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263831 No. 263831 ID: 69bee4

Golem Dreamer Quest
For some, their twelfth birthday is a time of passage, the beginning of the journey to manhood, or the time they become an apprentice so I’ve been told… for me, I remember an executioner, the smell of my own fathers blood hanging in the air after those fated words ‘… Found Wanting at a time of critical need for the Mosmorden Empire.”

From that moment, I was given a choice, to live and redeem myself for my parent’s failure, or to die with them for their failures. I suppose they saw it as a mercy, to spare me the certain failure I faced, to spare someone of such poor stock.

However, I made a vow that day upon my release, that I would never beFound Wanting like my parents. I would succeed any challenge thrown at me, I would live through any time the Deep came for me, and I would someday command the power of death itself, to make sure failure would never be an option.

So that began to define entry into such a manhood. Taken into the care of the state, I began nearly a decade of change and training that would dominate my life. In training, I did not escape the specter of death, as it claimed person after person, some deserving, some only taken out of a vindictive spite for those who dared to challenge it. Fellow supplicants fell like leaves, yet where where I watched those more talented than I fall, I however refused to allow my own life to end, I dared fire, frost, falls into the abyss, I was subjected to the whims of mage apprentices and their exuberant sadism, given no other command but to do to us what they willed, and that our death was acceptable. I saw dozens of my fellows die when being subjected to rounds of plagues and infections to harden our systems and weed out the weak. So many more enter into the buildings where the changes were made, than ever come back.

Over time my body was morphed, I have been informed short of my brain, there is not a single organ I lack a backup for. That no single blow should be enough, unless my head itself were to be removed or body eviscerated. I nearly died twice during the augmentation process, and the emperor himself found my refusal to let death claim me amusing during an inspection of the training grounds. It was with this I was given my options, a choice of growth for my training….

I, given my name Thirty Two upon my graduation, the thirty second survivor of this program of a class of one thousand, was visited by the Eyes of Death within that program, and given a set of special choices that met the Directors whims for the final augmentation. This one would be my extra heart, and it was with his blessing that I could see some direction of the way combat would take me.
Major overview of 32’s Characteristics: 32 is an Alchemical Soldier, and as such has been extremely augmented. All of his organs have redundancies except his brain, all physical characteristics such as Strength, Stamina, and Reflexes are thrice that of a normal adult human, including a minor regeneration rate measured in days and weeks.

As cost of all the augmentation, all Graduates owe approximately 1000 Marks to the empire, paid by serving for at least 5 years in the army. All officers of sufficient rank have the discretion though to award pay for acts they feel are above the normal call of duty towards this debt. As such, few serve a full 5 years, either by death or honor. It is at this point that a soldier can earn and take a name beyond its number.

As I recall those days, I remember the options given to me…

Optional Augment
Magitech Heart (This option adds an additional 500 marks owed to the Empire): What the Eyes of Death offered me as a ‘gift’ for 'failure to die'. Acting as a third heart, this can be invoked to cause a flurry of raw, primal magic to suffuse 32’s body temporarily, causing a further temporary augmentation of his overall physical characteristics. However, 32 would also be given a final warning that the use of such magic was not without its risks…

Combat Magic Augmentations, one MUST be chosen.
Illusion Soul Runes (This option adds an additional 500 marks owed to the Empire) : Ritualistic tattoos carved into 32’s body serve as pre made illusions that can be conjured when needed. Consisting of high quality Soul Runes on each of his hands, and one on his body for a total of three. When called upon, the hand runes conjure an illusory arm with weapon that in all ways looks real to normal sight, and can be easily viewed by anyone that lasts up to a minute. When the Torso rune is used, a body double is created with similar perceived realness; however, lasting only up to thirty seconds. Recharge on each rune is automatic, and is approximately known to be from the point of full use a full nights rest, or a full day and night if constantly on the move with no rest. A rune’s effect can be ended prematurely to preserve charge.

Will Induced ‘Time Slow’ Combat Magic: Through focus of mind, 32’s can force his perception of the world to make it seem as though it has slowed down. During this state, any issue of fatigue can also be fully ignored. However, 32 learns quickly there is some form of recoil with this that can occur, and cause him to become more exhausted after use.

World based ‘Survivalist’ Combat Magic: This form of Combat Magic passively acts to protect the user from the worst effects of the ravages of extreme conditions. It also handily has capabilities to always allow 32 the ability to boil water in close proximity, and to use his hand to cause the effect usually needed by kindling for a fire. He has also been informed of some extreme basics of World magic, primarily the existence and ability with focus to detect a Leyline’s existence in order to augment his magic.

‘Weapon Ownership’ Combat Magic: When holding a purely metal weapon with predominantly iron bias, 32 literally can gain enough ownership with some time spent to call the weapon an extension of himself. This translates into an ability to understand approximate strength of a foe from blows against the weapons, know when the weapons durability is under threat, and when holding a foreign weapon, can sense the removal of a previous person’s ownership.

It was after this that would begin my move to the military, where I would be given my weapon, unusable in the hands of the normal, but now to be held in a form of Death itself.
344 posts omitted. Last 100 shown. Expand all images
>>
No. 292434 ID: f3fe9b
File 130162976497.jpg - (90.50KB , 800x600 , BlackMarketOfferings.jpg )
292434

>>292201
[The Golemquest wiki page has all of the calendar info on it. Knowing the basics will be helpful, as persons in quest will consider the calendar commonplace.]

>>292031
[Approach to Diplomacy: Successful, Diplomacy level acts as minor bonus]
Recalling the afternoon, a few general ideas entered my mind. I needed to get a broad sense of who Victoria X was, her sense of character, if she was worthy of acting as my superior in some sense.

Entering the tent, I find a somewhat shorter woman, standing only a bit over a meter and a half I estimate. Longer than usual brown hair for military life and a fairly stern set of eyes stare back at me as her most defining features. I note that her tent is significantly smaller than Captain Lysanders, her desk flanked by a full set of segmented plate mail, including a full helmet, and the other side a series of three blades, one a broadsword, one an extremely thick blade the length of a normal shortsword, and one a Castellan make of Longsword. Though the woman herself, whom I expect to be Captain X, stands in much more casual attire of a tunic and pants, primarily green, with red and gold trims defining it outside of a normal outfit. She looks to be late twenty’s in age, and much more casual than I had seen most Captain’s wearing, even in office.


“Ma’am, are you Captain Victoria X?”
”At ease soldier, considering I don’t see many Alchemical types of your… stature, I assume you must be the Force Champion, Thirty Two I believe?”
“Yes Ma’am. I came here regarding your letter, and wanted to ask you about the squads under your command. I find this a serious decision to consider, and an honor to have been asked, and require your assistance in the matter.”

She takes a seat behind her desk, placing her hands under her head and looking up at me.
“To get the question I assumed you would ask first, call me Captain or Victoria, or if urgent yelling X usually works. Though I must say, I have a certain respect for a younger soldier wanting to get to the point. Either way, you have my attention, ask away.

She leans forward, with a sort of earnest way that you can tell she is listening. With a few things coming to mind, she readily addresses all of my questions fairly succinctly.

-Time commitment of a Sergeant, she informs me, is generally significantly higher than that of Force Champion or Soldier [in time terms, your ‘free time’ falls from a max of 4, to a max of 3 unless you neglect sleep]. Especially early on, she expects me to actively work with the soldiers daily, to review various mundane but important documents that need to be handled usually a few times a cycle, and to be able to report to her at least briefly once per day by messenger or in person, unless actively engaged in campaign movement.
- She expects me to start as soon as I accept the position, willing to recall all of the soldiers from their current break if I so wish. Telling her vaguely I have possible immediate conflicts time-wise, she states she is willing to work out a longer timeframe if need be, but needs a Sergeant soon, and though I was her immediate first pick, the offer cannot be promised if delayed for too long.
-Mission-wise, she states that in general, she prefers to have the troops see direct combat over things such as scouting and recon. Recently, they have been support troops for envoys to human settled areas of the swamp, which went fairly uneventfully despite concerns. Missions for the immediate future are not certain, as the battlefield is ever evolving, but she says that she suspects a native human controlled area is likely to rebel, and a show of force to be sent out. I would have say in mission choice as a Sergeant, but the final call she notes would be hers, or her Captain Superiors.
-Their recent track record she confesses has been slightly less than she desired. Entering the conflict, she had requested heavier armor for the soldiers than the standard, intending to act as a Sternguard, not knowing the full effects of the swamp, and found themselves unable to engage Froggrock effectively. Polearms similar, but on smaller scale to my own have now been made the standard armament, and it seems to have worked slightly better, superior armor and reach making casualties and injuries near nonexistent. Morale though is low, and she complains of the soldiers complaints about the heat and slow movement, while she finds their lack of casualties and the need to have a defensive guard more important.
-Asking about pay, she just sort of grins in a ‘aha’ sort of way. She states that she cannot immediately tell me, as she is aware Alchemical Soldiers payment is primarily made to their debts, but in higher amounts than most soldiers normally, and not how much of it I get in hand. She tells me to expect at least twice as much though for living stipend… which puts me at around at least Two Marks every month in hand.
-She outright asks me if it’s true that I owe more than the average Alchemical from the program, to which I only confirm, without stating much more. I cannot read her reaction or why she immediately asked this though.
-I find myself able to display a greater sense of excitement I believe than I really felt, and I believe she accepted that. Her overall demeanor towards me was somewhat cool to start, but she outright says that she thinks a distinguished soldier such as myself is what the squads need.
-As to Captain X herself, I get the sense of a fairly professional woman, though with a strong sense that her decisions are the correct ones. Though I cannot tell too much else, having not probed her history, I get the sense she must have some strength not visibly obvious if the armor and weapons on display are her own.
[+.06 Bluff]

>>292031
Excusing myself, I thank her for her time, stating that my official rewarding of the Silver Order needed to be taken care of. Responding with a nod and a light smile to my statement, I exit her tent. Deciding I should avoid being an airhead, and get the Medal.

Arriving in the late afternoon, Captain Lysander quickly hands off the silver medal. An impressive little trinket, dual swords crossed, and the Emperor’s name and the insignia of the Empire etched in. Though considering I walk around wearing a breastplate, I do not know exactly where to put it, and stow it for now in a more secure strap of my pack.

----------------
>>292330
Considering what to do for the night, I consider talking to Catalina, pondering why it is she has treated me in such ways. Yet, I find this not of too much concern, Kyon himself described her as an excitable girl if I recall correctly, nor did she ever seem to hold a grudge at all. I find it of little immediate concern.

>>292201
>>292289
I instead decide with the black market open at all hours, that there is little to stop me from shopping around for items I feel I need. Though for now, I decide I will only look, with possible promotions and powers to requisition around the corner, no need to be overly spendy. I know not though where to get books, I have certainly seen people with books in hand, but I am not sure particularly for math… though it could be helpful I suppose to get my hands on. I am certain I could get one from the market, or have one stolen, if I can get a better idea of what to ask for.

>>292201
[Flexibility Skill unlocked: SWEET CATCH!, starts with .15, passive upgrades slightly easier.]

Walking though towards the shadier parts of camp, I realize that I had overlooked something crucial over my last few battles. Though my muscles have grown, and my movement quickened, I have neglected to make sure my flexibility was in line with my body. I resolve that before I rest tonight, I will get into a routine again to compensate.

[Flexibility: Whereas Combat Reflexes revolves around such things as leaping, and readying muscles for split second decisions, flexibility focuses more on purposeful, and more precise movements of his body. Things included under the skill would be reaching for objects in awkward locations, moving only small parts of his body to dodge while retaining combat stances, and making rapid movement that could cause discomfort in muscles. Unlike most skills, this only goes to level 3 without major bodily changes occurring, with a certain level of diminishing returns starting past level 1.]

I begin perusing and asking questions, coming up with a list of various items and services related vaguely to my needs.

>What, if anything, do I buy now? (up to 2 Marks can be spent now, 32 has 5 on hand)
>What things should I do tomorrow, having a small part of the morning and afternoon only, but most of the evening free. Though I must deal with night watch unless I have new orders.
>Do I have any more thoughts knowing slightly more about the offer from Captain X?
>>
No. 292480 ID: 903f16

>>292434

>What, if anything, do I buy now? (up to 2 Marks can be spent now, 32 has 5 on hand)
With 2 Marks to spend there isn't anything worth purchasing. If we come back later I would like to buy the leather backpack and the bastard sword. That Morgren sized net sounds good too, the last time we tried to request Morgren equipment we got rejected pretty quickly. This black market is probably the only place we can get a nice net like that without going the Morgren Sergeant route or getting a lot better at Diplomacy and Bluff. I don't think we have an urgent need for the throwing daggers or flail head, those could probably wait until we get a promotion and can requisition them.

>What things should I do tomorrow, having a small part of the morning and afternoon only, but most of the evening free. Though
Check on our other prospects. Go find the Morgren we may be leading, check on their dispositions, gauge how hard it would be to control them. Ask around about Specters, in a way that won't get you stabbed preferably. What kind of information can you gather on them and how many are in the area right now. Also find out where people are getting their books.

>Do I have any more thoughts knowing slightly more about the offer from Captain X?
I'm not exactly impressed, but at the same time I feel this could be a very good place for us.These guys need help, if we can whip them into shape we can show everyone we are a capable leader it will open up opportunities for advancement. I'm still pushing for joining the Specters though.
>>
No. 292490 ID: a9629e

>What, if anything, do I buy now? (up to 2 Marks can be spent now, 32 has 5 on hand)

Talk with the apprentice willing to forge stuff. See how long it will take, and if soon enough, say that's not quick enough for the price, and someone else has offered both a lower price and time. Maybe talk about, how as an apprentice, the opportunity to make more unusual equipment is a good chance to learn more about his trade. Basically, try and barter with a bluff to back it up. Oh, and make sure to lean over him while talking, but don't actually say or do anything too aggresive. Be firm, but polite about it. You won't be able to lower it to two marks, but get it as low as you can, then split it into an upfront payment, which should be no more than half the price you talk him down to, and an upon completion payment.

>What things should I do tomorrow, having a small part of the morning and afternoon only, but most of the evening free.
I agree with >>292480, especially in regards to checking out the Morgren.

>Do I have any more thoughts knowing slightly more about the offer from Captain X?
She seems likable, and perhaps personally capable, but she's not too smart. She failed to consider the effects of the environment when re-equipping her men. It's one thing to go into a conflict with less than optimal gear, it's another to request inoptimal gear before going into a fight. One mistake isn't a lot to go on, but the fact that you got the impression that she has "a strong sense that her decisions are the correct ones" makes that one mistake worrisome. She obviously painted her group as one who could go places with your help, but any group could go places with you assigned there. Frankly, you've got better options. But this did make me realize something. I do think leading a group is where you belong, so I'm now fairly against the Spectres. The Morgren is now the only position I'm in support of.
>>
No. 292616 ID: 81f32a

Ahrgh, all of that shit is way too expensive.
Come on, 1 mark is a shitload of money, right? I think it was equal to 40 heads of prime cattle or something. You can't really tell me that a single throwing knife costs the same as 40 cattle.... unless it is heavily enchanted.
I hope books wont cost too much.

Anyway, we should get the promotion and see how much realistically we can get away requisitioning stuff.

Actually this narrows down our choices to two: Morgren or X.....
And now that I think about it, becoming Morgren sergeant might give us more perks than I thought.
For one, 32 is somewhat the same size and strength as Morgren. That means we can use equipment meant for them for our own use. And getting special requisitions will be easier. Heh, we could even bluff our way into more personal requisition, claiming that we are requesting stuff for Morgren and then go and use them for ourself. Since Morgren aren't so smart, they will be easy to convince to play along.

Another great plus would be that we will get a squad of big and strong units. Units which will have to follow our orders.
Since the beginning we had hard time finding good sparring partners, and now we can get a whole bunch of them. Reminds me of our "heavy-kicking" training which we never put to use.
Also works perfectly with "baby-sitting" aspect, as we will be spending a lot of time beating them into behaving properly.
If we are going for Morgen sergeant, we should make sure, or at least try, to get Gorth in our squad.


On other hand, Miss X doesn't seem so bad either.
I looks like she has 32 in high regard and has positive disposition towards him.
And the squad we will get might hold several interesting and useful characters like in other squads (August, Blanche...) who we can pester to share their knowledge and quickly get our 0.xx skills to level 1

I'm leaning towards Morgren though.

When you make decision don't forget to inform others of it as soon as possible. You might get reprimanded if you take too much time.


>I have neglected to make sure my flexibility was in line with my body. I resolve that before I rest tonight, I will get into a routine again to compensate.
I will repeat again
Do these exercises each day.... maybe twice a day, so that you get in proper shape quickly.

>>What things should I do tomorrow, having a small part of the morning and afternoon only, but most of the evening free
I suggest that we try to train our skills while we still have the time.
We could go and pester medical tent or r&d and have them teach us more about First Aid.
Further flexibility exercises
Could get some time socializing with someone to get our Bluff up (only lil bit to go).Actually, we should do it whatever conversation we get into next update. Nothing too serious, just a little modification of truth here, a different body language there.
During our night watch, we could practice Concealment/Camouflage by blending into the shadows and the night, making little noise. heh, we could mess with lower ranking people by sneaking up to them or following them while trying to stay undetected (though this could go against the night watch duty)
And the Combat Reflexes and Senses. If we get our own squad, we will not have to pay anyone to spar with us, we can just order them to do so. And as for the Senses, during the night watch don't let you senses dull, stay alert as much as possible, trying to see through the night, making you eyes adjust to the dark and listening to every sound and movement.
>>
No. 292799 ID: 903f16

>>292616
>I think it was equal to 40 heads of prime cattle or something.

Nah man it's more like one Mark is worth one head of cattle, I'd say a good throwing dagger would be worth that much.
>>
No. 292984 ID: d4d07d
File 130172130213.jpg - (97.15KB , 1152x864 , 32CharacterSheet2.jpg )
292984

>>292480
>>292616
[Due to 32 now knowing where to get various items, any stop to purchase the listed items will only take up a minor amount of time.]

>>292616
[The prices here are in fact a bit high, if you were to compare to for example the price at a reseller in a major Empire controlled city. There are multiple economic reasons for this, which could be brought up in the discussion thread if you wish next time if you want details.]

>>292490
Before I leave I decide to see if I can… ‘negotiate’ my way down though in the cost of the daggers and flail head. Asking the apprentice, he gives me a timeframe of about a cycle to complete it all, add a mark if I want it in less. I fake a certain level of indignation, despite my moreso real apathy, and tell him this is absurd. I explain that I have had at least one offer that both have a lower price tag, and a promise of less than a cycle. He at first seems insulted by my remarks, but his face changes noticeably to worry, and he mutters slightly to himself for a few moments.

I offer also that as I can tell he is not a full smith, that this is a prime opportunity to work on an unusual weapon for the future. He counters with a bit of spite that it’s just an oversized version, somewhere between a Morgren weapon and a normal one. I find myself unable to really counter this, and negotiations towards a lower price break down to the 4 Mark level, with a promise to have it by Rathday. He does accept though 2 marks upfront, with 2 marks upon completion, this apparently being seen as fairly standard.

--------------------------------------------------------
Day 33, Atenday Cycle 1 of Praeclarum.

I wake up, opening my day with a continuation of the flexibility training I began last night. Though I note a few persons look in my direction, it seems that most get the basic idea, and move on with no real incident.

Morning drills today involve essentially each member of the squad individually sent against me in hand to hand combat. Where I am forced to use only minor force and defense, and they are allowed whatever they wish withholding weapons. Needless to say, their efforts against me are even more pathetic than usual for the most part. I find myself able to dodge almost all the attacks thrown my way, and almost everyone strength is nothing but feeble, not even making me really need to try to resist. I in the end actually close my eyes just to make it a bit harder. Only two of the entire squad have any impact on me, Luken of all people, who apparently hit a reflex near my knee, and used that to at least drop me to a knee while pulling full force, and Sullivan, who apparently unable to decide if I am awesome, or everyone else was doing oddly poorly threw himself in. Old man’s a bit tougher than I expected, making me use actual effort to break out of his attempts to hold me still.

[Combat Senses +.05, Reflexes +.04]

After such training, I head over to the outskirts of the camp, where Morgren and wide open swamplands can be found intermingling. Asking various persons of between none and obviously some rank, I eventually find a relatively dry area, mostly dirt sort of small arena, surrounded by tents with at least a couple dozen Morgren all around, and a ton of tents.

Afternoon: Hal Nelvin Conversation (Morgren Captain)
-First running into the man, apparently ‘supervising’ the area for that particular moment, though with a half dozen other people around not engaged. I found him physically fighting a smaller Morgren, attempting to get it to throw its weight properly.
-Captain Nelvin appears to be a bear of a man in stature. Though only maybe a meter and two thirds, his build is quite muscular, his face defined by stubble of a beard, and his body screams a form of sturdyness.
-Asking about my role as a Morgren Sergeant. He explains that he has between ten and fourteen Morgren usually under his command, a Sergeant will receive between one and four under his direct command, and it is their job to prioritize where the Morgren go so as to break flanking attempts, target high priority enemies, and generally kick ass.
-Captain Nelvin, or Hal as he prefers to be called, actively encourages getting into the fight with the Morgren, as long as you can keep your responsibilities well enough, and make sure the Morgren don’t go off on their own (unless its deemed to be a good idea).
-Outside of battle, he states that there is a revolving shift of watching over the Morgren between the various Captains and the people under them, and that he prefers to see the Morgren mentored or kept busy in some way ‘else they roughhouse like a bunch of kids, causes too much collateral damage at times, though it is a hoot’
-He states that if I were to join, I would be the third Sergeant under his command for the time being, which is his preferred number ‘leaves someone around even if the fekk gets goin’. He also states that he views this as a trial run, and he would be happy to have someone who looks strong enough to have given Mekk Gurk his impression as long as I prove myself decently capable. He understands if I prefer this temporary though, as he remembers he didn’t come to the job voluntarily.
-Overall, I get the impression of the man as a fairly informal guy, but who demands a level of seriousness when it comes down to the battle itself. Though I have to wonder how one keeps such things are Morgren in line.

[Evening (a lot of time spent looking), ??? SPECTRE]

It takes me a good hour and a half of actively looking to find a Spectre, but I eventually find near the officer’s tents, walking briskly, the dark blue cloak that contrasts somewhat starkly against the slight colors that glimmer with the setting sun. He seems intent at first, but seems to immediately pick on that I’m looking at him, and turns slightly in my way, slowing his steps. I suddenly hear a voice, a chuckle, though I can tell when she actually beacons me over and speaks that she sounds female.

“Your one of the candidates then? I have to say, your along the least subtle I have run into then, though I have to say, C has a sense of humor, an alchemical? Hehheh. Either way, follow, cannot talk about such things here.

She eventually leads me to a very quiet area, off somewhere near the jailhouse actually.

-I note that even while she talked to me, she easily kept her face concealed from me, and unless I was to actively bend down and try to look, she like all the others avoids being easily seen. [Combat Perception] I also note now in a less lit area, and as time passes, she blends very well into the darkness.
-The woman (or what I assume to be at least) never introduces herself, or gives a name of any sort.
-In short, she states that Spectre’s have two major responsibilities, First, one must always bring to justice any who would dare attempt to destroy the Empire, from within or without. The second she says on some level I have already accomplished, with a small laugh, “to give one’s life and body to become a weapon.”
-She states that as a Spectre, I would generally work either solo, or in small groups of either Spectres or various support groups.
-Asking about their number in camp, she grants me no other answer than “At Minimum? One less than we need at this time, obviously.” I think I feel her grin under her form of disguise.
-Asking about the ‘Orientation’, she says it’s exactly what it says, nothing more, nothing less.

Closing the talk, she says that it’s understandable that it’s hard to ask proper questions, as there are few proper answers. However, if I have any more, she tells me to try the Orientation area, which is about a quarter mile from where we now are more on the outskirts of camp. Either in the morning or evening, someone will find you and be able to help.

I do suddenly though hear her voice coming from seemingly every direction, stating that she hopes I accept the invitation, “You who are already halfway to where you need to be”. Turning towards the darkness though, I no longer find her by sight or sound.

>>292616
I find though her disappearance perplexing, slightly curious about how she pulled it off, I make an effort, slowing myself drastically, but with little else to do coming to mind, to try sneaking my way back… to make myself one who lives with the shadows.

… only to find my efforts nearly comically ineffective. I get many looks in my direction, I think my breastplate actually shines somewhat, and I find myself far too bulky to hide in any real way most of the time. Perplexing… annoying.

[+.02 Camouflage/Concealment]

Arriving back in camp, I find the Theta camp fairly quiet, Thermun, Gee, and Luken on the ‘watch’ around the fire. Fire’s also burn around the Beta and Alpha camps, but all in all, it’s fairly quiet.


>Did I take the offer from the apprentice, or end the negotiations as is and seek other? [can attempt with others, or another time]
>Any other actions for tonight , or what to do for Washiday?
>[32’s present opinion: Mostly equal, minor bias against Mage, minor bias in favor Morgren.]
>>
No. 293003 ID: d3dfb8

Specters seem like pretty cool guys. Imagine if you could do what she did and suddenly disappear. That would be fekkin terrifying, a guy as huge as you just straight up disappearing? Deep yeah you're going for that!
Ask Catalina if she's flexible. Women are generally flexible right? She's a woman, and she also seems like the one most likely to talk to you.
>>
No. 293184 ID: a76809

Honestly?

I'd say go for the temporary Morgren Sergeant position. The chance to BRIEFLY immerse yourself in a field that looks like you could learn a great deal from, and then move on to a more permanent choice, potentially with better offers to look at. If you continue to build on your close combat unarmed sparring with the Morgren as their Sergean, you could then doff armor and eschew weapon entirely in many potential SPECTRE missions, while still remaining highly lethal-an immense bonus to passing more unobtrusively, simply a large man and not a giant warrior. So not only would you get a chance to really refine your idea to use tower shield/1h your spear to really use your full strength, you would prep in case you did end up going SPECTRE-and you could potentially tell them that, to further attempt to keep their offer open to you.

And come on, you could get to work with Gorth, you know you love the guy!
>>
No. 293238 ID: 593f2d

>>293003
Yes, it would be.
But you seem to neglect several important points to this:
the specter 32 just met for example. She is a woman, meaning that she is much smaller, leaner, she can move with more flexibility and fast. And dont forget the years if not decades in service and practice that she probably needed to perfect her craft.
32 on the other hand is built lile a brick warehouse and punches like a train. He spent his entire life becomming what he is right now. He is a fighter that prefers overwhelming pover over sumbtility, at least for now.
Getting him into the line of work that spectres do will be extremely hard, if not leathal. At least, I suspect he is going to fail half a dozen of assigments in a row due to his incompetence. Imagine what kind of a morale hit would it be for him, especially considering his world view.
Stealth is good and all, and I suggest we try to increase it every chance we get but lets not join assasins guild just yet.

I am going to agree with Bob. Morgren seem to be the perfect choice for 32, they will allow endless sparring sessions which we can can even claim are one of our duties as a retainer. Besides that we can use their equipment as our own.
So when we accept the position, firtst see what we are allowed to take from armory. Then how much we can get away requisitioning with our new rank (also be sure to wear your medals, they ought to give more weight to your requests. put on plain clothes if your breast plate is in the way)
>>
No. 293398 ID: 903f16

>>292984
>Did I take the offer from the apprentice, or end the negotiations as is and seek other? [can attempt with others, or another time]
I'd take the offer, unless you think you can play off the competing blacksmith to get an even lower price. Like telling him you haggled down the apprentice down and if he wants the order the deal would be something like three marks and seventy or so rounds.

>Any other actions for tonight , or what to do for Washiday?
Let's have ourselves some fun, is the arena up and running again? I say we compete again and get ourselves a good fight and earn some money to pad out our coin purse. That or we could try to go drinking, maybe hang out with the cavalry or something.

>>293238
He's not neglecting important points, you're just exaggerating the importance of minor concerns. So what if this isn't what 32 is built for? We shouldn't just be playing to his strengths, we should also be working on polishing away his weaknesses. That doesn't mean fucking around camp and pretending to sneak around. These guys are offering a full cycle long orientation, which no doubt includes some training. If he gets through this he won't just be a brute who relies on his immense strength to overpower, he'll be a fighter who can direct his power precisely.
>>
No. 293421 ID: a9629e

Well, for Washiday you need to officially decline the assignment for guarding the Mage. You should probably inform X that you'll be declining her offer too, since it seems all the posters are either pushing Spectres or Morgren. And of course, I fall into the latter group.

If we by the next post we've decided to go with the Morgren, I say decline the apprentice's offer, since that would give us better access to appropriate equipment. If we haven't, go ahead and accept it.
>>
No. 293681 ID: 7f017c
File 130188457050.jpg - (75.78KB , 640x480 , Arena.jpg )
293681

>>293421
>>293398
[Although the votes are not overly strong, the general feel of ‘we can get this gear later’ will be the overriding factor.]

I recall striking down the Apprentice Smith’s offer, ending the conversation as it stood, finding some cause that I could do better than this, particularly with such promise constantly around me. Such gear I want and more will be mine, but not at such prices as the military underground is wont to have.

-----------
I spend the rest of the evening in contemplation; the choices seem to be coming in much more clearly to my mind. Though the promise of being a Morgren sergeant is often framed as a punishment, I quickly conclude that this is more so because of the incompetence of most persons, and that to someone such as myself, having soldiers of actual brute force strength is less an issue, than the results of investment from the Empire. In many ways, the meeting with a Spectre went about as well as could be expected, with few answers, and arguably more questions than before. I sort of wish to know how one does such tricks, but I see their slinking in the shadows as an antithesis to my build, a fair bit more concealable than about a Morgren, but that is all. Yet, I suspect there must be cause why they sought me out, and they truly do see as loyal as it comes in some respects. Immediate promotion to a Sergeant has its appeal though, though less and less as I consider it I suppose, the squad may be more of a hassle than it is worth, though I know I could turn it around. At this point though, I am fairly certain that being a bodyguard, even if in the service of an Exalted Mage, is not what fate has in store for me. I prepare a short letter to the department listed that had found me, make a short statement of rejection, and mark it with a small set of symbols, the alchemical’s rune, a three, and a two.

I shall send this off with Gee in the morning, feeling no need to disrupt the card game for now.

>>293003
Though before I begin my flexibility training before sleep, a thought occurs. Catalina by my recollection did seem like a person of impressive agility, with a style built around a certain level of flexibility… she may know something. Two fires still glow from the Beta camp, it becoming fairly obvious that they tend to sleep a fair amount later than anyone of my squad. Eh, Reinhold’s a minor pain, but since when has little trifles been any reason to stop me from improving myself?

Heading over to the Beta camp, I see a good seven persons still hanging around, including Catalina, and not including Reinhold. Seeing my approach, I hear Robert’e’s accented voice calling out that ‘the big man has arrived’ with various members of the group raising drinks and using my entry as an excuse to drink once more. I give some quick hello’s, attempting to decide if I want to remove myself quickly and just ask, or deal with it later. Finding a lack of desire though to deal with the shenanigans at their near peak, I end up delayed nonetheless probably an hour by the inability to find a way to navigate the conversation… feh, groups, would dragging her to someplace to talk alone work?

Eventually, I find a moment and ask Catalina if I could ask her something, discerning that it is impossible to talk serious with the drunken group around, though the festivities beginning to die down somewhat.

Leading me to the second campfire, she takes a seat on the ground cross-legged, looks up, and with spirit and cognition that apparently is neither dismissed from time, or from drink, asks.

[Catalina]”So, whatsup? I guessed by how uncomfortable you looked you wanted to ask whatever it is in private.”
[32]“It was not necessary, but anyways, I wished to state either way, that you have a flexible body, yes?”

She stops for a moment, her facial expression changing. Looking up towards me now, instead of being more so jittery on the ground.

”er, repeat that please? I must have… misunderstood”

I decide to lean in and speak more directly, apparently I spoke too quietly to be standing.

“I asked, are you flexible? Looking at your body, I assumed so.”

Catalina’s face registers a level of confusion even I can catch, staying oddly quiet for a moment, when I catch that her face begins to tinge red, she opens to speak, says nothing a moment looks worried for a moment. A bit of a stutter, and even sweat forming on her.

”Er... Yes… umm, no wait, yeah… yeah, I guess so. I like to think so, not that um, I’m overly special or anything.. heheh, I mean umm.
“Ah, I had hoped that you would say as such, I had something to ask related to that then. If you’re feeling alright?”
“NO! no, no… I’m fine. This is just, ack, brain, not, working. It’s just that umm, well I… no no, just go ahead and ask I guess,” as she seems to giggle nervously, her hands becoming now a mess of jittery movement, her hand on her knee as she sort of hides her face, pulling up a knee to cover it.

“I had hoped to work on a form of flexibility training, and wondered what advice you could give. I have noticed your style in combat to be… flexible, fast, you seemed the best person to ask.”

An odd look comes over her again, more confusion, as she stays silent a moment, looking down at her knee, before stating somewhat silently ”Oh.. well, umm, ah. Really, Its honestly been little more than making sure I stretch every morning, you could just wat. Er! Um. I mean, well, it’s also I’ve naturally alwaysbeenthiswaytoobut heheh. Plus, fighting always seems to work well for me. Umm, guess I am not overly helpful, either way, well… Thank You.” she says with a shining bit of sincerity, looking at me, before just breaking out in a giggling fit and laughing some to herself, pulling up her other knee for a moment.

Standing up abruptly, she looks at me with a sort of intensity, before rushing off with little other words. Though I vaguely hear her talking to the rest of Beta, a series of hushed whispers and laughs, someone yelling out about a sly dog, probably talking about Robert’e I guess, eh, I guess it is time to leave.

A somewhat… odd encounter. I guess she really wasn’t feeling into talking and trying to be polite? I have heard overheating and drinking too much to be a bit of a haphazard combination too, either way, it is more than ample time around others than I usually spend, as I retire towards the Theta camp and rest.
-----------------------------------
Day 34, Washiday Cycle 1 of Praeclarum

Finishing my morning stretches, I take my note stating refusal to Gee, and direct him to paperwork, not being certain if it needs to g there or directly to the mage. Although my request and a casual mention of a mage seems to get a slightly odd reaction on Gee’s face, he heads off, and Sullivan calls us together for training once more. Nothing more than basic martial drills, but I find using a spear one handed is beginning to diminish in its awkwardness, its weight is almost completely irrelevant, even held only in a single hand, including switching a bit to my left hand. I still lack a certain degree of accuracy, and certainly the force is reduced, but it is enough to be expected for a month or so of work.

>>293398
As the afternoon approaches, I consider an arena fight. Certainly there would be quite a few options in the Camp, and arenas are in effect always open, with the exception of the late nigh possibly, but I expect if the stakes are high enough, even then.

Looking over the list, I attempt to decide who, if anyone to fight, standard bets… three champions right now, that’s not too surprising considering the size of the camp… huh? Really? Catalina… actually, I find this only marginally surprising on some levels.

>Do I have anyone else I wish to talk to, or questions to ask related to positions? [note: Final Decisions can be made now also]
>Do I take on any arena challenge? If so, which one? [Current money: 5 Marks,25 Rounds, 33 Bits]
>Is there anything else to do this afternoon/evening, if not fight?
>>
No. 293727 ID: d3dfb8

First off stretch motherfucker. Don't forget to every morning.
Second, bet 2 marks 25 rounds with Catalina.
When the match starts tell her "I saw your name and couldn't resist, sorry. Say, after the match would you mind showing me some of your stretching techniques? What I was taught wasn't very comprehensive."
Hopefully we'll be able to learn something new.
Oh, after the match and before the stretching remember to offer to buy her a drink or two. You remember how those artillery guys were extremely more eager to tell you about their jobs after you bought them drinks?
>>
No. 293730 ID: 903f16

>>293681
>Do I have anyone else I wish to talk to, or questions to ask related to positions? [note: Final Decisions can be made now also]
I think you've checked out everyone you need to, so if you're going to make that final choice now I say go for the Spectres.

>Do I take on any arena challenge? If so, which one? [Current money: 5 Marks,25 Rounds, 33 Bits]
Yes, either fight Catalina or the offer for 4 Marks, 97 Rounds, and 7 Bits.
>>
No. 293768 ID: a9629e

>Do I have anyone else I wish to talk to, or questions to ask related to positions? [note: Final Decisions can be made now also]
Noone else to talk too, but I'm voting for Morgren.
>Do I take on any arena challenge? If so, which one? [Current money: 5 Marks,25 Rounds, 33 Bits]
What Grail said. And if you fight Catalina, remmeber to grapple. And people tend to worry a lot about modesty when in front of a bunch of people. Use that to your advantage by gripping clothing and armor during the grapple, making any attempts to get away risk losing them. It could help you win, and more importantly it could teach her a valuable lesson about keeping ones mind on the fight. She's been nice, and making sure she understands that rule could very well keep her alive in her future battles.
>Is there anything else to do this afternoon/evening, if not fight?
Not much I can think of. But keep and eye out and talk to Gorth if you see him around the arena.
>>
No. 293769 ID: 2532ff

votin 4 leadin the smashies.

>>293768
>Use that to your advantage by gripping clothing and armor during the grapple, making any attempts to get away risk losing them.
that could be bloody hilarious. fight catalina and do that.
>>
No. 293773 ID: 81f32a

Hahaha
32, you socially inept buffoon!

This kind of makes me think of an anime plot, but instead of thick-headed 16 year old, Thiirtituo-kun, was a normal school-boy till one day a mystical girl fell out of the sky and changed his life forever, he is a sociopath who has hard time understanding people but loves murdering the hell out of them.

I say go for Morgren, if shitsux we can take solace in the fact that it will be just temporary position.
If this gets finally decided, check out your squad, get to know them a little bit. Look at the equipment available and stuff you could use for your own. Have a training spar with Morgren, as always, focus on Senses and Reflexes.
Then think over how much you can get away requisitioning for yourself keeping in mind with your new rank and your experience with The Bureaucracy.

I say we don't fight at all. Especially I don't want to fight Catalina now.
But lets bet on her, 2.5-3 Marks.
>>293727 do this in friendly manner.
Try to bolster her confidence. Encourage her in the fight and wish her luck. Maybe make an off-hand mention that you would like to see what she meant by fighting when you asked her about flexibility training.
[I think with Hotblooded1 and Speechmaking2 we could make some difference. The fact that 32 is watching could have her fighting better].

Don't forget to notify other parties of your choice, whatever it will be.

Then figure out how much free time we will have before next deployment.
Then spend majority of your time training, exercising and sparring with Morgren.
Do some throwing exercises with your Chakram, javelin throwing with your binded spear, one-handed spear fighting (if you find a shield in Mordren stash, use that too), and if there are some throwing weapons for Morgren, use them too.
Also, you should get more comfortable with your 9-20. Search for a rock or a wooden bar of similar weight and sizes and throw them around for a bit. It would suck if you mess up next 9-20 attack because you couldn't measure your strength and threw it too far.
Also, fiddle around with that staff you got from Froggok for a while.
(how long till we get our bow anyway? I want 32 to practice it for a while)
>>
No. 293791 ID: 7173f6

>>293769
seconding this sooooooo hard
>>
No. 293850 ID: 7f017c
File 130195026228.jpg - (99.09KB , 1152x864 , 32CharacterSheet2.jpg )
293850

>>293727
Although I had already stretched this morning, it becoming a part of my normal morning routine, the thought occurs to my mind once more, not wanting to suffer any issues on the field of battle certainly. I take a moment to stretch a bit more, and double my resolve that this will be kept as a routine.
[ie: It is assumed to happen in a ‘basic’ form as a default from now on, with small passive skill growth. This will remain the case until either a new routine is ordered, or 32 for some reason loses the habit, or becomes scatterbrained.]

>>293727
>>293730
[Decision to fight Catalina, with more votes supporting via ‘if you fight, do this’.
>>293773
[Only one real vote against, and instead bet on her fight.]

I see a ripe opportunity for relatively easy money, and possibly a decent battle in fighting Catalina. I know the essentials of how she fights, and have a new feeling of limberness and strength, victory should be nothing but certain.

I throw down my two Marks, and a messenger is dispatched towards the camp I just came from, heh, it could only be a faster case if I had directly challenged her to a wagered duel. Stepping into the waiting area of the arena, about seven or so minutes pass, I glance out at the crowd… certainly a decent turnout, I see signs with Catalina’s name on them in large letters and a general feeling of excitement in the crowd that comes with Champion fights. Generally a champion as far as I know is a person who will be fairly experienced and popular in the arena, eventually asked to serve as a champion whenever they are off duty, with permission to be called in whenever, and guaranteed a certain amount of the money submitted for the privilege, as the crowd drawn is usually moreso than a random fight, it seems to work for all sides. I had never really done much in the arena, but an old squad member in the Duras campaign was apparently a Champion for awhile, until the clay golem got him, heh. Fan’s will never save you from those.

An announcer steps into the middle of the arena, a small man, but with a booming voice as he announces a fight for the “Clawed Champion, the Warrior Princess of Pain, the Graceful Giant of the arena! Catalina the Clawed!~”

I see the familiar face practically hop into the arena to a wave of cheers, a grin plastered on her face I can see from even the makeshift ‘gateway’ to the arena. Feh, traditions of not seeing the challenger meets the hope for a good fight. Either way, the announcer turns towards my end, and motions me to enter, with a corroborating soldier pointing to go. An odd lightness to not have my spear or gear on, but if you can’t trust the black market arenas to keep your stuff safe, there would never be a fight.
“Introducing the challenger! The Morgren who is a Man! An Alchemical Soldier of some reclaim, INTRODCING! Thirty Two!

A series of claps follow my entrance onto the battlefield, and I can tell a certain level of surprise is on Catalina’s face. The cheering is infectious enough to make even me smile lightly, and I step onto the raised platform that more ‘serious’ events like to take hold in… though that never has stopped a fight from continuing if someone ‘accidently’ trips and falls off, heh. Catalina is wearing her usual breastplate and legging set, though with a half helm unlike my own armor.

[Catalina]”And here I thought I knew everyone who fought in the arena, should have known you would too though””

I decide to be polite, but my mind readies itself for the thrill of combat once more, and I keep it short for now”
“Not particularly, but I saw your name and couldn't resist, sorry.”

Catalina just seems to laugh at that, grinning once more, and we take our positions as the announcer waits for some of the sound to die down.

“Victory is at first blood, unconscious, or surrender, Catalina the Clawed Versus Thirty Two… Champion versus Challenger...BEGIN!”

Catalina’s arms ripple in my eyes for a moment, and then the expected rocky exterior begins to form around her arms, making her slight natural armor. Her fingers become two foot long claws of what appears to be rock, as I have seen before.

>>293768
>Victory Conditions include First Blood, We know Catalina can summon Earth ‘Claws’. Combat Magic explicitly mentioned as alright for this fight.
>Grapple her and threaten to rip off clothes to continue teasing her!
[Haha, ok, that’s funny, and everyone liked the humor of miscommunication/flirting of last update, but I’m sure people want to see what the battle is…]
>>293769
>Seconded!
[Alright… I guess that can be his first action of combat and he avoids doing anything too stup…]
>>293791
>Thirded!
[(/mild sarcasm) … this is why we can’t have nice things. But hey, free small bonus]

[Emotional Set Unlocked: Scatterbrained
A condition of forgetfulness or lack of focus on a particular idea or action.
Pros: Allows 32 to forget events he finds embarrassing over time [generally the sting of defeat], and recover morale lost that way in combat. Synergizes with Curiosity if attempting to work with skills in a ‘Jack of all Trades’ format. Required along with Curiosity to access certain Talents.
Pro?/Con?: 32 is slightly less likely to trust his own judgment, and thus more likely to accept the suggestions he perceives as meeting his beliefs. [depending on highest Emotional Set]
Cons: 32 is less likely to recall specific pieces of information without player’s aid, less likely to keep to a consistent routine, and is slightly more likely to ‘critically fail’ instead of just fail with certain skill checks [to represent forgetting what he was doing in the middle of it.]


I decide that to take into account what occurred last night, that maybe Catalina actually has a slightly high sense of modesty, and that this triggers when she feels the circumstances are one versus one in a social setting? Plus the general senseless tendency to get modest when ones well… modesty is threatened, leads me to a surefire plan. A pity this will be so short, but once she is off balance for any reason, fate speaks to my victory.

Lumbering ahead with a purposeful slowness, I see Catalina begin to take speed, leaping on the ground, and waiting for what I guess to be a moment to leap in and attack before I could react. I ready myself, my body honed by recent combats to both be faster, and react swifter… I see her begin to relax a moment, and dive in, taking a speedy set of steps I suspect she doesn’t know one my size can really make. Within moments I have closed the distance, my one hand restricting her via the back of her breastplate, the other restricting her mobility of her leggings, its just a moment to wait, react and…

Suddenly I feel a momentary, sharp pain on my unprotected shoulder, I blink, and Catalina’s face is nothing but a huge grin of victory, a single bloodied claw now held up high in the air where all can see it. Can see my speedy defeat.


…. Well, FEKK!

My mind sort of shuts down and I want to slap myself, the claw disappearing and blood droplets falling onto the ground as I just sort of… let her go, I don’t even really think of it, my mind a minor haze as I back off.

(Announcer)”And you saw it here folks! Catalina wins by first blood again in her similar record times! The challenger fell a bit too hard and a bit too fast for our lovely champion it seems! Remember challengers, Past and Future, the pretty ones are the most dangerous, and they will always sink their claws into you. EVERYONE! CATALINA THE CLAWED!”

The cheering crowd ebbs into the background of my mind, I feel a bit dazed… the fekk I could lose? How the deep, how did I do something that stupid!? ARG! I feel my face begin to flush with frustration, giving Catalina a quick congratulations… I think, before I stumble out of the arena, touching the mark on my left shoulder and just making sure, but yes… the small cut still bleeds. I feel no desire to talk to her now, flexibility wise, drinks, anything… I just need to go. I gather my things quickly, and just keep walking.

I spend the rest of the afternoon a fair amount riled up with disappointment, silently wandering the camp, except for the sounds in my head. Why did I do that? I almost felt fate telling me what to, I could have sworn… feKKIN ARG!

>>293773
Though in my mind as I wander, I do find myself in the Morgren area, near where Captain Nelvin was awhile ago, only at a different arena.

[Morgren Sergeant temp. position chosen by overall popularity over multiple posts]

As I consider it, I find that truly this has been the place that seems to have most appealed to me, outside of arguably the Spectre’s. Maybe It will turn out for the best, maybe the orientation will be offered again, right now I know only one thing… my level of irritation can probably only be handed by the constitution of a Morgren against punches.

I give my acceptance of the position to Captain Nel… or Hal as he reminds me, which he seems pleased about. And venting my anger for the rest of the afternoon on Morgren isn’t exactly perfect, but they take the hits oh so well.

The evening is spent informing Captain Victoria, and leaving a note to the Spectre I find at the orientation spot like the other mentioned, stating an acceptance of another position at the time, thankfulness for the opportunity, and the other made up stuff you’re supposed to put down to please the researchers at MAGE about progress. Returning to the Theta camp, Sullivan seems a bit displeased, knowing from the Captain that this was possible, but his lack of being informed he notes being just like “The pissant cocky kid ya are, but do smash some faces with the Morgren, you deserve being around your kind kid.”, with a hearty bit of laughing.

The transition over to a tent in the Morgren area is about as simple as packing up and taking my slightly oversized, Sullivan states my acceptance of a temporary position as a Morgren Sergeant, and Luken as temporary Force Champion, to a mixed amount of applause. Checking on the time for my bow as I head over, I am told to expect it by approximately Enduday or Rathday this cycle, or anytime after should work also. There are a lot of orders apparently, and this is considered expedited for the requisition system… which sounds about right really.

As night falls, the Captain calls together the presently eleven Morgren under his command, and my fellow two sergeants.I note to some odd feeling I see no signs of Gorth, though I vaguely recognize the scarring on Mekk Gurk to separate that particular Morgren. Introducing me as the new Sergeant, and to take my word as important as any other Segeant on the battlefield. He also tells them to introduce themselves to me, while slowly backing awa…

There are few sights more terrifying, than an imminent dog pile of Morgren ~Attributed to the unknown High Mage who invented Morgren

------------------------
Day 35, Corday Cycle 1 of Praeclarum

I wake up to an overly bright sun, a massive headache, and muscles aching I had only thought to see in overviews that R&D loved to do on anatomy. Pretty sure I have felt worse, though no idea when the fekk that was.

Sitting up, I see a note stating that I am free to do as I wish for today, directions to the nearby Cloak tent if I wish (huh, really close… like, within 200 meters. Actually, that’s not a surprise when you think about it) and that by Lorthday we move out to deal with the Froggrock that are rumored to have golems in employ, along with an Infantry Captain named Drako Einsword and his three squads of the 81st ‘Blasters’.

>Should I go visit the Cloaks (medics)? I suspect I should be fine by tomorrow either way.
>What should I do with a free day? [Note that it is already Afternoon]
>>
No. 293999 ID: 903f16

>>293850
>Should I go visit the Cloaks (medics)? I suspect I should be fine by tomorrow either way.
Eh sure, if only to try and learn more about medicine while they're patching you up. I hope none of the cloaks are arena fans, if they are you'll have to tough it up.

>What should I do with a free day? [Note that it is already Afternoon]
You should learn how to tie better knots. In all seriousness though you could try hanging out with the Morgren and doing some more unarmed training. Maybe push your luck and requisition some new gear, might be a bit early though.
>>
No. 294013 ID: a76809

>>293850
Definitely visit the medic.

You train Morgren-you are GOING to need to get to know them. And, in these introductions you could lay the groundwork for the medics to EXPECT you to ask questions when you are in for frequent 'tune-ups', and every time you visit you can expand on your knowledge of first aid/healing/anatomy.

With the free day-

Finish off that Morgren-themed Kick idea you were clunking about with BEFORE the strength improvement-you had something going there, and the extra Oomph should make this something that could be armor-breaking. That plus getting a Morgren Tower Shield (no way a Sergeant cannot requisition that), and you can finally establish that full combat style you were musing over, spear, shield, kick combo

Hey, you can even use that initial meeting with the Cloaks as a chance to see what they have in terms of vigor restoratives-that way, you can make a legend for yourself on the first day, exhaustively honing unarmed against your own Morgren all damn day and late into the night-maximize chances of learning the knack of some real heavy duty melee blows.
>>
No. 294016 ID: a9629e

You just woke up, so stretch.(We're scatterbrained now guys, we have to remind him)

See if you can find out where Gorth got assigned, and if he hasn't been, see if he can get assigned where you're at.

Talk to Hal. See if you can convince him that it'd be good if the Morgren under your command were a bit more consistent. A good commander has a good idea of what those under his command can do, and becoming that familiar with the Morgren is a bit hard if the ones under your command are always changing. Given the way Sergeants switch around "babysitting duty", maybe offer up the idea of taking care of these specific Morgren even when it's the other sergeants turn at the rotation. Play up the fact that you'd be mentoring them, since he said he prefers that.

I completely agree with training with Morgren, but if you can get the captain to agree with the above, make sure it's the Morgren who'd be under you.
>>
No. 294041 ID: 81f32a

Oh God. I'm not even going to read the battle fragment to save myself from embarrassment. Gonna pretend it never happened and suggest the same for 32. Hopefully, we didn't strain our relationship with anyone.
Bob, why didn't you share you wisdom? your suggestion would have been more constructive and would have saved us from failure.... I think

>Should I go visit the Cloaks (medics)? I suspect I should be fine by tomorrow either way.
No ... it's too embarrassing D:


What do?
Well, like i said before see what kind of equipment Morgren have that you can use for your own. Learn how much requisition you can get with your new rank, rep, etc..

Then spend the whole day training. See >>293773 for more on this. Add, hand-to-hand fighting to this too. Do everything with Morgren, of course.
Don't forget to stretch once in a while.

I wonder if we can figure out a way to train camouflage without making fool out of ourself?
>>
No. 294042 ID: a9629e

>>294041
The damage we took was from the Morgren dogpile, not the battle. We only got a cut on the shoulder from that. Visiting the cloaks has nothing to do with the embarrassment of losing so quickly. Which we shouldn't forget about, because it's a valuable lesson in remembering the rules of a given conflict for 32. And in my case, checking the pictures attached to Naive's posts.
>>
No. 294088 ID: d3dfb8

Head over to the Cloaks, get that headache healed up, we've got shit to do.
You've dishonored yourself. What are you going to do about it, cry?
NO. YOU ARE 32. NO ONE DISHONORS YOU, NOT EVEN YOURSELF. GO BACK OVER TO THE ARENAS AND RE-CHALLENGE CATALINA.
How about this time we not be fucking retarded. Open with a charge and feint with the illusions. When she moves to intercept nothing give her a light love tap to the nose.
If she isn't fooled by the illusion [COMBAT REFLEXES] to make her only hit your breastplate.
>>
No. 294160 ID: adb08c

[Would you believe if I said that I tried to post yesterday against fighting or at least give better battle plan if I was outvoted but due to connection problems I gave up and went to sleep?]

Talk to Gorth? Ask him about the demon thing.
I think the incident back when we were sparring against Morgten and this demon thing are somehow related.
>>
No. 294297 ID: 7f017c
File 130206964146.jpg - (101.12KB , 1152x864 , 32CharacterSheet2.jpg )
294297

rolled 15, 19, 17 = 51

>>294016
[Scatterbrained at level 2 does not mean he needs to be reminded daily, more that he needs a reminder or two every cycle or so. At higher levels it may need daily reminders though. ]

>>294042
[This is also correct, Catalina only inflicted a small scratch on 32, which easily healed. The actual damage involved a dogpile of ogre-sized creatures that all outweigh 32 as individuals (ie. Morgren).]

>>294013
>>294088
Standing up, and stretching some minor pain out of my muscles, I decide if for no other reason than to get rid of this headache, I should go see the Cloaks.

Entering the tent, I find it to be fairly surprisingly large at first, until I realize the circumstances of the area… easily twice that though of about any tent I have been in before, except the temporary buildings that house paperwork. A full staff of three people looks up towards me, all of them male, and fairly average. The tallest one by a small margin welcomes me and introduces himself as Levin, stating accurately that I must be the new Morgren Sergeant, and that they were expecting me… ‘Though arguably earlier, and in slightly worse condition’, as he tries to laugh it off.

>>294088
Taking me to a seat oversized even for me, and asking me to wait a bit, walking off a short distance while they rifle through cheap cabinets full of unknown things, conversing amongst themselves.

I consider briefly the notion of immediately challenging Catalina again, demanding a rematch, only to feel my chest tighten slightly… memories of the loss flashing into my head for a moment as I try to force them out of my head. How could I find myself wanting? How could I lose? How will I ever be able to pilot an incarnation of death if I can dare failure, even in such a mundane thing… how… how.

I seek a calm spot in my mind, and recall my dream. I recall the battlefields of Duras, a battlefield where one could disappear in the chaos of battle, where one’s life was meaningless, where only death reigned in the end. I remember the all pervasive cloud, an enemy that taunted an effort of victory.

All that broke though, all of it, when the one things I can truly say I admired showed up on the field. I had received no notice, only another promise of aid, victory, and other such lies that came with so many others as loss threatened all around me from incompetence. Then without warning, it was as if the cloud of death had formed into one whole… a black carapace seemed to dominate the sky for a moment, moving faster than anything I had seen in my life. It jetted towards the ground, and a ripple rent the air apart, and its scream made enemies tear apart like nature itself at that moment. Golems that had confounded even Morgren, shattered back into the earth they came from. It rushed until its version of the front line had surpassed any I had seen in my year of fighting, an unstoppable force, as if fate had personified itself.

A calm falls over me as I remember, the day my life had some greater purpose than to not fail, when I needed to seek, instead of merely live.

Seeing the arrival of the Cloaks again, I shake out of the past.

>>294013
“Considering what I sort of signed up for, I suspect this won’t be the first time I see you. I am Temporary Morgren Sergeant 32.”
Levin ”haha, yes, we end up seeing about all the officers on a fairly regular basis. Though you seem like a more advanced alchemical than I’ve seen before. At least more massive, so hopefully a few less injuries… they keep us fairly busy as you might suspect. Anyways, what are your particular problems, besides the fact you were welcomed into your new position?”

I briefly explain the muscle pains and headaches, and Levin introduces me to his assistants Alphonse and Fynn in the meantime. I hear him briefly discuss the use of a rune, but rules he doesn’t know if the runes on my body might interfere. He takes a Mortor, grounds… something and makes essentially a tea that he tells me to drink. Which I find some relief from, and states it is all he is willing to do really as I seem to be overall fine. He does however give me the advice before I leave, that Morgren will always obey a direct command, and that this can be a lifesaver to remember if they ever seem to be going off on their own. In addition, he hands me a singular, somewhat small, corked vial with a vaguely red liquid inside of it. Asking what it is, he states that its fairly standard for a Sergeant and Captain to have one with Morgren, and that it is essentially a ‘healing potion’.

I recall these having been used on the battlefield before, though quite sparingly to say the least. Levin informs me that in an emergency, the potion can be consumed for a fairly rapid recovery of some organ tissues, but mostly skin should regrow and avoid additional bleeding issues. He also notes that he’s not sure exactly how effective it will be on someone my size, and that I will wear out badly a few hours after the fact for an hour or two, but that it is far preferable to death, or losing control over the Morgren.

Exiting the tent, I feel a fair amount better, a series of minor pains I have easily pushed through many times in my life my current status. And consider what to do with the day.

>>294016
>>294013
And decide quickly that I really don’t feel any need to go anywhere, it is my new duty to serve as a Morgren Sergeant, and so I shall. Two immediate questions peg my mind, the distribution of Morgren, and which will be under my control, and for some reason the location of Gorth. With fate’s method of trickery, I almost expected to run into…

I turn around quickly, but see nothing. Darn, I thought I knew what fate was going to do there, feh.

I talk to Captain Nelvin, or Hal. He states that in general, Morgren are assigned to each person depending on the tactical situation generally. All sergeants will receive at least two, unless being sent on a solo mission with a Morgren for a good reason (attempted assassination/infiltration usually, anything beyond 1 Morgren has no chance of stealth, and even then it’s iffy). In general, the Captain assigns them as he sees fit, though upon my asking, he says I, or anyone else, can request specific Morgren, though it is at his discretion generally. Asking if I could have a particular group, explaining a desire to mentor them now, and become familiar with a small group for the first assignment.

Asking about Gorth, he states that Gorth is actually well known, one of the few survivors, and currently really without a squad, acting until reassigned under a retainer. Apparently the mess hasn’t still been fully sorted out, and the paperwork is more a pain when Morgren are involved, as they can’t submit paperwork well. If I want to find him, assuming he isn’t wandering, his present ‘retainer’ should be at the camp directly to the east, one arena over.

He thinks about it a moment, and says he cannot promise me anything until we arrive, as he won’t restrict himself, but he will give me three Morgren he states he thinks he could keep at least two with me at the time of combat.

Setting up on the large ‘arena’, the size of many conventional ones, and more a large dirt field than anything standard. Ollie, the ‘actual’ Morgren Sergeant along with Yal (the other in our group of three Sergeants), sets me up quickly enough with three Morgren at Hal’s insistence, and the promise I as a result had to watch some of the other Morgren.

I decide to start where I had sort of left off, and attempt to get some basic level of ‘feeling’ about these Morgren.

[i]Mekk Gurk
: The Morgren I fought previously, and the only one with two names, implying a certain form of veterans status. He seems pleased on some levels to see me acting as a Sergeant, probably as he suggested me. I learn quickly though in the kicking/combat basics exercise, that he seems to be among the least… zealous to fight I suppose? Unlike the others, who act immediately, or kick without a single moment of thought, he tends to delay a bit more, and try for a certain level of actual precision, or to copy what I’m doing, or to think of an answer before blurting it out when I ask about specifics.
Lurt: Slightly squatter of a build than the other two, Lurt seems to actively make himself known as really liking kicking. Making boisterous sounds with each kick, stomping on the ground on his landing. He’s about as subtle as you expect of all Morgren, but seems very… animated would be generous, loud would be the real word that comes to mind.
Crak: Comes off as very… bored to just work on one particular thing, losing focus fairly frequently, and I can tell in his eyes that he wants to probably fight more than just sort of do a form of drill.

Either way, I make some progress, and get a better understanding of the Morgren…. Style? Of combat.

[Talent Unlocked, [i]Morgren Style Fightin: Morgren fight with a style that relies on their ability to generally easily overpower any opponent. Shoving, tackling, and very high powered punches and kicks that cause even the Morgren a certain amount of pain, and can leave them off balance if poorly done. Despite this, no one can argue that Morgren aren’t effective, willing to try new ways ‘to put da urtin’ on enemies, or unwilling to use a cheap shot to grab victory. Taking this talent represents 32 learning techniques that generally abuse his larger mass and thicker bones like Morgren. All attacks used with Morgren style tactics in mind will generally be more brutal in damage, likely to throw off balance an opponent with less mass, or inspire 32 to do something more ‘unsportsmanly’, using the environment, allies of the enemy, etc. to gain an advantage. On the downside, Morgren are willing to hurt themselves in the long run of a battle in order to have a good fight in the short term, and such attacks carry extra risks of 32 accidently hurting himself (ex: by punching so hard as to hurt his own hand, in order to send a foe flying), throwing himself off balance, or attack in a way that is deemed ‘unsporting’ by the broad outsiders. Higher levels represent more familiarity with the style, and maximize benefits, while lowering risks of downsides.]

>What sort of training should I attempt with the Morgren?
>Do I try and go see Gorth in the evening? Or do more with the Morgren?
>[rolling to see if ‘outside’ Morgren get involved.]
>>
No. 294308 ID: 903f16

>>294297

>What sort of training should I attempt with the Morgren?
I like what Mekk Gurk was trying to do. Let's get all of these guys to try for more accuracy in their attacks. Get a bucket of paint or something else that is visible and adheres to skin. Use it to mark vulnerable spots on all the Morgren and then ask them all to try and hit these spots on the other Morgren. This of course means they will have to defend their own marks at the same time. The winner should get something, like he gets to put on a blindfold and try to defend himself from us.

>Do I try and go see Gorth in the evening? Or do more with the Morgren?
Let's go talk to Gorth, maybe invite him for a training session or something.
>>
No. 294333 ID: a9629e

rolled 17 = 17

>What sort of training should I attempt with the Morgren?

Well, they like to be thrown, don't they? SO here's what I'm thinking; Have two throw one, who then lands and has to push back against a sort of dashing charge the other two started as soon as they threw him. The chargers keeping low with their arms shielding their heads and just bulldozing, not swinging out or anything. I'm sure the Morgren would love this, and if they got used to doing this sort of thing, throwing one over a golem or into an army and the throwers immediately charging while the other sows chaos where it landed, you might be able to break a unit damn near instantaneously due to the craziness of it all.

Given the rolls, I assume three other Morgen are going to show up. So lets turn this into a game once that happens. Have them throw them just past each other, and then the lander has to stop the throwers from getting to the guy they threw. First throwers to get to their lander gets a point. Think up some sort of reward, maybe some sparring matches with you, for the team with the most points.

Also, rolling for this training because I love me some unnecessary rolls.

>Do I try and go see Gorth in the evening? Or do more with the Morgren?

Maybe once all that's done, see if you can find Gorth and help him fill out some paperwork to get transferred to your unit. Talk about the above training with him to get him psyched for it if you can.
>>
No. 294649 ID: a9629e
File 130216154950.jpg - (157.18KB , 1500x1500 , morgren.jpg )
294649

Heh, no update means I get to use this. Lurking friend of mine commissioned fanart from his sister, so here you go.
>>
No. 294754 ID: 81f32a

>>294649
>Heh, no update
What?!
Ah, come on!

Naive, if you keep doing this, I will be forced to file in a complaint.

>What sort of training should I attempt with the Morgren?
>>294041

>Do I try and go see Gorth in the evening? Or do more with the Morgren?
Yes, see him. Ask him about "Demon" thing..... hopefully he will not freak out by the memories, but be ready (you can never know with Morgren) to calm him down by any means (try using diplomacy, hot-blooded by talking about the virtues of Empire or a good solid kick something ... if all fails just roughhouse a bit... try not to break anything)
>>
No. 294933 ID: 7f017c
File 130223738534.jpg - (431.43KB , 600x849 , OvercaptainDavinStrider.jpg )
294933

>>294649
[Fanart Bonus! And tell your friend his sister can toss my Morgren any day! Heh. Nifty though]

>>294308
>>294333
[In the battle of ideas, 32 finds the second idea more amusing. Defaults to second idea.
Training roll: 17
>>294297
Morgren Rolls: 15, 17, 19. Roll > 10 = Arrival, Roll > 15 High Quality arrival, Roll >= 19 Morgren minor superstar opportunity.]

I take a cue from my fights previously with Morgren, remembering how impressive they seemed to find my being able to throw one of them, and how all of them wanted me to throw them in order to remove them from the pile they had tangled themselves into… though even just the memory makes my arm muscles wince a little.

“Lurt! Crak! Pick Mekk up and get ready to toss him like a ragdoll.”

Mekk Gurk just blinks a moment, all sides seem to not almost believe the words coming out of my mouth… unfortunately for Mekk, Lurt and Crak seem to get it a bit faster, and before he can react is now being held a good five feet in the air by his arms and legs.

“Alright, here is what I want you all to do, Lurt, Crak, when I say so, I want you to throw Mekk and…”

Suddenly I hear a small whooshing of air, oddly akin to what one would suspect if a giant creature was getting thrown in the air. I sigh inwardly, I should have seen –that coming-, impulsive fekkin things. I decide to act quickly.

“Mekk! Land, down on a knee, brace yourself, stop them from tackling you.”

I get what I think is a grunt of understanding, before the ground shakes from impact, and without hesitation or needed instruction, the other two Morgren are barreling towards the downed Veteran. I sense though a certain resolve though, as the small giant quickly plunks itself to one knee and attempts to brace for collision.

Watching the ensuing entanglement, I have to give the Morgren credit for at least trying… and paying some level of attention. The other two… well, apparently Morgren tackles look like they HURT. Mekk though seems to get up though not really any worse for the wear along with the two others. Attempting to calcify though that I want them to do this, I repeat my instru… oh good, so Crak tried to throw Lurt without listening again, but Mekk didn’t…

I never knew the borderline between hilarious and annoying, until I saw a Morgren spin like a top, while holding onto a Morgren attempted to be thrown into the air.

[Roll = 17, Fan Art Bonus grants a larger crowd, greater involvement by 32, and greater interest, Highly Successful end result. Due to rolling, only 2 direct Cexp gained.]

However, by the end of the afternoon, I can feel a vast improvement has been made. Not only do all of the Morgren by the end have improved throwing distances, I note what seem to be improved reaction times, Mekk Gurk in particular seems to have grasped how to hold his ground, and can with the most consistency handle the barrage of Morgren tackles. More hopefully, the Morgen also at a point seem to be listening to me now, as I have Mekk Gurk and Crak throw me and attempt the same exercise, using my Magitech heart upon landing to give myself more of what I know I need as a chance. Not only do I not end up being thrown like a spinning top, but the exercise goes flawlessly, and though I cannot hold back both bashing into me completely, both seem surprised that I do not go flying back, but instead only slowly pushed away.

In a way, I find myself not overly surprised to see a small crowd of Morgren gathering, cheering with each toss. Another round goes by, with me now in the place of the other Morgren at times, which seems to make the outside Morgren positively giddy both to see me tackle, and be tackled by Morgren. For this round I keep the Magitech up for each maneuver, using only a few seconds to keep up with the demands of the exercise. A single attempt without my Magitech heart pumping finds me holding, but just barely against the minor giants. By the end, all sides of the exercise are panting, myself included.

Looking out in the crowd though, taking a break at the end of the afternoon… huh, I see Gorth. That certainly saves me the trouble of looking for him later. The crowd is boisterous, but considering what I’ve been through, I feel little immediate need to police it.
[Roll > 15, Veteran Arrival]

Though the somewhat normal series of events suddenly breaks when a new Morgren arrives… the largest one I’ve see, easily a foot taller than Mekk Gurk, and as thick as a brick wall in sheer mass… Not only that, but a series of pale blue armored segments that seem to just form around the girth of the Morgren, making a series of metal outer muscles above the Morgren’s real muscles, its hands wrapped in a pair of massive gauntlets that are mostly a similar blue-ish metal, with thin lines of black in seemingly runic designs. Two of the Morgren crowd seem to dive at him in ‘introduction’, where he almost nonchalantly grabs their skulls in midair, collides their bodies into eachother, and tosses them aside. This seems to rile up the other Morgren, and before it’s all said and done, a circle of ten Morgren are on the ground around this one. Gorth in an odd calmness walks up though, and the new Morgren pounds a series of five blows into the Morgren… only to have Gorth fall back a little, a huge grin now plastering his face.

(Gorth)”Haha! Fud Urk Ach Lunt! Iz good thupin times again!”
(Fud)”Bwahaha, itz da bestest Gorth. I ‘eard dere was little man and flying funz ta be ‘ad. And ya’z all gettin betta at da scraps, not ‘own wot for goodz dis time it seems.”
(Gorth)”Yaz punches are weak old won! I ‘ear dat ya makes up ya stories of dragon punchin, Iz fought down a demon ya git!”
(Fud) ”Wot you say little one? Iz couldn’t ‘ear ya, yas as tiny as yaz name!”

Gorth at this dives at the larger Morgren, fists flying, with Fud dodging or just catching every hit the smaller Morgren throws and tossing them aside. In what I’ve slightly come to expect, this does nothing to stop Gorth, Morgren caught in the way blasted away between the relentless torrent of mass. I sigh a little, but it seems like this is a standard enough result, no time to bother em quiet yet…

[Roll = 19, Fanart Bonus. Meet your Overcaptain]

(???)”My apologies for my charge’s interference, but he seems to find that Gorth an amusing one. He insisted all day that if he did well in the last engagement I was obligated to let him visit.

I turn around to address the voice behind me.

“Eh, it’s not that big a deal, I’ve been dealing with Morgren tackling all day as is.”

Turning around, I see a man of fairly impressive physical stature, probably only a half meter shorter than myself, far taller than most humans. He sports a rather impressive and ornate set of modified plate mail, that I somewhat pity to see him wear considering the blasted heat around here. At me looks the face of a fairly young man, probably no older than myself by a few years, with short brown hair, and a set of stubble on his face. On his back are a pair of twin blades, each as tall as the man himself, of a much darker color than any steel I have ever seen, but seemingly of about the same material? I can almost feel a level of force exuded from the blades themselves, and the helmet in his hand at the moment hints at an impressive armored motif.

”I can certainly understand that, I am sorry to state though, I do not recognize you and I generally see all the Sergeants, at least at the sentencing hearing if nothing else.”
“Ah, I did not come from the usual routes. I am a temporary Morgren Sergeant, and volunteered at Captain Hal’s request.”
”A volunteer? Really? And I didn’t hear about it? I haven’t heard of anyone volunteering since well… myself really. Hahaha, did you know about the intro…”
“Not at the time no, but I obviously survived.”
”Hahaha, well, I knew I was getting into at least that because of an older brother. Now that’s a shame.”
“Exactly who are you though?”
”Ah yes, my apologies, I always assume to just be known at this point. I am Overcaptain Davin Strider, also known as ‘The Demonbane’ at times, and technically your Overcaptain while you’re under Captain Hal’s command.”

I feel my stomach sink for a moment, fekk, I should have known this was a superior officer, fekk… really superior if this is the Overcaptain.

[Diplomacy >= 1]

“Oh um… my apologies sir, I didn’t..”
”haha, no worries, volunteering certainly isn’t a normal channel… Mr?”
“Not Mr. Sir. Alchemical, designation Thirty Two.”
”I suppose I should have known that too, next time I have to read my letters before the evening hits. I appear to be blundering today, also let me guess, Force Champion before this eh?”
“Correct Sir.”
”Haha, knew it. Sounds just like the path I took, makes me confident you will have good fun around here. Should have known though things were different if there was talk of Morgren tossing, not exactly a lot can do that.”
“Benefits of serving the Empire Sir.”
”Hmm, looks like this may be over soon, nice meeting you there… Thirty Two, bleh, an odd name… er, um, no offence. Heheh.
“None taken.”

He takes my hand and shakes it briefly, a notable amount of strength in even the grasp, as he points off a short distance where I see Gorth and Fud still. Gorth ramming at the larger Morgren, who grab’s at Gorth’s horns, Gorth going for a low kick, rearing his head back to ram into Fud and…

Right into a mailed fist that appeared almost out of nowhere. Gorth staggers back, seemingly dazed.

”It’s about the fourth time I have seen those two at it within a month, and Gorth always falls right for the feint to headbutt. Usually a good sign it’s about to be over. FUD! Ya had your fun, and you know Ludd wanted to do weapons before the evening is over, get over. ”

The giant Morgren ‘pats’ Gorth on the back while walking back, causing Gorth to fall on his face, to the laughs and cheers of the group around, a large amount of ‘punch/pats’ going onto the Morgren.

”Ind you! Ah, yous da one? Throwin da boyz wot good, wants ta get into a scrap? Iz even go easy on ya, let ya get first ‘it yeah? Cap’in let uz do won quick”

Overcaptain Strider shrugs

”You just love showing off for the smaller ones you lug, but eh, if it’s alright with the Sergeant. You have five minutes. Feel free to go all out Sergeant, any injuries are Fud’s fault, and no serious injuries on the Sergeant Fud, NONE.”

The Morgren nods, the same silly grin I see plastering its face of all of them who expect a fight.

I’m now sure it’s asking me if I want to fight it… feh, I was a bit tired, but that was all of the break I needed for a second wind, but I still feel good minus some muscles aching. Four name Morgren eh? Definitely not the kind that’s usually around here I suspect, could be worthwhile. Overcaptain of all people around too to see me fight, I doubt that’s an opportunity one gets all that often.

Looking around, there isn’t much of any real ‘terrain’ to the environment… Five Morgren around, including Mekk, Crak, and Lurt five meters away, anxiously listening for my response, Gorth ten meters away, beginning to stand up, the rest are a good twenty meters or so in about all directions, talking amongst themselves. The ‘arena’ is mostly a patch of dirt, all plantlife killed by trampling Morgren.

>Do I accept Fud Urk Ach Lunt’s challenge? If I bow out, what should I say?
>If I do accept, do I take the ‘free’ first hit, do I use my Spear?
>What broader strategy should I use for the fight?
>>
No. 295022 ID: a9629e

It all makes sense now. Fate has been building towards this opportunity. This is an opportunity that will likely have lasting impact upon your life. A chance to make your worth known to the Overcaptain, earn the respect of all the gathered Morgren, who so often serve Fate in culling the weak from the worthless enemies of the Empire. So much went into this moment. Meeting Catalina, seeing the blaze of true passion from Reinhardt, watching Kyon's movements on the battlefield, learning to move in the swamp, the new function of your heart, learning about the way things fly through the air, throwing Morgren, learning to kick, Gorth showing up to allow you to watch his little sparring with Fud. And even your loss to Catalina, which in your anger led you to the Morgren. Fate only decreed that you should lose, as to gain a greater victory. All of it was building upon this moment, which your fate shall build upon.

You will not take that first blow, as Fate has no need for such thing. You will not use your spear, as you are the instrument of Fate, not some piece of metal. And take off your breastplate. It'll do nothing to protect you from Fud, and it will only restrict your Fate guided evasion.

Your reflexes may not be up to the task of avoiding his blows as of yet, but reflexes are for reacting. Fate shall guide you so as to know what shall come from your enemy so as to preemptively evade. First, remember what Fate has shown you of his movements. When you feint, provided you don't intend for your follow-up to utilize the momentum of the feint, your muscles don't contract as much during wind-up, and more during follow through. His metal armor moves with his muscles, and Morgren have much more muscle mass, so you should've gotten a very good look at the difference while he was playing with Gorth. You must focus on his whole body, watching his muscle-like armor closely so as to know when to move. As for how to move, you've also watched Kyon fight. While you mostly focused on his augment, remember the whole thing. The way he stepped and maneuvered to avoid blows. You will move like him, keeping in mind the way you stayed light on your feet in the swamps. Fate has given you these gifts so as to ensure you avoid the punishing blows of this Morgren.

Defense may only be one half of the battle, but things have preceded in a way that quite clearly shows avoiding his blows will be the foundation of your offense as well. Amidst your evasion, you will feint with the runes of illusion, which while rarely used, must be meant for this fight, while putting some distance between you. This veteran Morgren will see through this, if not the first time surely the second, and seek to capitalize on it with a powerful left cross. This will be the moment you strike for the first time. Turning on your magitech heart, you will take a quick, short step forward with your left foot, focusing on hardening the ground to provide further support for the large step forward and to the outside of the punch with your right foot. You will grab his arm mid punch with one hand, as you pivot harshly to avoid it. Grabbing his body at his center of gravity with your free hand and sliding your left foot into a proper stance while focusing on the vibrations to give your action the added support you need. Yanking his arm forward during his punch, and pushing with your other, you will begin to throw him, adding your strength to his momentum. But that is not all, you will use the strengthened ground to push off, bringing yourself forward into the air as well to add your weight to his for this. The Overcaptain, unknowingly speaking for fate, decreed you would go all out, and you shall oblige. Fud will land headfirst on the very spot you first hardened with vibrations. You will utilize all you have learned of throwing, Morgren and not, in this one smooth action.

The Morgren is tough though, being blessed by fate for it's long service, so this will most certainly not end the fight. You will deactivate your heart and fall back a bit. He will remember the way you threw him though, and attempt to bait you into try again, only this time he will be prepared. You will oblige, being even more so. His cross will likely come farther outside, so as to account for your movement. Your movements, ever guided by Fate, shall account for that as well though. Watching his muscles, he will do one of many things. If he does not punch with as much weight, he will either swing wide with his arm to catch you off guard, or step into a kick or headbutt. If he puts as much weight into the blow, he will wrench back, reversing the blow and using the momentum for a powerful right hook. This is what you're waiting for, but he may instead attempt to grab rather than punch in this instance, which you will avoid at all costs. Activating your heart again, and moving in a similar manner as last time, you will step into him rather than to the outside, turning around and gripping his wrist and into his armpit while once more hardening the ground for support. You will yank him forward, while kicking out with one foot into his leg. With his momentum, it will give and he shall once more be in the air. Focus on the way his leg gives, as you will be using such information soon. You will not jump this time, as that will give him too much time to react now that he has an idea of what to expect. Your feet will brace backwards and you shall lurch forward, ensuring that he lands on his head once more, rather than simply lying flat. Move away, deactivating the heart once more.

You have led him into two traps now, and he will be prepared to grab you if you were to try and throw him from a hook again. You could counter such an attempt, but he would likely be prepared for that as well now. As such, Fate decrees you take a different path. This time, you will wait for him to try to headbutt you. You are shorter than Gorth though, and he will have to lurch forward quite a bit in the attempt, so you will use his strength and momentum against him once more. You will activate your heart a third time, sliding low and to the side, grabbing his head and yanking it forward while you kick one leg out from under him. This throw will land him on his back. While no where near as effective as the last two throws, it will serve it's purpose. To seemingly establish a pattern, and once more so how his leg bends and braces. He will be expecting another throw. Fate has other plans.

This will be the last of your attacks, as the five minutes alotted for sparring draw to a close. You will wait for a kick. Activating your heart as before, you will step aside, as you have done before, to his bracing leg. This time, however, you will not seek to throw him. You will focus the vibrations for support, and kick hard to the outer thigh, using what you've observed from his leg to do your best to twist the joint. But more so, you will try and use Congealing Vibrations in a new way. You can reinforce solid and semi-solid surfaces by focusing. Now this time, you're going to try to force the opposite of this as your foot makes contact with Fud's leg. It may or not work, but it is your duty to find ways to make the most out of what Fate has given you. If it does, the leg may give. If it doesn't, the blessings of Fate have still let you guide this match in your favor.

(Have a Haiku)
The Morgren Will Fly
Quickly Towards the Hard Ground
This Fate has Decreed

(And while I'm not really one to talk, nobody roll. I want whatever combat experience we can get out of this)
>>
No. 295058 ID: 81f32a
File 130228922242.jpg - (168.72KB , 800x600 , 32.jpg )
295058

Remember when you fought Morgren before you used techniques which used their strength against them (not blocking the attacks but redirecting them and throwing them around). Do that.

Actually beating him would be really hard. Remember how we never could beat Mekk. This one has 4 names, two ranks above Mekk. Morgren have notoriously resistant heads so beating him into unconsciousness would be near impossible (save for the act of Destiny herself)

Frankly, I have no idea how we would beat him. We could fight on even grounds as long as possible, or just keep punching and throwing him around just to impress the onlookers.

Don't forget to use Illusions. Morgren are pretty think headed, so you could keep surprising him with your use of the illusions and he would probably keep falling for them.

I say we fight with no weapons or armor. Request the same for Fud. Lets fight with only our pants on.

>(And while I'm not really one to talk, nobody roll. I want whatever combat experience we can get out of this)
Yeah, I agree
Even if we lose this, we will probably get some CExp. So I'm voting against rolls.

>Whipped up some Fan-art too..... not overly good though. ... Eh, I should really invest more time in drawing if I ever want to be good at it D:
>>
No. 295142 ID: d3dfb8

Yeah sure, give him a fight. Spend the first minute or so being defensive, get a feel for how he fights and FOR THE LOVE OF FATE DON'T GET HIT.
See how he manages being distanced from his opponents; morgren don't seem to have evidenced any long ranged attacks. Perhaps a veteran of this status will show us something we can teach to our underlings.
>>
No. 295144 ID: a76809

>>294933
Since there is already an immense emotional synchronization post and a fanart post, I offer the following.


Before ANYTHING else, activate your Magitech Heart, and use Congealing Vibrations to constantly assure that no possible muck or ANYTHING fluid will slip under your feet and leave you prone, the following will take nimble movement.

Okay, you had some moves that could draw blood on bare Morgren-the supported thumb-strikes, the extended knuckle pairs, the elbows.

You have also learned you can create a hammering effect by triking a weapon already in contact with the foe.

Add to this the fact you have gotten stronger and have congealing vibrations, which may be able to semi-solidify the blood in the arm that strikes the first blow to make a better shock transfer pillar for the SECOND arm, which will strike your first.

Basically, replicate the spear double tap weapon ability-only do it with your arms.

Just keep dodging around with Agility and knowledge of Morgren range of motion, reach and combat styles, and go to strike in between those metal plates, wherever there is not a bone plate covering the pelt-covered Morgren hide.


Now obviously this will do no lasting harm to him-

The point is to show you can make him bleed, and do something that is safe enough you can see if your rough knowledge of Morgrens applies to this guy-consider he is the longest named one you know, and Gorth did not get so rattled with Mek Gurk.


Actually, that leads to what to do beyond the harassing tactic-as this will obviously grab his attention, have your flight bring you over towards Gorth, and stay aware of his position-look to have Gorth punch him. Should make Gorth think the fight is still going, and open the possibility of you two tagteaming the bigger Morgren for a greater chance at victory, an impressive bonding moment, and a chance to make a truly loyal Morgren out of Gorth.

That all hinges on wounding him and getting him swinging enough he hits gorth so this stops being one on one.


Don't bother with the other Morgren other than maybe Mek, they will just be moving blocks in this fight, I doubt many but Gorth could take this guy's hits.
>>
No. 295159 ID: 7f017c

rolled 9, 4, 10 = 23

>>295022
[Fate => Fatalism Theme Bonus, Haiku Bonus]
I stare up at the giant among Morgren, and think. Fate has indeed brought me to this moment, no other explanation [Authors Note: you know, except BS good rolls] makes any traction in my mind. A loss has granted me a chance for even greater victory, and so shall I seize it.

I hand my Spear to the Overcaptain, who takes it, seemingly knowing that I intend to fight the creature with only my fists. I also discard any need for a first blow from my mind. Such things are for the uncertain, the non-destined. It is time to show everyone, my new charges, my new boss, everyone, both what I am made of, and that destiny leads me forward.

>>295144
I first invoke my Magitech Heart, concentrating on the vibrative effect that has been growing since the last battle with the Commander. To find that I have a reasonable degree of control, I feel friction forming below me, dust that once would have been borne by the weakest of winds now grasping solidly. Merely a reflection on my own strength I would argue, bracing against it, fists ready.

“Bring it on. I don’t need a first attack. I’ll make you eat my fist either way.”

The Morgren seems to laugh at that implication, and as my mind rushes in a flurry, I try to gather what little I remember of Morgren tactics. I try to consider longer range attacks, not likely, it only has gauntlets.

>>295058
[Fanart Bonus, DYNAMIC PUNCH ENTRY!]
It has been fairly warned, and now I shall show it what fate has to offer.

Three quick words are mumbled under my breath, and three illusions coat my body, with but a thought, I send each flying at the Morgren separately, giving them some space, and snting them at the creature’s face. I see it taken aback for a moment, as I use the distraction to pily my actual self in underneath, gripping as much as I can from the earth beneath me.

I recall a punch thrown by Crak earlier against Mekk. Its effect apparently devastating in sheer force, but sending the Morgren falling face first into the ground as the other Morgren fell away from the blow. I rear back my hand, along with almost the entire rest of my body. The Morgren, blind to what is going along beneath him, has placed his gauntleted hands in front of his chest to protect against my fakes, and seems ready to head butt my false oncoming attack. In on the other hand plant one foot far forward, and throw my entire augmented body into what against such a huge foe would be a blow that would send me barreling forward.

“WAH!” I yell, rage and power transferring from my body to my fist as it collides with the blue-ish metal.

Air bursts out from the collision audibly, my advance only stopped by a wall of metal and muscled mass, that quickly it seems begins to cave. Metal dents into the Morgren’s body, the Morgren’s arms go flying off of its defensive posture, and breath is notably forcibly knocked out in a small gust. A silence falls over the area for a moment, the laughing gone.

Yet… despite that punch, neither of us have moved. The Morgren solidly planted into the ground, and each risk of the blowback knocking me back instead is held fast instead by the ground. Vibrations rattle up my arm painfully, and my head begins to feel off for a moment, my balance threatening to give despite the ground not yielding. I force my mind into focus, as I see the Morgren lift up his arm, and not so much throw a punch, but lift it up high, and throw it down as if to squash me with his shoulder.

[Combat Reflexes >= 1 FAIL, Fatalism Bonus, Fanart, Haiku, PASS]
I move my leg forward, prepared for what comes next, I impact my body extremely close to the Morgen, too close for his shoulder to realistically reach unless he falls to a knee easily, and I instead of dodging, reach up. Grabbing the arm, and refocusing on the vibrations from my heart, I begin to toss with all of my might from the pivot point I try to make against his body and his shoulder with me between.

Muscles strain, the mass of the creature being a notable amount beyond that of the three I was tasked with, I find myself unable to do a true toss of the Morgren, as I find it adjusts its body’s mass downwards upon my grab, and the best I can do is to throw it to the side, muscles pulsing slightly on my left side from strain.

To find that the Morgren had taken an unexpected attack into a counter, and proceeded to roll his body into the shape of a ball. As its horns dig into the dirt, and I stabilize myself, a large cloud of dust kicks into the air, two deep gashes in the ground, and I find the Morgren FLIPPING itself back up onto its feet.

I back off slightly, letting the ebbing of my muscles fade with each beat of my hearts. Searching my mind though briefly, I find that my illusions… are gone? Impossible, I never recalled them, and the time passes has been half a dozen seconds, time has not run out, and I can feel the magic is still there.

I can tell it is going to press the attack, but in added surprises, I find that the armor around the Morgren is… fixing itself? The dent I left in it has already disappeared, that will no longer be bothering him. Fekk, that thing is impressive.

Huh.. I note myself being rather close to Gorth at this time, the Morgren dusting himself off as it now begins to stand, and an idea strikes me. Its range is a bit longer than I am used to, but this shouldn’t be impossible if I am ready.

“Not laughing now, are ya?!”

[Agility level 3, Pass]
The Morgren, already moving towards me, begins barreling like the lumbering behemoth it is, raising both of its shoulders, it once more seems to strike me it seems beyond the gauntlets it wears, but instead its shoulders… or maybe its body odor, hack.

Diving nimbly out of the way, the charging Morgren almost barrels into Gorth, but instead sort of ‘smacks’ the smaller Morgren with its gauntleted hand. Acting instantly, Gorth throws up his body and pushes into Fud, throwing the larger Morgren back some

(Gorth)”Yaz goin down ya nandy ass git! Puttin Gorth Lurk Ant Eurt Plt…”

With what sounds like a booming cough from Fud, he smasks his hand into the smaller Morgren, shutting him up, but causing Gorth to send fists into the slightly off footed already Fud. Perfect...

Winding myself up from the ground swiftly, I prepare the trick I used with my knuckled previously, finding on the side of the larger Morgren that his armor only has straps. I plunge my makeshift bladed form of my hand into a meaty thigh, meeting resistance comparable only to when I tried it on Gorth. Smacking my other hand into it, Magitech still pumping, I find myself in maybe a centimeter or two, but enough to draw blood onto my hand. This is ended though soon enough as I find that Fud seems to have at least noticed this, and has thrown Gorth…

A close encounter of the Morgren kind, Gorth’s body being tossed into mine
My hand forces out, and I am sent hurtling back at a collision much more than my own mass.
I find myself though with clarity of focus, and I will my vibrations once more
The first collision with the ground stings, and I feel small wounds open on my skin
But the earth nearly grabs me, my risk of spinning on the ground gone.
My head risks a crash with the ground, but my skull takes more than just vibrations from before fine.
Another crash, another series of cuts from the friction slashing my body.
Yet, a form of reassurance, fighting on dirt and not mud,
My head clears rapidly enough, less severe than I expected


I stand up quickly enough, finding Gorth a meter or so in front of me, still on the ground, laughing in an oddly high pitched tone for one so large. Fud, a good six meters distant, almost in range to strike slams his gauntlets together at the fists, and I feel my chest tighten for a moment, something feeling off…, a shaking in my body, as he lifts into the air, diving with his shoulder aimed at Gorth… and I foresee a kick from the diving slam heading my way, willing to sweep far from my right side and intersecting with me on the left, giving me little chance to do a rolling dodge. Fek, I can’t get hit by that.

>How do I respond to the attack headed my way?
>How should I press the attack, assuming I can dodge that sweeping kick, or endure it.
>My heart has gone on a fair time [12 seconds], and its vibrations went irregular a second, do I continue to use it? [D20 roll to with action to deactivate, on a 5 or lower fails]
>[Dice rolled are for Magitech effects, and not Fud]
>>
No. 295214 ID: a76809

rolled 13, 7 = 20

Okay, you've got a decent sense of a few critical things now.

-You know what he is allowed to attack you with, per the Overcaptain's orders-and his gauntleted fists are not on that list.
-You know of his ability to snap off a counter much faster than the other Morgren you have faced-and from having been subjected to it multiple times, you have a reasonable sense of his counter's timing.
-You know just how long his reach is, and that he can regain solid footing QUICKLY.
-You have also seen that if you stay in the mid range he will mess you up, since he is used to operating by his own range increments.
-His metal armor will repair itself.
-Any time you stop moving his chances of hitting you skyrocket.

So, he can't hit you with his gauntleted hands, and if you stay at middle to long distance things don't go very well. What you want to do is keep a calm head going, and get in deeper. Like-damn near molesting level close-hug that fucker. He can't punch you, if you stay that close you will see a headbutt coming a mile away, he can't elbow you thanks to that caution about no serious injuries-

So get in close to his sides. He will be able to hip check you and attempt shoulder drops, but being at the side of his leg he won't be able to kick effectively, at most able to try to disrupt your footing-and even that will be difficult, since you have Congealing Vibrations and can shift direction faster thanks to the lower mass. From there, keep doing the double taps to any exposed skin, every time he shifts move to stay at either of his sides and keep hammering any exposed area.

Your foremost priority is addressed in your body positioning-use your sense of his fighting style and limitations to minimize chances of getting hit-followed by keeping your senses tuned enough that if he tries something new you spot it before it's too late. Third priority is keeping an eye on Gorth, and to keep your body out of the way of his attacks-see him gunning for Fud, and vice versa-force Fud to fight two one on one fights at the same time. Between you going for irritatingly squirrelly, hah-you-can't-hit-me / death-by-a-thousand-wounds tactics, and Gorth constantly hauling off with massive hits, it should get very difficult to juggle all the different responses demanded of him in this combat situation.

Hopefully your rising power from sustained Magitech heart use should let your hits get a bit more penetration as time passes, and Gorth should get into the swing of things-at SOME point he will get aggravated he's the one getting knocked about, not Fud.

You've had your magitech heart active for far longer than 12 seconds before without negative repercussion-your emotional/mental state then, the more you can make your current one match it the longer you should be able to safely use it.
>>
No. 295254 ID: a9629e

>How do I respond to the attack headed my way?
Leap
>>
No. 295318 ID: 81f32a

Well, use all of your power, heart included, into speed to dodge that attack

...

or use Gorth as a shield.
>>
No. 295371 ID: 7f017c

rolled 13, 2, 19, 14 = 48

>>295318
I consider jumping and dragging Gorth, using him as a shield. However, I discard this quickly, as unlike just a leg that is presently likely to swing at me, Gorth is about to become the landing pad of Fud’s entire body. I do not want to suffer the effects of another dogpile.

>>295254
Jumping though makes sense.

With a large thud and a shaking of the ground, the giant Fud lands on top of Gorth, and sweeps his leg as I suspected towards me. I brace and leap into the air as the foot heads towards me.

..Only to find that apparently Fud is a bit smarter maybe than I gave him credit for, his leg is three feet off the ground, and damn thick and meaty. This is still going to slip me at this rate.

>>295214
[Multiple Correct Predictions (Gauntlets, Range, General Combat): Moment of Inspiration: Minor Invoked]

I decide that I have to act quickly, stopping moving is not a real choice now, and getting hit is out of the question when I could only probably take two or so. I take the rudimentary math in my mind, and try to predict when his leg is going to… fekkkkkkkkk, this hurts my head, but a lot less than that leg.

Taking a cue from my approximation, I take my being so high compared to his leg, lift my legs, and then plant them on the top of the Morgren’s leg as he passes, using it as a second jumping point.

Landing on the ground, I find myself falling towards the ground, and at the moment grasping the importance of movement when I am the comparatively small one, refuse to fall as my lack of balance wants to dictate, but instead force myself into a roll. I can’t do the acrobatics of Fud, but I land on my feet, solid ground a nice respite compared to a Morgren’s foot.


Rushing over to where Fud still lays on Gorth, I find a large series of openings, the Morgren apparently not having planned on me actually dodging. I throw my double tap maneuver into his exposed side of his armor, and sink my finger in a bit deeper, but its still about as superficial I suspect as the series of sand/soil lashes that sting mildly on my leg from the landing due to Gorth. Backing off, I find the Morgren trying to get up and engage me again, but finding Gorth to be a very bad choice apparently to use as a surface, slipping up and falling down to another thud on Gorth.

…and here I had been hoping to be able to use Gorth to keep this two on one… feh, I doubt anyone is getting up after a flying drop from something that big, even a Morgren.

Taking the advantage on the fallen Morgren though, I get another two jabs into his body, before he sweeps his arm in, and apparently attempts to give me the worst case of my face into Morgren odor ever, fortunately I find this easy enough to dodge, just jumping on his body and leaping to the other side.

Apparently though this is enough, as he rolls off of Gorth to the East where I had been, standing up in short order. Feh, now im farther away than I wound want to be, and Gorth is in my…

The FEKK! How is he standing up? Does the Morgren not know what just happened to him.

(Gorth)”Yaz been ‘oldin back on me ya git, well, IZ NOT GONNA HOLD BACK!”

Gorth charges forward, fists flying at Fud, and I take the opportunity to move in behind the nice living shield of sheer mass… who somehow is standing, but I will take whatever miracles Fate decides to grant.

When Gorth’s punches connect, I dive in, connecting and tapping into Fud’s other thigh, this time at least I suspect the wound is not superficial, an oozing blood coming out of the mark as I pull back slightly, making sure to stay in the awkward closeness, seeking more attacks of opportunity with Gorth throwing a small tempest of uncoordinated blows.

[Combat Perception and Senses Bonus, Combat Reflexes >= 1, Agility >= 2, Bearly Pass]

I suddenly see that Fud is bracing himself back, and I suspect a body slam headed towards me and Gorth, as his arms are locked due to my proximity and the Overcaptain’s words. I take the moment of his bracing to land another blow on his thigh, hammering it in and breaking the sturdy skin, ad I immediate fall back.

Gorth on the other hand takes the blow head on, and gets sprung back, scrambling to regain balance, and I breathe a small sigh of relief that Gorth is now directly in front of me. Though this is exactly the sort of range I did not want to be stuck at, Fud precisely where he needs to be to strike, and Gorth grunting as if about to charge.

I feel my Magitech heart beating very quickly, speeds I had associated with danger… probably a bit past 20 seconds now. Its thumping making my head feel as if it has an additional heart of its own.

Directly in front of me lies Gorth’s bulk, and two meters past that Fud, though he seems hesitant to act for a moment. Before he beats his Gauntlets to his chest armor and the ground it seems shakes once more, as he roars a very primal yell, getting in a fighting position. The background is filled with the noise of excited Morgren, but I pay it little attention. With the circumstances as is…

>What method of attack should I press?
> Do I use Gorth as a shield, or try something else?
>Do I risk deactivating my Magitech heart? [Note: Can be turned off immediately automatically, since Bob averaged a 10. Else roll a D20 to use it any further, and on a 9 or under fails to stop.]
[Rolling 4d50 for Magitech this turn, will not be used if choice is to turn off Heart.]
>>
No. 295373 ID: d3dfb8

Gorth is about to be tackled. And you're directly behind him. Stop it.
>>
No. 295500 ID: 81f32a

ah, dang it forgot to mention for previous update:

Concerning your illusions. I think you just lost the sight of them, this had happened to you before during a battle (frog commander, I think?), they flew off somewhere.
Use your command word to recall them (we are wasting precious seconds) and then call them up again to use them as distraction against Fud.

The fights with Morgren are always bothersome as it is hard to knock them out or subdue them without killing or inflicting grievous wounds with weapons.
I want to suggest roundhouse kicking him right in the face (using illusions to distract him) but I remember when we did that against Gorth... it hardly mattered...
Well, this time we are at least stronger ... but our enemy is also much stronger.

Dah, I'm really out of ideas. I guess you should fight till you can't anymore.

>[Rolling 4d50 for Magitech this turn, will not be used if choice is to turn off Heart.]
>rolled 13, 2, 19, 14 = 48
Eeeh, those are some bad rolls.
Will something Bad happen now?

I guess you should turn off your heart. After a little bit you can turn it on again, right?
Well, during those downtime seconds you should focus on dodging and avoiding him. Use everything you have learned about Fud during this battle to get best possible results.
Then turn your heart back on and go at it again!
>>
No. 295506 ID: 81f32a
File 130247073365.jpg - (174.37KB , 900x726 , 32 - Dive Kick.jpg )
295506

Since I don't have any good fighting suggestion for this one I made a simple, quick fan-art to boost our result.

How the hell is 32 going to perform Dive Kick? .... Well, he should use Gorth as a platform to jump off for the kick (and as always, 32 should make Illusion distractions)
>>
No. 295526 ID: a9629e

If you can't throw him yourself, team up with Gorth to do it. And make sure you throw him straight up, and have Gorth jump up after him, with you helping to launch him. Gorth can grab him in mid air and land on top of him. His weight plus Gorth's has got to make the fall do some sort of damage, which you'll be ready to jump in and capitalize on.
>>
No. 295549 ID: a76809

>>295371
Turn off heart, keep dodging, continue to use Gorth as an obstacle/wall/something that will hit Fud back, or try to during cooldown, as you WILL slow down.

During your evasion, which should be switching between getting to zero range and getting on Gorth's far side so Fud has to keep adjusting (and really is a great use of an active combat stage, I think it should get some sort of combat Perception bonus or something ANYWAY), use your bit of 'spare' time to see if you can summon your illusions again.

[It can't be Black steel in his equipment, it doesn't allow runing or even being shaped in runes (unless the black metal is not shaped in rune patterns and is just decoratively arranged, a possibility), and Black Steel/Crystal antimagic only dispels for a short time. So does most antimagic. So, a test to see if this was anti-magic (which is irritating but not so bad) or magic-draining/discharging (which is MUCH more irritating)

Attempt any illusion. If it works, great, you know your foe has SOME way to negate active magic when you touch them, and that it DOES recover over time. Of it doesn't work, you know your foe has a means of forcibly discharging stored magic in foes-in which case you are going to have to mentally review that moment you lost your illusions and think precisely when the first time you touched Fud BEFORE losing your illusions was.


Once you've danced around for a bit this way, the blood-loss should have done one of two things:
-Done what it will in any non-magically healing thing, and made stamina plummet as blood is lost (making Fud easier to fight)
-Not caused any change in Fud (In which case you can either note the wounds still present and oozing, in which case he is hardy, or sealed, in which case he is a regenerator of some sort)

Really, just use your down time to go on the defensive, keep building your sense of Fud's timing, attack methodology, footwork patterns (which foot does he lead with when attacking with left/right arm, or does he alternate? Does he turn knees in, keep his stance bowed/wide?) Since you have the basic sense of what Morgrens can do, and a founding grasp of Fud, you should really be able to pick apart his whole movement style-and on the defensive, he can't do much to figure out your attack patterns, and with Gorth constantly interfering it will be very hard to keep straight what you are doing and what Gorth is doing in the heat of battle.

To the unpracticed eye, the coming ten or so seconds as your heart recovers won't look that impressive (especially since you will lose your magic traction/congealing vibration's full power, watch out for that), and will in fact look like you drawing back and retreating, running from blows, hiding on the far side of someone bigger.

But those well versed in battle will see-you are slowly building your mental image of Fud, ratcheting together a plan to assure victory before even re-engaging. Fate can only do its duty when you do your own-and how better to serve fate than to assure your victory first, rather than hoping to find it during battle.

Win first, then fight.
>>
No. 295567 ID: 7f017c
File 130249363963.jpg - (102.63KB , 1152x864 , 32CharacterSheet2.jpg )
295567

>>295500
[It merely means something that I need to know. High may be good, low may be good, both may be bad or neutral either way. This and one other post makes it irrelevant.]

>>295549
[Correct estimation on non-gauntlet source of Illusion disappearance issue, Moment of Inspiration- Minor Bonus sustains, 32 learns about existence and risk of anti-magic/magic eating
Bonus Information (due to sustaining the MoI): Fud’s nickname is ‘the Mage Masher’, and is often sent by Overcaptain Strider to deal with the summoner’s of lower class golems in combat by himself]

I deactivate my magitech heart immediately, its unknown processes pushing back against my will briefly… before I feel something change, a turn in the tide, a moment that my heart stops to breathe, and it lays itself silent again. I note though that with the pulsing of my body fading, a creeping set of sensations begins to filter through my leg and arm, the lashing from my fall previous a niggling pain now.

One concern gone, now to figure out what to do ne…

>>295373
Oh fekk… Gorth is about to be tackled, and his sense of balance has not struck me as good. I need to do something, fek.

(32) “Gorth! Don’t let him push you”

Gorth seems to straighten up some… only to meet a gauntleted hand first, slapping with the backside of Fud’s right hand.

(Fud) “Ya pip! Yaz only allured to uze da name when ya earn it! Ill beat dat into ya this time.

Well… that could have been worse, and talking is better than attacking when time is presently Fate’s counter. I take the moment to quickly say the command word, and I feel the presence of my right arm rune pop it’s illusion into existence, a moment later and I dispel it, not having need at this time. Hmm, something just… ended my spell? Feh.

>>295549
I decide that it’s not unreasonable to stall out a good seven or so seconds until my heart readies again, as long as I use the time wisely. As long as Gorth acts as my shield, I should be able to gather some information, keep out of danger, and be better prepared for the next attack.

I look over Fud for a moment… he still suffers a few injuries, but I am almost certain that the first injury I inflicted is no longer bleeding on his thigh. It could just be how superficial the wounds were though.

I don’t get a lot more though, before I find that my shield has vanished, Gorth plowing himself into Fud once more, fists flying in a tempest of fury again. Fud merely grab’s one of Gorth’s hands and throws him off balance after a few moments, pushing the smaller Morgren down towards the ground.

>>295506
[Fanart Bonus, MoI Minor]
I suddenly see fate’s hand though once more lead me to where I must go. All I need is the proper setup. I take my first steps towards the back of Gorth’s form

“Gorth! Headbutt him in the chest! Then pull his pride out from under him”

Gorth seems to need no further encouragement, thrusting his horned head forward and smashing into the metal chest plate of the larger Morgren. I take my cue, things set up as they need to be, and jump onto the back of Gorth’s calf, then jumping with full strength, targeting Gorth’s shoulder with one leg, and luge forward with that stepping stone. Landing now onto Fud’s shoulder, staggered slightly from Gorth’s headbutt, as I feel the familiar whirring in my chest… my heart is now active again, perfect. A moment’s focus, and I feel the pain that began to bother me disappear, and once more I leap, augmented fully, from Fud’s shoulder.

I speak the words of command, and my illusions once more pop out…. I can’t focus enough to make this do anything complicated, but its enough to have that much in its line of sight.

I feel a sense of weightlessness, and ready my body, streamlining it for descent, aiming at the larger Morgren. Speed picks up, and within moments gravity’s immutable will has me rushing as fast down as I had up.

I try to aim for Fud’s head, but I find it impossible to hit perfectly as is… that is until Gorth pulls out the legs from under Fud, and instead of a tiny target, I find the entire massive body of the Morgren as a target.

With a cracking sound like a series of priceless religious glassworks shattering, my feet land on the chest and armor of the Morgren. The armor beneath me accordingly I see is cracking a spiders web of fissures like glass to my surprise… except held together somehow. My legs burn horribly, and I wonder if part of that cracking was my own legs, but as I fall to a knee, I decide that stopping now is no option.

I smash my fists against the armor of the Morgren, dents and resistance of metal smashing against my fists. Yet infuriatingly, I can feel the muscle beneath tremble slightly, gasps of air coming from the Morgen, and yet it doesn’t break. Impossible… it’s… getting better? NO! FATE SHALL NOT BE DENIED! I smash further into the armor, but its cracks continue to repair slowly… teasing my victory, daring me to fail even now.

I suddenly feel it… the runes on my arms extinguish first, all of my active illusions vanish, then the illusion’s power on my body… the fekk? A few seconds later, my body begins to shiver uncontrollably, breath becomes hard to grasp, my magitech heart begins to for the first time besides deactivation slow, and the armor’s cracks seem to have completely vanished. The fekk… is it feeding on me? On the magic of these runes or the magitech that must use something? Does such a thing exist?

More wracks hit against my body, a series of spots seemingly burning, one near my default heart the hottest, before some form of stabilization seems to occur temporarily… the pain ebbing away as rage turned into a form of fear and I backed off the attack.

(Overcaptain Strider) “END THIS NOW! Gorth, get the Sergeant off!”

Gorth almost reflexively seems to obey, and I am thrown off Fud’s body in short order. I see the Larger Morgren standing up, seemingly sweeping his now repaired armor as if to ensure that I had not somehow accidently left a piece of myself behind.

heh, stupid armor, had to cheat to beat me… I beat it good though, right?
I last think deliriously, before collapsing into a sleep.

Victory (via creativity and knowledge): 25 Combat Experience gained, Major Morgren respect gain, +.14 Combat Reflexes, +.11 Combat Senses, Scatterbrained lowered to level 0 at no cost, ??? minor negative

------------------------------------
I awake to find that I had been out for about ten minutes, the Overcaptain I learn quickly having ordered a higher quality potion used, my body feeling as if nothing had happened… except that I am really hungry. I suspect though food is not in short supply at the Morgren side of things though. Overcaptain Strider apologizes, stating it was stupid of him to believe that the runes on my body were my only source of magic. Asking for further explanation, he explains that Fud’s armor is enchanted, and feeds on the negation it causes of magic in order to repair itself, and uses any overflow to Fud, him being used to deal with enemy magic users as part of the squad. Apparently my illusions were being negated by the armor, and when I was standing on it, it must have been feeding on some level something unsafe within my body. He apologizes again, but states he has to run, already being extremely late for getting Fud back for training. Fud though, who I also see in the tent, quiet for awhile, states before he leaves “Ya fight like a crazy git, ya should be az big as Gorth! It even ‘urt a little at times! Fun times Ee’ To’” Before being pulled out by the Overcaptain.

Stepping out of the tent, I find almost all of the Morgren of the squad standing outside, Captain Hal among them, and a series of laughs, cheers, and slaps from Morgren that threaten my balance each time, as a celebration is declared for Gorth and my own’s performance against a veteran Morgren like Fud. I am soon proven right on my suspicion, seeing Morgren eat some impressive quantities of food, making me almost think they’re going to eat the buckets some of the food comes in at times.

Evening approaches, the sun nearing its crest against the horizon. Captain Hal reminds me we move out tomorrow, claiming my performance shows we have little to worry about, as we apparently have two extra Morgren in a Sergeant body at this moment. With that being reminded though, I do have to wonder…

>Is there anyone to talk to this evening or night?
>anything I should do or acquire before tomorrow?
>[next post will likely include the march out, unless requested otherwise.]
>>
No. 295570 ID: a76809

>>295567
I'd say talk to Gorth.

Use:
-Diplomacy
-Previous interactions with Gorth
-Recent fight in which you fought alongside Gorth

And attempt to make GORTH like the idea of working for you-someone to help make those tougher opponents hold still long enough for Gorth to beat the daylights out of them, or having someone else to tie up decent hitters that otherwise would just keep Gorth too dazed to do anything-Working for you would let him fight to his best, and you both know it, as a general gist of conversation.

The fact he got some good hits in on Fud that he might not have had a chance for without you should help the case, and your prior fights with him/subsequent growth (he can't NOT notice how much more capable you were this time around) should make it work.

Then, give it until tomorrow morning-

Gorth will have been bugging EVERYONE so he can follow you-check in with the captain, what's that he wants to know if I'd take Gorth? Oh certainly....

This talk with Gorth should be priority one.

As for the rest of the day, ask the rest of your squad to give honest feedback on how they think I could have approached the fight better-when I could have done something more advantageous. Lower average verbal skill and possible lower than average mental intelligence means nothing against combat experience, and they were literally brought up fighting other Morgren-so if anyone could tell you what you missed, it would be your own squad. Use this as a chance to get more used to the Morgren jargon as well as further brushing up on its combat generalities.

Who knows, if you keep fighting alongside/against Morgren and learning from it as deeply and analytically as possible, you may be able to shift the Morgren Fighting talent into an Archetypal Mastery version of Morgren fighting, as a sum representation of your observations of and fights against a hundred Morgren.

It seems entirely possible, and learning it could act as your terminating point of employment as a Morgren Sergeant, a culmination of the secrets to be hidden within. The time it would take to learn such an unarmed style easily allows for you further improving your heavy spear/Morgren Towershield. And since fighting against Morgren is improving dexterity to varying degrees, you would end up more able to approach the SPECTRES or have other, potentially more lucrative opportunities.
>>
No. 295670 ID: 81f32a

Damn ... our bow will not be ready next day.
I hoped we would get it during next deployment.

Anyway, I had suggested this before, now that we have become Morgren Sergeant, what kind of equipment has become available for us?


Nothing more to do till the deployment, I guess.
Do your stretching.
Ask Captain for more information about the next mission.
>>
No. 296073 ID: a9629e

>>295570
I agree with this, but I think you should get Mekk, Lurt, and Crak in on the conversation. Might help to reinforce the idea that working for you will be fun since they just spent most of today throwing each other, plus the camaraderie built with Gorth might rub off a bit on the others.
>>
No. 296215 ID: 7f017c
File 130267222465.jpg - (147.79KB , 500x333 , WalkingThroughAllthisisFekkinAnnoying.jpg )
296215

>>295670
I hold the Captain for a moment, and ask him how the requisition of goods works, not having experience with it as a Force Chamption really, but noting it as an important role of sergeants.

Captain Hal briefly explains that Morgren Sergeants are a bit… different in how such things are dealt with, as equipment for Morgren is generally more pricy, and unlike many other divisions, Captains almost always will be accompanying the mission.

In most infantry settings, Sergeants I learn generally are given a moderate amount of free reign for any gear expected of their charges, with monthly allotments for more expensive and optional materials such as explosives, non-essential requests for aid, helth supplies beyond the norm, etc. Anything above a general price level, must be approved by their Captain, or not uncommonly, the mission will be requested with the gear made available immediately in preparation for specialists.

With Morgren, most of them don’t even like carrying all that much equipment. Young ones Hal informs me, are particularly brash and stupid about it, and it has been found by about every captain, that the crucible of battle is the best incentive for getting Morgren to realize the important of gear. It also gives an opportunity to weed out any possible problem cases before they have a giant halberd and a mindless rage issue he jokes, slapping me on the back and laughing. He states that as a Sergeant, if you believe you see a true opportunity in a Morgren to effectively use gear, to make a case, and then you have a few options. The traditional route is to convince the Captain, then the Overcaptain, get approvals out, hope they aren’t denied for some reason, and then a cycle or two later, the Quartermaster will likely have your stuff ready for you. In fact, he informs me that for conveniences sake, around here the messengers area, the local Quartermaster’s assistant, and the cloaks are all nearby each other as a general rule. Asking about the need for a messengers area, he points out the obvious that Morgren make terrible messengers… tend to forget things easily, lack details, eat the paperwork. As such, a common lower level punishment is to be made a Morgren messenger for awhile, it’s a lot of running and such he explains, but far more reliable then Morgren, and less time wasted by people who can actually babysit.

Asking about requisition for myself, he states it’s on a similar general principle, but that he finds for minor things in particular, it’s so much easier to just go to the Quartermaster’s usually, the formal route a waste of time. Asking for clarification, he states that in reality, the Quartermaster’s hold a lot more power than people recognize, able to expedite paperwork, hand off equipment immediately if they deem it necessary, for such mundane cogs of the bureaucracy, he states the in reality for equipment’s sake, they are like Overcaptains or similar ranks, maybe even higher for some.

In general, I learn the following about the concept:
-For mundane equipment, it’s often not unreasonable to ask the Quartermaster directly, especially if its likely to be on hand, and something necessary like a bedroll. Even a soldier can do this, but most are too shy or worried.
-A person who is better known, or is known for heroic acts, can often ask for more specialized equipment and is more likely to receive it.
-However, becoming known for your tendency to run to the quartermaster can be a death knell to getting things out of them. No one in a relatively good job wants to overly risk being known for giving stuff away, and blacklists are shared for good reason.
-[In game terms, 32’s rank and renown allows him to ask from the Quartermaster directly as an alternative. Different ‘levels’ of people can only acquire certain levels of goods. The place you ask has an impact (Morgren sized things being more prevalent in the Morgren area, one closer to high ranked persons more specialized equipment, etc.). Bluff or Diplomacy can be used, talking to a Quartermaster/Assistant is valid, but inevitably relies on a combination of how willing someone is to give up things, if 32 seems like a valid recipient and bit of luck]

>>296073
>>295570
Thanking the Captain, I consider for a moment the implications… It makes sense to I suppose ask the weapon givers directly, and it’s far from impossible to lose things and avoid a big fuss. It’s worth certainly keeping in mind as an option.

I decide to stay in with the Morgren for now, the bow will sadly not be ready, and celebrations are still underway informally.

I call together Mekk, Lurt, and Crak, pulling along Gorth, as others around continue to say how awesome the fight was. Opening with requests for an honest assessment of how the fight progressed, I learn quickly that Morgren at least… are AWFUL, or at least these are, at giving you any useful feedback. Anytime one opens their mouth to speak, another is as apt to begin recreating something they found awesome, with liberal use of sound effects, jumping, and slapping of other Mogren. Gorth keeps the most control of the conversation, head locking persons who tend to try talking over him to a mixed level of effect.

Ollie and Yal though, coming over to see what the big gathering is about, are quite a bit more helpful in offering something of substance. Both immediately agree that my getting Gorth involved was the best move I could have made. Fud apparently likes to fancy himself a ‘mentor’ to the younger Morgren, and his fists inflict wounds that even Morgren find take quite awhile to heal, Gorth though is the only one who seems able to handle more than one.

Ollie though adds that he feels that what I should have done is attempt to flank close up Fud’s back. He notes that in his experience, Morgren have no issues really with numbers when the opponent cannot hurt them, but that Morgren are just as bad if not worse than most when outnumbered by people of a remotely similar class of fighting.

Yal states that I should have done two things, One, not having m weapon was stupid. Two, that if your choice is extreme pain versus victory, never be too proud to give an order to a Morgren. It may not be fair to stop the attack by use of command, but he states that Morgren are dangerous, and he expects he has more intent to live than I do.

Talking through the night though, there seems to be broad agreement in the squad, Morgren and myself, in trying to get Gorth to try and join up with us. At first he states his disapproval in terms that he has no place to go, and paperwork is annoying, recounting though the fight with Fud and the Morgren throwing in flourish about how he could fight whenever he wanted, Gorth seems more excited with the idea. Before the night ends though, and he leaves to return to another part of the camp, he says if he survives the paperwork, he would be willing to stomp all our faces another time.

------------------------
Day 36, Lorthday, Cycle 1 of Praeclarum

We group up soon enough with the 81st Blasters, led by Drako Einsword. I find it a slightly odd sensation, as when we march, instead of being the largest around, I am in a group of creatures who tower over even me. The Morgren, although fairly lumbering, easily keep pace as they trudge through the mud as if it was nothing. Though I note that it easily takes all four of us on hand to make sure no unwanted fights break out… the Morgren easily distracted, prone to loud outbursts, and with them around, stealth is a laughable concept. I definitely understand though why Hal would want three sergeants on staff fairly quickly, and the Morgren as long as you keep an eye on them, stay under a relatively comparable level of control as the thirty or so marching soldiers.

As wish all journeys though in the swamp, there is much distance to travel it seems. Which does leave me some time, the drudgery of the march making even myself open to a certain level of socialization.

>Choose one of the following to learn more about: (Hal, Ollie, Yal), (81st Blasters in general, least 1 Sergeant and Force Champion, possibly Drako), or (between 1-6 other Morgren in the squad and characteristics/strengths.)
>I need two separate rolls of 2D20 by two different posters for events. Higher numbers result in more potentially positive events. (for a total of 4 dice)
>>
No. 296217 ID: a76809

rolled 4, 4 = 8

Learn your squad-they are your weapon.

So, I'd forgo blasters or sergeants for now, and really get more familiar with the Morgren themselves-

More field data for you to start that idea of Archetypal Morgren Fighting going-keep smoothing out the rough edges to what you know of how Morgren fight, and learn more about your squad.
>>
No. 296251 ID: a9629e

rolled 18, 9 = 27

Agree with Bob, so just adding a 2d20 roll
>>
No. 296267 ID: 81f32a

Might as well talk to other sergeants and find out more about them.
This information might be useful during the mission.
>>
No. 296594 ID: 7f017c
File 130275811419.jpg - (57.04KB , 800x600 , 32InventorySheet.jpg )
296594

rolled 47, 99, 77 = 223

>>296217
>>296251
[Roll = 8, Roll = 27 stored]

>>296267
[Outvoted, Morgren Chosen]

11 Morgen total presently of the 6th ‘Skull Smashers’ led by Hal Neville.

Known Morgren:
Mekk Gurk, Krak, Lurt

Other members
Plid, Murk, Zuh, Auz, Lak Tin, Tuf Eurt,

The travels of the afternoon are sweltering, the area still a boggy set of mud. Fortunately, some monotony is broken when Captain Hal assigns me to two particular for some portion of the afternoon. The conversation goes as well as can be expected of Morgren, and I get a fair impression I believe of these two.
Xvin: Honestly, Xvin is about as much a Morgren as a Morgren gets. Extremely excited about the chance to fight, I get an immediate sense Xvin may be among the newer members of the squad, as he talks in excited tones about being finally able to crush golems with his bare hands.
Tal Hurg: This one is a bit… odd. Apparently a fairly respected and older member of the squad, his attention seems to have a tendency to wander, and he just occasionally asks if we hear something. Sometimes I do, but usually nothing out of the ordinary… I am not certain if it’s a mild paranoia, scouting instincts, or an odd extension of an urge to fight.

[roll = 27, Night Patrol]

Continuing on towards the south west of camp, the weaker humans of the Blasters tire out annoyingly quickly, demanding rest easily an hour before the sun sets. Neither Captain though feels like pushing the weaklings harder through the swamps to my disappointment, and we end up stopping to rest instead. First shift though for the late evening is given to the soldiers, but with a certain level of pent up energy, I decide to take a shorter night shift, which I suspect in part to be a good way to get some good graces with the groups.

I find the growingly familiar sounds of the swamplands a form of comfort as many of the others sleep, perched in a multilimbed tree to avoid the fekking sinking of the mud.

I do suddenly though notice something odd… a very small light under the water of the swamps. Leaping slowly down, I head to where the light disappeared, searching for a minute… before I momentarily see it again. Grabbing under the water a few times, the slight motions of the water making me miss the first times, my hands find the smooth feeling of glass, and with slight resistance from water and mud, I pull out. In my hands I find a well sealed flask it seems, pulled out of the water, the next time it glows a minute or so later, it glows once more in a greenish-blue tone before fading. I can only suspect this is magical maybe? Some sort of potion. Uncorking for a moment, a slightly delicious small of… hmm, I’m not sure, but it’s a good smell, reminds me of food, before I reseal it.

I feel some sort of etching on the flask while it’s in my hand, some sort of symbol I cannot recognize placed on the glass. Feh, I’ll figure it out later.

---------------------------
Day 37, Castiday Cycle 1 of Praeclarum

[Roll = 8, DOUBLES, AMBUSH!]

The travels of the next day are similarly uneventful, and my morning question to the Captain and Sergeants about my acquisition leaves me with no answers. None of them know what the etching is, and none of them come up with anything more useful than glowing = magic for conclusive information. The Captain though informs us to expect to arrive by the evening to near our destination, when it is likely we will engage in a nighttime raid if need be, the Morgren not particularly bothered if the moonlight is good unlike humans.

It is late afternoon though when suddenly the Vangaurd of the Blasters yells out an alert, running for his life, as we all quickly enough see a small tree mashed out of the way of the path by a massive club, wielded by a golem that I quickly surmise is likely a clay golem from my experience, seven feet tall. Though the club itself seems to be made of wood instead, though the wood seems more mundane, likely taken from more local trees than the clubs of the Commanders I note.

Quickly though, we suddenly find this is not the only issue to be concerned with. Suddenly from both flanks, similarly equipped Clay Golems pop out, Froggrock flanking them in a charge, javelins flying through the air on both sides, the soldiers, and even some of the Morgren inevitably are going to be caught between. Fekk, it’s time to get into action, Fate has thrown a surprise this time

[DOUBLES RESULT: Special Enemy]
Suddenly, from our position in the stern, the sound of stamping feet calls out even among the screams of soldiers and disarray. From the front, dwarfing the Clay Golem, stands an easy three meters of golem of unknown make to me. My best guess is some form of wood, similar to the clubs that the Clay Golems are presently carrying. What is notable though is that there is a person… a human standing on a platform on the right shoulder of the Golem. It also seems to have no weapon, which is a minor reassurance I suppose.

Feh, so directly through thirty something soldiers to the southwest, pinned down by a barrage of wooden javelins, stands two golems, one with a few Froggrock nearby, the other, a much larger one, with a human, but no weapon. To the North and the West separately, with less friendlies in the way, we have a singular Clay Golem with wooden clubs on each side, barrages of wooden javelins. The closest. side to myself at the moment is the West flank, but I find that only Lurt is directly beside me at the moment, Morgren scattering towards combat. Ollie has control over Tuf Ert and Krak, heading to the West, Yak has Auz, Zuh, and Plid, and seems to be barreling to the North, Hal seems to be observing for now... waiting for something I suppose, or maybe flat footed. I need to act though I suspect, and fast.

>Should I attempt to corral more Morgren to my side? Or take Lurt, and get going for time’s sake?
>Where should I go, and what should I target?
>Is there anything I should take priority on focus, ordering, or observing, even in the flow of battle?
[D100 for Blasters post ambush, Unclaimed Morgren, and ???]
>>
No. 296729 ID: 81f32a

Okay,

Tie That Which Reaps to your spear for doing the javelin trick.

take Lurt and the next most closest Morgren order another Morgren to hold off the Golem at the West. Because of the high roll we shouldn't be concerned about other Morgren, the rest can take care of themselves.

Go to the Wooden Golem. That seems to be the biggest threat as (I suspect) they are much more tougher than Clay golems. You can't really shatter them as easily.

Giver order to Lurt and another Morgren to attack the Wooded Golem from the front while you try to flank it from behind. Try to stay out of sight when moving behind it so that the operator cannot see you.

When you get behind it, activate your heart.
Now, I want to take out the controller on the platform. If his back is not obstructed, then throw the javelin at him. Try to kill him.
If you can't get decent shot, then try to climb from behind and then attack the driver. If you feel confident, try to knock him out so that we can take him as a prisoner. If you feel that you will fail to do so, then make your offense deadly and as quick as possible.

If you don't kill him in one shot, or if you get discovered while flanking don't be shy to give the 2 Morgren you took with you orders which will keep the wooden golems attention divided, or can give you advantage (for example, ordering them to tackle its legs just when you attack to try to get the operator bare-footed, or have them move and attack specific sides/areas of the golem so that you can anticipate its movements and use them for your advantage)

What I really want to do, is to take out the golem controller and then immediately claim the ownership of the golem before anyone else does. Of course this is assuming that the guy on the shoulder is the operator (I hope he is).


If the things go really sour, don't forget you still have those 2 9-20s. But this time, please alert your allies in advance so that they have time to make cover.
Oh, and give the all of the orders in Mosmordren. It is less likely that the enemy will understand them (but don't put it entirely out of the question)


Fire in my blood,
Burning coal in my body
My eyes full of hatred
My veins pulsing with rage

I sing the song of vengance
I sing the song of Death

My spear burning,
Guided by Destiny's light
The righteous inferno,
blinding my foes

Let them strike my skin
Hot blood, burn them to the bone
Let them feel my wrath
Coming violently from my flesh

Drive them deep, the cowards
Hammer them tight,
Inside the desolate swamp
Where everything is Rot.

>>
No. 296808 ID: a76809

>>296594
Order all your Morgren at the same target-you already have evidence that bigger dudes feel the weight of comparably sized numbers more so than normal people, so have them group curbstomp their way through the Clay Golems.

As they do this, you will be tying up the wood golem-use the time it takes them to drop that first clay golem to go on the defensive/evasive side, figure out how the golem moves and how the guy prefers to give it orders/what he commands it to do in terms of combat.

And make note of every detail you can when the guy tries to use magic-he may have weaknesses, flaws to be exploited.

The only offensive thing you should attempt should be seeing if the Wood golem could be so easily toppled as using the multi-weapon as a wire or chain to tangle its legs.

Once the Morgren under your command are properly directed to maximum-force assaulting the clay golems in order, the pressure should be easing up on the Blasters, and you should learn about the likely heavy target here, without revealing much of your own abilities.

Basically, set up the battlefield, give your morgren orders they can go on to stay effective, and start buildinmg data.

Remember, you observe, you learn, you win the fight, then you actually partake in combat. Chance is for losers who don't know how to find their own fate.
>>
No. 297138 ID: 81f32a

Another day
another missed update
>sigh

):
>>
No. 297380 ID: 81f32a
File 130305511843.jpg - (280.91KB , 800x625 , OH GOD MY SPEAR IS ON FIRE.jpg )
297380

Oh, Shit!

You made 32 angry!
you shouldn't have made 32 angry
>>
No. 297486 ID: 903f16

>>297380
Holy crap that's so cool, but 32 is going to need to lay off the tanning, we're starting to look like a guido.



...in before someone proposes we turn 32 into a guido warrior who attacks people with a boxing style comprised of fist pumps, with hair gelled into spikes so hard they could pierce shields, and abs that act as personal armor.
>>
No. 297530 ID: d3dfb8

>>297486
> turn 32 into a guido warrior who attacks people with a boxing style comprised of fist pumps, with hair gelled into spikes so hard they could pierce shields, and abs that act as personal armor
This.
>>
No. 297596 ID: 81f32a
File 130315198701.jpg - (275.74KB , 1000x700 , WHAT HAVE I DONE.jpg )
297596

>>297486
>>297530

Ask and ye shall receive

>it's 32 getting ready to battle
>>
No. 297598 ID: 81f32a

>>297596
>and yes, he bleached his hair white
>>
No. 297612 ID: 903f16
File 130316083456.jpg - (19.03KB , 324x241 , oh_god_what_have_i_done.jpg )
297612

>>297596
>>297598
Why...
>>
No. 297679 ID: 7f017c
File 130318527576.jpg - (468.42KB , 701x1000 , UnknownArcher.jpg )
297679

rolled 5, 52, 43 = 100

>>296729
[My missing these days was noted on Discussion. Please check it occasionally, as I will post my absences there and alert persons on IRC usually]

>>297380
>>297596
>>297612
[Fanart Bonus x2, Non-bonus-bonus for ‘what have you done’. I mean really? REALLY?!]

>>296729
[Poetic Bonus]

>>296808
[Wood vs Clay, Clay takes priority, as Wood has many more obstacles in the way at the present.]

I make a broad call out to the Morgren, commanding any near me to follow, and directly telling Lurt that we are headed to the West flank, and to engage the Clay Golem immediately. We head out, the Blasters scrambling to get into some form of cohesion as a few more javelins begin to fly towards the ground. I take That Which Reaps into my hand, and pull it into its rope form, tying it to the end of my spear, as I see that Tal Hurg has answered my particular call. Following behind Lurt, I see no other Morgren headed my way particularly.

[Blaster’s wellbeing = 47, REELING, but stabilizing.]
I see that the Blasters though are growing some semblance of order. Sergeants are yelling out orders, people are picking themselves out of the ground, and a Force Champion has rushed towards combat on the West flank without need for motivation. A fiery two handed axe attempting to slash into Froggrock, but not finding any real hits with their fekkin dodgyness.

[Unattended Morgren = 99, No issues, Inspired Leadership]
I see though that Mekk Gurk is leading the Morgren, Murk and Xvin, towards the West through the southwestern Blasters also. However, unlike the lone Force Champion, Mekk and the others appear to be effectively making a surrounding sort of maneuver. Mekk presently has many of the front row Forggrock pinned down by fear of smashing against his fists, while Murk and Xvin are looping around the group, beginning to corral them into a tighter area. With Lurt and Tal’s arrival a bit ahead of me, the Froggrock are effectively trapped between the density of their own allies bodies and death by our ogre-like own. I suspect this flank through Mekk’s actions, even if we are focusing on the Clay Golem, has effectively shut down completely from attacking the other infantry on this side.

We act, commanding the two Morgen with me to press the attack all at once, leaving Mekk to his own devices.

Tal Hurg leaps into combat, slamming into the almost equally large golem, which causes it to careen back, a punch from Lurt sends a chip of the Golem’s body off, which quickly seems to almost… reform, nearby clay parts of it sloughing back towards the open wound. But still sending it careening into a tree. I leap in with my spear, only to find to my chagrin that it quickly recovers, a series of croaks, panic now abounding the area as Mekk finds himself able to land hits. In this time though, the Golem plows itself off, and I find my spear jabbed deep into the tree. A black ozzing substance begins to coat my spear from the wound in the tree, and I yank out quickly.

Fekk, all over a good foot plus of my spear… it doesn’t seem to be doing anything though. I hear more croaking screams, the Axe wielder and the Morgren pinning in the Forggrock. When suddenly a light shines, and fire engulfs a small area, making Mekk fall back.

I see a slightly smaller Froggrock in that direction… teeth necklace, more ornamented than the others, fekk. I command the Morgren around me to continue pushing back the Clay Golem, as I head for the mage.

Mekk appears to have shrugged off the fire though, small black patches on his body, and a slight wince for a moment, before he starts trying to kick the Froggrock. I see the Foggrock trying something with its arms, as I come in from behind and prepare to stab it before it gets the chance.

Suddenly, a small orge flame erupts in the withheld right hand… it begins to expand rapidly…. Fekk, gotta kill it now, as I stab for the back.

>>297380
[Fanart 1 used]
Only to find suddenly the ball of flame flickers, and it arks towards my spear’s tip in an instant. Before I can react, I find my spear alight, the Froggrock turns around slightly, seemingly surprised that nothing has happened, and I deliver it the last look on its face as my now alight spear plunges into the Froggrock from its back. Spinal collum shattering, the flame continues to burn though even as I pull out, the smell of cooking and burning flesh wafting into the air. I hear from behind the shattering of clay as if it had hit the ground, and turn to see that the Morgren had bodyslammed from opposite directions, the Golem refusing to act, as they collided into it, cheers and a headbutt towards each other in celebration.

“Good work Mekk, finish them, I have a bigger target to handle.”
>[Mekk Gurk]“Yus sirs, we smesh em wot good!”

“Lurt! Tal Hurg! Were going after the big one”

Between the croaks of despair, I hear cheers from the Morgren, as we rush off, a huge opening in the enemy lines from our actions, as Mekk continues to draw them in.

I observe the Wooden Golem now, it no longer has a lack of weapon, as it tosses a javelin into the infantry that attempt to regroup. It proceeds to pull out another one, just reaching into its body, and grabbing, with a swift motion it grabs another javelin as if drawing a weapon.

For the moment it is relatively unmolested, the clay golem at its front, sword and spears from a few Blasters attempting to keep it at bay, but they are smashed aside by the clay golem, and they find Froggrock punching into them from almost all other directions. There is almost no chance for hope at this distance I suspect, not even I can get there in…

[??? Roll > 75, Help From an Outsider Source occurs, Poetry bonus spent.]
Suddenly, a see a shining light from my periphery, traveling at an impressive speed from the further Southwest, behind the wooden golem. I see for a brief moment, a dark blue cloaked figure, a few strands of brown hair, and an oversized longbow before the figure fades back into the darkness. The arrow I can assume only to be shot from the figure is headed for the wooden golem at first, and with a guttural groan, a series of creaks as if a thousand twigs snapped, the wooden golem dives out of the way.

The bolt of light… an arrow of approximately a foot longer length than any normal arrow, spinning gracefully in the air, instead seems to slightly change its course towards the west… and smashes directly into the Clay Golem at the right shoulder. The golem’s arm falls clean off, and a small explosion of light and some heat I think I can feel from even here goes off, cracks forming all across the torso of the clay golem, and a myriad of Forggrock diving now into the water along with the soldiers, pausing the attack for just a moment.

I hear a guttural groan loudly from the wooden golem.

[combat senses >= 1, FAIL]
But cannot discern what is being said, except it sounds vaguely like common mixed with a groaning yell of the dead? Feh.

>>297596
[guido/fanart bonus!]
I begin to close distance, and I need to decide what I need to do. I cannot just enter without a plan this time… I need action, I need a plan, I need… a ONE LINER!

>[Choose a 1 liner for 32 to say against an opponent, 32 receives a large combat bonus on one general target based upon BADASS FACTOR if he can live up to the line.]
>Ayoo! What club am I gonna hit dese bitchs with tonight? (wait, what? Odd… thought process, and I could have sworn That Which Reap’s chain form was gold… huh)
>Do I engage the presently injured clay golem? Or goafter the odd human presence in the wooden golem? Or I could seek out the interloper.
>>
No. 297801 ID: 81f32a
File 130325370006.jpg - (156.19KB , 800x600 , 32 - TERMINATOR.jpg )
297801

What?
A one-liner?

Oh man, I'm not good at this ...
hopefully someone else can get something great.

"That's a nice Golem you have, mind if I borrow it?"
And then kill the operator and claim the ownership.

Or
"That's a nice Golem you got, would be a shame if anything happened to it"
And throw your still burning spear at it so that it catches fire (at least I think it is still on fire)

Argh,
I said I am bad at this...

>Or I could seek out the interloper.
Nah, as long as he is helping there's no need to search for him..


I had an "excellent" idea:
Lets have the Morgren with us throw 32 like a cannon-ball (like in X-men, where Colossus throws Wolverine at the target) at the operator of the wood golem.
The golem has shown its excellent ability to dodge, so we would need to be extra careful with that and have perfect timing.

ah
look at this too >>296729
most of my ideas haven't changed
>>
No. 297840 ID: 059fc4

>>297801
>Lets have the Morgren with us throw 32 like a cannon-ball

32 is a tad more fragile than the Morgren, so how about we throw one of them instead.
>>
No. 298122 ID: a76809

>>297679
Stay focused on the wooden golem and it's operator-it has been shown Morgren can at least tie up the Clay golems, and the wood seems the biggest threat.
>>
No. 298159 ID: 7f017c

rolled 86, 79, 42 = 207

[Major Note: due to fairly critical computer issues at the present, 32's character sheet, inventory, and other forms will not be able to be posted. Posts also are less likely to happen. This will hopefully be fixed by Tues of next week.

>>297801
>>297840
>>298122

[So little FEELING yo! One Liner bonus minimal, liner defaults to author]

[Blasters roll = 5, critical issues beginning.]
[Morgren w/ other Sergeants = 52, no real issues, assisting Blasters minimal]
[??? rolls too low to assist]

I consider taking a very direct approach to the combat, and it doesn't get more direct than throwing either me or the Morgren directly into the combat.

I first though glance off to the side, seeing no way at the moment to deal with the conflicts of interest in throwing Morgren or myself, and not getting someone hurt (particularly my own muscles, short throws aren't bad, but this is a good distance).

I see that the Blasters are under direct siege at this point, the Clay Golem from the south apparently has ignored or broken the lines of the Morgren and their Sergeants, and are actively tearing into the Blaster's lines. At least a dozen Froggrock are terrorizing the lines, and though the clay golem nearest me is still cracked horribly, the Froggrock seem to have recovered quickly enough to catch the Blasters flat footed. The troops are already beginning to form a desperate defensive circle, and one of the people who was yelling is now on the ground. Unless Ollie and Zak get more useful and fast, its not going to look good.

Either way, for now my priority is the Wooden Golem, I suspect this thing in the long run is a much larger issue. I try to decide how to enter the fray, if I throw a Mogren, I suspect my arms will really hurt, if I have them throw me... well, that looks pretty fekkin solid. If only I...

['Lets Rock' chosen, Fanart w/ sunglasses bonus- minimal bonus turns into CSI moment.]
I suddenly see something oddly perfect for my needs, a good three foot diameter oval-ish rock sticking out of the mucky water. I quickly call over Lurt, and have him pull out the rock from the mud. At the meantime, I ready my spear, timing my heartbeats for when exactly we need to swing.

I turn to Lurt, nodding, and aiming once more mentally.

“Alright Lurt”

I nod, activating my magitech heart, the world darkening slightly as bloodflow changes and muscles tighten.

“Lets Rock.”

[Lurt] “Yurah!”

With the Morgren tossing the rock, I cock back my spear slightly, and swing for the heavens. The rock splits into a series of three large fragments, and a bunch of smaller fragments, launching a good twenty five feet and hauling towards the Wooden golem.

Pieces crash against the Golem, as it takes its attention off Tal, splinters flying off from where medium sized rock fragments crash into the body. It takes these hits, dodging one of the largest pieces, and summoning a hunk of wood from its body that collides and shatters against one of the other pieces. The third large fragment though, collides where the shin would be on its bipedal form, cracking and splintering horribly. I surmise quickly the thing is likely barely standing on such damage with that leg, and I begin sprinting after admiring the cracks on the enemy's body. Twenty feet from the creature, it has a fist into Tal, but the Morgren seems only stunned at worst, and has the left arm in its grasp. Lurt is side by side with me, and its time to deal with this...

>Having closed the gap and made an impression, what should I do now?
>What orders should I give Lurt and Tal? Or do I leave them to their own devices?
>>
No. 298302 ID: 8b0de1

>[Major Note: due to fairly critical computer issues at the present, 32's character sheet, inventory, and other forms will not be able to be posted. Posts also are less likely to happen. This will hopefully be fixed by Tues of next week. ]
Oh shit. That sucks
I hate when that happens to me

[So little FEELING yo! One Liner bonus minimal, liner defaults to author]
This was on my mind for days but I couldn't come up with anything.
I hoped that Bob would come up with something awesome and save the day.



>I surmise quickly the thing is likely barely standing on such damage with that leg

TOPPLE IT!

Wait
Have the Morgren TOPPLE IT!

Get into position, summon your body double and when the golem hits the ground quickly move to kill the operator (or knock him out if possible). Have your double approach the operator from other side so that the guy becomes momentary confused making an opening to strike him.

Also, the fact that he doesn't have weapons on him doesn't make this good. It makes this actually worse because he might have some hidden powers and abilities, so be prepared for some nasty surprise.

If you do kill him, try to take over his golem.
>>
No. 299660 ID: 8b0de1
File 130393559913.jpg - (118.80KB , 700x600 , 32 - aftergolem.jpg )
299660

Is your computer still bonkers?


Look, I made an art.
Was trying out something different ... didn't work out that well.
Don't ask me why 32 looks so sad in this pic. Maybe he realized that wedging his spear in the golems head so that he cannot take it out again was not the best idea.
>>
No. 300074 ID: 7f017c

Author's Note:[Computer boondoggle is finally over with after a myriad of headaches, Dreamer will resume and go back to a consistent update schedule starting tomorrow.]
>>
No. 300076 ID: 5eaca0

But not today?
aww


alright.
Congrats with fixing your computer
>>
No. 300202 ID: 7f017c
File 130411307953.jpg - (148.52KB , 550x413 , SwampTrees.jpg )
300202

rolled 26, 6, 12, 68, 100 = 212

>>299660
[Fanart Bonus]

>>298302

I quickly call out the orders to the Morgren tomake the leg break, Lurt charging in with a child-like glee, Tal following up a moment later. I feel all my hearts beating in excitement, moving into an approximate pos... er, wait, so its the left leg thats breaking, so it falls to the... left? No wait, all the weight in on the right? So right? Fekk, the Morgren are just going to make it fall backwards probably? Note to self, work on some better teamwork concepts I guess?

Either way, I decide my immediate priority needs to be the driver, I don't know much about Golems, but I suspect killing off the one person who isn't a blubbering frog creature might end this immediately anyways. Killing off person's who seems to be in control of the golem's was noted as a method of dealing with the issue, fortunately, with giant things such as Morgren fighting with me this time, I think I can take either option.

Regardless, Lurt charges in, throwing an uncordinated set of punches towards the cracked leg of the wooden Golem and rider, who easily reads the effort it seems and dodges out of the morgren's way. This continues for a few seconds, Lurt swinging unchangingly at the Golem's leg, quite a few times absurdly out of range even with his stature, a few times though in response to the attempted punches, I see sudden sharp wooden 'spikes' seem to jut out a foot or so above the golem's knee and spike towards Lurt's arm. Fortunately I suppose, these spinter uselessly against the reinfocred body and bone of a morgren's fists, but it seems useful to note. Fortunately, the reassuringly more experienced Tal takes the opportunity to hit the Golem the next time it attempts to dodge at the lower end of its torso, which causes the already injured leg to shatter, and I see the golem begin to hop on one leg momentarily before it teters and falls.

I move in, the forceful beats of my heart reverberating inside, as I see that it is going to smash its right side into a tree, the side with the human assuming driver... heh, if he falls, this is over.

Regaining my stride in the mud, Tal and Lurt following from the sides, the golem reaches out to stop its fall, clutching into a large, heavily rooted tree. I make a small jump onto one of the large, exposed roots about fifty feet away, ready to intercept as it crashes.

Catching onto the tree, I suddenly see splinters erupt as a large chunk of the tree as large as the golem's hand shudders and splinters. I see the golem jump itself slightly into the air with its one good foot and point towards the approaching Morgren, its stump suddenly turning into a cube of wood shaped vaguely like a hammer at the end, and 'punch' into the torso of Lurt, causing the smaller morgren to go reeling back as Tal avoids the sudden risk of collision. I still see my chance though, and refuse to not take it.

I find the human, disoriented, off balance on a platform not intended at this angle holding onto a makeshift railing of wood, blood pooling on his hands, and at a height only around the top of my head... easy prey, heh. I make a small jump ten feet away, and drive my spear towards my sacrifice.

Only to find the Golem jolting away, turning its shoulder and placing its wooden head as a physical shield, but one I find paltry within moments as my spear contemptuously finds a meager resistance, solid wood splintering and giving way to my strength, numerous cracks forming on the body as a good five feet of spear finds its target and skewers the entire head through.

I find my efforts to pull out though hampered, and my mood slightly soured as the golem begins to stand, all sense of footing and force quickly lost as I dangle from my spear, staring at the back of the golem's splintered head as it ignores me. I hear crunching sounds coming from nearby, cracking of some sort on the other side of the golem I guess as I survey for my target. I see him about twelve feet away on his platform over the right shoulder, before he puffs out his chest and begins yelling in what I gather in inflection to be that odd vague, very deep toned, common, but its nonsensical.

“Greeemninsclis! Grrowwwnnnn! Rommmm Rintron, RINNNNNT! RINNTOOO”

I can't hear much else around with the yelling and the sounds of battle, nor can I see much on the backside of a golem, and I feel like I have returned to some insane form of training somewhat dangling like the pulling bars from long ago. Four feet of handle still support me next to the golem's head, but I see nothing else from this side... no weapons, no mechnisms, not even nonsensical magic like thingys. I may be able to make an attack, I surmise I can hold even my bulky weight one handed for awhile, particularly with my heart pumping. He's so close, I just need to think of a good way to attack, or get down and take down this golem maybe...?

>How should I approach this situation, abandon my spear and fall? find a way to retrieve it as is? Attack somehow with something else?
>Do I give any comamnds? Deactivate my heart at any point (9 seconds since invocation)?

>[5D100, first 3 for Magitech if not deactivated, other 2 for event and general wellbeing of allies.]
>>
No. 300479 ID: 8b0de1
File 130419733262.jpg - (386.26KB , 900x700 , 32 - golem.jpg )
300479

>“Greeemninsclis! Grrowwwnnnn! Rommmm Rintron, RINNNNNT! RINNTOOO”

Seems like this guys is shouting orders to Froggoks. I have no idea what he is saying but this pretty much cements our hunch that he is the leader here.

Alright, this is a good position, better not let go of the spear I say.
Jerk yourself, spin around, jump or climb on the Golems head or shoulder. You'll have better position to attack the driver.

Do we have any other weapons except the spear.
Hmm, I don't think so... except That Which Reaps, but we attached it to the spear, right?
Well, if it is possible, detach it.

If you managed to get TWR, you could use it from this position.
Transform it into the chain and "lasso-up" the guy. After binding him, you could try to pull him to yourself or just get to his position (the chain would help you stabilize or whatever)
Or transform it into Chakram and throw it ..... though we run into the risk of losing it.

If you didn't get TWR, there's always option of brute force.
Get onto his platform and try to kill him with your fists.


Oh, and whatever you do, use your Illusions, they will provide good distraction.
>>
No. 300862 ID: a76809

>>300202
Deactivate the Magitech heart-its getting clunky again.
>>
No. 300880 ID: 7f017c
File 130431327348.jpg - (99.94KB , 1152x864 , 32CharacterSheet2T.jpg )
300880

rolled 16, 12, 11, 91, 27 = 157

>>300479
[… Fanart has officially exceeded any expectations I had for fanart. Also, yes, That Which Reaps in rope form was attached to the spear]
[FANART BONUS]


I decide first things first, I am not in a bad position really, but it could be made even better. I make a large grab, and wrap my arm around the golem's wanna-be neck as if I were going to choke it to death... shame I don't expect that would work, but eh. I pull myself off of the spear and onto the much easier to support myself platform of the golem. I reach down with one hand and yank off That Which Reaps, finding it actually somewhat easier than I expected, I had noted before that the rope does not form knots, but instead sort of fuses at points of contact, but it was actually quite easily removed from my spear.

It is at this point though, before I can really instigate my plans involving it, that I realize the human had really been pretty much watching me the entire time, as a wooden spear jabs into my left arm, the one now the only holding onto the golem. Though it pierces my skin, my foe quickly finds my tensed muscles a shield that even holding the spear two handed cannot breach. I grin inwardly, a decently muscled man in what I estimate to be his early thirties, even if he has the beard of an elder, cannot hope to harm me even if all my hearts did not beat, fool. The world shifts beneath me as the wooden golem swings forward at some unseen target, wooden fragments dig into my skin, and I feel some pricks of pain awaken my fighting spirit more. I reach across my body and grab the fool's wooden spear while holding onto the rope, and yank in return.

I laugh boisterously as the man is crushed against his protective railing. He tries to hold onto his weapon, his face reddening, for only a moment he succeeds as he slams backwards, coughing loudly and dazed. It almost feels a disappointment to call this a foe, but if fate so decrees, so I shall obey.

I lack a good platform to stand on to use That Which Reaps appropriately I surmise, but I can easily crush this person, all I need is to get to that platform. I consider dropping my weapon, searching with my feet for a place for a foothold. I see the man glare at me and point, to suddenly find myself with nothing to hold onto as I fall the few feet to the ground, spear as my side, fragmented splinters of the golem embedding into my hand.

With a splash I hit the muddy waters, my spear landing next to me, and holding onto That Which Reaps. Attempting to regain my balance, I see that the Morgren were likely the ones who reentered the fight, Lurt with a wooden spear lodged in his torso, essentially just flexes his body and forces it out. Feh, is everything about this guy so weak? Can't break even skin, heh.

I hear something though and turn,

[Roll = 68, outside event fails]
[Roll = 100, MOSMORDEN ALLIES RALLY, A HERO IS BORN]
[Fanart bonus (Bonus Info, slight improvement): Hero Upgrade, Alpha Sergeant Calline Miseri, To begin being known as: “The Swamp Slayer”post this battle. Many soldiers will report that wherever her gaze held, the wooden spears of the Froggrock shattered in fear, that her blade swing was so graceful and accurate that the Froggrock themselves fell into it willingly, lest they ruin her rampage. By herself, accounted for between seven and two dozen kills, depending on the report.]


I glance a true sight to behold, obviously a women, normal looking enough... but with speed that makes her look like a mirage even from this distance. Soldiers that once were pinned to the ground by fire have all unanimously come to an agreement it seems, as all the soldiers have begun to stand and charge forward. I see the Morgren Sergeants coming from the side to reinforce, their foes similarly vanquished, and what I assume to have once been Clay Golem returned to the earth. Only one clay golem stands, the maybe three dozen Froggrock in their way are being, single handed it looks like, mowed down by this woman, having taken down four in about a second. With her leading, and everyone who isn't a few morgren and me charging forward with zeal, this combat has already been won.

Yet, there is one last thing I need to deliver, the death of this wooden golem and its pilot. I pick up my spear and reattach That Which Reaps to it, ten feet away, the two Morgren pummel into the Wooden Golem, who shudders backwards, throwing now a hundred it seems smaller spears at the Morgren as they advance. They do an admirable job though of pushing it back, as the back of the golem smashes into tree after tree, causing cracks on both the golem and tree, but sadly seemingly disappearing the damage within moments. Though I surmise, hearts beating furiously, head slightly beating with them at this point, that the slivers are likely going to harm the Morgren slowly if I let this happen. I grin inwardly, so a foolish weakling once more dares my might, and the might of an entire empire that is his better? I only wonder what the least merciful way to kill him shall be...

With many 'tiny' spears being thrown towards the Morgren at its front every second, I find myself at the wooden golem's side, facing the shoulder of the rider, as it recovers from its third collision. I do also find myself in an interesting flanking position between the remaining clay golem, and an encroaching horde of soldiers that could be almost as deadly as me with their force combined.

>How do I want to take this worm who dared to attack the empire down?
>Do I say anything to the Morgren under my command or take any time towards the tide of approaching soldiers? [May roll for assault or command skill use, use D20 and specify. ]
>Do I keep my heart going? Or does this worm not even demand such things? (15 or lower to deactivate)
>>
No. 300992 ID: 4c7f89

rolled 12 = 12

So you're at its side, near it

I say you stick with trying to kill the rider.
If you think you can manage and if the distance isn't too far, attach TWR to spear again and throw it like a javelin to kill the controller.

If that is too much to ask, try this:
Tell you Morgren to keep pushing it the same direction. Pick a tree. Climb it and wait till they push the golem near it and jump at the platform. Try to impale him while in mid-air.

turn off your heart after this and head to deal with the clay golem
>>
No. 301086 ID: 903f16

rolled 7, 7 = 14

>How do I want to take this worm who dared to attack the empire down?
Depending on how our various plans go either skewer him with your spear while you're in the air or try to disembowel him and cut his throat.

>Do I say anything to the Morgren under my command or take any time towards the tide of approaching soldiers? [May roll for assault or command skill use, use D20 and specify. ]
How about we do the whole getting a Morgren to throw us plan now? Get them to fling us right into the controller or onto the platform. One of them just needs to back off, might be a bit difficult so rolling for it.

>Do I keep my heart going? Or does this worm not even demand such things? (15 or lower to deactivate)
I guess I'll second the notion of turning it off after we finish, but normally I'd prefer to err on the side of caution. My second roll is for turning off the heart.
>>
No. 301282 ID: 20a66f

>>301086
>rolled 7, 7 = 14


DOUBLE LUCKY SEVENS???

Oooh boy, here we go!
>>
No. 301294 ID: 7f017c
File 130447387691.png - (476.60KB , 701x1024 , AlphaSergeant CallineMiseriCasual.png )
301294

>>300992
[32's lack of innate teamwork skills and contempt biases towards this post's first choice]

>>301086
>>301282
[Sadly, too much luck has happened already in general with a 100 roll for double 7's to do too much, get TRIPLE 7’s though for the slot machine jackpot! Minor bonus though included!]

I quickly once more form a loop around my spear with the rope held in my left hand, finding it once more as simple as melding two points of contact near the end. I grab hold of my spear one handed and prepare to throw it at the rider of the wooden golem, not wanting to risk crossfire between the Morgren and golem, nor the hail of small shots flying off nearby.

[Rolls 16, 12, 11]
[Player Roll = (12 + 9)/2 = 9]

I take quick aim, timing my breath like I had learned about my archery, using my next heartbeat as a marker. Yet, when I am about to throw, my heart itself feels as if to shudder a half a beat too early, a sudden breeze pops up in the area, delaying me as I stop to assess. A small, unnatural, chill travels up my spine, and a hazy sense of foreboding permeates my mind. This is not the sense of fate I have come used to, this is more... sinister.

I reach a quick conclusion, and the chill spreads further still up me, as I see even the Morgren have slowed down, this presence all too real it seems. Death.... death itself has graced me on the battlefield? Is this sense of doom that dares to enter my mind the sort that plagues the weaklings, the unworthy each day of their worthless lives?

Yet it is so, harsh.... angry almost, as if it attacks me. I find myself momentarily confused, does death wish me to feed it this sacrifice? Have I angered it? Is this truly death itself? Maybe this was supposed to be my time? Maybe... Maybe....

NO! This is no time for maybe. I have known fate and death as constant visages too long to surrender to it now. I hastily throw my spear at the next beat of my hearts, having lost sense of its constancy, aiming at what I presume to be Death's desire for a sacrifice. I quickly shut off my heart, and as the spear flies, I feel the sense of foreboding disappear, my mind feeling much more normal. The others in my sight snap back into action also. The human figure glares in my direction once more, then a look of fear comes to his face as he sees the incoming projectile. With the yelling of an incomprehensible word, the golem I see momentarily loses its limbs to become as if large series of sticks, as a shield of wood pops in all directions around the rag dressed man. My spear plunges deep into the wood, easily four feet completely ignoring the wood as some slack still exists in my rope. With a shudder, I feel my spear lose all of its tension, as the wooden shield disappears. The golem begins to flee, dodging the Morgren attack behind a tree, as more of it collapses on both the Morgren side and the golem's side. The golem and rider begin to retreat in earnest, the legs of the golem becoming massive extensions that rival nearly the eighteen foot fall trees of the area, that extend back and forth like some demanded toy or multi-sectioned spear.

Reeling in my spear, I note an odd resistance in the water, and upon pulling up, I see a good third of a meter radius ring of wood has surrounded my spear in a cylinder reaching from the speartip to down some of the shaft, easily an additional... twenty five or so kilograms of top heavy-ness, bleh. Yet, I find the wood to be fragile, cracking in places already, and a sharp fist to the haft causes most of the wood to splinter off, enough for now at least.

I turn to look at the battle behind me, knowing by what I hear that the troops are already upon it. I see the woman once more spearheading, most of the grunts it seems are too frightened for some reason, feh, cowards. I do note though that the golem seems to have new damage, but not some I saw before, repaired itself somehow? Either way, it seems pointless, but I run forward, amused by what I see.

This girl, is of a similar build to Catalina, a certain level of thinness and grace, though much more... solid looking I suppose? Whereas Catalina is more twig-like, I see a woman with a similar grace and a small bit more height [Authors Note: 32 is wrong about this, Catalina is about 5' 5”, Sergeant Miseri is nearly 5' 9”, but he has a very bad time dealing with heights since he towers over all 'normal' persons], and massive speed on her blade. I see a cold fire burning in her eyes, even from my distance twenty feet away, a contempt for the enemy that almost echoes across the air. With one strike she almost supernaturally hits a leaping Froggrock, before I lose sight of her as she dodges the clay golem with a jump I never really expected from someone wearing such heavy looking greaves on her frame. An odd fit at first, until I see under

Landing with what almost seems like a slide on the water's surface; she turns and fires a series of strikes with her curved longsword on the arm of the Golem. At each point of contact, I see the golem's arm begin to form a series of cracks that expand rapidly, with her fourth strike the golem's arm just shatters almost entirely into dust from accumulated cracks, before it could even truly react for another real attack.

It is at this time my whirling spear collides into a few of the nearby Froggrock, and for a moment the girl's eyes blink at me, before she smirks with almost sinister intent I feel, and turns back to the golem and begins striking again as it seems to have itself ceded and surrendered, just taking her hits.

A total of five Froggrock are killed from my surprise attack, most of them first bludgeoned by my spear, and then struck down with one handed spear kills once having lost their momentum. With that rout and a good few dozen more frog bodies in the area, the defeat of the enemy is completed.

Battle Condition: Victory (Minor)
[Minor Bonus: Bluff levels to 1, +.10 Combat Senses and Reflexes]


Local 'Global' News

Morale was expected to be low post battle due to higher than expected losses; however, the troops have rallied around Alpha Sergeant Miseri and Morgren Captain Nelvin's forces. Multiple reports state her leadership and the Morgren force's central role in dispelling the ambush's attacks on the forces.

Theta Sergeant Elinst, Beta Force Champion Gus, and a total of two other soldiers were reported killed in the ambush attempting to rally troops during the ambush. Five soldiers have been removed from the field due to injuries. Captain Nelvin reports no Morgren or staff were injured enough to be removed from the battlefield.

A strange attack was noted to have occurred from no known source, no consistent or reliable details have been extracted, and further investigation denied resources due to lack of leads.

Sergeant Miseri has been recommended for her second Silver Order of the Sword, noting her pivotal role in the assault.


With the stunned silence, the girl sheaths her sword and walks up to me, looking up with much softer than before hazel eyes, her arm outstretched.

”You have my thanks, commendable work with the 5 or so Morgren you did, from what little I saw. Initiative I think…
She turns away a moment and faces the dozen soldiers…
YOU ALL NEED TO GET USED TO! BACK IN FORMATION!”


I take her hand, almost laughably tiny compared to mine and shake her hand for a moment. I take a moment to note her cerulean armor, consisting of a skirt like series of plates, that keep a silver and blue motif through the segmented plate armor with shoulder-pads, and gauntlets that end near her elbow, though her helmet is off for now, it appears to be a half helm modeled vaguely on the near-legendary Dragoon cavalry, a few spines of metal on the back. Her armor also holds two bronze and a silver order of the Sword melded on… probably a Sergeant, good to know.

[Bluff lvl >= 1, 32 realizes benefits of not correcting Sergeant about independent Morgren]
[Diplomacy lvl >= 1, minor improvement to conversation]
“Just doing my duty, Sergeant, mam.”
”Ah, yes, Alpha Sergeant Calline Miseri of the Blasters, and yourself?”
“Alchemical Soldier. Designation Thirty-Two. Temporary volunteer Morgren Sergeant”
”…A temporary volunteer? I didn’t even know that was an… Either way, if this is the place you want to go, you have my support after that display. I leave you to your duties Sergeant.”

With that, she begins walking off, the never-ending dance of getting soldiers to act like soldiers back in full swing. I gather up the nearby Morgren, and much of the afternoon is spent accounting for the results of the post-battle. We do get a bit further though before evening hits, and night shifts are to be doubled not surprisingly, but there is some time as the sun sets.

>Do I want to speak with anyone post battle?
>I ponder the ominous force that felt like death to me, and wonder if I make anything of it.
>[2D20 rolls needed for 32’s night shift, higher is more positive result for 32]
>>
No. 301416 ID: 8b0de1

rolled 6, 6 = 12

>Sergeant Miseri has been recommended for her second Silver Order of the Sword, noting her pivotal role in the assault.

*sigh*
Oh well, we can't always be the Prom Princess I guess...
though she did high-jack my latest fan-art bonus. Btw, glad that you liked it, I thought it wasn't that good to be honest ... I'll have to try to make something even better next time.


>I ponder the ominous force that felt like death to me, and wonder if I make anything of it.
Well, since that feeling disappeared when you turned of your heart maybe it is attracted by it? Maybe it uses some kind of magic that turns attention of otherworldly beings to you (*cough*Dream magic*cough*)?
Maybe the incident we had when sparring with Morgren way back is related to this?

>Do I want to speak with anyone post battle?
Lets speak with our sergeant and ask him about the battle. Have him asses our performance and notify of any shortcomings from our part and tips.

Also might as well get to know Miseri better if you get a chance. Just some small talk about this and that. Get to know her abilities and such (you should have adequate social experience from previous interactions to do this without embarassing yourself)
>>
No. 301417 ID: 8b0de1

>>301416

>301416
>416
>6

>rolled 6, 6 = 12

>6, 6, 6

Oh God, did I summon satan?
>>
No. 301555 ID: 903f16

>>301294
Miseri is an up and comer, I think trying to develop a friendship with her certainly wouldn't hurt our chances at advancement. Hell even a rivalry would be good for us, give our soul a bit of a chance to grow. Either way the more interaction with her the better.

Also, reminder the bow is due to be finished tomorrow or the day after that.

>>301417
You know we used to get devil bonuses in GQ proper way back when. Maybe NaiveOne will revive them? Then again those were always kind of iffy on whether they were helpful or not, they were kind of plot points we could either make go really well for us or really poorly.
>>
No. 301572 ID: a76809

>>301555
The best kind of special bonus-the kind you don't know if you really want or are terrified of.
>>
No. 301577 ID: 7f017c
File 130457430880.jpg - (19.74KB , 413x310 , Darkness.jpg )
301577

rolled 84 = 84

>>301417
[Summoning Satan? that would be silly. Guy is a weakling! 32 deals with much better forces.]
>>301555
[And the point is made, and was accounted for. 32 does it... differently though, have fun. Good Luck. You'll need it.]

>>301416
[I assume you mean Captain Nelvin instead of sergeant, and yes, more I say. I enjoy the work.]

I make a note to myself as the sun sets, reminded by the brief glimpse of the bow and arrow that came from the prior combat…. My bow will in fact be ready upon our return to camp after this mission. It would be a shame to forget that.

I find though a small desire to see the Sergeant again, from the words floating around camp and the general performance in the fight against the clay golem, I find a general relief that someone competent exists it seems around here. I resolve to find where her camp placement is and speak to her later, as I have seen some sense in gathering some level of competent allies.

It is simple to find the Captain in the makeshift camp, it being his turn at the present to watch over the Morgren. Asking him about my performance, he states that things went fine, but that he could tell it was less about my command per se. He makes a strong note that if I want to get better, I have to get more willing to give a broad sense of tactics to the Morgren that makes them avoid tripping over themselves. He suspects Lurt and Tal could have taken the golem on their own, but Lurt kept getting overly pushy and in the way. The simplest mistake Morgren make is that teamwork often gets knocked out of their mind,, because they get so pumped up to fight he explains. In really bad cases, they might end up fighting themselves instead of the enemy!

That said though, he puts his hand on my arm and sort of shakes it, telling me I did a good job, and that he saw I did a fine job for such a rush job on the time. He tells me though he doesn’t want to keep me, that I have a long shift for the night and that I should take a chance to relax, ask him again another time.

Taking my leave, it takes me less than a quarter of an hour to find the proper Blasters camp for the Alpha Sergeant in such a relatively small area. She sits on a large root near the campfire, with about a half dozen troops. I note her now to be wearing a mixture of what I could only call a… robe meets an overcoat? I only find it odd as it extends nearly down her entire height, which seems impractical as anything for this environment in both temperature and not being a constant muddy mess. Eh, female have such eccentricities though I have heard.

On my approach, she seems surprised slightly, but takes it in stride, introducing me to the soldiers at the fire as a Morgren Sergeant, which seems to get grins from a few of them. Talk devolves mostly into questions about the morgren and the battle, yes Morgren are tough as nails, no Morgren don’t eat people that I know of, yes, Morgren hella hurt to be punched by, even by a big guy like me, blah blah. Some report seeing me engage the Golem, some ask what a human was doing on the battlefield, and speculation of a few things abound.

As for the sergeant herself, I learn she is a four year veteran at this point (which gets her teasing remarks of being an ‘old lady’ from one, who shuts up from her glare). As a Force Champion, she served in an earlier engagement against Duras, and some disputed territories with multiple claimed names in the west of the empire before being promoted. I note that from her own telling, she seems to prefer one on one engagements, her present weapon is about two years in her possession, called her ‘crescent moon’, and was looted off an enemy commander she defeated in the westward campaign, and she seems to hold it with pride. Things go cordially enough, and thankfully the Sergeant seems to get I need much more in terms of rations, but within a few hours she dismisses herself in need to handle the guard. Noting my own shift soon enough, I do the same.
----------------------------------
[Night Watch Rolls = [6, 6], DOUBLES BONUS]
[666 = DEVIL BONUS, SPECIAL EVENT]

I am given charge of three soldiers of the Beta squad, one noted to be trained in tracking under my charge for approximately three hours to cover the western and south edge of the ‘camp’. I set a fairly simple perimeter, telling each soldier to report in at the same time about once every half hour.

The night is already pitching dark, and things are quiet enough. Two meetings with my charges pass without incident, and I find myself lazily engaged in blending in with the crannies of an overhanging tree, idly attempting to improve my sense of hiding self and becoming one with this area.

Yet… I sense something a few minutes later, where nothing had been wrong before. I look around, breaking my hiding place. I am confused for a while… I see little to begin with, but soon I find myself thankful for my perseverance in getting to know what will be the empire’s one day. Slow…

Agonizingly slowly almost, things are getting quieter. Almost in a wave, things are becoming quieter. I give off a slightly echoing clicking sound, running my tongue over the roof of my mouth… a classical sign for the empire. Within a minute the others have arrived, and I report on the silence, to agreement by the one who matters enough for others to defer to… and a glare when they seem to discount it at first. In hushed tones we discuss possibilities, I decide soon enough it is irrelevant, and that the fastest is to go and wake up the Captains. The others look at one, and he seems unwilling to go by sheer cowardice, stating that the darkness at this point is too much and death will get him. Stating that death is always around and that I will inflict it unless he obeys, he quickly turns to leave…

Only to find that the silence that was growing has now caught up to us.

I feel… something indescribable to my senses, as if all of them had been overwhelmed at the same time. Some sense of omnipresence to this silence.

Everyone it seems has frozen, I feel myself unwilling to move myself… as I feel something both familiar and foreign. I see terror etched on the faces of the men, even in the darkness… and I feel it too, if I was a lesser man, I would flee also in my mind, and yet in this terror… I feel some level of, comfort? Familiarity?

Soon, the darkness that once existed is gone, replaced only by a deeper, all-consuming darkness. I see none of the others, not even the tree I once stood on that was inches away.

I glance in all directions, gazing only into more darkness. All directions only more. I feel my mind daring to get lost in it, to surrender my eyes to uselessness and declare them dead.

Until… something different.


I see one spot in the darkness, even darker than the rest. I see a silhouette of a deformed humanoid. Slim, then wider, until it reaches near the end, where it slims once more. Things jut out of where its head-proxy is, nearly a foot in length. I hear a voice begin to speak, as everpresent as the darkness now around me, as inescapable.

”…Speak, speak of truth. Why should I not kill you now where you stand?”

A voice that is simultaneously as freezing as ice, tinged with biting sarcasm, a cacophonous softness I associate with a feminine voice, I feel the breeze in this voice, tinged with things I have never experienced in my life, and a blunt solidness as real as my own body, and yet it is compelling, familiar…. An icon of my many travels, I hear this voice, and feel I know Death itself, and would dare to shudder, if I had not met this voice before if it truly is Death.

>How do I respond to its question? Do I dare ask one of my own?
>Do I try to escape? I still believe I know what directions things –should- be in.
>(A D100 can be rolled with any action, countering the figure’s roll)
>>
No. 301578 ID: a76809

rolled 4 = 4

"First I'd need to know why you believe you should kill me, as there are far too many reasons to not kill me to list them all."

You have acquired skill in speechmaking, in Bluff and Diplomacy alike-between all your skills there, this type of wordplay should come to you.

She may or may not at this point stop, since a bunch of supernatural beings DO follow rulesets-you've heard THAT much of general lore, at least, I mean all those legends of monsters underground, general folklore-there is a lot for you to draw on there. If she DOESN'T stop there, couple ways I figure she may go.

She could be amused, but still question your value, live v dead. To this I'd say an approach of practical dissertation-with your first comment an 'icebreaker' so you have her attention long enough to keep her talking and better understand what is going on.
>>
No. 301580 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 5 = 5

>>301578
This
>>
No. 301700 ID: 8b0de1

Feck, wordomancy is not my strongest forte.

>rolled 4 = 4
>rolled 5 = 5

Oh shit, we're screwed!
Nice knowing you guys.

Any chance you could forgo update today? I will try to draw something sufficiently awesome to get better chance of coming out of here alive. (I couldn't do it today, as I was visiting my sister. She had birthday today)

On the other hand, answering it with another question might not be the best of plans. Probably will make it more angry. Probably.
>>
No. 301744 ID: 903f16

rolled 22 = 22

>>301577
I'm at a loss for something to say and with the other propositions and their rolls I don't think we'll be able to talk our way out of this. So let's just go, preferably away from Death. I don't see running straight in the opposite direction working though, so how about trying to go up? Just fall and miss 32, you can do it. Rolling to fly away like a bitch, failing that this roll is to run as fast as we can in any direction that is not towards him/her/it.
>>
No. 301751 ID: 1854db

rolled 96 = 96

Wordplay against Death Itself?

How about you be honest. You know Death. You wish to live so you might know it better.
>>
No. 301821 ID: a9629e

rolled 92 = 92

>>301578
Yeah, that sounds solid. Ignoring rules supernatural critter may be bound to, the fact that she's asking that means either she's playing into a role, or is trying to get some amusement out of you. I'm not too keen on trusting 32s sense of humor, so trying to make the conversation interesting would be good.
>>
No. 301832 ID: 8b0de1
File 130469414986.jpg - (250.72KB , 1000x700 , 32 - tatoos.jpg )
301832

Alright,

Here it is!
>>
No. 301857 ID: 8b0de1
File 130470607573.jpg - (200.66KB , 1000x700 , 32 - death.jpg )
301857

And here is another one.
This is a quick, half-assed drawing though.
Always wanted to draw 32 attacking and having a vision of Death manifesting behind him as if guiding his blade.
>>
No. 302424 ID: 7f017c
File 130483115906.jpg - (2.27KB , 120x96 , SwampNight.jpg )
302424

>>301578
[Roll = 5]
[Oh… ow… that’s gonna hurt.]
>>301580
[Roll = 4]
[… well, looks like this goes really badly.]
>>301744
[Roll = 22]
[Well… erm.. do I want to kill 32? I mean, it kinda… jeez.]

>>301751
[Roll = 96]
>>301821
[Roll = 92]
[Ok, whew.]

>>301832
[I never viewed 32 as quite... that… pretty? Really neat though.]
>>301857
[FANART BONUS x2]

I decide quickly, trying to think of a mix of wordplay that might be compelling. I consider running for a brief moment, it seems valid, and until I realize that I looked around constantly until I found this one singular darker spot. That is all I really have for a sense of direction, and I have no idea where… Death came from.

I go with the first thing that comes to mind, a mental force thrusting it out.

"First I'd need to know why you believe you should kill me, as there are far too many reasons to not kill me to list them all."

I can FEEL the thing just sort of… grin with amusement, as if emotions were something one could touch. Shivers up my body confirm the feeling further, and I take some measure of relief. That is until it… she? I guess I will go with she, speaks again.

”You exist. That is enough of a reason to kill you.”
ךתוא גורהל ידכ תקפסמ הביס אוה יכ םייק התא

An omnidirectional voice that seems to reverberate off the darkness itself, closing in on me. I feel my body weaken, the enormity of the words descending upon me physically, as I fall to knees I cannot even see on my body. I feel something in some direction, something getting colder, biting as if in the windiest of storms, and I see in my mind’s eye a torch of life burn out.

Fekk, so Death is psychotic and powerful? I wonder for a moment how this even comes as a surprise. I mean, it only makes sense as I face it now.

>>301751
Yet, I know this Death. It is the shadow that has haunted so many battlefields, a shadow I had thought I had known. It was death that was tangible; a death that I thought would lead me to victory, demand sacrifices to its vistage. Not to be feared, but to be lead. Yet some of this feels so wrong even as I think it. Though some of it as clear as the darkness around me as true.

“I wish to live! To know you better!”

The figure stays silent a moment, my own words echo around me as I yell ominously. Each time I hear them it begins to feel as if I am mocking myself, my face beginning to heat in embarrassment despite the ever-present cold. I see a part near the top become even darker for a moment, before I hear something.

Laughing, soft… made of the sound of fragmenting bones, of screams of pain, of gurgling blood as a man bleeding to death takes his last breath. Laughter that comes from the outside and shakes my body, reminding me that these are all ailments I am not immune to.

As the second, the eternity, the inescapable finality of the laugh ends, I know now it is certainly true. I see now… Death.

[Fanart Bonuses]
”You have promise, to both see and seek. You stand before Raqel. For your answer one must be given. Speak at any time where I lay.”
יתבכש הבש תע לכב 'רבד ןותנ תויהל בייח ךלש תחא הבושת תלבקל ינפל תדמוע תא שפחלו תוארל ינשל החטבה ךל שי

And suddenly, the spot that was once darker than even the pitchest dark disappears, as if it had never been. My eyes sear in pain for a moment as the brightness of the night surrounds me once more, on my knees, in the muds of the swamps… having moved no discernible distance from where I once was. I look around, one man is still standing, covering his eyes as I had just done, one is on the ground, breathing, but out of it… and the third is motionless. I chick with my knowledge on basic aid… no beating of the heart, no breathing. Yet there is no injury on his body, I find it only marred by the mud I found it in.

The one soldier, fekk if I remember even his name just looks down at me. Horror has still not ebbed from his body, a condition severe enough that I had only seen before when fools thought loss and death was inevitable. Yet he only stares at me in a dazed confusion.

A dead body, a man unconscious, and onewho seems fixated on me, all while having been cast by the eyes of death. Even ignoring that the impossible has happened, I have a body in my hands, the charge of the watch, and yet no attack, though for all I know one has occurred and the silent campgrounds are as dead as this man.

>What do I tell the man, apparently fixated on me?
>What do I even DO in this situation?
>Did… did I really just see Death? What… can one even make of this?
>>
No. 302430 ID: 1854db

Ask the conscious man what he saw, and heard.
>>
No. 302626 ID: 8b0de1

>[I never viewed 32 as quite... that… pretty? Really neat though.]
It's just that I am not very good at making faces yet, so I took a default face which has no flaws and looks nice.
Also, I focused on tattoos more.
---


Alright...
..
we could have handled this much better. But still, great that we are alive.

Not too surprising that 32 had loss for words. He haven't encountered such overpowered creatures before, especially his biggest star.

Thinking about this, 32 should have known that Death wouldn't just kill him like that. Why would it(she?) talk to him otherwise? And she had helped him several times in the past.

And to answer her why she shouldn't kill us:
Because killing us would have been a waste. Because unlike others we appreciate Death. Because through us, she can claim more than without us. Because we serve death whenever she knows that or not.... or something like that.

If this kind of thing happens again, 32 might have better chance saying something useful.

Overall this was a useful experience.
Now 32 definitely knows he has deaths attention, and in the good sense. She might have been a bit malicious, but it is her nature (to take lives) so the fact that it did not means she holds 32 in higher regard.
Heck, he should be happy about this.

>What do I even DO in this situation?
I don't know what to do.
Report the incident to the best of your abilities

>What do I tell the man, apparently fixated on me?
bring him to the medic tent. Poor guy has a PTSD
>>
No. 305131 ID: 0cc9b1

Dammit, Naive, you ass!
Are you going to update or not, it has been over a week now!!
>>
No. 305150 ID: 7f017c

I guess I should have made it formal instead of just on ICQ. My apologies.

However, with alot of things being done as I plan on moving and securing various finances, Dreamer will be going on hiatus. Reasonably probably about a month? maybe more.
>>
No. 305212 ID: 8b0de1

Aw, bullocks

This sucks. I was looking forward for more....

Anyway, good luck with your ventures, Naive!
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