You’re DIESEL CRASH: proud delivery boy for PIZZA MIND, your uncle’s pizza parlor, and tonight just isn’t your night!What started as a not-so-routine delivery to a graduation party on a private island owned by HAUSER PHARMACEUTICALS quickly descended into a fight for your life! Though you managed to obtain an unofficial invite to the bash from the cold, yet surprisingly-alluring heiress and Student Council Prez MINA HAUSER, the price was steeper than you initially realized.Convinced that her father, the CEO of the company, was up to something foul, Mina gave you the task of digging up some incriminating dirt in order to secure her path to inheriting the ‘throne’. Along the way you met some of GREENRIDGE HIGH’S key players… and a few of the not-so-key such as RAJ DAWOOD: Skater dude and generally chill guy, and PEPPER HORNSBY: a dyed-in-the-wool journalist with an unhealthy habit of sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong!You barely had time to introduce yourself before disaster struck: people were going missing, a storm was brewing, and cellular service on the island was completely cut off!Oh yea, and the party was crashed by a 12-foot slasher and a pack of scaled, tentacled dog monsters. That put a damper on the whole party too.Dealing with the fallout led you to the bottom of the island’s abandoned mine in search of Pepper who, upon witnessing you getting a reward from Mina, struck out on her own to unearth Hauser’s dirty secrets! Though it took some doing, you managed to track the redhead down… as did REGINALD SMYTHE: Hauser’s Chief of Security!With several guns pointed at your face and still no clue what’s going on, THIS is where your story continues…>CONTD.
>>5733791Get the door–it’s SLICE QUEST! Peruse a few appetizers before we get started:Archive Link to catch up with the story!>https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Slice%20QuestTwitter account for updates!>https://twitter.com/DemBonez3A HANDY PASTEBIN for INVENTORY, SKILLS, and MORE:>https://pastebin.com/RuZL1XghRolls are handled by a 1d100--I take the BEST OF THREE ROLLS! Certain boosts and maluses will be applied based on the situation and existing skills! Describing your actions, write-ins, FANART and GENERAL CREATIVITY are all APPRECIATED AND REWARDED--we like to keep things LIGHT and CHILL here, so come on in and have some fun! OR ELSE!DISCLAIMER: ASSUME ALL CHARACTERS ARE 18+! EVERYONE GOT HELD BACK, I DUNNO!SECOND DISCLAIMER: PEOPLE CAN DIE IN THIS SLASHER QUEST… BE CAREFUL WHO YOU NEGLECT AND WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO DO! UNLESS YOU HATE ‘EM!>CONTD.
So this is how it ends, you think to yourself as you continue to laugh despite your sore ribs, killed by an Australian wearing the loudest shirt you’ve ever seen at the bottom of an abandoned mine…You didn’t even get any of those rewards the girls promised you… figures!As you ponder your bad luck, the tunnel Smythe and his gun-totin’ entourage entered from grows dark from the shadow of something BIG approaching! Holding the SAWN-OFF SHOTGUN close to your aching chest, you feel uncharacteristic optimism growing inside of you as the mysterious object approaches!“OPEN FIRE!”Well, there goes that plan. Lighting up the tunnel with a hail of bullets, Smythe’s Security Squad unloads into the shadow’s owner with military precision!“Tough luck, mate…” Tsks the Security Chief before giving his team a sharp whistle, “But nobody sneaks up on Uncle Reggie!”Apparently not… but as the gunfire stops and you and your pals unplug your ears, everyone in the room goes quiet when the light finally shines on the aforementioned object!It appears to be a statue, that much is clear… a statue of a jerk you’re all too familiar with: one with a penchant for wearing a snakeskin jacket and ambushing you when you least expect it!“What in the hell is that supposed to be?” Mutters Smythe as he and his squad examine the sculpture in closer detail!Riddled with more holes than Swiss Cheese, the faint layer of white powder drifting through the air and the faint smell of cooked bread tells you all you need to know about who made the affront to nature, and the muffled hissing sound within gives you a pretty good idea of what to do next!Guys, you hiss under your breath, Get ready to MOVE!>ROLL ME 1d100+2 (+5 SPEED BONUS, +2 DISTRACTION, -5 CAN’T FOOL SMYTHE) TO BRACE YOURSELF! BEST OF 3 ROLLS!
Rolled 45 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5733795
Rolled 88 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5733795How come Rodney gets to have the explosive fun and not us?
Rolled 72 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5733795
>>5733797>>5733815>>5733819>HIGHEST ROLL: 90!Writing!>>5733815Uhhhh how do you know Diesel didn't set this all up in advance and went all 'unreliable narrator' on ya, hm?
>>5733795So Rodney wasn't useless, but he might just kill us all
>>5733831It's way funnier to imagine that Rodney became competent for a moment, snuck down here after them, stopped by the boom crate and made a booby-trapped effigy to save our asses.
Your teeth tingle for a split second before the tunnel erupts in a blinding flash that sends you and your pals tumbling deeper into the pump room! Ears ringing and head spinning, you feel a wave of pain wash over your body as pieces of charred dough and chunks of rock fall around the blast’s epicenter!Damn it, Rodney, you groan, barely hearing yourself over the high-pitched whining in your ears, you crazy bastard…“Ooouuughh…”The sudden groan behind you springs you out of your dazed state like a bucket of ice water! Rising to your feet and spinning to face the groaner, you deliver a bone-crushing smack to their face with the butt of your SAWN-OFF SHOTGUN!Caked in charred, still-hissing pizza dough, your fellow Pizza Delivery Guy and (according to him) Archrival RODNEY is launched backwards by your attack into PEPPER AND RAJ’S wobbling forms! How the hell did HE get here!? What just happened?!“Oi…” He groans as your two pals prop him up, “Saw… saw those security goons comin’ in… so I followed ‘em down an’ whipped somethin’ up with my EMERGENCY DOUGH...”“Yea, we saw…” Mutters Pepper as she pushes Rodney away when he starts to lean a little too much against her, “But how’d you end up here?”“Was… was gonna grab one of their guns… got LAUNCHED..”“Uhh… dudes?”Following Raj’s trembling finger, you feel any optimism you’ve gained disappear as you watch a few of Smythe’s Goons get to work untangling themselves from the rubble and dough! Carving through it with their TACTICAL KNIVES, the security officers begin tunneling through the rubble even faster when they realize their guns are still buried!“C’mon, guys!” Shouts Pepper as she gestures towards the exit at the opposite end of the pump room, “We can get out this way!”Tremors spread through the walls around you as you move to follow her. Scampering away, you stop dead in your tracks as you hear a now-familiar laugh from beneath the rubble!“That’s right, cunt… run away… Uncle Reggie’ll find ya…”Turning to face the voice’s owner, you find the abominable Aussie’s smiling face peeking out at you from the mountain of debris he and his men are trapped in!… it would be so easy to kill them all right now…“DIESEL!” Hollers Pepper as she, Raj, and even Rodney wait for you, “Chop, chop!”What do?>LEAVE! THIS PLACE IS COMIN’ DOWN!>KILL SMYTHE! HE AIN’T FOLLOWING YA THIS TIME!>ADD ANOTHER STICK OF DYNAMITE TO THE MESS!>WRITE-IN!
>>5733860>LEAVE! THIS PLACE IS COMIN’ DOWN!
>>5733860>KILL SMYTHE! HE AIN’T FOLLOWING YA THIS TIME!It's us or him, man! They ain't dead until you see their corpse! And he's definitely going to follow us home!Also, you better not destroy all the pumps, I'm not leaving this place until we make it to Level 7.
>>5733860>ADD ANOTHER STICK OF DYNAMITE TO THE MESS!Good luck, mate.
>>5733860>KILL SMYTHE! HE AIN’T FOLLOWING YA THIS TIME!
>>5733860>>ADD ANOTHER STICK OF DYNAMITE TO THE MESS!Fuck That Guy, Plausible deniability too!
>>5733874>LEAVE WHILE YA STILL CAN!>>5733880>>5734008>KILL SMYTHE WHILE YA STILL CAN!>>5733908>>5734094>CHUCK SOME DYNAMITE AT 'EM WHILE YA STILL CAN!I think I've found a solution that all parties shall find amenable:Let's KILL SMYTHE... with DYNAMITE!Writing! Got plans today so expect sporadic posting!
A chunk of ceiling dislodges from above and comes crashing down uncomfortably close to you and your pals as the security team continues to break free of their doughy prison! There’s a slim chance of anyone escaping, sure, but that’s a chance you don’t feel like taking!The hunger from before slowly wells up inside of your chest. They have to die. You have to make sure of it!You gesture for Pepper to wait a sec as you reach into the pockets of your TRENDY TRACKSUIT and fish out a stick of that DYNAMITE you snagged earlier! Taking out your GOLD LIGHTER with your other hand, you flick it open and light the fuse in one fluid motion!“You goddamn lunatic…” Mutters the Security Chief as he realizes what you’re planning, “You’ll kill EVERYONE, you big bloody IDIOT!”Special Delivery, you respond flatly as the security goons nearly finish unearthing their guns from the debris and Smythe squirms as well, careful, it’s HOT!As you move to sling the dynamite into the fray, The Security Chief’s hand bursts from the pile of rocks and dough and flings a handful of dirt into your face! What a DICK!>ROLL ME 1d100-3 (+5 COMBAT BONUS, +2 EASY TARGETS,-2 BACKUP SQUAD, -3 POCKET SAND, -5 SMYTHE COMBAT TRAINING) TO DELIVER! BEST OF 3 ROLLS!
Rolled 70 - 3 (1d100 - 3)>>5734178
Rolled 42 (1d100)>>5734178
Rolled 59 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>5734178
Damn. I wanted his hat.
>>5734179>>5734185>>5734217>HIGHEST ROLL: 67!WRRRRRRrITING!
With the fresh sting of dirt, flour, and tasty pizza dough still in your eyes, you focus all of your energy into your SHORT-TERM MEMORY! Lobbing the stick of dynamite in the direction you think Smythe and the rest of his boy band are with a hissed ‘sonnovaBITCH…’, your gamble pays off when you hear a group of poor mooks struggling to push rubble out of the way!“Aw Crikey-”Rodney’s last stunt’s got nothin’ on yours! Feeling a sensation akin to sticking your face into the pizza oven, you feel your body levitate as a sudden rush of stinging force launches you backwards once again!Tumbling backwards like an onion that fell off the kitchen counter, you come to a stop moments later on your back with fresh aches all over your body!Your vision recovers long before your ears do–at this point you’re gonna go deaf before you’re THIRTY! Brushing the debris from your eyes, you find yourself staring upwards at the rapidly-crumbling ceiling… and up Pepper’s skirt, the owner of which is clearly too concerned about you to notice!“-el! DIESEL!”So that’s what she’s wearing down there, huh? Maybe throwing that dynamite and causing a deadly cave-in was a good idea-“DUUUUUUDE!”Blessed with perfect timing as always, Raj wastes no time in heaving you off the ground and princess-carrying you away from the growing mound of blood-soaked debris where Smythe and his men were a minute ago! H-hey, you stammer as you struggle to break free, I’m FINE, damn it! Leggo!“Good thinkin’, slick!” Pepper remarks with a relieved smile forming on her face, “But we’re REALLY pushing i-”Before she can finish, a hunk of ceiling plunges from above and onto one of the nearby tanks, rupturing it completely and sending an orchestra of warning alarms blaring across the mine!“... well there goes that plan…” Mutters the redhead with annoyance quickly replacing her relieved expression.Crap, you groan as you manage to break free of Raj’s grip and regain your footing, is there any other way bel-This time another chunk of rock lands inches away from Rodney’s already-trembling form! Just a little more to the left…“We’ll figure it out when we’re safe!” Pepper shouts as she makes a break for the only other door in the pump room! Following close behind, you and the rest of the dudes can barely keep your feet on the ground as it rumbles beneath you!>ROLL 4d100 TO BEAT A HASTY RETREAT! BEST OF 3 ROLLS! BONUSES:>DIESEL: (+5 SPEED BONUS, -3 SHIT’S COMIN DOWN!)>PEPPER: (+1 HEAD START! -3 SHIT’S COMIN DOWN!)>RAJ: (+5 COOL CUSTOMER, -3 SHIT’S COMIN DOWN!)>RODNEY: (+4 SPEED BONUS, -3 SHIT’S COMIN DOWN!)
Rolled 79, 59, 37, 50 = 225 (4d100)>>5734268Time to outrun the boulder
Rolled 59, 82, 64, 13 = 218 (4d100)>>5734268I wouldn't mind if Rodney got the guaranteed 1
Rolled 3, 52, 33, 30 = 118 (4d100)>>5734268
>>5734277>>5734309>>5734310>THE ROLLS:>DIESEL: 81!>PEPPER: 80!>RAJ: 66!>RODNEY: 51!Writing! About to leave for some errands so expect a delay...>>5734309>RodneyDon't say that, anon--you guys are gonna need a backup protagonist when Diesel bites the big one!
>>5734314We'll just play Pepper. We definitely would play her better than she plays herself.
Tearing out of the room like a dog trying to avoid a bath, you’re too busy weaving between pieces of falling ceiling to check on Raj or Rodney, not that you really care about the latter… Thankfully Pepper’s just ahead of you, so you don’t have to worry about her running off again… You think.Emerging into an unfamiliar mine tunnel, the lamps hanging on the wall are already shaking when you enter, and though the footing is still somewhat stable when you arrive, running across it feels about as reassuring as jogging across a bridge made of popsicle sticks!“This way!”Following the redhead’s voice, you and the dudes hop over a growing fissure in your path and join Pepper around the corner! Nearly tripping over one of her NOTBUG kills, you feel a shiver run down your spine–if you run into any more of those damn things…“WOAH!”Rodney’s sudden yelp yanks you out of your thoughts. Whipping around to check on your supposed ‘Rival’, you feel a mixture of relief and dismay when a massive stalactite just barely misses skewering his dumb hair!“Don’t worry, Pep–I’m A-OK!”Thankfully she doesn’t notice his thumbs up. Following the girl down the tunnel, the mine opens up around you leading into a system of catwalks barely holding together through the chain reaction you started! Before you can ask where you’re headed, however, your answer presents itself sitting on a pair of rusty rails that lead deeper into the mine…Oh hell no…“Oh hell YES!” Counters Pepper as she jabs a finger into your chest! “Would you prefer digging our way out?”No, you groan, but there was a MAINTENANCE STAIRWELL-Before you can finish, another stalactite the size of a minivan smashes through a chunk of catwalk, taking the metal with it in an ear-splitting metallic shriek! Watching it tumble into the abyss, you punctuate your argument with a curt nod.Okay, you huff, where to?“No clue, chief,” She replies as she gestures to the three TRACKS with carts, “but anywhere’s better than HERE!”Which one do you ride?>THE TRACK LABELED ‘SAND’! >THE TRACK LABELED ‘OVERFLOW’!>THE TRACK LABELED ‘LOWER’!>NAH, THIS IS DUMB! LET’S GO BACK!>WRITE-IN!
>>5734329Ok. No idea where SAND goes, OVERFLOW probably takes you to a drain adit and the outside and LOWER probably takes you down some levels.>THE TRACK LABELED ‘LOWER’!Therefore, this might be our last chance to get downstairs! I won't give up on solving the Mystery of the Mine!Hopefully the other levels are not falling down and we can come up the stairs later.
Rolled 2 (1d3)>>5734329Sand = 1Overflow = 2Lower = 3
>>5734329>>THE TRACK LABELED ‘LOWER’!
>>5734329>THE TRACK LABELED ‘SAND’!
>>5734329>THE TRACK LABELED ‘LOWER’!Fuck it.
I did some research and rereading between the threads. There was exactly one instance where the Hunger didn’t come out during us fighting a monster, and it was at the Kitchen where we saved Vivian and Rodney. The correlation between it was I believe us not directly engaging the notwolf. We used a pan to block its attack so that it concussed itself. It was also the only instance where we engaged it purely to put it down while it was incapable of retaliating. It seems, and I could well be wrong, that the Hunger triggers when we attempt to actively engage other things in combat or violence. Passive actions, such as blocking, running, or indirectly attacking through traps or other means probably don’t trigger it. Whatever the case, that’s what I think we should operate off of. We should try and avoid directly fighting things if we can help it, I think.
>>5734329>THE TRACK LABELED ‘OVERFLOW’!Hopefully it will taie us OUT of here. Going deeper in will get us buried alive.
>>5734340>>5734343>>5734365>LOWERRRRR>>5734341>>5734462>OVERFLOW!>>5734347>SAND!No one wants to go to the SECRET SAND LEVEL, I guess... : c Anywho I'm back from errands! Writing!>>5734377Regarding this theory: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- : ^) ------------------------------------------------------ Hope that wasn't too meta...>>5734462>Going deeper will get us buried aliveOr worse... buried DEAD!
>>5734635It doesn’t take a mine reader to notice things aren’t looking good inside the HAUSER MINE–its infrastructure was, even to your untrained eyes, not up to standards when you entered, and the addition of a few uncontrolled blasts didn’t help its temperament much!Feeling another explosion rock the tunnels behind you, you give Pepper a confident nod! Let’s do it!“Quickly, please! Dis’ whole place is comin’ down!” Whines Rodney as another hunk of ceiling just misses your section of the catwalk! Leading the group over to the track with the word ‘LOWER’ stenciled above the tunnel corkscrewing downwards into the Earth, you motion for everyone to start pushing!“Uh, dude,” Mutters Raj, apparently completely oblivious to the impending doom around you, “Isn’t down, like, the way opposite of out?”“Yea, what he said!” Agrees your fellow delivery boy as he places a hand on Pepper’s shoulder! “We found the girl–time ta’ go while we still can!”“The Girl’ came here to get to the bottom of things!” Counters Pepper as she wriggles free of Rodney’s grasp! “And the fact that Hauser’s men are here just makes me even more curious!” She concludes as she turns to you for aid!Every drop of survival instinct left in your battered body is telling you to find the closest exit from this deathtrap and LEAVE... but an even tinier drop buried deep within tells you that this might be your best and only chance to see what lies below the mountain… and what you hope is the aforementioned LEVEL 7! That’s why, you conclude, you HAVE to take this chance… and it has to be NOW!Feeling the catwalk lurch beneath you, Raj and Rodney exchange nods before running to give the minecart a push! Clambering in front, Pepper slaps the side of the vehicle a few times for motivation!“C’mon, boys! PUSH!”Yes, MADAME! Christ…>ROLL 1d100+1 (+3 TEAMWORK! -2 RUSTY!) TO GET THIS THING MOVING! BEST OF 3!
Rolled 50 + 1 (1d100 + 1)>>5734668Here’s to hoping the bottom of this mine has more than one way out.
Rolled 17 + 1 (1d100 + 1)>>5734668All right, our ride has been slapped. Therefore, it can't fail us now.
Rolled 65 + 1 (1d100 + 1)>>5734668
>>5734672>>5734677>>5734687>HIGHEST ROLL: 66!Writing!>>5734677Fuck, forgot to add the 'ride slapped' bonus>>5734672I hope so too! Hahahaha!
Combining your MAN FORCE into one action, you, Raj, and Rodney all push against the back of the cart with a synchronized MANLY GRUNT!“... you guys know we’re gonna die if you don’t hurry, right?”“I’M pushin’ as hard as I can!” Whines Rodney as Pepper gives you all a nonplussed glare from her front row seat! “Tell ‘Dainty Diesel’ here ta’ put some backbone into it!”“Uh…. dudes?”Is he blind AND stupid!? You’re pressing your whole damn body into this thing, you grunt as you give Rodney’s side a nudge with your elbow! “Then take a page from us tough guys an’ try harder, yea??”“Dudes?”If they were so tough they wouldn’t need you to push!“Duuuudes-”“WHAT?!”WHAT!?Yelling in perfect unison, both you and Rodney visibly deflate when you follow Raj’s pointed finger to a small, rusty LEVER on the side of the cart.“This thing isn’t, like, a MANUAL SHIFT or whatever, right?”Goddamn it… stepping around the skater as he stares blankly at you for an answer he ain’t gonna get, you tug the lever as hard as you can until you hear a metal groan from the wheels below! Brushing the rust and dust off of your hands, you look up to find Pepper staring at you with approval on her grimy face!“Atta’ boy, sandcrab. That’s why you’re my favorite~”“Hey, c’moooon!” Groans Rodney as he slides between you like some kind of dumb eel, “I was the one that saved us all back there! What about me, huh, sweetcheeks?”“Hmm…” Muses Pepper as she mockingly rubs her chin in contemplation, “Good point. Guess you guys are gonna have to keep competing for it.”You let out a weary sigh. This is dumb...“HAH! Challenge ACCEPTED!”Son of a bitch… before you can kick Rodney off the catwalk, the two of you freeze up when you hear the sound of a rifle firing amidst the cacophony of tremors around you!Darting to the side just in time to dodge a salvo of bullets plinking off of the cart, you and your fellow delivery boy stare wide-eyed at the way you came as a trio of pissed-off HAUSER SECURITY GOONS peer out from around the corner with their dough and dust-caked weapons pointed in your direction! “Woah… how’d they get here?”You’ll ask ‘em in HELL, you mutter as you drag Raj with you as you leap headfirst into the cart! Ducking to avoid another helping of lead, you and the others breathe a collective sigh of relief as your ride picks up speed as it heads downhill!>CONTD.
>>5734773“Heh! Good luck followin’ us without wheels, ya damn jabronis!” Croons Rodney as he slumps against the inside of the minecart as if it was an easy chair, “Piece a’ pie, right, guys?”You answer him with your usual frown. Quit tempting fate, moron.“Quit bein’ a baby, D!” Counters Rodney as he dodges you attempt to flick his forehead, “We’re on a cart… just gotta sit back an’ enjoy da’ ride!”“Yea, about that…” Mutters Pepper as she points forward, “Duck!”“Where?!” Sputters Raj as he scans the side of the tunnel! Pulling him down, you and the rest of your buddies barely limbo below a low-hanging wooden barricade with the words ‘DANGER: CONDEMNED’ hastily stenciled on it!Sitting back up with a much higher heart rate, your pulse goes even HIGHER when you feel Pepper scoot back and lean against you! Err, Pep, you stammer, white-knuckling the cart as it continues on a downward spiral deeper into the Earth, what’s the occasion?“Remember that whole water thing I told you about earlier?” She whispers as she looks back at you with growing fear in her eyes!Yea…“I just remembered the lower levels are… flooded.”Ah.“A-and if there’s w-water down here,” She stammers as the four of you duck under another barricade…She’s gonna need you to support her, you nod, gotcha!“NO, sandcrab! I’ll need you to SAVE MY ASS if I FREEZE UP!” Hisses the girl as she elbows your side! “Don’t get distracted!”Harder than it looks, you mutter as she practically sits in your lap! Damn it…Biting your lip, you feel a little relief when the cart reaches the bottom of the spiraling track without tipping over! But as the tunnel straightens out again, you feel your anxiety return as you approach a SPLIT IN THE TRACKS! The track you’re on leads towards a tunnel stenciled with the words ‘WARNING: DEMOLITION IN PROGRESS’! Before you can guess what kind, your answer comes in the form of a rotten crate filled with old sticks of DYNAMITE poking out!The other track, however, appears to slope downwards with no foreboding warnings or exposed explosives!The question is, how are you gonna hit that damn TRACK SWITCH?“I got LOTSA ROCKS in here, D!” Reports Rodney as he picks up a handful of ROCKS from the bottom of the cart! “You wanna show us yer’ pitchin’ skills?!”Which way do you go!?>STAY ON COURSE TO THE DEMOLITION AREA!>CHANGE TO THE DOWNWARD SLOPE!
>>5734776>CHANGE TO THE DOWNWARD SLOPE!I’ve had enough of Trinitrotoluene, thanks.
>>5734776>>CHANGE TO THE DOWNWARD SLOPE!Any more explosions and the whole cave will come down
>>5734776>>CHANGE TO THE DOWNWARD SLOPE!
>>5734787>>5734792>>5734806>DOWNWARD SLOPE!Hey, just like Diesel's evening so far! Anyways, let's see if you can hit that switch, skip!>ROLL ME 1d100+1(+5 SPEED BONUS, -2 RIDIN' FAST, -2 PEPPER JESUS SCOOT FORWARD YOU IDIOT I'M TRYING TO AIM HERE) TO GO THE WAY YOU WANT! BEST OF 3!
>>5734776>CHANGE TO THE DOWNWARD SLOPE!Enough bang for one day
Rolled 65 + 1 (1d100 + 1)>>5734823there do be ninjas about
Rolled 59 + 1 (1d100 + 1)>>5734823
Rolled 63 + 1 (1d100 + 1)>>5734823Ricochet it off the switch so that it takes out Rodney’s dumbass sunglasses.
>>5734828>>5734831>>5734859>HIGHEST ROLL: 66!Writing!
You’d be delighted to, you chirp as you gently push Pepper’s head out of the way of your shot! Sticking your tongue out in TOTAL CONCENTRATION, you pick up a ROCK from the bottom of the cart and toss it in the air to test the wei-Whoops, it fell out. Man, you’re going FAST, huh?!“Try again, slick…” Mutters the redhead, clearly annoyed by your not-so-polite means of getting her out of your way. Taking up a new rock in your hand, you let out a deep breath before chucking the rock at the SWITCH!Sailing through the darkness with a slight spin to it, the ROCK hits the SWITCH with a resounding ‘CLANG’ before ricocheting back towards the cart! Hit the DEEEECK!You and Pepper duck in time, but Raj isn’t so luck-wait… nope, he is so lucky! Watching the ROCK spin past him with a goofy smile on his face, his enthusiasm only wanes a bit when the rock smacks straight into Rodney’s nose!“DAAAAUUGH! MY NOOOSE!” He screams as he clutches the impact point, “Diesel, you RAT! I know ya’ did that on purpose!”Hahaha, ‘whoops’! Watching the track shift ahead of you, your stomach preemptively braces itself as you realize just how steep the drop is you’re about to head down… seriously, though–did these assholes that built this place stop to think before maAAAAAUUUUUGH!Clinging to the cart for dear life, you and the rest of your entourage wage war against GRAVITY as you hurtle down a rickety-looking track through complete and utter darkness! It’s hard to tell while you’re screaming your head off, but Raj and Pepper really seem to be enjoying it!“SOMEBODY GRAB MEEEEE!”Rodney, on the other hand, doesn’t sound too enthusiastic. While you watch him barely cling to the side of the cart with vague disinterest, your skater buddy is able to pull your ‘Rival’ back into the cart just before the track evens out. Hooray.Skidding around a corner of track sends sparks into the air–their fleeting light illuminating rough-hewn cavern walls around you covered in more holes than a sponge…“Y’think these were for DYNAMITE or somethin’?” Guesses Raj as he points his HEADLAMP into the recesses!Nope, you groan, but you have a feeling you know what made ‘em-As if on cue, a long, hairy STINGER jabs out from one of the holes at your neck! Though you manage to lean out of the way in time, Raj barely ducks a similar attack from another hole you pass!“What the HELL is THAT?!” Screams Rodney as he chucks a rock at one of the NOTBUGS in abject panic!Your MOM, you reply with a smirk! Got’em!>CONTD.
>>5734897“They hate LIGHT!” Pepper shouts as she goes to town with her DIGITAL CAMERA! “Say ‘CHEESE’, creeps!”“Well why didn’t ya’ say so!?” Sputters your rival as he takes his MINING HELMET off and points its lamp at your attackers! “Cripes, these things gimme the heebie-jeebies!”Swinging at the bugs as they pop out of their holes with his FIRE AX, Raj nearly takes your head off before remembering how jam-packed you all are!“They don’t like gettin’ CHOPPED UP either, dudes!”You’ll keep that in mind, Raj, thanks! Squinting ahead as your team continues to fend off the overgrown cockroaches, you spot the faint glimmer of a light atop another SWITCH ahead… and this choice is EASY!The track you’re currently on leads into a FLOODED PASSAGE– you’re just lucky Pepper hasn’t noticed it yet! Even if it is just water, that’ll stop your trip really quickly… and then you’ll have to deal with these bugs on their terms!The other way, however, leads deeper into the mines… and a much drier part of it, from the looks of things! Readying another rock, something whiffs past your ear and takes a chunk of your hair off of your head before you realize what it is! Hissing menacingly above you, a NOTBUG scurries back into its hole once you notice where it is… no doubt to ready another attack against you and your pals!“Sandcrab,” Shouts Pepper as her camera rapidly flashes, “We close to the end yet!?”K-kinda?!>ROLL 4d100 TO KEEP ON ROLLING… AND KEEP THE BUGS AWAY! BEST OF 3! BONUSES:>DIESEL+2 (+5 SPEED BONUS, -3 BUGS EVERYWHERE)>PEPPER +2(+5 SNOOPIN BONUS, -3 BUGS EVERYWHERE)>RAJ +2(+5 COOL CUSTOMER, -3 BUGS EVERYWHERE)>RODNEY-3 (-3 BUGS EVERYWHERE)
Rolled 43, 93, 66, 23 = 225 (4d100)>>5734899This reminds me of that scene from the Peter Jackson King Kong.
>>5734901Somebody save Rodney’s roll. I know we joke about offing him, but he did come in to the rescue back there.
Rolled 59, 45, 42, 89 = 235 (4d100)>>5734899I've had enough of these motherfucking bugs in this motherfucking mineWhen we're finished here, I'm going to set off all the dynamite I can possibly find.
>>5734908I also didn’t realize it, but you saved Diesel, too.
Rolled 60, 94, 14, 61 = 229 (4d100)>>5734899
>>5734910Just another day in the world of dice
>>5734901>>5734908>>5734934>ROLLLLLLLLLLS:>DIESEL: 62!>PEPPER: 96!>RAJ: 68!>RODNEY: 86!Writing!>>5734901>scene from King KongOh hell yes I was worried I was the only one! Those fucking worms, dude! Scary shit!>>5734904D'awww you guys LIKE him! You really LIIIIIKE HIM!>>5734908Would you say they're.... bugging you?>>5735135The dice are fickle mistresses indeed... hope the luck continues!
As your trusty metal steed rapidly approaches the switch, the tunnel around you explodes into a hissing, chittering gauntlet of stingers, claws, and hairy bug limbs! Yep, you’re gonna need a shower after all this…Armed with a ROCK in one hand and your MEAT CLEAVER in the other, you do your best to clear a path for your projectile as the cavern’s residents descend upon you like ants on a dropped ice cream scoop! A flash from Pepper’s camera sends one of your attackers tumbling head-over-many-heels to the ground, and though it scrambles to grab ahold of your ride, the bug proves to be a little too late! “Catch the next one, freak!” She snickers as she continues her rapid-fire photography sesh! “And I’m keepin’ all of these!”Meanwhile a pair of NOTBUGS drop onto the cart from above, but a quick flash from Rodney’s HEADLAMP stuns both of them just enough for you and Raj to cut into their legs with your CLEAVER and AX respectively!Giving each other a thumbs up as your hitchhikers fall, you lock eyes with Rodney for a second… Though you both start off with stern stares, the two of you begrudgingly share a stoic nod as Raj bats another boarder off of your wheels!Oh right, the SWITCH! With your shot about as clear as it’s ever gonna be, you hurl the ROCK at your target and watch in silent horror as a NOTBUG chooses that exact moment to drop down for a cheap scare!Glancing off one of the monster’s chitinous armor plates, the rock bounces back towards your cart and just barely whizzes by your head!‘THUNK!’“AAAUGH! NOT AGAAIIIN!”In another admirable display of selfless heroism, Rodney offers his forehead as a springboard for the rock and sends it flying back over to the switch with a dull ‘TONG!’Despite all the chaos, you can immediately feel Pepper’s body freeze up as she sees where you were almost headed! Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, the girl tenses up again when she sees your next destination!“Errr, guys!” She stammers as she points a shaking finger ahead, “Might wanna hold onta’ something!”You feel a pit form in your stomach as you spot what’s spooked her: where there used to be a track over a yawning crevasse in the ground is now just that: a crevasse with a huge gap in the tracks! With no ledges to jump to or switches to hit, all you and the others can do is hold on for dear life as your cart prepares to jump!“I dunno about you guys,” Begins Raj as you feel Pepper press against you for stability, “But I’M gonna hold onto the CART!”Not very compelling as far as last words go… before you can chide him, however, you feel the rusty wheels carrying you at breakneck speed leave the tracks!And just like that, you’re FLYING!>CONTD.
Your stomach is halfway up your throat by the time you land on the other side of the gap! Sending a shower of sparks and an ear splitting metal screech into the air, you and the rest of the cart riders breathe a collective sigh of relief when your ride continues unhindered!Except for Raj, who hoots and cheers like a kid on a roller coaster.While he’s having a blast, however, Pepper freezes up like an ice sculpture–before you can ask why, your answer comes in the form of the stuff pooled around the tracks! Cascading from countless growing cracks in the ceiling above you comes a deluge of grimy, dirt-filled water… no doubt from the flooded levels above!“Don’t worry, toots–I ain’t gonna let ya’ drown!” Announces Rodney, prompting Pepper to turn blue! Very reassuring, bonehead!“I’m just sayin’ I know CPR!” The delivery boy counters as Raj watches the water fall from the ceiling with childlike mirth! He’s gonna NEED CPR if he doesn’t zip it!If there’s any working drainage systems around you, you don’t see them… and despite your quick pace, the water is getting dangerously high around the rails! If you can just get through this cave without problems-“Woah…” Remarks your skater buddy as he holds his hand up to examine it, “Check it, dudes!”Check it you do… before swiftly tackling Raj to the foot of the cart! “What gives, man!?” He sputters as a salvo of BULLETS whizzes over your heads! It was a LASER, you idiot! A LASER SIGHT!Peeking over the rim of the cart, your suspicion is confirmed: no, not the one about NOTBUGS learning to use automatic weaponry, but the one about a second cart slowly gaining on you from behind!A cart FULL of FOUR HAUSER SECURITY GOONS! And they’re PISSED!“How the hell did they get here!?” Sputters Rodney as another helping of bullet is served to the side of your cart! “Did they grab one and put it on OUR track!?Yea, you shout at your pursuers, your stupid boss got BLOWN UP! GO HOME, IDIOTS!The operators don’t seem keen on taking your advice. Sending another burst of rifle fire in your direction, the quartet seems dead-set on making sure your ride ends unpleasantly! Weaving through a forest of massive stalagmites like a skier going down a slalom, your heart sinks even LOWER when you spot a pack of antennaed silhouettes following close behind via the cavern ceiling!“We gotta lose these guys!” Shouts Rodney as he chucks a rock at your pursuers! “Do somethin’, D!”Oh, NOW he wants you to be the hero, huh?!How do you lose these jerks!?INVENTORY PASTEBIN:https://pastebin.com/RuZL1Xgh>SHOOT ‘EM! (FLARE GUN (1 SHOT)? FLAMETHROWER? SHOTGUN (2 SHELLS)>CHUCK SOMETHING AT ‘EM! (ROCK? MOLOTOV? DYNAMITE?)>TRY TO DERAIL THEIR CART!>WRITE-IN!
>>5735229>DROP DYNAMITE IN THE TRACKS BEHIND YOUEasier than trying to hit their own cart, and the same result!
>>5735229>>DROP DYNAMITE IN THE TRACKS BEHIND YOU
>>5735236>DROP DYNAMITE ON THE TRACKLight, cook, release.This mine proudly designed by Pankot Engineering Corporation. Don't suppose we've got a sleeper handy in the back of the cart? Makes me really want to watch that film again.also this is ebic, I would have been very disappointed if we didn't have a minecart shootout if we're going all in on the fun tropes.
>>5735263Wupps, meant to tag >>5735229
>>5735236>>5735251>>5735263>DROP DYNAMITE!What's one more uncontrolled detonation in an already-collapsing mine, right? Psychos...>ROLL ME 1d100+2(+5 SPEED BONUS, -3 SUPPRESSING FIRE) TO LIGHT UP THEIR DAY! BEST OF 3, BABY!>>5735263This anon GETS it! Fun DemBones Trivia time: I FUCKING LOVE MINECART ACTION SEQUENCES. LOVE EM. VIDEO GAME? MOVIE? BOOK? DON'T MATTER--LOVE ME SOME MINECARTS!Gonna do some errands, but will write up your failing roll once I return!
Rolled 51 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5735272We will find a way out later
Rolled 91 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5735272click clack on the track this cart is unstoppableI love anything to do with mines and digging. Probably why I do what I do offline but I love me some minecart.
Rolled 2 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5735272
>>5735304Jesus fuck.
>>5735277>>5735280>>5735304>HIGHEST ROLL: 93!No one's winning an Art Berry Award today, it seems... oh well!>>5735304So close!Writing!
You don’t really have the ammo or the training to get into a gunfight with these Rent-A-Cops, but you have something that doesn’t need much aiming! Retrieving one of your two remaining STICKS OF DYNAMITE from your pocket and your GOLD LIGHTER to go with it, you hold off on the fun part as you and the rest of the CART CREW press your collective weight against the side of the cart as two of its wheels lift off the rail on a tight turn!Landing back on the tracks with a triumphant ‘CLANG’, you see your chance when you come to a straightaway where the tracks are already submerged under a layer of funky water! Still petrified, Pepper barely reacts as you light the fuse and prepare to drop it along the tracks! She’d better hope you don’t have to jump out or something…Another hail of bullets speeds past your head as your pursuers gain on you, and as you let the dynamite go you watch in horror as one of the security goons puts his (or her, hard to tell) own devious plan into action! Pulling the pin out of some kind of GRENADE, they chuck the explosive ordnance your way just as their comrades realize what you’ve done!The air around your cart becomes pure BULLET as the security guards try to prematurely detonate your gift, but it’s too late! The final nail in the coffin comes in the form of Raj chucking a rock at the GRENADE and knocking it off course! Holy CRAP, you shout, nice shot!“Was aimin’ for that bug up there…” Mutters Raj as he points to the ceiling and completely misses what he just accomplished! Before you can correct him, your present for your pursuers EXPLODES and sends their cart flipping into the air!The mass of NOTBUGS snags one of the guards mid-flight–though they waste no time in defending themself with their TACTICAL KNIFE, it isn’t long before you hear their screams echoing through the caves behind you! Another security goon makes an abrupt landing against a stalagmite, his body twisted from the impact like a pretzel! You’d probably feel sorry for him if he didn’t try to shoot you earlier! Asshole!Through some cruel disregard for physics, however, the two remaining security guards and their ride land with a menacing ‘CLANG’ a few feet ahead of you! “Nice one, D!” Groans Rodney as the two goons engage in some TACTICAL LAUGHTER,, “Now I’m gonna die without gettin’ with any of the girls here an’ it’s ALL YOUR FAULT!”At least you can take solace in that…>CONTD.
>>5735559As the two Hauser Security Guards prepare to send over a gift basket of delicious GRENADES, Raj pushes past you to point at the track ahead!“Woah, dude! Look ]OUT!”Your pursuer-no, pursuees don’t take the bait, but for once the skater’s actually on to something! Drifting out from the shadows carried by the gross water below you comes a positively archaic-“FRUIIIIIIIIT CAAAAAAAARRT!”Oh hey, the security guys CAN talk! Crashing into a dilapidated cart made of rotting wood with a dinky sign that has the words ‘Hauser Mine Healthy Choice Snack Bar’ painted on it in fading white letters, the security goons lose hold of their GRENADES thanks to the torrent of rotting fruit that tumbles into their cart!A few seconds later the whole shebang EXPLODES, sending your opponents, or what’s left of them, hurtling into the water like fish bait! Not to mention clearing the way for you! Score!Turning to face Rodney, you give him a fresh scowl as he struggles to avoid your gaze! He was saying?“... Eeeehhhh, I’m callin’ it luck!”He’s gonna join those pricks if he doesn’t learn some manners… and FAST! Giving Pepper’s head a light poke, you confirm that yep, she’s still freaking out from the water which is still rising, by the way!Even so, your cart makes its way through what’s starting to look like an underground lake and finally reaches a huge, spiral track delving deeper into a massive pit–its perimeter now transformed into a colossal waterfall! “How deep do ya think this track goes?” Asks Raj as he peers over the edge into the yawning abyss below you!You dunno, you frown, but one thing’s for sure: it would suck having to use this rail system to transport ore!Slowly descending deeper, you make sure to shield Pepper with your body as the water falling from above splashes into the cart! Poor girl’s trembling like a leaf! Wherever you’re going you hope there’s a way out… you’re not exactly keen on swimming back to the surface…“It’ll work out, man!” Raj counters with his usual chipperness! “Always does!”You’d do terrible things to be even a fraction as optimistic as he is… finally reaching the bottom of the pit, your mood brightens as you spot a CATWALK up ahead–one that remains standing even with the growing RIVER rushing through the cave below you!Though the catwalk seems to lead deeper into the mines, the rails appear to head deeper too… Where to?>KEEP RIDING!>GET OFF HERE!
>>5735562>KEEP RIDING!Let’s make some more distance between us and the bugs, goons, and collapsing sections of the caverns.
>>5735562>GET OFF HERE!
>>5735562>KEEP RIDING!
>>5735562>KEEP RIDING!We're on the clock! The longer we take, the more the mine will fill with water. Snap that brake lever off and let her fly! We do have a brake, right?I award Hauser Goons #032899, #975389, #826269 and #333063 the SLIGHTLY ABOVE AVERAGE HAUSER EMPLOYEE AWARD with a plastic medallion and a $25 bonus for their unwavering dedication to duty.
>>5735569>>5735605>>5735647>KEEP RIDING!>>5735574>HOP OFF!Writing!>>5735647They accept the award with TACTICAL HUMBLENESS! Well, their next of kin does, what with them all being deader than doorknobs
“We getting off here, dude?” Asks Raj as he jabs a thumb in the direction of the catwalk! Nah, you reply, this route was marked ‘LOWER’--you’re not getting off until the track ends!“PuhLEASE…” Scoffs Rodney as you speed past the stop, “You just want more SNUGGLE TIME with red, don’tcha?”Yep, you groan with a heavy helping of sarcasm in your voice, he got you! “I uh… I’m not gonna tell ya’ how to live your life, bro…” Raj begins as he places a gentle hand on your shoulder, “but-”It’s not because of SNUGGLE TIME, okay!? You’d just rather not hop off and wander into a random tunnel when there’s a brand new RIVER forming below you! Do they wanna SWIM back to the surface!?“... N-no…” Stammers Rodney as he stares down at his thumbs.“... Uh-uh.” Raj adds in an equally-sheepish tone.So there, you huff, have a little faith now and then, will ya?Good, they totally bought it! A faint smirk forms on your face as you give Pepper’s head another reassuring pat–she told you to take care of her in case there was water… and there’s nowhere safer than right in front of you!There wasn’t a surplus of light in the tunnels before, but as you turn a corner and head deeper into the dark recesses of the Earth, it dawns on you that you can’t really see the tracks anymore… not without Rodney and Raj’s lights, at least! Emerging from a tunnel into a colossal cavern devoid of light, you barely hear the water running as it drops into the black abyss below!For a time even the tremors seem to grow quieter… all you can hear is the squeak of the rusty wheels below you and the distant sound of Earth rumbling above. If you fell here, well…That’d be it, huh?“Whughh…” Groans Pepper as she slowly regains her pep, “Did… where are we?”Deep, you reply as you gesture to the inky blackness surrounding you like fog, VERY!“No kidding!” She remarks as she scoots forward a bit to look around, “These rails are in pretty decent condition… wonder where they end?”“Knowin’ our luck I’m guessin’ some kind of SPIKE PIT!” Groans Rodney from the back of the cart, “With… with mutant SNAKES in it or somethin’!”A sudden shift in the rocks puts your discussion on hold, and with a deep groan that reverberates across the cavern you and the rest of the passengers freeze up as a whole section of the wall detaches and tumbles into the pit below!Holy CRAP, you exclaim as you crane your ear in the direction it fell, but don’t hear an impact, where the heck ARE we!?“Somewhere SECRET, yo!” Announces Raj as he shines his lamp where the rocks used to be! “LOOK!”>CONTD.
>>5735675A faint squeal emanates from Pepper’s agape mouth as you all turn to see what he’s referring to–hidden beneath the rock sits another wall made up of some kind of metallic alloy–and it definitely looks man-made!“JACKPOT!” Squeaks the girl as she goes to town with her DIGITAL CAMERA! Errr, Pepper, you mutter as you and Rodney exchange confused glances, just what is this anyways?“Remember that dirt I was talkin’ about, sandcrab!?” She asks, trembling like a kid on Christmas morning! “THIS is it! HAUSER’S DIRTY LAUNDRY! GOTTA BE!”“Kinda screwy that they keep it all the way down here…” Mutters Raj as the girl cackles madly between photos, “It’s just gonna get moldy, dudes…”You’re too speechless to respond. Pepper’s right–this… this is BIG! As your cart continues to descend deeper, you slowly realize that you’re headed right in the mysterious wall’s direction! Could… could this be SITE D?“Won’t know until we investigate, chum!” Snickers Pepper as she gives your side a playful nudge! “Keep your eyes peeled for a place to get off!”“Uh… found one?”Following Raj’s gaze, you light up a bit as you see another catwalk bordering the wall–while you can’t see an entrance from this side, you’re certain that’s gonna be your way in!“It’d BETTER be…” Whines Rodney. “Becau-wait, AW CRIPES!”Following his and Raj’s lamps, you quickly find out that you’re out of disembarking options–past the catwalk the rails trail off… into NOTHING!“Maybe it’s uh… a fast way down?” Shrugs the skater as you immediately pounce on the brake lever! YEA, you snarl, it’ll be fast alright!>ROLL ME 1d100+2(+5 SPEED ROLL, -3 GOING FAST!) TO PULL THE BRAKES! BEST OF 3!
Rolled 92 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5735676Time to play the steel organ
Rolled 1 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5735676
>>5735691Give me your coordinates so I can come to your house and strangle you
Rolled 71 + 2 (1d100 + 2)>>5735676I knew this shit would’ve been too easy.
>>5735698Don't worry, I'll handle it myself. :(
>>5735701Very thoughtful. You’ve restored your honor.Bones will be happy. Time to kill Art again.
istg if this invalidates everything that's gone right thus far and gets someone killed, something heavy is going to go sailing out of the window
>>5735681>>5735691>>5735700>THE ROLLS: NAT 1!A little bummed it didn't happen with the dynamite for the FULL ART EFFECT, but I ain't complaining! Writing, but get ready to ROLL!>>5735701>>5735704Glad to see I don't have to ask anymore! People are finally starting to understand the rules! Wonder what Art's up to these days, anyways?>>5735709That depends on you, buster!
Clenching the lever handle as tightly as you can, you brace your feet against the inside of the cart and prepare to tug!“You got this, sandcrab?” Asks Pepper as she and your pals prepare to jump!Yea, you nod, just hang on to something! Pulling back on the lever with a mighty growl, you feel an uncharacteristic strength course through your muscles… TOO much!The brake lever only lasts for a second or so before snapping off like an exceptionally-dry twig! As the reality of the situation settles in, you slowly turn towards your pals and show them your handiwork as an unintelligible gurgle creeps out from your mouth!“Woah!” Smiles Raj with a nod of admiration, “You’re pretty strong, Diesel!”Rodney doesn’t even wait before diving onto the catwalk with a panicked yelp! Seeing the lever still in your hand, you move to disembark along with the rest of your buddies!>ROLL ME 3d100 TO MAKE IT! BEST OF 3 ROLLS! BONUSES:>DIESEL: +1 (+5 SPEED BONUS, -4 MISSED YOUR STOP!)>PEPPER: -2 (+3 SCOOP SIGHTED! -4 MISSED YOUR STOP!)>RAJ: +1 (+5 COOL CUSTOMER, -4 MISSED YOUR STOP!)
It's getting lateish on my end, so I think it's time to talk SCHEDULING!I go back to work starting tomorrow, so from now on updates are gonna slow down a bit, unfortunately. FROM NOW ON EXPECT WEEKDAY UPDATES TO HAPPEN AROUND 4-5PM PST UNLESS I SAY OTHERWISE! If you're here from Bones Quest you're probably used to this scheduling already, if not know that I'm no quitter! We're getting through this quest together, damn it!Thanks as always for your patience in my writing, drawing, and scheduling. You guys make it all worth while!
Rolled 10, 36, 43 = 89 (3d100)>>5735723imagine if everyone goes over and the only survivor is Rodney
Rolled 83, 64, 55 = 202 (3d100)>>5735723
>>5735724Can't say I followed Bones unfortunately. Does this mean one update a day?
Rolled 87, 5, 14 = 106 (3d100)>>5735723
>>5735729>>5735730>>5735732>THE ROLLS:>DIESEL: 88!>PEPPER: 62!>RAJ: 56!Writing what might be the last update of the night!>>5735731Sometimes one, sometimes more... definitely less than how frequent they've been this Summer! In the past I pretty much updated at least once every day, though, so we'll see how things go! Rule of thumb is I'll mention it if there's a change in schedule!
Rapidly approaching what would no doubt be a FINAL DESTINATION, the cart doesn’t slow down one bit as you clamber towards the safety of the catwalk!Raj is the first to go. Flopping out of the cart like a ragdoll, the skater is quick to regain his footing and help Pepper out as she makes the jump! With both of your friends safely out of the cart, you’re just about to follow suit when you feel your ride tip over the end of the tracks!Feeling gravity take its toll, you use your friend’s shocked faces (with the exception of Rodney who’s clearly crossing his fingers) as motivation and leap as far as you can!Sailing through the darkness for a bit too long for your liking, you land on the catwalk with a triumphant ‘CLANG!’ as your trusty metal steed tumbles into what just might be a bottomless pit below!“Nice jump, chief!” Remarks Pepper as she gives you an approving nod! “Those dynamite explosions earlier didn’t ding you one bit!”Yea, you sigh as you glance longingly where your cart fell, but without any more railing you’re pretty much stuck here, huh?“Eh! Snoop first, escape later!” The girl shrugs with a chipper tone of voice!“What she said!” Nods Raj as he scans the surrounding area, “Anyone see a door around here?”“There’d better be one along dis’ catwalk!” Frowns Rodney as he slides between you and Pepper! “I ain’t waitin’ around for this cave ta’ fill up with water!”Your team’s journalist shivers a bit at the sound of the ‘W’ word, but quickly recovers! “W-well what say we split up and find an entrance? Gotta be one around here somewhere!”The idea gives you pause. Is she sure we should be splitting up outside the scary bunker?Pepper responds with a shrug as she dons a MINING HELMET from her pocket. “We can stick together too–just thought it’d be faster, slick. Y’know, shout when we find something?”You have a hard time arguing–there’s nothing painted on the walls around you, nor are there any arrows or signs pointing you towards the delivery entrance or whatever… still, there’s no telling what might be lurking in the darkness… or inside!What do?>LET’S STICK TOGETHER!>I’LL GO WITH (RAJ, PEPPER, RODNEY)>I’LL GO ALONE… YOU GUYS TAKE THE OTHER WAY!>WRITE-IN!
>>5735756>LET’S STICK TOGETHER!Of course. Because absolutely the smartest thing to do in a dark, convoluted underground complex teeming with hostile, mutated creatures that can tear men apart with ease is split up.No. Stick together.
>>5735756>LET’S STICK TOGETHER!I want to split despite the danger because Rodney is right - we're likely still in a race against the water and the clock's a-ticking.....but at the same time, we don't know what new mutant nasties might be in here. Everyone stay in sight of each other. Worst comes to worst we still have a D-stick left to make our own door because what's one more cave-in in this place?
>>5735756>I’LL GO WITH RAJ & PEPPER>RODNEY, YOU DO WHATEVER THE HELL YOU WANTI know he'll tag along, but it's more fun this way.
>>5735762>>5735775>>5735777>STICK TOGETHAAAAWriting!>>5735777But probably this way because it made me laugh
You give the catwalk a long, hard stare before eventually dramatically shaking your head! Nope, you reply, you’re not taking any chances! Not with a mysterious bunker and the mutants that are totally waiting inside!“Yea… you’re probably right…” Pepper agrees with a sheepish grin forming on her face. “So what’s the plan then? We goin’ or what!? My SCOOP SENSE is tingling!”That’s not a real thing. Walking away just as Pepper starts giving you that dumb ‘POUTING FACE’ again, you point further down the catwalk. Raj, Pep and I will head down there, you explain in a confident tone, there’s bound to be an entrance somewhere!Rodney wastes no time in voicing his opinions. Loudly, of course.“WHAAAAAA!?!? What the hell do ya’ think you’re doin’ just leaving your ole’ pal in the lurch like that!? Are you kiddin’ me, D!? You bring me all the way down here and just expect me ta’ twiddle my thumbs while you-”Just figure it out, okay? Quit whining for once and do what you want!“What I want, hu-”Let’s roll, you interrupt as you usher Pepper away from your rival’s leering eyes! Heading further along the catwalk dangling over the pit, you and your pals scan the bunker wall for any point of entry! Whatever they put down here has got to be pretty important, you remark!“AND pretty SECRET!” Adds the redhead as she thumbs her camera with a devious laugh under her breath!“Should we uh… be here, then?” Raj asks as he pokes the wall with Linda as you continue your search! “What if something, like, really nasty is inside?”“Then it’s even more important that we share our findings with the rest of the world!” Replies Pepper boldly! “We can’t let this ever happen again!”You know better than to argue with the girl as you pass by a few empty and unmarked metal crates. She and Mina are gonna butt heads eventually–provided they both survive that long…“JACKPOT!” Exclaims the redhead as she scurries over what appears to be a massive door built straight into the metal wall! Wait, you groan as she peeks inside, don’t stray too far, damn it!Chasing after her like a cat that just rushed out the front door, you nearly bowl her over when the two of you skid to a halt inside of what appears to be some kind of…SECURITY CHECKPOINT!>CONTD.
>>5736333“Huh…” Mutters Pepper as she takes a picture of the scanner instruments and the walls of one-way tempered windows bordering them, “Where’d everybody go?”You smell the answer quicker than you see it: passing through the sparking scanner, you peek around to where the security guards would normally be stationed and find a puddle of coagulated blood and a few tiny chunks of viscera next to a worn office stool along with several other similar puddles heading past the checkpoint!Welp, you sigh, turning away from the carnage when you start to feel hungry staring at it, guess those monsters have been here… following close behind, Pepper’s eyes widen in shock as she sees what you saw before taking some fresh pictures on her camera!“The question is, sandcrab:” she mutters as she gets a few different angles, “were the monsters coming in... or were they breaking out?”Definitely out, you reply as you turn back to examine the door with Raj and find its colossal mechanical hinges all but torn off! Which can only mean one thing…Regrouping in the doorway leading deeper into the bunker, Raj’s light shines into the next room and briefly illuminates a yellow ‘7’ covered in blood, spent cartridges, and scratches!This is where it began!Cautiously passing through the doorway, you find yourself inside some kind of LAB... the entrance to one, at least! Devoid of any chairs, desks, or computers of any kind, you’re still pretty certain you’re in some kind of LOBBY that splits off into three different directions!“Didn’t we get, like, a MAP of this place or something, dudes?” Asks Raj as he points his lamp down one of the hallways leading deeper into the facility. “Would come in real handy right about now!”Yea, you nod as you take the LEVEL 7 MAP out, it would, wouldn’t it? Shine some light on me, please!According to the map, the three paths split into distinct sections:To the NORTH you’ve got the LABS, from the looks of it, but that way’s blocked by a HUGE airlock…“A failsafe must’ve triggered and shut it…” Pepper guesses as you all examine the door in all its majesty. “Could probably open it with enough elbow grease, but I’m betting there’s a better way to crack that walnut!”“Like over there?” Asks Raj as he points to the part of the map marked ‘POWER STATION’! “Could definitely go for some real lights right about now, dudes…”You were thinking the other way, you reply as you give the part marked ‘ARMORY’ a tap! Could probably find something to blast open the door in there!Where to?>LET’S GET SOME POWER GOING!>CHECK OUT THE BULKHEAD WHERE THE LABS ARE!>RAID THE ARMORY!>HIT THE CANTEEN!>WRITE-IN!
>>5736335>CHECK THE ESCAPE ROUTEWe might need to beat a retreat in a hurry. Better make sure our way out is clear first!
>>5736335>HIT THE CANTEEN!We are hungry. For, uh, no particular reason. Frankly in SPITE of all the blood and viscera, hahaha, not... Not BECAUSE of... ...Anyway, Canteen.
>>5736335>>LET’S GET SOME POWER GOING!Just like in Request of Task's Undead mode, we should focus on getting the power on first!
>>5736335>LET’S GET SOME POWER GOING!I’d be willing to bet that there are doors, elevators, and other equipment that would be cut off to us because they lack power.
>>5736335>>>LET’S GET SOME POWER GOING!
>>5736343>ESCAPE ROUTE!>>5736347>CANTEEN!>>5736355>>5736356>>5736357>POWER UP!Writing!
Watch us activate some sort of extensive automated security system and get shredded by turrets and other fun things.
As fun as it’d be to blow open the door with whatever you find in the ARMORY, your money’s on a ROCKET LAUNCHER, Raj makes a decent point–it’s gonna get really annoying if you keep having to tug doors open like some kind of caveman!“D’aww, and here I was looking forward to seeing you do more ‘Tough Guy’ stuff!” Replies Pepper with mock disappointment in her voice! “Bummer, sandcrab!”Time enough for that later, you mutter under your breath, right now you really oughta check on the power situation… especially if you need to beat a hasty retreat later!“Gotcher’ back, bro!” Smiles Raj as he readies his FIRE AX! “Lead the way!”Gladly--if you hang around that blood puddle any longer you’re gonna start drooling… and you just know people are gonna hold that against you! Hanging a right takes you into a half caved-in tunnel–no doubt due to the theatrics you pulled up above earlier!Crawling over the rubble like a cockroach, you wait until Pepper and Raj join you before continuing any further into the darkness! Fumbling forwards, your first stop takes you to what the MAP calls the POWER STATION... and sure enough the whole place is deader than Smythe!“Hmm…” Muses Pepper as she flits to and fro like a red haired butterfly, “Weird…”Okay, Pepper, you groan as you join Raj in examining the veritable forest of wires and pipes around you, what’s so weird, hmm?“Most of this equipment seems to be in pretty decent shape!” She reports as she points to a CONSOLE nestled up against an electrical box flanked by even more wires, “You’d think there’d be more signs of sabotage, is all.”Now that she mentions it, she’s right--try as you might to find evidence of someone or something carving through the electrical components as part of some grand escape plan, you just can’t see it! Sure, there are a few gashes here and there, but they’re erratic–probably just there thanks to a scuffle with a monster!“Maybe someone just turned everything off an’ left?” Shrugs Raj as the lab groans around you! You’d like to tell him he’s wrong, but as the words sink into your heads, both you and Pepper exchange a wary glance!“Follow me, boys...” The girl commands as she confidently strides towards the tunnel marked ‘GEOTHERMAL’, “I wanna check something.”Oh boy…>CONTD.
>>5736416“WOAH.”Woah is RIGHT! Heading down the tunnel towards the aforementioned ‘GEOTHERMAL’, you find yourself in a chamber straight out of a sci-fi flick! Massive pipes snake across the room connected to one colossal central grated vent not unlike the air vents you saw back in the mines!But the yawning abyss in front of you, well…“Whoof!” Groans Pepper as she tugs on her collar a bit, “Hotter n’ heck in here!”“Least that means the GEOTHERMAL VENT’S unblocked!” Chirps Raj, prompting both you and Pepper to look at him with a mixture of surprise and concern.Raj, you stammer, are you… you good, man?“Is your head okay?” Asks the journalist as she cocks her head to the side with worry in her eyes!“Right as rain, dudes!” The skater replies with the usual thumbs up! “Could go for a bite to eat, but feelin’ aces otherwise!”Okay, you nod, still unable to process what you just heard, you just… he just said something somewhat… knowledgeable?“Eh, alternative power sources are a bit of a fascination of mine!” Raj explains as he idly spins Linda on his finger, “See, geothermal energy works similarly to nuclear fission in that they both harness steam, yea? But while a nuclear reactor requires specific materials to function, usually the isotope URANIUM-235 or, in much older and smaller models PLUTONIUM, a geothermal reactor like that one over there,”He pauses to point at the gargantuan DOOHICKY taking up the majority of the far end of the chamber.“Primarily harnesses the natural heat vented upwards via CONVECTION CURRENTS through breakages and cracks in the Earth’s mantle, which when combined with an appropriate water source can-”Holy crap, Raj, you remark with genuine pride in your voice, you’re glad you brought him along!“Likewise!” Adds Pepper beaming with pride! “Do you think you can figure out what’s wrong?”“Way ahead of ya, muchachos!” He laughs as he leads you both around the central pit where all the heat is emanating from, “Take a look up there for me!”Following his headlamp, you blink in confusion as you find yourself staring at a pipe on the ceiling with a hole where…Oh for crying out loud, ANOTHER missing part!?>CONTD.
>>5736417“Looks like a VALVE…” Frowns Pepper with a dissatisfied click of her tongue. “My hunch is looking better by the second, guys…”And what hunch is that, exactly, you ask as you scan the room for any sign of the missing part!“I’m getting the feeling this was an inside job...” The girl whispers as Raj continues to look around the plant!“Aha! Two more closed valves… missin’ the wheels too!”SERIOUSLY!?“No worries, dude–we’ll just find one around here!” The skater suggests, not flinching in the least as you stare at the huge pit dominating the room with nothing but a waist-high rusty safety rail keeping you from falling to certain doom!… Raj, you huff, they probably chucked the valves down there!“Huh.” He remarks, “... welp, better look for another!”This guy…>ROLL ME 3d100 TO SEARCH FOR ANOTHER! BEST OF 3 ROLLS! BONUSES:>DIESEL-5 (-2 DARK, -3 IT’S HOT)>PEPPER+0 (+5 SNOOPIN, -2 DARK, -3 IT’S HOT)>RAJ+0 (+5 COOL CUSTOMER, -2 DARK, -3 IT’S HOT)
Rolled 91, 64, 28 = 183 (3d100)>>5736418
Rolled 60, 9, 66 = 135 (3d100)>>5736418I thought Rodney was still going to follow us, but he’s out of our sight again. This bothers me. We should have known better than telling him to, “do what you want.”
Rolled 74, 12, 56 = 142 (3d100)>>5736418I’m just gonna mosey things along here…
>>5736471I was gonna head to bed and call it for tonight actually, so no need to rush! I'll probably be back for more on Tuesday around 4-5PM PST. No need to roll again yet, but thanks for the support! I generally prefer 1 roll per player, but if I need an extra roll in the future I'll be sure to let you know!>>5736440Sorry to be a little metagamey here, but I noticed how I wrote that update and got worried that I didn't do what people voted for, so... Don't worry--Rodney followed you! He's just a little peeved, is all!
>>5736473Oh, I see. I thought he stayed behind and I got worried he would take, “do whatever you want,” literally and would get up to shenanigans.
>>5736485Yep, my bad! I never want to disregard the player's votes! Everyone's favorite delivery boy will be back before ya know it!
>>5736418Reminds me of playing Infra.
Rolled 6, 13, 100 = 119 (3d100)>>5736418WATCH THIS!
>>5736510I NEVER MISS
>>5736511Too bad you were not up to bat
>>5736517This guy >>5736471 rolled twice and the QM shot it down here: >>5736473
>>5736518I can’t tell if he actually did scrap my second roll, but I hope he did now.
>>5736423>>5736440>>5736510THE ROLLS:>DIESEL: 86!>PEPPER: 64!>RAJ: GODDAMN 100!>>5736518This anon's correct! Just to be clear again: I normally don't accept two rolls from the same player unless I explicitly ask for them--I know a lot of /qst/ers are in different timezones and have different schedules, so in cases like this I usually like to wait for a third roller.That said, I know that I sometimes rush through other rolls--apologies to those that come in late.Got work in a bit, but expect an update around 4-5PM PST! Thanks for your patience!>>5736508Literally one of my favorite games. God taste, anon!
>>5736646>God taste, anon!I know.That's why when I'm saying Pepper is worst girl, you better believe it.
>>5736646Sorry didn't see that they were from the same player, I thought that we had comically lost a crit.
>>5736664No worries-I wasnt exactly clear about it! Just happy to give you all a legit 100! In finding a Valve, no less>>5736647Shit, you've got a point... BRB killing Pepper
>>5736665Halflife three confirmed?
>>5736749Keep dreaming. Maybe the dreams will come true one day.
>>5736749Nah they're too busy making the official SLICE QUEST GAME with source physics and shit. I begged Gaben and he really liked Raj so we're in
>>5737080Now THAT'S a Nat 100! Good ol' Raj.
Wiping the fresh layer of sweat off your forehead, you roll up your sleeves and unzip your TRENDY TRACKSUIT and get to SNOOPIN’! It’s a long shot for sure, but if there’s even just one valve lying around here you can-Oh wait, here’s one!“GOT IT!” Reports Pepper as she pops out from behind the generator with a VALVE in her hands! “Here, come on over a-oh wow, found another!”Wait, seriously? Making your way over to the redhead, you nearly trip on a piece of metal just lying in the middle of the chamber! Christ, is someone trying to make you fall into that pi-oh shit, it’s another VALVE!“What was that!?” Hollers Pepper as she holds up another VALVE, “Got distracted by another VALVE!”“THERE you jerks are!” Roars Rodney as he comes shuffling in from the power station dragging something behind him! “You’re stone cold, ya’ know that, D? An’ not in the cool way either! I coulda’ been picked off back there!”And yet he still lives, you groan as you pick another VALVE off the floor. What’s that he’s dragging around behind him? His ego?“Ha ha, you oughta’ do stand up…” Grumbles the delivery boy as he sets up shop next to the growing pile of VALVES you and Pepper have started. “I was busy lookin’ around an’ nearly got buried beneath these dang things–thought ya’ could use ‘em!”Pouring a bag of VALVES onto the already sizable pile, Rodney puffs out his chest as Pepper studies the haul with a neutral expression. “Ya see that, red? These arms were made for carryin’ PRINCESSES, y’know!”“My feet are starting to hurt a bit…” Muses the girl as she glances between you and Rodney. “But I think I’ll manage for now…” Peering in the direction of Raj’s light as it dances around the ceiling, Pepper climbs halfway up your VALVE MOUNTAIN and calls out to the skater!“Raj,” she shouts, “We found some VALVES! C’mon back!”“Un Momento, por favor!” He laughs from within a jungle of steam pipes! As he slowly makes his way back over, you and the others examine your hoard.Still think it was sabotage? You ask as you shoot Pepper a skeptical glance. The girl shrugs.“I can’t tell if we’re just real lucky or the saboteur was really lazy…”>CONTD.
>>5737135“Hold on a sec–we got a saboteur now!?” Sputters Rodney as he hops into a kung fu pose! “Just point ‘em out to me, red–I’ll drop ‘em like a hot plate!”“We just noticed that the lab looks pretty good considering it had a MONSTER OUTBREAK…” Explains the journalist, crossing her arms as a puzzled look forms on her face. “Almost like someone let ‘em out.”And from what you’ve heard, you add, Hauser doesn’t sound like the kind of guy to do that… especially with how hard he’s trying to keep a lid on everything.“Huh…” Mutters Rodney as he actually looks like he’s thinking for once, “So you’re sayin’... someone else did it?”Before you answer in an appropriately-snarky way, Raj leaps into the middle of everyone grinning like an idiot! “Sup, dudes!?”Sup himself, you growl as you nearly trip over another VALVE! It’s dark in here–is he trying to get slugged!?“Well maybe this’ll brighten up your day, bro!” He counters as he reaches into his pockets! Look, Raj, you sigh as you preemptively rub your temples, we already found a lifetime supply of va-HOLY SHIT!You barely manage to dart out of the way as a three-pronged metal pole whizzes past your cheek! Tripping over another VALVE, you shoot the skater an incredulous look! What the he-Before you can ask your question, you get an answer in the form of a METAL POLE just barely shorter than you… its top half crackling with ELECTRICITY!“Wh-where’d you find this, Raj!?” Asks Pepper as her blue eyes light up from the sparks!“Found it behind the machines!” Raj replies as he gives the weapon a twirl! “Probably used it to make sure the critters played nice, huh?”Yea, you stammer as you eye the weapon like a dog staring at a fresh steak, thanks for finding it for me, man!Before you can take it off his hands, however, you’re bodychecked by Pepper!>CONTD.
>>5737138Nah, just kidding. Who else would bodycheck you here?“You get ALL the cool stuff, D!” Rodney protests as he reaches for the weapon! “Try thinkin’ of someone besides yourself for once, yea?”Oh you’re thinking of him, alright, you growl, you’re thinking of him ‘accidentally’ falling down that pit right ther-“Okay, boys… take a breather!” Interrupts Pepper as she slides between the two of you with a stern look on her face! “In case you forgot, Raj found it first!”Yea, well, you stammer, Raj was totally about to give it to you! He’s nice like that!“Raj is nice about everyone, sandcrab…” Sighs Pepper as she gestures to the skater’s smiling face. “Gotta try harder than that!”She’s loving this, isn’t she? When the girl averts your gaze and starts whistling an unfamiliar tune, you decide to take matters into your own hands!>BARTER! RAJ, I’LL GIVE YA’ SOMETHING IF YOU LET ME HAVE THAT!>BE SELFLESS! FINE, ROD, YOU CAN HAVE IT!>BE AGGRESSIVE! I’LL KICK YOUR ASS IF YOU TRY TO TAKE IT, ROD!>JUST GRAB IT AND RUN!>WRITE-IN!
>>5737140>BE SELFLESS! FINE, ROD, YOU CAN HAVE IT!He needs it more, obviously, being the weaker fighter.Say that, btw. Aloud. While looking right at him.
>>5737140>BE SELFLESS! FINE, ROD, YOU CAN HAVE IT!
>>5737166>>5737172>>5737200>BE SELFLESS!Writingggg
You’re conflicted. On one hand every minute you have to converse or even interact with Rodney is like sticking your hand into the pizza oven!Wait, nope, you’ve pretty much built up an immunity to that by now. Bad simile!On the other hand, though, you really want that weapon. Like, REALLY bad!Knowing all too well that Pepper will surely instigate some sort of squabble between you for her sick enjoyment, you take a steadying breath and put on the best smile you can muster when dealing with your ‘Rival’. This calls for a different tactic!You know what, Rod? You can keep it, man!The sunglassed simpleton stares at you as if you just transformed into a polar bear.“I… I can?”Well sure, you reply with a good-natured laugh as you give his stupid jacketed shoulder a friendly pat, why not? He doesn’t look convinced.“But…” he mutters as he eyes you up and down like a dog guarding a chew toy, “But I thought you wanted it…”“Yea…” Adds Pepper, clearly unamused by the lack of fighting, “What gives, sandcrab?”“Don’t ya see, guys!?” Raj answers with a proud grin on his face, “They’re finally burying the hatchet after facing tonight together! Adversity’s made ‘em closer!”Uh, no, you counter as you feel bile rise in your throat at the thought of being friends with Rodney again, you just know he’ll need all the cheap weapons and handicaps he can get… being, y’know, the WEAKER FIGHTER and all.The delivery boy’s face goes through three stages in the span of three seconds: confusion, comprehension, and finally anger! “WHAD’ YOU SAY ABOUT ME, D!?”It’s nothing to be ashamed of, you shrug as you expertly brush his anger off, Pepper saw it herself back when you fought in the woods earlier–it’s okay if he needs a little help-Snatching the weapon out of Raj’s hands, Rodney drops the TELESCOPING ZAP ROD at your feet! “Y-yea, well… y-YOU’RE the one that’s gonna need the handicap!”Whatever, dude, you scoff, now go start turning some of those valves!“HAH! I’ll have ‘em all done before you can even finish ONE, prick!” Scooping up a handful of VALVES in his arms, Rodney scurries off to unseal the pipes cackling all the way!“Gotta say, sandcrab,” Pepper remarks as the three of you watch him zip around the chamber, “You’re pretty good at manipulating the poor guy…”Not really, you shrug, he’s just stupid!>CONTD.
>>5737323To Rodney’s credit, he finishes up pretty damn quickly! By the time he approaches you again panting and sweating like he’ll no doubt be at his inevitable sex crime trial, you and the others have already chucked several extra VALVES into the central pit!“D… done!” He wheezes as a smile forms on his sweaty face! “Beat… beat THAT, D…”Oh no, you beat me, you reply halfheartedly. Raj, is the power thing good to go now?“Hmm….” Mutters the skater-turned-power plant technician as he scans the pipes and samples the dull humming emanating from within, “Sounds like she’s purrin’ to me, dude.”“Then what are we waiting for!?” Sputters Pepper as she angrily stomps her foot on the ground! “We’ve got DIRT to unearth!”Hey, you counter, she’s the one that started the game of ‘Toss-The Valve’!“Irrelevant! Let’s go! C’mon, hustle! Move! Time’s-a-wastin’!”Ushering everyone towards the exit like a deranged fire marshal, the girl’s enthusiasm is extinguished as quickly as it manifests! Hey, you groan as she stands in the doorway like a kid-sized statue, whatever happened to ‘hustling’, h-Pepper barely has time to dart out of the way of a gleaming MACHETE! Scrambling frantically over to you, you and your pals stand dumbfounded as a familiar jumpsuited goliath ducks under the doorway and enters the geothermal chamber!“Aw CRIPES,” Whines Rodney as he quickly regains his breath, “I thought we lost dis’ guy!”Apparently not, you stammer as the giant stomps towards you! Before you can devise a plan, he charges!>ROLL ME 4d100 TO NOT GET TACKLED! BEST OF 3 ROLLS! BONUSES:>DIESEL+5 (+5 SPEED BONUS)>PEPPER +0>RAJ +5(+5 COOL CUSTOMER)>RODNEY +4(+4 SPEED BONUS)
Rolled 91, 85, 73 = 249 (3d100)>>5737325WATCH THIS!
Rolled 75 (1d100)>>5737334NEVER MISS!!also here's the last one
Rolled 57, 86, 54, 70 = 267 (4d100)>>5737325>Rodney's speed bonus is JUST a little less than oursKek.
>8 rolls>none under 50So far so good...
Rolled 81, 40, 53, 92 = 266 (4d100)>>5737325
>>5737334>>5737335>>5737339>>5737346THE ROALZ:>DIESEL: 96!>PEPPER: 86!>RAJ: 90!>RODNEY: 96!Writing!>>5737339And he rolled the EXACT amount as Diesel... c-could he be getting STRONGER?!
>>5737365Of course we planned to lure the slasher all the way down here
Oh NO you don’t! Diving out of the way in perfect unison, your assailant swings his blade in a last-ditch attempt at hurting someone, but completely whiffs it! Coming to a halt long before it gets close to the pit, the slasher turns around to face you with grim impassiveness in its glowing ‘eye’!“How the hell did it get down here!?” Stammers Pepper as she catches her breath!No clue, you reply as you chuck the SAWN-OFF SHOTGUN into her waiting hands, but he ain’t stickin’ around for long!Sensing your intent, the giant picks up a handful of VALVES from the pile and chucks them in your direction! You’ve already got a plan, though!What is it? CHOOSE 1 OR MORE FOR YOUR TEAM!INVENTORY PASTEBIN:https://pastebin.com/RuZL1Xgh>LIGHT ‘EM UP! (DIESEL-FLAMETHROWER, MOLOTOV) (RAJ-FLARE GUN)>GO FOR THE LEGS! (DIESEL-MEAT CLEAVER, STUN STAFF) (RAJ-AX) (RODNEY-PICKAX)>BLAST ‘EM! (PEPPER-SHOTGUN) (DIESEL-.38 REVOLVER)>TRIP HIM UP! (DIESEL-HAND LOTION, GREASY PIZZA)>RUN FOR IT!>WRITE-IN!
That's it for tonight, by the way! Should have more at the usual 4-5PM PST time! Sorry for the short updates tonight... still acclimating to going back to work!
>>5737415>>GO FOR THE LEGS! (DIESEL-MEAT CLEAVER, STUN STAFF) (RAJ-AX) (RODNEY-PICKAX)Diesel using the staff to immobilize and Raj Using the axe on it's left legAt worst we slow them down, at best we hit the carotid and put it on a bleed out timer timer
>>5737445>>5737415+1
>>5737415>GO FOR THE LEGS! (DIESEL-MEAT CLEAVER, STUN STAFF) (RAJ-AX) (RODNEY-PICKAX)
>>5737415>TRIP HIM UP! (DIESEL-HAND LOTION, GREASY PIZZA)I feel like he’s probably too tough to harm through mundane means. Let’s try and trick him into falling into the pit.
>>5737445Nevermind, forgot to refresh. This works. +1Disregard >>5737478
>>5737445>>5737415+2
>>5737445>>5737459>>5737477>>5737479>>5737495>>5737515>GO FOR THE LEEEEGS!Time to roll! No pressure, now!>ROLL ME 4d100 TO SWEEP THE LEG! BEST OF 3! BONUSES:>DIESEL:+1 (+5 COMBAT BONUS, -4 TOUGH GUY)>RAJ:+1 (+5 COOL CUSTOMER, -4 TOUGH GUY)>RODNEY:+0 (+4 COMBAT BONUS, -4 TOUGH GUY!)Seeya again around 4-5PM PST!
Rolled 8, 35, 73, 27 = 143 (4d100)>>5737688
Rolled 64, 53, 83, 48 = 248 (4d100)>>5737688
Rolled 27, 94, 79, 46 = 246 (4d100)We here at Fazbear Entertainment support the running of other pizza related quest endeavors! And do not at all wish for scandalls to break out about them!>>5737688
>>5737707>>5737710>>5737714>everyone passes but RodneyShould have kept that shock-prod, buddy.
Whoops, I'm a total moron--I asked for 4d100, but Pepper didn't get an attack action.... I know Rodney's gonna whiff, but did you guys want to apply the third roll to him instead and leave Pepper to do.... Pepper things? Either way works for me, just noticed I made stuff confusing! Apologies!>GIVE THE THIRD ROLL TO RODNEY!>SCREW THAT GUY! LET HIM KEEP THE FOURTH! PEPPER CAN DO SOME RANDOM CRAP!>>5737714Oh crap, a fellow Pizza Partaker! Good luck on the new quest, yo! Everyone go check it out for me--I want a report on my desk by the end of the day!
>>5737802>GIVE THE THIRD ROLL TO RODNEY!
>>5737802>>GIVE THE THIRD ROLL TO RODNEY!
>>5737802>GIVE THE THIRD ROLL TO RODNEY!But he better be grateful.
>>5737707>>5737710>>5737714THE ROLES:>DIESEL: 65!>RAJ: 95!>RODNEY: 83!Writing!>>5738018you know he won't
With synchronization that would put a boy band to shame, you, Raj, and Rodney duck past the VALVE volley while Pepper takes a quick action shot! Rushing towards your freakishly-large foe, you ready your newly-acquired STUN STAFF as the slasher swings his machete at your head! As you slide underneath it like a baseball player stealing second, you use your momentum to jam the weapon’s business end into the giant’s coverall’d thigh! The staff strikes true, but you’re met with almost unnatural resistance as the hit connects–like you’re spearing a brick wall or something! At the same time, however, the chucked VALVES crash into a canopy of pipes overhead causing steam to leak into the chamber!If the brute feels the attack he barely shows it, but to your pleasant surprise the slasher doesn’t seem to move or react as both Raj and Rodney move in to do some damage! Struggling to intercept them, you feel a grim grin form on your face as your pals slip past the monster’s defenses and sink BOTH of their weapons into its meaty leg!“THAT’S for bustin’ those pipes, ya big idiot!” Sneers Rodney as he twists his PICKAX around! “I just fixed those, ya lug!”“Lemme AX you something! Hahaha, get it?” Smirks Raj as he and Rodney exchange grins! Before they can retrieve their weaponry, however, the brute brings its machete down towards their heads!Luckily Pepper was ready for it–distracting the monster with a timely flash of her camera, both Raj and Rodney have plenty of time to back off before the slasher can catch them! Stumbling after the duo with clear damage to its left leg, you don’t see much of a change in its almost drunken gait, but it’s still something!As the already-sweltering temperature steadily increases, the floor slowly becomes obscured by a thick blanket of steam and smoke! In a bold display of courage bordering on stupidity, Raj starts to climb some of the pipes for what can only be a big attack!Unfortunately he catches the attention of the slasher, who immediately makes a beeline for him even with his torn-up leg!How do you support Raj?! ONE OR MORE!>ZAP ‘EM AGAIN!>GET HIM WITH THE CLEAVER!>CO-OP ATTACK WITH RODNEY!>LIGHT ‘EM UP! >PEPPER, OPEN FIRE!>WRITE-IN!
>>5738106>>GET HIM WITH THE CLEAVER!>>CO-OP ATTACK WITH RODNEY!
>>5738106>LIGHT ‘EM UP! >PEPPER, OPEN FIRE!
>>5738117This.Stay out of close combat. Don’t feed the hunger.
>>5738163But I WANT us to become a being of untold horrors!
>>5738241What if we go crazy and eat Raj or something, though?
>>5738109>MARIO AND LUIGI: SUPERSTAR SAGA>>5738117>>5738163>LIGHT 'EM UPPPP!Sorry anons, I guess players DON'T want the cool HUNGER ENDING! LAAAME!>ROLL ME 2d100 TO BURN THIS BRUTE! AND BLAST 'EM! HOPE YOU DON'T HIT RAJ! BEST OF 3 ROLLS! BONUSES:>DIESEL: +0(+5 COMBAT BONUS, -1 STEAMY IN HERE, -4 TOUGH GUY)>PEPPER +0(+3 IMPROVED DUBIOUS FIREARMS, +2 BIG TARGET, -1 STEAMY, -4 TOUGH GUY)
>>5738242Died for a good cause!
Rolled 35, 34 = 69 (2d100)>>5738244That's insulting to Luigi
Rolled 32, 76 = 108 (2d100)>>5738244
Rolled 89, 68 = 157 (2d100)>>5738244
>>5738248>>5738249>>5738251>HIGHEST ROALES:>DIESEL: 89!>PEPPER: 68!Writing!
>>5738257Uh, you sure you got that right, boss? Guy above me rolled 76 for PEPPER.
>>5738257Whoops, you're absolutely right! Man, I've been TRIPPING since I got home... and not for the good reason either! Good catch anon!
Oh no you DON’T, you roar as you draw your AGRICULTURAL FLAMETHROWER, no one’s hurting your bro on YOUR watch!“That’s right! Watch THIS!”As Rodney rushes ahead of you with his PICKAX ready to clobber, you consider for a small, innocent moment that were you to let loose with your flamethrower now, well…It’d really be his fault for jumping in front of you, right?Before you can kill two birds with one stone, however, your rival thwarts himself by tripping on another VALVE obscured by the growing layer of steam on the ground! Tumbling face-first with a pathetic ‘nyeeeeh…’ escaping from his lips, Rodney manages to clear the way just as you order Raj to climb faster!“Workin on i-”The slasher, well, slashes at your friend as he continues to climb, and though he does a good job of dodging, Raj is only saved when you throw some flames onto the giant’s massive back!A rank, fishlike scent fills the already-muggy air as the flames spread across your attacker, and once it realizes they aren’t going to extinguish themselves, the slasher turns around and shields its face from your fiery onslaught!To Tall, Dark, and Scary’s credit, he tanks the flames like a pro as he slowly stomps over to you like a man trudging through a blizzard! As his coveralls crackle and pop from the heat, you nearly take your hand off the trigger when you see scores of tiny hair-like worms emerging from the boils forming in the flames! Falling to the floor in steaming puddles of puss, they nearly distract you from the giant staggering towards you with his machete ready to stab! Just when he gets too close for comfort, though, Pepper slides in front of you with her SAWN-OFF SHOTGUN at the ready!“Stomp on THIS!”Both barrels sound off like dueling thunder strikes as the burning behemoth takes them both in the chest! As the front of his jumpsuit explodes with steaming black gore, the slasher stumbles backwards just as Raj finishes scaling one of the machines!“Awesome work, bros!” He cheers as he raises his ax and prepares to leap, “Now let me handle the rest!”Still staggered from the shotgun blast, the monster is in the perfect position for the skater to leap onto… and that PIT is close too! If Raj can knock him that way, well…You feel something inside of you churn.No… it’s so weak now… You can handle this!What do!?>LET RAJ HANDLE IT!>H AN D LE IT ! ! !
>>5738291>LET RAJ HANDLE IT!Do not listen to the intrusive thoughts.
>>5738291>LET RAJ HANDLE IT!But definitely sit there and tremble in a barely restrained desire for excessive violence.
>>5738302>suppressed violence tremorsOh, yeah, 100%.
>>5738291>LET RAJ HANDLE IT!Only honor between bros can hold back the hunger of the BEAST.
>>5738299>>5738302>>5738330>LEAVE IT TO RAJ!You got it! Going to bed, but let's do a ROLL!>ROLL ME 1d100+9 (+5 COOL CUSTOMER, +5 SKATE ROLL, +5 DIESEL BELIEVES, -2 STEAMY, -3 NOT AS TOUGH GUY) TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH! BEST OF 3 ROLLS!I'll update again around the usual time! Seeya then and good luck!
Rolled 41 (1d100)>>5738364RAAAAAAAJ!
Rolled 1 + 9 (1d100 + 9)>>5738364WATCH THIS
Rolled 91 (1d100)>>5738364
>>5738390I never miss...
>>5738390We watched, alright.
>>5738390Whoof, bad timing, but pretty funny nglAnyways gonna sleep but will figure this stuff out TOMORROW
>>5738386>>5738390>>5738391>HIGHEST ROLL: NAT 1!Actually screw it we'll do it NOW! Writing the ABSOLUTE LAST UPDATE OF TONIGHT! HONEST!
>>5738390I think the laws of probability would have a problem with this quest so far.
No, you think to yourself as you feel your head start to get cloudy, you’re… he can. You know Raj can…It’s only after your fingers start to hurt that you realize how hard you’re clenching the FLAMETHROWER. Easing up just as the slasher recovers from Pepper’s attack, you slowly retreat with Pepper in tow as the monster marches after you with a murderous glint in its sole ‘eye’ peeking out from its tattered hood!Splashing black, goopy blood on the geothermal chamber’s floor, the giant barely notices the sound of skateboard wheels against metal… but when he does, it’s already too late!Letting a howl loose as he rockets off of the top of the machine he climbed, Raj soars like a messy-haired eagle towards your assailant with his FIRE AX raised and ready to chop! Tearing through the steam like it was smoke at a concert, the intensity of the skater’s grin is only matched by the look of determination on his scruffy face!“Go, Raj!” Cheers Pepper as she pumps her fists! “Get ‘em!”YEA, you add, KICK ITS TWELVE-FOOT ASS!It’s all set up so perfectly: even if he whiffs the ax attack he’ll still knock the slasher into the pit! And if he screws that up, well, at least he can hit the bastard with an ax, right?All that falls apart, however, when the slasher spins with frightening speed and snatches his would-be slayer out of the air like a foul ball! Stopped dead in his aerial tracks, Raj’s tongue pops out in surprise as both his FIRE AX and his trusty skateboard Linda go tumbling into the layer of steam!Just when you thought the urge was gone, it comes back… and this time it’s more intense than ever before!KILL OR BE KILLED!ROLL 1d100+10 (+5 COMBAT ROLL, +10 HUNGER, -2 STEAMY, -3 NOT AS TOUGH GUY) TO INDULGE! BEST OF 3! DON’T EVEN THINK OF FAILING!
Rolled 65 + 10 (1d100 + 10)>>5738410w-watch this...?
Rolled 64 + 10 (1d100 + 10)>>5738410I’m imagining Raj squeaking like a dog toy when the giant grabs him out of the air.Rip and tear time.
Rolled 97 (1d100)>>5738410BEAAASSSSST!please don't murder Raj in a blind rage...please...
No indiscriminate murder... but I guess the beast is TOAST.
>>5738679---‐--------:^)------
>>5738413>>5738419>>5738422>HIGHEST ROLL: 107!!!!Writing! Sorry, was wiped out when I got home from work-thanks for your patience!
It was easier to resist before. Even if cutting up those NOTBUGS earlier made you feel better than that kiss from Mina, you were able to hold it together–even if whatever the hunger is makes you stronger, you get the feeling that you’re standing on the edge of a deep, deep pit… one you don’t think you’ll be climbing out of once you tumble in.But when you see the giant’s machete rushing towards your friend Raj, well…You can definitely say you tried.A fire ignites in your legs and feet as you launch off the ground and over to the slasher like a heat seeking missile! Crashing into his blood-soaked torso, you feel a fresh coat of warmth wash over you as you tunnel through him–your fingers carving jagged swaths through his once-tough skin with each scrape!Feeling hot chunks of flesh ball up underneath your nails, an unfamiliar energy courses through your muscles that makes each scrape, punch, and kick even easier than the last! Each attack you land sends an almost ticklish sensation through your body, and by the time your prey realizes what’s happening, you’re erupting with laughter as you dig through its worm-riddled organs like you were cleaning a turkey!All other sensations dull as you continue to coat yourself in the weakling’s viscera. Every splash, every wound, every second you remain alive is a testament to your power–undeniable truth that you, and you alone, are the worthiest!YOU ARE WORTHY!>KEEP INDULGING!>THIS IS ENOUGH!
>>5739006>THIS IS ENOUGH!REMEMBER THE BOND OF BROS!
>>5739006>>KEEP INDULGING!
>>5739006>THIS IS ENOUGH!Well, it’ll be fun explaining this to the others.
>>5739006>THIS IS ENOUGH!
>>5739006>THIS IS ENOUGH!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
>>5739007>>5739030>>5739043>>5739076>THIS IS ENOUGH!>>5739020>INDULGE!Writing!>CAPTCHA: SPRAT
A seed sprouts in the back of your mind–one planted by the thought of your friends seeing you like this: caked in blood and meat and digging around in your prey like the worms frantically fleeing the sinking ship that is its body!Right, corrects the hunger growing ever stronger inside of you, they’re just like those wriggling worms, aren’t they? They’re all weaker than you–they can’t possibly understand how strong you are… and that makes them afraid!It feels… GOOD!The seed is stomped into the deep recesses of your burning brain as you feel your prey staggering with you inside it–the monster still clings to life even as you tear it to shreds! You can’t stop now! You need to prove yourself!Stop? Why the hell would you ever do that!?DON’T ROLL 1d100-11 (+4 Your friends…-15 YOU’RE FINE THE WAY YOU ARE!) TO SNAP OUT OF IT! THE BEST OF 3 WON’T BE TAKEN, SO DON’T BOTHER! YOU’RE FINE THE WAY YOU ARE RIGHT NOW! YOU’RE BETTER THAN FINE! YOU’RE FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC! YOU’RE THE GODDAMN UNIVERSE, BABY! THEY JUST DON’T SEE IT YET, BUT THEY WILL! DON’T YOU DARE ROLL!
Rolled 25 - 11 (1d100 - 11)>>5739098
Rolled 44 - 11 (1d100 - 11)>>5739098
One more roll until Diesel am become vampire, destroyer of worlds.
>>5739112>WE were the secret vampire all alongWhat a twist! Someone get some garlic sausage and some Pope-approved communion wine in our spicy Irish-Italian face, fast, before we're too far gone!
Rolled 75 + 11 (1d100 + 11)>>5739098
>>5739120
>>5739120That's the fucking ticket! Nice going, anon! Unfortunately I'm super wiped out from today so I'll update tomorrow after work... but damn fine rolling anyways!
>>5739113Garlic won't work on us, pineapple however
>>5739123
>>5739126Pineapple would just send us back into the Hunger.
>>5739505What about tuna and sweet corn?
>>5739584Mmmmm
>>5739103>>5739111>>5739120>HIGHEST ROLL: 65!Writing! Thanks for being patient!
YOU’Re fiNE! YOU’rE SoDa MN sTROnG THEY’Ll NEEd YoU TO… thEy neeD…NEed y ou…You recall how close your friend just came to being killed in front of you, and In a moment of weakness, Raj’s words from before wriggle into your head:‘Just focus on who YOU are, man… what makes Diesel DIESEL, y’know?’What makes Diesel Diesel, huh? Focusing as hard as you can on that question, you feel the stinging clouds surrounding your thoughts start to ease up a bit. What… what does make you you?There’s the PIZZA PLACE, of course… the heat of the kitchen greeting your face as Uncle Emilio greets you with the usual enthusiastic ‘EEEEEYYY’ that nearly knocks the cigarette out of his mouth. The sweaty, hairy bear hug he always traps you in… and finally the chiding about how you aren’t eating enough.That’s Diesel right there.Then there’s Master Laika at your DOJO–your only refuge besides PIZZA MIND. The drills were tough, the master was strict, but at the end of the day sore muscles, drooping eyelids and a few cigarette burns were much better than what was waiting for you at school… or at home.In these places you’re somebody. Not just a ‘new kid’ or a ‘little punk’. In these places you have power. In these places, you’re you.DIESEL.Here too, you realize as the fires of rage begrudgingly fade from your mind, you’re needed… you’ve got a PURPOSE! You’ve got people looking out for you–that need your help! That want you!Girls. Boys. Friends. Rivals. Partners. Enemies. Everything’s connected, in a way, and all strings lead back to one thing:DIESEL CRASH.You open your eyes.>CONTD.
>>5739849Blinking the coating of blood away, you find yourself lying on the floor next to a break in the railing surrounding the pit!“Diesel!?” Shaking off some of the fatigue from your body, you look around and see that Raj, Pepper, and even Rodney are gathered around you with genuine concern in their eyes!… with a little fear mixed in too…“Holy… holy shit, D…” Mutters your ‘rival’ as he wipes some sweat off of his brow onto one of his bloodstained jacket’s arms, “You good, man?”You’re not really sure, you shrug, unable to think of a better answer! You saw that thing about to kill Raj an-“You don’t gotta explain it, bro.” Raj interjects as he gives your shoulder a reassuring pat, “Whatever happened, you still managed to save my ass–that’s a win if ya’ ask me!”Pepper’s the quietest of them all. Sensing you staring at her, the girl averts her eyes as a warm, trembling smile forms on her face!“... you got him, Diesel.” She sighs in relief as she gestures to the break in the railing, “I don’t know how you did it, but you got his ass.”Taking another steadying breath, she turns to face you with more resolve in her eyes. “And don’t worry: we’re gonna help you with whatever that was.”“Damn right we are!” Nods Rodney before realizing how eager he sounds! “ERR, I mean… g-gotta keep our rivalry even, y’know? Can’t have ya’ cheatin’!”“Glad you’re back with us, dude.” Raj remarks as he too gives you a grin! “You uh… you are back, right?”You think you are… but something’s definitely changed... and something tells you it ain’t going back to normal any time soon!CHANGES ARE HAPPENING…Rising to unsteady feet, you look at the chamber around you and frown at the damages incurred by the fight–will the power still work?“Didn’t have a chance to check yet.” Shrugs Pepper, “We were barely able to yank you outta’ that goon before he fell...”You feel a pit form in your chest. So they saw that, huh?“... there’s still more places to explore down here.” Replies Pepper as she looks back the way you entered from with an angry glint in her eyes. “And without that thing chasing us it’ll be a helluva lot easier to gather dirt on the sick bastards that ran this place…”Motioning for you to follow, Raj and Pepper offer you their shoulders for support! Though you brush both of them off, they ignore you and help out anyways as Rodney brings up the rear!Friends like these, huh…>CONTD.
>>5739853“JACKPOT!”Pumping her fist victoriously, Pepper’s trademark smug grin reappears as the monitor in the POWER STATION greets you with a dim, but functional glowing screen! Devoid of any of the graphics you’re used to in a computer, it still seems like someone could get it to work if they took a few minutes with it… where’s Hank or Cammy when you need ‘em?“I can take a whack at it, dudes!” Explains Raj as he idly drums his fingers on the screen! “Done in a flash!”“Thanks, Raj.” Pepper replies with a grateful nod before looking up at you. “Diesel, can I uh… can I talk to you real quick about something?”Shit.“An’ what the hell am I supposed ta’ do, huh!?” Whines Rodney as he swings his PICKAX around in frustration! “Sign up for the ‘CHOPPED LIVER CONVENTION’!? C’MOOON-”“I would really appreciate it if you could scout ahead a bit, Rod…” Coos the girl as she bats her eyes at your rival. “You’re good at that… aren’t you?”“W-well YEA!” Stammers the delivery boy, “C-course I am! Hey, don’t you worry, red–I’ll keep ya’ safe!”A wink from Pepper is all it takes to get him to scamper off into the tunnel leading back to the LOBBY. With Raj shooting you a thumbs up as he works his magic on the terminal, you’re really not in any condition to argue as Pepper drags you deeper into the labyrinth of wires and machines!Look, you begin, steadying yourself for the impending conversation with a long sigh, you-You don’t manage to get the rest of the words out. Pinning you against one of the nearby machines with her entire body, Pepper wraps her arms around you and stands on her toes to press her lips against yours!Oh boy...Wh-what do!?>LET HER HAVE HER KISS, BUT THAT’S IT!>RECIPROCATE. HARD.>PULL AWAY!>WRITE-IN!
>>5739856>LET HER HAVE HER KISS, BUT THAT’S IT!I don't trust Mina OR Pepper. Pepper may be Best Girl, but she's also definitely trying to play with our emotions. Frankly, this might be a good time to ask her if she seriously thinks we're doing all this just to fool around later, and to remind her we're actually here because she's our friend and we care about her and the truth.Now, maybe later, when we aren't working through a traumatic experience and emotional whiplash from two hot chicks simultaneously negging us for loyalty...
>>5739856>>WRITE-IN!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laODfO86jyI
>>5739856>LET HER HAVE HER KISS, BUT THAT’S IT!Ask what’s with the sudden change in behavior? Not that it isn’t appreciated. We need to know if her feelings are genuine. She also just saw us go psycho mode. If she seems hurt by our response, tell her that we’re still reeling from what we just did.
>>5739862>>5739863>>5739867>HUH WHUH>LET HER, BUT THAT'S IT!Writing!
The gesture’s not exactly unwelcome, but with everything that’s happened since you’ve arrived on the island you just don’t have it in you to reciprocate. Gently pushing her coffee-scented lips away from yours, you notice a mixture of sadness and worry behind the girl’s blue eyes!Sensing something in your gaze as well, Pepper quickly extracts herself from you and adjusts her skirt as she stares at her feet.“... sorry… I know it’s a bad time…”No shit, you reply as you struggle to understand what just happened, you just went psycho mode on that slasher and her first instinct is to kiss? She knows you aren’t doing all this investigating to fool around later, right? You don’t need, like, a reward for-“It’s not a REWARD!” She snaps loud enough for Rodney to maybe hear and Raj to definitely hear! “It’s… shit, sandcrab… what WAS that back there?”You don’t really know, you reply, silently fuming that you’re nowhere closer to figuring it out. All you know is that you started feeling it back at the mansion with those NOTWOLF things… and it’s been harder to resist since…The redhead bites her lip as she looks up at your bloody face. “... I thought we lost you, Diesel. It looked BAD.”Her arms wrap around her midsection.“I was worried... and then I was really relieved, okay?”Yea, you sigh as you lean against the wall feeling a fresh headache coming on, you aren’t exactly thrilled either, okay? And if it weren’t for something Raj said earlier you probably wouldn’t be here complaining about it!Resting against the wall next to you, the journalist stares at you with sympathy and embarrassment written on her face. “What did he say?”Some crap about remembering what makes me me, you scoff as you hear the words out loud. Helped me keep things in perspective.“We’re gonna find out everything, Diesel.” Pepper reassures you as a tiny grin slowly forms on her face. “And we’re gonna make sure you’re okay, too. That’s a promise.”Hah! Promise! Well that seals the deal, doesn’t it?She deflates a bit as the derisive comment hits her square in the gob.“You’re… you’re right–we’ve got more important things to do right now.” She replies as her voice grows stern, “For us and everyone else trapped here.”Pushing off of the wall, she takes a few steps back towards Raj before she turns your way again.“Diesel?”Yea?The girl opens her mouth to say something, but ends up just shaking her head.“Nevermind. Let’s roll.”What you wouldn’t give to understand this crazy chick…>CONTD.
>>5739928“Hey hey! Just in time, guys!”Sensing your return long before you join him at the terminal, Raj mimics some triumphant fanfare as Rodney also returns from his journey!“Place is creep-free, folks… got the whole place to ourselves!” His puffed-out chest sinks a bit. “Err, well… the LOBBY, at least…”“Atta boy.” Replies Pepper before she turns her attention back to the skater. “Didja’ figure it out?”“See for yourselves!” Announces the lab’s new electrician as he points to one of the lines of text on the dim screen!‘GEOTHERMAL GENERATOR POWER SUPPLY ADEQUATE. BOOT? Y/N’“Torpedoes ready, dudes!” Smiles Raj as he steps aside for you to get a better look! “Ready to fire, that is!”Cool, you frown, but what’s this gonna do anyways? Will it activate security? Lasers? DEATH ROBOTS?! Can we toggle that stuff?“Probably,” Pepper answers with a shrug, “But we nearly died getting it ready and the on-site security seems to be out to lunch…”Rod, you continue as you glance at your rival, did you notice anything different when you took your walk? Any open doors? New holes?“Nope,” the sunglassed simpleton replies, “The big guy didn’t bust in through that AIRLOCK or anything… maybe he came in from that ESCAPE area or somethin’!”Hm… “We can always find another way into those labs, sandcrab.” Explains the redhead as she immediately catches on to your concern, “That way we won’t activate anything nasty…”You’re not exactly a fan of stumbling around by headlamp light either, nor do you want to miss out on any info stored on lab computers… but still! RRRGH!“Woah!” Remarks the newly-crowned electrician, “Don’t hit the screen, dude, you’ll bust it!”Stupid ISLAND! Making you all PARANOID!What’s the plan?>POWER UP!>KEEP IT OFF!Also, where to next?>THE LABS! (DIRECT ROUTE REQUIRES POWER)>THE CANTEEN!>THE ARMORY!>THAT ESCAPE AREA!>BACK TO THE GEOTHERMAL GENERATOR ROOM!>WRITE-IN!
>>5739930>POWER UP!>THE LABS! (DIRECT ROUTE REQUIRES POWER)We need answers, damnit!
>>5739930>POWER UP!I want to be able to have someone nearby to shut that power off quickly if needed. Whoever sabotaged this place shut that power down for a reason. There’s a good chance a facility like this has more security measures than just steel doors and guards…>THE ARMORY!I don’t really care for weapons. Something tells me it’s been looted already anyway. What I really want is a pair of radios. That’ll improve our flexibility so goddamn much. It might also let us listen in on Hauser’s goons.
>>5739932+1We came for answers and we need them now more then ever I feel we may have the same changes as the slasher so they may have answers on how to fix us
Go ahead and switch me from >>5739938 to >>5739932Also, please accept this as an apology for me rolling twice earlier in the thread like an asshat.Team-Pepper bitches.
>>5739957Ncie art! Bestgirl is best.. But depending on how things play out, I'm okay with her being a best BUD while we go Team Mina or even simply abstain from putting our dick in crazy for once
>>5739930>POWER UP!>THE LABS! (DIRECT ROUTE REQUIRES POWER)
>>5739932>>5739957>>5739954>>5739996>POWER UP!>LABS!You got it! Writing!>>5739957Holy godDAMN, anon, I think you've made up for the twiceroll and THEN some because this looks fantastic! And pretty dang smug, too. Team Pepper is DANGEROUS...Here's the scoop: Saturday is gonna be really busy for me so I can't promise many updates. I'll write one more tonight, but chances are I'll be doing more on SUNDAY at the earliest. Will let you know what happens!
>>5739961Thanks, anon.>SpoilerWe’ll have to see how things play out from here. Turning into a creature of pure rage and annihilation will definitely put a hamper on romance of any kind.>>5740002Thanks, boss. Don’t work yourself too hard.
Try as you might to reason your way out of it inside your head, you ultimately give Raj a nod. Light us up, bud.“FINALLY!” Exclaims Rodney as your ad-hoc computer whiz gets busy on the keyboard, “My eyes are startin’ ta’ hurt from relyin’ on this stupid HEADLAMP!”You’re about to tell him his dumb shades might be contributing to the problem too, but you know better than to try to reason with Rod… truth be told, you continue in a measured tone, you could really go for some answers right about now… and you’re willing to bet a few large pies that they’re waiting in those labs!“Let’s just hope that no one trashed ‘em…” Grumbles Pepper as her face darkens just thinking about it! With a few more taps on the keyboard, Raj glances upwards as the sound of whirring, groaning machinery in the walls adds to the sound of rocks shifting outside–you just hope you have enough time before the whole place gets buried!A moment later the room is lit by several yellow-tinted lights that were clearly picked for function over style! As you listen to the facility come to life around you, you feel a hint of a cool breeze wash over you as well–guess the ventilation is working too!“About time–felt like a sauna in that generator room…” Running a hand through her sweaty red hair, Pepper is the first to investigate the tunnel.“Hmmm….” She remarks, eyes narrowing like a cat’s. What?“Nothing…” The girl murmurs, “And I mean nothing--you guys see any CAMERAS or anything on those walls?”A quick scan of the room tells you that no, you don’t… weird for a secret lab, right?“Maybe they didn’t need ‘em?” Asks Raj as he clicks through the terminal some more! “I don’t see any options for them here…”Sure, you scoff, or they’re HIDDEN. This whole place reeks of a TRAP!“Let’s just keep an eye out for a terminal the SECURITY GUARDS would’ve used, then.” Suggests Pepper as she takes a few cautious steps back towards the LOBBY. “Didn’t see a working one on our way in, but that might be our best option…”Yep, you sigh, out of the frying pan…As you and the others retrace your steps, you can’t help but feel like you’re being watched… even without the cameras!>CONTD.
>>5740022“See!? Toldja!” True to Rodney’s word, the LOBBY is pretty much how you left it–with the darkness replaced by calm blue light fixtures, however, the entrance exudes a much more welcoming atmosphere!… aside from the pools of blood, massive scrapes in the metal walls, and the unidentifiable pieces of gore lying around like toys in a kid’s playpen. Leading the charge towards the AIRLOCK you noticed earlier, your breath catches a bit as you find it still completely secured… but built into the wall to the right of the massive door sits a KEYCARD READER–its surface lit up and ready for an appropriate sacrifice!“Aw CRIPES,” groans your rival, “We gotta track down a KEYCARD now too?! That’s it–back to the cart tracks, we’re walkin’!”Not so fast, you mutter as you fish out the KEYCARD you pilfered from Mr. Hauser’s office desk! You think you’ve got just the thing for this conundrum!“Careful, chief…” Hisses Pepper as she preemptively scans the ceiling and walls for any changes, “There’s no telling what’ll happen if it’s the wrong card…”Welp, you shrug, you’ve already had a lifetime’s-worth of near-death experiences tonight… What's one more for the pile? Twirling the card between your fingers, you give your pals a quiet nod before pressing it against the scanner!Descending from the ceiling comes a quartet of sleek, sci-fi-esque TURRETS! Locking on to you and your friends with a cheerful ‘BEEP’, you only have time to make a confused grunt before they zap you all into piles of ashes!“... that’s kinda grim, chief.”“Yea… don’t joke about that, dude!” Chides Raj as he shakes his head with disapproval! “You’re gonna freak me out here!”“Typical D humor!” Rodney remarks as the huge metal pistons built into the airlock begin to retract! “He’s a real class act, this guy!”Pfft, you remark as the door continues to open at a glacial pace in front of you, so much for lightening the mood a little! Tough crowd! You’re just about to crouch under the door and go on ahead when a slab of bloody meat falls to the floor in front of you! “WOAH!” Raj exclaims as you step to the side of the puddle of dark blood oozing out from what you assume is a human organ, “Grody!”“Must’ve been stuck on the inside of the door…” Observes Pepper as you enter the checkpoint beyond the airlock, “Poor bastard was probably trapped…”“You… you don’t think that’s gonna happen to us, right!?” Stammers Rodney as he adjusts his shades after they nearly fall off his trembling head!Nah, you reassure him, you wouldn’t let him suffer like that.“Thanks, D, you’re a real o-HEY!”>CONTD.
>>5740024It takes even longer for the other end of the airlock to open, and while the smell in the room before was pretty rank, this one is-“Holy COW, it smells like a pig’s butthole warmed over in here!” Hisses Rodney as he and Raj fan the air with their MINING HELMETS!Yea, you agree as you struggle to avoid dry-heaving, you were gonna say something like that!The culprit, or culprits lie ahead of you: arranged in a neat little circle around bits of cloth and fabric are several chunks of meat covered in flies and other creepy-crawlies… almost like it was something’s DEN!“Looks cozy, huh, chief?” Asks Pepper as she sends a small grin your way! Yea, you scoff, prime real estate they got here…Though the nest blocks the way into what is labeled ‘LAB C, the path branches off into two other directions–to the RIGHT sits the entrance to LAB B, and to the LEFT lies LAB A!“Can I uh… can I vote here?” Asks Rodney as you weigh your options. Can you stop him?“Nope!” He replies with a hint of misplaced pride in his voice! “Can we NOT go THAT way?”Following your fellow pizza boy’s finger with your eyes leads you to LAB B–and you can kinda understand his apprehension! Globs of what you assume is spit and clumps of short, rigid hairs are caught in gossamer strings of what seem like webs… a feature LAB A’S entrance is lacking.“My money’s on LAB C having the goods…” Observes Pepper with that journalistic glint returning to her eye, “But we oughta’ check ‘em all out just to be thorough, slick.”We’re committing CORPORATE ESPIONAGE, not going SHOPPING, you counter! She has a bit of a point, though–you should choose something while you’re not being actively attacked…Where to?>LAB A! IT SEEMS CLEANER AND MAYBE FRIENDLIER!>LAB B! IT’S DIRTY, BUT SO’S YOUR ROOM AT HOME… AND YOU’RE AN OKAY GUY!>DIG THROUGH THE ‘DEN’ INTO LAB C’S ENTRANCE!>LET’S GO BACK–I WANNA CHECK ANOTHER ROOM FIRST!>WRITE-IN!
>>5740027>DIG THROUGH THE ‘DEN’ INTO LAB C’S ENTRANCE!Room A is either the Slasher's room or still occupied, Room B is probably the Notbug's room, room C seems to be blocked off, indicating some sort of preservation.
>>5740027>DIG THROUGH THE ‘DEN’ INTO LAB C’S ENTRANCE!Wonder if any of the poor bastards survived. Recruiting a turncoat who knows some things would be nice. Or just someone to interrogate.
>>5739856That's sexual assault, Pepper. As expected of worst girl.>>5740027>LAB A! IT SEEMS CLEANER AND MAYBE FRIENDLIER!
>>5740027>DIG THROUGH THE ‘DEN’ INTO LAB C’S ENTRANCE!Checking the other labs might alert the creatures in the nest, best to at least try for the element of surprise
>>5740027>DIG THROUGH THE ‘DEN’ INTO LAB C’S ENTRANCE!
>>5740028>>5740031>>5740067>>5740434>LAB C!>>5740036>LAB A :3We're back! Maybe! There's a slight chance of my internet cutting out today/tomorrow, so we'll see what we can do in the interim! Writing!
You’ve never been one to avoid an opportunity to piss off Rodney, and all weird shit aside, today is no exception! Motioning the others towards the foul-smelling nest, you raise a finger to your lips and proceed closer!“Aw man, REALLY, D?! C’MOOOON!”There goes any element of surprise you had… with that advantage shattered into pieces like an old plate, you give your fellow pizza boy an irate eyeroll! Does he not see the gross nest right here?“Oh I see it alright!” Counters your rival as his face scrunches up in exaggerated disgust, “And I smelled it a few rooms ago! You really wanna run into whatever made that!?”Look, you huff, Pepper might be unhinged, you explain as the girl in question starts taking selfies with the bits of meat decorating the den, but she’s right–if this lab is somewhat blocked off that means something important and intact might be in there!Rodney crosses his arms as a sour look forms on his face.Alright, you shrug, he can go check out another lab on his own! Raj and Pep are coming, right guys?“Yep!” Chirps Pepper like a dog about to go for a walk!“Uh-huh!” Adds Raj with the usual enthusiasm!“D’awww come OOON!” Rodney whines as the three of you put on your GAS MASKS before creeping through the mass of hair, meat, and other foul unidentifiable building blocks, “You’re… you’re gonna need me! I saved everyone from dat’ Aussie back there and… ah damn it, WAIT FER’ ME!”Delving into the twisted beaver dam is about as pleasant as you’d expect–the gas masks do little to dull the scent of death around you. Even more unpleasant, however, is the thought of what made this thing… and is it still around?“Doubt it.” Mutters Pepper as she keeps pace with your crawling. “Too small for the big guy and those bug things don’t like light…”So what, you frown, is she thinking it’s the wolves?“Hope so!” She replies as you continue to work your way through the nest, “I’ve had enough surprises for today, thanks!”You and me both, you nod. Pushing away a chunkier pile of hair, you instinctively tumble backwards as a half-eaten skull falls in front of you!>CONTD.
>>5741517“Holy SHIT!” Sputters Raj as he falls back into Rodney! “Eeugh…” Pepper observes before giving the still-fleshy body part a wide berth before continuing. How the hell is she so calm around all this gore!?“Seen a few bodies before, is all.” The redhead shrugs as you cautiously continue, “Not my first rodeo, skip.”The answer causes a frown to form on your face. What’s that supposed to mean?“The uh… ORANGE CLIFFS PD doesn’t really like me hanging around crime scenes anymore.” She explains with an irritated sigh. “I say you aren’t a real reporter until you’ve done a homicide story!”“Oh yea!” Laughs Raj, “That clip of you being removed that one time went viral on MeTube--good shit, man!”“It’s not MY fault the coroner’s office just leaves doors unlocked! They should be thanking me!”This girl…After you’ve dug through enough MEAT DEN to last a lifetime, you finally emerge on the other side like a moth out of a really grody cocoon! Getting your bearings, you find yourself just inside a thick metal lab door propped open by the den… but in front of you lies something out of a World War 1 documentary!“Hot DOG!” Exclaims Pepper as she gleefully starts taking pictures, “It’s like a FIELD HOSPITAL!”You couldn’t have said it better yourself–ahead of you is a maze of tarp dividers with the Hauser Pharmaceuticals logo emblazoned on their dull gray-blue sides!Peeking inside the nearest one, you find yourself staring at a hospital cot soiled with old brown and black stains… you don’t have it in you to try and find out what they are. Old IV Drips stand like grim statues next to the cots, and atop some old crash carts you notice surgical tools that look like something out of a medieval torturer’s dungeon!Which reminds you… you’ve gotta set up that dentist appointment once you get outta here!“See anything?” Asks Raj as Pepper flits from hospital bed to hospital bed like a psychotic butterfly! “And THEN some!” She replies with a manic giggle! “This whole room screams ‘WAR CRIMES’! It’ll be a front-pager for sure!”“Pleasure’s all mine, red!” Replies Rodney as he watches the girl bounce around like a creepy uncle at the playground. You cringe–not just because of Rodney, but at Pepper’s rampant journaling. Something tells you Mina’s not gonna be cool with her gathering more dirt…>CONTD.
>>5741519Making your way down the rows, you feel a cold finger run down your spine as you notice one more item of note: at the end of the field hospital lies another massive airlock! Letting your pals continue to snoop around the medical equipment, you take out your KEYCARD one more time and press it against the scanner!Drawn over by the hissing and groaning of the door’s mechanisms, Pepper, Raj, and Rodney all join you as you wait for it to open…What greets you inside blows the rest of your revelations out of the water!“Is…” Stammers Rodney as he peeks over his shades, “What… what the hell IS that, D?”“Looks like somethin’ out of a sci-fi flick!” Observes Raj as his eyes bulge out from underneath his bangs!Pepper remains silent as she mashes the button on her camera with her mouth agape!You, on the other hand, are still more or less lucid. Rod and Raj are right, you nod as you lead the way in, there’s only one thing it could be…A PORTAL!“A p-p-portal!?!” Rodney sputters as you enter the lab’s comparatively sleeker and more modern interior, “L-like teleportation or some shit!?”Yea, you nod, that shit! Though smaller than the room behind you, the lab is dwarfed by a colossal rectangular gate cobbled together with wires and machines that make your head spin just looking at them! A metal bridge extends across a small ‘moat’ filled with more unfamiliar gizmos, but no doubt about it–someone, or someTHING is definitely meant to walk into whatever this machine produces!… or it would if it was still working! While the rest of the labs seemed to be in working order, all things considered, the ‘TELEPORTER’ and the console next to the bridge are utterly TRASHED! Kaput! Gone! DONE!“I was wondering when we’d see some actual sabotage here…” Purrs Pepper as she slinks up next to you and takes a few pics of the machine. How the hell can she be so calm, you growl in an incredulous tone! It’s a dead-end!“SANDCRAB.” The girl states as she stares you dead in the eyes, “This right here is the biggest breadcrumb on the trail yet. THIS,” she continues as she places a hand on your shoulder and sweeps her other arm across the room, “THIS is just another step in the truth… and it’s a HUGE one!”“Found a computer, dudes!”>CONTD.
>>5741520The redhead gives you a ‘told-ya-so’ smirk and a wink before skipping over to Raj. Nestled past a square of massive blank monitors and inside a shell of a hard, plastic window and metal sits some kind of WORK AREA– its counters littered with scientific instruments, abandoned cups of stale coffee, a crusty coffee maker, and, most importantly…“Here it is!” The skater announces as he gives the computer a pat! Pressing the power button on the tower, you’re quickly rewarded with a spinning ‘LABTECH’ logo before a login screen appears!“Guess someone forgot to turn it off, huh?” Asks Rodney as he scratches his head. “Any idea what the password might be?”Unlike the last one, this computer at least seems to have a ‘FORGOT MY PASSWORD’ command… but whether that’ll work or not remains to be seen…What do you enter?https://pastebin.com/RuZL1Xgh>INDIANA52>PASSWORD>4321>ADMIN>SCIENCERULES>CLICK ‘FORGOT PASSWORD’>SCREW THIS, GO INVESTIGATE THE HOSPITAL ROOM MORE!>WRITE-IN!
>>5741522Oh god fucking damn it okay so to be clear there isn't a fucking MEWTWO in the portal thing--I'm just still really friggin tired and didn't wanna draw a whole big broken portal device. Sorry, folks, no pokemon.YETAlso expect update to be a little sparse today--still tired as all hell.>>5740036>Sexual assaultDon't worry, we'll roll to see how the lawsuit goes in the epilogue assuming Pepper survives that long
>>5741522>INDIANA52
>>5741522>>INDIANA52
>>5741522>INDIANA52Worth a go.
>>5741533>>5741552>>5741566>INDIANA52!Writing!
Staring at the screen like it owed you money, a revelation flashes through your brain–of COURSE!Dramatically shoving Raj out of the way, you rapidly type a familiar phrase into the password box!Nada.“You should probably click that ‘show password’ button, chief-”Yea, yea, you know, okay!? Clicking said button, you hide your embarrassment with an annoyed groan as you realize what you typed:‘INDIANS52’“Ohhh… you’re trying that password we found in the toilet earlier, huh?” The girl asks as her eyes light up with recognition! “That’s the ticket!” Her smile sinks a bit. “Pretty sure it wasn’t ‘indians’ though-”It’s this dumb keyboard–the keys are really thin so you pressed the wrong one! UUUGH! Correcting your mistake, you enter the CORRECT code this time and click ‘LOGIN’ with a smug grin on your face!Nope.“Mmmaybe you’ve got capslock on?”No, Raj, you groan, you don’t have CAPSLOCK on! Retrieving the TOILET NOTE from your pocket, you show it off to all of your friends! See?! It’s fine!“That one must go somewhere else then…” Muses the redhead as she peers at the paper with disdain! “Weird.”Yea, you agree, you were certain the QM was just having the plot roll with whatever the players picked to streamline everything… but you guess not!“Well think of somethin’ else, then!” Orders Rodney impatiently from behind you! “I don’t wanna be around if we get the password wrong too many times!”Barely suppressing the urge to shove his dumb face through the monitor, you take a look at the password hint below the box:‘SHOW T_ _ _ A _ _’Huh.“HEH! Don’t worry, red,” Boasts Rodney as he tries and fails to push past you, “I’LL figure it out for us!”“Ooh, bold!” she replies with a smug grin and a glint in her eyes, “Hey, I’ll give a PRIZE to whoever figures it out first!”Oh goddamn it… now you HAVE to beat Rodney!What’s the password?! YOU HAVE ONE SHOT BEFORE RODNEY FIGURES IT OUT! AAAAH!>SHOW THEM ART>SHOW THEM ASS>SHOW THEM ALL>SHOW THEM ABS>SHOW THEM ADS>SHOW THEM ARM>SHOW THEM ANT
>>5741620>SHOW THEM ALLNone of the others would make sense for a secret laboratory
>>5741620>SHOW THEM ANTS ALL ADS OF ART'S ARM, ABS AND ASS
>>5741624>none of the others would make sense-------------------------:^]-------------------------
>>5741624SupportNothing like a good rant.
>>5741624+1Even if we get it wrong its not like Rodney has the brain cells to figure it out
>>5741624This.
>>5741620>>SHOW THEM ALL
>>5741624>>5741642>>5741643>>5741689>>5741692>SHOW THEM ALL!>>5741639>MASH IT ALL TOGETHER!Writing!>>5741643>It's not like Rodney has the brain cellsWatch it, buddy--you're playing with fire here
There’s really only one password you can think of with that hint and a secret lab… sticking your tongue out in concentration, you type in what you hope is the right password!You don’t wanna imagine what would happen if the stars aligned and Rodney actually guessed right...‘SHOW THEM ALL’A cheerful beep confirms your correct guess as the computer opens up to a sparsely-populated desktop! Got it!“Yea, uh…” Stammers Rodney as he re-pops his garish collar, “I was… I was gonna guess that too.”Yea right! So about that PRIZE-Before you can finish, Pepper stands on her toes and gives your hair a playful tousle! Huh.“Congratulations, sandcrab! Now crack open some of these files before someone cuts the power!”Ever heard of the word ‘PLEASE’? When the girl responds by leaping for the keyboard, you spring into action and bodycheck her away! Landing in a pile of data sheets and spent coffee cups with a girly yelp, the redhead is doomed to look over your shoulder as you peruse your options!First, the bad: checking the INTERNET CONNECTION yields predictable results. Either someone didn’t pay the Wifi bill or the island’s antenna still hasn’t been fixed yet… even with a FLOOGLE WEB BROWSER icon sitting on the desktop, double-clicking it gives you the usual ‘NO INTERNET CONNECTION’ message along with that little game were you jump over mushrooms with an ostrich!… you’ll play that when the others aren’t looking.There’s plenty more to sample from, though–three recent text files respectively dubbed ‘LOG1, LOG2,’ and ‘LOG 3’ lie strewn about the desktop along with two vaguely-named executable files: ‘RUN’ and ‘DOOR’.Another executable named ‘BIRTHDAY’ sits in the corner underneath an icon of a SECURITY CAMERA. You can guess what that’s for! The camera one, that is. You don’t have a clue what the birthday file will do…One more text document titled ‘BIOGRAPHY’ catches your eye… seems like some decent reading too!There’s also the ‘COMPUTER’ icon in case you wanted more info about the operating system, accounts, nerd shit like that. You’re not exactly a computer whiz, so chances are you could probably change the computer’s color or something from there too if you wanted!What’s FIRST?>RUN THE BIRTHDAY FILE!>CHECK OUT THE SECURITY CAMERAS!>RUN THE DOOR FILE!>RUN THE RUN FILE!>READ THE LOGS!>CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHY FILE–HUH… IT LAGGED A BIT HOVERING OVER IT!>CLICK THE COMPUTER ICON!>LEAVE TO EXPLORE A LITTLE MORE–THE COMPUTER WILL STILL BE ON WHEN YOU RETURN!>WRITE-IN!
>>5741731>RUN THE BIRTHDAY FILE!
>>5741731>>RUN THE BIRTHDAY FILE!>>5741620PEPPER YOU FUCKING WHORE!!! STOP PLAYING WITH DIESEL'S FEELS DAMMIT!!!
>>5741731>RUN THE BIRTHDAY FILE!>>5741737She wants us on-side, and also has feelings for us, so she ain't gonna' stop unless she stops liking us or we give her a REAL telling-off.
>>5741731>RUN THE BIRTHDAY FILE!Hehe Bones Quest references.>>5741737>SpoilerRaj all but confirmed that Pepper actually does have feelings for Diesel. I also believe she was being genuine with her feelings when she kissed him earlier. I think what we need to do is have a talk with her about being open and honest about things from now on. Not that I think she’s lying to us about anything at the moment. We can start by telling her about that fight we got into in our past, which was hinted at last thread when we were investigating the bathroom (it’ll also give us some Diesel backstory).
>>5741735>>5741737>>5741751>>5741771>I SHOULD HAVE FUCKING KNOWNWriting!>>5741737>>5741751You underestimate the power of journalistic autism
Recovering from her spill with a haughty look on her face, Pepper stomps over just in time to see you move the mouse towards the ‘BIRTHDAY’ FILE!“Birthday, huh?” She remarks as her anger quickly fades, “Good thinking, sandcrab–maybe it’ll shed some light on who’s running this circus!”Right, you reply nodding slowly, that’s… that’s exactly why you were gonna click it! Waiting for your friends to lean in closer, you double-click the file and brace yourself as the system freezes for a moment!… before plunging the whole room into utter DARKNESS!Letting out a synchronized yelp, you freeze up like a puddle in a snowstorm while not one, not two, but all THREE of your dumbass friends–well, two friends and one RODNEY, jump and cling to you for safety!Before you can chokeslam the latter for breathing garlic breath into your ear, the lab explodes with a rainbow of seizure-inducing lights as PARTY HATS fall from the ceiling along with showers of shiny confetti!Paralyzed in complete and utter confusion, you become even more gobsmacked when a window on the computer opens revealing ASCII art of a blue cat dancing to a familiar song:https://youtu.be/qePeg9kmiNE“Woah, cool!” Raj remarks, letting go of you as you shake Rodney and Pepper off, “Who’s birthday is it?!”The answer appears on-screen before you can make a snarky response. You and the others read it as you boogie down to the music:HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR ‘R’!YOU KNOW YOU’RE A STAR!YOU’RE COOL! YOU’RE CUTE! THE SMARTEST BY FAR!SOON THE WHOLE WORLD WILL KNOW JUST HOW FANTASTIC YOU ARE!You’re not sure how long you danced for, but eventually the confetti runs out and the lights return to their usual cool blue hue!“Phew!” Pants the redhead as she straightens out her skirt, “That was fun!”“I’LL say!” Nods Rodney as he wipes his shades on his sleeve! “You know how to dance, Red…”“Never heard of anyone named ‘R’ before!” Adds Raj as he wipes the sweat off of his brow! “All the people I know usually have longer names, but I’ve never really been abroad or anything…” The mirth in the skater’s face slowly fades into worry!“Bros…I just realized how unworldly I am… I think we need to plan, like, a road trip… but, like, around the WORLD! Think of all the cool stuff and culture we’d learn abou-”We can talk about trips after we survive tonight, okay? For now let’s just focus on the COMPUTER!What’s NEXT?>CHECK OUT THE SECURITY CAMERAS!>RUN THE DOOR FILE!>RUN THE RUN FILE!>READ THE LOGS!>CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHY FILE–HUH… IT LAGGED A BIT HOVERING OVER IT!>CLICK THE COMPUTER ICON!>LEAVE TO EXPLORE A LITTLE MORE–THE COMPUTER WILL STILL BE ON WHEN YOU RETURN!>WRITE-IN!Also,WHO WEARS PARTY HATS?>EVERYONE!>RAJ!>DIESEL!>PEPPER!>RODNEY!>NO ONE!
>>5741863>READ THE LOGS!>EVERYONE!Any chance there were these things falling from the ceiling? Or any other noisemakers?
>>5741863>>READ THE LOGS!>>EVERYONE!
>>5741863>READ THE LOGS!>EVERYONE!
>>5741877>>5741880>>5741885>>5741904>>5742020>LOOOOOGS>ERRYONEYou predictable motherfuckers and your hats... writing!>>5741877There was one, but it popped when it hit the ground since the string caught on, like, the floor or something. They don't make 'em like they used to
Alright, you lied a bit about that ‘focusing on the computer’ part. Securing one of the gaudy red PARTY HATS to your head by the shitty elastic string attached to it that’s totally gonna snap and hit you in the eye, you rejoin your comrades at the computer looking fresher than a pizza right outta’ the oven!“You’re pokin’ my face, red…” Whines Rodney as he struggles to defeat the pompom poking him in the cheek. YOU’RE TRYING TO READ! ZIP IT!“Ready when you are, slick!” Announces the aforementioned ‘Red’ as she points her camera at the monitor! Stealing the SWIVEL STOOL before anyone else can nab it, you start with LOG 1!‘An Interdimensional Matter Displacement Device. I had my doubts when Hauser claimed to have built one, of course, but upon hearing he had acquired the design from what he claimed to be an Atlantean Research Base, well… my curiosity was piqued, to say the least.Seeing the gate with my own eyes I’ll admit I felt another stroke of utter GENIUS welling up inside me! Yes, the device was akin to a Kindergartener building a baking soda and vinegar volcano, but who was I to refuse?A fully-stocked lab staffed with a full complement of dutiful minions is a far cry from that Egyptian prison cell. I began work immediately, of course–the first stop was what one of my not-so-subservient drones referred to as a ‘neighboring dimension’ boasting ‘rich and promising flora and fauna’.How utterly STERILE his description was! Like describing the ocean as a ‘big puddle’! I led the first survey team myself and was utterly enthralled by what I saw: vines bigger than redwoods towering above in vast canopies! Plants emitting scents no human nose has ever sampled! Vast land masses floating through a nigh-infinite abyss like pollen through the air!Hauser was not impressed at first–’too swampy for rich minerals’, he claimed! ‘Too dangerous’, he claimed! Idiotic piggy bank. Only after I enticed him with the prospect of new medicines and treatments these alien plants and animals could provide did he relent…I’m leading the next expedition myself… that abhorrent Australian has volunteered himself as well. The environment is stable enough to establish an outpost–once the drones are finished with that we’ll be able to get some REAL work done!A new, unspoiled dimension ripe for the picking… I think I’ll name it after myself…’>CONTD.
>>5742336By the time you click on LOG 2 you’ve already got a pretty decent picture in your head of this mysterious ‘R’...‘Once again my predictions have proven to be completely and utterly infallible. A lesser scholar would probably grow weary of always being correct, but what is the scientific process if not rubbing your detractor’s tear-laden faces through the mud with your discoveries?The border world is primitive. Untamed. It reminds me of my school days, in a way–painfully droll with fleeting bouts of minor excitement. The dimension’s inhabitants are brutish creatures–pack hunters, scavengers, nothing sentient among the lot of them–another parallel to my days in academia. It was only after the outpost was finished, however, when I made my BRILLIANT DISCOVERY!One of the drones came stumbling into camp–I never bothered to learn his name. Panicked and babbling like a madman, it was only after one of his peers opened his cleansuit that we found it–a mass of annelids burrowing into his flesh! Taking a sample for study, I left the laborers to their labor and immediately began analyzing the newcomer.My initial findings were dull, to be frank: the organism shared many similarities with parasitic worms in our own dimension: hookworms, ringworms, tapeworms–mere nuisances to modern medicine. It was only after one of the workers pleaded for me to help their colleague that I truly made a breakthrough!I joined the rest in the medical tent and watched with glee at what I observed! Upon entering the worker’s flesh, the worms began to multiply–to grow! The medic’s tools could barely penetrate the thick sinew and scales that formed as the annelids spread throughout the body! Like most things in life, the process ended in disappointment. One of the Australian’s men disrupted the process with a bullet to the host’s brain–’Hartley’ was his name… I NEVER forget someone that wronged me.When I presented my findings to Hauser, the old man provided a compromise: his company would acquire test subjects–ones that weren’t Hauser employees. I acquiesced if only to strike while the iron was hot.We began with animal testing, of course. Orange Cliffs, for all its endemic degeneracy and idiocy, is rife with fresh subjects–stray dogs, mostly, though many of them came to the lab with collars, not that I care. Children get replacements for everything these days, what’s another dog?’>CONTD.
>>5742338‘Initial tests proved uninspiring. Host musculature and dermal protection increased as the parasite settled in, but at a certain point the parasite’s symbiosis gave way to… confusion.The host sprouted tentacles, hooklike teeth, vestigial appendages that only served to hinder the new organism… and how STUPID they were! Combat trials against Hauser Security personnel ended as well as one might expect: a trained combatant had the advantage in every test… until the organisms were allowed to work in PACKS…I made sure Hartley’s name was on the roster for that trial. His death (along with his squadmates) provided crucial data. First, the pack hunters (ALPHAS as I’ve elected to designate them) have VORACIOUS appetites–upon making a kill they will devour almost every part of their prey, be it bone, gristle, or even weaponry. Effective in closed combat environments, but ultimately more of a liability than anything else. No private or government military would want them. Upsetting.My second revelation, however, was that despite being parasitic in nature, the annelids (Dubbed R PARASITE) appear to operate under some sort of HIVE MIND… the more ALPHAS we added to the combat exercise, the better they performed. It was time to proceed to human testing. Hauser resisted, of course. Said it was too early. So did his bootlicker from ‘Down Unda’, to use the parlance of our times. It’s to be expected, of course–the ignorant will always stand in opposition to the enlightened. Hauser stood firm until I showed him the data… after that he was all too eager to gather more strays for me to play with… this time of the human variety.Failures. Failures, failures, FAILURES! Where they failed in life these subjects failed TENFOLD upon receiving my gift–surely there was something wrong with their physiology… Why was it that R PARASITE was so adverse to their bodies?! It was simple, or so I thought: malnutrition, drug use, illnesses… it all must have been interfering with the parasite’s growth! When I presented my grievances to Hauser he denied my requests for healthier subjects… How can a man so motivated by profit have such a CONSCIENCE!? Deplorable!Science is founded on sacrifice… no one knows that better than I. There was a lab drone of mine… ‘Mika’ I believe her name was… spent most of her lab time watching my every move and constantly asking me personal questions with that mewling, stammering voice of hers… a mosquito in human clothing.She was all too eager to accept an invitation to an after hours rendezvous with me in the lab. Disgusting thing. Her life proved to not be completely useless, however, because as her flesh warped into arachnid-like chitin and hairy appendages just like the vagrants before her, I realized my error:We were working with adolescent parasites. I needed to locate the source.’>CONTD.
>>5742339You almost don’t want to continue to the last log, but you’ve come this far! Waiting for Pepper and the rest to finish reading, you save your comments for later as you open the final log…‘Eureka! This lab has outlived its usefulness to me–Hauser has approved the construction of SITE B according to MY specifications. He will get his super soldiers, yes… but I will gain so much more…’Pepper blinks in confusion as you try to scroll further down the text document. That’s uh, you mutter, that’s all, folks.“So… so those things we’ve been fighting…” Stammers Raj with an uncharacteristic solemness in his tone, “... those were dogs? And people?”He shouldn’t think about it too hard, you reply as you slowly become aware of what might be inside you right now, it’ll just make it harder to survive tonight…“... Diesel,” Pepper mutters as she looks up at you from her camera with worry on her face, “You don’t think-”Look, you interrupt, whoever wrote this dumb diary is probably still on the island… and so is this ‘SITE B’! They wouldn’t dare put it somewhere else, right?The girl doesn’t answer you. Seeing her concern just makes you feel worse–you’ve gotta do something else right now. ANYTHING!>CHECK OUT THE SECURITY CAMERAS!>RUN THE DOOR FILE!>RUN THE RUN FILE!>CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHY FILE–HUH… IT LAGGED A BIT HOVERING OVER IT!>CLICK THE COMPUTER ICON!>LEAVE TO EXPLORE A LITTLE MORE–THE COMPUTER WILL STILL BE ON WHEN YOU RETURN!>WRITE-IN!
>>5742340>>CHECK OUT THE SECURITY CAMERAS!>CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHY FILE–HUH… IT LAGGED A BIT HOVERING OVER IT!
>>5742340>CHECK OUT THE SECURITY CAMERAS!
>>5742340>CHECK OUT THE SECURITY CAMERAS!Better make sure Choppy isn't pulling Itself (herself?) together.Although if I were a narcissistic scientist my biography would be... important.
>>5742340>CHECK OUT THE SECURITY CAMERAS!>RUN THE DOOR FILE!>RUN THE RUN FILE!>CHECK OUT THE BIOGRAPHY FILE–HUH… IT LAGGED A BIT HOVERING OVER IT!
>>5742342>>5742353>>5742356>>5742358>>5742359THE TALLY:>SECURITY CAMERAS: 5>BIOGRAPHY: 2>DOOR FILE: 1>RUN FILE: 1Writing!
Eager to take your mind off of what you just read, you shift your attention to the SECURITY CAMERA app on the desktop and give it a few clicks! To your surprise you find that despite having coverage across the entire lab and access to DOOR functions, all of the cameras are currently turned off.As are the ‘TURRET’ functions paired with them… “Hm…” Remarks Pepper as she leans over you to get a better look, “Any saved footage?”Worth a look, you mutter as you root around in the app’s menu! Try as you might, however, your investigation bears little fruit: as you expected its history is wiped clean!“Someone didn’t want to leave any evidence, huh?” Asks Rodney as he too leans in for a better look.Sure, you retort, but why is that deleted and the logs aren’t? Doesn’t make any sense!“Ya think they just did it on their phone or something?” Shrugs Raj as he leans in as well and makes your already crowded space even MORE crowded! “My folks have a security app for the store–they always check it at home and stuff.”The phones aren’t working though, you add, so that’d mean they did it a while ago… or earlier tonight!“So whoever this is must have let some critters out from here…” Suggests Pepper as she works through it word by word, “But this app only controls doors and security… What if those monsters were in cages? How would they be let out remotely?”Dunno, you shrug, but you’ll probably get an idea if you check out those other labs… the real question is: do we wanna turn the cameras back on?“I dunno, man,” Raj shudders as he continues to stare at the monitor, “If someone’s still on the app they might see us messin’ with it…”“But our phones aren’t working, remember.” Counters Pepper as she points to her own cellular device! “So how would anyone connect?”“Oh yea, huh…” The skater replies with a bashful smile on his face! “Well yea, guess that’d be fine then!”“Wait…” The redhead interrupts as her expression darkens, “There’s a few cameras in here--see?”“Wha? No there ain’t!”“I mean on the computer.” The girl corrects as she points Rodney away from the ceiling and towards the deactivated camera feed marked ‘LAB A CONTROL’. “If those turrets activate automatically, well…” She turns to you with a sheepish grin. “Just uh… make sure to turn ‘em off quick, yea?”What do?>KEEP ‘EM OFF!>TURN ‘EM ON!>WRITE-IN!
>>5742411>>KEEP ‘EM OFF!
>>5742411>KEEP ‘EM OFF!Nnnnoooope.
>>5742411>WRITE-INLet's stick some tape or something over the cameras in here, then turn them on.
>>5742411Supporting >>5742447
>>5742447Genius. Let them do some work in the other rooms. They’ll either let us know if things are clear, or else clear them. We can shut them off afterward.
>>5742447Hm, alright, not a bad idea.>>5742411Supporting that, if we have the means. I was >>5742423 (was out and about) but I'm changing my vote.
>>5742447Changing to >>5742447
>>5742447>>5742460>>5742465>>5742511>>5742418>TAPE 'EM UP!It's a bit hard to locate them since they aren't out right now, so we're gonna ROLL for it! Don't worry--shouldn't be too tough!>ROLL ME 4d100 TO FIND AND TAPE UP THE CAMERAS IN THE LAB! BEST OF 3! BONUSES:>DIESEL: -2(+1 KNOWS THEY'RE HERE, -3 DEACTIVATED/HIDDEN)>PEPPER: +3 (+5 SNOOPIN' BONUS, +1 KNOWS THEY'RE HERE, -3 DEACTIVATED/HIDDEN)>RAJ: -2(+1 KNOWS THEY'RE HERE, -3 DEACTIVATED/HIDDEN)>RODNEY: -2(+1 KNOWS THEY'RE HERE, -3 DEACTIVATED/HIDDEN)
Rolled 57, 54, 50, 20 = 181 (4d100)>>5742546
Rolled 58, 72, 2, 50 = 182 (4d100)>>5742546
Rolled 62, 65, 83, 39 = 249 (4d100)>>5742546how thoroughly mediocre
>>5742559I know! It's a wonder the quest has gone on as long as it has, right?>>5742550>>5742556>>5742559>ZE ROLLS:>DIESEL: 60!>PEPPER: 75!>RAJ: 81!>RODNEY: 48!Raj continues to be the actual protagonist! Writing!
>>5742633>Raj is the Samwise to our FrodoI'm pretty okay with this.
The mouse hovers over the little ‘X’ in the app’s corner when a revolutionary thought hits you like a bag of doorknobs–that’s IT!“What is?” Asks Raj as he idly scratches his head.We won’t HAVE to worry about the cameras and turrets if we block them, right? “Well… maybe...” Pepper shrugs, clearly not 100% onboard with your radical idea yet. “They might track targets based on heat or something–or if they can be manually-overridden then someone could just keep shooting at random.”Seems like a lot of ifs and not a whole lot of ‘ABSOLUTELYs, you reply! And if the defenses do work automatically, they could probably carve up any remaining surprises creeping around!“I’m with red on this one–that sounds DUMB even for YOU, D!” Rodney snickers as he sidles up next to the redhead with a smug grin on his face!“Never said it was dumb…” She counters as she waves her SAWN-OFF SHOTGUN around! “ I’m outta’ shells for this thing so it might not be a bad call, slick!”“I’m with red on this one–never doubted ya’ for a SECOND, D!” Rodney snickers as he continues to stand uncomfortably close to your journalist pal. Maybe you’ll leave a camera uncovered just for him!“So what do we do when we find a camera?” Asks Raj as he gives the ceiling a blank stare!Right, you frown, they’re probably hidden… well if we DO find one, you continue as if you’re teaching a class on the damn thing, cover it up with THIS!“Errr… HAND LOTION?” Asks Pepper with a wry grin as everyone stares at what you took out!NO, damn it, you stammer, you meant THIS! Putting the lotion away and taking out your SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH DUCT TAPE, you relax a little when your pals nod in understanding! Now we just need to find ‘em, you frown as you look around the cramped control room! They could be anywhere-“Found ‘em.”You nearly fall off of your stool with how fast Raj answers you! Wait, you frown, what do you mean ‘em’?“Check it.” He states as he points to a slight discoloration in the ceiling above you with a small dot in the middle, “Totally a camera if you squint, bros.”Once you see it you can’t UNSEE it! Giving Raj’s shoulder an appreciative pat, you pass out some tape to your allies! Make sure it’s nice and covered, you warn–you don’t wanna take any chances with the security systems here!Splitting up around the lab and field hospital in the last room, it doesn’t take long for you to tape up a handful of cameras on your own! Try to peep on THIS!>CONTD.
>>5742667A few minutes later, you and the others have reconvened in the control room with a lot less tape in your hands!Got ‘em?“Think so!” Reports Pepper with a mock salute! “If there’s any more of ‘em then they’re really well-hidden!”“An’ we can always shut ‘em off afterwards, right?” Smiles Rodney as you all turn your attention back to the app! Yea, you nod, and if you’re lucky one of the other labs will have some info on that ‘SITE B’...Everyone clenches their collective teeth as you activate the cameras! For a moment the system hangs as if it was about to explode, but a moment later you start seeing feeds activate across the board!You see the way you entered, of course, along with what appears to be one messy break room! The armory’s coming in clear too, and like the canteen it’s been ransacked to high-hell aside from some armor still hanging on some wall hooks and some kind of WEAPONS LOCKER that miraculously remains closed!Turning your attention to the other labs, you feel a mixture of relief and irritation when you don’t see any monsters roaming around… LAB B appears to be some kind of kennel area with a few lab stations interspersed while LAB C looks like some kind of urban combat training course… no doubt where the log writer got their battle data on their little pets!“Betting there’s some passages connecting that to the kennels too…” Observes Pepper as she pokes her finger at the various angles in Lab C. “Couldn’t hurt to remember!”And then there’s your lab… The cameras activate, of course, and as you hear a whirr above you that makes your hair stand on end, you and the others breathe a collective sigh of relief as you aren’t turned into Swiss Cheese!Or, like, goo or something. You’re not really sure what kind of defenses those cameras are packing and you’d rather not find out!Alright, you sigh as you drum your hands against the control room desk, time to see what’s hiding inside those labs… or get the hell outta here!>RUN THE DOOR FIBefore you can do any more snooping, however, the square of big-ass monitors crackles to life inside your lab!“Diesel,” Warns Pepper as you all stare at the static being broadcast, “Turn the cameras off. NOW!”>CONTD.
>>5742671She doesn’t gotta tell YOU twice! Clicking the ‘DEACTIVATE’ button, you allow yourself a steadying breath as the feeds shut down…… until they turn on again by themselves!“What’s wrong!?” The redhead asks as you mash the mouse on the ‘DEACTIVATE’ button!It’s not staying off, you reply, trying and failing to remain calm! They keep turning back on!“Shut down the computer, ya’ idiot!” Shouts Rodney as you hear the cameras whirring around you!That won’t turn off the app, IDIOT! Shit, was Raj right? But if they’re controlling it from somewhere else-Before you can finish your thought, you hear the crackly tail-end of a greeting from the monitors!‘---lo?’How do you respond?>YOU DON’T! STAY QUIET!>WHO’S THERE?>WE NEED HELP!>SOMEONE SAY SOMETHING! (RAJ? RODNEY? PEPPER?)>WRITE-IN!
>>5742674>YOU DON’T! STAY QUIET!Trust no one. I mean, what's the best case scenario here, and how likely is it compared to the worst?
>>5742674>WRITE-IN!"Ahh, finally. We re-established contact at site B, can I get a rundown on the situation elsewhere?" Deflect all questions by blaming it on creature attacks.
>>5742674>YOU DON’T! STAY QUIET!We can bullshit pretty well, but I don’t think we can bullshit that well. They’re probably already suspicious and expecting something foul given what’s been happening. We don’t have to refuse contact. We can wait and see what’s up.
>>5742675>>5742779>STAY QUIET!>>5742676>SUBTERFUGE!Writing! Probably the last update of the night, but we'll see!
Nobody’s home! Motioning for the rest of the control room to be quiet (and preemptively clasping your hand over Rodney’s mouth), you sit in utter silence as the monitors continue to spew white noise into the lab!And you wait.And wait. And wait.You’re just about to chalk it up to you hearing things when a female voice emerges from the crackling screens!“-s is Amelia Choi aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter ‘Manta’--we’re responding to your distress call and are moored on the Hauser Manor Docks, but with the storm picking up we can’t stay for long! Hank told us you’ve had casualties–please respond!”As the words sink in you find your friends staring at you in too many ways–Pepper’s wide-eyes and frantic head-shaking tell you that she doesn’t buy Choi’s story, but coming from a girl that ran headfirst into an abandoned mine you’re not sure what to think…Rodney, on the other hand, is already BITING your hand in an attempt to answer–you certainly wouldn’t mind getting him out of your hair, but the voice on the screen almost sounds familiar…Then again, the girl sounds around your age, so that might be it. How old do Coast Guard people have to be anyways?And then there’s Raj who just looks plain confused. Conflicted. Torn. You’ve been underground for a while with no calls on your EARPIECE--are you too deep for radio contact? What have you missed since you came down here?“Does anyone copy!?”What do? Doesn’t sound like they have much time!>KEEP QUIET. AND KEEP EVERYONE ELSE QUIET TOO!>HAVE SOMEONE ELSE ANSWER! (RAJ? PEPPER? RODNEY?)>RESPOND! IF HANK GOT THROUGH…>WRITE-IN!
>>5742817>KEEP QUIET. AND KEEP EVERYONE ELSE QUIET TOO!Right. Because the Coast Guard is remotely manipulating the site security systems to keep us from shutting them off. The fuck do you take us for? Because if you said an idiot, you’re right.
My guess is that this is that secretary gal that went with Hank to check out the radio tower. She’s around our age, and we might’ve heard her voice before. She would also obviously know about Hank, considering she left with him. I doubt Hank ever actually managed to get the tower working again. If this is correct, it has a couple of implications.
>>5742835Backing this.>>5742817
>>5742817> KEEP QUIET. AND KEEP EVERYONE ELSE QUIET TOO!If they're broadcasting on radio then Mina should be able to get this as well and respond if it's legitimate. Speaking of Mina, we should probably let her know that her Dad's goons are trying to kill fucking everyone
>>5742835>>5742845>>5742870>STAY QUIET, DAMN IT!Writing the DEFINITELY LAST UPDATE of the night! Hope it's a good one!
It’s all too convenient. A Coast Guard Cutter miraculously showing up amidst a storm thanks to a chance call from Hank? The security system refusing to turn off? The timing? You want to share your thoughts with the others–to tell them why you’re putting off what Raj might think and Rodney definitely thinks is rescue, but all you manage to do is keep your rival’s mouth covered as you wrestle against his attempts to break free!The monitors go quiet once more and stay that way long enough to make you uncomfortable. Just like they did after the first ‘hello’.And yet you hold strong.Biting your lip as you feel Rodney’s teeth dig deeper into your hand, your salvation comes in the form of a low, sinister giggle from the monitor speakers!“Well well well… my predictions were correct, not that I ever have any reason to doubt them. Continue cowering if it pleases you–I never had any intention of letting you speak in the first place!”Without any other plans, you and the others continue to stay quiet as Pepper starts an audio memo on her phone before raising it above her head!“You began by reactivating the GEOTHERMAL GENERATOR--that was your first mistake… of many. The steps required in reactivating the power all but eliminated the possibility of a false-positive, but the final nail in your collective coffin was tampering with my security systems. Naughty naughty!”You can almost see the owner of the voice wagging her finger at you. It’s still a bit distorted, but that voice…“I presume that even with with your combined, yet utterly infinitesimal, intellect you managed to deduce a fraction of what’s happened tonight, but it delights me to inform you all of two crucial details: Firstly, you’ve merely scratched the outermost layer of something more immense than your infantile brains can even begin to comprehend… and second, I’m afraid at least one of you won’t be leaving that gaudy coffin alive...”Another haughty laugh fills the room.“And as eager as I am to educate you all on the scrumptious details of what’s about to occur, there are other guests I must attend to… and my time is precious–more so than anyone else’s! But don’t feel bad–the thought of your trembling, weeping forms amuses me immensely… as will all the pitiful noises you’ll make as you claw madly at the walls of your new tomb knowing that it was MY superior intelligence that bested you… I’ll be sure to enjoy the recordings at length at my leisure once this farce is all over!”The walls and ceiling groan and creak around you as the woman behind the monitors lets loose with a maniacal cackle!“Enjoy your stay~”With that the door to the field hospital slams shut… and something about the lab feels extremely WRONG!>ROLL 4d100 FOR NO REASON, REALLY! BEST OF 3! BONUSES:>DIESEL: +0>PEPPER: +5 (+5 SNOOPIN’)>RAJ: +0>RODNEY: -2 (-2 GETTING ANGRY)
Rolled 4, 57, 52, 22 = 135 (4d100)>>5742915
Rolled 11, 72, 1, 98 = 182 (4d100)>>5742915Sure would be nice if we could get that portal thingy online
>>5743007Sorry Raj
Rolled 61, 58, 81, 99 = 299 (4d100)>>5742915Complete shot in the dark...but TO THE BIOGRAPHY!
Rolled 37, 93, 86, 88 = 304 (4d100)>>5742915
Damn, Rodney's on fire. Is he going to save our asses again?
Is this Raj's third one? Is the man cursed?
>>5743125A small price to pay for being best boi. We've got three rolls but I'm at work: will update around 4-5PM PST! Thanks again for playing and being patient--just assume this is the usual schedule apart from weekends and such
>>5743125It’s the curse of being the most likable character. It means fate is trying its absolute best to kill him out of spite.
>>5743256truly a worthy successor to Art
>>5742917>>5743007>>5743089THE ROLLS:>DIESEL: 61!>PEPPER: 77!>RAJ: NAT 1!>RODNEY: 97!Writing!
Scanning the walls for any changes, you turn to your pals and see fear well up in their eyes! What’s happening?!“No clue!” Replies Pepper as she joins you in the search, “But she knows we’re here, so if we stick aro-”“IT’S GAS!” Exclaims Rodney as he points to a section of the wall sneakily opening to reveal a grate! “GIMME A MASK!”Immediately holding his breath, your fellow pizza guy looks at you pleadingly as you and the others don your masks! Well, almost. In a rare moment of panic, Raj fumbles the old miner’s mask and sends it tumbling to the floor! Raj, you snap, you good!?“Yea!” He sputters as he quickly picks it up, “Got it!”As much as you dislike the guy, you only have three GAS MASKS... and none to give to Rodney! With the door locked up tight and the security systems controlled by your mysterious taunter, your panicked mind goes into overdrive!THE MEMOIRS!Flopping onto the keyboard like a garlic-scented fish, you click out of the security app and click like a madman on the memoir file! As the computer freezes, you watch with growing concern as Rodney’s face turns progressively purple–you’re not his biggest fan, of course, but no one should die like… like however you’re all about to die!You’re just about to click the file again when a window pops open on the desktop with the words ‘SHOWING THEM ALL: THE RIVKA BERTRUGER STORY!’It probably stays on the screen for a second before everything goes dark: the monitor, the lights, EVERYTHING! Rushing over to where the vents were, you allow yourself a sigh of relief as you fail to feel any more air being pumped into the room!Relaying your info to the rest of your pals, you raise an eyebrow when Rodney and Pepper come to meet you–the former still holding his breath!“Yea, you might wanna keep it held a little longer…” Suggests the redhead as you grab the vent and try to wrench it free! “Just in case, Rod.”Not willing to show weakness in front of the girl, your rival gives her a few nods of his plum purple head!Raj, you add, let’s go while the gettin’s good!>ROLL 1d100+3 (+5 SPEED BONUS, -2 DARK) FOR NO REASON! BEST OF 3!
Rolled 43 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>5743552
Rolled 38 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>5743552
Rolled 53 + 3 (1d100 + 3)>>5743552I almost feel sorry for Rodney. Almost. Can't get no break.
>>5743606Like a bizarre incompetent doppledanget of PONDEROSA himself!
>>5743615Speak not the name of the BEAST.
>>5743601>>5743602>>5743606>HIGHEST ROLL: 56!Writing!>>5743615>>5743617https://youtu.be/mHjH3DyKChU
The skater’s response comes in the form of his prized skateboard LINDA hurtling out of the darkness like a wheeled AX! Whizzing inches past your cheek, the skateboard crashes through the vent behind you as you focus your attention on where its flight began!R-Raj?Raj answers by ramming you against the wall like an orange missile! Instinct kicks in before anything else–sweeping the skater’s leg out from under him, you send Raj reeling backwards with a palm thrust to his chest!Shit, he’s RIPPED!As your pal leaps at you again, it quickly becomes apparent that he’s not ripped–not naturally, in any case! Darting away from his frenzied leap, you usher Rodney and Pepper out of harm’s way as you see a single bloodshot eye approaching you with an unnatural glow to it!Raj, you repeat as the skater staggers towards you like a human ragdoll, what’s your problem, man?!“S-sandcrab…” Stammers the redhead as she holds her camera close to her chest with shaky hands, “H-he’s acting like you did…”Rodney confirms it with a nod, his breath still held despite everything! Holding your hands out in a placating gesture, you feel your posture weaken a bit as the skater emerges from the darkness with an unnaturally-wide and toothy grin on his face! Gossamer veins of purple and red spider across his sweating face as his muscles slowly expand underneath his hoodie!Buddy, you whisper as your voice falters a bit, yo-Your friend crashes into you before you can finish! Skidding across the lab floor as Pepper yelps in surprise, your head smacks against the exterior of the control room as Raj picks your limp body off of the floor and tosses you across the room again!“WwO RThhH YYY!”You land like a ton of bricks in front of the bank of monitors your tormentor called you on and immediately ball up as the pain catches up to you!“DIESEL!” Shouts Pepper as Rodney watches with worry on his face, “RAJ, STOP IT!”“WwWWWRRRRRTHRRRYY!!!”Flying through the air like a pro wrestler, Raj descends ready to deliver a two-handed smash to your chest!BUT YOU’VE CHANGED. YOU’VE BECOME STRONGER.WORTHIER.BETTER.>HIS BLOW IS BLOCKED BY A SHIELD OF SCALES THAT FORM UNDER YOUR TRACKSUIT!>A WHIPLIKE TENDRIL EXPLODES FROM YOUR WRIST AND SWATS HIM OUT OF THE AIR!>A MASS OF SCALES COAT YOUR FISTS CREATING HAMMERS TO DELIVER A COUNTER-ATTACK TO HIS OWN CHEST!>A VOLLEY OF TOOTH-LIKE SPINES BURSTS FROM YOUR HAND AND STICKS RAJ TO THE CEILING BY HIS HOODIE!
>>5743658>>A WHIPLIKE TENDRIL EXPLODES FROM YOUR WRIST AND SWATS HIM OUT OF THE AIR!
>>5743658>>HIS BLOW IS BLOCKED BY A SHIELD OF SCALES THAT FORM UNDER YOUR TRACKSUIT!I feel that by feeding this power by getting a more "Offensive" ability is the equivalent of jumping off the slippery slope to becoming a NOTBUG
>>5743658>A WHIPLIKE TENDRIL EXPLODES FROM YOUR WRIST AND SWATS HIM OUT OF THE AIR!We can be a mutant Indiana Jones!
>>5743658>A WHIPLIKE TENDRIL EXPLODES FROM YOUR WRIST AND SWATS HIM OUT OF THE AIR!>>5743690 sold me on it.
>>5743658>A WHIPLIKE TENDRIL EXPLODES FROM YOUR WRIST AND SWATS HIM OUT OF THE AIR!I agree with >>5743687 that we should try not to focus on offensiveness. We need to avoid combat to keep this in check. That said, let’s go with the one that seems the most versatile. Tendrils can easily be used to harass, pin, or incapacitate enemies while keeping our distance. They can also probably be used to grant us a lot more vertical mobility.I think it’s basically all but certain that there are only two possible sources of this infection in us, unless it spread from the creatures themselves: Either it was in the injection that nurse gave us, or it happened when Mina stabbed us with her hair chopsticks. If the either of those is correct, then I’m guessing that secretary did it, and she’s either involved in this, or the one behind it all.
Is it terrible that I kind of want to suggest stabbing Raj with the mysterious serum injection we have?Maybe it's an antidote to this stuff, kept on hand just in case mr hauser himself got infected?Big ifs I admit. Could also be a hulk serum or something.
>>5743702I’ll admit I had the same thought, but I want to get the Nurse’s opinion on it before we do anything. Let’s hope Raj’s willpower is strong enough to get him out of it, or that we can get him to snap out of it. If we have no other choice, and the other anons agree, we can try it.I’m worried that prolonged infection with this will gradually remove an individuals self-awareness. We might be on a clock ourselves.
>>5743686>>5743690>>5743694>WHIP IT!>>5743687>ALWAYS CARRY PROTECTION!Wrrriting!
NO.It happens without a thought. Spurred by panic and the creamsicle-colored truck falling towards you, you barely feel a thing as a fleshy needle explodes from inside your right wrist and swats Raj across the room! It’s a desperate move–one last flailing attempt at saving your skin, but it works! Extending to about three-quarters of your height, the whiplike appendage squirms a bit before retreating back into your wrist like a very confused worm…But despite it all, it doesn’t hurt!WEAK.Stumbling to your feet, you try your best to shake the hunger from your head, but like one of those burrs that cling to your pant leg, you can still feel it lingering in the corner of your mind… WAITING!As Raj peels himself off the wall like a cartoon character, you steal a glance at your other friends. White-knuckling her camera, Pepper struggles to pick her jaw off of the floor while Rodney looks close to passing out… how the hell is he still holding his breath!?Before you can get your answer, you spot something hurtling towards your face from across the room! Swatting it out of the air with your new… gift... you follow where the projectile lands and blanche–Raj’s GAS MASK’S eye lens is completely cracked, but you can’t tell if it was before or after you smacked it…Was there something in the air that did this?The man in question lunges at you again and sends both of you tumbling towards Rodney and Pepper–as the latter snaps a photo of you wrestling, the former yanks her by the shoulder just as you both get a little too close for comfort!Trading blows like two prizefighters, you realize that despite Raj’s strength, you’re still STRONGER! You could TEAR HIm open right now like a pinata and-Shit, NO! Kicking off of him like your Master taught you, you adopt a defensive stance as the monstrous skater spits a bloody gob onto the floor!The power’s still off, but you could probably escape through that VENT or force open the DOOR if Raj wasn’t gunning for you and the others…What do!?>TRY TO WEAR HIM DOWN! DUCK AND WEAVE!>BEAT HIS SENSES BACK INTO HIM!>TRY TO TALK HIM OUT OF IT WHILE HE’S STILL LUCID!>CRUSH HIM. TAKE HIS POWER.>WRITE-IN!
>>5743756>>TRY TO TALK HIM OUT OF IT WHILE HE’S STILL LUCIDTell him the same thing he told us, if it worked for us, it will work for him!
>>5743756>TRY TO TALK HIM OUT OF IT WHILE HE’S STILL LUCID!Seek the inner Raj!And we uhh, we should probably toss Rodney our gas mask. Pretty sure it's not doing us anything. Admittedly just taking it off contaminates it though. Minimal exposure at least?Mutant Rodney is a horror without end.
>>5743756>TRY TO TALK HIM OUT OF IT WHILE HE’S STILL LUCID!
>>5743767Supporting, including trying to help Rodney with the mask.>>5743756
>>5743762>>5743767>>5743771>>5743828>>5743838>TALK HIM OUT OF IT!>AND GIVE RODNEY YOUR MASK JEEZGoing to bed, but here's the ROLLLL>ROLL ME 2d100 TO REACH OUT TO RAJ! BEST OF 3! BONUSES:>DIESEL: +2 (+5 BUDDING BROMANCE, -1 GETTING ANGRY, -2 RAJ HUNGERS)>PEPPER: +0(+2 MISSED FRIENDSHIP? -2 RAJ HUNGERS)>RODNEY: TOO BUSY SUFFOCATINGAs per usual, WRITE-INS might add to your bonus! GIVE IT A WHIRL! And seeya WEDNESDAY around 4-5PM PST!
Rolled 53, 2 = 55 (2d100)>>5743846
Rolled 88, 85 = 173 (2d100)>>5743846C’mon buddy
>>5743848I’m about to go back and count how many ones and twos we’ve rolled so far.
Rolled 8, 6 = 14 (2d100)>>5743846As I said here >>5743762Plus remind him of his sick kickflips
>>5743852Quest is horror genre on a meta level.
>>5743848>>5743851>>5743857THE ROLLLLLS:>DIESEL: 90!>PEPPER: 85!Writing!>>5743990>horrorpicrel
Raj’s attack comes even faster than before! Rushing at you with teeth bared like an animal, your friend strikes at you with wide, almost drunken swipes–easy to dodge, thankfully, but the reality of the situation is made clear when one of his right hooks heads straight for your face!Ducking under the surprisingly-speedy punch, your heart skips a beat when Raj’s fist crashes into the metal lab wall and creates a circle of cracks around the dent it makes! Delivering a side-kick to your friend’s side, you’re taken off-guard completely when he grabs your leg and uses it to swing you into the wall like a sledgehammer!A dull ringing like a gong echoes across the lab as you drop to the ground like a sack of mashed potatoes. Still reeling from the surprising amount of force behind the blow, you’re powerless to resist as the monster delivers a bone-crushing kick to your ribs and sends you rolling like a wayward bocce ball!A dull ache spreads through your chest as a high-pitched ringing fills your ears… despite the beating the skater’s giving you, you can’t help but laugh as you watch blood drip from your mouth and onto the floor!Try as he might, Raj isn’t beating you. He CAN’T! ANGER WELLS UP INSIDE OF YOU ALONG WITH A FAMILIAR AND COMFORTING HUNGER… LETTING YOUR NEW APPENDAGE COIL FOR A STRIKE AT YOUR SIDE LIKE A SNAKE, YOU FEEL A MENACING GRIN FORM ON YOUR FACE THAT RIVALS YOUR OPPONENT’S! HE THINKS HE’S WORTHY?! IF HE ONLY KNEW HOW EASY IT WOULD BE FOR YOU TO GRIND HIM INTO THE DUSt…No, you stammer, clenching your teeth as you stuff the anger as deep into your body as you can, Raj would never leave you behind, so there’s no way you’re leaving him! Planting your feet firmly on the cold laboratory floor, you rip the GAS MASK off and chuck it over to Rodney’s grateful hands! RAJ, you begin, back in that secret dock he gave you some advice-The monster comes at you swinging! Ducking and weaving through his blurry fists, you hop out of the way just as he lunges to take a bite out of your side! As Raj crashes into the wall, you continue to speak as calmly as you can as you feel your anger bubble inside you like a pot of ragu!He told you to focus on what makes you who you are, you continue! What makes Diesel DIESEL!Stumbling to his feet with a feral growl, Raj looks at you again with pure malice in his eyes! >CONTD.
>>5744329If there’s still something in the air you don’t sense it–that means there’s no better time than now!Focus on what makes Raj RAJ, you shout as the Raj in question bulrushes you again! Leapfrogging over his head, you slide to a halt next to Linda’s impact site! As your opponent roars again from across the dark lab, Pepper and Rodney clear the way as you rip the skateboard out of the wall! A glowing eye darts through the darkness towards you, and just when its owner emerges you make your move!YOU’RE NO MONSTER, you roar as you shove the skateboard in his path! YOU’RE RAJ!Time slows as Raj’s foot slams onto the skateboard and sends it and himself flying into the air! Soaring above you and the others, the red glint in his eyes fades as muscle memory kicks in–pressing one heel on one side and his other foot on another, a goofy grin replaces the manic one as Raj does what Raj does best:“Woah,” wheezes Rodney, “Wazzat a KICKFLIP?”It was, you nod as your friend’s muscles and veins shrink mid-flight, it WAS.The skateboard comes to a halt in front of you as its rider approaches with a stunned look on his face.“Bro...” He stammers as the last few minutes catch up with him, “I… I don’t know what to s-”Well you do, you cut in! Bringing your pal into a hug, you give his back a few steadying pats as he returns the hug in kind! “I…” He sniffs in a shaky voice, “I’m so sorry, dudes… I… I caught a whiff of whatever was being pumped in here an-”Quit it, you interrupt as you look your pal in the eye, he’s got nothing to be sorry about!“But…” He mutters as he stares at your wrist, “I uh… I hurt you, right? I remember everything…”Eh, you shrug, didn’t hurt that much! And this, well…“I think it’s safe to say that things are changing…” Adds Pepper as she appears at both of your sides. “And as much as I hate to say it, we don’t have many pieces of the puzzle…”“Not… not ta’ mention…” Gasps Rodney as he stumbles over with the purple hue slowly receding from his face, “We… if the power turns back on…”Right, you nod, whoever that was knows where you are AND they’ve got control over the security systems…“Might be time to hit the road, dudes…” Mumbles Raj as he shakes the remaining anger out of his system, “This place ain’t so fun anymore…”“They don’t have any power anymore,” counters Pepper as she plants her hands on her hips, “But we might wanna check one of the other LABS before we go-”Your conversation is cut short by a low, distant groan in the walls around you. Oh right, you sigh, the whole damn mountain was collapsing!“We gonna get outta’ here or what!?” Asks Rodney as his voice (unfortunately) returns!>CONTD
>>5744330Where to?>LAB A KENNELS!>LAB B COMBAT COURSE!>THE CANTEEN!>THE ARMORY!>THAT ESCAPE AREA!>BACK TO THE GEOTHERMAL GENERATOR ROOM!>WRITE-IN!
>>5744331> THE ARMORYBody armor saves lives!
>>5744331>>THE ARMORY!
>>5744331>LET'S SPLIT UP, GANG!>PEPPER AND RODNEY, CHECK THE ARMOURY!>RAJ, SWITCH THE GENERATOR BACK ON!>WHILE WE UNSCREW THAT COMPUTER HARD DRIVE!
>>5744331>THAT ESCAPE AREA!
>>5744349We should definitely rip the computer harddrive out...hopefully it's not booby trapped?
>>5744333>>5744348>TO THE ARMORY!>>5744349>SPLIT UP!>>5744363>MAKE LIKE A TREE AND FUCK OFF!The power's still off, so let's see how you do getting past these unpowered doors!>ROLL ME 4d100 TO GET TO THE ARMORY! BEST OF 3 ROLLS! BONUSES:>DIESEL (+3 NEW WRIST THINGY, -5 POWER'S OFF!)>PEPPER: (+5 SNOOPIN', -5 POWER'S OFF!)>RAJ: (+3 NOT-AS-COOL CUSTOMER RIGHT NOW, -5 POWER'S OFF)>RODNEY: (-1 ALMOST SUFFOCATED HIMSELF LIKE A DUMBASS, -5 POWER'S OFF)I'll assume you're trying to grab the hard drive too! One clarification though:POWER ON = CAMERAS AND TURRETS ON. BEWARE!
Rolled 44, 87, 53, 65 = 249 (4d100)>>5744389Come to papa
Rolled 75, 43, 62, 24 = 204 (4d100)>>5744389
Rolled 44, 59, 19, 61 = 183 (4d100)>>5744389
Sorry, all, life got really busy the minute I got home and I'm fucking wiped. Will update Thursday around the usual time--thanks for being patient and sorry for the wait.
>>5744493I miss all the raccoon posting. What are we supposed to use now? Garlic? Whiskey?
>>5744526>
>>5744397>>5744399>>5744400ROLZ:>DIESEL: 73!>PEPPER: 87!>RAJ: 60!>RODNEY: 59!Feeling much better now! Writing!>>5744526>>5744564I think the real compromise here is to just post pictures of rare pizza boxes like picrel
Yea, you nod as the lab quakes shortly after, you ARE! But you’re gonna take a little detour first–follow me!“Uh, dude?” Asks Raj in a still somewhat shaky voice, “The door’s that way-”You’re not going that way, you hastily reply as you squeeze into the vent the gas was pumped in from, you’re taking a shortcut!“Will definitely be faster than trying to pry those doors open…” Remarks Pepper as she wastes no time in following you, “As long as we don’t get lost, chief…”Not this time, you reassure her as you lead the charge deeper into the ducts! Having been hidden behind the lab’s metallic panels, you’re pleased to find that the vents are surprisingly wide–a welcome characteristic as you feel the destruction you wrought above slowly making its way to your neighborhood! A particularly violent tremor sends you and the rest of your team tumbling head over heels, but the fear of the power coming back on is all it takes to keep you going!As the groaning in the rocks above grows louder and closer, you manage to find the proverbial ‘cheese’ at the end of the maze in the form of another vent cover sitting in front of a slightly-ajar metal panel!“So how are we supposed to-”You answer Rodney’s question by giving the vent cover and the metal a decisive KICK that sends both spilling into a raided ARMORY! THAT’S how, you reply with a grin!“A little shopping before we scoot, huh?” Asks Pepper as she glances up at your face with a glimmer in her eye, “Good call, sandcrab!”And not a moment too soon, either! As you get to work looting the place, you hear a familiar and definitely unwelcome chorus of screeches from the doors leading towards the CANTEEN and by association the LOBBY!“Sounds like those creepy-crawlies finally made it to the party!” Groans Rodney as he takes some BODY ARMOR off of a nearby hook! “Figured they’d join us eventually…” The redhead sighs as she shifts her gaze towards the door you HOPE leads to the ESCAPE ROUTE, “Can you get that open, slick? We’ll handle the goodies!”You don’t recall putting her in charge, but the rapidly approaching BUG ARMY is a bigger concern! Like any good entrance or exit to an ARMORY, the door is locked up tighter than Uncle Emilio’s Safe–you still have the bruise on your hand from the wooden spoon the last time you glanced at it funny!>CONTD.
>>5745226Rapping your knuckles against the solid exterior of the airlock, you try to make sense of the various pistons and gizmos on the door, but it makes about as much sense to you as, well…HAWAIIAN PIZZA! BLEEEEEH! How do you handle this thing?https://pastebin.com/RuZL1Xgh>RIP OPEN THE CARD READER AND SEE IF YOU CAN MESS WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM!>YOU’VE GOT ONE MORE STICK OF DYNAMITE…>JUST HOP BACK INTO THE VENTS!>SEE IF SOMETHING IN THE ARMORY CAN DO THE TRICK!>YOU HAVE A STUN STAFF–MAYBE IT CAN JOLT THE CARD READER INTO WORKING?>WRITE-IN!
>>5745230Did we not swipe the HDD on our way out? Also, is the locking mechanism visible on the inside of the door?Darn, should have examined the remains of some of the bodies. They probably had an armoury keycard on them if Hauser's doesn't work.
>>5745212Glad you're feeling better, QM!>>5745230>YOU HAVE A STUN STAFF–MAYBE IT CAN JOLT THE CARD READER INTO WORKING?
>>5745230>YOU HAVE A STUN STAFF–MAYBE IT CAN JOLT THE CARD READER INTO WORKING?Is a terrible idea. Let's try it anyway!
>>5745252ACK SHIT YOU TOTALLY DID
>>5745230>YOU HAVE A STUN STAFF–MAYBE IT CAN JOLT THE CARD READER INTO WORKING?This definitely isn’t moronic and likely to just fry the reader. Let’s do it.
>>5745230>>RIP OPEN THE CARD READER AND SEE IF YOU CAN MESS WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM!Use the tentacle. Embrace the hunger.WORTHYCHADS RISE UP!!!
>>5745252Shit, sorry--there are a few metal piston thingies on the outside, but you can't really see where they connect. They just look kinda cool, is all. Meanwhile there's a CARD READER to the side of it with no power...REWIND! As you rush into the vents, you hear a muffled 'NYEH HEH HEH' as Pepper stuffs a HARD DRIVE down her shirt! What the hell?"EVIDENCE!"Aaaand fast-forward. See? I didn't make a mistake!>>5745256Thanks, anon--got a lot more sleep last night so I feel like I can write a little more!>>5745256>>5745258>>5745283>CREATIVE ELECTRIC ENGINEERING!>>5745295>THE WORTHY SOLUTION. STAFFFAGS WILL NEVER UNDERSTANDTime to stick your staff where it doesn't belong! >ROLL ME 1d100-5 (-5 WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING) TO PUT A SPARK INTO THIS RELATIONSHIP! BEST OF 3!
>>5745315dice+1d100+-5
Rolled 93 - 5 (1d100 - 5)>>5745315I MEAN, I ROLL LIKE A NORMAL PERSON.
>>5745330Not really. That roll's way too high
Rolled 17 - 5 (1d100 - 5)>>5745315Pls don't Critfail
Rolled - 5 (1d00 - 5)>>5745315
>>5745336BEHOLD, THE VOID SPEAAAAAAKS
>>5745336The fuck is this?
>>5745336This is truly one of the rolls of all time.
Rolled 75 - 5 (1d100 - 5)>>5745336>>5745344Woops>>5745345Missed the 1 in "100".Didn't know that was possible to roll.
Rolled 21 - 5 (1d100 - 5)>>5745315As I also forget mine.
>>5745330>>5745333>>5745348>HIGHEST ROLL: 88!Writing!
You stare at the mechanisms scattered across the airlock for an inordinate amount of time before you come to a conclusion:Nope, you don’t get it! You might be a Pizza Delivery Guy, but you’d need a degree in DOOROLOGY to take this crap apart! Hearing the screeches growing closer over the sound of the gang looting the ARMORY like a shop at a mall in a bad neighborhood, you know that whatever you do, you HAVE to get this door open–besides the bugs getting in, you’re also positive that Rodney will give you shit for it if you can’t figure this out!Nope, this door’s gotta go! But how, though? That’s the real problem here–the door looks strong enough to withstand a tank–not that you’d turn your nose up at one of those right now! Dynamite’s out then, you wager, as is anything else in your growing arsenal…Speaking of, the end of that STUN STAFF nudges you inside your pocket as if to remind you that yes, it’s still there! Taking it out and giving it an idle swing, a thought comes to mind: the door needs power. The keycard reader next to it needs power. You’re no electrician, of course, but once the idea takes root in your head it refuses to let go!The business end of the staff crackles as you point it at the keycard reader. If this doesn’t work you’re still at square one, but if it does work, well…No more stalling–that’s what your Master would say in this situation! That or she’d just snarl and stick her cigarette in your eye. Man, if she was here tonight…Focus! Bringing the staff back, you thrust its tip into the keycard reader and nearly lose hold of it as both your weapon and its target explode in sparks!While you don’t lose hold of the staff, you DO get launched backwards! Clinging to the polearm for dear life, your landing is thankfully softened by Rodney as he unwittingly gets in your flight path! With a weak ‘Criminy…’ he crumples like a house of cards as you watch the door sputter to life with fresh juice!“Atta’ boy, sandcrab!” Pepper exclaims as her tiny form shuffles over carrying a box of goodies! Before you can thank her or Raj as he too brings some party favors, the moment is ruined by both the sound of many limbs banging on the door behind you… and the door you just opened spewing smoke and sparks all over the room!No time to talk–you’ve gotta get through while you still can!>ROLL 4d100 TO MAKE IT THROUGH BEFORE THE AIRLOCK CLOSES AGAIN! BEST OF 3 ROLLS! BONUSES:>DIESEL+5 (+5 SPEED BONUS)>PEPPER-3 (-3 CARRYING SHIT)>RAJ+3 (+3 NOT-AS-COOL-CUSTOMER)>RODNEY+4 (+4 SPEED BONUS)That's it for tonight, by the way--should have more FRIDAY AROUND 4-5PM PST! Thanks for playing and Happy Almost Weekend!
Rolled 56, 43, 95, 63 = 257 (4d100)>>5745429Grab that shit out of Pepper’s hands. We’re already faster than her, and the last time we tried to outrun a monster she about passed out.
Rolled 46, 1, 75, 85 = 207 (4d100)>>5745429
>>5745460>1
>>5745460We have drawn the ire of something very powerful
Rolled 17, 1, 50, 79 = 147 (4d100)>>5745429I almost rolled one d400
>>5745460>>5745476Two 1's for Pepper, ouch
>>5745476>DOUBLE 1s FOR PEPPERAlas, poor bestgirl.
>>5745476
>>5745469Very powerful.>>5745480Didn't we discuss some sort of duplicate roll bonus? Cause lord we need it.
>>5745460>>5745476The dice know who the worst girl is. THEY KNOW.
>>5745512Damn you Pepper-haters. I’ll bet you lot sabotaged the roll, didn’t you!? You won’t get away with it!
>>5745454>>5745460>>5745476THE ROLS:>DIESEL: 61!>PEPPER: TWO NAT ONES! (DOUBLES DO MITIGATE A BIT...)>RAJ: 98!>RODNEY: 89!Writing a quick update before work...
Your dreams of the airlock just getting stuck open are quickly and decisively CRUSHED as it starts to close about as quickly as it opened! Raj and Rodney make it relatively easily thanks to their skateboard and innate cowardice respectively, but as you limbo underneath the closing door you remember that Pepper, despite having a knack for snooping and invading privacy, can’t run to save her life…And in this situation that might just be literal!Motioning for her to hurry, you and the others freeze up as you watch the girl trip and send her box of goodies (as well as herself) tumbling short of the closing airlock! Wide-eyed and stunned by her sudden clumsiness, the girl is even more shocked when you hear something approaching from the vents you entered from!“C’MON, PEP!” Shouts Raj as he drops his box to the floor and joins you next to the closing door, “MOVE!”Scrambling like a scared cat on a linoleum floor, the girl’s frightened eyes shoot up at you as she realizes just how small of a space she has to squeeze through!Your WRIST WHIP extends without you even telling it to–you’ve gotta lend her a hand!>ROLL ME 3d100 TO HELP HER THROUGH! BEST OF 3! DON’T MESS UP! BONUSES:>DIESEL (+3 C’MON, PEPPER, +3 WRIST WHIP, -2 PANIC)>PEPPER (+5 PEP IN YOUR STEP, -3 PANIC)>RAJ (+5 COOL CUSTOMER, -1 PANIC)ROLL WELL!
Rolled 99, 1, 27 = 127 (3d100)>>5745688Are you worthy Pepper? Or is this it?
Rolled 52, 50, 77 = 179 (3d100)>>5745688
>>5745692Jesus Christ...
Rolled 25, 44 = 69 (2d100)>>5745688
Well dang, I suppose this is happening, then--don't wanna go back on my word or how Ronnie was handled... will update once I get back from work!
>>5745712Waifu war's over, boys.
Diesel's going to succeed in grabbing Pepper, but she's going to get absolutely nailed by whatever's coming for them!!!
>>57457003d100. Roll one more! Roll a nat 100 for Pep!
>>5745753Too late. Pepper is dead as a doorknob.
Rolled 5 (1d100)>>5745770>>5745753
>>5745773Welp.
>>5745692How
>>5745751> Grab hold, then pull back nothing but a mangled arm. Hopefully she tosses us the harddrive, because I think we're definitely into world wide threat if this madness escapes the island. Maybe toss that last dynamite stick back for her to have one last defiant strike.Fuck...three ones in four rolls for Pep. Truly an angry universe.
>>5745791Perhaps death is her karma and salvation.
>>5745791Somebody’s gonna pay for all this.
I've been out all day, time to check up on one of my fav--->picrelShe better throw us that camera as the last thing she does. We must take up the torch of snoopery and hold that evidence.Have to say, that's the single worst string of luck I've ever seen in a quest. I was on Team Not Pepper but I didn't want it to end like this.>>5745791I think we took that ourselves
>>5745807Bones. Bones NEEDS to pay for killing Pepper!WAIT A SEC, WE STILL GOT THE NEEDLE-- WE CAN BRING HER BACK GUYS!!!
>>5745815We may be needling a mangled corpse though :C
I didn't actually hate Pepper that much. It was just a bit of shitposting...
We came all this way to make amends, and bring her back safe, just for this?I can’t do it man. There has to be something we can do. Even if it’s entirely useless, we’ve got to try. We can at least know we tried.
>>5745824We could...unleash the HUNGER?
>>5745832If ever there were a time, this would be it. I’m just hoping she maybe gets her legs shorn off by the door. At least she’d have a chance of survival then. She’d be crippled, obviously, but alive.
Here's my issue (as I write from work): is it fair to allow another chance even if Pepper is crippled rather than killed? A precedent was set with Ronnie earlier so I don't want to be perceived as a backpedaller especially if all it takes is a character being LIKED to live...That said, you DO have The Hunger. But the same or similar argument would apply to the situation with Ronnie earlier. We rolled three 1's, after all.That said, I also want to keep things relatively enjoyable, so I will make one more vote to keep everything on the level:SHOULD I GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO SAVE PEPPER WITH THE HUNGER KNOWING FULL WELL IT MIGHT RESULT IN CONSEQUENCES SUCH AS DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, OR WORSE TO HER AND OTHER PARTY MEMBERS?>YES, GIVE US A SHOT>NO, STICK WITH THE ESTABLISHED SYSTEMPlease don't let waifuing interfere here--I want to keep the game fair, but also don't want to make things TOO grimdark. Give me your honest and fair opinion and we'll see what happens when I get home! Thanks for your consideration!
>>5745858>>YES, GIVE US A SHOTI Think a Cripple will be better as I feel like it would be harder to deal with as we would have to make some dangerous and risky moves to try and save her.
>>5745858>NO, STICK WITH THE ESTABLISHED SYSTEMAs much as I don't want to lose Pepper, this is a quest where Bones has overtly stated that characters can and will die. If three critfails over two consecutive rolls in a high-risk environment including on a Very Important Roll basically to not die doesn't kill someone, what will?
>>5745858>NO, STICK WITH THE ESTABLISHED SYSTEMGod damnit. Fuck. We kept joking about it and then the stars aligned. It kills me to do this.Even if she’s dead, I’m still going to vote to tear that door down. I don’t want to leave her body to those things.
Rolled 2 (1d2)>>5745858>1=HUNGER>2=NO-HUNGERAs much as I'm all for Diesel embracing his inner-abomination, waifu-railroading is a surefire way to kill a quest.I'll let the dice decide.
>>5745858>NO, STICK WITH THE ESTABLISHED SYSTEMSometimes, characters die in a quest like this. It is what it is. Some people will get salty, some people will quit for a while, some people will bail forever, but for the quest to have stakes (let alone to feel like horror), there must be consequences. I say this even as someone who finds Pepper adorable and wishes she would live. If you aren't going to kill her, this should at least take her off the board -- criple her for life/until the end of the quest, deform her, put he rin a coma, turn her into a monster. Something irreversible in the near term and with lasting, meaningful consequences.
>>5745858Well with only 100 possible outputs there is always a chance of a character getting very unlucky in a critical situation
>>5745858>NO, STICK WITH THE ESTABLISHED SYSTEMAhg, it sucks, but I'll not stand in the way of Bone's integrity. Just...give us a chance to carry her legacy, yeah?
>>5745866>YES>>5745872>>5745886>>5745891>>5745893>>5745979>NOHere goes, then--thanks for the feedback. Writing
It sucks it has to be this way, but RNGesus giveth, and RNGesus taketh away.
>>5746025Minus the giveth part. He ain’t done a whole lotta that.
>>5746029We got to cop a feel last thread, unfortunately we're not going to be able to get lucky with her again.
It’s not enough. A cluster of sparks shoots from the card reader before the entire airlock drops like a guillotine! NO!You catch it. You have no idea how, but you catch it! Legs spread as wide as your track pants allow, you immediately feel a tearing sensation wash over your back muscles as you feel the solid metal dig into your palms!That’s when you realize Raj is at your side holding it up with you.PEP, you laugh, you CAUGHT it! Hurry up!Pepper doesn’t respond.Hey, you groan, trying and failing to hide the growing pain in your voice, you could totally hold this up all day, but-“You came all the way down here… just for me…”The timbre in the girl’s voice forms a small knot in your chest. Well… yea, you grunt, you were worried–we all were!That earns a quiet laugh from her. “... god, what a klutz I turned out to be, huh?”You can… you can joke about it later, you grunt as your fingers start to grow numb from lack of circulation, now come ON or I’ll drag you through myse-Her answer comes in the form of three items being stuffed through the crack between the floor and the door: a PHONE, a HARD DRIVE, and a DIGITAL CAMERA.The knot triples in size. “Do me a favor, sandcrab.” She commands in a solemn tone.No...“Don’t… don’t let these go to waste, okay?” Pepper adds, her voice trembling as it struggles to stay calm, “I need you to-”NO!A burst of strength courses through your arms as you feel anger well up inside you–you can DO this! RODNEY,, you snarl, GET THE FUCK OVER HERE NOW!The feeling only lasts as long as it takes Rodney to join you, and even with your combined might the crack is barely wide enough to fit a hard drive through…But what kills your anger is when you feel a small, soft hand clasp yours.“Promise me, Diesel.” She repeats in a calmer tone, “I need you to do this for me, okay?”She can do it herse-“Rodney, Raj,” The girl continues in that forced-calm voice, “Take care of Diesel for me.”“Yea…” Stammers Raj as his arms start to waver. Rodney just stays silent.“And Diesel?”This is stupid, you hiss, no longer feeling the pain, this is fucking STUPID. She just needs to… to try an-“It’s okay…” She interrupts with a hint of hope in her voice, “I’ve… I’ve got another way out over here…”A lone tear wells up in your eye. BULLSHIT!“Tell Jake I’m sorry, okay?” She continues as the distant screeches grow closer, “For everything.”Tell… you stammer as you let the tears run down your sweaty face, tell him yourSE-“And thanks, sandcrab…” Pepper sniffs as you hear a smile in her voice, “You’re… you’re my first best friend…”You can’t hold on any longer… but you’ve got time to say one more thing:>CONTD.
>>5746044Last chance. What do you say to Pepper?>I’M SORRY.>I’LL MISS YOU.>GOODBYE.>THIS ISN’T OVER.>*STAY SILENT*>WRITE-IN
>>5746044>I love you too, Pepper.If we can, squeeze her hands/fingers one last time.
>>5746045>WRITE-IN>I WILL PUT A STOP TO THIS, I PROMISE.Pass her our revolver with the single cartridge in it. I don’t want her to suffer.Fuck me.
>>5746045>YOU'RE MY FIRST BEST FRIEND, TOO
>>5746061Let's go with this.Fuck.
>>5746049Seconding. I can't just leave it at best friend, especially if this is the last thing we say to her.
>>5746094>>5746049What if she somehow lives or returns to life, and holds us to it?>>5746061>>5746086What if there's a chance she could survive?
>>5746109I would rather we leave her knowing we loved her rather than handing her a gun and asking her to kill herself.
>>5746109I think that at this point, Diesel does love Pepper to some degree, so she can go ahead and hold us to it since it's not a lie. Even if you don't believe that diesel romantically loves her, he at least loves her as a friend and comrade.
>>5746110Fine. I’ll change my last words here >>5746061 to>I love you too, Pepper.But I still want to hand her that gun. The alternative is that she gets torn apart by those things, and I’ll tell you now that’s going to be excruciating.
>>5746117Alright yeah let's hand her the gun as well so perhaps she can defend herself.
>>5746109>SpoilersMaybe there is a chance she somehow, against every odd presented, escapes on her own. She said she saw a way out from her side, although I can’t tell whether she was saying that for our sake, if she meant she was going to off herself, or if she was being genuine.
>>5746117I'll vote to give her the dynamite and lighter, giving her a gun with one round just seems like she can only use it on herself, but she can use the dynamite either offensively or for a quick way out.
>>5746129Alright, I’ll roll with this. Worse case scenario, she can still use it to keep those things from getting her.Switching to>GIVE HER THE DYNAMITE AND LIGHTERif Bones will allow it given the time limit.
>>5746133I'll allow it. Figured you guys could use a break here...>>5746117>>5746049>>5746094>LOVE YOU>>5746077>BEST FRIEND TOO>>5746129>>5746133>>5746121>GIVE PARTING 'GIFT': DYNAMITE AND LIGHTERWriting
>>5746137
>>5746149Me too, buddy. Me too.
>>5746156>RESIST IT?Both options seem very similar, but One implies more aggression... Which will probably make not going berserk and irrational harder.This is a sad, sad day.
>>5746156>FIGHT IT?Are these two options the same thing or does one mean to fight whatever's around us?
You know exactly what she means when what might just be her last words to you caress your ears without any trace of smugness, humor, or sarcasm.For a moment the pain of the hidden meaning behind them overpowers the pain all over your body.I… you stammer as you power through the white-hot sting in your hands to reach into your pocket and toss your LAST STICK OF DYNAMITE AND GOLDEN LIGHTER through the crack, I love you too, Pepper… and I… nrgh… I WILL put a stop to this…I PROMISE.You can almost hear her regarding your parting gift as something scurries through the vents on the other side.And then you hear a giggle. Unforced. Untainted by sadness or regret.Happy.“Guess… guess ya scooped me again, sandcr… Diesel…”Pepper’s hand gives yours one final squeeze before your strength leaves you. Crashing to the ground with a decisive BOOM that echoes across your side of the airlock, the door barely muffles the sound of dozens of legs skittering into the ARMORY...… and culminates in one explosion that shakes the door on its hinges.You take one last look at the bloody valleys carved into your palms before everything goes RED.>FIGHT IT?>EMBRACE IT?Sorry, I'd like to say I made that mistake because of Pepper going, but I think I'm just stupid.
>>5746162>>EMBRACE IT?
>>5746162No worries QM. Then >>5746159 becomes...>FIGHT IT?We're alone in a room with our two surviving friends. let's not
>>5746162Even though logically the best action would be to fight it, I'm pretty sure that was traumatizing enough that Diesel would not have enough psychological energy to resist.>EMBRACE IT?
>>5746162>FIGHT IT?Pack it up. Put in a cage. Wait for the moment. Then. Then let it loose. Let it roar. Let them scream and run and know your pain.
>>5746162>FIGHT IT?Don’t let Raj or Rodney get hurt. This isn’t their fault.It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way. I need a drink
>>5746201She will be avenged.
>>5746163>>5746183>EMBRACE!>>5746170>>5746185>>5746201>FIGHT IT!Writing!
The Hunger isn’t even fighting you anymore. Why should it? A wolf doesn’t need to expend energy on a fresh kill–why are you any different?You feel something lurch in the periphery of your mind. You’re moving, you think–towards a target, maybe? Anywhere’s better than the lab, now.Anywhere…So much for your rebellion, you think, not that you can do much else right now. For all your bluster, for all your struggling, for every blow you’ve taken and riddle you’ve solved, what exactly have you GAINED?The ire of a deranged scientist and the blood of a friend–no, a loved one, on your hands. At least when Ronnie bit it you barely knew the guy–Pepper, though…You’re probably the only person she ever really opened up to. And now she’s gone...It would be so easy to just sit back and relax now–to just hand the reins over to whatever’s taking up residence inside you and watch the whole island burn in your wake.Worthy, you scoff in a hollow, disembodied thought. Worthy of WHAT?You’re pouncing now–hopefully on something that deserves it. God forbid this stupid thing triggers when you NEED it to! Something stirs within you as you feel the comfort of an old friend: ANGER. It’s not FAIR that you had to deal with all this! It’s not fair that tonight of all nights was the one where monsters crashed the party! Just imagine how things would have gone if it was just a NORMAL Grad Bash!Your blood gets hotter. The Hunger warily stares at your consciousness with unseen senses. It’s watching you…Pepper gave her life because she was certain something was wrong–hell, she dived alone into an abandoned mine for people that didn’t give a SHIT about her because nothing was more important to her than the truth!Something washes over you and your mind–something that urges you, no, COMPELS you to keep control!Pepper died for the truth… and she passed that task on to you!YOU’RE NOT GIVING UP YET!>ROLL ME 1d100+35 (-15 THE HUNGER GROWS, +50 YOU’VE GOT A JOB TO DO!) TO TAKE CONTROL! BEST OF 3!
Rolled 1 (1d100)>>5746258
>>5746259Jesus fucking christ, I cede al rolling duties forever.
No fucking way. No fucking way
I'm conflicted here. On one hand this is some BS, but on the other hand this is some sort of marvel of probability, and on ANOTHER hand it's almost funny at this point!I'm uh... I'm gonna pick this up SATURDAY AROUND 9-10AM, I think. Holy cow, no one had better buy lottery tickets today!
I don't even want to roll. I give up.
Well shit. I'm not touching the fucking dice, that's for sure.
Rolled 99 (1d100)>>5746258All gods are bastards
>>5746278You're fucking welcome
>>5746281I... Don't think a 99 negates a 1. I wish it did. I'm sorry, anon.
Rolled 13 + 35 (1d100 + 35)>>5746258This shit is just mocking us now. It takes all that from us and then spits on us afterward. The dice gods had better hope we don’t get ahold of them.
>>5746262I personally say to take the consequences. We didn’t let Pepper die just to back out of it now.
>>5746259Holy hell. And I thought the dice in my quest were cursed.
This is the part of the quest where we go solo...on account of eating everyone else.
>>5746306>tortured Diesel arcI mean, I REALLY don't want Raj to die, but that could also be fun.
Now I'm sure of it, the fairies are taking revenge for breaking us breaking the deal in bones quest
>>5746312I don't know what you're talking about, and certainly had nothing to do with both any write ins or ones rolled
This is why I'm against critfails on principle.
>>5746358Realistically speaking, on a single roll there is a one in one hundred, i.e. a one percent chance of rolling a one. If we have one hundred rolls per thread, the odds would dictate that we should see a single one per thread. Now, this is a gross oversimplification of things, but that’s the gist of it. You can actually math that out more.This shit, on the other hand, defies probability. According to a calculator, our odds of having rolled four ones (and this doesn’t even count the fact that Pepper managed to get two of them placed exactly on her own roll when we rolled for multiple characters) is six in a hundred thousand. Or one in sixteen-thousand-six-hundred-sixty-six-point-six. In other words, we got monumentally unlucky.It would be truly fascinating if it didn’t piss me off.
>>5746377A more accurate count would actually be 1 in 16,343 when I account for the 1 following the six. Which is slightly more likely, but not at all enough to make it any less ridiculous of a chance.Imagine you are one person in a crowd of sixteen-thousand-three-hundred-thirty-four people, and it is declared that one person will randomly be chosen to be shot. That person happened to be us. Out of sixteen-thousand-three-hundred. That goes beyond bad luck.
>>574638116,393 not 16,343
>>5746262Buy lottery tickets today, I think we have used up our bad luck
>>5746377>>5746381>>5746358>>5746382>>5746398I've been thinking about this all night and I still can't really wrap my mind around it, nor can I believe we rolled another Nat 1 afterwards.When you put it like that explanation, though, it's amazing how unlucky we were. In fact, I'd say that rolling that many crit-fails is special.Like some kind of roundabout crit-success.Frankly I think that in itself deserves a reward. That's all I'm gonna say for now--update in an hour or so
>>5746377I guess when you take into account that we've rolled... What, five 1s across 170-or-so dice rolls in this thread, the odds are more like 2.1% that we'd get that many crutfails across the thewad. It's just that so many of them fell in that little window that's uncanny, but sometimes people win the lottery and sometimes they get struck by lightning.
>>5746259>>5746278>>5746286>THE ROLL: 1! HOLY SHIT! Writing!
You summon all your will to do battle against the monster growing inside of your head, but your opponent knows your weaknesses now–and it’s playing for keeps.Images of Pepper, Raj, even Rodney being torn apart by monsters flood your mind–their flesh ripped to shreds, their bones crunched by jaws that were once human. You only falter for a moment, but it’s enough.YOU ARE WORTHY!You awaken in a dark room coated head to toe in a layer of hot sweat. A roaring fire crackles from the confines of an archaic stone fireplace–its mantle stuffed with rough-hewn wooden figurines whittled from what you assume to be the island’s local trees.You lift your heavy head off of an old, yellowed pillow and wince at the sharp pain ringing through it like a hangover from Hell.That’s when it all comes back to you.The Lab. The mysterious taunter on the monitors. Pepper. The emotions hit you like a tsunami and send you reeling back into the modest, but comfortable bed.You’re lost. Adrift in a sea of plots and schemes you can’t comprehend created by people you never even knew about until tonight… shit, you mutter as the roaring storm outside shakes the cabin you woke up in, everything’s just so FUCKED…To make matters worse, your WRIST WHIP peeks out from below your hand as if to say ‘hey, jerk! I’m still here too!’. Retracting it with an annoyed growl, you clench your fists before pulling together enough resolve to sit up again.Remember Master’s teachings, you mutter to yourself as you close your eyes in concentration, just because you’re down doesn’t mean you’re out…… and remember what makes Diesel Diesel. Can’t forget Raj’s wisdom either.Taking a steadying breath of the cozy, smoky air, you quickly take stock of your belongings… and FREEZE.PEPPER’S PHONE. THE CAMERA. They’re both there… but the HARD DRIVE–Did you drop it!?Uncertainty creeps in as you glance around the cabin. Past an antique fridge and the simple kitchen it resides in is what appears to be a dining table, but its surface is filled to the brim with documents, unwashed plates, and mountains of STICK-IT NOTES. Seems to be the owner’s office more than anything else…On the end table next to you are a few pill bottles–nothing you recognize. There’s a picture, too–a picture of an unfamiliar bearded man, a woman in a sundress, and a baby held between them.It looks old.As you crane your neck around the room, you feel a slight sting in your neck–brushing your hand against its origin, your fingers run over a small, bloody divot–like a dart or something had pierced it.What do?>LOOK THROUGH PEPPER’S STUFF.>LEAVE. YOU DON’T WANNA BE HERE WHEN THE CABIN’S OWNER RETURNS.>INVESTIGATE THE DINING TABLE ‘OFFICE’.>TRY TO CONTACT HANK OR SOMEONE. >CHECK THE FRIDGE AND KITCHEN–YOU’RE HUNGRY AS A HORSE!>WRITE-IN!
>>5746587>>CHECK THE FRIDGE AND KITCHEN–YOU’RE HUNGRY AS A HORSE!Did we kill everyone?
>>5746587>LOOK THROUGH PEPPER’S STUFF.
>>5746594DO NOT EAT WHILE IN A FUGUE STATE DO NOT EAT ANY MEAT IT MIGHT BE RAJ OR RODNEY>>5746587>LOOK THROUGH PEPPER’S STUFF.Pep. :(
>>5746587>CHECK THE FRIDGE AND KITCHEN–YOU’RE HUNGRY AS A HORSE!Food. Food makes it better.
>>5746587>INVESTIGATE THE DINING TABLE ‘OFFICE’.
>>5746594>>5746612>FRIDGE>>5746603>>5746607>PEPPER'S STUFF>>5746633>INVESTIGATE THE OFFICEWe've got a tie for the first two, so we'll roll with that for now. Writing!
Your vision swims as you rise from the bed onto sore, shaky legs. Groaning at the addition of even more pain to the pile, it dawns on you that you can’t really remember the last time you ate anything!And after everything that’s happened, you could use a meal. Or six. ‘A good meal cures all’, you grunt to no one in particular, that’s what Uncle Emilio always says, anyways. You’re not too confident about this time, but it’s worth a shot.Your legs support you like they’re made of jelly as you stumble over to the kitchen. Though smaller than the one in the mansion, it has the bare necessities–a sink, counters, wood cabinets that were clearly carved by the owner, and an old gas stove with a black stock pot sitting on top of a smaller burner.You brush your hand against the side of the pot. It’s still warm.Lifting the lid rewards you with a banquet for the senses: spices rise to greet your nose as the essentials of a hearty stew bob up, down, and all around a bubbling broth: carrots, mushrooms, potato, and plenty of meat!The sight alone is enough to make you drool! Leaning back to avoid seasoning the feast with your spit, you barely resist the urge to pour the pot’s contents down your gullet–with everything that’s happened tonight you can only imagine where that meat came from…Instead you turn your attention to the old blue and white-speckled coffee percolator sitting on the counter next to a mortar and pestle caked in fresh coffee grounds. This refreshment you can’t ignore–grabbing a somewhat-clean metal mug from the sink, you pour some of the coffee maker’s steaming contents into it and don’t even bother waiting for it to cool before drinking!The brew is dark, bold, and hotter than hell–and right now it’s the best damn drink you’ve ever had. The coffee barely rushes down your throat before you feel its effects, and though it doesn’t erase the pain and fatigue, both physical and mental, it helps lighten the load a bit as you return to your bed.Warmed by the beverage, you take a steadying breath as you reach into your pockets and pull out Pepper’s effects. The aforementioned breath stumbles in your throat as you mistake your drink’s scent for Pepper’s, and as you start with the camera you feel that knot in your chest slowly return…>CONTD.
The camera trembles in your grasp as you flip through the pictures. Even after deleting everything, on your command, you painfully recall, Pepper got busy: your standoff with Smythe, the minecart ride, the lab and the freaks of nature that dwelled in the caves–your entire adventure preserved in one little memory card.Incredible, you think as you return the device to your pockets, just incredible. Even without that HARD DRIVE she might have just given you enough leverage to weather the storm…You just wish she was here to see that happen.Sniffing a bit, you move on to the girl’s PHONE in all its cutesy, heart-speckled glory. You recall her saying it was a burner phone when you met her on the boat, but for all of her skill in acquiring info, the girl was pretty shitty at lying…Thankfully it still has battery, but as the screen lights up you’re greeted by a 5 LETTER PASSWORD PROMPT. Figures. Tapping your chin in thought, the pain softens a bit as you rise to meet the challenge presented by this new puzzle…What would be so important to Pepper that she’d use it as a password?YOU HAVE 3 ATTEMPTS REMAINING>JAKEY>WATER>MOMMA>SCOOP>TRUTH>FACES>MONEY>SMILE
>>5746692>TRUTH>SCOOP>JAKEY
>>5746692>SCOOP
>>5746692>>TRUTH>>SCOOP>>SMILEPepper was probably lonely/sad/isolated before meeting us, SMILE would be a more surefire third choice.
>>5746698>>5746703>>5746709THE TALLY:>TRUTH: 2>SCOOP: 3>JAKEY: 1>SMILE: 1Writing!
The obvious answer comes to you so easily you almost laugh! Tapping a few letters into the phone, you frown as your guess is rejected!You were SURE it was gonna be ‘SCOOP!’ Isn’t that what she was always after? Smacking the phone against your head, you feel guilt join the knot in your chest–how is that not the answer!? She was obsessed with unearthing the truth about every little thing, even if it blew up in her fa-That’s it!Spelling out ‘TRUTH’, your finger hovers over the enter key for a moment. You know you won’t be locked out forever, but something inside you compels you to look through her phone now… if only for a little closure.Letting a breath loose, you press the button. With a soft ‘click’ from the phone’s cracked surface, you find yourself looking at Pepper’s home screen–its background a default blue gradient. Several icons await you upon entry–most of them useless due to the lack of signal.There’s TEXT MESSAGES, of course–all of which are from three people in her address book: JAKEY, MOM, and the oldest one: DAD.Warnings. Pleas for her to stop. Digital arguments that go on for days. When you scroll down enough on Jake’s, however, you find a point where the siblings are teasing each other–sharing memes, joking, setting up plans like what to get mom for Mother’s Day and what they want to do for each other’s birthdays.Those messages, however, are years back.As for dad, well… all that remains is a singular text from Pepper:‘I’m sorry, okay? I’M SORRY. You don’t have to answer my calls, but please answer Mom’s. She’s worried’That coupled with the few contacts in her ADDRESS BOOK don’t help your mood much, save for one recent entry that puts the faintest hint of a smile on your face:‘DIESEL <3’Goddamn it, Pepper…Feeling the knot tighten a bit, you move on to the PICTURES, which, like her text messages, paint a nasty picture in themselves. Before tonight the entire album is nothing but shots of ‘Scoops’--unfamiliar documents, people clearly not wanting to be watched, shots of places clearly closed off to the public.But then you reach the newer ones and find yourself staring at a dopey-looking pizza guy tripping face-first into a puddle on the ferry… and countless other candid shots of you and Raj leading up to tonight’s horrors.You were wrong–these don’t make you feel any better at all.>CONTD.
>>5746766Closing the photo tab, you bite your quivering lip and check out the NOTES section–none of them really pertain to tonight save for the recording the redhead took of your tormentor’s voice… listening to it again, you can say with absolute certainty that you’ve heard it before…But where? It’s got a different intonation to it–like the speaker was using a different voice the last time you heard it. Well whoever it is, if you can’t figure it out then someone else can. Which reminds you–where the hell are the ot-Your thoughts are torn asunder as the jingling of keys outside rises above the sound of the roaring storm! Before you can hide, the front door swings open revealing a mountain of a man clad in an olive drab raincoat and soaking black boots! A bushy brown and gray beard peeks out from underneath an old leather hat along with two gray-blue eyes. Staring at you like a hawk, the man silently returns a weathered HUNTING RIFLE onto a rack by the door alongside his hat revealing a near-bald buzzed head beneath.Frozen in indecision, you watch the man’s every move as he tromps over to the kitchen and retrieves a pair of bowls from one of the cabinets along with two wooden spoons. Pouring a lion’s share of the stew into each bowl, the man carries both over to the bed and places one of them on the end table. Dripping rain water all over the log floor as he goes, the mountain man takes a seat in a chair facing you before scooping some of the meal into his mouth.“Sleeping Beauty woke up.” He muses in a voice too serious to be a joke. “Eat.”What do?>TACKLE HIM!>WRIST WHIP!>GO FOR THE GUN!>EAT!>ASK WHO THE HELL HE IS!>STAY SILENT.>WRITE-IN!
>>5746766:(
>>5746768>EAT!>ASK WHO THE HELL HE IS!The groundskeeper, yes, but how he answers and what else he tells us about himself could be key. Think like Pepper.>ASK HOW WE GOT HERE, AND WHERE OUR FRIENDS ARE
>>5746768>>ASK WHO THE HELL HE IS!>WRIST WHIP!
Also might wanna specify what you want to do with said WRIST WHIP--I put it there assuming people would wanna attack, so lemme know!
>>5746768>EAT!>ASK WHO HE IS?>>5746766>She had a heart next to our contactGod damnit dude.
>>5746774Restrain
>>5746771+1 No need to be hasty.
>>5746768Switch me from >>5746776 to >>5746771 I like the last question.
>>5746771>>5746778>>5746788>EAT!>WHO IS HE?>HOW'D WE GET HERE AND WHERE'S OUR PALS?>>5746772>WHO IS HE!?>RESTRAIN WITH WRIST WHIP!Writing!
In any other situation you’d be a little more wary of the strange old man commanding you to eat, but once the scent drifts up from the bowl and into your nostrils, you find yourself taken over again by THE HUNGER!The normal kind, that is. Tearing into the stew like a starved wolf, you don’t even need the spoon as you scarf down the meal in seconds flat! The man watches you with impassive eyes as you wipe the remains from the sides of your mouth before tasting a hearty spoonful himself.“Seconds if you want.” He grunts before nodding towards the pot. You want, sure, but you manage to hold it together… if Pepper were here she’d be assaulting this guy with questions! Especially if he is who you think he is!You start with an easy one: who is he, exactly?“GROUNDSKEEPER.” He grunts before taking another bite from his bowl. You gathered, you frown, but what about his name?“Call me CHUCK,” the groundskeeper replies with a hint of wariness in his tone. “And you?”Diesel, you sigh as you feel the stew settle in your stomach next to the coffee–you’re uh… you’re the Pizza Delivery Guy.The old man grunts again in between chewing. “‘Zat so.”This guy’s a real chatterbox, huh? And on Hauser’s payroll. Dangerous. Still, he hasn’t murdered you yet, and that’s enough to convince you to dig deeper. He’s… he’s Libby’s dad, right?The bowl falls out of his calloused hands as he shoots out of his chair! “You’ve seen her?! WHERE IS SHE!?”The sudden anger in his voice causes you to sink back into the bed! You don’t know, you retort in as calm of a voice you can muster, but you saw her earlier! At the party!The fire in the old man’s eyes dissipates almost immediately as anger gives way to sadness. “... I see…”He’s, you mutter, trying not to poke a sensitive spot, he’s looking for her, huh? The mountain man gives you a slow nod.“Had a message for her, but she never showed,” He growls as he looks out the window at the torrential rain pounding against the glass, “... ain’t gonna kid myself. Been out there all night and haven’t found a trace.”The cozy cabin air grows a little colder between you two. What, uh… what was the message?“First thing’s first.” Chuck begins in his grizzled voice as he reaches into his pocket, “Where’d you get this?”Out from his coat’s many pockets comes a familiar HARD DRIVE.>TELL THE TRUTH!>LIE!>DEFLECT–WHERE DID HE FIND IT?>STAY QUIET!>ATTACK!>RUN!>WRITE-IN!
>>5746847>TELL THE TRUTH!>HAVE WRIST-WHIP READY TO RETRIEVE IT
>>5746852+1
>>5746852This. He’d better not try to keep it from us.
>>5746847>>TELL THE TRUTH!>>HAVE WRIST-WHIP READY TO RETRIEVE IT
>>5746847>TELL THE TRUTH!But make it pretty damn clear we paid a heavy price for it.
>>5746852>>5746860>>5746861>>5746866>>5746933>TRUTH!>HAVE WRIST-WHIP READY!Writing!
You woke up in Chuck’s Cabin–if he wanted you out of the picture he wouldn’t have bothered waiting for you to get some beauty sleep… and the reaction to his daughter’s name, well… it seemed more genuine than most things you’ve heard this evening.You found that in a lab, you reply as you stare the old man square in his grayish eyes, the one below the mines. With the utterance of the word ‘LAB’, both you and the Groundskeeper flinch a bit–him in clear recognition of what you’re talking about, you in recognition of who you left there.And you paid more than its weight in blood, you add, making sure to put an emphasis on the last word. Maybe more than you remember…Chuck looks you up and down for a tense moment before rising from his feet and slowly heading for his RIFLE. It’s too deliberate of a move to suggest he was going to shoot you, but nonetheless you keep your WRIST WHIP coiled and ready to snatch it out of his hands!“Took three of these to take you down,” he grunts as he pulls some kind of DART out from the rifle’s chamber and shows it to you! “Found ya’ scamperin’ through the woods like a mad dog–blood on ya’ from head to toe.”You glance down at your clothes to confirm his story–though still damp from the rain, your TRENDY TRACKSUIT DOES have the stains to support his story… So that hole in my neck, you continue warily, that was him?“Better me than Smythe.” He shrugs as he places his rifle back on its hook. “Or one of those things…”And let me guess, you continue with confidence returning to your voice, he knows all about that, doesn’t he?“Everything.” The groundskeeper nods as he takes a seat again. “‘S why I wanted to get ahold of Libby.”You blink. Explain.“I knew my boss’ experiment was gonna happen.” Begins Chuck as he shifts in his seat, “Heard all about his kid’s little bash, too. Hauser thought it’d be a good cover: competitors see a bunch of people comin’ to the island, they don’t bat an’ eye.”And he was alright with that? With having his daughter and everyone else becoming monster chow!?It takes you a moment to realize you’re standing up. Chuck remains unphased. “The outbreak was not part of the plan,” he replies in his deep, clear voice, “And no, I’m not alright with any of this.”Then… then why, you stammer angrily, WHY is this happening!?“Because the company’s got me by the balls,” he sighs as he spares a glance towards the picture on the end table, “and Hauser made a deal with the devil. THAT’S why.”THE SCIENTIST, you mutter under your breath.Chuck responds with a slow nod.>CONTD.
>>5747019Without saying a word, you retrieve PEPPER’S PHONE from your pocket and play back the recording she took of your tormenter. Chuck listens quietly the whole way through, and it’s only after you put the device away that he opens his mouth again.“So that’s how it is…” He remarks as he runs his hands along his beard, “Sounds like you’re one of her new playthings.”What the hell does THAT mean, exactly?! Is he suggesting-“A few months back this island was just another company testing site.” Chuck explains as he gestures to the woods outside, “The camps and all were still here, but at the time Hauser was workin’ on some kind of SUPER SOLDIER SERUM.”That explains the labs, you sigh, but what changed?“Somethin’ happened up North in CLEARWATER,” Adds the groundskeeper, “Somethin’ to do with sunken cities and machines that teleport people. Hauser wanted it bad, and when Smythe’s guys found some dirt on it and built a prototype, Hauser was over the moon: couldn’t keep his hands off of the damn thing.”But it wasn’t enough, you interrupt with a frown.“Nope,” Chuck replies with a shake of his head, “He came here almost every day of the week before throwin’ in the towel–ended up tracking down some kind of biology wunderkind in some Egyptian prison and sprung ‘em to get research moving along.” His already stern expression darkens. “They shoulda’ kept her locked up.”They found something, right? Some kind of parasite…“Some kinda alien, more like. Next thing you know there’s cargo ships coming by around the clock–all of ‘em filled to the brim with stray pets and homeless folk thinkin’ they’d won a contest or somethin’.”And they ended up becoming the things out there, right?“Some of ‘em, yea, but that bitch they hired kept burnin’ through ‘em–always askin’ for more because of some breakthrough...”That hard drive right there has all of her logs, you add, but they end talking about some sort of ‘SITE B’--is that related to ‘SITE D?’ Chuck shakes his head.“SITE D’s where the boss is holed up–his dumb ass got stuck here with the rest of us when his pet scientist opened all the cages. SITE B, though…” His voice trails off in thought, “... couldn’t tell ya.”He can’t, or he won’t?>CONTD.
>>5747020“I can’t.” The old man growls with an impressive frown! “I saw plenty of construction around the island, but they kept me outta’ the loop on which one B is. Could be around the GOLF COURSE, could be on the WEST SIDE OF THE ISLAND, could even be beneath one of those CAMPS, but wherever it is that’s where those BIG BASTARDS are bein’ churned out of.”Hold on, you stammer as you motion for him to stop, bastardS!? There’s MORE!?“DOZENS,” The groundskeeper replies with a grim nod, “An’ there’s gonna be more by the time morning comes around.” His eyes narrow at you. “... not to mention whatever the hell she’s cookin’ up inside of you…”Puzzle pieces slowly connect inside your pounding head. How… how did I get here? Where are my friends?“Like I said, I found you running through the woods howlin’ like a goddamn animal.” Chuck sighs with growing frustration in his voice. “Thought you were goin’ hysterical so I put a dart in ya… those things could take a charging bear down, so when you kept going, well…” He pauses as a hint of concern crosses his stony face. “Anyways, I brought you back here and gave you some pills to calm ya’ down. Sounded like you were angry about somethin’, so I improvised.”Well whatever he did, it freed you from whatever’s trying to take control… but did he see anyone else? A guy in an orange hoodie, maybe? Or a blonde in a snakeskin jacket?You pause.Or… a redhead with a sweater vest and a plaid skirt?“Seen a few people tonight:” He replies with an apologetic sigh, “Smythe, some kids in some kind of band, two jackasses in red and blue jackets… think I saw two of your pals head up the mountain towards the antenna, too, but they’re probably done for by now.”Confusion hits you like a water balloon to the face. Wait, why?“The mountain path’s a deathtrap, is why–hasn’t been maintained worth shit.” Growls Chuck with disdain! “Me and my guys have tried, but without the right materials it’s one big patch job–been bugging Hauser about it for ages and the sonnovabitch never got back to me.”So just to be clear, you continue, head still muddled by all the new info, he didn’t see anyone by the mine?This time it’s Chuck’s turn to blink in confusion. “Kid, I found ya on the NORTH POINT of the island. If you were by the mines you musta’ ran a few miles.”SHIT.>CONTD.
>>5747024You fall back onto the bed as the realization hits you. One more thing, you mutter in a dazed tone, who is this scientist anyways? Did he meet her?“Couldn’t forget her if I tried.” Spits the groundskeeper. “RIVKA BERTRUGER--don’t worry about what she studies–she’ll tell ya’ whether you want to hear it every time you run into her. Clocked her psychotic ass the moment I saw her step onto the docks a few months ago… I’m a pretty good judge of character–knew right there an’ then she was bad news.”You open your mouth to ask another question, but Chuck’s anger butts in with another snarl!“Murderous blue-haired bitch... I’m gonna tear her to pieces for what she did to my daughter…”BLUE-HAIRED.Questions fall down like the raindrops outside, but if she’s who you think she is…You’ve gotta track down the others, and FAST.>I NEED TO GET TO THE MANSION–DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING SPEEDY?>YOU SAID THE COMPANY HAD YOU BY THE BALLS–WHAT DO YOU MEAN?>WHICH WAY DID THOSE BAND KIDS GO?>ANYTHING I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LIBBY?>THE TWO JACKETED GUYS–WHERE’D THEY HEAD OFF TO?>CAN YOU HELP ME IN ANY OTHER WAY?>WHERE IS SITE D?>NEVER MIND, I GOTTA GO!>WRITE-IN!
>>5747026>>I NEED TO GET TO THE MANSION–DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING SPEEDY?>YOU SAID THE COMPANY HAD YOU BY THE BALLS–WHAT DO YOU MEAN?>THE TWO JACKETED GUYS–WHERE’D THEY HEAD OFF TO?
