2/2 Roxie 2015/10/29(Thu)21:44 No. 680126 ID: bfb318
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From: Arza
To: Roxie
ok

He didn't even capitalize the O!

But now, I take Penn out for a night. Halloween is today, and considering we live around one of the largest school campuses, there's sure to be a lot of parties and whatever going on.

I spent so long trying to convince Arza to let her slack off for like a single night, I hadn't given any thought to what to do tonight.

God, what time is - it's 5 AM!

Dance your way to breakfast in a tank top. Not like anyone other than Penn's going to see you...

>>680126
We're gonna get penn laid.

Its Halloween so you figure out two costumes and then you go hit parties and get Penn to loosen up a bit and enjoy herself. A few drinks and some attention from a cute guy or two and she should "relax" nicely.

Have you put any thought into costume ideas? Or have any materials to make some? You could just go party but half the fun is dressing up in something.

Luckily you are two young ladies so you can just wear some semi revealing clothing and call it a sexy-something costume if you want.

Penn is a big nerd right? Are there any tv shows she likes or movies or games you could get costume ideas from?

How about a dranei from warcraft? Space goat joke anyone? That game is still probably going these days.

uhhh, who sends texts at 5 in the morning. well since were up we might as well get breakfast.

drink vodka

Get some more sleep if you can, you have a long night of partying ahead of you.

Costumes are the most important thing about Halloween. As soon as Penn is up, drag her along for breakfast and shopping.

Ok, I assume there are no lectures today, so that'll damp down her objections. Hm... What time does she normally get up? We don't want to wake her up early, since she probably needs more sleep than she gets. But it'd be rude to sneak into her room and just change her alarm or whatever, so make a note to her saying Arza said she can have the day off, she can sleep in for a while and later you'll both go have fun, and stick on the inside of her door.

Then either get the rest of your sleep yourself, or if you can't, go look up what's on around campus. Look for things that'll be on later, because you'll need to go shopping early, before all the good costumes are gone!

Now the hard part is getting Penn to actually take the day off you earned her.

And then we gotta find costumes! Might need to head out early for that before all the other chumps who waited till the last day clear everything out.

>>680133
Crazy mad scientists who never sleep.

1/3 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)09:59 No. 680179 ID: bfb318
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>Get Penn to meet guys
That'd be something! Maybe if the really hit it off, Penn will let him shake his hand without her freaking out about it. I'm still trying for a hug. Or anything.

>Have you put any thought into costume ideas? Or have any materials to make some? You could just go party but half the fun is dressing up in something.
Yeah, I'm not gonna be partying with or as one of those lame students who dress up "as a student" or for the daring lamers, "teachers."

>Drink vodka
Later for sure.

>Who sends texts at 5 in the morning?
The dorklord that rules over the lesser dorks like Penn.

2/3 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)10:00 No. 680180 ID: bfb318
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Actually, for all I know about his location, it could be 6 in the evening for him. I've tried to ask him about his stuff, but the more I pry the more he starts deflecting and saying I wouldn't care. I'd want to press harder, but it is true, I only got interested because I felt like he didn't want to tell me.

>Dance your way to breakfast in a tank top. Not like anyone other than Penn's going to see you
Yeah, least if I close the curtains or wear too much, but Penn's the only one who cares in the way she cares.

Too early for dancing, though. It's too early for anything except sleeping or prepping equipment for jungle hunting, and only one of those activities are relevant to my current life.

I guess she doesn't mind as much as she used to, though, so I still do it. I usually sleep in later, but since I'm already up, and since I got the news, I'm staying up. A long night of partying will keep me up just fine, too!

>What to dress up as?
I have no idea, I tried hard but I'm still surprised Arza accepted. For Penn, I dunno, it'll be tough enough to get anything for her, we'll just have to go to the store and see what's there. There's enough geeks at this school though that's there's probably a good selection of nerdy costumes for her.

Cept, a lot of them are probably sexy variations, and as much as I'd love to see her loosen up in one of those, I feel like I already spent my luck on Arza's 2 letter response.

As for me, I can probably find something. Hell, I was just thinking I could use my tribal clothes I have as a keepsake, and call that a costume for the day.

Anyways, I look up my phone to see about giving Penn a message for when she's up.

Wait a second.

3/3 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)10:00 No. 680181 ID: bfb318
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She is up! Her light is on!

"Penn?!"
>"Ahhh Roxie what have I told you about knocking?!"
"Seriously, there's no reason you gotta be embarrased about whatever you're doing in - are you studying?"
>"Yes? I always study at this time, it's quiet."
I take it back. I'll knock at this hour so you can close down your books and put up a video game or something. Also, I got Arza to get you the day off!"
>"Why?"
"..... to take the day off. You know about taking the day off, right? Let's get you some breakfast and then go shopping." I just had a little bit, but by the time I can drag her off, I'll be hungry again.
>"Roxie, I have 3 tests and lots of quizzes in a few days!"

Listen you have been studying straight for weeks now. Having some down time will only help you out. It will give your brain time to process and sort everything you have learned and you will do better on the tests because of it.

One day of socializing will not hurt your grades Penn.

That and getting out and meeting people will be good for your studies. At this rate the only AI's you will be able to build will have horrible people skills because you did not know how to teach them any.

>>680181
C'mon you doof, days away is days away. And you study intelligence. You gotta know minds function better when they get variety and breaks. So in a way, taking a day off is preparing!

As a last resort: Arza said so. You gotta do what he says which means right now you gotta do what I say.

To save time, you could just show her the message you wrote for Arza. I'm sure it has all the relevant data points of relaxing, recuperating, digesting information, exercising parts of the brain that aren't being used, helping with perspective, et cetera et cetera.

A party is probably too intimidating for Penn, but maybe some quieter gathering like a movie showing or going out to eat seasonal treats or the like would be good. Actually... how far away is your hive from here, Roxie? I'm sure they have a bunch of kids who will be going out for trick or treating and such. If you and Penn went with them, she'd feel like she's being useful and it would be fun without being too stressful. Penn will probably still worry about dealing with kids but she'll find them less threatening than adults, and at least get some pleasure out of them being cute. Plus since they're your hive, if you get on with Penn they're more likely to get on well with her.

>"Roxie, I have 3 tests and lots of quizzes in a few days!"
Taking the day off is good to relax the mind and allow your studies to be that much more effective. Probably, sounds like something that could convince her.

>>680181
Do you even need to study this much, Penn? You're super smart.

>>680187
That need sounds like something Belenos would've bred out.

1/2 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)12:55 No. 680201 ID: bfb318
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"Penn, here's the message! Arza literally said it's 'ok'. Rest is important too, and you have done none of it!"
>"I feel fine, though, really. I don't think Arza knows about my incoming tests and all that. Did you include that in when you asked?"
"...no, and he doesn't need to know! Also, you said a few days, not, like, tonight."
"It covers so much info, though."
"Don't you study intelligence anyway, and wanna know how people react to relaxation? And interaction? You said something about emulating how people are, but you act more like a machine than the things you apparently make!"
>"I don't know... these tests are important."
"Then get some rest. If you make your AI's like you are now, they're just gonna be soulless machines with no social skills!"
>"That's.... a good point, I guess, but there have been belenos who are able to non stop study for days! I study social skills a lot too."
"Books are no subsitute for experience, Penn! Stop being a huge nerd for like, 10 hours. You're so smart, I doubt you'll need to study."
>"Okay, Roxie, but just because I still owe you for finding my class notes."
".... fine, I'll let you cash that favor in on this, but that means you gotta go where I go!"
"Uhhh.... well, okay. Do you want to do?"
>Get you a costume, and then..."

2/2 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)12:55 No. 680202 ID: bfb318
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>Actually... how far away is your hive from here, Roxie? I'm sure they have a bunch of kids who will be going out for trick or treating and such.
A lot of my hive's kids are spread out getting a handle on modern life, but my hive's central location is smack in the middle of a raw forest where the only trick or treating that happens is tricking something twice our size, and treating ourselves to a kill.

I like to visit when I can, but even if it wasn't hundreds of miles away, it's way too dangerous for Penn.

There's so many nerds on campus, there probably are some parties that are more mellow. On the other hand, I spent two days putting on an investigator hat and interrogating a lot of people to find out who had Penn's notes, and if this is gonna be how she repays the favor, I'm going to make it count.

There's enough partying on campus that I can probably decide what kind of party to go to and find how where that party takes place.

>I have 3 tests and lots of quizzes in a few days!
What kind of monster schedules midterms the week after Halloween? Its like they want you to fail.

Get her away from Frat boys and any sketchey drug parties so she never gets scarred forever. We NEED lists, hell, she needs lists, I bet she loves them!

It's probably better she doesn't meet a guy tonight actually, you'd PROBABLY would have to make it a threesome+ or something to guide her through and keep her calm. All girls party might be best unless she actually is into girls.

Oh man there are so many types of Halloween parties to choose from. Probably want to avoid any that will turn into a drunken mess early.

Honestly in my experience the best way to party on Halloween is to start at one party and keep moving from party to party until you find the best one.

Hit up a haunted house or two along the way and go to any costume contests so you can see the best costumes.

At a college campus Halloween should be more like a fair than anything.

You want a nerd party, I think. There's probably some sort of games society holding video game tournaments, or film/show/cartoon club having a movie showing and mixer or something, and dressing up as their favorite characters. It'll be lively enough, but not too rowdy.

You will have to go to and fro, though, and there'll be a lot of people out getting drunk. Does Penn have a little concealable tazer or mace or something she can carry around?

>On the other hand, I spent two days putting on an investigator hat and interrogating a lot of people to find out who had Penn's notes
The mystery of the notes thief? Egad.

Did someone need the edge that badly, or are these belenos nerds so concerned with ranking they'll try to sabotage each other.

>pick kinds of parties
Let's avoid anything that will make Penn nervous and just retreat into her nerd-shell, making her even harder to get out next time. Avoid the parties that are just an excuse to get as drunk as possible, or to hook up.

Maybe stuff run by clubs or academic societies / associations instead of frats and sororities.

Something with some kind of theme might be easier for her to fit into. A haunted house would be neat, maybe somewhere with party games? (A group activity would break ice easier, and games are puzzles for her to try and be good at in a way she's probably more familiar with than trying to be social on purpose).

Not sure how the campus population is biased, but you've probably noticed Penn is more comfortable socially around aliens? Maybe avoid anything too Belenos heavy.

Do you know of any kinds of interests that Penn has, outside of studying? Interests she used to have, basically? :P

1/4 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)19:12 No. 680275 ID: bfb318
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"I'll think about it, Penn, but first, we've got to get a costume!"
>Er... I dunno about that?"
"Just try it."

>Do you know of any kinds of interests that Penn has?
Well, yeah, that's -

>Outside of studying?
No.

I said she couldn't have done nothing in her childhood that wasn't studying, but she insisted that was the only thing worth saying.

>Missing notes?
Turns out some teacher picked them up and stored them, then forgot about them so by the time I asked, he said he didn't have 'em.

>I have 3 tests and lots of quizzes in a few days!
They're not even midterms, they're like, special super high classes that just constantly make people do things completely differently than lower classes.

Thankfully, on the day of halloween, a lot of places are open early. We get ready to go and show up at one of the first places. There's at least a couple around, but this one's closest.

2/4 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)19:12 No. 680276 ID: bfb318
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>Get her away from Frat boys and any sketchey drug parties so she never gets scarred forever.
Yeah, she'd get eaten alive at some of the parties I might go to. I want to push her comfort zone some, but finding the right place for that is tough. Maybe some place with light drinking. Who am I kidding, there's going to be lots of drinking just about anywhere, difference is if it's just a few guys getting smashed or just a group of people doing keg stands.

>Hit up multiple
Yeah, there's a good idea! Probably a good mix between decent parties, and she's given an escape route too in case, I dunno, someone offers her a drink.

>Video game tournaments/movie showings
Dunno if she's any good at video games, but movie goings could be good after hours.

>Penn is more comfortable socially around aliens?
Yeah, she seems on edge when she's with unfamiliar belenos sometimes. Then with neumono, she has no idea how to behave, like we'll bite her if offended.

"See anything you like?" I ask, after about 10 minutes."
>"They're all, um... kind of skimpy."
"Yeah?"
>"I'm already going to be shy enough without showing parts of my torso!"
"Look, I guarantee you that within sight, there'll be some girl with even less on. In fact if it makes you feel better, I'll be that one."
>"That... doesn't! Not even a little bit, Roxie!"
"Well, fine, there's others!"

3/4 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)19:12 No. 680277 ID: bfb318
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"Look, there's some Belenos costumes. Here's the ol' Sapphire emperor, for instance. Shit, you don't even need the ears. You know about him, right?"
>"...........N... no. I mean I know him, but I won't go as him! H... he's a he, too, r-right?"
"Doesn't have to be. You could pretend the Sapphire Emperor was a girl, okay?"

4/4 Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)19:13 No. 680278 ID: bfb318
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She gets up close to me and lowers herself a foot or so.

"Roxie, I'd... could you bring me back to the sexy uniforms? I'd rather see those."

Is she seriously putting the hover hand over my shoulders??

Penn, buy a lich costume: combine Vampire costume with Mummy Costume and bring a broomstick.

Roxie, buy a feral costume: dry your fur badly and combine with a Rabies Dog mask.

>>680278
Doesn't look so tough, but I guess he's pretty scary if you're a scardy sheep!

>Is she seriously putting the hover hand over my shoulders??
Fluff up fur so the hover turns into a touch! Shoulder touching, oh my.

>I'd... could you bring me back to the sexy uniforms? I'd rather see those.
That's the spirit! *Drag her along*

>>680280
Pffff.

Although a princess dress is actually something we could probably get her into.

Suggestion 2015/10/30(Fri)19:37 No. 680285 ID: fc0f00
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Don't worry, Roxie, I had a great idea for another character Penn could dress up as!

See, she's this ancient alien royal who was born with special qualities, and she has to conceal them from others who would be afraid of her because of them, so she ends up hiding away and avoiding contact with everyone, and eventually runs away from her original home to a place where she can shed the distant, detached persona she built up to conceal her real feelings, and she has this crystalline blue color theme and...

... ah, forget it. None of that suits Penn at all.

You could just get her a lab coat and spatter some fake blood on her, pretend she's a mad scientist instead of a good scientist.

Should be within her comfort and humor zone while pushing it. It's also expressing herself.

could go boring and try and find her a lab coat and some goggles, let her be a mad scientist or something. Or is that stereotype with belenos seeing how the lost a lot of there history to super science or something.

>>680283
( " >>680280 " should be " >>680285 " due to post-jumping shenanigans)

She must have some cultural hang up about that costume. Maybe the old emperor is a distant relative or something.

Whatever the reason go check out some other costumes.

Roxie 2015/10/30(Fri)20:54 No. 680303 ID: bfb318
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>Make it a touch instead of a hover
I can't fluff up my fur quite enough, but I move slightly into it.

>"Ah sorry!"
"Give me a break. I can't believe you hovered! Anyway, how about a mad science costume?"
>"I.. I dunno. You know how I feel about old belenos science, right?"
"Yeah, and people would freak out if there was a zombie too, but it's halloween, that's what the whole holiday is about! Pretend-scares. And I guess candy too? I don't know. What about like, a mummy with vampire teeth but you also have a broomstick?"
>"Uh, that's kind of common, isn't it?"
"That's not a problem, though! Cept they're all sold out, so the only ones left are sexy types." I pause. I have no idea why she didn't object! She might actually do it. "So I saw either that, or mad science gear, a nice looking princess uniform, or... wellll, it's reallly expensive to get a custom made thing done same day, so it's probably just those three. That, or we gotta go to a new place."
>"Uuuhm... how... how about you just choose to make this simple?"

>Feral costume for Roxie
Yeah, considering I only have so much allowance, I'm gonna save a buck and just go as my tribal self.

As for Penn...

(Princess costume as per posted picture:)
>>680285

http://strawpoll.me/5880338

Have you ever just outright, directly told her that she can touch you if she feels like it? If you haven't, maybe do it now. If you end up going somewhere loud, she might need to tap you on the shoulder or something to get your attention at some point. Or you her, for that matter.

Mix and match, I'd say. All those premade things usually have a little junk and a little good stuff.

Mad science is too nerdy, I'd say. I thought we were trying to get her away from nerdiness for one night.

>>680305
That might be a good idea to mention, at least in the context of parties and such.

1/4 Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)20:22 No. 680481 ID: bfb318
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"I think that princess getup would look good on you. Really good."
>"Uh... I- that is, if you say so."
"I did and I'm probably right. Go put it on."

I wait for what is a long time. I offer to help as usual, but as expected, she says she's got it.

>Say she can touch you
I have! It's been a huge pain just to get her to shake my hand, and even that was incredibly awkward. I want more than that, I want hugs, backrubs, whatever, something that makes her not seem like some cold robot!

I wait a while longer, and she finally speaks up.

>"I don't know about this, Roxie."
"Well at least let me see it."
>"Uh... I, um, even if you like it, I think it'll stand out too much."
"If you don't come out here, I'm coming in there, clothed or not."

2/4 Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)20:22 No. 680482 ID: bfb318
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"Holy crap you look nice. Like you could wear that at a place that isn't a costume party nice."
>"Nooo, this is, I mean, it's comfy and seems good, but the material is cheap and people would notice."
"What a load, but whatever, it's a costume party tonight! You gotta lose the huge Arza glasses though, and let me help put it on straight."

>"Oh," someone from behind me says.

3/4 Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)20:23 No. 680484 ID: bfb318
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>"Is the teacher's pet dressing up as his little princess, now?" this new girl says.
"What? Is she talking at us? Who's this bitch, Penn?"
>"ER, that's, well, one of psychology majors - "
>"That's right." She has the nerve to interrupt. "Major. As in, real psychology student. Then Penn here comes in and acts like she's tough shit."
"By making your grades look like you took a shit on the teacher's desk?"

4/4 Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)20:23 No. 680485 ID: bfb318
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It looks like I hit a nerve.

>"You're one to talk, considering your parents were probably spear chucking dirty animals. Penn, you know this place doesn't allow pets, but at least put it on a leash."

She hits mine back pretty hard.

>"Roxie, she just.. she's harmless." Penn whispers to me.

>>680485
control your potent lesbian urge to hatefuck her.
do it for her.
do it for pen.

>You're one to talk, considering your parents were probably spear chucking dirty animals.
Lean in close and do the scary Rokoa smile thing.

I'm afraid you're mistaken. My parents weren't the last spear chucking savages, that was me. Tell me, what do you know about the psychology of dirty, animals, when they're challenged?

Alright, since you're studying psychology, maybe you can answer me a little question. Hypothetical scenario: a couple of people are out making preparations to enjoy a holiday, when someone comes up and sets about trying to worsen their day without any provocation. What, in your expert academic opinion, do you think might be driving that sort of behavior?

Now me, considering that this person also up and starts loudly spouting some racial slurs regarding the species who owns this world she has been graciously allowed to visit, the species who she is surrounded by every day, I think maybe it's suicidal tendencies.

Alternate retort: We're all animals. Some of us are just better trained than others, and those are the ones that can act like they're adults making efforts to further their education, rather than teenagers clawing at each other to make themselves feel bigger.

>>680487
We already asked, and Roxie ain't gay.

"That's funny, the spear-chucking dirty animal and her friend get better grades than you."

"You must really have a crush on danger, what with how much you're flirting with it."

>>680485
Right, and you're great great grand parents nuked an entire planet with tech that made your Mom so scared she embraced the spear. Oh, no, wait, my primative brain thought she was embracing the spear, turns out she pole dances to pay for your college. I'll be sure to stop by and put a dollar in her g-string so that you can continue your studies and then maybe you can learn enough about the brain to cure yours of how to stop being such a bitch.

Wait a minute is this coming from the species that up until a generation or two ago was also living in villages and wielding spears?

Oh and why did this happen again? Oh right its because you blew your planet up and spent the next few hundred years being scared of any tech more complex than a rock tied to a stick?

No that would be mean to Penn if you said it.

I say go with the asking why she is being a insecure asshole. This is college she should have gotten that crap out of her system in high school.

Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)21:23 No. 680505 ID: bfb318
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"That was me, you sad scientist, no wonder the spear chucker and the friend get better grades then you. I was the one throwing spears."
>"That explains your speech impediment."
"You want me to be the animal? We're all animals!"
>"Some just more well developed than others."
"You know that not two generations ago, you all were in the same way, except you brought it on yourselves! You want to make me out to be the animal, then it sounds like you wanna know the psychology of animals when they're challenged! Because you're flirting hard with danger!"

>Smile
Who could smile at that? I'm angry!

>Repress urge to hatefuck her
I'd have to have the urge to lay with someone like her in the first place!

>"Well, go on, show me!... but that's right, it looks so bad when a neumono lets their animalistic nature get the better of them while they're being uplifted. If you lay a scratch on me, the tribal observation bureau will send you right back to your little dirt lot in the wild. Maybe you should go back yourself so you can feel powerful again, because here, you're just cute and harmless no matter how much you scrunch up your little face."

Of course I'm not going to assault her here, but she is right! We're allowed to defend ourselves, but neumono violence on aliens is a huge no no.

"What is your issue?! You're on our planet!"
>"Graciously giving the natives more luxuries than they've earned."
"Are you suicidal or something?!"
>"What, are you saying you could kill me before the police got here?"
"You're the most insecure bitch I've ever seen! My mom used a spear, does your use one to pole dance to pay for your college? And to answer your question, of course I - "
>"ROXIE, stop that! Both of you! Let's just go! We-we're making a scene." Penn whisper-yells, mostly at me.

>>680505
Smack her hand away and walk off.

cunt punch the bitch and walk away

>Who could smile at that? I'm angry!
Cause you're supposed to go for intimidating and scary, not losing control and bothered.

>>"ROXIE, stop that! Both of you! Let's just go! We-we're making a scene." Penn whisper-yells, mostly at me.
*Beat* *Overdone bow* As you wish, your majesty.

Refuge in audacity / silliness.

Oh. I have an idea. Let's prank the shit out of her later.

Ok, Roxie, Ok. You're in college to learn, right? One of the biggest trials for neumono is to learn to deal with each other, and resolve things calmly. But, aside empathy, you also have to not use violent methods to resolve other problems, like people just being terrible. So, think of this as part of your education. You're being given a little pop quiz, that's all. Stay calm and think of the correct response.

And maybe empathy, of a different kind, is the response to use. I was mostly joking before, but this lady actually must legit have something up in her life if she's wandering around a costume shop when most people are still asleep, accosting someone she has a minor grievance with as soon as she sees them. Calm yourself down, look her in the eye and ask, seriously, is she doing ok?

She's probably trying to get an excuse to get you thrown out of school. Don't give her one.

Civilization fucking sucks sometimes. You punch someone that deserves it, and you get punished for it.

I agree that a good pranking is in order later. Know where to get some livestock to put in their room after feeding it a bunch and giving it laxatives?

>Who could smile at that? I'm angry!
Just something another hive does. You probably couldn't pull it off, but the idea is that instead of getting all mad like she wants you to, you just calmly call her out on her bullshit. We can still do that, actually, even without the creepy slasher smile. Try something like, " *deep breath* Sorry, sorry. I just don't take it well when stupid insecure douchebags come at my friends with their ego-stroking bullshit, and then start throwing slurs at me. I should've realized that engaging with garbage people is just a waste of time. C'mon Penn, let's go."

1/2 Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)22:21 No. 680534 ID: bfb318
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>You're supposed to go for intimidating and scary, not losing control and bothered
I doubt I could pull that off. It's kind of pathetic, I've faced lots of mortal danger before, but I lose my shit when some dumb girl says the wrong words to me.

I whap her hand off. It's all I can do to keep my claws on the other side! I can see her damn smug smile as I walk, too. She's got some huge issues, but I can't stand her any more to pretend like I care to know what is going on in her life.

Plus, no matter how nice, patronizing, sarcastic or whatever I sound, she's just going to turn it right around on me.

"Alright, Penn, let's go!"

...

"What is her problem?!" I ask while we walk.
>"That, um... most of the aliens see the value in neumono, but, um... some... just don't like, uh, them. You. It's... she studies neumono psychology to see just how, well... she wants to prove neumono aren't fit for civilized life."
"Wha?! This place allows that?!"
>"Well, I mean... yes? She would still have to prove it! Don't worry, she's in the minority. She just, uh... really, really hates neumono. I'm sorry, Roxie."
"Why're you sorry?"
>"You wanted to bring me out to have fun, but, well, this is kind of why I stay indoors."
"Ugh, there's a lot of nice people too, you know? We'll find them. Let's get out of here. The exits this way."
>"Uh, Roxie, we have to pay for this."
"Oh, yeah... your ear star things fell off, by the way. Shit, you really saved me from saying something I shouldn't have said back there."

2/2 Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)22:22 No. 680535 ID: bfb318
File 144635532980.png - (254.84KB , 800x800 , 19.png )

God, I'm still mad even after leaving the store!

>"Hey!" Some neumono guy nearby shouts at me. "You okay, girl?"
"Yeah!" I say. Get out of here, guy. I'm talking to Penn, now. "She really knows how to get under my skin!"
>"I, um, well, I do have a feeling that that's what she studies!"
"What'd neumono do to her anyway?"
>"I, um, think her family used to be rich, but after trying to invest in some neumono hives, those hives just left them to go for a better deal, and really costed her family a lot of money. I... don't know the specifics. Can we change the subject?"
"Yeah... hey, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had school enemies, though."
>"Belenos, uh, can get kind of competitive. It's... not pretty, and sometimes it seems worse than how neumono get along."
"Hey, I have enemies too. You know how often I've come home with a bloody nose or so."
>"I'm really jealous, Roxie."
"What? You want bloody noses?"
>"Er, no, just... you can get into fights like that, and still have no fear going into public places when you have enemies that'll harm you."
"Not gonna lie, the regeneration helps."
>"Still, you've gotten hurt before. That's scary."

Geez, I didn't think she cared. She always turned away when I came home looking less than fresh.

I guess another advantage of being a neumono is, you don't have to deal with that kind of two-faces shit. If another neumono doesn't like you it'll be obvious from the get-go, and they can't pull that sort of tricky baiting shit, they'll just either avoid you or attack directly, physically or socially. Plus, there's a difference between fights where someone really wants to kill or damage you, and fights where you just want to establish a pecking order, and you can tell right away by empathy which one it's going to be.

Anyway, responding to Penn... well, getting hurt gets easier the more it happens to you. Not that it really hurts any less, you just learn how to deal with it, let it pass through you. Like, you have to know this a bit, Penn, like when you're a little kid you fall and scrape you knee and you really scream about it, but it happens as an adult and it's just, you've had worse, you know? Don't hold on to the pain. You've got to let it...

... let it... uh...

Let it... something.

>she wants to prove neumono aren't fit for civilized life
You can't actually prove that, though. You'd first have to establish some kind of objective standards to be met to be worthy of civilization before you could rule neumono out, and you'd also have to religiously define civilized life. The later of which would be highly difficult and subjective, and the first of which is outright impossible. Those standards don't exist.

>Geez, I didn't think she cared. She always turned away when I came home looking less than fresh.
She wasn't looking cause it bothered her to see you hurt! More avoidance. She should have caught that, that's how she deals with lots of things that bother her.

>Still, you've gotten hurt before. That's scary.
Yeah, well, we're not gonna do anything today where anyone gets hurt. And we'll avoid any jerks who are out for emotional hurt. And mind regeneration is faster than bloody nose regeneration, anyways.

Not gonna let myself be bothered by some brat upset they made some bad investments, or got taken by a bunch of savages. Serves them right for thinking they could use us. Especially when she's just wasting more money on something she'll never accomplish.

A bit of pain is good for you, anyway. Like, from this experience just now, Roxie, you'll know better to keep cool and be on the watch for that stuff in the future, if only because we don't want to give someone like that their satisfaction again. And, being social, you can pass around that girl's description and deal to other neumono, so they won't fall for her shit either.

In the long run, she practically did you a favor. Or sabotaged herself, at least. Same thing.

Roxie 2015/10/31(Sat)23:10 No. 680544 ID: bfb318
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"Getting hurt gets... well, it still hurts, but you get better about dealing with it, you know? Like screaming about scraped knees as a kid, then shrugging it off now. Anyway, us neumono are pretty simple about getting a pecking order or whatever, and real obvious if we don't like one another. We don't go bluffing and baiting and shit like that, if we want to fight, we will. That's why we have a tough time with aliens doing that weird... alien social shit. But this campus is pretty safe. There's a lot of neumono fights, but the agencies around here really go out in force if a neumono gets seriously harmed."
>"I, um...."
"Yeah?
>"Nothing, nevermind."
"Give me a hug."
>"I, er- I'm... I'm not good at hugging."
"Prove it."
>"Nooo, Roxie, we talked about it!"
"We really didn't! Whatever, I'm not going to make you. And we're not going to any parties with people like that."
>"Or any parties where you get in fights?"
"Okay I may have overplayed it, fights don't happen that frequently, but yeah we'll go to mellow places."
>"Okay, well, it's only like 9 AM now, what do you want to do?" she says, putting those unfitting glasses back on. I guess she needs them.

>>680544
Have we had breakfast yet? BREAKFAST!

You should tell Penn that she should take up boxing or martial arts. So she can feel strength. Also, would be handy on this planet. Plus, maybe if that girl gets under your skin personally, you can take HER skin off! If you need to hide the body Penn, just ask. Any bodies. We'll be glad to help.
Joking... maybe. I'd still help you if you got in trouble though.

Nothing wrong with a little pain. Gives you adrenaline. A punch would probably feel better to you then a hug as a first step, less contact, less awkward. Seriously, Penn, when the night's over, sign up for Martial Arts. It'll do you good. A dojo is a safe place. You're a nerd with no way to vent your troubles, you're going to go postal yourself one day.

The thing about hugs is, ideally, the people you hug are the people who don't care if you're bad at hugging.

I'd add the recommendation of going to some martial arts class or something, too. It's exercise, it works for all the muscles in your body, it develops both ability to focus and awareness of what's around you, eventually, and best of all, it helps you feel more secure in yourself. Even if you never have to defend yourself physically, which is the ideal case, knowing that you could if you needed to will make you feel more at ease with your life. Just the assurance that if shit goes down you'll have some idea what to do, and some ability to do it, makes you feel way better than the alternative. I'm surprised it's not on Arza's extra studies list already.

Plus, Penn, maybe this is a faux pas or something, sorry if it is, but you seem pretty sturdy, physically. In good ways. Be a shame to waste. Anyway, breakfast! Make sure you don't spill anything on that dre-

Wait. After all that... did Penn leave her original clothes in the dressing room of the shop?

Ok I'm just going to get this out there in case we run into that bitch again
Ahem
"Listen I don't know what your problem, nor do I want to but I do know that if you spent as much effort trying to be worth a shit as you do pretending then you wouldn't be a massive liar as well as a huge bitch. Now if you'd stop trying to get validation from other people and go home and study then maybe, just maybe not only will you almost be as smart as the "Tribal" but maybe you'd actually pass, get some genuine friends and not have to be a hooker like mommy."

Also we can throw in how coming to the neumono HOME WORLD to try and prove that neumono aren't fit for modern society when they kind of already proved they are shows how stupid she is and how neumono are still wasting her families money

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)07:40 No. 680582 ID: bfb318
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>Breakfast?
Oh, yeah, we forgot to get it on the way over.

"Hold on, first, I think you left your clothes in the shop?"
>"Oh, yes!"
"Just hang out here, I'll be back."

I ready myself for another bitch encounter, but I never run into her, and I get the clothes back.

"Here you go. Let's go to a breakfast place. I got an idea, Penn."
>"Eh?"
"Martial arts! I mean, maybe not now, but in general. It would help you feel and be stronger. Really, on this planet, you should probably know a little hand to hand anyway!"
>"I feel safer on - well, I mean, I do know some."
"What, really? I've never seen you do anything physical other than bolt out the door. That explains those legs, but really, your whole body seems pretty sturdy for a belenos!"

....

"That's a compliment, Penn."
>"Y-yeah, thanks."

Geez, it's like belenos take pride in being fragile twigs.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)07:42 No. 680584 ID: bfb318
File 144639252666.png - (145.38KB , 800x800 , 22.png )

>"But really, I know how to fight a little bit." She says after we find a place to eat, get sat down, and get our food.
"Punch me."
>"What?"
"Come on, you know I can take it."
>"Nooo..."
"It's like the least awkward way to touch me! Short, brief, too the point."
>"That's the most awkward! I'm not going to punch you! Especially not here!"
"I'm gonna sign you up for martial arts if you don't punch me when we get back home!"
>"If... I wouldn't be comfortable sparring with anyone, but if I was going to punch anyone, I think it would be you?"
"That's really sweet, thank you."
>"Is it?!"
"Yes. And I'm going to expect it now! You're a huge nerd that apparently has vicious belenos competition, and I don't see you having any outlet."
>"I, um, really beat up my tests?"
"Oh my god you are the hugest nerd! Seriously though, tell me you have a concealable mace or tazer or something."
>"Uh, I do have mace in my bag. But normally...."
...
"Yes?"
>"Normally I just run away."

Well, Penn, even if you just want to run away, martial arts will help with that, too! You'll want to know how to break a hold so that you can start to run in the first place, if someone's grabbed you, and if someone gets in your way you can give them a quick toss or a jab in something sensitive to give you an opening to flee. Plus, the general fitness you'd get will help you climb a fence or jump a wall or other stuff that'll help you escape things. Do you know how to roll when you fall a long distance? A good fight school will teach you all these things eventually, and you'll become the best run-away-er you can be.

And you can learn how to block, which is always good, and how to take a punch without blocking, which is a skill, not just a matter of blunt toughness. You just need to make sure you find a decent place. I bet there are belenosians who've nerded out on fighting as much as anything else.

I think that Penn needs tutoring in tactics and strategy. She's smart, not dexterous; if she learns how to apply her intelligence on a battlefield, she can figure out how to run away with the highest probability of unharmed escape. If you teach her martial arts then that's an entirely different field that she has to cram into her brain.

Find a paintball instructor who can teach her how to flank, take cover, and use gadgets to her advantage ("gadgets" includes 'tiny rock'). Then see if she can think up the statistically best places to move on her own. For bonus points, see if Penn can design a simulation for various combat situations and find a good yet flexible strategy.

Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)08:47 No. 680592 ID: bfb318
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"You can't run if you can't break a hold! Or if you mess up falling a long distance, or can't climb a fence, or whatever."
>"Well, true..."
"You don't even need to join a dojo! Heck maybe even paintball if you like running and hiding so much, and you don't need to touch anyone. But, I know how to fight well. I mean, I guess it's more natural fighting for me, but I know some theory too. I bet some belenos have nerded out about fighting colors as much as you about artificial intelligence."
>"Fighting colors?"
"Yeah, like, each fighting color from each culture and all?"
>"Fighting styles, Roxie."
"Right."
>"But you're right, there are some good belenos fighters."
"Yeah, I've seen-"

Oh no.

>"Heyyyy, Roxie?"

This guy. He's a harmless dork, not even that bad of a guy, but he's an unlikeable one. He knows it, but even if he acknowledges it, he keeps liking on me until I like him back.

>"I've got a party, tonight, over at the west, 2nd, building."

By that he means he knows of a party.

>"Do you wanna come? I'll be there."

At least Penn can't sense that he just wants in my pants.

Better a harmless dork you are not interested in than a big jerk.

Ask him what he knows about the party scene tonight. The more options we have the better. Want to be able to have backups in case a party gets to wild for Penn.

>Geez, it's like belenos take pride in being fragile twigs.
Well they are huge nerds.

>>"Normally I just run away."
In her defense, avoiding fights is a lot more efficient means to deal with them than seeing them through.

>he just wants in my pants.
>he keeps liking on me until I like him back.
So... you're saying it's worked before?

>what do
Be vague and non-committal. Maybe, but you've already got some other stuff you're doing tonight. Empathy should make it clear you're thinking about hanging out with Penn, not hooking up with anyone else.

I'd say make it clear you're going to be hanging with Penn today and this evening. Lodge some empathic certainty into that, because a some people, if you give them an inch of possibility that they can persuade you they'll try wiggle through it, but there's not much they can do if you just shut them down straight away.

Though, if you think you can and it'll help, you could say that if Penn ends up retiring early, you might go out on your own after that, and then maybe meet up with him. I mean, it's theoretically possible, if Penn like, gets ill from bad food or something, so your empathy could permit that much. And to stop Penn jumping in with a "oh no you do what you want i'll be fine", maybe catch her eye and give a little head shake or dismissive hand gesture or something.

You know, neumono should really come up with a system of discreet little signs for their alien friends, to alert them to empathic goings-on.

>>680592
Okay, well I'm going to need more details rather than the fact it's just a party. What kind? Real details, not vagueness here.

Eesh, guy has a tough break. Knows immediately he's unlikable from the empathy, immediately all girls know he wants to bone down... man, he probably has the most low self esteem of any neumono in public society. It sucks you can't choose who you are.

He needs to get with alien girls instead.

His name is Warren, isn't it?

>>680601
>His name is Warren, isn't it?
Why, is that your name?

Jokes aside, yeah, I feel kind of bad for him, but it's not like it's impossible to change yourself. He could get a hobby or something to talk about other than sex. Agreed on the details, though I doubt we want him to feel like we owe him something.

Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)11:07 No. 680606 ID: bfb318
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>Have you liked him before?
No, I just meant that it seems like he's going to keep crushing on me till I give in. I just don't like him.

>"What kind of party?"
"Oh, it's hosted by the chariot gang. There'll be plenty to drink, a lot of people, but a lot of little side areas if you need to, well, get some privacy."

Penn fidgets at that, and I know I'm broadcasting some 'knock it off' to him.

"If you can't tell, I'm hanging out with my roommate tonight."
>"But you do like those kinds of parties, right? Not too skeevy, but still wild? Yeah."
"Ugh, look, Jorra," - his name's not Warren - "tonight I'm with my roommate, and she's not into that stuff." He is right, it is a good party balance for me, lots of random activities and people letting loose, but it's probably too much for Penn.
>"Oh... well, I mean..." his attempts now to find any excuse to separate me from Penn are both pathetic and kind of annoyingly desperate.

He'll leap on any possibility to get me alone, though, so I don't even want to say I will hang with him if Penn retires early. He'll just try to get Penn to go home early, and I still won't like him.

"Cut it out. We'll stop by if we feel like it, but you know I go to a lot of parties. I'll see you again whether I like it or not."
>"What if I come with you two instead? What do you think, uh, Penn, was it?"
>"Uhhhh..."
>"Come on, Roxie, you always give me the cold shoulder, and you're so cool."

>>680606
"Jorra, I'm flattered but I always give you the cold shoulder because you have no personality beside knowing you're not likable, but not doing anything about it, and wanting to bed me. Get another hobby. Find something else to do. Grow an actual personality."

>>680606
pls go.

Tell him you really want to spend some time hanging out alone with Penn. Also getting too pushy isn't a good way to get people to like him.

Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)11:42 No. 680618 ID: bfb318
File 144640694786.png - (124.87KB , 800x800 , 25.png )

"That's flattering, but I don't like you. And I'm not going to like you any sooner than you're going to start liking aliens, or the neumono girls that do like you."
>"They're just... really uncool."
"And it's uncool how every interaction you have with me is to get me to peel my pants off! Girls don't like guys who have nothing going for them other than that, and for that matter, guys don't like girls like that either! At least not 'cool' ones. If you don't like the girls who're into you, fix yourself up to match who you want to be already."
>"I'm trying hard, you know?"
"There's a such thing as trying too hard."
>"Okay... I'll see you around, then."

He starts lingering while he leaves, feeling all dejected and stuff, not getting the hint that that's just one of the symptoms to his unlikeability. The fucker doesn't even get out of empathy range before he starts daydreaming about lewd things, much to the discomfort of literally all the neumono around him.

>"Um... is that gonna be common?" Penn asks.
"What, guys coming up to me? If it is, I'll make it clear they're not welcome. Tonight's your night to relax."
>"Well, okay, but it's awhile before any parties start. Right? Maybe we could find something to relax with at home?"

Going home to relax is a trap! If you get relaxed back at the dorms with some movies will be hard to get Penn back out again.

She might even use the time to try and study when you are not looking.

Even though its early there should be some Halloween events to attend. Any carnival like things or haunted houses?

If not might be a good idea to relax at home if you can keep her away from the books.

>Right? Maybe we could find something to relax with at home
Well, you'll have to swing home to get your costume sometime. But the whole point is to get her out of her room!

What can you do while it's still light out... too early for parties, a haunted house before dark is a little lame (though that might work, Penn is a little lame), hmm. Corn maze? Pumpkin (space gourd) carving?

Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)12:17 No. 680636 ID: bfb318
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>Any carnival like things or haunted houses?
Maybe, but the selection is going to be pretty lame this early in the day, so I'd rather wait. Especially since the actual local rides around town won't be open till at least 4 PM. So I gotta get something to just kill some time.

"I do need to stop home for my own costume. But promise me you're not just saying that to go hit the books!"
>"I won't!"
"Lessee... might be a bit far for a corn maze, but we can get some, uh, punrins?"
>".... pumpkins?"
"Yeah, those! And carve 'em."
>"Where would we put 'em?"
"That's not important! I'm sure one of the parties would like additional decorations anyway."
>"Actually, it's tough to find pumpkins around. They're mostly an earth thing, and there's not much farming offplanet for things like this."
"Oh my gosh I saw some synthetic ones in the store, they're just foamy things you can cut out. It's easy."
>"Well, okay, then! I'm no artist, though."
"Neither am I! And I guarantee you that that's good if you don't want to stand out, because it'll fit right in with the cheesy decorations around the parties here."
>"I don't know what I'd carve out! What'll you make?"

Man, it's like she has no idea how to enjoy herself outside of a book!

Well for traditional gourd carving you can always go for the standard scary face. Something that will look spooky with a candle in it at night. Or something fancy if you feel like it.

Honestly can carve anything you want on there. Never know until you try.

Get a few spares though in case you mess up.

>What'll you make?
I dunno, something scary, I guess. Maybe a predator, or some forest monster. Make a bunch of teeth.

Penn could carve something scary like getting a B on a test. Or holding hands. Or talking to people.

Any gourd-like vegetable will do in place of a pumpkin, if you want something more authentic.

Say, I wonder... Penn's pretty bad about saying when she's bothered by something. I wonder if she minded earlier, when you said that stuff about belenosians having "brought it on themselves". Maybe you should say you only went there to try bother that girl? Any of the other species could have ended up getting as bad as the ancient belenosians did, without interstellar travel to stop them turning in on themselves. From what we've heard, it still might end up having been the best that someone tore that all down.

And then, managing to survive it, and go on surviving in a world where most of the natural resources were already gone? Really impressive. Neumono have to fight monsters, but belenosians had to fight robots, and didn't have regeneration and redundant organs to help them. There's a lot to admire.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)14:23 No. 680686 ID: bfb318
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"Somethin' spooky. A scary face I dunno. What about you? A B on a test? People holding hands?"
>"Roxie..."
"Hey, I'm just teasing. Do whatever you want, alright? Oh, and when I said the belenos brought it on themselves, I was just angry and trying to get back under that girl's skin. That's got nothing to do with you you know!"
>"Y.... yeah, I... guess so."
"Don't be uncertain about that! It doesn't, you're a good person. Plus, I mean, we had to fight monsters and stuff, but tribal belenos had to fight super battlebots with no regeneration. That's pretty impressive."
>"Maybe, I don't... really know."
"Either way, if us tribal neumono were given nukes and shit, we'd be extinct."

We go buy a few synthetics just in case we want to try multiple times, or do multiple ones. Once we get home and get dressed more comfortably, we start carving. Penn doesn't seem to be super into it, but she doesn't seem reluctant either. It's tough, I basically never see her happy unless she did well on some test. Which is cool she's happy sometime, but there' a lot more to life than some standard bar someone set up for her.

It's just been tough getting her to see that, but I'd like her to. I eventually finish mine. Penn s being a huge perfectionist on hers, though, but the fact that she cares enough is good enough for me.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)14:23 No. 680687 ID: bfb318
File 144641663512.png - (181.96KB , 800x800 , 28.png )

I go put on my costume while she's still working on hers.

This used to be my go-to item when I felt homesick for the first couple of years, then it just kind of turned into a relic of old past, and wear for when I visit my family. After this long, though, every time I look at it, I've been thinking more and more 'I used to wear this seriously?'

Pockets are cool.

>>680687
...I wonder if it's too late to get a Predator mask?

>>680689
Do you mean neumono predator or THE Predator?
Oh, MAN, what if we mix both of those! Become a Predator-Predator hybrid!

Well what does it look like when you wear it? Can we add stuff to make a new costume?

Well, if you feel like it's got too much importance to treat like a costume, you could always go for a quick budget item, like the good ol' bedsheet ghost. If you have a spare sheet, of course. You could even carve up one of your spare fake pumpkins so you could wear it as a mask. Then you'd be, uh... the ghost of halloween, or something.

Or, if you have something that could make your fur a different color without being too much hassle later, you could paint yourself red with yellow stripes and pretend to be some sort of neumono-predator hybrid. Or if you have a bunch of white clothes and some white color stuff and some black, you could dress up as a snowmono to fit with Penn's costume.

While you're waiting for the good places to be open, I wonder, are there any like, halloween museum events or something? Like the history of the human holiday or a museum of horror or something. Maybe Penn would like that sort of thing.

>>680687
If just the tribal gear isn't cutting it for you, you could always add to it. Zombie tribal. Or add a silly hat and you're a castaway pirate.

>something I wear when I visit my family
So... they're still doing the jungle survival thing? They're not assimilating

>Pockets are cool.
Are there even pockets in what you're wearing now, I don't see any.

1/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)16:02 No. 680708 ID: bfb318
File 144642252517.png - (102.41KB , 800x800 , 29.png )

>So... [your hive is] still doing the jungle survival thing? They're not assimilating
Slowly! We're sending a lot of our kids and younger people to be uplifted, and eventually working for it. A lot of places actually just prefer to take handfuls of a hive at once to prove that they can get along without nestling away with their hive. In a way, I'm a representative of my hive, because if I and others do well, the rest of my hive can live in a big city.

>Like the history of the human holiday or a museum of horror or something. Maybe Penn would like that sort of thing.
Ohhh, that's a good idea! I'm afraid she'll be all 'ohhhh nooo Roxie you'll be so bored and I don't want that' but I'll sure try to suggest for it. I'm sure there's something like that around.

>Are there even pockets in what you're wearing now, I don't see any.
Our shorts and pants are actually like, double bagged to make room for our gigantic hands. It's kind of weird and a lot of newbies to the clothes just ram their hands down their pants instead of the pocket.

It's bad and a dumb fashion thing.

2/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)16:02 No. 680709 ID: bfb318
File 144642254017.png - (143.34KB , 800x800 , 30.png )

I put my gear on just to confirm.

We sure didn't like constraining our bodies. Plus, it was hard to get good camoflauged leather without burying it under leaves and stuff, and that was tough to maintain and just all around uncomfortable.

>Well, if you feel like it's got too much importance to treat like a costume
Oh, please, sure, it's got sentimental value, but around here this is basically a costume as much as a princess dress or hulk fists. And given what it's like around here, I just can't take it seriously.

>Predator mask
Predator costume is always a classic, but also a cliche. I'm sure we'll see plenty of those.

>Zombie tribal
That's a lot of effort, but that's a good idea too.

I'm not even a little self conscious of my costume, of course. Hell, when I first started uplift classes, I was kept being told to wear more clothing, and Penn kind of dodged me, though for a lot of reasons. And at the parties, people sure won't be minding me, I'm sure there's going to be girls and guys with equally - oh, maybe I should keep Penn to parties with a minimum of scantily clad neumono.

No, this night is for Penn, and it's her that I'm worried about. I mean I could ask, but I'm afraid the mere sight of the fur on my hip will make her scurry right back in that heavily armored shell she's crafted for herself.

Or maybe I'm just paranoid given how tough she is to make happy. Yeah, I'll ask her.

3/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)16:02 No. 680710 ID: bfb318
File 144642255433.png - (145.13KB , 800x800 , 31.png )

"Hey, Penn, I'm coming out, but I'm wearing my old tribal uniform!"
>"Uh... ok."
"I kiiiind of understand if you're not a-ok with this." I say, coming out. "Well, not really, but I know you might not be."
>"Er, that's... that's okay."
".... what?!"
>"Ah... it's just... I'm sorry, but those clothes are actually okay with me now!"

What?

Is this Penn?

"What happened to you?"
>"N-nothing, Roxie! It's just... it's fine."

Now I just fully don't understand her.

Okay how about tribal markings on top of that and some fake blood to make it look like you're some kind of crazed killer.

I think she is making a deliberate effort to try and come out of her shell just for you.

Ask her if she has any ideas for accenting your costume.

Then thank her for that and let her know to speak up more. The more you talk things over the easier it will be to understand each other without the whole reading your emotions thing.

Do they make hulk hands big enough for Neumono to use? Cause I have to see a pair of those.

>>680708
Stealth pockets? Yeah, that is a little weird.

>>680709
No bones, teeth, warpaint, feathers? Gotta ham the tribal vibe up a little for a costume!

>I'm afraid the mere sight of the fur on my hip will make her scurry right back
>I'm sorry, but those clothes are actually okay with me now!
Wait... did you take off your glasses so you couldn't see anything that bothered you?. Are you hiding behind nerd-blindness? *Waves hand in front of her face*

>>680710
Wait has she been looking at a ton of porn since she got here? Has she become desensitized?

Maybe, since the girl earlier was talking down to you about savagery, Penn feels like she should make an effort to be an opposite to that? You could ask her if that's the case, and tell her it's ok if it's not ok. But that'll get kinda recursive quickly.

When you are going out, like officially costumed up and all, maybe get some red food coloring or some fake blood from a shop, and just put some around your mouth and your claws. It'll make it more clear it's supposed to be a halloween costume.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)16:53 No. 680727 ID: bfb318
File 144642561789.png - (74.77KB , 800x800 , 32.png )

>Wait has she been looking at a ton of porn since she got here?
I once looked at it after a year of being with her, back when I had no sense of privacy still. Her search history and general history was clean.

"Er... that's surprising. Are you just being contrary to that bitch who was going on about my tribal-ness?
>"No, it's not that, it's really fine, I just... it's... nothing, don't worry about it."

That basically confirms there's some reason she's okay with it and doesn't want to tell me, because she's obviously uncomfortable with my asking why she's comfortable with it, while otherwise not sounding like she's lying when she says it's okay. I really want to press harder to why she's okay with this, but as long as she is okay with it, then that's good. That, and I know when to stop pressing, and now's the time.

"Any ideas about how to improve it?"
>"Well, you could always do that thing that some neumono did where they put on predator stripes?"
"Since this is halloween, I'll do that, but if some actual tribal neumono is there, they'll be asking if I've really taken out a predator. Then I gotta give a lecture, but don't say a word I'm doing it! I saw some red fur die to make it look like blood, I'll do that with stripes and just make bloodstains elsewhere. Maybe add some more stripes for warpaint."
>"Will you have any teeth or feathers or stuff like that?"
"Yeah, maybe I'll see if I can't stick some feathers someplace, maybe get, I dunno, some tooth necklace. Thanks Penn. If you're still working on your pumpkin, I'll go pick stuff up and something up for lunch, then we can get going to someplace."

>Do they make hulk hands big enough for Neumono to use?
Yeah, but they're not as proportionately huge to our hands as they are to anyone else's, so it's not as ridiculous.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)16:53 No. 680728 ID: bfb318
File 144642562967.png - (112.42KB , 800x800 , 33.png )

The trip to the store is surprisingly uneventful. I get stares of course, but the neumono I run into respect the empathy of 'nope not interested,' and thankully most guys around here don't want to get with a girl that don't want to get with them.

By the time Penn is happy with her carving and we've eaten enough to last me a few hours, I think things are starting to open up.

We can go to a local carnival and do some rides, go to one of the early parties, or go to some nerd museum and look at the history of halloween.

>>680728
Ask her about what's most interesting in simplified terms. Engaging in Adrenaline Studies, Human History (it is a human holiday after all), or Social Studies.

Has any neumono you met broadcast interest in Penn, either today or before, because I know you know she has irresistible gams. Or how about any visual indications of sexual interest from the aliens? Are you broadcasting BACK OFF MY FRIEND to the xenophile neomono?

Oh, small talk idea, ask her what will she do if one of her own AI's ever flirts with her of its own accord? Would she allow the AI's the capacity to attempt that on their own, or write in code to encourage or discourage that behavior? Maybe try to get her to nerd out about AI social drives of all types, are AI's generally social creatures? Stuff like that.

(We know some of that stuff already, but getting Penn to nerd out about AI's will get her talking and come out of her shell more.)

>Her search history and general history was clean.
She's better than you at computers, though. If she were up to something naughty, she'd probably have a custom AI covering her tracks.

>Penn is happy with her carving
What'd she make? Can we see em?

>>680728
Carnival and nerd museum.

How about some carnival and then maybe nerd museum?

Nerd museum first. Penn will enjoy some of the exhibits while you, once you get bored of that, can enjoy the goofy scary dioramas the museum will have put up. Then once Penn starts getting "oh no you're bored", you can go to the carnival.

>>680732
>If she were up to something naughty, she'd probably have a custom AI covering her tracks.
Or, y'know, incognito mode.

1/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)19:47 No. 680787 ID: bfb318
File 144643606558.png - (70.95KB , 800x800 , 34.png )

>Has any neumono you met broadcast interest in Penn, either today or before
Yeah, both neumono and aliens now and then. I'm usually around to help her escape out of it when it happens.

>Talk about what Penn would do if AI flirted with her
Now there's an idea that I'll treat as a trump card if someone else hits on me while she's around. A good change of subject to AI.

>She might have hidden her search history
Yeah, it's possible, but if there was anyone with a legitimately clean history, it'd be her. Either way, she still acted weird about me being in anything less than shorts and a tanktop, so for her to be okay with this is weird.

>What'd she make?
Looks like she made... a predator.

Meanwhile, I just made some generic scary face.

"Goddamn, that's a good, ambitious pumpkin, I should've tried more on mine."
>"I couldn't do that with a real pumpkin, and sometimes simple is sometimes better."
"Not this time. What are you more interested in, Adrenaline Study, Human History, or Social Studies?"
>"Uh... I don't know?"
"Okay nevermind, museum would be a good start. History of halloween and all that."
>"Really? Won't you get bored of it?"
"Nah. Not for a bit anyway, but don't worry about me."

Of course I won't be that interested, but I will be interested in seeing Penn out of the house and school.

2/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)19:47 No. 680788 ID: bfb318
File 144643607338.png - (205.81KB , 800x800 , 35.png )

Penn drives us a ways away to a local museum.

>"Oh, Roxie? What're you doing here?" the attendant, someone I know from class, asks.
"Accompanying my belenos friend in a learning adventure."
>"Haha, that's good. Well, admission is cheap. That's not real blood, is it?"
"No, but I sure hope it's not a good fake, because dried blood on the fur is a huge pain to deal with."
>"Yeahhh probably? Anyway don't apply it while in there, we don't need a mess."

3/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)19:48 No. 680789 ID: bfb318
File 144643608350.png - (212.50KB , 800x800 , 36.png )

I'm sure it's very interesting to someone who likes learning stuff. Overall, I glean it was something about day before winter or something about saints or blurred lines between land of the living and dead, I dunno, definitely human stuff.

Well, there's some hive stuff integrated as well, as apparently a lot of other hives also had ideas of how the beginning of winter was attributed to death, though that wasn't as apparent in the jungles. Mostly snow hives that got superstition that overlapped with human halloween.

Either way, both of them got integrated into communal based events and people like me used it as an excuse to party. Seems like a fair amount of people are dressed up, at least.

>"Hey, Roxie!" one of my buddies comes up to me. "Nice costume. Where'd you get it from?"
"Courtesty a dead treestalker. The blood and teeth are from the campus seasonal store."
>"Niiiice. You comin' to my party? It'll be chill." By 'chill' she means there's going to be a lot of weed.
"Nah, I'm with my belenos buddy."
>"Ditch 'er."
"What? No."
>"You still like doing that 5 stick trick with my crowd? Yeah, knew it and thought so, so what're you hanging out with her for? I mean, she can come with, if a belenos is up to the party, but - yeah didn't think so."

She's not used to rejection, and is going to take it way too personally if I refuse. Penn is revealing to me that this circle of friends aren't too cool after all.

Maybe now's the time to use that "if she goes home early i might come over" line? Again, it's technically possible, so it wouldn't be lying, and you could mention that Penn doesn't normally stay out late, thereby implying (but not actually saying) that it's likely she will today.

Alternately, you could quietly tell her that Penn not being up to party is a problem you're trying to solve. That she could be a good chill-buddy some day and you're working on getting her there, eventually. This lady might appreciate that sort of quest.

I need to teach her the proper way to enjoy holiday partying and have to ease her into it. It took me weeks to get her out of her shell so I am not giving up that easily.

If she ends up heading in early I will stop by but for now I am committed.

>>680789
This is her first day off in forever and I'm super excited to be out and about with her. There's so much to do and only a day to do it. Try [so and so other chill neumono you know that isn't in this circle of friends], they're awesome to hang with.

Roxie is everyone you know an overbearing jerk who wants to get you alone in a dark room or what.

>>680789
Look this is the first time I've dragged her away from her books in months. If I bail on her she'll run right back and fossilize. She's my roommate, I have to live with that! Sorry, but getting her to loosen up a little is worth missing a night.

>>680789
Why can't Penn come?

1/5 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)21:39 No. 680815 ID: bfb318
File 144644279695.png - (162.98KB , 800x800 , 37.png )

>Roxie is everyone you know an overbearing jerk who wants to get you alone in a dark room or what.
Nahhh this girl just likes to do somewhat light drugs and hang out with her buddies. I'm sure she'd do stuff with me in a dark room if I asked, but we're not bedbuddies. She does touch me a lot too, but it's just to get a read on my empathy better.

I don't often decline though, and I'm beginning to think of if my friends can't take a damn no for an answer.

And when I think of it, I do have a lot of people that'll invite me to stuff if I cross paths, and a lot of them do want to do stuff in private. Especially since I get in less fights with others. My tribal class might have mixed feelings about what I do to get along with other neumono, but they say I'm in the transitional breakwall or something where I've grown used to the idea that cool times are had if I don't distrust every neumono offhand. Not more than half a year ago I was still seen as that tribal girl that may flip out at any given point in time.

And honestly, sometimes I really wanted to lose my cool at some of the other tribal girls, but not just was my hive counting on me, some of those snow and redgrass tribals are just fucking scary as hell. I'm thankful that they kept their shit together too.

>Why can't Penn come?
Considering Penn has a tough enough time with stable, mellow social events, I'm assuming she won't have a good time having completely hammered neumono stumbling into her and using her as a rail.

"Look, if she goes home early, I may come over. You guys'll be up late, right?"
>"You know it, but it'd be way better if you just showed up before the afterparty."
"If it helps, I'm trying to get my belenos friend to be more comfortable with parties, a bit at a time. Just not ready for yours is all."
>"We can take it easy."
"You know you can hardly control everyone who shows up. This is the first night I've spent with her in months, I'm not gonna leave it to chance."
>"Okay, okay! You made your point, and you made it well. Alright, Roxie." She's disappointed, but I didn't have to shove her off.

2/5 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)21:40 No. 680816 ID: bfb318
File 144644280685.png - (134.60KB , 800x800 , 38.png )

>"Hey, Roxie?" Penn comes up. "I heard, uh, all that. If you want to -"
"Don't even finish that sentence. I really wish you could have empathy right now so you know I'm not lying when I say that I want to spend tonight with you."
>"Oh... hey, Roxie? Thank you. I'll try to make it up to you sometime."
"Stop coming anywhere close to worrying about it, okay?"
>"Oookay. I am ready to go, though."
"Alright. Let's do a carnival ride since it's right by the museum."

3/5 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)21:40 No. 680817 ID: bfb318
File 144644282117.png - (136.55KB , 800x800 , 39.png )

A haunted house ride catches our attention, and we get on a ride. And by haunted house I mean haunted caverns of cave neumono. Most of the campus population is still neumono, and that's who most of the rides are for. Thankfully the cars only have 2 spots per, so we don't need to share it with fuck knows what acquaintances I'd run into.

The whole thing is so cheesy! I mean, I guess the ambience is kind of spooky, but there's just a bunch of jumpscares and cheap stuff like predators.

Well, Penn seems pretty spooked somehow.

>"Oh, geez, Roxie, you're not scared at all, are you?"
"Sorry, Penn, but I literally had things with 30 teeth hanging in the trees over me sometimes, spooky skellingtons and neumono without pupils just don't quite do it for me."
>"Th-that's reasonable! I don't know why these zombies scare me, I mean they're fake looking and obviously are fake and stuff, but, it's still really creepy!"
"Yeah, well, that's the - "

4/5 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)21:40 No. 680818 ID: bfb318
File 144644283068.png - (163.94KB , 800x800 , 40.png )

Ah fuckshit bats everywhere!!

5/5 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)21:40 No. 680819 ID: bfb318
File 144644284230.png - (105.36KB , 800x800 , 41.png )

"Oh, damn! Penn, you alright?... Penn?"
>"That was amazing!"
"What?"
>"Did you see those bats?! How they flew in conjunction?! Like not just did they avoid us just barely, they flew in a perfect spot-pattern with one another! Where'd the carnival get AI like that?!"
"Oh my god you nerd! That's like the one thing that got me!"
>"I heard you yelp, too!"
"Wh- no you didn't - you can't - you can't talk to me after nearly leaping on me after some cardboard cutout ghoul springs up like 20 feet away!"

We could probably find whatever student's probably stuck babysitting the ride and ask them about the bats? If luck's on our side, they'll be a huge nerd and actually know anything about them. That could be a bit boring but shouldn't be too bad if we step in.

Also, what the heck is a 5 stick trick?

>>680819
Ahahaha see Penn what getting out there will get you? You need FIELD experience girl, learn what people be doing with these AIs and shit. Bet your sweet gams Arza wouldn't mind you going on more field trips with me to see how AI's make things fun and interesting in the entertainment sector.

Oh man, we got to see what the video games with the best AI are doing these days.

1/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)23:11 No. 680838 ID: bfb318
File 144644828497.png - (154.24KB , 800x800 , 42.png )

>What is a 5 stick trick?
Just putting 5 cigarettes or whatever in my mouth at once, and blowing smoke out at each cigarette like some kind of cartoon pipe organ. It's a dumb party trick, but for some reason people go nuts for it.

The rest of the ride goes well, and Penn seems in high spirits now.

"Hey Penn. Looks like the ride's closing out. How about we ask the owners about those bats and see what kinda algorithm they use?"
>"Uh, well, it's probably proprietary or something."
"You don't need to ask for the super secret codework or whatever, just ask to see a batch of those bats fly around or something!"
>"Um..."
"I'll do it, okay?"
>"Okay!"

2/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)23:11 No. 680839 ID: bfb318
File 144644829721.png - (121.76KB , 800x800 , 43.png )

"Hey, guy!" I say to the ride operator. "Know where we could check out those bats that flew up out of nowhere?"
>"Uhhh... geez, I guess I could call the ride mechanic out? I just know they were apparently a huge part of the budget here."

3/3 Roxie 2015/11/01(Sun)23:14 No. 680841 ID: bfb318
File 144644846599.png - (166.85KB , 800x800 , 44.png )

Surprisingly, the guy does come, and after a brief talk, Penn starts talking about how good those bats are, and the mechanic starts talking nerd talk back at her. He brings her in the back area, and I sure as hell follow along, especially since Penn's looking to make sure I follow. They talk and talk for half an hour. Isn't quite what I had in mind, but hey, Penn's looking happy.

After over half an hour of how fake bats fly together, I hear that gong from my phone again.

Hey, Roxie! I hope you're not missing my texts. I sent that 'ok' to the wrong person. Penn's got something like 3 major tests and who knows how many quizzes in a few days. Do not have Penn take the day off! Or, at least, the rest of it, if she's taken it off so far. Make sure she studies hard, thanks.

Oh fuck... we can't lie to her about this. It would be wrong and she'd never forgive us. She has to make the choice of her own accord, even though she'll go back to studying. Also, you know, Arza might kick you off campus if you purposely sabotage her studying.

Talk about how she studies, if she straight up just rereads her notes over the whole day and then uses flash cards, and if there's no test tomorrow, it will actually be fine to not study, or at least devote partial attention to studying.

She's a smart girl, I'm sure she actually could ace those tests without a lick of effort like all those lazy geniuses out there.

Should start with calling Azra irresponsible for not reading your message thoroughly. Totally!

And also mention that Penn's been having a good time, but that you will let her know once she's done nerding about horror-tunnel bat AI. Then straight back home.

It was fun while it lasted, at least?

Tell her, lying is bad for friendships. Tell her she's an adult, and she can make her own decisions. She knows better than Azra how prepared she is for the upcoming tests, and she already decided this morning that she could afford to take the day off.

:(
:(
:(
:(
well it was fun while it lasted.

Tell Arza that he's got nothing to worry about, Penn managed to derail the day off by examining an AI that runs some bats in a haunted house. Also, he should really be more careful about authorizing stuff so tersely. If his reply had been more than one word you might've been able to guess that there had been an error and ask for clarification right away.

"penn is having more fun then she has probably ever had, if she does not have this i think her heart will die of never felling any other emotion other then worry for her whole life. also i don't think she breaths between studying, so one day off is not going to put a dint in her grades."

"She started studying an AI on her day off. I'm planning on taking her to a nerdy party. It'll probably end up as a study group."

>>680841
If he really felt it were important, he'd ring Penn's phone, not yours.

Text back that this is a Halloween 'trick' in poor taste.

And if he is being serious, remember that your star pupil needs some social exposure if she's going to be able to talk to other lab people, or promote ideas, or lobby for grants.

Plus she'll study better after a break than studying constantly. Rest increases efficienty enough that it's more than worth the lost time!

Take a picture of her just now, talking to the mechanic. You can use it as proof she's nerding out even when having the day off, and also proof that she looks great in that dress. It'd be a crime not to get full use out of it! Especially since she probably won't ever wear it again, unless you manage to get her out next halloween.

If he doesn't relent, say you'll tell her, because you're her friend and don't keep secrets from her, but what she wants to do with the rest of the day is up to her. Though you both know what's likely.

If Penn does decide to go back, you can probably spin an appeal to go get lunch first at least, by this point.

Roxie 2015/11/02(Mon)06:15 No. 680887 ID: bfb318
File 144647375363.png - (158.98KB , 800x800 , 45.png )

What the hell?!

>If it were that important, he'd call Penn
You'd think so, but he almost always uses email or text, and sometimes he'll deny Penn's calls.

She might have, or might be getting, a text from him too, but she doesn't have the same huge gong noise since she doesn't get put in hot water if she doesn't get an important message right away. She's really talking it up over there. I won't hide or lie to her about this message, but first I'm not going to just let it end like this!

Is this some halloweemn trick arza she's havikng the mostr fin in yrs out of a classroom and she';s studying ai right nowq like as field trip. You know she'l;s smart too and I had to convince hr to leave, she thought it;d be ok. That and shes gotta hjave a social life to knopw how to make AI's act natiural! Please have a little faith in your studentm okay?
Also put moe words in youre responsdes! And I'll show you she's talkiong to mechanic and lookikng good in her dress and I'll briong her back if she wans anfter I show her this messaghe but please let her stay out!!

That did not come out well, but I just want to send the damn message and get one back! Penn's still talking, so I just wait for a response. I don't even think Penn notices me pacing around or remembering to put on my necklace or anything.

................

>1/2: Are you drunk, Roxie? Your message quality really fell low compared to your last email. Besides the point, I suppose - I have faith in my student, but you know we've had rough waters with you distracting her. It's nice that she still has AI and social studies because of this, but the time for extra curricular field study isn't before so many tests. She's entering the highest levels of study. Being a genius is practically listed as a course prerequisite, especially with how many she's taking at once. I'm going to try to avoid giving you a long lecture you've heard before, so I'll just remind you of this: There are a lot of other roommates that I believe are better for Penn than you, and it's only because Penn has grown attached to you that you're still roommates and I'm still funding your non-sponsored higher education. So for something you don't know: So far,
>2/2:Penn's test scores for her courses have been in the 97th to 99th percentile consistently. If any of her next tests fall under 95, then Penn is going to have a tough time convincing me to keep you under the side of my wing. If you have faith in her, then sure, just let her take off the day.

>>680887
Well this sucks.

Just let her go back to studying once you get back. Plan one more thing and that should be enough holiday for Penn.

>Are you drunk, Roxie? Your message quality really fell low compared to your last email.
Fat fingers, don't be racist. It's harder to type neatly away from a proper sized keyboard.

>If any of her next tests fall under 95, then Penn is going to have a tough time convincing me to keep you under the side of my wing
Yeah, you're not gonna let him blackmail you. She can do it!

I'd keep that threat to yourself, at least. No need to stress her out with that, and she's definitely go back to the books if she thought she was putting you at risk by not.

"The quality's low because I'm texting and I'm trying to get you before you get distracted with something else again. I am going to tell Penn and let her decide like I said, but for the record if it were up to me I would entirely trust her and give her the day off, because she is a genius as well as needing it. If I take too much time from her by being friends its only because I have to make up for what seems like her having no friends or childhood or anything before now. Don't think I'd stop being friends with her just because you boot me out!"

You can tell Penn that you got a message from Arza saying he's worrying, that he thinks if she doesn't think she can keep up above 95 he would like her to go back to studying, but if she does think that she can stay out.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/02(Mon)07:57 No. 680897 ID: bfb318
File 144647987863.png - (131.61KB , 800x800 , 46.png )

>Blackmail
I think it's more like a threat.

Arza and I don't like each other much, but he does give me a lot. If not for him - well, if not for Penn's blessing through him - I'd be at some tribal dormatory only taking uplift courses instead of getting a degree as well. I do a lot of little things for Penn anyway.

This time I just speak into the phone to type out the message for me.

I won't keep her late, and give me a break, my fingers are as big as my phone.

>"Hey Roxie, sorry that took so long."
"Don't fret it, hell, there's nothing stopping you from taking longer."
>"Oh, no, the bat's movements are actually pretty simple as it turns out, it's just one of those simple things that makes complex stuff, like fractals."
"Ok! Say, what time do you want to be back at?"
>"Um, that's the thing, I just got a text back from Arza saying... wait, he just sent another. It says it's up to you when I go back to the house?"
"Good. But you still think you'll be fine on your test if you stay out, right?"
>"Wellllll, yes! But, I should be back by 10 or so, and you have to promise that I can study for all of the next 2 days."
"Yep. I'll cook all your food and keep everything clean for you, and tell the neighbors to shut the fuck up if they get too loud. Let's ride a few more rides here and then get to a party."

Maybe I didn't tell her everything, but she really will stress out way too much if she knows how much is riding on this.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/02(Mon)07:58 No. 680898 ID: bfb318
File 144647988937.png - (247.87KB , 800x800 , 47.png )

She shows more interest in the rides after that, and seems more like some scholar studying the aesthetics rather than getting spooked by it anymore. Even in the actual haunted house that can be walked through. There's less cheesy stuff and more like morphing shapes in the sides of our eyes. It might've given me the creeps, but there's so many people that the atmosphere is messed up.

>"Oh damn, nice getups." one predator girl comes up to us. "You look adorable, belenos, but I've been hunting the campus for lone tribals like this one here." she says, turning to me. "Wanna get pulled into my hive? It'll be a lot of fun tonight, and you can leave whenever. But if you like fighting, we're gonna have a big standoff late tonight with other predators doing the same thing."
"Haha, no thanks, I'm a package deal with Ms Royalty here."
>"That's cool."
>"Oh, that's really nice!" Penn says. "Uh, I mean, predator costumes are common and all, but I don't see many neumono groups do a theme like this. Especially not a competition like that."
>"I know, right?!" the predator gets really excited at having that pointed out. "It's so simple, but no one does it! We're hoping it goes well and it can be a halloween tradition."
"Yeah, you know what? That is cool. If you guys are up late, then give me your number, and I'll join in."
>"Hell yes."
>"Is it safe?" Penn asks.
>"Of course it is, there's rules and no one will get harmed."

Well that was easily the best half-rejection of the night.

But it's party time with Penn, now. I've got a list of three parties I think would be good openers.

First up is the haunted but probably well lit sorority of Pearl-Limestone. A real study-heavy sorority that gets some of the best grades, so even if it's an open party, it's gonna have all sorts of, well, nerdiness going on. I'd probably be an awkward sight there, but it's an easy bet for Penn.
Next up is the open bar in central campus. Normally any open bar is going to lead to all sorts of non-Penn-friendly business, but given how central and official it is - and how stupid cheap the booze is - it's a pretty well controlled place. Might be comfort-stretching for Penn, but we can just leave I guess.
And then there's the haunted house of murder, which is set up to be a big game where people go in and try to solve the mystery. That's a tossup, it could be fun, it could be lame, it could be fast, it could last till like 3 in the morning.

Open Bar sounds like a good idea, with perhaps the Pearl-Limestone as a back-up.
We wanna err on the side of caution, I think given all the factors invovled here.

Man, the haunted house murder sounds really cool, but they might pull something where they lock you inside. On the other hand, it probably only lasts until the mystery gets solved, and you've got a genius right there with you. It would be good practice for Penn to try her hand at that kind of puzzle-solving, it'll work her brain in ways she doesn't normally get to do. Offer it as an idea to Penn and see what she thinks. Maybe ask whoever's running it whether you have to commit to staying the whole way through? Maybe you can arrange it with them so that if it doesn't get solved by a certain time, you two get "murdered" and can leave.

I'm not sure about the nerd-sorority, if there's that competitiveness then it might end up being too tense. Plus they're the most likely to go "ah what are you doing go study" if Penn mentions her tests. And that racist girl from earlier might be there. But, on the other hand, she might meet someone studying the same things that she can arrange to share notes with or something.

The open bar, I don't think is such a good idea. Give Penn your perspective on the other two options and ask which one she thinks is best.

>I think it's more like a threat.
You blackmail people with threats!

>predator girl
Looks like a guy to me, unless they've Kork level flat. Or you meant one of the predator's minions.

>where go
Haunted house of murder! Penn will want to outsmart it, especially with a time limit. Plus if you get stuck it turns into an exciting break out attempt.

Puzzling murder house sounds the most fun. Just have to make sure you can solve the mystery before it gets to late.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/02(Mon)09:26 No. 680908 ID: bfb318
File 144648518111.png - (119.87KB , 800x800 , 48.png )

>Predator girl
That was a guy after all. His empathy kind of struck me as girlish, and I sensed him before I saw him.

"Hey, Penn, how do you feel about a haunted murder mystery?"
>"Oh, um, that could be fun! Uh, does it run late?"
"Their website is haunted by the ghost of bad web design, I'm trying to find a number or something."

Eventually I do and make a call. They say they do lock in people, but if they need to leave, they can be murdered and just not be allowed back inside.

2/3 Roxie 2015/11/02(Mon)09:26 No. 680909 ID: bfb318
File 144648518985.png - (133.80KB , 800x800 , 49.png )

That's where we end up going.

>"Welcome! Interested in solving a murder?"
"Yeah."
>"Alright! The rules and game are simple. You'll be waiting in the lobby with a few dozen others. One of those people are the murderer! Search the house and murder scene for clues. Accuse the right person and win, or accuse the wrong person and lose, but either way, if you have to give up and leave, you're not allowed to come back. More details will be given at the beginning of the game, if you're interested."
"Yep, sign us up."
>"Very well! We already nearly have a full house, so it won't be too long now."

3/3 Roxie 2015/11/02(Mon)09:27 No. 680911 ID: bfb318
File 144648523449.png - (186.33KB , 800x800 , 50.png )

We've spent around 10 minutes of waiting. It's a lot bigger than I imagined it would be.

What's bugging me though is that some belenos dude is glancing over at Penn a bit too often talking on his cell.

Probably just checking her out. The dress is really nice, after all! Better make sure to stick with her, just in case.

Or he could be part of the staff. Do they have a jammer in here? Would make the mystery harder if they didn't. If they don't, then you know the murderer can't be a neumono, or their empathy would give it away.

How many Belenosians are there here? If Penn is the only other one here he might just be checking her out.

With any luck the worst you will have to deal with is him hitting on her. That being said keep a eye out in case he is a creep.

Penn does not have any enemies except for whiny school rivals but she is known to be connected to Azra. He is pretty famous and if he had any rivals they might know about him sponsoring Penn. So its a long shot but if someone was going to hassle her it would be because of that connection.

Just make sure to stay close and have a plan for if you get separated. Probably no need to worry Penn while she is having fun but keep a eye on her.

He might be interested in her. Or he might be a staff plant and be planning on 'murdering' her. Or he might be pals with the brat from the costume shop and they're up to something.

Too bad you can't listen in.

Hmmm. What does the empathy of anyone near him have to say about him?

>>680911
Just stay close to Penn and keep and keep an eye on him sometimes.

HE KNOWS HE MUST DIE I'm mean he's probably worried that having another brain box Belos is going to ruin the game early

>>680911
Could be an affiliate of Azra. Keep an eye out but I don't think he'll try anything.

Roxie 2015/11/02(Mon)12:43 No. 680935 ID: bfb318
File 144649703125.png - (166.50KB , 800x800 , 51.png )

He may just have an intense look at girls he likes, but maybe I'm paranoid.

>How many Belenosians are there here?
Maybe about a dozen and a half, about half of them girls.

There's no jammer, but no neumono around the belenos have paid him much mind.

Eventually someone turns on the PA system and starts talking about the rules. Locked doors, empathy jammer is going up after all, which areas are allowed, and so on. Then a brief history of the murder victim and his interests and stuff. Penn listens in, but I just can't hold my attention on it.

I at least pay attention when I'm handed a character to play and made sure I understand who I am and all that stuff, but before I know it, Penn immediately takes me up to the attic as soon as the game starts.

"Why here?"
>"Well, they did say that Mr Trifle liked to keep mementos of his past around. Up until his murder, he lived in peace despite how busy he was, and it sounded like he would have only made enemies in the long past. Since then, he moved here, right? So, it makes sense that he might not have had time to unpack all of his stuff and left a lot of clues in the attic regarding a motive."
"... huh. Sounded like they explained a lot more than that."
>"Yeah, and I mean, it's always possible this is a deadend, but it is nice and quiet while everyone goes off to the murder scene itself."
"I thought they said something about this supposed to be interaction heavy, but hey, they said they may have left clues around as well. Say, you see that belenos in the business suit that kept looking at you?"
>"Oh, no, sorry, I wasn't paying attention to other people really. Why?
"I guess I'm just paranoid, I didn't know you had actual academic enemies until today, and now I gotta protect you from them, too!"
>"Geez, Roxie, it's not like we're at war!"

I can't help but think of that class notes event, both because of that bitch encounter, and because of the literal mention of it today. They were found by a real thorough janitor way the hell underneath a cabinet. Then he apparently handed it to that damn teacher that forgot about it.

Penn has no idea how they got so far under a cabinet, but she was just glad they turned up. Since then, she's held her notes close, and both of us just figured she misplaced the hell out of them.

>>680935
...how good is security at your place? If there is any sort of conspiracy against Penn, they likely know she's not at home now.

Is she keeping her notes with her, even now?

>>680935
It's a lot of work to bring stuff up to the basement, though. If Trifle just moved in, most of his unpacked shit would be downstairs so it would be closer to where he wants it.

Everything he'd NEVER unpack would be up in the attic. This is really just where he hoard's old shit he's too attached to get rid of. But old family photo's are probably up here, journal diaries, notes, that stuff.

By running off, we've made ourselves look more suspect, which means we look LESS suspicious. Good move, Penn.

The notes might have just gotten accidentally swept under a cabinet or could have been kicked there.

Could see one of Penn's rivals noticing the notes and shoving them under there because taking them out of the class would be noticed.

She might not act like she is at war but there is a lot of competition for the top spots in her field. A few percentage points in grade difference can mean the difference between getting the best scholarships and later internships. So could see a student who used to be at the top of the class being threatened by Penn. Could see someone trying to subtlety sabotage her if given the chance.

Hopefully will never go past the kicking notes under a cabinet phase but make sure to keep a eye out.

Anyways enough worrying about that stuff. Right now you have a murder to solve so help Penn find some clues.

Maybe Arza's rivals could be involved? It's not anything formal, but Penn is basically guaranteed to become his assistant when she graduates. Maybe someone wants him to not have the help. Or, alternately, someone who's impressed by Penn's record wants to drive a wedge between him and her, so they can poach her away from him.

I doubt fellow students would go so far as to actually break into someone's residence to sabotage them, they'd just take what opportunities come up. Unless they're morons. And student residences generally have half-decent security, since students get up to so many shenanigans.

So, the murder! Help her look through this stuff.

>>680887
>Penn's test scores for her courses have been in the 97th to 99th percentile consistently. If any of her next tests fall under 95,

95% correct, or better than 95% of the other students in those classes? That could be a very big difference depending on how the other students' scores are distributed. If there are, say, 100 students, and it's a race where Penn is usually coming in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place, and anywhere below 5th place means you don't get the good prizes, then the folks who normally come in around 5th or 6th place would have alarmingly strong incentives to sabotage her.

>I at least pay attention when I'm handed a character to play
So who are you, and who's Penn?

You're not the murderer, right?

>Note security
Geeze, I hope you locked the door when you left.

>attic
Well, one advantage to separating from the group is that if a player is supposed to get murdered early on in the investigation, we're harder to target. The 'murderer' does know we're up here, and will take the first target of opportunity.

For now, give Penn a hand! Uh, she's taller, so your main advantage in searching is probably being stronger. You could get at boxes stuffed behind other ones pretty easy.

Just don't spend all night looking though boxes that might not even be part of the puzzle! If they hid clues up here, they're probably not too hard to find.

Hmm. Look for disturbed dust, or anything that smells like it's been handled recently?

>>680944
>So who are you, and who's Penn? You're not the murderer, right?

Oh my god Roxie, what if Penn's the murderer? She lured you up here to kill you!

>>680938
>It's a lot of work to bring stuff up to the attic,
Oh and I made a mistake in this post, I meant to say that instead.

>>680944

It'd be cheating to use meta knowledge! We should only look for clues that are part of the scenario, not, like, signs of those clues being planted by the staff members. So... tell us more about the murder victim, what species was he? Maybe it's racist to split things up along species lines, but it might be that a member of one tends to be murdered for different reasons than the other, and suchlike. Anyway, tell Penn about your character, and let her tell you about hers.

I wonder if we're missing out on spooks by splitting off from the group. Like, maybe the staff will be doing stuff to try pretend that "oh no there's a REAL murderer", or that there are ghosts or something.

>>680943
It says percentile, so it's compared to others. Presumably others in the same class, but it might include other years so I wouldn't try to count on sabotaging others or something.

Not that I would recommend that in the first place but...

On the other hand I doubt the other students have a similar arrangement so they shouldn't be incentivized to sabotage Penn.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)00:01 No. 681043 ID: bfb318
File 144653766442.png - (101.08KB , 800x800 , 52.png )

>Percentile?
I think Penn's said something about how all the major tests are standardized, so it measures the percentile of grades based on everyone who takes the course, even people from other solar systems.

>Home security?
It's good, Arza made sure of that. We have surveillance and all sorts of stuff, so it would take an idiot to try to break in.

"By the way, did you bring your notes with you?"
>"Er, not my written ones, but I did bring a thumb drive just in case - er, it's gone?"
"What?!"
>"I just bought a flash drive to put stuff on, and labelled it as Psychological AI Experiments, but it's gone! Oh, it's not a big deal though, I haven't put anything on it yet."
"But it's stolen!"
>"I might have misplaced it!... um, I'm sure I never took it out of the bag, and it was in the bag before, uh... I left it in the store for awhile."
"I bet that damn girl took it!"
>"Roxie, please! Nothing was on it. It's not a big deal. Let's just do the murder mystery?"
"... well, okay. Tell me about the murderee - murder victim. I missed it the first time."

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)00:01 No. 681044 ID: bfb318
File 144653767284.png - (137.92KB , 800x800 , 53.png )

Mr Roger Trimble was a human explorer, wishing to uplift neumono for his personal use. I guess they just outright murdered him before the game started to get things going.

I, apparently, am playing the part of Kirtar Rozu Astrolook, an emissary for a tribal hive that was wishing to renegotiate my hive's position under his wing. Or that's the official reason, but in actuality, my hive was displeased with Trimble and wanted out. I guess that would be my motive, but I'm not the murderer. Still a good thing I at least wiped off the blood around my mouth.

Penn is playing Mr. Trimble's sole apprentice.

Apparently, they made a point to give us characters that fit us. Which is cool, since me playing a human diplomat would be kind of funny.

"By the way, isn't the attic where people wouldn't unpack things ever? Didn't you say he just moved in?"
>"It wasn't clear, but it sounded like it was just a couple years."
"Well, let's move out some time, because I'm betting some of this attic stuff isn't even part of the puzzle. Cept for this. Fake looking knife collection."
>"Oh! Trimble was murdered by slash wounds. These could be it, but I don't know. I kind of liked searching for stuff alone with you, but do you think we should interact with the others?"

>>681044
Look to see if any knives are missing, or have blood on them.

Weeeelllll, see about the knives, and if you notice any other leads. Then, yeah, I mean, check back and exchange clues with the others. I did a room escape with some friends, once; I helped do part of the puzzles, while others worked on other stuff, we told each other stuff we found, and nearly beat the record for that puzzle.

By the way, I'd like to mention I appreciate this comment, about showing actual empathy for our earlier antagonist.
>>680517
I was all up in arms about her like everybody else, but it's good to remember that other people have stuff they're struggling with, too. I dunno if it fits Roxie's personality to be able to about-face like that, but it warms my heart, the times that we (speaking of tgchan and the internet collectively) remember that our adversaries are people like us.

An alien looking to uplift neumono for "personal use"? And that the neumono aren't happy with? I wonder if this victim character would have had any shady connections. Investments from shady characters that weren't paying off fast enough, perhaps? Records about that sort of thing wouldn't be kept in the open. Try checking places where you would conceal things. If not here, then check his bedroom next.

If you move around, you'll start running into the other players anyway, so no need to worry about seeking out interaction.

As for the missing drive... well, whoever plugs a drive labeled with "AI Experiments" into their computer would have to be an idiot. Tell Penn that next time she gets herself one of those, load some little security AI on it, or a tracker to tell you where a thief plugs it into if it gets stolen again. Aside from other students, she'll eventually move into fields where proprietary technology and security and suchlike is a big thing, so she needs to learn to deal with this sort of thing. I don't suppose criminal psychology is part of that psychology course she's in? Maybe she should consider doing something in that area for her paper or something.

>I kind of liked searching for stuff alone with you, but do you think we should interact with the others?
Well, we'll kind of have to, in order to accuse the murderer, and to check alibis.

Still, we might have found the muder weapon, that's a good start! Hmm. Any of the knives look like they were used, or have any hair or blood or anything on them? Any missing?

(Fingerprints and DNA won't help, as we don't have lab testing, and the organizers wouldn't have been able to plant that from their players. Plus, furry aliens probably don't have fingerprints).

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)07:16 No. 681087 ID: bfb318
File 144656381710.png - (185.55KB , 800x800 , 54.png )

"I'm sure we'll find people while wandering around. Want to check out his bedroom?"
>"Sure!"
"By the way, do you load any security AI on your flash drives or anything?"
>"Well, yes, but I don't think I did on that drive? Since there was nothing to protect yet."

It looks like one of the knives are missing, but there's no blood or anything like that.

Even if there was DNA testing here or something to see if anyone messed with this, it'd probably just turn up some staff member that's not even on the playing field now.

>I wonder if this victim character would have had any shady connections.
Let's see... there's a lot of information here.

I can read pretty decently now, but I've got a tough time remembering information I read about, compared to if I was told it.

Kirtar's hive was 'personally used' as manual labor that was almost slavelike, apparently, as one of those early hives that was taken in by an alien who wanted to make the most of them. We made less than our living expenses, so we were wracking up debt like nothing else.

Man, that's depressing. Anyway, I was resting in one of Trimble's guest rooms when he got murdered.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)07:17 No. 681088 ID: bfb318
File 144656382854.png - (169.26KB , 800x800 , 55.png )

We start searching the bedroom for things, but there's a couple people here. Penn manages to act out her character way better than I would've thought. I think they're just sharing backstories with each other. I listen in while I rummage through a desk. At least until a neumono comes to me. I still keep an eye on Penn.

>"Hello, miss? I am Yule of the Coalition. And you are?"
"Kirtar. Explain why you approach me." I don't even need to act, I just have to regress back a few years to get in character.
>"Oh, Kirtar! I have read of you. You must be glad to be out of Trimble's pocket, now." He stuck his hand out for a shake, and he's just keeping it out there while I continue to not return it. "And you must know me, correct?"

It's like I'm taking a damn quiz.

Aww come on role playing these things is part of the fun. And if socially inept Penn can play her character well you had better do the same.

So am guessing the coalition was a precursor to the modern ultrahives? This guys character probably went around trying to convince hives to join up. Your hive would be a prime target because your terms with Trimble were unfair and you wanted to get out already.

He could be a suspect because killing Trimble would free your hive and make it more willing to join his group.

Anyways did you have any info in your packet about him?

Not shaking is probably in character. Although that would bypass the jammer and let the two of you see each other's empathy, which is metagaming a bit.

Hmm. One advantage to being standoffish when you have a motive is you're a red herring. Other players might suspect you and waste time or effort on a dead end, or they might accuse you and get eliminated for it.

>You must be glad to be out of Trimble's pocket, now.
Can't say I'm sorry he bought it.

What's the coalition doing here now? You sure didn't care when he was exploiting us, but now that he's dead, you're paying attention?

>you know who I am, right
Maybe we do! If we don't, we can cover for it by being rude and not addressing that.

I believe my fist has yet to get to know you.

Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)08:32 No. 681093 ID: bfb318
File 144656835121.png - (117.06KB , 800x800 , 56.png )

>Anyways did you have any info in your packet about him?
It sounds familiar, but it's just too damn corny to say 'hold on I forgot who you were, let me grab my character sheet I should've memorized before the game started'.

>So am guessing the coalition was a precursor to the modern ultrahives?
The coalition is one of the two big ultrahives. Still, there's big referral bonuses if someone brings in a hive that integrates well, so Yule's got his interest there too.

>Handshakes would allow metagaming
There's almost definitely gonna be a little of that one way or the other. Though it probably means the murderer isn't a neumono, because they didn't say that touching other neumono was against the rules. Probably just uses the honor system.

"There is no sorrow for his death. Maybe you are known to me." I still keep my hands at my hips and stare right at him, no blinking at all. I still got the savage assery in me. "Tell me what the coalition is doing here."
>"His independant actions were often of a dubious nature. I know that you know that, correct? Under an ultrahive, you would be treated well."
"Hmph. Trimble made that claim. You did not care while he was alive, but now that he is dead, you wish me to ally with your kind?"
>"We couldn't do anything while he was alive, now we can. I know you had plenty of reason to see him dead, and you just admitted you're not even sorry for him. How about we work together, and you can see that some people do have your interests at heart?"

He sticks his hand back out again.

>How about we work together, and you can see that some people do have your interests at heart?
...for now. You will have a chance to prove yourself, but only a chance.

Take hand.

Was shaking hands ever a thing with tribal Neumono? Or is it something your species picked up from humans?

In a role-playing sense I could see a early coalition picking up alien mannerisms quickly. Lets him role play a way of reading your empathy.

You could screw with him by thinking "He knows to much now he has to die" really hard right as you shake his hand. Would be a entertaining prank but sort of immersion breaking.

Playing your character though I think she would shake but stay guarded. You were here to try and break away from Trimble not join a ultrahive. But with your patron dead the possibility of a better deal would be tempting. Plus if your tribe was reliant on Trimble for supplies you would be worried about the near future.

>Was shaking hands ever a thing with tribal Neumono? Or is it something your species picked up from humans?
Came up in Poloquest. It's a thing the ultrahives picked up from aliens.

Shake hands, but don't have these following thoughts until you shake the hand.

Penn's my number one suspect for the murderer. Went straight up to the attack where the murder weapon was, now it's missing, could be personal from her role. If the murder weapon was a knife, AND from that collection, it would have to be someone that knew where the collection was, which would most likely be his apprentice. Now she wants to mingle with the other guests.

If she's in a hurry, what she's going to want to do is start killing the other guests quickly, because as the murderer, she can't DIE until the mystery is solved. Her main solution, should she have to leave, is get her murder on.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)09:58 No. 681106 ID: bfb318
File 144657352110.png - (148.89KB , 800x800 , 57.png )

>Was shaking hands ever a thing with tribal Neumono?
Sorta. As a formality of greeting and stuff, it's a human thing mostly.

That said, hands are a good way to sense empathy, so holding hands is a pretty intimate thing. In fact, resting on one another while holding both of each hands has often been equated to kissing.

"You will be given a chance." I take his hand, and we grip each other's tight for a moment.

Most of what we glean is meta stuff. He seems pretty stoked about working together in general, and was pretty shy about doing this game. He didn't know if he'd enjoy it.

Otherwise, he doesn't seem like he's trying to trick me.

I stay guarded, letting him know that I'm still not going to be an easy ally, but at the same time, he probably picks up on the fact that I'm here for a buddy's sake, but I am liking pretending to be a tribal again. That, and I think he's acting kind of cute about how he's trying hard to stay in character while we shake hands, but my liking him beyond the usual outsider-dislike is more meta. It's an open game with closest-match character fits, I doubt people are expecting absolute immersion.

I'm not good at faking a feeling by thinking really hard about, say 'he knows, he must die'. Unless I was a really good actor, it's really obvious when I'm just thinking a phrase to play a joke. In fact, he'd sooner pick up on me playing a joke than what I was thinking specifically.

>Penn's my number one suspect for the murderer.
It's hard enough to get Penn to show up to public events, I'm not gonna play jokes on her!

Even if I did think she was the murderer, I still want to play along for her sake.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)09:58 No. 681108 ID: bfb318
File 144657353611.png - (140.90KB , 800x800 , 58.png )

The other thing he picks up on is my stink eye towards that belenos that showed up and started talking to Penn.

>"-while you may have large shoes to fill, I'm sure that he taught you lots. Perhaps we can go to a different location and share what all we know with one another?" That guy puts on a voice like he's supposed to be playing Johnny Smoothtone.
>"I'm sure this room has lots of information, though, and I just haven't had the time to review his most recent notes!" Penn replies.
>"No doubt his studies on astreneus wildlife and the ever changing political mapping. Meanwhile, I overheard that he kept some of his more private works in the cellar."
>"I'm sorry, but I have to review this bedroom first!"
>"So be it, but let's make our next destination be the cellar."

Penn might need rescuing.

>Penn is a murder suspect
If it's her, then we just side with her as an accomplice. Unless she murders us, in which case we'll be proud of her and consider getting her out and having fun a success.

>Penn might need rescuing.
Then butt in! Your part lets you be confrontational.

Well that could be him hitting on her. Or luring her to the basement to murder her in character. Or luring her to murder for real. Probably not the last one but you never know.

Anyways go attach yourself to her hip. She is Trimble's only apprentice so you would not want her out of your sight. If she gets killed before the murder gets cleared up your hive could be held responsible or get stuck with debts or whatever.

I mean the cellar is a option but make sure she never leaves your sight. Try to avoid acting like a protective roommate and more like a suspicious tribal.

Say hello to the Belonos dude, get all up on that cockblock role. Unless you're reading Penn MIGHT like the guy, but's nervous. Say something like how we should all really be moving in groups of three or four to prevent being deaded, that doesn't sound too meta.

Then again, I don't know, nothing wrong with her getting laid tonight if she actually wants to, since she's in college and this is... what, her last year and her first real day off? What if she's thinking "Oh my god, last chance to get laid as a college student even though I'm really nervous around people... maybe a quickie, just to say I did"

He doesn't... seem too bad. I mean, a bit too forward I guess. Still not comfortable with them both alone when he's pushing it so early. Have you ever tried to set her up with a guy before? Have you ever had a discussion on her types or if she'd be into aliens sexually? I'd think being with an alien would be safer for her as a first time, since, like, she can't get pregnant and STD's are less likely. But that's like, a convo to have in private and still mostly her business.

Also: if jealous schoolgirl really is messing with Penn by proxy, they probably expect you. We might be able to use your new roleplay buddy in getting rid of him.

That could be a option. Say this guy is Ms bitch's brother or friend and he noticed Penn here.

That call could have gone something along the lines of:

"Hey sis I just noticed that girl you were complaining about at the murder haunted house. Yeah dressed in a blue outfit. Sure I can go mess with her if you want."

Then he lures her someone isolated and hurts her. Probably would not attack her but there are plenty of ways of hurting her feelings or fucking with her head.

So keep a eye out in case of plotting. Could just be a amorous suitor but you never know.

Or maybe you can trust Penn to handle it?

Well, from the horn shape, that looks like the same guy that was on the call.

Sally on up to them and act the territorial tribal, that the murdered guy's assistant may stand to inherit from him, and thus may inherit his dealings with your hive, so you're not letting her out of your sight.

Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)13:15 No. 681135 ID: bfb318
File 144658530951.png - (160.61KB , 800x800 , 59.png )

>Or maybe you can trust Penn to handle it?
Sometimes I'd like to be able to, but she's told me she really likes having me pull her away when it's obvious she wants to be pulled away without doing it herself.

Someday I hope she can do it herself and get in good with a guy without feeling bad or something, but now's not the night to go that far!

Plus she doesn't want relationships to distract her from her studies. I tried setting her up with a guy before, and that didn't go well at all.

"No." I say, approaching them. "The killer remains. We will stay in parties."
>"Ugh - who are you?"
"I am Kirtar, and I must keep an eye on Trimble's apprentice."
>"And why is that?"
"Because she will inherit Trimble's fortune and trickery, and I must keep a close eye on her to make sure she does begin claiming my hive as her own. She cannot be trusted."
>"Haha, what, that is not how it works! You are already free."
"You are untrustworthy as well."
>"You enter this house, say these things, and you expect that to be responded to favorably? Come, Ms. Navo. You do not need to have such distrust in your midst." he says to Penn. "And I suggest you not follow, Kirtar."
"Your suggestion will not be followed."
>"These were the neumono that Mr. Trimble looked after." Penn says. "Therefore, I, well, I have to look after her as well. Unless she actively prevents us from working, then she is welcome to stay at my side."
>"So be it, you are far kinder than your mentor!"
>"Tell me, though," Yule interrupts, "Why is it you are so desperate to get Ms. Navo alone by herself, down in such a private, dreary place as a cellar?"
>"To investigate without distraction, but that isn't to be, and you have Ms. Navo to thank for it!"

I like Yule already. He will make a fun addition to the party.

Don't go out of your way to antagonize this guy. If he is a creep he will reveal it through his actions. Just stay in your tribal persona and keep helping Penn out.

Could be that he is just playing his character but trying to lure someone off alone would be suspicious no matter what the reason. I mean the murder might be trying to lure off Trimble's apprentice but could also be characters who are after other stuff.

I mean a murder mystery would not be that hard without everyone having there own agenda. Maybe this guys sheet says something about trying to find Trimble's will or something.

>I like Yule already. He will make a fun addition to the party.
Yes, he's doing good, and having another fun roleplayer in the mix trips up anyone trying to be jerks about it.

Flash him an OOC smile or thumbs up at some point.

>"To investigate without distraction, but that isn't to be, and you have Ms. Navo to thank for it!"
To work without distraction or collaborators is a very alien idea.

>what do
Well, Penn thinks there's evidence in this room, we might as well check it out.

This guy seems suspicious, maybe you should find out more about him. Suggest that the four of you all investigate the cellar together. This should be fine with him if he doesn't have any creepy ulterior motives for getting Penn alone.

Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)14:35 No. 681163 ID: bfb318
File 144659015480.png - (101.87KB , 800x800 , 60.png )

I shrug, and Penn finishes up her search pretty fast after all here, so all of us go down to the cellar.

This place looks creepy as shit. I mean, it's supposed to be, but I'm damn glad I'm being the overprotective roommate by being the territorial tribal.

>"Look, Ms. Navo. Obvious footprints. They go straight into the wall." this belenos guy says basically right away since those footprints are literally painted on an obvious, cleared corner of the room.
>"Oh, yeah!" Penn says. "I have no idea what would open the false-wall, though."
>"We cannot rule out that these are fake prints left by the killer, as I'm sure you've already concluded. Nonetheless, we should see if we cannot find the open entrance. But, what if you and I continue walking the cellar for clues, while our neumono friends search for the hidden lever or whatever opens this door? After all, I'm sure that this tribal neumono would show us just how observant jungle neumono can be, unless she simply is not up to the task?"
>"You are really persistent, sir!" Yule says.
>"Not at all. Navo and I shall be well within earshot and just around the corner. I will not truly be alone with her. Unless, of course, our questionably clothed comrade simply isn't up to the task?"

>>681163
How big are those footprints? Can you tell what species would have left them? (If they weren't obvious painted on fakes, that is).

>what do
As long as there is killer about, it is more dangerous to be alone with one than fully alone.

You will not need assistance to uncover the workings of this wall.

Send Yule with them, he can start earning that trust.

>>681163
I must feel that it is unwise. There is only one murderer, and anything one can say in private should be said in public, in front of witnesses. Our presence is negligible to you, but necessary for the group, ergo, we should hear all you have to say for Ms. Navo.

A murder is a foot, and NO secrets must be kept. This would be so much easier if you were both neumono, then perhaps I would have allowed such a conversation, but you are both aliens, and thus must not be allowed one on one correspondence.

I think four pairs of eyeballs are better looking around for a switch, anyhow.

It only takes a moment to finish off someone with a hidden knife and then escape into a secret passage.

Or maybe you are just trying to seduce a grieving apprentice so you can lay claim to Trimble's estate?

Besides what if she is more than just a grieving apprentice? You could be walking into the last conversation you might ever have.

No tonight is not the night for private conversations. If you need privacy I am sure she will gladly oblige you when the murderer is caught.

This guy is a suspicious jerk, but this wouldn't be much of a murder mystery if he tried to "kill" Penn while you where standing right there.

Let him search with Penn so you can try to find out what he is actually after. Stay as close as you can in case you need to rescue Penn from awkward conversation.

Try knocking on the wall and see if you can tell if it is obviously hollow or not.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)15:21 No. 681187 ID: bfb318
File 144659290453.png - (135.79KB , 800x800 , 61.png )

"I require no assistance, but that is idiocy. Being alone is less dangerous than possibly being alone with a murderer. Yule. Go with them. I will look for this hidden compartment, and we will see if all of you must come back to help me."

I don't know Yule that well, but he seems cool enough to not let shit get out of hand while I'm literally across the room. I also whisper to Penn to just call me over if she needs an escape, and to not leave earshot.

I put my hand on Yule's shoulder to look like I'm ushering him forward, but I think he catches my hint to look out for Penn in more ways than just being pretend-murdered.

Don't worry, I'll like to help you. Yule thinks at me. Probably a little eager to help me out, but he's actually cool about it instead of how some guys reacted towards my clothing.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)15:21 No. 681188 ID: bfb318
File 144659291750.png - (77.52KB , 800x800 , 62.png )

>How big are the footprints?
About human sized. They're decently made and all, and intentionally made to seem in between major species. Still not a neumono.

Or a yich eater, I guess. Probably not a heef. Basically not a neumono or any species that I haven't seen in here.

The belenos guy - I forgot his name, if I even heard it in the first place - does sweet talk 'Navo' more than my liking, but I guess I shouldn't helicopter Penn that much. It's just toned down enough to not get me to go all tribal and start barking up his horns.

The wall has an obvious seam to it, and I scan the hell out of this room. After about 5 minutes, I find a hidden panel with a switch to 'side passage'. I pull it, and the door slides open pretty silently.

A body falls out not so silently, but I don't think the others heard it over the sound of Belenos Man trying to butter up Penn.

>A body falls out not so silently, but I don't think the others heard it over the sound of Belenos Man trying to butter up Penn.
"I have found something."

Then go to check it out while they catch up.

Any idea who the dead Pomi is supposed to be?

Lets hope that is a realistic fake or a actor.

Well you could go check but then you are all alone next to the corpse. So stay right where you are and call out for the others.

Its tempting to go check the body for clues but lets let Penn take the lead. Unless you are going to college for forensic science or something.

>>681188
Is that a fake body, a role player acting like a dead body, or a real dead body?

>>681188
A DOUBLE MURDER! Call everyone back over here. Then inspect the body.

Cry "Murder!" in the most dramatic way possible.

I doubt it's a real body, or you would have smelled the blood. In either case, don't go near it until there are other witnesses.

If it was not so out of character I would say scream "A body" and then flounce over to the guy hitting on Penn and ask him "What should we do" while acting like a air headed sorority girl.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)20:18 No. 681264 ID: bfb318
File 144661069223.png - (79.95KB , 800x800 , 63.png )

It's definitely a fake doll. It would look more obviously fake, but seeing that from a distance in the dark could give someone a start.

"I found something!"

They come back. Penn gasps, Yule nearly screams, and Belenos Man goes wide eyed.

>"What is this?" he says.
>"Jonah, that's Kabocc! Mr. Trimble's secretary!"
>"What? I thought he happened to be on vacation during all of this!"
>"Hm? Kirtar, that knife - it looks like a match for those missing knives you found."
>"You're telling me," Jonah says, "Kirtar just happened to find a set of knives, happened to find a secret entrance lever within minutes, and we find a body that was murdered with a missing part of that set?"
>"Are you saying she murdered someone right now," Yule retorts, "while all of us were around, knew that we knew she was there, and murdered someone?"
>"No, the blood is dry. Leave the thinking to us belenos, Yule."
"You are not the good example of belenos thinking."
>"Hrmph. Ms. Navo, what do you think?"
>"She may be a savage, but she is no idiot. Even headstrong savages know when to run, and if she felt you were closing in on evidence that she had murdered someone, you've really given her a lot of opportunities to leave!"
>"Hm, yes, you raise a good point, and are too nice to this one once again."

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)20:18 No. 681265 ID: bfb318
File 144661070799.png - (111.21KB , 800x800 , 64.png )

Penn looks through the corpse. We agree to tell everyone, soon, but we may as well get the head start.

>"That's interesting." Penn says. "Kabocc has a letter from Mr. Trimble, dated before Kabocc's vacation, requesting that he stay behind to keep things orderly should something happen to Trimble."
>"And so he suspected something would happen to himself?"
>"Possibly!"

>>681265
Well considering he was leaning up against the door when he died, that means he was murdered in the secret passage... which means whoever murdered him was aware of the passage.

Let's follow the passage to the other end and see how easy it is to find the other entrance. That'll give us an indication how much inside information the murderer needed.

If Trimble knew he was going to die, he might have left other notes behind, or maybe a will. Does he have an office or study in the house? That would be a good place to search.

For now, check out the passage.

Is this a secret passage, or a secret compartment? Ie, does it go anywhere?

>And so he suspected something would happen to himself?
Suddenly makes me wonder if he was planning on faking his death to escape something, only it caught up with him too soon.

Roxie 2015/11/03(Tue)21:20 No. 681288 ID: bfb318
File 144661441449.png - (104.36KB , 800x800 , 65.png )

"We will take the passage and see where it leads."
>"Obviously" says Jonah.

It leads to a steep set of sturdy looking stairs, but before we get to them, the lights go out.

>"K-Kirtar?" Penn sounds pretty spooked, but I grab her hand.
"I gotcha."

I'm actually just impressed she didn't call me Roxie, there.

>"Hold on." Jonah says. "I saw a spare flashlight back in the cellar. I should be able to feel my way to it, and get us out of here."

>>681288
Fine, go get it. Don't get murdered. We'll stay here and guard the stairwell so nobody can jump you or us from behind.

>>681288
Backtrack as a group, so no one gets jumped in the dark.

...which is gonna mean standing around while he fumbles in the dark nearby, but oh well.

lago told me to Roxie? 2015/11/03(Tue)21:48 No. 681299 ID: 395c02
File 144661610315.png - (130.95KB , 800x800 , 64_question_mark.png )

Um.

"There is a chance the thing I grabbed is not actually your hand."

>"You sure?"

"Yeah, this is probably not your hand and is probably a spooky prop."

>"Probably?"

"Probably."

Roxie? 2015/11/03(Tue)21:48 No. 681300 ID: 395c02
File 144661613672.png - (77.44KB , 800x800 , 65_question_mark.png )

A strange neumono is giggling, making a weird sound.

"Spespespespespe~~"

"um."

>>681300
Pfft.

Go pick it up and check its gender.

This seems like a slight departure from the murder mystery. I wonder if this is part of it or someone wandering around having there own fun.

Look around and make sure you have not lost track of Penn.

>>681299

Suspicious update is suspicious.

Flip that hand around and go tickle attack the laughing prankster over there.

Roxie 2015/11/04(Wed)08:31 No. 681351 ID: bfb318
File 144665468070.png - (195.01KB , 800x800 , 66.png )

I can't see shit, but I hear it scurry off. As much as I'd like to go tackle some weird noise-making neumono in the dark, I'm more likely to run into a wall.

"Pe - Navo, where are you?"
>"Over here!"
"Jonah, go get the flashlight.'
>"That is what I am doing."

We hear some commotion from far off, but can't make anything out. It just sounds like unintelligible voices and footsteps from around us.

>"Oh, I do have it." says Penn.

She flicks on a flashlight.

>"I'm sorry, I didn't know if I brought it with me, and I didn't want to say anything in case I didn't."

>>681351
Kay, look around.

Priority is finding the rest of your group, and anyone else sneaking around.

Make sure Jonah and Yule haven't been murdered in the dark. Then proceed up the spooky staircase.

>>681351
...
Penn somehow got to the cellar without us knowing? What? I'm confused. Did she bring that with her previously?
Her piece of paper probably has lots of info about this place, including layout and where items commonly are, since her character is the victim's apprentice. She should have an inventory list and everything.

Shove the fake hand in your waistband or wherever for later use and have Penn look around with the flashlight.

Check to see if anyone in the group has gotten murdered or disappeared.

Maybe someone's swapping things around between your bags? Have a little check.

>>681300
Guess the event organizers gotta have their fun somehow.

>>681351
Look around, check on the others, for murderers around you, and maybe you can shine a light in Jonah's direction so he can find the other flashlight quicker.

1/2 Roxie 2015/11/04(Wed)23:16 No. 681493 ID: bfb318
File 144670776505.png - (167.26KB , 800x800 , 67.png )

>Penn somehow got to the cellar without us knowing?
No. She might have been given a map, come to think of it, but that flashlight she got, she just got from our apartment. In case... of this, apparently.

"Yule, you here?" I put the fake hand in my pack. Unless they ask for it back, I'm keeping it as a memento. There's nothing changed in my pack, and it would be pretty messed up if they fucked around with my bag in the dark.
>"Er, yes. And I'm glad you had that flashlight. I'm not the best in the dark." says Yule.
"Jonah!" I call out. No response. The entrance was around a bend, so I go walk over, holding the hands of both Penn and Yule." Yule is pretty afraid of the dark, as it turns out.

The door closed up again!

"... it will take time to see if there is a lever on this side. I do not know if Jonah looked to see where the lever I found was."
>"Maybe we can go on without him?" says Yules. "I don't think - "

There's a creak from the stairs we were heading towards.

2/2 Roxie 2015/11/04(Wed)23:16 No. 681494 ID: bfb318
File 144670777560.png - (130.35KB , 800x800 , 68.png )

Penn flicks the light over there. It sounded like they were coming down from the top of the stairs, but then they stopped as soon as the light shone over there.

>"Um, is anyone there?!" asks Penn, with no response. She turns the flashlight back towards the now closed door, and then another creak comes from the stairs. It sounds closer, like someone stepped down it. There's still nothing there, but I feel both hands squeeze on mine.

Well, it's obvious Jonah went THAT way. He's just got to be all mysterious about it.
Keep Penn close though, don't want him sneaking to snatch her away.

>>681494
There's three of you. You can take em... unless they have a gun or something. Keep watching, if they pop out with a gun you'll want to duck around the corner and pound on the door to get Jonah to open it.

It seems like someone was trying to be sneaky, but didn't expect you to have a flashlight. They might try to flee if you approach them. Have Penn and Yule stay back with the light, while you sneak up to the stairs to get a better look.

Pull the other two closer so you can put your arms more securely on them, looped around their elbows or something. Then whisper to them to point their flashlights behind them (but ready to pull forward again) and see if that causes any reaction. If not try the same thing with turning them off for a short time.

>>681494
Head towards the stairs. You're on point in case of trouble, they follow behind with the light.

When you step forward and out of the hand holding chain, put their hands together.

Roxie 2015/11/05(Thu)07:41 No. 681551 ID: bfb318
File 144673808543.png - (99.23KB , 800x800 , 69.png )

"Navo, Yule, I'm going to give you two each other's hands. I'll go on ahead. Navo, keep the light pointed at the stairs.

I move ahead. When I get halfway there and another lower creak happens, I freeze. Nothing more happens, so I move to the stairs and look up.

No one's there, and I'm sure this close, I would have heard them flee.

Clear.

Okay, so do we want to follow the stairs, or try and see if the other door opens from this side?

(Personally, I don't care if we leave the other dude behind).

Eh if there is someone lurking you will find out about it soon enough. Get everyone together and head upstairs and see where this leads.

Either there is someone frozen on the stairs or they have creepy noisemakers all over the place.

That or this place is really haunted. woooooo

Have a sniff. Smell anyone you don't know? Anyone that isn't a belenosian or neumono? I assume different species smell pretty different.