Consider that the emulation of a machine by another machine, is still a machine. In fact most of the time it has shown that the most efficient way to emulate a machine is simply to build the machine without emulation. The way I see it fiction is reality, just a different interpretation of it. The fiction is the machine, and the reality is the machine emulated, a machine in both cases.

Oh wait... wait... I can see...

I can see up your nose!!

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)14:03 No. 198367 ID: 31cbfc
File 127741342320.png - (2.23KB , 512x512 , 151.png )

>>198331
>Well said, sir.

They resupply their FOOD rations by one additional day for an extra coin, and set out north to the mountain pass.

>>198339
>Normal powder rounds, shelled. Most likely not much different from what you know. They're common .45 rounds, 12 per clip. My guns are semi-auto if it helps too. I couldn't get my hands on a silencer before running away.

 

bgm

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)14:12 No. 198371 ID: 31cbfc
File 127741396162.png - (3.42KB , 512x512 , 152.png )

The canyon follows a pretty straight line for a while, then curves to the left. There's no rock wall surrounding the boundary on the right anymore at that point, though the way's wide enough to safely cross.

>>198367

Sorry, I should have been more specific. Smokeless powder or black powder? Either would work in a semi-auto weapon, but black powder shells would require a thorough cleaning after each magazine. So would unjacketed bullets for that matter. Lead fouling is no laughing matter.

Anyway, reloading your shells seems like a reasonable bet.

>>198371
Watch out. This is an awesome spot for an ambush.

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)14:28 No. 198388 ID: 31cbfc
File 127741489449.png - (4.10KB , 512x512 , 153.png )

>No, smokeless. Black isn't safe enough as you said, it's used only in explosives and mounted guns.
>If I get my hands on any good quality powder around here, I'll use it. Shells and rounds themselves won't be a problem, I'm sure I could find a craftsman capable of replicating them from the original.

As you get past the corner, you see a hanging bridge... or what's left of it. Something clearly cut it in half, and it must have been recently because somebody would've mentioned it at the town.

>>198388
Oh boy, this sucks. Any way around it? I don't suppose the hanging pieces of the bridge form a crude ladder down to the floor...?

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)14:47 No. 198410 ID: 31cbfc
File 127741606576.png - (2.94KB , 512x512 , 154.png )

>>198400
Actually, they do. By its length, it's a one-way though.

Drop down?

>>198410

Yes, drop down! You can continue to the left on the ground floor, maybe?

>>198410
It's not like we have much of a choice.

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)15:32 No. 198434 ID: 31cbfc
File 127741875141.png - (3.25KB , 512x512 , 155.png )

>>198421
Nope. But there's things to explore to the right.

The three descend...

*THUD*
The ground shakes a little.

Zariene:
"What was that?"

*THUD*
*THUD*

Kanes:
"I'm not hearing things, am I? Something heavy is coming this way!"

Asgeria:
"Better be prepared for anything!"

weapons out, be ready to hide behind the rock.

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)16:01 No. 198448 ID: 31cbfc
File 127742049922.png - (4.99KB , 512x512 , 156.png )

>I'm afraid there's nowhere to hide from if my predictions are right... this will be tough.

A four-legged armed machine approaches, followed by two soldiers with tranquilizer rifles!

Kanes:
"Hey! Who let you use the Crab Tank, scumbags? And what the FUCK are Zeinian troops doing as far as here? Trigger itchy for the war already, assholes?"

Pilot:
"Wish I knew myself. Why don't you ask the Emperor, after we take you to him?
But first come your friends, they're too major a witness to spare."

Kanes:
"You... You just threatened Zariene and Asgie, didn't you?
Such a mistake..."

>>198448
Oh yes. There will be blood. Better take out those tranq guys before they get any shots off.

everyone get behind cover, an open fight against other guns is insane. only hope is to kill the pilot and force the others into melee range.

 

bgm

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)16:34 No. 198468 ID: 31cbfc
File 127742246696.png - (3.82KB , 512x512 , 157.png )

"...WILL BE YOUR FUCKING LAST!"

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)16:41 No. 198471 ID: 31cbfc
File 127742288976.png - (13.15KB , 512x512 , 158.png )

(VEHICLE)CRABTANK: HP 100 / SPD 2 / Leg Attack L8 / [F] Flamethrower 1d20 - 2 TURNS

SOLDIER x3: HP 30 / SPD 4 / Ranged L5 1d20 / Close L5

INSIDE VEHICLE MOD +2 evade

Suggest an action for Zariene.

uhm...forward two squares?

>>198472
No reason to go on the defensive here aside from not getting hit by a flamethrower. Forward 3, left 1. Next turn we can hit that guy in the back.

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)17:51 No. 198522 ID: 31cbfc
File 127742711722.png - (13.15KB , 512x512 , 159.png )

rolled 5 = 5

---

SOLDIER #1 shoots at Zariene!

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)17:59 No. 198526 ID: 31cbfc
File 127742759640.png - (3.07KB , 512x512 , 160.png )

rolled 19 = 19

---

>>198522
She's hit!
Stamina cost doubled for next turn!

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)18:06 No. 198529 ID: 31cbfc
File 127742797933.png - (13.17KB , 512x512 , 161.png )

rolled 2 = 2

---

SOLDIER #3 moves forward and shoots at Kanes!

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)18:08 No. 198530 ID: 31cbfc
File 127742813448.png - (12.82KB , 512x512 , 162.png )

He misses such a clean shot!

>>198526
GRAH. I thought they'd have a longer range than that. We could've just stood still and he would've had to run up to us. Like that other guy just did.

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/24(Thu)18:12 No. 198534 ID: 31cbfc
File 12774283377.png - (13.04KB , 512x512 , 163.png )

SOLDIER #2 commands CRABTANK to ready its flamethrower!

2 turns left!

(who's turn is it?)

What guy above said
and if only we could Shine hard enough to blind or distract

>>198597
Kanes can still use us as a thrown weapon...we aren't delicate, are we?

Suggestion 2010/06/25(Fri)01:45 No. 198701 ID: 31cbfc
File 127745550014.png - (18.49KB , 512x512 , 164.png )

Suggest an action for Kanes.

Suggestion 2010/06/25(Fri)01:48 No. 198702 ID: 3778d2
File 127745573729.jpg - (100.92KB , 600x600 , sun.jpg )

hold us aloft. [SOLAR FLARE!]

[if that wont work then just shoot the guy right in front of you.]

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/25(Fri)02:05 No. 198706 ID: 31cbfc
File 127745675691.png - (23.14KB , 512x512 , 165.png )

rolled 9 = 9

---

Kanes holds up the orb with his left hand as it emits a blinding flash, immobilizing the enemy for a turn!

Then he shoots at SOLDIER #3!

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/25(Fri)02:10 No. 198707 ID: 31cbfc
File 127745701033.png - (2.17KB , 512x512 , 166.png )

rolled 36 = 36

---

He's hit right in the gut!

Suggestion 2010/06/25(Fri)02:15 No. 198708 ID: 31cbfc
File 127745733736.png - (13.00KB , 512x512 , 167.png )

SOLDIER #3 dies on the spot!

Suggest an action for Asgeria.

>>198708
2 forward 1 left.

>>198731
no, 1 right.

i mean, 2 forward, 1 rigt.

>>198772
>Selection glow is our color
:3c

Yes that seems about right

>>198803
Actually, blue is for attack range but fine, I'll use red for that from now on.

color coding: yellow-movement, red-attack orange-area effect, blue-orb

ThatFuckingFeline!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/25(Fri)14:20 No. 198859 ID: 31cbfc
File 127750082267.png - (12.81KB , 512x512 , 168.png )

[spoiler]Sorry for the errors, I'm fucking tired. All corrected now.[/spoiler[

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)01:44 No. 199225 ID: 31cbfc
File 12775418714.png - (12.83KB , 512x512 , 170.png )

I assume you have no plans for Asgie...

Suggest an action for Zariene then.

*inhale*

CHAAAAAAAAARGE

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)01:57 No. 199238 ID: 31cbfc
File 127754265489.png - (12.79KB , 512x512 , 171.png )

rolled 3, 5 + 4 = 12

---

>>199230
She swings both blades at SOLDIER #1 who, still blinded, cannot avoid the attack!

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)02:02 No. 199242 ID: 31cbfc
File 127754293672.png - (12.70KB , 512x512 , 172.png )

He takes quite a hit!

rolled 1 = 1

---

SOLDIER #1 swings his rifle at Zariene's head!

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)02:12 No. 199249 ID: 31cbfc
File 127754353134.png - (12.34KB , 512x512 , 173.png )

But even such a desperate attack missed in his blind struggle!

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)02:18 No. 199267 ID: 31cbfc
File 127754388966.png - (12.92KB , 512x512 , 174.png )

SOLDIER #2 waits as the CRABTANK keeps loading its attack!

Suggest an action for Kanes.

straight forward all the way and try to shoot the pilot.

first result -2 ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)04:05 No. 199313 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755031344.png - (12.67KB , 512x512 , 175.png )

rolled 5, 9 = 14

---

Kanes fires both guns at SOLDIER #2!

rolled 32 = 32

---

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)04:15 No. 199317 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755095769.png - (2.28KB , 512x512 , 176.png )

Headshot!

SOLDIER #2 is dead!
CRABTANK is no longer under enemy control!

>>199317
WOOO FREE CAR CRAB THINGY

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)04:32 No. 199321 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755196236.png - (5.35KB , 512x512 , 177.png )

SOLDIER #1 drops his rifle to the ground.

"Spare me, warriors! I surrender!"

>>199321
I see a sack of information. Does anyone else?

[activate >:3 face]

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)05:00 No. 199327 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755361286.png - (3.72KB , 512x512 , 178.png )

>>199322
>Gee, you're a mind reader or what?

Kanes:
"Stay right where you are, boy, and don't move. You're coming with us since letting you get away would be dangerous, we're not like them so we won't harm you. Put your hands above your head slowly, I need to search you and ask you some questions first."

Get yon gun, seal yon armor. Can you pilot the me- actually fuck it it'll slow you down. Take whatever makes it go and interrogate as you walk.

And good move! Torture is unreliable anyway and oh hey them's some nice boots.

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)05:18 No. 199330 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755473266.png - (3.28KB , 512x512 , 179.png )

>>199329
>I can pilot it, guess who made the damn control mechanisms? It's an electricity powered prototype, with quite a nice battery and several methods of recharging. It can carry us all, scale those goddamn cliffs, offer great protection and be twice faster than our legs. I don't know HOW is this going to slow us down, by a negative value maybe.
>And if they're here with this, I assume this isn't the only one sent out. If we face a bigger force, that additional firepower may save us.

>>199330
okay okay jeebus! It just sounded big and heavy okay no need to be mean. Also noisy. What are we gonna do with captive dude-o, though?

>>199330

Runs on electricity?

Huh. How heavy is that tank, then, and how much of the weight on it is devoted to energy storage? Just a rough estimate in tons will do.

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)05:52 No. 199335 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755677786.png - (3.18KB , 512x512 , 180.png )

>>199331
>No choice but to take him along right now. He seems too afraid to try anything anyway, or probably being captive here is much better an experience than being a zeinian soldier.
>Also, I believe I noticed something strange... I need to check that too.

Kanes:
"Girls, could you please hide the bodies while I deal with this guy? Would be also nice if you searched them for anything useful, especially ammunition. Take their weapons too, I'm gonna teach you how to use them later."

 

forgot bgm change

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)06:04 No. 199339 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755745794.png - (2.68KB , 512x512 , 181.png )

Kanes:
"Now let me just take a look..."

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)06:23 No. 199341 ID: 31cbfc
File 127755859074.png - (4.00KB , 512x512 , 182.png )

Kanes:
"Fuck, I was right. By the love of goddess science, how old are you?"

Soldier:
"Effe, sir."*

Kanes:
"My... what are you even doing in the army, kid?"

* Zeinian for fifteen, they use hexadecimal system. Most likely derived from F.

He's just old enough to have run away from home and joined the army with parental permission. If he didn't have that, or if he is a conscript, he's certainly a child soldier. Not good, shows that Zeinian is running out of man power and getting desperate enough to raid the cradles.

Party member get? Well, first he needs to prove himself trustworthy.

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)16:15 No. 199512 ID: 31cbfc
File 127759414331.png - (3.60KB , 512x512 , 183.png )

Soldier:
"It's... it wasn't my choice, sir. They took me because I was 'fit', and promoted early due to my shooting skills."

Zariene:
"No wonder, bugger. You hit me pretty hard."

Kanes:
"I believe you, boy - though you'd better not suddenly change your mind if you know what's good for you. They won't forgive you this."

>I sort of suspected Zein to go this far after they recently introduced compulsory state education. They seem to have an obedient citizen pipeline laid down already. If this isn't stopped... within a generation people will forget what choice is.
>Fuck, isn't this what we tried to avoid in the first place? These people trusted us. I don't know what the fuck is wrong with the emperor.

Kanes:
"Asgie, could you hold on to the Orb and talk with the kid here? I believe he'll trust you more."

Asgeria:
"Sure thing."

best way to make someone trust you is tell them about yourself. give him some info and he will give some back.

Hey, what's the kid's name? Hey kid!

Oh, Asgeria, you're gonna think those rifles are a blast. Ha ha I kill me...

>>199512
i will hate myself for this but if he is this young and gaved up so quickly, he doesnt even have a girlfriend or any other major link with this country.

inquiring about his family may invoke some trust, altho a sad story should come. if they are not dead, they are far away or he does not think killing is worth to protect them.

if you are truly bold on ripping information of him, insinuate sex. his hormones did not boiled for battle, it will boil for love.

>>199534
that's... it's... GAH! why would you suggest that?!

>>199534
Why don't you have a seat over there?

>>199515
>>199519
I agree with those.

>>199534
Fuck-ball indeed.

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/26(Sat)19:20 No. 199584 ID: 31cbfc
File 127760523450.png - (3.28KB , 512x512 , 184.png )

>That... that's ridiculous! You're just kidding, right? Even if there was no choice, I... my heart is already bound to someone... I couldn't.

>>199584
jeebus, im not telling you to lay with him, just how you can make him talk. simply play him a little.

he does not seem to have anything to protect, and if desertion is still punished with death, he literally is putting his life on the line to see if he can live a little longer.

coming to think of it, he most likely has a crap paycheck as well.

>>199590
and when he finds out he was played he will be heartbroken and never trust her again, dumbass.


ask about his family, what are they like.

>>199584
Oh? Gonna tell us who it is?

At any rate just talk to him. We tend to approach a problem from a lot of different angles at once so usually you're going to have to figure out what's best out of the options we give you.

>>199591
wat. are you seriously considering keeping a 15 yo boy with us because he shoots good?

he should go home and study like fuck to replace the 5 years he lost learning how to shoot and surrender. but he cant, his country should do like all country do with desertion. and i would not put a underageban kid in the frontlines, that only works in anime. and if they are overgrowth lolis.

seriously, what would you do when we would need him and he desert us like he did to his army? or worse, when he needs to betray us because the army has his family?

>>199624
We could use the help. Adventure, save the world, etc. a kid with a good shot would make a great addition, if we could get him on-board.

>>199639
im just saying, he was a failure against us, he will fail with us.

he would have runned if he is a coward, so plot wise he will either join us or betray us.

>>199645
of course he failed against us, we're the good guys and they had tranquilizers. He WAS the only one of them that landed a hit, though. We should at least learn more about him before we write him off.

>>199645
you are saying a wounded soldier by himself against three opponents would not surrender? a person like that is a dumbass. he is not a coward but he isn't stupid.

Hey, all of you, stop just spouting the first silly idea that comes to mind.

He's a soldier from a foreign nation, on soil that's presumably part of the sovereign territory of another nation. I'm not too clear on the geography of the area. I guess it's possible we're in unincorporated territory.

Anyways, if Zein didn't have permission to have their soldiers here, then it'd be cause for a diplomatic incident, and possibly for declaration of war. If you turn him in, keep that in mind.

There's also the possibility that Zein did have permission through whatever diplomatic channels they've developed here, in which case you're wanted by, or at least personae non grata to, the local government. And Zein does have some diplomatic channels, even if it's just General Fen's dumb ass.

Think on it, why did it take a whole week for him to come back and pin the blame on Zariene, Kanes, and you? And with mercenaries at his call? He had a funding injection from a third party, likely a Zein spy.

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/27(Sun)14:06 No. 199878 ID: 31cbfc
File 12776727708.png - (3.18KB , 512x512 , 185.png )

>This is all so sudden. Whatever the circumstances are, all that matters now is that we nearly killed a kid who wasn't responsible for his actions. There's absolutely no way I'm going to be suspicious towards him, it'll only make things worse to leave him with nobody to trust. The fact how bad the situation is down there may only help us.
>There are no diplomatic ties with Zein, I've never heard of the place until Kanes mentioned it, as the existence of it is probably kept a mutual secret for the safety of both sides. Your theory on Fen is really likely... though his band of mercenaries wasn't a big secret, and was most likely unrelated to his schemes, merely doing his bidding. There's more to that bastard and nobody could possibly forgive all he's done - but I'll get to that later. And don't tell Zariene I mentioned that just yet.
>If this all is true though, that means they've been watching us with double agents since long before.

Asgeria:
"Are you all right? You're terribly pale."

Soldier:
"I... I still don't know what to make of this. The blue guy defeated the other two single-handed... and that flashy orb, nobody told us we'll be fighting magic."

Asgeria:
"You willingly put your weapon down, there's no reason to be afraid. My name's Asgeria. You are?"

Soldier:
"...Denn."

Asgeria:
"Do you have any family? Where are they?"

Denn:
"Only my older sister and her husband... I haven't seen them in years. One day some people came to our area and examined all the kids our age. They said a few of us including me were 'fit', and we got relocated to the inner sector. The conditions were much better than life at the outs, they trained us to use weapons and follow orders though. I left the group for the main force very early because of my performance... it wasn't as good as they said it will. And now they're gonna be after me as well because I know too much."

Asgeria:
"Don't worry, we won't leave you behind."

Denn:
"Why did they send us after you?"

Asgeria:
"Because we know what's going on, and the war could be stopped and Zein liberated if we tell the right people in time. But it would be better if you told us what you know."

Denn:
"If that means I could see my sister again... I'll tell you all I know."

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/27(Sun)14:45 No. 199899 ID: 31cbfc
File 127767510353.png - (3.73KB , 512x512 , 186.png )

Asgeria:
"Thank you. And don't worry, you'll see her when this is all over... if not, we'll at least take you to a safe place. All right?"

Denn:
"F-fine... thank you, ma'am."

Asgeria:
smiles "Just call me Asgeria."

Kanes:
"Hop aboard, everyone. We're gonna easily bust outta this hole in this thing."

how are we all gonna fit? extra seats on it?

>>199878

Best see to Denn's wound, a forty-five slug to the chest is no laughing matter. I'm surprised he's coherent; I think the shot hit him just under the left lung. If it had hit his kidney he'd be bleeding out right now.

What's that armor he's wearing made of?

well thats about right.

coerced conscription is usually bad for troop morale and desertions are usually high, but im telling you, dont count on that if things get ugly. desertions happen more when the commander is killed, and they run instead of surrender.

id hope that he can run to a small city and try to pass him as a citizen on travel that got his documents stolen. he can get a clear record if we play that right.

>>199904
umm... denn got whacked with a sword not shot.

>>199931

I got confused in the dust-up. He's hurt, either way.

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/27(Sun)15:58 No. 199963 ID: 31cbfc
File 127767951525.png - (6.25KB , 512x512 , 187.png )

Zariene uses up one first aid kit to fix up Denn's wounds. Luckily, they aren't too deep and should heal up fine within time.

Kanes:
"Strap yourself onto something, everyone!"

The crab tank climbs the steep canyon wall to the other side of the broken bridge.

i wonder if whoever sent this thing thought of the chance that we could steal it. probably not. it is pretty sweet, it even has a flame thrower, which would be like a mechanical version of a fireball spell.

>i wonder if whoever sent this thing thought of the chance that we could steal it.

We miiiight want to check for a remote "fuck the theieves" switch thingy. Like explosives. Just in case.

ThatFuckingCat!HLi.T/XeD2 2010/06/27(Sun)17:35 No. 200018 ID: 31cbfc
File 127768534157.png - (5.26KB , 512x512 , 188.png )

>>199967
It is, even by the system.

--EOC 4--

>>200014
Kanes would've known, he worked on its design too. If anything was present, he'd deactivate it.

>>200022
this is perfect chit chat material for the characters! we should hear it! also bond with denn. in a friendly non sex related way.