>Clover kicking ass
They don't even have asses and she's handing it to them!

>Mechanic's aid
Signal 'incoming worm! Extract?! Distract?!' or something like that. Gives him options - distracting the worm should be the least risky option to you both if he can get close enough then get outta its range again - and gives you time to make way to Clover.

If he comes to you, prepare to come up along the side of the tank bike and haul up and dump the Neumono onboard (he won't be able to see, so tell him what's going on). From there you can cling to the side and climb up, or keep dodge/run towards Clover if the worm is too close for you to safely hang on or clamber up.

If the mechanic manages to distract the worm, just make a run for Clover and the thumper. Do this anyway if the mechanic hesitates.

Signal to the mechanic, Watch out!
Trust Clover. Turn to the worm.

>Arrhythmic Walking
I doubt that would work, each step would create vibrations anyway... I think you'd be better off stopping in place and throwing something (preferably something that would tumble/bounce a bit)

>>1022333
>...I know it is a really bad time, but she is named Clover. Do you guys even know what clover is?
Likely yes, given her eyes she was most probably deliberately named after it.

>>1022306
We're going to need to drop this guy off somewhere imminently then come back here to keep an eye on the location, in case other scavangers and raiders try to take anything. Our big friend can leave to resupply on railgun ammo, then we can come back to finish off the last of the worms.

>>1022349
I'm pretty sure she'll (rightly) demand payment for coming back for the box. Saving a life can be done pro bono, the rest...

>>1022351
Tower has loot. We split loot.

Neato!
Is it hard for females to talk with their tale that way?

>>1022384
Probably would be impossible. Although there could be a variation using the arms that females could use. Kind of like semaphore flags.

1/2 Dowser 2022/02/04(Fri)15:42 No. 1022391 ID: 0d2343
File 164401816216.png - (221.63KB , 800x600 , TQ101.png )

I'm putting my trust in Clover that she can keep things handled.

>she is named Clover. Do you guys even know what clover is?
I think it's an alien plant? Somebody called her that once and it stuck.

>I thought she was running out of ammo...
She was probably saying that to mean that she can't do it all day, which I can believe.

>I'm pretty sure she'll (rightly) demand payment for coming back for the box
That's probably right. I wonder what she'd want of me if I were to ask.

I signal back a response using my tails. While It's very basic system and can't be used to express complex stuff, it gets short message across. I'll let him know to come by and that there is a nearby worm incoming, to the best of my signalling ability.
'YES PLEASE. DANGER CLOSE.'

>Is it hard for females to talk with their tails that way?
Very much so. Males have 3 tails to communicate because of how much we work in groups, females are a lot more independent, so they only need the one for balance. They can convey only basic stuff like 'tail down for upset' and 'tail up for happy'

He drives up beside us while we move closer to meet him halfway.

"Quick, hop in!" I place the neumono in the back and I follow shortly thereafter.

"I didn't have time to install seatbelts so hold on tight!"

I can hear Clover firing off shots out of my vision, I think she is holding things up on her end. I need to send her a message to thank her after all this is over.

2/2 Dowser 2022/02/04(Fri)15:43 No. 1022392 ID: 0d2343
File 164401818709.png - (209.67KB , 800x600 , TQ102.png )

As soon as we are both in, Raph hits the gas, and we launch forward

"With all the weight, I'm afraid this is as fast as we can go." It isn't as quick as that other vehicle, but it certainly beats going on foot.
>"Who is that? What is this? What's happening?"
"Lots of things! Don't worry, we'll bring you to the elevator, it'll be nice and bright for you there."
>"I... does that mean... I'm going back to my..."

"How are things looking behind us? Are we out of the nest's range?"
"Uhhh..."

>"What is that creaking noise?"

Maybe nails will slow this thing down if you get it in the mouth? What else do we have that we could throw at this thing? Maybe the gas can for the nailgun?

>>1022392
Yell "TURN!"

"Edgy boy on our tail! Dodge left!"

>>1022392
Nest mother. Grinding teeth. Oh dear.

Option 1: Launch yourself from the vehicle and scream "HIT THE GAS! CLOVER, BIG ONE HERE!" while you tuck and roll and then lie very very still before it can get a bead on your location. Alternatively, rrrrrruuuuuuuunnn to Clover.

Option 2: In this snap instant, while its open maw is facing you, shoot your remaining nail gun rounds down its gullet and hope it flinches enough to give you the lead you need.

"Go for it" option: Both.

JUKE LEFT!

make sure you have a good hold on greeny as well as the vehicle, he is missing half his limbs after all.

1/2 Dowser 2022/02/04(Fri)21:42 No. 1022428 ID: 0d2343
File 164403976025.png - (359.19KB , 800x600 , TQ103.png )

"Maybe if we can juke it, we can--"

CRAAAASSSSH

Oh

Oh right. The tower.

Oh wow.

That thing is toast.

"D-did any of you guys see that?!"

"See what? I'm trying to keep my eyes on the path ahead."
>"I didn't see anything. We're still in complete darkness. I did hear a loud noise though."

2/2 Dowser 2022/02/04(Fri)21:43 No. 1022429 ID: 0d2343
File 164403978257.png - (224.85KB , 800x600 , TQ104.png )

Damn.

I did something cool.

And nobody saw it.

If a radio tower fell on a razorworm in the middle of a dust bowl and nobody was around to see it, did it really happen?

I've really destroyed a lot of property today. At least I didn't break that lock on that fence, still feeling good about that one.

We successfully make it to the edge of the area, out of the range of the nest. I give a thumbs up to Clover and she withdraws, going her separate way after fulfilling my 'favor' which seems pitiful in comparison.

Looks like we're home free.

"How are you holding up, Keiro?"
>"I... I'm alive?"
"You sure are."
>"You... saved me?"
"I guess saving the occasional life helps me sleep at night thinking about all the property I've destroyed."
>"Does that mean... I-I'll see my hive again?"
Ah, he's getting all mushy. I'll never understand the emotional types.
>"D-do you mind coming closer?"

Hey, you mind checking this guy for weapons? Emotional moments are great and all but I wouldn't want a backstab to kill the vibe. Or you.

>>1022429
Tell him if he kisses you you're throwing him off the car. But okay.
Why hasn't he put on his goggles? Are they out of battery?

Well if all the razer worms are dead. No reason we can't go back and get the case right? Can just walk along the collapsed radio tower if nothing else to go get it. Also give the green boy a hug.

yeah you're probably going to have to get closer anyways since you're probably going to have to carry this guy home.

Also you're... probably going to want to do something nice for clover next time you see her. I mean she did just take on half a razor worm nest for you so maybe bringing her a 6 pack of some half decent booze or something might be an appreciated gesture.

>>1022392
>"What is that creaking noise?"
>>1022428
>the tower fell
Ohhh, that’s what that was. Damn, I’m an idiot for not realizing that!

>"I didn't see anything. We're still in complete darkness. I did hear a loud noise though."
Put your goggles on, you fool! You’re the only one here that can’t see in the dark!

>>1022429
>"D-do you mind coming closer?"
Is he going to want a hug? I really hope it’s just a hug! Let’s get closer and find out what he wants.

>"D-do you mind coming closer?"
Sure buddy.
Next time you come down here send me a message before wandering into dangerous wild life territory.
That was an eventful day! I would love to tell you half of the weird stuff I came across coming here.

>>1022430
Why do you think he would do that? Kill us in the darkness surrounded by our pals? For what reason?

>At least I didn't break that lock on that fence...
At the time I wasn't concern with morality but with the noise and the implications an intact fence represent.
The radio tower drop is a great success: not only it create a safer pathway through the sand it will help future scavengers collect metal components. The fuel valve was a more shameful episode we shall never admit to anyone.

>>1022432
Don't be rude or make things awkward. It unlikely he will kiss and if he does just be flattered by the gesture.

>>1022434
Or a box of chocolate. Or several.
Just plan a proper date.

>>1022428
>>1022429
Well...WE saw it, anyway. If you come back for the box (and maybe you should leave the job to the neumono hive), maybe you could take a picture of the dead worm to back up your story. ...Might need a camera for that, though, I guess. I'm not used to not having one on me always.

>>1022429
Yeah sure why not. Do you have any equipment that lets you see in the dark, and do you have any weapons?
If razor worms hunt via vibrations, is there anything stopping us from driving toy RC cars with grenades attaches all over the ground until it kills a worm?

Tobak Quest - Thread 1 END Dowser 2022/02/05(Sat)00:17 No. 1022442 ID: 0d2343
File 164404902577.png - (179.25KB , 800x600 , TQ105.png )

>mind checking this guy for weapons?
Doesn't look like he has anything, at least nothing you could fit in a pouch of that size. If he had something I feel he would have mentioned it.

>Why hasn't he put on his goggles? Are they out of battery?
It would appear so.

I start to think of plans for getting the data bank or clearing out the rest of the worms, but I figure I've done enough for one day.

"Why do you want me to get closer? Better not be for a kiss. Or did you want a handsha- ooh!" He hugs me tight with his arm.
>"T-Thank you! Thank you!"
"Hah- Uh, don't mention it..."
>"I-I'm gonna see my hive again!""
"Haha... yeah, you are. My name is Dowser, by the way." I was never one for hugs. but you know what? I don't think I mind.

>*sniff, sniff*

Ahhh hah... Here come the waterworks.

>"Thank you, Dowser..."

aww.

Yaaay, sidequest complete! Neumono rescued. The way we piled up sidequests I wasn't sure we were gonna manage it. Also, our main quest may likely be complete by now, too.

(i.e. getting enough loot. Sorta gained a few other sidequests not done yet, though.)

Aww, look at that.

Anyways, we should really clean up our ear piercing before we get an infection.

hey Dowser you got a little something on your ear there.

This was a fun first-thread quest. Thanks for running it!

>>1022442

Time for a long hug. I think he needs it.

>>1022442
Neato. When will be the next thread?
Didn't you run Clamp Quest a few years back?

>>1022469
Clamp Quest was Lagotrope, who actually made the Asteroid-verse. Small world, huh?

> End of Thread
Nice. Don't forget to cash out that interception job you did, of course.

This was very fun and pintoresque quest. Tobaks are a very creative species to come up with.
Thank you so much for your stories, Roaway!

>>1022442

Neumono are very emotional and physical, especially with those who are dear to them, so this is kind of rare to see.

I also agree, this was a great thread. I'm definitely participating in the next one.

1/4 ? 2022/02/06(Sun)16:05 No. 1022622 ID: 0d2343
File 164419234855.png - (245.24KB , 800x600 , TQ-B1.png )

>"Hey."
"Hm? You're still alive."

...

>"You gonna kill me?"
"I don't have to. I got what I came for."

...

>"Why did you come to the refinery?"
"I was led there. It must be a popular place, it wasn't the first time."

...

>"Why'd you have to shoot me for? I don't even know what that is. I would've let you have it."
"Don't blame me. Blame the board."

...

>"How did you know I had that?"
"Tracking device."

...

>"You know where I get the backpack from?"
"I don't care."

2/4 ? 2022/02/06(Sun)16:06 No. 1022623 ID: 0d2343
File 164419237665.png - (208.93KB , 800x600 , TQ-B2.png )

...

>"I think I know who you are. The guys talked about you. You're Lak, aren't you?"
"Yes. Is that all? or do you have any more pointless, time-wasting questions?"

...

>"Are you gonna let me go?"

...

"Let me ask you something. Have you heard of Hegelian dialectics?"
>"W-what? N-no. I... I haven't"
"It is a dialectical process, it relies on a contradictory process between opposing sides. A thesis and antithesis. These are the two things needed. By the end of this process, we get the end product. Syntheses. A new idea made up our previously opposing sides. Understand?"
>"No."

3/4 ? 2022/02/06(Sun)16:06 No. 1022624 ID: 0d2343
File 164419240873.png - (170.86KB , 800x600 , TQ-B3.png )

"Allow me to contextualize it. In this particular scenario, we have a few ideas. Me the predator. You the prey. I could give you death. Or mercy. We can choose any number ideas to use, but I don't wish to waste time explaining it all. What I mean to say is that I have beliefs. No higher beliefs like gods or spirits. I do not believe in contract or exchange. I believe in ideas, and the comparing of opposing ideas above all. And letting you go? considering the idea of our roles in this scenario, as predator and prey, it is unfair for me to choose that which would go against the natural order. It is unfair for either of us to decide once we break it down."

>"That makes no sense. Are you some kinda psycho? H-hey, what are you doing? What's in that bag?"

"How is this. I will give you a blind choice, and I shall enact nature."

4/4 ? 2022/02/06(Sun)16:07 No. 1022625 ID: 0d2343
File 164419243489.png - (151.39KB , 800x600 , TQ-B4.png )

>"W-what is that thing?"
"It doesn't matter. I will ask you something and you will respond."
>"Wait!"
"I am thinking of a number. Is that number an odd number, or even?"

...

"Odd or even"
>"H-hold on! What are you gonna do if I say the wrong one?"

...

"Odd or even."
>"I need to know what's at stake."
"You know what's at stake. Odd or even."

>"P-please! I can give you-"
"Odd. or. even."

...

>"Even."

>>>1022623
Ah, so it's a tic tac t-ow gun.

They're not at the refinery, so our bandity boy got dragged off for quiet interrogation. Guess he must have nabbed the server (Or other tech?) from the stuff the programmer Dowser rescued had. Must've been in the black backpack.

Man, if he did that trick with all the head-nailed guys from the fight earlier, that's pretty creepy. And indicative the choice doesn't really matter.

(Or a really unreasonable run of bad luck.)

>Blame the board
So Lak is... a hit Tobak for some corp? Huh.

So this is Anton Chigurh. Some bullshit obsessive reason to decide to kill someone based on a fifty per cent chance game.

I was more invested in an informal community somehow scraping by with the leftovers of a mining operation than a tenacious cat and mouse game.

rolled 1 = 1

---

Welp.

are... are we suppose to suggest something here?

>>1022642
Let's turn it into a cat and dog game,then.

>>1022648
Oh, yeah!
*Ahem*

"This has now become a duality of lord and peon. You are granted a second chance to toil the soil. Do NOT make me regret it."

>>1022625
This actually explains what happened to all the tobaks at the refinery. The bodies all had holes in their heads because Lak killed them with what looks like……is that an air canister? Did he kill them with compressed air?

>choose odd or even
There is no correct answer. It doesn’t matter what the raider says, Lak is going to kill him for his own enjoyment!

>>1022651
You didn't watch the movie...

>>1022640
It is the nail shotgun that was mentioned earlier.

--

Was that an epilogue, or is thread 2 going to be in this thread as well?