>>1013392
If we lead him away we leave our crossbow.

>>1013401
This, push him over, pin his body, get control of his arms. Make it clear you're not going to kill him or take his card (unless it's a five, but he'd probably have requested yours if so), but that you're happy to break his beak if he resists. Say the quicker this goes the better for you both.

All you're doing right now is verifying his card and then you're both going to get up and go somewhere else quick-like, where you can hide from whomever decides to investigate the shot.

He should also tell you of where the guy following you was and if he noticed what card they had. Check his body for his card while you talk, and if he kept the plat too. Be quick and let him up and grab your crossbow when done, so that no-one else can get the drop on you two.

Tell him trust is a premium in this match, but if you've both verified that neither is after the other, you have an advantage over others if you decide to stick together - if at a disadvantage on stealth. You're happy to let him keep hunting solo, though if he turns that gun on you again, you're not responsible for what might happen next.

"Two mistakes. One, bigger creatures have the advantage in close quarters - you should have fired when you had me at mercy. Beasts are smart, but one thing they don't do," fire a pistol round into his leg, use the shock to push him over, and hold the shaft of his gun to his throat (hopefully with both his hands still trapped), "is negotiate. Second, asking what card I'm after is a waste of breath, seeing as you don't know whether I care what your card is. I don't; I'll be taking every last one I come across regardless, starting with yours."

Once you have it, maneuver out of the way of any attacks that might be coming at your last-spoken position, and be on the lookout for that tail he mentioned.

Ceres 2021/10/22(Fri)09:47 No. 1013427 ID: 39d938
File 163492123068.png - (306.10KB , 800x600 , HQ16.png )

>that gunshot will attract attention
Being aware of this, I'll try to make this quick.
>Use your weight to pin him to the ground.
I push him over onto the ground and rip the gun from his hands, I throw it far to the side, so he won't be using it again. I firmly grasp both of his arms and pin him to the ground. He is unable to grab anything, and I'm too heavy for him to kick me off.

From here I can see what his card is. Six of Diamonds. Nothing special or of all that much use to me, but if I'm looking to get a flush, this would be a good start.

>"Alright, big lady, you've made your point. What now."
"You mentioned that someone was following me?"
>"A small ave in the trees. I can't see her too well, I'm nearsighted."
"Where's your platinum card?"
>"Discarded it. You don't need to hold onto it, it holds no value whatsoever. And who I'm looking for is nobody's business. I suggest you get rid of yours as well."
"If you're withholding information, I have no qualms with breaking your face."
>"Then do it."
"What happens if I take your card?"
>I'm going to look for you until I get it back. Like hell I'm going to win by hunting down four of a kind or taking down one of those gryphon-tier hunter freaks. If you don't like that, kill me."
"And if I leave it with you?"
>"Then we're even, and we go our separate ways. Don't bother asking for a favour in return."

>Fire a pistol round into his leg
Which one? He has one functioning leg and a wooden prosthetic. I wouldn't want to injure his good leg; I couldn't imagine myself being that cruel. On the other hand, if my goal is to hinder him, I could take his false leg away. Even that sounds cruel but is certainly preferable to injury or killing him.

Seems I have a few clear options. I can take the card and let him live, but then I'll have two people hunting for me. I can take the card and kill him, but being a killer isn't something I can come back from. I can take the card and hinder him by taking his prosthetic leg or weapons, but he'll likely be at the mercy of whoever was attracted by the gunshot. I can leave the card with him, and we go our separate ways.

Mm... he's got guts. Being rude, well, 's just that kind of a game. Everyone here was willing to risk their life and kill someone else, so we can't expect all that many to fold under threats. Don't think we can expect him to want to work with us, though, from the looks of it. Especially since he ditched the plat card - he didn't think he'd need to use it to prove his claim of who he's hunting. You still can.

But neither of you needs to kill the other. He could've tried to score a Straight with your card, but he didn't just shoot you for it. Fair's fair on that account, I think.

(... hah. Just thought of something. Keeping the card on your hat may make some hunters more nervous about shooting you there with certain weapons like the blunderbuss. They might hit and ruin the card, after all. Maybe he wasn't being so altruistic after all.)

>Nearsighted
Tell him he really should consider teaming up with someone who could tell him whether a card will be worth a damn to him, and not just assume and be forced into close-quarter matches.

Then get up. You'll let him be. Get your own crossbow and get moving, wasting no more time. Keep an eye on the trees too this time. Speak out loud, briefly. After all, you're already made by a certain someone, aren't you?

"You should know what I'm all about now. If I'm not who you're after or vice verse, wanna consider a team-up, tiny tree-buddy?"

His card is of no interest to you, and yours is of no interest to him (he could have demanded you surrender earlier). He's not a threat, and you have no reason to hurt him. However, you could collaborate to set up a trap for the ave following you.

Leave him. And discard the cards you have memorized.

>>1013427
Take his card and his leg. The other hunter will have no reason to attack him; the only thing he can do is tell them what your target is, though there's no way for either of them to know if that's the truth.

>>1013427
Unless you know for certain that a target is an absolute evil bastard-coated bastard with bastard filling. I'd go with not having to take anyone's lives either. As a general goal.

There's absolutely no need to hurt him.

Seems like we're burning daylight hassling this guy. Let's just leave'em be and be on our separate ways.

1/2 Ceres 2021/10/24(Sun)22:29 No. 1013563 ID: 39d938
File 163513978939.png - (295.83KB , 800x600 , HQ17.png )

I decide to let him go. His card isn't that valuable to me, and I don't need make enemies or draw blood this early into the event.

"Your card is of no interest to me; my card is of no interest to you.
>"I was prepared to die you know. You could have just killed me and been done with it."
"I've never heard of a great hunter who hunted aves."
>"A great hunter?

I retrieve my crossbow and start to go on my way. He gets up and stands away from me.
>"...In another world, you probably wouldn't even have hesitated. But this isn't that world. I won't make you glad for sparing me, but I won't make you regret it either."
"I suggest you look for someone to team up with. luring me into close quarters wasn't a bad plan, but you should find someone who can overcome your short-sightedness."
>"I suggest the same of you. Find someone who lacks what you have and has what you lack. Perhaps someone smaller. Someone more perceptive. As a matter a fact, you should dedicate the first day to finding a partner."
"Noted. I'll be on my way before that gunshot attracts people."
>"...This is unrelated, but you seem familiar."
"Trust me, I’m a nobody."

There is a quiet in the air as the distance between us increases. He faces away but doesn't move

>"Nine of hearts. That is who I am hunting. Do with that knowledge what you will."

2/2 Ceres 2021/10/24(Sun)22:30 No. 1013564 ID: 39d938
File 163513980360.png - (305.04KB , 800x600 , HQ18.png )

A few minutes pass after the encounter and it has become incredibly obvious to me that I am being followed. I can't see anything, but I can hear it if I listen carefully. Someone is jumping branch to branch when I move far enough from each tree.

>Team up
Not a bad idea if this ave can be a good spotter. I'll need to know what their intentions are first.

Should I announce my knowledge of them? Should I start talking to them? If so, what should I say? Or should I lead them into an opening to force them into a ground confrontation.

>>1013564
Dive into the bushes as suddenly as you can before you say as much to throw off their shot.

Set the terrain so it's to your advantage. Go where the tree cover is thinner, wear them out, and then try and trap them.

>>1013566
If you feel you have the time, act like you heard something in a different direction. Put him on guard.

If you move to an oppening, make sure you have some cover like big rocks or something. If not your pursuer could be tempted to attack from the trees.

well the other guy did say their was a small fella following you. Guess the best thing to do is find somewhere where you can brake line of sight but also make it so they will have to get closer to the ground to follow you. Any grassy planes around that you think could fit the bill?

Open ground would invite more trouble, other hunters who may have been drawn nearby. If you're to have a conversation now would be best - and it'd be wise to reduce the need to shout.

Head over to a big treetrunk, one you can circle around the back - which you can try to use as semi-cover. Make sure it's next to another tree that you can run to cover behind if need be, but preferably one that would require a bit of exposure by the branch-jumper to jump between the two if they take the most direct route (allowing you to spot them when they do).

Then initiate conversation.

"Truce, treehopper. Or I'll take to the open, make you abandon pursuit or force a move. If you're following me just hoping to be opportunistic, then we'll have a chat. I'll not be your distraction for free."

Pause and wait for a minute. If no words come, and there is no sound of movement, make an ultimatum.

"This is your first warning. If you carry on silent, I'll presume that you are targeting me and plot the same in return unless you prove to me otherwise. You should know my card and my target already, if you overheard the fight just now. You also saw I don't kill at the drop of a pin. You should have no reason to keep your distance - unless you have."

If there is still no word, make for the other tree as if you're bailing fast, but keep an eye on the opening above. If you spot them, you can choose whether to nail them with the crossbow or not.

Keep in mind the reason they kept following you - and not the other guy - might be because they're more interested in your card, so once they know the jig is up they might take their shot. If that occurs, you will definitely need to shake them or take them out somehow.

Ceres 2021/10/26(Tue)09:13 No. 1013647 ID: 39d938
File 163526480396.png - (322.70KB , 800x600 , HQ19.png )

I choose not to initiate conversation, not at least until I can understand what his or her motives are. I make no attempt at a move that will give away my knowledge of them.

Moving into an open grassy area much like the one from before could be good to stop my pursuer from following me through the safety of high ground and cover, but it could mean trouble if his or her weapon outranges my own.

>Circle around the tree trunk
I make an attempt at going around the trunk to catch them in the act, but I don't see anything. This stalker is being very cautious for some reason.

>Big rocks for cover.
I see a nearby clearing which fits the bill of an opening with a lot of rocks for cover. As to not make my follower suspicious, I pretend to hear a noise coming from that direction and I move there. I use a large tree to sever any possible line of sight as to which rocks I went between and find a good place to hide near some greenery, hoping to see if I can draw them out.

I wait for 15-20 minutes, and sure enough, a small ave wearing a poncho with a rifle on her back meekly traverses through the rocks. She looks ahead with a telescope, unsatisfied.

She mumbles under her breath
>darn, darn, darn, crud, crud, crud... kay, you total beak-brain! you lost sight of her...

>Keep in mind the reason they kept following you and not the other guy
That is an interesting point. The other guy seemed like a much easier target with the inferior range and the disability. It's possible she's trying to get my card, surely she got a good view of it from up in the trees.

I get a good look at her card. It is the ten of hearts.

She is at a complete disadvantage. Much like the situation from before, but in reverse. But unlike then, I see her having little chance of reversing the situation if it evolves into a fight. What should I do?

get in close and grab her if you think you can get right up next to her unseen.

If not you got your crossbow out and she has her weapon still on her back, just aim your crossbow at her and tell her to get on the ground slowly and to keep her hands (wings?) at her sides.

Either way ask why she's following you.

>Whatdo
Don't underestimate your foe, for one. Give her no opportunity to reverse the situation like you did with the other fellow. Walk up behind her, pistol raised (it's less cumbersome than the crossbow, and your greater frame makes it easier to keep out of reach from her should she make a grab for it), other arm ready to wrest their weapon from them if they drop their spyglass to reach for it, or to force her to the ground and restrain her if she reacts poorly.

"Bang, you're dead or dying - is my prophecy if you move."

If she panics and runs at the sound of you, run after her. Either tackle her, or swap with your crossbow to tag her or fire a warning shot.

If she freezes, confront her with her actions, as you restrain her firmly and place her on the ground.

"You followed me, not the other fellow. Show me your plat card if you kept it, or I will have a hard time trusting you with my back if we are to team up."

Point out if she climbed one of these rocks, she could get a better sightline and spot her target again.

why are we taking stupid risks? shoot to kill or at least disable.

>>1013779
Because they're not the target we need to kill, and we don't know for sure they're the ones who want to kill us, so going straight to murderin' seems excessive. Not necessarily the worst decision - they've given an indication they're after us by following us... but it's definitely not a sure thing. They could be following for a different reason than the hunt itself!

(For one, our dear Ceres Mountebanc has indicated that she - or at least her family name - is kinda famous/infamous. And the other hunter said she seemed familiar - like he almost recognized her without them ever having met before.)

So using our advantage to get the drop on her and figure out her deal isn't a bad move. Time will tell.

>>1013791
The classic tgchan blunder of trying to always take the diplomatic route, even when doing so opens us up to a greater risk than just shooting someone.

We don't know their reflexes, they're clearly young and energetic which means they could also be twitchy and unpredictable. We're probably not an inhuman crackshot, or I'd suggest we shoot their weapon out of their hands, but I still think we should shoot.

We already fucked up this approach once and got a lucky opening since they didn't take range into account.

>>1013820
We are currently interested in finding a hunting partner. Shooting someone is not a good way of convincing them to team up.

She isn't holding her weapon which appears to be a rifle on her back, she's turned away from us and her rifle is on her back.
We have the size advantage so if we quickly take the rifle and back away then she wouldn't have any immediate methods to harm us unless she has a pistol as well.
We shouldn't be complacent though, she might have a dagger so be wary.
Other than that we're the one with the advantage and killing people only paints a target on our back, a target we decided to forgo by not taking that other dude's card.

>>1013820
>Not an Inhuman Crackshot
>We don't know their reflexes
>Shoot the weapon out of her hand
We're at close range with a crossbow and we're probably well trained with it, her back is turned, an easy shot is ensured.
If she hasn't noticed us already she has no sixth sense or super hearing.
She's holding a spyglass not a weapon.
We're doing non-lethal not because of morality but because immediately harming people paints a big red target on our back.
We have the advantage, no need to waste it by being stupid.

>>1013820
We just have different subjective opinions! To my mind it's an acceptable risk to take, given that she doesn't have a gun in hand, we have the drop on her, we're larger and she's out of her stealth-and-treetop element, which we know she favored - and that we might actually want to try to recruit her (or as you would call it; 'be too diplomatic') if we can figure out why she was aiming for us.

And if she does go for a knife or somethin', that's what the pistol - or even crossbow - would be for.

>The classic tgchan blunder
Anyway - and please do listen to some sage advice on this - even if you disagree and think it's stupid, try not to make a stink over other people's leanings in their suggestions, diplomatic or otherwise. It's up to the quest author to make 'poor' decisions feel unwise, before or in the aftermath, and bring the quest onwards - or to a close - in a still interesting way.

Really, if you're greatly dissatisfied with the general approach of questden suggestors, then maybe you'll have more luck if you head on over to Sufficient Velocity, Something Awful or some other Questing-adjacent site where you can find quests/interactive cooperative games with userbases - and quests that are run - more in line with your preferences, rather than grumble about how dumb people are, which is rude and kinda pointless.

We both know this place, with its hallowed roots, is always gonna have a fair fraction of "hug X" suggestions.

(Speaking of which, hug the tiny bird. In a tight grapple.)

>>1013841
>>1013850
>>1013852
these posts convinced me to ease off, you're right I had a bit of a misread here on the situation. You also showcased some longer-term planning than just hugging every enemy in the hopes they don't shoot you.

>>1013849
This one did not. If you have objections to my post make them without telling me to fuck off to another website for not agreeing with your suggestion.

This feels almost too perfect of a situation here for us. We're being followed and just happen to find an easy draw for our hand?
Call it classic paranoia, but they could be bait to get us to lower our guard?

Let's try to use our stealth abilities to sneak up on the ave and use our strength to disarm and draw a card off them. If they're in cahoots with our follower, we may be able to use them as hostage, if worst comes to worst.

>>1013863
Suggesting you head elsewhere was rude. I apologize.

Mind you, calling out other suggestions as stupid and brandishing your peeve against Pacifists That Suggest Wrong was also unnecessary, and cause of the above.

Ceres 2021/11/12(Fri)02:14 No. 1014902 ID: bffbfd
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>why are we taking stupid risks? shoot to kill or at least disable.
Wouldn't seem fair to do seeing as I did neither of those things to somebody who probably would've deserved it more. It doesn't seem like much of a risk either as her weapon is holstered. She also almost looks too young to be hunting out here by herself. Out of her depth if I had to guess.

>family name is kinda famous/infamous
I belong to a family of well-known hunters, not that I know anything about hunting. but I'll need to keep that to myself. I only hope people don't recognize the resemblance to my more well-known family, brothers excluded. I cannot be directly associated with the Mountebanc name when hunting.

>Easy shot
It would be easy to shoot and be done with it, but there is no good to be gained holding onto a card that has zero worth to me. From both a numbers perspective and semantics perspective, the aggressive approach will do me no good here, it also probably does the opposite of benefiting me by making me a bigger target.

>shoot their weapon out of their hands
She isn't holding a weapon, but more importantly I doubt I could make a shot like that.

>hunting partner
It's possible she could be someone I'd like to partner up with. To what extent we should help each other depends on her capabilities. I can choose to team up with as many people that are willing, but the more people I travel with the harder it may be to go by unnoticed.

>hug her in a tight grapple
>get in close and grab her if you think you can get right up next to her unseen.
I decide to take no chances. I also try not to underestimate her either, being weary of any concealed weapon she might have and ready to act accordingly. Clearly, she thinks she has a chance in all of this if she was willing to put her life on the line in the first place.

I slowly creep my way towards her, and I quickly disarm the rifle from her back and grasp her tightly, leaving no room for her arms to move around. She is surprised, but she doesn't struggle.
"You should climb one of these rocks, you could get a better sightline to spot your target again."
>"A-ah! you were uh, actually the one I was looking for! hah... or did you already know that?"
"Did you keep your platinum card?"
>"Nope! I uh, thought we were supposed to discard them? I assumed because platinum is a pretty worthless metal." Suppose she does have a point there.
"You were following me instead of the hunter dressed in red, I want to know why."
>"I saw the whole encounter! You totally had that guy on the ropes! But you let him go with his card and without hurting him! You're a good-hearted person! Not to mention strong, capable, and a good hugger! And... I wanted to see if maybe we could... y'know... collaborate?"
"Collaborate?"
>"Trust me! Give me a chance, and I'll show you what I can do!"

At least her motives aren't as insidious as they could have been, and the compliment to my 'hugging' was unexpected. I don't know if I should trust her or if this is someone I should work with. If I decide to work with her, I'll need to ask what she can do. If I don't like her, I can just let her go and probably not see her again. If I do that, I worry a little that she might get hurt on her own, even if I should only be worrying about myself.

hold on to her for now just so she doesn't try anything and ask what her skill set is. She's good at climbing and sneaking around as you have already seen but it would be nice to know if she can do anything else.

Also try to put your back to one of the rocks and to keep an eye on your surroundings to make sure you're not ambushed while you talk. Even if someone comes across you and they're not looking for either your card or hers they might risk taking both of you out just to get rid of some competition. I mean going out of your way to take out one person probably isn't worth it unless you have good reason, but two for one might be to tempting a target to pass up.

>>1014902
This person is hilariously out of their depth if this is their attitude towards being caught in the middle of what is ostensibly a death game.

Ask what their skills are. We can be merciful, but pragmatism still rules the day.

The platinum card is very useful in the earlier game to prove to potential allies you won't target them. I don't understand what advantage the two saw in discarding it so soon.
Considering the circumstance you don't need prof that you are not my target, but I will be taking a leap of faith if we were to act as allies. Why should I trust you?

Alright let her show off.

If you want to collaborate, let's start with sharing knowledge. What other cards have you seen?
Take this hug somewhere less exposed.

>>1014902
Inappropriate to bring this up in the current mood of people giving our new happy yappy blue friend the bennifet of the doubt but you are currently in a prime suplexing position.

You can show off your skills, but now is not the place if another is following us. Let's try and get somewhere more secluded, or at least out of the open.

Ceres 2021/11/14(Sun)03:45 No. 1015110 ID: bffbfd
File 163689035175.png - (303.54KB , 800x600 , HQ21.png )

>The platinum card is very useful in the earlier game to prove to potential allies you won't target them. I don't understand what advantage the two saw in discarding it so soon.
The card itself has no value, and many might like the option to lie about who they are hunting if they happen upon those they are looking for.

>hold on to her for now
She proves to be extremely light; I can hold her up and flip her around with little effort. This way I can face her when we talk.

>you are currently in a prime suplexing position.
Maybe later if I find someone who really deserves it.

>Take this hug somewhere less exposed.
>put your back to one of the rocks, keep an eye out.
I walk backwards, being mindful of where her rifle dropped. I walk until we are in the shady side of a large rock.

>Out of her depth
This seems to be the truth, as much as I hate to say it. What is someone this young risking their life for?

>Skills
"Alright, what skills do you have?"
>"I'm pretty good at getting around, going places where I'm not supposed to go. Trees around here are pretty smooth and hard to climb, but I can manage it! On top of that, I'm a pretty good spotter if I do say so myself! I can help you find hunters, and we can take them down together. I'm also a pretty good tracker, I can tell where things went with a pretty accurate record. What else... oh, I'm a bloodshot!"
"Interesting." bloodshots are the most common of the new worlders. something like 1 in 11 born in the new world are bloodshots. To put it simply, a bloodshot can hit a target with 100% accuracy, or so I've heard. The drawbacks are very heavy though, as after overloading your mind to line up a shot, it'll go bloody and unusable until it recovers. Using both eyes will incapacitate a bloodshot completely, and it takes at least a day to recover, and that is for those who train it."
"How good are you at it?"
>"I can fire off one shot for each eye! If I use both, I pass out for over a day. I'll save one for when I find my target though. Without using bloodshots, I'm pretty good with my rifle, not so good at fast moving targets, but I'm learning!"
>Trust
"Why should I trust you?"
>"Ummmm... here, I'll show you the card I have!"
She uses her beak to pull out the card from her belt, showing it to me, even though I have already seen it.
"The card I am looking for is the four of spades! but uh, if you don't trust me, we can go to where I've kept all my stuff, and I can find where I tossed the platinum card."
>What other cards has she seen
"Have you seen anyone else, besides myself and the red hunter?"
>"Only one, there was an ave wearing a bunch of armor. It was pretty far away so I couldn't see what card they had. So, what do you say? Think we can uh, help each other out? If only for this one time! I know some hunters like to hunt alone, and that's cool and all, but I wanna see what a real hunter's like! It's up to you what level of involvement we have together, if you want, I can just find targets and let you choose who to go for, nothing beyond that, if you liked."
"Perhaps you think too highly of me, I am inexperienced at actual hunting."
>"You don't have to be modest! I saw what you did earlier!"

I need to decide if I let her follow me or if I should turn her away. If I decide to let her follow, should it be close or from afar. I'm a little curious about why she wants to be a hunter to begin with, but I'm getting ahead of myself, I don't even know her name yet.

>Innate Power: Deadshot
You should really make friends with this girl. Greenhorn she may be, but that ability can bring certainty to a life-or-death situation.
Ask who she is and why she wants to Hunt. Not just make money, but really dedicate herself to tracking down and killing/enslaving things.

well she is small and nimble so if we get into a fight she should be able to disengage from an enemy and sneak into their blind spots and attack from unusual angles but the problem is I don't really trust her yet. For all we know she's just putting on an act to shoot you in the back the moment you let your guard down.

But still, she's small and quick while you're big and strong, you do kind of cover each other weakness somewhat so a partnership wouldn't be a horrible idea. So I'd say give the partnership a chance for now but keep her close to you until some actual trust can build up between the two of you. Also yes to having her take you back to where she stashed her supplies, she might have something useful and if you can confirm who her target is it would go a long way to being able to trust her not to shoot you in the back. Still be wary of her leading you into a trap.

But before anything, you probably should ask her for her name.

>many might like the option to lie about who they are hunting if they happen upon those they are looking for.
This is what concern me. No one though of the value of proving to the first few encounters you are not a threat?
Looking for her trow away card isn't a good option either. If she is telling the true it's a waste of time. If she is lying the search itself is a stalling tactic.

But she is right, we are a goody two-shoes, so we won't do anything to her out of paranoia. Let's try to make this work.
Moving together would give us an advantage during confrontation but would waste her superior stealth. How about moving withing sight range of each other with her focusing on scouting from the high ground while you cover the low ground?

Follow from afar. She's useful but she gets noticed. Perhaps you can stalk her stalkers...

Ceres 2021/11/15(Mon)10:35 No. 1015239 ID: bffbfd
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Seeing that she doesn’t display any ill will towards me, I place her down gently, still being cautious in case she tries something.

"What is your name?"
>"Kay."
"Kay? Okay."
>"Yes?"
"I... right. Nice to meet you, Kay."
>"Nice to meet you too, Mrs..."
"Miss. My name is Ceres."
>"Miss Ceres!"
"Just Ceres is fine."
>"What's your last name?"
"Nothing important."
>"Fiiiiine, keep your secrets!"

"Why do you want to be a hunter?"
>"I want to be a dragon tier hunter!"
Never mind, she is delusional.
>"... You don't have to give me that look! I get enough of that from everybody already. I'm serious about it though!"
"I don't mean to discourage you but becoming one of the big twelve is near impossible. It takes a lifetime of experience and achievements to even be considered to become one of them. On top of that, one has to die or retire before another can be put in place."
>"Didn't one die recently?"
"Ackerlade Primm supposedly fell into the trench while fighting a monster and wasn't recovered. They're looking for his replacement as we speak, but don't expect that to be a common occurrence, dragon tier hunters are some of the strongest people in the world."
>"That's why I want to be one!"
"hmph. So that's why you're here?"
>"Not entirely. I do want to find… someone experienced."

The best place to put her skills to the test is stealthily and afar, having her in direct combat is a waste of her advantage. We'll travel together, but it should be from a distance, with me down below and her taking the high ground, that way we can cover the most ground. I still need to develop trust for her, but this partnership could be beneficial.
>"So, how about I scout around for targets? I'm really good at moving around up in the trees, and I can probably spot a few if you give me a while. You can stay here if you want, or you can look for others too and we can meet back up here in an hour to see who we want to go after. how about it?"
She reaches her hand out to me, seemingly signifying a way of sealing our partnership. I don't really have much to lose, and if I don't like working with her, we can always cut ties after the next encounter.

Try to identify cards and see what their owners look like, but don't linger. You've already being spotted by two of the people you stalked, so it's better to leave earlier with the information than risk being ambushed.

Good luck Kay.

>Greenhorn hunter
You can't criticize too much here. You're taking the same risks, with about the same level of actual hunting skill. Less, if what she said about being good at tracking is true.

Still, here's a hot tip for her: she saw the danger of being counter-ambushed when you stalked right into that other hunter's trap... and yet she made the same damn mistake, yeah? Even if she did want to team up and had some faith you weren't gonna just cap her, she didn't account for the fact you might've doubled back or hid, ready to take her on, which she definitely should have. If she's really here to watch and learn, then she needs to think about and apply those lessons to herself, however they do apply. She's really lucky you weren't the one who could capitalize on her mistake.

She's even luckier you could in fact USE a sneaky spotter. Being big and bulky has its disadvantages, especially in the jungle.

Actually, two hot tips: don't talk out loud to yourself. Run an inner monologue if you have to.

>Accept offer
Set her down and tell her to scamp on over and get her rifle and to stay alert as you speak (pick up your crossbow and look about yourself, but keep an eye on what she does with that rifle). Tell her you're willing to gamble that she's honest about her plat card and to help her hunt for her target if she does the reverse. If she's really a bloodshot she could, after all, have gotten you the moment she saw your own card.

(Which, internally, you now kind of regret displaying so prominently considering, well, how common the ability to bloodshoot is for a guaranteed hit. Ah well. Means you'll have to operate more sneakily than you're used to. Or admit flaw and move it.)

>What next
So how's this for a first good target:

Instead of taking you to her cache to find her plat card - side note, ask if she has anything particularly useful in the cache or if it's just spare gear - you hunt down the Armored Ave.

That way she can show you her tracking and sneaking skill. You'll try to spot their card at a distance, but if it's still hard you'll engage with them, while she plays sneaky backup. If the AA is not interested in either of you, or you them, they might make a fine third companion for your budding hunting party, filling the role of 'tank' compared to her 'scout' and your 'shitkicker' role. Depends on their level of skill and willingness to cooperate.

You probably won't recruit more than a third person, though. It's already a hassle to commit to hunting down a second target, a third's probably your limit, unless a really good offer comes along.

Granted, the alternative of going to her cache means you could pick up her extra stuff. Being bigstronkbird you could probably easily carry whatever spare pack she had, allowing it to be at hand for the match.

>>1015243
Bah, a bit late. Still, some of what's there applies.

>>1015244
Did you spent an hour elaborating your thoughts?

Deal. Go stalk some prey.

might as well take the deal at this point. Though if she's going for dragon it would be safe to assume she's probably also going to try to gain a full hand of cards to try and jump straight to Pegasus rank so she's probably going to want to take down around 5 other hunters as well and if we also try to go for that route, baring anyone with multiple cards on their person the two of you would have to take down at least 1/5 of the competition by yourselves.

though we did somewhat pass up our chances to start on getting a straight by passing up that 6 of diamonds the one legged guy had.

>>1015239
Hm. I see no reason not to, apart from her recklessness. If we can break her of that and spice her skull-soup up with a healthy dash of cynicism, perhaps she could make it.

1/3 Ceres 2021/11/17(Wed)14:36 No. 1015442 ID: bffbfd
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>Careful considering how common of an ability bloodshots is
Many are born with the ability, but the ability itself sees far less use. Many only need to use it once to see that the drawbacks are too much for it to be worth it. And for what it's worth, I hear it's more common in females.

>Take the deal
"Alright, we'll work together. At least for now."
I grab her hand and shake it. My hand is much larger than hers, which can't even wrap around mine.
If I'm going to have a hunting party, I'm thinking two others should be my limit at any given time, any more than that is asking for trouble. If I have two and find another I'd really want, I can let someone go their separate ways.

"Try to identify cards and see what their owners look like."
>"You got it!"
"Alright, go get your rifle."
She walks over to it as I watch with my crossbow at the ready, while not trying to make it look obvious. She still needs to earn my trust, and maybe I should earn hers. Only time will tell.

2/3 Ceres 2021/11/17(Wed)14:36 No. 1015444 ID: bffbfd
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She picks up her rifle from the ground but doesn't try pulling anything.
>"I'll see you here again in an hour, partner!"
"Let me know if you find that armored ave again."
>"Can do!"

>break her of her recklessness and spice her skull-soup up with a healthy dash of cynicism
I'm not immediately a fan of the idea of spreading my cynicism onto others, but she may be too overzealous for her own good. There is a reason why people like her don't tend to last long the way they are. She'll learn sooner or later, there are some places you just can't reach. I know that firsthand.

The more I think about it, the more crucial the early game seems. having a partner, even one that may be temporary this early on is a fairly big advantage. However, things may become more difficult as things go on, as I think it's highly likely that more and more hunters will team up to fight the stronger opponents, and there are sure to be opponents holding on to multiple cards at once as time goes on. Some hunters may even be setting up traps and securing areas as we speak.

3/3 Ceres 2021/11/17(Wed)14:38 No. 1015446 ID: bffbfd
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I walk around for about 45 minutes, only hearing the occasional distant gunshot. The jungles get humid and warm, but it's nothing I can't handle. I see some small game out and about, something to keep in mind for when I'm looking for food.

Just as I feel I should get ready to turn back, I pull a few leaves to the side where a different hunter and I notice each other at the same time. We both stand still for a moment, looking one another up and down. There is a rapier holstered to his right side, and I cannot see what is holstered on his left. His card must be located on his front or left side, as I cannot see it from this angle.
>"Do you wish to spar?"
I could, of course, try to shoot him from here, however I am concerned about what weapon he may be holding onto his left side. He seems to be asking for my permission, to which I could decline and go meet up with Kay and decide whether to go for this guy or go for any of the other hunters she spots. If I choose to fight this guy here and now, I won’t be getting any help.

Let's go for it, and see what we - and they - are made of in a straight duel.

"Hm. Sure, could do with shaking the rust off. Melee only?"

If he assents and seems unthreatening (and reveals what he's got on his side), lay aside your crossbow and draw your machete two-handedly to enter what you coloquially refer to as the 'fuck you' stance of being a big burly bird with a big chonky blade. You intend to use your reach and general fisticuffs know-how against him, by abandoning your two-handed stance to just reach out with one fist and bonk or grab him.

"First touch? First blood? You'll have the advantage of me in either case, so the prize will only be intel, if so. Card is to first yield, should the other side want it. Agreed?"

If he does want your card - or he has the card you need - you could consider not sticking to melee only. That said, if he sticks by the rules established and - win or lose - doesn't need or have your card, you can consider him team-up member material, though you'll have to verify that he isn't after Kay.

Ah, and don't forget to introduce yourself.

ask what kind of spar he's interested in. Fist, blades, guns?

Speaking of guns I'm assuming your crossbow is out so be prepared to fire a snap shoot if he tries something but if the crossbow isn't out then I hope your a decent quick draw with your pistol.

What a strange proposal. Do you think he got a good look at your card? Asking for a sparing match isn't the kind of reaction I would expect from seeing your target. If he know chances are you are not his target.

The answer of his question should be: Depend. Depend on the rules. Depend on his card.

Not a good idea. He doesn't need your card... but maybe his partner does.
Same would go for you and your partner.

why would i waste my energy?

"Are you a sparrow? That's very clever of you."
Disengage, open the range, get out of there, RUN. You are at his range, not yours, and he has a sword.

No need to get wrapped up in a fight when you don't have the element of surprise. Go back.

Ceres 2021/11/20(Sat)10:19 No. 1015636 ID: bffbfd
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I have my crossbow out and ready to shoot, but I hold off on that, however I am ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. I half want to withdraw, and half with to enquire further.
>Do you think he got a good look at your card?
I doubt it. Maybe he asks the question to everyone he encounters.
>He doesn't need your card... but maybe his partner does.
He has a partner? If so, I haven't seen any indication of such.

"Depends on the rules, depends on the card."
He takes out a card that was attached to his left elbow and reveals it to me.
>"Queen of hearts. The conditions are up to discussion."

>ask what kind of spar he's interested in. Fist, blades, guns?
"Spar with what, exactly?"
>"Your choice. Preferably melee."
"Melee only?"
>"But of course."
He turns towards me to reveal that he has two rapiers, one holstered on each side.

"Why should I waste my energy? I don't need your card and you probably don't need mine."
>"True, however we may still wager information. Information such as who we are hunting for, other hunters we have encountered, and who those hunters may be looking for. You may even wager your card for mine if you would like. I only wish for a fair fight, and neither of us needs to draw blood."
Seems he thought this through.
>"If you wish to proceed, list off your conditions. You may use your own machete or one of my swords. If you are not interested you may also withdraw, as I am only interested in a serious fight with my assigned opponent."

"For the future, you may call me Ceres."
>"Hail fellow well met. You may call me Pieken Gesullivic the fifth."

Seems his conditions and intentions are pretty clear. If I want any of the information he has on offer I can go arrange a sparring match. Otherwise I can turn back to meet up with Kay, and we can compare information.

Hmm. He doesn't have the card we're looking for nor the one our partner is looking for, his card doesn't really help to give us any special hand... though the queen of hearts does put kay in a good position to get a royal flush with her hand which would guarantee she'd jump right to Pegasus rank which would help with her dream... which would probably go a long way to earning her trust if we could get the card from him. What size is he? while rapiers don't really really too much on strength you still might have a reach advantage on him as well as a strength advantage.

Also side note. Speaking of special hands, do pairs and 3 of a kind do anything towards counting towards a special hand? 4 of a kind as well as the note only said getting 4 of a kind will let you pass even without your starting card and target card but it also sounded like 4 of a kind is more of a plan B then a special hand to let you rank up faster. Cause honestly seeing how your personal card and your target card don't really synergize well, unless you want to try and grab 6 or more cards the only special hands you can really get without gathering more then 5 cards would be a full house with 5s and jacks or a 4 of a kind Plus either your starting card or the target card depending on if you decide to collect 5s or jacks.

I like your style.
It's probable unwise but I would be willing to engage in a quick low stakes game. How about a fist fight with points? Torso hits are worth 1, head 2 and arms 0. First to mark 3 points win. The winner get the numbers and physical descriptions of the people we identify so far. Fair enough?

>>1015637
>good for Kay
If it was her target it would be worth taking the risk, but as a possible secondary objective we can just inform her and let she decide what to do.

This soon is a little early to have a lot of info. Pass on the duel and head back.

Agreed that it seems a little early yet to have much info worth sharing, however I don't think they'd offer it up if they didn't have something good to begin with.

Take up the offer. Since they seem to be interested in sword combat, but not blood shed. How about a fencing style duel?

Gotta agree that there's not much for either party to gain at this point. A bit later on things might be different. Also a sparring match could attract attention, and you'll be distracted. It's a risk.

Decline, withdraw.

1/2 Ceres 2021/12/13(Mon)20:02 No. 1017318 ID: 7e04cb
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>What size is he?
He looks to be normal height. Maybe a tiny bit above average.

>do pairs and 3 of a kind do anything towards counting towards a special hand?
Nothing has indicated that so far.

>the queen of hearts does put kay in a good position to get a royal flush
That is something I'll keep in mind.

"It really is too early to have any information worth sparring over, so I think I will decline and withdraw."
>"Fair point. I will leave you be then. May we meet again in the future, and hopefully have more to wager."

I leave to head back to the area where Kay and I agreed to meet.

>"Hey Ceres! Any luck?"
"I did find one ave. We confronted each other but didn't engage one another. His card was the Queen of Hearts."
>"Woah!!! That's good news! For me, at least! Let's see... I did find a couple aves, so that means we have 3 potential targets."
We exchange everything we know about the characteristics of the hunters in question.

2/2 Ceres 2021/12/13(Mon)20:02 No. 1017319 ID: 7e04cb
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The Queen of Hearts.
Pieken, the rapier ave. He seems to be after his own card and not actively looking to antagonise people. He is open to sparring if an advantage can be gained. He seems to value honour and respect very highly.
Wandering the jungle.

Five of Diamonds.
The armored ave. Covered head to toe in armor plating and armed to the teeth with ranged and close up weapons. Has many tricks under his or her coat. Personality and motives are unknown
Currently following a river under the shade of the trees.

Seven of Clubs.
The batter. Wandering around armed with a cricket bat and nothing else. Must have a lot of confidence if she is willing to participate in a hunting competition with just a bat. Seems ill-tempered and aggressive - looking for a fight.
Waiting at a rocky waterfall.

Which one of these might we go for.

Hmm, leaning towards the 5 since that actually helps us… though that does make me feel a bit bad since we’d be having our partner help us build up our hand while leaving a great card for her behind… though if we bring up that he’d be willing to trade information for a fight as well might be better to wait and face him later where both of us might be able to gain more… assuming no one else takes him out.

Head towards the 5. They're armored, so they're either slow or really, really strong. Either way, it would behoove you to set up an ambush rather than go for a straight fight. Perhaps you can harry them with hit and run strikes?

Going for five seems kinda risky, but I think it's better for us to go after them now instead of later.

Yup, go for Mr. Armor guy.

Don't forget that clubs are desirable for us. But yes, the five is the one card here that actually helps us.

Ceres 2022/02/19(Sat)17:31 No. 1024056 ID: 0d2343
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"We'll go for the five of diamonds. It'll be a good head start in case I need to get four of a kind."
>"Okie dokie! Lead the way!"

We walk towards where she says she saw the armored ave. We follow a river in the open that'll soon lead under the shade of trees. Kay follows behind me and starts to fidget.

"Everything ok back there?"
>"O-oh, yep! I just, uh..."
"Yes?"
>"Are we... friends?"
"I can't say I'm doing this to make friends. I mean... you can consider me a friend. If you want."
>"Could you tell me a bit about yourself? I-I'm curious! You seem like you mean business! And I bet there's more to you than meets the eye."
She is acting very coy. I am still unsure what her deal is.
"What would you like to know?"
>"Whatever you're comfortable telling me! Like, what do you want to be a hunter for? What's your family like? Have you met any big hunters before? Who do you think is the best hunter? That kind of thing! We can exchange info if you want! If you prefer, you can ask me something, I'll answer, and you can tell me your answer to the same question."
"You want me to think of questions to ask you? then I answer that question for myself?"
>"Sure!"
"Um... ok... Let's see here."

Avoid asking about family, duh. Turn her prompt on its head with what I suspect to be an armor-piercing question for her (one way or another).

"Do you have any friends?"

And when it comes time for you to answer: "Some claim to be my friend, I suppose. It never felt like they had their heart in it, though."

"Let's be quiet, now."

I'm already bad at this card game, now a social exploration game...

Kay is probable genuine about wanting to have a friendship, the problem is than if her ambition is sincere she would likely betray a friend to improve her chances. So we must avoid giving information that could be used against us in the near future.

We could start professional: What kind of prey do you normally hunt? Do you have any unique achievement worth brag about? Favorite type of trophies?
Assuming Ceres past is not fully developed I imagine she prefer larger targets with interesting antlers and her hunting achievement was capture a big one alive.
Yes, she met some competent hunters but that not worth talking about here. The achievement is nice but she is truly motivated by the thrill.
For more personal questions it would surprise no one to say Ceres family was stern. There are people she used to consider her close friends but time and distance make it difficult to say if that is still the case. Normally personal matters are very distinct from professional ambitions and those end up taking priority without she even noticing.
Kay, are you attracted to women? Maybe a certain tall woman who is good with hugs?

>What's your family like?
You have a father and a younger sibling, and had to live paycheck to paycheck. It was a rough life, but you got by and ended up being the family bread winner. You tried hard to make sure your younger sibling didn't have to go without.

>what do you want to be a hunter for?
>Have you met any big hunters before?
You got lucky growing up, and managed to meet a well known hunter in your area, Piiava Kera. You meet after winning an archery tournament in school, and eventually he took you under his wing after graduating. Now, you want to be a hunter to put your skills to the test, and that is exactly why you're here.

"Orphan."
>Further questions
"Yes."

guess you could make it fair and do a question for a question kind of deal. As for why you want to be a hunter... well didn't you say earlier was to help show off your brother's weapons... or at least that was one of the reasons.

As for what to ask. How dead set is she on getting that Pegasus rank right off the bat? And if she doesn't mind a double question does she have a plan on achieving it or is she just winging it?

Got someone special back home?

1/3 Ceres 2022/06/14(Tue)12:51 No. 1034968 ID: 2edd05
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"Do you have any friends?"
>"I think so! What about you?"
"I keep to myself a lot. Some claim to be my friend, but it never felt like they had their heart in it."

"What kind of prey do you hunt?"
>"Small game stuff, old world lizards and such. I've never taken down a big mammal before, but I'd like to some day!"
"I go for whatever game I can find, but I try to take what I can reasonably get. I'm experienced in hunting smaller mammals, but nowhere as much as I would like. Once I get a rank, I can join hunting parties to go after bigger game."

"Got someone special back home?"
>"My family is special!"
"I didn't mean special like that. I meant relationship wise."
>"Oh, not really. Do you have someone?"
"Can't say I do. I'm not really the affectionate type."

"Have you met any big hunters before?"
>"Yes! When I was little, a dragon tier hunter saved my life. It was kind of the reason why I wanted to become a hunter in the first place! I wanted to be cool, just like him! He uses a bow, just like you! Have you met any big hunters?"
"I have, but I can't put any names to the faces."

"What is your family like?"
>"I have a big family! lots of siblings, and uncles, and nephews, and all that! Lots of siblings meant I didn't get much attention from my parents, so I had lots of free time to myself. None of them are hunters like I want to be though, so there isn't too much interesting I can say! What is your family like, Ceres?"
"As far as my siblings go, I have three, all older than me. There are my two brothers, Vesta and Charon, they are both all business, running a weapon manufacturing business. Then there is my oldest sibling, my sister Lune, who is a hunter. My mother passed when I was very young, and my father passed somewhat recently."
>"My condolences! Can you tell me about your sister? Her name sounds familiar- Is she here too?"
"She is already a professional hunter, she already did this event in the past."
>"You get any good advice from her?"
"Not really. She can't talk about hunting stuff with me, it goes against the family tradition."
>"Family tradition?"
"Yeah. I come from a hunting family. A hunting family that only passes down the knowledge to a single oldest child. My father was a great hunter that taught everything he knew to Lune. He didn't want me to become a hunter, but I did anyway. All that means is that I'm on my own."
>"You’re not alone, you’ve got me!"
"Yeah..."

2/3 Ceres 2022/06/14(Tue)12:52 No. 1034970 ID: 2edd05
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>"Almost there! Just around here should be a river, and we'll follow down there, and we should meet the armored guy with the-"

-CRACK-

>Eh?

-PLONK-

Kay is hit on the head by a quick red object. She falls to the ground unceremoniously, seeming to have fallen unconscious.

3/3 Ceres 2022/06/14(Tue)12:52 No. 1034971 ID: 2edd05
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>"God. What an awful catch."
A green ave with a striped shirt and cricket bat stands from atop a mountain of rocks. She is holding a cricket ball in her other hand.
"That was rude."
>"You seem to have gotten the impression that I care. She was asking for it, not wearing any kind of helmet. I'll cut to the chase. I am the seven of clubs. I want your cards, regardless of what they are. I am doubtful that you are willing to surrender them willingly, so I will be willing be beat your ass until you hand them over."
"I'm guessing negotiating is off the table."
>"You catch on quick. I will ask you one question though; Would you like me to beat your ass standing from up here, or would you like me to come down there to deliver it up close?"

At a distance would be best, as then he'll have to waste ammo launching attacks. If you make him use enough whioe dodging, he'll have to start collecting previous rounds, leaving him vunlerable.

She is unpleasant but her choice of weapon is curious. Nonlethal, very strange for someone planing to gather cards indiscriminately.

The wisest choice would be engage from far way. No matter how good she is at aiming her projections her bat certainly will be more effective without the ball as an intermediary.

Nice of you to offer but I will return it to you. Come down here and I will beat you unconscious, trow something at me and I will shoot to kill.

Raise your voice. Call out, something like:

"IF YOU WANTED A CHALLENGE, WHY DON'T YOU BATTER THE ARMORED ONE AWAITING JUST DOWN THIS PATH!"

Point in the direction Kay had been indicating, to try to distract her, then take a knee to snap off a shot, but really, also to snag Kay's card (for safekeeping, so this goober can't pick it off of her prone body). Then take cover to reload.

Let's have us a sniper battle!

>General tips...
Make sure the newcomer's back will be towards the rumored location of the armored Ave - they'll have to consider that someone else might be arriving up their tail and split their attention.

Try taking your own shots when she tries to bat a ball - that's the time she'll be guaranteed to be the most still in order to to swing her ass and put force into getting a solid whack.

Do use cover and try to dodge. Those balls are probably pretty hard and hefty if they can straight KO Kay. A larger Ave might tank some, but broken bones and skulls are still no fun. Almost as not-fun as getting one's body pierced by bolts.

Fire a bolt into her knee before you even say a word and rush her position, machete in hand.

"First rule of hunting - don't stand around to trash-talk someone you've engaged hostilities with. You are the second person here I've had to teach this lesson to."

Always be moving, even as you say this. Go over whatever rock she hides behind instead of around - the latter gives too many angles for a surprise attack.

you got a crossbow and you already have it in your hands, fire at her center mass and force her to either take a crossbow bolt or dodge. Either way it will disrupt her aim so she can't line up another shot at you right away. Then I would suggest getting closer.

I mean normally I would suggest backing up and take advantage of the fact you have an actual range weapon to your advantage and turn her into a pin cushion but with the whole "try not to kill even though everyone has lethal weapons" (still don't know why they let you use lethal weapons if they don't want their contestants to get hurt) you're only real non-lethal option is your fist. Still, just because you need to get in close doesn't mean you have to fight fair. Grab some dirt as you close in and try and blind the bitch by tossing it in her eyes before you begin beating her ass. Not sure how good she is in a fist fight but you can kind of neutralize her bat a bit by getting in close enough she can't swing her bat properly to get a god whack on you. Hell you're still bigger then her so if you can knock her down and get on top of her you could just pin her down and rain down your fist on her until she's out and she probably wouldn't be able to do much about it since in that position she wouldn't be able to build up the proper momentum to effectively swing her bat.

"I'm not sure, I don't know how you play this silly game."
You should fight at a distance. Your projectile's faster than hers, and you're wearing your helmet. Watch out for ricochets off nearby trees.

Don't even answer, ready your weapon and engage!

1/2 Ceres 2022/09/02(Fri)07:03 No. 1042596 ID: 84c07e
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>her choice of weapon is curious. Nonlethal, very strange for someone planning to gather cards indiscriminately.
It is a curious choice of weapon, she must be proficient with it.

I take Kay's card in case the batter gets any ideas of taking it while I am unable to defend her.

I decide not to answer and instead engage right away by shooting a bolt at her. I aim towards her centre mass to force her to take a hit or move. I move closer after I fire the bolt - taking care to subtly position her so that her back is facing the direction where the armored ave should be located.

She moves her bat and the arrow lands directly into the side of it.
>"Wow. You bore me, know that? Well, seeing as you're more comfortable fighting at a distance, I see no reason why I shouldn't come up close and personal."

2/2 Ceres 2022/09/02(Fri)07:03 No. 1042597 ID: 84c07e
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She sprints at me ridiculously fast. She could have easily dodged my arrow if she wanted to. She moves too quickly for me to react, standing right in front of me before I have the change to register what's going on.

She swings her bat and hits me across the bottom of the head. That hurt - a lot. She is stronger than she looks, she hits way harder than someone her size should be able to. I don't think even I could land a hit this hard.

I quickly recover, looks like my thick skull came in handy as it doesn’t feel like anything is broken. That isn't to say she didn't just do a number on me - I can feel blood coming out of my nose.

Yikes, that hurt, but little does she know that you're a threat at both ranges.

Up and down are an ave's blindspots. Hook your foot betwixt hers before lunging in for a big hug... or a press, if she tries to fall back and ends up... y'know, falling because of that leg hook. Either way, while her batting arm is nothing to joke about, you'll gain a rather extreme advantage by turning this into a grappling battle and completely nullifying her main advantage (that being her extreme acceleration).

"Got you right where I wanted in the end," as you either suplex her or pin her arms under your knees and start wailing on her face, depending on whether you ended up in a hug or on the ground.

well she's strong but we already kind of figured that given her choice of weapon but the real surprise is her speed. Range is out since she can close the distance too quick to get any good shots off and dodge most our shots anyways if she puts any real effort into dodging. Which means we're only really left with melee.

She's quick though so if you just try to slug it out she'll more then likely come out on top so your best bet would to be to try and grapple her to nullify her speed. Plus you're bigger, and while that doesn't mean everything in a fight, especially for someone as who seems to be stronger than you, it does help. If you can get a hold on her and pin her down you could probably treat this a bit like a bar fight and just start wailing on her. After all if you can get on top of your opponent in a fight you have the advantage, and given (again) your size that gives you an even larger advantage if even only slightly.

And for the love of god don't be afraid to fight dirty. This isn't some boxing match with referees watching your every punch. Throw dirt if you think you can get it in her eyes, bite, headbutt, and peck if you think it will help, Take cheap shots if you think it could stun her, and remember that a liver shot can sometimes knock someone off their feet even quicker then giving them a good blow across the head.

I would just suggest to fall on top of her. That has already being elaborated well so I have nothing of value to contribute.

Time for clubbing. Don't overextend yourself trying to grab her. Your crossbow's various loops and hooks might be able to catch her at the bow's expense. I also wager the crossbow will fare better than her bat if you cross swords.

Ack. Even if you were to pull the machete now she seems way too fast to really offer hand-to-hand fight... unless you can get her in a solid grapple, in which case her speed doesn't mean anything, only her strength.

Hrm. You have to trick her, I think. She just bonked you in the head with what can best be described as confident overconfidence, but she doesn't know you have an iron beak and isn't concussed to hell and back like her usual targets might be.

So, take a step, cross your eyes, buckle forward and fall down, as if she had in fact laid you low in one blow.

If you can get your helmet to topple off and land in a tempting position close by for her that'd be even better, but the main point is that you want her to drop her guard and focus on rifling you for cards.

Grab her when she does, and use your own strength and size to pull her down and roll over to pin her to the ground so you can pummel/choke/glasgow kiss/threaten her your machete or whatever.