealed carry?

> Head down to Gambino's Office

>>1783635
> Head down to Gambino's Office

Don't think in Sierra all sweaty, don't think in Sierra all sweaty, don't...dammit to late.

>>1783642
We have a dagger with us.

>>1783642
We have a knife. Although getting it pass the guards might be hard.

>>1783635
>> Head down to Gambino's Office

Oh we should increase the temperature in the guards room or in a place were we know Rider is.

>>1783635
>> Head down to Gambino's Office
Walk like we own the place

>>1783660
100% this. Also try to shake his hand again.

>>1783674
Look him straight in the face, and give him a strong man grip, so he can feel all the skin of our hand, while we stare into his soul.

>>1783642

Currently, John has a broadsword, which everyone knows about because you carried it in on your back, and a knife, which no one knows about because you haven't used it once.

>>1783647
>>1783657
>>1783660

Head down to the Owner's Office. Time to mess with him.

Writin'

>>1783702
>you carried it in on your back
QM that's a meme, swords need to be worn on the hip

>>1783714
This is a fantasy setting with a magical plague that is created by the use of blood magic and were tech is powered by magic. So let's try to not put real world knowledge in a fantasy setting okay?

>>1783724
It's just I'm a history minor. And the autism of the back sword overflows throughout my veins anon. It's a curse having this knowledge.

>>1783714

When you're hiking through the woods, no expecting to use it, I imagine it would be a lot more comfortable to have it on your back than slapping against your leg. Either way, you had it out in plain sight when getting on the train.

>>1783635

You gather your belongings, try your best to wipe the shit-eating grin off your face, and leave engineering. Again, the guards aren't around, so you head out without issue.

Walking through Creep's car, you can feel that prick of bloodlust once more, though it ends oddly quickly...

Just as you're exiting the carriage, you get a notice from your modified datalink.

There's traffic on the merc's comm channel.

Listen in?
> Yes
> No

>>1783735
>> Yes

>>1783735
>> Yes

>1783735
> Yes