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/qst/ - Quests


You are Gunlance Vance, or 'Freelancer' as you've come to be known as of recent. You came to the New World seeking new frontiers and monsters to brave, joined by your loyal Palico companion Vivi and your best friends. Numerous adventures await you here you feel, and you want to overcome them all.

Today was the day. A siege operation to take down Yama Tsukami was nigh, and you awaited the exact hour to answer the call.

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Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=monster%2C+hunter%2C+drawquest

Previous Thread: >>4052202
>>
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Today, you checked out with the Smithy on the progress of your Khezu set, since you were stoked about being the first in the New World to wear an Old World set around. The SFM informed you that it wouldn't be done until tomorrow, so you headed back out into Astera for another activity.

Your free time before being transported later was as good as ever for something you grew on later in your life after becoming a Hunter. Fishing. Although you were never big on the premise of it in Moga, you found out soon enough why it was such a loved sport.

Packing up your rod, you went on your way back up to the canteen, where you met with Brigg. He was reading a magazine to pass the time until you brought an offer up to join on the fishing trip. He thought over it and passed the magazine away in boredom, saying that fishing would be very pleasing right about now.

With all of that settled, you met him down by the gate after he collected his own rod and made off into the Ancient Forest then with Shara and Vivi tagging along.

There was already an ideal spot in the locale close enough by, just at the grazing grounds for the Aptonoth. You saw and greeted a fellow fisherman already there who was leaving. He shared some tips about fishing and even handed over some last bits of bait from a jar he had used up. This spot you knew already wasn't the only one, there was plenty about all over the forest in fact, which the fisherman graciously marked down on your map for you before he tipped his hat and left.

Getting to the business at hand, you pulled your rod out and fixed the bait upon it's hook.

"Why I'm surprised to know you didn't grow up a fisherman despite hailing from Moga." Brigg commented as he prepared his own rod and reel. "In my time here, I caught the second largest catch in all of Astera from the forest here in fact. Let's see if you can out-fish me, Comrade."

"You're on." You said back, accepting the challenge issued.

You cast in your line and payed close attention to the floater as the bait sunk below it. You felt your Moganer blood reacting here, it was a friendly duel of the fishers, but you were compelled to win. You had to make the better catches.

"How many should we go for before we stop?" You asked, wanting to get the specifics down.

"Let us try to go for ten at the least." Brigg says. "There's never a worry about denting the population numbers for aquatic endemic life. We'll first decide who wins the most catches, and then who wins by the biggest catch they make here."

"Hmph."

You nod as Vivi sits in the back watching, eating fruit with Shara you got from the Botanical Researcher you ordered from.

You noticed your floater bobbing and prepared for the first catch. Brigg's was also bobbing in the water.

>Roll a 2d100 to determine success with the first catch of the day!
>>
Rolled 60, 23 = 83 (2d100)

>>4076449
>>
Rolled 46, 6 = 52 (2d100)

>>4076449
>>
Also nice picture
>>
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Reeling back with the rod, your first catch of the day comes up at about the same instance as Brigg's does.

It seems that both of you snagged a Whetfish from the spot. The bluish fishes both wiggled on the lines as you and Brigg held them up.

Brigg set his down for a moment after whacking it with a little metal bat he had and then retrieved a large basket he had brought with him. You took the bat from him and whacked yours as well to stop the wiggling as you set it down alongside his.

Brigg pulled out a little thing from his utility belt. Measuring tape. Using it, he measured both catches across...

Your Whetfish was two foot six, or around twenty nine to thirty inches long. Brigg's Whetfish put yours to shame, it was thirty four inches long compared to yours.

"It seems I have succeeded with the first catch of the day, are you sure you wish to continue? I won't think any less of you for dropping out against a master fisherman like me, comrade, ho ho ho." Brigg said playfully as you squatted down to look at the measurements.

>We're not done just yet! (2d100 for the second catch.)
>I can already see where this is going. (Forfeit the challenge.)
>>
Rolled 65, 62 = 127 (2d100)

>>4076520
>We're not done just yet! (2d100 for the second catch.)
Challenge!
>>
Rolled 80, 100 = 180 (2d100)

>>4076520
>We're not done just yet!
>>
>>4076564
I HAVE MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE
>>
Rolled 24, 84 = 108 (2d100)

>>4076520
>>We're not done just yet! (2d100 for the second catch.)
>>
>>4076569
Wait, I read the rolls wrong.
>>
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>>4076564
>>
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Your next catch is a Burst Arowana!

"Oh my, that is quite a good one you've caught there." Brigg says.

His next catch turns out to be a Pink Parexus.

You aligned both fishes together with Brigg and he measured them. Your catch came in at thirty five inches, just hitting the mark for three feet. Brigg's Pink Parexus was a close thirty three.

"A well enough success on your part, good job." Brigg says as he throws the two fishes into his basket after whacking them.

Shara Ishvalda and Vivi especially were both eying the fishes in the basket, Vivi even licking her lips at the sight of it.

>Roll a 1d100 for a big next catch!
>Resign from the challenge today.
>>
Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>4076617
>>
Rolled 32, 88 = 120 (2d100)

>>4076617
>Roll a 1d100 for a big next catch!
>>
Rolled 43, 95 = 138 (2d100)

>>4076617
>Roll a 1d100 for a big next catch!
>>
Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>4076617

>>4076624
>>4076628
>1d100
>>
Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>4076639
Oh.

>>4076617
Whoops
>>
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WHOOSH!

.....

You... didn't know how to feel about this one.

Brigg wiped his eyes as he looked it over and then pulled his measuring tape out and measured the catch you just made.

"Oh my Gog..."

"That... has got..."
>>
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"...to be the smallest Sushifish I have EVER seen!" Brigg exclaimed.

The Sushifish you just pulled up was... only a mere sixteen inches long. Pathetic even by Sushifish standards, and it didn't even look young!

"Hm? Oh! I got a big one!" Brigg suddenly says as his pole is harshly tugged at from the water of the fishing hole!

You watched in anticipation as he pulled up something large and long from the water!

You couldn't believe your eyes, Brigg just caught a King Marlin!

"Hmm... Why this lad is five four! Still not the even close to my second largest catch however."

"Haha... yeah, good job." You say as the little Sushifish you had dangled.

>We must press on, we can do this! (Roll another 1d100.)
>We've already lost....
>>
Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4076658
>We must press on, we can do this! (Roll another 1d100.)
>>
Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>4076658
>>We must press on, we can do this! (Roll another 1d100.)
>>
>>4076658
>We've already lost....
orz
>>
Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>4076658
Switching, since I lost.

>We must press on, we can do this! (Roll another 1d100.)
>>
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You're not going to let this one little setback keep you down. If Brigg can catch something that big, so can you.

You applied some of the bait you received from the last fisherman here before he left and cast your rod in. Brigg gave you the clarity of taking his own out until you were ready to cast yours in again, so that way you were both equal to cast the lines in.

You waited patiently as you stood there, hoping for something big to catch on. You wiggled the line a bit to shake the bait around.

Your floater went down immediately the moment something caught on after taking notice and you reeled back, your rod curving over from the weight. Brigg caught something as well and went ahead and pulled it out while you still tugged at your own.

And there you had it! You fished out your catch to see it was a Climbing Joyperch! An incredible catch!

Brigg had caught another Pink Parexus, about the same size as his left and threw it to the basket before measuring your catch.

Your Climbing Joyperch was exactly forty nine inches, one inch over being four feet!

"Things are looking up for you! Excelsior catch!" Brigg commended you.

You and him both had four catches now, almost halfway to ten like what was agreed upon. You only needed six more catches to conclude this challenge, and hopefully all ones big enough to match his own. Though, if you came out with just one catch bigger than his King Marlin, you'll be victorious as length was the ultimate decider.

>Continue fishing. (Roll a 2d100 this time.)
>Nah, I've had enough. Let's go get these cooked for lunch. It should be about 12:00 AM now.
>>
>>4076711
>Nah, I've had enough. Let's go get these cooked for lunch. It should be about 12:00 AM now.
Food!
>>
>>4076711
>Nah, I've had enough. Let's go get these cooked for lunch. It should be about 12:00 AM now.
>>
Folding up your rod and admiring the catches, you say that you are finished for now and begin packing things up.

Brigg understands and compliments you for nearly beating his catches today. You could live with coming in at second place, but you would surely try to beat him at it again one day in the future.

You carried the basket back to Astera with Brigg to conclude today's fishing trip. With it being around twelve at this time, it meant that you had to leave in just five hours on deployment. You would get some lunch first and then decide what you'll do.

Rolling up to the Canteen, you passed the fishes off to the chef and payed for them to be cooked as you sat down with Brigg and Vivi, placing Shara down next to you on the ground.

It didn't take long for the fish to be cooked. The Meowscular Chef was still busy wooing people and onlookers with sudden skills in using his tools never before seen that he had. The fish were instead prepared by the Felyne operating the oven and soon carried back out to your table after being baked, and some fried.

You didn't know whether you enjoyed food from the land or seafood better, but you'd eat it all nonetheless. On a day like this, nothing was more capable to impress than a batch of fish fingers, cuts of fresh fish meat and corn dodgers. Vivi was hogging all she could, typical of a Felyne like her. Shara didn't seem so interested though, and instead played with little rocks he found nearby.

"So, Brigg." You said in between crunching on fried fish. "What's your story? I never did get to know."

"Ah, the story of my life? Well sit back, it's a riveting little story."

Brigg took out a little souvenir he had, a copper badge with a red symbol depicting a torch on it.

"I was born in a far off northern land, one beyond even the Akura region. I came to a small family alone in a little lodge outside the nearest settlement I knew. I spent my youth growing up as a hard worker, my lands demanded much of it's inhabitants just to survive the frigid climate. I would describe my home region as a frozen wasteland of pure ice. Hoarfrost Reach reminded me of it dearly, but that place wasn't nearly as could. My home was arctic." Brigg says.

"I worked hard in lumbering to provide the settlement with wood for the fires. We had no Zenny there, just scarce gold as a currency. I used my savings to pay my way into the local regency, which my father served as a soldier. I spent all the time I could seeing the nearby Jarl so I might study from his own personal books in return for work in his lodge, first as a prowler for game to bring back and feed mouths with, then as his accountant."
>>
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"When I learned about the Hunter's Guild and the world outside, I made it my mission to go there one day and experience it all for myself. When I was finally in my twenties, I had made enough gold to afford a trip to the main continent. From there, I ventured forth and ended up in the Riveru Republic's capital, Riveru City. I was able to join the Guild there as the Guild has associate status with the Republic. Though, really, I think the Guild is the real authority there"

"To no surprise now, I became a Hunter in Riveru City. My beginnings to that career were spent as the leader to a brigade of initiates in training under a Sensei I knew named Kelley. Sensei Kelley was a hard man, but I owe it to him that I was able to become skilled as I am now. I spent a few years there taking what quests I could until I caught wind of the Research Commission and the New World from regional news. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was on the Fifth Fleet, and here I am now. Senzo and Atricia also arrived on the Fifth. We're all fivers us three."

"I'm surprised you were able to make it. Sounds like many don't get to leave your homeland, eh? Is that all?"

"Well, it's practically all but... I'm not certain my parents agreed with my course in life." Brigg says, his mood falling a bit.

"Huh? And why's that?" You asked.

"Only a day before I left, a civil war broke out in my homeland between vassal states. The Tsar of my homeland was far too old and had no line of successors in place when he finally passed away. All the lower gentry, the Jarls and Boyars turned on one another to fight for supremacy only a week after when the moots could not decide who would become the new Tsar." Brigg dropped suddenly.

"...Oh... o-oh, damn... uhhh..." The words left your mouth.
>>
Brigg sighs. "Needless to say, the Jarl I formerly served also wanted to go to war for that chance to be the highest royalty. My Father, being a soldier, was to fight as well. He wanted me to join him in the Jarl's army but... I made aware my plans, and he tried his best to convince me, but in the end never spoke to me again as I left my old house. My mother and father only stared at me in shame, no hint of pride in my success any longer lingering in their eyes. No doubt, the Jarl was also angry to know I was gone, I was his chamberlain at that point."

"I sometimes ponder what ended up becoming of all of them. I also ponder if I dishonored my homeland by being hasty to leave knowing a war broke out, instead of remaining to fight for it, remaining to fight like my father wished me to. The last thing I remember ever hearing him say to me was... 'coward'."

Brigg closes his eyes and shakes his head. Vivi just looked at him, feeling sorry to hear that bit about civil war and being called a coward when he clearly isn't one. Well, clearly not one by now at least.

You were finished with lunch. You could go off to do other things now.

>Speak to/Talk with Brigg about something else.
>Ask Brigg a question.
>Go find someone else to talk to.
>Play a Hunter's Game with friends.
>Bid farewell to him and go do something else.
>>
>>4076894
>Play a Hunter's Game with friends.
'Cuz why not.
>>
"Hey, listen, Brigg? I don't think you're a coward. I think you're real brave myself, I mean just look at that time you lit the Lambent Bay on fire to drive away those poachers. That was something else man." You said.

"Ho ho ho, oh yes, I will never forget that moment of my life. Truly a spectacle. I don't think I'm a coward, I just think I had my path I wanted to make. If my parents disown me for it, then so be it. It is in the man to go the way the man wants, no? Well, enough of that gloomspeak."

You nodded and drank from your tankard.

"So, what Hunter Games are popular around Astera? I've never played one before."

"Hmm. There are many available here to play. The ones in the arena I don't think will be playable today." Brigg says. You knew that would be the case as well.

"But, there are some that you can still play here. Such as cards, pinfinger, chess, draughts, darts, knocker, blampot, a good old drinking contest, arm wrestling, the Wyverian game of Dalyence, and of course, Peg."

"I'm... only in touch with a few of those. Can you explain 'knocker' and such?" You say, rubbing your chin.

"Of course. Knocker is a game about strength. Two Hunters will put on a specialized gauntlet and punch each other's fists together until one can go no more. Falling down from another having superior force in this game constitutes a loss. I've played it before and it shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm quite the champion at it. I've never lost! Hah hah!" Brigg explained 'Knocker'.

"Blampot is a game involving an explosive nitrotoad. A Hunter will take up a pot with a nitrotoad inside and then dance around while others watch. He loses if the nitrotoad is roused and detonates it's bodily defense from becoming too spooked. If he can do his dance without rousing the toad for long enough however, he wins and others will throw him some rewards for his display."

"Sounds dangerous..." You say.

"The pots usually absorb most of the explosion's force anyway, so it's relatively safe. Plus, you are not advised to hold the pot close, both for safety and to prevent you cheating by using your torso to keep it steady. It has to be so that it can disturb the toad. Personally, never tried it." Brigg said.

"Moving on.... Ah, Dalyence. It is an old Wyverian game based around balance. Up to three or four may play. It involves balancing an object about this big..." Brigg motioned his hands around in a circle. "...on a really tall pole while the players move around in a circle. It is expected for players to lose balance of their object, and the one who balances theirs to the end wins while everyone else loses."

"And Peg is a classic. We throw our carving knifes into the ground or a tree to embed it, and then see if we can take it out with our teeth. It isn't really about competition so much that it is showing off for some claps but a lot still do it time to time."

"There should be more games. I'll try to remember." Brigg says as he gets to thinking.

What will you do?
>>
>>4077039
Let's play Dalyence.
>>
>>4077100
Let's play Daylence, after that let's check with the doctor about our back, just to see if were in top shape for Yama.
>>
>>4077039
Seconding >>4077249
>>
>>4077100
Support
>>
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Raising your finger, you say you'd like to play a game of Dalyence and Brigg seems delighted to hear that. He says he'll go grab Senzo and get the appropriate items to start the game off with.

You just sat and waited to finish your drink off while he disappeared down the stairs.

Some mere minutes later, Brigg returns with Senzo in tow and two Wyverian researchers following behind carrying some things.

You stand up and walk out to the little open space there in the canteen and get into position with Brigg and Senzo as the two Wyverians prepare the items.

You watch as one researcher raises the pole higher into the air after the other one balances a heavy golden pot on top of it. One by one, the poles are handed off to Brigg, then Senzo, then you.

You held it with your two hands against each other holding the pole tight, being careful to not drop the pot already.

Senzo looked like he bit off more than he could chew, he was already struggling with his pole. Brigg on the other hand was as still as stone, like a statue unwavering. Not even his nostrils flexed.

The two Wyverians step off to the side as the others at the canteen looked on, placing bets on who was gonna lose and snickering.

"Dalyence! Commence!" One of them said, waving a small flag.

In that instance, you, Brigg and Senzo all began to walk slowly around in a circle, balancing the golden pots on the poles.

"Faster." The Wyverian referee says. All three of you started to march faster in that circle. So that was how it was gonna be?

>Roll a 5d100 to determine balance rates for each step you make.
>>
Rolled 92, 13, 16, 82, 26 = 229 (5d100)

>>4077899
>>
Rolled 53, 75, 83, 97, 82 = 390 (5d100)

>>4077899
>Roll a 5d100
>>
Rolled 94, 99, 73, 18, 33 = 317 (5d100)

>>4077899
>>
>>4077962
Nice.
>>
You performed well, better than you expected you could as you walked around in the circle with Brigg and Senzo.

A few times your pot came close to falling off of the pole, but you kept it level and held on.

Senzo on the other hand...

"Woah... W-woaaaoohhh!"

"No.. no no no no!"

"Oooooohhhh!" Came the crowd.

Senzo could not keep his balance and drifted outside of the circle as he tried his best to keep his pot up, but in the end it was futile. His pot fell from the pole and was caught by one of the Wyverians.

"You're out!" The referee called.

"Ghh! Darn...."

Senzo shook his head as he took a seat to watch the rest of the game.

Now it was just you and Brigg walking around opposite of each other. You and him both shot each other a look of determination.

"Faster! Running speed!" The referee called.

You didn't know how to react to that, but as Brigg began moving at a faster pace and balancing his pot, your feet acted on their own and now you ran too.

Can't lose here!

>Roll a 10d100 to push to the finish line!
>>
Rolled 1, 94, 32, 44, 33, 2, 59, 38, 53, 98 = 454 (10d100)

>>4078031
>Roll a 10d100
Too much dice.
>>
Rolled 17, 94, 28, 64, 76, 90, 84, 76, 15, 36 = 580 (10d100)

>>4078031
dice gods don't let me down.
>>
Rolled 32, 18, 37, 47, 85, 43, 59, 64, 49, 14 = 448 (10d100)

>>4078031
>>
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You continue to do well enough in the game! That is until...

"Faster! Sprinting speed!" The referee called out!

You and Brigg were now moving like a cyclone in the circle! The pots were spinning and bouncing about the top of the poles and Brigg was now hard pressed to keep it up, but you were as well!

The things threatened to fall and the crowd's cheering was all your ears were full of!

"Come on Freelancer! You can do it!"

"Get em' Brigg! Get em'!"

The crowd was cheering for both of you, but only one could win!

THEN!

Your pot began to stumble, the pole moving fast made it really rumble! It would fall in nigh time!

>We can do this!
>We can't do this!
>>
>>4078066
>We can do this!
PUUUUSHHH!
>>
>>4078066
>We can do this!
Guts and glory, lads!
>>
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>>4078066
>We can do this!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
>>
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You can do this!

YOU CAN DO THIIIIIIIIIIIS!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

>Three people roll a 1d1000!
>>
Rolled 295 (1d1000)

>>4078085
>1d1000!
>>
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Rolled 221 (1d1000)

>>4078085
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
>>
Rolled 610 (1d1000)

>>4078085
>>
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Ah! No! No!

This can't be! Not while you're so close to victory!

NO!
>>
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...........!!!!
>>
>>4078135
>>
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>>4078135
>>4078146
WHYYYYY
>>
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"Hunter Lance Vance loses!" The Wyverian referee called out. That really stung, he used the nickname you hated....

"Hunter Kolash is the winner!"

The referee came over and raised Brigg's arm up after your pot fell.

The crowd broke out into a cheer. "HIP HIP!"

"HOORAY!"

You let the Wyverians take the pole from your hand and Brigg just patted your shoulder. "Oh well, don't dwell on it. It's only a game, but that was quite an intense one too! You really had me on the ropes. Better luck next time!"

You sighed, accepting your defeat at Dalyence. You gave Brigg a fist bump, the game concluded now.

Well, that was fun for what it was, but you still had time to burn. It must have been at least close to 2:00 PM by now.

What will you do?
>>
>>4078166
Let's check Atricia, if she is awake try to talk with her and if she has any ideas.
>>
>>4078166
See about the siege, what will we do? where we'll be stationed?, how many hunters per team?, supplies?, with whom and where we will leave the little one (the Shara)?, Vivianne will be with us? Whi will tag along with us/ who will lead us persnoally?

yadda yadda
>>
>>4078166
Suppoeting >>4078194.
>>
Waving him off, you went on your way back to your dorm with Shara and Vivi and opened the door to see Atricia sitting at your desk, writing something down on paper in deep concentration while humming.

You broke the silence then. "Hey. What are you writing?"

She takes a moment to respond as she finishes another sentence and looks up at you with a little smile. "Just a letter to my family. The Argosy takes mail and drops it off back on the mainland to be delivered by the Guild's postal service."

Not a bad idea, you just wondered why you hadn't thought of that before.

"So, what are you going to do until the call?"

She writes down more and looks up again. "I don't know. I guess I'll go to the wash house to clean my stuff and then the Gathering Hub to watch the airship after I'm done."

"Oh, alright." You say.

Standing around watching workers on the job from up high didn't sound all appealing to you to be honest. Maybe you could go buy Shara a gift, or just wait around the last few hours until it's time.

>I got the perfect idea... let's get Shara clothes like Poogie wears.
>Let's go wash, we smell like the Ancient Forest, and not the good part.
>Let's write a note to our own family back in Moga too.
>Let's go with Atricia and sight see from the Gathering Hub.
>Let's just sit around for the next few hours.
>Write in.
>>
>>4078436
>Let's write a note to our own family back in Moga too.
It'd be nice to do that.
>>
>>4078436
>I got the perfect idea... let's get Shara clothes like Poogie wears.
>Let's go wash, we smell like the Ancient Forest, and not the good part.
We write when the floating green elder god wannabe die by our gunlance. First hygiene!
>>
>>4078436
>Let's go wash, we smell like the Ancient Forest, and not the good part.
>Let's write a note to our own family back in Moga too.
>>
"Atricia."

"Hm?"

"...Do I smell bad?"

....

Atricia stands up and walks over to you, standing there in front of you as she brought her nose closer.

"Well, you smell like you've been out in the woods for days. You might want to catch a bath."

That's all you needed to hear. You picked Shara up and left out of the door to head down to the wash house so you could get yourself and your gear cleaned. You had a distaste for smelling bad, a Hunter shouldn't neglect their hygiene just because they're out in the great outdoors, right?

Upon descending the stairs near the tradeyard and coming down to it, you saw the wash house, but there was something happening here, something has went awry.

You saw the doors to the wash rooms open, and mountainous heaps of pinkish bubbles were flowing out, seeping down onto the deck. The wash house workers were trying their best to contain the spread by cutting the water off, but it had already become so great that it reached all the way to the stairs you just stepped off of.

You saw a researcher there carrying the bottles you were once tasked to fill with Mizutsune suds with, speaking highly about how great and cleanly it all was, that he was gonna wash everything and everyone in Astera with it.

You calmly stepped up to the counter and the attendant greeted you in a rush, nearly slipping on the soapy substance running across the deck. She told you that it was still possible to wash, but you'd be up to your neck in bubbles even standing up. Or you might just be completely submerged. They said they could still wash your armor easy.

You didn't feel like waiting another day so you went ahead and payed 400 Zenny to wash now and get your armor cleaned.

It took a while, since what the attendant said was true, but you came out with a cleanly smell that would linger on you for days, and your armor was no different after being cleaned. Although it took some effort to wash Shara, as he didn't being submerged so much, but you managed.

You wished the workers well with containing this gargantuan mess and left back up to the tradeyard.
>>
As you walked about the tradeyard again, you held Shara in your hands facing you. The little Elder Dragon just stared at you blankly, blinking occasionally as you held him up.

You thought you should reward him for always being on such good behavior in any case involving him and began to think over how. Your mind and eyes both drifted off until you traced your view up and saw the tiny pink creature known of Poogie strutting about. That tiny hamster was wearing some kind of strange outfit, it had a long cloth flowing in the win behind him with a pattern that resembled a constellation which shone brightly on him.

Then you saw the two people who interacted with Poogie the most feeding him carrots. It was that Hunter in the Rathian set with orange hair and his Handler in green. You knew now what you could get Shara and so decided to inquire with the two about it.

"Hello." You greeted.

"Hey! You're the Hunter the Star's been partnering up with. Freelancer, that's what they call you, right? Hows it going?" The Ace Hunter greeted you, reaching to shake your hand.

"I'm well. I couldn't help but notice you two handle the pig here often. I see he's dressed to the occasion too." You commented, looking down at Poogie snorting.

"Why yes, I like to make outfits for the little guy every time something new happens." The Handler in green says.

"That's exactly what I wanted to ask about." You say.

Shara is now giving you a funny look and his best impression of a frown with wide eyes as you speak.

"Oh, that's right, you do take care of this one too, don't you?" The Handler asks, giving Shara a scritch against his chin.

"Hoo hoo man, that must be a handful taking care of an Elder Dragon, huh?" The Ace Hunter remarked with his usual smile still about his face.

"Oh, I see. You wanted to know if I might be able to make him something to wear too, am I right?" The Handler in green asks.

"Yeah, I thought I could give him something for being so behaved, and clothes seems like a good enough idea." You replied.

"I'd be happy to try! What did you want me to make for him?" The Handler in green asked.

>A sweater.
>Give him the same astral getup Poogie has.
>A hat of some kind.
>Write in.
>>
>>4078718
>>A hat of some kind.
Hats are always cool.
>>
>>4078718
>A hat of some kind.
>>
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>>4078718
>A sweater.
And a hoodie, to keep Shara warm. Maybe a raincoat so we can bring the little one when is raining.

Poor Shara, doing pic right now.
>>
>>4078718
>>4078731 seems like a better idea. Let Shara pick the materials.
>>
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Telling your idea to the Serious Handler and Ace Hunter, she says she'll do it, right now in fact and that you can watch if you'd like too.

You see no reason not to and follow the pair down to their own special barracks for A-Listers, which is quite cramped but at least still has enough space for them to work down there with.

You set Shara down on their table to be measured. He tries to squirm away several times but you grab him and keep him in place until he eventually gives up.

With his measurements down, the Serious Handler gets to work on her table sowing and knitting with fabrics and materials from monsters such as Paolumu and Tobi-Kadachi.

You watch the result of her fruitful work come together splendidly and you have to hold Shara still just to get it on when she's finally done.

And there you had it. A sweater and a hood for Shara.

"He looks so cute in it!" The Serious Handler said as Shara sat there on his two legs, slumped over slightly.

Shara glared at you with contempt over doing this to him, but you didn't really notice. You were too busy being enamored by the sight of him in his new little outfit.

You hear him scowl as the Serious Handler picks him up into a hug before passing him back to your arms.

You thanked her for the outfit and offered to pay, but she declined, saying that there was no need. You don't argue and thank the pair again before going back out with Shara.

Come to think of it, it looked to be only an hour away from evening time if the sun's place in the sky was of any tell. The call to arms would be made soon.

How will you spend your last hour? What will you do?
>>
>>4078832
Let's rest for this last hour, maybe grab our GL if we haven't already.
>>
>>4078832
Go drink something light in the Canteen and last minute socialization.
>>
>>4078832
Do a check on our back try to find the closest thing to a doctor a have him see if we're good to go.
>>
While you still had time, you went out towards the research station and asked around until you found direction to a place situated along with other huts under the waterfall. This was in fact the doctor's office.

You stepped inside and a bell rang on the door as the doctor looked over his desk at you and welcomed you in. There no patients in his bed at this time, which you took to be a good sign.

You made it clear what you came for and went ahead and took off your cuirass and undershirt as the doctor stood up and came over. He had you brace against the wall for support as he began to undo the straps of your spinal safety vest to check on how you were doing. The tight and constricting vest is removed and you feel no different than how you were before your injury.

"Okay, so far so good. First, I want you to try squatting."

You obeyed the doctor's direction and bent down on your legs with your heels flat against the floor and as low as you could go. Then, he had you stand up and do a few stretches back and forth, side to side, down and up. You were told to jump, touch your toes, do some jumping jacks, wobble back and forth and then lay down. You felt no pain in doing any of these actions he asked of you and he wrote some notes down on his clipboard before telling you to stand. He took the vest and put it back away in storage before retrieving some tools.

He used some things to tap and prod at your back with in varying degrees of force, and then finished with a small ball pen hammer which he lightly hit you with.

He hummed in surprise and then wrote some more things down before speaking the news he had.

"Well your spine comes out in the same way it would have before your injury. Unless I'm missing something here, I'd say you've already made a full recovery."

"What?!" You ask, bewildered.

"You've shown no reaction to things that would have caused your spine immense pain otherwise without the vest. It's the only logical conclusion I can come to." The Doctor tells you. "So being as that's so, you should be free to return to the field as you like. Just try not to injure yourself badly again, okay?"

You didn't know what to say on this. It came as a shock to you as well, one you couldn't comprehend entirely at first. You didn't try to, you just submitted to what he suggested and thanked him silently before putting your clothing and armor back on, leaving the doctor's office.

As you had one last drink at the Canteen, you heard a horn blow in the distance and knew that it was finally time.

If there was anything else left you had to do, you needed to do it now, as you were expected right then and there.

>Let's ask Senzo if he'll stay behind to watch Shara for us.
>We'll let the Chief Ecologist take care of Shara for now.
>>
>>4078915
>We'll let the Chief Ecologist take care of Shara for now.
>>
>>4078915
>>We'll let the Chief Ecologist take care of Shara for now.
>>
>>4078915
>>We'll let the Chief Ecologist take care of Shara for now.
>>
You knew Senzo mentioned wanting to go to the siege last night, and you wouldn't deny him that privilege. The researchers were all staying behind, and you trusted the small Wyverian who headed them all enough that you decided to see him at the last minute.

Your request actually makes him look away from his book at Shara before he accepts. The Chief Ecologist tells you to have no worries, as he will ensure the juvenile Elder Dragon is taken good care of, and that no experiments other than some minor tests to see how he reacts to harmless things will happen while you are gone.

You nod and hand Shara Ishvalda off to another researcher who is called up before petting the little guy on his head and muttering 'bye'.

You make your way off to the dock where the horn sounds off at. The airship that was being used to transport cargo had returned and would be used to ferry many Hunters, mostly of the Fifth Fleet, off to the grounds of the operation.

Most were already aboard the ship, some leaning against the railing or sitting down to make room for the others. As you walked to enter the back of the line, Atricia, Brigg and Senzo all called you from the deck and you made your way up to stand with them.

You saw at the bow of the ship the Sapphire Star standing tall at the very forefront as the ramp was lifted and the airship began it's voyage, taking flight to the blue sky quickly.

You felt stiff at the prospect of actually going on such a mission with so many others, but you swallowed any nervousness you felt and reinforced yourself mentally with the reassurance that everything would go swimmingly.

You talked with your friends as the trip went on...
>>
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The trip led you to see some iconic places as the airship passed over them. The Wildspire Waste, the Third Fleet's Research Base airship over the Coral Highlands, the Elder's Recess even. The airship went to a place at the very edge of the New World that lied in between the Recess and the gulf separating the Guiding Lands from the mainland itself. The place where Yama Tsukami had made it's flight to, where it had been tracked to, where it made it's home.

You soon saw the spectacle of it after the airship passed a heavy wall of fog that obscured it's view.

A landmass the size of an island dotted with two mountains and swampy jungle that seemed to stretch around all the way back to the Lambent Bay. But of the things there to notice, none presented itself more than the gleaming side of a silver temple cloaked in moss that towered among all the forest and jungle. A true spectacle that sent everyone into awe and wowed even the stern Huntsman who stood at the helm with the driver. But you pondered, who could have ever built such a majestic place here in the New World where no traces of any civilization could ever even be a thought at?

The airship landed in a wide area of dirt in front of the grounds of the temple's base, it resembled something of a courtyard even. The Hunter's all unloaded and were instantly met with calls to join groups. They were divided into teams, everyone with Bows and Bowguns went to the gunner group, and the rest were sorted out individually by the Commander, who was already on site. Brigg was deviated to the gunner group and you waved him off.

Then, he made a call for two ground teams of Hunters to be formed up on. He chose the Star to lead the first, which some veterans tagged along on, such as the Diablos Hunter you've seen before and the Huntsman.

The Field Team Leader could not be present to lead any of these teams, as he was with a contingent helping to prepare the SFM's new prototype 'super ballista' in the temple, which would play apart of the plan that would be explained next.

"I need a volunteer to step up and lead our second strike group on the ground. Anyone willing?" The Commander called out, standing atop a rafter of wood.

>Step out and volunteer yourself to lead that group.
>Volunteer one of your friends. (Atricia or Senzo.)
>Stay quiet and wait until someone else steps up. You aren't one to lead.
>>
>>4079009
>Stay quiet and wait until someone else steps up. You aren't one to lead.
>>
>>4079009
>Stay quiet and wait until someone else steps up. You aren't one to lead.
>>
>>4079009
>Step out and volunteer yourself to lead that group.
The star looks upon us fondly for a reason.
>>
>>4079009
>Step out and volunteer yourself to lead that group.
The last group we led didn't die.
>>
Gonna need a tiebreaker.
>>
>>4079009
>Step out and volunteer yourself to lead that group.
>>
"I'll do it!" You say, stepping out in front of the crowd.

The Commander nods beckons you over to stand in front of the second strike group, next to the Star.

"From what our researchers have deduced so far, the temple is known as Tilokpia. Our goal will be to drive Yama Tsukami into the large temple atrium, and we can only do that by weakening it on the outside in these grounds. The strike teams will cover that part of this operation." The Commander says, motioning over to the mount of the towering temple.

"Both strike teams are to follow their leader's directions, and I expect you both to lead your strike teams better than decently, am I understood?"

"Yes sir!" You say, saluting. The Sapphire Star just salutes silently as well.

"Very good. I trust that neither of you will let us down." The Commander says as he hops down from the rafter. "Oh, and Freelancer. You can only choose six members for your team, the rest will be relegated to manning ballista and helping load cannons. Choose them now and then head over to the temple, I'm about to go over the details of our plan."

You turned and looked back at the potential candidates for the second strike team you were to lead. There was ten, maybe more Hunters there all ready by the looks of it facing you, waiting to see who you'd choose. You even recognized a few from that time in El Dorado there.

You looked for Atricia and Senzo, but you saw them both being called off to the side by a researcher, so it would appear they wouldn't be able to join your team now that they were doing something else. You had to choose from the stock you already had.

In order, there was:

Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)]
Rathalos Hunter. [Flame Lance (LA)]
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)]
Pukei Hunter. [Glacial Arrow (BW)]
Odogaron Huntress. [Sin (DB)]
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)]
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)]
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)]
Zorah Hunter. [Magda Manus (CB)]
Nargacuga Huntress. [Hidden Saber (LS)]
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)]

You can choose only six for your team. Who will you choose?
>>
>>4080006

I'd go with...
Legiana Huntress (high damage, high risk)
Brachydios Hunter (good damage, low risk)
Zinogre Hunter (high defense)
Ingot Hunter (high defense)
Dober Hunter (status, medium risk)
Kulu Huntress (support, medium risk)

Greatsword for severing, Light Bowgun and Heavy Bowgun for peppering, Switch Axe for breaks and additional severing, Hammer for CC, Hunting Horn for support, and our Gunlance for big openings and protecting others.

Plus we've got a fairly beefy front line of the SA, spread HBG and ourselves in heavily elec-resistant armor.
>>
>>4080058
Support
>>
>>4080058
Backing, though keep mind Yama is weak to fire, so Rath dude may be pertinent.
>>
>>4080006
I vote for:
>Brachydios Hunter, Nargacuga Huntress, Zinogre Hunter, Dober Hunter, Zorah Hunter, Kulu Huntress

Going only for WEAPON I get this.
>The very best:
- Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] | It's a Master Rank GS.
- Nargacuga Huntress. [Hidden Saber (LS)] | another Master rank weapon.

>The "optional" picks:
- Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] | Not reaaaaly good, but a HBG nonetheless.
- Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] | The only real support that the she has in this fight are the 2 Healt songs, Small and Medium.
- Zorah Hunter. [Magda Manus (CB)] Green sharpness, but blast weapon. Not the best but very usefull.
- Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] Meh, the Tsukami is inmune to status effect, but overall good armor and hammer.

>Honorable mention:
- Pukei Hunter. [Glacial Arrow (BW)] | Great weapon for this fight, but a very high risk of death 'tho.
- Rathalos Hunter. [Flame Lance (LA)] | Flame weapon againts Yama Tsukami. Good for defense, but he can't defend the others, right?
I mean the other hunters are not very usefull here, by the rough look of the situation. The damage they can deal is not worth the risk of death in this small strike team. I guess.


For reference:
Yama Tsukami | Elder dragon | Fire Element, Paralisis/elec: thunderbugs
Elem eakness: Ice and dragon | Res: Fire, Thunder and water |
I don't remember the minimum sharpness required, but I will assume that is blue.
>>
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You looked over the troop of Hunters and one by one, you pointed to who you would have join you and the chosen stepped up to take their side by you as the rest accepted as much and moved on. You choose the Ingot Hunter and Kulu Huntress from El Dorado you knew and the Brachydios Hunter, Legiana Huntress, Dober and Zinogre Hunters.

With that, everyone moved into he main temple complex. Inside, you went up with the rest of the Hunter gathering and looked up at the Commander who stood in front of a large map hanging from above, pointing to places on it with a long rod.

"Is everyone gathered now? Good. Then let's begin.

"This is the extent of the area we've mapped out thus far. It may look small in map form, but when you get onto the field you'll find that's it far more massive than what you'd expect. Currently, we reside here in sector six, along with the main temple mount. The Yama Tsukami nests in it's top, and that's where we have to force it to via attacking from the field. Harassing it with all on sight weaponry for long will force it's retreat, no doubt about it. From there, every Hunter available will be able to attack it more effectively so that we can finish it off with the Second Fleet's new protoype 'super ballista'."

"There are more smaller temple ruins scattered about the fields of the jungle as you see marked here. They are where we've set up emplacements for ballistae and cannons at. I'm expecting you all to use them to their full extent to bring the Yama Tsukami down, otherwise we won't be able to hurt him."

"The streams and rivers across the land here are dangerous and could potentially harbor or attract other Monsters, so be on the lookout. And try not to get caught in their currents either, reports suggest they move at an extremely heightened rate back into the ocean, and we can't have anyone ending up lost. Bridges have been built on sight to help with crossing them, but they are prone to being destroyed by Monsters so be wary."

"Now, let's go over what monsters to expect other than Yama Tsukami. Firstly, our very own Scanner Scholar reported sighting a Nergigante prowling the Elder's Recess in riled up activity just the other day before it departed this way, so be prepared to repel it if Nergigante should show up for a piece of the prize. Secondly, we've noted that Jaggi packs inhabit the area, and some places may be a hotbed for wyvern activity. As well, you should be aware of Vespoids."

"Lastly, there are a number of hazards in the field you should keep an eye on as I've been told. Beds of quick sand are copious, there's a hefty number of tropical great trees that our researchers say are likely to fall around, and the temples are old and likely to give away under the right force. Other than that, there's a slant in the side of the mountain around sector three which could potentially give way to a dangerous rockslide, so stay on alert if the Yama Tsukami attempts to make that happen with a loud sound or it's own body."
>>
"That should be the gist of it. If anyone has any questions, do ask them now."

>Ask the Commander a question.
>We're ready to go. (Select a sector to start at.)
>>
>>4080582
We know about how Yama Tsukami inhales to eat, right?

>We're ready to go.
I'm torn between Sectors 5 and 6.
>>
I've decided on Sector 2.
>>
You said nothing and waited around as the rest of the troop asked their questions and things were explained as best as they could be. You learned that Yama Tsukami can inhale with such force it produces an attracting whorl of air, that it's stomach shrinks when near death and that it can release deadly gasses from it's pores. Good things to all keep in mind.

"That concludes this briefing. Now, I want you all out there asap!" The Commander says, the Hunters all giving a simultaneous salute. "And may the Sapphire Star light your paths! Dismissed!"

With that, the Hunters all disembarked out of the temple and went on their way across the fields to reach other areas of Tilokpia. The Sapphire Star's strike team hurried on it's way to sector 5 and 2, while some Hunter's not assigned to either of the teams took up positions there in Area 6, manning the various ballistas and cannons about the place.

You gathered your teammates and decided to cover sector 2 for now. If the Yama Tsukami was to appear, it would most likely be in an open area, so sector 2 made the most sense.

You strode along the pathway with your teammates between sectors 6 and 2, warding off some weak Jaggis bold enough to try and make a move, avoiding the soft and soggy dirt of the place. It seems to occur to you that this land isn't just jungle, but it also seemed that it was a rain forest. The place was wet and every green thing you saw had moisture on it.

You came out to the large area of sector 2 then with your group, who were quick to spread out at your direction. The place was dotted with at least five temple platforms sporting unmanned ballista and two cannons you could use at the northwestern most ruins.

There were three bridge layouts stretching across the stream there, which sped through like lightning, the speed of the water stream was frightening, it could easily sweep anyone here along to a certain death if they were caught in it.

There were a few Aptonoth present here and from what you could see on the other side of the stream, a Qurupeco strutting about, trying to find a watery puddle to fish from.

You were just about to give out an order when suddenly, the ground across all of Tilokpia began to lightly rumble...
>>
And then the rumble came closer to your own sector! You looked up at the tall great trees shifting as a great weight barred against them!
>>
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You watched with the others as a lighter green form emerged from behind the great trees, nearly toppling them as it's body passed over and by.

It was absolutely colossal! Yama Tsukami itself!

The strange levitating Elder Dragon slowly drifted through the air into the sector your team held and came to move by slowly. It began to inhale at the jungle around it, sucking in foliage and whatever else was there as it turned around and faced away from your direction.

The Brachydios hunter fired a flare into the air and the Kulu Huntress blew her horn as loud as she could to ring the sound out all across Tilokpia, warning of the presence of the great green Elder Dragon, who soon took notice of the noise and began to shift in order to find the source with it's eyes.

Now, the operation has truly commenced! It was time to bring the thing down!

The Qurupeco might be a problem however, it was spooked and didn't seemed to fly away, and it's presence across the stream could be detrimental to anyone trying to cross it in order to man the ballista over there.

You had three ruins on your side of the sector accessible, one cannon and three ballista.

You needed to give out orders now! This moment called for your leadership!

Team:

You. (Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Healthy)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Healthy)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Healthy)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Healthy)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Healthy)

You'll need to specify where you'll order who to and on what.

>Order a teammate(s) onto the ballista and cannon.
>Order a teammate(s) to take care of the Qurupeco.
>And then specify what you'll do yourself.
>Write in.
>>
>>4080723
Let's keep an eye on the Qurupeco, but focus all Ballista and cannon fire on the Yama Tsukami

We shall also direct the team to be cautious if either the Qurupeco or the Yama Tsukami are readying up to attack their weapons emplacements, bexautwe need that firepower, as well as the manpower, to push the Yama Tsukami back

That's all I can think up for now, if anyone has anything better, or something to add onto my own plan, don't hesitate to put it out there
>>
>>4080780
Damn typos

Meant to say "because" there

Phoneposting is a pain
>>
>>4080723
Get Ingot on the cannon, Kulu Zingore and Dober on ballistas and Brachydios takes care of Qurupeco while Legiana shoots at Yama from below but not too close that he might crush her. We'll man a ballista too.
>>
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Scurrying up one of the nearby ruins as you ran, you mounted yourself upon a ballista and pointed, shouting some orders to your teammates, who affirmed the order and moved to obey.

The Kulu, Zinogre, Dober and Legiana Hunters and Huntresses all moved to mount a ballista as well. The Ingot Hunter went and began loading a cannon to fire.

The Brachydios Hunter rushed across the stream by a bridge and barrelled over to take out the Qurupeco, staggering the monster with powerful blows from his greatsword in the hopes he could finish it off before it uses it's unique calls to attract other monsters.

With you and the fellow Hunters mounting ballista, you had five of the weapons trained on Yama Tsukami and ready to fire while the Ingot Hunter prepped his cannon.

Driving Yama Tsukami back.

+==============+

In order to drive Yama Tsukami into the main temple atrium, his endurance bar must be drained completely by being damaged from ballista and cannon fire.

Yama Tsukami's endurance bar is worth 10000 points.

Cannons require a period to load, but will deal 250 points worth of damage to Yama's endurance bar when fired. There is a chance a ball or two may miss however by random chance, so every available cannon should be used.

Ballista bolts will deal 30 points worth of damage with each shot and the probability to miss will be calculated by dice. A 10d5 roll will be made to decide for each shot, with any 1s rolled being misses and 2s being near misses with reduced damage upon impact.

One more roll will be made by the QM to decide for the rest of the party's damage output as well. The number of dice will change based on how many non-PC teammates are mounting a ballista and it will be measured in 5s.

+==============+
New tutorial added.

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 10000

Roll a 10d5 to decide your ballista damage total now.
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 3, 1, 3, 1, 1, 5, 4, 1 = 23 (10d5)

>>4081631
pew pew pew pew pew
>>
Rolled 4, 1, 1, 5, 1, 1, 3, 1, 4, 5 = 26 (10d5)

>>4081631
>>
Rolled 2, 2, 4, 2, 3, 5, 1, 2, 3, 2 = 26 (10d5)

>>4081631
>>
>>4081640
>only one 1
Phew.
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 2, 2 = 10 (4d5)

>>
(Should of mentioned it but forgot like a dumby. On the roll for teammate damage, 1, 2 and 3 will equal 50 damage and 4 and 5 will equate to 100.)
>>
You and your teammates mounting ballista unleash a barrage of bolts at Yama Tsukami, depleting all counts.

The giant floating Elder Dragon vibrates in sudden anger over the hits against his body and begins to move towards the position of you and your fellow teammates.

The collective barrage dealt 470 damage to Yama Tsukami's Endurance bar.

The Ingot Hunter fires the cannon at the Elder Dragon after finishing loading it with five cannonballs. Of the five blasts, three hits Yama Tsukami while one misses and another bounces. A total of 750 damage is dealt from the volley to Yama Tsukami's Endurance bar.

Total damage dealt was 1220.

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 8780

+==============+

Over the stream, the Brachydios Hunter has wounded the Qurupeco and forced it's retreat to another sector. He moves then to regroup as he runs across the stream bridges again.

Enraged by the cannon blasts, the floating Elder Dragon begins to close in faster upon your position. It is moving with haste to crush you and your teammates!

>Order a reload and attempt to deal some more damage before bailing from our current positions at the northwestern edges of this sector.
>Order everyone to bail before Yama Tsukami can crush anyone and then take up positions at the southeast emplacements across the stream.
>Order everyone to bail and then make a tactical retreat to another sector. (Choose one: 1, 6, 5)
>Stand your ground in this sector and attempt to wittle away at Yama's tendrils.
>>
>>4081670
Who is closest? Tell them to bail across the river while the others take a couple more potshots.
>>
>>4081684
Do you want me to make some marks on the map to identify current positions?
>>
>>4081689
Sure
>>
Where did the others go? They were here an hour ago.
>>
>>4081689
go for it.
>>4081826
I've been helping folks with rajang today.
>>
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Okay, these are the current positions of Yama and the team members.
>>
>>4081996
>he's equidistant between the two batteries
Fug.
>>
>>4081670
>Order a reload and attempt to deal some more damage before bailing from our current positions at the northwestern edges of this sector.
It would have been optimal if we started on the south side. Just enough time for one cannon shot --and however many bolts-- then we bail.
>>
>>4082076
Roll me one more 10d5.
>>
Rolled 4, 5, 4, 1, 5, 3, 1, 2, 4, 4 = 33 (10d5)

>>4082104
You dropped your trip.
>>
Rolled 3, 1, 2, 1 = 7 (4d5)

>>
>>4082110
>all below 4
Ouch...
>>
While you still had time, you shouted for everyone to reload their ballistae using nearby ammo and for Ingot to fire his cannon again immediately.

Everyone went to do so immediately as the floating giant encroached closer.

More ballista bolts flew from both you and your teammates into Yama Tsukami's body, making the creature vibrate again, sounding off it's anger.

This next volley of ballista bolts from you and your companions totaled at 470 damage to Yama Tsukami's Endurance. The Ingot Hunter fired a single cannonball, dealing 250 damage to Yama Tsukami. The total damage dealt was 720.

At the last moment, you ordered everyone to bail and jumped yourself as Yama came forward fast then. It's large body rams into the sides of the ruins platforms, shaking them about and weakening the structures, the cannon platform stands tall again, but the two northwestern ballista batteries are crumbled and destroyed with one of the ruins being collapsed.

The Brachydios Hunter makes it across the stream and regroups with everyone then as the Dober and Zinogre Hunters remained on their own two ballista batteries at the eastern edge of the sector.

Yama was turning itself again to continue giving chase, it seemed intent on destroying you and your teammates. You notice it beginning to leak pockets of a reddish gas from it's body down to the ground where it clouded about...

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 8060

+==============+
>>
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"Enough tranquilizer bombs and I'd be able to make it fall!" The Legiana Huntress said, running with her Bowgun drawn and loading up said bombs.

Yama Tsukami pulls off another stunt you hadn't expected then. It sucks up bricks and rubble from the ruins it just collapsed as though eating them, but when it turns again so that you could see it's face, it suddenly blows out the sum of the debris from it's mouth at your party mates! It only made sense that it could huff with the same force that it inhaled with!

Everyone manages to dodge, but the Kulu Huntress is struck in the back while trying to sheath her Hunting Horn! The damage is sundering and she screams out as a stone impacts her spine!

Team:

You. (Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Wounded)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Healthy/Near Exhuasted.)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Healthy)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Healthy)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Healthy)

"We should regroup with the Star in sector three! We could distract it more easily there while the batteries assault it!" The Ingot Hunter suggested as Yama floated closer to the group. He was still at his cannon and could fire at your word.

>Gather everyone and go to another sector.
>Fire an SOS and call for the gunner group to support.
>Run around with teammates to keep Yama distracted so the Legiana Huntress can ground it with Tranq bombs.
>Wait for it to slam and then attack with everyone.
>Order Ingot to fire the cannon again at Yama's back.
>Write in.
>>
>>4082155
>The damage is sundering and she screams out as a stone impacts her spine
That's really not good.

>Gather everyone and go to another sector.
Get them to Sector 3.
>>
>>4082186
Wait, there's got to be a more sound decision. I wish there were more people around for second opinions.
>>
>>4082155
>Run around with teammates to keep Yama distracted so the Legiana Huntress can ground it with Tranq bombs.

As-is, we don't know what's going with the Star's group, but ideally we wait until everyone's in need of a break before tagging out. The Horn huntress should be able to patch themselves up or slip away for a bit while we keep their attention.
>>
>>4082155
>Run around with teammates to keep Yama distracted so the Legiana Huntress can ground it with Tranq bombs.
We could have the Brachy Hunter take the Kulu Huntress to the ruins with the Zin and Dober Hunters so they could recover.
>>
We should also keep an eye out for the Legi Huntress; we cannot afford to lose her under any circumstances. Try to lure Yama Tsukami away from the entrance to sector 5.
>>
The Legiana Huntress loads her Light Bowgun with Tranquilizer Bombs then as you yelled to the rest to take evasive maneuvers across the sector.

They ran in circle as the Yama Tsukami floated over, puffs of pink gas exploding over his eyes and face as the Legiana Huntress fired Tranq Bomb after Tranq Bomb at it, the pores of the great Elder Dragon even sucking it up.

The Yama Tsukami descended for some feet, lowering itself just enough that was it able to begin lashing at the ground with it's hefty limbs, rending the dirt where it slapped and swiped it at.

You were forced to run and dive forward with the Brachydios Hunter and Kulu Huntress then as Yama Tsukami began to spin around rapidly, dragging it's limbs around across the ground and raking it with such velocity an air current generated around the body of the spinning Elder Dragon. The Zinogre Hunter, who was making his way over, didn't pay much attention and suffered for it, being struck by one of the Yama Tsukami limbs with such force that he was sent flying backwards in a roll. The hit was staggering, but he recovers to drink a potion after a minute.

The Kulu Huntress got as far away as she could then to down a Mega Potion at your direction. She then prepared a health song with her Hunting Horn.

Things seemed to get worse then as the Legiana Huntress shouted something out. "I'm out of Tranq Bombs! I'll need to get more to down him!"

This beefy dragon wouldn't go down so easy...

You looked over to the Ingot Hunter to signal him to fire his cannon, but you saw him a coughing fit as he jumped down from the cannon platform. He was saying something about 'burning' and you now realized he had been affected by Yama Tsukami's excreted gas! He was rolling around to out fires that suddenly spread across the exterior of his armor plating!

As Yama Tsukami ceased to spin and rise back up higher into the air, it began to rain, helping mend the Ingot Hunter's situation, allowing him to quickly jump the platform again and fire his cannon at the Yama Tsukami.

Miraculously, all five cannonballs hit their mark and the Elder Dragon stumbles from being dealt 1250 damage to it's Endurance bar, now truly enraged by it!

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 6810

+==============+

Team:

You. (Healthy/Near Exhuasted.)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Near Healthy/Near Exhuasted)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Healthy/Near Exhuasted)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Healthy/Near Exhuasted)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Healthy)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Healthy)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Near Healthy/Near Exhausted)

You and your team gathered near one of the three pathways out of the 2nd sector as a warning horn blew in the distance and the Commander's voice was heard over a wooden megaphone at the top of the temple mount....
>>
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"Hunters! You all need to watch out! Nergigante has been sighted and is confirmed to be out in the field!"

"Our trackers place his landing at Sector four! I want anyone available to find and repel it before it botches up our whole operation!"
>>
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"Hunters of the first strike team are held down taking care of a Rathalos and Rathian in Sector three, either the second strike team or gunner group will need to do something about Nergigante!"

"We need to bring this situation under control! If your positions is unsustainable, make a tactical retreat to another Sector!"

You heard the Commander well, you needed to decide what you would do next now. The Yama Tsukami was flying now at an even faster speed than before towards your group. You wouldn't be able to lose it at this point so easily now...

>Let's move to another Sector. (5, 6)
>Let's move to assist the Star's own team and combine our manpower.
>Let's lure Yama Tsukami to Nergigante and let the two fight it out. We can control that situation easily when the gunner group finally gets near.
>Write in.
>>
>>4082349
>Let's lure Yama Tsukami to Nergigante and let the two fight it out. We can control that situation easily when the gunner group finally gets near.
The beast is blind with rage! Let's have it tire against nerg, then fuck em' both while they recover. Also good idea to 'rest' while the two squabble.

>>4082333
[BRASS MUSIC INTENSIFIES]
>>
>>4082366
Just caught up, by the way. Love the quest so far, and the art really adds to it. Top shit!
>>
>>4082369
Glad you're liking it so far!
>>
>>4082349
>Rathalos and Rathian
Fucking Raths. What even happened at Sector 3, was it Quru?

>Let's lure Yama Tsukami to Nergigante and let the two fight it out. We can control that situation easily when the gunner group finally gets near.
We could probably take a pitstop at Sector 6.
>>
we got to take note to snag and/or burn any Vitality Plants along the way.
>>
>>4082386
Might help deal with the exhaustion too.
>>
"Everyone! On me!" You said aloud, signaling your partners to follow as you made a break for it out to Sector 1.

They all ran hastily as you, the Yama Tsukami was keeping up rather easily, and in fact even gaining on you. This thing wanted to bring to bare all of it's tonnage to crush you with as it sprayed small puffs of burning gas out along the way, it's temper flaring. This thing even seemed pissed off when it first arrived. What made it so angry...?

You ignored the thought for now as you raced down the trail of dirt mushing over as the rain fell in this jungle environment. It was harder to tell what was a puddle of quicksand now as all the dirt looked as muddy too, and you anticipated it when the Legiana Huntress suddenly sank to her waist in a puddle of it when running off to the side too much.

You told the others to go on ahead and jumped over yourself, pulling her from the grasp of it and getting back to running as Yama Tsukami almost floated right overhead!

In time, you finally made it with them to Sector 1, where there were two temple ruin platforms topped with two ballista and two cannons. You saw the Zinogre Hunter already climb one and he shouted out that he found a binder bolt there, that could help restrain Yama Tsukami easy enough, but for now, you would watch what was about to unfold.

In the distance at Sector 4 with your binoculars, you saw the hulking brute form of Nergigante prowling about the grounds. What big horns topped it's head, and it's body was covered in spikes and thorny protrusions. It had such the perfect intimidating look about it! You heard about this thing from the Argosy crew when you first ventured to the New World. They said it hunted and devoured other Elder Dragons! You thought it would be a brilliant idea to let it help put the hurt to Yama, you just had to ensure it didn't finish the job here. The brass wanted Yama dead in the temple. That was, if Nergigante could kill such a gargantuan thing all on it's own...

"LOOK OUT!"

You looked up and then dodged forward without another thought just in time to evade a large mossy limb coming down at your place from above. Yama Tsukami floated right over your head!

The giant Elder Dragon looked forward then as you heard Nergigante's roar resonate across Tilokpia. In return, Yama Tsukami opened it's mouth and unleashed it's own extremely low pitched roar that made the dirt dance. You backed away with the others to the temple platforms and just watched as Yama floated away to meet the invader of it's territory.
>>
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Immediately and without a second thought, the extinction dragon bounded forward all the way across the fourth Sector and met with Yama Tsukami in the dividing line of the first and fourth Sectors.

Nergigante propelled itself upwards and swiped Yama across the face with it's impressive claws, making the ancient giant shift backwards and hum in anger. Nergigante was promptly knocked back on it's feet as the green giant did a spin, hitting it with the two large back limps. As Yama Tsukami spun, it inhaled, drawing in a small tree which it clenched in it's teeth before it turned again and released the tree at Nergigante.

In response, the extinction dragon bucked with it's horns, splintering the tree in half before it leaped to try and swipe at Yama with it's tail, missing as the giant waved itself backwards.

Both of the Elder Dragons roared at each other again before Nergigante spread it's wing span and took up to the air as well. Yama struck him with a swing on his limb, and Nergigante swirled around, clawing above the giant's red eye.

Nergigante made an elegant ascent as it flapped it's wings and flew up high at incredible speed. The Yama below only roared as you and the others watched in awe. The force of the wind from the flapping wings made the trees around waggle back and forth as the noise of the air flowing across the leaves whistled for all to hear.

Like a meteorite, the extinction dragon soared back down through the air, dive bombing into the top of the Yama Tsukami's cranium, and to everyone's shock, bringing the green giant straight down into the ground with a thunderous impact!

Shock and awe at the display of overwhelming physical strength from Nergigante only heightened when the extinction dragon leaped back, charging forward and battering Yama's face with it's horns, sliding the green giant across the ground to reveal the crater it had made.

But now, it was the green giant's turn to make a display as it's voice boomed with searing anger that stunned even Nergigante.

Almost instantly, Yama Tsukami uplifted itself back into the air after pushing up with it's limps. The floating mountain dragon opened it's mouth, releasing out a horde of Great Thunderbugs that flew forward. Nergigante stood to assert it's dominance with another roar, but stepped back in surprise when the insects swarmed around it's face. Nergigante could do little but try to claw at them to no avail.

The swarm buzzed with instinct equal to their host's anger, and then exploded with a collective burst of electricity that snaked all across the body of Nergigante, paralyzing the dragon into spasms as it's muscles became locked by electricity coursing through it's veins.

The Great Thunderbugs returned inside the body of Yama, who proceeded to maneuver in a way you didn't think it could, flipping over from it's back in the middle of the air and uppercutting Nergigante on it's own back with the two large posterior limbs.
>>
Yama seemingly bounced up higher and positioned itself over Nergigante and you held your breath before bracing yourself to withstand the force that followed.

Like an asteroid, Yama went down with all of it's weight, eclipsing the extinction dragon in a crash that reshaped the ground around, sinking it down below into an even greater crater than what Nergigante's dive bomb had made. When the giant uplifted itself, you saw the crushed form of Nergigante there stuck in the dirt, it's jaw agape and it's body barely twitching. He had been bested in the field of strength by the enraged Yama Tsukami and faced severe punishment for trying to fight the mountain dragon in it's own domain. Yama Tsukami was the clear winner of this turf war, and that could be owed to it' behavior, unnatural of it's own species.

The green giant began to float away then, traveling the way of Sector 6...

Nergigante began to stir again, crawling it's way out of the hole in the dirt with it's left wing bent out of shape crookedly. The thing saw your group standing as it panted to regain it's breath.

The Ingot and Zinogre Hunters had already loaded the two cannons behind you and were training them on Nergigante.

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 4660

2150 damage resulting from Nergigante - Yama Tsukami turf war.

+==============+

>We are supposed to repel Nergigante as well. Open fire!
>We should let it be, we must pursue Yama Tsukami first above all.
>Write in.
>>
>>4082486
>We are supposed to repel Nergigante as well. Open fire!
>>
>>4082486
>>We are supposed to repel Nergigante as well. Open fire!
>>
>>4082486
>We are supposed to repel Nergigante as well. Open fire!
>>
>shooting Nergigante when Yama still has a quarter endurance left
Nergigante will remember that.

>>4082486
>We should let it be, we must pursue Yama Tsukami first above all.
>>
"Everyone!" You say, holding your hand high, pointing forward with your hand next.

"FIRE!"

At your command, the Ingot and Zinogre Hunters both pulled their trigger mechanisms at once, firing both cannon barrages into Nergigante simultaneously.

The Elder devourer's pupils shrank when it saw the cannonballs coming. One after the other, the cannonballs pelted it's shoulders and horns, exploding violently against it's scales. All that was left behind was a cloud of smoke and you heard some shifting out of it. Once it cleared, you saw Nergigante, one of his horns missing, weakly clawing at the ground before it opens it's eyes and looks your way.

The thing was visibly pained and angry by instinct, but as well terrified for it's life. The thing gathers what strength is left to stand up and limp away before flapping it's wings again, the broken left one cracking as it did with the monster shuddering at that. Nergigante managed to carry itself upwards, only to fall back down into the top of a great jungle tree. What last you see of it is the Elder Dragon using the trees in order to get away, thus leaving the field.

You heard the Commander talk again over his wooden megaphone.

"Nergigante has been successfully repelled! All Hunters are to continue their current task! Everyone should focus on Yama Tsukami! We've spotted it flying off to Sector five! All Hunters convene on it's location! Try to get it within Sector six!"

"Come on! There are vitality plant patches growing in Sector five! We have to keep the pressure up!" The Brachydios Hunter said as he suddenly ran by, chugging an Energy Drink along the way.

"You heard him! Come on!" The Dober Hunter said, tapping your shoulder with his broad hand. You nodded and gestured to the rest as you ran too.
>>
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You were thrown an Energy Drink by the Brachydios Hunter as you ran, he carried at least ten of them and so passed off more to his teammates, helping mend the exhaustion problem for the moment. Though, you questioned why it made your heart begin beating faster...

No time to think about that! You've gotta move like you have wings!

You saw the gunner group stationed in the sixth Sector then as your strike team went by. They were patching up a few light gunners and had boxes out, ones full of sticky ammo and cluster bombs. They were preparing to bombard Yama Tsukami with all they had. You saw Brigg among them and he looked up over at you as you ran by.

"COMRADE! WE'RE HEADING INSIDE! COMMANDER'S ORDERS! BE CAREFUL!"

Oh you would, as now you were approaching the fifth Sector after long running through the sixth.

There, you saw the Yama Tsukami near the sideline! The bastard was inhaling an entire garden's worth of Vitality plants up! Healing itself! Sucking up all the restorative mist, along with some Vigorwasps!

The thing turned around again and saw your group standing there. It took a few minutes to register with it, but once the Yama Tsukami realized, it became enraged again, letting down it's jaw as it hummed with fury!

Out from it's mouth came it's store of Great Thunderbugs again, at least twenty of the fickle things buzzing with lightning! They could paralyze any of you for quite a moment if their electricity struck!
>>
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Around you in the general vicinity was a number of hazards as well...

There was a stone spire that looked easy to fall, a few great jungle trees with rotten bases as well. And there was a water geyser nearby that was rumbling with water trapped under a thick layer of mud.

You could collapse those things with the right tools. Maybe slinger ammo, a ballista bolt, or one of your groups two gunners shooting it down with slicer ammo.

On the other side of the sector, you saw a member of the Star's group running in, a longswordier wearing the Tzitzi set. "Hey! I have bounce bombs!"

First of all, those Great Thunderbugs had to be taken care of first and foremost, and quick too!

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 6660

2000 points restored from absorbing vitality.

+==============+

Team:

You. (Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Healthy)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Healthy)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Healthy)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Healthy)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Healthy)

You knew the Kulu Huntress could produce waves of force with her Hunting Horn, but she seemed weaker than the rest of the group. The two gunners could use spread ammo, but there's no guarantee they'll hit their marks with the Thunderbugs flying so high and so fast, and given how many there are...

The two nearby temple emplacements featured two cannons and two ballista as well.

Oh! And the Zinogre Hunter had a one shot binder that could restrain Yama Tsukami!

What will you do? What will you order your teammates to do?
>>
>>4082714
>Yama basically healed the Turf damage off
That bit us in the ass sooner than I expected.

Is the geyser between us and the Thunderbugs?
>>
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>>4082725
Location of geyser hazard, falling stone spire and great (not to scale) jungle tree hazards.
>>
>>4082735
Damn, that geyser doesn't look like it can help us right now.
>>
>>4082714
Ookay, order the Zinogre Hunter to get themself to a ballista and wait for our mark. The rest of the group makes for the geyser so we can use it to clear out the Thunderbugs.

Once the bugs are gone, we'll use the binder to keep Yama in place so the Tzitzi Hunter can land the bounce bombs easier.
This sound good?
>>
>>4082714
Send the Dober hunter to one emplacement to prepare a ballista, he can defend againts some thunderbugs, meanwhile have the gunners fire spread shot and the hunting horn prepared, the others cover.
Be prepared to make a tactical withdraw to the siege emplacements or another area, also tell the Tzitzi hunter to man a canon for now. The more bugs we can kill now the better.
>>
Finally woke up. We're probably on Nergigante's shitlist now.

>>4082714
Supporting >>4082780 but I think we should get someone ready to chop that tree down so we could pin Yama.
>>
No seriously, what was the thought process behind kicking him while he was down?
>>
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"Get into positions! Use spread ammo to repel those Great Thunderbugs!" You shouted.

At your command, the Zinogre Hunter and Legiana Huntress both loaded their bowguns with the appropriate ammo before standing at the front and blasting away with it, sending the split shrapnel at the Great Thunderbugs as they flew down.

The Kulu Huntress swung her Hunting Horn at your signal, running forward with it and swinging it around like a back, unleashing a gust that blew most of the Thunderbugs back away.

The Dober Hunter ran along to one of the emplacements as you began to move then, but it seemed that not all of the Great Thunderbugs gave up that quickly. A few managed to slip in when the gunners needed to reload. They flew around, sparkling with electricity and stunning some of your partners, as well as you!

When the Great Thunderbugs all retreated back into it's mouth, Yama Tsukami's attention was then caught as a Slinger Bomb was shot into his face by the Tzitzi Hunter, who jumped up and waved his arms, yelling to make the dragon come his way. And it did, flying over like a torpedo.

Luckily, the Ingot Hunter had stayed back and managed to avoid the Great Thunderbugs. He runs up and kicks you and the Zinogre Hunter, breaking you both out of paralysis and giving you time to run to the emplacements.

The Tzitzi Hunter was able to help keep Yama distracted, causing the geyser to erupt up into it's belly with his Longsword before he chopped at the base of the nearby great jungle tree, making it fall into Yama Tsukami, dealing 90 damage to his Endurance bar.

That was enough to allow the Zinogre Hunter to fire his one shot binder at Yama Tsukami, keeping it in place as it struggled and pulled back against the tight rope that stretched out from the physical strain put on it.

Yama flailed as you mounted a ballista and grabbed ammo. The Ingot and Zinogre Hunters both got on the two cannons and prepared them to fire as you and the Dober Hunters took aim with the ballistae.

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 6570

90 points dealt from environmental hazards.

+==============+

Team:

You. (Healthy/Thunderblight)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Healthy/Paralyzed)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Healthy/Paralyzed)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Healthy/Paralyzed)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Healthy)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Healthy/Thunderblight)

Unfortunately, three of your mates were still under paralysis from the shock. It lasted a long time from Great Thunderbugs.

To your concern, Yama Tsukami's anger reached it's limit, it's boiling point, literally! It's body began to emit a faint red glow and all of it's pores released burning gas that swirled around it's form!

You had to act now!

Roll a 10d5 to decide your ballista damage total now.
>>
Rolled 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 1, 5, 1, 1, 1 = 30 (10d5)

>>4083985
Come on!
hope there are more people itt right now
>>
Rolled 4, 2, 5, 1, 1, 5, 2, 2, 1, 3 = 26 (10d5)

>>4083985
GO GO GO!
>>
Rolled 3, 2, 1, 5, 2, 5, 1, 3, 5, 2 = 29 (10d5)

>>4083985
DIE!
>>
I can see the endgame: Get him low enough under the spire and knock it down.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d5)

>>
>>4084088
I am worried about that singular die.
>>
You fire your ballista ammo at the face of the furious floating giant alongside your Dober partner as it was still held by the one shot binder. You maximized damage at 250 to Yama Tsukami's Endurance bar. The Dober Hunter's ballista barrage helped deal out 100.

Just before the one shot binder's rope could snap and release the colossal Elder Dragon, the Ingot and Zinogre Hunters pulled their firing knobs and lit their gunpower, firing their cannon volleys at Yama Tsukami. All ten cannonballs hit their mark and explode against the massive body of the creature, causing it's back to swell in places and it's stomach to smooth out, flattening as it retracted.

A total of 2860 was dealt to Yama Tsukami's Endurance bar, a devastating blow!

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 3710

+==============+
>>
>>4084102
That's because only there's only two ballista and the Dober Hunter is mounting the other as seen in the above pic. Ingot and Zinogre are using the cannons.
>>
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Though great progress was made in harming the floating giant, you watched as it floated around the center of the fifth Sector and began ascending higher into the air, continuously spraying out cloud after cloud of burning gas.

You couldn't place what it was going to do here, it looked as though it would disappear into the sky from this height, and why was it shrouding itself in the burning gas...? You jumped off of the platform with the others to get a better look.

Just then, it folded it's limbs and bloated it's belly, the faint red glow around it brightening. And then, it began to fall. Fast.

You realized what it was preparing to do this whole time now and turned back to the others.

"BRACE YOURSELVES!"

Yama Tsukami's form lit up with flames from the burning gas coating it as it went down to the Earth rapidly, shaking the whole rain forest around.

You drew your Gunlance and held your shield up in front of you as you ran and stopped to guard the two still paralyzed Huntresses.

Upon impacting the ground, all of Yama Tsukami's gasses reacted, creating an ear shattering inferno around it that exploded forth, blinding everyone with red and reaching them with the horrific power of the explosion's force, blowing you and your teammates away!
>>
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You were taken off of your feet, dragging the Kulu and Legiana Huntresses along with you from the force of the giant's cataclysmic blowout.

The gaseous discharge sent the Ingot Hunter flying into the rock spire, collapsing it around him. The temple emplacements were blasted to debris with the Dober, Zinogre and Tzitzi Hunters being propelled back into the rubble.

The Brachydios Hunter was launched back in such a way that his upper half was lodged into the ground upon landing, his legs kicked around with flames running up their length.

Fire spread all across the whole fifth Sector and everyone did their best to out themselves of it as soon as they could. This massive attack quelled the rage of the giant for now, as it exhausted it into drifting away slowly towards Sector 3. But everyone else suffered harshly from it, all being wounded severely.

+==============+

Team:

You. (Fatally Wounded/Thunderblight)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Fatally Wounded)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Wounded/Paralyzed)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Wounded/Paralyzed)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Wounded/Paralyzed)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Fatally Wounded)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Fatally Wounded/Thunderblight)

>We need to retreat to Sector 6 to get everyone medical treatment!
>Order everyone to drink their potions and eat a nulberry. It's heading towards the Star who should still be fighting Rathalos and Rathian, he's gonna need more help with Yama going their way.
>Send the Legiana Huntress to heal and resupply Tranq bombs. We'll need to down Yama for another powerful wave of cannon fire. We can finish it soon.
>Write in.
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>>4084201
>Order everyone to drink their potions and eat a nulberry. It's heading towards the Star who should still be fighting Rathalos and Rathian, he's gonna need more help with Yama going their way.
Keep the pressure.
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>>4084201
>>Order everyone to drink their potions and eat a nulberry. It's heading towards the Star who should still be fighting Rathalos and Rathian, he's gonna need more help with Yama going their way.
>>
>>4084201
>Send the Legiana Huntress to heal and resupply Tranq bombs. We'll need to down Yama for another powerful wave of cannon fire. We can finish it soon.
We can do both, right?
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>>4084201
>Order everyone to drink their potions and eat a nulberry. It's heading towards the Star who should still be fighting Rathalos and Rathian, he's gonna need more help with Yama going their way.

That being said, take the extra time to make sure everyone can stand and fight. The Star's group can last the minute or so it will take to have everyone properly catch their breath.
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>>4084201
>Order everyone to drink their potions and eat a nulberry. It's heading towards the Star who should still be fighting Rathalos and Rathian, he's gonna need more help with Yama going their way.
>>
"Is everyone alright?!" You called out as you helped the two Huntresses up.

One by one, the others emerged from the aftermath of the attack, brushing themselves off and forming up on you again. Everyone moved to the center, carefully avoiding fires as they went.

You got a head count and then told them to use their potions. You passed a few Nulberries out and had everyone eat one to get back into shape. They were hurt, but they weren't finished. Determination filled them all to finish their task and it reflected back onto you.

You put your hand on the Legiana Huntress' shoulder. "Go resupply your Tranq Bombs!"

"Okay!" She says, nodding before she turned away and dashed through the fires back to the main temple.

"Everyone good?"

"Yeah!"
"Could be worse."
"I've fought Vespoids that hit harder than that! Hah hah!"
"You go, I follow, zaeim! I will play for our way!"
"You can't beat the Brach!"

"Alright! Onward!" You say, charging towards Sector 3. The rest of your party followed suit.

"Alright, each of us is together now!" The Tzitzi Hunter said, pointing ahead at the second strike team he was apart of. In the next sector over, you saw the Star and his group. Along with him was the Huntsman brandishing his usual longsword, a Diablos Nero Hunter with Thanatos Force, a Velkhana Hunter wielding a Wise Fylos Insect Glaive, and over manning the two weapon emplacements was a Teostra Hunter using a Teostra's Medal Sword and Shield along with a Hunter in the Blackveil Hazak set wielding a Deathlance Vaal Spysa Gunlance.

From the looks of things, the Rath couple was attempting to make this place a home for their nest. You see a destroyed nest that was being built near the flowing stream, which was slow enough to drink from. There were shattered eggs within it. The Rathian mother was near death, limping away while the Rathalos was enraged, letting out fireballs without cease, never once touching the ground below as it flew.

Placed throughout the area were multiple Mega Barrel Bombs. Between the two ruins platforms was a catapult made specifically for them. It would take at least three Hunters to move one to the catapult, but it could be done to fire them. There was a geyser hazard near the entrance to the sector and you saw Yama Tsukami flying off near the sideline, going for another Vitality plant patch to heal again.

The Teostra and Blackveil Hazak Hunters were loading their cannons up. There looked to be four ballistae on their platforms and plenty of ammo, as well as a one shot binder you could see.
>>
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+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 4710

1000 points restored from absorbing vitality.

+==============+

Team:

You. (Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Healthy)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Healthy)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Healthy)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Healthy)

The Star's Team:

The Sapphire Star. [Taroth Hammer Sleep (HA)] (Absolutely Healthy)
The Huntsman. [Wyvern Blade Holly (LS)] (Healthy)
Diablos Nero Hunter. [Thanatos Force (CB)] (Healthy)
Velkhana Hunter. [Wise Fylos (IG)] (Healthy)
Tzitzi Hunter. [Blinding Blaze (LS)] (Healthy)
Teostra Hunter. [Teostra's Medal (SNS)] (Healthy)
Blackveil Hazak Hunter. [Deathlance Vaal Spysa (GL)] (Healthy)

+==============+

Input actions! What will you and your teammates do? As well, you'll get to decide what the Star and his teammates do this round. Who will man what and who will target which.

Input your desired actions now.
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>>4084570
>1000 points restored from absorbing vitality
Are there any other patches that we need to know about?
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>>4084579
That'll be the last one.
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>>4084570
Seems simple enough.
Freelancer, Kulu and Dober go carry the nearest Mega Barrel Bomb and use the catapult on the Yama. Send the Ignot hunter to man the ballista and pepper the Tsukami; also to use the binder shot only when the rath's die or flee.

The Brachy and Zinogre go to back up the star fighting the Rath couple, I guess the second strike team can carry on, they're taking care of those wyverns.
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>>4084570
That mega barrel next to the geyser looks rather convenient.
What of the rock hazard, was it already triggered?
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>>4084570

>>4084601
I was thinking, how many actions should we plan here?

Just to be sure, after using the catapult go man the remaining ballistae. If the second strike team can, let them bring 2 mega barrel bombs to use when the Yama Tsukami is binded.
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>>4084601
You think the geyser is strong enough to lift a Mega Barrel Bomb?
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>>4084709
No, but we can try. Just need the Rath's out of the way first, a fireball will make us go KABOOM. Oh, remember >>4082735
>not to scale
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>>4084721
Well no, the trees weren't to scale. I think we should put that mega barrel over the geyser in a way that still allows us to trigger the hazard. We still need to knock the Rathalos out of the sky too. I forgot if flash pods worked on an enraged Rathalos because I hate Raths.
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>>4084570
>>4084601
Let's go with this plan. They could probably drag that mega barrel on the south end after the Raths are dealt with.
>>
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"You, you, with me!" You say as you point over the nearby Mega Barrel Bomb. "Ingot, go get on the ballista and grab the binder, only shoot when Rathalos has been taken down. Do some damage in the meantime."

"Aye aye!" He calls, running over to the ballista setup with the Blackveil Hazak Hunter.

"You two, go help take down that Rathalos!" You say to the Brachydios and Zinogre Hunters.

Digging your fingers underneath the metal, you began to uplift the Mega Barrel Bomb along with the Kulu Huntress and Dober Hunter, working in unison to guide each other's steps towards the catapult. The Dober Hunter took the majority of the weight onto himself as he held the top of the barrel, you and the Kulu Huntress carrying it from the side.

You came over and placed the Mega Barrel Bomb into the bomb catapult with the others. You looked over as they positioned it and saw Yama Tsukami suck up a small tree which he fired back out at the Rathian, tripping her and allowing the Velkhana and Diablos Nero Hunter's enough time to finish her off.

"Catapult ready!" The Kulu Huntress informed you.

You turned around and went over as Yama's backside was pelted with bolts by the Ingot Hunter as you instructed. With your carving knife, you slashed the rope holding the catapult and let the Mega Barrel Bomb fly through the air, exploding into Yama Tsukami's back and staggering the massive Elder Dragon, dealing 150 points of damage. It spun around in a rage and then did something you didn't expect from it.

Yama sucked up two of the Mega Barrel Bombs near it on the ground and caught the explosives in it's teeth. You saw it aim for the Ingot Hunter, much to his misfortune.

He looks up, taken by surprise from the sight as he picked up the one shot binder and jumps from the platform with the Blackveil Hazak Hunter just before Yama spits the barrels their way, destroying the emplacements and collapsing the ruins platform.

Not letting the chance slip by, the Teostra Hunter fired his own cannon at Yama, dealing out 1150 damage to the green giant. Yama began to fly away at it's top speed, leaving back out to the fifth Sector and you shouted to follow it.

Everyone quakes as Rathalos unleashes a piercing cry of utmost anger upon realizing the death of his mate, but as he flied there, he bumps into Yama, who smacks him back with a limb just over the geyser below, which was triggered by the Huntsman striking it. Rathalos is stunned by the high pressure of the boiling water and falls down to plug the geyser, dazed by it.

"Onward! To the main Sector!" The Sapphire Star yelled as he charged after Yama with his teammates following, abandoning the Rathalos there.

You and your teammates moved to follow as well, but as you did, Rathalos recovered all of a sudden from pure anger alone and took back to the air, following Yama Tsukami in a blind rage itself, blasting fireballs into it's back.
>>
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Finally, the last Sector had been reached. There were multiple temple platforms about with four cannons and seven different ballistae. With this much firepower, Yama Tsukami could finally be driven back easily!

However, there were a few problems present as well.

The Rathalos was now turning it's attention back onto the Hunters after Yama swipes it to the ground with another strike. Perhaps he realized he can't defeat Yama after all.

What's more, that Qurupeco returned! And the thing summoned a Diablos with it's mimicry! That Diablos could easily fell the ruins if it charged into any of them! It needed to be dealt with.

There were a number of special tar bombs over to the far west, and a catapult to launch them with. These tar bombs contained a sticky substance that could restrain monsters like vine traps for a while if they got caught in it.

The Legiana Huntress apart of your team you sent to resupply was there too, with a larger pouch of Tranq Bombs thankfully, she looked on at the situation with confusion however.

This was the final bout in the field. Everyone had some Slinger Bombs dropped from Yama Tsukami as well.

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 2910

Yama Tsukami seems resolved to defend it's turf. It will attack everything indiscriminately.

+==============+

Team:

You. (Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Healthy)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Healthy)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Healthy)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Healthy)
Zinogre Hunter. [Mightning (HBG)] (Healthy)

The Star's Team:

The Sapphire Star. [Taroth Hammer Sleep (HA)] (Absolutely Healthy)
The Huntsman. [Wyvern Blade Holly (LS)] (Healthy)
Diablos Nero Hunter. [Thanatos Force (CB)] (Healthy)
Velkhana Hunter. [Wise Fylos (IG)] (Healthy)
Tzitzi Hunter. [Blinding Blaze (LS)] (Healthy)
Teostra Hunter. [Teostra's Medal (SNS)] (Healthy)
Blackveil Hazak Hunter. [Deathlance Vaal Spysa (GL)] (Healthy)

+==============+

Yama Tsukami was floating upwards, preparing to quake the entire field with a hard drop attack.

What will Freelancer's team members do? What will the Sapphire Star's team members do?
>>
Is there any way we could get the diablos to charge Yama? Perhaps, if we could somehow tar the mountain to the ground, Diablos could be prompted.
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>>4084827
We need those "small" monsters out of the area or dead, the Yama is the most dangerous monster here. Try to get the Diablos to fight the Yama or at least distract it (when this go awry proceed to kill) Have the Ingot hunter bind the Yama Tsukami before iot can atack, then shoot the fucker, also search for more binder shot's.
Freelancer, Ignot and Kulu man the northern Siege emplacements, the Biwguns support the hunters shooting at the Rathalos/Diablos (as far away as they can) then the Yama, have the Legiana shoot Tranq the Yama as much as she can when theres nothing to support. The Brachydios and Dober hunters kill off the Rathalos.

For the second strike team just the Tzi tzi and Teostra hunters ti try and use the tar bombs or the south emplacement. The Sapphire star and co. kill/scare off the Diablos and 'peco. Ideally have all the siege encampements firing everything at the end. Of course, when all those "small monsters" have been deal with, use all the binders and Tar bombs to keep the Yama Tsukami stationary.
>>
Taking initiative at the same time as the Star, you and him both gave out orders and rushed into the thick of it together.

At your command, the Ingot Hunter ran to find a ballista around the field, firing his one shot binder at Yama Tsukami and restraining the Elder Dragon before jumping off to go find another. Meanwhile the Tzitzi and Teostra made a run for the tar bombs, loading and firing them from the catapult at the Star's direction.

You went as fast as you could with the Ingot Hunter and Kulu Huntress, climbing up to occupy the northernmost batteries to begin loading the cannons. The Zinogre Hunter meanwhile went off as you told him to, coming underneath to fire at the Rathalos with the Legiana Huntress backing him up. With Yama Tsukami so high into the air, her Tranq Bombs couldn't reach it yet.

But as the last tar bomb was launched, covering Yama Tsukami's back and limbs, limiting it's movement, it went down faster until the Ingot Hunter was able to land another one shot binder into it, holding it at just the right height. This allowed for the Legiana Huntress to begin spending her Tranq Bombs on Yama Tsukami, firing them in excess.

The Qurupeco ends up getting gored by the Diablos it itself summoned and there is a rumble between them as it tries to fly away. The Rathalos takes notice of the Diablos and makes an attempt to attack it as he flies down, but this gives an opening for the Huntsman, who allows the Star to throw him, elevating him high enough that he is able to slash the neck of the wyvern, felling him to the ground.

Working together, the Brachydios and Dober Hunters are able to help the Huntsman finish off the Rathalos as the Diablos bucks around with the Star evading it's horns.

All around the arena, others position themselves to load and prepare their cannons, readying to fire the finishing volley at Yama Tsukami. The Zinogre, Diablos Nero, Velkhana and Blackveil Hazak Hunters all mount their own emplacements and turn them.

After sustaining and inhaling enough Tranquilizer powder courtesy of the Legiana Huntress, Yama Tsukami finally falls to the ground!

Just as planned!
>>
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Well, almost just as planned...

Yama Tsukami's fall ended up trapping others.

The Legiana Huntress is helpless as Yama's right forelimb pins her to the ground, covering all but her flailing arms and legs.

The body of the Yama Tsukami as well overtakes the Brachydios and Dober Hunters, the Huntsman too. They are smothered by it's foliage and a limb wrapping around them all.

The Diablos is stuttered on it's feet by the fall, but remains out of the way. The Star becomes lodged right underneath the base of Yama's leftmost back limb however. Worse yet, Yam Tsukami purposely lifts that limb and folds it over it's back to reveal the upper half of the Star, which the Diablos seems focused on trying to bite out with some difficulty because of it's horns rutting against Yama's arm.

This Elder Dragon fell, but Elder Dragons are intelligent. Yama is intentionally trapping them underneath itself, because it knows they'll be caught in the fire if the cannons light it up...

"Freelancer!" The Velkhana Hunter shouted across the field.

"WHAT NOW?!" Came the Blackveil Hazak Hunter next.

If the cannons are fired, those trapped underneath Yama will be potentially harmed by it as well. But if the cannons don't fire, Yama could try anything again once it regains it's levitation.

There was only a single one shot binder left, right around where you stood. Yama had already broken out of the rest.

If Yama uplifts itself, the Diablos there will be able to get any of the others, and shooting at it instead will cause it to charge one of the platforms, which will knock it over.

The only cannons on sight were with you, the Kulu Huntress, the Zinogre Hunter and the Diablos Nero Hunter.

....What is your call? Will you risk fatally wounding the others to finish Yama Tsukami's Endurance? Or will you allow it the chance to rise and fight again to save them?

Your word would move anyone here as you wished at this very moment.
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>>4084962
Ah fuck - and holy shit I thought that rathalos sprite was silver Rath for a sec.

>If Yama uplifts itself, the Diablos there will be able to get any of the others, and shooting at it instead will cause it to charge one of the platforms, which will knock it over.
Diablo Nero hunter - fire at diablos to distract. I can /assume/ he has some experience fighting diablos, aye?

>There was only a single one shot binder left, right around where you stood. Yama had already broken out of the rest.
Use this to distract Yama as it rises, allowing others to escape.
Capitalize on distracted Yama with cannon barrage.

Tzitzi and Teo - assist in freeing the pinned lads (should they need it) as Yama rises.
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>>4084962
Supporting >>4084991. It isn't the most optimal solution but it will have to do
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>>4085008
I'm open to better ideas - though I won't be awake to see em'
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>>4084962
Another reference, the hunters on the siege emplacements (clockwise) are:
>Northwest Ignot and us
>Diablos nero suthermost
>Velkhana south southeast
>Blackveil Hazak southermost from the eastern emplacements
>Zinogre little north from the Hazak (the blue armor)
>Tzitzi, Teostra and Kulu huntress northeast.

I suggest Having the Zinogre hunter fire and distract the diablos, have the Teostra, Tzitzi and Hazak hunter deal with that. Velkhana help the star, we (Freelancer) shall try to help the Legiana huntress and the others, meanwhile the Diablos nero needs to charge and try to help those under the Yama. Also, have the Kulu huntress and Ignot to fire the ballistae and to time the "rescue" with a fast binder.
I'm expecting the Tsukami to trow the Sapphire star somewhere.

Oh and Level, keep in mind that not all the players know about MonHun, they're working blind. Yes, I know, but that's /qst/ in general.
>>
"You there! Over at the southern cannon! Fire at the Diablos! Then deal with it!" You shouted.

"Gladly!" The Diablos Nero Hunter's response came before he triggered his fuse, firing his sum of five cannonballs at the Diablos. The sandborne wyvern was stunned, hurt immensely by the blasts before being blown back completely. You watched as the Diablos Nero Hunter hopped down and ran it's way on foot. The Diablos overturned and tried to charge, but was rebutted, the Diablos Nero timing his swing and delivering his Super Amped Elemental Discharge into it's face.

The Teostra and Tzitzi Hunters got back into the fray as well, going to assist as Yama began to arise again, let down and go of the others as it tried to ascend fast.

You wouldn't let it get the chance to. You made for the one shot binder and threw out the rest of the ammo from the nearby ballista, loading it and shooting it up into the bottom of Yama's stomach just before he could get too high up. The Elder Dragon was inconvenienced by this, wiggling in the air to try and loosen itself free.

You nodded over to the Ingot Hunter, and then waved across the field to the Kulu Huntress and Zinogre Hunter.

"FIRE!"

And so they did. All three of pushed the cannon barrels upwards and fired.

You watched intensely as the cannonballs flew up through the air at the struggling from of Yama Tsukami. You watched as three of the Zinogre Hunter's cannonballs hit their marks against Yama's back, two missing. All but one of the Kulu Huntress' cannonballs hit Yama as well, but to your horror, only one of the Ingot Hunter's cannonballs hit, the last four flying right over and near the base of the ruins hosting the Kulu Huntress.

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Endurance: 190

A tremendous 2000 damage was dealt to Yama's Endurance bar.

+==============+

Yama finally broke free just then and you grabbed ballista ammo, shoving back into the nearby ballista and mounting it, aiming up at the floating giant.

Now you finished this!

One person roll a 10d5 to deal ballista damage!
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 3, 3, 2, 4, 4, 3, 4, 2 = 32 (10d5)

>>4086425
OMG, lol.
>>
Rolled 3, 3, 1, 1, 4, 3, 5, 2, 1, 4 = 27 (10d5)

>>4086425
RATATATATA
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>>4086425
>delivering his Super Amped Elemental Discharge into it's face
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Yama Tsukami was hit by your last attack and the Elder Dragon ceased it's ascent as the last bolt embedded itself into it's deflated stomach.

Yama Tsukami limbs writhed in the air and it opened it's mouth.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMM!"

For that moment, everyone fell back and scrambled to their legs, even the Diablos below becoming unbalanced as the roar of Yama Tsukami blasted everything with it's booming power.

The giant Elder Dragon floated towards the main temple and began to fly up along it, retreating to the top where it made it's home.

"Yama Tsukami has been driven back! Phase one of the siege has been achieved! Now, all Hunters report to the main temple atrium to resupply whatever you need. It's time to finish Yama Tsukami off!" You heard the Commander as he shouted across the field again.

The Tzitzi, Zinogre and Teostra Hunters all moved, but not to pursue Yama, rather to help Diablos Nero take care of the Diablos.

Everyone else rush to the main temple door and you found yourself running alongside the Sapphire Star himself. He turns his head your way and nods approvingly before hopping the steps.

Now, the real fight would begin.
>>
Coming back inside the atrium of the main temple mount, you saw the gunner group rushing up a pathway to the next floors just as both strike teams entered. There were some trunks nearby full of provisions, any conceivable one you could think of right now.

There were demondrugs, flash pods, potions, antidotes, energy drinks... everything.

Now was your time to grab something if you wanted. The others already were.

https://monsterhunterworld.wiki.fextralife.com/Items

>Stock up on provisions of your choice.
>We need none. Let's us head up for the final bout.
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>>4086545
>>Stock up on provisions of your choice.
Restock Mega potions, grab a Demon powder (or the like), nullberries and Lifpowder. Maybe a Energy drink or dash juice if were tired, I guess not.
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>>4086545
>>4086559
Take a couple Whetstones, while we're at it.
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>>4086559
Ancient Potion and Max potions as well, don't forget to drink a demondrug and a armordrug.
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>>4086593
I want to bring bombs but am afraid that would backfire.
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>>4086559
AAHH, Flashpods! I forgot the Flashpodsss!
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>>4086425
Hurrah, my plan worked!

> the Diablos Nero timing his swing and delivering his Super Amped Elemental Discharge into it's face.
VERILY!

>>4086536
>"OOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMM!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz-zNJ8Lh3Q
>>
Gonna make a character sheet.
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>>4086662
Ok, we'll be here.

>>4086608
>>4086614
Vote nigga, vote for what you want!
>>
Character sheet.
https://pastebin.com/tEiVJgb1

Includes all the items gathered before the trunks exhausted. Might or might not add materials at a later date.
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>>4086680
>Arch Enemies
>RUINERg
I FUCKING KNEW IT WAS A BAD IDEA TO SHOOT HIM BUT YOU DIDN'T LISTEN
>>
>>4086680
Next up: pissing off Alatreon, White Fatalis, and Valstrax
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>>4086688
Variety is the spice of life. Steel spikes burrowing new orifices into every square inch of your body? Variety.
>>
I'm surprised Akantor isn't on the shitlist.
>>
You hastily rummaged through the trunks to grab what you could from them as the others began to leave. You pocketed quite a lot of new things, filling your Tool belt out as you turned around and looked throughout the chamber.

There was a massive metal door sitting most prominently at the end of the chamber, sealed tightly. Besides that, you seen two pathways curving up and so ran up them alongside the Blackveil Hazak Hunter and Legiana Huntress who also finished their resupply.

You went through the winding corridors of the temple of Tilokpia. It's interior was unlike anything you had ever seen before, elaborate walls of fine stone, silver and smooth granite surrounded you at any given time. The place was to say the least labyrinthian in design. It surely must have surpassed Astera in size, you felt like you were running forever.

The place was filled with little decoration, there was always either carved statues of figures you didn't recognize in humanoid shapes, or art depicted upon the walls with colors thinner than paints that seemed to echo more humanoid figures on them, along with draconic forms.

This place was weird, but at least now after drinking an energy drink, you were finally reaching the top. with the others.

You looked out all around the very top of the temple. It was wider here than the field down below where Yama Tsukami was finally driven off at.

There was some evidence of a glass roof here, as you saw broken shards of it along the edge to a massive open ring in the top of the temple's roof. The black here there was more than large enough for Yama to fit through as well.
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On the other far side of the circular roof, you saw the massive prototype ballista standing tall. The 'super ballista' sported a rod as large as a Dragonator in it, covered from one end to the other with blades and spikes. That was a weapon meant to kill Elder Dragons, no doubt. It would be the device of which Yama would fall this day.

You saw engineers of the second fleet rushing past, fleeing the way the Hunters came as the Second Fleet Master appeared, walking around the arena's length with the Commander fast.

"Alright lads! The thing is ready to go! It should be very capable of resisting whatever Yama can throw at it! The firing sequence takes a while because of how we've designed the mechanisms. Only use it after softening Yama's hide from above. And remember you lackdogs, it needs ten minutes to shoot after being activated, don't let Yama get out of sight or else you'll have to kill em' the old fashioned way!" The SFM shared his tips with everyone before making out of sight.

The Commander stood there for a second and then calmly nodded, trusting everyone to be able to get this done. He walks off.

You turned as you heard a call and saw the gunner group there, all of them with their bowguns. They were standing on top of higher rises in the structure and setting up.

"Oi! You lads just give the signal and we'll begin bombarding Yama!" One of them says.

The Star drew his hammer and walked closer to the edge, giving everyone a sign by spinning his finger.

"The time is now!"

Everyone drew their weapons and spread out across the ringed arena, moving farther away from each other, to prevent any possible cluttering. You stayed where you were and drew your Gunlance, deeply inhaling as the temple around began to rumble...
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Rising up slowly from the darkness of the hole, the green giant elevated itself higher up until it came face to face with the Sapphire Star himself and stared the golden Hunter down with eyes of wrath.

OOOOOOOUUUUUUGHMMMM!

"HAVE AT YOU, ELDER!" The Star shouted back before he used the weight of his hammer's swing to propel himself, performing a backflip through the air to his feet as the whiskers of Yama Tsukami lashed at the ground he stood at.

"ATTAAAAAACK!" The Blackveil Hazak Hunter screeched next. You watched in amazement as he performed such a unique trick with his gunlance, blasting himself flying through the air at Yama's hide with it's wyvernfire attack, allowing him to latch onto the foliage and begin point blank shelling.

The Legiana Huntress didn't even need an order to know what to do, loading and firing her Freeze Ammo at Yama. The Elder Dragon began using it's large limbs to attack the floors around it, to which the Brachydios, Dober, Ingot and Velkhana Hunters responding to by coming over to soften them up with their combined attacks. The Huntsman began climbing a pillar so he could jump off at Yama.

The Sapphire Star sat still, charging his strength and preparing for an opening where he could land a decimating blow on Yama's head.

You looked over and saw two additional ballistae at the edge of the arena, near the super ballista. They had baskets of ballista bolts that seemed to have slinger bombs tied on.

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Health: 14733

267 damage dealt by other Hunter's combined assault.

+==============+

Yama was floating in reach, using it's limbs to the best of it's ability to kill everyone else with. You could easily reach them, or try for another body part.

>Imitate the Blackveil Hazak Hunter's trick and try to fly yourself to Yama's frontal lobe to attack.
>Help the others butter up the limbs with an all out attack of combined strength.
>Call for the gunner group to bombard Yama Tsukami.
>Write in.
>>
>>4086779
>Help the others butter up the limbs with an all out attack of combined strength.
We have to practice first that trick, better kep at what we know for now.
>>
>>4086779
>Help the others butter up the limbs with an all out attack of combined strength.
The temptation to rocket jump was high, but I endured.
>>
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+==============+

Team:

You. (Healthy)
The Sapphire Star. [Taroth Hammer Sleep (HA)] (Absolutely Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Wounded)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Wounded)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Wounded)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Woulded)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Wounded)
The Huntsman. [Wyvern Blade Holly (LS)] (Healthy)
Velkhana Hunter. [Wise Fylos (IG)] (Healthy)
Blackveil Hazak Hunter. [Deathlance Vaal Spysa (GL)] (Healthy)

+==============+

You weren't just going to stand around doing nothing any longer. You ran up and drew your gunlance, coordinating your attacks with the rest of the group onto Yama Tsukami's limbs as the Elder Dragon slammed them down repeatedly.

Though the Hunters are fast on all of their feet, the Yama is relentless as it tries it's best to squash everyone before it with it's two forelimbs and whiskers.

At one point, it spins around, dragging it's limbs across the floor of the arena, hitting multiple members of the party and wounding them under it's overwhelming strength. You manage to only get knocked down as you blocked with your shield. The Velkhana Hunter simply leaps over it with his Insect Glaive. And thankfully for the Sapphire Star, he was standing too far out of the way to be hit.

"Everyone! We must keep Yama's enmity on us, the Star is charging his nova! He must have time to complete it!" The Velkhana Hunter says. A few of your teammates seemed confused, but went along with it, trusting the word of the veteran.

Despite their damages, the Hunters resume their assault as Yama slams his two front limbs down so hard they embed into the stonework, keeping them in place.

The Blackveil Hazak Hunter was still shelling Yama from the side, while the Kulu Huntress was working up a healing song now. The Huntsman was about to make his running jump as well.

Yama's eyes lit up again with the yellow glow and it's dim red aura returned. It was focusing it's power and bundling it's gas for another infernal attack soon.

At that moment, you charged forward with the others. Everyone delivered a powerful blow together!


+==============+

Team Attack.

In the showdown phase of a siege, a Hunter group will have options for a combined attack to deal out massive damage to the enemy. This is determined by rolling 6s, and how many 6s depends on the number of attackers.

Right now, seven Hunters are attacking.

1s, 2s and 3s will deal reduced damage. (50, 100, 150.)
4s, 5s and 6s rolled will deal better damage. (150, 200, 300.)

+==============+
New tutorial added.

>Roll a 7d6 to determine the collective damage of each attacker.
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 2, 1, 5, 2, 3 = 19 (7d6)

>>4086839
Hack, Slash, Poke, Crush and Stab.
>>
Rolled 1, 3, 2, 2, 1, 4, 6 = 19 (7d6)

>>4086839
All Out Attack sound effect dot wmv
>>
Rolled 5, 1, 5, 1, 6, 5, 6 = 29 (7d6)

>>4086839
No mercy!
>>
The Huntsman jumps after a running start, he manages to leap with such distance that he lands a cutting blow right down the ridge of Yama Tsukami's two eyes, making the beast fume more angrily.

The Kulu Huntress releases a healing song, helping to mend some injuries, but only for a small amount of health. Most of the strike team members are still wounded by Yama's strike, the healing song is working on them slowly.

The Ingot Hunter hacks away with his axe, the Brachydios Hunter coming in beside him to deliver charged strike combos. Above, the Velkhana Hunter elegantly dove through the air, coming down to stab and slice at Yama's face with dance-like rhythms and motions as he twisted his body around before jumping back and collecting his Kinsect.

The Legiana Huntress wasted all of her freeze ammo and switched over to sticky ammo, pumping the top of Yama's mounds with them. The Dober Hunter runs in from behind you, going for Yama Tsukami's fingers in specific, pounding them with a charged big bang combo.

You stood at the center, shelling Yama and firing Wyrmstake rods before you stepped up to it's face and unleashed your Wyvernfire attack. Almost coinciding with yours, the crazed Blackveil Hazak Hunter blasts back off the the floor with his own into Yama's mounds, causing materials to sprout and fall from the fleshy spot.

"BEHOLD!" The Star said, running forward holding his hammer high with both hands. Everyone watched suddenly in amazement as the Sapphire Star strutted forward with a bluish glow surrounding him for the second.

He thrust his hammer down into Yama's face, striking a blow so powerful with it that the massive Elder Dragon was thrown back in the air and everyone else tripped from it! You see now why the Velkhana Hunter said what he said. The Star was truly amazing! What was this power he had...?!
>>
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+==============+

Yama Tsukami Health: 11433

1300 dealt by team attack.

2000 damage dealt by Star's Nova.

+==============+

You. (Healthy)
The Sapphire Star. [Taroth Hammer Sleep (HA)] (Absolutely Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Healthy)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Wounded)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Woulded)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Wounded)
The Huntsman. [Wyvern Blade Holly (LS)] (Healthy)
Velkhana Hunter. [Wise Fylos (IG)] (Healthy)
Blackveil Hazak Hunter. [Deathlance Vaal Spysa (GL)] (Healthy)

+==============+

Just then, Yama Tsukami suddenly changes his position in the arena. Everyone followed, but didn't expect it when Great Thunderbugs trapped them all against the wall from both directions!

>Call for the bombardment on Yama Tsukami now.
>Call for the gunner group to bomb the Thunderbugs.
>The team tries to do it's best to work against them alone.
>Everyone uses their clutch claw to grab onto Yama's hide and mount it. The Thunderbugs cannot move in the gas. But... we can, right?
>Write in.
>>
>Call for the gunner group to bomb the Thunderbugs.

The strike teams can't be paralized when the Yama is that close. Gunners and Gunlances shoot at the Thunderbugs, have the others keep punching the at the Tsukami.
>>
>>4086873
Supporting >>4086897
>>
>>4086873
>Call for the gunner group to bomb the Thunderbugs.

Yeah, those bugs need to be out of the way if we're going to bombard Yama, and giving the big squid even a moment to rest means it might slip away from the siege weapon. Thankfully, we've two gunlances and a bowgun. That should be enough to get at 'em. If needed, the Velkhana Hunter can also help leap up and smack them down.
>>
"With me!" You say, stepping near to stand with the Blackveil Hazak Hunter against your own incoming tide of Great Thunderbugs. You and the Blackveil Hazak Hunter wasted Wyvernfire blasts to blow back multiple Great Thunderbugs, firing shells through the air to displace them with the radiating current.

On the other side, the Legiana Huntress did her best to repel the other wave of the Great Thunderbugs with her spread ammo, having trouble due to the amount of them. Because of this, the Great Thunderbugs were able to swarm her with their electricity. The Dober and Kulu Huntress both came to try and help, but ended up paralyzed as well.

"Gunner group! Target the Great Thunderbugs! Everyone, take cover!" The Sapphire Star said, ducking for cover.

You obeyed and raised your shield above yourself as the other crouched down and waited.

"Heavy Bowgunners! Fire for effect!" The head of the gunner group said.

At his direction, the gunners with Heavy Bowguns all raised their barrels high and began to launch their mortars. The cluster bombs came down in pairs, exploding where they landed beneath the Great Thunderbugs on each side, dispersing the electrical swarm.

Major damage was taken by those being in the proximity of the bomb's explosions, but everyone was otherwise untouched.

The Great Thunderbugs scattered through the air. Yama Tsukami's humming guided them, forcing them flying over to form a line that blocked the path to the super ballista. Now they were out of reach of the gunner group, which had just began reloading.

+==============+

You. (Wounded)
The Sapphire Star. [Taroth Hammer Sleep (HA)] (Absolutely Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Healthy)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Fatally Wounded/Paralyzed)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Wounded)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Fatally Wounded/Paralyzed)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Fatally Wounded/Paralyzed)
The Huntsman. [Wyvern Blade Holly (LS)] (Healthy)
Velkhana Hunter. [Wise Fylos (IG)] (Healthy)
Blackveil Hazak Hunter. [Deathlance Vaal Spysa (GL)] (Healthy)

+==============+
>>
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"Watch out!" The Huntsman called then.

You stood and ran to dive while the others moved to evade.

Yama Tsukami uplifted itself upwards, reeling back before the colossal Elder Dragon threw it's whole body forward, dive bombing the ground of the arena with all of it's weight.

Everyone managed to get out of the way except for the poor Ingot Hunter. He was shoulder blocked hard by Yama's limb as the green giant came his way, throwing him back into the wall so hard he fainted from his intense injuries, the near death experience taking him out of the battle.

Luckily however, as Yama worked to try and loosen itself from the ground, ample time was given for five of the others to mount the Elder Dragon in order to attack it's top, vital mounds.

You, the Star and the Huntsman were able to climb up with the clutch claw, while the Velkhana Hunter jumped to Yama's head and the Brachydios Hunter appeared over the side using his own hands.

Now it was time to dish out extreme damage to Yama's weaker side!

+==============+

Ingot Hunter has carted.

+==============+

>Roll a 5d6 to put the hurt on Yama!
>His mounds take increased damage!
>>
Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>4088030
>Ingotbro has carted
fug
>>
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Rolled 1, 5, 4, 3, 3 = 16 (5d6)

>>4088030
SLAM THIS JACKASS INTO THE DIRT!
>>
Rolled 2, 4, 1, 3, 5 = 15 (5d6)

>>4088030
Wrong dice.
>>
Rolled 3, 1, 5, 5, 1 = 15 (5d6)

>>4088030
>>
Together, the five of the group mounting Yama attacked it's mounds with everything they had. Yama growled as the weapons cut through its' foliage and flaked away the hide and flesh of it's vulnerable mounds.

The Huntsman went away at the right one near it's head, unleashing his full Spirit combo. You targeted the leftmost mound, jumping up to bludgeon it with your bayonet before spilling shells into the hide. The Brachydios Hunter came in beside you, vaulting with his massive Dios Blade to bring the all of down into the mound.

The Velkhana Hunter released his Kinsect, a strange ethereal thing with a draconic face, to attack the Yama's head before he calmly walked over and stood above it's ridge. Gracefully, he knelt, and then unexpectedly he propelled himself up high into the air with a flash of aura. Falling back down with his Insect Glaive positioned, he landed again, driving it down so deep into Yama's scalp that the bottom of his hand was touching the greenery again. He pulls it out slowly, twisting it around as he does, making Yama's limbs spasm out of control and it's eyes roll in their sockets.

The Star trades places with the Velkhana Hunter next then, building his momentum as he lifted his hammer with one hand, encountering much difficulty from it at first. As though he was about to unleash a Super Amped Elemental Discharge with a Charge Blade, the Star held his hammer back as the strange glow he had before from his nova returned. He struck then, slamming his hammer down like a strike of lightning, producing a shockwave and sound that sliced everyone's eardrums.

Yama Tsukami had received lethal damage from the team attack and thrust upwards, throwing everyone off of it's back. Inflammation coursed through the body of the Elder Dragon as it's pores worked overtime to vent air. Yama opened his mouth again to inhale, everyone running out of the way as the burning gasses that flowed around Yama collected in it's mouth.

The giant Elder Dragon flew up, spinning around with all of it's limbs across the ground of the arena locally. It's limbs stretched out far enough that it was able to hit the Dober Hunter and Kulu Huntress, knocking them back with it's overwhelming strength. The two could not handle it, nor evade due to their paralysis.

Now, Yama floated away, going to the center of the roof's opening...
>>
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The gunner group all opened fire again as they could without heeding any order to, spending all of their cluster bombs and long ranged sticky ammo on Yama as the Elder Dragon positioned itself at the center of the roof, dealing more damage to it.

+==============+

Yama Tsukami Health: 8583

950 damage dealt by team attack.

900 damage dealt by gunner bombardment.

1000 damage dealt by Star's charged attack.

+==============+

You. (Wounded)
The Sapphire Star. [Taroth Hammer Sleep (HA)] (Absolutely Healthy)
Ingot Hunter. [Madness Axe (SA)] (Carted)
Kulu Huntress. [Thunder Gaida (HH)] (Carted)
Brachydios Hunter. [Dios Blade (GS)] (Wounded)
Legiana Huntress. [Frost Blitz (LBG)] (Fatally Wounded/Paralyzed)
Dober Hunter. [Baan Strike (HA)] (Carted)
The Huntsman. [Wyvern Blade Holly (LS)] (Healthy)
Velkhana Hunter. [Wise Fylos (IG)] (Healthy)
Blackveil Hazak Hunter. [Deathlance Vaal Spysa (GL)] (Healthy)

+==============+

Yama Tsukami was now building something up. It's pores began to spill out thrice as much of the burning gas now, and soon, it's pores were literally releasing jets of flame! Yama Tsukami opens it's mouth, burning gas spilling out. It clicks it teeth together, gnashing them until sparks are made, igniting the gas into a burning inferno in it's mouth.

It was preparing another infernal attack like the one you witnessed before, but you had the worrisome feeling it wasn't going to try slamming this time...

You looked and saw that everyone who could still fight was nearby the line of Great Thunderbugs which all sparked with intense electricity. They would not let anyone pass to the super ballista!

It seemed it was time to finally activate it after all, before Yama could release whatever it was building up to!

>It's time! We must run around the length of the arena to reach the super ballista!
>Though these Great Thunderbugs are adamant to deny passage, we must try our best to get around them!
>>
>>4088104
Rocket jump over da bugs.
>>
>>4088104
>Though these Great Thunderbugs are adamant to deny passage, we must try our best to get around them!
Let the Velkhana and Blackveil Hazak jump the thunderbugs. Meanwhile we need to try and cover them so. Distraction time throw what you can againts the bugs!

The SFM will take some time to fire 'tho. I will vote for a more defensive approach, but those carted/paralised can't defend themselves from this, apparently, arena wide atack. We NEED to stop the Yama Tsukami not just endure whatever the big floaty octopus is doing.
>>
>>4088104
>It was preparing another infernal attack like the one you witnessed before, but you had the worrisome feeling it wasn't going to try slamming this time
[Behemoth intensifies]

>Though these Great Thunderbugs are adamant to deny passage, we must try our best to get around them!
What a terrible time to have negative Thunder Res.
>>
"We must launch the super ballista now!" The Sapphire Star warned.

Across the arena, you saw the Legiana Huntress finally recover from being paralyzed and the Brachydios Hunter runs over to help. You wave to the two from afar and put your hands to your visor.

"Get the others behind cover!"

They perked their heads up and then ran together to collect the Ingot and Dober Hunter and Kulu Huntress to drag them behind one of the rises for safety.

You turned to the other veterans.

"It will take too long to run the ways around, we have to get past these Great Thunderbugs!"

"We can't do that! Even if we could jump over, they fly too fast! They'll intercept us!" The Huntsman argued back.

"Not to fear! Charon is on the case!" The Blackveil Hazak Hunter, apparently named Charon said, walking towards the Great Thunderbugs.

"You'll get paralyzed!" The Huntsman warned.

"I KNOW! HAH HAH HAH!"

This guy was a daredevil. He reels back with his Gunlance, sending himself forth into the air with a rocket jump using the Gunlance's blast. Immediately after, the Velkhana Hunter suddenly ran forward and jumped himself, gliding along with the Blackveil Hazak Hunter into the swarm of the Great Thunderbugs.

"We'll provide the way! Get through!" He said, descending downwards and swiping around. He and the Blackveil Hazak Hunter's both wailed around, swinging at the Great Thunderbugs as they could, distracting a good portion of them, but some remained where they were, blocking the path.

"Hrrrmmm.. I'm too old for this." The Huntsman says. He is the next to run into the fray, diving in with the others and poking up around at the Great Thunderbugs, catching the attention of the rest.

"No time to hesitate!" The Sapphire Star said, grabbing your arm and pulling you along as he ran.

You picked up the pace and went with him, jumping down and sliding across the floor past the others and the Great Thunderbugs as the insects began to paralyze them with electricity.

You wasted no time in climbing the armored construct with the Star. It was masterfully designed by the Second Fleet, using all kinds of strong materials to reinforce it. It was a structure held together by wood protected with thick slabs of iron that was yet plated by more eltalite and carbalite, and if the legs were to be of any tell, it was made for transportation as well.

It's bolt was in fact a massive javelin with tungsten as the base, dotted from head to back with blades like that of a Dragonator. It had two large blades sticking out of the top and bottom like wings, which worked to make it's aerodynamics function correctly.

The head of the super ballista was capable of turning in more than one direction and aiming high and low, cogs were fitted to allow for vertical and horizontal movement with hundreds of nuts to keep it's structure secure, and metal wires and ropes to help allow it's easy swivel. It was already leveled at Yama Tsukami, so all that needed to be done was fire it.
>>
Once you were at the 'cockpit' for the super ballista with the Star, you saw the controls for firing the thing. A large switch that needed to be pushed back into place and a release that moved at the push of a button controlling the metalwork of the receiver the javelin was loaded into.

The Star came over and put both hands on the switch, which was hard to move even for him.

"I'll prepare the firing sequence, you keep a watch!"

You nodded and went up near the front to look out back at Yama Tsukami. To your horror, you saw what the Elder Dragon intended.

It sucked up and inhaled all of the burning gas around it into it's mouth, pulling all of the flames from it's pores into it's mouth and clicking it's teeth to ignite them.

It was going to blow back a stream of fire!

The Star was done with the switch and came over to look. He stepped back and looked to you.

"The construct will endure, but it's flames will melt us!"

"What do we do then?!" You questioned.

The Star didn't respond. He simply grabbed your shield from your back and slammed it down, crouching behind it and bracing.

"We hold!"

You thought that was a crazy idea, but your shield was made to resist flames, so you saw his logic. You had no choice, Yama was about to unleash his full fury!

You knelt behind the shield and braced along with the Star, combining your strength with his to hold as the super ballista's stake began to pull back into place to be fired slowly. It would take ten minutes exactly, just as the SFM said.

All that could be done was to hold! This was it!
>>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCQHh9mv3u4
>>
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>>
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+==============+

Number to beat: 1600

>Roll a 1d1000 to survive!
>All rolls number's will be counted together. If the final number surpasses the one to beat, Yama's firelance is successfully endured.
>If failure is encountered, Freelancer and the Star will end up injured. Freelancer will also gain a permanent weakness to fire.

+==============+
>>
Rolled 233 (1d1000)

>>4088403
OH GOD OH FUCK
>>
Rolled 480 (1d1000)

>>4088403
I have got this
>>
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>>4088408
AAAAAAAA I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ENOUGH PLAYERS
>>
Rolled 72 (1d1000)

>>4088403
Lurker here to help
>>
Rolled 558 (1d1000)

>>4088403

AAA I M HEREW
>>
>>4088417
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZWFc7XOh7g
>>
>>4088403
>Freelancer will also gain a permanent weakness to fire.
but why
>>
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1343. We only need at least one more good roll or two bad ones to add up. I will count two more at maximum. This I command.
>>
Rolled 169 (1d1000)

>>4088403
>>
Rolled 17 (1d1000)

>>4088403
Hello, I was summoned to unfuck your shit.
>>
>>4088433
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
ENJOY THE BURNS
>>
FATE DECREES
>>
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>>4088433
>>
>>4088441
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u26WYI9oxoA
Artist's interpretation of what happens next.
>>
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>>4088433
Permanent burn scars, here we come.

>>4088426
I doubt even Hunter physiology can completely heal third-degree burns.
>>
Rolled 737 (1d1000)

>>4088403
OHHHHHHHH!
>>
Rolled 55 (1d71)

1529. Hmm.. Okay. I will have a small mercy. If my roll can get this to at least 1580, then the burn will only last a few months.
>>
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>>4088457
You my good man have earned this. cherish it always
>>
>>4088457
Just like a Palico.
>>
1584 decides it. The burn will be a weakness that lasts for two and a half months in fluff time.
>>
well shit I wasted a perfectly good pic for nothing then.
>>
>>4088457
>>4088461
>>4088464
>>4088468
Welp, I should pay more attention to my pc while hunting.
>>
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You pushed with all your might vigorously against the tide of flame washing over you. Yama Tsukami's trick was impressive, using and manipulating it's burning gas and ability to breath with the force of a storm like that. As a Moganer, this hit at home with you. It was like battling against a flying Ceadeus who wielded fire rather than the ocean. Not that you ever killed a Ceadeus, that was a tedious thing to do, but you have seen one before in your childhood, how rare that was.

The Star turned his head around around to look past his armor's golden mane. There was a ringing from the metal behind. The stake was nearly loaded and ready to go. The button to disable the release and let it fly was pushing up and down like a piston, working into place. It would need a strong hang to push it down.

Maybe it wasn't the wising thing to do either to look back like that. The Star's helmet was touched by flames pouring out from behind the shield and he seemed to overheat in his armor. He put up on hand to hold the shield with his foot and reached for his hammer.

"You'll... need this." He says.

The Star drops his hammer down and puts both hands back onto the shield. You make the foolish mistake of trying to peek out of the shield, and recoiled back instantly as the flames scorched your visor. You cringed in pain as the fire still had the burning gas lingering down it. You could do nothing as the gas dipped down over you, more of it coming from the edges of the shield. The burning gas set about sparks on the outside of your armor, and even worse it set pockets of fire off inside of your armor.

If you moved place now, the actual stream would incinerate you. You leaned in a way that both of your feet were scratching the padding of the deck you were on as you put your hands against your shield and kept the pressure on it. You gritted your teeth, doing your best not to scream.

The Star and you began to shift backwards despite your best efforts to hold now, and the shield was pushed back by the Firelance of Yama Tsukami concentrating on it.

Almost like Yama itself was ramming into that shield with all of it's weight, you and the Star were suddenly thrown back by a powerful surge just as the Firelance ended. The Star fell off of the super ballista and you were thrown rolling across the deck to hit the railing. You groaned and sat there, gasping to regain your breath. The fire inside your suit was still burning away at your hardened skin, it was agonizing and you wanted to moan in pain, but the voice left your throat.

It took everything you had to stand up and move again, going towards the Star's Hammer. You hear Yama Tsukami's gasses flowing again. It was readying to breath fire once again, but you ignored it as you stepped over and grabbed the Hammer by it's hilt.

You picked the Hammer up slowly. "Tell them..."

You held it over your shoulders and looked down over the release button. "... it was.... Gunlance Vance..."

"....WHO SENT YOU TO THE HEREAFTER!"
>>
>>4088531
>"... it was.... Gunlance Vance..."
>"....WHO SENT YOU TO THE HEREAFTER!"

epic
>>
>>4088531
Fuckin ace
>>
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Swinging down and beating the button in with the hammer, the release for the super ballista snapped off and in an instant, the Dragonstake javelin was sent flying off, hurling towards Yama Tsukami.

You think for a second as you looked back to see it closing in on the scalp of the Elder Dragon that you saw a glimmer of despair in it's eyes. Elder Dragons are intelligent, and you think it realized that it had failed to destroy it's invaders, and now it's fate was sealed, unlike those it fought hard against. It fought well, but the Hunters fought harder today.

The Dragonstake javelin howled in the short wind distance before it hit Yama Tsukami right above it's head. The blades of the thing churned in twisting circles as it dug into the body of the Elder Dragon, piercing far past even it's tough membrane. Yama was thrown back, hitting the edge of the hole in the roof before elevating higher, convulsing in pain as it's life rapidly faded.

The Elder Dragon's limbs wagged back and forth as it's mouth hung open, letting out one final cry before it finally fell out of the air, falling down into the hole and plummeting the bottom.

You felt the flames die out inside your armor and saw the Great Thunderbugs fly away in terror, fleeing at the death of their host.

You walked over and hopped down the super ballista, dropping the Star's hammer as you approached the hole and looked down. The sunlight shined to show a massive chamber, and you made out the outline of Yama Tsukami's now deceased form at the bottom, the Dragonstake javelin embedded in it's frontal lobe.

It was finally over. The siege operation was a success. Yama Tsukami had been hunted.
>>
....

"Marvelous..."

"Indeed."

"What could have driven it to do this?"

"It's a mystery... but you can tell it was dead set on it. These cracks are new. Whatever is down there, it really wanted to get it."

"Ach! Be careful with the Dragonstake you lack dogs!"

You looked up. There were scientists and workers about, many researchers examining both the surrounding vestibule and the body of Yama Tsukami. It had taken some effort, but the large doors you saw in the atrium were opened and everyone was able to enter this place which the sun shined into from the opening in the ceiling of the temple Yama fell down inside of.

The floor of this chamber had been caved in by Yama, the evidence was everywhere in here. The floor was not completely given away yet, but there was sinks around the middle from where Yama had been bashing into it with it's body. The researchers deduced in little time that it was undoubtedly Yama Tsukami, nothing else in Tilokpia could have done this. But just as a the researchers asked, why?

You were sitting on a stone, the Dragonstake had been carefully removed from Yama Tsukami's body and was being taken back up high by rope. The Commander and the Admiral were both present, as well as the Star who stood behind them and a Wyverian wearing a tattered cloak. They all seemed to be theorizing here, the fact Yama had did that the floor made them uneasy. The Commander's theory about late Crossing arrival was now null completely. Yama sought something, and whatever it was, it was underneath the floor.

It crossed a continent to get here for what it wanted to find, it wasn't here for the Crossing at all. The investigation only deepened. Now, it had to be found out what Yama sought, and the only way to do that was to breach this durable floor.

You saw your friends off to the side, they didn't notice you yet.

>Let's go talk with our friends.
>Let's go check out the floor and see what we can think of.
>Let's talk with the officers.
>Write in.
>>
>>4088567
>Let's go check out the floor and see what we can think of.
Didn't the First Wyverian mention a tower?
>>
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>>4088567
>Let's go check out the floor and see what we can think of.
Ye, we will get another little one.
>>
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Curiously, you stood up and walked over, gently pushing past two of the researchers as you came to the center of the vestibule. You stood right over the deepest sink in the gigantic crack which Yama Tsukami was trying to make.

"We've already looked it over, we couldn't find anything more, but you're free to look." The only archeologist on the research team tells you.

"Say, this material... it's not anything I know. What is it?" You ask.

"It might come as a surprise, it surely did shock all of us as well, but we found that the temple around is made purely out of Phantomcore." The second researcher says.

"Phantomcore...?"

"It's one of the strongest materials used by Hunters ever discovered in the whole world. Out everywhere else, it's an extremely rare thing to obtain. And yet, here we are standing in an entire temple complex made fully out of it!"

"Not just that, but the metal here as well is special. It's a steel compound, but not like the normal steel you might know. It's chemical properties and metallurgy is an exact match for that of Kushala Daora steel scales." The archeologist says.

"What?!" You say, shocked as you ran your finger over some of the cracked metal in the floor.

"Yes! Shocking isn't it?! This whole place is made so casually out of Phantomcore and Kushala Daora steel! I cannot help but feel this place was constructed by the fabled Ancients." The archeologist says, elated over it all.

Ruins of the so-called Ancient Civilization? Plausible, but those are still just figments of mythology, right?

You looked down and saw a specific little spot in the epicenter of the crack. It was no bigger than your pinky finger. A little tiny spot where a splinter of the floor was sinking down. Enticed by it, you prodded with your pinky to see what would happen. All it does is make that splinter fall through into a darkness below.

Boring you gue..

Wait, the floor is making noise now.

The two researchers are backing away and slowly you stand up and more people are drawn to the noise of stone shifting. The floor below you is sinking a bit further down. You nearly panic, but then it stops

You believe you are safe, but then your unluck finally catches up and the segment beneath your feet gives away, taking you under as you fall into a dark space far below hard.
>>
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"Freelancer!" You hear the Star call above. You see silhouettes above at the top of the breach, but nobody jumps in after. The hole is small and you barely fit through yourself, besides, it was so high up now that it looked to be like looking at the Canteen from the main gate to Astera.

"Are you okay down there?!" You hear the panicked voice of Atricia call from above.

You felt around, you were floating in water that you could make out thanks to your scoutflies flying above you. You paddled upwards and called back.

"Yeah! I'm alright! My fall was broken by water!"

"The ropes are all too short to send down, or too big to fit! You'll have to wait for us to help you!" You hear the archeologist call from above.

You weren't sure if you were about to wait for help, you just fell into a damn ancient temple's subterranean lower level. Whatever the hell Yama Tsukami was after was down here, and that could be anything.

You looked around. It was all darkness until you saw a faint green glow in the dark behind you, one lighting up an altar suspended in the air, one of gleaming Phantomcore and silver.

You paddled around until your hands found the edge of something to walk on. You pull yourself up and see you have found a platform with plenty of space. More of the Phantomcore architecture surrounded you, some things that looked to be displays and benches and a corpse to the right as well as silvery holders for candl...

Wait. Corpse?

Your scoutflies went back into your cage and the light from them illuminated something you saw over to the right. No fracking way! It was a fracking corpse! A... a corpse with mechanical parts and... human bones...?

You looked it over. It was a humanoid figure, it wore an exoskeleton of metallic armor plating that seemed almost alien in design to you. Underneath the plates, you saw machinery, intricate parts with human bones intertwined in the mix.

You could only describe it as being like... like a prosthetic maybe? This long dead person might have been modified even. The other arm had something like wires exposed from it, and the legs were missing. You saw some plates scattered about, blackened joints and metal parts coupled with them.

This was freaking you the hell out now.

You looked up ahead at that light you saw, it was blinking brighter and dimmer with each second that went by.

>Take the helmet off of the remains and examine it further.
>Try and find your way to reach the light you saw in the distance.
>Sit tight and wait for some help, you shouldn't go off into the dark alone.
>>
>>4088653
>Take the helmet off of the remains and examine it further.
>Try and find your way to reach the light you saw in the distance.
See what's inside and take the helmet. Emphasis in exploring. Gotta wake ancient-chan.
>>
>>4088642
>Phantomcore and Kushala Daora steel
. . . Just melt the place down and mass produce armor out of it. God damn.

>>4088665
Ditto this.
>>
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Daringly, you placed your hands over the helmet of the corpse and attempted to remove it. It would not budge, it was connected to the torso rig by these black metal parts that had strange shapes. You just could not understand how they worked.

You were forced to use your carving knife to pop them open, one after the other. When you were done, you found the tip of your carving knife was now fracking bent by! This stuff was strong.

The helmet was loose now, and it snapped off of the connecting pieces. Slowly, you lifted it off for a jawbone to drop out of it. You saw a skull hiding behind the helmet.

The bone was incredibly dated, but what caught your attention the most was the artificial pieces you found in it.

For starters, the sockets were not empty, they contained two things in them that seemed like eyeballs, they were almost glassy in how they looked and reflected light. You could barely make out some semblance of a pupil in them.

Next, you looked over something indented into the skull's cranium. It was a metal part that was driven in. It seemed more fragile, so you tried to pry it out. It pops out of the skull and you see it connected to something else in the inside by little red and blue wires. You lifted the skull up and tried to get the best looks you could.

You weren't positive, but you believed there was more machinery inside the skull itself. It did now occur to you that the base of the skull's top seemed to present evidence of being surgically opened before. What kind of sick, maddened tech horror was this individual subjected to in life? Was it by choice and consent? Or were they forced? Better yet, what was it all for...?

This technology, whatever it was, it all seemed so much more... advanced than anything else you've ever known of before in the Old World. Could the legends be true?

Well, you were about to find out more. You took the helmet and fastened it to your belt before moving towards the light you saw in the distance.

Out of the fog, more pathway appeared for you to traverse, eventually turned into steps as you walked through the darkness cautiously.
>>
>>4088694
Can we get a zoom on that emblem, for reference?
>>
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"Tens of thousands of years."

You stopped, looking up at the light you saw. A voice came from that way.

"For tens of thousands of years, these antediluvian walls have stood tall. Not time nor nature can ever taint it's condition. Even the fiercest of Wyverns present it no threat, this was a bulwark made to resist Dragons. The design shows much intelligence was funneled behind it's making, both form and function as well as aesthetic was held in mind when these walls were erected. And yet, this temple is mundane compared to anything else it's makers did make. To anyone of today, making a place like this would be a historical achievement for the ages.... but for the makers of this place, it was every other weekend."

"Is it not just the most beautiful sight you've ever beheld? It must be, you were born a spawn to simpleton fishers in a village of shoddy wooden shacks sitting upon a small rock in the sea."

You kind of wanted to spill out some curses at this voice now for insulting Moga like that, but you contained the urge to and simply continued moving on.

"Ahh, I should not prejudice, Humans today cannot help themselves. They are a shell of what they used to be.

There is some silence as you moved forward up the steps.

"Let us begin fresh. I will say, I have anticipated meeting you for a while. You are drawn into something bigger than you belong in, something which you have no business being apart of. The First Wyverian, one thousand curses upon his wretched kind, is to blame for that. He manipulated you, gave you directions to finding that Everwyrm which you should have either left be or destroyed. Shara is not your friend, and neither is the wretched prophet who spoke to you."

"He would have you think this is 'fate', and that you are destined for something great in the future, but that is not true, it is only wicked persuasion. You are a normal, and if you continue to heed the words of the First Wyverian, you will end up a casualty of these hidden events you should not know exist. You came to this world seeking fortune, did you not? It is not too late to return to that, to a peaceful life you are truly in control of. I can help you with that as well."

You reach the top of the steps and come to see a blinding green light. There is a dark, shadow cloaked figure standing there.

"You only need to hear me out. When I healed your spine and saved your life from Amatsu, I saw an innocent, fellow human in you, one who is aloof of the danger he is in. I am not an enemy, contrary to what the First Wyverian will try to tell you. I am a friend, and most importantly, I am just as Human as you. I am not some evil wizard like you must think, I am a crusader more like, and I champion only one thing; Mankind."

".....Are you an Ancient....?" You ask.

"Yes. I am apart of the people who ruled the world."
>>
>"What is your name?"
>"You know you speak of how great this place is, but to be honest? It's kind of mediocre."
>"What do you want?"
>"Alright, I'll bite. How can you help me if the First Wyverian is really my enemy here?"
>"That corpse back there.... what's with all of that...?"
>"Yama Tsukami was after you, wasn't it?"
>"So the myths about the Ancient Civilization are true, aren't they? How did your Civilization vanish then if they're so powerful?"
>Ask the Ancient something.
>Write in.
>>
>>4088714
Ancient. Prideful. Vengeful. Three ingredients to a cunt.
>I am a crusader more like, and I champion only one thing; Mankind
Past tense, I imagine. We are effectively dealing with a juiced up Grim Biologist - approach with absolute caution.

I vote:
>"What do you want?"
Mainly because with these folks, if you give them opportunity to talk about themselves, their goals, whatever, my god they will. The issue will be getting him to shut up, I imagine.
>>
>>4088714
>"What do you want?"
>>
>>4088714
>"What is your name?"
>"Yama Tsukami was after you, wasn't it?"
>"So the myths about the Ancient Civilization are true, aren't they?
>"How did your, our Civilization vanish then if they're so powerful?"
>Write in
"The others will be here momentarily, I suppose you want to stay hidden so there's little time."
>"What do you want?"

Establish a common ground and ask what we want to know. Then ask the important thing, where do he stands in respect at the "new humanity"? And last and way more important, what do he want?

If he want to help humanity and does not, try aggressively, to detach his civ from our civilization we can help him. I mean he's, supposedly, the "champion of mankind", we are part of mankind. Take a look at what petty humans do, they murder his fellow for pleasure or "profit", for arbitraty definitions of gain that had naught to do with survival. If this ancient is not just a sadist, we can work with him.

Remember what the first wyverian told us, fear and doubt still lie heavy in his heart. Tell him that we want to help because the greater struggle is always out there and the joy, hate, love and anger is to be human. It is to be true to your nature.

I can type some speech, but I'm more sleep than man, again.
>>
Poleman is that you?
>>
>>4088825
You talking to me? Sorry pal but I dunno who this 'Poleman' person you speak of is. Sounds like a hick who lives in the woods though.
>>
>>4088714
>>4088755
Honestly I'm in the position of asking as much as we can get away with, like this fellow here.
>>
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>>4088847
your art style is strickingly simliar to that of poleman
>>
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You blink. In an instant, the Ancient before you is gone. You grew wary at that and stepped forward to look for him, but then you realized the trick here all too well and turned to see him standing there, tapping his cane against the floor. All around you, you feel and see Bioenergy in the air. It's like you stepped into a whole new realm turning around, and you can see the Ancient's features better now. They wore a black cloak, and silvery armor like that of the corpse you saw before.

"...What do you want...?" You asked.

"You know how the... "myth" goes. There was a conflict between old Man and Dragon. It ended with the devastation of both when the Ancestor did finally take up arms. Yet, we Ancients did not last after the war's end, I am the only one left. Mankind went on, but not as it's true self anymore. The Elder Dragons meanwhile, found prosperity again eventually, and then dominance over the world. Mankind is lucky to even be around anymore, thought that is owed to the Ancestor's weakening. What do you think an Ancient such as me desires?"

"...."

"It is simple. I desire a world without Dragons, where Mankind can reclaim it's rightful place as the rulers of everything there is."

"As well, I possess the method for making that into reality. Elder Dragons come with my resurfacing for myriad reasons. Some, such as the Yama Tsukami came because they were drawn to the enormous signal of Bioenergy, which fluctuates under the continent, throughout the Earth. Some more on the other hand come because they are compelled by the threat I present their legacy. They come to try and stop me, because my method would mean their final defeat, and erasure from the world. They hate the idea of Man ever standing higher than them, again."

"...What is your name...?"

"You know me as the 'Primeval Man'. I do not like being called by a title, I have a name too, much like anyone else."

The Ancient before you bows his head before looking up at you and placing his hand on his chest.

"My name is Zuhramon."

"....Why do you have a cane?"

Zuhramon glances over his cane and then tilts his head at you.

"That is like asking a person, 'why wear a hat?'. It is just a device for decoration, nothing more. Why do you have a necklace on?"

How did he know you had a necklace on under your armor...?

"Now, silly questions aside. Are you willing to hear me out for how I can help you?"

>"How can you help me?"
>"What's your 'method', Zuhramon?"
>"How could you have survived when the rest of your people perished?"
>"Who is the 'Ancestor' you mentioned?"
>"Why do you only mention Humanity? You haven't even mentioned Wyverians or Lynians in all this history you speak."
>Write in.
>>
>>4089818
>"What's your 'method', Zuhramon?"
>"How could you have survived when the rest of your people perished?"
>"Why do you only mention Humanity? You haven't even mentioned Wyverians or Lynians in all this history you speak."
>>
This is a 3 questions deal, isn't it?
>>
>>4089971
Yes
>>
>>4089990
Alright.

>>4089818
>"What's your 'method', Zuhramon?"
>>
>>4089992
No not like that, your first post is still valid. I should've said three questions per update.
>>
>>4090001
Oh, then
>>4089818
>"What's your 'method', Zuhramon?"
>"How could you have survived when the rest of your people perished?"
>"Who is the 'Ancestor' you mentioned?"
I think my first post would've ended questioning there.
>>
>>4089818
>"What's your 'method', Zuhramon?"
>"How could you have survived when the rest of your people perished?"
>"Why do you only mention Humanity? You haven't even mentioned Wyverians or Lynians in all this history you speak."

you are poleman
>>
>>4089818
>"What's your 'method', Zuhramon?"
>"How could you have survived when the rest of your people perished?"
>"Who is the 'Ancestor' you mentioned?"
>>
"What is your 'method' exactly? You don't make it seem like anything good."

"Of course not. Humans today are so distant from their origin, they could see the things we Ancients did for mere entertainment, and they would scream that it is atrocity. In our days, we would watch captive Elder Dragons fight to the death in colosseum. There were so many back then that we used them as material to build towers and weapons and armor. People today carry after us in that regard somewhat."

"I will not lie, my method may be harsh, but for the reward in the long run, it will all be entirely justified."

You cocked your head at the Ancient as he began to circle around with you.

"My method is to activate and use the single last and greatest invention of my people, a grand device that I acted as director over, something I myself helped to create shortly before our end. I call it the Throne Tower. That is all you need to know."

"You're not holding out on me. If you want me to consider you, you have to tell me what it does."

"It is advanced technology and science. You would not understand. My creation is a world engine, it is powered by antimatter and Bioenergy. With it, I would be able to raise the power needed to not only destroy all Dragons, but guide Humanity back to it's true form as well. And maybe, just maybe, I might be able to finally solve the problem the Ancestor presents as well."

"...Ancestor?"

"The primogenitor of Dragonkind."

"You mean what all other Elder Dragons descended from?"

Zuhramon nods silently before turning away.

"The Ancestor was once a peaceful being who watched over his kin, but our dominance over them would change his heart for the worst of ways. We were winning the war against the Dragons until the day the Ancestor was finally consumed with hatred towards us. It forgot peace and stepped in, and our downfall began."

"The Ancestor Dragon was as a Pale God. It wielded otherworldly powers that even we did not grasp. Our whole civilization was single-handedly wiped out by it after the rest of Dragonkind was nearly extinct. However, killing all of us was still yet a taxing task even for the Ancestor, and so much like Humans today, that Pale God is weakened as well. I would see it finished off."

"It never ceased attempting to destroy Humanity despite growing older and weaker. From it's own body, it created extensions of itself that wield it's power, and it's same hatred for Mankind. You might know these extensions by the names..."

Zuhramon taps his cane.

"Fatalis... and the Black Dragons."

You choked up hearing that. You failed to see why he would tell you something like that so casually, but then you understand. This man was truly an Ancient, he must by now have lived long enough that he simply sees no reason to hide anything like it.
>>
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"I... I see.... But... but wait!"

"Hm?"

"How can you still be here?" You asked, stepping closer and pointing.

"How could you have survived when you say the rest of your people died? You're the only Ancient left? There aren't anymore? At all?"

"Not everyone in my society endorsed these enhancements." Zuhramon says. He opens his cloak and shows you his body. It seems like he's almost all machine, much like that corpse you saw back there.

"As a technophile, you might say, I was crazy for the things we were getting ourselves into late in our history. We could outright store our consciousnesses into eternal metal. We had so many different advances..."

"...Like...?"

"We followed the science of eugenics. Humans were all born and bred selectively to ensure only the greatest of any batch rose from their vats and wombs. We dabbled with genetic science to enhance our traits, our innate strengths and intelligence. We could heal anything with the understanding we had over cellular rejuvenation...."

Zuhramon begins walking closer, holdings his arms out.

"We have built peaks that eclipse any mountain, pierce through the clouds and the heavens! We could fly like any Dragon! Move across the world in near instants! We built cities to support billions! We could reach our planet's core! We walked on the moon! We weren't gods... we were MANKIND!"

"Could you ever bring yourself to say you wouldn't want the glory we once had back?! Ahh.... I am getting too far off topic..."

"Yeah... no kidding..."

"Ahmm.... I survived because of suspended animation."

"What, you were frozen in ice or something?"

"More like encased in metal, at the bottom of the sea in a facility that was long destroyed by the Dragons by then. I was in something we called stasis. I knew the end was near in those closing days, so I planned out for the future instead."

Zuhramon sighs behind his helmet. "It wasn't the most enjoyable experience, having to rise up to the surface from over ten thousand meters below. I must have been awake for fifty seven or so years searching for where in the world my Tower was hidden at. It took a while, but here I am now on the path to success."

You didn't know what more to say now. Instead, you just nod as Zuhramon steps closer.

You watch sharply as he raised his hand at you.

"Now then, enough questions. I have a small request of you. Shake my hand, that is it."

>Oblige the Ancient and shake his hand.
>Back away slowly. You don't trust him.
>Write in.
>>
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>>4090268
>Oblige the Ancient and shake his hand.
Bad idea.
>>
>>4090268
>"What about the Wyverians and Lynians?"
inb4 "what about them"
>>
>>4090332
It would probably be the same end result as just backing away but I wanted to clarify.

>>4090314
Think about how the Creepy Biologist was treating Tabitabi, Shara and that Sand Barioth, then multiply it exponentially. Why would we readily accept someone like that?
>>
>>4090268
>Back away slowly. You don't trust him.
>"And what about the Lynians and Wyverians? You haven't mentioned them."
The first wyverians warned us about this dude, and they haven't steered us, the Sapphire Star, or anyone else wrong yet.
>>
>>4090268
>>Oblige the Ancient and shake his hand.

well I am sure that poleman would put in a trap option but i love danger so lets do it.
>>
>>4090268
Count me as a vote for >>4090374 as well, due to similarity.
>>
>>4090347
>Think about how the Creepy Biologist was treating Tabitabi, Shara and that Sand Barioth, then multiply it exponentially. Why would we readily accept someone like that?
It's not about what the Grim biologist was doing, but that the GB was first being a sadist and then trying to justify it. From what little we know about this Zuhramon hes going againts something worst than just the hubris of humanity. Again, I think he's lying, but I'm a player, Vance just know that is him (the ancient) or a black dragon.
>>
>>4090416
He still strikes me with the same "because I can" attitude as Grimbo. Mainly because he can. That's why I want to ask about our non-human sapient friends like Vivi.
>>
>>4090268
>Back away slowly. You don't trust him.
>"What about the Wyverians and Lynians?"
I'd rather not drop kick our lil' Shara, if possible. Please and thank you.
>>
You do not account for Zuhramon's hand. You instead stepped back, and he seemed confused by it, the green lighting of his helmet blinking on and off.

You continued backing away and raised your finger.

"You only talk about Humans. What of the Wyverians? The Lynians?"

Zuhramon lowers his hand and sighs.

"I knew this one was coming. This is the one thing I am counting on here to ruin any chance I have of enlightening you on the truth. I really, really wish you would have asked me this later."

"You're leaving something out on purpose. What is it?" You demanded.

"Hm hm hm... Very well, you want to know the truth then behind those two? I will tell you. It's because they came after Mankind. They had no hand in any of the Ancient Civilization's achievements. Wyverians in specific however, appropriate them, and conceal all information about us there is. The ability to forge armor and weapons from the bone and scale of dragons is something we Humans invented, but any Wyverian smith today will tell you it all art that only came from their lineage. Wyverians rule Humanity these days from the shadows."

"What? Are you being serious? Wyverians would never do that, I would know! Humans and Wyverians live alongside each other all the time!" You shouted back.

"The normals of their kind yes, the ones alongside the pedestrian, also disillusioned and knowing no better, but etched deep within governments across this planet, your 'Hunter's Guild' especially, there exist complex rings of Wyverians who direct the course of society. Has it never irked you before as strange that only Wyverians are allowed to be Guild Masters? I've learned much in my time awake."

You raised your finger, but words escaped your lips and you fell silent again.

"You don't know the half of the corruption that runs through your Guild. Your Guild covers up all there is to know about Ancient history under the guise of fear of repeating it. In truth, the Wyverian overlords of that cabal hide it because they fear the day that Man will again step over them. Your Guild has the sum of all knowledge there is to know compared to any other nation or empire or Imperial crown. Today, your vaunted 'Sapphire Star' in fact used an art of my people to combat Yama Tsukami. That aura he produced is known as the Transcendent State, it is something we invented to empower us even further, and he learned it from his father before him. Nobody today however can truly master it but Humans. Wyverians cannot make use of it, and even Humans today only bring out a little of the potential...."

"Why is there not a Human leading Dundorma, a city mostly populated by them? WHY IS IT AN OVERGROWN SUBHUMAN WITH A NEAT SWORD?! CAN YOU ANSWER ME THAT?!"

You stayed quiet as Zuhramon clenched his fist, looking your way, expecting something.

"I thought not... I will tell you what Wyverians were really in our Ancient history...
>>
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There was a short silence between you and him. You just stared before opening your mouth.

"I'm listening..."

"Wyverians and Lynians were the slave caste."

"....?!"

"Yes, that's right. They were all servants to a superior species, US. Zuhramon says, tapping his cane hard to the floor.

"Wyverians are inbred creatures, they were the offspring of degenerate Humans mating and intertwining with Wyverns and other non-human things! The First Wyverians you know of were, as in the name, the first of those to appear. All other Wyverians came from them, dividing into more branches of subhuman creatures."

"Lynians were all different monsters that evolved on their own. They came to Humans for protection, shelter and food because they were almost incapable of surviving on their own. That is why Man partners with Felyne today. We never grew distant, and Felyne has never forgotten their place as pets."

"The First Wyverians have the queer ability to sense calamity, and foretell the future. They've only ever used it to undermine however."

"The First Wyverians are the reason we were able to save the New World from Zorah Magdaros' death!"

"That was to save their skin. They couldn't care less about you Humans or the 'Commission' you serve."

"I plan to rebuild Ancient Civilization. This of course means that I will bring the boot of justice to bear. Ergo, I shall stomp the insidious Wyverians of this planet out like a bug and show their races back into THEIR rightful place, under us. You live in a world of lies, I will see the truth is brought back into the light. Have you a problem with that?"

You just stared over at Zuhramon, he taps his feet and looks down on you.

"No? Then allow me now to help you out of this unfortunate situation you find yourself in." Zuhramon says, beckoning you over with a finger and then offering his hand again. "You can go back to the life you wanted and forget about all of this drivel from me and the First Wyverian. Is that not what you wanted?"

.....

What will you do?
>>
>>4090536
He makes a lot of interesting points, and regardless of the oceans of bias he has injected, undoubtedly, there's some truth in his words. Whatever truth that is, is unlikely to be pleasant.
I think it would be absolutely retarded if we didn't do our own research and see for ourselves.

>"You can go back to the life you wanted and forget about all of this drivel from me and the First Wyverian. Is that not what you wanted?"
Fuck no!

---
>That aura he produced is known as the Transcendent State
Star has gone full Frontier anime mode. Gog help us.
>>
>>4090563
Oh, and my vote is obviously not to take his hand.

I'm open to further actions, but that's the core of it.
>>
>>4090536
Refuse his hand.
>>
>>4090536
I still want to help humanity, not exactly kill or humillate all non-humans but, if there's a posibility of extinction I sure as hell want to fight.

The "take my hand" is hell of a challenge, because this ancient can very easly mind controll or something. So, don't take hand, but agree to help him in our limited capacity. Reaffirm that we don't like to just die because we're human.
>>
>>4090580
Why use big word, when little word work. Don't know what happened, but I went full oonga bunga there.
>>
Also,
>>4090536
>Wyverians are inbred creatures, they were the offspring of degenerate Humans mating and intertwining with Wyverns and other non-human things
So THAT'S why the Chief Ecologist puts out Quests like "Fool's Mate" and "In the Heat of the Moment".

Good thing we're on the Atricia route.
>>
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>>4090584
>Implying we're not in full Shara's daddy route.
>>
>>4090590
Don't prove the bad guy right anon.
>>
>>4090590
>implying Shara would go gay for us or vice versa
>>
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>>4090599
>>4090613
Daddy as in father, you degenerates!
>>
>>4090616
Among Wyverians, never relax
>>
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>>4090616
Anon, when you respond to a heavily implied romantic route, there is little left to interpretation.
>>
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.....

"....."

"....."

Zuhramon retracts his hand.

"You deny me...? Is it your foolish wish to be apart of this, when you've no business?"

"You can read minds, can't you?"

Zuhramon taps his cane again. That must be the signal he is.

"Yes, I am fully aware you always harbor doubt, but I know that deep down you also consider the truth of my words."

"I won't deny it."

"You cannot deny it. I can peer into your psyche when I wish. Through the mastery of Bioenergy that made my people great, I can view your memories and what you think at this second. Bioenergy is present in everything that is alive, and by reading it I can see what passes down along your precious tiny neurons."

Zuhramon digs into his cloak and then pulls out a small object in his hand. He seems to squeeze it and it suddenly floats above his hand, changing shape from something spherical to that of a cube, expanding in size with more of the Ancient's trademark green energy glow along it's lines.

"This object is what I came to this temple to retrieve. It is known as a Key Core. There were three made, and now I need only two so that I can activate the Throne Tower and begin putting my plans into motion. No doubt, more Elder Dragons will show up where the others might be, drawn either by the signals of Bioenergy, or to try and stop me."

"When I find my next one... we may meet again. I do not consider us enemies at this exact moment, but the possibility for hostility to grow between us is there. It all comes down to who you really want to believe in the end. The First Wyverian... or me."

"Do take into deep consideration however who it is between us both that is willing to open up to you like this."

You said nothing as Zuhramon stuffed the object back into his cloak and stepped somewhat further.
>>
You tensed as Zuhramon raised his finger at you and suddenly let off a burst of energy that made you stumble backwards. Following it, his finger let out a bolt of blue Bioenergy which struck you in the head. You knelt over in pain as you grasped at your head, an immense migraine coursing through your skull.

"Ngh! Nnnghhh! Aah!"

Then, it stopped.

"What the hell was that for?!"

"I'm sorry for the pain that incurred. Don't worry too much on it, it was only a hex I placed over you."

"...A what?!"

"Let's just say that what you've learned here today will be kept between you and me, and those others who know already. This isn't something you should just go spreading the word about around."

"...What do you mean?! What the hell did you just do to me?!" You questioned with venom.]

"Should you attempt to tell the wrong individual... like say your Commander, about what you know now, then you won't be able to mutter even a word. Your voice will lock up and I will be able to always know if you should try. Besides, if you went out telling everyone you knew, the information would be relayed back to your dastardly Guild."

"Gotta do everything you can to make sure nobody can stop you, huh?!"

"Noooo, it's not that. It's just that I'm looking out for you. If the Guild found out there was an Ancient Human walking out there, the Guild Knights would show up to 'handle' the problem and tie up any loose ends. When those show up, more than Monsters die. That could even include you, your friends, a load more of people in Astera and possibly even your Sapphire Star. The Guild has to contain the truth somehow, yes? You don't want an inquisition to reach your nearby shores, do you?"

You didn't know how to argue against that, honestly. You knew the Guild Knights dealt with Humans and Wyverians more than often compared to anything else, so it wouldn't be too far of a reach to assume they act as some sort of secret police for the Guild too, they did have much authority over the lower ranks after all...

"Don't be so morose over it. It's not that big of a deal."

Zuhramon turned away then, walking towards that light you saw. It seemed he was leaving now.

>Ask one final question.
>Attempt to stop Zuhramon.
>Get up and go back so you can get out of there.
>Write in.
>>
>>4090715
>Ask one final question.
How can we learn the Transcendent State? Zuhramon knows it better than the Sapphire star, just show us where or what to do.
>>
>>4090715
>Get up and go back so you can get out of there.
Bigthink time.

>>4090733
I really wouldn't want to be indebted to this guy - and it would be really shit if he kept tampering with Vance's body. Could sneak in some hexes/trojans/killswitches.
>>
>>4090751
Just a question, not the power. I want Vance to go full Generations by himself, but to know where or how to start is necessary. We can always ask the star, but I want a second opinion.
>>
"....How can I obtain it?"

Zuhramon stops and cranes his head back to look your way.

"The Transcendent State is a great power of Humanity. It connects us to the pool of strength shared all across our collective unconsciousness. To use it would be to step into a whole new dimension of power all together for a time. It is not something one acquires simply."

"I don't expect anything to be easy. If the Star can do it, I know he'd believe I could too. So tell me."

"...."

"And give you the chance to try and use it against me in the future? Hmm. What an offer! It is not something you are just told. To obtain it requires patience, and I don't say that generically. It takes Humans of today years just to even start to discover it's true potential. I know how to use it, and my use of it would utterly dwarf your Star's, and anything you could get out of it."

"One must conduct rituals and study tediously to begin. If so intent you are to learn, then ask your idol. I will not prevent discussion between you and him on this subject. Don't think to try anything else however."

"I could have helped you right here. But if involving yourself into what occurs with me is what you desire, then do so. It is your choice if you want to descend the ladder to hell."

Zuhramon taps his cane and everything goes pitch black. Only his eyes are seen in the dark.

"We will meet again."

His eyes blinked out in the darkness and then so did you. Everything was visible then. You could see all across this massive chamber.

It appeared as though some sort of ziggurat. There were rows of shapes in lines all across the entire place, shapes that seemed to resemble old graves with carvings depicting figures etched out on the top and trimmed with silver. The corpse you saw earlier near the reflecting pool of the place was gone, and the helmet you had earlier was missing as well!

The darkness must have been an illusion, and Zuhramon must have taken the corpse to help hide evidence of himself here. You just knew those researchers were going to be really confused when they tried to find out why Yama was trying to burrow down here, and you couldn't tell them apparently.

Walking over to stand underneath the hole you fell through, you waited until finally after what seemed an eternity, a long enough rope was lowered down through it and you were called. You grabbed onto it and let your comrades above pull you up.
>>
You were pulled up to be greeted by the sight of researchers and workers all bombarding you with questions about what you found down there. Plenty around seemed eager to hear, especially the Admiral and the Commander who eavesdropped off to the side.

You just told them it was some sort of mass grave or celebration of the deceased and they were all taken by surprise at this. You nearly mention Zuhramon, and when you do, your voice gives away and you lose breath in your lungs before you can speak again. That confirmed the hex wasn't a mere bluff.

You rubbed your now sore throat and just told the persistent researchers that was all you found and then moved on to let them begin theorizing.

You were greeted then by your three friends as you walked over. Brigg and Senzo both seemed very relieved to see you and Atricia pulled you into a hug so tight she lifted you off your feet before letting you go.

You asked about where they were this whole time, since you already knew Brigg was on the gunner crew. Senzo is exhilarated to tell you that he and Atricia were both put on another assignment, they went off to contact and assist some researchers with a newly discovered group of Lynians in Tilokpia.

"More Gajalaka?" You ask.

"No. Even better dude, you won't believe it!" Senzo says.

"They were a tribe of Shakalaka, in the New World!" Atricia says.

Now that was a blast from the past for you. In your home village of Moga, there was said to have lived a Hunter hero long ago who was followed by two loyal Shakalaka companions, one who saved the village from the legendary Ceadeus. You wondered what the chances could be to get a Shakalaka companion yourself, not that you really wanted one since you already had Vivianne.

They next tell you that a celebration feast is going to be thrown tonight for the victory over Yama Tsukami. Most Hunters were returning, save for a select few who volunteer to stay behind and guard the researchers here in Tilokpia.

There was still some time to burn before then.

>Ask them to lead you to the Shakalaka village. You were interested and wanted to see for yourself.
>We hunted alongside some admirable Hunters today. We should meet some of them formally.
>Let's go home and relax for now, we'll join the feast with friends later on in the night time.
>Write in.
>>
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>>4090835
>We hunted alongside some admirable Hunters today. We should meet some of them formally.
Social links and yayifications for everyone!
>>
>>4090835
>We hunted alongside some admirable Hunters today. We should meet some of them formally.
Insert monster hunter victory pose here
>>
You tell your friends you were going to hang around for the time being. You wanted to get to know those you hunted with better today a little, make some new acquaintances. Senzo and Brigg both bid you farewell while Atricia stays, still having something left to do.

You walked around the grounds of the fields, seeing some Hunters and workers work together to handle the body of the Diablos and Rathalos that was slain in the sixth Sector.

After some thorough searching, you finally spot some familiar faces here and there. The Teostra and Velkhana Hunters you saw near one of the battery emplacements, it seemed they were smoking pipes away from others.

The Blackveil Hazak Hunter you saw walking out of the Sector on his own.

The Diablos Nero and Tzitzi Hunters working to dismantle an emplacement over to your right in the field of Sector six.

You turned around and saw the Legiana and Kulu Huntress both chatting along with the Ingot, Zinogre and Brachydios Hunters near the temple steps. The Dober Hunter was nowhere to be seen.

Who do you want to meet the most?
>>
>>4090864
Let's go with the team (Legii, Kulu, Ingot, etc)
'd be good to chat with Black Vaal later though - to gush over gunlances, of course.
>>
>>4090864
I want to go chat with the Blackveil Hazal hunter, but the team is more important than gunlances, for now. Go where the Legiana and co. are, congratulate the strike team, and ask their opinions on the siege.
>>
>>4090864
>The Dober Hunter
Oh no.

>chat with your team
>>
>>4090867
Seconding


As an aside, I have been wondering about two things:
1)How do we ask the Star about the Transcendant State without it sounding hella suspicious?

2)We should find a way to see if Zuhramon tells the truth about the Wyverian conspiracy but how can we find out?
I'm pretty sure we want to avoid a total war between the two so we should try to find a way.
>>
Walking over, you waved the team saw you approach and stood at attention to great you. You exchanged greetings with them all and they welcomed you.

"Normally, I'd like to be the one leading, but I must say, you were quite the leader yourself out there today." The Ingot Hunter says.

"I don't think we could have done it any other way. That was the most intense siege since Kulve Taroth and Zorah Magdaros." The Kulu Huntress said, waving around a little fan.

"It was my first siege. I had to my best." You said.

"Well, you did. Now, don't keep us in the shadows. Tell us more about yourself, boss." The Brachydios Hunter.

You exchanged explanations of backgrounds with the other Hunters. Most were fixed on your origins as a Moganer, and soon told about themselves as well.

"I'm Zane. I come from Yukumo. I go by the nickname 'Olympic'." The calm and simple Zinogre Hunter introduces himself.

"Name's Balthazar, boss. They call me Master Blaster! You and me aren't so far away, I come from Port Tanzia, though I've never been to Moga myself." The eccentric Brachydios Hunter introduced himself.

You nodded to the two and shook their hands before looking off to the two Huntresses.

"Najiyya. I am known as 'Mender'. I hail from Loc Lac City. It pleases me to finally meet you, Freelancer." The Kulu Huntress said, doing some sort of bow.

"I'm Sun Lin, but others call me Straightshot. I was born in Milard village. It's been an honor to hunt with you today." The Legiana Huntress introduced herself, giving a hearty smile.

"It's nice to meet you all too. Say, where's the other? The one with the hammer?"

"You mean the fellow with the bone... uh, Dober armor? Oh, that's Strong-As-Earth. We just call him Strong. He went back home, he's a bit of a grump." The Brachydios Hunter, Balthazar tells you.

"What's his story then?" You ask.

"Apparently, he comes from a tribe of people far away in the wilderness that live off from the village of Pokke. We don't really know much about him other than that his people had something about coexisting with Monsters, and he left them because he disagreed with personally." Zane, the Zinogre Hunter explained.

"Hm."

You nod.
>>
>>4091329
1) - Feign ignorance, just go and ask him "Dude, what was that technique? Is a thing that only hammer can do?" The star will probably say that is a family secret or try to give us a challenge so we can start training.

2) - I dont really know, but if there's a war it will be a 3 way one between Zuhramon, the black dragon and the Wyverians. We will need to prevent this or choose a side, both can be achieved if we gain enough of Zuhramon trust or prove to be very dependable.
>>
"Oh, sorry, and you?" You say to the Ingot Hunter.

"I'm Kentaro, Kentaro the Centurion! I'm what you call Minegarde made, heh heh. I entered training in my early career to be a sergeant, a Hunter who commands other Hunters. I pride myself a little on coming up with good plans." The Ingot Hunter, Kentaro says, rubbing his fingers against his rig.

"I see. Well, more power to you." You say passively.

"I appreciate it!" He says, giving a dramatic thumbs up.

"So, what were your opinions on the siege?"

Everyone seems to think of an answer.

"I think we could have used a few trenches dug out around the emplacements, so Hunters could easily jump in for quick cover to reload or lose some heat." Kentaro says.

"Overall, I think it couldn't have gone better. I just didn't anticipate that Yama suddenly controlling fire like that, that took me off guard!" Zane says.

"Yeah, what he said. Gave me the jeepers creepers. And, I think I agree with our bronze friend, trenches would've helped with those Great Thunder-buggers." Balthazar gave his two Zenny.

Everyone nods on that and leaves it.

"I think this siege has made me realize how much I am in dire need to upgrade my equipment. My current horn just isn't cutting it." The Kulu Huntress says.

"You can say that again. I need to ditch this puny axe I have now and get something better... like maybe a.. maybe a Nergigante switch axe.. that'd be real nice." Kentaro says.

"Eh, my stuff cuts it, in both ways neh heh. But what about you, boss?" Balthazar asks.

"After tonight, I'll have a full set made from a Khezu I hunted in Hoarfrost Reach." You tell them. They are interested and the Brachydios Hunter whistles.

"Kinda makes you wonder just how many things we haven't discovered are still out there." The Legiana Huntress says.

>Talk/Ask somebody a question.
>Bid them farewell and go off to see the Blackveil Hazak Hunter.
>Invite them to play the midnight Hunter's Game later on.
>Bid them farewell and return to Astera. You wanted to check on Shara.
>Write in.
>>
>>4092274
>Bid them farewell and go off to see the Blackveil Hazak Hunter.
Gotta git nerdier.
>>
>>4092274
>Invite them to play the midnight Hunter's Game later on.
We could use a little rest.
>>
>>4092274
>>4092339
Switching to
>Bid them farewell and go off to see the Blackveil Hazak Hunter.
Might be interesting.
>>
>>4092274
>Bid them farewell and go off to see the Blackveil Hazak Hunter.
We definitely need to ask him about his rocket jumping technique.
>>
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You looked over and saw the Blackveil Hazak Hunter nearly out of sight and so said you had something to and waved as you rushed off from the others.

Running across the Sector, you jogged until you caught up with the Blackveil Hazak Hunter and walked along behind him.

"Hey, you w-"

"HAAH!"

"WOAH!"

You stopped as he suddenly drew a shortsword fitted to his armor and held it close, nearly touching your nose with it before he sheathes it and laughs.

"HAH HAH HAH!"

"...W..Whats the big idea...?!" You say as you put your helmet back on.

"Sorry! I just had to see the look on your face, newbie! It was priceless! Woh hah hah hah hah hah! Ohhh..... Ah, where are my manners?!"

The Blackveil Hazak Hunter grabs your hand without warning and shakes it hard up and down almost cartoonishly, dragging you off of balance.

"I'm Charon! I'm a killer at heart!"

"Wo-ugh.. N.. Nice to meet you Charon. I'm Vance."

"Ya! I know, your name went around after you put my evil clone out of business!"

"Evil clone? Oh, you mean the Grim Biologist."

"Kekekeke... Me and him shared some of the same tastes, for the macabre at least. However, unlike that sick rat, I'm fully sane. I have some morals and all too! Kekeke. They call me crazy but not because my minds messed up, because I'm a crazy killer when it comes to Hunting!"

Charon laughs again, the teeth of his helmet clicking as he throws his head back.

"...Cool...."

"Myeah!"

"So.. I see you use the Gunlance."

"Of course! Back where I come from, we all used the Gunlance, cause it's fun! We called it Funlance! Before I did, I thought I was a special boy for wanting to stand out and use a crummy old Hunting Horn, but then I realized why everyone else I knew used the Gunlance. It's a patrician's choice!"

"Yeah.. I concur. Today you did something with it I saw, and I wanted to ask about that."

"Ohh, you mean this?"

Charon suddenly drew his Gunlance and slammed the bayonet down into the dirt near your feet. You could only flinch as he suddenly lifted off back into the air with it by firing a powerful blast, knocking you off of your feet as he flew into a tree and then held on by jamming his shield into the bark.

"...Yeah... I meant... ugh... that...."

"Oh, it's easy to do! You just gotta spend your whole load!"

"What do you mean...?"

Charon reloaded his Gunlance.

"See, you can do it two ways sonny. You can 'soft-fire' all of your shells by spending them all at once like this..."

Charon leaped from the tree blasting himself higher into the air by doing the said trick.

"... OR WASTE A WYVERN'S FIRE!"

Charon seemed to 'double jump' though the air again by using his Wyvern's Fire blast. He comes down and landed on his feet in front of you.

"...'Soft-fire'? How do I do that?"

"HAH HAH HAH HAH! Let me show you..."
>>
Charon takes you over to an emplacement and graciously shows you some things about the Gunlance that even you didn't know you could do with it.

'Soft-fire' was his term for manipulating the receiver using the triggers, the hammer and some shaking to blow out off the gunpowder based blasts from the shells while not actually spending the shells themselves. It resulted in a fiery funnel from the barrel that had enough force to propel the user a long distance so long as they weren't working against it, such as bracing themselves to control recoil.

An interesting trick he had. Although, he did give a fair warning that it had a chance to jam the receiver, which would prevent it from firing until it was taken care of by hand. He also warns that using the 'soft-fire' trick is something the Gunlance wasn't actually designed for, so it would mean the weapon would need even more upkeep if the trick was used often. Wyvern's Fire didn't present this problem but that took longer to recharge.

+==============+

Vance has learned: Gunlance Rocket Jump.

+==============+

"Thanks, Charon. This will come in handy."

"No problem! Us Gunlancers gotta look out for one another, yea? Kekekeke."

What will you do now?
>>
>>4092562
We could play that Midnight game, now that we have no pressing matters.
>>
>>4092562
Seconding >>4092570
>>
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GODDAMNIT I WANT TO LIVE IN THE MONHUN WORLD SO FUCKING MUCH ITS NOT FAIR AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa

Saying your goodbyes to Charon, you made it back to the main temple complex where you met up again with Atricia and agreed to travel back to Astera together. The Commander and the other seniors were sticking around, they had some things to discuss.

You mounted up and joined Atricia on the wingdrakes, looking behind as far as you could to see Tilokpia vanishing, the sight of the jungles leaving you as you flew back over other familiar sights to head home.

When you arrived home at last, the first thing you were greeted by was your friends Brigg and Senzo, who had received Shara Ishvalda back from the researchers. You landed, only to be grounded as the juvenile Elder Dragon pounced onto you, having missed you dearly the long while you were gone.

It didn't take that long for the night to set in soon after as you reunited with Shara and payed a visit to Tabitabi, who was now being allowed out into the arena for simple tests by the researchers.

As expected, a gathering began at the Canteen and you were invited as well. The Hunters were feasting together to celebrate today's successes in the siege, to celebrate the defeat of Yama Tsukami. And what a celebration it was!

The Meowscular Chef was going all out, sending platter after platter out to feed all of his Hunters with mighty servings of his GAINS. Barrels were popped out and emptied to fill Hunters with drink, and torches were carried and lit up to provide warmth in the cold of the night. Hunters sung songs together and even danced drunkly. There was something special about the celebration that followed defeating an Elder Dragon, you found much enjoyment in it.
>>
Plenty of familiar faces were present as well, the veterans and the Hunters of your team from today seen strewn about. Even the Sapphire Star and Admiral themselves appeared with their strange Wyverian friend and an older woman with puffy hair you didn't ever recall seeing before.

Here you sat at a table with your own friends now, stuffing your face with meat and downing drink. Shara was present as well, having exchanged the outfit you made for him for a party hat that Atricia insisted he wear. The little Everwyrm was drinking from Vivianne's tankard much to her dismay.

You got to even have the privilege to see something that wasn't used all that often. Fireworks, which were launched to the sky from the Gathering Hub. It was something of an amazement for you, as you've never seen Fireworks before in your life until now, so you took in the sight as long as you could.

What last you see as you finish your drink is some other snickering Hunters catch everyone's attention by placing out a table in the middle of the canteen. They call for two contestants with only the 'most iron of stomachs' to come and others begin to gather.

"Hey, bet you ten thousand Zenny right now I could beat you in that." You hear Senzo challenge from across the table, even though you didn't know what it was.

>Challenge accepted. We'll play this game with Senzo.
>Maybe another time, let's just talk in peace for now.
>We were gonna play the midnight game. Let's invite everyone.
>It's late, getting real tired now. Let's head off to rest up.
>Let's talk to the Sapphire Star about what's next.
>Write in.
>>
>>4092687
>We were gonna play the midnight game. Let's invite everyone.
If the bet is a part of the midnight games, then accept the bet, but change it so we will help in a hunt or investigation. Better than money is the glory of leading a hunting party.

Oh and if that gathering is not included in the midnight games then:
"You're probably right, HULK. I want to sleep pacefully tonight, not wanna impersonate a Pukei-pukei sorry man."

So you could have a physique of a sphees marin and kill things that are imposibble, yeah I fell you m8
>>
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"Is it apart of the midnight games I've been hearing about?"

"Uhh, no?" Senzo's reply came.

"Oh. Well, I'd take your bet, but not over money. Maybe we could make a bet about Hunting in the future and one of us leads. How does that sound?" You ask.

Senzo smacked his lips under his helmet and tapped on it's chin.

"How about this as a compromise. If I win the bet, I get to choose a quest and you have to follow me into it."

"Sure." You say. "What is that game over there anyway?"

"That my friend would be a good old drinking game." Brigg says.

"You know the rules to that, last one standing wins. Oh, I'd like to see you try." Atricia tells you.

Senzo leans back smugly.

"So, you wanna try, or you gonna Kulu-Ya-Ku out on me? Hey, no shame if you don't want to, I'll just have to go beat someone else then. You know what actually? Let me sweeten the deal. If you do it, and beat me, I'll give you the money regardless anyway. Now how's THAT sound? You up for it?"

>You're on, Senzo!
>Maybe another time.
>Nnnnnahhhh.
>>
>>4092739
>You're on, Senzo!
>>
>>4092739
>You're on, Senzo!
No money 'tho. Make sure that Shara is safe first, we're not THAT irresponsible. Poor thing, watching us getting drunk just because.
>>
>>4092739
>You're on, Senzo!
>>
I don't think we should trust or join Zuhramon at all. He literally wants to enslave all Wyverians again even after saying only a few are bad today. We should oppose him.
>>
Anyone else excited to see how our Khezu armor is going to look?
>>
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"You're on, Senzo!" You accept his challenge, standing up.

"All right! Now we're talking!" He says as he gets up and walks over to the contest table.

"Don't worry about the little one, we'll watch after him. You just go have fun, and do your best!" Atricia tells you, while Brigg gives a thumbs up.

You nod to the two and walk over to join Senzo at the table.

You stand opposite of him while the crowd of Hunters around all watch, already placing bets for who they think will win.

A bearded Hunter dark skinned Hunter in Jyuratodes armor comes forth and sets down ten tankards.

"EYY! EYY! YOU KNOW DA RULES GENTLE-MEN! LAST ONE STAN-DING WINS!"

"EYY! EYY! DRINK YOURSELVES TO SLEEP, BOYS!"

The Jyuratodes Hunter slapped the table top. "EYY! AND OFF YOU GO!"

The crowd began to chant the word 'chug'. You placed both hands on the table and stared across at Senzo, who twisted his neck before grabbing the first of his drinks. You grabbed your own and prepared to drink off with him.

+=====+

Number to beat: 100

>Roll a 1d50
>>
Rolled 27 (1d50)

>>4093470
Hoo boy, hope we have enough people.
>>
Rolled 47 (1d50)

>>4093470
>>
Rolled 25 (1d50)

>>4093470
>>
>>4093494
SO CLOSE
>>
>99
You know what, I'll take it.
>>
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You raised your tankard and clacked it against Senzo's own before you lifted your helmet and began to chug the whole drink down.

Senzo and you both finish at the same time. One drink is an easy task, but the rest will be more.

You and Senzo both prepare to drink again.

+=====+

Number to beat: 50

>Roll a 1d20
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>4093506
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4093506
C'mon!
>>
Rolled 3 (1d50)

Okay, doesn't look like there's going to be much activity like that for now so I'll just roll and see if I can close the gap here. I always roll good so there's nothing to worry over.
>>
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>>4093527
>>
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As you finish downing your last drink, you feel your head start spinning a bit and become all woozy. Senzo does too and only now finds it in him to look to the Jyuratodes Hunter and question what the brew is.

"EYY! EYY! DASTA' STRONGEST STUFF WE GOT! SHOULDA' MENTIONED IT EAR-LI-ERR! NOBODIES EVER SURVIVED MORE THAN THREE OF THOSE!"

"W....WHAGHF!?" Senzo lipped, already becoming slurred in his speech from the drunkenness.

You felt your knees become weak and you had to hold onto the table for support.

This was bad.

"EYY! EYY! IT'S OKAY TO KULU OUT, YOU WOULDN'T BE THE FIRST! ACK ACK ACK!"

>We must push ON! (Number to beat: 200. Roll 1d100)
>Too dizyily drun, time to guve up....
>>
>>4093593
>Too dizyily drun, time to guve up....
There's a fine line between bravery and stupidity.
>>
>>4093593
Push push push!
>>
>>4093620
Weird, dice didnt show. Never tried on a phone before.
>>
>>4093630
Guess im fucked then. Thats what i get for trying to participate at work
>>
Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>4093593
Never give up.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4093593
>>4093616
Welp, majority ruled.
>>
Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>4093593
Rip
>>
We're a fucking lightweight, unless OP rolls for >>4093634?
>>
Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4093697
You really want ME to try again? Okay fuck it here goes I'll roll for TefcKnul.
>>
>>4093701
Hooray for liver failure!
>>
>>4093711
Well, not failure. Alcohol alone cannot cause that... I hope.
>>
Refusing to give up so quickly, you pull yourself up and grab the third drink. Senzo shakily does so too and mutters something.

"Gogdamnit... why'd they have to bring... urghf... the maximum out...?"

He begins to gulp down the next tankard of the brew and you do so as well. You slammed the third tankard down after finishing it, breathing heavily as you did.

Senzo tried to go for the next, but his hand just couldn't move up and you saw him stumble backwards.

"Aourgh.... I.... I gotta.... ohhhhh...."

Without warning, Senzo falls backward into the dirt, collapsing from the intense drunkenness. The crowd was a mix of awes for his failure and hysterical laughter as some others helped him up.

You threw your head back, laughing yourself at Senzo's failure in your drunken stupor as the Jyuratodes Hunter came over and took all of the brew away from the table, anticipating your next move.

Your eyes fell shut and you lost it all as you fell forward into the table and knocked yourself over with it into the ground, snoring soon after.

You've failed.
>>
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....

"ⱽᵃnᶜᵉ."

"Five more minutes...."

....Nnnuuh! You felt something wet splash against your face.

You opened your eyes and saw you were sitting back at the table with your friends again. Senzo's head was spinning around as he sat up. You saw Atricia next to you holding a pail with some water in it.

"Sorry..." She says quietly.

"You were sawing like a mill there, we were left with no choice, comrade." Brigg says.

"Awf... Don't dwell on it, they soaked me too..." Senzo says.

"...Ughh... we both lost, didn't we?" You asked.

"Well... they said you fell out last so... I guess that means you win. Here, take it."

Senzo slides a purse across the table to you. Presumably the ten thousand zenny he bet.

>Accept the money.
>Decline the money.
>>
>>4093736
>decline the money
We lost too, it wouldn't be fair to Senzo.
>>
>>4093736
>Decline the money.
It wasn't a clear win. We'll settle it with a rematch, some other time.
>>
>>4093736
>Decline the money.
>>
"That won't be needed." You say, pushing the purse back across to Senzo.

"Huh? Why not?"

"I fell out too, so we both lost. We can see about it again in the future, maybe have a rematch. It wouldn't be right of me to just take your money."

"Yes, comrade speaks rightly so. It was close, but not that close." Brigg says.

Senzo nods quietly and takes his Zenny purse back before standing up.

"I'm gonna... go take a lay off. Good game." He says, walking off.

You sat there enjoying the last moments of the night that the fireworks would be used as you chewed on another rib of meat. Shara and Vivi both yawn while Brigg and Atricia finish their own drinks.

It was past midnight by now, had to be at least one in the morning. Some Hunters were leaving off now.

>Ask Brigg about playing the midnight game now. There's still plenty of time left.
>Let's grab Shara and go ahead back home now. We should catch some rest to see what tomorrow has in store.
>Write in.
>>
>>4093839
>Ask Brigg about playing the midnight game now. There's still plenty of time left.
Hopefully we can win this one.
>>
"Looks like the little guy's tired." Atricia says, picking Shara up into her arms. "I'm gonna take him home to rest. See you when you catch up."

You waved Atricia off as she took Shara and left the canteen with Vivianne following behind. The celebrations were coming to a close now.

"So, Brigg, that midnight game you mentioned. What's it about?"

"Ahh, the midnight game is quite the sport. It is a rigorous challenge between Hunters in the dark of the night. It is not newcomer friendly, I will warn you. Are you really sure you want to know what you'd be getting into?"

"Lay it on me." You answer. Brigg shrugs.

"Well alright. The midnight game takes place in the arena. A number of Hunters will gather and be divided into two teams that compete over a ball, which must be hooped into a goal to score points for that team." Brigg says.

"That's it? That seems simple enough, it's just handball." You confidently say, only for Brigg to wag his finger.

"There's more to it than that. It's rough like the Imperial sport of rugby, and the goals are constantly moving."

"Ah.. ugh?"

"It is a game about confusion and struggle. If you see a goal, you have to be sure it's your team's own before you score, lest you might grant the opposite team points. Plus, we use multiple balls, so once a ball is scored, it stays in the goal and another is thrown out to the field." Brigg explains.

"Besides that, a smog also fills the arena to obscure everyone from one another. You could have the chance to accidentally pass the ball to an opponent."

"I see..." You say.

"So, are you sure you want to play? Because we can easily if that's what you want." Brigg tells you.

>Totally, that sounds fun!
>On second thought...
>>
>>4093961
>Totally, that sounds fun!
if only blitzball were a thing
>>
>>4093961
>On second thought...
We're still under the influence remember? This would be a bad idea.
>>
>>4093995
Good point.

>>4093961
>>4093991
>On second thought...
>>
>>4093961
>On second thought...
Maybe another night, let's call it night
>>
"Uhh... maybe another time, I'm not feeling so well right now." You say, standing up and putting your helmet back on.

Brigg gives you an okay sign with his hands. "That's is all good. I should retire tonight as well. There's going to be a big briefing tomorrow, and I expect orders will be handed out. There are still things to investigate."

"Hm, that's right. Well, see ya' Brigg."

Leaving the Canteen as the little feast had finally ended, you waved Brigg off and took the stairs down to return home. Your movements were more sporadic than usual, definitely from that brew, so you took great care in walking as you went back to your room.

You opened it to see Shara already snoring on the floor near the fireplace, Vivi swinging in her hammock. You got out of your armor as Atricia came from behind the changing divider in her casual clothes.

"You have got to tell me about how the siege went today. I didn't mind working with the Shakalaka that were discovered, but I know I'd of rather been in the thick of the heat like you were." She says, yawning as she hopped into her bed.

"Heat... You say that as an expression..." You replied, crawling dizzily into your own bed.

"Tell me about it." Atricia asks, leaning against the wall with interest about her face.

"That big green jolly bastard actually had this flammable gas it would use. It tried to blow us up with it, and then I had to use my shield to block it when it shot a bout my way."

"No kidding? That's spooky, I've never heard of any Yamas doing that before in the Old World. Guess this one was extra smart, huh?" She says, surprised at that.

"Smart and angry, very angry. It chased us and we chased it. You should have seen what it did to Nergigante, right before we lit him up with cannons."

Curiously, you bent back up, rolling up the sleeves of your casual pants to see some marks about your skin on your legs. They were lighter and redder than the rest of your skin. Some of the marks have stranger textures and you found them strewn all about your body as you unbuttoned your shirt to look, in spots across your torso and arms, and legs. Thankfully, none could be seen past your neck.

"Oh dear..." Atricia says. "Are you...?"

"I'm... fine. They don't hurt, I guess they're there from what that Yama did to me. I felt flames and that gas seep inside my armor when I was blocking it's fire."

"Hm..."

"Is there something wrong?" You asked.

"O-Oh! Nothing. Sorry." She says, averting her gaze back to your eyes.

You just nodded and buttoned your shirt back up, falling back down into bed.

Debriefing was set for tomorrow, but there was also council you heard about back at the temple from the Star, he mentioned that you were to be present as well.

Your eyes scanned around the room briefly and by chance you saw something strange. Shara had one eye open, looking at you. The little guy wasn't asleep after all, though you didn't pay much attention to it.
>>
>Let's rise early to be present at debriefing and council.
>We should go get a check up at the doctor first thing this morning.
>Let's write a letter to our family now that we have time.
>We'll take a quest when we wake up next.
>Let's go back to Tilokpia. That Shakalaka village sounds interesting.
>We should go on an expedition and seek out the First Wyverian.
>Talk to/Ask Atricia something.
>See what's up with Shara Ishvalda.
>>
>>4094179
>See what's up with Shara Ishvalda.
Kinda weird.
>>
>>4094179
>See what's up with Shara Ishvalda
Gotta get up on time for the debrief, and maybe a doctor visit after, but Shara always takes priority.
>>
Ask him if he's having trouble sleeping.
>>
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Of course though, you should. Shara was important to you.

You waited until Atricia had finally set aside her book and then went off to sleep before you crept out of bed quietly and paced over to the juvenile Elder Dragon. You placed your hand on the lavish lotus scales of Shara's head and petted him over.

"What's wrong boy? Can't sleep?" You whisper.

In response, Shara Ishvalda slowly picked himself up and sat back on his hind legs. You just now noticed something about him you hadn't before. He was bigger than you remember. Where as previously his head was just a bit smaller than yours, now his head was roughly the same size, he was taller and likely weighed more now. He had grown.

You didn't see his next move coming however. His two arms came forward and you felt his claws grab onto your shoulders. His wings sprouted out and you didn't move, frozen in consternation as you saw all of the tips but one on his left wing fold down. The single tip came closer until it was hovering in front of your eye. You did nothing but follow it with your sight as it moved again, further away until you realized Shara was pointing at something with it. A bowl on the cupboard, the same he once made you drink that strange liquid from.

Shara's wingtip came back over and prodded at your forehead, you were clueless as to what the Dragon wanted you to realize. You saw him briefly open his mouth to show more of the glowing orange liquid along his tongue before he closed it and tugged you closer by your shoulders.

You were now staring him dead in both eyes, still bewildered as to what the little Dragon was trying to communicate to you here.

And then you felt something in your head, but he had not moved again. It felt like your brain itself tingling within your skull.

You could faintly hear something almost noiseless radiating from Shara. A vibration, like the ones it's wings produced.

>Get up out his grasp calmly and dismiss him. You needed sleep right now, you could find out another time.
>Try whispering something to Shara and see how he responds.
>Think about a set of words and see what happens.
>Write in.
>>
>>4094314
>Think about a set of words and see what happens.
Oh, shit. I suppose something like this was inevitable, but it's still rad.
>>
>>4094314
>Try whispering something to Shara and see how he responds.
Draconic maybe? Mite b kewl.
>>
>>4094314
>Think about a set of words and see what happens.
It's 3am but i'm so interested in seeing what happens I don't want to go to sleep.
>>
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Words didn't work, they just didn't directly and you didn't want to wake anyone else, so you thought to go about it a different way.

"....Shara...?"

.....

"Can you finally hear me, Human? Has my secretion finally set in?""

You were visibly flabbergasted at what you just heard next in your head. A soft and peaceful tone, collected and composed like a melody, almost childlike. Not a voice you've ever before heard, and not one through your ears.

"...S...Shara?!"

"Yes, I am the one who speaks to you without words. You know me as Shara, but I am Everwyrm in my kind's tongue. I have connected with you, Human named Vance."

"I.... I don't understand... you... you can speak with me?! You're as intelligent as me?! What do you mean by 'connection'?!"

"The broth of my own lifeblood you consumed has brought us together mentally. The element your species calls 'Dragon' is one of the mind that can reach into the deepest parts of the subconscious and unconsciousness. When you Humans wield weapons of it, you attack the minds of your foes. You can read the words I think, and I can read the words you think. This is how Dragon and Man have always spoke with one another, in different times not like our own."

"....Why... are you only now revealing this to me....?! Why me? Why not someone better than me...?"

"You will not take offense if I should say I would have distaste for being near the one who killed my last incarnation before, if it the Golden Warrior you speak of. You in specific were chosen by your peers to watch after me, whom they no longer view as a threat. I feel I can trust you more to understand. My broth takes a while for it's effects to set in."

"....We can talk now, you and me? Just like this... thinking words up? With our own voices in our heads?"

"Yes."

You wanted to just collapse there then and now. First an Ancient Human, now Shara Ishvalda is passing you along messages through your shared psyche.

This had to be a dream, didn't it? There's no way this can be real. There is just no way this world has things like this hidden in it. All you've ever known is that Humans hunt monsters to protect the ecosystem, and you want to be apart of that, but now here you are being strewn in the pages of fairy tale. Maybe Zuhramon was right, maybe you did want to get out of this.

Well, if he's just a dream too, you'll get out of this on your own.

You pinch yourself and wait for the end.

...

Nothing changes.

This is real, isn't it?

Okay, okay, gather yourself. You can speak with your little boy now. He seems to trust you enough to open up like that, that can only mean you need to get things out of him, right?

Shara Ishvalda once caused calamities the Commission had to put a stop to. And he 'reincarnated'... the First Wyverian pointed you to him... and he's commonly called 'old', so he might know more stuff that Zuhramon wouldn't have told you, possibly?

What will you ask?
>>
>>4094365
Well he's, uh, mature for his age.

He's ok with how he's being treated like he is, right? Like a kid and all. That's my question.
>>
>>4094365
Why does our outline look like Todd Howard?
>>
>>4094365
Supporting >>4094374 for now.
>>
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"Wait.... are you... okay with how I've been treating you...?"

"You mean, as a mere babe? Yes, I see no harm in it. I am fed well and allowed to be present as if I were the hog you Humans let run free here."

Shara squints his eyes then.

"My only gripe so far is that thing you tried to cloak me in."

"....The sweater?"

"I have shredded it in retribution."

"I guess that makes sense... but, wait, if you're still juvenile, how can you be so... I don't know... learned?""

"I am already nearing the point of being halfway mature in my growth cycle. The brains of Dragons mature much faster than our bodies do. My memories are all there, and I remember each single one as though it only happened yesterday."

"Okay then... good to know... Uhm... How long will it be until you fully grow?"

"It could be anywhere between the next months ahead or a year. My past bodies have grown in different ways."

"How do you... how do you 'reincarnate'?"

"When my body dies, my brain will sprout a shell over it that hardens to protect it. My new body is then grown from just my brain inside the shell until it hatches and I am set free. Before being taken in by you Humans, I would simply hibernate underneath the Earth until adulthood. My bodies can survive for a thousand years before they deteriorate and I must grow a new one."

"That's sort of creepy to think about."

"I'm not the only one. There's another Dragon out there which can regrow from it's heart."

>"The First Wyverian pointed me in your direction. Why did it?"
>"Do you know a man by the name 'Zuhramon'? What can you tell me about him?"
>"Why were you causing all of those earthquakes?"
>"Do you hate Humanity like most Elder Dragons?"
>Write in.
>>
>>4094435
Interesting biology right there. Guess I'll vote. . .
>"Why were you causing all of those earthquakes?"
Honestly baffling.

>I am already nearing the point of being halfway mature in my growth cycle
motherfucker.
>"I have shredded it in retribution."
The veil is off. Shah has entered second phase.
>There's another Dragon out there which can regrow from it's heart.
Dire Miralis - black dragon and general bearer of bad news.
>>
>>4094435
>"Do you hate Humanity like most Elder Dragons?"
>>
"You know why the Hunters here... 'killed' you, right?"

"When I was confronted on the island by the Golden Warrior? I do not know. Do you, Human caretaker?"

"They did it because you were tunneling."

"Ahh. Yes... I can see it now. They killed me because I tunneled through the Everstream. I know the effect it had on the life above, but I was too focused on my goal then to care, as cruel as it may sound."

"Your goal?"

"I was traveling in the hopes that I could do something to stop what is bound the happen."

"What do you mean?"

"There is something terrible bound to happen soon. It is my duty as a Dragon to stop it from happening, and I suspect I am not the only one. But, I have my own reasons for it. My other kin would come out of spite."

"Do you not hate Humans as well as other Elder Dragons or something?"

"I have never hated Humans. I have only ever thought they were consumed by themselves, by pride and greed, I have tried to guide them in the past unlike my brethren. They are all already exonerated of their sins. It is we Dragons who still have yet to move on. Our Ancestor even has become an embodiment of hatred."

"Yeah, I heard as much."

".....You? You know what I am talking about?"

"It's... a long story...."

Shara sits down on all four of his limbs and keeps his head up at you.

"Tell me everything."
>>
Fulfilling Shara's request, you keep yourself seated as you go over what happened with him. Shrewdly, you expense all the information you learned. The siege with Yama Tsukami, the depth you fell into and your meeting with Zuhramon.

His eyes flake over at hearing that name and the mention of Ancient Humanity.

Having heard what you have to say, the still juvenile Elder Dragon closes his eyes.

"You cannot trust the old man."

"I can't?"

"No. You should not. Zuhramon is a misguided Human. His heart is blackened with vanity. If he had his ways, this world would return to the way it was when Humanity was sinful and unopposed in it's ability to do evil."

"...Wait, I can talk about him with you! He placed a hex on me to prevent this!"

"He hears the words from your mouth, and sees the words you write. While he can see what you think at times, he cannot access our connection."

"Oghh... mmm? Well... what's his plan? He told me he had a method."

"He plans to use a weapon his people made at his order before their end. This 'Throne Tower' you've heard of is not just a construct, it is pure power to annihilate and enslave. He will only be a tyrant in control of everyone's actions. I would know, I and many of my kind were there to see it the day it sunk into the Earth to hide for the future. After all these years that have went by, the movement of the world's plates have shifted it elsewhere. I find myself in new places after so long of hibernating in the tectonic plates as well."

"Where is it at now?"

"You know where."

"....Origin Isle?"

"If that is what you call the island."

You and Shara just spent the moment there looking at each other. His words did make some sense. The Star took you there to Origin Isle before, and you saw first hand the outrageous build up of Bioenergy present, polluting the Earth's innards.

Maybe you couldn't trust Zuhramon, maybe he was a bad guy like Shara says. You had to know more. Right now, you needed some sleep before seeing where things went tomorrow. You formulate a small hope within that everything will turn out well enough, and you can't let go of it either.

"Human, you are tired now, and so am I. We are connected, so sleep and let us talk again at another date."

Shara Ishvalda yawns and moves away, back over to the near the fires to curl up as you stand up again. You come over and pet him one last time before going back to your own bed and laying down.

You breath in steadily as you let sleep overcome you, though it was a bit harder now. You didn't expect all of that to happen.
>>
Come morning, you wake to the sounds of chatter outside your window and look up to see everyone else still asleep. Getting up and walking over, you see that the gathering has begun for debriefing and Hunters are still showing up.

The debriefing was basic and you've already seen one before. The Commander steps up and gives everyone a short speech about their efforts and then enlightens them on what the Commission had planned next. If you were to make a really on spot guess, you predicted it would just be him telling them all that Amatsu is their next target or something of the like. You could outright skip debriefing and you wouldn't miss much.

Now council on the other hand had to be important, since the Star himself wanted you there. You supposed the officers were going to thank you for being the one to personally land the last blow on Yama Tsukami, but there might be more so you didn't want to miss that.

You had about thirty minutes to do something. You go ahead and get ready, putting on your armor and freshening up.

>Let's wake the others up and attend debriefing, for whatever it's worth.
>Let's skip it and go see the Doctor. He might be able to help with these marks.
>Let's grab a quest to take later on, we're not going to be put on assignment right away.
>Write in.
>>
>>4094525
>Let's grab a quest to take later on, we're not going to be put on assignment right away.
I say Lightning Ground Hounding.
>>
>>4094525
And since we have time, pick up our Khezu set too.
>>
>>4094545
>>4094549
Ill second this lad. It's a mystery why this quest has so few players, but I dont like crowds anyway.
>>
>>4094525
Supporting >>4094545 and >>4094549.

>>4094597
That's the good thing about niche franchises.

So what do you think the Khezu Armor would have besides +Thun -Fire? I think Earplugs would be a shoe-in.
>>
>>4094549
After we pick up our armor, let's talk to the second fleet master about the gunlance rocket jump, maybe he can find a way to redesign the firing mechanism to allow rocket jumping without the risk of damage, or at least reinforce it so it's less likely to jam.
>>
>>4094621
Health Boost, regen+, or recovery+. Something like that.
>>
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You walked outside, seeing the congregation finally assembled for the Commander to give his tidbit about their further actions.

You would show up for council instead right after.

You remembered your Khezu set was to be done by today and walked off to the lift, bringing yourself up to the Smithy.

"Oi! Freelancer! You're here to pick up your order. You're going to love the craftsmanship!" The SFM says upon noticing you enter.

"Where's it at?"

The SFM pointed with his mitten off to the side to the stairs behind his great forge. "Up yonder, there should be a little room behind a curtain outside."

"Thanks."

Following the stairwell you saw behind the forge, you came up until you went outside and saw a curtain there. You pushed it aside and stepped out onto a small deck space there peeking out to the world outside. It seemed private enough, somebody far out there would need binoculars to look.

There was a mirror to your right, and to your left you saw some hangers with your new set upon them. You took the moment there to strip out of your previous mixed Hornetaur/Uragaan set and instead donned the new Khezu set. It was rubbery and stretchy, the hide felt the same as it did when you carved it.

You stepped out after bundling up your previous pieces and stopped in front of the SFM.

"So, what be ye' thinking of it?"

"It's perfect." You say, raising your hand and giving a thumbs up with the gauntlet.

"That's what I like to hear. We did our best to try and translate Old World armor into new design standards. It should hold you over until the time is ripe again to upgrade."

You nod and are just about to leave when you suddenly notice a mantle on a rack next to the SFM, it was a blue one.

"Hey, what's that?"

"Oh this? This is a Glider Mantle. Some snotnose turned it in to me for no good reason. I can't imagine why, it seems to be in mint condition. I've no need for it meself. I'd part it with you for a measly twelve thousand Zenny." The SFM says.
>>
"Actually, I have another question about my Gunlance in specific." You say.

"Mmm? Yes? What is it?"

"Do you know what 'soft-firing' is?"

"Yes. It's one good way to deteriorate your weapon. Why do you ask?" The SFM raises his eyebrow.

"I was wondering, could you perhaps do something to allow the Gunlance to be able to 'soft-fire' without it getting worse?"

"Sure. I could do it, but it wouldn't be easy, and when I'm done, it'll only be able to 'soft-fire' and nothing more." The SFM states.

"Uh? Why would it only do that?"

"The Gunlance wasn't designed for that you know. I advise any Gunlance user to not do that just so they can show off their fancy pancy tricks, unless if using Wyvern's Fire. You learned that from crazy Charon, didn't you? Well I think you should know, he's broken at least twenty Gunlances by now that I and the lads here have had to repair." The SFM says.

"Yeah! That guy's lucky his current one even works, but that's just cause he used all the durable Elder Dragon bones he could get in it." One of the other forge workers says calls out suddenly.

"So you see lad? It's a bad idea. Maybe if you made a Gunlance from something strong enough like crazy Charon, you could 'soft-fire', but otherwise I wouldn't advise it, unless you want to be constantly paying for repairs and overloading us with more work!" The SFM says.

"What about redesigning it to allow that function? You made the super ballista, didn't you? Couldn't you do that if you really tried?"

"Lad, the super ballista was easy to make because we based it off of something that already exists, the average ballista. We just essentially upscaled a ballista to fire something akin to a Dragonator. Compared to outright making a new kind of Gunlance, that is all easy. The Gunlance just isn't made to 'soft-fire' unless you absolutely need to. That's just the way it is."

"Alright. Thanks for answering at least."

"Heh, I'm frantic to discuss what I work for, you can always drop a technical question my way."

>Let's buy that Glider Mantle he has.
>Sell our old armor parts.
>Let's go wait to attend Council now.
>We still have time, let's grab some food.
>Write in.
>>
>>4095726
>Sell our old armor parts.
Then check if we got enough money if so then
>Let's buy that Glider Mantle he has.
>We still have time, let's grab some food.
>>
>>4095710
Why is our face covered?

>>4095758
Support.
>>
>>4095770
To leave it up to the player's imagination.
>>
Forking out about twelve thousand Zenny, you bought the Glider Mantle from the Second Fleet Master and took the thing into your belongings.

"So, would you buy these?" You ask, showing your older armor pieces.

"That goes to her." The Second Fleet Master says, pointing over to the Armory lady who beckons you over.

For the price of two thousand Zenny for your whole Hornetaur set and six thousand for your Uragaan cuirass, you cash out at 34282 Zenny total and stroll out of the Smithy with a loaded purse that jingled as you walked.

You had some more minutes to burn before council, so you went up to the canteen to eat instead for the moment, seating yourself and getting served by the waiters soon enough. After eating the Chef's Choice as usual, you made your way back down to the Commander's table to be present for Council.

Though, as you left, you found it weird the Meowscular Chef didn't cook this time. What might he have been up to?
>>
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MEANWHILE, AT THE CANTEEN STOREROOM....
>>
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"I-I-I'm positive, Grammeow! This is the one! I swear on my nine lives!"

"Mmm....? It seems rather small for something you call your 'ultimate dish', dear."

"Looks can be deceiving Grammeow! It might not be much, but I'm sure it mew just be the one! You have to try it, please! I pawed all of my heart into making it!"

Grammeowster Chef just shrugs aptly at that and lifts the lid to see Meowscular Chef's new dish.

"Ohhh..."

"D-Does it look good enough?!"

"Oh, it looks wonderful! I just have to see if it tastes wonderful too."

Meowscular Chef feels a trail of sweat sliding down his face as Gramma reaches for her nearby utensil to try his dish.

>1d1000 to determine whether or not Gramma finally approves of Meowscular's cooking!
>>
Rolled 77 (1d1000)

>>4095876
Let's do this, Let's impress the cool grandma.
>>
>>4095876
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>
Rolled 595 (1d1000)

>>4095880
>>
Rolled 495 (1d1000)

>>4095876
>>
Rolled 13 (1d1000)

>>4095876
Oh dear.
>>
M-mediocre
>>
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Reaching forward with her fork carefully, Grammeowster Chef pierced into the dish while Meowscular Chef's pupils shrank down and he was now sweating profusely, a waiter coming to wipe him off while he stood like a statue.

"Hmmm..."

Taking out the most minuscule piece of the dish she could with the fork, Gramma raised it to her mouth and pulled it off of the utensil, tasting it thoroughly.

"Mmmm..."

Meowsular Chef was shaking in fear now as Gramma chewed the minuscule piece, barely bigger than a crumb.

"We.....W-Well....?"
>>
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Gramma swallows and looks his way. Meowscular Chef shrank back in her gaze as though he was staring at his death, like Gog Almighty Himself was about to personally smite him.

"Mmmm...."
>>
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.....

"Nnmmm nnmmm...."
>>
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Shattered... like glass....

All of Meowscular Chef's hope, gone, just in that instant.

Now he...

>Accepts defeat, Gramma cannot be surpassed...
>Holds back tears and swears to do better again.
>Crys like a baby who just fell off a couch.
>Thinks.... Wait! Mewbe... no, it couldn't be, could it?!
>>
>>4095941
>Holds back tears and swears to do better again.
But a solitary, manly tear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z43hHLsKqaA
>>
>>4095941
>Thinks.... Wait! Mewbe... no, it couldn't be, could it?!
I don't want to get his hopes up, but...
>>
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Meowscular Chef grunts as he wipes the single manly tear he had off of his face.

"I... I'll do better!" He vows.

"Mmmm. I'm sure you'll get it one da-"

"WAIT!" He suddenly says, starling Grammeowster Chef.

He was thinking then, his mind crossed over something...

....No.... no! It can't be!

He forgot the last ingredient! Of course Gramma rejects it, he left out the most important part!

Stumbling over, nearly tripping on a stool, Meowscular chef opened his cabinet and looked over all the surplus ingredients he had.

It had to be here somewhere! Ohhh....! He forgot what the last ingredient was! He payed too much attention to other things!

>This paprika.. this has got to be it!
>No! No! It's the tobasco pepper sauce here!
>Ahah! The cinnamon and glaze!
>Wait! I got it, it's the 'special stuff'!
>How could I forget the cheese?!
>....Let's put it all on to be safe?
>>
>>4095963
>Wait! I got it, it's the 'special stuff'!
Mystery box?
Mystery box.
>>
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Ahh, yes, how could he forget? The 'special stuff'.

The Black Bottle....

He remembered now. Meowscular Chef was going to break out the most well kept secret of his, and use it on the dish he had made. But, while he knew Gramma was beyond him, he couldn't help but wonder if even she was ready for this? He's only ever used this three times when he needed to truly amaze.

The Black Bottle, it is a forbidden thing, not to be used for just every dish. Maybe this time would be right.

Still, if Gramma were to be overwhelmed by it....!

Ohhh.... he's just not sure.

>It must be done. Gramma must be impressed at last.
>No! It's not too late to turn back! There's still time!
>>
>>4095985
>It must be done. Gramma must be impressed at last.
If Gramma cannot handle cooking equal to or better than her own, she was never truly a great chef.
>>
>>4095985
>It must be done. Gramma must be impressed at last.
Bruh I wasn't expecting something so *ominous*
But I am intrigued.
>>
>>4095985
Dew it.
>>
I would have abstained if I knew that my vote would have led to this...

By the way, the character sheet still describes our old getup.
>>
Is it weird that I imagine a heavy metal version of the meat cooking song playing in a rapidly quickening loop as our boy tries to impress gramma?
>>
>>4095985
>>No! It's not too late to turn back! There's still time!

turn back you fools! that is concentrated evil extract!
>>
>>4096490
We're past the looking glass now lad, time to see how far we can take this shit. UNLEASH THE SPECIAL SAUCE
>>
There is no turning back now.

Carefully, Meowscular Chef paces over and opens the bottle, letting the hellish substance leak from it onto the steak dish he had prepared. He felt so stupid for forgetting the most important part to his spicy steak dinner, but he was remedying that now.

Gramma would be impressed, he was sure. He had poured his heart into making this dish, the same way Gramma does whenever she makes her home cooked meals.

This was the last part.... the Merphistophelin Sauce. They said this sauce was made from the scales of the Devil monster itself. So blistering hot even Gog would gag at it.

The dish had to be complete....
>>
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"Mmm? Oh? Was it not truly com-paw-lete yet? Oh ho ho! I'm sure it was just a little mishap."

"Y-YES! It's complete now! P-Please! Try it again, Grammeow!"

"Okay dear."

.....
>>
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>>
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ded?
>>
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....

"...."

"It's the meowst wonderful thing I've ever tasted!"

Meowscular Chef's neck fell. He resigned to the dread he felt upon being told that. He failed once aga... wait.

"Mruh?!"

"Oh dear, I thought your dish was fabulous this meowole time! I only pretended to disapprove because I knew it would spurn mew to get the one thing you missed."

"M-M-MEW MEAN....?!"

"Mew're a great chef, Meowscular! Maybe even the best Felyne chef since me!"
>>
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>>4097306
YYEAAHHH
WE DID IT LADS
>>
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>>4097306
>>
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>>4097306
Well Done chief, You've done it.
>>
>>4097306
Well done chief, you fucking did it.
>>
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Meowscular Chef was stunned, his knees trembling weakly and his eyes letting out small tears of joy as he sniffled and suddenly dove into Gramma, pulling her into a hug. The other waiters present high fived each other at their head's success.

"OH HOUGH! MEW CAN'T EVEN COM-PAW-REHEND HOW LONG I'VE WANTED TO HEAR THA-HAT!"

"Shhh! There there! I know you have."

"W-Why did it take so long...?"

"Every chef is different, dear! You've always tried to impress me by making things I'm good at, but you've never tried to do anything you're good at for me."

"I... I see now."

Meowscular Chef reflects briefly on his life of trying to impress Gramma. At every turn, he attempted to replicate her stews, her broths and casseroles, but he never tried to show her what he mastered, his steaks, prime cuts and roasted meats.

Now he finally sees, some chefs just do better with other things than some others. But most importantly, he cooked from the heart.

Meowscular Chef finally did it, he impressed Grandma. He was truly, the best chef.
>>
Meanwhile at the Council table...

You stepped up behind the Star and his Handler as the horn for Council finished sounding off. Many of the officer caste was all gathered here, all except for the Admiral and the Field Team Leader. The Huntsman had relocated to a stool behind the Commander for whatever reason, and The Colonel whom you met in the Guiding Lands was there as well, a pipe hanging from his mouth which he puffed.

"Now that everyone is gathered, I'd like to welcome you all back to our first council meeting in a long time now. What's it been? Several months since our last? Anyways, allow me to start by thanking the Fifth fleet and our Freelancer for their commendable efforts in our last siege." The Commander starts.

"Always, sir." The Sapphire Star nodded.

"It's my honor to serve, sir." You say, saluting.

"The Star here tells me it was you who activated the super ballista to land the killing blow on Yama Tsukami. Without you holding out, I don't think we could have done it the same. Here, you've earned this."

The Commander hoops something across the table to you, a Zenny purse. It was heavy, you reckoned it had about 50000 Zenny inside. You pocket it and salute again as the other officers all nodded in your direction.

"Now then, let's get this meeting underway. Director, what's the census?"

"According to all of our findings and the personal word of the Seeker, we've deduced that a massive spiking in Bioenergy levels is what ultimately attracted Yama Tsukami. We felt it in the earthen chamber before it mysteriously vanished." The Analytics Director says, reading off of his papers. The Commander seems to rub his temple for a second.

"That was my theory as well. However, I'm sure most of you know already from me what has went on recently with the First Wyverians, and what our Star found on Origin Isle. I want to believe this is just another event like the Elder Crossing, but let's keep our eyes peeled, we may just be dealing with something else entirely. Whatever it is, we'll find it, we must." The Commander states. All around the table, everyone agrees with him.

You felt the urge to speak, but you don't. The hex is still on you. You wished that you could tell what really happened in Tilokpia with you to them dearly, but you weren't able to. You just had to bide your time.

"So, that said, we have to focus our efforts now on the other pressing issues at hand. We know more Elders are due to show, and we already have one spotted in Hoarfrost Reach, Amatsu."

"Now that's one I don't think we can take down with a siege mission. Hoarfrost Reach is too harsh for us to set anything up there, unless we plan to lead it to Seliana's defense grid." The Second Fleet Master informed the Commander.
>>
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"I know, which is why we'll need to investigate further into what the best course for confronting Amatsu would be. Other than that, the Colonel here has told me there are some issues flaring up in the Guiding Lands. Colonel, could you explain please?" The Commander asked, turning the spotlight to the Troverian.

"Indeed!" The Colonel said, puffing his pipe again as he slammed his hand down on the Guiding Lands map before the table.

"As most of you all know already, the Sapphirrrrre Starrrre drrrrriving off Ahtal Ka has allowed us to finally build our forrrrt in the Guiding Lands. And this only opened up a doorrrr to morrrre problems!"

"My underrrrrlings have reporrrrted seeing a massive figurrre stealing frrrom ourrrr food stocks in brrrroad daylight! One they couldn't see! And we've bore witness to a giant stalking the shores! It all thrrrreatens our ability to securrrrre the Guiding Lands, which is why we need these two thrrrreats dealt with."

The other officers around the table whispered to each other. A figure that couldn't be seen even in the sun? And a giant. Sounds real troublesome.

"Thank you, Colonel. I'll see to it that urgent quests are made to help get Hunters on your cases." The Commander says to the Troverian.
>>
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"So, that takes care of most of the council meeting. Everyone, you know your jobs." The Commander says, everyone around the table nodding at that.

"We'll leave the Hunters to the urgent quests. Other than that, I want Resources to ensure the Argosy shipments to the Guiding Lands go accordingly. Research, you continue your work on what we've found as of yet."

"Now, as for you." The Commander says, turning his attention to you.

"Our investigation has widened it's horizon, so Hunters are going to be more preoccupied with different things. I want to know what you'll be doing."

>"I'll handle the Hoarfrost Reach part of our investigation sir. Leave Amatsu to me."
>"I'll help the Colonel out with the problems in the Guiding Lands, sir."
>"I can try to be on both as best as I can at once, sir."
>>
>>4097550
>"I'll help the Colonel out with the problems in the Guiding Lands, sir."
We need to consult Shara on which Elder Dragons can "see reason", as per the First Wyverian's warning.
>>
>>4097550
>"I'll help the Colonel out with the problems in the Guiding Lands, sir."
I think Amatsu is a bit beyond our skill right now.
>>
>>4097550
>"I'll help the Colonel out with the problems in the Guiding Lands, sir."
Far from the jho, also, fuck Chameleos our second elder.
>>
>>4096276
I've updated it now.
>>
>>4097550
>"I'll help the Colonel out with the problems in the Guiding Lands, sir."
>>
>>4097627
>MR
cool
>>
"Sir. I'll aim to help out how I can with the Colonel's problems in the Guiding Lands." You say.

"Very well. I'll leave Amatsu to the Star for now." The Commander says.

"I anticipate no troubles." The Sapphire Star says triumphantly.

"I'll have the urgent quests out as soon as I can. Colonel, for now return to the Guiding Lands and hold down the fort for me. The Argosy should have your last shipment in soon. The rest of you, any questions?"

Silence.

"Then that will be all for today. This council session is over. Dismissed."

Everyone obliged the Commander then, returning back off to their own duties as they walked past you. You walked alongside the Star for the moment as you turned off too. He nods at you as you glance his way and you do too before going back off the way of your room.

You would have to wait a few hours until the next urgent quests became available. You thought you could spend the meantime until then on another quest of your own choosing.

You stepped over to the board near the Smithy and looked it over. One that stuck out to you in particular was the quest for a Zinogre, 'Lightning Hound Grounding'. Your Khezu armor would provide mighty resistance to thunder now, and if you killed the Zinogre, you'd have plenty of materials to potentially forge a powerful thunder weapon with. Oh the prospect was enticing.

But, you've never fought a Zinogre before. The Yama Tsukami you could get through because you weren't alone. Were you even ready or skilled enough to face off with a high ranked monster like that?

You were Hunter Rank 25 now, the siege saw massive promotion for it's participants. As you recall, the highest Hunter Rank achievable was 100. Come to think of it, what was the Star's?

>Let's take this quest. Zinogre will be a good learning curve to get around.
>Maybe we should try a simpler quest for now, Zinogre seems a bit tough.
>Let's actually go converse with the Star, we should find out about his aura.
>Let's talk with Shara about something before we leave. I still feel like that didn't happen last night, I might be delusional.
>Maybe we should buy one of those Defender Corps Weapons to tide us over for now. The blast effect would suffice until later.
>Write in.
>>
Quests: https://pastebin.com/hSf9iAep
Character Sheet: https://pastebin.com/tEiVJgb1
>>
>>4097769
>Let's take this quest. Zinogre will be a good learning curve to get around.
>>
>>4097769
>Let's take this quest. Zinogre will be a good learning curve to get around.
>Let's talk with Shara about something before we leave. I still feel like that didn't happen last night, I might be delusional.
We're gonna take a long time killing it with just a Blazing Gunlance, though.
>>
Wait, we can try capturing it instead. The Gajalaka tribe we helped is in the Highlands, last I checked.
>>
Wait, the tribe was in the Wastes. We can still try capturing it, though.
>>
>>4097794
Don't remember, but yes, capturing gives more materials, I don't know if is easier in quest format. So, maybe.
>>
Grabbing the paper from the board, you decide you will take the Zinogre quest after all and stuff it into your satchel.

Before you head out, there's just one more thing to confirm. You go ahead on back over to your room and open the door to see Atricia doing something on the table near the furnace. She seemed to be preparing something on the table there. She smiles at you as you walk in and look it over. It was some sort of baked bread treat dessert with cream and sprinkled candy on it.

"Hey!" She greets you, looking over your new armor set. "You look good in that."

"Thanks." You say as Shara comes over in a rush then to receive one of the treats into his mouth. Greedily, he wolfed the whole thing down in one bite, nearly snapping Atricia's finger as she giggled at his eagerness.

"I think he gets a little overexcited for treats." Atricia says, giving Shara another before handing you one. "Oh, I won't forget you either."

"Oh! Thanks. Hmm... Hey, you said you had Handler training to learn how to cook, didn't you?"

"Yep."

"How come you aren't a Handler now? How'd you get to be a Huntress? Don't almost all girls end up Handlers?"

"In Dundorma, Handler training is mandatory in university like the one I attended. You have to sign up to be a Handler in Dundorma, unlike most other cities where it becomes your assigned position. I was free to go to Hunter tryouts after I graduated." Atricia says with a shrug.

Huh? I guess Dundorma must be more 'free' then."

"It is, the Great Elder's always been a fair ruler compared to some other Guild District Masters. When I'm too old to hunt, you can bet I'm going to settle back down in my hometown."

"No place like home."

You walk over and sit in your chair while you bite the dessert Atricia made. You looked down curiously at Shara munching on his own with his eyes closed. You remember last night, and you weren't sure if it was a dream or not, so here goes...

"Shara? You there?"

Shara stops munching and opens an eye at you.

"Yes Human?"

Okay, that was definitely not a dream after all.

"Hey, you know how I found you, right?"

"No."

"I was told where you'd be at by 'the First Wyverian'."

"Ohhh. I should have known, I have met those figures before. I would consider them to be quite benevolent."

"They told me that some Dragons can see reason. Do you know what they meant?"

"They were most likely talking about me."

"Hmm...."

>Ask about other Elder Dragons he knows and if they'd be reasonable.
>Inquire about what Dragons were like before Ancient Humanity.
>We know this isn't a dream now, that's good enough. Tell him to behave and get on your way.
>Write in.
>>
>>4097826
>Ask about other Elder Dragons he knows and if they'd be reasonable.
>>
>>4097826
>Ask about other Elder Dragons he knows and if they'd be reasonable.
>>
>>4097826
>Ask about other Elder Dragons he knows and if they'd be reasonable.
I'm immensely curious!

>Shara considers the first wyverian to be benevolent
Well at least it's not Shara vs Wyverians vs WH40K human supremacist
>>
"How many uh, other Dragons do you know?"

"Not many anymore. Most of my friends and family are all gone. The last Dragons I knew were few. There was a sisterly yet sadistic one of ice whom I tried my best not to disturb, and a hulking black brute of thorns that sprang from nature itself whom I have fought with more than once. Why if I had not been weakened the last time I would have... Erghhh... Losing leaves me bitter."

"That one you described sounds like Nergigante, but I don't know this ice one."

Snapping away from the connection, you looked over to Atricia. "Hey, you know any Elder Dragons associated with ice?"

"Oh? Well yeah, that would be Velkhana." She answered.

"Where's it at these days?"

"Uh, well it was in Hoarfrost Reach. The Sapphire Star slew Velkhana there."

Shara snapped his treat in half suddenly there and had a shocked expression about his face.

"Huh, okay...." You say, turning back to bite your dessert, pretending as though there was no particular reason for asking.

"There's... there's no more you know...?"

Shara looks up to you with heavy eyes scratches his snout, exhaling deeply.

"....I did know about a red Dragon... quite a strong one that made pheromones... but I have never met him personally, nor do I know where he lives today."

"What can you tell me about say... Elder Dragons like Teostra and Lunastra?"

"I do not know these names."

"Okay, I'll just describe them. One is red and the other is blue and they both control fire. They're big, they have these... err.... 'crowns' on their heads."

"I know what Dragons you're talking about. The ones that treat themselves as royalty, the Emperor and Empress. Their kinds have always been stuck up and full of themselves. They see every other being around them as serfs, and treat the ground they walk on as property. The Empress in specific is an obsessive one, she attacks anything she sees around her for any reason."

"Really? I thought that was just what us Humans like to say about them."

"Stereotypes are made for a reason. Teostra and Lunastra are not all that reasonable."

"How can I know which Elder Dragons are reasonable and which aren't then?"

"You can't. I am reasonable because I am inherently different. Most Dragons that live today are all young and have forgotten their past like Man. They are intelligent, but have resigned to being beasts like all other fauna you call 'monsters'."

"What about Amatsu? The wind dragon that appeared in the hinterlands recently."

"Most likely unreasonable."

"Could your Ancestor ever be reasonable again?"

Shara squints his eyes at you.

"...Yeah... okay, dumb question."

>Ask Shara something else.
>On with the quest at hand now.
>Write in.
>>
>>4097937
>Ask Shara something else.
What he thinks of Tabitabi, or what she thinks of us. Also which one he likes most Vivi, Atricia or us.
>>
>>4097937
So the ones he knew around here are either dead or hostile towards us, the others wildcards. Great.

>Ask Shara something else.
What were dragons like back then?
>>
>>4098011
Support.
>>
>>4097937
Ask him if he can tell someone about the ancient mans curse for us.

Asl him to tell you about ancient dragon, and ancient man.

Ask him why HE wants to... deal with humanity? A good question in general. I guess. The ancient man, elder dragons, wyverians, all seem to be trying to steer humanity towards thier own ends. Whats with that?
>>
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"What do you honestly think of me?"

Shara tilted his head at that.

"What do you mean? You feed and shelter me from the wilderness and have shown me only kindness and care thus far. I will be able to mature here without worry. My relation with you is cordial."

"What about my friends here? They also like you."

"Your Lynian servant and mate? I would think the same."

"Uh! No no no! You got it all wrong, she's not my... she's just a friend!"

".....?"

"We're not a Rathalos and Rathian couple, that's what I mean!"

"You live together with a female Human but you are not consorts? You are a strange little Human..."

"And Vivianne isn't my servant, she's my Palico. She's a friend and companion too, don't mix it up."

"That is redundant, Lynians of that brood have always willingly submitted themselves to service of Man. You seem in denial about it."

"Look, I don't consider her a servant. She can do whatever she wants too, I'm not gonna claim to be in control of her own free will. She helps me out on the Hunts and I pay her way in return. We've always been friends."

Shara scratches his scalp.

"Perhaps I am just not so used to how Humanity is these days. I have had little social contact for most of my life since the end of the old world. If you mean what you say, I will believe it. I wonder, are most other Humans like this today?"

"The Guild we're all apart of here was made for a purpose by Wyverians and Humans. We don't want to exterminate all the Monsters, we want to only take what actions are necessary, to protect the ecosystem. If an Elder is out there running amok causing trouble, the Hunters are called to quell it so the environment survives. My home was almost destroyed by a Ceadeus in the past, but a Hunter stopped it. You see what I mean?"

"I understand... I hope Humanity truly has improved as a whole like you say. I've desired to see Mankind lose it's corrupt ways of old."

You nod as you finish your dessert. Shara munches on his splintered pieces, making a mess on the floor with it.

"You like Tabitabi too, right?"

"Whom?"

"The Tobi-Kadachi I brought you to see once, you know, the one from the cage."

"That poor wyvern has memory problems. I could sense as much from her. Why though is she caged?"

"We keep a lot of Monsters for reasons, we end up releasing most of them. She's there because the forest is dangerous, there was Rajang there. You ever seen a big angry ape creature before? That's it."

"It seemed as though that wyvern listened to you. That is especially weird, I have never seen anything like it." Shara projected to you, having a really dumbstruck look about his face.

If only he could see things from your prospective, then he'd know what 'weird' was.

"Who do you like the most out of us three?"

"I do not have favorites."

That was fair of him, so you only shrug.
>>
You glanced over to ensure Atricia hadn't taken notice yet. She still had her hands full on the table, so you look back to Shara, wishing to ask but a few more questions before you left.

"Shara, I've already been told of how Humans were back then, but what were Elder Dragons like?"

"It is quite the story."

"Tell me."

"In those Ancient times, Dragons were the masters of Earth, challenged by few other beasts. We were intelligent creatures much like you Humans, and we formed our own unique societies as well, with alphas and traditions of our own. The Ancestor was our great chief from which all Dragons descended from, and a benevolent being in the sky that watched over us, a guiding pale light."

You leaned in a bit closer as Shara stands on his two arms.

"There were many breeds of us, Dragons that could wield fire and ice, change the winds and reshape the Earth. We roamed in prides and packs, we socialized and settled our differences in fair trials and combats. We would make mountains our homes, and sit to watch the sun's motion day and night. We would hunt together and play, compete with one another and then sleep. Life was so easy for Dragons in Ancient Times."

"Back then, Humanity were but pygmies who barely mastered wood and fire. Dragons realized them as intelligent creatures as well, and so we treated them with many different ways. Some Dragons would end up an object of worship for Man, by choice or not. Some Dragons would even help primeval Man, or guide them. Others felt disdain towards Man and shunned them, but our Ancestor would not allow them to destroy Man."

"Then how did Humans become so advanced if they were just cavemen then?"
>>
"There was a tribe of Humans from the north, they called themselves the Foremost. They were guided to exceed the rest of their fellow Men by a Dragon breed that became hated by all other Dragons as time passed. We called this breed the Pharaohs, and the Ancient Humans gave them the name Nefu Garomudo. There is hubris there however, as the Nefu Garumudo were also subjugated by Mankind eventually, and relearned to only have faith in their Ancient Human masters even today."

"What goes around comes around, huh?"

"Long after the Foremost had assimilated the entirety of Mankind, Dragons and Men still coexisted for the time being. Dragons and Men would offer tribute to each other as signs of respect even, though Man had abandoned worship of Dragons by then. Mankind spread rapidly across all of the world, and soon would number more than Dragons could ever hope to."

"There was calls to cull Humanity by Dragons who felt threatened, but they were only dismissed by the more optimistic Ancestor who believed Man and Dragon would both be compatible forever. Many decades passed by of this same coexistence, until the day came at last that Man discovered the power that harnessing Dragons would provide them. I'm sure you know how this story goes on afterwards already...."

"Mostly. The Great Dragon War from the mythology books happened, and both of you were almost wiped out."

"Indeed..."

Shara lays his head down onto the floor, no longer wanting to finish his treat. You stood up from your chair then.

What will you do now?
>>
Ask Shara if there was some way that would help us know if any Elder Dragon we encounter is reasonable or do we leave it all to chance. Get up and prepare for the quest after that.

I wonder what our Set Bonus is.
>>
>>4098789
Disregard the first part, I just reread the prior update explaining it. Guess we'll just have to wing it and make amends with Nerg.
>>
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>>4098804
>make amends
>with ruinergigante
>>
>>4098860
Not saying that we actively set out to do that but we need every ED we can get
>>
>>4098871
Agreed. Even if we don't get along with it, making amends would be polite. We did shoot it while it was down, after all.
>>
>>4098780
ask about the cuuuurrrsseeeee
>>
>>4098780
Oh, Shara is down give the little guy a hug. Also ask Atricia if she and Vivi if they are up for a quest.
>>
>>4098780
Go check what are the urgent's we need to do then let's hunt that electrick punk. Can we eat meat and meat with a side of meat in the canteen? Or the is the breakfast still enough?

Still tired, so ooga booga time.
>>
"Shara, you already know I have this hex on me. Is there anyway I can get it off?"

"Not easily you won't. The hex Zuhramon placed on you allows him to recognize your Bioenergy's signal, and he can react to it faster than you ever will, preventing you from writing or speaking anything he doesn't want you to. Ancient Humanities' power came from understanding and mastering Bioenergy. Us Dragons could never have achieved their same sciences or insights. Zuhramon can do what he can because he is able to manipulate Bioenergy through his advanced technology. Like many Ancient Humans who did the same, his technology is what he wears and wields."

"Could the First Wyverian help?"

"The First Wyverians gained their understanding of these forces of nature from Mankind. However, Humanity intentionally dumbed down the Wyverians of their old society, to always ensure they could never be on the same level as Mankind. While I believe the First Wyverians might try to help you as they can, I do not think they can solve your problem. Their ability over Bioenergy revolves around their use of it to see the past and future. They cannot manipulate it as well as Zuhramon can, or like he can. The gulf between them both is like that of a Wyvern next to a Dragon."

"Hmm..."

"....ᴼʳ ʸᵒᵘ nᵉˣᵗ ᵗᵒ ᵐᵉ ᵒnᶜᵉ ᴵ'ᵐ ᵃn ᵃᵈᵘˡᵗ...."

"....What was that last part?"

"Last part? I said nothing!"

Shara seemed to snicker in a draconic way while you raised an eyebrow at him. You didn't really catch that last part but you didn't care now. At least he didn't have that morose look now. You reached over and patted Shara on his head before grabbing your weapon and going to walk out.

Vivi jumped up and scurried along to join you. "Let me come with Meowster, I need to get out today."

"Hey, Atricia, what's your plans today?"

"I have some things I need to take care of with the Scanner Scholar. I was going to let Brigg babysit Shara until then."

"Alright. Be safe."

"You don't have to worry about me, I can handle myself!" She says with a smile.

You nod at that with a smile yourself and gesture Vivi up onto your back before leaving out of your room to get on with your quest.
>>
Having left from Astera with Vivianne saddled on your back, you flew off to the Coral Highlands by Wingdrake to pursue the quest 'Lightning Hound Grounding'. You did feel that this would be a handful, but you weren't going to give up no matter what.

As you flew over the Highlands, you though about how you had the Glider Mantle with you now. There was a peak here in the Highlands that gusts of air circulated through... perhaps you could try it out, maybe use it to get up in the air over the Highlands. You could just fly over with it and scan below until you pinpointed where Zinogre was, it would be pretty easy.

>Let's fly! The Glider Mantle will make finding that Zinogre a piece of cake.
>We'll land at a camp and go by the ground until we find Zinogre, might be safer.
>>
>>4099018
>Let's fly! The Glider Mantle will make finding that Zinogre a piece of cake.
This should be fun.
>>
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>>4099018
>Let's fly! The Glider Mantle will make finding that Zinogre a piece of cake.
What can go wrong, right?
>>
>>4099018
>Let's fly! The Glider Mantle will make finding that Zinogre a piece of cake.
What's the phrase again, "seems simple enough"?
>>
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Directing your Mernos over to a suitable landing spot, you dropped off on one of the big coral pads you saw about a quarter just from the peak of the rise.

You walked closer to the edge, gazing off to get a better look down below. You saw massive bubbles rising into the air, along with these jellyfish like creatures. You couldn't get such a great view of all of the Highlands from up here, there was a heavy layer of fog that surrounded the peak, rising up from the lowest points of the Highlands.

Not having much else of a choice, you donned the Glider Mantle and spread it out over your arms, fastening it's straps over your wrists as you backed away.

Well, here goes....

With a running start, you jumped up into the air and began to fall fast, until the mantle deployed properly and caught the air, bloating as you let it carry you slowly downwards in the sky above the Highlands.

Seems it worked after all. It didn't take long for you to pass the fog layer, and now you could see most of the Highlands in it's totality better.

Most importantly, you saw your mark far down below. Zinogre, the prime Fanged Wyvern. It looked to be heading from the Vigorwasp grounds down to the place where the Shamos prowled.

You were descending rather fast down that way.

>Hover over and let ourself down to mount Zinogre.
>Land quietly nearby for a sneak attack on it.
>Stealthily land and trail the Monster from behind.
>>
>>4099122
>Stealthily land and trail the Monster from behind.
We didn't bring any traps with us, did we.
>>
>>4099122
>Hover over and let ourself down to mount Zinogre.
>>
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As you went further downwards, you couldn't decide whether or not you should go ahead and try to mount the Zinogre or trail it.

You were getting dangerously close to the ground and by now it was too late to hover over and land on the Zinogre. Now, you would find out why this Glider Mantle was turned in to the SFM.

With a snap, it's braces suddenly came lose and the wings of the mantle flapped out of control. The thing was busted this whole time, destined to eventually fail like this! And because of it failing, you went and fell too. You could do nothing to stop it as you plummeted towards the ground of the Zinogre from high up in the air.

A fall like this was higher than what was recommended to be optimal jumping height, you'd be paralyzed as soon as you hit the ground. You just hoped that the Zinogre would get it over with quick once it noticed you. You let the rest of the mantle fly off of you as you fell, putting your hands together to mutter a quick prayer to Gogmazios.

On your back, Vivianne was holding on her dear life. At least she would break her fall using you.

"ME-MEOWSTEEEERRRR!"

You looked down as she mewled in terror. That Zinogre below had stopped to look up at your descending form, and then it made a fast move, running in your direction. You were nearly to the ground then as it did something you didn't think it could.

Just before your imminent impact, the Zinogre leaped forward, flipping over it's two impressive arms. You had the breath taken out of you as it's tail suddenly swiped at you, carrying you along out of the air before it redirected you with it. You were flung hard, Vivi fell off onto the ground harmlessly as you went rolling into it, stopping as your back hit some rocks that sent a spike of pain through your spine.

You propped yourself upwards as the Zinogre ahead of you growled, stomping forward and closer. You think it must have thought you were attempting some aerial attack, and acted to defend itself. You were a bit dazed but honestly thankful because it unintentionally just saved your life.

"Meowster!" Vivi whined, running over to your side with her sleeper gadget at the ready.

You clapped the sides of your head to regain your focus as looked ahead at the encroaching Zinogre. It seemed to be riled up over something, and you heard the sounds of a flock of Raphinos from behind making a fuss out of something. To add onto the ambience around, you realized then that it was storming above, lightning striking in the sky.

You stepped back a number of paces, your hands at the ready to draw your weapon. The Zinogre ahead stopped to howl to the sky. You didn't have to necessarily fight right at the moment, but you did have to successfully hunt this Zinogre. Maybe you could retreat to another sector for the moment to fire an SOS flare and see who shows.

What will you do now?
>>
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>>4099253
Tactical retreat. Go to another sector, investigate what's happening with the Raphinos and try to lose the Sinogre.

I predict another big monster prowling near. Maaybe a turf war will prove good.

...it's the fucking 'jho, isn't it?
>>
>>4099253
Supporting >>4099261 on a tactical retreat. We should invest in some Smoke Bombs.

Considering the storm in the sky, it sounds to me like there's either a Kirin or a Kushala stomping around.
Worst case scenario it's either of those PLUS the Savage Deviljho
>>
>>4099261
Support

Also what is our endgame here supposed to be? Try and recruit a bunch of EDs on our team like that other anon implied?
>>
We need to decide on something after a certain amount of time if there isn't a consensus. This update shows what happens if we don't.
>>
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You were in a bad position, you couldn't take the thing on like this where you can't get the head start.

Whistling to Vivi with two fingers, you beckon her as you turn away and jog off to the grounds of the Raphinos that were going berserk. You jumped down a vine wall in time to see a Tzitzi-Ya-Ku running away from the place, abandoning a fresh Raphinos kill in terror.

You were taking a good chance of encountering something just as bad or even worse than the Zinogre as you decided to jump down to the grounds below.

You minded the toads that inflicted sleep as you walked further in, stopping dead in your tracks at the sound of something tapping the ground as it walked forward from behind the coral trees.

It was the Elder Dragon Kirin, the first you've ever seen in your life. What a stunning spectacle it was to see this majestic being, something that happens only in lifetimes.

The Kirin looked over at you and snorted it's breath, not seeming to care about your presence. It only stood around idly by to grab at fruits growing around for food.

In the air, you heard something else that really seemed to make the Kirin get on edge, a faint roar followed by a loud slam, almost like a cannon firing. Was that Deviljho....? It seemed pretty close.

>That Kirin looks friendly enough, let's try to ease tension by appearing as a nonthreat, maybe try and pet it.
>Let's find a hiding place and stick around to see what happens.
>Let's go find the camp, there could be valuable supplies in the trunk.
>Write in.
>>
>>4100039
No It's not Jho, It's likely a Rajang, I say we:
>Let's go find the camp, there could be valuable supplies in the trunk.
I rather not stay here and be between a Rajang and his favorite treat.
>>
>>4100039
>Let's go find the camp, there could be valuable supplies in the trunk.
Jaysus fuck, no hunt EVER goes as it is planned to go! If it isn't Bazelgeuse that shows up for a bombing run, it's fucking 'Jho coming to wreck everyone up.
>>
You couldn't stick around for now. Looking over your map of the Highlands, you see a camp a good ways off, but you could easily reach it via a shortcut you made out.

Tip toeing past the the Kirin and running up alongside the wall, you fled the Raphinos ground and swung across vines you saw to come out to the same basalt area you've been to before. On the way you curiously peaked out of one of the basalt wall openings to see that field where the Mizutsune you saw was before. It was still there again, wandering about it's home.

You nearly slip on bubbles as you continue along your way, entering an area where Kelbi grazed before finding your way up and around some rafters to climb, coming up to a camp.

You saw two Hunters there to your surprise. The Rathalos Hunter and Pukei-Pukei Hunter you met from El Dorado sitting around a fire.

"Hmm..."

"Hey, it's Freelancer!" The squeaky voiced young Pukei Hunter greets you, standing up to salute. "Hello! Uh, what brings you here?"

"I'm hunting a Zinogre. What about you?" You reply.

"We're on a mission to investigate mysterious footprints, sir!" The Pukei Hunter tries his best not to stutter.

"....Hmm... We were told to suspect another Elder Dragon by the Researchers." The Rathalos Hunter speaks up.

"I've spotted a Kirin here, does that help?"

"No, we know about the Kirin too. Our footprints are much larger...."

You nod.

You walk over and search the camp trunk, finding a ration and a Shock Trap inside. You probably didn't need any Tranq Bombs, Vivi's Sleeper Gadget would do the trick well enough.

>Offer to help them find footprints if they help you slay or capture Zinogre.
>Get on your way now that you have a trap, you'll be just fine on your own.
>Write in.
>>
>>4100249
>both Hunters have negative Thunder Res
I don't think it's a very good idea to bring them along but a few extra hands is never a bad thing.

>Shock Trap
That's suboptimal but we can make it work before or after it completely rages.
>>
>>4100249
>Offer to help them find footprints if they help you slay or capture Zinogre.
Let's do it.
>>
>>4100285
Before but we need to be very quick about it since Zinogre will use the energy of the trap and go super sayain, and once he is charged up the shock trap won't work.
>>
>>4100339
We should also grab a Tranq Bomb or two, just in case.
>>
"Say, fellows, how about some cooperation here?"

The Pukei-Pukei and Rathalos Hunter both look up at you.

"If you guys help me take down my Zinogre, I'll help you look all over for more footprints to find your Elder." You offer.

The Rathalos Hunter grabs his lance and stands up, walking over your way. "Beats sitting around here."

The Pukei Hunter grabbed his bow and came along too, but raised a finger of concern as he spoke in his stuttered voice. "B-b-b-b-but you said we should wait out for the K-K-Kirin to leave."

".....Hmm... We can just avoid him." The Rathalos Hunter says before he looks at you. "....I'm Nash."

"C-C-C-C-C-Calvin, sir!" The Pukei Hunter introduces himself.

"Vance." You say, thumbing your chest and giving the Pukei Hunter a fistbump.

"You lead the way." The Rathalos Hunter says.

You nod and jumped out of the camp, back into the Kelbi grounds below, the two others following close behind.

"You guys got any traps? Tranq bombs?"

"I've got screamer and flashpods and Lifepowder. A barrel bomb and sleep knife." The Rathalos Hunter named Nash says.

"I've got a shock trap and pitfall trap sir, and a couple of Tranq bombs on hand too. I also have some poisoned meat and a smoke bomb." The Pukei Hunter says.

"Great, that's just what we need." You say.

Strolling back out into the Highlands, you lead the two other Hunters along as you search for Zinogre.
>>
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As you searched throughout the Highlands with your companions, you heard the sparkle of electricity in the distance and put your hand to your ear.

"Think that's it?"

The Rathalos Hunter listened and the Pukei Hunter put his hand on his bow.

"I don't hear any hooves, can't be the Kirin. Let's check it out."

You kept yourself ready to grab your weapon and crept along with the other two ahead. There was another crackling of electricity and you neared a coral corner. Now, you could hear something like a growl, that had to be Zinogre.

You looked out from behind your cover and saw a completely different and much more bone chilling sight however.

It was the Kirin after all. It was barely making so much as a sound because it was being held in place by it's horn, by none other than the indomitable Rajang. Both of the monsters had heavy layer of electricity coursing over them. The Kirin was immobile from Rajang's grip, and the ape stood on both feet struggling somewhat to move from the Kirin ramping up it's charge, pouring massive voltage into the ape's body through it's hand.

Bolts of lightning struck the ground around every few seconds, hitting Rajang in the back and making the oversized monkey's nostrils flare. The Kirin received even more charge from the storm's lightning being drawn to strike it as it spent it's charge on Rajang.

It didn't seem this little stalemate would last forever here however. While the Kirin was handling absurd amounts of electrical charge to stall the Rajang with, it was still only stalling and nothing more. Rajang's joints were slowly flexing. You saw it's hand squeezing down tighter, threatening to tear Kirin's horn off. When it finally did that, it would no doubt use it to power itself up even more, making it a deadly threat to everything else in the Highlands....

"S-Sir?! What do we do?!"

"Meowster! I could try to pawt that monkey to sleep with my gadget, I just need to get claws enough." Vivianne says from your back.

"...I've got a shield, I could try and cover your Palico on that." The Rathalos Hunter says, pointing at the lightning striking around.

>We have to try and help the Kirin so Rajang doesn't strengthen itself further!
>We'll have to leave this Kirin to it's fate. We'll sneak past and find Zinogre.
>Let's take another route, fire an SOS flare and keep searching the Highlands.
>Write in.
>>
>>4100571
>We have to try and help the Kirin so Rajang doesn't strengthen itself further!
Fucker doesn't give a crap about 2/3 of our weapons so we gotta bail after we do this.
>>
>>4100571
>We have to try and help the Kirin so Rajang doesn't strengthen itself further!
Hold on Thunderhorse 1, backup is inbound.
>>
>>4100571
>Let's take another route, fire an SOS flare and keep searching the Highlands.
No. No. NO. NO. Do NOT invoke our bad luck again.
>>
>>4100653
Do you want a Rajang (forma cargado) stomping around while we still have to get that Zinogre?
>>
>>4100656
Vivi could get hurt, sleep only keeps a monster down for so long, the Kirin could still attack us since it's spooked, and this could be a repeat of that time the Duramboros woke up Deviljho when we slept it.
>>
>>4100668
And if we don't get it off Kirin now, we'll have to deal with it while we hunt Zinogre or track that supposed Elder Dragon while it's more powerful.
>>
We should be the ones to defend Vivi though, given that we have the MR Khezu Armor.
>>
>>4100571
>We have to try and help the Kirin so Rajang doesn't strengthen itself further!
IF we're going to put that monkey to sleep, be prepared to run. No sleep bombing, no wait and see what happens, is sleep and run. The Rajang is already in our Arch-enemies list, so fuck him.

WE DONT HAVE A MANTLE.
>>
"No, I will."

You reached around and pulled your shield as Vivi jumped over your shoulder and allowed you to pick her up. "Be ready."

"Nyah!"

You looked back at the other two. "Once we down him, we run, that way. No turning back, not even to look."

The two other Hunters were uneasy to hear your words then, but nodded simply as you faced towards the Rajang and Kirin struggling with one another.

There was a crunch and you saw the base of the Kirin's horn begin cracking. The Elder Dragon neighed in pain and frustration as the Rajang seemed to grin over it, enjoying the sensation of slowly overcoming the phantasmal monster.

You bolted then on that sign as the lightning bolts struck the ground near you. You held your shield up high over your head, being slogged down in speed blocking stray bolts of lightning. Vivi winced as the electricity bounded off of your shield back into the ground around.

You got far closer now and the Rajang's eyes turned onto you as the creature realized your form in it's peripheral vision. It's nose huffing indicated it recognizing your scent, and then it curled as the fanged beast scowled in hatred. Though, with the Kirin shocking it like this, Rajang was powerless to stop you as you ran up and jumped off of a stone.

Your shield hit the bottom of Rajang's jaw, making the creature lose it's focus as you held Vivi up.

"NYAH! NYAH NYAH NYAAAH!"

Desperately, she squeezed the knob of her gadget over and over again, expending out practically all of it's sleep powder into the face of the Rajang as the fanged beast roared and stumbled backwards. The Kirin noticed what you were doing and attempted to free itself, but the Rajang's grip remained iron as the Kirin made the mistake of ceasing to let it's thunder flow.

The Rajang tugged with it's hand hard, snapping the horn of the Kirin right off as it fell backwards. The great ape gained back on it's feet as the Kirin limped away. You stood underneath it, looking up horribly as it's red eyes centered on you. Rajang raised it's fist and you expected that to be your end right then and there, but the fanged beast instead falls forward, collapsing onto the ground and missing crushing you and Vivi.

The beast blew hot bouts of air from it's nostrils, driven into a deep sleep by Vivi's gadget. You thought you could try snatching the thunderhorn away, but it was still locked in the Rajang's hands. Getting it now would mean moving it's fingers, which would only wake it.

You ran without another thought to the nearest trail you saw and Nash and Calvin both followed, keeping to your direction.
>>
"Huff..... huff...."

"W-w-we did it!" The Pukei Hunter said as he ran.

"....Let's just hope a stray Paolumu doesn't end up waking it." The Rathalos Hunter says.

You ran through grazing fields with the other two after managing to down the Rajang. Unfortunate it still got the horn, but at least it wouldn't be up again for a while. You lost sight of the Kirin, but that was acceptable given the situation. It would most likely return to wherever it perched at to heal. At least you helped spare it from being finished off by Rajang, taking the thunderhorn would have only been one part for the Rajang if the Kirin didn't get away, it might've feasted on the phantom's flesh next.

You moved through multiple sectors to be absolutely sure you were away from the Rajang's location. You went back through the Raphinos area and over the Vigorwasp plain until you were down again at the Shamos prowling grounds.

You halted and raised your hand, stopping the other two as you viewed the Zinogre far ahead with your binoculars. It was minding it's own business, looking for something to eat around, though it couldn't decide on what.

After this next vine wall you stood right on, there was a flat space with a pond and ledge rise ahead. The Zinogre was partially obscured by the ledge and you saw Shamos keeping their distance while screeching.

"What's the plan now, Freelancer?" Nash asked, crossing his arms.

"Why'd you take t-th-this quest to begin with, sir?" Calvin asked, preparing his tools.

"I came here to fight the Zinogre and improve."

"Then why do we have traps......?" The Rathalos Hunter questioned you.

"Maybe I might change my mind... maybe I might want to bring it back so I can fight it in the arena instead." You answered.

"Well, if you want to c-c-capture it, you'll have wear it down first." The Pukei Hunter reminded you.

>Go down to fight it yourself. Tell the other two to keep their distance unless you saw otherwise.
>We'll all attack together to wear it down, and then attempt to capture it.
>Come up with a different plan for capturing the Zinogre with them.
>Write in.
>>
>>4100736
>We'll all attack together to wear it down, and then attempt to capture it.
We all get some materials, the sinogre is faster and tougher than it looks, so tactics are needed. Shields will distract and cover the other while Calvin focus on evasion. Use the clutch claw when needed.

I don't know how much Vance knows about fighting a Zinogre, or about his supercharge and the like. We should go ask the researchers or buy info about monsters after we choose a quest. Anyway, no metagaming.
>>
>>4100736
>We'll all attack together to wear it down, and then attempt to capture it.
Are we still using a Blazing Gunlance? We really need to upgrade.
>>
>>4100751
That's why we are hunting the Zinogre, for a better gunlance. Or that was the plan.
>>
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"Come on, on me. We all attack at once, then we capture it." You say, jumping down and drawing your Gunlance.

"He's the boss for now..." The Rathalos Hunter tells the Pukei Hunter before hopping down behind you.

You went over to the side of the ledge and looked out at the Zinogre sniffing about. It noticed you then standing there and you stepped out, holding your Gunlance at it. The Rathalos Hunter went over the ledge and jumped down to the other side, covering the other path and locking the Zinogre into his position with you. The Pukei Hunter stood at the ledge and prepared his arrows.

The Zinogre stood up higher in some attempt to intimidate you. It grunts as it blows, seemingly disregarding you as a non-threat until it's vision trails off to see the Pukei Hunter, then the Rathalos Hunter.

The fanged wyvern stared at them, switching it's gaze between all three of you before it realized you intended to fight. The thing became defensive then, snarling as it backed up against the wall and faced everyone.

It's head went up as it howled, calling Fulgur Bugs to gather on it. You read a Yukomo textbook's portion on Zinogres before, so you knew they could charge themselves with electricity from Fulgur Bugs. You had to attack now as it began to do just that.

Vivi stood by, ready to use her sleeper gadget again.

"Alright! Now!"

+==============+

Zinogre Health: 6000

>Roll a 3d100 to pull off a team attack!
>>
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Rolled 38, 50, 10 = 98 (3d100)

>>4100785
>Roll a 3d100
>>
Should I make a sheet for combat mechanics I've made thus far?
>>
Rolled 28, 42, 18 = 88 (3d100)

>>4100785
Dice Gooooooods!

>>4100791
It wouldn't hurt, I think.
>>
>>4100791
Only if you want, it would be good, I guess. Just use pastebin if you think you will not be changing the mechanics too much. Having all the links at the first post is kinda tradition.
>>
Rolled 49, 37, 4 = 90 (3d100)

>>4100785
Oh fug
>>
Mechanics stuff: https://pastebin.com/x9qu33KM

+==============+

Together as a cohesive unit, you and your companions attacked the Zinogre.

The Pukei Hunter fired an assortment of arrows at the Zinogre's neck and chest with a blast coating over it, never relenting as he threw arrow after arrow.

You and the Rathalos Hunter both charged the two front arms of the Zinogre, jabbing at it and blocking it's claws as it tried to swipe and back both of you away.

The Rathalos Hunter countered a hard push from the Zinogre as it tried to shoulder block him, lunging with his lance and landing a blow on the neck that made the Zinogre try to back away again. A harder scale of it's shoulder was splintered by his strong thrust.

You saw fit to follow it up yourself, holding your Gunlance up and firing a shell into the shoulder this side of the Zinogre, charging up the next shot and blowing it into Zinogre's arm right after.

The Pukei Hunter charged an arrow himself then, letting it fly into the Zinogre's neck to ignite an explosion from it's blast coating, making the Zinogre flinch then.

+==============+

Zinogre Health: 5624

276 damage dealt by Team Attack.

100 damage dealt by blast coating explosion.

Team:

You. (Healthy/Paralyzed)
Rathalos Hunter. [Flame Lance (LA)] (Heatlhy/Paralyzed)
Pukei Hunter. [Glacial Arrow (BW)] (Healthy/Afraid)

+==============+

The Zinogre has had enough of being bullied now however. The Fulgur Bugs all gather on it and the Monster lets out another howl to the air, flinching all three of you as well. It's body lit up with electricity dancing down it's form then and you cursed under your breath seeing it complete it's charge.

The Zinogre used it's two strong arms to propel itself up into the air, coming down to punch the ground and send off a shockwave of thunder that struck you and the Rathalos Hunter before either of you could raise your shields.

"...Damn it...!" The Rathalos Hunter cursed.

Only the Pukei Hunter was spared of being paralyzed, but now he was under a different debilitation. He was scared as the Zinogre looked up at him in specific, snarling.

"G-G-G-GUYS?! WHA... WHAT DO I D-D-D-D-DO?!" He said, alarmed and shaking in his boots as the Zinogre slowly moved closer to the ledge, getting ready to pounce.

What are your orders now?
>>
>>4100848
Order Calbin to be evasive then use the smoke bomb if needed. Also tell Vivvi to run distraction or to help us. We will be back on the atack shortly.
>>
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>>4100848
Supporting >>4100862 since I can't come up with anything better.
>>
>>4100848
Tell Vivi to help get us up and order Calvin to set down his pitfall trap for the Zingore to jump into when it pounces.
>>
Also, have we decided who we're going to side with?
>>
>>4100906
No, we don't know wich side is wich. Hell, we don't know how many sides there are.

We just want to keep hunting, I guess.
>>
>>4100913
I want Vance to support the ancient dude honestly, he's made better points than Shara and the First Wyverian have, all they've told us basically is "dude trust me".
>>
>>4100923
I absolutely agree, he's the only who can help big time, the problem is that he's probably insane in comparison with Vance. I'm assuming he'll try to do a Second impact or similar, so we need to stop him for now.

That fucking complicates things, we need to be way more powerfull or simply useful so maybe Zuhramon will hear us. Or simply plan how to stop both Zuhramon and the ancestor at the same time.

Going FRONTIER Z mode will help.
>>
>>4100954
>probably insane
His same people, that used Elder Dragons like Pokemon, considered him unethical. "Insane" is generous.
>>
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>>4100965
Maybe that's just what humans today need considering what Fatalis did to them?
>>
>>4101429
But it was using Elder Dragons as Pokemon that brought about Fatalis.
>>
>>4101471
Zuhramon said he had a way to deal with the fattys and black dragons so I trust him, he hasn't lied to us yet.
>>
"Move kid! Move!" You shouted as Vivi came over to kick you in the back, knocking you out of your paralysis.

The Pukei Hunter froze up as the Zinogre dashed forward, leaping up and slamming it's hand into the ground in front of him. So frozen with fear, he could not move to evade, receiving calamitous damage from the Zinogre's thunder burst.

The Pukei Hunter was sent flying backwards into the dirt. He writhed there on the ground before he rose. You hear him yell in terror as the Zinogre moves towards him again, and then he finally takes off, running to flee the scene with the Zinogre chasing right behind.

"....I knew I shouldn't have taken this kid with me...." The Rathalos Hunter groaned as you shook him around by his chest rig, helping him out of the paralysis.

Wasting no time standing around, you and Nash both followed the Zinogre fast, trailing it back to the vigorwasp grounds where it pursued the poor Pukei Hunter.

Upon reaching the area with the Rathalos Hunter and Vivi, you stop to look up and see the Zinogre chasing the Pukei Hunter around the area. The Pukei Hunter is.... running in a circle and the Zinogre is jumping back and forth, trying to catch him.

".....Is it.... wrong that I think that's funny....?" The Rathalos Hunter asks you casually.

"....Sorta?"

"AAAAAAHHHHHH!"

You looked on with tensity then as you saw the Zinogre finally manage to catch poor Calvin. He was trying to hold onto the ground as it dragged him back, it's jaw latched onto his foot. Then the fanged wyvern began to spin, taking him for a disorienting ride through the air before letting go. Calvin screams in horror as he flies right into a Vigorwasp and then the nearby basalt wall formation, knocking him out instantly.

The Zinogre turned back you and the Rathalos Hunter as you both entered the field to continue fighting. The Vigorwasp vitality Calvin was doused in seemed to prevent him from getting any real injury, but for now he wasn't able to help. Vivi runs over to assist as she can at your order.

+==============+

Zinogre Health: 5624

Team:

You. (Healthy)
Rathalos Hunter. [Flame Lance (LA)] (Heatlhy)
Pukei Hunter. [Glacial Arrow (BW)] (Unconscious)

+==============+

>Coordinate your attacks with the Rathalos Hunter. Your shields will stop Zinogre from hurting you.
>Grab some stones and your use clutch claw to wall ram the Zinogre for a period of attacks.
>Charge your special attacks and use them on Zinogre while the Rathalos Hunter counters.
>Go nab the Pukei Hunter's pitfall trap and use it to immobilize Zinogre.
>Waste the sleep knife on Zinogre for some free damage.
>Write in.
>>
>>4101891
>Coordinate your attacks with the Rathalos Hunter. Your shields will stop Zinogre from hurting you.
Let's try it the old-fashioned way for now.
>>
>>4101961
Support
>>
First the Zinogre targeted the Rathalos Hunter, aiming to swipe at him with it's tail. He of course blocks the attacks, jabbing at his few openings in between as you hopped forward to close the distance.

The Zinogre began to wind up, going for it's combo next as it's claws made touchdown with the ground, sending out bursts of electricity through the air. You walked forward, shooting a charged shot into it's arm as the thing delivered the last of it's combo, hitting the ground with both of it's arms, sending the Rathalos Hunter upwards into the air as the rock beneath his feet cracked and propelled him so.

His Lance went forward just before he was out of reach, hitting the Zinogre above it's eye and making the creature recoil back.

You took this chance to get under it's face then, aiming your barrel at it's jaw as you charged the Wyvern's Fire blast and fired it, blowing your weapon's load of concentrated super-heated flame into it's face.

The Zinogre was thrown back on it's arms by the attack, and you saw that it broke one of it's horns off. The Zinogre was still charged with electricity and just then, the Rathalos Hunter decided to charge with his lance towards. The Zinogre anticipated the attack this time and it's arm came down, pinning his Flame Lance just before it hit.

The Zinogre's tail came around then and whipped him from the side, throwing him through the air towards you. You blocked his body with your shield and were able to stop him from toppling you, but you neither of you were quick enough to dodge out of the way when the Zinogre leaped into the air, coming down and slamming it's whole body down on you both with an implosion of thunder.

You and the Rathalos Hunter were both thrown to the sides, damaged greatly by it. Your Khezu set thankfully worked this time to resist the lightning, but the Rathalos Hunter was again paralyzed.

"S-S-S-SIR!" THe Pukei Hunter says. He gets back into the battle, awakened by Vivianne, who comes running over to throw her rapier around at the Zinogre for chip damage.

+==============+

Zinogre Health: 5114

10 damage dealt by Vivianne's rapier.
200 damage dealt by Rathalos Hunter.
300 damage dealt by Wyvern's Fire.

Team:

You. (Fatally Wounded)
Rathalos Hunter. [Flame Lance (LA)] (Fatally Wounded/Paralysis)
Pukei Hunter. [Glacial Arrow (BW)] (Wounded)

+==============+

It appeared that damaging the Zinogre some more would soon enough break it out of the charged state.

You saw a Tzitzi-Ya-Ku come in suddenly from the way of the Raphinos field. You could involve that thing into the battle if you were to provoke it.

>Try to plant a Wyrmstake Rod into Zinogre's head.
>Order the Pukei Hunter to shoot the Tzitzi-Ya-Ku.
>Grab slinger ammo and wallbang the Zinogre.
>Tell Calvin to use his blast coating while you block the Zinogre and keep it's enmity.
>Lure it into the pitfall trap and use the chance for free damage.
>Pick Vivi up and throw her at it's face to sleep it with her gadget.
>>
>>4102208
>Order the Pukei Hunter to shoot the Tzitzi-Ya-Ku.
Heal up after it flashes then whale on Zin.
>>
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"Kid! Shoot the Tzitzi!" You yell.

The Pukei Hunter looks over at the uneasy Tzitzi watching the battle going on. Taking initiative to follow your orders, he runs over as the Zinogre keeps it's attention on you.

The Zinogre's strong arms bash your shield and push you around, never letting you get an opening.

The Pukei Hunter went forward and pulled back an arrow, firing it into the Tzitzi's arm and drawing the creature's attention. It hisses before charging to try and clip him with it's claws, but he evades and plants another arrow into it as he began nearing the Zinogre with it.

The Tzitzi-Ya-Ku followed as he stopped behind the Zinogre and shot it's face to grab it's focus. The Zinogre turned around as the photophores of the Tzitzi-Ya-Ku sprouted and made ready to flare.

The Pukei Hunter miraculously finds it in himself to roll out of the way s the Zinogre tries to smash him, getting behind the Tzitzi just before it unleashes it's blinding flash. You close your eyes and hide your face behind your shield as the flash happens. The Zinogre falls back and shakes it's head, giving you an opportunity!

>Choose a body part to attack. (Right Horn, Head, Forelegs, Tail)
>1d100 to land a powerful blow.
>Whoever has the highest roll decides what is attacked and how much damage is dealt.
>>
Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4102401
>Forelegs
Hope there are others for this.
>>
>>4102430
For fuck's sake, I'm not rolling well at all today.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>4102437
Don't worry I never roll good either. See?
>>
>>4102440
Christ. Where are the others?
>>
Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>4102401
Head
>>
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>>4102448
HOLY SHIT
>>
What about the Rath Hunter?
>>
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>>4102444
Like I've said before, saturday and sunday always seem to have less activity from my observations. Guess people are doing other things or lazing. I am too honestly.

>>4102448
We've got a winner
>>
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You're welcome.
>>
What's a monster you guys would like to see appear in the future?
>>
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You would not let this chance slip by either. You picked yourself up and sheathed your shield to grab your Gunlance with both hands.

You reared back and held it tightly, invoking the same strength you found when you fought Seregios at Lambent Bay.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Bringing your Gunlance down, you struck Zinogre in it's head with a blow so fast and powerful, it would have seemed like the Kirin's lightning. The Zinogre was moved harshly, bounced by your strike as it rolled across the ground. It's other horn was partially broken by the strike and it's face's scales had cracks and and a wide scar across the length now.

Zinogre's tail swooped over, hitting the Tzitzi-Ya-Ku and knocking the thing far away as it regained it's senses. It still had some charge left to spend, so it acted quickly for it's survival.

The Pukei Hunter ran over and used a Lifepowder he had to heal himself and the Rathalos Hunter just as the latter rose out of his paralysis.

However, the Zinogre jumped then, coming down to hit the ground again. This time, multiple spheres of sparking electricity sprang off of the Zinogre's burst, flowing around the area. You were able to dodge one and draw your shield, but the Pukei Hunter caused both himself and Nash to get paralyzed by one of the spheres coming around as he tried to help the Rathalos Hunter up much to his protest.

The Zinogre was out of it's charge now, but that didn't make it any less deadly. You fell back with only your shield to protect you as the Zinogre charged at you, ramming your shield with it's shoulder and managing to send your Gunlance out of your grip. The Zinogre planted it's strong arm down on your shield as you held it back with both arms, and it pressed down with all of it's body weight, attempting to crush you alive.

Vivi grabbed your Gunlance's handle and drug it as best as she could, trying to get it over as you used all of your strength to stop the Zinogre's own. You were being winded by it...

+==============+

Zinogre Health: 4114

1000 damage dealt by invoked inner strength.

Zinogre would only need to lose about 1500 more points of HP before it can be successfully captured.

In the distance, you hear a harrowing roar...

Team:

You. (Fatally Wounded)
Rathalos Hunter. [Flame Lance (LA)] (Healthy/Paralysis)
Pukei Hunter. [Glacial Arrow (BW)] (Healthy/Paralysis)

+==============+

>Feel the adrenaline running, call upon your hidden strength once more to push it off!
>Try to hold out as Vivi brings your Gunlance over. It was cooling off for another Wyvern's Fire.
>Tell her to forget it and help the others instead. They could easily mount it now.
>Try and grab your flare gun, you could try shooting it into the Zinogre's eyes.
>Write in.
>>
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>>4102585
>Feel the adrenaline running, call upon your hidden strength once more to push it off!
YAAAAh BOI!
>>
>>4102585
>Feel the adrenaline running, call upon your hidden strength once more to push it off!
We can do it! We MUST do it! FOR SHARA!
>>
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Your survival instinct kicks in as the Zinogre pushes, trying it's best to crush you down and finish you off. You weren't about to let it!

You gathered yourself and all the strength you had left in you to fight as you push back against the superior force of the fanged wyvern.

You yell at the top of your lungs as you strain yourself trying to push it off outright!

+==============+

Number to beat: 900

Roll a 3d300

All rolls will be counted together.

Failure to overpower Zinogre won't end in a way that's very pretty....
>>
Rolled 181, 14, 175 = 370 (3d300)

>>4102642
>Roll a 3d300
>>
Rolled 206, 169, 89 = 464 (3d300)

>>4102642
WE CAN DO THIS
>>
Rolled 193, 147, 103 = 443 (3d300)

>>4102642
>>
Rolled 276, 193, 297 = 766 (3d300)

>>4102642
Roll a 3d300
>>
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>>4102486
>What's a monster you guys would like to see appear in the future?

The easier monsters to introduce, in my opinion (and what I like) will be:
>Lagiacrus, Astalos, Dobson shark (Zamtrios), Nerscylla, Gravios, Jaggi and Jaggi accesories, Seltas queen.

Aside from tha,t some of my favorites are in the Black dragons (Alatreon, Dalamadur, Gogogo, Ceadeus, Dah'ren Mohran, etc.) or the Ultra-Class Elder Dragons. Let's first git gud here in World/Iceborne, then we go full retard or Frontier.

Oh, and fuck the dromes.
>>
>>4102486
The magalas, Shen Gaoren or a Nerscylla
>>
>>4102684
>Shen Gaoren
Hm hmhm hehe...
>>
Rolled 71, 98, 97 = 266 (3d100)

>>4102642
>>
Rolled 19, 185, 238 = 442 (3d300)

Fuck I'm late. Busy week, ay.

>>4102486
Shogun Ceanataur, Shen Gaoren (flashbacks from the FU days), Ukanlos, Nakarkos & Valstrax, deviant monsters in general are badass as a concept (rustrazor, bloodbath and deadeye especially.)
I have Chuuni tastes.
>>
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>>4102692
>Shen Gaoren
CRAAAAABS! QM has crabs!

Haha...
>>
>>4102678
>Let's first git gud here in World/Iceborne, then we go full retard or Frontier.
Yeah, seconded. All the blitzkiller omnicidal dragons are funny and all, but lets just poke sparkledogs in the meantime.
>>
The Zinogre growled, applying the rest of it's weight down onto you. You wouldn't let this be the end of you however, you had to pull through, you were needed in this world!

Your companions watched in amazement together and Vivi stopped at the sight they all witnessed collectively. Your arms extended, going from being just near your chest to pushing all the way up as you tapped into your true potential as a Hunter.

The sense of desire clouded your mind and you felt it for victory above all else. You were now grabbing the edges of the shield as you snaked your fingers around it. You shifted as you found a way to regain your left footing, and then the right.

You appeared to be crouching down on one knee to the others while hoisting the shield against the Zinogre. In an attempt to quell your sudden, overwhelming strength, the Zinogre planted it's other hand onto the shield and pushed again, sending you down lower.

Your companions were breathless, and for that second Vivi was crying as she believed she was about to witness the gruesome death of her long time partner, her Meowster, her best friend in the whole wide world!

But this wasn't going to be the end of you, you subverted their expectations.

You rose up, now holding the Zinogre up from your shield as your knees straightened.

"Haaaaahhhh....."

The Zinogre snarled in surprise....

"HYEAGH!"

...before you pushed one more time, throwing the wyvern backwards to land on the dirt, overpowered by a Hunter.

"G...Gyuh!"

"T-T-T-THIS... CAN'T BE REAL... CAN IT?!"

"N... Nyah?!"

You went down on one knee as your companions rushed to your side, helping you up and still utterly dazzled by what you just pulled off. They broke out the potions then to recover, Vivi was holding a Mega Potion for you to drink as she sat on your shoulder.

You were worn out by that feat. Accessing all that adrenaline and testosterone from the rush... it really took a lot from you. You could barely feel your legs and arms now.

The Zinogre rolled over onto it's side, panting heavily from it's own exhaustion. It craned it's head up to look at you and stopped just to stare with it's jaw agape. It was confused by what just happened.

There's been many tales of Hunters pulling off extraordinary feats of strength like this against Monsters both bigger and in the league of Zinogre that get told in taverns, one such being the tale of the Hell Hunters. This instance, you performed worthy enough to be in a tale yourself.
>>
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"You good...?" The Rathalos Hunter asks as he hands you your Gunlance.

"I'm... ugfhhh.... I'll be fine." You say, using your weapon to prop yourself up as they let go.

"Alright, let's f-f-finish th-"

There was that harrowing roar in the distance again.... Wait, no, it wasn't far off, it was just nearby. All together, everyone's minds shifted over to the basalt rise at the edge of this area. There was stomping, and then you saw a hand grab the top.

Pulling itself up to stand on that formation, Rajang revealed itself again. The ape grunted and then drew it's other arm back before throwing something fast your way to land on the ground in front of you. It was the mangled wing of a Wyvern, it was red in color and had yellow feathers near it's thumb. Whichever Monster it belonged to most likely isn't breathing now... they ended up waking this big guy.

The Zinogre seemed to regain it's breath and stood back up again to face the Rajang. It howled and began calling it's Fulgur Bugs to charge it once more.

The Rajang's lips showed more teeth as it beat it's chest and pounded the basalt with it's fists. The Rajang looked over to you and your teammates and gnarled, gritting it's teeth as the Zinogre howled with lightning popping over it's form.

The Rajang stood up on both of it's legs then, and opened it's left palm to reveal the Kirin Thunderhorn it claimed.

"Oh fraaaaack....." The Rathalos Hunter swore.

"G-G-Guys...?" The Pukei Hunter shrank back in terror.

Vivi vibrated in fear on your back as you regained your breath and picked your weapon up.

The Rajang seemed to smile sadistically your way before it shoved the Thunderhorn into it's mouth, crunching it up and shaking after.

"Here it COMES!" The Rathalos Hunter shouted.

The Rajang roared again, blowing bits and pieces of basalt around away as it's fur turned golden and yellow lightning discharged from it briefly.

The Rajang clenched it's fists as it looked down, ready to enter the fray...

The Zinogre's head turned to you and the fanged wyvern studied you for a few seconds before stepping forward to challenge the Rajang all by itself.

>Poor bastard doesn't know what it's getting into. Let's flee to camp while we still have time.
>We're not going anywhere. Zinogre is ours, but for now we'll all fight together against Rajang.
>Let the others leave and stay yourself. You'll try and back the Zinogre up to win against Rajang.
>Write in.
>>
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>>4102757
>Let the others leave and stay yourself. You'll try and back the Zinogre up to win against Rajang.
Ask for the smoke bomb, we're not THAT suicidal.

This is NOT a good idea,
>>
>>4102757
>Let the others leave and stay yourself. You'll try and back the Zinogre up to win against Rajang.
I did think hard before making this choice, but all that proves is how easily I fall for bait.
>>
>>4102757
>Poor bastard doesn't know what it's getting into. Let's flee to camp while we still have time.
Please no
>>
>>4102757
>Poor bastard doesn't know what it's getting into. Let's flee to camp while we still have time.
If we still end up voting to fight, might I suggest buffing up first? We still have a Demondrug, Armorskin, Demon Powder and Dash Juice. It's only fair since everybody else buffed up
>>
>>4102863
Nevermind, I know what happens when we tie for too long.

>>4102757
>Let the others leave and stay yourself. You'll try and back the Zinogre up to win against Rajang.
>>
>>4102870
Still buff up.
>>
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Updated character sheet: https://pastebin.com/tEiVJgb1
+==========+

You drink a Demondrug and an Armorskin, as well as an Energy Drink and Dash Juice for good measure.

The Zinogre and Rajang both got into a struggle against each other then, but it was obvious the Rajang would easily overpower the Zinogre.

You rushed forward with your lance in both hands to stab the Rajang and help force it back.

+==========+

Number to beat: 10000

Roll a 5d700.
>>
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>>4102918
Alright. Alright. Alright.
>>
Rolled 71, 234, 472, 677, 167 = 1621 (5d700)

>>4102921
>>
Rolled 93, 537, 584, 49, 208 = 1471 (5d700)

>>4102918
I don't think we have enough players for this.
>>
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Rolled 1, 42, 354, 156, 601 = 1154 (5d700)

>>4102918
AAAAA
>>
Rolled 572, 190, 619, 236, 467 = 2084 (5d700)

>>4102918
This isn't going to end well.
>>
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Fucking hell. That's everybody, isn't it.
>>
>>4102928
I don't know qm's time but he usually leaves at this one so we'll have to bank on a few other players that join later rolling to save our sorry ass.
>>
Maybe if we fail this roll only the Zinogre will get hurt so we still have a chance to run?
>>
>>4102918
Badass art as always, btw.
>>
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Fuck man, we just need 2/3 more players!
>>
>>4102941
Quick, everyone perform mitosis
>>
Rolled 366, 121, 145, 61, 229 = 922 (5d700)

>>4102918
Don't worry boys, I'm still here. Just woke up.
>>
Rolled 10, 15, 96, 67, 3 = 191 (5d100)

>>4102918
Goooooo
>>
Rolled 255, 542, 115, 190, 392 = 1494 (5d700)

>>4102918
Wrong dice
>>
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>8816
That's just one good roll away...
>>
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Rolled 280, 605, 607, 3, 558 = 2053 (5d700)

>>4102918
>Roll a 5d700.
AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!

MY poor breakfast!
>>
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10,799!!

YAAAAAS!
>>
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>>4103001
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
>>
Rolled 437, 228, 250, 454, 112 = 1481 (5d700)

>>4102918
AND THIS IT TO GO! EVEN FURTHER BEYOND!!!
>>
>>4103011
OI! Only 1 roll per ID.
>>
Rolled 321, 564, 401, 41, 394 = 1721 (5d700)

>>4102918
>>
Rolled 178, 246, 254, 26, 171 = 875 (5d700)

>>4102918
>>
Are you guys just rolling extra for the hell of it?
>>
>>4103035
Na I just really don't like to roll unless I have to. But felt like the situation called for it.
>>
The others left as you told them to, and they took Vivi as well at your order. The Rathalos Hunter called you crazy, said you were going to end up dead, but you simply waved them off.

You had struck the Rajang in it's chest with your bayonet, embedding the blade about halfway the length into it's tough skin. The creature wasn't moved an inch even as you and the Zinogre pushed at it your combined strengths.

You thought about what it could do to you if it got it's hands on you. That Rajang could tear your arms off, squeeze your torso and make you pop. It could pound you down to the marrow. If you didn't succeed here in driving it off with your unlikely ally, you'd both be dead.

Dead. Stone dead, gone! Dust in the wind!

You weren't going to let that happen! YOU WEREN'T GOING TO DIE!

You kicked yourself into the right gear, planting one foot ahead after the other and shoving your Gulance with all you could muster! The Zinogre seemed to be working harder now too, doing it's best to win this struggle with Rajang!

The Golden Lion's feet were dragged across the ground, it's toe claws scratching the rock as it moved slowly inch by inch. You and the Zinogre were actually doing it! While neither of you could compete with the unadulterated strength of the Rajang even combined, you could at least move the thing on it's feet. It was no mystery that the legs of the Rajang weren't as absolute as it's brawny arms.

The Rajang slid further and further, making no attempt to push back, only getting ready to spew lightning from it's mouth, but it was denied the chance as you and the Zinogre finally, and miraculously toppled it.

It slid off a formation of the ground and the Rajang fell onto it's rear as it's feet slipped. The Zinogre lunged forward, taking it down to it's back as the fanged wyvern got on top of the beast, trying to maul it.

You fell to one knee from exhausting yourself, but the Zinogre was clawing and biting savagely at the Rajang, fearless and set on killing this invader to it's territory.
>>
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While the effort put forth was an overwhelming success to force the Rajang back, the Zinogre had only a short opening to dish out some pain with it's claws.

The Rajang was through sitting there and taking it's swipes. The electricity of the Zinogre seemed to only be absorbed by the ape.

You looked up in horror to see the Rajang's hand clamp around the head of the Zinogre. The ape threw the wyvern off with a shove and got back to it's feet.

Rajang roared in fury! The shock of it's roar blowing you away! You had to catch your breath fast, and stood up with your Gunlance again, drawing the shield as the Rajang clenched it's fists.

His knuckles were now reddened, literally steaming as it held them up. The Zinogre came at the Rajang again to attack, but this time the Zinogre was on the receiving end of agony. The Rajang backhanded it away, coming forward and grabbing the Zinogre up by it's chest.

The fanged wyvern could do nothing but flail as the ape slammed it into the ground, taking it up by the tail and swinging it over it's head twice into the hard rock below. The Zinogre yelped, powerless as it was used like a ragdoll to bash around by the Rajang. To finish it's display of might off, the Rajang hooped Zinogre into the air, delivering a punch to it's chest that send it into the nearby vine wall just before it landed, a sickening crack coming from the punch and spines and scales coming loose by the bushel.

You were next as the Rajang turned to you. You felt your bravery fade like a candle outed by a pinch as it jumped forward.

The Rajang took you up in it's two hands, bellowing it's roar right in your face before it slung you, sending you spinning through the air into the ground.

The impact staggered you, you could only crawl back as the Rajang stood up over you, preparing to smash you with it's fists...
>>
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Before Rajang could land the blow that would cart, no, kill you... a bolt of lightning struck it's back and through the beast off of balance. The bolt was not something Zinogre could do either..

"WRHEEEIIIIEEGGHEEEEEIIIIIGHHHH!

The Rajang was tackled!

The Kirin from before showed up again, appearing at the place from behind your visible angle. It sprinted forth, driving the jagged end of it's broken horn into the spot you had stabbed at with your Gunlance before, making the Rajang cry out in pain as lightning coursed through it's veins again.

The Kirin was swatted away by the Rajang slapping it, but the phantom beast regained it's footing almost as fast as it had lost it to stand again opposite of the ape.

The Zinogre was still winded and twitching, beaten badly by the Rajang as it lied against the vine wall.

You saw the Rajang's tail wagging back and forth. That would be the key to forcing it out of it's enraged state! You had to attack it while you had the chance!

>Roll a 1d1000 to attack Rajang's tail!
>>
Rolled 768 (1d1000)

>>4103591
CHESTO
>>
Rolled 15 (1d1000)

>>4103591
An epic is unfolding!
>>
>>4103654
... And i am no part of it
>>
Rolled 817 (1d1000)

>>4103591
IT'S TIME TO PIERCE THE HEAVENS
>>
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You rushed forward, intending to hit the tail with your bayonet as the Rajang beat it's chest, giving off burst after burst of powerful force as the Kirin called down all the lightning in the storm to it, coating it's body and scales in it to supercharge itself, gaining supernatural endurance and speed.

The Kirin charged again and the Rajang held itself on one fist while the other seemed to gather power and energy in it. The Kirin came faster than it ever had before, and you saw the Rajang throw it's punch.

The Kirin might've managed to harm the beast had it's charge bulldozed Rajang as the lightning sprinkled around the equine's body. Instead, Rajang timed it's punch, connecting it's knuckles with the side of the Kirin's head just before the Elder Dragon could trample it. The punch sent the Kirin flying away again into the ground, immobilizing it as the Rajang seemed to 'ook' out some distorted laughter.

The Rajang was taken by surprise then as your bayonet slammed down into it's tail, pinning it to the ground. It roared out and reached around to it's buttocks as you held the tail down and braced yourself. You did a daring move and 'soft-fired' your Gunlance while holding position.

A salvo of exploded shell fire came out of the barrel and roasted the tail of the Rajang. The creature was brought out of both it's enragement and rage mode by it, it's golden fur and red fists vanishing as it hopped about, trying to oust the fire enveloping it's tail. It roared, sat down, rolled and even clapped at it's tail before the fire was out, holding the thing in it's palm to look over the seared fur.

It's head snapped back to you, making you realize that you were the only one left standing now. You fought back the urge to shake in your boots as the Rajang's golden fur returned again.

The beast didn't come forward, it instead stood to full height and raised it's fist. Electricity crackled over it's hand and it gathered force again.

What could it be doing....?

.....

No... no! There's no way!

You watched in dread as it's fist went down to the ground...
>>
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>>
Your ears are ringing, you cannot hear much. Your body is in a fetal position, you feel rock digging into your back. You cannot see far, there is debris everywhere. Your shield and Gunlance lie meters away from you.

You see a yellow and blue light dancing around in the smoke ahead.

That attack, whatever it was, it was one hell of a hit. Rajang quaked the whole area, cracked the ground and sent dust up everywhere. You could tell it took a lot out of the ape to do that however, you heard the panting of both Rajang and Kirin in the debris cloud, as well as the pained sounds of the Zinogre.

>Gather your things and hide in fear.
>Grab your stuff and run away to flee.
>Get up and get back into the fight.
>Write in.
>>
>>4103841
>Get up and get back into the fight.
We made it this far; we're not turning back now.
>>
Take a Mega Potion while we're at it.
>>
>>4103841
What are you still doing on the ground? Enough trembling in your boots. A hunter must hunt.
>>Get up and get back into the fight.
>>
Do potions work on monsters or are Zin's injuries too severe?
>>
>>4103841
>Get up and get back into the fight.
By the Sapphire Star, the only one dying here today is Rajang.

>>4103898
I think they do work on monsters, it's essentially just an enhanced herb. After the fight might be a better time for first-aid on Zinogre though.
>>
>>4103916
Yeah, let's save it for after.
>>
>>4103841
>Get up and get back into the fight.
Might as well.
>>
>>4103898
>>4103916
Do not give the Zingore anything, we came to kill it
>>
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>>4103937
I thought our plan was to capture it to yield more mats.
>>
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>>4103957
Monsters are for killing.
It has to be weak to capture.
>>
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>>4103975
not like I was planning on giving it a big boy potion haha
>>
>>4103975
also delet
>>
>>4103975
Delet dis
>>
>>4103975
Nein

Not good

Delet
>>
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>>4103937
>Zingore
>>
>>4104061
plsno
>>
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>>4104061
>>
Weakly, you stood up as best as you could, coming over to grab your Gunlance and shield up.

The Kirin summoned lightning down again, the Rajang hurled itself through to try and punch the Kirin, but missed. Rajang spun around waving it's hands to clear debris using the air. You could see clearly now the form of the Ape and the phantom Elder Dragon.

The Zinogre was back on it's feet, it comes through the debris and latches itself onto Rajangs back to dig it's claws in. The ape was startled and reached down, trying to grab Zinogre to no avail. Using it's two powerful arms, Rajang instead jumped up with the Zinogre on it, shaking it off in the air before coming back down and grabbing the Zinogre's back instead.

You watched as the Rajang wrapped it's arms around the Zinogre's chest, heaving back and leaning as it brought the Zinogre through the air again, slamming it to the ground by it's neck. The Rajang let go and dove backwards as you ran towards it, not willing to give up yet.

You sheathed your weapons and grabbed some stones as you went down to slide and hop back up to your feet.

The Rajang's eyes shifted between you and the Kirin over to the side, who was preparing a powerful lightning attack to use on the ape. Rajang fired a ball of thunder your way, but you rolled away to dodge it.

Rajang jumped, and you did too out of the way before the ape twirled through the air, slamming the ground with it's back. It jumped again towards the Kirin and grabbed the Elder Dragon by the stub of it's horn, dragging it's neck down to slam it's face into the dirt twice.

You were running at Rajang again, trying to close enough that you could use your clutch claw on it.

As you gained on the ape, you saw it move the Kirin around before grabbing onto it's legs.

It swings the Kirin at you like a weapon!

>1d1000 to avoid!
>>
Rolled 955 (1d1000)

>>4104109
Monster hunter hunter: tropical freeze
>>
>>4104117
Ehehehe
>>
Rolled 70 (1d1000)

>>4104109
RIP that Kirin
>>
Rolled 674 (1d1000)

>>4104109
Time for roll
>>
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You had no choice but to drop down as the Rajang swung the Kirin at you. You fell to the ground, sliding on the rock by your back as the body of the Kirin went over you, so, so very close to touching you. It was let of by the Rajang to hit the ground again.

You pushed yourself up as you loaded your slinger and aimed it at the shoulder of the ape.

Your clutch claw came out and got a hold, pulling you up as you grabbed onto the golden fur of the primate and steadied your arm to aim your slinger.

The Rajang bounced, trying to shake you off and was nearly about to grab you when you pressed the slinger against it's face and pulled the trigger mechanism.

The stones went right into Rajang's face, his bare eyeballs being hit them as you hopped off. The Golden Lion Monster clenched at it's face as it ran forward mindlessly, ramming it's head right into the basalt wall, toppling itself and leaving it vulnerable for you! The golden fur vanished as Rajang flailed!

You charged forward with both your weapons drawn and prepared to attack with Wyvern's Fire, soft-fire, the Wyrmstake Rod... everything, point blank to the face!

+==========+

Rajang will finally be driven off after this! Now's your chance, Vance!

Number to beat: 5660

5d500
>>
Rolled 171, 113, 443, 81, 92 = 900 (5d500)

>>4104149
Punished jang
>>
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Rolled 124, 116, 169, 494, 399 = 1302 (5d500)

>>4104149
LETS FUCKING GOOOOO
>>
Rolled 461, 305, 499, 141, 174 = 1580 (5d500)

>>4104149
Here we go boys
>>
3782.

Will wait for three more rolls at the bare minimum, and no more.
>>
Rolled 4, 213, 211, 300, 230 = 958 (5d500)

>>4104149
We're so close, we can't fail now!
>>
4740.

Hmm.... Okay, I'll reduce the number to beat to just 5000. I'll take one more roll, this time of 1d300.
>>
>>4104185
Do you wanna wait for someone else to show or have one of us make it?
>>
>>4104192
You can try.
>>
Rolled 49 (1d300)

>>4104198
I won't fail you guys now!
>>
Fuck.
>>
>>4104203
Bruh zone.
>>
Rolled 222 (1d300)

Okay, one QM mercy.
>>
5011.
>>
Rolled 238, 120, 495, 370, 471 = 1694 (5d500)

>>4104149
did i make it
>>
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forgot pic
>>
That was a trainwreck of rolls. I'll try not to let that happen again.

You hacked and slashed, hitting the Rajang as hard as you could at it's head with your bayonet. You gave it everything you had, a Wyrmstake rod into it's shoulder to explode, a soft-fire burst to the top of it's head, and finally a Wyvern's Fire right into the face.

"DIE!" You screamed, hitting it again with a downwards slash.

"YOU!" You shouted, jabbing at it's cranium.

"PIECE!" You yelled, shelling it's neck.

"OF!" You bellowed raising you Gunlance for one more powerful slice!

You swung down at the Rajang.... and he catches your Gunlance in his hand.

"....shit?"

The Rajang turned back over to it's feet and ripped the weapon straight out of your hand. You stepped back as it brought two fingers to it's head to out a small flame on it's highest standing hair. It's face was covered in soot, and it had a burn mark over it's nose.

Rajang furrowed it's brows at you and you saw it grab your weapon with both hands. You shank back as you saw what he did.

Snap!

Your weapon breaks off right into two and is cast aside.

The Rajang takes two steps forward on it's two legs and grabs your head up in it's palm. You are raised off of your feet as it roars, your head vibrates in pain so intense, you can feel nothing as Rajang squeezed. He was going to pop your head like a grape.

Suddenly, you fall back to the ground and see the ape stumble before it can apply true pressure. Bolts of lightning are hitting it without stop and you see the Rajang frantically jumping about to dodge before the mother of all the lightning bolts strikes it and blows it away

The Kirin had wasted all of it's remaining power to land another powerful blow on Rajang. The now frail Elder limped away over to the vine wall, and you got to see what it looks like for a Kirin to scale such a height. The Rajang forgot about you and the Zinogre completely as it barrelled after the escaping Kirin.

You heard the noise of the two Monster's calls from above before they both vanish in the distance all together.

Your Gunlance was broken like a toy, but luckily enough it seemed that Rajang only snapped the hinges of the weapon. The SFM would likely be able to fix it easily enough for a price.
>>
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You lay on the hard ground for what feels like half an hour. The migraine you were experiencing still stung even as you found the strength to move again.

You collected your things and walked over to a distant Vigorwasp for vitality from it's sac.

You whipped your head over at the sound of a pained moan and saw the Zinogre you came for lying there on the ground, it's head down and it's arms shivering.

You walked over with your shield on your back and both pieces of your weapon under one arm. The Zinogre opened it's eye and looked up at you as you stood over it. The fanged wyvern only studied you, being too far worn out and injured to put up any more struggle. You surmised it was in such pain that you would encounter no trouble putting it out of it's misery with your carving knife alone.

You saw materials scattered around, you'd collect those in the next few minutes.

>End it's misery, kill it quickly with your knife.
>Fire and SOS flare to call your partners back. We'll drug and capture it.
>That Kirin returned the favor. I should seek it out and see if it survived.
>Write in.
>>
>>4104248
>Fire and SOS flare to call your partners back. We'll drug and capture it.
Do what we came here to do.
>>
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>>4104248
>End it's misery, kill it quickly with your knife.
>>
>>4104248
>Fire and SOS flare to call your partners back. We'll drug and capture it.
>That Kirin returned the favor. I should seek it out and see if it survived.
They can drug and cap. Let's finish this properly.
>>
>>4104271
Anon, no. It just spend the last of it's juice to save us and we have a broken GL. Let's just assume that it made it for now.
>>
>>4104278
Ehhh, yeah you're right. Curiosity got the better of me.
>>
We might have to hunt a Banbaro if the SFM doesn't have a surplus of mats.
>>
>capturing
Pansies

>>4104290
And what are we going to do that with? Our GL is broken.
>>
Taking your SOS flare out and firing it into the air, you walked over to the Zinogre and knelt down in front of it's head, reaching your hand out to it's nose. The Zinogre sniffed your scent and wondered just why you haven't attacked again yet.

To show you meant no more harm, you placed your hand on the fur of it's neck and rubbed it. The Zinogre eased down at the touch and lost all sense of fear it might have had at that.

You waited for your companions to show up, and they did eventually, relieved and amazed to see you survived. They bombarded you with questions about what happened and you told them everything while the Pukei Hunter Calvin handled giving the Zinogre a whiff of his Tranq Bomb, which he sliced open to let the gas flow out.

The Zinogre fell into a deep rest and Calvin called for a Wingdrake, saying something about going to get the proper help for transporting it as he left using it.

You and the Rathalos Hunter gathered all the materials you could find. Mostly materials from Zinogre, nothing worth using dropped from Rajang. He lets you have it all, as the quest for this Zinogre was yours. Hunters had that certain rule and respect for each other, there was little room for treachery and lying in the Guild.

After the fact, the Rathalos Hunter named Nash paces about, looking to the sky before you.

"So, about our little agreement...."

"Oh yeah, that. I'll-"

"Hey." Nash stops you, raising his hands. "Look, you just fought a fracking Rajang alongside two fracking Monsters, one of them being an Elder Dragon. The stakes were high, and you pulled through. I believe you, the Star himself said you landed the killing blow on Yama, and I wouldn't think he'd ever lie about anything...."

The Rathalos Hunter puts his hand where his chin was, one hand at his waist as he thought of what to say.

".....If I'm being honest...? I'm not as brave as you. I always stay quieter... I try to come off hard, but I'm not as hard as the others I'm around. So, look, if you want to go ahead on your way, it's fine."

>"I didn't make a promise, but I'll not go back on my word now. We'll find those footprints."
>"Thanks. Yeah, I feel awful, I need to see the doctor in Astera. Good luck with those prints."
>Write in.
>>
>>4104305
>"Thanks. Yeah, I feel awful, I need to see the doctor in Astera. Good luck with those prints."
And maybe waggle the debris of a gunlance for good measure.
>>
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"Thanks." You say.

"...Hmm... Saying you feel a bit winded is putting it lightly, huh?"

"You've said it. I need to see the doctor. Good luck finding those footprints." You say, pointing the Rathalos Hunter off with your two finger left fingers.

You whistled for a Mernos and he said he would stick around to guard the Zinogre until the transport for it arrived. You left the Coral Highlands with your sum of materials, leaving things to him. You wondered if that Kirin was still kicking even after the Rajang went after it again. You were still shaken by what happened, surviving a fight with one of the single deadliest Monsters there ever was out there, having had low chances even with two other Monsters on your side.

You returned to Astera knowing that you had quite the story to share at least.

Upon returning, you went down and landed near the Smithy. You looked over and saw Atricia was back home and had Shara with her. She was speaking with the Felyne Housekeepers and you wondered what for.

>Let's see what we can get for all these Zinogre parts at the Smithy here.
>We still haven't consulted the doctor about our burns. Let's see him.
>Atricia seems to have something going on down there, let's see what.
>Write in.
>>
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>>4104381
>We still haven't consulted the doctor about our burns. Let's see him.
>>
>>4104381
>We still haven't consulted the doctor about our burns. Let's see him.
We really suffered a beatdown today. Let's make sure we're alright before anything else.
>>
>>4104381
>We still haven't consulted the doctor about our burns. Let's see him.
I hope that Kirin makes it.
>>
I wonder why Zinogre was so keen on becoming an hero when Rajang showed up. Maybe we could ask Shara about that?
>>
Going across the waterfall bridge, you entered the hovel of an office the Doctor used and approached his desk.

"Doc." You say.

"Hmmm? Yes, how can I help you this time?"

"I fought a Rajang today."

The Doctor stops writing on his paper and slowly looks up at you.

"Could you maybe see if my bones are still intact?"

...

You stood now in your casual pants as the Doctor looked you over, checking your heartbeat and using his instruments to tap and hit you at certain points to get a feel for how much it might hurt. Your weight is taken and a full physical is done, even going as far as to have you on a stretcher and press to see how well you can push yourself again.

"Okay, have you ever bothered to get your statistics down like this before?" The Wyverian Doctor asked, scribbling on a new clipboard.

"No." You answered honestly. It wasn't a priority to get such info in Moga, and whatever of it the Guild certified trainers gave you back in the Old World you forgot and left behind.

"Right. Well, here you are then." The Doctor says, handing you a paper.

According to the paper, you were exactly six feet and your weight was one hundred and five point two kilograms. Nice, you thought.

"So how am I doing, doc?"

"Your vitals are alright, doesn't seem to be any internal bleeding of any kind. Uhh, I did find one bad thing however, well... two actually. Your right arm appears to have a fracture on it's humerus, you responded badly to that spot."

"What's the other bad thing, doc?"

"Well it seems, from what I can tell by the burn marks you have, that your body has burning gas settled in your pores and skin, almost like an invisible coating. I'd assume you got that from Yama, right? This will probably present a problem whenever you fight monsters that can use fire."

"How so?"

"The burning gas seems to be.... ehhh.... "dormant", let's say. It's reacting to your skin and pores the same way it does when inside Yama's body, that is to say that it isn't burning you up right now because of this reaction. The gas has a natural affinity to it's storage. But you still aren't Yama exactly, you don't have the same unique biological properties, so that means the right amount of fire could still reach the gas in your pours and the heat might ignite it."

".....Is there anything I can do about this...?"

"Don't get hit by fire. That gas is sticky to pores like napalm to flesh, it isn't coming off from water or nothing of the like. I think that maybe in the next month your worth of it might naturally dissipate, since your body doesn't produce it like Yama's did, thus it can't replenish."

"I see. Thanks, doc."

"You don't have to thank me, checkups are free." The Doctor says, dismissing it with his hand.

"Now try not to get yourself killed. Also, see the provisions about 'water balloons'. They can be used to out yourself of fire." The Doctor says before returning to his desk.

You collected your gear and nodded, keeping that in mind.
>>
>Go to the Smithy now.
>Go back to our room.
>Let's pay the Star a visit.
>Let's see if the urgent quests are out.
>Write in.
>>
>>4105010
Did we get stronger? Was it worth it?
>>
>>4105015
>Go to the Smithy now.
See if we can get started on a new Gunlance or get our old one repaired.
>>
>>4105015
>Go back to our room.
Fighting a Zinogre and a Rajang on the same day deserves a good rest.
>>
>>4105015
Go see the SFM.
>>
After today's quarrel, you felt all the much stronger for it, surviving Zinogre and Rajang has really left quite the impression behind on you. It was definitely worth it all. You feel like you could take on a Raging Brachydios in boxing and win right now.

Exiting the doctor's office, you made back over to the Smithy and entered the hot building with your materials all in your bag.

"Oi! Freelancer, how's your Khezu set holding up? Doing good I hope?"

"It's fantastic!" You said. All throughout your battle with the Rajang and the Zinogre, the Khezu set protected you from the lightning, the rubbery hide worked to disperse the electric shocks and save your skin.

"Good to hear, now what do you have for me? You've been bringing the most back these days."

You dumped out the Zinogre materials in front of the SFM.

"Oooohhhh, now I haven't seen this in a while. Seems to be a good lot."

"What can you make with them?"

"Let me think..."

Over the next few minutes that go by, the SFM looks through his blueprints and sheets, doing some math in his head before he gives you the result.

"There's enough here to make something smaller. I can't make a Greatsword or Hammer with them, there's too little. Your choices are a Longsword, Dual Blades, Sword and Shield, Gunlance or Insect Glaive."

"Can you give me a price?" You ask.

"All will be thirty two thousand Zenny." The Second Fleet Master says.

>I choose the Usurper's Firebolt. (SNS)
>I choose the Usurper's Fulgur. (DB)
>I choose the Usurper's Boltslicer. (LS)
>I choose the Usurper's Roar. (GL)
>I choose the Royal Bolt Scepter. (IS)
>I'll save my materials for now. Let's just repair our Flaming Gunlance.
>>
>>4105206
>I choose the Usurper's Roar. (GL)
We proper Master Rank now.
>>
>>4105206
>I choose the Usurper's Roar. (GL)
>>
Also fug, we can't go to El Dorado to check on Kulve because of Yama's BB, can we.
>>
>>4105206
>I choose the Usurper's Roar. (GL)
>>
I wonder what other benefits come with the set.
>>
Sorry for such a delay, a relative of mine showed up earlier.

"You know I can't choose anything but the Gunlance." You say.

"Heh, you knew that was the one the moment you picked it up, eh'? Very well, Usurper's Roar it is. Oi! Get the forge roaring!" The Second Fleet Master says aloud to his subordinates.

"When can I expect it?"

"Two days tops."

You nod and pull the parts of your former Gunlance out to show the Second Fleet Master, who looks over the damages.

"Now how did this happen? You soft-fired too much?"

"Actually, a Rajang broke it."

The Second Fleet Master stares at you in surprise.

"Well, I didn't see that comin'! Here, give that to me."

The SFM takes your Gunlance pieces and brings it over to a personal workbench. You stand there waiting for some time as he did something with it, putting on some new parts and working with tools before he brings it over and presents it to you.

"Good as new lad!"

"Hey, thanks." You say, picking it up and testing out the replaced hinges. It worked well again, so you sheath it and toss the SFM a tip of one hundred Zenny along with enough money to cover the cost of the other weapon.

The SFM just nods your way as he takes the Zinogre materials and you leave out.

You saw from the walkway you stood on that Atricia was making a transaction herself with the Felyne Housekeepers. Not too farther off, you spotted the Commander going over what you recognized as quest papers at his table. Must have been the Urgent quests finally prepared.

You'd see, first you were going to find out what was up over here as you walked down that level to one below.
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As you approached, the three Felyne Housekeepers went and entered the next housing room over from your own and Atricia waved at you as you approached.

"You're back fast." You say, stepping up.

"I know, it turned out there wasn't much to do anyway, but I still got paid by that Scholar." She says.

"So what's the news? What's going on here?"

"I'm moving out!" Atricia announced with a smile suddenly, pumping her fists in an almost celebratory manner.

"Wh... What?" You say, taken by surprise.

"Yeah, I'm moving out and right into the room next to yours! It became available today since it's previous tenant moved to Seliana. I jumped right onto the opportunity before anyone else could."

"So...."

"I won't be in your hair anymore. I'll just move my stuff next door, throw my old bed back to the barracks and settle in. I've always wanted a place of my own, never got anything like it back in the Old World. I'm so happy right now!" She says.

Shara seemed to be puzzled by her exhilaration at getting the place for herself.

"Hmmm. Does that mean we could make a door between our rooms inside?" You ask.

"Well, I already asked about that actually, but the Housekeepers gave me a hard 'no'. They said they couldn't because of how this suite complex is designed, it just doesn't allow for easy redesigning."

You noticed Shara seemed saddened to hear that then, clingy to the attention Atricia often gave him, as well as the food. Shara was supposed to stay with you, so you weren't sure how well it might go to try and suggest he go over with her as well, she might get bogged down.

You might get bogged down with Shara by yourself now as well, you didn't have to worry about feeding him so long as Atricia is around, she took care of that herself.

>It's what she wants, so I'll be glad she got the chance.
>Try to convince her not to move out, you like her with you better.
>Write in.
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>>4105562
>It's what she wants, so I'll be glad she got the chance.
Shame about Shara - but it's not like he can't just walk between rooms.
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>>4105562
>>It's what she wants, so I'll be glad she got the chance.
Well it was nice while it lasted.
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>>4105562
>Try to convince her not to move out, you like her with you better.
Share will starve to death if she leaves!
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>>4105603
He won't, there is an entire bunch of biologists ready to feed him.
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>>4105611
We barely let them see Shara though
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You only smiled in response and nodded in understanding.

"Your choice Atricia. I'm happy you got it."

"I couldn't have gotten it either if I wasn't with you for the time being, I could have never known!"

Atricia stepped forward then and pulled you into a hug. "Thank you, Vance."

You hugged back with one arm, but then she suddenly lifted you and bounced chanting 'THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU' before you were set down to regain your balance.

"And don't you worry either, I'll be right next door, you can visit anytime!" Atricia told Shara as she knelt down and petted the Elder Dragon.

Shara seemed to lighten up, knowing well what she meant. Must have taken 'moving out' as 'leaving forever' there for a second.

You spent the next minutes helping move her things into the new room, it was nearly the same as yours save for a different layout. The Felyne Housekeepers went over rent costs with her, and it was also now the first time you've heard of it as well.

One of the Housekeepers tells you that rent is due for you as well. You didn't really want to, but cave in and the Housekeeper deducts one thousand from your savings.

With that all finally said and done, Atricia was moved into her new room and you were left to yourself in yours with Vivi and Shara.

There was still plenty of daytime left, so you would go see the Urgent quests now, leaving Shara to Atricia, who is more than happy to take him again as she didn't plan on leaving her new room for quite a while.

Vivi tagged along with you as you went down to the Commander's table.
>>
+==================+

Aaaaannnnd this is where I'm going to suspend the thread for now. I figured it'd just be better to make a new one tomorrow when I'm up again. I'll be writing down the new questline entries.

Until then, feel free to tell me how you've been liking it so far and what you liked the most, I'm eager to hear!
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>>4105692
I am enjoying this quest a lot, my favorite thing has been our interaction with the monsters, it seems we keep making enemies from a lot of big shots like Jho and Rajang, now we're only missing the bazel to complete the club, maybe we should ask Atricia if she still planing to hunt that bazel.
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>>4105692
Great fun! Shame it's hard to participate with work/life/etc, but as the anon above said, the interactions with monsters it's great! Good mix of 'empathizable' and 'oh gog kill it!' - and it could have easily gone way too much in one direction. Monsters that are too nice, and why would you even hunt them, but if all the monsters were just pure rage, then it'd just be a boring splatfest. Honestly, monsters have been the funnest 'characters' to read so far.
As far as other comments go:
-the art adds a lot to the experience! Immediately caught my eye in the catalog and kept it.
-everything tends to flow very well together. Eg: despite the fact we are picking out one quests among dozens, it feels that was 'supposed' to happen.
-I'm a bit worried about power creeping up way too fast. some people like that, but I'm all for the slower burns, personally. How long til' Deviant Arch Tempered Apex White Fatalis. Heheh.
-the dice rolls feel . . . unnecessary? tacked on? though, that's my sentiment for the majority of quests ever since ye olde' /tg/ days. Pay this no mind if it's your personal preference.
-Vance's character isn't very strong yet - though that may be intention since player character, and all. It would be nice to see him develop, personality wise. Start taking his actions more to heart rather than existing moment-to-moment - grow some convictions, biases, etc. Again, this is a general 'thing' in the quest format, so it's not a necessary change.
-catch em' all: nemesises (monster grudges/camaraderie/etc is badass)
-it's hard to quantify or qualify equipment without stats or some kind of metric to go off. Are we to assume that all the stats are parallel to the game, some of them, none of them?? Is shelling level still a thing or nah? Armor skills?
-oh god Frontier is canon what the fuck
-the above, but louder

I could probably gather more thoughts if you want em', but that's all I got for now.
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>>4105692
It's been great so far, though we have been neglecting non-monster interaction.
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>>4105692
Been lurking and rolling occasionally, had a lot of stuff to go through the past few days. I really do appreciate that while we're not superhuman, we're capable of some hilarious stuff when the "ROLL FOR HYPE" moments come up. The interactions and intrigue going on are all definitely good at keeping attention and giving us reason to check in on other folks every so often. Granted at this point it was kind of to the detriment of our own advancement but then again, that's MonHun: helping friends out and then sometimes asking them to help do the thing you actually wanted to do.
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>>4105692
Your quest is already one of my favorites. That Yama Tsukami fight was really fun to watch unfold. I can't wait to see where our road ahead takes us. I'm hoping we can get the best path we can aim for, though I'm already taken and sold on what Zuhramon offers.
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>>4106343
>>4106343
>>4106343



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