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File: Great_city_of_Gavan.jpg (93 KB, 1024x512)
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-"And never show your ugly mug in here again!" - a firm feminine voice could be heard downstairs.

It wasn't the first time you've heard your new saviour scream like that. It wasn't even the first time she has done it today. And it probably won't be the last. You space out looking around the tiny attic room she has placed you in. Just 2 months ago you were a normal 11 year old, trying his best not to run into too much trouble. Granted, you did live in the slums, but slums these were! The great city of Gavan was one of the largest, if not the largest city-islands ever, filled with steaming factories and airships lazily moving between Gavan's many busy ports. This all changed this summer. A massive heatwave destroyed most of the crops in this part of the Floating Archipelago and other islands stopped sending their food to the city. The next few weeks became blurred in your mind. Massive royal dreadnoughts in the skies, people looting shops or beating people just to get some food. The whole slums started reminding you of a massive cage filled with rats you once saw being unloaded from a ship. Except those rats had fuller bellies than you. Then your dad went missing. A week later, your mum was bedridden with illness and you took your family's entire savings to the black market to find a medicine and save her. You found one, but of course, it was fake. Your mother passed away a few days later and you didn't have any time to mourn her. Looters ravaged through your house and you had no choice, but to escape to the streets.

A soft voice interrupts your thoughts.

-"Hey! Hey! I'm talking to you, little guy. It's me, Svetlana. All is good now, the bad man went away." - you jump a little before turning your head towards a smiling black-haired girl in an extremely plain, but relatively well-kept dress. She lived alone, but she definitely wasn't older than 18.

She dropped her usual smile to reveal a concerned face.

-"You had me worried for a second. You've spaced out again." - her green eyes awkwardly try to meet yours - "Listen, can I sit next to you for a moment?"

You hastily nod your head.

-"Listen, I...I know many bad things happened, but you have to move on! I mean, what would you do if I hadn't picked you off the street? Keep wandering around like a stray dog?" - her words were harsh, but she didn't sound angry at all. -"You've been eating through my supplies for a good few days now, I think you can at least tell me something about yourself!"

You look at her face and put on a shy smile as you see her putting on a massively over-exaggerated pouty face. After a few second she dropped the fact and let out a chuckle.

-"Looks like I'm finally getting through! I think it's time you shed some light on yourself, young mister! Let's start with something simple. What's your name?"

>"My name is..."

Please attach a d100 roll to your proposal as I will pick the option with the highest roll. And please try sticking to European names!
>>
Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>4013488
Jean-Baptiste
>>
>>4013488
>And please try sticking to European names!

Ok racist
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>4013495
This
>>
>>4013495
>>4013511
Two 90+ rolls for Jean-Baptiste, incredible
Writing now
>>
>>4013495
>>4013511
Not even worth rolling holy shit.
>>
-"I'm...Jean. Jean-Baptiste."

Svetlan looks at you slightly surprised.

-"Well, I know few Jeans, but that's a new combination. Nice to finally know your name Jean-Baptiste." - she smiles and moves for a handshake.

You relax a little and return the gesture.

-"Soooo Jean...I don't want to make you relive your terrible memories, but I assume your parents are no longer with us?"

You nod slightly as Svetlana scratches her head nervously.

-"Ach...I-I'm sorry! I'm sure your parents were great people and I think it's about time others learned about their amazing deeds! You can start with me!" - smile returns on Svetlana's face -"So Jean, what was your father like?"

>"My dad was the bravest soldier in the Royal Army!" (+1 Spirit)
>"My dad was the brightest tinkerer in the slums!" (+1 dexterity)
>"My dad had his own clinic, the only one in this part of Gavan!" (+1 intelligence)

Once again, roll a d100. Also look at Jean's character sheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-mYGF412Wpzo2WYxr7-qh1Cvk-lSMPvNy8-wzHzttvs/edit?usp=sharing
The system will be mostly based on D&D 3.5 and some of my own ideas. Instead of having attribute scores in the dozens you will simply have modifiers that will apply to relevant skills. As a kid, Jean starts with a major penalty to Strength and Endurance, but a slight bonus to Charisma and Spirit. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>4013563
>>"My dad was the brightest tinkerer in the slums!" (+1 dexterity)
>>
Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>4013563
>"My dad was the brightest tinkerer in the slums!" (+1 dexterity)
>>
Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4013563
>"My dad was the bravest soldier in the Royal Army!" (+1 Spirit)
>>
>>4013591
Alright, we have a winner; writing now
>>
Svetlana widens her eyes.

-"That's so cool Jean! You must've been so proud of him!"

You eagerly nod your head.

-"Was he, like, serving on one of those giant dreadnoughts?"

Once again, you nod as pride fills your body.

-"You definitely inherited some of his bravery. Maybe you could become my bodyguard once this is over?"

You look at Svetlana - "Do shopkeepers need bodyguards?"

-"But of course! Every lady needs a bodyguard!"

-"But you are much stronger and bigger than me!"

Svetlana laughs -"Perhaps, but you definitely make it up with your inherited bravery. Actually, Jean? What was your dad doing on this giant ship?"

>"He was a member of the boarding party! Always first to fight!" (+1 Strength, +1 Climbing and +1 Melee skills)
>"He was an artilleryman; always blowing the baddies to pieces!" (+1 Intelligence, +1 Shooting, +1 Big mechanisms)
>"He was a surgeon, always helping his pals!" (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medicine, +1 Insight)
>"Actually...he was just helping in the boiler room..." (+1 Endurance, +1 Big mechanisms, +1 Piloting)
>>
Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4013616
>"He was an artilleryman; always blowing the baddies to pieces!" (+1 Intelligence, +1 Shooting, +1 Big mechanisms)
>>
Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>4013616
>"He was a surgeon, always helping his pals!" (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medicine, +1 Insight)
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>4013616
>"He was an artilleryman; always blowing the baddies to pieces!" (+1 Intelligence, +1 Shooting, +1 Big mechanisms)
>>
Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>4013616
>"He was an artilleryman; always blowing the baddies to pieces!" (+1 Intelligence, +1 Shooting, +1 Big mechanisms)
>>
>>4013616
>>"He was a member of the boarding party! Always first to fight!" (+1 Strength, +1 Climbing and +1 Melee skills)
>>
>>4013621
It was close, but artillerybois came up on top; writing now
>>
Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>4013616
>>4013657
Forgot to roll.
>>
Svetlana absorbs your every word before speaking.

-"I guess your dad really meant business." - she smiles cheekily -"But is shooting at guys from kilometers away really that brave?"

You immediately shout in your father's defense while pulling her hair as an act of revenge.

-"Hey, knock it off will you? It hurts!" - Svetlana slaps your hand before giggling once more. -"Alright, alright! I believe you! Have mercy!"

After a few more moments of pretending she asks you another question.

-"What about your mum Jean-Baptiste? I bet she was as amazing as your dad! Come on, tell me something about her!"

>"She mostly took care of the house, but it wasn't easy." (Endurance +1, Search +1)
>"She was a teacher at the only school in our district!" (Intelligence +1, General knowledge +1)
>"She had a small shop, just like you! It wasn't easy to get customers in our neighbourhood!(Charisma +1, Persuasion +1)
>>
Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>4013677
>>"She mostly took care of the house, but it wasn't easy." (Endurance +1, Search +1)
>>
Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>4013677
>>4013679
Support
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>4013677
>"She was a teacher at the only school in our district!" (Intelligence +1, General knowledge +1)
>>
>>4013679
>>4013680
You guys won

-"You don't have to tell me that." - Svetlana sighs - "Taking care of this shop was a nightmare even before the food shortages started."

You can't help, but finally ask Svetlana a question that was on your mind for a long time -"Why are you alone? Are you parents..you know..."

-"Dead? Oh, thank heavens, no!" - Svetlana smiles, but immediately her face turns grim -"They were on a business trip to a different island and they were probably unable to get back since this madness started. I'm sure they're fine, I just hope I will see them again soon!"

-"Of course you will!" - you shout immediately not really believing in your own words

Smile crepts back upon Svetlana's face.
-"Hahaha you're right Jean! Anyway, since your mum was with you most of the time you probably have many cool memories with her, right? Care to share some?"

>"One time dad locked us on accident in the basement and we had to burst the doors open!" (Strength +1 Bursting +2)
>"I once took dad's knives without her noticing and I wasn't punished for it! That was exciting!" (Dexterity +1 Sneaking +1 Throwing +1)
>"One time she told me about her visit at something called a "three-ater" where people were pretending to be someone else!" (Charisma +1 Acting +1 Intimidation [Charisma] +1)
>"One time I really bruised my knee and she took care of it using some special liquid and I wasn't even crying!" (Spirit +1 Medicine +1 Alchemy +1)
>>
Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>4013717
>"I once took dad's knives without her noticing and I wasn't punished for it! That was exciting!" (Dexterity +1 Sneaking +1 Throwing +1)
>>
Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>4013717
>"One time I really bruised my knee and she took care of it using some special liquid and I wasn't even crying!" (Spirit +1 Medicine +1 Alchemy +1)
>>
Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4013717
>>"One time dad locked us on accident in the basement and we had to burst the doors open!" (Strength +1 Bursting +2)
>>
Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>4013717
>"One time she told me about her visit at something called a "three-ater" where people were pretending to be someone else!" (Charisma +1 Acting +1 Intimidation [Charisma] +1)
>>
>>4013731
Here's our winner; writing now
>>
Svetlana's eyes lit up a little

-"Oh you mean a theatre? I've been there once, it was amazing! My parents were saving money for weeks and months just to see some famous actors!"

You shake your head -"Months? Is it really that expensive?"

-"Well, I'm sure there are theatres in the slums as well, but if you want to see real professionals you need to go to one of the districts infested with blue bloods."

-"What's the problem with that?"

-"Don't you get Jean-Baptiste? Nobles hate us and they will point fingers at you and laugh at you if you ever decide to leave the slums!" - Svetlana was clearly getting agitated. -"In fact, they hate us so much I'm sure they simply keep us from getting any food while they are stuffing their snobbish bellies and laughing at our misery!"

-"Svetlana..." - you don't really know what else to say, this girl clearly has some problems with the richer class.

After a few seconds of silence Svetlana sighs and looks at you without any traces of her usual smile.

-"Hey, Jean. What do you want to do once you grow up?"

-"I-I'm not really sure, but I definitely want to..."

>"...be strong!" (Strength +1)
>"...be fast!" (Dexterity +1)
>"...be tough!" (Endurance +1)
>"...be smart!" (Intelligence +1)
>"...be brave!" (Spirit +1)
>"...make everyone laugh!" (Charisma +1)

This is the last attribute point you'll be getting for quite some time so choose wisely. As of now your main stats are:
Strength -2
Dexterity 0
Endurance -1
Intelligence 1
Spirit 2
Charisma 2
>>
Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>4013774
>"...be brave!" (Spirit +1)
Who needs muscles when we can have sheer willpower?
>>
Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>4013774
>>"...be strong!" (Strength +1)
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4013774
>"...be strong!" (Strength +1)
>>
Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>4013774
>"...be fast!" (Dexterity +1)
dex gang dex gang
>>
>>4013790
>>4013793
>>4013800
If you guys were playing Warhammer you would've impressed a lot of GMs right now
>>4013808
But here's the winning roll; writing now
>>
File: Jean-skills.jpg (65 KB, 409x747)
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-"I see." - Svetlana nods and smiles weakly. -"Maybe it is the right path. Stay on the move and just avoid all of this..."

-"What are you saying?" - you ask unsure what to expect as an answer

-"I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to imply you're a coward or anything. It just gets tiresome, that's all. Seeing all those young people like me and you having their dreams unfulfilled." - the black-haired girl lowers her head - "We will always stay at the bottom."

-"Don't say that, please." - you try your hardest to defuse the situation -"You were talking about dreams and stuff? What was your dream?"

Her big green eyes meet yours.

-"I wanted to be a writer." - she smiles -"But what good is a writer in a district where most people can't even read?"

-"I can!" - you exclaim proudly

-"Oh really? What else can you do, Jean?"


In this part you guys get 6 skill points to put in any skills you want. Just remember that if you are increasing a skill rank over its attribute modifier you have to pay double (for instance, upgrading Shooting to rank 2 will cost you 2 points instead of 1 because you only have 1 Dexterity)
This time you don't have to roll - first come, first serve, but let's keep it to 1 or 2 points per anon. I don't want one guy to call all of the shots
>>
>>4013842
What kind of problems are we gonna face? I think melee skills would be a good one given we’re liable to get into fights
>>
Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4013842
+1 Acrobatics
+1 Melee
+1 Medicine
+1 General Knowledge
+1 Search
>>
By double, would that mean raising something from rank 2 to 3 would cost 4 points instead, or is it just a fixed 2?

>>4013842
I like the idea of a good Insight. Mom and Pop didn't raise no fool.
>>
>>4013851
You are a kid trying to survive in the poorest district in the middle of what is probably the worst famine in the city's history. Fights may come, but as a child you will almost certainly be at a disadvantage
>>4013856
I've counted the first two so Acrobatics and Melee skills as I only allow 2 points per person. There are still 4 points left
>>4013857
It's always fixed 2 no matter how high you want to level up a certain skill
>>
>>4013851
With our shit Endurance/Strength, I'd rather avoid getting close to any harm in the first place. Although Dexterity seems to dominate the vast majority of the entire skillset, so maybe we dodged a bullet by speccing into Dex.
>>
>>4013867
How about alchemy, small mechanisms, rituals, and piloting?
>>
>>4013867
In case you missed it, + Insight please.
>>
>>4013882
I've added a point into Alchemy and Small mechanisms, let's leave those last 2 points to some other eager anons.
>>4013889
One point added into Insight and there is one point left on the table

And just to clarify - Small mechanisms are useful during disarming traps or picking locks; that's why there is no lockpicking or disarming in Jean's skillset.
>>
>>4013898
Persuasion then
>>
>>4013842
Insight. Seems well rounded.
>>
>>4013898

>>4013915
>>4013922

Seems we have allocated all the points but if there are anymore I vote sneaking
>>
File: Jean-skills2.jpg (64 KB, 408x749)
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>>4013915
Persuasion it is, then.

>>4013922
>>4013924
As of now all skill points are spent, but if Jean survives enough time I'm sure there will be plenty more chances to earn and allocate more

This is the updated skill tree and these are you starting stats. During the game we'll be rolling D20 + any modifiers you have. Expect most DCs to be around 13-15 so with a skill on level 2 you should have more or less 50% chance for success, but worry not, I will always try to provide the exact DC and your bonuses so you can analyse and choose the seemingly best course of action without having to constantly look at character sheet (although that won't hurt either)
With that out of the way, I can finally continue with the narrative; writing now
>>
>>4013927
>if Jean survives enough time

Uh oh
>>
After listening to you counting all of your strong points Svetlana definitely came back to her usual cheerful self.

-"Seems like you are quite talented for someone your age!" - she says as she suddenly grabs your biceps -"But those muscles are definitely lacking."

-"Hey!"

-"Don't worry, Jean-Baptiste, I'll feed you properly. You'll gain proper muscles in no-time!"

You couldn't help, but laugh at it, but at the same time you were brutally reminded how hungry you really were. Svetlana was already going out of her way to give you at least an adequate amount of calories, she must be even worse off than you at this point, but even if she were, she certainly didn't look like it.

-"Come on Jean, let's go downstairs. You were stuck in room for far too long. Time to sit at the table and chew on some stale bread like civilised people."

You chuckled and quickly followed the girl downstairs, but suddenly she stopped mid-way.

-"Actually Jean, I have one more question. Your parents surely taught you a lot, but did they leave you with anything, you know, material?"

Your hand quickly dives into the pockets of your hole-ridden jacket and soon you show Svetlana...

>Your father's favourite dagger
>A vial of mysterious syrup made by your mother
>A slingshot your dad made for you one day
>A sturdy metal lighter your mum lit candles with
This time you roll d100
>>
Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>4013967
>>A sturdy metal lighter your mum lit candles with
>>
Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>4013967
>A slingshot your dad made for you one day
>>
Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>4013967
>>4013975
>A slingshot your dad made for you one day
Ha ha nobody's beating that roll
>>
Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>4013975
>>4013989
With the combined powers of 98 and 4 Jean acquired a slingshot; writing now
I will also roll a d6 for a special little surprise
>>
>>4014001
Well, I guess we aren't having that surprise after all.
>>
>>4014001
>Rolled 1 (1d6)

>inb4 the shop gets burnt down with us inside
>>
>>4014001
>>4013975
I really like the options we have gotten up to this point.
I never like playing as a girl usually, but it makes perfect sense in this game.

I am a little worried about this roll for your option. when it wouldn't matter if 5 people choose 1 option but 1 guy rolls higher. Seems like it may potentially be a disaster after more people pick up playing if you plan on sticking around.
>>
>>4014026
>playing as a girl
??
>>
>>4014035
Yeah, I don't like playing as a girl. Usually cause realistically in any backward time period or most of history you could just overpower a woman and well rape her. And while I highly doubt there has been many games where we as the MC lose a fight and get well erm..probed. That's what comes to mind.
And It always seems forced to pick a girl. Like not saying a woman can't be a wizard, but that would make more sense as a witch quest. Same with a samurai quest, just seems forced at times. But by all means, it comes down to writing. And it could potentially be a much better game as a woman MC. But it usually seems forced into the game by anon's. But the back story here, while implied it was a male. Could easily be changed for female and makes sense.
>>
>>4014057
No, I mean that we're playing a guy, you autistic dork. Jean-Baptiste is a male name.
>>
>>4014026
>>4014057
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but the MC has a dick and is not a trap.
>>
>>4014069
>>4014063
clearly im retarded... :/
>>
File: slingshot.jpg (11 KB, 405x71)
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>>4014026
Oh don't worry, I won't be using d100 too often from now on, I just wanted to use them to turn the somewhat tedious part of allocating stats into a bit more fun and competitive thing that's also integrated with the narration. Other than that we'll be using the d20 and majority rule.


With a smile you pull out a smooth wooden slingshot your father made for you a year or two before. Svetlana didn't look amused.

-"Well, at least it's not a knife or a gun. Just don't use it in my shop, alright? Although..." - she puts on her traditional cheeky smile -"I don't think with that weak muscles of yours you'll even be able to swing the damn thing hard enough to break something!"

You simply returned a smile.

-"Wanna find out?"

-"Hey! Hey! I was just kidding, okay Jean? I'm sure you're able to down a dreadnought with a single swing."

You put the swing back into your pocket, laughing. Suddenly, your fingers encounter a small and cold spherical object. You quickly pull it out of your jacket only to realise it's one of many steel balls you bought from an old guy called Heinrich many months ago. They fit perfectly into the slingshot and are able to accelerate much better and hit much harder than small stones. Unfortunately you lost most of them during your previous practises and it seems like this one is the sole survivor.

Svetlana saw you standing in the middle of room.

-"You can search your pockets later! Right now we shou-" - the girl's sentence was interrupted by a loud, heavily-modulated voice from behind the door. Someone was using a megaphone.

-"ATTENTION, GOOD CITIZENS! WE BROUGHT A WAGON FILLED WITH BREAD, COURTESY OF PRINCESS ANASTASIA AND HER CHARITY! EVERYONE, FORM A LINE!"

After exchanging quick glances you storm outside, and enter the square. You can clearly see a large wagon being pulled by half-starved horses. It stops right in the middle of the square and is immediately surrounded by at least 10 members of the city watch. Armed with swords and handguns those heavily-armoured men look like they are here to arrest someone, not to bring food. Dozens, then hundreds of people flock towards them, lured by the promise of fresh source of calories.

-"I REPEAT, FORM A LINE! CHILDREN AND THEIR MOTHERS FIRST!"

Svetlana looks nervously towards the massive crowd forming around the wagon. She glances at you, probably analysing the risks.

>"You heard him Svetlana! They will let us through! Fresh bread will be ours!" (Roll for Spirit, d20+2 DC 10)
>"This crowd looks scary and these guards even scarier...we should wait."
>>
>>4014101
>"This crowd looks scary and these guards even scarier...we should wait."

If it smells like a trap and looks like a trap...
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4014101
>"You heard him Svetlana! They will let us through! Fresh bread will be ours!" (Roll for Spirit, d20+2 DC 10)
>>
Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4014101
>"You heard him Svetlana! They will let us through! Fresh bread will be ours!" (Roll for Spirit, d20+2 DC 10)
>>
>>4014107
14+2 anon, don't forget
>>4014109
(16+14)/2=15
Congratulations; writing now
>>
-"You heard him Svetlana! They will let us through! Fresh bread will be ours!"

Svetlana looked reassured by your enthusiasm as firmly grabbed your hand and started walking towards the wagon

-"Just don't let go off my hand, alright Jean?"

You quickly entered the line, waiting for your portion of bread. At first everything went smoothly, but as time passed more and more young gangsters started showing up. Fresh out of or still in their teenage years, they had limited grasp on reality and would often push their boundaries much further than any reasonable slums dweller ever would. It wasn't long until young men started screaming at the city guards.

-"Your bread will run out even before all of the children get it and you expect us to wait?"

-"Men need to eat too!"

-"Let us eat monsters!"

Of course the proud and heavily-armed guards quickly grew tired of verbal abuse. No longer needing his megaphone the sergeant approached the group of angry men.

-"Are you spitting on the generosity of the Royal family?"

His words only agitated the crowd.

-"What good is this generosity if most of us won't even taste it!"

-"Maybe the king and princess should try living here themselves?"

-"We should leave." - you hear Svetlana whispering as she starts pulling you out of the line

-"Silence!" - the guard screamed before firing his heavy handgun into the air, deafening everyone in the vicinity for at least several seconds. The city watchman wasn't done though.

-"Let me tell you something dogs. If I hear a single additional word of complain, I'll make sure that this entire district will never receive any more food wagons, got it?"

-"Fuck your charity! We will take them ourselves!"

Seconds later, it all went to hell. A crowd of angry and hungry young men threw themselves at the guards who weren't even able to fire their handguns. They slashed, they punched with their armoured gauntlets and yet the crowd kept coming, many simply avoiding the guard and going straight for the remaining bread. Amidst this chaos you were pushed to the ground, next to the wagon. Svetlana was no longer holding your hand. In fact, you couldn't even see the girl any more. What you could see though, were a few large rolls on the wagon's floor. They were within the arms reach.

>Grab as many rolls as you can and try to crawl away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>Ignore the prospect of food and try to hide under the wagon until the riot stops (Roll for Sneaking d20+1 DC 10)
>>
Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

Oh fuck!
>>4014166
>>Grab as many rolls as you can and try to crawl away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>>
Rolled 5 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014166
>Grab as many rolls as you can and try to crawl away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>>
Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014166
>>Grab as many rolls as you can and try to crawl away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>>
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014166
>Ignore the prospect of food and try to hide under the wagon until the riot stops (Roll for Sneaking d20+1 DC 10)
>>
Rolled 10 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014166
>Grab as many rolls as you can and try to crawl away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>>
>>4014168
>>4014171
>>4014183
>>4014195
Average is 7,25 rounded down to 7; writing now
And remember, one bad check doesn't mean your character is doomed. Usually.
>>
You start hastily grabbing the rolls, but they are big and you have troubles with counting how many you can actually carry. In your head it all went down in seconds, but in reality you are forced to take your time. In the end, you were to slow to avoid unwanted attention.

-"What the hell do you think you're doing kid? You want to take it all for yourself you sneaky rat?" - you hear a loud shout very close to your right. You quickly turn around and see one of the young gangsters walking very quickly towards you. Your instinct tells you to run instantly, but you take one additional second to grab one of the larger rolls into your mouth before apologising to the thug.

-"Mmmmmm shmmmmy"

Upon remembering that talking with your mouth full is extremely rude you spring upwards and start running from the gangster who had also went into full sprint. You run away from the square, but the thug is right behind you. You quickly realise that outrunning an adult may prove very difficult. You can always dive into one of slums' many back alleys, filled with decaying barrels and other obstacles, but all the rolls you are carrying will make avoiding them more difficulty than usual. You finally decide to...

>Try to outrun him (Roll for Endurance d20-1 DC 14)
>Dive into the alleys and try to lose the thug there (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 13)
>Drop all the rolls you are carrying and run for the alleys to save your skin (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 11)
>>
Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4014239
>Dive into the alleys and try to lose the thug there (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 13)
Let's go
>>
Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4014239
>Dive into the alleys and try to lose the thug there (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4014239
>Dive into the alleys and try to lose the thug there (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 13)
>>
Hope Svetlana's all right in all this mess.
>>
>>4014265
>>4014266
>>4014287
Average is exactly 13, well done; writing now
>>
You nimbly jump above all abandoned furniture pieces and other potential obstacles. You couldn't really used your hands, but somehow you've managed to do it all while leaving the clearly less agile thug further and further behind. The finale to the chase came when your road was blocked by a broken wheelcart. You hopped on one of the wheels sticking out from the dirt then leaped on the cart itself before gently falling to the ground. The gangster was less elegant and he simply ran straight into the wooden barrier. You left him cursing and screaming behind as you decided to finally take a well-deserved breather inside an abandoned warehouse. The interior was illuminated only by various holes in the roof or broken windows since the ones still intact were too dirty to let any light in. The entire floor was covered with hay and pieces of wooden boxes. Seems like the place was thoroughly plundered many days ago. You quietly sat down on one of the few intact boxes. As you chewed on one of the rolls you couldn't help, but feel guilty. Svetlana must be worried. Maybe she would think you were abducted? Still, this wild chase left you quite exhausted and it might be wiser to remain here for a short while. Especially since some of the rioters may still be nearby and you doubt you can outrun them all. As you sit on the box you decide to...

>...focus on resting and regaining your strength
>...search the warehouse (Roll for Search d20+2 no DC; the higher the roll the higher the chances you'll find something useful)
>...sneak outside and return to Svetlana as soon as possible (Roll for Stealth d20+1 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4014333
>...search the warehouse (Roll for Search d20+2 no DC; the higher the roll the higher the chances you'll find something useful)
>>
Rolled 2 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4014333
>...sneak outside and return to Svetlana as soon as possible (Roll for Stealth d20+1 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4014333
>...search the warehouse (Roll for Search d20+2 no DC; the higher the roll the higher the chances you'll find something useful)
>>
Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4014333
>...search the warehouse (Roll for Search d20+2 no DC; the higher the roll the higher the chances you'll find something useful)
>>
>>4014340
>>4014367
>>4014368
Your average is 8,33 rounded down to 8; writing now
>>
>>4014376
Interesting we doing best of 3? of w.e rolls?
No crits I take it?
>>
You spend the next several minutes chewing on the roll and searching the warehouse. The poor lighting and the extensive amount of splintered wood covering the floor made the search rather fruitless. After a while you've decided to change tactics and start looking near the broken windows where the lighting was relatively good. One of such windows offered an excellent view on the main street of part of the slums and you've found yourself glued to the morbid view of stray animals searching everywhere for food and old people sitting on benches and barely having enough energy to position themselves better. It was all so...lazy. The laziest end of the world ever.

Suddenly you heard weird noises coming down the street. You're not an expert, but for you it sounded almost like...hooves? Is the food wagon returning? No, these horses sound like they're moving much more energetic than the half-starved horses of the city watch. Then you see it. A massive colourful carriage, with two raiders ahead of them. All of the 4 horses look strong and healthy, an extreme rarity these days. You cannot help yourself, you must keep looking at this otherworldly sight. Then your gaze falls upon the person inside the carriage. It's a woman except she looks more like a doll you once saw in weird shop. Porcelain skin, long blonde hair, warm smile and deep blue eyes which are looking directly at...you? Then you've realised something. The carriage has stopped.

-"Greetings, child."

>"Um...hi."
>"Cool horses, can I touch them?" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 3)
>Hide behind the window and pretend you were never really here (Roll for Stealth d20+1 no DC)
>>
Unfortunately it's time for me to leave for the night. I'll run again tomorrow at around 9 pm GMT (or 12 pm Pacific for our American friends)
I will probably hop into the thread once or twice throughout the day and answer any potential questions. I hope you've enjoyed today's game even though most of it was spent on allocating stats
See ya in 16-17 hours lads


>>4014412
I usually wait for at least 3 or 4 anons to vote so I can get a good idea which option is the most popular. Since I usually count averages crits don't happen although I can see myself utilising critical successes and failures during more spicy moments
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>4014424
>Cool horses, can i touch them?
>>
>>4014424
>DC 3
Huh?
>>
>>4014424
>"Um...hi."
>>
>>4014424
>>"Um...hi."
>>
>>4014424
>>"Um...hi."
>>
Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4014424
>"Cool horses, can I touch them?" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 3)
>>
Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4014424
>"Cool horses, can I touch them?" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 3)
>>
>>4014424
>"Um...hi."
>>
>>4014424
>RUN! Back to to Svetlana!
>>
It's time to start today's run!
Jean's character sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-mYGF412Wpzo2WYxr7-qh1Cvk-lSMPvNy8-wzHzttvs/edit?usp=sharing

>>4014446
>>4014448
>>4014451
>>4015094

-"Um...hi..."

You have massive troubles coming up with any words at all. This lady is just so pretty with her perfect face and stunning red dress, but also so out of place. You don't know what nobles look like, but if you were to guess how would they look like you would probably have imagined someone like this woman.

You see her exit the carriage despite protests from one of riders travelling alongside the vehicle. She looks at you with face full of compassion.

-"Are you alone? Poor thing..."

-"Roza! You're scaring the poor boy, can't you see?"

Only then you realise there was someone else in the carriage. You see a clear-shaven man looking at this scene from the carriage's dark interior. You immediately think that him and the lady in red must be married.

-"Oh, shush you." - the lady glances at her partner before turning back to you. -"Now, now. I think you should tell us all what are you doing in such a..." - her eyes sweep the warehouse's decaying walls - "...scary place?"

-"I got separated from my...sister...friend."

-"That's awful! Maybe we can go look for her together?"- she turns her head back towards her partner -"Albrecht dear, make some space in there, will you?" - she turns to face you again -"Wanna go for a ride?"

>"Can I...can I seriously ride your carriage?"
>"I-I don't know you a-and mum always said to never go anywhere with strangers..."
>>
>>4016049
>>"Can I...can I seriously ride your carriage?"
Maybe she'll have candy and classic rock CDs for us in there too!
>>
>>4016049
>"I-I don't know you a-and mum always said to never go anywhere with strangers..."

On the one hand guys stated she scaring us. So that might be they don't have ulterior motives, on another hand Im paranoid and fuck the nobles.
>>
>>4016049
>"I-I don't know you a-and mum always said to never go anywhere with strangers..."
Start edging away.
>>
>>4016049
>"I-I don't know you a-and mum always said to never go anywhere with strangers..."

We want to but know we shouldn't, so we give a bad excuse! (We're totally jumping into the fancy wagon thing of course.)
>>
>>4016087
>>4016116
>>4016186

-"I-I don't know you a-and mum always said to never go anywhere with strangers..."

The nobleman whom the lady called Albrecht laughed

-"Your mother must've been a wise woman!"

Lady Roza seemed less happy about your answer.

-"Are you sure you will get home on your own? This place can be dangerous!"

-"Roza don't be silly, he knows it better than any of us!"

-"I know, I know." - she lets out a silent sigh -"Could you at least tell us your name, little one?"

-"My name is...Jean-Baptiste."

Roza smiled.

-"It's a beautiful name befitting such a nice child!"

The riders seemed to be getting impatient

-"Lady Maurer, we should go! It's not wise to stay in one place for too long, especially in the slums."

-"Yes, I've heard you." - she says dismissively before turning back to you - "Listen Jean, I have something for you."

You see her reaching out inside her dress before pulling out a small piece of black material with purple lining.

-"Take this. It will bring you and your sister good luck, but only if you hang it above your front door. I promise." - she says with a warm smile.

The woman enter her carriage and both noblemen look at you one last time.

-"Goodbye, Jean-Baptiste."

-"Take care, kid."

After that you are left alone as the carriage continues its slow ride down the street.

>Gather your thoughts and run to Svetlana's shop
>Run and scream after the carriage. You actually wanted to ride it!
>>
>>4016222
>Run and scream after the carriage. You actually wanted to ride it!
>>
>>4016222
>Gather your thoughts and run to Svetlana's shop
>>
>>4016222
>Run and scream after the carriage. You actually wanted to ride it!
That thug is chasing us again!
>>
>Run and scream after the carriage. You actually wanted to ride it!
>>
>>4016222
>>Gather your thoughts and run to Svetlana's shop
With her charm in hand, I get the feeling we'll be seeing Lady Roza again.
>>
>>4016233
>>4016236
>>4016266
You are going after the carriage; writing now
>>
>>4016222
>Gather your thoughts and run to Svetlana's shop
Guys the poor girl has no idea of what happened to us after the commotion. She is probably dying of worry at home thinking we got ourselfs killed or something. Let's go back and assure her that we are safe
>>
>>4016222
>Gather your thoughts and run to Svetlana's shop

We should hang that shit up, it might be some Moses lamb blood shit
>>
>>4016222
>Take this. It will bring you and your sister good luck, but only if you hang it above your front door. I promise.
Those fucks are planning purge or something

>Gather your thoughts and run to Svetlana's shop
>>
-"Hey, come back!"

You run after the carriage as fast as you can, but not before making sure you gathered all of the remaining rolls.

After a few moments of chase the carriage stops, much to the irritation of its guards. The doors swing open and you see both nobles smiling at you. Albrecht speaks first.

-"Curiosity got the better of you, huh? Well, hop in."

Roza lends you a hand and moments later you climb the few small steps and enter the vehicle.Soft seats made of some undoubtedly expensive wood and velvet greet your sore bottom as you sit opposite to the pair. Moments later, Albrecht presses a button next to him which activates a small lamp on the ceiling.

-"Sorry, the windows are quite small and it can get dark in here."

You are left absolutely speechless. This may very well be the first time you've ever encountered an electric lamp although you've heard about such things from your father.

-"Y-your carriage has electricity?"

The man laughs.

-"Yes, indeed! Usually only warships have the privilege of having electricity, but if you are resourceful enough you can make it work in any vehicle, really."

Roza quickly interrupts her husband.

-"Let's not talk about electricity the entire way, please. Also Jean, you may want to look outside and not at the lamp. You don't want to miss your home, right?"

You look outside and notice that the carriage is approaching the square where the riot took place. You can't see Svetlana's shop yet, but it must be close.

-"W-we are going the right way, my lady."

The woman chuckles.

-"No need to call me a lady, young man. We are both equally human." - she pauses and looks at your surprised face -"Is there anything you would like to ask us, Jean-Baptiste?"

>Dismiss her question and focus on observing her (Roll for Insight d20+2)
> "I...I want to know why are you here." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 8)
>"Do nobles really steal all of the food for themselves?"
>>
Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4016394
> "I...I want to know why are you here." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 8)
>>
Oh, in case you are wondering - Insight rolls, just like Search won't have a set DC. The more you roll, the more sure you'll be about someone's intentions, simple as that
>>
Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4016394
>"I...I want to know why are you here." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 8)
>>
Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4016394
>> "I...I want to know why are you here." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 8)
>>
>>4016400
>>4016417
>>4016419
Your average is 10; writing now
>>
-"I...I want to know why are you here."

Both Roza and Albrecht look at each other in slight surprise before letting out a few chuckles. The man speaks first.

-"I told you we are looking incredibly suspicious."

Roza smiles and turns back towards you.

-"It's a bit complicated, but me and my husband are coming here every day to see how things are in the poorest districts. You see, we are writing a very special report that we hope to deliver to king Franz himself. Hopefully that will show him how dire your situation is."

-"A-and you are helping us just like that?"

The woman giggles.

-"I know it may be difficult for you to understand, but not all nobles are heartless monsters."

You think how to answer, before noticing that you are passing next to Svetlana's shop.

-"Hey, that's where I live!"

Roza immediately gives a quick order and the carriage stops again. Before you exit the vehicle Albrecht puts something into your pocket.

-"Canned apricots. Sorry, we didn't bring too much food, I hope that we'll do."

-"What's an apricot?"

-"It's a type of fruit. Quite tasty, actually. Anyway kid, time to go. Your sister is surely worried."

Roza's smile widens

-"Thank you for keeping us company, Jean-Baptiste. I hope fate will allow us to meet again."

After thanking both of the nobles you exit the vehicle, still stunned. Just mere seconds later you notice someone running at you from across the street. Svetlana wastes no time as she drops to her knees and hugs you.

-"Jean...what...who...are you alright?"

The black-haired girl clearly has troubles forming a coherent sentence and you notice quite a bit of sweat on her forehead. She was probably looking for you the entire time. You also see her eyes constantly wandering between you and the carriage slowly disappearing into the distance.

>"I'm fine Svetlana, they were friends!"
>"I was so scared! I will never leave your shop again!"
>>
>>4016514
>"I'm fine Svetlana, they seemed okay!"
>>
Svetlana is so cute.

>>4016521
+1
>>
>>4016514
>"I'm fine Svetlana, they were friends!"

Show the apricots
>>
>>4016514
>>"I'm fine Svetlana, they were friends!"
>>
>>4016521
>>4016534
>>4016543
-"I'm fine Svetlana, they were friends!" - you exclaim with a smile

-"I don't care, they could've been kidnappers or murderers!" - Svetlana hugs you even tighter before looking at you with her big green eyes. She was on the bring of tears -"Just...just promise you will be careful around strangers, okay? Especially nobles."

She takes a few deep breaths.

-"I'm sorry Jean, it was my fault to begin with. I should've take you away from that crowd."

-"It's alright! Look Svetlana, I brought food!"

She bursts into laughter.

-"True. I just hope not every food hunt will be as nerve wracking as this."

After reassuring Svetlana a few more times the two of you return to the shop where Svetlana begins to ask you all sorts of questions related to your little adventure. The day quickly turned into night as the girl had seemingly an infinite amount of things she wanted to ask you. She was especially curious about the piece of material you've received from lady Roza.

-"So we are supposed to hang it above the front door? Sounds a bit suspicious."

-"But it will protect our house and give us good luck!"

-"You believe in that? And what if this piece of cloth is secretly a sign for some...I don't know...murder cult or something?"

-"M-murder cult?!"

-"That was an extreme example, sorry. I meant bad guys in general. The point is that maybe you shouldn't trust everything noblemen are saying."

-"But they were super friendly towards me! Why would they act so nice if they want to cause us harm?"

-"Because...they are evil! Everyone who lives in giant stone houses as the city is starving is evil!"

-"But they said they want to change things for the better..."

Svetlana saw you getting upset at her screaming.. Suddenly her tone changes

-"We shouldn't argue about this. You saw those nobles and I did not. You are not a stupid boy and I trust your judgement." - she grabs the purple-black piece of cloth -"If you want, we can nail it to the wall together, maybe it's a lucky charm after all! So, should we do it?" - the girl ask with a smile

>"Yes."
>"No."
>>
>>4016680
>"Yes."
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
>>
>>4016680
>"Yes."
>>
>>4016680
>"Yes."
>>
>>4016680
>Yes
>>
>>4016692
>>4016703
>>4016719
>>4016727
-"And done!"

You look at the cloth hanging from a bent nail. Svetlana went with your idea and nailed it to the wall herself with you helping by carrying the hammer and the stool which she used to reach the adequate height.

The girl softly hopped off the stool and looked at you with a smirk.

-"What do you think? Will it bring us good luck?"

-"Well, I don't feel any luckier right now, but I definitely hope so!" - you also smile -"Maybe lady Roza will see it next time she's around and come to visit us!"

Svetlana let out a nervous laughter.

-"I-I don't think she would like my shop. I mean, it's so dirty and all! I prefer she'd stay in her carriage!"

You spend the rest of the evening talking with Svetlana and eating the delicious apricots Despite your hopes and Svetlana's fears nothing weird happened and both of you soon went to sleep wondering whether the mysterious piece of material has any significance at all.

The next few days didn't bring much change although your overall situation improved thanks to all the bread you've managed to grab during the chaotic riot. You were still on strict rations, but you were at no risk of immediate starvation. It even seemed like less thugs tried to break into the shop which you took as a sign that maybe Roza's lucky charm was working. Other than you've spend a lot of time...

>...helping Svetlana clear her basement from all of the useless junk (Roll for Search d20+2)
>...asking locals about their potential encounters with the mysterious carriage (Roll for Charisma d20+2)
>...practising with your slingshot (Roll for Shooting d20+2)
>>
Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4016818
>>...helping Svetlana clear her basement from all of the useless junk (Roll for Search d20+2)
Let's be good kids.
>>
Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4016818
>...helping Svetlana clear her basement from all of the useless junk (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4016818
>...helping Svetlana clear her basement from all of the useless junk (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4016822
>>4016833
>>4016849
Good kids are awarded with good rolls; writing now
>>
Also, the average is 18

Since it served both as a home and as a shop, Svetlana's place was quite big. It had an equally big basement where her family, in her own words, "Threw all of the broken or unnecessary stuff". Since the shop was currently closed and new clients wouldn't come anyway, she thought it was an excellent time to clean this place up. You were eager to help and you thought about it not necessarily as cleaning, but rather a "scavenger hunt". The black-haired girl was more than happy to have you running around and exploring every nook and cranny of the basement as you were excellent at finding small, useless junk she would probably otherwise miss. By the end of the third day you've filled several large linen bags and the basement was much cleaner. Of course there was still some work to be done and you've finally dived under an old workshop table where Svetlana's father worked on various contraptions years ago. Until now it was quite literally buried under a mountain of junk, but now you could finally access it. You've picked several items, but one of them picked your attention. It looked like a folded pocket knife!

You immediately took it to Svetlana.

-"Look what I've found!"

She carefully took it from you and after several seconds her eyes went wide.

-"It's my father's jackknife! Where the hell did you find it? He had lost it years ago!" - the girl paused for a second and touched the device from multiple angles. Every time she touched it a different small tool popped out.

-"Incredible, everything is still working! There are many tools hidden within it. My dad loved to use it while working on things like clocks or springs." - she looks at it for a few more seconds before handing it over to you. -"It's yours Jean."

-"I thought it was your dad's.."

-"Somehow I doubt he will get mad. He doesn't even know where the bloody thing is and let's keep it that way, alright?" - she smiles and winks at you

You almost scream in joy.

-"Really?! Thank you Svetlana, you're the best!"

-"Don't mention it! It's a reward for helping me! Besides..." - the girl was interrupted by a banging upstairs, followed by a voice undoubtedly belonging to an older man

-"Hello? Is anyone here?"

Svetlana quickly puts her hand on your shoulder.

-"I'll go talk to this guy, you stay here alright?"

>"Okay, I won't go anywhere!"
>"I should go with you, we are doing everything together!" (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 9)
>"Maybe you should stay here too, what if he's a bad guy?" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>>
>>4016989
>"Okay, I won't go anywhere!"
>>
Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4016989
>>"I should go with you, we are doing everything together!" (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 9)
>>
Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4016989
>"I should go with you, we are doing everything together!" (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 9)
>>
Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4016989
>>"I should go with you, we are doing everything together!" (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 9)
>>
Svetlana laughs and puts both of her arms on your shoulders.

-"Alright, but only if you promise to stay behind me the whole time."

-"I promise!"

The girl sighs before turning towards the stairs.

-"We're coming, we're coming!"

She quickly climbs the stairs and rush towards the door. She grabs her heavy broom which is her weapon of choice when it comes to scaring thugs away and looks through a small window present on the door. You hear her whispering:

-"Doesn't look like a troublemaker..."

She opens the door and you eyes fall upon a relatively tall middle-aged man with a massive moustache and a grey derby hat. His clothes look clean and well-kept which suggests he's not native to the slums. You also notice that he's old a rather large, leather briefcase.

-"Good evening, kind souls. Would you allow a lone and tired traveller to stay with you throughout the night?"

Svetlana squeezes her eyes, her face is full of suspicions.

-"There are many motels around, why not stay in one of them?"

The mysterious guest takes off his derby and scratches his head.

-"Unfortunately I lost my wallet shortly after arriving in Gavan. Not a great start to my visit, I got to admit."

-"So you're not even from here? How did you get in?"

-"Well, every airship leaving or entering the ports is thoroughly checked by air patrol of the city watch, but they will let it through as long as they don't find anything suspicious."

After pausing for a brief moment the man continues.

-"I have some food with me and I'm too old to stir up any trouble. All is ask for is a place to sleep."

As the man looks at Svetlana with great hopes, she turns her head and looks at you with puzzled expression.

>Slowly nod
>Start shaking your head
>Turn towards the stranger and ask him if he will share any cool stories with you if Svetlana allows him to stay
>>
File: jackknife.jpg (12 KB, 417x72)
12 KB
12 KB JPG
And since I forgot, here is your new knife's item card
>>
>Slowly nod
I'm curious as to whether this might have something to do with the charm and want to see where this goes, but at the same time I'd rather not let him (or our caretaker) out of our sights tonight.
>>
>>4017097
>Slowly nod
>>
>>4017097
>>Slowly nod
>>
>>4017097
>Slowly nod
Looks like we're going to have to take turns keeping watch tonight.
>>
>>4017097
>Slowly nod

Warn him not to cause any trouble in the cute way a kid should
>>
>>4017134
>>4017171
You give Svetlana a slight nod. She nods back and once again turns towards the guest.

-"Alright, you can stay."

The stranger took a sudden step forward

-"Thank you young miss! Thank you young sir! You just saved me from spending a night on the streets!"

After exchanging a few more pleasantries the three of you sat down and started talking.

-"Name's Bolo. Bolo Petrovich. And who are my saviours?"

-"I'm Svetlana and this is Jean-Baptiste. I'm his..caretaker, let's say."

Bolo shook your and Svetlana's hands

-"Good to know some young people still are eager to help strangers, even in a time like this." - Petrovich's eyes grow sad. -"It's awful too see Gavan in such a state. People are starving, children are left alone and homeless..." - he pauses for a few seconds -"I grew up in this city, you know? It never got as bad as this."

You decide to rescue the older man from his own sad thoughts by asking him a question.

-"You grew up here? You told us you came here just today! Are you a traveller?"

Bolo laughs loudly.

-"Sort of. I'm a writer. I travel from island to island and meet interesting people. Then I write about them."

Svetlana's eyes lit up.

-"A writer!? Please, tell me more!"

The next hour or two flew quickly. Svetlana was extremely eager to learn more about Bolo's profession. Unfortunately for her, the old man didn't take any of his books with him which made the girl quite disappointed.

-"I'm here merely to visit my old friends, not to sell my books. Sorry, young lady."

You were eagerly listening to everything Petrovich had to say. He told you about many islands he'd visited in the past. The Floating Archipelago is comprised of hundreds, if not thousands floating islands and Bolo visited only a fraction of them, but even that gave him many interesting stories to share. That made you realise how interesting the world outside Gavan's slums must be.

Despite the interesting conversation, you still let out a loud yawn. The man quickly noticed.

-"Oh my, it's getting quite late. I think it's high time for me to go and rest."

Svetlana looked a bit disappointed, but she quickly got up.

-"I still have to show you your room mister Petrovich! Please follow me. You too Jean."

The three of you quickly made your way towards one of many unoccupied rooms. After opening the door Svetlana let out a quiet groan. The room was a mess.

-"Please give me a few minutes, I'll clean it up a bit."

You wanted to help Svetlana, but she angrily pointed her finger towards your guest, suggesting you to keep an eye on him.

The two of you watched the girl from a few meters away before Bolo turned towards you.

-"You know this part of town, right Jean? Could you perhaps help me find one of my friends?"

>"Of course mister Petrovich!"
>"You don't know where your friend lives?" (Roll for Insight d20+2)
>"I should ask Svetlana first."
>>
Rolled 5 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4017313
>>"You don't know where your friend lives?" (Roll for Insight d20+2)
>>
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4017313
>"You don't know where your friend lives?" (Roll for Insight d20+2)
>>
>>4017347
>>4017386
Your average is 14; writing now
>>
-"You don't know where your friend lives?"

-"Unfortunately, it appears he's no longer living where he used to. He lived close to the port so I've decided to visit him first, but to my most unpleasant surprise he wasn't there. Some kind old neighbour of his told me he had moved further inland."

You've paid very close attention to Bolo during his explanation, but found no signs of stuttering or avoiding eye contact. He's either telling you the truth or is really good at lying.

-"So you think he now lives somewhere in this district?"

Bolo nodded his head confidently.

-"Precisely. The problem is that I don't know this place very well and I have a lot of other things to do. Finding him would take me too much time. You on the other hand know the slums really well and would have no problems navigating through all of these alleys and streets, correct?"

You slowly nod while soaking his every word.

-"I will pay you a visit in a day or two and if you could find my friend by then I would be extremely grateful."

With that Petrovich reached for something into his massive. A few seconds later he handed you a small drawing featuring a man with quite long dark-brown hair and brown eyes. At the bottom of the paper you see a few letters: "Jan".

-"This is how my friend looked like last time I saw him and I hope he hasn't changed much." - Petrovich once again scratches his head -"We haven't seen each other in a really long time."

-"Almost done!" - shouted Svetlana from across the hallway. The man glanced towards her before quickly turning back to you:

-"One last thing, Jean. If you meet him, please don't tell him my name. I want to surprise him with my visit. Alright?"

-"I don't know..."

Before Bolo could say anything more Svetlana came back and led him to his new room. A few moments later she closed the door after him and returned to you.

-"I saw you two talking. What interesting things did he tell you?"

>"He...um...told me more about his travels!" (Roll for Acting d20+3 DC 12)
>"He asked for my help. He wants to find his old friend!"

And with that I shall conclude today's run. I will see you guys tomorrow at 7 pm GMT
>>
>>4017568
>>"He asked for my help. He wants to find his old friend!"

>If you meet him, please don't tell him my name. I want to surprise him with my visit.

I have a feeling he's some sort of assassin here to take this guy out.
>>
>>4017568
>"He asked for my help. He wants to find his old friend!"
>>
reading up on this i like the quest, though id recommend not using the average roll since you'll usually get the average, you might as well just use the first roll then to get more variety.
>>
>>4017568
>>"He...um...told me more about his travels!" (Roll for Acting d20+3 DC 12)
>>
>>4017568
>"He asked for my help. He wants to find his old friend!"
>>
>>4017568
>>"He asked for my help. He wants to find his old friend!"
>>
>>4017568
>"He asked for my help. He wants to find his old friend!"
>>
>>4017568
>"He asked for my help. He wants to find his old friend!"
>>
>>4017897
I think using averages allows everyone to get more involved since every roll counts although I may mix things up a little bit. I'm glad you enjoy the quest.

It's time to start today's run.
----------------------------------------

You've decided to tell Svetlana about Bolo's proposition

-"What? Can't he do that himself?" - the girl asks loudly before realising you're standing next to the man's room. -"Let's go to your room."

After going upstairs and entering your room you tell Svetlana all about your conversation with Petrovich. The girl's face turned a bit grim.

-"It all sounds strange, I don't know if we can trust this man." - she pauses for a split second -"You shouldn't involve yourself with outsiders."

-"Well he didn't ask me to do anything dangerous..."

-"You don't know that, this guy can be a criminal for all we know!" - Svetlana shouts angrily before sighing -"I'm sorry Jean, you're a smart kid. You don't need some overprotective idiot telling you what's dangerous or not." - she leans towards you and grabs your hand -"Just...just don't do anything risky on your own and always tell me where you're going, okay?"

You nod your head and give Svetlana a hug. The girl laughs and pulls you aside after a few seconds.

-"Alright, that's enough. You should sleep now. I will watch over our guest."

After wishing you a good night, the black-haired girl leaves the room. You immediately pull out the drawing Petrovich gave you. You look at Jan's portrait with Svetlana's words still resonating in your head.

>Put the drawing back into your pocket
>Tear the drawing to pieces.
>Sneak out of your room and follow Svetlana. (Roll for Sneaking d20+1 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 7 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4019499
>Put the drawing back into your pocket
>Sneak out of your room and follow Svetlana. (Roll for Sneaking d20+1 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4019499
>Sneak out of your room and follow Svetlana. (Roll for Sneaking d20+1 DC 13)
Protect
>>
>>4019499
>>Put the drawing back into your pocket
>>
Rolled 14 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4019539
+1
>>
>>4019539
>>4019545
>>4019576
Your average is 12; writing now
>>
You quickly put the drawing into your pocket and decide to follow Svetlana downstairs as you didn't want her to watch over your guest alone. The wooden floor was old and was very likely to make all sorts of sounds. Fortunately your small weight allowed you to avoid putting too much pressure on the floor. You were also able to hear Svetlana's footsteps in the kitchen which was located near the staircase you were currently on. You put your foot on the last step and were ready to peak.

Then you slipped.

You've managed to not fall over, but the sound was definitely loud enough to make Svetlana turn around in surprise. You saw her holding something in her hand, but upon seeing you she immediately dropped the item which fell with to the ground with a loud thump. It was a large knife.

-"Jean!" - the girl frantically shifted her gaze between the piece of metal laying on the floor and you. -"It's...it's...for self-defense, I swear!"

You slowly turn your eyes away from the knife and look at the terrified girl.

>"It's alright, I understand, but you don't have to be so scared of everyone." (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>"Maybe we should just ask him to leave?" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>"Are you going to kill him?"
>>
Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4019629
>"Maybe we should just ask him to leave?" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 7 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4019629
>"Maybe we should just ask him to leave?" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>4019629
>"It's alright, I understand, but you don't have to be so scared of everyone." (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>
Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4019687
>"It's alright, I understand, but you don't have to be so scared of everyone." (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>4019687
Sorry, i have been using d100 a lot in other quests
>>
>>4019692
No problem man
>>4019669
>>4019679
You average is exactly 13, well done; writing now
>>
-"Maybe we should just ask him to leave?"

The girl opened her mouth, but it took her a while to produce any words.

-"We shouldn't just kick him out after offering to help him..."

-"But he's scaring you Svetlana, isn't he?"

-"He is..." - the girl throws her head down in resignation

-"So let's ask him together! I'm sure he'll understand!"

After a few moments of mental preparations both you and Svetlana slowly make your way towards Bolo's room. The girl once again warns you to stay behind her as she knocks on the door.

-"Ummm...mister Petrovich, are you asleep?"

After a few moments of nerve wracking silence the door slowly open.

-"Is something wrong, friends?"

The black-haired girl nervously plays with her hair while trying to form a polite sentence.

-"I'm sorry, but...you see, we live alone and..."

-"No worries, I get it."

Petrovich quickly picks up his briefcase and starts walking towards the exit.

-"I still have to thank you for allowing me at least an hour or two of sleep. The sun will rise shortly, anyway, I should be on my way."

Both of you look at Bolo in utter disbelief. His voice remained as calm and friendly as always even though he was just kicked out.

Svetlana unlocks the door for him in complete silence. The man thanks her, but stops after crossing the doorstep, then turns towards you.

-"I'll still check on you on my way out." - he sends you a quick wink -"Stay safe you two."

You watch Petrovich disappear into the night. After many long moments Svetlana finally breaks the silence.

-"Let's just go to sleep..."

The next morning you had troubles talking about the events of the previous night, still shocked at Bolo's peaceful and immeidate reaction. Did he overhear you talking or something?

During the day you often found yourself looking at the drawing of Jan. Petrovich was supposed to return tomorrow and you still hadn't made up your mind.

>Tell Svetlana you're planning to search for Bolo's friend.
>Tell Svetlana you'll be spending the day outside and nothing more (Roll for Acting d20+3 DC 12)
>Stay at home and try to forget about the man's request.
>>
>>4019757
>>Tell Svetlana you're planning to search for Bolo's friend.
>>
>>4019757
>>Tell Svetlana you're planning to search for Bolo's friend.
>>
>>4019757
>Tell Svetlana you're planning to search for Bolo's friend.

I don't want to fuck with this guy
>>
>>4019765
>>4019796

You've decided to tell Svetlana about your desire to fulfil Petrovich's request. You've found the girl busying herself with counting your remaining supplies.

-"Do you feel sorry for kicking him out? Is that why you want to help him?"

-"Well...he was really nice to us..."

The girl stops counting food and turns towards you.

-"I know, I know. I'm feeling kinda guilty myself. This whole famine made me distrustful towards everyone. I feel like people are out to get us and take whatever scraps we got left."

-"You've trusted me, Svetlana."

The black-haired girl starts laughing.

-"That's true! And I'm definitely not regretting doing that." - she take a short pause -"Perhaps there are still decent people out there."

You feel bad for the poor girl. She must take of herself, you and her shop in the middle of a giant disaster. It definitely takes a toll on her.

-"I'm sure of it. I can recognise a good person when I see one!"

Upon hearing your answer Svetlana smiles.

-"In that case you'll know how to avoid the truly dangerous ones. You can go if you want, but don't be ashamed to run back screaming if something bad happens. I'll make the baddies go away with my trusty broom."

Both of you burst into laughter and after exchanging a few more jokes you decide to leave the shop. With Svetlana's blessing, you can finally start your search for the mysterious man named Jan. But how can you find him?

>Start asking around (Roll for Charisma d20+2)
>Walk around with the drawing and look for someone resembling Jan (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 17 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4019841
>>Walk around with the drawing and look for someone resembling Jan (Roll for Search d20+2)
Bound to attract less attention to us.
>>
Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4019841
>Walk around with the drawing and look for someone resembling Jan (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4019841
>>
Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4019841
>Walk around with the drawing and look for someone resembling Jan (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4019857
>>4019863
>>4019901
Your average is 12; writing now
>>
You spend a good portion of the afternoon wandering around your district looking for Jan. With most people staying indoors you didn't have much luck finding any people besides some kids who still had the energy to play outside or old men sitting on benches. There was also some thugs, clearly looking for vulnerable houses to loot, but you took great care to avoid all of them. You've also tried to stay in the general vicinity of Svetlana's shop so you didn't cover as much ground as you wanted to.

You've found yourself walking through a street you've checked at least 6 times this afternoon. You were just about ready to give up and call it a day.

-"Are you lost, little guy?" - you hear a deep male voice from your right.

You look towards the source of the voice and see a serious-looking old man sitting on a sturdy wooden stool. You notice a few scars on his face. On his lap you can see an extremely skinny and probably sick cat. It barely moves.

-"I've asked if you are lost. I see you walking around this entire day."

>Show him the drawing and ask if he can help you (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>Pretend you're looking for some place to stay in hopes Jan is staying in one such location (Roll for Acting d20+2 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4019952
>>Show him the drawing and ask if he can help you (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4019952
>>Show him the drawing and ask if he can help you (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 9 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4019952
>Show him the drawing and ask if he can help you (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>>
>>4019963
>>4019988
>>4019990
Your average is 11.33, rounded down to 11; writing now
>>
You approach the old man and show him the drawing. He squeezes his eyes and after a few seconds he shifts his gaze back to you.

-"Yeah, I saw him a few times. Is he your father or what?"

-"N-no...but I have something important for him."

The man thinks for a while. A wide smile creeps upon his face.

-"I believe ya pal. I can tell you where you can find this guy, but first you'll help me with something." - he says as he shakes one of his legs. To your surprise you hear metal rustling.

-"You see, my prosthetic's been acting up lately and the man who made it for me left this forsaken place a long time ago. I need someone with good eyes and dexterous hands to tighten a few screws and such. I don't want the damn thing to fall apart on me."

>Agree to help the old man (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 13)
>Tell him you really have to hurry and ask if he could simply tell you Jan's location (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 16)
>Deny his request and try to continue the search by yourself (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4020059
>Agree to help the old man (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 19 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4020059
>Agree to help the old man (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4020059
>>Agree to help the old man (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 12, 6, 13 + 3 = 34 (3d20 + 3)

>>4020059
>>Agree to help the old man (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4020109
idk why I typed a 3 instead of a 1..
>>
Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4020059
>Agree to help the old man (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 13)
>>
File: 25e.jpg (13 KB, 442x102)
13 KB
13 KB JPG
>>4020086
>>4020090
>>4020103
>>4020109
>>4020125
Your average is 13, the knife you've found yesterday saved you; writing now
>>
Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4020059
>Agree to help the old man (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 13)
>>
>>4020139
nice, shame this was after.
After a certain point, I would think he may stop collecting rolls though...
>>4020131
I can only imagine you take first x votes or all votes and not for each individual "option" cause people may vote for something else if the thing they wanted someone voted and rolled a 1 for?
>>
You've decided to help the slightly scary-looking old man. His prosthetic leg turned out to of surprisingly high quality, but a combination of your own knowledge and your new jackknife proved to be just enough to fix the loose joints in a reasonable amount of time. The old man didn't say much throughout this procedure, but the few things he did tell you confirmed your suspicion that he was some kind of a veteran.

After the repairs were complete the man got up and walked around for a bit.

-"Not bad at all! I was scared you would end up messing my leg even more than it already was, but you've turned out to be quite good."

You nod your head happily, proud of your accomplishment. The man smiles for the first time since you've met him and returns to his stool.

-"Anyway kid. The man you're looking for? He started showing up in here maybe a week and a bit ago. I see him crossing that street..." - he points out towards a nearby crossroad and move his finger from west to east -"...almost every evening. In fact, he should be here soon."

You thank the man and think about your next move. If the old man is correct you are really close to finding Jan, but on the other hand it's already getting late and Svetlana may start worrying about you as it started to slowly get dark.

>Wait at the crossroads for a bit.
>Return to Svetlana's shop.
>>
>>4020196
>>Wait at the crossroads for a bit.
>>
>>4020196
>Return to Svetlana's shop.
Bolo said he'd be back, right?
>>
>>4020156
I always count all votes made before my 'writing now' posts. The majority wins and I count all of the rolls and then form an average. I think averages encourage the players to go for the more risky options because even if the first roll or two were really bad, they can still influence the situation.
>>
>>4020196
>Wait at the crossroads for a bit.
Probably best to at least find out who he is.
>>
>>4020196
>Wait at the crossroads for a bit.
>>
>>4020196
>Wait at the crossroads for a bit.
>>
>>4020204
>>4020245
You decided to approach the crossroads and wait just a bit longer. You've wondered how long should you wait as you didn't want to end up worrying Svetlana for no reason. Your eyes were constantly shifting between the road to the west and the slowly setting sun. Fortunately, after a mere 15 minutes your patience was rewarded.

You saw a tall man walking hastily towards the crossroads. He was wearing a long coat and a cap. They both made an excellent job at masking his identity, but you also saw his dark-brown hair which appeared shorter than on the drawing, but otherwise matched perfectly. The man was looking around a lot, but didn't stop for a single second. When he passed you, you've also noticed a small black bag on his back.

Once more you think what to do next. The sun was setting, but Jan was next to you. Should you follow him? He was walking fast and seemed quite aware of his surroundings. Or maybe you should just return to Svetlana and don't push your luck too far.

>Follow Jan (Roll for Tracking d20+1 DC 14)
>Return to Svetlana.
>Run towards Jan and simply ask where the hell does he live.
>>
>>4020304
>>Return to Svetlana.
>>
>>4020304
>Return to Svetlana.
>>
>>4020304
>Return to Svetlana.
>>
>>4020323
>>4020374
You've decided that returning to Svetlana before dark was more important than following Jan. After watching him disappear into one of the nearby alleys you left the crossroads and made your way back to the shop, guided by the fading sun. By the time you came back, there was still some light left outside. Apparently Svetlana was already waiting for you.

-"Took you long enough, I was about to go looking for you." - the girl's face was serious, but that was quickly replaced with her signature warm smile -"I hope your long absence meant you had fun. Well, how did it go?"

You've spent the next couple of minutes recalling the events of this afternoon. Of course you made sure to mention your skilful repairs of the old man's leg.

-"My, my! I'm glad dad's jackknife is serving you well!"

After hearing the rest of your tale the girl's smile faded a little.

-"This Jan guy seems to be in a hurry. I hope he's not engaged in something illegal."

You scratch your head a couple times.

-"He's probably waiting for some airship to arrive."

-"Or to leave. You were smart you didn't talk to him."

Shortly after you went to sleep. Bolo didn't show up throughout the evening or the night, but to be fair, he had told you it may take him up to 2 days to return. Fully expecting him to arrive this afternoon you start thinking about your plans for the day. Your time is limited, but you can still try to learn more about Jan.

>Go to the part of the district from which Jan came yesterday and search for him. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>Go to the port and ask for him (Roll for Charisma d20+2)
>Stay at home and wait for Petrovich, you have enough information
>>
>>4020452
>Stay at home and wait for Petrovich, you have enough information
>>
>>4020452
>Stay at home and wait for Petrovich, you have enough information
The info about him crossing that same street every evening should be enough
>>
>>4020452
Could we try searching for Bolo instead? Or is that the "Ask for him at the port" option.
>>
>>4020462
You certainly can try (and roll for Search), but you have no idea where he went after leaving the shop. He may not even be in the slums any more.
>>
>>4020457
>>4020460
The day is surprisingly slow and calm. Usually there is at least a couple of looters trying to get into the shop or violent fights outside, but this time it's absolutely quiet. There's even barely any movement outside. The eerie feeling of living in a ghost town struck you time and time again. You don't know if Svetlana was nervous because of all this because she definitely didn't show it. You've tried playing with your slingshot, but even the sound of rocks ricocheting off the walls didn't help you overcome this atmosphere of silence.

It wasn't until late afternoon when Bolo showed up. You've noticed him slowly walking through the square, still carrying his large briefcase. He stopped a step or two before the shop's entrance and knocked on the door. Svetlana got up and slowly opened the door.

-"I promised I will visit you on my way back so here I am." - the man smiled and bowed down slightly.

-"Good afternoon mister Petrovich." - you and Svetlana said in unison.

-"Unfortunately I can't stay here for too long, I still have some matters to attend to. Speaking of important matters - Jean-Baptiste, how have you been?"

-"Good..."

-"Excellent!" - you see Petrovich pulling out a large map of the slums from his briefcase. -"Did you try searching for my friend by any chance? I would love to pay him a visit before I leave!" - he says while bringing the map closer to you.

>"Yes. Every evening he crosses this road and goes towards the port."
>"N-no. I'm sorry mister Petrovich."
>>
>>4020513
>>"Yes. Every evening he crosses this road and goes towards the port."
>>
>>4020513
>>"Yes. Every evening he crosses this road and goes towards the port."
>>
Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4020452
>>Go to the part of the district from which Jan came yesterday and search for him. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4020513
>>"Yes. Every evening he crosses this road and goes towards the port."
>>
>>4020517
>>4020527
>>4020530
The man bursted into laughter.

-"A fantastic job, my boy! You reckon I'll still be able to catch him on his way to the port if I hurry up?"

You simply nodded you head.

-"Splendid! In that case I'll be leaving now!" - Petrovich starts to turn only to reach into his briefcase once more -"Oh, before I go!" - he says as he pulls two cans of meat and a chocolate bar and gives them to you and Svetlana. -"I've managed to get you some snacks! Don't it all at once though!"

After that he hastily leaves.

-"Where did he get all of this..." - whispers Svetlana while looking at Bolo's gifts.

The next few hours were uneventful. The sun faded almost completely and you were preparing to go to sleep to get up early tomorrow, but once again you've heard knocking on the door. You quickly run towards the shop's front where you see Svetlana looking from the window. Hey expression is one of surprise. She whispers towards you as she carefully opens the door.

-"Petrovich again..."

Indeed, behind the door is no one else, but Bolo Petrovich. His expression is more tired than before and his briefcase appears to be much more full than normally. He smiles as soon as he sees you.

-"I just wanted to thank you Jean. I was able to meet my friend."

You hear Svetlana's weak voice.

-"Mister Petrovich, your hand..."

Only then you see that a significant part of Bolo's left sleeve is covered in red liquid.

-"Oh, this? I was attacked by some young gangster. Fortunately this old man can still pull his weight." - he glances at his bleeding arm -"But I should still visit a hospital. Perhaps I will have to stay here a couple more days. Fine by me - there are still friends I have to visit."

You see the girl's face becoming more and more white as if she came into some terrifying realisation as Bolo Petrovich turns around

-"I shall leave now. I'm glad I stumbled upon you. I knew this house had an aura of good fortune the moment I saw it. Take care, friends."

With that the man starts walking away. As you see him leaving your brain is assaulted by a sudden urge.

-"Mister Petrovich!" - you scream as you run outside. Svetlana follows you immediately. -"I have a question!"

Bolo stops and slowly turns around. The relative darkness outside make him look much more menacingly.

-"Yes, Jean-Baptiste?"

>[INSERT YOUR QUESTION HERE AND ROLL A D100]
>N-nevermind. Have a safe trip.
>>
Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>4020598
"How are you able to fit so much into a briefcase?"
>>
>>4020598
>N-nevermind. Have a safe trip.
Hear no evil.
>>
He might bleed out before getting to hospital should we ask him to stay here?
>>
Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>4020598
ask if he remembers who attacked him or where it happened, so we can avoid whoever it was and stay safe. If he is lying, he migh not have a answer prepared for this, and we will see through his lie.
>>
Alright lads; writing now
>>
-"How are you able to fit so much into a briefcase?"

Petrovich's laughter fills the empty and silent street of Gavan's slums. In the meantime Svetlana catches up to you and puts a hand on your shoulder, ready to act.

-"It's a magical briefcase, young friend. I may show it to you if you keep being such an excellent helper" - he turns away from you -"Like I've said, I still have friends I'd like to meet."

You ignore his cryptic answer for the time being to ask him one final question.

-"Wait! Is your hand okay?"

Bolo answers without even turning back.

-"Of course! It's not the worst injury I've ever suffered."

With these words, Petrovich disappears into the night and all that remains is his chuckling echoing through the streets. Svetlana, still pale as a ghost quickly takes you inside and locks the door.

-"I don't want you to talk to him any more."

-"Why?"

-"I...I think he's an evil person. I think those friends of his aren't really his friends"

-"But he gave us food a-and he always acted friendly..."

The girl falls on one of the chairs located in the room.

-"Right. Thanks to him we are better off than most people in our district."

Svetlana pauses, as if she was thinking about something. You see her hand trembling a little. Her eyes rest on the canned meat Petrovich gave you. Suddenly she turns to look outside the window closest to the doors. You see a piece of purple-black material lazily waving in the wind.

-"A lucky charm, huh?"

The girl's face slowly tuns towards you.

-"Do you think we should keep this nailed to our wall?"

>"Of course, it only gave us good luck so far!"
>"No. Things got strange since we've hanged it there."

And with that I'll conclude today's run. What do you think about the quest so far? I would like to get some feedback lads.

See you tomorrow at 8 pm GMT!
>>
>>4020734
>"Of course, it only gave us good luck so far!"
>>
>>4020734
>"Of course, it only gave us good luck so far!"
Woo hoo! More bloody fun shenanigans!
>>
>>4020734
>"Of course, it only gave us good luck so far!"

Interesting so far, seems like we're building up to the point where the other shoe will drop.

Anything particularly negative we've avoided you're willing to share?
>>
>>4020734
>>"Of course, it only gave us good luck so far!"
>>
>>4020734
>>"Of course, it only gave us good luck so far!"
>>
>>4020876
So far you did a good job avoiding any physical confrontations which probably wouldn't end well for a weak kid like Jean.
Let's just say that both you and Svetlana are doing a fine job staying alive.
>>
>>4020743
>>4020763
>>4020876
>>4020915
>>4021001

You've managed to persuade Svetlana to leave the cloth where it hangs. The girl wasn't pressing the issue as much you would've thought and rarely mentioned it afterwards. Perhaps she also believed in its special properties?

The next week was rather uneventful, but things in the slums got worse. The food carts stopped arriving entirely. The city watch restricted themselves to guarding nearby ports and left people in poorer districts to their fates. Bakeries, butcher shops and such were all either closed or looted. Animals disappeared off the streets entirely. The only semi-reliable source of food remaining was the black market which was fully controlled by the only functioning organisations left in the area - the gangs. Widespread crime became the new norm as dozens of thugs roamed the streets, stealing food from those who still had some left and giving miniscule portions to starving people in exchange for all sorts of valuables. Svetlana covered all of the windows and killed most of the lights in the shop to attract the least amount of attention possible. She also advised you to stay inside at all times and don't make a lot of noise. You've followed her instructions, but that left you without your favourite past-time of playing with your slingshot. Instead, you made yourself busy with...

>...spending as much time with Svetlana as possible to improve her mood (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>...making more steel balls for your slingshot (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3)
>...searching every corner of the shop to discover some cool secret (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 2 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022022
>...searching every corner of the shop to discover some cool secret
Time to scrounge.
>>
Rolled 4 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022022
>>...making more steel balls for your slingshot (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3)
>>
Rolled 5 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022022
>...searching every corner of the shop to discover some cool secret (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022022
>>...spending as much time with Svetlana as possible to improve her mood (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
the poor girl needs it
>>
Rolled 14 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022022
>...making more steel balls for your slingshot (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3)
>>
Rolled 13 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022022
>...making more steel balls for your slingshot (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3)
>>
>>4022058
>>4022079
>>4022086
Looks like you'll be making more slingshot ammo with an average roll of 13; writing now
>>
Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022022
>>...spending as much time with Svetlana as possible to improve her mood (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>
You spend a large portion of the week tinkering in the now-cleared basement. There was still a lot of small metal pieces lying around and you thought it would an excellent idea to make some steel balls for your slingshot from them to make the bad men go away. Before you only had one such projectile at your disposal and that clearly wasn't cutting it. Svetlana often came and commented on your work:

-"Are you planning to demolish my shop with those?"

-"Only to protect you!"

At the end of the week you've ended up making at least 5 of those deadly little buggers. There were many more attempts of course, but it wasn't easy to craft them with nothing, but a bunch of scrap at your disposal. In the end you were quite satisfied with your hard work. You've also hoped that you won't use it for anything other than shooting practice.

At the end of this slow and stressing week you and Svetlana started to going through the last of your canned food. For the girl it was obvious that if it wasn't for Petrovich your situation would've been much more dire than it already is, but she never said it out loud.

Your dinner was interrupted by a loud knocking on the door. and male shouting:

-"Oi, Svetlana! We know you're here, open up and let's talk!"

Svetlana silently got up from her chair and whispered towards you.

-"I know this voice. It's a boy I've used to play with when I was little..."

Suddenly a second voice, also belonging to a young man, could be heard.

-"Are you going to open up or should we start counting?"

You see the girl getting visibly irritated.

-"What the hell do you want?"

-"We're here to offer you protection, that's all. For a small price, of course."

-"I don't need any!"

-"Oh come on, Svetlana. We know your parents bailed out on you and you're living alone out here! A lone girl always needs protection."

After these words Svetlana's anger reached its peak. The girl slammed her hand against the table and screamed -"Fuck off!"

Only laughter came up from behind the locked door.

-"That being said, we don't see you leave your house too often which means you probably have some food stockpiled in there. Let's make a deal - you share that food with our community and in return we'll tell our boss how nice you are."

The second thug also speaks.

-"And remember Svetlana. Selfish bitches end up in ditches. So, what's your choice?"

The girl's angry attitude suddenly changes. She starts looking around, searching for any potential weapons. She also turns towards you and whispers.

-"Please, go to your room."

You look at her, then at the door.

>"Just try hurting Svetlana and I'll mess you up real good!" (Roll for Intimidation (Strength) d20-2 DC 17)
>"We know many powerful people and they will come to defend us!" (Roll for Intimidation (Charisma) d20+3 DC 18)
>Remain silent, but stay in the room
>>
>>4022129
>Remain silent, move behind a counter and get your sling shot ready.
>>
>>4022129
>Remain silent, but stay in the room
It’s best that they don’t know about us. The thugs would simply use us as leverage and if these guys are part of a gang, we don’t want them coming around with backup.
>>
>>4022129
>Remain silent, but stay in the room
>>
>>4022139
+1 to this.
Also, we need to get a gun and some ammo at some point. Guns are the great equalizer. We wouldn't have to worry about Svetlana being alone if she was packing. Maybe we can ask that Petrovitch guy, or even that veteran, about some options to defend ourselves. Exchange our services for something.
>>
>>4022129
>Remain silent, but stay in the room
>>
>>4022139
>>4022144
>>4022154
>>4022156
>>4022159
Writing now
>>
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10 KB JPG
One part of you want to follow Svetlana's orders, but you can't bring yourself to abandoning her and pretending everything is fine. You know she has no problems chasing away lone thieves or desperate thugs, but determined gangsters are a whole different animal. You quickly ready your slingshot and look at Svetlana who begs you with her eyes to leave, but you decide to stand your ground regardless.

The med quickly grow bored of your silence.

-"Fine, have it your way. Don't resist and we may leave you in one piece!"

These words are followed by a loud and strong kick that almost breaks the door instantly. One of the gangsters must be quite strong. Svetlana jumps and immediately rushes for her broom before the second kick swings the door wide open and the two men rush inside. The larger one is wielding a big, sturdy club while the smaller one is carrying a long shiv. The first bandit goes immediately for Svetlana while the other one stops and looks at you.

-"What a convenient leverage..." - he says as he runs towards you, only to be stopped by Svetlana's broom.

-"Don't touch him pig!" - she screams while hitting the thug straight in the head. She avoided the first bandit just to come and protect you.

-"What the fuck!" - the bandit screams in shock and stumbles around, recoiling from the hit. Svetlana becomes fixated with him and readies her broom for yet another swing when the first bandit emerges from behind her, his club ready to strike the unsuspecting girl.

>Fire at the bandit with your slingshot (Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you want to use your special ammo)
>Push Svetlana out of harm's way (Roll for Strength d20-2 DC 13)
>Run towards the brute and try to distract him somehow (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 15)
>>
Rolled 19 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4022209
>Fire at the bandit with your slingshot (Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you want to use your special ammo)

Let’s smoke him
>>
Rolled 4 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4022209
>Fire at the bandit with your slingshot (Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you want to use your special ammo)
>>
Rolled 9 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4022209
>Fire at the bandit with your slingshot (Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you want to use your special ammo)
>>
Rolled 4 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4022209
>Fire at the bandit with your slingshot (Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you want to use your special ammo)
>>
>>4022219
19s and 20s are counted as crits therefore they overwrite other results

I need at least two anons to roll 2d4 now
>>
Rolled 6 + 4 (1d20 + 4)

>>4022209
>Fire at the bandit with your slingshot (Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you want to use your special ammo)
>>
Rolled 2, 3 = 5 (2d4)

>>4022236
>>
Rolled 1, 4 = 5 (2d4)

>>4022236
Why 2d4?
>>
Rolled 2, 3 = 5 (2d4)

>>4022236
>>
>>4022243
It's a damage roll

>>4022242
>>4022243
>>4022244
After taking the highest numbers from all of the rolls we've ended up with 12-2 damage so it's a headshot for 10; writing now
>>
You quickly load a steel ball into your slingshot and fire at the bandit without further thinking. The ball hits him straight in his face, mere moments before his own swing. His scream feels the air and it's so loud that both Svetlana and the second thug end up looking at the stumbling brute in shock.

-"My eye, fuck! FUCK!"

The nimbler bandit tried to capitalise on Svetlana being distracted and reached for his shiv, but the girl quickly stepped on his hand with a leather boot and delivered another blow to his face. The young man screamed in pain and fell to the ground. He started to quickly crawl towards the door only to be aided in this task by Svetlana who kicked him in the ass as hard as she could. The second man, still stumbling around, also somehow found his way through the door and the two of them quickly fled.

The black-haired girl immediately ran towards you and hugged you.

-"Jean, are you alright? Please say you're alright."

-"Y-yeah, I'm totally fine."

-"I'm glad..."

The girl got up and immediately fell on her chair, trembling a little.

-"Why did this have to happen? We don't even have much food left..."

-"Will they come back?"

-"I'm afraid so." - Svetlana says as she tries her hardest to not sob. -"What the hell are we going to do now?"

>"If they come back, we will just kick their asses again!" (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>"Maybe we should move to the basement?" (Roll for Charisma d20+2)
>>
Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022283
>>"Maybe we should move to the basement?" (Roll for Charisma d20+2)
Door's gone, and they'll definitely be back.
>>
>>4022283
>It’s time to leave. They’ll come back with a vengeance and we won’t be able to take them all.

As a side note, we should also retrieve that steel ball we shot at the thug.
>>
>>4022283
>>4022293
And take our lucky charm with us.
>>
>>4022283
>>4022293
Yeah, I'm going with this. I don't like the idea of 2 against 8+
>>
>>4022293
>>4022309
>>4022318
Alright; writing now
>>
>>4022293
>>4022309
Good plan. Switching to this.
>>
-"It’s time to leave. They’ll come back for us and we won’t be able to take them all."

Svetlana opened her mouth to protest.

-"I can't leave my parents' shop! What will they think about me when they come back?"

-"We can return when things get better."

-"But where will we go? No one will take us in, all motels and pubs are closed. Should we just hope that some stranger will be kind enough to help us out?"

You think about Svetlana's words when you reach for your steel ball you've fired at the bandit. Most of it is covered in blood.

-"But you've said yourself that the thugs will return. We are in danger."

The girl looks at you in frustration.

-"It's better to stay here than to walk the streets aimlessly and wait until someone shanks us. Like I've said, we have nowhere to stay!"

>"I know an old veteran that may help us!" (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>"There is an old, abandoned warehouse nearby. We can stay there." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 13)
>"I'm sorry, it was a silly idea..."
>>
I suppose we could barricade the shop, but what it really comes down to is how much food and water we have left. How much do we have left?
>>
>>4022353
>The city is a massive depression and a panic. More likely than not, a bunch of families made a run for it like we’re planning to. There should be a few abandoned houses that are in decent shape.
>>
>>4022358
Even eating extremely sparingly you will still be out in a two or three days tops

>>4022363
That is also an option, but you still have to roll for Persuasion
>>
Rolled 20 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022368
>>
>>4022373
Oh fuck.
>>
>>4022378
Oh yeah!
>>
>>4022373
If the rest of you don't mind I think we have a winner; writing now
>>
-"Many people ran away and left their houses. Some of them must be in good shape!"

The girl blinks rapidly a few times.

-"I..."

-"Besides, those houses were probably already checked by those thugs so they'll think there's no one inside!"

Svetlana closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

-"Alright. But we'll return here as soon as possible, okay?"

You've spend the good portion of the afternoon gathering all the remaining food, water, some spare blankets and other necessary items. You also made sure to tell Svetlana to take the lucky cloth you've received from lady Roza. After finalising your preparations and making sure the streets were clear you sneak out of the shop, locking it behind you. It won't stop the gangsters, but it may stop lone thugs.

You decide to stick close to the walls and check one house at a time. You chose not to use the back alleys as these were likely to be crawling with lowlifes. Most of the houses looked the same as the remaining residents of the district tried to attract as small amount of attention as possible. You just had to stop for a moment and look for potential sounds or smells that would indicate there were still people inside. Finally, after a long search you've found quite a house that seemed to be abandoned. Unfortunately the door were locked. The only thing opened was one of small window in the attic.

>Try to look for an alternate way in (Roll for Search d20+2)
>Try to pick the lock (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 14)
>Ask Svetlana to help you climb and reach the window (Roll for Climbing d20-2 DC 12)
>>
Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022426
>>Try to pick the lock (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022426
>Try to pick the lock (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 1 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022426
>Try to pick the lock (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 14)
>>
>>4022438
RIP crit
>>
Rolled 5 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022426
'>Try to pick the lock (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 14)
>>
We really should stop rolling after reaching DC
>>
>>4022445
I am both a success and a failure.
>>
>>4022452
That's the trouble with averages/knowing the DC beforehand, since they encourage meta-strategies. An option you dislike succeeding is still better than the option you want failing.
>>
>>4022452
>>4022461
If you want I can stop telling you the exact DCs and just tell you what modifiers you'll have. I think that may spice things up a notch.

>>4022433
>>4022437
>>4022438
>>4022448
Your average is 12; writing now
>>
>>4022474
>I can stop telling you the exact DCs
I wouldn't mind personally; I'd rather see more Hail Mary-rolls than people playing cautiously once we're sure we passed. Although you'd probably have to remind people when Search/Spirit rolls don't have DCs.

It's your call though, really.
>>
You start picking the lock using one of the tools present in your jackknife. You're having troubles getting the job done, it's taking you longer than expected and Svetlana starts growing a bit worried.

-"Please Jean, we have to get this door open."

She looks around nervously seeing a few ghoulish faces judging you silently through their windows. Many of them look like they don't have a of life left in them. Haunted by those images, you pick up the pace and get the door opened by not before a pair of thugs emerge from behind one of the buildings. You quickly enter the house, but it's very likely they had seen you.

Svetlana quickly drops most of her supplies on the ground and readies a large knife she took from her kitchen. She's probably considering her options and so do you.

>Tell Svetlana to hide and wait until they go somewhere else (Roll for Sneaking d20+2)
>Tell Svetlana to jump them together if they try to enter the house (Roll for Spirit d20+2)

From this point on I won't tell you the exact DCs of various rolls. Just tell me how you feel about it after we're done with tonight's run.
>>
>>4022489
You say that as if we’ve been actively avoiding difficult rolls. Personally when I’m casting votes, I go for the most sensible option for our given situation and then I take the modifiers into account.
>>
Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022499
Alrighty then.
>Tell Svetlana to hide and wait until they go somewhere else (Roll for Sneaking d20+2)
>>
>>4022499
Are these THE thugs or just regular thugs?
>>
Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022499
>Tell Svetlana to jump them together if they try to enter the house (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
If they've seen us, we might as well try and be ready for them. Should probably barricade the door too when we get the chance.

>>4022504
We haven't so far, but I'd rather nip it in the bud. It also helps us think more carefully about what danger the options actually entail.

We can go back to the old method tomorrow if we agree it sucks.
>>
Thank you captcha, very cool

>>4022509
I can tell you that these definitely aren't the ones whose asses you've kicked before, but they still may belong to a gang.
>>
>>4022499
>>Tell Svetlana to jump them together if they try to enter the house (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>
>>4022517
The DCs were never too far apart numerically. A 2-3 number distance isn’t going to sway the voters if the other option is the smarter of the two. By covering up the DC, an environment in which people cling to all of the bonuses they can get regardless of anything else with come about.
>>
Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4022499
>Tell Svetlana to jump them together if they try to enter the house (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>
>>4022521
I knew that, I was wondering wether they were part of the gang. The ones we beat definitely went back to headquarters to grab their buddies.
>>
>>4022517
>>4022530
Alright, your average is 9; writing now

>>4022536
It's hard to tell as most of the gangsters don't really carry any conventional gang symbols. Most of them are just half-starved teenagers who bully others for scaprs
>>
>>4022544
That makes sense considering the situation.
>>
You tell Svetlana to wait by the door and attack the bandits if they come inside. The girl wasn't happy to endanger you again, but she knows all the well that during fights with two men odds aren't really on her side.

The are barely noises around so you have no trouble identifying the approaching footsteps. They stop a few meters from the door. Then they just stand there whispering to each other for a while. It really starts working on your nerves. For some reason a feeling of dread and danger overcomes you and you drop to your knees and cover your ears. Upon seeing that Svetlana moves to you and tries to quietly calm you down, but her steps were enough to agitate the bandits. They start slowly approaching the door when something else picks their attention. You hear a different set of footsteps, approaching from the exact same way as you when you came onto this street.

One of the thugs opens his mouth and shouts.

-"Are you lost dandy?"

You uncover your ears to hear better when you hear a familiar voice.

-"No, but thank you for your consideration friend. I'm just looking for someone."

-"It's not to search for a stranger like you to come into this hellhole."

-"Don't worry, I'll manage. Now if you excuse me, I'll take my leave."

The thug's voice became even louder.

-"I think you should leave old man. Let us search that briefcase of yours and we'll even escort you out of the slums."

A familiar laugh echoes through the street.

-"Quite a generous offer, but I don't think you'll find anything valuable in there. It's a just a bunch of notes and you'll have to learn to read first to get something out of them."

-"What the fuck did you say?"

You can hear the thugs rushing towards the second voice. A few moments later a scream of pain rips through the air. Then another. You hear the sound of something heavy falling.

-"No no no please I'm so-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!"

-"I've already broke your arm. Should I go for your neck next?"

There was no answer. Only the sound of someone's sobbing becoming more and more distant.

>Run outside.
>Stay inside and wait for Svetlana's reaction.
>>
>>4022589
>Run outside.
Sounds like its Petrovitch. This could be a good opportunity to learn something about him, maybe force him into a corner a bit. Maybe he'd be willing to teach us how to defend ourselves or get us a gun.
>>
>>4022612
Supporting.
>>
>>4022589
>Stay inside and wait for Svetlana's reaction.

>>4022612
What in the world are you talking about?
>>
>>4022589
>Stay inside and wait for Svetlana's reaction.
>>
>>4022629
>What in the world are you talking about?
Just thinking out loud anon. If what I said wasn't clear, I don't know how I can help you.
>>
>>4022589
>Run outside.
>>
>>4022612
>>4022625
>>4022641
Writing now
>>
>>4022638
How would you go about “forcing him into a corner”?
>>
>>4022664
Not literally. Its a turn of phrase. Seeing him show off his skills as an assassin and/or criminal (which is what I'm assuming he is at this point) might show a chink in his armor that we can exploit. He's clearly very protective about his identity and what it is he actually does, and because he doesn't want us to know that information, it is valuable leverage. We could use this to confront him a bit.
Even if he doesn't reveal anything, we can potentially use this situation to our advantage. Essentially, he buys our silence, perhaps with self defense lessons or a weapon. Or more jobs/info. At the very least, he is unwilling to hurt us without cause, since we are valuable to him in some way. I suspect he has something to do with the nobles. That or we make a good gofer.
>>
>>4022701
Sounds needlessly shady and convoluted. Why don't we just ask him straight up if he can help us become a person who can reliably protect his surrogate sistermom?
>>
>>4022701
Watching him kill someone doesn’t really prove anything. We as the audience could make the connection, but in-game there is little to tie him to that profession. Even if there was, it’s not as if we know anyone important to rat him out to and if he’s with the nobles, he could simply cover everything up.
>>
You immediately run outside knowing whom to expect. Svetlana immediately screams and runs after you, but you manage to open the door before she can stop you.

Your eyes immediately lay upon Bolo Petrovich who's busy removing dust from his grey trousers. He quickly lifts his head and looks towards you with a smile.

-"What a pleasant surprise!" - he says as he straightens himself up -"Those gangsters - quite a troublesome bunch aren't they?"

Svetlana, who has caught up to you by now, stands next to you and responds:

-"You've just broken someone's arm..."

The man shrugs.

-"All is fair in love and self-defense. Still, a troublesome bunch." - he pauses and looks upon your new residence -"Were they the ones who chased you out of your old house?"

You quickly answer his question.

-"Yes...no...I think they were from the same gang as the previous ones."

Petrovich removes his derby and scratches his head.

-"How very rude. Say, Jean-Baptiste, could you perhaps help me with teaching those misguided kids that violence is not the way to go?"

Svetlana immediately jumps between you and Bolo.

-"No way! Jean will do no more of your stupid requests! The streets are too dangerous for a kid like him!"

Petrovich smiles warmly.

-"You are a good big sister, Svetlana." - he shifts his gaze towards you -"But I think you should let Jean choose for himself. He knows these streets better than either of us." - he concluded, awaiting your answer.

>"Please tell me more mister Petrovich."
>"I can't do anything dangerous, Svetlana will worry too much."
>OTHER
>>
>>4022708
>Why don't we just ask him straight up if he can help us become a person who can reliably protect his surrogate sistermom?
That'd be nice, but we don't know anything about him. We don't know who he is, what he does, who he's working for, whether or not he's a bad guy, whether we agree with what he's doing, whether he actually has our best interests in mind. This is survival, we need every advantage we can get.
Until we know what this guy is about and whether we trust him, we should look for every advantage we can and make him useful to us. From the way its written I don't think we have anything to worry about, but hey, I'm enjoying the heck out of myself.
>>4022719
No not necessarily. But its all more info, and MIGHT give us a small moment to at least learn something. Plus, its implied that he knows what he's doing. He's some kind of professional.
That's what i think anyhow.
>>
>>4022721
>OTHER
>What exactly do you have in mind, and what's in it for me and Svetlana? If I'm going to risk my life to help you, I'd at least like something in return.
Or something to that effect.
>>
>>4022721
>OTHER
>"I'll go, but you have to promise to help me protect Svetlana!"
>>
>>4022721
>"Please tell me more mister Petrovich."
>>
>>4022754
Supporting
I don't want to make too many demands, but simply asking him to watch over Svetlana is reasonable
>>
>>4022748
Support.
>>
>>4022748
This.
>>
>>4022748
>>4022786
>>4022793
Writing now
>>
-"I know how dangerous the slums are. I won't do it unless it helps Svetlana and me."

Petrovich's smile widens a bit.

-"You're a smart kid. Don't worry about your reward. Good karma always returns." - his face turns more serious for a moment. -"Bad karma does that too."

He quickly laughs his more serious tone off.

-"Next evening me and some of my pals are planning to visit the gangsters and talk them out of their bad ways. Unfortunately, I don't know where to find them. All I know is that they like to gather in some large buildings, usually warehouses." - Petrovich pauses for a second as if he was expecting some kind of reaction -"Jean-Baptiste. I want you to check the neighbourhood for any parties thrown by those goons." - he reaches to his briefcase and pulls out a piece of chalk -"If you find any occupied warehouses, just mark them with this piece of chalk."

After handing you the chalk he gets up and looks at Svetlana.

-"Don't worry, I'll be around. If someone gives you trouble during Jean's absence I'll make myself known." - he turns around and looks up -"The sun is slowly setting, it would be unwise to start today. Wait until tomorrow. Take care kids." - Petrovich walks away and waves without looking back.

Svetlana quickly takes you inside.

-"This is insane! Marking bandits' warehouses? You can't do that!"

>"I'll be fine. It's not my first time sneaking around!" (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>"I know, it's all too risky."
>"Well, he may end up giving us food again..." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3)
>>
Rolled 11 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022867
>"Well, he may end up giving us food again..." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3)
>>
Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4022867
>"Well, he may end up giving us food again..." (Roll for Persuasion d20+3)
>>
>>4022879
>>4022882
Your average is 16; writing now
>>
-"Well, he may end up giving us food again..."

The girl takes a deep breath

-"You're right. Those gangsters are the ones hoarding all of the district's food..."

-"And mister Petrovich will give that food back to the people after he teaches those guys a lesson?"

Svetlana freezes for a few seconds, clearly thinking about her answer.

-"I don't know. I just don't know. You can't what his intentions are. That's why I find it so hard to trust him."

You think of an answer to this.

-"Is it really important what he does as long as he helps us?"

The black-haired girl looks at you surprised.

-"Of course! We shouldn't help him do bad things just because it benefits us!"

-"Is he really a bad guy if he wants to stop other bad guys?"

-"Time will tell."

Svetlana crouches next to you and places her delicate hand on your shoulder.

-"I don't want you to go alone. I still think it's too dangerous. I should go with you."

>"Two are much easier to spot than a single person."
>"Watching over the house and our stuff is just as important and dangerous as my task!"
>"That sounds like a good idea!"
>>
>>4022950
>"That sounds like a good idea!"
>>
>>4022950
>>"Two are much easier to spot than a single person."
>>
>>4022950
>"Two are much easier to spot than a single person."
>>
>>4022950
>"Two are much easier to spot than a single person."
>>
>>4022950
>"Two are much easier to spot than a single person."
>>
>>4022950
>>"Watching over the house and our stuff is just as important and dangerous as my task!"
>>
Svetlana giggles

-"You are making a scary amount of sense, Jean. Fine, go by yourself."

She sighs, but she's also smiling.

-"I should stop worry about you so much. You are more than capable of taking care of yourself. You basically saved my skin today. I may be an expert broom fighter, but two armed goons are too much even for me."

You both laugh for the first time in hours. After calming herself down a little, Svetlana continues.

-"Soon you'll be the one taking care of me."

-"I already do. We both take care of each other."

The girl smiles and brushes your hair a bit.

-"You definitely know how to lighten my mood. Anyway, it's for you to sleep. You're going to be quite busy tomorrow."

After chatting for a little bit the two of you went to sleep. Fortunately the bandits didn't show up throughout the night. Upon waking up and eating a small portion of your remaining rations you start planning your search. There is quite a lot to take into consideration. First of all you have to choose where to look. Your district has quite a few abandoned warehouses and it may be wise to assume the gangsters are utilising some of them. There is also the warehouse district, next to the nearest airship port. It would be an excellent ground for any bandit activity, but the ports are guarded by city watch and it's possible the bandits wouldn't like to operate their black market so close to law enforcers. No matter which part of the slums you'll choose first you'd also have to devise a plan how to approach the warehouses. The safest option is to sneak your way in using your small size and back alleys, but that would also take the longest. You can also wrap yourselves in some burlaps and pretend to be a sick child and hope that most gangsters would rather ignore you than approach a sick person and risk catching some disease. Alternatively you can go and look for the nearest bandit group and then follow them. They will likely lead you to one of their hideouts immediately saving you time, but it's also the most risky option.

In the end you decide to...

>Head for the local warehouses
>Head towards the warehouse district

...and...

>Sneak your way in (Roll for Sneaking d20+1)
>Pretend to be a sick child (Roll for Acting d20+3)
>Find one of the bandits and follow them (Roll for Tracking d20+1)

Don't worry, you'll have a lot of time to think about it as I'm done for the night. Please tell me what you think about the absence of DCs.

Tomorrow I will start a little sooner as I will also have to finish earlier so expect me around 6-7 pm GMT
>>
>>4023040
>Head for the local warehouses
>Pretend to be a sick child (Roll for Acting d20+3)

Bring back the DCs
>>
>>4023050
+1
Thanks OP, I'm enjoying this a lot.
Also, when do we wife Svetlana?
>>
>>4023040
>Head for the local warehouses
>Pretend to be a sick child (Roll for Acting d20+3)
I kinda like the DCs as well, but not having them feels a little more fluid for now. Maybe DCs for combat only?
>>
Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4023080
Forgot to roll.
>>
Rolled 10 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4023040
>Head for the local warehouses
>Pretend to be a sick child (Roll for Acting d20+3)
>>
>>4023077
It's not decent to have romantic feelings towards your big sister from another mother, especially if you're an eleven year old.

>>4023050
>>4023080
I've been thinking about spending more time writing about various risk factors to help you guess the DC without straight-up showing it, but I may simply bring it back and only hide it for certain rolls. It's not like you guys are powergamers.
>>
>>4023102
Wrong. All anons are born powergamers, even if we don't always act like it.
>>
>>4023077
How about at half past never?
>>
>>4023040
>>Head for the local warehouses
>Find one of the bandits and follow them (Roll for Tracking d20+1)
>>
>>4023102
>>4023130
>It's not decent to have romantic feelings towards your big sister from another mother, especially if you're an eleven year old.
>no /SS/
Well shucks. Maybe we'll find a nice vagabond girl our own age.
>>
>>4023357
In the future, please do us all a favor and browse /d/ or /b/ before coming here to play.
>>
Rolled 5 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4023040
>Head for the local warehouses
>Pretend to be a sick child (Roll for Acting d20+3)

>>4023102
I'd prefer things this way/with risk factors, personally.
>>
Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4023040
>Head for the local warehouses
>Pretend to be a sick child (Roll for Acting d20+3)
>>
Rolled 16 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4023040
>>
Jean's character sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-mYGF412Wpzo2WYxr7-qh1Cvk-lSMPvNy8-wzHzttvs/edit#gid=0

Let's kick today's run. The DCs are back since most of you liked them (at least I think so). I'll probably do some experiments with the formula in future, but for now let's keep it as it is. I just hope you guys will roll a lot and not necessarily look at the results. Risking and failing can be fun too. And remember - not meeting the DC is not the end of the world. Usually.

>>4023084
>>4023086
>>4023844
>>4024027
Your average is 13

After short consideration you decide to head for the the local warehouses and disguise yourself as a sick child. With Svetlana's approval you cut one of the spare blankets and use it to wrap yourself up and cover as much of your skin as possible. After making sure people wouldn't be able to see your healthy face, you finally leave the house.

The streets were empty and silent. They had a very unnerving feeling to them. The occasional human shapes in the alleys didn't approach you, most of them didn't move at all. You were in a hurry, but you've made sure to move slowly and make your breathing shallow. You could feel a few pair of eyes giving you pitiful looks as you walked by, but no one was brave enough to approach you. Soon you got close to your objective. The closest warehouse was a bust. It was almost falling apart and definitely couldn't support a major crime operation. The only people desperate enough to enter would be children or fugitives. You quickly scanned the surroundings and upon finding nothing, you went towards the second warehouse. You picked up the pace as soon as you heard voices.

The second warehouse was brimming with life. Located near the middle of a large square it was an ideal location for makeshift market. Old men, mothers with children - all sorts of people came in and out of the building. A couple of youngsters patrolling the square with knives and clubs made it painfully obvious this business belonged to the gangs, although from this distance you can't tell if it's simply a marketplace or also a granary that contains the entire gang's food supply. You look at the piece of chalk in your hand and think what to do next.

>Bravely make your way through the crowd and mark the warehouse (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 14)
>Go around the warehouse and try to peek inside (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>Wait a bit for a better opportunity.
>>
Rolled 13 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024351
>Bravely make your way through the crowd and mark the warehouse (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 14)

Let’s keep things short and sweet, we’ve got other warehouses to hit.
>>
Rolled 16 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024375
Agreed. Worst comes to worst we can pretend we're just doodling
>>
Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4024351
>Go around the warehouse and try to peek inside (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>>
>Bravely make your way through the crowd and mark the warehouse (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 14)

sorry but how do i roll?
>>
OP, you are considering when setting difficulty of rolls that averages will tend to follow bell curve and so more mediocre results, yes?
>>
>>4024395
“dice+1d20” into options field in the post interface (without quotes)
>>
Rolled 1 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024351

>Bravely make your way through the crowd and mark the warehouse (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 14)
>>4024395
Type dice+[number of dice]d[number of sides] in the options field
>>
>>4024395
Read the sticky.
>>
Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024351
>Bravely make your way through the crowd and mark the warehouse (Roll for Spirit d20+2 DC 14)
>>
>>4024419
Yes I'm aware of this and I don't want the players to always have high chances. In fact, sometimes I'm fully expecting you to fall a few numbers short of passing the DC.

>>4024432
>>4024375
>>4024384
You average is 15, but I will take this roll >>4024424 into special consideration; writing now
>>
>>4024395
i am this one
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>
You start making your way through the crowd paying little attention to the people surrounding you. The shouts, the cries and the bandit patrols all make you nervous, but you know that doing any sudden moves may blow your cover. Your trip to the warehouse is made much easier by the fact that most people try their hardest to avoid contact with potentially sick child. You think some of the thugs are thinking about stopping you and turning you back, but they are also not willing to take their chances. After a stressful couple of minutes you reach the warehouse's wall and move away from the crowd. After making sure no one is paying any attention you quickly mark the wall with your chalk. You smirk thinking how easy it all actually was then you turn and start to walk away victorious only to bump into someone. Both you and the wraps protecting your face fall down and you see a massive leg blocking your way. You look up in total shock and an equally surprised face of one of the goons that broke into Svetlana's shop yesterday. It's the one you shot in the eye. Apparently the damage was severe because he's now wearing an eyepatch. His surprised face immediately turns into an image of fury. You open your mouth and try to defuse the situation:

-"Ummmm...I'm sorry?"

-"You are fucking dead!" - the brute screams as he leaps towards you

>Try to dodge the screaming thug and run away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>Roll aside and try to quickly stab him with your jackknife (Roll for Melee skills d20+2 DC 14)
>Throw some dust and rocks at his second eye (Roll for Throwing d20+1 DC 13)
>>
>>4024477
>Throw some dust and rocks at his second eye (Roll for Throwing d20+1 DC 13)

Two words: Pocket Sand
>>
>>4024477
>Try to dodge the screaming thug and run away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>>
Rolled 3 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4024487
Oops.
>>
Rolled 17 (1d20)

>Try to dodge the screaming thug and run away (Roll for Dexterity d20+1 DC 12)
>>
Rolled 17 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4024477
>>Throw some dust and rocks at his second eye (Roll for Throwing d20+1 DC 13)

>>4024491
Don't forget to add +[Modifier] in the options field after the d20.
>>
>>4024490
>>4024513
Your average is 11; writing now
>>
is my roll not counted?
>>
File: 124.jpg (9 KB, 271x143)
9 KB
9 KB JPG
Rolled 5, 18 = 23 (2d20)

Reposting because I forgot to roll

>>4024531
It is, don't worry about it.

I shall roll 2 d20s and pick the lower number
Now, to clarify, Defense is the value that your opponent has to beat in melee combat and Dodge is the value your opponent has to beat in ranged combat.

You quickly dig into the soft road you fell on and grab a handful of dirt, sand and small rocks. Without thinking you throw at the charging bandit's face. You've successfully blinded him, but you were a bit too slow to move aside and the goon's club still makes its way towards you Whether it will hit is a matter of pure luck as your opponent cannot see you. The powerful swing comes at you and...
>>
>>4024549
...misses you completely. After not connecting with you the first time the thug starts swinging his club around in anger, but you avoid those blind attacks without any issues and run away from the warehouse and the square.

After escaping unharmed you decide to stick around this district and search some more.

>Swoop the district on your own (Roll for Search d20+2)
>Try to ask any people you'll find for any valuable information (Roll for Charisma d20+2)
>Find one of the gangsters and follow him (Roll for Tracking d20+1 DC 14)
>Return to Svetlana, one marked warehouse is enough
>>
Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024567
>>Swoop the district on your own (Roll for Search d20+2)
Let's bust some more gang rings.
>>
>>4024567
>>Find one of the gangsters and follow him (Roll for Tracking d20+1 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>Find one of the gangsters and follow him (Roll for Tracking d20+1 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024567
>Swoop the district on your own (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4024570
>>4024586
Your average is 14; writing now
Also lads, don't forget to roll while declaring an option!
>>
Rolled 20 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024567
>Swoop the district on your own (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4024609
RIP, a few seconds too late.
>>
>>4024609
well damn. lol
>>
>>4024609
I'm really sorry my man.


With your cover partially blown you decide to not take any major risks and simply search for warehouses yourself. You weren't exactly familiar with this part of the district so it took you a bit of time. Additionally, the next two warehouses were completely abandoned which also didn't help you spare any time. It wasn't until afternoon when you've found your next lead.

You stumbled upon a large structure located deep within the slums. It looked just like one of the abandoned warehouses, but there was something wrong with it. You sworn you could hear loud noises from below the structure. Multiple clangs. Metal hitting metal. After examining the building close you've realised the main entrance was locked by rusty, but heavy lock. The only other thing that caught your attention was a pile of wooden boxes standing next to the eastern wall.

>Try to pick the lock (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 14)
>Climb the pile of boxes and try to enter through one of the windows (Roll for Climbing d20-2 DC 13)
>Search for a hole in the wall and try to peak inside (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>Try to pick the lock (Roll for Small mechanisms d20+3 DC 14)
>>
>>4024639
>Mark the place and get going
>>
Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024639
>>Search for a hole in the wall and try to peak inside (Roll for Search d20+2)
We only need to confirm people are up to no good in the place, so let's play it relatively safe.
>>
Rolled 14 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024639
>Search for a hole in the wall and try to peak inside
>>
Rolled 5 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024639
>>Search for a hole in the wall and try to peak inside (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4024654
>>4024666
>>4024687
Your average is 10; writing now
>>
You find yourself circling the building a couple times looking for any shattered windows or holes in the wall. After finding the biggest one you kneel down and try to take a peak inside. The inside of the warehouse is quite dark. Unlike most other buildings of that type it's not filled with destroyed boxes. Most containers inside appear to be complete. You're also able to identify two source of light. One definitely comes from what you can only guess it the basement. The second one is moving and throughout your observation it illuminates multiple parts of the warehouse although you're not able to see anyone or hear any steps as these are surely covered by the loud bangs coming from below.

You are fully convinced something is going on inside this warehouse, but nothing confirms this as bandit activities. You don't want to betray Petrovich's trust and make a mistake, leaving a potential gang hideout unmarked isn't a particularly good option either. At least now you know that opening the front door would definitely attract the attention of whoever is patrolling the ground floor so your only way in are the boxes.

>Mark the warehouse and leave
>Climb the boxes and enter the warehouse (Roll for Climbing d20-2 DC 13)
>Leave without marking the building and search the rest of the district (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 3 - 2 (1d20 - 2)

>>4024735
>Climb the boxes and enter the warehouse (Roll for Climbing d20-2 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 18 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024735
>Climb the boxes and enter the warehouse (Roll for Climbing d20-2 DC 13)
>>
Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024735
>Climb the boxes and enter the warehouse (Roll for Climbing d20-2 DC 13)
The more hideouts we discover the greater the price. I hope.
>>
>>4024741
>>4024748
>>4024752
After correcting the numbers your average is 8.33, rounded down to 8; writing now
>>
You decide to climb the boxes and get inside to confirm if this warehouse is used by gangsters. Your weak hands make this ordeal really tough, but somehow you've managed to reach the top without falling over to making the boxes fall over. There is a small window inside which you use to enter. You land on yet another box, unfortunately this one is in much worse condition than all of the previous ones and it crumbles under you. You suddenly lose balance and fall over, tumbling down the pyramid of containers towards the ground. You don't suffer any damage besides few small scratches and bruises, but you make an a lot of noise which immediately alert the guard. You see a tall hooded man emerging from behind one of the pillars supporting the structure. You see a small lantern in his left hand and a primitive hand crossbow in his right hand. You have only moments before he notices you.

>Get up as fast as you can and run into the shadow. (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 14)
>Pull out your slingshot and fire at the man (Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you're using steel balls)
>Slowly get up and try to apologise to the man for interrupting him (Roll for Persuasion d20+3)
>>
Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024805
>Get up as fast as you can and run into the shadow. (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 12 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4024805
>Slowly get up and try to apologise to the man for interrupting him (Roll for Persuasion d20+3)
>>
Rolled 7 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024805
>Get up as fast as you can and run into the shadow. (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 14)
>>
Rolled 3 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>4024805
>Slowly get up and try to apologise to the man for interrupting him (Roll for Persuasion d20+3)
>>
Rolled 10 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024805
>Get up as fast as you can and run into the shadow. (Roll for Acrobatics d20+2 DC 14)
>>
>>4024810
>>4024818
>>4024845
Your average is 11; writing now
>>
You instinctively scramble and run for cover. The man screams and fired his crossbow. The bolt misses you entirely and plunges itself into the wall behind you. You use your small size and the containers to run as far away as possible before the man recovers from the shock. He starts running after you, but he's unable to find you in the labyrinth of boxes, chests and barrels.

-"What on earth are you doing?" - you hear a voice coming out from the basement's entrance. It's quickly followed by a sound of footsteps.

-"Some kid just broke-in. I saw him!"

-"Oh, did he scare or something?"

You find a good dark spot to observe the two men. The man that just arrived seems to be armed with a genuine short sword..

-"That ain't funny. We have to find him." - the guard says as he puts his lantern on some box to reload his crossbow.

-"And you need me to help you with that? What a bloody hassle."

As the two men keep arguing you began to devise a plan.

>Fire your slingshot at the lantern to destroy the thugs' light source.(Roll for Shooting d20+2 or d20+4 if you use a steel ball DC 12)
>Move silently to one of the windows and try to break it (Roll for Sneaking and add +2 for the darkness, d20+3 DC 13)
>Stay where you are, try not to panic and wait until the guards go away (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>
Rolled 17 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024898
>>Stay where you are, try not to panic and wait until the guards go away (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4024898
>Stay where you are, try not to panic and wait until the guards go away (Roll for Spirit d20+2)
>>
>>4024919
>>4024925
Your average is 18. Great rolls boys; writing now
>>
>>4024948
I'm a retard, the average is actually 20 which is even better
>>
You decide that waiting is a much better idea than taking any sudden and potentially risky actions. Stealth was your advantage and blowing your cover would simply leave it in a much worse position. After another minute of arguing and poking fun at one another the second guard rushes downstairs and quickly comes back with another lantern. With both of them equipped with a light source they begin to look around the warehouse quite thoroughly. You stick to your plan and decide to remain motionless even as their lamps start illuminating your hiding spot. Most kids would've made a sound or moved by now, but not you. The guards pass you several times, completely unaware of your location. Finally one of them approaches one of the rotting windows and forces it open.

-"Maybe he already ran away." - he says as he peaks outside. -"Don't see any footsteps, though."

Suddenly you hear a new voice, a female one. Once again, it comes from the basement's entrance.

-"Guys! Hey guys! We have a problem!"

Both of the goons briefly drop their search and come towards their female companion.

-"What's up?"

-"A few of the kids had barricaded themselves inside the storage room. They don't want to work any more. I think they need some disciplinary measures."

Both of the men sigh at the same time, but they follow the woman inside the basement. You look around and see that the window one of the thugs opened is still opened. It wouldn't be hard to climb it and exit the warehouse. But you can't help, but wonder about the kids the woman mentioned. Are they being forced to work for those people? Do you have enough evidence to mark this place as a hideout? After all, these guys were armed with quite dangerous weapons.

>Leave the warehouse and mark it with your chalk.
>Leave the warehouse, but don't mark it.
>Follow the trio to the basement and try to learn even more. (Roll for Sneaking d20+1 DC 12)
>>
>>4025004
>Leave the warehouse and mark it with your chalk.
Alright, we've seen enough.
>>
>>4025004
>>Leave the warehouse and mark it with your chalk.
Looks like these guys are gonna need an extra-stern talking to when Bolo and his buddies show up.
>>
>>4025004
>>Leave the warehouse and mark it with your chalk.
>>
>>4025017
>>4025019
>>4025028
It was time you take your leave. The opened window provided an excellent escape route and you didn't even have to worry about making sounds any more as the monotonous sounds of metal hitting metal, now joined in by cries and shouts covered any sound you've made upstairs. You left the building, ignoring the terrifying screams of children. You got away from the warehouse after quickly marking it and then you simply collapsed towards the nearest wall. You wanted to cry. Half of you was sad and angry, the other half felt something much different. You could've easily ended in that basement and be forced to do who knows what for those bastards if it wasn't for Svetlana who took you off the streets and protected you these past few weeks expecting nothing in return. That's why you couldn't help, but feel happy a little bit even if those other children were suffering horribly. After a while you look up, towards the sun. You still have a couple of hours until nightfall. You've already marked 2 buildings, but there are still a few large buildings left to check. You already did a good job today, but what if those gangsters have another hideout? What if they keep even more children?

>Head towards the remaining potential hideouts. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>Head back home

And with that I shall end tonight's run. Tune in tomorrow around 6-7 pm GMT for the grand finale of this thread.
Thank you all for participating.
>>
>>4025078
>>Head back home
>>
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4025078
>Head towards the remaining potential hideouts. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4025078
>Head back home
Let the screams of child slaves lull us to a peaceful sleep tonight as our beautiful not-sistermom tucks us into bed and kisses us goodnight.
>>
>>4025078
>Head back home
Let's not push our luck any further. Busting one hideout and a sweatshop is good enough.
>>
Rolled 4 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4025078
>>Head towards the remaining potential hideouts. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4025078
>Head back home
Lets hope the symbol doesn't catch any attention or raises any suspicions, and Bolo is smart enough to wipe them of after the jobs done.

If we assign too many targets for him, he may not be able to take em all out in a single night, and that can leave buildings with the mark up, and if anyone noticed the mark and a kid making them they will get suspicious.

We should also put on different kid rags that have a different color, get some dirty and smelly ones or roll around in the dirt.
>>
>>Head towards the remaining potential hideouts. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
Rolled 5 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>4025078
>>Head towards the remaining potential hideouts. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>>
>>4025078
>Head back home
We've done good enough for a day of work. Let's go home for now
>>
>>4025078
>Head back home
>>
It's time to return to Svetlana.

>>4025083
>>4025096
>>4025099
>>4025202
>>4025513
>>4025700
You conclude that searching any further would be too risky. You still had an hour or two to spare, but any complications and you would have to return home after dark, scare Svetlana and potentially even miss Bolo. You make a short stop at the nearest abandoned warehouse in search of dirty rags which could be use to reapply your cover. Once again you find yourself slowly walking through the mostly abandoned streets looking like sick child. As much as you want to drop your stinky outfit and just to Svetlana you know that patience and slow approach is key. Today you've learned that hard enough.

Most of the trip back was anxious, but uneventful. The occasional thugs paid no attention to a stumbling child and no stranger was kind enough to offer any sort of help. It wasn't an act of malice - they simply had zero food or medicine left to spare. Finally you've found yourself on the crossroads where you encountered Jan. Your temporary house wasn't far from there, but something picked your attention. Almost every house on the nearby street, including the one belonging to the veteran that helped you had their doors opened. Some were even torn down. It wasn't like this before which means the bandits must've searched this street during your absence. You just hope they didn't reach your new home.

>Abandon your cover and run as fast as you can to see if Svetlana is okay.
>Keep your cover and steadily walk towards Svetlana's house.
>Stop for a moment and peak inside the veteran's house.
>>
>>4026722
>Keep your cover and steadily walk towards Svetlana's house.
>>
>>4026722
>Stop for a moment and peak inside the veteran's house.
We might need some more weapons.
>>
>>4026722
>Stop for a moment and peak inside the veteran's house.
>>
>>4026729
If there were any, those thugs would have already swiped them.
>>
>>4026729
>>4026730
+1
so long as its just a moment...
>>
>>4026722
>Stop for a moment and peak inside the veteran's house.
>>
>>4026742
We don't know what exactly they were looking for, and since every house has been hit, it can be assumed that they spent little to no time searching each individual house.
>>
>>4026729
>>4026730
>>4026758
>>4026762
Writing now
>>
You stop before the old veteran's house. It shared the fate of almost every other house in the street, but at least the doors seem to be mostly intact. You don't hear anything which probably means whoever plundered the house is long gone, but this eerie silence also fills you with fear of what you may find inside. After making sure you are alone on the street and preparing yourself mentally for a few second you walk through the doors.

Before you can even look around your nostrils are assaulted by an awful smell. Its source must be deeper inside the house as you find nothing by frantically looking around the tiny guest room. The entire building is in a state of disarray. Every piece of furniture that could be opened was opened with several drawers simply lying on the floor. Whoever did this was in a hurry. Not wasting any more time you enter the largest room in the house where the odour was also the strongest. You see the source almost immediately.

The old veteran was lying on the floor with his upper body leaning on one of the walls. Under him was a massive pool of blood. There were some bloody marks on his face and hands, but most of the red liquid came from one of his leg. The prosthetic was missing and a significant portion of what remained was simply chopped off. At first you thought the man was dead, but then you heard a weak whisper..

-"Oh it's you..."

>"Who..who did this?"
>Try to use some dirty rags to stop the bleeding (Roll for Medicine d20+1 DC 20)
>Write-in
>>
Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4026793
>>Try to use some dirty rags to stop the bleeding (Roll for Medicine d20+1 DC 20)
>>
Rolled 14 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4026793
>"Who..who did this?"
>Try to use some dirty rags to stop the bleeding (Roll for Medicine d20+1 DC 20)

Use our "cleaner" rags that we had earlier.
>>
Rolled 8 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>4026793
>Ask him who did this to try and keep him awake
>Try to use some dirty rags to stop the bleeding (Roll for Medicine d20+1 DC 20)
Hail Mary!
>>
>>4026795
>>4026797
>>4026800
Yeah he’s a goner.
>>
>>4026808
Might as well try a roll. Only a crit can save him.
>>
>>4026808
I'm just hoping for some medical EXP!
>>
>>4026816
Check that, only a crit would be able to delay the inevitable. Not like we even have any doctors on hand.
>>
>>4026795
>>4026797
>>4026800
Your average is 12; writing now
>>
>>4026816
We should’ve just went for the info.
>>4026819
Getting exp in this game would be nice. It’ll happen eventually.
>>
-"H-hang on!" - you shout as you look around for anything that could stop the bleeding. You are scared, pale and barely see straight. Finally you decide to use part of your outfit. You quickly start to patch the old man up. You are not doing a terrible job, but it's not enough to stop the torrent of blood pouring from the wound. To your surprise you hear a pained chuckle, followed by intense coughing.

-"Quit it. There's no point."

-"B-but..."

-"Even if you stop the bleeding...those dirty clothes will...infect the wound anyway."

Words fail to come out of your mouth as you helplessly look at the dying man. With great difficulties the veteran raises his head slightly and looks at you.

-"I had a gun, ya know? But I couldn't bring myself to firing it." - he pauses to take a few deep breaths. -"They were just kids. 15, maybe 16 year olds. There was even a girl amongst them."

The man starts coughing violently and it takes him several long moments to regain composure. During all of this you simply stand and watch, unsure what to do.

-"They...they tried to take my prosthetic, but had no idea how to take it off." - the man actually starts to laughing which blends together with his constant coughing to create a truly disturbing combination of sounds. -"So they chopped off my leg...those idiots..."

The man falls silent, but he's still breathing if only barely. Only know you fully realise you are about to experience his last moments.

>Try to comfort the dying man.
>Ask him where did the bandits go.
>Stay silent and don't disturb the dying veteran.
>Write-in
>>
>>4026871
>Ask him where did the bandits go.
>Ask him where his gun is
We must avenge him. Maybe we can mark their hideout.
>>
>>4026875
I’ll support this, but let’s not mess with the gangsters right now. We should check our house and move again if necessary.
>>
>>4026879
Good point. We don't want to miss Petrovitch.
>>
>>4026722
>>Stop for a moment and peak inside the veteran's house.
>>
>>4026879
>Ask him what the the girl that was with them looked like, and where did the bandits go.

>>4026879
Definitely. Petrovich said he'd keep an eye on Svetlana, but who knows how much we can take him up on that. It's also getting late, let's not forget.
>>
>>4026875
>>4026879
>>4026905
I'll combine your options, writing now
>>
-"G-gramps..." - your voice is trembling and you have problems forming any coherent words or thoughts -"Those people...where did they go?"

A scary amount of time passes before the man answers your questions.

-"They...kept looting nearby houses." - he stops and his tortured face shows signs of extensive thinking -"One of them mentioned something called 'The Mud Palace'."

You nod and thank the man before asking yet another question.

-"Did they take your gun?"

-"They took everything...almost." - he gathers all his strength to lift his hand and tap one of the floorboards with his long, skinny finger.

You approach the board and try to lift it. It comes off easy and below you see a tiny hole with something in it It's covered in some linen, but you quickly unwrap it and discover that it's an old, and dull military knife. You can see a bunch of letters on its handle, forming the name 'Zachary'. You turn your head towards the old man.

-"A-and how did they look like?"

Your question is met only by silence. Alas, the old man is dead.

>Take the knife and exit the house.
>Leave the knife with its owner and exit the house.
>Try to search the veteran's house for yourself. (Roll for Search d20+2)
>Write-in
>>
>>4026942
>Take the knife and exit the house.
>>
>>4026942
>>Take the knife and exit the house.
Time to run and pray for the best.
>>
>>4026942
>>Take the knife and exit the house.
>>
>>4026942
>Take the knife and exit the house.
>>
>>4026948
>>4026980
>>4026988
>>4026996
Writing now
>>
You take the knife and quickly hide it. After all, a kid running around with a knife is quite suspicious and right now you really want to avoid any attention. You don't want to waste more time, but you still decide to cover the man's body with his blanket. With your mood down even more you finally exit the house and run towards your new home.

The sun was slowly setting, but you've managed to get home before dark. You breath a sigh of relief when you see the closed doors. In general this part of the district seems to be relatively untouched by bandit activity. You knock on the door and after confirming your identity Svetlana lets you in. After closing the doors behind you she immediately drop to her knees and hugs you really hard.

-"I'm glad you're back Jean! I was hearing strange noise coming from the nearby streets and it got me all worried about you!"

-"No, I'm fine..." - you answer in a weak voice.

Upon hearing this Svetlana stops hugging you and looks at you with a very concerned face and gasps.

-"By the heavens, you are so pale!" - she frantically grabs one of your hands and rolls up your sleeve -"Your hands are bloody! Are you seriously hurt? I swear I will kill Petrovich if you are!"

You look the girl with sad eyes.

>Tell Svetlana everything that happened today.
>Reassure Svetlana the blood is not yours and spare her the most gruesome details.
>Write-in
>>
>>4027020
>Tell Svetlana everything that happened today.
>>
>>4027020
>>Tell Svetlana everything that happened today.
>>
>>4027020
>>Tell Svetlana everything that happened today.
>>
>>4027024
>>4027029
>>4027033
Writing now
>>
You spend the next hour or so telling Svetlana about everything that had happened today. It wasn't easy for you and you had to take some pauses. The girl was visibly disturbed by your story, but did her best to comfort.

-"It's alright. You were really, really brave I'm sure of it." - she says as she hugs you once again -"Don't be scared of Petrovich. You can tell him to stop bothering you."

-"But what if he stops giving us food?"

-"Then I'll go out and get us some. I'm older and that should be my job to begin with."

You look straight in the black-haired girl's eyes.

-"How are you going to get the food?"

The girl laughs

-"I'll surely think about something, don't worry."

You know she's lying, but you feel oddly comforted by her words. With your spirits higher up you want to wait until Bolo shows up, but instead you fall asleep on Svetlana's lap.

You are awoken by loud bangs in the distance. Svetlana must've got up without waking you because she's desperately trying to get a better view.

-"Damn, I can't see anything."

Only then you realise the sounds are coming from the direction of the bandit hideouts you've marked.

>Convince Svetlana to go outside in order to get a better view. (Roll for Persuasion d20+3 DC 10)
>Stay inside until she gives you a permission to leave.
>Write-in
>>
>>4027074
>Stay inside until she gives you a permission to leave.
There's no point in us going out anyway. We can investigate tomorrow when all of the shooting is finished.
>>
>>4027074
>Stay inside until she gives you a permission to leave.
>>
>>4027074
>Stay inside until she gives you a permission to leave.
>>
>>4027074
>>Stay inside until she gives you a permission to leave.

>Please go outside and see if you can catch a stray bullet, Svetlana.
>DC 10
I knew the girl wasn't holding up well, but I didn't know things were already [i]that[/i] bad.
>>
>>4027074
>>Stay inside until she gives you a permission to leave.
>>
>>4027089
She probably feels really guilty that we run dangerous errands for Bolo while she stays inside
I worry about her bros
>>
>>4027106
We must protecc
>>
>>4027082
>>4027084
>>4027088
>>4027089
>>4027093
Writing now
>>
The two of you stay inside and wait until the night quiets down again. The bangs are one thing, but you swear you can also hear screams. Subconsciously you know Petrovich and his 'friends' are behind this, but you don't want to imagine what he's doing to those bandits. Svetlana constantly tries to see something through the window. Suddenly her eyes grow wide and you notice that the room suddenly became a bit brighter. You get up from your chair and quickly run towards the girl to look outside. The night sky is illuminated by an orange glow which only grows larger and larger with each passing minute. The bigger it gets the rarer the bangs become and soon the night is once again silent. This spectacle devours your entire attention and you barely notice the knocking on your door.

-"The deed has been done, young friends. Care to chat a bit?"

Svetlana snaps out of her trance and carefully walks towards the doors. After making sure you are behind her she opens them to meet Bolo Petrovich. His outfit is pristine as always and absolutely nothing betrays his involvement in this brutal action.

-"Good evening, Jean, Svetlana." - the man bows down a little and removes his derby then looks at you. -"Once again, you've been an excellent helper. Here's your reward." - the man turns to Svetlana and gives the surprised girl quite a hefty package which weighs her down a little. -"There is quite a bit of food and water inside, it should last you for a while."

Svetlana puts the package on the nearest piece of furniture. You see her face turning angry and she finally snaps at Bolo.

-"You think some food will make me forgive you for sending Jean on dangerous missions? I've been foolish enough to trust you after your first little errand turned out to be harmless, but now he has to witness death and suffering because of you!"

Petrovich simply smiles.

-"People do much worse things to survive. As a slums dweller yourself you should know that." - the man turns away from you -"I'm sorry young lady, but you won't protect him on your own."

You see the girl ready to shout back at Petrovich so you decide that it may a good idea to step in now. You look at Petrovich and ask...

>Write-in
>Remain silent
>>
>>4027155
Why are you doing this? What are you getting out of it?
>>
>>4027155
>”Do you know anything about the raids that happened earlier?”
>>
>>4027160
+1
>>
>>4027160
Supporting.
>>
>>4027155
>>Remain silent
>>
>>4027160
>>4027171
>>4027185
Writing
>>
>>4027074
>>Stay inside until she gives you a permission to leave.
>>
-"Mister Petrovich, why are you doing this?" - you almost shout.

The man once again turns around to face you. Svetlana immediately drops her angry face and looks at Bolo also expecting an answer.

-"I've..." - he clearly hesitates for a moment, -"...promised someone to guide you."

Svetlana's eyes once again are filled with fire.

-"Where could your dangerous missions possibly guide him?"

-"Towards a better future." - the man exclaims without a sign of hesitation.

-"What do you mean?"

-"In due time friends." - the man smiles and starts slowly walking away. -"I've already said too much, but I couldn't help myself. I just like you two."

Svetlana looks at the orange glow analysing Bolo's words then once again looks at him.

-"Did you burn warehouses?"

-"The argument got quite heated, yes."

-"Together with the food storaged inside?"

The man stops and you can hear a small chuckle.

-"Quite unfortunate, isn't it?"

Svetlana almost drops to her knees.

-"But now the entire district will definitely starve!"

-"Not you two. Besides, those cruel gangsters weren't too willing to share with the rest anyway." - his tone suddenly changes -"Things are about to get worse. Much worse. Take care kids. Keep your good fortune and we will meet again."

The man walks away, his coat illuminated only the far away flames that just engulfed possibly the last food storages left in the slums. Both you and Svetlana turn around at the same and look at Petrovich's package filled with food. Both of you are thinking about the same thing - did you just doom the entire district for a few cans of meat? Or was it doomed from the start?

-------------------------
And with that I shall end the first part of Sky Orphan. I will return on Saturday or Sunday, expect me around 8 pm GMT. Thank you for participating and reading, it's been a really fun 6 days. Please ask any questions and provide any opinions, I'll stick around to answer/read all of it.
>>
Guys, I think all those orphans we totally weren't gonna save earlier have been fucking grilled.
>>
>>4027233
Petrovich was sent by that noble lady. The little cloth thingy is a way of signalling whom to look out for
>>
>>4027244
meh, don't think about it
>>
>>4027246
That is probably the case, but he surely isn't here to protect us from dangers
>>
>>4027266
Yeah. The man's no assassin, but possibly some kind of gentrification government operative with bigger plans in mind.

Whether that is actually a bad thing or not for us and Svetlana however is a whole different matter.
>>
Yeah good thing we didn't ask if they saved children before burning warehouse. That would make one awkward conversation
>>
QM here
I know someone joked about it earlier today, but yes, you will actually get experience points and level up your skills at the start of every thread
>>
>>4027332
So how much EXP for those burned orphans? Like we at least should get an assist on each of them.
>>
>>4027244
More desperate and hungry mouths to feed, I honestly thought we would be able to meet Bolo and tell him about it, or he'd probably check before burning it all down.

Either way the food shortage would be slightly worse if those kids lived, assuming they didn't.
>>
>>4027513
>Either way the food shortage would be slightly worse if those kids lived
Tone down the sociopathy, Dahmer. At least spin it along the lines of "they probably would have starved anyway".
>>
>>4027605
Hey, at least we won’t starve - survival at any cost
>>
>>4027703
Agreed.
>>4027605
spin it any way you want. We have some food. And we should focus on strengthening our skills and reducing our weaknesses. We could likely increase our ration intake, so we can train and be more useful. We should ask bolo to help train us. We are clearly willing to earn our keep. And we can keep Svet better so we can both survive and not become malnourished.
>>
>>4027703
>>4027923
I agree with you anons.
We should also figure out a way to get a gun at some point, especially for Svetlana. Better than a broom by far, and things will only get worse from here.
Anyhow, really enjoying this quest. I look forward to seeing you all this weekend. Until then, godspeed.
>>
>>4027378
Children are not EXP piñatas, anon.
>>
>>4027703
Oh, definitely. I just found the way anon phrased it very funny.
>>
>>4028548
You mean it didn't like how blunt and direct it was from a optimistic kid that almost got turned into a child sex slave and murdered, while watching a old nice dude die. Also helping an assassin kill mooks.
>>
>>4029450
No, just that you said it would only get 'slightly' worse.
>JP: "Maybe it's for the best if those orphans didn't live, not much food to go around for the rest of us otherwise. Then again, how much can a starving child worker eat, anyway? Can't be that much. I guess it would only have a slight effect, when you look at the big picture. Near negligible, even."
It was odd detail to point out.
>>
>>4027275
>Gentrification movement
They’re looking to turn the slums if this district into chic upmarket condos
>>
>>4029628
Not exactly what Isaid but, if you thin kabout it, there was like what? 15 kids there at most, probably closer to 7 to 9, and kids eat less than adults. On an island that is perhaps a few miles in size, and a population of at least a few thousand, a few kids is a drop in the bucket, but a huge strain if any one family or person took them in.

I would have been fine with trying to recuse the kids, IF we had marked the warehouse beforehand so we had a chance at rescues.

We should probably put extra marks or signs on the warehouse in the future, and explain what they are to the guy.
>>
In case someone stumbles upon this thread, Sky Orphan #2 is up >>4032967
>>
>>4033104
Or sits here waiting, sucking on their thumb.
>>
>>4033129
That can also be the case, but they are equally welcomed!



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