tippler 2021/11/03(Wed)17:58 No. 1014177 ID: eedbeb
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The park bench is warm from a long day in the sun. Uzak can even feel it through her thick cargo pants and she yawns, the heat lulling her into a relaxing stupor.

Her phone buzzes with a text from her older brother, Ahpin, asking how she's doing. It's the first time he's messaged her since they last saw each other for the holidays.

Uzak ignores the message along with a few others from Bage talking about their gig tonight. She lifts the gas mask hanging by the straps around her neck and fastens it over her nose and mouth.

She breathes in the smell of peppermint and spices. The world changes.

tippler 2021/11/03(Wed)18:00 No. 1014179 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak scratches her torn ear and pushes herself to her feet. She hears snow crunching under her combat boots as she walks towards the cozy house across the street. The dark, barren trees in the yard stretch into the grey sky, swaying slightly when she rings the doorbell.

A tall owl answers the door. He's shivering from the cold.

"I'm here on behalf of the Adventurers’ Guild." Uzak says.

"You're an adventurer?" the owl asks.

"I'm a freelancer. They want the artifact your team found and registered 15 years ago."

He shakes his head vigorously. "The pieces are ours by Guild rights."

"Well the Guild wants it back. Calamity Clause, or something like that. You rebuffed their past efforts to buy it off you, so I'm here now."

The bird puffs out his chest. "Do you expect to take the lens by force? I'll call the police if you don't leave my property."

A. Attack
B. Appeal to the fact that the world is ending
C. Ask why the owl wants to keep the artifact
D. Other

C, ask why they want to keep it given it's psychoactive effects and the constant weird shit it's summoning. One of them escaped the other day and caused a panic, so you came first, being the closest one to the guild.

C. Does it get you high?

B. But also be intimidating to get your point across.

Grab the bird by the collar of his sweater, forcefully drag him close to you, and whisper harshly that the world is ending, and the artifact is a component needed to stop the calamity, and ask if he is truly weak and pathetic to the point of letting his greed control his actions to keep the artifact for himself instead of relinquishing it to the guild to prevent the Apocalypse.

"Sir, this is a matter of national security. That means the government is willing to blow taxpayer money to buy whatever 'critical resource' you're hoarding.
Name a price, or tell me why you'd want to watch the apocalypse with this junk on your mantle."

C sounds like a plan.

"Sir, with all due respect, the world is ending. If that ain't Calamity enough to apply a Clause to, I don't know what the hell is. Really. I'd love to hear your reason for refusing the carrot during this time of crisis and having the balls to act like you're not the asshole in this equation after leaving us with nothing left to try but the stick. You'll still be compensated regardless of how this goes, but it's going, I assure you."

tippler 2021/11/04(Thu)10:19 No. 1014213 ID: eedbeb
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“The world is ending.” Uzak says.

“If I had a rollad for every time I heard that.” the owl replies drily. “I’ve read about the mana vents, it doesn’t seem like an urgent problem, adventurers like to exaggerate.”

Uzak takes a few steps towards the owl, but stops when the bird starts to shut the door.

“I don’t want to hurt you. Can’t you see that this is still more important than your claim from years ago? The pieces alone are just junk, and they’re not even dangerous when put together. You could help save people.”

The owl distorts, icicles growing from under his skin, feathers lengthening and eyes black. “I suppose you’ve met my former teammates.” he says quietly.

“Not yet, you were first on the list.” Uzak admits.

tippler 2021/11/04(Thu)10:19 No. 1014214 ID: eedbeb
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“If you can get Audrey to hand over her lens, I’ll give you mine.” the owl says. Uzak has to focus to keep her eyes at where she’s guessing is the right place. “Otherwise, good day.”

He shuts the door and the hallucinations ease slightly. Uzak sighs and kicks a patch of snow. Great, now she won’t get paid until she can track down the hare. Rent is coming due and the band earns next to nothing.

A. Go home
B. Go to band practice to prepare for the gig
C. Text Ahpin
D. Visit drug dealer

Text Aphin, find out what he's been upto.

Go band practicing. Youre good on drugs for now and will get some with the band. And you don't want to deal with family, Not after what happened during the holidays...

Whatever we decide to do, get distracted in your drugged up state and walk into a pole

Text your brother.

Visit drug dealer. Does this mean the drugs are bad or working as intended?

tippler 2021/11/04(Thu)19:52 No. 1014232 ID: eedbeb
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>Drug Dealer
Uzak filled her custom mask filter with eldritch powder this morning, so she doesn’t feel the need to see Tom.

>Ahpin
She checks her phone to see what her brother is bothering her about. It takes a minute for the squiggles to sort themselves into readable text.

Ahpin: Hi Uzak I hope you’re okay we haven’t talked in a while
Ahpin: I went on an adventure for the first time! I know I’ve always disliked that sort of thing but it was a wild experience and I never want to do it again.
Ahpin: What’s up with you?

The transparent attempt to find out what she’s up to is annoying, though more tolerable than their parents’ fumbling hints about getting a real job.

tippler 2021/11/04(Thu)19:52 No. 1014233 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak: I’m fine

Ahpin immediately texts back.

Ahpin: That’s great! We should get dinner and drinks sometime this week, I’ll pay
Ahpin: Invite Bage and I’ll bring Maddie.

Uzak: Ok
Ahpin: Can you do tomorrow?
Uzak: Sure
Ahpin: Meet me at the Nutz at 7:00pm, looking forward to it

>Band Practice
Uzak doesn’t want to admit it but free dinner and free beer sound awfully good. She puts her phone back into her pocket without replying and trudges through the snow to the home of tIt, punk rock band with a horror theme.

tippler 2021/11/04(Thu)19:53 No. 1014234 ID: eedbeb
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Their drummer and generous host, Tyson, is warming up when she arrives.

“You’re early.” he grunts.

“The job was shorter than I expected, at least the parts I could get to today.” Uzak slings her old bass guitar around her shoulders and puts her fingers into position on the strings.

Tyson glances up at Uzak from his sticks. “Do you need to take that off?”

“It’s my stage costume.”

“Yeah, I guess.” the rabbit says. His face flickers between his mask and normal.

Tune the guitar to the best of your influenced abilities. Tell Tyson you want to practice the more faster intense songs tonight (just to let off some steam).

>>1014235
I could get down with this tbh, maybe bemoan that the gig pays less and since the apocalypse is happening shows are getting sparser and sparser whilst discussions about how other people should "liven up" occurs

Play Weird Autumn.

So, why are you hallucinating?

>>1014264

It said here: >>1014232 that she filled her custom gas mask filter with eldritch powder.

tippler 2021/11/05(Fri)13:54 No. 1014287 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak tunes her bass and strums a few chords.

“Let’s play some of the intense stuff.” she suggests.

“Naw, I want to conserve my energy for tonight. We might have a decent crowd for once and Bage isn’t even here yet. Let’s do Strange Harvest.”

The song sounds a little basic without the melody, but Uzak still enjoys it. Leaves blow around her shoes and she hits all the notes.

tippler 2021/11/05(Fri)13:56 No. 1014289 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak and Tyson play a few more songs until Bage flings himself into the basement. The mouse is stick-thin, draped in his summer finery, and exhales a cloud of vape fog.

“Guys! How could you start without me?” he squeaks.

Uzak shrugs. “I came early. We’re just messing around.”

“I want us to run through all our songs before we have to pack up and go to the club. If we make a good impression they might ask us to come back.” Bage puffs. His movements are twitchy, emphasized by red sparks as he pulls on his guitar and tests the mic with a finger.

“Are you guys worried about the mana vent thing?” Uzak asks suddenly.

Tyson shakes his head and Bage answers. “My uncle’s one of the members of the Guardians and it’s kind of their job to figure it out, but most non-adventurers don’t seem too concerned.”

Ask if they'd be interested in setting up a gig at The Nutz tomorrow, around 7pm, at least so that we actually have a reason to go without making our meeting with our brother too awkward. I'm sure that nudist toad Gordon who runs the place would allow it.

Tell them there is usually lots of people there, usually adventurers looking for fun after a long day if they need convincing. We'll sure to be a hit there.

>>1014292
Normally I’d agree but I think your desire to kick back and get a full nice meal on the cheap with no work 100% overrides that. Tho maybe ask if you can invite a friend or two.

Time for you and Mr. Mouse to detox a little in order to be clean in time for the gig.

tippler 2021/11/05(Fri)20:32 No. 1014338 ID: eedbeb
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“Okay.” Uzak says. “Also, Bage, come with me to dinner tomorrow.”

The mouse chokes on his spit and starts hacking into his elbow. “Like, a date?”

“My bro wants to see me and he’s paying for dinner so.” Uzak shrugs. “Dinner.”

“Sure! I’d love to, that’d be really nice.” Bage says, flushing pink and shrinking into a shriveled, naked infant.

Hm. That’s a new one. Maybe she should take the mask off.

tippler 2021/11/05(Fri)20:32 No. 1014339 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak’s been using eldritch powder for a few weeks and besides the reality bending hallucinations it hasn’t been too bad. Of course, that’s what Tom warned her would happen, that the corrupted essence wouldn’t form a chemical reliance, but something magical.

While Bage readies his guitar, Uzak carefully reaches for the clasp and unlatches it. The mask stays on her face.

What should Uzak try to remove the mask?
A. Tear it off
B. Get Bage to loosen it with a spell
C. Pretend she’s not going to remove the mask, then slip it off without warning
D. Other

B, we know something fucked up is going on underneath it, like you growing a tentacle face. It's probably real hot underneath too (hot as in attractive) when you're all transmogrified.

D, keep it untied as it is now, and start practicing so you can have wild visuals as you play, but attempt to headbang hard enough to the beat of the songs to have it fall off your face on its own.

>>1014339
D, gently pull, to see if it hurts or anything. Maybe the mask has become sapient and just wants to stay on your face? You could leave it loose for a bit and see what happens.

C. Hey, has anyone seen my mummy?

C

tippler 2021/11/06(Sat)09:37 No. 1014373 ID: eedbeb
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>C/D

Uzak tests the edge of the mask with her finger. She can feel it sucker down more tightly when she tries to loosen it.

The mask can’t be sapient, right? There’s barely enough substance in there for a handful of motes much less the processing power for a sprite. Hopefully it’s just some instinctual reaction and if she lets it loosen she’ll be able to surprise it and take it off.

Uzak leaves the straps undone as the band starts their official practice. Bage croons into the mike, switching between aggressive, fast paced vocals, and a melancholy chorus.

They’re doing half covers and half original songs. In the middle of tIt anthem Chainsaw Butcher, Uzak takes her hand from the strings and pulls the mask free.

tippler 2021/11/06(Sat)09:37 No. 1014374 ID: eedbeb
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She blinks and fumbles the next few chords as her vision swims and returns to normal. The inside of the mask is the usual dark grey polymer.

“You good?” Tyson asks once they finish the song.

“Yeah, sorry for fucking up that part.” Uzak unscrews her filter to check her supply. To her alarm, she’s already used half of the powder from this morning.

“Hopefully everyone will be too drunk to notice we suck.” Bage jokes. He puffs at his vape nervously.

The band finishes practice and start packing their gear into bulky packs. The club has amps and a drum set, but otherwise they have to lug everything through the portal gates.

There’s a decent crowd milling around the dingy basement and Uzak has some time to mingle before she performs.

A. Get a drink
B. Talk to Tyson
C. Talk to Bage

Drinks until after the performance. But we will get lots of drinks when we're done before going home or meeting our drug dealer.

Talk with Bage, he was nervous, so lets assure him we'll be okaaaaaaay.

Talk to bage, ur inviting them to dinner so I wanna know more about em, ur relationship, etc.

Talk to Tyson.

tippler 2021/11/06(Sat)15:45 No. 1014382 ID: eedbeb
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>Bage
Things have been awkward between the two of them since Bage used the L-word during one of their hookups. Uzak’s done her best to act like nothing’s changed between them, but she knows the mouse is hurt. Maybe she can clear things up and help him calm down before the gig.

She finds Bage skulking in the back, tapping a beat on the painted brick moodily. He winces when he sees her coming.

“Hi.” he says.

“Hey man.” Uzak leans against the wall opposite him. “You feeling okay?”

“It’ll be okay once we get started.” Bage digs his fingers into his forearm. “I always get anxious before a show.”

tippler 2021/11/06(Sat)15:45 No. 1014383 ID: eedbeb
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“I’m sorry for laughing at you during sex that one time.” Uzak blurts out. “That was mean, it’s okay for you to say you love me, I just won’t reciprocate.”

“I didn’t think you were being mean to me, I just felt really stupid. And. Well. We’ve been friends for so long and everything, do you really feel nothing towards me?” Bage asks.

His eyes are a bit watery. Oops, bringing this up now might not have been a great idea. Uzak genuinely has no romantic feelings towards Bage but needs to find the best way to say it.

A. She’s aromantic and doesn’t love anyone
B. Apologize, it’s not Bage, it’s her
C. “Let’s keep things professional from now on.”

"I could never love you, Bage. You're just not my type."

I figured you're a cat, so you could just go RAWR and chase him onstage.

No sense engaging in Sabotage, unless you're covering it.

B

It's not because he's not her type or because she is aromantic, but her junkie lifestyle is kinda messed up and wouldn't want to drag him into it.

>>1014383
Okay I WOULD say the aromantic thing would make sense, BUT!!!! Aphin is Asexual, and she's avoiding him, considering how this world runs, they would more then likely find actual solidarity in this and have a better bond if this was the case. Unless UZAK just doesent know and will find out at dinner.

So I'm leaning more towards B, and its her drug heavy lifestyle that makes her just... not want that with him, she wants someone who vibes on the same wavelength and he's just a vapey boy.

It COULD be A, but idk my interpretation is that it can't work that way.

>>1014386

(To add to my post of course, we dont tell him about our lifestyle, we don't need the risk of him trying to "help" us)

>>1014383
B

B

>>1014383
B. "I just don't really... do love like other people do."

B. I'm a cat, you are a mouse. I was taught not to "$·$· my food.

A: "For what it's worth, the sex was awesome up until that point. Would bang again. But no love. I'll, uh... I'll be honest, I don't do romantic love. With, like... anybody. It's fucking weird, I know, but please don't blame yourself; it was my fault for not making that clear from the start."

tippler 2021/11/07(Sun)09:45 No. 1014434 ID: eedbeb
File 163630715398.png - (229.09KB , 1000x1100 , p16.png )

>B
“Bage, this isn’t your fault or anything, you’re a great guy and the sex has been awesome. I have a lot going on with freelance and I don’t want to drag you into that mess.” Uzak flounders for a moment. Feelings aren’t her strong point. “I care about you so much as my friend, but I can’t change how I feel beyond that, I’m sorry.”

Bage wipes his nose on the back of his hand. “You’re not obligated to love me. I-I’m glad we could talk about it.”

“Still want to go to dinner tomorrow?”

“Hell yeah.” Bage smiles weakly. “I’m not gonna say no to free dinner.”

tippler 2021/11/07(Sun)09:46 No. 1014435 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak and Bage chat about music and random shit until it’s time to go to the stage. Uzak switches out her filter before putting on her mask, she doesn’t want to be tripping during the show.

Bage transforms into a different person once he takes the mic. He swaggers to the edge of the platform, signature sunglasses hiding his soft eyes.

“Thank you all for coming out tonight! We are tIt and we’re going to make you scream.”

“I don’t see any tits! This band’s a sham!” someone heckles lightheartedly. Uzak pinpoints a tall horse as the source.

“Oh yeah?” Bage peels off his shirt to reveal his lean chest. “Get a load of these!”

The crowd whoops with delight and Tyson counts off the first song.

tippler 2021/11/07(Sun)09:46 No. 1014436 ID: eedbeb
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The hour passes in a blur of head banging and several absolutely sick drum solos. Uzak plays decently and she’s satisfied when Bage staggers to the front at the end of their last song.

“This has been tIt! Hope you all enjoyed the music, horse guy, if you want your dick sucked find me in ten minutes.”

The horse’s friends hoot and punch him in the shoulder. Uzak unclasps her mask and wipes the sweat from her brow. The night is still young by her standards, but she should probably get some rest before hare hunting tomorrow.

A. Watch Bage and the horse
B. Smoke weed and chill with Tyson
C. Go home

>>1014436
Smoke weed, you had a big high and now it's time to have some indica and chill out.

Go see Tyson. But don't forget your free dinner and alcohol.

Go home.

Pretty sure Bage is 16. Call the police.

>>1014436
Time to head to bed I think

Yeah, just go home. You're not all that social.

tippler 2021/11/07(Sun)20:22 No. 1014478 ID: eedbeb
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>Home
“I’m heading out, I’ll take my bass.” Uzak tells Tyson, who nods and drifts towards the inviting, bong wielding after party.

Uzak packs her bag and heads into the warm night. Her apartment is between two gate stations, so she’ll have time during the walk to plan for tomorrow.

The team she’s targeting split up ages ago after an intense mission in the Fathomless Forest, which was where they found a mana scope, an extremely rare artifact that can detect mana waves. They split the scope into three parts, and it sounds like the two lenses ended up with Audrey the hare and Vince the owl.

tippler 2021/11/07(Sun)20:23 No. 1014479 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak has been on a few adventures, but even 15 years retired her targets outrank her by far. That’s why she’s using eldritch dust, a volatile and dangerous tool that includes benefits such as mild precognition and emotion influence.

She needs to get the location of the hare, restock on powder, and prepare to face Ahpin as well as do the various things that keep her alive and healthy.

Uzak climbs the stairs to her tiny second floor studio apartment with a groan. For someone who apparently doesn’t have a real job, she feels awfully busy.

What’s Uzak’s evening routine? Also, what should she do first tomorrow?

You go on the internet and look up PursuitLair, an imageboard that contains interactive stories they call "pursuits". You suggest ideas for your favorite pursuits that you like to catch up on, sometimes lightheartedly troll on other pursuits with obviously dumb yet funny ideas. Theres one you like to read called "you're deceased"

Afterwards, you cry yourself to sleep.

First thing to do is restock on powder.

6:00 Early Dinner
6:30 Develop Engineering Projects (mostly drug supplies)
8:00 Play Starreach
9:00 Late Dinner
9:30 Practice New Songs
10:00 Porn
12:00 Sleep

>>1014483

Visit PURSUITLAIR and see that there's a story called WEIRD STUFFED ANIMALS GET STITCHED TOGETHER OH GOD. You don't know why the title is so long, or why anyone would read a story about eldritch horror stuffed animals, so you go look up porn until you sleep, not even jerking off, just as ambient noise.

4 hours of watching basketball, playing that mobile phone game where you're a pirate, and jilling off, taken in intermittent shifts.

Around midnight you warm up some frozen enchildas, engage in some self-loathing, and go to bed.

tippler 2021/11/08(Mon)09:37 No. 1014500 ID: eedbeb
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The first thing Uzak does is warm up some frozen enchiladas. She missed lunch so she eats five of them with a generous splash of hot sauce. The influx of food reminds her how tired she is, and she gets on her bed with her laptop to relax.

After an hour of absent RTS games and watching a recorded hoop-ball game, Uzak switches to some interactive stories on an imageboard. She catches up on her favorites, but doesn’t suggest anything.

Once she’s sufficiently bored she fishes around under her bed for her rabbit vibrator and pulls her pants to her ankles.

The post nut clarity hits Uzak so hard she shuts her laptop and goes to sleep.

tippler 2021/11/08(Mon)09:37 No. 1014502 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak gets up around noon the next day, showers, eats a leftover enchilada, grabs her mask and heads for Tom’s dingy alley. It lives on the same side of town, so Uzak walks the whole way instead of bothering to take a portal.

The eldritch is lying slumped against the wall with its many eyes shut. She waits until a weak tendril rises from the rags and addresses her.

“Ah, Uzak.” it croaks. “You have come back again. What would you like from me today? I hope you have something interesting for exchange.”

Pick one or more options.
A. Tell Tom about yesterday’s visions
B. Ask Tom how it’s doing
C. Trade for powder (suggest what Uzak trades, it matters)

Tell about the visions, and of course,

Hug Tom.

Talk about the visions, offer up your GAMER GIRL BATHWATER, it's just a cup of water you jilled in a little bit the last time you had a bath. There was this one pervert who bought it off of you once but now you have like 2 bottles left so you thought it'd be worth a shot considering how sex crazed some kin are

Read Tom, trade potions mixed with alcohol from the bar.

We have band merch, gamer girl potion bases, and this bag of pretzels I found on a train.

tippler 2021/11/08(Mon)19:09 No. 1014538 ID: eedbeb
File 163642735393.png - (326.31KB , 1000x1100 , p23.png )

>Visions
“When I was using the powder yesterday I had two strong visions. This first was the owl I told you about, he got all frozen and distorted when he brought up his team.”

“Hmm.” Tom nods its little tendril. “Yes, they split up, you said. He could be stuck in the past, unable to move on. Or there could have been a draft in the house, who knows.”

“Probably the first one.”

Tom does a tiny shrug. “You’re the one who needs to get something useful from the interpretation. The mind is complicated.”

“Okay, what about, uh, my friend turning into a big baby.”

“Break up with him.” Tom says instantly.

“What? We’re not even together and you just said it’s open to interpretation. Whatever, let me find something to give you.”

tippler 2021/11/08(Mon)19:09 No. 1014539 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak rummages around in her pockets and produces a tIt CD and a jar of old shower water she keeps with her at all time.

Tom recoils with displeasure. “Don’t insult me with garbage.”

“Last time I gave you a bag of pretzels.” Uzak protests.

“Yes, well, supply and demand.” Tom grumbles. “I’d like something with a decent amount of mana or actual money.”

Huh, if we assembled that manascope, it'd lead us right to the biggest payoff in the city.

Either we need to put some more points into pretzel find, or hope we get a lead on the hare. I guess we pay cash.

You and me both Tom.

Do you have some cash? How much would it want?

tippler 2021/11/09(Tue)07:01 No. 1014612 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak assesses her wallet. She has 48 rollad and a coupon for half off a pizza.

“Yes I’ll take all that.” Tom says from her elbow.

She snaps her wallet shut. “Jeez dude, this is all I’ve got. I have to eat too.”

“Well maybe you shouldn’t have offered me bathwater.” the eldritch says waspishly. “Once you get the manascope parts you can use them to find something magical, otherwise I want cash.”

Uzak sighs and hands over her money and the coupon. She needs the eldritch powder for her job, so unless she finds a new dealer, she’s at the whim of Tom, who is notoriously whimsical.

Tom takes her filter and a razorblade from its rags. It worms one of its tentacles through the cracks and then slices it free.

The eldritch pockets the money and hums a nonsense tune. What should Uzak do next?
A. Use eldritch powder to find the hare
B. Ask her Guild contact where the hare is
C. Other

We ran out of the stuff pretty fast last time. So lets just ask our guild contact before we use the powder.

Also, ask Tom about the powder making the mask stick to your face, and you had to trick it to pull it off without hurting yourself. can you at least get compensated for that?

Ask the guild, on your way there try to see what food places are extra cheap, maybe you can ask for a small advance for some food from them since you’re actively working on the case?

Tom, why are you lying in this dank alley all despondent? Are you daydreaming about what you would have become if someone hadn't cracked your egg again?

tippler 2021/11/09(Tue)16:42 No. 1014634 ID: eedbeb
File 163650492603.png - (264.08KB , 1000x1100 , p26.png )

"One more thing, when I was using the mask yesterday, it got stuck to my face. Is that normal or..?"

"Did it really?" Tom looks vaguely impressed as he flips through the dirty bills.

Uzak sighs and changes the subject. "You just, uh, planning to stay here all day?"

"Usually I like to mope about how my egg was cracked by a curious rat and I was doomed to this pitiful existence but your visit put me in much better spirits." Tom says cheerfully. "Perhaps I will visit a printing shop later."

Uzak leaves Tom in the alley and finds a curb to sit on. Losing that money hurt, she doesn't have to worry about rent for a couple weeks but if anything breaks or goes wrong she'll be in trouble. Since the powder is so valuable, she doesn't want to use it to find the hare.

tippler 2021/11/09(Tue)16:45 No. 1014637 ID: eedbeb
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The cat thumbs through her phone and finds the Guild recruiter that contacted her for the job. Uzak has a profile on the Guild website listing her combat level, skills, and availability. In the past, her best paying gigs have been multi-day adventuring trips where the party needed some extra muscle, so she was surprised when someone from the Guild itself contacted her.

"Hello, this is the office of Guild Internal Affairs, how can I help you." Prim burbles from the other side of the phone.

"Prim, its Uzak, can you give me a tip about the scope job—"

"Shh!" the shrimp hisses. "Where are you?"

"Sitting on the ground."

"Is there anyone near you?"

"No one's listening, if that’s what you're worried about." Uzak mutters.

tippler 2021/11/09(Tue)16:45 No. 1014638 ID: eedbeb
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"Good, because the Guild isn't technically supposed to be bothering retired adventurers. Our authority mostly extends to collecting dues and since it can be argued the mana vent issue isn't a calamity, people could sue." the shrimp says.

Uzak rolls her eyes. "It's fine, I'd like to know where Audrey lives."

"Give me a moment." Uzak hears the clack of a keyboard. "Yes, the druid, her house is on the outskirts of the city but she spends a lot of time foraging in the forest so it’s hard to get ahold of her. I'll send you the address. Anything else you'd like?"

"Can you pay me a bit upfront? My supplies for this sort of thing aren't free."

"Oh...that's true. Can we meet later? Digital records can be subpoenaed."

"Yeah, fair. And you're sure you don't need the third piece? I don't wanna cut it down to the wire for rent harassing two retired dudes only to find out I gotta bust ass to hound the third guy, too."

Assuming "later" doesn't mean "now," go to the hare's house.

Say sure you can meet later and ask for the last persons location too just to save time since you have her on the call.

"Send me a dead drop. Remember, you're paying us peanuts."

We'll meet with her, but I don't trust these GIA guys.

tippler 2021/11/10(Wed)15:24 No. 1014707 ID: eedbeb
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"When's later?" Uzak asks.

"I get off work at 5:00pm, and I can meet any time after that within portal boundaries."

A drop off would be more convenient but Uzak doubts Prim trusts her enough. She's never actually met the shrimp in person, so it might be a good opportunity to haggle for higher pay.

"What about the third piece? You still want me to get that, right?"

"The optics are more important, but the body of the scope would make putting it together much easier." Prim explains. "Princess has a family with kids, though, and if you're not comfortable with that you don't have to worry."

"Send me her address too." Uzak can stop by to chat even if she doesn't want to fistfight a mom.

Prim ends the call and immediately texts the two addresses to Uzak. Princess is in one of the suburbs while Audrey is much further. Who should Uzak visit first? What's her approach strategy?

Visit princess, she’s a mom with kids, should be possible to catch her, have a quick convo to gauge the situation, then dip and plan your real strat which is breaking in when her kids leave for school and she leaves for work to snatch it should she not be willing to give it up. That thought crossed your mind as you wander towards her place

tippler 2021/11/10(Wed)18:25 No. 1014737 ID: eedbeb
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>Princess
It should be possible to have a quick conversation with the coyote, no mask necessary, to gauge the situation and see who’s usually around the house. If the kids aren’t there, Uzak could try to break in, scummy as that is.

Uzak stands, dusts off the seat of her pants, and follows her phone’s instructions to get to the house. It’s a lovely idyllic neighborhood, well-kept yards and glossy painted exteriors. Princess’s house has a new roof and water guns scattered around the yard.

Uzak rings the doorbell and waits. She hears a young child hollering, then footsteps, and the door swings open.

“Hello.” Princess beams. There’s a pup chewing on their paw and clutching their mother’s loose shirt.

“I’m here on behalf of the Adventurers’ Guild—“ Uzak begins.

“Oh! Of course, just a moment.” Princess puts the pup on the tile and tackles Uzak onto the grass.

"Geez, at least buy a woman dinner first!"
Ask what this is about.

"I have eldritch crack and I'm not afraid to use it!"

Ask what its about, if you see her going to actively wound you or continue her assault do what you know to do in these situations with quickly assaulting dogs, lift your legs and KICK either her off of you, or the ground so that you can reverse the situation.

Yell something rude directly in her ear.

If she recoils, use that time to get to your feet. Did you bring either type of Mace?

"Non-violent! I come with non-violent intent on behalf of the AG! Jeezum, relax, lady! I'm not gonna punch a mom over an optional bonus piece! I wanted to talk things through."

tippler 2021/11/10(Wed)20:24 No. 1014759 ID: eedbeb
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There’s hard muscle under the coyote’s cardigan, not to mention that she took Uzak totally by surprise.

“Hey, relax lady!” Uzak struggles to push Princess away but her flailing hands are expertly deflected. “What’s this for? I want to talk!”

Princess punches Uzak in the nose playfully. It hurts like fuck and blood starts running into her mouth.

“Get ‘er mommy!” the pup squeaks.

“I told the last Guild representative that I’d beat up whoever they sent to harass my family next!” Princess yips, with a blow to Uzak’s right eye.

tippler 2021/11/10(Wed)20:25 No. 1014761 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak yowls with rage and kicks at Princess with her sturdy combat boots. Her strong legs are enough to lift the coyote off of her, giving Uzak a chance to fling herself upright.

This is bad, her nose and eye are swelling up and Princess isn’t even winded. What should Uzak do?

A. Use the eldritch powder and reengage
B. Threaten to use the eldritch powder to try to deescalate (has a chance of failure)
C. Run
D. Other

A. Trip out to ease the pain

A. Go get 'em!

A. Trip out, engage a temporary mutation and use it to bind this lady.

A. murder. no mercy

Are we really gonna assault a naked lady in front of her kid?

Hell yes, then we're gonna cross that off the bucket list later. A.

B. We want to try to de-escalate the situation so we can talk.

B: "Lady, I wasn't even gonna threaten you, but I do have the means to defend myself!"

A) "I just want you children to know - whatever I do next is instigated as an act of self-defense, unless your mother stops trying to blend my ribcage within the next five seconds."

A

tippler 2021/11/11(Thu)10:29 No. 1014811 ID: eedbeb
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>A
Uzak lifts the mask to her face. She doesn’t even have to do the straps after she takes the first breath, the mask suckers itself to her skin and the pain from her nose and eye disappears.

“Baby, go inside and try to call your dad.” Princess growls. She tears her cardigan away with one hand, revealing the battle hardened body beneath.

“C’mon, help me.” Uzak mutters. The hallucinations are trickling in, blurring out the rest of the world and drawing sharp lines from Princess’s eyes. She can see where Princess is about to move and aim, and the image of a black tube, which must be the piece of the artifact.

The vision is remarkably crisp compared to what she saw of the owl. She doesn’t have time to think about what this could symbolize.

tippler 2021/11/11(Thu)10:32 No. 1014814 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak dodges Princess’s first blow and meets her with a knee to the stomach. This time the coyote is the one who falls to ground, gasping for breath and clutching her ribs. Uzak follows up with a merciless kick, then kneels so she’s straddling the writhing woman.

Princess breaks the first attempt at a pin and socks Uzak in the boob, struggling until Uzak gets an arm around her fluffy neck and squeezes, threatening to choke her.

The coyote taps out and Uzak loosens her hold slightly, but doesn’t let go.

“I want the mana scope piece.” Uzak growls in her ear.

“You can have it if you leave me and my family alone.” Princess coughs. “It won’t work anyway, after I found out the Guild was looking for it I put it through our new Magilux washer so many times it ruined the mana signature.”

>>1014814
Might be brutal but maybe break a rib as you let her go, saying something like “THAT was for attacking someone just here to talk” say you’ll be taking it and that they shouldn’t be bothering you anymore. I like the idea that Uzak is a little petty.

Whether it works or not isn't my problem, I'm only paid to get it back, which we could have done without beating the shit out of eachother if you'd just talked to me.

>>1014814
Tell her that you don’t care if it works or not. Your job was to just get it, you were never told that you had to make sure that it still works.

"Unfortunate, but not my problem to deal with. I am curious, though; you wouldn't have destroyed it if you cared about its monetary or practical value, so what was stopping you from just handing it over in the first place and washing your hands of all this?"

>>1014814
Tell her if the world ends it's her fault now.

"I get the feeling you're bullshitting me. What's to say it's not just a cheap replica."

"Was it the owl who told you the guild was looking for the pieces yesterday?"

I'm calling your bluff. If you had done that, you would have just told the Guild instead of punching me.

We'll be sending you an itemized reciept for attacking 2 agents and magical sabotage.

You'll pay it in full, or they'll send someone a lot less patient then me.

tippler 2021/11/11(Thu)19:27 No. 1014866 ID: eedbeb
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“Not my problem.” Uzak says. Privately she’s cursing Princess for making her life that much harder. No doubt Prim will find some way to charge a fee for the damaged goods.

She adjusts her hold on Princess and the coyote grunts with pain. “You broke a rib, getting me with your knee there. What’s up with the mask? Is it an artifact that makes you stronger?”

“Something like that, so don’t try anything. I’m going to let you up and you’re going to take me to the tube. No surprises.”

“Fine.” Princess wheezes. “It’s in the house, don’t touch anything you don’t want to pay for.”

“You’re the one who attacked first, you should owe me.” Uzak stands, keeping a close eye on Princess as the coyote hobbles to the door.

tippler 2021/11/11(Thu)19:27 No. 1014867 ID: eedbeb
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Princess leads Uzak to the master bedroom. Uzak sees a pair of luminous, frightened eyes as the kid darts away from the scary intruder to hide in the bathroom.

Princess dumps the hamper and the strange black tube comes rolling out over the dirty laundry. Uzak dips to snag it, testing the material with a claw.

There’s a vague aura around the hard shell. Peering closer, Uzak can see that it’s made of interlocking fibers. She squeezes but the material doesn’t give.

“How do I know this is the real thing?” Uzak asks. “You could be bullshitting me, given me a prop or something. If you care about it enough not to sell it, you wouldn’t just hand it over.”

Princess squints at Uzak for a few seconds. “Fuck you.”

“No, fuck you! I don’t want to have to come back here.”

Princess groans. “I’m not a mage, and if you can’t tell by yourself there’s nothing I can do to prove it to you. The reason I wanted to keep it is because it’s my only keepsake from our last adventure.”

tippler 2021/11/11(Thu)19:27 No. 1014868 ID: eedbeb
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That actually isn’t a bad reason. It would explain why everyone in the ex-team is so unwilling to hand their pieces over, clearly it was a bad breakup for friends so close to not even talk to each other anymore.

There’s still some magic in the tube, so the washing machine wasn’t enough to totally ruin it. Maybe Prim will have a way to restore it.

Uzak’s stomach rumbles as she walks away from the blurry saccharine neighborhood. She has an hour or two before dinner with Ahpin, not enough time to find Audrey and come back. What should she do in the meantime?

A. Meet with Prim
B. Hang out with Tyson
C. Hang out with Bage
D. Other

Gotta meet with prim as promised

D remove mask. Need to save the rest for hunting down the rabbit. We ran low quick last time.

>>1014871
Remove mask and hang with Prim, being high is cool but that shit costs food money. Gotta conserve.

A!

A. Chew her out a bit, since she didn't tell you Princess was pissed at the guild already.

tippler 2021/11/12(Fri)07:39 No. 1014913 ID: eedbeb
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First things first, Uzak needs to take off the mask so she doesn’t waste more powder. She tentatively pokes at the side, and to her pleasant surprise, it peels off easily.

The pain of her injuries returns with a vengeance and Uzak bites her lip with a hiss. There’s dried blood all over her mouth and she can’t see out of her swollen eye. She needs to find a public bathroom where she can tidy up a bit.

Uzak wipes her face with scratchy paper towels soaked in tap water, wincing whenever she touches her nose. Once she’s presentable, she texts Prim.

tippler 2021/11/12(Fri)07:39 No. 1014914 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak: Can you meet in 15 minutes?
Prim: Yes! Where?
Uzak: Bathroom at Station G
Prim: D:
Prim: We can do a bit better than that, there’s a lovely little specialty desserts place not far from there, I’ll pay
Uzak: Ok

Uzak makes her way to the ice cream slash bakery slash crepe shop and finds a table to wait. The employees take in her eye, tattoos, and dirty clothes, but don’t ask her to leave.

Prim bustles in after a few minutes. “Uzak! Oh dear, are you alright?”

"Yyyyyup. Wish you could have warned me that Princess was already mad, though. Apparently, someone else was harassing her for her 'thing' on 'your' behalf. I did manage to get it, but she ran it through the wash a bunch of times, thinking you'd lose interest. Not sure how useful it still is."

Give her the scope piece, tell her to not worry about it, it comes with the job and you dont need anyone's pity.

Actually, wait, I changed my mind. Don't give her the scope piece just yet, we might be able to use it to show to the owl to help us get his scope piece if we fail getting a scope piece from the rabbit.
But we will show it to her as proof and let her know our plans.

Remind yourself to get some sunglasses to hide your injuries from Ahpin later tonight.

tippler 2021/11/12(Fri)13:12 No. 1014928 ID: eedbeb
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“It’s not serious but you could have warned me that Princess was going to attack me.” Uzak grumbles.

Prim pulls out a chair and sits. “We didn’t think she would actually follow up on her threat, our mistake. I can cover the cost of a healer, and oh, you should get one of the crepes, they’re delicious.”

Uzak is not opposed to dessert before dinner, and she orders one with lots of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. While she waits, she pulls out the tube.

“I got the scope piece, Princess said she tried to remove the magic in it, so not sure how useful it will be.”

Prim whips out a pair of enchanted specs and reaches for the little cylinder. When Uzak doesn’t let go she sighs and leans across the table.

“Yes, its low on energy but a good soaking in a pure mana solution should restore it in no time. Powerful artifacts are almost impossible to break, which is why we have direct flights to the closest active volcano.”

tippler 2021/11/12(Fri)13:12 No. 1014929 ID: eedbeb
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“Ok.” Uzak tucks the tube back into her pocket despite Prim’s look of desperation. Their crepes arrive and Uzak devours hers in two minutes.

“Let’s talk payment.” Prim says, pushing her half eaten crepe towards Uzak, who gratefully accepts. “We want this to be a complete job but we’re willing to pay for each piece separately. Also, you said you needed money for your tools so I can add that as well.”

Prim lowers her voice. “We’re also willing to exchange information, though I’m sure you’d prefer cash. Just know it’s an option!”

Uzak is getting 50 rollad no matter what, but she has a choice to make about the tube.
A. Trade tube for 2000 rollad
B. Trade tube for 1000 rollad and a question about the mana vents or some other important item
C. Keep tube
D. Other

>>1014929
so I think a valid question, when recieving that kind of money is, do you have a bank or bank card so you can store money and not get it all janked when going for magic dust.

Second, how much is needed for rent, is 1000 enough?

Third, gear/allies, if the last person is a problem will you need to spend it on that?

I think while getting lore info would be cool for us as suggestors, I dont think Uzak will actually care about it unless Aphin dinner changes that?

I got other questions but I feel like an interim -what about this- might be warranted.

>>1014929
what do we care about info? Its not like manavents are our problem. Take 2000 rollad.

Why the fuck would we trade 1k for nebulous info on the mana vents?
Holla holla get dolla. A.

B. Getting some information might make convincing the others to relinquish their pieces easier.

>>1014929
Did you just fucking soul vore that crepe?

Ok ask her first if the info would help you convince the others to give up their parts. If yes, B but ask for a discount since it serves her purposes as well.

That purple guy's face in the backround! XD

Let's ask if the information can be used to track down the last piece more easily.

tippler 2021/11/12(Fri)17:57 No. 1014951 ID: eedbeb
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>More info about the options

Uzak mostly needs money for the rapidly escalating cost of eldritch powder (will be rollad amounts randomly chosen from 500, 1000, 150, and 2000 from now on), though she can also do whatever she wants with her money such as buy magical items or donate cash to the band. She currently has enough powder for one short excursion.

The question could lead to helpful information about the ex-team, such as why they broke up or their origin story, which would help if attempting to extract their pieces non-violently. Asking about the mana vents might not help with artifact extraction, but would lead to plot relevance.

Disregard plot, acquire fluff

>B. Trade tube for 1000 rollad and a question about the mana vents or some other important item

this the important item is Prim's dress.

alternately flirt with Prim for better deal

Fine, let's accept the money.

Also, mock Prim ridiculous physique.

Accept the full money, try to sneak a quickie with the shrimp lady, her physique is HOT like someone fried this shrimp in rice. Heck that should be your pickup line. One she's never heard of before!

Take 1000 and find out about the vents.
Also, compliment Prim's ridiculous physique.

All the money. We have a habit, but it's under control.

And to keep it under control, we need all that money.

Still gonna say B so we can get info about the adventurers and not hurt ourself again.

tippler 2021/11/13(Sat)08:11 No. 1015013 ID: eedbeb
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>Full payment
“I’ll take all the cash.” Uzak decides. Money is more important than the nebulous promise of useful knowledge.

Prim opens her purse and pulls out a stack of fifty rollad notes held together with a rubber band. She hands Uzak the money to count and eagerly takes the tube. Uzak now has 2050 rollad.

>Flirt
“You wanna fuck?” Uzak asks after stuffing the numerous bills into her old wallet.

“Uzak! Have a little finesse.” Prim chides.

“You got smokin’ tits, babe. Hotter than fried rice.”

Prim blushes. “That’s better. This building has a sex room down the hall and I have a few toys in my purse. I don’t want it too rough but I do like the usual dirty talk as long as you aren’t making fun of me.”

What is Uzak’s quickie method (to use on Prim)?
A. Dildo
B. Fingering
C. Oral

A. Shrimp on a skewer

>>1015013
Oralllll, you are a cat, she’s a type of fish, you live for this shit.

Oral
Only because we've been wearing a gasmask filled with that eldritch powder, and breathing that shit in, so some of that stuff might still be in our mouth, and cause something very interesting. Whether that will have good or bad effects on Prim, who knows? Im just feeling a bit evil right now.

Oral, gotta taste the shrimp

tippler 2021/11/13(Sat)13:08 No. 1015029 ID: eedbeb
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>Sea food’s on the menu, boys

One of the stalls in the sex room is occupied, muffled moans coming from behind the door. Uzak lets Prim lead the way to the other cozy cubby, fitted with a small bed and shelf to place clothes and personal items.

The shrimp squeezes out of her dress, revealing her boobs in all their glory. Uzak kicks her pants aside and sits on the bed, which is fitted with a clean top sheet.

Prim crawls into her lap and they make out, the shrimp’s antennae fluttering happily. Uzak lays Prim out and moves between her hard shelled legs, pulling her tail away from her salty cunt.

Uzak doesn’t have time to eat Prim out properly, so she uses her fingers to help get Prim off. The shrimp makes adorable gasping noises when she comes.

tippler 2021/11/13(Sat)13:08 No. 1015030 ID: eedbeb
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Once Uzak’s cleaned up, she squeezes a tit for good luck then starts her journey to Nutz, texting Bage to meet her outside. The mouse immediately responds that he’s leaving his place and will be there in several minutes. Uzak is looking forward to flexing her fat payout, though she still wants Ahpin to cover dinner.

Uzak waits outside the tavern until Bage arrives, hair tousled like he just got out of bed.

“Late night after the show.” he yawns. “That horse had a dick like a soda can, thought I’d pass out at one point.”

“Glad you survived.” Uzak says drily.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met your brother. What’s he like?”

“He’s kind of a nerd honestly. Does accounting shit, you probably shouldn’t hit on him.”

Bage shrugs. “Whatever you say. Don’t come crying if he tries to get in my pants.”

tippler 2021/11/13(Sat)13:08 No. 1015031 ID: eedbeb
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Ahpin and Maddie arrive right on time, arm in arm with each other. Uzak recognizes the dog from the Guild website as a high ranked adventurer, though she’s also heard rumors that Maddie’s team ran into serious trouble in a dungeon a month ago. She reaches a hand to her mask instinctively.

“Uzak, you made it!” Ahpin bounds forward but doesn’t go for a hug. He’s a smidge taller than her, wielding his usual bare chest and scarf.

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

“I hadn’t heard from you in a while and so much craziness has happened.” Ahpin rubs the back of his head sheepishly. “Anyway, this place has great ale and burgers. Let’s get a table.”

Maddie is wearing a long sleeved shirt, despite the warm weather. There’s a glint of metal from her left hand, but Uzak doesn’t have a chance to get a good look before they’re seated at a sturdy wood table.

“So before I tell you my adventuring story, what’s been happening with you?” Ahpin asks.

>>1015031
Be vague about what's been happening, mention you got a good freelance job recently, let gage talk about band woes and introduce himself. Eye Aphins (girlfriend?) [we know they arent together but you dont know that] down a bit and that arm, maybe ask whats up with that.

be very vague, don't let him know about how you got your injury.
"Gigs, band practice, freelance work, same old shit, ran into pole, got black eye from it. Fine."

If Ahpin is worried about your life because of your parents concern, explain:

"Look, I'm making enough money, just got paid from my last freelance work, so you guys don't have to worry about me. I'm fine, I'm an adult and can take good care of myself."

Tell him you're collecting pieces of an artifact that will probably save the world or something.

>>1015031
>“So before I tell you my adventuring story, what’s been happening with you?” Ahpin asks.
You know he doesn't do adventures, so whatever his story is it probably isn't as exciting as he's making it seem.

Ask what happened? Did his boss send him on an adventure to get some more ink for the office printer?

Shock him with the most lurid details of your life, blown wildly out of proportion.

You're a punk rocker, dammit.

tippler 2021/11/13(Sat)21:13 No. 1015077 ID: eedbeb
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Uzak mulls over what to share. While she stalls, Ahpin glances at her face, no doubt noticing her black eye but not commenting.

“I ran into a pole after our band gig last night.” she says lamely.

“Oh! I’m sorry.” Ahpin says. “How’s the band? Is Bage still the singer?”

“Yup, we had a great show yesterday.” Bage has his sex voice on full blast, aiming years of honed horny energy at her brother, who doesn’t seem to notice.

“Besides that I’m doing a guild job to collect some pieces of an artifact that will help save the world or something. Pays okay. Nothing too exciting.” Uzak digs her claw into a crack in the wood.

tippler 2021/11/13(Sat)21:13 No. 1015078 ID: eedbeb
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Familial obligations satisfied, Uzak turns the attention to Ahpin. “You said you went on an adventure, where was it? One of the starter dungeons?”

Maddie grips Ahpin’s hand in warning.

“Uh—yeah. It was Baby’s First Dungeon. Got a charmed participation ribbon after I pacified the final boss with a kobold I met in the IT department.” Ahpin manages a feeble thumbs up with his free hand. “Yup. Great time.”

Ahpin is acting pretty suspicious, which leaves them in a mutually assured destruction scenario. Uzak lets Bage take over the small talk while their beers are delivered by a naked toad, who pats Ahpin on the back in an avuncular way. The ale is rich and sweet, bubbles sparking pleasantly on her tongue as she drains the glass.

>>1015078
Aphin is paying, it's getting awkward, this means you have to drink the awkwardness away and spoil some stuff which causes an avalanche of awkward which Bage is VERY excited for, and then Maddie starts getting excited about. I want to see them both emberassed and have a side bar under the table haha

Get drunk and pry. Pry until he tells you everything! Make him sing!

"baby's first dungeon is not usually what you call "a wild experience" as you texted, bro,"

*long pause to take in Ahpin's nervousness*

"but whateves, you do you."

Pry. Offer up extra details about your own job as an exchange.

>>1015078
Tell Ahpin that it’s very obvious that he’s lying. If he doesn’t want to tell you what actually happened, then he should’ve just said that he didn’t want to tell you, instead of lying to you.

We're not one to pry, if he actually went to a dangrous dungeon, and his friend got god powers, or something, that's their business not ours. Uzak wouldn't really care.

(If Uzak does pry, it's while she is drunk)

Don't pry. You pry and he'll pry right back. Whatever juicy goss he's got isn't worth admitting you beat up a mother in front of her kids.

tippler 2021/11/14(Sun)08:34 No. 1015122 ID: eedbeb
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>To pry or not to pry
Uzak isn’t about to ask her brother about his business when she simply does not give a shit. She can press the offensive if he tries to get answers, but otherwise she’s going to have more beer.

While Uzak motions to the toad for a fresh glass, she notices that Bage is trying to go footsies with Ahpin under the table. She’s about to smack him when Ahpin speaks.

“Bage, are you trying to flirt with me?” he asks.

“Maybe I am.” the mouse titters.

“Well, I’d appreciate if you stopped.” Ahpin says firmly. “I’m not looking for a partner or a sexual encounter.”

“Oh, uh, sorry, my bad man.” Bage looks at Uzak with bewilderment. It’s not every day someone says something like that. Her respect for her brother sits up from its coffin with a wheeze.

tippler 2021/11/14(Sun)08:35 No. 1015124 ID: eedbeb
File 163690771426.png - (280.42KB , 1000x1100 , p50.png )

The conversation stalls without Bage to ease it along. Maddie doesn’t see at all interested in the company and doesn’t touch her beer. Uzak shoots the abandoned cold foamy glass a Bage look of longing and regret.

Ahpin monologues about his boring office job until the food arrives. The burgers are juicy and the fries delightfully crisp. Uzak gently zones out, only to be shocked back into reality when Maddie addresses her.

“Why does your mask smell like an eldritch?” the dog asks, in a low, coarse voice.

“It’s for work. Why is your hand silver?”

“Eldritch ingestion is dangerous and unpredictable.” Maddie continues without answering.

By this time Uzak is fairly tipsy, and she squints belligerently at the dog. “So is adventuring, though I haven’t seen your team be very active recently.”

Maddie stiffens and averts her eyes. Clearly a sensitive topic.

“Maddie’s teammates are no longer with us.” Ahpin says softly.

Well that shut her up. Just shrug at that, then ask Bage if Maddie is cute, just to try to have him flirt with her instead so she can leave you alone.

>>1015124
Ask if it has something to do with her hand being made of silver?

>>1015124
Raise an eyebrow,"This have something to do with 'baby's first dungeon'?"

>>1015124
Don't be a huge bitch, at least offer your condolences.

>>1015145
no need to be aggressive, not everyone wants to fuck us over

Get drunk and apologise while crying for your rude behaviour.

ALTERNATIVELY

Say "Guess you shouldn't have gone to that dungeon....unarmed." and dab for effect.

>>1015152
>>1015144

I support Snarky Uzak.

>>1015152
Sorry, im a sucker for the innapropriate dab

tippler 2021/11/14(Sun)16:42 No. 1015159 ID: eedbeb
File 163693696370.png - (252.63KB , 1000x1100 , p51.png )

>Snark
Uzak has been chugging beers this whole time, which makes her petty and very stupid.

“Wow, must have been a nasty dungeon. I guess you shouldn’t have gone in…unarmed.”

Ahpin and Bage simultaneously gasp with horror. Encouraged by the reaction, Uzak keeps going.

“Does this have something to do with Ahpin’s adventure? Must be pretty embarrassing for you if he made it out in one piece when he’s a pathetic dweeb and you’re a pro.”

Her mask twitches against her clavicle, which is all the warning Uzak gets before she’s slammed backwards over her chair by Maddie’s enlarged left hand, plates and glasses clattering to the stone floor next to her.

The floor feels comfy. Go unconscious and dream of the angel auction and win prizes your troubled past

>>1015160
LMAO, I agree with passing out, Angel auction would make me bust a gut though, I expect it to be incredibly stupid with incredibly useless prizes. Or prizes that seem incredibly useless but actually have value in the meta-narrative.

>>1015159
Reflect on how you just mocked a woman's recently dead friends with a shitty pun, wonder briefly if you've made poor life choices.

>>1015159
"Cool... arm"

"IIIIIIII deserved that! I deserve... fuckin' everythin'... fuckin' worthless bitch I am..."

>>1015165
This

"Wish I had a right hook like that when trying to knock some sense into people. Not saying that it works, but it's certainly fun to try."

>>1015165
I like the idea of drunk Uzak saying this before passing out.

>>1015165
also say this.

tippler 2021/11/14(Sun)20:28 No. 1015191 ID: eedbeb
File 163695051119.png - (339.79KB , 1000x1100 , p52.png )

Uzak’s head smacks against the hard ground, making her teeth clack. A glass shatters next to her face, wetting her cheek with dregs of beer.

“I deserved that.” she groans. “I’m such a fuckin’ worthless bitch…”

Ahpin is saying something to Maddie, who’s uncanny enormous hand is still outstretched. Bage is kneeling by her side, asking if she’s okay.

Uzak’s vision swims and she thinks she sees tentacles out of the corner of her eye before she passes out.

tippler 2021/11/14(Sun)20:28 No. 1015192 ID: eedbeb
File 163695051831.png - (138.75KB , 1000x1100 , p53.png )

Uzak wakes on an unfamiliar couch, in an apartment that is distinctly not Bage’s due to the lack of garbage everything. She really needs to piss.

After some trial and error, Uzak stumbles into a neat bathroom. Her chest feels bruised, but not broken and there’s a bump on the back of her head where she hit the floor. After a few more minutes of thought, she recalls her disastrous comments to Maddie and groans softly. She’s such an ass when she’s drunk.

This must be Ahpin’s apartment, with her brother asleep somewhere. What should Uzak do?
A. Snoop around
B. Snoop around with mask
C. Go home to dwell on her troubled past
D. Other

sleep

>>1015192
Maybe just keep resting there and wake up in the morning to actually talk with your bro and apologize because you feel bad from being a drunk ass. Yer getting older, and hes adventuring like you always wanted him to, try to give an olive branch.

C, you kind of not want to be here, or anywhere except home. You think can take care of yourself... no, you know you can take care of yourself... right?

>>1015192
D. Other

Go the fuck back to sleep. You don’t feel like being awake yet.

>>1015192
D.
It's late, you still have alcohol in your body, you got smacked, and you need to apologize.
Sleep.

Yeah. You can't run off if you're going to apologise.

Eat some of his cereal and wash his dishes.

D) Make sure your body parts are still attached correctly.

>>1015192
A.

tippler 2021/11/15(Mon)14:10 No. 1015250 ID: eedbeb
File 163701422328.png - (237.83KB , 1000x1100 , p54.png )

>Sleep
Uzak is tired, overwhelmed by regret, and somewhat concussed. She crawls back onto the couch and pulls the blanket around herself. She can stay here and apologize to Ahpin in the morning.

“Uzak? You awake? I need to go to work soon.”

Ahpin is standing over her, haloed by the morning light from the window. The light hurts. Uzak is hungover.

“Wait…” she mumbles.

“Do you need water or anything? I, er, don’t want to leave you alone in here so I can help you get breakfast.”

Uzak groans and forces herself upright. Her whole body is sore. “I’m sorry for being so rude to your girlfriend.”

“We’re not dating anymore.” Ahpin says quickly. “But you were totally out of line and should apologize to Maddie directly. She has a lot of trauma about her best friends dying.”

tippler 2021/11/15(Mon)14:10 No. 1015251 ID: eedbeb
File 163701423346.png - (294.20KB , 1000x1100 , p55.png )

“What really happened?” Uzak asks before she can help herself.

Ahpin sighs and sits on the couch next to her, tugging a hand through his hair. “She went to the Ultimate Annihilation Dungeon and fought a silver elemental. I went in after her because I’m an idiot, but I managed to find her and bring her back. I’m fine now but she’s still dealing with the survivor’s guilt and stuff so I try to support her as much as I can.”

Damn. Your brother is a massive dork who’s totally in love. Just like Bage.

“Maddie told me more about the eldritch powder you’re using. She said it can do all kinds of horrible things, are you really okay? You can tell me if you’re in trouble.” Ahpin pleads.

Does Uzak:
A. Tell the truth
B. Tell the truth and ask for help getting the lenses
C. Deflect

A, you dont REALLY need to ask for his help since there's just one guy left and the last one promised to just give it to you. Plus from the sounds of it, APHIN still kinda sucks at fighting so he'd be more a liability your conscience would not want on it.

C. For unrelated reasons, can I borrow like twenty bucks.

"A" all the way.

>>1015251
>Ultimate Annihilation Dungeon
Damn, your brother went there to rescue Maddie and he came out unharmed? That's actually pretty badass. Did he bring a souvenir or something?

Ask if he went alone or if he really did bring a kobold he met in the IT department?

>Choice
A

You only need to tell him the truth, you don't need to ask for his help.

>>1015251
A. Because you *are* okay. The visions are useful, and so far your mask is what's being affected, not you.
Maybe a little bit of B, but I don't see how Ahpin could help. Maddie would be more useful, unless Ahpin thinks he could talk them down easier than you could?

"It's pretty weird, but I think I'm fine."

Tell the truth, you owe him that now, but don't ask him for his help.

A tell the truth.
Tell him you feel inadequate, you want to work as a rock star, or make good money through the adventures guild, but can't seem to get good enough to accomplish either of those dreams. doesn't help that parents doesnt support and wants us to find a "real job"... and then you got that eldritch powder and suddenly you're doing things so much better, even making good money recently, and practicing better at band practice. You just need to accomplish your current mission on your own and prove to yourself and your parents you can take care of yourself.

tippler 2021/11/15(Mon)20:44 No. 1015298 ID: eedbeb
File 163703788127.png - (259.97KB , 1000x1100 , p56.png )

“Things were hard for a while cause I couldn’t get work but this new job has actually been helping me get back on my feet.” Uzak admits. She carefully watches Ahpin’s face but it stays the picture of earnest concern. “I know being a rock star isn’t realistic, so I’m trying to break into the better Adventurers’ Guild stuff. Eldritch powder is more weird than anything and I’m used to it so it’s fine. I dunno.”

“Is it addictive?” Ahpin asks.

“Doesn’t cause chemical addiction.” Uzak mutters. “I need it for the job, I’m getting pieces of a mana scope from these retired adventurers to help save the world. One of them surprised me yesterday and I got the shiner but besides that it’s not that dangerous.”

“If you’d like any help—“

“No. I have it under control. I should probably get going actually.” Uzak stands with a wobble and make her way to Ahpin’s kitchen for a box of cereal, which she tucks under one arm.

tippler 2021/11/15(Mon)20:44 No. 1015299 ID: eedbeb
File 163703788889.png - (228.35KB , 1000x1100 , p57.png )

Ahpin wavers at the door as Uzak walks out draped in the blanket.

“It was good to see you.” he says. “Since you don’t live too far away, you should come over more.”

Uzak shrugs. “Okay.” That wasn’t a total disaster and she’ll go easy on the drink next time. Maybe her brother is a little cooler than she gave him credit for.

Uzak gets her bearings once she exits Ahpin’s nice apartment. Moving is painful, but manageable, and she finds a street corner to stop and plan her next move. She has 2050 rollad, a blanket, cereal, her mask with a little powder left, and her phone. What should she do?

A. Go directly to Audrey the hare (suggest approach method)
B. Get more powder from Tom
C. Purchase some magical items (suggest items, cost will scale with power)
D. Other

C, some piece of equipment that numbs pain.

Also D, go apologize to Maggie.

D apologize to Maddie, tell her you were drunk, and jealous. and tell her your mission about saving the world.

C: Buy magic gear

You get a green earring in the shape of a little ball with the following effect:

(Toxin Absorption): User is immune to poisons and toxic substances. User can absorb/consume them safely, and either process them, or internally concentrate them to use offensively later.

Basically, you use this to absorb the effect of the ELDRITCH POWDER internally, and if you get in a fight you can just pop a charge of it.

I was going to suggest that as a SKILL BOOK, but idk how your universe works so have it be a green earring because reasons.

If not that then go to the bank and store some of that cash so Tom doesent steal all your money.

Being immune to toxins doesn't sound fun at all. Some of her best friends are toxic.

Buying a mace and one arms worth of leather armor could be useful, and maybe she could show it off on stage later.

It may be racist, but I feel like Audrey running away is a likely scenario, and we should prepare for it.

Its time to purchase some magical items! How about an Amulet of Mediocre Accuracy: Guarantees you'll hit what you're aiming at, as long as it isn't too far away or moving too fast.

tippler 2021/11/16(Tue)16:12 No. 1015369 ID: eedbeb
File 163710793080.png - (301.32KB , 1000x1100 , p58.png )

>Apologize to Maddie
Uzak would like to tell Maddie she's sorry, but she doesn't know where the dog lives. Ah well, she can find out later.

>Shopping
If she can get some tools for cheap instead of relying on Tom for powder, Uzak reasons she'll save a lot of money. She heads to the budget adventuring shop on the other side of town. A small brass bell rings when she pushes open the heavy door and the old sheep at the register nods a greeting.

Uzak walks past bins of dull daggers and worn bows to the case of bludgeoning tools in the back.

The mace is a crude weapon. Uzak picks one up by the worn leather handle and tests the weight and balance. A ridged metal head for breaking bones and shattering teeth. It's a sturdy piece, but she can see how it ended up at a second hand store. Skull crushing is not encouraged by polite society.

Uzak also buys some leather armor to cover her forearms, passing over a poison resistant earing and an amulet to help long range fighters. Her last purchase is a mild healing salve that she slathers over her eye, nose, and chest. The total cost comes to 250 rollad.

tippler 2021/11/16(Tue)16:12 No. 1015370 ID: eedbeb
File 163710794232.png - (327.91KB , 1000x1100 , p59.png )

Energized and equipped, Uzak takes the gate station to the furthest portal possible, at the northern tip of the city where a dense forest quickly overtakes the few buildings. There's a train that goes north, to the edge of where the trees dip into the earth like an ocean of leaves and needles. A few signs point towards the dungeons in the area, listing recommended supplies and skill level.

Uzak follows her phone’s map towards a white-washed cottage surrounded by a massive garden. The ground has been expertly tilled and shaped into neat beds full of ripening, growing, and climbing vegetables.

There's a line of fruit trees to the east as well, and examining the leaves of an apricot tree is a lone hare with a walking stick.

FIGHT ME, BUNNY.

>>1015370
Mask on. That mace is a lethal weapon, you do not want to hit this guy with it. That means you have to fight unarmed, which means you're going to want the edge of eldritch-fueled precog. A cudgel would've been more appropriate... I guess the mace works as a deterrent though.

Say hello. Introduce yourself, tell him you'd prefer to negotiate or trade for the lens but you won't leave empty handed either.

Don't think she'll get far if she runs.

We can try to be nice. Feel free to praise the weather and her cottage, and sympathize that she'd probably like to get back to enjoying it.

But she has something we need urgently, and we can't leave without it.

>>1015370
Go attempt peaceful conversation. Do not attack first!

Apologize for your intrution and try to make friends with her.

C-pose if she gets sassy.

C-pose is the symbol of "celibacy", which all in this world fear and dread.

>>1015370
Approach politely, mask down.

Mask on, approach politely

>>1015370
Be polite and try talking to them. Don't be the asshole that attacks first! And keep your mask off because approaching with your mask on just makes you look like you're going to mug them.

tippler 2021/11/16(Tue)20:30 No. 1015395 ID: eedbeb
File 163712341942.png - (326.19KB , 1000x1100 , p60.png )

>Mask?
Uzak has enough self-awareness to realize she looks like a murder hobo, complete with blanket. Putting on the mask would give her a combat advantage but she doesn’t want this to get violent. The mace is heavy in her pocket. A weapon like that could easily kill if Uzak isn’t careful.

>Talk
Since Princess told her about the pieces’ sentimental value, Uzak has been preparing an argument to convince Audrey. She stays a respectful distance away and clears her throat to get the hare’s attention.

Audrey flinches violently, eyes flashing light green as she rounds on Uzak. There’s something wrong with her left leg and she brings her staff forward in preparation for spell casting. Uzak isn’t too worried, though, most mages are conservative with their remaining mana by the time they reach middle age.

“I’m here, peacefully, on behalf of the Adventurer’s Guild.” Uzak begins. “They’re trying to find out what’s making the mana vents close, and they’d be extremely grateful if they could borrow your scope lens to be returned after the calamity is resolved.”

tippler 2021/11/16(Tue)20:30 No. 1015396 ID: eedbeb
File 163712342637.png - (223.87KB , 1000x1100 , p61.png )

“No.” Audrey says immediately.

Uzak groans. “What is with you people? Do you really miss your old team that much?”

Audrey curls her lip. “I don’t care about those cowards. I refused the Guild the first time because the scope shouldn’t be used at all.”
Oh boy, drama. “Is it okay if I ask why? They didn’t mention anything like that to me.”

Audrey hesitates but Uzak’s polite, nonthreatening approach has been effective.

“I don’t often have visitors.” the hare says cautiously. “Would you care for some cookies and tea in the garden?”

This might be some kind of test, to see if Uzak can be trustworthy. She agrees, sits, and waits on the grass for Audrey to boil the water and fetch the snacks.

After many long minutes, the hare returns bearing a neat ceramic pot and a tray of cookies.

“This is difficult for me to talk about.” the hare admits. “It’s all connected to our last adventure, which ended very badly.”

How should Uzak prompt Audrey? She won’t be getting the full story from any of the options.
A. Ask about the scope’s origins
B. Ask about the Fathomless Forest
C. Ask about Vince
D. Ask about Princess

>>1015396

I think B, but you should try to be empathetic and maybe share a bit about why YOU retired, get some UZAK lore and also learn about the sitch.

At least my intent is being more empathetic whilst sharing pain, if that wont work out, then just B but remain as polite as possible.

Ask about Vince.

A.

We can probably mention about how the other two kept the lens as a way of connecting them to each other. Stuck in the past to relive the good times they had together. She might see them as cowards, but that just means she has the courage to set up a time to get back together at the Nutz or something to hang out.

Use how you had to gather courage meet your brother despite not being... well. For what it's worth, he was understanding.

>>1015396
Scopes origins, there has to be some big cost to using it, if doing so is such a bad thing. We ought to know if we're secretly collecting parts to something that like siphons peoples souls away or something.

A. Eyes on the prize

tippler 2021/11/17(Wed)15:58 No. 1015454 ID: eedbeb
File 163719347966.png - (222.74KB , 1000x1100 , p62.png )

"Don't worry about the other stuff, you can just tell me about the scope." Uzak says gently.

Audrey pours herself a cup of tea and holds it close to her stomach, shoulders hunched. "We weren't in the forest looking for a scope, you know. I'd only ever heard of a few before, and they came from the ocean. Powerful saltwater spirits made them from sea glass and driftwood, infused with their power and the natural mana in the sea. They weren't perfect, but they still were incredibly useful."

The hare pauses to sip her tea, averting her eyes. Uzak stays quiet, waiting for her to continue.

tippler 2021/11/17(Wed)16:00 No. 1015456 ID: eedbeb
File 163719361763.png - (417.60KB , 1000x1100 , p63.png )

"I suppose any magical creature with the skill and access to enough energy could make a scope. When we found the mother dryad, the heart of the forest, there were also two elementals, a giant ape and some strange robot draining her power to create the scope you're searching for."

Audrey grips the sides of her head and shudders. "I couldn't stop them. The woods were screaming for help but I couldn't fight them alone. I was like a little insignificant insect and the great mother was so desperate..."

Druid powers probably made the ordeal even worse, Uzak reasons. Made the poor hare understand what the plants were feeling.

"During our journey back home, I found the scope tucked into my pack, like someone had intentionally put it there. Even holding it in my hand I could glimpse a world of brilliance behind the glass." Audrey bares her teeth. "Such a powerful magic tool, created from vicious harm. The fact that it somehow ended up with us confirmed my thought that it was dangerous and I took it apart right then and there. It’s safer for the world if it stays that way."

Respect the rabbit's wisdom; this prince of the forest knows much. It's time to beseech the ocean for a replacement scope. To do otherwise is moral cowardice.

You should probably talk about the significance of this robot thing draining the scope, making it and then sneaking it into your bag.

But in all practicality, the damage has been done. What you CAN do is dedicate a portion of it's use to find what's happening. from what we meta know, something is siphoning the mana from the planet. We were just informed of an entity doing that from the spirit of a forest, which is kind of a BIG DEAL and could be related to the problem.

You could use the scope to search for problems, potentially even searching for the thing that made it and stop it from syphoning MORE mana from the world leading to its eventual collapse. If this is a global warming styled issue you are probably on the precipice of it getting WORSE because of inaction to the point of no return. Of course Uzak doesent know this, so her best argument would be to offer to use it in her capacity to try to find this being and figure out what its doing, maybe even make a party to hunt it down in the future.

It sounds like the damage and the suffering have already been done, isn't it a waste of that sacrifice to let the scope sit in pieces? We should do something GOOD with it. The guild said they aren't trying to use it for some petty thing, the mana vents closing is a big deal, and they want to get out in front of that.

It sounds like those creepos planted that think in this bunny's pocket. Though it may not be wise to point it out.

Look, I'm not a guildboss, I'm just a cat on a job. But I heard what you're saying, and if I pass your warning up the chain, Maybe someone important will heed it and find another way.

But that's really above both our pay grades isnt it?

tippler 2021/11/18(Thu)10:15 No. 1015520 ID: eedbeb
File 163725930483.png - (296.42KB , 1000x1100 , p64.png )

“That makes sense.” Uzak says firmly. “I totally understand and I’ll talk to my boss to tell her it’s not a good idea to use the scope.”

The hare looks taken aback. “Really?”

“Yeah man, those elementals totally planted that thing in your bag and I trust your judgement about how they were hurting the forest.” Uzak gulps down her tea and takes a few cookies for the road. “I don’t want to bother you so I’ll be going.”

“Oh, uh, thank you for listening and being sensible.” Audrey says. She stays sitting as Uzak adjusts her blanket and strides away.

Uzak waits until she’s back at the northern gate station to call Prim. She’s not optimistic about her ability to convince the shrimp, so it might mean a quick return visit to poor Audrey.

tippler 2021/11/18(Thu)10:15 No. 1015521 ID: eedbeb
File 163725931355.png - (314.31KB , 1000x1100 , p65.png )

“Hello Uzak.” Prim chirps when she answers the phone.

“Hey Prim, so I just talked to Audrey, did you know the whole backstory about the elementals who made the scope?”

The line is silent for a few moments. Uzak checks her phone to make sure the call wasn’t dropped.

“We are aware, yes.” Prim finally says.

“So you realize the scope probably has some horrible curse on it, right?”

“No, it’s…” Uzak hears Prim having a hurried discussion with someone in the office away from the phone receiver. “The Guild knows about those two elementals and the scope would be their idea of a…prank.”

“Okay, what I’m hearing is that the scope is cursed.” Uzak says.

Prim sighs. “No, that wouldn’t be in character. I’m afraid you’re not cleared for any more information. If you no longer want to do this job I’ll terminate our contract and give you a four star review.”

Considering what we know from the first quest, that was Carbon and Silicon. Silicon is the one messing with the vents in the first place, so why would they make a legitimate mana scope that would let mortals see what they're doing? They'd be sabotaging their own plans, unless what they're doing with the mana vents is necessary somehow and only by using the mana scope will mortals believe that?

Anyway, ask Prim why they don't use one of the saltwater scopes. Also say you're not going to quit just yet if they're certain it's fine, but you can't just go back immediately to Audrey and say you changed your mind again, you've gotta wait a little while first (and talk to Maddie, she probably knows what's up).

Four stars ain't bad. Just quit, use the money you got to donate to the band and chase that dream.

I say we should talk to Audrey some more and afterwards tell her to give us the lens because the Guild is more than likely gonna send more goons after her if we don't finish the job.

This whole thing is whacked. I wanted to get the Lens before passing on the information.

No, we're still in it.

tippler 2021/11/18(Thu)18:01 No. 1015535 ID: eedbeb
File 163728731043.png - (269.16KB , 1000x1100 , p66.png )

“If I were to quit,” Uzak says carefully, “who would you send next?”

“I’m not supposed to tell you.”

“C’mon Prim.” Uzak groans. “I’m just curious.”

“Some of the Awakened finished up an adventure and are back in town, we’d probably grab one or two of them.” the shrimp says in a hushed tone.

Oh shit, the Awakened is the #2 pro team behind the Guardians. Their members are only a bit older than Uzak but there’s a ton of them and they’re all super powerful. The leader, a jackal named Cat, has the unique ability to amplify and strengthen other’s magic once they receive his touch.

“Can’t you use one of the ocean scopes?” Uzak asks.

“Ocean scopes are fragile and large and funnily enough our last one broke several months ago, which is why we’re so keen on this mission.”

How sad that large scopes are hard to maintain. Uzak chews her lip and tries to make a decision.

This is one of Uzak’s most important choices. What should she do?
A. Stay on the job and go get the lens immediately
B. Stay on the job, but go home and get more information first
C. Quit the job and help defend Audrey and co. from the Awakened
D. Quit the job and go home to hang out with the band

B. Nobody's telling us the whole picture. Also, these guys are the B-team? Wow. You should be getting paid more for this.

B.

B (team)

>>1015535
B. The more information you have, the better you can either convince them to give up the parts, or convince the next adventurers to stop.

B, maddie might have info, find out where she lives, apologize, and discuss.

tippler 2021/11/19(Fri)08:01 No. 1015550 ID: eedbeb
File 163733770810.png - (245.07KB , 1000x1100 , p67.png )

>B
“I want to keep collecting the pieces but I’m going to wait a bit before I go back to Audrey since she knows I’m here.” Uzak says carefully. She doesn’t tell Prim she’ll be trying to get more information, since that would appear suspicious.

“I’m glad, but I think I’ll still send one of the Awakened to help you.” Prim says.

“I have it under control!”

“You were all beat up yesterday.” Prim reminds her reproachfully. “I don’t want you to get seriously injured and it sounds like Audrey will fight. Did you at least find where she’s hiding the lens?”

“No, I didn’t use my mask cause I was trying to be peaceful.”

Prim huffs, a bit impatiently. “Alright, I have a meeting in a few minutes, let me know if you have any more questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

tippler 2021/11/19(Fri)08:02 No. 1015551 ID: eedbeb
File 163733774080.png - (268.51KB , 1000x1100 , p68.png )

Uzak wants find Maddie next, partially to apologize and partially to find out more about the mysterious elementals. An experienced adventurer like the dog has probably heard of them before. She texts Ahpin to ask where Maddie lives.

Ahpin replies after several minutes.

Ahpin: She doesn’t really like visitors
Ahpin: Visitors who flaunt her dead friends to her face especially
Uzak: I was drunk, I want to apologize
Ahpin: If you’re really sure, you can get a silver bar to bribe her

Ahpin sends Maddie’s address, which is in some yuppie apartment complex.

Should Uzak:
A. Buy some silver for 1000 rollad, guaranteeing Maddie will let her in
B. Risk being turned away

A. Buy the thing, apologize, get info.

A, u wanna finish the job and get paid, so consider it a business expense lol

We are not spending half our dust money on an apology. B.

tippler 2021/11/19(Fri)12:26 No. 1015558 ID: eedbeb
File 163735359310.png - (223.79KB , 1000x1100 , p69.png )

>A
Uzak reluctantly locates the nearest precious metal exchange (a necessity when adventurers are always returning with chunks of gold in their pockets) and hands over her hard earned cash for a kilogram of silver. She only has 800 rollad left and the fact that the little bar fits in her palm is not reassuring.

The doorman, an old, squat turtle, is hesitant to let Uzak into the luxury condos, but relents when Uzak mentions Ahpin. Apparently her brother often visits and is trustworthy enough that it carries over.

Uzak takes a glass elevator to the fourth floor and finds Maddie’s door. She knocks lightly.

The door cracks open and a snout peeks out, sniffing with interest.

“It’s Uzak, I’m really sorry for the hurtful thing I said yesterday, it was totally inappropriate—“

“Yes, yes, you were awful and I cried and made a scene.” Maddie says briskly. “Come inside and give me that silver.”

The dog opens the door fully and Uzak zeros in on her naked form. Ahpin is missing out.

tippler 2021/11/19(Fri)12:26 No. 1015559 ID: eedbeb
File 163735360243.png - (323.24KB , 1000x1100 , p70.png )

Maddie’s apartment is a mess, furniture piled haphazardly to the side of the living room to make room for a meager pile of silverware and twisted bits of wire. The fridge is on its side in the kitchen and there are plates in the sink that have partially fossilized.

Uzak glances nervously at Maddie’s scaly metal arm then hands over the goods. Maddie rubs her face against the little bar and finds a place to tuck it into her pile, before flopping on top of it.

“I wish everyone was as good at apologies as you.” she sighs. “It’s so hard to find high grade silver that people don’t mind me taking.”

“You could, um, buy it.” Uzak suggests.

Maddie shakes her head. Her eyes flutter closed. “Gave most of my cash to the families. I have enough for rent, for a few more months…”

This is painful so Uzak changes the subject. “On your adventures, did you ever see a big monkey elemental or a robot?”

“Annoying fuckers.” Maddie mutters. “Yeah, that’s Carbon and Silicon, I met them in person on that last mission. Silicon kept trying to get me to leave when I was on the third level, said I was being a downer after my friends died, but I smashed his robots whenever they got close. Carbon tried to steal the bodies but he wasn’t obnoxious about it.”

Maddie yawns and curls herself tighter around her stash. “Elementals usually have names because there’s more than one of the same kind in a dungeon. Since these guys don’t, they’re probably a big deal.”

>>1015559
Tell her what Audrey told you. Is the lens a trap?

>>1015559
Tell her about your mission to find the lens pieces.

Then tell her that those elementals put the lens in Audrey's bag and you suspect that it's a trap and there's probably a curse of some kind on it. The guild seems to be aware of that, but they refuse to tell you anything else.

Lets Clean her place up a bit for her as she talks. We don't have to clean all of it, but at least clean the dishes and set the fridge upright.

Talk about how those elementals stole power from the mother dryad. Maybe if there were to some way to restore her mana, Audrey would be more willing to give us the scope... does Maddie have some way to restore her power? If she does and is unwilling, maybe say that she can still be a hero despite what happened, it's probably what her teammates would want her to do...

We could probably explain our rudeness to Maddie, saying we got all defensive after she revealed to Ahpin about our mask, and we didn't want him to worry about us or get our parents involved. But that did not excuse our actions, even with the silver we gave her.

Though she seems fine now and already accepted our apology. we dont have to explain our actions.

Sorry to remind you but you are still mostly mortal, so you gotta do the extra effort to not let the elemental dragon habits take over your life.

>>1015564
>it's probably what her teammates would want her to do...
I don't think it'd be a good idea to say something like that. She might not appreciate us bringing up her dead friends again. Especially when it sounds like you're trying to use them to make her do something for us.

>>1015568
Yeah I agree, I dont like the manipulation aspect of that as it feels like you making the same mistake as yesterday, but I do like the idea of asking her if she knows how to give mana back to the dryad along with some of what the other posts have asked. This is a good step forward and if you can do that then you can get the scope, get paid for one, and then easily get the last one since they promised to give it to you if you got the others.

>>1015568
>>1015572
Agreeing with these. Don’t bring up her dead friends.

Bringing up dead friends is really heartless. Don't do it

Bringing up dead friends is really heartless. Do it

mention the scope and the elemental's alleged connection. The exact details about the friends shouldn't be important(we don't have to go super into it), what they may've done with the scope is

tippler 2021/11/20(Sat)11:24 No. 1015640 ID: eedbeb
File 163743628666.png - (294.15KB , 1000x1100 , p71.png )

>Catch Maddie up on the lore
Uzak tells Audrey’s story about the mana scope and the forest, with Maddie nodding every few minutes to show that she’s still awake.

“So, do you think the scope could be a trap or something? The Guild’s hiding something about it but they don’t seem to think it’s too dangerous. ”

“Hm…I don’t know about other elementals but all I really want is to get silver. Maybe it’s a precious metal thing since our elements are rarer, but besides that and absorbing mana for fuel there’s not too much to do. They could just be messing around.”

“By tormenting a giant dryad.” Uzak says.

“Yeah, that’s kind of a dick move but it’s not like they killed her and spirits can regenerate mana. I’m more worried about that gunk you have in your mask.”

“Eldritch dust has a bad reputation.” Uzak complains. “Ugh, I don’t want to start another fight with you. Do you want help tidying your place up a little before I go?”

Maddie looks around the haphazard room in surprise, as if seeing it for the first time. “It’s fine right now.”

tippler 2021/11/20(Sat)11:25 No. 1015641 ID: eedbeb
File 163743630224.png - (275.40KB , 1000x1100 , p72.png )

Uzak leaves the apartment complex with a nod to the doorman and emerges in the afternoon heat. She’s worn out from the alcohol ridden sleep of the night before and the revelations of today. Audrey’s lens can wait until tonight or tomorrow, Uzak needs to chill.

What should Uzak do?
A. Visit Tom
B. Visit Bage
C. Go home to rest
D. Other

D visit Tyson. Chill and Smoke weed with him. We didn't spend much time with him to really know him yet.

C. Go home and rest but invite someone over

Go home. But find that Ahpin with family and friends are waiting for you in your apartment for your surprise intervention.