BOO!

hiss.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)10:35 No. 328057 ID: 146bca
File 131109694499.png - (11.93KB , 591x420 , Untitled.png )

Hooded figure: Whoa!

???: What's wrong?

Hooded figure: I don't think it likes me. Unless they always shout "Boo" when you pick them up.

???: It thinks it has a sense of humor. Indulge it.

Hooded figure: Okay. Uh, hello? Can you hear me?

So you want flamboyant? Giiiiiiirl you ain't KNOW how flamboyantly faaaabulous we can be!

sure sure, what's up?

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)10:52 No. 328065 ID: 146bca
File 131109793851.png - (10.24KB , 591x420 , 2.png )

Hooded figure: Um, well, hi. I'm named Robert, and I'm a Technomage-in-training. From what I remember of my lessons, you're a seerstone, a special type of magic stone enhanced with Artificial Intelligence. You're supposed to use your insight to guide me to good decisions, but you can also use your magic to do some extra things. Care to demonstrate?

???: Robert, the abilities of your Seerstone haven't appeared yet. It's fresh off the assembly line, as it were.

Robert: Oh. Well, sorry, you're the first Seerstone I ever had. I look forward to working with you.

>>328065
Yea, sorry about the scare. You have no idea what it's like not existing. I suppose that was just my way of saying "Hello world!"

>>328065
What is your greatest desire?

worry not, young neophyte. with our help, the world shall soon be yours.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)11:13 No. 328070 ID: 146bca
File 131109921505.png - (31.11KB , 591x420 , 3.png )

Robert: Uh, Master, I think this Seerstone is defective.

???: Why?

Robert: Aren't they supposed to have one voice? I'm hearing several.

???: Oh, it works fine. Some of the best ones have more than one personality.

Robert: But master, some of the voices are...creepy.

???: (Laughs) Then you got a good one, Robert. Genius and madness are two sides of the same coin, after all.

Robert: -_-;;

???: Anyway, finish with your introductions. the ship will touch down, any second.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)11:21 No. 328072 ID: 146bca
File 131109970437.png - (11.06KB , 591x420 , 2.png )

Robert: Uh, right. Listen, I'm in the final stages of my apprenticeship with my master, and this is the last job we're doing together. We were hired by a private contractor to figure out why the miners on a planet we call "Thermopylae" stopped working. All of them went on strike, saying they weren't paid enough to deal with monsters. We're looking into it, since the material they were mining is supposed to have magic properties.

ah yes, a good ol monster slaying and/or capture(depending). what fun.

i'm sorry but we don't know well anything about your world right now. would you mind giving us some background information?

yeah we start off with a very broad-view of things. need you to tell us the details.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)11:44 No. 328081 ID: 146bca
File 131110106779.png - (12.05KB , 591x420 , 2.png )

Robert: Okay, uh, where do I begin...

About two hundred hears ago, at the turn of the twenty-first century, some guy whose name began with "Dr." discovered a metaphysical energy that can be channeled, and reshape reality to the will of those who know how to manipulate it. In essence, Magic is that energy. Needless to say, this revolutionized technology, and crystals and computer chips suddenly became magically empowered, and could do everything harder, better, faster, and stronger. This led to a space race, an arms race, and a whole slew of political shit that I'm still trying to make sense of.

Jump forward to modern day. There's a guild of Techno-mages who specialize in becoming so proficient with Magitech that they can go into extremely dangerous situations and destroy everything. Magitech has it's limits, and it's price, but for those, like myself, who think the benefits outweigh the risks, there's a ton of profit to be gained.

Robert: That's the gist of it, anyway. I'm not too good at explaining this stuff. You'd probably have to talk with one of the guildmasters for a better explanation.

So we're basically a secretive force that goes in and takes care of stuff for pay due to our awesome abilities?

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)11:50 No. 328085 ID: 146bca
File 131110143821.png - (11.06KB , 591x420 , 4.png )

>>328083

Robert: Well, yeah, except for the fact that we're not secretive. Everyone knows who we are. For some reason, humans are the only race capable of becoming Techno-mages.

what other races are there?

Ahh so we are going to kill the strike leader to get our pay? Or are we just going to negotiate...?

Oh, do you guys do programming? Let's write a program!

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)11:59 No. 328090 ID: 146bca
File 131110195455.png - (11.05KB , 591x420 , 4.png )

>>328086

Robert: Uh, let's see... There's the Xiodians, a race of lizard people who are incredibly strong, and follow a religious doctrine, The Ianami, a race of bird people who are best suited as diplomats, and a Turaga, an insectoid race that everyone is at war with. The miners on Thermopylae are mostly Xiodian. And if they're scared, then whatever's scaring them has to be strong.

>>328087

Robert: We're going in to investigate their claims of monsters in the mines. Monsters don't exist, it's probably a Turaga hive, or a hallucination brought on by the materials they're mining.

...Or they're just making excuses, and being lazy.

>>328089

Program? What would that accomplish?

>>328089
Oh, never mind, I hadn't seen all that exposition. Alright. Let's go to that planet and start figuring shit out. What are your capabilities?

...you're supposed to be human? you look like a goddamn Jawa!

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)12:09 No. 328094 ID: 146bca
File 131110254127.png - (11.02KB , 591x420 , 4.png )

>>328091

Robert: Well, I specialize in Illusions, but I know a few basic level Evocations, as well as some Transmutations. I can shoot fire and ice and stuff from my fingertips, and change my surrounding environment to an extent, but I like making people see things that aren't there.

>>328093

Robert: This is actually an Illusion I have going on right now. I think I'm fuck-ugly, so I'm using this form to seem intimidating. Pretty cool, huh?

ah.

no comment.

I say we go to planet Thermopylae right away. Hopefully there will see some action as we get there. But why are you so skeptic about monsters?

This form is fine for now, but soon enough, I want to see what you really look like, Robert. After all, we'll be working together quite closely from here on out.

To Thermopylae!

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)12:28 No. 328104 ID: 146bca
File 131110369269.png - (10.92KB , 591x420 , 4.png )

Intercom: All passengers, we have touched down on planet Thermopylae. If this is your final destination, please prepare to disembark.

Robert: Speak of the devil. I wonder what it looks like.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)12:29 No. 328105 ID: 146bca
File 131110379011.png - (10.02KB , 591x420 , world.png )

(OOC: Ace: Sorry guys, I gotta get. I'll hopefully be on, later tonight.)

sky looks normal. that's a plus.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)15:27 No. 328188 ID: 146bca
File 131111446095.png - (10.72KB , 591x420 , world2.png )

>>328100

Robert: Magic and Aliens are one thing. They have been proven to exist, either through mathematics or observation. Monsters, on the other hand, are stories. There is no physical evidence of monsters existing.

>>328101

Robert: All in due time. Don't worry, when I feel comfortable enough having you around, I might let you see what I really look like.

>>328110

Robert: Normal? You mean blue? Well, of course. There is water on this planet. But apparently, it's still being terraformed. Much of it is still rock.

Our objective is this way. That camp off in the distance.

???: Robert, you don't have to speak out loud to communicate with it. It's telepathic.

Robert: ...You mean, it can read my thoughts?

???: Only if you want it to.

Robert: (Oh thank god. Wait are you hearing this?)

Hehe, you thought we could only hear you when youre talking OUT LOUD?.. no matter, yes we can hear your thoughts.

yeah. but again only if you let us. you can keep the thoughts private if you REALLY want to.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)15:58 No. 328226 ID: 146bca
File 131111629855.png - (9.46KB , 591x420 , world3.png )

???: You might also want to try letting go of it.

Robert: Why, master?

???: See for yourself.

...

Robert: Whoa! It's floating!

???: It's automatically programmed to follow you, unless you direct it otherwise.

Robert: (Hi again.)

oh oh cool. this is new.

holy shit, your master is a bearded wizard! that's the best kind of wizard! and we're a floating gem! that is the best kind of gem!

oh boy oh boy this is gonna be awesome

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)17:31 No. 328322 ID: 146bca
File 131112187576.png - (18.10KB , 703x420 , talk1.png )

Robert: (Well, I'm glad you approve of the details of my life, I guess...)

...

Robert: (We're coming up on the camp, now. There's an Ianami coming out to greet us.)

Master: You speak to him, Robert.

Robert: Huh? Me?

Master: You'll have to go on your own assignments after this one. It can be a good warm up for the rest of your life as a Technomage.

Robert: Alright, fine. (I'm stepping forward, now. I'll need your help, guys.)

Ianami: Good Hail, humans-karak! My name is Arkos-karak! I assume the company sent you-kaerk?

Robert: Uh, Yes, Arkos. The company contacted our guild. I'm Robert, and this is my master, Sikhayden. (Uh, what should I ask him?)

"we were told that this strike is over a monster problem. has anyone SEEN this monster or is it all hearsay?"

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)17:50 No. 328337 ID: 146bca
File 131112304229.png - (18.30KB , 703x420 , talk1.png )

Robert: We were told that this strike is over a monster problem. Has anyone SEEN this monster or is it all hearsay?

Arkos: I honestly don't know what to believe-karak. All I know is that I have four dead miners, and no one saw what happened-karak. One of my miners says he saw it, but he's been very hostile recently-karak. I discourage you from speaking to him-karak.

"well we need to talk to him to know what we could be dealing with. i can guarantee that if he get's violent he wont hurt us and we wont hurt him"
then when you talk to him simply use an illusion to shift yourself a few feet to the right or something.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)18:00 No. 328344 ID: 146bca
File 131112364415.png - (18.29KB , 703x420 , talk2.png )

Robert: Well we need to talk to him to know what we could be dealing with. I can guarantee that if he get's violent he wont hurt us and we wont hurt him.

Arkos: You don't understand-karak. He's already violent-karak. The poor man has gone completely...what is the term you humans use..."off his rocket"-kaerk? He refuses to settle down, and we've had to keep him sealed in a shipping container, because we don't have any brig-karak. I did speak with him before his dive into madness-karak.

Robert: (Well, that's just great. Our only witness is bonkers.)

"could of been a mental attack by the whatever killed the others. what did he say?"

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)18:20 No. 328355 ID: 146bca
File 131112484969.png - (9.55KB , 703x420 , recorder.png )

Robert: Could've been a mental attack by whatever killed the others. What did he say?

Arkos: I took the liberty of recording it, in case you asked such a thing-karak.

Robert: (He's handed me a recording device. I activate it.)

???: The creature leaped from the shadows. It watched the creature devour Michael. It feels that Michael should have died a better death.

Arkos (present): The miner's name is Galos 'nem Watar, a Xiodian-karak.

Arkos (recording): What happened to Michael-karak?

Galos: The creature killed Michael, and turned to it. It took it's mining laser, and shot the creature. The creature laughed, and charged at it. It took the creature's neck with a righteous fury, and hurdled the creature against the wall. The creature stood, an unholy snarl echoing from the throat. It was...afraid. The creature lashed out again, and bit it in the arm. It screamed, and put it's hand on the creature's head, before snapping the neck. The creature fell.

Arkos (record): So that's it-kaerk? It is over-kaerk?

Galos: No, it does not believe so. There were more. They snarled in anger, and tried to catch it. But it managed to run away.

hmm. sounds like legit monsters to me.

It might have been something in the creatures bite that caused the issue if it bit him. Has there been any medical checkup done on the patient?

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)18:58 No. 328388 ID: 146bca
File 131112709545.png - (18.30KB , 703x420 , talk3.png )

Robert: Has there been any medical checkup done on the patient?

Arkos: The camp's doctor took a look at his wound-karak. It seemed serious, and she took a splint to it-karak. Other than that, she said it seemed like nothing out of the ordinary-karak.

"probably a psychoactive in the bite then, rather then deadly poison. or it reacts to Xiodians as one"

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)19:17 No. 328415 ID: 146bca
File 131112824660.png - (18.36KB , 703x420 , talk1.png )

Robert: Probably a psychoactive in the bite then, rather then deadly poison. Or it reacts to Xiodians as one.

Arkos: Possibly-karak.

Robert: (Is it me? Or does it seem like he's not telling me something?)

Arkos: In any case, I implore you to deal with this situation hastily-karak. You may enter the mineshaft when you are ready-karak.

Robert: (In other words, "get a move on.")

hmmmm... how unnoticeably can you cast a spell? can you make an illusion walk to the place and keep yourself invisible and trail him?

the bit with the mining laser is concerning. but it seemed vulnerable to physical force. I hope you have some magic that throws things. what do the Turaga look like?

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)19:50 No. 328440 ID: 146bca
File 131113023717.png - (17.26KB , 703x420 , follow.png )

Robert: Master, will you be joining me?

Master: I'm afraid not, Robert. Though this is our final mission together, and I would like to, you're a big boy, now, and I don't need to hold your hand anymore. I've been instructed to accompany you, only as an observer. Do the job in the way you see fit.

Robert: Alright, master. Your loss.

>>328419

Robert: With a flick of my hand. I'm tailing him.

>>328424

I have a telekinesis spell, but at my current skill, it only works for things up to 50 pounds. The Turaga don't laugh. And they don't have discernible necks.

It seems like he's heading to the shipping containers.

uh oh. seems ominous. watch carefully for him entering codes or something.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/19(Tue)21:01 No. 328460 ID: 146bca
File 131113450964.png - (11.71KB , 703x420 , follow1.png )

Robert: (Crap! He's talking to the Xiodian doctor! I can't get too close, their sense of smell is too strong...

I hear a loud banging coming from inside the shipping container, but I think I can make out some of what they're saying.

Xiodian: The patient is...even for a Xiodian. It thinks...atient cannot be...wever, with a first ge...ation sample, it belie...synthesize a comp...at can grant the sa...ages.

Arkos: Then we wil...llect the corpses wh...umans are fin...he mines-karak. The compa...be very inter...in this-karak.

Xiodian: They must be...vely intact. It belie...the chemical is suscepti...ire. The situa...would be bad if...pses were bur...It would mean...duct would not be producible.

Robert: I think they're up to something big.)

wait... is the banging happening in a pattern? also if you are downwind then smelling strength is pointless because smell does not travel against the wind.

it sounds like they know what ever is down there is very dangerous, and are planing on collecting the corpse once you deal with it so they can get another sample of whatever is in its bite. possible its venom has mutagenic qualities because it sounds like the affected miner has increased strength. sounds like we have a very nasty Alien beastie on our hands.

It looks like they think fire would be very detrimental to their purposes, for whatever reason. Probably don't want you burning the corpses or something like that. I don't know if that's good or bad. The fact that they're not letting you in on this means that their goals are probably counter to yours, or maybe they just don't trust you. My best guess is that they're trying to make a profit with this, and I bet it'll be via shady channels.

"The company will be very interested in this." What's the company? What are their motives?

I think, if you burn the monsters, you can undo whatever they're scheming. The question is, do you want to? You may be able to coerce them into cutting you in on the deal. Keep your options open. Continue investigating. Make your next stop Arkos' personal quarters. Search through his correspondences, see if you can find anything informative or incriminating.

Who do you answer to, anyway? What do you wish to accomplish, ultimately, with your career? Your calling, I guess you could call it.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/20(Wed)03:52 No. 328555 ID: 146bca
File 131115916294.png - (8.77KB , 703x420 , Sneakin\'.png )

>>328462

Robert: (No, the banging seems to be happening at random, like something is trying to get out.

That's good to know, but there's no wind, today.)

>>328467

Robert: (Yeah, something new. A Xiodian with increased strength. There's a scary thought.)

>>328545

Robert: (Shady channels would make sense. There are laws in all our civilizations against experimenting with unknown chemical and biological compounds, and if they get their hands on this, they would make a killing on the black market.

They're probably referring to the company that hired us, Yuugcorp. They put on a pretty face for the public, but all they really care about is money. At least, that's the impression I got.

True, I could make some money with this, and that's always a good thing for me, but I'm wondering if I really should...

I answer to the guildmasters. They send the mages on assignments, and expect results. It's how they recieve their payment, after all. I doubt they'd approve of me getting in on this potentially illegal action, though. The guild prides itself on how well they keep their nose clean.

My calling? I guess I just want to prove that I can make something of myself, and I feel that magic is the best way to do it.

There's his office. It was the first building set up.)

it's snooping time.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/20(Wed)14:16 No. 328641 ID: 146bca
File 131119659514.png - (9.00KB , 703x420 , Door.png )

>>328563

Robert: (It would be, if his office wasn't electronically locked.

How are we gonna get past it? There's four digits on the screen, and twelve keys. That's well over ten thousand possible combinations. Of course, it doesn't look like it's surge protected very well. Maybe a lightning bolt will short-circuit the door, and open it?)

hmm... can you cast a glamour that makes the oils from a finger glow? would narrow it down to the numbers needed.

>>328646
This, or else you could psychically force the bolt back. Just push it out of the latch.

Oh, also, if you want to play nice, then we should figure out a way to expose whatever nasty business they have going on. We're probably also going to want to collect some of whatever this stuff is so we can deliver it to the proper channels for thorough, legal research.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/20(Wed)16:51 No. 328697 ID: 146bca
File 131120586560.png - (10.76KB , 703x420 , Enter.png )

>>328646

Robert: (That's a good idea, but do birds even leave traces of oil?)

>>328676

Robert: (That's a better idea. I was actually a bit concerned, because my invisibility prematurely ends if I cast a new spell, but with a bit of telekinesis in the right place...

Yes! I'm in! This negates the possibility of alerting everyone in the camp.)

>>328678

Robert: (To be honest, I haven't decided whether or not I want to 'play nice' yet. Care to give me some pros and cons for either?

And I know I'm looking for a way to prove what they're doing, but what exactly am I looking for?)

anything. let's scope the place. make sure to close the door behind you.

>>328697

I dunno, are you obligated to do things 'the proper way'? for instance, are there legal obstacles regarding the means by which you obtain evidence, or can you just steal it? and what are the views of your guild on how things are meant to be done?

Ace Sorou 2011/07/20(Wed)17:55 No. 328734 ID: 146bca
File 131120971221.png - (9.24KB , 703x420 , Office1.png )

>>328698

Robert: (Gotcha.)

>>328704

Robert: (That's a...complicated answer. We're not exactly lawmen or peacekeepers, but we do our best to stay within the bounds of the law, and make sure other people do, as well. We have the normal rights of the average citizen, but the guild simply assumes that you won't use magic to break the rules.

And technically, I haven't broken the rules, yet. I'm looking for evidence, and I have probable cause. If I do find something, I can "steal" it, provided I had good reason to look for it in the first place, and hand it in to the guild, who will then give it to law enforcement as a tip.

This place is very neat and tidy. I'd feel ashamed if I had to ransack the place. I see a computer, a filing cabinet, a terminal, and a desk. Where do you suppose we would find something?)

check the desk. and behind the painting of the lass with the girly physique.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/20(Wed)19:32 No. 328758 ID: 146bca
File 131121555268.png - (20.80KB , 703x837 , combo.png )

Robert: (The desk didn't have any information in it, but I found a laser pistol. It probably belongs to Arkos. I don't know much about guns, but it seems pretty standard. No visible modifications.

And let's check behind the painting to find...wow, that's a stereotype for ya.)

hmm... can you bypass this lock as well or do you need to enter the combination somehow?

sure, go for it.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/20(Wed)20:11 No. 328774 ID: 146bca
File 131121786256.png - (10.46KB , 703x420 , safe.png )

Robert: (The lock is a thirty-two bit combination lock. And it's manufactured by Yuugcorp., meaning the door is likely double-bolted. Telekinesis spell won't work on the bolts this time. It's made of steel, but maybe I can change that...)

Mystery vision: (The Ianami base their locks around the facts of the object they're locking up. In this case, the safe itself.

This safe is thirty two bit.
This safe has a Y on it, the twenty fifth letter of the human alphabet.
This safe is double bolted.
This safe is made of steel, a combination of Carbon (6) and Iron (25).

You all have a feeling these visions may come back in the future...)

hmm... try to shift the carbon up to neon and the iron down to chromium. should make it porous and weak.

>>328697
Pros and cons... Well, the trouble here is that we're operating under a false dichotomy. The fact is, you can do anything. You can be a good guy and bend or even break laws on occasion. You
can be absolutely villainous and manipulative while following the letter of the law. What matters here is your personality. I suppose I just need to get to know you better to know the optimal approach for you to take. You seem intelligent and capable, so that's a good start. You also don't seem too bothered by the prospect of breaking the law. Tell me, how do you feel about subjugating others for personal gain? Also, it's worth noting that the best villains are the ones who do their thing while looking like heroes.

As for this safe... This looks like a tricky puzzle. Why'd you make a point of telling us what it's made of? Can you manipulate elements like that? I thought you could only do stuff with fire and ice, as well as illusion magic.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)04:15 No. 328934 ID: 146bca
File 131124691822.png - (11.89KB , 703x420 , crackin\'.png )

>>328777

Robert: (Alright, I'm giving it a shot. It will definitely make the metal weaker, but I don't know what you're trying to do, here. But be aware that if we break the door, Arkos is gonna know someone's been here.)

>>328814

Robert: (Subjugation for personal gain? Well, I don't like it, but I've done it before. When I was young, there was a bully who thought he was better at magic than me. I caught him in a compromising position, and threatened to reveal the evidence if he didn't stop bothering me. So it was for a good cause.

As for the safe, you just told me what steel is made from. I told you it was made of steel because I thought you'd have an idea of how to deal with it. But I did say I know some basic level Transmutations. Manipulating one element into becoming another is tricky at my Transmutation skill level, but I think I can do it. Just give me a few minutes.)

no no, try a combination of 25, 6, and 25.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)05:56 No. 328944 ID: 146bca
File 131125295829.png - (13.70KB , 703x420 , crackin\'2.png )

>>328940

Robert: (I'm in the middle of casting a spell, but alright.

25, 6, 25. Hey, I heard one of the tumblers fall into place, but I don't think that was the right combination. And the lock didn't reset. Maybe there are four tumblers? I think you're on to something.)

maybe there's a 32 in there somewhere. or a two.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)07:23 No. 328955 ID: 146bca
File 131125822832.png - (12.11KB , 703x420 , crackin\'2.png )

Robert: (32, 2, 25, 25? Three tumblers were caught. We're getting close.)

32 2 25 26

or 32 2 25 6 26

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)08:26 No. 328964 ID: 146bca
File 131126201127.png - (9.62KB , 703x420 , open.png )

Robert: (It reset after I input a fourth number, last time. There are only four numbers to this combination. Let's see...)

>>328958

Robert: (Three hits, no dice. Wrong number.)

>>328959

Robert: (6 and 26 are the atomic numbers of Carbon and Iron, respectively. If you combine the two to make Steel, then maybe if you combine the two numbers...

32, 2, 25, 32. Yes! It's open! I see a couple of data pads, and a few huge stacks of credits.)

check the datapads. can't take the money lawfully.

check the data pads. i'm assuming your the ethical sort so I don't have to tell you not to take the money.

I support not being greedy.

(1/2) Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)11:20 No. 329017 ID: 146bca
File 131127243610.png - (14.03KB , 506x447 , Page1.png )

Robert: (The larger datapad is a list of finance reports. The smaller one is a journal.)

(2/2) Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)11:21 No. 329018 ID: 146bca
File 131127246852.png - (13.42KB , 506x447 , Page2.png )

Robert: (Oh dear...)

balls. well at least we know there plan now. though i'm worried about the guy they have changing in that cargo container. it sounsd like these things are immune to energy weapons, and he could well be turning into one. so if he gets out it could be very bad.

holy crap! he even says 'karak' when typing!

uhh. I mean, holy crap! they're experimenting on the poor miner!

pocket the datapad, close the safe, put the paiting back on the wall. check the filing cabinet.

take the pad, close the safe and turn the wheel back to what it was on. put the painting back and let's leave. after closing the door make sure the bolt reengages. then head back towards the cargo container. invisible of course.

>>329018
Well! Well well well well well... This sounds like exactly the sort of chemical compound that would interest the black market. Hell, the mainstream market, too. This might turn into a revolutionary pharmaceutical, if you handle it properly. It could also make you filthy, filthy rich. I mean, gigantic gains in physical strength without major drawbacks? That's tremendous! If I were you, I'd steal copies of the doctor's research notes. From here, you have a few options:

1. Retrieve samples of the chemical and send them to a doctor you trust and would like to have as a business partner, so that you can synthesize the brain-friendly version. Also, sabotage the foreman's plans. Do this more quickly than the doctor can develop hers and begin selling it before they have the chance to. Go into business mass-producing the stuff.

2. Retrieve samples and send them to the proper authorities, along with the doctor's notes. The doctor and the foreman will be arrested. If you can find records of the right correspondences, you can have the corrupt businessman buyers arrested, too. You'll get quite a bit of recognition for shutting down a big illegal research program like this one.

oh, also consider jamming the safe mechanism so he thinks it's broken instead of discovering our tampering, and also consider rigging the pistol not to fire.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)12:13 No. 329037 ID: 146bca
File 131127559930.png - (8.70KB , 703x420 , leaving.png )

>>329025

Robert: (This is true. The question is, what should we do about it?)

>>329028

Robert: (Of course he does. He's Ianami. They don't use syllables in their native langage, so they make sounds like 'karak' and kaerk' to denote the end of a sentence. I guess it carried over to speaking other languages.)

>>329031

Robert: (Done, done, and done.)

>>329034

Robert: (Or, if we want to go the profitable route, we could try partnering up with Arkos. We would have to get him to sign a contract. Of course, this journal is enough to send him up the river if he gets cute.)

>>329035

Robert: (That requires technical expertise that I unfortunately don't have. I rely mostly on magic.)

>>329034
It would be hella suspicious for a guild techmage to suddenly come into possession of large sums of money and/or a company.

I won't say anything if you decide to pocket a sample of the prototype, but I am very averse to becoming an alien steroid-selling crime boss. those guys never meet a good end.

anyway, what next? I can think of visiting the mines to look at the creatures or wherever a lab might be located to steal a sample or two.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)12:39 No. 329042 ID: 146bca
File 131127714019.png - (11.65KB , 705x427 , Inventory.png )

>>329041

Robert: (Duly noted. Let me check and make sure I got everything. Reality Breaker, the datapad, my Techmage license...yep. It's all here.

In any case, if we decide to partner with him, sabotage him and steal the research, or take him in, in all cases, we're going to have to find out where the good doctor works on the compound. We need to find her, and follow her back to her lab. Or we could just go to the mines, ignore what they're doing entirely, and take care of those things.)

>>329042
Track the good doctor. Also, what's a reality breaker?

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)13:54 No. 329062 ID: 146bca
File 131128166087.png - (8.98KB , 703x420 , cargo.png )

>>329054

Robert: (Let's just say it's something really important, and I can not, under any circumstances, lose it. (OOC: See discussion thread for details.)

I'm back at the cargo container. I don't see the doctor. Arkos isn't here, either. Ot seems ominously quiet, compared to before. I wonder why.)

because i see a hole in it near the bottom. meaning the xodian escaped! fuck!

inspect yon hole.

>>329069
Carefully. While invisible.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)14:10 No. 329072 ID: 146bca
File 131128265288.png - (7.02KB , 697x344 , breakout.png )

>>329069
>>329071

Robert: (Right.)

>>329064

Robert: (At first glance, it does seem like he did escape, but upon further investigation, the metal is bent inwards. I don't care how strong you are, you can't punch through metal, and have it bend the opposite way you throw your fist.

He had help.)

PURPLE STUFF! check it out. but don't touch it!

Hey, so, Rob, why did you join the guild? Also, tell us about your life beforehand? And how old are you?

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)14:44 No. 329083 ID: 146bca
File 131128464876.png - (7.49KB , 697x344 , blood.png )

Robert: (Why did I join? Well actually, to spite my father. He's a member of the Confederate Marine Corps, and a soldier from a long line of soldiers. He had this mentality, "My father was a marine, and his father was a marine, and his father was a marine, and I'll be damned if my son isn't a marine!" He tried to instill this sense of military tradition into me, even from a young age. He felt it was my destiny to sign up, and fight for the Confederation.

I had other ideas. I was always into books, learning new things, and the only combat I actually appreciated involved the use of Magitech. Sure, he would try to give me lessons on how to be a good soldier, and how to use a gun, but I just let it flow through my ears. I told him that I didn't want to be a marine, that I wanted to go and do my own thing, but he was just so thick-headed, and wanting to set his plan for my life, make my decisions for me, that he just refused to listen.

He would always talk down to me, and badmouth me in front of everyone. 'He's a worthless son!' He said. 'He'll never be a real man! He'll never make anything of himself in life!' I got pretty sick of it, pretty quick.

I ran away when I was eleven, joining the Techmage Guild set up in town. I felt I had found my calling, having learned spells beyond my peers in a shorter amount of time. Even the guildmasters were impressed with my progress. I sometimes used my illusions to mess with people, and to play a joke or two. It made me feel powerful, something dad never did.

Of course, Dad found me one day, and decided to drag me back home. After I singed his eyebrows off, there was a custody battle between him and the guild. The guild had better lawyers, and he lost. And I was smiling at the time. My last vision of my father involved his glare, and him saying, 'You'll always be worthless.' That was seven years ago. I'm eighteen, since last month.)

>>329074

Robert: (But back to the subject at hand. I don't need to touch it to tell you that is Xiodian blood. It seems to trail off, further into the camp.)

follow it.

so you're the rebellious, authority-rejecting type then.

if there is nothing of further note about the hole, follow the trail. and try to do so relatively quickly.

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)17:39 No. 329177 ID: 146bca
File 131129519199.png - (8.42KB , 697x344 , trail.png )

>>329089

Robert: (It's not like that. I don't mind authority, but when those in charge try to dictate every single detail of your life, from how you eat to what you wear to what you do with your life, that's where you gotta draw the line.

The trail ends here. There's a big pool of blood, but I don't see a corpse.)

Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)17:55 No. 329187 ID: 146bca
File 131129610448.png - (9.89KB , 697x344 , ooohsun.png )

Robert: (The blood is really fresh. Do you think someone other than Galos was hurt here?)

ABOVE YOU, ROLL TO THE LEFT AND LOOK UP!

We see a suspicious silhouette on the roof behind you and to your right. No visible weapon, but they could easily have one out of sight.

Also, you oughta' investigate that hut, where the blood trail ends, after dealing with that silhouetted guy.

Also also, I see greatness in you. You should set your ambitions very high. What are the most prestigious positions in the Technomage Guild? How do politics work in your time?

(2/3) Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)19:02 No. 329222 ID: 146bca
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Robert: Oh, wow.

(3/3) Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)19:04 No. 329223 ID: 146bca
File 131130025884.png - (12.33KB , 697x344 , trail.png )

Robert: So that's Galos, I assume?

Galos: RAAAAAAAAAAAWR!

Robert: (Well it looks like we found out where the trail ends.)

lightning bolt to the kneecap. his right. should limit his mobility.

Chapter End Ace Sorou 2011/07/21(Thu)19:32 No. 329241 ID: 146bca
File 131130197591.jpg - (6.56KB , 320x240 , to_be_continued_back_to_the_future.jpg )

(Almost forgot.

For those who don't already know, discussion thread is here: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/350148.html

open with lightning, but keep in mind it might not work. if the mutagen is how those monsters reproduce he might already have whatever let the one in the mine ignore a laser to the gut.