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Character Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lvqwQrtQ_YFvsVdcKJbSEAgpyZi9QrfJfnh_UDzvPKw/edit?usp=sharing

Previous Threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=StorytellerQM

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Storyteller_QM
Discord: https://discord.gg/WA5wRv3

> Archives and Character Sheet are both updated and current
>>
>>2198318
Did you accidentally delete the opening post?
>>
File: Dutch_YouAmuseMe.png (114 KB, 219x304)
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>>2198318

"Well, well, well, look who decided to join us," Dutch, as per the norm before you're about to go shoot the shit out of a place, is insufferably smug as you walk up to him.

After getting your gear together, feeling slightly regretful as you clip your normal, non-silvered broadsword onto your hip, you made your way to the Genovese HQ where the team that was going in to give a group of vampires who just threatened the lives of one of the most powerful men in Shirahoro a very unfortunate accident. They were going to brutal murder them all, and it was your job to make sure that your benefactor would be happy with how many holes were in their corpses.

It's almost like you're back in Airgrid again, but instead of going to reclaim stolen goods from a group of strung out drug addicts it's a bunch of supernatural bloodsuckers that want to kill you, drain you of your bodily fluids, or both; honestly, they probably don't care too much.

"Yeah, well, someone has to make sure you don't do something stupid," Taking a look around the room you've been lead to, inconspicuously called the 'Ready Room', you're starting to consider that you won't be doing much until the inspection part. A half a dozen guys, likely the same team that Dutch ran with back at the party, are alternating between sliding body armor under street clothes, checking weapons and ammo, and glancing at you as you walk over to your old friend. You didn't get to see them in action when shit went to hell at the party, but considering none of them died they're likely head and shoulders above the average enforcer.

Dutch grins at your comment, walking over to what you assume is his locker in here, "No need for a supervisor here Johnny; we're all professionals here".

You don't miss the few quiet comments a few of the guys make to themselves at his words, but it doesn't phase you, "I'll believe it when I see it".

"Ever the cynic," Diving into his storage, you note that your friend immediately pulls out the massive rifle you built for him, "So, how did that meeting of yours go?"

Your response?
> "Good, I think"
> "I'm just glad no one pulled a weapon"
> "It means you'll get to kill something, so why do you care?"
> Other
>>
>>2198625

Didn't like how it was going so I deleted and rewrote it.
>>
>>2198636
> "Good, I think"
>>
>>2198636
"We're gearing up to destroy a vampire coven. So with that in mind... yeah, it went great."
>>
>>2198672
>>2198700

Regular politician we are.

Writin'
>>
>>2198636


>want to kill you, drain you of your bodily fluids, or both;

Are we sure these aren't succubi?
>>
>>2198728
Or they're commies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKR32ImWYzw
>>
>>2198728

The original Dracula, along with several other novels I'm sure, had rather heavy sexual undertones when it came to the physical act of sucking a victim's blood. The fact that vamp venom acts as an aphrodisiac in certain concentrations should have really implied this already.

>>2198636

"Good, I think," You sigh a bit as you watch Dutch pull a few extra speed-reloaders for his revolvers and slide them into a pocket, "We're gearing up to destroy a vampire hideout. All things considered... yeah, it went great".

Your friend chuckles a bit at your slightly deadpan comment, doing a quick check over his beloved revolvers before clicking the holsters closed, "I was a bit surprised when the order to gear up came around; should have figured it'd be you to be behind the latest dose of fun around here".

"Only you could find fighting those freaks entertaining," Crossing your arms, you can't help but roll your eyes a bit; same old Dutch.

He's about to respond when Gladiator enters the room, already looking like he's geared up for a fight, "John, good, you're already here".

"I got here as fast as I could," A quick shake of hands passes between the two of you, "Not sure how you run these kinds of things but I'm sure you probably don't want me in your boys' hair. So, what do you want me to do exactly?"

"You've got a few options," He walks further into the room, his eyes clearly looking at Dutch's new toy before continuing his visual inspection to the rest of his men, "Usually when we're performing a building raid, we have a team that's inside that performs the sweep and a team outside that makes sure no one runs off or acts as rapid response if something happens. From the report Archmage wrote after you three went off on that Dive a few months back, and a few other reports, I don't have any doubt about your abilities in combat so if you choose so you could come with the assault team. He specifically mentioned that you were extremely effective at cutting through barricaded doors and armor with your tools, so if we run into something we can't kick down you'll definitely come in handy. Alternatively, you could stay with the overwatch team; you'll be out of harms way and able to help if we need to intercept anyone fleeing the building. Really, it's your choice".

Your choice?
> Go in with the Assault Team
> Stay out with the Overwatch Team
>>
>>2198728
Shouldn't be a problem. Just like any other woman from the sounds of it.
>>
>>2198787

> Stay out with the Overwatch Team

We a squishy tech.
>>
>>2198787
>> Go in with the Assault Team
ME WANT TO STAB SOME MOTHERFUCKERS
>>
>>2198787
>> Go in with the Assault Team
Multitool best tool for the job of opening doors.
>>
>>2198787
>> Go in with the Assault Team
Maybe ask to stay in the back in a mostly support role though
>>
>>2198819
You mean the rearguard? As in "most likely to be stealthily picked off by hit and run tactics from a superhumanly fast enemy"?

I say that if we must be in the assault team (not our skillset) then we should be in the middle of the meatshields.

God we need a flamethrower. Or acid sprayer.
>>
>>2198787
>Go in with the assault team

We aren't bitch-made
>>
>>2198787
>Assault team

>>2198794
ummm no, no we are not. we are a quick little fucker who never stays still long enough or lets someone stay alive long enough to get hit

>>2198824
we just need to make that sword with a fire rune and we are golden
>>
>>2198787
Assault team presumably means more opportunity to pick up clues and maybe spot interesting loot. Also opening doors.

Anyway what do we know of the structure and possible hidden escape routes?
>>
>>2199334
Fucking brave of you to trust the dice like that bro.
>>
>>2199439
This is a legit argument.
>>
>>2199489
"The dice giveth, the dice taketh away" as was written in the gamblers bible. that and i love taking chances. whats life without chance? boring

>>2199439
and as this person put it, we serve more purpose in the assault group. also we are no slouch in combat having beaten a funking higher vampire twice
>>
>>2198787
>> Go in with the Assault Team
leeroooy...
>>
>go with the assault team
>>
>>2198797
>>2198802
>>2198819
>>2199266
>>2199334
>>2199439
>>2199701
>>2199734

Assault it is.

Writin'
>>
File: Dutch_OntheRoadAgain.png (276 KB, 421x465)
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>>2198787

"I'll head inside with you," It'll be more dangerous, but if you want any more leads on what this group is getting up to you'll need to get your hands dirty.

"You'll be taking up the rear with Dutch then. Just stay back and you'll be fine; if we need you we'll call you up," At this, Gladiator turns to the rest of the team as they finish their final preparations , "Listen up boys! John here is joining us for this op as a dedicated Combat Engineer. He'll be in the back and out of the way, but we're going head first into safe house; at some point we're going to need him to break in so don't hesitate to call him in".

The lot of them look you over, likely not happy to have extra baggage on what's already going to be a risky evening; you don't blame them, really.

"Alright, unless anyone has something they'd like to add we're moving out," The swordsman grabs a cloak of his own and throws it on, "We're meeting up a few blocks from the target; just make sure no one sees that you're armed to the teeth before you do".

You glace over at Dutch, who just gives you a grin, "Let's go".

And with that, you do.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please
>>
Rolled 9 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2199927
Rolls for the Dice Gods!
>>
Rolled 27 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2199927
>>
Rolled 60 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2199927
>>
Rolled 92 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2199927
>>
Rolled 46 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2199927
>>
>>2199962

75, Let's see what you see.

Writin'
>>
>>2199927

You and Dutch slink through the dark streets of the Water District, heading for the border of it, the Wind District, and the Fire District. Once again, you're very much reminded of the jobs the two of you used to go on. Hell, if it weren't for the fact that Shirahoro doesn't get fog you'd think you were still in Airgrid.

The rain is still coming down somewhat, which doesn't help your mood, but you grit your teeth and deal with it.

"Hey John," Dutch speaks up as the two of you wait for a crowd of people to walk by further up the street, "This reminds me of all those nights back in Airgrid; the two of us slinking our way to some shoot-out to be".

He smiles at you thinly, "Those were some good times, yeah? Just you and me against whatever batch of idiots happened to screwed up their deal that day".

"Did you seriously enjoy that shit Dutch?" Sighing a bit, you give your old friend a look over.

"...No," Turning to regard him fully, you see that he looks hesitant for the first time in a while, "I... I enjoy the rush of fighting. Riding the knife's edge, the lucky misses and the smell of gunpowder; I feel alive in those moments. It doesn't matter where I am, who I'm fighting, or what the odds are, once I draw my guns they're the only things that I care about. The killing... well, if I have to kill 'em, I don't fuck around. I know guys and gals that like drawing things out; they practically toy with 'em and only the lucky ones are gone within the hour. Me? I make sure to put 'em out of their misery if the first shot doesn't kill".

Dutch looks up the street, checking on the group walking by, "And that's how I've done things over the years. I've fought dozens of people, traded fire with some masters of their craft and we've both walked away from it intact, but I always make sure to finish the fight if the target took mortal wounds".

He looks down, in a voice you can barely hear, and mutters, "Aside from one..."

Your response?
> "That's good to hear, Dutch"
> "...What's that one?"
> Stay silent
> Other
>>
>>2200593
Stay stoically silent, salute Dutch.
>>
>>2200593
Sounds like a story for afterward. Was it that Bad?For now, let’s go with reassuring gesture
>least I’m glad you got my back.
>>
>>2200593
>>2200631
Supporting
>>
>>2200619
>>2200631
>>2200684

Old buddy, old pal.

Writin'
>>
>>2199578
> we are no slouch in combat having beaten a funking higher vampire twice

Because of luck.The enemy only has to get that lucky 1 time.
>>
>>2200593

Suddenly, you feel like shit for ditching Dutch back in Airgrid. Your best friend, the guy who pulled your comatose ass out of your darkest hour and stuck by your side through those first, painful months after you woke up, and you left him to deal with what was apparently a steaming pile of shit.

You have no words that can help him, so you don't say anything. Dutch is broken out of his musings by the shock of your hand slapping him across the back before tightly gripping his shoulder.

Whatever he was expecting, it certainly wasn't this as he looks at you with visible concern.

And at that moment, you find the right thing to say, "... I'm glad you have my back, Dutch".

For a moment, it looks like your old friend is going to respond before he stops himself. After a few seconds, a smile graces his face, "C'mon, let's go".

With that, the two of you continue skulking through the now empty streets, any sign of doubt or hesitation gone from either of your faces. Considering neither of you are strangers to this kind of travel, you make good time to your target

Of course, you're heading straight for the bloody Red Light District. And of course the building in question is a seedy brothel; as if the vamps didn't already prove they had no class, this is the cherry on top.

Dutch walks into a nearby alley to call in that you're at the meeting point while you try to scope out the place. Aside from the usual suspects walking about, you don't see anyone suspicious and you certainly don't spot your favorite female vampire.

'"We've got some time until the rest of the team gets here. Gladiator asked us to properly case the exterior before they did," Your friend joins you again, adjusting the strap that's holding his rifle over his shoulder, "You've got better eyes than I do; where do you think we should look?"

Your choice?
> Stay here, keep looking the place over
> Get up high, see if anyone's around on the rooftops
> Other
>>
>>2200902
> Other

Plan an evacuation route just in case things go bad. Is there a nearby building we can reinforce as a fallback position if we get swarmed? Pole weapons + Hallways = Win.
>>
>>2200902
Get up high and secure out for exit route along the way
>>
>>2200902
>> Get up high, see if anyone's around on the rooftops
>>
Rolled 41, 96, 40 = 177 (3d100)

>>2201014
>>2201111

High ground it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please
>>
Rolled 13, 79 + 10 = 102 (2d100 + 10)

>>2201140

...
>>
Rolled 66 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2201140
>>
Rolled 54 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2201140
>>
Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>2201140
>>
Rolled 81 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2201140
>>
>>2201433
Nice save
>>
>>2200883
and we have plenty of luck. i'm not saying it is impossible to lose, but precedent says we have a very good chance at victory
>>
>>2202105
>Luck
>Precedent
You should never take Lady's favour for granted. Now we can say goodbye to remainder of our banked crits.
>>
>>2202110
I was speaking from an IC perspective, but yeah i think i just fucked us over. Now i need to go sacrifice a few virgins and goats to the dice gods, be back later
>>
>>2202115
>Now i need to go sacrifice a few virgins
Suicide is never the answer
>>
>>2202207
Damn, I can't imagine being so sexless that I count as multiple virgins.
>>
>>2201433

That would be a 112 versus 89, Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2200902

"Up high," You motion towards a nearby access ladder, "We'll clear the nearby rooftops and see if we can spot anything from up there".

Dutch wordlessly nods and starts heading up the ladder first while you draw your pistol and cover him as best you can from your angle. When he gets to the top, you see him do a quick sweep before motioning you up.

Climbing up ladders one-handed is a slightly awkward experience, but thanks to the simple fact that you're no longer the neurotic stick you were back when you wandered the Badlands you're able to haul yourself up without an issue.

Your best friend already has one revolver drawn and the two of you thoroughly check the roof you're on along with the alleys immediately around it. They're clear, and you wordlessly signal to Dutch that you'll be heading to the next building. He nods and covers you as you make to jump the gap.

Landing on the ledge without issue, you motion for him to make the jump while taking up his role of covering.

The next two buildings follow this same routine, the two of you moving like a well-oiled machine. Despite your thoroughness, there's nothing up on the rooftops to content with.

Regardless, the situation quickly changes as you peer down into a nearby alley and catch what several weeks ago you would have assumed was a young couple getting busy on a bench. Now, however, your sharp eyes easily pick out the fact that there's a male vampire feeding off some human chick who, by the way her arms are firmly wrapped around him and the way her legs are erratically twitching, is enjoying it.

Even more curiously enough is when the vamp stops feeding and fixes her shirt. The two of them exchange a few hushed words that you don't pick out before the vamp helps the gal to her feet and they begin walking off, away from the brothel you're going to be attacking.

From what you can tell, neither of them managed to spot you and Dutch as you watched, but you both duck back down just in case.

You haven't managed to check all the buildings in the area yet, never mind trying to plan some kind of escape route, and a quick check with him tells you that the rest of the team is scant minutes away from preparing the breach.

Dutch looks at you, clearly waiting for you to make a judgement call.
> Continue your sweep
> Follow the couple
>>
>>2202885
Do we have any means to message the rest of the team?
>>
>>2202911

Dutch has a comm-link, the minute the rest of the team gets into position they're making the breach.
>>
>>2202885
It would be valuable to know where the vampire is going, but... we can't risk compromising the raid.

Try to memorize what we can of the figures at least.

It's good to know that at least they seem unaware of our presence. I doubt they'd go to such lengths to convince us this is not a trap. [paranoia intensifies]
>>
>>2202885
>Continue your sweep
It's like >>2202947 said, the rest of the team is going to need the manpower.
>>
>>2202885
"Keep sweeping"

but do note, that the vamps have human sycophants, and if we find out one is called bella, i advocate for summary execution
>>
>>2202966
Come on now, killing off an NPC for being an easter egg is uncalled for.
Besides, OP wouldn't do this to us.
>>
>>2202947
>>2202954
>>2202966

Continue the sweep, but see if we can't get a good look first.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please
>>
Rolled 6 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2202978

>>2202976
how long before superstition becomes reality. if there is a bella, then there is a edward, and if he is there then something is going to be described as shiney and then sunlight wont kill them THEN WE ARE DOOMED BECAUSE MARY SUENESS

i really need to go take my paranoia medication
>>
Rolled 48 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2202978
*Intense Sweeping*
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>2202978
I did it.
>>
File: baldurs-gate-2-_-bodhi.jpg (124 KB, 1278x1024)
124 KB
124 KB JPG
Rolled 23 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2202978
>>
>>2202992
>>2202976

Those two aren't Twilight references, I'll tell you that here and now. Even if they were, I'm fairly certain they'd be several steps down from the vamps you're fighting.

>>2202994

63 it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2202885

Considering just how good the odds are of you running into that vamp at some point in the future, you make sure to note whatever you can about him.

Which, as it turns out, isn't much. The distance combined with the baggy clothes he's wearing prevents you from seeing anything vital like his face or if he's got a weapon on him.

Really, aside from the fact that you know he's a vamp in which case he's automatically several degrees more dangerous than the average person, despite the fact he looks like an average person, you can't gather much.

You memorize what you can, however, before nodding to Dutch to radio in what you just saw before the two of you finish up your sweep. He does so and, after waiting for a few seconds, you're on your way.

The rest of the area is clear, surprisingly enough. Against your paranoia, there aren't any groups of vamps waiting in the shadows to ambush you; you and Dutch were very thorough in insuring that.

With a good check of the surrounding area, the two of you make your way back to the meeting spot. Sliding down the end of the ladder, you holster your weapons as you rejoin the rest of the team just in time for one of them to slink around the corner with some poor sap out cold.

"Idiot was taking a smoke break," The man turns the guy around so another one of your team can tie him up, "He's not one of those freaks, though".

"Leave him here in the alley," Gladiator speaks up, a slightly odd sight to see as he's fully covered up under a worn cloak, "We don't have time for fucking around with some bottom of the ladder chump. We're on the clock here and we're going to need the element of surprise with this one".

The men nod, one of them dragging the subdued man off before rolling him behind a piece of rubbish. He then pulls a shotgun from behind his back and starts leading the assault team towards the back door you assume he pulled the guy from.

Stacking up at said door, one of the men pulls out a lock pick and gets to work. Within a few seconds, a quiet click is hear and the sneaky bugger slowly twists the door nob to avoid making noise, opens it up a crack to take a peak in before pushing it open enough to let the actual point-man through.

Considering the sound of gunfire didn't immediately start when he entered, you assume that you're in the clear for now, as is proven when you enter with Dutch hot on your heels to an empty hallway.

The bulk of the assault team, composed of the point-man, the sneaky bugger, Gladiator, and two riflemen, silently stalk forwards without a word between them.

You, however, are on the rearguard, and as such have to decide how you and Dutch are going to do just that.
> Stick behind the others, make sure nothing hits them from behind
> Check the doors you're walking beside, you don't want to get flanked in this hallway
> Split you and Dutch up
>>
>>2203116
>> Check the doors you're walking beside, you don't want to get flanked in this hallway
>>
>>2203116
>flancked
>>
>>2203116
>> Check the doors you're walking beside, you don't want to get flanked in this hallway
>>
>>2203123
>>2203134
>>2203158

Check the flanks it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2203116

Glancing back at Dutch, you motion towards the doors you're walking by currently. He gets your meaning and the two of you alternate opening the doors as you pass them.

The first several are, predictably, storage rooms, empty, and one bathroom.

You join back up with the rest of the team as they make it to the end of the hallway, the lot of them turning right and you follow along after checking the other way briefly.

Once you're in another straight away, you resume your checking of the flanks.

There's one, however, that stops both you and Dutch in your tracks.

The room you enter is a posh affair, with fancy drapes and tapestries adorning the walls and a massive rug along the floor. Throughout the room are over-sized couches and chairs, also extravagant pieces. That's not what gets both of you though, no.

It's the fact that lounging across all these pieces of furniture are men and women in various states of languor.

"What the fuck..." Dutch sums up your thoughts rather well, joining you as you begin to sweep the room as he whispers into his comm.

As you look them over, you notice that each one of these individuals look severely under-weight; their thin bodies making their fancy clothing look like baggy rags. Perhaps what is most disturbing are the people's eyes: they're hyper dilated in a way that you've only seen on druggies who have spent the last several days doped up. The cherry on the top is the deranged smiles that adorn their faces.

Eventually, you have to look away; the disturbing visage getting underneath your skin. Oddly enough, none of these people seem to register your presence here.

"John..." Dutch speaks up quietly, waving you over, "Glad and the others are continuing their sweep, but he said it's worth looking further into this room. Odds are good we're going to need to find some kind of secret entrance to where ever these vamps are hiding".

"Got it," With that, you grip your pistol a bit tighter and fan out to find something.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's pleas
>>
Rolled 33, 54, 32 = 119 (3d100)

>>2203230

...
>>
Rolled 43 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2203230
BAM
>>
File: 1377458451601.jpg (185 KB, 1000x667)
185 KB
185 KB JPG
Rolled 28 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2203230
>>
Rolled 44 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2203230
>>
Rolled 19 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2203230
>>
>>2203250

59, Let's see what happens.

Writin'
>>
>tfw 10 points short of fun
>>
>>2203261

Can't always score

>>2203230

You and Dutch pick a side and get to work, trying your best to keep yourself steady in this... feeding room...

Oddly enough, your back has calmed down for the most part. You can still feel it burning away as it is want to do but it feels distant and numbed compared to its usual bite, simmering away under the surface.

You try, somewhat successfully, to push it out of your mind for now and focus on the task at hand.

Unfortunately, you only get a quick scan around the room that bares no fruit before you catch Dutch pausing what he's doing to listen to his comm.

"Shit..." At that comment, you link back up with your friend, "...Got it". He looks up at you with slight concern, "The other team ran into the two lieutenants they killed previously. They haven't been spotted yet, but they're cornered and its only a matter of time. Gladiator said that our room is probably where the entrance is so we might be able to catch one of those freaks as they come out, but..."

You don't know if you can get away with that without Gladiator's team taking too much heat, is the rest of what he's thinking.

If that's the case, you've got seconds to make a decision.
> Try to lay an ambush in this room
> Go back to the team as reinforcements
> Other
>>
>>2203292
>> Go back to the team as reinforcements
>>
>>2203292
Split up. Dutch can take the heat off the other team, together they'll wipe the floor with them. We'll keep occupied whatever crawls out of the hole.
>>
Need some more votes, anons.
>>
>>2203292
>> Try to lay an ambush in this room
>>
>>2203292
Split up. Dutch can take the heat off the other team, together they'll wipe the floor with them. We'll keep occupied whatever crawls out of the hole.
>>
>>2203302
Switchin to this
>>2203308
>>
>>2203386
>>2203308
>>2203390

Split up it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2203292

"Go back them up," You're stuck in a bad spot, and they badly need back up if they're going against two of those higher forms in close quarters, "I'll ambush whatever comes out of this room and lead them on a bit of a goose chase".

"You sure, John?" Dutch stares at you for a moment, trying to see if you'll crack. After a precious few seconds, he just nods and quickly ducks through the door.

You're now alone, in a feeding room for a bunch of vamps that are about to come out of the woodwork for your throat.

Gulping, you glance about the room to see where you're going to lay this ambush.
> Stay by the door so you can run asap
> Hide behind a couch, you'll have more cover
> Stick to one of the columns, none of the victims here will be in the line of fire

And
> Stick with your Silenced Pistol
> Switch to Broadsword
> Switch to Multitool
>>
>>2203419
>> Stay by the door so you can run asap
> Stick with your Silenced Pistol
>>
>>2203419
>> Stay by the door so you can run asap
>> Stick with your Silenced Pistol
>>
>>2203428
This shit nigga
>>
>>2203431
>>2203428

Here we go.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please
>>
Rolled 84 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2203445
>>
Rolled 61, 77, 73 = 211 (3d100)

>>2203445

...
>>
Rolled 49 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2203445
>>
Rolled 3, 4 = 7 (2d6)

>>2203445

...
>>
Rolled 44 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2203445
>>
>>2203450

89, Let's see how this goes.

Writin'
>>
>>2203419

This is already an incredibly stupid idea, so you decide to stick next to the door so you can immediately run for it.

The next minute is one of the most tense in your life, as you tightly grip your pistol. You can't decide on whether you feel relieved or terrified when you hear gunfire rip through the building several rooms away.

You bite down on your nerves, glancing about the room to see just where this posh room is going to turn into a house of horrors when you note something slightly disturbing.

Every one of the victims in this room move, twisting their bodies and heads so they can look at the far side of the room.

Putting two and two together, you snap your pistol up just in time for a false wall to slide open and watch as a lieutenant wielding a greatsword strides out with a compliment of 7 thralls at his heels.

Forcing your grip to relax as you take aim, you fire at...
> The lieutenant
> The thralls
>>
>>2203522
>> The thralls
>>
>>2203522
>> The thralls
>>
>>2203522
Take down all 7, then activate adrenaline surge and run like hell.
>>
Rolled 10 (1d10)

>>2203538

Activating Adrenaline Surge is an option, if anons so wish.

>>2203524
>>2203531
>>2203538

Firing at the thralls, rolling for effectiveness.
>>
>>2203522
>Take down all 7, then activate adrenaline surge and run like hell.
>>
>>2203522
>> The thralls
>>
>>2203551
Activate Adrenaline Surge and shoot the thralls as fast as we can
>>
>>2203551

Okay, so that's going to hurt...

Activate Adrenaline Surge?
> Y
> N
>>
>>2203563
Yarp.
>>
>>2203563
Lieutenant with a sword? Yep. RUN.
>>
>>2203563
Yes.
>>
>>2203575
>>2203572
>>2203566

Hit and Run motherfuckers.

Writin'
>>
>>2203522

This lieutenant, regardless of how experienced or powerful he is, is not going to be more than inconvenienced by your dinky little pistol.

No, you think as time slows to a crawl with the effects of you magic beginning to pump into your system, you're going to have to start off with the cannon fodder.

Your pistol makes barely a sound as you squeeze the trigger, that glyph you made months ago still working as the small firearm spits round after round across the room.

The three thralls to the lieutenant's right fall to the ground missing most of their heads, the vamp unable to react as you switch to the others and walk the fire past him to rest of them.

In mere moments, you've killed five thralls and crippled the surviving two with a single magazine.

"MOTHERFUCKER!" The lieutenant roars as he breaks out of his daze, his greatsword raised as he sprints across the room while his remaining thralls desperately attempt to keep up.

You take this moment to get the fuck out of there, not even taking the time to replace the spent magazine that falls to the floor.

All in all, you've only got the main, extremely pissed off vampire to deal with. The question is where to go from here.
> Head towards the rest of the team, you'll need their support
> Try to loop around the firefight, keep this vamp away from your allies

And:
> Double up on running
> Use your free action to reload
> Use your free action to switch weapons
>>
>>2203636
>> Head towards the rest of the team, you'll need their support
> Use your free action to switch weapons
>>
>>2203636
>> Try to loop around the firefight, keep this vamp away from your allies
>And:
>> Use your free action to switch weapons
Get our multi tool ready.
>>
>>2203636

Forgot to add the choice for which weapon to swap to:
> Broadsword
> Multitool
>>
>>2203652
> Multitool
> Try to loop around the firefight, keep this vamp away from your allies
>>
>>2203650
>>2203680

Try to loop around and switch to the Multitool it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please
>>
Rolled 36 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2203686
>>
Rolled 56, 80, 32 + 5 = 173 (3d100 + 5)

>>2203686

[??? ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 15 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2203686
>>
One more anons, you've got to beat an 80 here.
>>
Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>2203751
R.I.P.
>>
>>2203770

RIP is right; for that guy.

103 versus 85, Success.

Writin'
>>
Thank you, God
Goodnight, crew
>>
>>2203636

There's a staccato of gunfire coming from up head, somewhat reassuring in that it means your allies are still alive and kicking. You just have to trust that Dutch and Gladiator, two of the toughest bastards you know, can handle a two-on-two plus whatever else is coming in on top of their heads.

With that in mind, you slip your empty pistol into its chest holster, thumbing your broadsword in contemplation for a moment before deciding on your trusted Multitool. It may not be a weapon, per say, but if you manage to hit this vamp he's going to feel it.

Tightly gripping the tool and making sure its on the cutting torch function, you take a sharp turn away from your allies which nearly sends you into the wall before you manage to straighten yourself. Sprinting hard and savoring the feeling of your pitiful mana flowing freely, you come up to a set of double doors. Without a second thought, you smash right into it.

By some stroke of luck, the doors aren't locked and part before you. The room you're in now is some kind of special backroom, the smells of smoke, alcohol, and sex still lingering in the air. Behind you, the lieutenant struggles to keep up.

"COME AND FIGHT ME YOU COWARD!" His roar of challenge catches up to you, however, as he begins picking up speed in the straight away, "FACE ME AND DIE WITH DIGNITY, INSTEAD OF FLEEING LIKE A RAT!"

Now what?
> Take him here and now before your spell ends
> Get in touch with your inner rat, keep leading him around by his nose
> Get in touch with your inner rat, join up with the rest of your team
>
>>
>>2203847
>Get in touch with your inner cat and cut his achilles tendon
>>
>>2203847
>> Take him here and now before your spell ends
>>
Gonna need a tie-breaker here, anons.
>>
>>2203847
>> Get in touch with your inner rat, join up with the rest of your team

When the going gets hard, the hard call for air support. Lacking that, meatsdhields will suffice.
>>
>>2203921
Huh. That >>2203959 didn't help at all hey?
>>
Rolled 2 (1d3)

>>2203959
>>2203879
>>2203876

Tie-breaker it is:
1. Disable
2. Fight
3. Run
>>
>>2203876
>>2203879
>>2203959

Fight it is.

> Roll me three 2d100's please
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>2203976
>>
Rolled 16, 58, 49 + 5 = 128 (3d100 + 5)

>>2203976

[??? ACTIVITY]
>>
>>2203979

Roll another 1d100, you've got advantage on the roll thanks to Adrenaline Surge
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>2203983
>>
Rolled 88, 55 = 143 (2d100)

>>2203976
>>
Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>2203983
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>2203983
>>
Gonna pause things here for tonight as I won't have the time for another update until tomorrow afternoon. See you all then.
>>
I have finally caught up and I love this fucking Quest
>>
>>2205853

Welcome back.

>>2203995

94 versus 63, Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2203847

You're tempted to keep going, but you bite down on that urge and get ready for the vamp to hit you.

The lieutenant is barreling down at you, his greatsword scraping the ceiling as he holds it aloft.

This doesn't faze you, though. The slow wisps of smoke coming from the corner of your eyes and the cuffs of your wrists soothing your frayed nerves. You're not as fast as Dutch, not as experienced as Goo Hwi, and you have no where near the mana capacity as Sierra.

But that doesn't change the simple fact that you're going to take this vampire apart piece by piece.

You don't even attempt to dodge as the greatsword comes straight down for you, waiting until the very last second to lure this vamp into your trap.

Left arm guard comes up, the heavy edge of the blade screeching against rough surface of your reinforced gauntlet before tearing a good chunk out of your cloak. You see the lieutenant's eyes widen as you bring your Multitool up and ignite the torch. Sadly, the effectiveness of your attack is dulled by the set of medium armor he's wearing.

At least, it does up until the point where your Multitool cuts right through the chestpiece with ease.

The vampire's reaction is immediate, kicking back against you and creating distance as the destroyed piece of armor clatters to the floor.

There's an awkward silence between the two of you as you just watch him while he pats his wounded chest, his eyes glancing between the ruined metal and your Multitool.

His shock doesn't last long, quickly bringing his sword back up. Apparently he's going into this a lot slower than he previously was. The reason for that becomes extremely apparent as the two crippled thralls cross past the remains of the double doors, one of them missing an arm and the other has a hole in its chest.

Now what?
> They're injured and on the backfoot; take all three of them down
> They're injured and on the backfoot; time to keep them chasing you around
> They're injured and on the backfoot; time to rejoin the rest of the team
> Other
>>
>>2206021
either charge them all, or run and reload our gun
>>
>>2206021
Hmm... do we still hear gunshots?

Maybe we should head back to the rest of the team at this juncture.
>>
>>2206037

Forgot about that.

The gunfire has mostly petered off.
>>
>>2206021
>> They're injured and on the backfoot; time to rejoin the rest of the team
>>
>>2206021
> They're injured and on the backfoot; time to rejoin the rest of the team

Multi-tool OP
>>
>>2206058

That Multitool is quite literally the most valuable thing John has considering it's basically a plasma cutter/welder.

>>2206058
>>2206057
>>2206037

Time to retreat.

> Roll me three 2d100+5's please
>>
Rolled 68, 76 = 144 (2d100)

>>2206073
praise be dice gods
>>
Rolled 15, 72 + 5 = 92 (2d100 + 5)

>>2206073
>>
Rolled 88, 31 + 5 = 124 (2d100 + 5)

>>2206073
>>
Rolled 23, 50 + 5 = 78 (2d100 + 5)

>>2206073
>>
Rolled 42, 55 + 5 = 102 (2d100 + 5)

>>2206073
>>
>>2206107

That's a 93, let's see what happens.

Writin'
>>
>>2206021

Despite how well you're doing, you're not liking the fact that you're currently outnumbered. Even with their injuries, you've made it a point to never pick a fight that wasn't in your advantage if you had another choice.

After all, cheating the odds in a fight is your stitch; you're sure as hell are not going to let someone pull that shit on you.

With that in mind, you take the opportunity while they're on the back foot to cut and run here and now. Not even bothering to look back, you take off in a dead sprint out of the room.

Thankfully, you get lucky again as the door you shoulder-charge down gives way without an issue and you're flying down the hall in no time at all.

By now, the sound of gunfire has entirely stopped, which gives you a stab of worry you desperately try not to focus on. Regardless, you take another hard turn, this time sticking your free hand out to make sure your impact isn't too hard, and continue down another hall.

Turning around yet another corner, you practically run headfirst into the team's point-man who, acting on reflex, uses his shotgun like a battering ram and tries to pin you against the wall.

Your own reflexes kick in just in time, allowing you to slide out of the way mere moments before the impact. Opening your mouth to attempt to defuse the situation, you dodge out of the way of a flash you only barely catch in the corner of your eye.

That ends up being unnecessary as Gladiator manages to pull his slash before it gets near you. There's a moment where he just stares down at you, his eyes glazed over from the adrenaline, before he finally snaps out of it, "...John? The hell were you thinking? You're supposed to stay with your partner, not split off the first chance you get". His words are harsh, but you can tell there's not much bite to them as he pulls you to your feet from the awkward position you got yourself into, "And what the hell's the deal with your eyes? Or wrists for that matter?"

Taking a moment to steady yourself, you look over the rest of the team. Gladiator has a thin cut against his cheek, not deep enough to still be bleeding but deep enough to tell you it was a near miss; he's also splattered with blood, along with his sword. Other than that, the rest of the team looks a bit beaten up but otherwise fine. One of the riflemen has a slightly bloody bandaged wrapped around his forearm, but even he seams steady and focused on the job at hand.

Dutch, who walks up to you as Gladiator barks out orders for the team to get back into step, answers the question for you, "I don't know the specifics, but that's just how John's magic works".

"Good," He turns to regard you for a second before signaling the team forward, "Keep the idiot back and out of the way".

[1/2]
>>
>>2206173

[2/2]


You're about to respond that your fine fighting when you feel the effects of your spell fade, and suddenly you feel like lead has seeped into your bones. It takes all you have to avoid collapsing to the ground, and your friend grunts as you put your body weight onto him for a moment.

"You alright John?" Dutch whispers, keeping you upright.

The desire to reassure him is there, but your body feels like its seconds away from breaking suddenly, "I... think I'll be alright... Gonna stick out of the action for now..."

"Good idea," With that, he gives you a firm slap on the back to kick you back into gear before stepping beside you.

Your group advances and, after checking the next corner, you're getting nervous about the fact that the lieutenant you fought apparently didn't chase you.

"Dutch..." You murmur, getting your friend's attention, "Did you guys kill those two vamps?"

"No," His voice is lowered along with yours, "We got a few good hits in before they ran off; had to mop up the thralls and by the time we did we lost sight of them. Why, what's wrong?"

Your response?
> Tell him the vamps are scattering
> Tell him the vamps are regrouping
> Tell him the vamps are going to attempt an abush
> Other
>>
>>2206179
>My gut tells me they are regrouping or planning an ambush. The fucker i fought had his chestplate ripped open and let me run. So my paranoia tells me the old phrase is right. "if the assult is going well, your walking into an ambush"
>>
>>2206179

>They are probably regrouping and may be setting up an ambush, be on your guard
>>
>>2206179

Oops, forgot one more thing:

> Warning! Your condition is currently Exhausted!
> While Exhausted all rolls are taken with a -10 penalty!
> You can use Adrenaline Surge to negate this penalty for 5 mins, but that will net you another level of fatigue!
>>
>>2206179
>>2206186
Supporting this.

We can't know for sure what they're doing, but we should probably be on the look out for an ambush.
>>
>>2206190
Yeah, let's not activate another surge until we're reasonably sure we've almost cleared the place. Don't want to be a dead weight if we run into a local boss.
>>
>>2206193
>>2206189
>>2206186

They'll be back.

Writin'
>>
>>2206179

"I went toe to toe with a third lieutenant, fast bastard with a greatsword," You take a deep breath, trying to get yourself back together, "I got him pretty good with my Multitool, but he didn't chase me when I ran off a minute ago. Odds are good those three are regrouping and planning something nasty for our future".

Dutch's face twists into a grimace, clearly not liking the sudden change in the situation. He doesn't call out to Gladiator to update him, but harshly whispers it into his comm. The Assault team doesn't seem fazed at the update, as they continue on their way.

Finally getting your feet back under you, you swap to your pistol and slide in a fresh magazine. With a nod to your friend, you and Dutch follow the team.

Moving carefully thanks to your warning, Gladiator leads you all...
> To clear this floor of the building
> Straight to the feeding room
>>
Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>2206248
Do we risk an ambush, or do we risk them running/completing some ritual before we get there?

Eh, 1d2 it is.
>>
File: 1260274096730.jpg (57 KB, 358x235)
57 KB
57 KB JPG
>>2206248
>Feeding room
watch out for traps!
>>
>>2206248
>> Straight to the feeding room
>>
Rolled 51, 44, 15 = 110 (3d100)

>>2206278
>>2206301

Feeding room it is.

Rollin' then Writin'
>>
>>2206248

After a few seconds, you recognize that Gladiator is leading you all back to the feeding room. You don't blame him for skipping over the rest of the building; nothing else you've come to has bared any fruit.

As you get closer, you start to note bloodstains across the floors and walls.

"Must be that battleaxe vamp," Noting your curious look, Dutch motions towards the blood, "Gladiator tore into him pretty hard before the two ran".

Gunfire explodes from further ahead, causing the two of you to snap out of your musings and raise your weapons. This turns out to not be needed, as you hear two dull thuds and the assault team lowers their guns. Continuing on, you check over and confirm the two brutalized corpses were the two thralls you crippled.

Not long after that, you reach the feeding room. Only, things aren't quite right.

"Dutch," Gladiator asks, his voice neutral, "You said there were people in here; where are they?"

Getting into the room proper, you note that he's right: the people who were in her previously are gone. But, that's not right... They were in no condition to move, never mind escape from your attack...

"Overwatch team says they haven't seen anyone like the people who were in here escape," Dutch calls out after asking them over the commlink, "So they have to still be in here".

"Eyes open boys. John," Looking up, you follow the swordmaster's gaze as he points towards where the false wall is extremely obvious as there's a trail of blood leading right towards it, "You're up".

With that, you walk up to the door and pull out your Multitool.

> Roll me three 1d100's please
>>
Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>2206328
>>
Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>2206328
>>
File: 1448424270611.jpg (159 KB, 840x623)
159 KB
159 KB JPG
performance anxiety strikes again
>>
Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>2206328
Screw it, I'm rolling! Dice please!
>>
>>2206366

Congrats, anon, you just saved everyone from a perspective shift.

Writin'
>>
File: Flagellant Rapturous.jpg (69 KB, 811x457)
69 KB
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>>2206366
Awww yiss.
>>
File: 1396303078571.png (758 KB, 556x649)
758 KB
758 KB PNG
>>2206366
Good man
>>
>>2206328

Slipping your pistol back into its holster, you take a moment to inspect the false wall. There's no panel or socket or anything you might be able to use to get the thing to open on its own. You wonder just how this operates in the first place...

Oh well, you'll worry about that another day. For now, you flick on your Multitool and begin to cut a hole in the damn things so you can get inside.

Halfway through the process, your back lights up on you like a flare. For an instant, you're paralyzed as the pain sends your exhausted body into shock. In the next, you're flinging yourself out of the way as the false wall explodes.

Dazed, but still conscious, you look up just in time for Gladiator, Dutch, and the rest of the team to reflexively scramble for cover. Your view is then entirely blocked as a large man with an absolutely brutal looking battleaxe lands on a coach and smashes it into pieces.

Dutch brings up his revolvers to start unloading on him, only to duck back down as an arrow nearly takes him at the neck. To their credit, the two riflemen don't lose their nerves and immediately fire to suppress the unknown threat up above.

Gladiator flies out of cover, sword drawn, and races right for the battleaxe vampire. You're about to get up and help him when the greatsword lieutenant and a previously unseen woman walks out of the secret passage.

The female vampire raises an arm and a wave of force slams into the two riflemen, ending their fire. Someone, in the chaos of the current situation, screams out, "MAGE!"

The situation is a complete clusterfuck.
> Support Gladiator, you need Battleaxe dead now
> Attack the Mage and Greatsword, you can't let them break up your cohesion
> Suppress the Ranger, you can't let him fire while everyone's being forced out of cover
>>
>>2206445
Alright, recast the boost and

geek
the
mage
first
>>
>>2206445
>Suppress the Ranger, you can't let him fire while everyone's being forced out of cover
Maybe Dutch can take the Mage out with the Rifle we made for him? It DOES pac a punch after all.
>>
>>2206445
> Suppress the Ranger, you can't let him fire while everyone's being forced out of cover
But ask Dutch to take out the mage
>>
>>2206452
>>2206455
>>2206461

Pop Adrenaline Surge, shoot the Ranger, get Dutch to shoot the shit out of that Mage it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+5's please
>>
Rolled 59, 60, 14 + 15 = 148 (3d100 + 15)

>>2206468

[DUTCH ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 2, 16, 16 + 10 = 44 (3d100 + 10)

>>2206473

[MAGE ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 38 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2206468
>>
Rolled 67, 100, 68, 23 + 30 = 288 (4d100 + 30)

>>2206475

Well, there goes another mini-boss that got fucked by the dice

[GLADIATOR ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 59 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2206468
>>
Rolled 17, 77, 35 + 15 = 144 (3d100 + 15)

>>2206479

And probably another
>>
>>2206479
There goes Gladiator being Awesome
>>
Rolled 9, 70, 63 + 10 = 152 (3d100 + 10)

>>2206483

[RANGER ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 61, 57, 16, 66, 84, 88, 98, 99 + 5 = 574 (8d100 + 5)

>>2206486

It is a very, very good thing anons didn't try to pick a fight with him the first time we met him.

>>2206491

[ASSAULT TEAM ACTIVITY]
>>
Rolled 31 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>2206468
>>
>>2206481

64 versus 80, Failure.

Writin'
>>
>>2206445

"THE RIFLE DUTCH, THE RIFLE!" Thinking fast, you scream out to your friend, desperately hoping he'll understand what to do as you go all in. With a thought, Adrenaline Surge pushes the fatigue out of your bones. But you know its only temporary; once this wears off you're going to be out of the fight.

Despite the finality of it all, you don't hesitate as you draw your pistol and draw a bead on the man managing to stand sideways at the top of the wall across from you. Pulling the trigger as fast as you can, you manage to throw off his aim as the vampire is forced to avoid your fire.

That's when the second explosion rips through the room, sending you reeling. But this time, the Mage wasn't the source of the explosion which you confirm by looking over at her and seeing the bottom half of her body, all that's left after the massive round from Dutch's rifle hits her squarely in the chest, topples to the ground.

But that moment of distraction is enough, as you turn back up to keep up your fire just in time for three arrows to slam into your chest. That's all your body can take as, against your will, you also drop to the ground.

[1/2]
>>
>>2206606
Man we REALLY need to make some magitech trinket to protect us from arrows/bullets when we don't have armor on.
>>
>>2206613
Anon, we just died.
>>
>>2206639
We're wearing armor, we'll survive, but we are out of the fight for tonight.
>>
>>2206639
we've got reinforced armor, she'll be right m8

although I guess we won't be up and fit for first round of looting.
>>
>>2206613

John's in his full Modified Medium Armor. Those last three arrows were the final blow against his chestpiece is all.

>>2206606

You are Dutch, Gunslinger, Mafia Enforcer, and all around Badass. With your two trusted revolvers, you've fought and killed your way here to Shirahoro.

And, with the aid of the absolutely brutal rifle John built for you, you just killed a "lieutenant" vampire with one shot.

The look on her face was priceless as she realized just what was about to happen to her, as the translucent shield the Mage raised to protect herself didn't even slow down the round you fired. You can't keep the savage grin off your face as you manually clear the chamber and load the next round.

All good nature drains out of your body, your blood going cold, as you look over the couch you're hiding behind just in time to see John take three arrows right to the chest, his armor taking most of the attack but apparently not enough, as he collapses to the ground.

A flurry of emotion hits you in that instant, as you watch your best friend, the man who you only barely saved from death's clutches, laying there motionless. It all blurs together as you attempt to process it before it lands squarely on FURY.

Standing up, uncaring if you're now a target, you take aim and nail the one with the greatsword, who apparently tried to flee when his ally exploded next to him, right in the back. He goes down, but you know it was a glancing blow, so you move onto the next target.

Which you suddenly don't find. Lee and Seth unload on the Ranger, emptying both of their clips into the bastard archer until his broken and bloodied body crunches against the floor. Turning to Battleaxe, you pay attention just in time for Gladiator to bait the massive vamp to over extend, allowing Frank to blow a chunk out of his side with his shotgun and Chris to shoot out his knee. The fucker has half a second to look surprised before your boss stabs him right in the face with his dagger and sword, pushes him onto his back, and pulls the two weapons apart, causing his head to tear apart.

You don't wait another second as the fighting ends, dead sprinting over to where John is lying in a heap.

Desperately grabbing his face, you lean over to make sure he's still breathing and press your fingers against his neck.

After several tense seconds, you let out a sigh of relief as you feel a constant, if somewhat weak, pulse and breathing.

"Status report! All of you!" Gladiator yells out, trying to get the team back together after the desperate scramble that was surviving that ambush. One by one, the boys confirm that they're alive, if shaken, until it comes to you.

"I'm fine," Your voice sounds shaky and uncertain, despite the fact that with killing three lieutenants the danger is mostly gone, "John's alive, he's just unconscious. I managed to clip the fucker with the greatsword, but he's still up; bitch ran off down the passageway".

[2/3]
>>
>>2206702

"Got it," Your boss looks like he's about to try to get some of the blood off of him, but seems to think better of it, "We're going to have to go down there, but we should be good with just us, Dutch. It's your choice on what to do".

You look down at your unconscious friend, gritting your teeth. You were never good at making decisions; hell, half the time you just listened to John and shot the fuck out of whatever you needed to.

You know the whole point of John being here was to make sure you all did you mission, not nearly get killed because he was the guy who accidentally tripped the trap for you all.

Looking back up at Gladiator, you let him know you're going to...
> Head in with them, you need to see this to the end
> Take John out to the Overwatch team
>>
>>2206716
>> Take John out to the Overwatch team
>>
>>2206716
>Take John out to the Overwatch team
>>
>>2206716
Going in means leaving John lying there unguarded, right?
That would seem unwise.
>>
>>2206716
Hide john under a cloth and a table and head in with the boys.

(If we don't go with them they all die)
>>
>>2206925

You could just carry John in with you, but it looks like the vote's pretty much in favor of leaving now.

>>2206729
>>2206838

We're done here, time to go home.

Writin'
>>
>>2206994
>>2206925

I'll give it a few more minutes if you guys do want to head down there while carrying John.
>>
>>2207003
>Carry him.
He'll come to his senses soon enough.
>>
>>2207003
Carry him.
>>
>>2207026
>>2207049
>>2206925

Down we go.

Writin'
>>
>>2207003
Yeah, drag him with us.

Hopefully the vampires won’t come up with something extreme like setting the whole place on fire.
>>
>>2206716

Glancing over, you check over the armor plating that took the three arrows that could have easily been lethal. Thankfully, they didn't penetrate hard enough to cause a serious wound, though John's likely to be pissed at you as removing the arrows causes the chest piece to crack and fall apart.

Borrowing a bandage from Lee, you quickly wrap the three shallow wounds on his chest and secure it. Making sure you're not going to disturb the wound, you carefully hoist John over your shoulder.

Bastard definitely isn't the scrawny brat you knew back in Westmire anymore...

"Are you sure this is smart, Dutch?" Gladiator asks you, but you can tell he's more focused on getting a good look at the passageway you're going to be clearing out, "If you open that wound it up it isn't going to be pretty".

You sling your massive rifle over your free shoulder and draw a revolver, "John's a tough bastard; he survived nearly being cut in half, this isn't going to be an issue".

"If you say so," And with that, the lot of you enter into the passage, Gladiator and Frank leading the way.

The change in atmosphere is apparent immediately, the entire team glancing about the low-light tunnel. It's pretty obvious this was an addition to the existing building, as it goes underground and becomes extremely utilitarian rather than the posh designs of the above ground building.

All the while, you're following around trail of blood, from the vamp that tried to run, but the smell in here is just wrong. Getting to the end of the tunnel, it becomes extremely apparent why that is.

A sizable majority of the people you found in the previous room and laying haphazardly in a pile, their skin deathly pale and their faces twisted as its evident they were quickly drained of all their blood.

Stumbling to the other side of the underground room is Greatsword himself, looking extremely worse for wear. He's heading right towards an electronic console of sorts, so you make the unilateral decision to shoot both his kneecaps out.

The vamp collapses scant steps away from whatever he was trying to do, you deposit John on the ground and walk forwards, your revolver still smoking. Glancing over your shoulder, you find Gladiator nods to you, apparently uncaring of what you do to the "lieutenant" as he and the rest of the team look over the pile of bodies.

Turning back, you draw a bead on his head.
> "The Genovese say hello"
> "You and your friends made some very stupid mistakes, try to learn from them"
> "If you know what's good for you, you'll stay dead"
> Say nothing, just shoot him
>>
>>2207172
"Boo."
>>
>>2207172
> Say nothing, just shoot him
>>
>>2207172
>> "The Gambinos say hello"
>>
>>2207283
This
I wonder if they'll buy it?
>>
>>2207172
"Too Bad you aren't a blonde"

>> "The Gambinos say hello"
>>
>>2207300
>>2207293
>>2207283

That's a very interesting write-in.

> Roll me three 1d100's for effect please
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>2207323
>>
File: 1511470865753.png (238 KB, 692x687)
238 KB
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Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>2207323
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>2207323
>>
Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>2207323
Politick Politick
>>
>>2207332

Well, this is going to be interesting...

Writin'
>>
>>2207172

The temptation to just pull the trigger and pop his head like a balloon is there, but you manage to resist it for a few more moments as you think of a clever gift to send this vamp on his way with. It isn't often that you come to a situation where you can really abuse the political climate of your area, but if this isn't one then you don't know what is.

"It's just such a shame you're not a blonde..." Drawling, you casually hook a foot underneath his stomach and roll the vamp onto his back. Now that you get a good look at him, you note that he looks... immature? Something like that. He just doesn't look like he's been a vamp for as long as, say, Battleaxe is. Perhaps this'll work far better than you anticipated... Pulling back the hammer for emphasis, you aim your revolver right at the center of his head, Greatsword looking up the barrel as a thin line of blood trails down from his mouth, "The Gambino's say hello".

The look of utter confusion gives you pause, the vamp glancing around for a moment before looking back at you, "Gambino's? The fuck are you doing then? We told you we were in the final stages of preparation, and now it's going to take days for Hunter and Berwulf to recover, nevermind the week or so it's going to take for Julie after you blew her in half!"

He looks over at the rest of the team, who are now deathly silent and very much interesting in what is going on.

"For fucks sake, I know you all are supposed to be 'dumb muscle', but are you that fucking retarded that you attacked your own allies!? Do you have any idea how pissed off Si-".

At this the vampire stops, as if finally realizing that the situation is not what he thought it was. A wild look enters his eyes, his mouth opens wide as his entire line of teeth turn into rows of razor sharp canines, and he lunges right for you before your revolver splatters his head all over the console behind him.

Aside from the ringing of the discharged firearm, no one says a word for several seconds. Slowly, you turn towards your boss.

"I think its time to go".

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 16 END]

> So, that just got interesting. Good job anons for thinking outside the box, I said in the very beginning of this quest that such behavior would be rewarded. And, as I'm sure this makes perfectly clear, there's about to be a very hot night in the old town of Shirahoro coming up. But, sadly, this is where I need to end things for tonight. Not sure how much time I'll have tomorrow to run, but I'll see what I can do.
>>
>>2207466
Thanks for running. I'm sorry my write in ruined one of your twists.


I'm not sorry.
>>
>>2207466
Marvelous. I do hope the boys strip mine the room for anything with data on it before leaving.
>>
>>2207542

I didn't have a really good spot to make the reveal anyways, so doing it now is probably the best its going to get.

>>2207558

You'll have to ask Dutch what happened when we wake up as John again.
>>
>>2207466
> Do you have any idea how pissed off Si-
Inb4 Sierra
>>
>>2207606
It depends on how the i in Si is pronounced. It could be Siegfried, Simon, or even Silvester.
>>
File: DontyoutrustMe.png (44 KB, 500x500)
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>>2207606

Whatever could you mean?~
>>
>>2207640
I mean I'm totally down for kinky vampire elf sex
>>
Story are you going to use a build-a-quest thread again after this Quest is done?
>>
>>2208247

I've got three mostly planned out quests that I'll be running at some point in the future. Unless anons want me to do another build-a-quest for something new, I'll be leaving that alone for now. Why do you ask?
>>
>>2208292
Just curious
>>
>>2207628
Bit Sierra and Siegfried both have See as the first syllable....
>>
>>2209056
Yeah, that's the point.

So StoryT, how is the 'Si' pronounced?
>>
I think it was just “sire” desu
>>
>>2207665
I mean, we know Sierra's not a vampire.

Though that doesn't necessarily mean she isn't their boss.
>>
Okay, this is going to be a bit weird, but my laptop's keyboard has simply decided to stop working for now. I have no idea if its a BiOS issue or a hardware issue, but I'm going to try to get it down to the shop this week. Either way, I'm currently on an old desktop so I can write, its just that the photos that I'll be using will be posted by my laptop; said posts will be under Anon since I can't actually type my moniker into the box. Regardless, we'll be continuing on as normal in a bit.

>>2208406

Fair enough; might serious consider running one of those three at some point soon since I'm having this issue with my main computer.

>>2209056
>>2209386
>>2207665
>>2207606

As amusing as this has been, >>2209825 has it right
>>
>>2207466

[ARTIFICER QUEST PART 17 START]

You are John Hoelscher, Artificer, Smith, and resident problem solver of the City of Shirahoro.

And, for some reason or the other, you can't remember what you were doing moments ago.

Vertigo hits you hard, sending you end over end until you feel yourself lose all sense of direction. Darkness fills your vision, clawing up your back and tearing at your sanity.

Sense of self leaves, like blood turning cold against a cobblestone street.

> Roll me three 1d100's please
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2210239
>>
File: John_TakesaNap.png (162 KB, 731x241)
162 KB
162 KB PNG
>>2210239
>>
Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>2210239
>>
>>2210295

That's a 52, not quite good enough.

Writin'
>>
>>2210239

...

Something...

...

You... can't remember...

...

Why can't you...

...

Darkness smothers you once again, forcing your mind to go blank and your concentration to break.

...

Groggily, blearily, you open your eyes. It takes a few moments for your vision to clear and focus, the vaguely familiar ceiling of your apartment's bedroom coming into view.

Slowly, more of your senses return to you, several points on your chest aching in pain while your limbs barely respond to your attempts at moving them.

Forcing your head to the side, you're a bit surprised to see...
> Sierra and Dutch
> Jun and Yeon-Ha
> Sun and an unknown woman
> Godo
> Goo Hwi
>>
>>2210343

> Sierra and Dutch
> Jun and Yeon-Ha
> Sun and an unknown woman

I can't decide!
>>
>>2210343
>>
>>2210343
> Sun and an unknown woman
>>
>>2210343
Could we do all of them?

If not then Sun and unknown woman
>>
>>2210343
Let's just do them all
>>
>>2210404
>>2210416

Your apartment isn't that big.
>>
>>2210421
What about having Dutch Sierra and Sun then the rest downstairs
>>
>>2210432

Because you're effectively choosing who's keeping an eye on John when he wakes up; the rest are off either at work or continuing the investigations into the vampires.
>>
>>2210343

> Sun and an unknown woman
>>
>>2210457
Ok well Sun and unknown woman then
I need to know who it is
>>
>>2210461
>>2210458
>>2210366
>>2210346

The Scholar and the Unknown it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2210467
MYSTERY BOX!
>>
>>2210343

You blink blankly as Sun Woo's smiling visage fills your vision.

"Good to see you awake, John," The Councilor's expression certainly seems somewhat relieved as you look him over, "I must confess: you gave us all quite the scare when your friend - Dutch was it? - came here with you unconscious over his shoulder".

"Oh," That's about all you can make out, as your voice is still rather weak, "I was unc-"

Halfway through trying to confirm what happened, the door to your room suddenly opens and a middle-aged Eastern woman walks in. You glance over at Sun in obvious confusion, who just smiles at you in a reassuring manner.

Standing up from where he was kneeling next to your futon, the Head motions towards the woman, "You two have never met, but this here is my wife: Hwang Sagong".

Sagong gives you a polite bow, "My husband informed me that you were apart of the team that 'dealt'," At the word, she glances knowingly at Sun, "With the individuals who threatened the lives of my children. For that, I thank you".

"Y-you're welcome..." Your response isn't quite as steady as you'd like, but you are getting better. You do frown as the memories slowly trickle back to you.

"You were not badly injured, but there's no doubt you collapsed from more than just physical wounds. How are you feeling currently?" The woman walks forward as she asks her question, looking over you.

Your response?
> "I'm getting better"
> "Like I got hit by a train"
> "How long was out for?"
> Other
>>
>>2210580
> Other

"How is everyone else?"
>>
>>2210580
>> "Like I got hit by a train"
Tbh we used our skill twice
>>
>>2210580
> "Like I got hit by a train"
>>
>>2210580
>"Like I got hit by a train"
> "How long was out for?"
>>
>>2210580
Like i got hit by a train
Then Mumble that you hate trains
>>
>>2210580
>Like i got hit by a train, I fucking hate trains

and then
>How are the others
>>
>>2210591
>>2210592
>>2210647
>>2211258
>>2211430
>>2211435

I've been better, how did everyone else make out?

Writin'
>>
>>2210580

"I feel like I got hit by a train," You're about to continue your statement by muttering out a few expletives regarding your opinion of said mode of transportation, but considering the present company you think better of it, "How are the others?"

Sun laughs a bit at your words, smiling at your look of confusion, "Ah, it's just that I'm surprised you're more concerned about the others considering you were the most hurt by the fight. Regardless, Dutch was pretty tight-lipped about what happened, though he did state that aside from one of the team taking a hit to his arm they got through it mostly unscathed".

"I see..." Turning back towards the ceiling, you wince as you try to move your limbs again to the same feeling of them being heavily weighed down, "Didn't think I was that badly hurt".

"You're not," Sagong interjects, leaning down to inspect the bandage that's across your chest, "My magic is effective at healing and lacks many of the usual risks of the school of magic considering it simply accelerates the natural healing process, but it is extremely draining to patient if they are, for example, unconscious and thus unable to eat or drink to replenish themselves. Thankfully, you've only been asleep for a matter of hours, rather than days".

You just blink at her, waiting as she unwraps your chest and nods in satisfaction at what she sees.

"Just take the next day or so to relax," Sun hands over your shirt and you throw it over your shoulders as he helps you to your feet, "You shouldn't have any issues and don't worry about the investigations, I'll be handling them".

Getting to your feet is a bit of a chore, but you can definitely manage it, your limbs are not as unresponsive as you thought they'd be once your blood starts running again. You are quite hungry, however...

"Unless you need something else, we'll be taking our leave now," Sun says as Sagong gives you another formal bow before exiting the room. After she does, the Councilor gives you a much more apologetic look, "I'm sorry John, for forcing you into such a dangerous situation. I received a full report from their mage mentioning that there were four of those lieutenants in the building; it is no small miracle that you all managed to complete my request with minimal injuries and no deaths".

Your response?
> "You're a father before anything else, can't fault you for caring"
> "Don't worry about it, we all lived"
> "They're getting smarter, Sun, we need to finish things soon"
> Other
>>
>>2211850
"Sun, we are all alive and i trust that you and archmage can figure out something. lets just hope its soon"
>>
>>2211850
>> "They're getting smarter, Sun, we need to finish things soon"
>>
>>2211850
>> "They're getting smarter, Sun, we need to finish things soon"
>>
>>2211850
> "They're getting smarter, Sun, we need to finish things soon"
>>
>>2211875
>"They're getting smarter, Sun, we need to finish things soon"
"Make sure to keep your family close"
>>
>>2211850
>> "You're a father before anything else, can't fault you for caring"

"But you should keep your family under heavy guard. We should find their lair before they regenerate."

Hopefully our silver will arive soon so we can have our own anti-vampire armory for any future raids.
>>
>>2211907
>>2211898
>>2211890
>>2211875
>>2211856
>>2211852

Tick tock.

Writin'
>>
>>2212160
Jobs not over yet. Besides we also a target too. Finally we like this city, and Sun, and his kids. We have a personal stake in this (haha).

Think next time we can fight them during the day though?
>>
>>2211850

"You're a father, Sun, I'm not going to blame you for caring about your family," Giving your limbs a stretch, you look over to where the Councilor is silently waiting for you to continue, "You might have a massive amount of pull in the city, but you can only protect so many people; putting priority on your family, in that case, is a good thing. In fact, you should probably reinforce whatever you're protecting them with, despite the fact that the most direct threat against them is temporarily gone".

He looks down and to the side, thinking over your words before speaking up, "...Thanks John, I'll keep that under consideration".

At that, Sun gives you one last smile before turning to leave. You frown a bit, and voice one last concern, "They're getting smarter, Sun. We're all alive currently, and I trust that you and Archmage will pull through, but we're running out of time if we want to rid Shirahoro of this threat".

"I know, John," The Head looks over his shoulder, his face set in a neutral expression, "Just focus on recovering; we're going to take out these vampires once and for all".

With that last bit, he leaves and you hear Sun and his wife exit your shop downstairs. Looking outside, you note that it's probably just after lunchtime currently. The rain is gone for now, but you do see that there's a storm brewing off the coast.

Leaving that behind for now, you walk into your kitchen and grab yourself some food. Devouring your simple meal hungrily, you sigh to yourself as you slowly start feeling more and more human.

> Congratulations! Your repeated success utilizing pistols in combat has granted you a new skill! You have gained the skill: Pistol Marksmenship! Current skill rank: Adept!

Thinking on it, you definitely are going to need an anti-vampire weapon for the coming days. Unfortunately, you're out of silver and your supplier isn't going to be getting another shipment for several days.

That's when your eyes land on the pile of papers on your kitchen table, one of which is the Sigil you got from Archmage the other day. He did request you make a sword utilizing the Sigil for Gladiator, so perhaps its about time you got to work on that project.

Now what?
> Work in the workshop/forge
> Go somewhere (where?)
> Find someone (who?)
> Other
>>
>>2212232
>start making that sword

and two things.
one: how much did we do on our golem
two: if we put fire runes on the golems knucles, would everything he touch turn on fire?
>>
>>2212232
>>
>>2212232
We were told to rest, weren't we?
Maybe we should go find Sierra.
>>
>>2212232
Fire sword for Archmage
>>
>>2212232
Find Dutch and/or Sierra

Or we don't leave the building and focus on fortifying it?
>>
>>2212232
> Find someone (who?)
Sierra to nurse us while we're sick.
>>
>>2212243
she said we would be tired, and forge work is rather tiring so......

i change this>>2212240
to this>>2212288
>>2212243
>>
>>2212288
>>2212273
>>2212270
>>2212243
>>2212240

Alright, there's two main choices now:
> Work on making the fire sword(s)
> Find Sierra
>>
>>2212303
find serria
>>
>>2212303
Dude it's solidly find Sierra now.
>>
>>2212303
Yup, let's find Sierra. Maybe take a relaxing walk with her or something.
>>
>>2212314
>>2212308
>>2212273
>>2212243

Go find Sierra it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2212232

Looking down at the slip of paper, you're very much tempted to get back down to the forge and continue working. But Sagong's words about taking things easy for a bit come to you and, while you'll probably be able work without an issue, perhaps you should take a bit of time off rather than trying to burn yourself out.

With a bit of regret, you gather your things and head downstairs. Walking into the workshop, you're a bit surprised to find what's left of that set of Medium Armor you nicked off those idiots back on the train laying in a corner. With the aid of your slowly returning memories, you pick at the destroyed chest piece where the three arrows hit you. The rest of the set is in alright condition, aside from the left gauntlet where you deflected the vamp's greatsword, nothing seems to be too damaged. It might be time to retire the set, though, considering you can definitely build far better armor at this point.

It's something for later, though. For now, it might be a good idea to catch up with Sierra; you returning last night unconscious probably didn't do her any favors.

Making sure everything is locked up properly, you head to where you think you might find the elf bartender...
> The Dragon's Lair Inn
> Eden Hall
> The Main Bastion
> Other
>>
>>2212349
>Dragon lair inn

if she isnt there, take a look at eden hall
>>
>>2212349

> The Dragon's Lair Inn
>>
>>2212349
>> The Dragon's Lair Inn
>>
>>2212349
>The Dragon's Lair Inn
>>
>>2212363
>>2212367
>>2212417
>>2212418

The Dragon's Lair Inn it is.

> Roll me three 1d100's please
>>
Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>2212431
do the dice gods like elves?
>>
Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>2212431
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>2212431
>>
>>2212446

Considering how much that nat 100 changed the story back in Part 1, I'd say they do.

That's a 65, Success.

Writin'
>>
>>2212349

Well, odds are good she might be hanging out with Goo Hwi at the Dragon's Lair Inn. So that's where you start walking towards.

The sun's out and bright as droves of people walk around for lunch, which is nice since it helps keep the edge out of the season's cold air. The languor that's holding deep in your bones slowly releases as you walk, helping your mood out immensely.

The Dragon's Lair Inn comes into view, seemingly entirely unchanged since you first arrived all those months ago. Gang Ryong isn't out cleaning, probably working inside, so without further to do, you walk inside.

Unsurprisingly, Goo Hwi is in his usual spot, calmly eating his lunch. He glances over at you, his expression immediately brightening up as he sees you, and the old man motions you over as he finishes chewing the food in his mouth.

"John!" His smile is its usual megawatt brightness, "It's good to see you back on your feet".

"It's good to be conscious again," Your response is dry, as per the norm, though you can't help the thin smile on your face.

"So, I'm guessing you're here for Sierra? Or, are you here to talk to an old man?" Goo Hwi looks at you with a humorous glint in his eye.

Your response?
> Ask where Sierra is
> Ask how the meeting went after you left
> Ask Goo Hwi something else (what?)
> Other
>>
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776 KB
776 KB PNG
>>2212524
>>
>>2212524
>> Ask where Sierra is
>> Ask how the meeting went after you left
>>
>>2212524
> Ask where Sierra is
>>
>>2212524
>> Ask how the meeting went after you left
then
> Ask where Sierra is
>>
>>2212581
>>2212636
>>2212708

Meeting then Sierra it is.

Writin'
>>
>2212663
Is this you?
>>
>>2213033
>>2212663
Oops.
>>
File: Sierra_LookingStuffed.png (184 KB, 422x580)
184 KB
184 KB PNG
>>2213033

Yep

>>2212524

"How did the meeting go after I left?" This is one thing that's been gnawing at you, a question that you fully planned on asking after you returned last night. Some plan that was.

"Good, good!" Goo Hwi pushes a bit of food around his plate as he responds jovially, "We were mostly talking about what we had discovered through either research or experience, I'm sure you already know what we know".

"I did ask you guys about it, yes," You motion for the old man to continue.

"Other than that, we divided up major areas of the city to patrol. Even if we can't fully stop their nighttime activities, keeping an eye on them is a smart idea".

"That's rather reaso-"

"YOU!" Turning around, you're just in time for a rather irate Sierra to come stomping over. With a lunge, the elf grips your collar in both hands and starts shaking you, "Are you brain dead!? You were supposed to stay back and let those guys take care of things!"

Your response?
> "We were ambushed, didn't have the chance to get out"
> "I'm sorry, but the situation dissolved a bit faster than we could react to"
> Headpat
> Other
>>
>>2213052
>> Headpat
>>
>>2213052
>> Headpat
>>
>>2213052
Headpat is the only choice
>>
>>2213052
> Headpat
>>
>>2213122
>>2213113
>>2213081
>>2213201

Engage the ultimate weapon.

Writin'
>>
>>2213052

You know that, despite everything you see in front of you, Sierra's really just worried about you. It's... a bit touching really, to know that there's someone who'd get so pissed off at you for getting yourself into such a dangerous situation.

It's certainly a nice change to apathy, which is what you're really used to.

So, you give the elf an appropriate reward for her concern.

Coincidentally, your action certainly throws a wrench into Sierra's gearbox, as she immediately stops thrashing you and a lovely blush paints across her face.

"I appreciate the concern, Sierra, but you're going to do more damage to me than the vamps did if you keep this up," There's a disarming smile on your face as you gently guide the now pacified elf down to the seat next to yours.

She looks incredibly embarrassed at the given situation, probably more so due to the attention she garnered from her outburst than your actions, "...You know that's not fair, John".

Removing your hand from her head, you let out a low chuckle, "I promise to reserve it for special occasions".

That gets you a light jab to your side, but it is worth it.

Goo Hwi continues to look amused at the situation, "If you two are quite done, I'm sure you have plenty to catch up on. Have a nice day".

Waving goodbye to the old man as he leaves, you turn back to Sierra as Gang Ryong hands her a small lunch.

"So," The elf takes a bite out of her dumpling before speaking up, "Any reason in particular you're here, or is it just to give me heart attack?"

Your response?
> Ask Sierra what she thought about the meeting
> Ask Sierra how well her brother can fight
> Ask Sierra out on a date
> Other
>>
>>2213255
>> Ask Sierra out on a date
>>
>>2213255
>Date

Doctors orders, low stress activities.
>>
>>2213255
>> Ask Sierra out on a date
>>
>>2213379
>>2213310
>>2213278

Date it is.

Writin'
>>
>>2213255

"Well, I'm under strict orders to take it easy for today; unless you're busy why don't we go somewhere nice?" You're not exactly sure if Sagong would appreciate you twisting her words to go out on a date with you girlfriend, but its not like she's around to complain to you.

Sierra chews on her next dumpling thoughtfully, "I suppose we can, I don't have work until later tonight and I didn't already have plans".

"Alright, we'll head out once you're done then".

With that decided, you make idle chatter with Gang Ryong while the elf finishes up her meal.

After paying and saying goodbye, the two of you are off. One short discussion later, you decide to go to...
> The port
> The forest
> Somewhere in the city (where?)
> Other
>>
>>2213427
>> The forest
>>
>>2213427
>> The forest
>>
>>2213444
>>2213435

Forrest it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please
>>
Rolled 15 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2213492
>>
Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>2213492
>>
Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>2213492
>>
Rolled 18 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2213492
>>
>>2213506

That's a 56, let's see what you see.

Writin'
>>
Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>2213564
Rolling for how quickly the Vamp leader kills Sierra

(Going into the Forest ((Where Vamps regenerate and hide)) with no armor or weapons. SMART.)
>>
>>2213427

About an hour after leaving the Dragon's Lair Inn, you're casually strolling through the forests that surround the southeastern border of the city. Further west, you can see the Highlands that you traveled through during that trip to Shirahoro so long ago.

Along the way, you've been keeping an eye out for any signs of Blight, bandits, or anything else you can think of off the top of your head that would ruin a perfectly good walk through the forest. You don't see anything that stands out, but you're not exactly familiar with the area.

Sierra, on the other hand, looks extremely happy to be out of the city walls, cheerily humming away some tune you don't recognize.

Neither of you have any particular direction to you wandering, but that is part of the allure you suppose.

Well, the main part of the allure is the dark-haired woman next to you.

What now?
> Ask Sierra what she's humming
> Ask Sierra if this forest is similar to the one she grew up near
> Ask Sierra something else
> Stay quiet for now
>>
>>2213594
> Ask Sierra what she's humming
>>
>>2213594
> Ask Sierra what she's humming
>>
>>2213594
>> Ask Sierra what she's humming
>>
>>2213594
>> Ask Sierra what she's humming
>>
>>2213624
>>2213620
>>2213612
>>2213599

What's that tune?

Writin'
>>
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>>2212663
Yo! StoryTs Running another quest along this one. It's pretty good, for a start. Check it out!
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>>2213594

"What're you humming?" After walking for a few more minutes, the curiosity eats away at you enough to ask.

"Oh!" Sierra's apparently surprised by your sudden question, glancing over at you from the corner of her eyes, "Well, it's not really a song that I know of exactly..."

She trails off, looking up at the canopy of the forest. You can tell she's just gathering her thoughts, so you don't bother to interrupt.

"Back where I grew up, we used to have a yearly festival at the edge of the forest," Her dark green eyes look beyond the treetops, likely remembering the event as she spoke about it, "We'd all come together and have a feast with the best spirits straight from the breweries. The Hunters would bring with them venison and wild boar, and we'd cook them over an open fire. Then we'd all partake in a great feast, laughing and drinking well into the night. And then... and then we'd hum this tune at the end of it all".

Sierra looks back down, her eyes a bit glossy as she remembers those times, "Sorry... it's just that those were good times; those festivals are definitely the reason why my brother and I are bartenders".

The elf goes silent, continuing to walk beside you as travel through the forest.

Your response?
> Tell her about the festivals in Westmire
> Tell her about living with Dutch's family in Airgird
> Tell her about something else
> Stay silent
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>>2213758
>> Tell her about the festivals in Westmire
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>>2213758
>Tell her about the festivals in Westmire
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>>2213758
>> Tell her about the festivals in Westmire
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>>2213813
>>2213786
>>2213781

Westmire it is.

Writin'
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>>2213758

"We had a harvest festival back in Westmire," After a few moments, you speak up, pulling up memories of your own, "There was a lake right outside the city, and you'd get these delicious fish out of it. We'd make a massive bone fire, throw a metal grill over the whole thing, and then fry the entire batch of them right then and there. We'd get this vegetable that grows underground, chop them up and fry them in fat and larder from the slaughtered pigs. That's not even getting into the pastries and breads the bakers would cook up with the excess grain..."

At some point, the two of you find a nice place in the shade to talk. For the first time in years, you talk about the good times in Westmire. How you and Dutch managed to sneak your first mug of beer while the adults were busy drunk. Of the spicy bread your favorite baker made went great with the meat from the butcher across the street.

About how Dutch helped sneak you out of your house when you were grounded. Or all the times you helped him study; there were a lot of those.

Eventually, you look up to see that the sun is going down. Had that much time passed already?

Sierra catches on as well, looking a bit sad to see the time come to an end. "We should probably head back," The elf looks at you wistfully, "Or, we could stay out for a bit longer".

Your response?
> Head back to Shirahoro
> Stay out for a while longer
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>>2213936
>> Stay out for a while longer
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>>2213936
> Stay out for a while longer
Will probably bite us in the ass but I can't resist.
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>>2213936
>Stay for a while longer
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Guess I'll be the voice of reason and vote to head back
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>>2214016
>>2213997
>>2213945

Stay out for a bit longer it is.

Writin'
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>>2213936

"We can stay here for a bit longer," Wrapping an arm around her waist, you pull Sierra closer to yourself and just enjoy the feeling of her pressed up against you.

Neither of you say a word, just calmly listening to the sounds of the forest around you as the sun slowly ducks below the horizon and the creatures of the night begin to come out.

Within a few minutes, dozens upon dozens of fireflies light up the night; eliciting small gasps of wonder from the two of you.

You and Sierra get lost in the random movements of the insects, drawing staggered patterns in the darkened forest.

Sadly, all good things have to come to an end, and it gets suitably late enough that its about time to get heading back to the city.

> Roll me three 1d100+15's please
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Rolled 90 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2214151
>>
Rolled 99 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2214151
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Rolled 96 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>2214151
>>
>>2214157
>>2214164
>>2214331
...Holy shiiiiitteeeeet. What did you Anons sacrifice to the Dice Gods for these rolls??
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>>2214335
Monster Quest.
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>>2214588
>>2214335

AQ is the dice gods' personal heat sink for luck.

>>2214164

That's a 114, Great Success.

Writin'
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>>2214151

Likely due to the fact that neither of you are on a casual stroll through the forest, both yourself and Sierra are far more attentive on the way back to the city. There isn't anything of issue on the way, thankfully for your nerves, but it's still good to be on guard.

Making your way back into the city takes a bit of time, as the guards are far more thorough with checking your papers. It's a slightly comforting thought to know that they're being careful after dark, even if these guards would have a hell of a time fighting off thralls.

You don't see the same guard who gave you the recommendation to take the Proof of Merit tests by the time the guard comes back with your papers, so with a shrug you and Sierra continue on your way.

Despite the fact that she's got work soon, the elf accompanies you on the back to your shop. Neither of you speak, but the silence between you is comforting rather than awkward.

The good mood swiftly ends when you come into sight of your shop and immediately stop in place.

"John?" Sierra softly questions, probably seeing exactly what you were as well, "Were you expecting people?"

You don't speak up, electing to lead the elf into a nearby alley instead. Instincts flaring, you lean around the corner just enough to get an eye out and take a look at the scene in front of you.

There's a rather large group of cloaked figures standing just out of view of your shop, the majority of them standing stock still while three others talk in hushed tones.

"No, I wasn't," You pull your head back around to finally respond.

This is bad, but at the bare minimum you haven't been spotted yet. So, if necessary, you could leave now and go to the Main Bastion or the Genovese HQ for help. But, that would leave your shop entirely undefended for at least an hour.

You have to make a choice and, like always, its going to be a gamble either way.
> Go to the Main Bastion, ask for help from Sun
> Go to the Genovese HQ, ask fro help from Gladiator
> Sneak around to the back entrance of the shop
> Sneak up, see if you can't hear what those three are talking about
> Confront the group in the open
> Other
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>>2214902
How far away is Dragon? Maybe Sierra could head there while we try to sneak to the back entrance?

(the point would be to alert Goo and Ryong... and then she could continue to Bastion or a guard post)
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>>2214924

Dragon's Lair is about a 10 min walk from your shop.
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>>2214902
> Sneak up, see if you can't hear what those three are talking about
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>>2214902
>Sneaky Breeki

I'd prefer to try and just sneak into our shop but gathering info is always a good idea.
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Actually, who can Sierra contact telepathically? Goo Whi for sure, but what about Sun or Dutch? Is she familiar enough with them to be able to?
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>>2214948

She's able to Message people that she's familiar with, which at this point would include Sun and Dutch.

>>2214942
>>2214947

Looks like we're going to sneak up on these guys.

Tell Sierra to send a message to someone while you do?
> Y
> N
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>>2214956
hmm... wouldn't want to overreact and alert our friends for nothing...

Maybe have her observe us from hiding spot and decide for herself whether to contact anyone depending how our scouting goes?
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>>2214969
But then if she gets spotted she's on her own.
>>2214956
>> Y
>>
>>2214969
>>2214977

Keep in mind Sierra goes unconscious while sending the message.
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>>2214997
That should not be a problem if she does this while the suspicious characters are unaware of her presence, which means either before we head in to investigate, or when she's behind cover while watching John from afar.

Does she have the new armor btw?
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>>2215002

Sierra is wearing the armor yes.
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>>2214956
Can we wait untill she is not unconscious?
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>>2215008
>>2215018
^What this guy said. Wait for her to send it then sneak up on them.
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>>2215018
>>2215053

Wait for Sierra to send the message, then sneak forwards it is.

> Roll me three 1d100+2's please
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Rolled 75 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2215102
Check my singles
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Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>2215102
>>
Rolled 42 + 2 (1d100 + 2)

>>2215102
Keep her safe dice.
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>>2215105

That's a 77, let's see what happens.

Writin'
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>>2214902

"Sierra..." Turning towards the elf, you reach under your shirt and slide your pistol out of the holster, "Send a message out to Goo Hwi and tell him to get to my shop as soon as he can; there's vamps right outside my front door. I'll cover you while you're out, then we're going to see what they're getting up to".

Sensing the severity of the situation, Sierra just nods and collapses. You wrap an arm around her waist to make sure she doesn't hit the cobblestone, then keep an eye on the situation.

The three cloaked figures are still talking to one another, you can tell by how their bodies move under their clothing, but you still can't hear a thing.

It's a very tense minute as you stand there with Sierra, unconscious and vulnerable, waiting for her to get the message out. You keep your finger off the trigger, but other than that you're just barely keeping your nerves at bay.

With a stir, the elf awakens and stands up fully, giving you a nod to let you know that the message went through successfully. You motion for her to follow you, leading the two of you through the back alleys towards your shop.

Considering your familiarity with the area, you make good time and within minutes you're coming up to your nondescript back door. A quick look around the area tells you that there's no one out here, but you still want to get moving.

Reaching into your pocket and grabbing your key, you slide the key in and are about to open the door when you're interrupted by someone yelling out.

"JOHN HOELSCHER!" You don't recognize the voice, shaking your head at Sierra's look of confusion, "YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE HEAVENLY EMPEROR, BREAKING AND ENTERING, AND THE MURDER OF CITIZENS OF SHIRAHORO!"

His shouting stops there, so you take the moment to open the door and slip inside. Clearing the workshop, you note that no one has been through here since you left earlier in the day.

"John," Turning around, you see Sierra also looking around in concern, "What are we going to do?"

Your response?
> "We're holding out until Goo Hwi gets here"
> "I just need to grab some papers, then we're leaving"
> Other
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>>2215205
>Time to get cocky. Serria, take a few of my papers and you are leaving, i will wait here for goo hwi

have her take our more dangerous shit like the golem plans and the rune drawings. then get comfortable in our workshop, dressed up in nice gear and out pistol ready. kill any of the vamps that we have an ID on. the charge of the emporor conspiracy shit is worrying, but we have to hope sun can work his magic

vamps may also have one of theirs in the poltic machines
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>>2215205
Is the 77?
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>>2215205
>> "I just need to grab some papers, then we're leaving"
>>Also pick up the multitool.
Our chest armors gone, and we can rebuild pretty much everything in here.
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>>2215253
What the hell would happen if we would have gotten a 1 the vamp lord destroys half of the city?
It turns out this is all dream and we are still in the ruins?
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>>2215253

You mean is this because you got a 77? Nope, the 77 was for getting by without being seen.

>>2215259

As for this all being a dream, haha no way. If I was going to pull a dream sequence on you all, which I technically have already with John's dream of Westmire before it was destroyed, it wouldn't last [i]this[/i] long.
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>>2215265
Is this just story then?

What's wrong with having a Dream Within A Dream you know Inception was a good movie
>>
Alright, we've got two choices here folks.

>>2215258
>>2215245

They are:
> Send Sierra off with the golem and spell blueprints
> Gather your important gear and leave
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>>2215286
>> Gather your important gear and leave
Whether they're actual vamps or not I don't want to be here when they come in.
Sun can help us out either way.
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>>2215286
Gather your stuff and get out Sun should be able to help and if he can't the Don might be able to

Is that mercenary group still in town? Sorry forgot the names
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>>2215286
i still think we should send her away, but it seems im out voted
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>>2215308
I guess she could leave still but don't you think it'd be better for her to be with us if something does happen
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>>2215322
something could happen, but its my intent that if she does get seen, we use that to our advantage and start shooting. and they are here for us, so it makes sense to my mind that she is better off with distance between us

but now would be a great time for them to come in and our golem activates
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>>2215205
This seems like something Sun should know about. And maybe a dispatch some actual authorities this way.

Do we actually know these people are vampires or did we just send Goo false intel?
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>>2215327
golem has no ai
>>
also... if we're leaving, our most valuable and irreplaceable things (aside from the Elf) are...
>multitool
>robot targeting suite
>robot CPU
>robot power source

the various blueprints have solid ratio of value to weight as well

we'd rather not be able to take most of the crafting materials and robot parts.
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>>2215327

The golem only has a single arm and enough of the chest completed to properly hook said arm up to it.

>>2215369

Considering the context at that point in time, it's a pretty reasonable assumption for John to think they're vamps.

>>2215378

The Power Source is what's powering the shop itself, so unless you take the time to fully dissemble it, its not coming with you.
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>>2215286
so the old world tech and new formula, everything else is replaceable, maybe throw a sheet over the power source just in case.
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What's it going to be then? Are we leaving?
If so we should have Sierra send Goo Hwi another message. It would be very unwise sending the old man in alone and blind.
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>>2220846
Let's stay. Have goo look over the shop. And maybe have Sierra look for Sun? He can probably find out what's going on.
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Just as a heads up folks, I'll be away for this weekend and, since my laptop is still out of commission, I won't be able to update until either late Monday or Tuesday (EST).

I'll be back then, and we'll continue things either on here or in a new thread.
>>
Hell yes, Artificer Quest! Rock on, QM. Your thread always brightens up my day.




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