1/2 Keep Your Hands off My Stack Wanderer 2020/10/06(Tue)04:45 No. 978003 ID: 260849
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Badger: "Best stay in your lane... Don't wanna end up hur-"

You slam your screwdriver into the table before his grabby hand got any closer.

You: "Call yourself a racer? Hard to keep up a decent speed, with your gums flapping that much." You shoot him a piercing glare.

You: "Keep your hand off my plate! or I'll chop it off and have it grilled."

Dreadhead Dog: "Feisty... Wanna hang out?"

The badger just laughs

Badger: "I call myself whatever I wanna! You might have good taste, but from the looksa things, thats all ya got!"

You: "Oh yeah? So you think having some wheels is all you need to win?" You ask. The skald drinks quite loudly at this.

Badger: "Pretty damn close!!"

2/2 Out of Her League Wanderer 2020/10/06(Tue)04:57 No. 978004 ID: 260849
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Eagle: "What he means. We traded for the only working 'wheels' suitable for racing in this village. The wasters and sandsmen on backs of beast stand only a slim chance on their very best day."

Badger: "Yeah! See? Whaddaya got? Camel? Emu? Crossbow? You're gonna get blasted outta the water, chump. Give up!"

He looks to his companions

Badger: "In fact! I'd bet every bullet in my belt she doesn't even make it to the starting line."

You: "What the hell is giving you so much confidence! You think your shitty beetle is that hot? Who's driving it? You?!" You stand up, squeaking a protest.

Badger: "Haha yeah! I'm the driver! I kill too! You're so outmatched you don't even believe. So I think we'll see what happens then!"

You: "I bet you a lobster dinner I wipe the sand with your mug and strip your bug for parts."

Badger: "Now THAT'S the spirit! I'll take that bet! I'll be aiming' for ya come race day! Toodles!"

Dreadhead dog: "Bro..."

You're a little heated and it looks like they've done what they wanted to you, and might be leaving.

What next? Anything even worth it?

While they're still in earshot: "They can't be that tough if they're scared enough to try and actually talk down their competition!"

Hmm. If the Hauler owes the owner of this place a lot of money, then perhaps we could make some sort of a deal with Maurea. To pay the Hauler a visit and obtain "collateral", until the Hauler pays his tab. The collateral would, of course, have wheels, which we could use in the race.

She Taught Me Everythin' Wanderer 2020/10/13(Tue)09:20 No. 978452 ID: 260849
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You sigh with an audible groan. Those guys pissed you off. No wonder you never try to relate to civilization...

Not that you knew it still existed.

You: "What blowhards... They can't be that tough if they try and actually talk down their competition!"

You see the badger and dreadhead look back at you with some kind of sly grin. Like they expect nothing from you at all. You're plenty tuckered out that you just dig back into your clawfish. Enjoying the meaty tail while passersby watch on drooling.

The voices in your head are mostly silent now, so you take it mostly into your own hands. Not like anyone cares if you live or die anyway.

You: "You know what? To hell with it. I'll try this race. Whatever it actually means. Shouldn't be too hard... No scum sucking would-be pedestrian wasteland roadkill matters to me. Not that I stand much to lose, unlike you, Skald. Right cunts those wasters are. Can't wait to see them struggle for grip out on the salt." You say, lifting up your mug of seascum. Not sure if your choice of words are your own or just parroted from staying that time with the Angler. Either case you knock back that mug of seascum that the long legged hare wench finally brought to your table.

Skald: "Hark... The Driver finally sparks a taste for the races, ey? Nay, a taste for dishing punishment? Lay the heat on thick, She may."

Kitten: "Did you really bet your sword on her? Before even signing up? Is the road warrior that good?"

Skald: "In the sagas 'tis told. High octane crazy eyes. Blood and guts? Thats what she spills on the pave', and on the reg. Only she and the devil knows her skill. For she races him. Even to this day."

You try to glug the salty drink down as best you can. Its viscous. Strands of seaweed and kelp stop it from sliding easily down your throat but it gives you something interesting to chew on.

Kitten: "Then... She needs a car... But to get one in a week? One ready for the salt? Unheard of... Buying that Emu is quite a purchase.. She may have wealth, but that would be mad. Even those wastelanders paid a warlord's ransom to net their rides."

Skald: "Ohoho... Just witness, dear kitten... Somehow? She gets it done. Matters not whenst. That Driver finds her wheels. No matter the Devil's bargain she takes."


You slam the mug on the table. A bit of a woozy feeling setting in. Even if it was barely stronger than a grog, your frame is small, and working overtime with such a rich meal and drink.

You know what you can do to get some funds here in this barter town.

You scamper over to the bar, where Leah is fanning herself with one hand, counting a pile a glittering pearls in another. Depositing them into a flask at her side.

You: "Maurea? I have a proposition."

Maurea: "Call me Leah!" She says, corking her flask of pearls. Dipping her finger into a vat of tar-like soup to taste. "What kind of deal do you have for me today, acting Fisho?"

You: "I know of the Hauler's debt. I can pay them a visit and get you some collateral until they satisfy you."

Maurea: "Hmph! Sounds ideal for me... What will you be getting out of it?"

You: "Does it matter?" you say. Offering your payment for the drinks and the meal in the form of a tall cup or two of fish oil. She eyeballs you with a pearl-like glittering view.

Maurea: "I suppose it doesn't... They are said to be preparing for a big haul tomorrow. Something like that could readily pay back the funds owed. If you wish to help me? Make sure the payment for the haul is directed towards me. I will lead you a favour." She says whipping her tail around behind her in such a way that it cracks at the air.

You: "What's the catch?"

Maurea: "You can't let the Hauler know you are under my employ until after all the deals are done and they are coming back with payment. Do everything you can! Play up the helpless hitch-hiker role if you need. If the Hauler knows you are working for me, so help me Poseidon, I won't see a single doubloon of this haul. Do this? I'll pay you the difference~"

She runs her long wet tongue between her many needle-like teeth.

Might be worth it. Accept? Any caveats or should we get a place to stay? Or else where, and what?

Remember what the eel said, "beware of promises of shortcuts"

Decline the offer.

>>978453
I think we skipped the easy route of just straight up trading the oil for the car. Instead I think we should take her up on that.

We have a good in to get with the Hauler without having to worry about if we can race at all since I think we might have secured at least an Emu. Might as well see what's up there with this next haul. If we don't manage to get Maurea her payment we can just say we couldn't do it.

Tell her you accept. Let's join the haul, but tonight let's get another quick round and head to Kitten's place. I think we have more buying power than we think. The Skald is staying here right?

>>978453
nothing about that task sounds like a shortcut. It sounds pretty complicated actually.

Let me get this straight. We need to get the returning payment from whatever shipment is going out tomorrow to show up at Leah's place, and we shouldn't let anyone know that we are working for her until after the trade is complete. So what, hijack the returning payment and forcing them at gunpoint to pay off their tab?

Hmm, this complicates things. If we need to steal stuff in our own name, it means that after the job is done, the Hauler's gonna be mad at us instead of Leah heh. Assuming there is someone to blame. Actually I don't know what this whole hauling business is about. What is being hauled and how we could easily redirect it. Some more info on the time and place would be useful to know. Also, I thought this would be a way to obtain means of racing, but if it's only money, I'm not sure if we need it.

That's some fancy clothes that the dragoness is wearing... Accept. I know what I'm gonna be asking as a reward hehe.

As far as the place to stay goes, I don't really care. We were gonna stay with Kitten, but perhaps Leah can offer something fancier in return for us doing this job.

>>978452
Let's do it. Might only be step one, but one step before the other.

>>978453
I think the shortcut was blowing our fish oil on getting a vehicle, and not paying back the Angler with what he asked for.

It seems like climbing our way to 8 cylinders might be tough. Let's tell Leah we can try to pull it off. But that doesn't mean it's a promise, it doesn't seem like she's strapped for cash either.

I think we should pay the hauler a visit tomorrow, Kitten might be a bit more receptive to taking us there after her quick chat with the Skald too

Get your compatriots some more beer and stumble home with kitten.

>>978525
Are you sure... The driver never struck me as gay

>>978535
Nah, I just want Leah's clothes. After all, there is much utility to fishnets... 😏 Could bring them back as a gift for the Angler if nothing else.

Snuggle up with kitten as long asher sounds don't hurt that bad. Then in the morning have her take us to the hauler to see what we're dealing with. Playing the hitchhiker role might be easier if we can learn where they're going. Are we any good at acting? It's about the same as being good at lying

Stray Cat Strut 1/2 Wanderer 2020/10/22(Thu)06:16 No. 979254 ID: 260849
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You eyeball Maurea, thinking about possible rewards. This dragoness is pitching a tall order. If this job doesn't go right, it might end up with you coachjacking someone well known in this village at gunpoint.

You: "I'll take you up on the offer, but can't offer promises."

Maurea: "Great! I am glad to hear it-"

You: "If I can manage it, I'll deliver it. Just make sure you have your payments ready."

Looking back at the table, you can see the Skald and Kitten looking back towards you.

You: ... "I'll take another round of sea scum for the table."

She grins. Needle teeth on display again.


The three of you enjoy your last drinks. The clawfish gone by now. As you stand up to stumble with kitten to her home, the skald pipes up.

Skald: "Driver... I know you take not to my advice easily. Thou, I havth felt your desperation. The call of the road is heavy. Should you need, I'vth sojourned myself quarters here. There may yet be those in need of drivers."

You: "Yeahnah. Like I said mate. I'm gonna get my ride one way or another. The Rider can wait, and I've got a lead now. If it doesn't work out, maybe we'll see each other here."

Skald: "Until the races then... Or misfortune?" They hold up the sign of rock before climbing the ladder to their quarters.

You are lead by kitten out of The Mississippi Queen. Luckily she has her walking staff, because carrying this cart and your goods makes it hard to keep her on balance. You think one of her legs is likely shorter than the other with her long drunken steps.

She leads you down a filthy but quiet street somewhere near a wall of the village. You pass by few other seafolk, but notice the state of many homes and buildings. Even to the standards of the wasteland these days, it doesn't seem quite nice here.

Kitten: "Apologies. My home is modest. I rent my heater from the sandsmen, and have no lantern oil."

Eh, it can't be that bad. It seems like most buildings are constructed of mud brick or ancient boats and their parts, or shipping containers.

Until you head down an alley behind a small store and domicile and see it. partially hidden in plain sight, a wooden dinghy with a piece of metal laid on it as it's door. You try not to pay attention to the strangers smoking in another alley.

You: "It looks... Cozy."

She doesn't say anything

Warm Kitty, Soft Kitty, 2/2 Wanderer 2020/10/22(Thu)07:05 No. 979257 ID: 260849
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You: "Does the Skald seem clingy to you? It's like they don't know the way of things."

Kitten: "Skald seems mysterious. Trusting of you."

You twist a couple loose screws, trying to fix the timing in Kitten's gear access.

Her home is modest. She owns an empty oil lamp from the nomads she is indebted to. You poured a bit of oil in it (to see what you were working on), and lit it with your mysterious lighter that still somehow, despite the years, contains fuel. The cat winces when you probe too deeply with your tool.

Kitten: "Driving? Mechanics? Cybernetics? Your skills are esoteric... Those skills are nearly lost this age as you know. Maybe that is why The Skald trusts you."

You: "I'm not so sure... They have a strange way of talking. The music from that devilish instrument rubs me wrong."

Kitten: "I find the stories of the ancients fulfilling. They almost fill a void I feel I am missing, and fill it with tales of bloodshed and woe, but also of life and action. Times before mine. They bet their oathblade on you..."

shrugging, you use some of your fish oil to dab a few drops on her gear and actuator joints.

Kitten: "It has been two cycles since I had maintenance done... The mekanican charges much for service."

You: "No problem. It's a piece, alright, but she's solid."

She winces again when you close the access port at her shoulder connection.

Kitten "It's true then... You wish to race those wastelanders? Word is the badger killed the men ahead of him in line to purchase that buggy from the mountainkin. That after the race they seek to become Duneeaters. Search for treasures hidden by the Seaking. Past the Dune, and maybe even sandsea."

You: ...

Kitten: "The Hauler is said to have a ride you know... That might be what they're planning to haul. That, or crude water, past the lip of salt. To trade with the mountain people, or the witch in her scrap-palace. It is said the sea priests granted that privilege. I cannot imagine what else they can afford to haul. No one hires haulers anymore. Too expensive. No use. Traders and nomads use caravans. Strapping to backs of beasts, and men. More efficient. Cheaper. They don't burn fuel."

You: "No one tries to jack them? What if someone pulled a drive-by? No emu can keep up with a high revving car, or bike. There's no raiders?"

Kitten: "Of course there are bandits and raiders, but after the waterwars, almost none have that kind of power. Now it is mostly raids on backs of beasts, or on foot. There are sharpshooters every now, and then... But Kamikrazies on motorback? Riding in steel cars? That's myth. The roadwars ended. This is why the Hauler lacks work. There is no need for gearjammers or their rigs strong enough to pull tonnage, able to knock others to the deep. The time of road warriors is past.


Jeez

You sit in silence a moment. Kitten lives in ditch under a dinghy, but even without the heat on it is not freezing cold. You consider cooking something using her hat as a wok, but you think against it. You've already eaten an enormous meal, and shared with her. Best not over-do it. You're going to be doing some travel soon after all.

You yawn with a stretch. Kitten takes that as a sign, and uses her claw to reach up and pinch out the flame of the oil lamp.

You: "Do you ever take that off? Can't be comfortable"

Kitten: "Just the leg... It is hard to sleep with it on, and the joints pinch my fur at night."

You: "What about the arm? I imagine it's the same."

Kitten: "I am not sure if I take it off that someone would put it back on for me, or be off with it for themselves."

You: "... I'll put it back on for you in the morning."

Kitten: "... Very well..."

She unlatches her leg and sets it to the side. You grip the cold steel of her arm and give it a twist. Freeing it, and setting it there as well. The ground of her home is canvas and a rough rug, but you share what remains of your cape as a pillow, and use your towel toga as a blanket.

It's a tight fit, but you don't take up much space. The two of you drift off into a sleep. She doesn't seem to mind the sting of her wounds and burns so much when you brush them, on accident or not. Maybe the warmth you share makes up for it.

...


How do we sleep? Or how should you prepare for the morning? You think you have the plan for the Hauler mostly worked out, but sometime tomorrow you also have to pick up your goods for the Angler. Maybe they could hold them for you until your return?

If you need anything as well, you still have the majority of your oil and water to trade for should this hitchhiker plot call for anything you lack.

Sleep comes easily, but is perhaps not as restful as one would like.
Troubled dreams fueled by the days events and shaped by bedtime conversation.

The Skald trusts us because he recognizes that we are not like anyone else. Our speech, our mannerisms, our knowledge. They are ancient. Just like us.
Flashes of the past haunt us this night. Immortality... or something akin to it. Many would think it a gift. In truth, it was a curse. To live is to suffer. To be able to forget the greatest gift the gods bestowed upon us. Yet, sometimes the gods are cruel. Sometimes, we still remember that fateful day; the day the world ended.

>>979257
Start to feel some curiosity in this Hauler. He is like you, one of the old roads, of wheels and fire. Maybe you will find a kindred spirit.

Cuddle the cat and comfort each other. In the morning after your disturbed dreams, ask kitten to take you there to the hauler. We know a rough direction they're going so we can use that to act our hitchhiker role. Ask her to tell the elephant to hold onto your goods until you return from the trip, that you still plan on racing for the reward come the next race

The myth of the roadwarriors can't be over yet... You just fought a warlord and his enormous doomtrain!!! Maybe this village hasn't know struggle in a long time. Let's fix that. See if we can convince the hauler we are the same. Earn their trust. Tell kitten to teach us more of their ride

Sleep in an impossible position.

Don't have any ideas about other stuff.

Hmm we need to fatten up we will starve fast if we stay this skinny

1/5 Restless Nights Wanderer 2020/11/10(Tue)09:30 No. 980734 ID: 3d5218
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Sleep is easy for you. It has been a long day, but you accomplished much. You lie besides the kitten, wishing more of your nights can be shared warm like this. You drift away, but alas. It is not as restful as you would have liked.

Troubled dreams. Fueled by the day’s events and shaped by the night’s conversations. That Skald. They trust you. Why? Why us?

>> They recognize that we are not like anyone else. Our speech, our mannerisms, our knowledge and skills. They are ancient. Just like us

It is not often you speak to others, to be sure. You don’t try to mask anything. It’s just that it never comes up. Why spend time talking about pointless things. Surely though someone as perceptive as Kitten must have picked up that we aren’t common.

This night, like many, flashes of the past haunt your dreams. They have become more frequent with the loss of your car. Without wheels to harry you ever-forward, you feel it catching back up to you.

Immortality? or something akin to it. No. That can’t be it you don’t think. It’s no gift. A curse that far few deserve. Because only the waking nightmare of reality can give you something to pull you away. From your thoughts, your feelings… Sometimes, you still remember. The day your world ended.

You awake with a start

Food. You have food. You should eat while you still have it.


Your mind calms as you start the furnace and begin to fry up the last of your Seatucka. The longfish fried in the Angler’s oil. Only a light layer is enough.

Kitten: ”I take it you didn’t sleep well.”

You: …

Kitten: ”I did. That arm is heavy and makes my back sore.”

You give the sizzling fish a turn.

Kitten: ”I heard your whimpering. You talk in your sleep.”

You: “…This is a fine furnace.”

Kitten: “Thank you. I am renting it from the sandsmen.”

You grab your tin can and serve yourself some chunks of longfish. Then you grab a the bowl next to the drinking jar and offer Kitten a helping.

You: “I’ll need your help. I will go check on the goods this morning at the bazaar, but I will need you to have them hold them there until I return.”

you say, holding out the bowl.

Kitten: ”Maurea’s bargain? I can show you the Hauler’s lot in the after.” She looks at the bowl and gulps.

Kitten: “... Please would you reattach my arm before we go...”

2/5 GEAR JAMMER Wanderer 2020/11/10(Tue)09:31 No. 980735 ID: 3d5218
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The two of you return to the Bazaar where currently it has already begun to fill for the morning’s trade. You note the elephantine merchant is not at his stall. Instead, his boy helper is there looking after it.

Boy: “Ah! There you are fisho! The boss said to show you these when you got here. He’s out negotiating with the oil drum. We should have your glass by the day’s end!”

He leads you behind the stand a short ways past a couple screens where you see a pair of large amphora. Uncorking it confirms it as the wine the two of you negotiated before. You sneak a cup.

Then the boy returns leading a large but lean Emu mount. It looks angry and fierce, but it doesn’t seem much trouble as it is pulled by him. Maybe they managed a good deal.

Boy: “She’s an egg layer for sure. The Acolytes mentioned she’s fast, but they will say anything to make a sale. They’re having a saddle brought over this evening.”

A fine bird, but she’s menacing. It would take you a while to get used to such an abrasive personality. Maybe a bit like your own.

Kitten says she will watch your investments for you. Somehow that gives you a bit of relief.


You leave the village. Heading out beyond it’s earthen metal walls to a lot shown to you by Kitten. It lies behind one of the old ship hulls, and nestled between ancient buoys. An ancient heavy snub-nosed truck. It looks old and rusty, but well looked after. It rides high, and it is attached to a covered wagon rear end crafted by natives. Smaller than what you would normally see for a truck that size. Seems like it is nearly finished being loaded up. You hear a swift curse from the front end. An open toolbox sits on the ground next to a broad figure.

3/5 Brick House Wanderer 2020/11/10(Tue)09:32 No. 980736 ID: 3d5218
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You approach. You smell the scent of cigarette smoke and crude ale. They seem elbow deep in the engine bay.

Hauler: “Damned piece…”

You: “She’s solid. What are you running? Diesel?”

Hauler: “Yeeeeup. Just replaced a glow plug, and fuel filter… I can burn whatever I want in this mother-sucker! Diesel, Crude, Coal powder? Easy. I don’t dare run gas anyhow.” Said before taking a drag from a dart.

You: “Yeah, why’s that? Hard to find these days?”

You pass up a spanner. They receive it.

After a couple turns of an unseen bolt, she looks down at you and you look back a bit nervously. Hand on the bonnet.

Hauler: “You know what they say. Six in a row, you’re ready to tow. Eight in a V? You sit to pee.”

She grins and shuts the bonnet.

4/5 Truckin' Wanderer 2020/11/10(Tue)09:35 No. 980737 ID: 3d5218
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She looks familiar. You think you might have seen her before in the old longhouse by the bazaar where you were looking for goon prices. She wears a greasy shirt stained from working on this truck, and her arm has a deep scar. Hair covers her eyes and it’s tough to tell what she’s really feeling behind that big black-lipped Hyena smile.

Her debt must be because she must be used to a certain lifestyle. It’s not often you see people who have eaten this well these days. Or those who can afford to feed a smoke habit.

Hauler: “See anything you like?” She smirks

You: “Yeah, your truck looks good. Is there room for another? Heard you were heading up for mountain country, and I need to get out of town.”

Hauler: “You’ve got good taste! Her name’s Betty. Been keepin’er goin’ fer a long time! Don’t mind her state… A bit down on her luck, but as strong as ever.”

She thinks a moment

Hauler: “I’ve been known… To take hitch-hikers once in a while… You look like a pretty sorry excuse, but I’m a lil’ old fashioned. Do you know the "Rules of The Road?" No one rides for free!” She laughs hard. The kind of laugh only a hyena could have.

5/5 Sweet Hitch-Hiker Wanderer 2020/11/10(Tue)09:37 No. 980738 ID: 3d5218
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Uh oh… You're deeply familiar with this tradition… You don’t really want to have ton give up any of these resources, they’re pretty precious to you after all.

Hauler: “So what’ll it be!”

>Gas
>Grass
>Or ass

You sweat

ass

Do we still have Grass? That'd be easiest.

As long as we have grass that might be the best option.

give grass

Grassy grass grass

Eh. You could do worse.
Ass could be fun.

Grass

She has a christmas tree for pubes. How could you possibly say no to that.

trade your clothing for a ride
Grass

Ass

Because we're a stingy ass. And because, hot damn, this woman is probably one of the few that loves her ride as you do yours, so it's not that bad. You can tell her that, while you do have some grass, the smell that Betty's giving off is making you greasier than the hyena after hugging the engine.

Try the ass first. If it don't work go for grass.

Have some adventure and gain some new experiences, go ass.

>>980738
If you still have some grass, you could spare. Maybe the ass can come later.

Ass. Time to see if Hyenas live up to their reputation.

>>980770
Would prefer actual dick

ass i have to know now

Gotta be grass. Can't let our tight rat butt get got by a hyena girl unless it's by force

Step on the grass.

>>980738
The Grass is a limited resource, ass is not.
Also could possibly make her more comfortable around us if we share some grass afterwards. Or during!

>>980849
You're one to talk ASS of hat.

I think we should offer grass or maybe a gallon of our gas. If she pushes maybe we can give her a driving handy. We got some wheels to get so some sacrifices can be made.

>>980880
UnLiMiTeD ASS!

I want to trade grass. Maybe after she finds out our ass is too small for her anyway. We can play it off as 'here take my grass' and see if she takes the deal

I say offer up some grass.

What if we offered a little ass and a little grass?
Wouldn't that make things more enjoyable for everyone?